By Dr. Shalina Ray | ENT Surgeon, Bangalore
Introduction:
As July welcomes monsoon showers across India, the change in weather often brings a wave of ENT-related health concerns. From ear infections caused by trapped moisture to sore throats, stuffy noses, and sudden dizziness—patients visit ENT clinics with a wide variety of complaints during this season.
So this month, instead of a typical article, I’ve compiled a FAQ-style blog that answers the most common ENT questions I receive at my practice in July. These are genuine concerns from patients, and each answer is backed by science and my clinical experience.
🌧️ JULY & ENT HEALTH: WHAT’S THE CONNECTION?
Q1: Why do I get a blocked nose every time it rains?
During monsoon, mold, pollen, and pollutants mix with moisture to trigger allergic rhinitis and sinus congestion.
Common symptoms:
- Nasal blockage
- Post-nasal drip
- Sneezing
- Watery eyes
Dr. Shalina’s Tip:
Use a saline nasal rinse twice daily and an antihistamine (prescribed). Avoid hanging damp clothes indoors, and clean air filters regularly.
Q2: My child keeps getting ear infections in monsoon. Why?
Children are more prone to middle ear infections (otitis media) and outer ear fungal infections (otomycosis) during July because:
- Their Eustachian tubes are shorter and flatter
- Ear canals stay moist in humid weather
- They often bathe or swim in unclean water
Look for signs like:
- Tugging at the ear
- Crying or irritability
- Fever or ear discharge
Treatment:
Most cases need ear drops and sometimes oral antibiotics or antifungals. Avoid using cotton buds or putting oil in the ear.
Q3: Is it safe to swim in July? I love it but always end up with itchy ears.
Swimming in humid weather increases your risk of “Swimmer’s Ear” (external ear infection). Bacteria and fungi thrive in wet, warm ear canals.
Prevention:
- Dry ears gently after swimming
- Use custom-made swim earplugs
- Avoid inserting cotton swabs
- Apply antifungal ear drops as a preventive (consult your ENT)
👃 NASAL ISSUES & SINUSES
Q4: I’ve had a stuffy nose and facial pain for weeks. Could it be sinusitis?
Yes. If a “cold” lasts more than 10 days, you may have acute or chronic sinusitis. July is notorious for sinus flare-ups due to:
- Dust carried by monsoon winds
- Mold spores indoors
- Temperature shifts between outdoors and air-conditioned spaces
Symptoms:
- Pressure around eyes/cheeks
- Thick yellow or green mucus
- Headaches that worsen when bending forward
- Loss of smell
Solution:
- Nasal endoscopy at your ENT clinic
- Medical treatment first (nasal sprays, antibiotics, steam)
- FESS (Functional Endoscopic Sinus Surgery) if chronic or unresponsive
Q5: What’s the best way to prevent sinus infections during monsoon?
- Steam inhalation twice a day
- Avoid exposure to dust and mold
- Maintain hygiene in damp corners of your home
- Don’t overuse nasal decongestant sprays (rebound congestion)
🗣️ THROAT & VOICE ISSUES
Q6: My throat feels sore and itchy, but I don’t have a fever. Should I be concerned?
In July, allergic pharyngitis or LPR (Laryngopharyngeal Reflux) is more common than bacterial infections.
You may feel:
- A persistent need to clear the throat
- Hoarseness
- Dryness
- “Something stuck in the throat” feeling
Triggers:
- Cold or spicy foods
- Late-night meals
- Poor hydration
See an ENT if it lasts beyond 7–10 days. Flexible laryngoscopy helps assess the throat and vocal cords.
Q7: I’m a teacher and my voice feels strained. What should I do?
Monsoon’s dry indoor air from constant fans or A/C can dry out the vocal cords.
Advice for voice professionals:
- Stay hydrated (warm water is best)
- Avoid shouting or whispering
- Use a mic if possible
- Take vocal naps during the day
- Steam inhalation improves vocal fold flexibility
😵💫 VERTIGO & BALANCE ISSUES
Q8: I feel dizzy when I turn my head – is it related to my ears?
Yes! A common monsoon-season condition is Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo (BPPV) caused by tiny crystals in the inner ear becoming displaced.
Symptoms:
- Spinning sensation when getting out of bed or turning the head
- Nausea
- Lightheadedness
Treatment:
Dr. Shalina performs maneuvers like the Epley Procedure at the clinic to reposition the crystals. It’s a safe, non-surgical solution that gives instant relief in most cases.
Q9: Can sinus infections cause dizziness too?
Yes. Blocked sinuses can affect the pressure and balance of the inner ear, especially if the Eustachian tube is involved. But this type of dizziness is usually milder.
🧏♂️ HEARING & TINNITUS
Q10: My ears feel blocked during flights and rainstorms. Why?
Changes in altitude or air pressure affect the Eustachian tube, which helps equalize ear pressure. Infections or allergies make it worse.
Tips to reduce barotrauma:
- Chew gum or yawn during take-off and landing
- Use decongestant sprays before flying (consult your doctor)
- Avoid flying with a cold or active sinus infection
Q11: I hear a ringing in my ears during monsoon. Is that normal?
Tinnitus may be triggered by:
- Sudden noise exposure (thunderstorms)
- Earwax blockage
- Inner ear fluid changes
- Stress or anxiety
It’s not “normal,” but it’s common. A hearing test and ENT evaluation help rule out more serious causes.
🌡️ GENERAL QUESTIONS
Q12: Is it true that cold drinks cause throat infections in July?
Not directly. But cold or sugary drinks lower the natural immunity of the throat, especially if you’re already allergic or prone to reflux. During monsoon, avoid overindulging in ice-cold or carbonated beverages.
Q13: Should I be worried about fungal sinus infections in July?
Yes—in immunocompromised patients or those with uncontrolled diabetes, fungal sinusitis can be dangerous.
Red flags include:
- Black discharge from the nose
- Facial numbness or swelling
- Headaches not responding to medicines
Seek urgent ENT care if you notice these symptoms.
👩⚕️ About Dr. Shalina Ray
Dr. Shalina Ray is a skilled ENT surgeon based in Bangalore, offering advanced diagnostic and surgical services for ear, nose, and throat conditions. She is known for combining compassion with cutting-edge care, and for making complex ENT issues easy to understand for her patients.
Services Available:
✅ Nasal endoscopy and sinus surgery (FESS)
✅ Coblation tonsillectomy
✅ Voice and larynx assessments
✅ Microscope ear cleaning and surgery
✅ Sleep apnea & snoring evaluations
✅ Pediatric ENT care
✅ Dizziness/vertigo diagnosis and treatment
📌 Final Words: July’s ENT Essentials
- Don’t ignore ear pain, blocked nose, or throat irritation in monsoon
- Early care prevents chronic ENT diseases
- ENT issues are treatable with timely consultation and simple diagnostics
- Avoid home remedies without professional advice
👩⚕️ Book Your Consultation with Dr. Shalina
📍 Dr. Shalina ENT Clinic, Bangalore
📞 Call: 08025027252 – Whitefield
📞 Call: 08025023278 – Airport Road
🌐 Website: https://drshalinaentsurgeon.com
✨ Want a personalized ENT check-up this July?
Dr. Shalina offers a comprehensive Monsoon ENT Health Package – ideal for those with frequent infections, allergies, or ear issues. Inquire at the clinic for more info!
