Common and serious ENT presentations in primary care

Abstract

Ear, nose and throat (ENT) conditions present in about 10% of all GP consultations. The most common presentations include otalgia, cough, rhinorrhoea and deafness. These presentations are caused typically by self-limiting infections, but a small proportion is caused by rare or serious conditions needing referral to secondary care for investigation and treatment. The aim of this article is to provide a brief review of the wide range of common ENT presentations and other more serious conditions that need to be considered and diagnosed in primary care. We aim to guide management decisions including appropriate referral when needed.

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