Ear, nose and throat (ENT) illnesses, conditions and disorders are common and a variety of characteristics and symptoms. What are the most common ear, nose and throat problems, symptoms and treatments?     Ear Problems 1. Ear infections - these are usually caused by viruses or bacteria that often enter the ear after affecting other areas like the throat. Ear infections often cause earache and redness in and/or around the ear(s). Treatments include: Painkillers (e.g Paracetamol, Ibuprofen etc) to relieve symptoms but if the infection is bacterial your GP will prescribe antibiotics for the infection. Otomize is a antiviral ear spray which can help with infection. 2. Ear wax build up or discharge - This is often a sign of infection. Wax and discharge are commonly treated with drops to help breakdown the build up (e.g Otex, olive oil drops etc). Wax build up can also cause pain in the ear so you can also take painkillers. If the build up is really bad and causing problems your GP may need to flush the ear and drain the fluid. 3. Tinnitus - This causes ringing or buzzing in the ear. This is usually only temporary. However if symptoms are persistant you may need to speak to your GP who may recommend hearing aids to help. 4. Hearing loss - Generally this comes from getting older. Treatments for this would be hearing aids.   Nose Problems: 1. Nasal infections - Generally coughs and colds will cause a runny or blocked nose. This can usually be treated with painkillers, decongestants (e.g sudafed tablets or spray etc) and plenty of fluids. However if this is a regular problem or symptoms are bad you should contact your GP. 2. Nosebleeds - These are often caused by a bump to the nose or dry air. If bleeding is severe or regular you may need a treatment from your GP to seal the area. 3. Sinusitis and rhinosinusitis - This is when the sinuses or nose is inflammed. It is often caused by infections or allergies. For some people these can be chronic conditions. An ENT specialist may prescribe medication to prevent or alleviate the symptoms. You can also buy nasal sprays which can help relieve symptoms.   Throat Problems: 1. Sore throat - Pain and difficulty swallowing are common symptoms of colds, flu and throat infections. Treatments vary from throat sprays (difflam, Chloraseptic etc), rinses (e.gdifflam throat rinse), lozenges (e.g strepsils, halls, jakemans etc) and painkillers.  You may need antibiotics from your GP if the infection is bacterial. 2. Hoarseness -  is often a result of a throat infection but it can also be caused by straining your voice. Treatments include lozenges (e.g vocalzone, Jakemans, lockets etc) rest and even a speech therapy if required. 3. Tonsillistis - This is an infection on the tonsils that can usually be treated like any other throat infection. Treatments are usually antibiotics which are precribed by your GP. However you can buy painkillers.