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30 August, 2025
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The season has its charm. It transforms dusty streets into gardens, soaking the land with much-needed showers in an otherwise dry year. However, the monsoons also bring problems, albeit ones that are considered beautiful. Among these are also the lurking ENT problems during this season.
In the post-monsoon season, ENT problems are a perfect storm created by a combination of humidity, temperature variations, and extensive viral activity, ranging from fungal ear infections to chronic sore throats. In this comprehensive monsoon guide, we will tell you about what these weather conditions do to your ear and throat, how you can stay well during this time, and when to consult a doctor.
Before we delve into prevention, it is essential to understand why ENT problems tend to spike during the monsoons. This season alters the environment in a way that directly affects the delicate balance of ear and throat health.
With the arrival of the monsoons, humidity levels rise to 70-80%, becoming a favorable environment for the proliferation of bacteria, viruses, and fungi, creating a fertile ground for infections. The ear canal, usually dry and self-cleaning, remains moist for prolonged intervals, making it prone to infections, and one such infection is otomycosis (fungal ear infection).
Rainwaters look clean but is loaded with dust, pollutants, and microorganisms picked up from the atmosphere. Should water slip into the ear while biking in the rain or swimming in an outdoor pool, it may be a recipe for bacterial infections. Drinking contaminated water can irritate a person's throat and lead to infections.
In cases where sudden shifts in temperatures occur, from humid outdoor air to heavily air-conditioned indoor space, throat's mucus is, in fact, dried and further causes the
The Eustachian tube, which connects the middle ear to the throat, is susceptible to changes in pressure. This leads to blockage or pain in the ears.
Due to the numerous viral outbreaks and dietary changes that occur during the monsoon, the human body experiences a decrease in immunity. Opportunistic microbes that cause ENT infections are becoming increasingly easy to contract.
● Aches, itching, and discharge characterize ear fungal infection (otomycosis).
● Otitis media is a middle ear infection, usually occurring in children.
● Viral or bacterial agents commonly cause pharyngitis and tonsillitis.
● Laryngitis: inflammation of the voice box, producing hoarseness.
● Sinusitis: an inflammation of the sinus cavities, often associated with throat pain.
Ears become particularly sensitive during the rainy season. Incessant dampness inside the canal encourages the growth of harmful organisms. Hence, ear care in this season focuses on keeping them dry, clean, and free from infection.
Keep Ears Dry at All Times
● Retention of moisture is the main culprit of fungal ear infections in the monsoons.
● Gently wipe down the ears with a soft towel after swimming or rain exposure.
● Tilt your head to let water trapped inside the ear canal escape naturally.
Avoid Cotton Buds
● Never, ever use cotton buds for drying your ears. It just pushes wax deeper inside or scratches away the protective layer on the walls of the ear canal.
Foreign Objects Should Not Be Inserted
● Most people do use earplugs, matchsticks, or earbuds to clean their ears. Such actions may injure the lining or skin and facilitate the onset of infections. Let earwax naturally protect your ears, and get your ears cleaned only when there's a proper need for it.
Wear Protective Covers for the Ears While in the Rain or Pool
● Miss out on the waterproof earplugs if you swim regularly.
● Use a helmet with a visor while riding in the rain to minimize water entry.
Manage Earwax Carefully
Earwax protects us from microbes, yet an excess retains moisture. If you suspect buildup, an ENT specialist should safely address the problem; attempting to do it oneself is risky.
Untreated colds and sinus problems may suddenly develop into ear issues because the Eustachian tube can sometimes get blocked. Treat colds early-onset with Eustachian tube dysfunction and middle ear infections.
Do Not Share Earphones
The earphones can carry bacteria and fungi. They should be kept clean by wiping them with disinfectant, and avoid sharing them.
Prevention Tips for Throat Health
The throat is also an excellent, highly sensitive environment for monsoons. Infections can set in quickly if necessary precautions are neglected.
Stay Hydrated with Warm Fluids
Cold drinks can be irritating to the throat lining, especially during humid weather. So, whether it's warm water, herbal tea, or soup, keep any of these on hand to support healthy mucous membranes.
Avoid Street Food and Stale Snacks
One monsoon hazard associated with street-side eateries is that their contamination is exacerbated by water pollution and unhygienic conditions. Eating freshly cooked meals and washing fruits thoroughly before consumption is advised.
Do Steam Inhalation
Steaming with plain water or eucalyptus oil can loosen mucus, relieve irritation, and open up the nasal passages and throat.
Build Immunity Through Food
● Eat vitamin-C-rich foods like oranges, amla, and guava.
● Use turmeric and ginger for their natural anti-inflammatory qualities.
● Drink warm lemon water with honey to soothe the throat and help with immunity.
Save Yourself From Temperature Changes
Never sit under direct air conditioning after coming from outside. Either use a scarf to cover your throat, or if it is windy and raining.
Sage the Throat
Sage tea contains antimicrobial properties that can help reduce swelling, pain, and stress associated with a common cold in the throat.
A doctor should attend to any mild distemper; otherwise, the symptoms may serve as launching points for severe complications.
Ear Symptoms Requiring Attention
● Pain or discomfort for more than 2 days
● Discharges of yellow, white, or bloody color
● Sudden diminution of hearing of a peculiar quality
● Persistent itching or swelling in the ears
Throat Symptoms Requiring Attention
● Sore throat for more than 4-5 days without improvement
● Painful swallowing or completely losing the voice
● Swelling in the area of the neck or throat
● Fever with throat pain beyond 101°F
Left untreated, the disease progresses into a chronic infection, leading to deafness or the spread of illness around and behind the sinuses and tonsils. The ENT specialist will perform further investigation and provide treatments as needed, such as antifungal drugs in the ear or antibiotics.
Aside from ear- and throat-specific habits, your personal hygiene and environmental conditions also contribute significantly to a stenting infection.
Viral infections have the highest chance of spreading in closed environments. If you cannot avoid such environments, make sure you wear a face mask during flu season.
In enclosed indoor environments, humidity creates the ideal conditions for mold to thrive. Using a dehumidifier, even a portable one, is recommended. Alternatively, the windows can be opened daily, rather than remaining shut during the rains.
Frequent hand-washing is recommended before eating any meal or handling food near the mouth or face. It will reduce the risk of the therapeutic transfer of microorganisms from hands to the mouth, nose, or even ears.
Light exercise, yogic deep breathing, and yoga help maintain a healthy circulation flow and serve as a metabolic booster.
● Antiseptic gargle
● Soft ear drying cloth
● Herbal teas (ginger, chamomile)
● Nasal saline spray for congestion relief
The monsoons are a beautiful season, but also a time of health challenges. Being highly exposed to the evolving atmosphere, the ears and throat thus remain notably vulnerable. Learning about the consequences of humidity, temperature changes, and pathogens on the ENT will help you take practical steps toward protecting yourself. The monsoons are a beautiful season, but also a time of health challenges. Stay hydrated and eat immunity-boosting foods, avoiding contaminated food, and try home remedy methods such as gargling and steam inhalation. Above all, respect and listen to your own body. If the symptoms are bothering you, then book an appointment with an ENT specialist without any delay.
01 November, 2020
01 November, 2020
