Nose and throat

The nose and throat are part of the respiratory system, responsible for your sense of smell and swallowing. Learn about their functions and what can go wrong.

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Strep throat

Strep throat is an infection of the throat caused by bacteria called Streptococci. Learn more about what it is, and its symptoms, diagnosis and treatment.

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Throat diseases

Links to trusted information about throat diseases.

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Sore throat (pharyngitis)

A sore throat is normally a symptom of a bacterial or viral infection and is common with a cold or flu. Learn more about the self-care of sore throats.

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Throat cancer

Throat cancer can be treated if diagnosed early so you should see a doctor if you’re concerned. Learn about symptoms, diagnosis and treatment here.

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Tonsillitis

Tonsillitis is an infection and swelling of the tonsils at the back of the throat. Learn about its symptoms and treatments.

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Tracheostomy

A tracheostomy is performed to create a small opening in the front of the neck into the windpipe to allow breathing through the throat.

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Colds

A cold is a viral infection that affects the nose, the throat and upper airways. Find out more about the common cold.

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Cough

Most coughs are caused by viruses which inflame the throat, windpipe or lungs. Here are some tips to relieve the symptoms.

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Oesophageal cancer

Oesophageal cancer develops in the ‘tube’ between the throat and the stomach. It’s a very serious condition and important to know the risk factors.

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Diphtheria

Diphtheria is a rare infectious bacterial disease that usually affects the nose and throat. Learn more about its vaccination, symptoms and how it spreads.

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Scarlet fever

Scarlet fever is a bacterial throat infection that usually affects primary school-aged children. Find out about its symptoms as well as treatments and preventions.

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Sleep apnoea

Sleep apnoea occurs when a person’s throat is partly or completely blocked while they are asleep. Discover more about symptoms, complications and treatment.

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Kaposi sarcoma

Kaposi’s sarcoma is usually found under the skin, or in the lining of the mouth, nose or throat, and is associated with HIV/AIDS. Find out why here.

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Flu (influenza)

The flu is a viral infection affecting your nose, throat and sometimes your lungs. It is typically more severe than a cold. Find out more about the flu.

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Bacterial infections

Bacterial infections can affect the throat, the lungs, the skin, the bowel and many others parts of your body. They can be can be highly contagious. This page explains how to avoid spreading infections.

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Choking

Choking is what happens when something gets stuck in and blocks a person’s throat or windpipe. It’s a medical emergency – find out what to do and how you could save someone’s life.

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Stapedectomy

Otosclerosis can cause the stapes bone to lock in place, causing conductive hearing loss. A stapedectomy can improve your hearing without the need for a hearing aid.

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Post-nasal drip

When your nose and sinuses are blocked up with mucus, you have a tickle in your throat and maybe even a cough, you might have post-nasal drip. Find out more about post-nasal drip, and how you can treat and prevent it.

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Myringoplasty

A perforated eardrum is a common problem. A myringoplasty will repair the hole, may prevent infections and in some cases, improve hearing.

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Myringoplasty (child)

A perforated eardrum is a common problem. A myringoplasty can prevent infections and sometimes improve your child's hearing.

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Surgery for cholesteatoma

A cholesteatoma is a sac of dead skin cells that forms in your middle ear, which can damage your ear and cause complications. Surgery is the only cure.

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Streptococcal disease

Streptococcal disease is an infection which typically causes minor problems that are treated with antibiotics. Find links to trusted information about the disease here.

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Tonsil stones

Tonsil stones are small lumps of hardened material that form in the tonsils when debris builds up. Learn about 'tonsilloliths' symptoms and treatment.

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Tonsillectomy

A tonsillectomy is surgery to remove the tonsils. It is a safe procedure and is performed under general anaesthetic.

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Coughs, colds and ear infections in children

It’s normal for a child to have 8 or more colds per year. Read this article to find out more about common childhood ailments.

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Adenoidectomy

Adenoidectomy is the removal of the adenoids, small lumps of tissue at the back of the nose in children. The adenoids can cause problems if they get infected.

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Laryngitis

Laryngitis is an inflammation of the voice box (larynx) which causes you to sound hoarse or to lose your voice. You can find out more on our trusted partner pages.

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Laryngoscopy

A laryngoscopy is usually a safe and effective way of finding out if there is a problem with your larynx.

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Glandular fever symptoms

Glandular fever (also called the ‘kissing disease’) is an infectious disease which is common in teenagers and young adults. Find out more about the symptoms of glandular fever.

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