ABSTRACT
This chapter presents ten pearls of wisdom for general practitioners (GPs) for better care of patients with ENT-related problems and for more efficient use of resources. These pearls have been acquired from years of experience and evidence-based study by specialists in the field. Pain around the ear is common. Unless there is discharge from the ear or a hearing loss, it is unlikely that the pain is due to the ear itself. Gastro-oesophageal reflux can present in many ways. In some patients, it presents with a classic 'burning' sensation in the chest or throat. The chapter also presents advice on diagnoses often overlooked by GPs while handling ENT patients. Diagnoses of the following diseases/disorders are recommended: facial pain, malignant otitis externa, spasmodic dysphonia, eagle's syndrome, acute sensorineural hearing loss, superior semicircular canal dehiscence, and CSF rhinorrhoea. The chapter provides guidance on how to distinguish tricky differentials and finally a few tips on prescribing medications for these patients.
