People suffering from these kinds of symptoms are usually suffering from Seasonal Allergic Rhinitis. This is usually due to allergic causes. Rainy water, damp weather, and sudden heat, -- any of these can be a triggering factor.

Usually an anti-allergic drug can give the patient relief, but sometimes its not enough. Then the patient needs to consult with a specialist who will put them on decongestant drugs, nasal drops or sometimes steroid nasal sprays, depending on the condition of the patient.

The patient should also avoid all the allergens that are the cause of the allergy. Usually the patient will be able to identify the factors. People suffering from allergic rhinitis for long time develop swollen turbinates (tissues inside the nasal wall) which causes blockage of the nose and makes breathing difficult for the patient. This also has to be treated to get good results. If it remains untreated for a long time the patient may develop sinusitis, headache, asthma and other complications. The patients quality of life is decreased and sometimes they may get frustrated. Consulting with a specialist and getting proper treatment will definitely help the patient to lead a better life.

Itching ears is like a die-hard habit for some patients. They have to put either cotton buds, sticks, feathers or even the corner of a cloth inside their ears and itch it. In fact, in this damp monsoon weather there are fungus growing every where. Hot and humid are the best environment for fungus to grow. So, cotton buds, sticks and other stuffs -- all might contain fungus, and once you put it inside your ear, it starts growing there. The ears will itch vigorously for a day or two and then the patient complains of earache and a feeling of blockage.

There may be discharge coming out of the ears. Due to the itching there may be infection in the external ear wall (otitis externa) and this may spread to the ear drum. Some people put mustard oil inside their ears. Sometimes they even heat it up and put inside their ears. It does not help the condition, rather it aggravates. After consulting the specialist the patient will know that they have a fungal infection of the ear (otomycosis). Usually there are fungal debris present inside the ear which needs to be cleaned before giving antifungal drops . If there is infection of the ear canal, antibiotic drops may also be prescribed. The patient has to realise that if proper treatment is not given in time then the infection may spread and even may perforate the ear drum.

Along with the severe bouts of rains there is also severe heat waves during this season which makes us feel like taking ice-cold water, ice-cream and cold juices. For many people these ice-cold drinks are not very good as they cause sore throat and fever. Tonsillitis and pharangitis (inflammation of pharynx) is a common problem during this season. Sore throat in children should not be neglected as it could lead to rheumatic heart disease if remain untreated.

Also because of the weather viruses are a common problem during this time of year. As children have low immunity it is seen that they are affected mostly by viral diseases. We see lots of cases of mumps, measles, and other viral infections. Sore throat and runny nose is usually an added symptom to these diseases. Consulting with a speacialist and getting appropriate treatment is the best way to solve thease problems.

Dr Firdous Quader Minu MBBS, DLO is a Consultant of ENT, Head Neck and Cosmetic Surgery at Doctors View.