Ear
Otitis externa: "Swimmers ear". Treatment: topical antibiotics + steroids. Avoid in TM perforation.
Otitis media: Acute (AOM) vs chronic with effusion (OME). Treatment: amoxicillin first-line for AOM.
Otosclerosis: Conductive hearing loss. Abnormal bone remodeling at stapes footplate. Treatment: stapedectomy.
Nose and Paranasal Sinuses
Rhinosinusitis: Acute (viral then bacterial), Chronic (polyp/surgical). Treatment: antibiotics for bacterial, surgery for refractory.
Epistaxis: Little area (Kiesselbach plexus) = 90% of nosebleeds. Anterior packing first-line.
Throat
Acute tonsillitis: Viral vs bacterial (Group A strep). Centor criteria for strep throat. Tonsillectomy indications: recurrent infections, OSA, peritonsillar abscess.
Hearing Loss Classification
Conductive (outer/middle ear), Sensorineural (inner ear/cochlear nerve), Mixed.
References & further reading
Every clinical claim in this article is anchored to a primary source. Click through to verify, and use the same habit in your revision.
Revision history
- 19 September 2026 — Initial publication
Frequently asked questions
How many ENT questions in UPSC CMS?
2-4 questions from ENT in Paper I. Focus on: hearing loss types, sinusitis, epistaxis management, tonsillitis, and laryngeal conditions.
What is the most common cause of conductive hearing loss?
Otitis media with effusion (OME) is the most common cause in children. In adults: otosclerosis. Remember: Conductive = problem in outer/middle ear. Sensorineural = problem in inner ear/nerve.
What is the management of epistaxis?
First: anterior nasal pack (Ribbon gauze with Vaseline). If fails: posterior nasal pack. If still fails: endoscopic cauterization or arterial ligation.
Related reading
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