LAHORE - Environment pollution and low socio-economic condition causing ENT diseases while gutka, betel nuts, cigarettes have 80 percent contribution in oral disease in country.
This was stated by a renowned ENT specialist and Head of ENT unit II of Sir Ganga Ram Hospital (SGRH) Prof Sami Mumtaz in an exclusive talk with APP on Sunday. He said nasal polyps, deviated nasal septum (DNS), fracture nose, sinus infections, tonsillitis, adenoids, change of voice were common throat problems while ear complaints were discharging ears, acute chronic ear diseases, deafness, vertigo, fungal infections of ear, allergy, deviated nasal septum, nasal polyps, vertigo and hearing loss were common diseases in our society.
He said Paan gutka, betel nuts and cigarettes were contributing factors in  voice box complications and oral cancer while cigarettes have 70 to 80 percent contribution in all oral diseases. He was of his views that cold drinks, hot food and excessive use of chilies in food might cause of throat and stomach problems.
To a question about children, he said hearing loss in children due to middle ear infection while throat infection, change in voices and tonsils were more prevalent in adults. He said talking loudly was also a harmful factor which might cause change in voice fox. He said change in weather also causes allergy including fungus allergy.
About treatment and facilities being provided at the unit II, Prof Sami Mumtaz said around 20 doctors of the ENT department in six days of a week at its OPDs were busy in providing healthcare for ENT patients free.
“The ENT department has been providing 50,000 to 60,000  patients healthcare per annum at its OPDs besides 45 operation per week, including endoscopic surgeries, which only few hospitals of public sector performing,” he claimed.
He advised that balance diet and regular exercise helpful in controlling allergy problems.