Lawrence Chow / ENT Doctor
Eight Important Things You Need to Know About Nasal Bone Fractures
Known simply as broken nose, nasal bone fractures make up 40% of all bone injuries and 50% of all facial fractures. It’s a fairly common injury and can be experienced by anyone. Despite this, however, it’s quite a delicate condition that can lead to complications if not handled properly.
To help you better understand this condition, we’ve listed down eight important things that you should know if you ever find yourself with a nasal bone fracture.
Eight Things You Need to Know About Nasal Bone Fractures
- Broken noses are commonly caused by physical injuries, assaults, sports trauma, falls, and motor vehicle collisions.
It’s rather safe to say that it’s usually a result of a fierce impact connecting with the patient’s nasal area.
- Its most common symptoms include bleeding, swelling, and pain.
Most nasal bone fractures come with a lot of bleeding, swelling, and pain in the affected area. In more severe cases, it can also create difficulties in breathing if the bones affected manage to block your airways. This can become a serious problem so it requires immediate medical attention.
- Nasal bone fractures can become complicated.
Aside from breathing difficulties, there are other complications that can come with a broken nose. One example is nasal septal hematoma which can lead to a destroyed septum. In some cases, it can also result in deformity, hemorrhage, and infections.
- Getting an x-ray is the best way to confirm a broken nose.
While it’s quite easy to tell if you have a nasal bone fracture, confirming the condition is also a must if you want to take the right steps in treating it. To do this, it’s highly recommended that you get an x-ray. This will help you get a good visual of what you’re dealing with. It will also allow you to get the medical treatment you need.
- Treatments for broken noses vary depending on the severity of the case.
In some instances, cold compresses and pain meds are already enough to treat a nasal bone fracture. Other, more severe, cases require additional steps to deal with the injury in order to prevent deformity. These will usually need manual realignment, a surgery, and a few months of treatment.
- Some cases do not require immediate treatment.
Uncomplicated nasal bone fractures do not need urgent treatment but you’ll still need to see an ENT doctor within 5-7 days. This is also because some minor cases can lead to nasal septal hematoma. This can further complicate the condition so you should make sure to seek medical attention as soon as you can.
- Preventing nasal bone fractures is completely possible.
As this injury is commonly caused by violent accidents, taking necessary safety measures and precautions can suffice in its prevention. Wearing helmets, seat belts, and necessary safety equipment will all help keep your nasal bone safe from harm.
- Your movements will be limited while treating a broken nose.
No matter what your case is, you’ll have to take specific safety measures during the healing period of your broken nose. Make sure to take notes on these matters as they can make or break your recovery period.
Since ENT problem is quite different from case to case, it is suggested to consult an ENT Specialist for the appropriate ENT services.
Source:
HK ENT Specialist Ltd.
Hong Kong based ENT clinic centre
For ENT Services, Audiology & Speech Therapy,
Sleep Disordered Breathing Management,
Hearing Aid Prescription & Medical Cosmetic Services
How To Handle Pharyngitis?
Also commonly referred to as ‘sore throat’, pharyngitis is said to be the most common cause of visits to the ENT doctor and missed work days. Characterized by some pain in the back of the mouth, it’s the very definition of many people as being ill. In most cases, it also comes with some scratchiness and difficulty in swallowing.
While the condition in itself is not life-threatening, it can also come with a wide range of other serious conditions. It can also be highly contagious, depending on your underlying condition. These make it crucial to address right away.
Causes of Pharyngitis
Like the other conditions that involve some swelling in and around the oral cavities, pharyngitis is also typically caused by a viral or bacterial infection. A few of the most common examples of these are the following:
- Adenovirus or common colds
- Influenza virus
- Coxsackie virus
- Mononucleosis virus
- Measles
- Whooping cough
- Croup
- Group A streptococcus
- Gonorrhea and chlamydia (in rare cases)
Some people are also more likely to get sore throat than others. For example, those who are often exposed to folks with viral infections have higher risks of contracting similar condition and pharyngitis consequently. Those who are also often exposed to secondhand smoke can expect to get this condition quite often.
Signs and Symptoms
Aside from experiencing pain on your throat, here are the other telltale signs of pharyngitis:
- Runny nose
- Sneezing
- Malaise
- Joint pains
- Cough
- Headache
- Chills
- Fever
- Swollen lymph nodes
- Rashes
- Loss of appetite
- Nausea
- Difficulty in swallowing
It’s always a good idea to see an ENT doctor if you have the mentioned symptoms. As this condition is usually caused by an infection and can be contagious, treating it properly and immediately is a must.
Treating Pharyngitis
If you’ve been diagnosed with sore throat, you don’t have to worry about having to stay at the hospital. This condition is treatable at home.
The most basic home treatment techniques you should do include:
- Drink plenty of fluids. This will help you avoid becoming dehydrated which is common when you’re running a fever.
- Gargle with warm salt water. This helps kill harmful bacteria inside the mouth and help you prevent the infection from worsening.
- Use a humidifier. Dry air can aggravate the swelling and soreness of your throat, so make sure to keep the air you breathe a bit humid.
- Take throat lozenges. They can help further soothe your sore throat.
Seeing an ENT doctor will also help you treat pharyngitis effectively. However, you should closely follow the instructions of your doctor. This is especially crucial if you have a bacterial infection as those can worsen if not treated right away. Make sure to take all of the antibiotics accordingly as it’s the only way that you can be sure that the infection will be cured. Since ENT problem is quite different from case to case, it is suggested to consult an ENT Specialist for the appropriate ENT services.
Source:
HK ENT Specialist Ltd.
Hong Kong based ENT clinic centre
For ENT Services, Audiology & Speech Therapy,
Sleep Disordered Breathing Management,
Hearing Aid Prescription & Medical Cosmetic Services
Diagnosis And Treatment With Otolaryngology Cancer
Lumps in the neck, persistent nosebleeds, and mouth ulcers. These are among the common symptoms of otolaryngology cancer, a group of cancers that affect the soft tissues of the head and neck. Here’s basic information that will get you started on your, hopefully, successful fight against otolaryngology cancer.
Diagnostic Tools Used
Lumps in the neck can be manually examined by an ENT doctor, usually by using his fingers and determining the characteristics of the mass. Not all lumps require surgery, of course, since some lumps can be treated with medications, even left as is. Other lumps may require more investigation into their specific location in the head or neck and into their nature.
Many types of head and neck cancer require imaging tests, such as ultrasound scans, CT scans, and MRI scans, as well as fine needle biopsy. These diagnostic tests aid the doctor in determining the need for surgical removal of the tumor as part of the diagnostic process (i.e., determine the likelihood of cancer in a biopsy) and of the treatment plan. This is true in thyroid lumps.
The surgical removal of lumps can be done either under local anesthesia or general anesthesia. Your doctor will determine which type suits your physical condition and medical needs. For example, general anesthesia is required for the removal of tumors in the voice box while a local anesthesia is suitable for nose cancer.
Nasal endoscopy is used in the determination of the absence or presence of nose cancer and other types of cancer in the throat including the voice box. But for cancers down the esophagus, an oesophagoscopy can be recommended.
Treatment Options Considered
Cancers of the head and throat can be successfully treated with certain conditions. Early detection is crucial as the earlier cancer is diagnosed, the easier it is to cure with the treatment options available to your doctor. Early treatment can also mean lesser side effects.
For these cancers, the main treatments include surgery for the partial or complete removal of the tumor, chemotherapy, and radiotherapy. Every patient’s condition is unique and, thus, your treatment plan will be customized for the best possible results. Your doctor will carefully consider the type and extent of the cancer in your body and then formulate an exact treatment plan.
In nasopharyngeal cancer, chemotherapy directly administered into a vein and radiotherapy are the main line of treatment; these are administered over several weeks. Surgery may be required for initial diagnosis of nasopharyngeal cancer but it isn’t normally used in its treatment; the back of the nose can be a tricky location to operate on.
In thyroid cancer, surgery is performed for the removal of the tumor in the thyroid, perhaps even the affected lymph nodes in the neck. Afterwards, radioactive iodine treatment will likely be administered to kill the remaining cancer cells.
Side effects are to be expected no matter the treatment options considered. But stick it out and you can become a cancer survivor soon enough!
Since ENT problem is quite different from case to case, it is suggested to consult an ENT Specialist for the appropriate ENT services.
Source:
HK ENT Specialist Ltd.
Hong Kong based ENT clinic centre
For ENT Services, Audiology & Speech Therapy,
Sleep Disordered Breathing Management,
Hearing Aid Prescription & Medical Cosmetic Services
Check For These Signs Of Otolaryngeal Tumor
Basically, an otolaryngeal tumor is a mass that develops in the ear, nose or throat – and, thus, it can be considered as a head and neck cancer, if it’s malignant. The tumor itself affects the soft tissues in head and neck causing a wide range of symptoms that affect quality of life.
In the following section, we will discuss the common signs and symptoms of otolaryngeal cancer. Keep in mind that many of these symptoms are also found in other medical conditions and, hence, it’s important to seek medical advice of the ENT doctor before jumping to conclusions.
Lump in the Neck
Before you panic, most lumps in the neck aren’t cancerous (i.e., benign) and are more likely caused by non-serious conditions, such as an inflamed gland. But if the lump in your neck persists for more than two weeks, or keeps growing in size, or isn’t painful even when firmly pressed, then you should see a doctor. You can’t let it fester, so to speak, as time is of the essence in cancer detection and treatment.
Lumps in the neck can be a sign of cancer in the nose, lymph nodes, and thyroid, as well as in other cancers of the ears, nose and throat. Your ENT doctor may be able to determine the cause of your lump in the neck from its position, too, and make an initial diagnosis of its type.
For example, if your lump is in your neck’s lower front part and it moves up and down when you’re swallowing, then it’s likely in your thyroid gland. Visual imaging exams, among other diagnostic tools, can confirm its location.
Nosebleeds
These typically happen when the nose lining suffers from a trauma due to an infection, allergy, and dry weather. For example, you may experience nosebleeds when you’re having a nose infection because you rub and scratch your nose more than usual.
But when your nosebleeds are persistent, or accompanied by unusual smell, or associated with headaches, or scanty, you have to seek medical consultation. You may or may not have otolaryngeal cancer but it’s important to have it checked nonetheless.
Mouth Ulcers and Swelling
If the lump in your neck is accompanied by ulcers, swelling, or soreness in your mouth, then you should have it checked, too. If the latter signs aren’t resolved within a week despite the use of medications, then you have more reasons to see your ENT doctor.
Difficulty in Swallowing
Dry throat, tonsillitis, and throat infections are among the possible reasons for your difficulty in swallowing food and fluids. But if you have a persistent feeling of something being stuck in your throat, you should see your doctor for a definitive diagnosis.
Your other symptoms, such as lump in your neck, frequency of nosebleeds, and ulcers in your mouth, will be considered along with your difficulty in swallowing. You may also undergo an oesophagoscopy, or a swallowing x-ray, to determine the cause.
If possible, you should write down when your symptoms started, as well as their frequency, severity and duration. The information will be useful for your ENT doctor during diagnosis.
Since ENT problem is quite different from case to case, it is suggested to consult an ENT Specialist for the appropriate ENT services.
Source:
HK ENT Specialist Ltd.
Hong Kong based ENT clinic centre
For ENT Services, Audiology & Speech Therapy,
Sleep Disordered Breathing Management,
Hearing Aid Prescription & Medical Cosmetic Services
What is Epiglottitis and is it a disease to be trifled with?
The epiglottis is one of the most interesting parts of one’s mouth. It might not seem like much with its teardrop resemblance but it actually helps you avoid inhaling your food. It helps ensure that the food goes where it’s intended to be, making it a reliable part of your digestive system.
While not a lot of people take a second look at the epiglottis, its swelling and inflammation can be a seriously life-threatening condition. Known as the epiglottitis, it can block your windpipe which can prevent air from getting into your lungs. This is why it’s very important to take care of your epiglottis to avoid such complications.
Epiglottitis: The Ailment of the Epiglottis
As mentioned above, epiglottitis is the condition where your epiglottis swells. It will then effectively block your windpipe which will prevent air from reaching your lungs. This condition is common in young children but adults can have it, too.
Due to its serious effects, it requires immediate medical attention. Aside from its fatal risks, it can also cause respiratory failure. And if the swelling involves infection, the bacterial growth can also spread into the other organs and cause more serious complications.
Causes of Epiglottitis
As suggested above, epiglottitis can be caused by various things. Some of the most common culprits, however, are the following:
Bacterial, fungal, and viral infection
The most common cause of the inflammation of the epiglottis is an infection. Various microbes can result in this condition, making it a rather common condition.
Back in the day, the Haemophilus influenza type b (Hib) is the most common cause of this condition. However, due to immunization, fewer cases of such infections are noted. Nowadays, the more common causes of epiglottis are the Streptococcus pneumonia (pneumococcus), Streptococcus A, B and C, and the Staphylococcus aureus.
In some occasions, the viruses that cause chickenpox and shingles can also be blamed for epiglottitis. The fungi that cause yeast infections and diaper rashes can also cause this condition.
Injury
The epiglottis can also be quite delicate so injuring it can result in epiglottitis as well. How do you injure this cartilage? Here are a few examples of the things you should avoid if you don’t want to damage your epiglottis:
- Drinking hot or caustic liquids
- Swallowing foreign objects
- Swallowing chemicals that can burn your throat
- Smoking drugs, especially crack cocaine
- Experiencing serious trauma to the throat
Signs and Symptoms
How can you tell if you have epiglottitis? Here are its most common symptoms:
- Fever
- Sore throat
- Drooling
- Pain and difficulty when swallowing
- Hoarse voice
How to Prevent and Treat Epiglottitis
If you’ve been vaccinated against Hib, you’ve already taken the first step in preventing epiglottitis. However, taking common precautions like observing good hygiene is also a must to keep this condition at bay.
Treatment, on the other hand, can be a complicated thing. As mentioned above, if you think you or your child has epiglottitis, immediate medical attention is required. Hospitalization is usually necessary to start the treatment procedure, so be ready for that. With the help of your doctor, full recovery can be expected in most cases. As ENT problem is quite different from case to case, it is suggested to consult an ENT Specialist for the appropriate ENT services.
Source:
HK ENT Specialist Ltd.
Hong Kong based ENT clinic centre
For ENT Services, Audiology & Speech Therapy,
Sleep Disordered Breathing Management,
Hearing Aid Prescription & Medical Cosmetic Services
What is facial paralysis and what can you do to treat it?
What is facial paralysis and what can you do to treat it? Find the answers here.
Facial paralysis is the condition where one loses their ability to control some or all of the muscles in the face. Not only can this affect one’s physical appearance but it can also make certain bodily functions more difficult. Those who experience this condition can find it difficult to speak, eat, close their eyes, mover their eyebrows, and express emotions.
In some cases, your facial features may look drooping as a result of this condition. In others, muscle weakness is the only manifestation of the paralysis. Facial paralysis is often very noticeable, so it can be quite easy to tell if someone is suffering from the condition.
What Causes Facial Paralysis?
There are tons of things that can cause facial paralysis. Some of the most common ones include:
Inflammation or infection of the facial nerve
The most common cause of facial paralysis is when the facial nerves get damaged. This can come in the form of swelling, infection, or a tumor pressing on to the facial nerves. As these things connect the brain to your muscles, any kind of damage can disrupt the communication between the two. This paralyzes your facial muscles as a result.
Bell’s Palsy is one of the diseases that causes facial paralysis by causing inflammation in your facial nerves. This condition can affect anyone, even healthy individuals.
Unfortunately, the cause of the disease hasn’t really been determined yet but many experts believe that it’s caused by an infection. Those with HIV, Lyme disease, diabetes, Sarcoidosis, and ear infections have increased risks of the condition, however.
Stroke
Stroke is considered as a serious cause of facial paralysis because it usually involves nerve damage in the brain. Depending on the type of stroke that occurred, the facial paralysis can be a result of lack of oxygen or bleeding in the brain cells.
Head trauma
Unfortunately, head traumas can also paralyze some or all of your facial muscles. Since this condition is caused by a wide array of events, it’s also one of the most common causes of facial paralysis. This is also a common culprit for facial paralysis in newborns as it is possible for them to experience head traumas during birth.
Signs and Symptoms
Fortunately, it’s quite easy to tell whether a person is experiencing facial paralysis. Here are a few of the most reliable signs and symptoms that should alert you if you or a loved one is afflicted with this condition:
- Changes in the asymmetry of one’s facial features.
- Inability to move the eyebrows, lips, or eyelids with ease.
- Sagging or drooping of facial muscles.
- Loss of facial coordination.
- Pain in one ear.
Sometimes, facial paralysis also comes with dizziness, headaches, and hypersensitivity to sounds. In severe cases, it might also come with blindness and seizures. On these instances, you should rush to see your doctor right away.
Can You Recover from Facial Paralysis?
It’s possible to recover from facial paralysis with the proper treatment. This, however, will depend on what caused the condition in the first place. So to get the best treatment, it’s essential to see your doctor first. Since ENT problem is quite different from case to case, it is suggested to consult an ENT Specialist for the appropriate ENT services.
Source:
HK ENT Specialist Ltd.
Hong Kong based ENT clinic centre
For ENT Services, Audiology & Speech Therapy,
Sleep Disordered Breathing Management,
Hearing Aid Prescription & Medical Cosmetic Services
What is External Otitis and what can you do about it?
What is External Otitis and what can you do about it? Find out here.
Also referred to as Otitis Externa or Swimmer’s Ears, External Otitis is a type of ear infection. It typically runs from the outside of your ear into your eardrum and can cause itchiness, pain, ear blockage, swelling, and even fever.
External Otitis cases can be classified as acute, chronic, eczematous, necrotizing, or otomycosis. This means that it can range in severity and might need continuous treatment, depending on your case. It can also lead to serious complications and infections when not treated right away.
Causes of External Otitis
Typically seen in swimmers as its name suggests, External Otitis is typically caused by the bacteria known as Pseudomonas. In some cases, it can also be a fungal infection caused by Candida or Aspergillus.
No matter what the case is, however, this condition is most often the result of not being able to dry the ear thoroughly. The water that stays in the curves and crevices of the ear fosters bacterial growth.
Things get worse if you have ear injuries. This is why scratching, improper use of ear-cleaning tools, and the use of irritating products are also listed as causes of this ailment.
Aside from these causes, some people are also just more at risk of the condition than others. Aside from swimmers, those with skin sensitivities and conditions are more likely to contract the disease compared to the general populace. So if you have allergies, eczema, seborrheic dermatitis, and psoriasis, there’s also a chance that your condition can increase your risks of contracting External Otitis.
Signs and Symptoms
There are several signs that should clue you in about this infection. Below are a few examples of the most common symptoms arranged from mild to severe:
- Itchiness in the ear canal
- Mild discomfort in the ear
- Slight redness of the ear
- Presence of a small amount of clear, odorless fluid inside the ear
- Increasing pain and itchiness
- Excessive fluid drainage
- Pus discharge
- Partial ear canal blockage
- Muffled hearing
- Severe pain
- Outer ear swelling
- Total ear blockage
- Fever
Preventing External Otitis
Preventing this condition isn’t impossible to do. If you’re at risk, here are a few things you can do:
- Make sure to dry your ears properly.
- Avoid injuring your ears by keeping foreign objects away from it.
- Protect your ears when using hair products to avoid irritants from getting in.
- Take precautionary measures during your swims.
- Monitor the bacterial levels in the pool and avoid swimming on the days when the numbers are high.
- Use preventive ear drops before getting in the water.
Treatments for External Otitis
If you suspect that you already have External Otitis, the most important thing that you should do is to see your doctor right away. They can create the right treatment plan for your diagnosis so you should seek their help right away.
In most cases, the treatment for this condition involves professional cleaning followed by the prescription of various medications for the infection. You might need to get on antibiotics and use ear drops during the treatment process.
While treating your External Otitis, however, it’s recommended to avoid swimming and scuba diving for the time being. You shouldn’t really get water in the infected area, so it’s also recommended to protect your ear when you bathe. It will also be best not to use any in-ear appliance or device until the infection heals.
If you suffer an ENT problem, it is suggested to consult an ENT Specialist for the appropriate ENT services. Please contact us for an appointment of our ENT services and consulation at 3100 0555.
Source:
HK ENT Specialist Ltd.
Hong Kong based ENT clinic centre
For ENT Services, Audiology & Speech Therapy,
Sleep Disordered Breathing Management,
Hearing Aid Prescription & Medical Cosmetic Services
What is Nasal Leak and Its Symptoms?
Most of us dismiss a runny nose as a simple cold that will go away on its own. However, there are cases where it doesn’t go away and that should tell you to seek medical attention right away.
While it’s rare, what some folks initially thought to be a runny nose is actually a nasal leak. Its layman’s name might not sound like much but its technical term, cerebrospinal fluid leak, might just make you realize that it’s a serious condition.
Also referred to as the CSF leak, this is a condition where brain fluid leaks through the ear or nose. It happens when a tear is made in the dura or the thin outer membrane that contains the fluid. This is usually caused by injury or trauma but in some cases, it can also be quite spontaneous. In most cases, folks who experience CSF leaks have it because of prior head trauma.
The said fluid is the same one that circulates around the brain and spinal cord. It serves as cushioning to your brain, relieving pressure to the vital organ. Experts say that a person with a nasal leak can lose about half a liter of brain fluid in a day.
Nasal Leak Symptoms
How do will you know if you’re experiencing CSF leak? The most major sign that you should be wary of is a clear, watery drainage from your nose. As mentioned above, nasal leaks are usually confused with a runny nose because they have similar characteristics. However, colds should only last two to three weeks while nasal leaks tend to last longer as they don’t necessarily go away.
If this cold followed some time after head trauma, you should also suspect a nasal leak. While the condition is still considered to be quite rare, it’s not a completely scarce condition. In fact, support groups for patients have already been formed so it’s quite safe to say that this condition isn’t a one in one billion occurrence.
The increase in drainage should also clue you in that you’re suffering from a nasal leak. If the outward flow of the fluid increases when the head is tilted downwards, then, there’s a good chance that you’re suffering from a CSF leak and not just a runny nose.
It should also be noted, however, that CSF leaks can also come out of a patient’s ear. The condition is similar to nasal leaks in all regards except for where the fluid exits the head.
CSF leak also tends to come with the following symptoms as a result of the decrease in the amount of fluid around the brain:
- Headaches
- Nausea
- Neck pain
- Sense of imbalance
- Sensitivity to light and sounds
Treating CSF Nasal Leak
A case of CSF leak will make the sufferer at risk of meningitis. This is why it’s crucial to learn how to treat the condition right away.
Fortunately, some cases heal on its own. However, there are others that will need a surgery to fix. This is why it’s imperative that you see an ENT specialist right away if you suspect that you’re having a nasal leak. For appointment to consult our ENT specialist, please contact HK ENT Specialist Ltd. which is a professional Hong Kong based ENT clinic centre offering ENT services.
Source:
HK ENT Specialist Ltd.
Hong Kong based ENT clinic centre
For ENT Services, Audiology & Speech Therapy,
Sleep Disordered Breathing Management,
Hearing Aid Prescription & Medical Cosmetic Services
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另所有文章內使用的人名均為化名。
另所有文章內使用的人名均為化名。