May ENT Awareness: Dealing with Summer ENT Problems in India – Heat, Infections & Hydration

By Dr. Shalina Ray | ENT Surgeon | May 2025

As summer peaks in India during May, we often think of heatwaves, dehydration, and sunburn—but did you know that this season also brings a distinct pattern of ENT (Ear, Nose, and Throat) issues?

The rising temperatures, increased sweating, dusty air, and fluctuating humidity create the perfect conditions for ear infections, throat irritation, nosebleeds, and more. In this comprehensive guide, Dr. Shalina Ray, leading ENT Surgeon in Bangalore, discusses the most common ENT issues of the summer and how you can prevent them.

🔥 1. The Impact of Heat on ENT Health

Summer doesn’t just dehydrate your body—it affects your mucosal linings, including those in your nasal passages, throat, and ears. When these tissues dry out, they become more prone to:

Irritation and inflammation
Crusting in the nasal cavity
Increased risk of bacterial and fungal infections

You may also notice:

Dry, scratchy throat
Nosebleeds (especially in children)
Itchy or blocked ears

👂 2. Ear Infections – A Common Summer Complaint

Swimmer’s Ear (Otitis Externa)

May is a month of vacations and pool visits, and with that comes “swimmer’s ear”—an infection of the external auditory canal caused by trapped moisture.

Symptoms:

Pain while touching or pulling the ear
Itching in the ear canal
Discharge (clear or yellow)
Fullness or muffled hearing

Dr. Shalina’s Advice:

Always dry ears after swimming or bathing
Avoid inserting earbuds or cotton swabs
Use earplugs if you’re prone to infections
Seek immediate care if you notice swelling or discharge

Fungal Ear Infections (Otomycosis)

The combination of sweat, humidity, and dust makes the ears vulnerable to fungal infections, particularly among those wearing hearing aids or using earphones for long hours.

Signs include:

Itching and discomfort
Thick discharge (white, yellow, or black)
Mild hearing loss

A quick examination using an otoscope by an ENT specialist can confirm the diagnosis and allow proper antifungal treatment.

👃 3. Summer Nose Issues: From Dryness to Bleeds

Nosebleeds (Epistaxis)

Dry indoor environments, long exposure to sunlight, and dehydration can dry out the delicate blood vessels in your nose, especially among children and elderly patients.

Common Triggers:

Constant nose blowing
Exposure to air conditioning
Vigorous nose picking
Allergic rhinitis flare-ups

Preventive Tips:

Keep your nasal passages moist with saline sprays
Apply petroleum jelly gently inside the nostrils (consult your doctor first)
Stay hydrated (at least 2.5–3 liters of water per day)
Use a humidifier if indoors for long hours with A/C

If nosebleeds are frequent or severe, an ENT evaluation is necessary to rule out underlying issues like septal deviation, chronic sinusitis, or fragile nasal capillaries.

🗣️ 4. Throat Dryness, Sore Throats & Dehydration

In May, many patients complain of:

Dry, burning throat
Hoarseness of voice
Pain while swallowing

This could be due to:

Dry indoor air
Lack of hydration
Acid reflux (exacerbated by summer foods)
Increased exposure to cold drinks or ice creams

Other Factors:

Frequent travelers or people speaking for long durations (teachers, coaches, public speakers) may suffer from vocal cord strain or laryngitis.

Dr. Shalina’s Recommendations:

Drink water regularly—don’t wait to feel thirsty
Avoid excessive caffeine and carbonated drinks
Limit spicy, acidic, or cold foods if you have reflux
Do steam inhalation to keep mucosa hydrated
See an ENT if symptoms last over a week

🦠 5. Tonsillitis & Throat Infections in Children

Even in summer, bacterial infections like tonsillitis remain common in children—due to poor hydration, outdoor exposure, and poor immunity from sudden temperature changes (from hot outdoors to cold A/C).

When to worry:

Frequent throat pain (5–7 episodes a year)
High-grade fever with white patches on tonsils
Bad breath or refusal to eat
Snoring or breathing through the mouth at night

When is Surgery Needed?

If a child or adult suffers from recurrent tonsillitis or obstructive breathing, Dr. Shalina may suggest Coblation Tonsillectomy, a minimally invasive procedure with faster recovery.

😵‍💫 6. Dizziness & Vertigo in the Heat

Dehydration and electrolyte imbalance are common in May and may trigger positional vertigo or dizziness. But not all vertigo is due to heat—some may be linked to inner ear problems or vestibular disorders.

ENT Evaluation for:

Sudden spinning sensation
Nausea with head movement
Imbalance while walking
Episodes lasting minutes to hours

Dr. Shalina performs vestibular assessments and specialized tests like Dix-Hallpike maneuver and Audiometry to determine the exact cause and guide treatment.

🛏️ 7. Snoring and Sleep Disturbance in Summer

Snoring may worsen in May due to:

Nasal congestion from allergens
Dehydration causing sticky mucosa
Sleeping with air conditioning directly on the face

In some people, it may signal Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA), a serious condition causing breathing pauses at night. Persistent daytime fatigue, morning headaches, and irritability are signs to get evaluated.

Treatment:

Nasal sprays or steam inhalation
Weight control (especially if OSA is suspected)
Septoplasty or adenoid/tonsil surgery if anatomical obstruction is present

👩‍⚕️ Why See Dr. Shalina in May?

Dr. Shalina Ray is a trusted ENT Surgeon with deep experience in treating seasonal ENT issues, chronic conditions, and complex ENT surgeries. She believes in accurate diagnosis, early intervention, and patient education.

Services Offered:

Endoscopic sinus surgery
Coblation tonsillectomy and adenoidectomy
Microscopic ear surgery
Voice, swallowing, and vertigo evaluations
Allergy testing and long-term management
Sleep apnea screening and septoplasty

Whether you’re battling persistent sinus pressure or seeking relief from recurrent infections, you can expect expert care and compassionate consultation from Dr. Shalina.

✅ May ENT Health Tips:

✔️ Drink 8–10 glasses of water daily
✔️ Avoid dusty areas and keep windows closed during peak heat
✔️ Dry your ears thoroughly after swimming or showering
✔️ Avoid excessive use of earphones and cotton swabs
✔️ Maintain indoor humidity if using air conditioning constantly
✔️ Visit an ENT if symptoms persist more than 5–7 days

Final Thoughts

May is the time when your ear, nose, and throat health needs extra care. Be alert to changes—whether it’s a sudden earache, a nosebleed, or a hoarse voice. Don’t dismiss these as “seasonal.”

Early diagnosis saves time, money, and suffering. With Dr. Shalina Ray’s expertise and patient-first approach, you can find lasting relief and customized treatment—whether it’s a minor infection or a condition requiring surgical intervention.