Ear, Nose and Throat (ENT) in Pune

Ear, nose, and throat, ENT for short or Otolaryngology, is a medical specialty that focuses on the care and treatment of the ears, nose, and throat. Physicians who specialized in ENT are called otolaryngologists or ENT doctors and are qualified and trained in both the medical and surgical management of the following conditions:

• Conditions of the ear – ENT doctors can help with ear disorders or other issues, such as ear infections, hearing impairment, ear noise (tinnitus), balance disorders, nerve pain, as well as facial and cranial nerve disorders. They can also manage congenital disorders (disorders that are present since birth) of the inner and outer ear. 
• Conditions of the nose – one of the primary skills of ENT doctors in the care of the nose, nasal cavity, and sinuses. They can diagnose, treat, and manage allergies, deviated septum, smell disorders, sinusitis, polyps, and nasal obstruction because of a deviated septum. They can also perform rhinoplasty surgery to correct the appearance of the nose.
• Conditions of the throat – disorders, and conditions that affect the throat, larynx (voice box), and the esophagus or upper aero-digestive tract can be diagnosed and treated by ENT doctors, including voice and swallowing disorders. 
• ENT-related conditions of the head and neck – ENT doctors are trained to treat infectious diseases, tumors, trauma, and deformities of the head, face, and neck. They can also manage problems with the nerves in these areas that control smelling, sight, hearing, and facial movements. In addition, they can perform cosmetic and reconstructive surgery to the head and neck area.

The procedures that ENT doctors perform include, but are not limited to:

• Tympanostomy
• Myringoplasty
• Tympanoplasty
• Stapedectomy
• Tympanomastoidectomy
• Laryngoplasty
• Esophagoscopy
• Laryngoscopy
• Microlaryngoscopy
• Septoplasty
• Nasal valve reconstruction
• Nasal fracture reduction
• Rhinoplasty
• Functional endoscopic sinus surgery
• Parotidectomy
• Neck mass biopsy
• Submandibular gland removal
• Airway reconstruction
• Tonsillectomy
• Adenoidectomy
• Thyroidectomy
• Parathyroidectomy.

How Long Should I Stay in Pune?

Your length of stay depends on your condition and the type of treatment you underwent. For surgical procedures, you may need to stay in the hospital for a few days or you can leave the hospital immediately. However, it is advisable that you stay in Pune for at least 2 weeks or until your ENT doctor says it is safe to travel home. This is because the change in the aircraft’s cabin pressure can cause problems with the surgical site. During your stay, you also need to attend a follow-up appointment where your doctor will remove the stitches (if necessary) and monitor your healing progress.

What's the Expected Recovery Time?

Your ENT doctor will give you a specific recovery timeline, including when you can resume your normal activity and return to work. In general, you need to avoid all activities that may increase blood pressure in your head area for at least 3 weeks. You also need to avoid strenuous activity for at least two weeks. 

What Aftercare is Required?

Your ENT doctor will give you instructions on how to protect the health of your ear, nose, and throat, as well as how to prevent your disease from reoccurring or complications. Make sure to follow all the instructions closely. Depending on your specific condition, you may be required to attend regular checkups. In most cases, you have the choice to have regular checkups with your local doctor at home or with your ENT doctor in Pune.

What's the Success Rate?

The continuous advancement of ENT has increased the success rate of ENT procedures. While there are no general statistics for all ENT procedures, most procedures are proven to be safe and highly successful. For example, the success rate of tympanoplasty is around 90%. Risks and side effects of ENT procedures depend on the specific procedure and the health status of the patient. All surgical procedures generally carry the risk of bleeding, infection, and an adverse reaction to the anesthetic.

Are there Alternatives?

In most cases, there is no alternative to ENT when you have problems with your ear, nose, and throat. However, depending on your condition, your ENT doctor may work with or refer you to a relevant specialist.

Ear, Nose and Throat (ENT) in and around Pune

About Pune

Pune is a city in the Indian state of Maharashtra. With an estimated population of 3.13 million, it is the ninth most populous city in the country. Like many other cities in India, this city is a perfect blend of ancient and modern. It’s a thriving metropolis that still retains a few of its old buildings and residential areas. The city is famous for the Osho International Meditation Resort, an ashram founded by the late guru Bhagwan Shree Rajneesh. There is a lot to see and do in this city that cannot be packed into a short weekend trip. Recently, many tourists visit the city for its medical treatments.

Pune’s is in sync with India’s fast-growing medical tourism. Domestic and foreign patients prefer the city to get the best healthcare. Medical cost is relatively cheaper here than in any other medical tourism country. The government is expanding this sector rapidly to drive a strong growth rate. With high-quality hospitals, infrastructure, and well-trained medical professionals, the city has a lot of contribution in helping India to be the number one medical destination in the world.

A wide range of medical treatments is available in Pune, from Breast Augmentation, Tummy Tuck, to Otoplasty. Columbia Asia Hospital Pune, Deenanath Mangeshkar Hospital and Research Center, and Apollo Jehangir Hospital are some of the best hospitals with the highest ratings.

Popular Areas in Pune

Pune has a lively nightlife and vibrant atmosphere due to its large student population. It’s sometimes called “Oxford of the East” because there are numerous colleges and institutes here. It is also well known for its hill forts that offer panoramic views, fantastic restaurants, and good museums. The city has a magnificent history of nearly 1600 years.

• Shaniwar Wada is a historical fortification situated at the very heart of Pune. Built in 1732, it was originally a seven-storied capital building of the Peshwas of the Maratha Empire. It’s an amazing place for history buffs. Tourists can enjoy some live shows in the evening.
• Mahadji Shinde Chhatri has an extremely beautiful architecture that reflects the style used in Rajasthan. It is a memorial dedicated to the great soldier, Mahadji Shinde who served as the commander-in-chief of the Maratha army under the Peshwas for twenty years. The memorial consists of a temple dedicated to Lord Shiva.
• Pataleshwar Caves is a religious shrine that dates back to 700 – 800 AD. Located on Jungli Maharaj Road, the shrine has grand statues of Nandi, Sita, Ram, Lakshman, Lakshmi, Ganesh, and a big Shivalingam.
• Parvati Hill is the highest point in Pune. It offers a beautiful panoramic view of the city and is especially breathtaking during sunrise and sunset. The hill is home to four temples.
• Osho International Meditation Resort draws thousands of sannyasins since 1990. It is the perfect place to get some peace of mind. With various meditation techniques, the resort is suitable for those who want to indulge in some luxurious meditation. The resort has a swimming pool, sauna, spa, and guesthouse.

Weather and Climate in Pune

March to June is summer and the temperature can get really high during this season, with the highest temperature ever recorded is 43.3 °C (109.9 °F). The end of May usually experiences dusty winds. Humidity is also very high.

Monsoon or rainy season starts in June and last until October. There are moderate rainfall and the average temperature ranging from 22 °C to 28 °C (72 to 82 °F). July is the wettest month of the year with occasional Hailstorms.

Winter has the most pleasant weather. It starts from December to February. The average daytime temperature is around 26 °C (79 °F) and night temperature can drop to 5 °C to 6 °C (41 to 43 °F). Due to the pollution, the city’s winter temperature has warmed up by 6 degrees.

Getting Around in Pune

Pune International Airport is still the main airport in the city until the completion of the proposed Chattrapati Sambhaji International Airport. This airport has one terminal that serves both domestic and international flights. Major airlines such as Air India and budget airlines such as AirAsia India, GoAir, and IndiGo operate flights from this airport. The international flights connect the city with Abu Dhabi, Dubai, Sharjah, and Frankfurt.

To get to the city center from Pune International Airport, taxis, buses, auto-rickshaws, and car rentals are available. There are four bus lines that reach the city center: 24B, 102, 158 and 158A. A bus ride usually takes 45 minutes. Taxis are relatively affordable, there are pre-paid and metered taxis out on the arrivals area.

Tourists can use the PMPL City bus to get around Pune. Almost all parts of the city can be reached by the buses, but be aware that it can be very crowded and smoke-belching. The fare ranges from 5 INR to 22 INR. Auto-rickshaws are widely available within the city; there are metered and pre-paid auto-rickshaws. If you choose the metered one, always make sure that the drivers use the meter before getting in. Taxis are another nice option; the prices range between 7 INR/km to 20 INR/km. online hailing apps are also available. There are many car rentals and tourists can drive around the city, but there is a lot of traffic and bad driving in Pune.

Tourist Visas in Pune

All visitors, except citizens of Nepal and Bhutan, need to obtain and apply for a visa to enter India. Citizens of South Korea and Japan can apply for a visa on arrival. E-Visa is available for 150 nationalities. Tourists coming for medical treatment can apply for the medical attendant e-visa.

Passport must be valid for at least 180 days after your entry to India and should have at least two blank pages.

Additional Information

1. Local Currency: Indian rupee (INR) is the local currency. 1 USD converts to 70 INR.
2. Money & Payments: ATMs are widely available in Pune. Tourists can find many exchange services around the city. Credit and debit cards are accepted at several restaurants, hotels, and shops. It is advisable to always carry cash. Tipping is not mandatory; you can always tip 10 to 15 percent of the billed amount in restaurants.
3. Local Language: Marathi is the official language of Pune. Most people also speak Hindi. English is widely spoken especially in tourist areas.
4. Local Culture and Religion: Most of the population follows Hinduism. Other religions such as Islam, Buddhism, Jainism, Christianity, and Zoroastrianism have significant presences in the city.
5. Public Holidays: Pune celebrates major religious holidays. The city also celebrates several annual festivals such as Pune Festival, The Eateries Food Fest, and Pune International Film Festival.