Doctors see twice as many ear, nose and throat patients in heatwave
The number of patients visiting ear, nose and throat (ENT) specialists has doubled during the current heatwave, doctors say. Clinics are reporting seven to ten such patients a day, roughly double the usual rate for the rest of the year.
High temperatures, swimming, air conditioning and seasonal allergies are driving the surge, specialists say, with ear infections, sinus problems and nasal conditions among the most common complaints. "Because of drafts and air conditioning, I feel pressure on my eardrum — a kind of pressure sensation," one patient said.
Andreea Mamoncic, a nurse, is among them. She initially ignored her symptoms before turning to ENT colleagues for help. "For a week I've felt pain in both ears, because of the air conditioning at work," she said. "Following my ENT doctor's advice, I've stopped using cotton swabs (Q-tips), since they're not meant for cleaning ears."
Gheorghe Chirica has similar problems. During his exam, his doctor asked how he breathes; he said he breathes through both his nose and mouth, though air sometimes fails to reach one nostril fully.
"There's a bit of an issue with the ear, but it will sort itself out with time," Chirica said, describing his prescribed treatment. "When the temperature changes sharply, with rain or something like that, the ear reacts too. The doctor told me to follow the treatment and everything will be fine."
Sudden temperature swings, water left in the ears after swimming and prolonged air-conditioner use all contribute to these conditions in the warm season, specialists say. "Pharyngitis and tonsillitis also start with a sore throat, difficulty swallowing, fever, fatigue and general malaise, while rhinitis and rhinosinusitis begin with hard-to-bear nasal obstruction," said Dr. Ana-Maria Chiriac.
Chiriac recommends eating ice cream and drinking cold beverages in moderation, paying attention to both quantity and timing. She also advises following what she calls the "five-degree rule": the difference between the temperature set indoors and the temperature outside should not exceed 5 to 7 degrees Celsius.
Translation by Iurie Tataru
