---
title: "Heatwave doubles patient numbers at ENT clinics, doctors say"
url: https://moldova1.md/p/81655/heatwave-doubles-patient-numbers-at-ent-clinics-doctors-say
published: 2026-07-26T10:00:00Z
language: en
author: "Camelia Babeica"
section: "Social"
source: moldova1.md
---

# Heatwave doubles patient numbers at ENT clinics, doctors say

> The number of patients visiting ear, nose and throat (ENT) specialists has doubled during the current heatwave, doctors say. Clinics are reporting seven to ten such patients a day, roughly double the usual rate for the rest of the year.

[Video](https://www.youtube.com/embed/zr5RoD7yP6s)

The number of patients visiting ear, nose and throat (ENT) specialists has doubled during the current heatwave, doctors say. Clinics are reporting seven to ten such patients a day, roughly double the usual rate for the rest of the year.

![](https://storage.moldova1.md/images/4befbf46-3335-4e48-a88a-4b624abab76c.jpg)

High temperatures, swimming, air conditioning and seasonal allergies are driving the surge, specialists say, with ear infections, sinus problems and nasal conditions among the most common complaints. *"Because of drafts and air conditioning, I feel pressure on my eardrum — a kind of pressure sensation,"* one patient said.

Andreea Mamoncic, a nurse, is among them. She initially ignored her symptoms before turning to ENT colleagues for help. *"For a week I've felt pain in both ears, because of the air conditioning at work,"* she said. *"Following my ENT doctor's advice, I've stopped using cotton swabs (Q-tips), since they're not meant for cleaning ears."*

Gheorghe Chirica has similar problems. During his exam, his doctor asked how he breathes; he said he breathes through both his nose and mouth, though air sometimes fails to reach one nostril fully.

*"There's a bit of an issue with the ear, but it will sort itself out with time,"* Chirica said, describing his prescribed treatment. *"When the temperature changes sharply, with rain or something like that, the ear reacts too. The doctor told me to follow the treatment and everything will be fine."*

Sudden temperature swings, water left in the ears after swimming and prolonged air-conditioner use all contribute to these conditions in the warm season, specialists say. *"Pharyngitis and tonsillitis also start with a sore throat, difficulty swallowing, fever, fatigue and general malaise, while rhinitis and rhinosinusitis begin with hard-to-bear nasal obstruction,"* said Dr. Ana-Maria Chiriac.

Chiriac recommends eating ice cream and drinking cold beverages in moderation, paying attention to both quantity and timing. She also advises following what she calls the *"five-degree rule"*: the difference between the temperature set indoors and the temperature outside should not exceed 5 to 7 degrees Celsius.

Translation by **Iurie Tataru**