ENT Head & Neck Surgery Center

Rm 02, 5/F., Kai Seng Commerical Centre,
4-6 Hankow Road, TST Kln, HK
(near Kowloon Hotel)
Tel: (852) 3100 0555
Fax: (852) 3100 0556

Lawrence Chow / ENT Doctor

editor

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The Most Common Causes of Difficulties in Hearing

As time flies, you may notice that you’re not able to hear as well as you used to. Perhaps you’ve noticed that your TV volume is now higher than it used to be. Maybe you’re often not able to understand what people are saying and you keep asking them to speak up.

When that happens to you, here are some possible causes (and fixes):

 

Earwax

It’s ironic that when you clean your ears with cotton swabs, you may end up pushing earwax deeper into your ear. This can lead to a wax buildup known as cerumen impaction that can make it more difficult for you to hear. Even earplugs and hearing aids can cause this problem.

You can solve it with a few drops of baby oil into your ear. The baby oil softens the wax to help clear it out. You can also use hydrogen peroxide, glycerin, or mineral oil.

Your doctor can also just put in a mixture of water and hydrogen peroxide to flush out the ear wax. Other specialized tools may be used to remove the wax as well.

 

You’re Getting Old

Age-related hearing loss is known as presbycusis and it’s actually quite common among senior citizens. About a third of all people between the ages of 65 and 74 have it. Among those over 75, almost half have this problem.

The most common reason for this is simply that the inner-ear structures which allow people to hear wear down, just any other body part. If you’re at that age, you can have your problem tested at the doctor’s clinic so that you can learn how to manage your condition.

 

Medications

There are at least 200 different medications that can cause hearing loss. These include chemotherapy drugs as well as some types of antibiotics. Even high doses of aspirin can lead to difficulties in hearing. Usually, when you stop taking these medications, the problem goes away as well.

 

Medical Conditions

There are certain medical conditions which may have hearing loss as one of their symptoms. These conditions include diabetes and high blood pressure. They can interfere with the blood supply to the ear, leading to the hearing difficulties.

 

Long-Term Exposure to Noise

If you exposed to loud noises for an extended period of time, then eventually you may lose some of your hearing. Your job may include working with loud drills, or you may work near loud airplane engines. If you’re shooting instructor, you may have this problem as well. The same goes for those who work in the hard rock music industry, or if you enjoy cranking the music up high.

 

If you wonder if you have difficulties in hearing, it is suggested to consult an ENT doctor for the appropriate ENT services as soon as possible. HK ENT Specialist Ltd. is a professional Hong Kong based ENT clinic centre to offer ENT Services. Please contact us for an appointment 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

https://www.hkentspecialist.hk

What To Do When You Experience An Ear Burning Sensation

It can be a bit discomfiting, to say the least, when you experience an ear burning sensation. This feeling of burning in or around your ears can make it feel tender, inflamed, and swollen. In fact, if you touch your ears they may be warm to the touch.

 

In many cases this feeling is due to an infection, because bacteria or viruses have entered your body. The redness, swelling, and warmth are caused by the response of your immune system. There’s a Eustachian tube that connects your ear to your throat and permits the drainage of fluid from your middle ear. But a problem can occur when this tube is blocked with fluid. The fluid buildup can cause the bacterial or viral infection, which then leads to the pain and swelling.

 

Other possible causes includes “swimmer’s ears” (otitis externa), which results from water getting into the outer ear canal. Allergies to earrings and skin conditions like eczema can also produce the symptoms of swimmer’s ears.

 

Taking Antibiotics

In some cases you can just take antibiotics to take care of the infection. Once the infection is taken care of, the sensation of ear burning goes away as well. In fact, in some cases these infections are resolved on their own as the human immune system does its job.

 

Seeking Medical Attention

However, there are cases when the cause of the sensation is much more serious. The problem may be caused by anaphylaxis, which is an allergic reaction that can be life-threatening. The problem may also be due to a ruptured eardrum or an infection of the bones behind the ear.

 

When the sensation of ear burning is also accompanied by any of the following symptoms, you should seek immediate medical care. That means calling 911 as the issue needs the attention of a medical professional ASAP. These additional symptoms include:

 

  • Swelling of the throat or any difficulty with breathing
  • High fever, meaning higher than 101 degrees F
  • Severe headaches
  • Severe pain
  • Redness and swelling of the skin around the ear
  • Tenderness or throbbing behind the ear, especially when this is over the bone

 

In fact, if the ear burning sensation is accompanied by any other symptom that causes you some type of concern, it’s better to play it safe and to seek medical care immediately.

The ENT doctor can then diagnose the underlying medical condition that’s causing the problem. The feeling of having your ears burning may be uncomfortable, but the underlying condition that caused that sensation may be much more serious and detrimental for your health.

 

As ENT problem is quite different from case to case, it is suggested to consult an ENT Doctor for the appropriate ENT services and treatment.

 

 

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

https://www.hkentspecialist.hk

Possible Causes of Dysphagia

Doctors use the medical term dysphagia to refer to swallowing problems. This can mean having trouble swallowing certain drinks or food items, or being unable to swallow at all. It can be caused by any of the following underlying conditions:

 

Neurological Causes

If you suffer any damage to your nervous system (brain and spinal cord), this damage can interfere with the nerves involved in starting and controlling the swallowing movement. This type of damage can be caused by a stroke, brain tumors, or myasthenia gravis, which is a very uncommon condition that weakens muscles.

Some neurological conditions can do damage to the brain and nervous system over time. These conditions include dementia, multiple sclerosis, Parkinson’s disease, and motor neurone disease.

 

Obstruction

If there’s an obstruction in the throat or the esophagus becomes too narrow, swallowing can become much more difficult. This type of problem can be caused by some type of throat or mouth cancer like laryngeal cancer or esophageal cancer. When the cancer has been treated, often the obstruction disappears as well.

Infections, such as thrush or tuberculosis, can also cause inflammation of the esophagus that can lead to swallowing difficulties. This is also true of gastro-oesophageal reflux disease (GORD), when your esophagus becomes narrower due to stomach acid causing scar tissue to develop.

Other conditions that can cause an obstruction include eosinophilic oesophagitis and pharyngeal (throat) pouches. When you have eosinophilic oesophagitis, your body reacts to certain allergens by building up a type of white blood cell in the lining of the esophagus. This buildup damages the esophagus lining and causes the swallowing difficulties. With throat pouches, your esophagus develops a large sack that reduces your ability to swallow.

Even radiotherapy can also cause an obstruction in the esophagus. The treatment can lead to scar tissue that can narrow the passageway in the throat.

 

Congenital and Developmental Conditions

Children can have problems with dysphagia if they’re born with a cleft lip and palate. Cerebral palsy can also affect the movement and coordination of the body parts needed for swallowing. Learning difficulties may also make it difficult for some children to learn to swallow.

 

Muscular Conditions

Though it’s rare, it’s also possible that a medical condition can affect the muscles needed to push down the food into the esophagus and into the stomach. Achalasia is one such muscular condition that’s sometimes associated with dysphagia. This condition causes the muscles in the esophagus to lose their ability to relax and open to let food through.

Another potential problem is scleroderma. This is when the immune system attacks healthy tissue. This can cause a stiffening of the muscles in the throat and esophagus, leading to problems with swallowing.

 

As the ENT problem is quite different from case to case, it is suggested to consult an ENT doctor for the appropriate ENT services and treatments.

 

 

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

https://www.hkentspecialist.hk

Tracheitis: Annoyance or Dangerous Condition?

Tracheitis is an infection of the trachea, which is more commonly known as the windpipe. An infection in this part of the anatomy may seem like an annoyance, such as when a performance of “Manon Lescaut” by the noted soprano María José Siri was canceled due to tracheitis. But this isn’t as minor as it may seem at first. Hayden wrestling coach Chad Jones died of this infection because it was left unchecked. He thought that it was merely strep throat, and found out too late that it was tracheitis.

Tracheitis in Children and Adults

Although tracheitis is more known to strike children, these 2 examples show that it can affect adults as well. It is true that it’s more dangerous in children, because they have a smaller trachea and the swelling blocks the windpipe more easily. Yet as the case of Coach Chad Jones shows, it can also be fatal.

Causes and Symptoms

Most cases of tracheitis occur following a bout with the common cold or flu. At first the problem may be signified with a runny nose, a cough, or a low-grade fever. But then the bacteria can spread to the trachea and cause an infection, and this will then lead to breathing difficulties.

 

The more common symptoms afterwards include high fever, a deep severe cough, wheezing, nasal flaring, and a blue tinge to their skin called cyanosis. Stridor may also develop, and this is the high-pitched sound the patient may make when they breathe. When you have stridor, it’s a sign that the infection has turned serious and that the airway is already partially obstructed. This is a certain sign that medical attention is warranted.

Treatment Options

If left untreated, the condition may block the trachea completely, leading to respiratory arrest and death. If the infection was caused by the S. aureus bacteria, toxic shock syndrome may also develop. This is a condition that can lead to shock, organ failure, and death.

 

These reasons signify the need for prompt diagnosis and treatment. Once tracheitis has been diagnosed, the doctor can give the patient antibiotics to kill the bacteria. These are typically administered intravenously.

 

Clearing the airway will also be a priority. To help the patient breathe, the doctor may have to insert an endotracheal tube into the trachea of the patient. This is called the intubation procedure. The tube, after it has been put into its proper position, will then be connected to a ventilator. This will help improve the lung function while the patient is recovering from the infection.

Conclusion

Tracheitis must be treated by an ENT doctor as quickly as possible, even though it may seem like an annoying problem at first. If it is not treated right away, it can lead to serious complications—including death.

 

If you suffer an ENT problem, it is suggested to consult an ENT doctor for the appropriate ENT treatment. 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

https://www.hkentspecialist.hk

Current Management of Meniere’s Disease

The 411 HKDU Sunday Afternoon Symposium
Topics: Current Management of Meniere’s Disease
Date: 17 November 2019 (Sunday)
Speakers: Dr. Chow Chun Kuen Specialist in ENT

 

For details of the treatment, it is suggested to consult an ENT Specialist. Phone no  (852) 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

https://www.hkentspecialist.hk

 

 

Do You Have Nasopharyngeal Cancer? What is its Symptoms?

There are many types of cancer, and you may have nasopharyngeal cancer if malignant cancer cells develop in the tissues of your nasopharynx. The nasopharynx is the upper part of the throat located behind your nose.

 

Symptoms of Nasopharyngeal Cancer

If you have nasopharyngeal cancer, you may show the following symptoms:

  • A lump in the neck or nose
  • Difficulty breathing or speaking
  • Headaches
  • Hearing difficulties
  • Nosebleeds
  • Pain or ringing in the ear
  • Sore throat

It’s true that these symptoms may also be caused by other conditions. However, if these symptoms persist then you should see a ENT doctor especially if risk factors apply in your case.

 

Risk Factors for Nasopharyngeal Cancer

A risk factor is a condition which increases your chances of getting a disease. These risk factors increase the chances that you will develop nasopharyngeal cancer.

  • You’re Asian.
  • You drink large amounts of alcohol on a regular basis.
  • You’ve been exposed to the Epstein-Barr virus.

If any of these risk factors are true in your case and you exhibit any of the symptoms, then the chances are greater those symptoms are due to nasopharyngeal cancer.

 

Procedures and Tools to Diagnose Nasopharyngeal Cancer

The doctor can examine your nose, throat, and other nearby organs to find out if you have nasopharyngeal cancer:

  • Physical exam and history. This will include checking for swollen lymph nodes.
  • Neurological exam. This checks the brain, spinal cord, and nerve function.
  • Biopsy. Cells or tissues are removed to check for signs of cancer under a microscope.
  • MRI (magnetic resonance imaging). This uses a magnet, radio waves, and a computer to create a series of highly detailed pictures of areas inside the body.
  • CT scan (CAT scan). This also creates a series of detailed pictures of areas inside the body, using a computer linked to an x-ray machine and injected dye to make the tissues and organs show up more clearly in the pictures.
  • PET scan (positron emission tomography scan). This finds malignant tumor cells using injected radioactive glucose and a PET scanner creating a picture of where the glucose is in the body. The malignant tumor cells tend to appear brighter in the PET pictures.
  • Ultrasound exam. This procedure uses high-energy sound waves (ultrasound) to bounce off the organs in the abdomen. The resulting echoes can form a picture of the body tissues.
  • Chest x-ray. The x-ray focus on the organs and bones inside the chest.
  • Blood chemistry studies. A blood sample is taken to check for unusual amounts of certain substances.
  • Complete blood count (CBC). The blood sample is checked for number of red blood cells, white blood cells, and platelets; the amount of hemoglobin (in the red blood cells; the percentage of red blood cells making up the total blood sample.
  • Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) test. It checks for the presence of antibodies to the Epstein-Barr virus, which would appear if you’ve been infected with EBV.
  • HPV test (human papillomavirus test). It checks if you have an HPV infection, as this can cause nasopharyngeal cancer.

Hearing test. Nasopharyngeal cancer can affect your hearing ability.

 

 

For details of the treatment, it is suggested to consult an ENT Specialist.

 

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

https://www.hkentspecialist.hk

What You Have to Know about Esophagus Cancer

Ask an ordinary person about cancer they may immediately think about lung or breast cancer. Very few people will think about esophageal cancer (esophagus cancer). But this condition ranked as the tenth deadliest cancer in the US, as it was responsible for ending 66,659 lives from 2003 to 2007. Worldwide, it’s ranked as the 6th most common cause of cancer deaths.

 

The esophagus is a long and hollow tube that goes from your throat down to your stomach. Its functions include moving the food you swallow to reach your stomach for digestion.

 

Development of Esophageal Cancer

When esophageal cancer develops, it begins in the cells lining the inside of the esophagus. The formerly healthy cells grow out of control and they form a mass called a tumor. If the tumor is cancerous, it can then grow and spread to other parts of the body. The cancer starts more specifically in the inner layer of the esophageal wall, and it can spread through the wall and into the lymph nodes. It can also spread to other parts of the body, including the stomach, liver, and lungs.

 

Types of Esophageal Cancer

There are 2 major types of esophageal cancer. However, treatment for both is similar though they will depend on several other factors.

If it is squamous cell carcinoma, the esophageal cancer starts in the squamous cells that line the esophagus. It usually grows in the upper and middle part of the esophagus.

If it is adenocarcinoma, it starts in the glandular tissue in the lower part of the esophagus. This is where the esophagus and the stomach come together.

 

Symptoms

In the early stages of esophageal cancer, it’s common that there are no signs or symptoms. However, in the later stages the following symptoms are typical:

  • Dysphagia (difficulty swallowing)
  • Unintentional Weight loss
  • Chest pain, pressure or burning
  • Worsening indigestion or heartburn
  • Coughing or hoarseness

If any of these symptoms persist, then it’s recommended that you see an ENT doctor.

 

Risk Factors

There are several factors that may increase the risk of esophageal cancer:

  • Gender. Men are 3 to 4 times more likely to get the disease.
  • Age. You’re at the highest risk of developing esophageal cancer if you’re between 45 to 70 years old.
  • Race. Black people are twice more likely than white people to develop squamous cell carcinoma.
  • Heavy drinking. Excessive consumption of alcohol over an extended period of time increases the chances of squamous cell carcinoma.
  • Smoking. Any form of tobacco use can increase the risk of esophageal cancer, and squamous cell carcinoma in particular.
  • Obesity. Having too much body fat increases the risk of esophageal adenocarcinoma.
  • Poor nutrition. If you don’t have enough fruits and vegetables in your diet, you may lack certain vitamins and minerals and you increase the risk of esophageal cancer.

 

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

https://www.hkentspecialist.hk

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