Ear, nose and throat
Problems with the ears, nose or throat are very common and most are minor — a cold, a mild infection, or irritation from air quality, allergies or shouting. Many settle without treatment or with simple self-care. This page gives a general overview; see the individual topic pages for detail on specific problems.
Common causes
- Viral infections such as colds and flu
- Bacterial infections — sometimes causing tonsillitis or middle-ear infection
- Hay fever and other allergies
- Sinusitis after a cold
- Ear wax build-up
- Reflux irritating the throat
Looking after yourself
- Rest, drink plenty of fluids, and avoid smoke
- Paracetamol or ibuprofen for pain or fever
- For a blocked nose, steam inhalation or a saline spray from a pharmacy
- For a mild sore throat, gargling warm salty water can help (do not swallow it)
- A pharmacist can advise on decongestants, throat sprays and pain relief suitable for you
When to get medical help
Use NHS 111 online, call 111, or contact your GP if:
- Symptoms have not started to improve after a week
- A child under 2 has earache in both ears, or is discharging fluid from the ear
- You have severe pain, high fever, or feel very unwell
- You have hearing loss that is not clearing
Call 999 or go to A&E if you have severe difficulty breathing or swallowing, are drooling and cannot swallow saliva, or your voice becomes muffled — these can be signs of a serious throat infection.
Further information
This page provides general information only. It is not a diagnosis and is not a substitute for professional medical advice.