You might be familiar with "sinus" problems and hearing loss, but what about nasopharyngeal cancer? Singapore General Hospital addresses these and other important ear, nose and throat disorders.

1. Allergic Rhinitis What it is Popularly known as hay fever, allergic rhinitis refers to an abnormal sensitivity to allergens or substances that cause allergic reactions. It is often mistakenly referred to as "sinus". It can be caused by an allergic reaction to airborne particles such as house dust mites, pollen, moulds, animal dander (scaly or shredded dry skin) and even food. Symptoms include sneezing, running nose, blocked nose, dripping and itchy nose, and itchy and watery eyes. WHEN TO SCREEN Allergic Rhinitis: A Skin Prick Test can be done to determine if you are sensitive to various allergens. Allergy blood tests can also be performed on those who suffer from allergic reactions. Solution Avoidance of allergens, steroid nasal sprays and anti-histamines (drugs). Immuno-therapy is an option in selected cases. 2. Sinusitis What it is Sinusitis is the inflammation of the sinuses (air cavities around the nose and cheeks). The most common cause is an infection like flu, which blocks the sinus drainage. Allergies and anything that causes swelling of the sinuses such as polyps can also trigger sinusitis. Sinusitis patients normally complain of nasal congestion, purulent nasal discharge, headaches and post-nasal drip, which affects the throat and can precipitate a cough. Solution Sinusitis should be treated in its acute stage with nasal decongestants, mucolytics (substances that make the mucus less viscid) and antibiotics. Chronic sinusitis patients may have to undergo surgery to widen the openings of the sinuses. 3. Nasopharyngeal Cancer What it is Nasopharyngeal Cancer (NPC) is cancer found in the nasopharynx (the area behind the nose and palate). The cause is not determined, but it is potentially related to genetics, environment and food, particularly salted and preserved foodstuff. Another possibility is the Epstein-Barr Virus (EBV). Symptoms include neck lumps, blood-stained nasal phlegm, nose bleeds and ear afflictions, like a one sided blocked ear, hearing loss and tinnitus. In rare instances, when the cranial nerve is involved, patients might experience double vision and reduced eye movement. Who gets it Those originally from the south-eastern part of China, particularly the Cantonese, are highly predisposed to this condition. Solution NPC can be cured if detected early. The treatment is radiotherapy at the early stage and radiotherapy with chemotherapy for the advanced stage. Mass screening is not recommended for this disease.

4. Hearing Loss What it is There are 3 types of hearing loss: Sensori-neural, conductive and a mixture of sensori-neural and conductive hearing loss. Sensori-neural hearing loss occurs when there is damage to the cochlear or the acoustic (auditory) nerve. Possible causes are congenital or viral infections, drugs, exposure to excessive noise and certain diseases, like diabetes mellitus. Conductive hearing loss occurs when conduction of sound from the external to internal ear is reduced. It is caused by the disruption/ fixation of the eardrum or ossicles. Solution Treatment of hearing loss depends on the cause. For example, those with conductive hearing loss because of fluid in the middle ear may need to have a grommet inserted if medical treatment fails. Selected cases of profound sensori-neural hearing loss can have a cochlear implant fitted. 5. Tinnitus What it is Tinnitus refers to the perception of sound when no external sound is present. It is commonly described as "ringing in the ears". It can be an early symptom of hearing loss. Other causes include NPC, acoustic nerve tumour, the ageing process, exposure to loud sounds, medications, stress and the same factors that produce hearing loss. Consult a doctor if you have associated vertigo as well. Solution Oral medications and Tinnitus Retraining Therapy. The latter involves the use of low-level sounds according to specific and individualised protocol. It is accompanied by counselling and oral medication.