Tuesday, April 23, 2013

威 院 首 推 新 式 助 聽 器


本 港 每 年 有 一 千 一 百 宗 鼻 咽 癌 新 症 , 雖 然 經 過 放 射 性 治 療 , 六 成 病 人 也 可 以 康 復 , 但 當 中 六 成 康 復 者 均 有 不 同 程 度 的 聽 力 障 礙 , 對 工 作 和 生 活 都 造 成 影 響 。 威 爾 斯 親 王 醫 院 設 計 新 式 助 聽 器 , 大 大 有 助 康 復 者 改 善 聽 覺 問 題 。 


香 港 中 文 大 學 醫 學 院 外 科 學 系 名 譽 臨  助 理 教 授 蘇 明 順 醫 生 表 示 , 雖 然 大 部 分 患 者 也 可 以 透 過 傳 統 空 氣 傳 導 式 助 聽 器 解 決 問 題 , 但 有 兩 成 的 患 者 可 能 出 現 中 耳 積 水 、 耳 膜 穿 破 、 長 期 流 膿 、 耳 道 潰 瘍 等 問 題 , 以 致 不 能 使 用 傳 統 助 聽 器 。

威 爾 斯 親 王 醫 院 於 去 年 開 始 將 骨 固 定 助 聽 器 , 應 用 在 這 類 鼻 咽 癌 康 復 者 身 上 , 結 果 令 人 滿 意 。 其 中 一 名 已 經 佩 戴 骨 固 定 式 助 聽 器 有 半 年 的 曾 小 姐 說 ﹕ 「 以 往 戴 傳 統 助 聽 器 , 很 多 雜 音 , 而 且 很 不 舒 服 , 愈 帶 愈 會 發 炎 和 流 膿 , 所 以 只 會 在 開 會 時 使 用 。 」

但 她 現 時 就 會 整 日 佩 戴 骨 固 定 式 助 聽 器 , 而 發 炎 流 膿 的 次 數 和 程 度 也 減 輕 了 , 工 作 上 幫 助 了 很 多 , 又 改 善 了 家 人 關 係 。 「 以 前 女 兒 細 細 聲 跟 我 說 話 , 我 聽 不 到 就 沒 有 反 應 , 她 便 以 為 我 不 想 聽 , 所 以 也 不 想 講 。 但 現 時 她 說 ﹕ 『 媽 咪 , 我 很 喜 歡 跟 你 講 心 事 。 』 」

蘇 明 順 解 釋 , 新 式 助 聽 器 將 鈦 金 屬 螺 絲 固 定 在 耳 後 的 頭 骨 , 把 聲 音 透 過 頭 骨 直 接 傳 到 耳 蝸 。 不 過 這 種 助 聽 器 的 價 錢 , 較 傳 統 二 千 元 的 傳 統 助 聽 器 高 十 倍 , 壽 命 亦 短 兩 、 三 年 。 整 個 手 術 連 助 聽 器 就 需 要 三 萬 元 , 暫 時 只 有 威 院 提 供 有 關 應 用 。




資料來源:singtao.com.hk
以上所提供的資訊僅作為教育及參考用途,如果你有任何醫療問題,應向自己的耳鼻喉專科醫生查詢,而不應單倚賴以上提供的資料。

Monday, April 22, 2013

單耳或雙耳失聰


失聰可以是單邊或雙邊,不同的聽力問題可以於同一隻耳朵或兩邊耳朵發生。每邊耳朵的失聰程度由輕微 (聽不見旁人在耳邊輕聲說話) 至嚴重 (聽不見旁人在耳邊大叫) 不等。





單耳失聰的人,另一邊耳的聽力仍然正常。由於他們傾向於只用一邊耳來聆聽,以致未能像常人一樣聽到立體的聲音,不能分辨聲音的方向。而且在噪吵的環境中,例如會議、餐廳、酒吧等,因為背景聲音太大會令他們不能集中聽需要的聲音。他們要在生活細節上作出調整,才能與人交談。如與朋友同行時,會固意讓朋友走在正常聽力的一邊,開會時會選坐一個對聽力有利的位置等等。



雙耳失聰的人,大多是因為長期於嘈吵的環境工作或耳朵退化。他們需要較大的音量才能聽得清楚。有些人會把電視或收音機聲量調高,但這可能會對家人或鄰居造成滋擾。

參考資料: www.entific.com.hk

以上所提供的資訊僅作為教育及參考用途,如果你有任何醫療問題,應向自己的耳鼻喉專科醫生查詢,而不應單倚賴以上提供的資料。

Monday, April 15, 2013

鼻敏感發作,怎麼辦?


參考資料: www.entific.com.hk

近日寒流襲港,鼻敏感發作求醫的個案,即時倍升。不少病人投訴,服用鼻敏感藥後睡意極濃,無論上班或上課時,都昏昏欲睡,根本無法集中。然而,一旦停藥,鼻敏感又大肆發作,令他們不知如何是好。以下為大家提供一些改善鼻敏感的「招數」及選擇藥物的「貼士」,大家不妨參考一下。

說起鼻敏感,你鄰座的同事或是你的家中兄弟姐妹,可能已成為「受害者」。因為,本港約有一至三成的成年人患有鼻敏感,而兒童患者更多達四成,此是不可忽視的健康問題。

導致鼻敏感的「元兇」是免疫系統失調,鼻敏感由特定的致敏原誘發,鼻膜內的免疫細胞產生過多的IgE抗體以致產生過敏性反應。醫學研究指出,這類過敏性體質,多有遺傳傾向。如果父或母其中一方患有鼻敏感,孩子會有一至兩成的發病風險;如父母同患此病,孩子即有五成至八成機會患病。





以上所提供的資訊僅作為教育及參考用途,如果你有任何醫療問題,應向自己的耳鼻喉專科醫生查詢,而不應單倚賴以上提供的資料。


Thursday, April 11, 2013

認識睡眠窒息症

參考資料: ww.entific.com.hk











何謂睡眠窒息症

睡眠窒息症病是指患者在睡眠中停止呼吸,每次持續十秒至數分鐘不等,導致身體缺氧,但窒息後不久,病人會扎醒,並回復正常呼吸,整夜週而復始地病發十數次至數百次不等。




睡眠窒息症的病徵包括

  • 睡醒後仍覺疲倦
  • 早晨感到頭痛
  • 日間常打瞌睡
  • 不能集中精神,反應緩慢
  • 記憶力衰退
  • 性情改變,脾氣暴躁
  • 性慾減退
  • 嚴重的鼻鼾聲


睡眠窒息症分為三類
甲、阻礙性睡眠窒息症
這是最常見的一類,患者多為過重的中年男仕,由於上呼吸道過窄,或喉部組織鬆弛下垂,造成阻塞,於是空氣不能順利通過,造成窒息。

乙、中樞性睡眠窒息症
由於腦部受創或其他問題,不能有效地發出呼吸指令,令患者睡眠時呼吸間歇停止,造成窒息。

丙、混合性睡眠窒息症
是上述兩種睡眠窒息症的混合體,患者同時有阻礙性及中樞性的病徵。


以上所提供的資訊僅作為教育及參考用途,如果你有任何醫療問題,
應向自己的
耳鼻喉專科醫生查詢,而不應單倚賴以上提供的資料。

Tuesday, April 9, 2013

下鼻甲減容術Inferior Turbinate Reduction

參考資料:ww.entific.com.hk,  www.ent.cuhk.edu.hk/



Introduction簡介
Transnasal resection of inferior turbinates
切除下

Indications 適用情況
Hypertrophic inferior turbinates causing nasal obstruction
甲肥大引致的





Intended Benefits and Expected Outcome 預期結果

1.  Reduce nasal obstruction緩解
2.  There is chance of incomplete relief of nasal obstruction and recurrence    有機會不能完全改善塞和有可能復發


Conditions that Would Not be Benefited by the Procedure 
手術不能解決的問題

Nasal obstruction not chiefly caused by hypertrophic inferior turbinates
非下甲肥厚引致


The Procedure 手術過程

The enlarged inferior turbinates will be partially excised to improve the nasal patency
醫生會以手術儀器經孔切除腔內肥大的下甲,然後進行止血

Risk and Complication 手術風險或併發症

There are always certain side effects and risks of complications of the procedure.

Medical staff will take every preventive measure to reduce their likelihood.
手術有一些副作用和併發症風險,醫務人員將盡力減少副作用和併發症風險。




Common Risks and Complications常見副作用和併發症(1%risk/ 風險)
1.          Bleeding
出血
2.          Persistent nasal obstruction
持續
3.          Infection
感染
4.          Intanasal adhesion
腔粘連
5.          Crusting (transient)
暫時痂皮




以上所提供的資訊僅作為教育及參考用途,如果你有任何醫療問題,
應向自己的耳鼻喉專科醫生查詢,而不應單倚賴以上提供的資料。

Thursday, March 21, 2013

Forehead Lift -- PART 2


Operation

It is a relatively simple operation for the surgeon and for the patient as well. Forehead lift procedures may be completed under local anesthesia, with or without mild sedation, or under general anesthesia. The procedure may be performed in an out-patient facility, in the office, or hospital. Although the procedure is typically painless, you may have occasional mild discomfort during the procedure. If your surgeon elects for you to have general anesthesia, you will sleep through the procedure. The entire procedure may take from one to two hours, depending on the operation technique that will be used.

In conventional open approach, a coronal incision that is made slightly behind the natural hairline can be used. An alternative is the pre-trichial incision. This is similar to the coronal incision except that the mid-portion of the incision is made directly at the hairline. Your surgeon will then separate the skin and muscle from the underlying structures, depending upon the type of lift and desired results. Underlying structures are then suspended by permanent sutures or barbs. Your surgeon will then excise about 1 to 3 cm of excess skin; lift your skin to the desired level of lift; and lastly apply sutures or staples.

Another approach is endoscopic surgery. This commonly preferred technique is less invasive but it may require more surgery time. Several small incisions are placed just behind the hairline. An endoscope is placed under the skin in order to get a clear view of the muscles and tissues under the skin. Then the surgeon inserts another instrument through another incision to lift the forehead skin and remove or alter the muscles and underlying tissues. The forehead skin is hold up in a higher position with temporary sutures. The skin will heal in this position.



Postop instructions

A hospital stay may or may not be needed following forehead lift surgery. The best environment for recovery will be determined by the preferences of both the patient and his doctor. Recovery varies from patient to patient and it is advisable to take it easy for the first week after surgery.

Your surgeon will apply a dressing to your face and head to protect your wounds, keep the tissue in the proper place during recovery and to help with swelling. The day after the surgery, the dressing will be replaced with elastic wrap to be kept in place at all times for a few days; then you will be asked to wear it at bedtime only for about a week. Initially after the procedure, patients can expect tenderness and swelling around the incision areas. The tenderness and swelling fade with time and usually subside after the first 10 days. 

After the operation you will be instructed to keep your head elevated and use cold compresses for several days. In case of excessive pain, redness, pus or other symptoms that do not appear normal, you will be advised to contact your surgeon immediately. Staples and sutures are usually removed after 2-7 days. Patients generally feel well enough to resume normal activities around the tenth day of recovery. Strenuous activities should be avoided for about three weeks.











Reference information: www.entific.com.hk, www.eafps.org/
The information aims to provide educational purpose only. Anyone reading it should consult ENT Specialists before considering treatment and should not rely on the information above.

Monday, March 18, 2013

Forehead Lift -- PART 1



Description

Forehead lift is the name of the surgical procedure that is performed to raise and rejuvenate the eyebrows.
Brief anatomy

The skin around the brow, forehead and temple areas loses its elasticity with age. Drooping of the eyebrows, horizontal wrinkles and vertical frown lines between the eyebrows are the earliest signs of aging. These give a tired, angry, or sad expression. A forehead lift can address these problems by surgically altering the muscles and tissues that cause wrinkling in the area above the eyes.


General information on the procedure

A forehead lift is often performed to treat conditions associated with aging. It may be done in conjunction with other facial plastic surgery procedures to achieve a more harmonious appearance. A forehead lift may be performed in several ways. The main difference among various methods for forehead lifting is the place of the incisions. Principally, a conventional open approach, or an endoscopic approach can be used.


Preop preparation

Your first step should be to contact a surgeon to schedule an initial consultation. During the consultation, your surgeon will work with you to establish realistic expectations about the results of your forehead lift procedure. 

The surgery will be explained in great detail so as not to leave any question or concern you have unaddressed. Depending on your needs and your surgeon's observations, additional facial procedures may be recommended. Your surgeon will also arrange to view your comprehensive medical history to decide if you are in satisfactory condition for forehead lift surgery. 

The surgeon must be made aware of conditions such as high blood pressure, heart disease, and bleeding disorders, as these can increase the risks associated with your operation. Previous surgeries are also crucial to know about, as they can affect the risk of complications. Your surgeon may also ask for medical clearance from your general physician and, depending on your health, request laboratory testing. In the weeks leading up to your forehead lift, it is important to cut down, if not eliminate, smoking and drinking alcohol.

 Aspirin, any medications containing aspirin, ibuprofen or other non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, gingko biloba, ginseng and vitamin E supplements should be avoided in the weeks leading up to the surgery. Lastly, daily medicines must be continued as long as they have been approved by your surgeon.

You may not eat or drink after midnight the evening before the procedure unless instructed otherwise. Before the procedure, make sure to shower and shampoo your hair. Cosmetics should not be worn. False eyelashes, contact lenses, jewelry, and any other unnecessary accessories should be left at home.







Reference information: www.entific.com.hk, www.eafps.org/, 
The information aims to provide educational purpose only. Anyone reading it should consult ENT Specialists before considering treatment and should not rely on the information above.

Tuesday, March 12, 2013

Botox (Wrinkle Reduction Treatment)--PART 2


Botulinum toxin safety 

Botulinum toxin is a safe drug and when injected by an experienced facial plastic surgeon the incidence of side effects is extremely low. The most common side effects are temporary and localised bruising, slight redness of the skin and occasionally slight swelling at the injection site. The side effects of Botox are completely reversible and are temporary, lasting only a few hours and occasionally up to one or two days. Rarely unintended paralysis of muscles may result in troublesome cosmetic imperfections such as drooping of the eye brows. The incidence of such side effects is injector dependent and settles with time.



How long does it last? 

The effects of Botox usually last for three to four months after the first treatment. The effects fade gradually, at which point wrinkling begins to reappear and you may return for re-treatment. Generally, with repeated injections, the effects last longer and the frequency of injections gets lesser. The duration of effect varies from patient to patient and may be less effective in older people.






Reference information: www.entific.com.hk, www.eafps.org/
The information aims to provide educational purpose only. Anyone reading it should consult ENT Specialists before considering treatment and should not rely on the information above.

Monday, March 11, 2013

Botox (Wrinkle Reduction Treatment)--PART 1





The gradual development of facial wrinkles is inevitable and generally represents the early sign of ageing. The most common areas of wrinkling include the forehead, the brows and the outer corner of the eyes (crow's feet). This is mainly related to muscle activity which can be effectively dampened by the use of botulinum toxin, which is a naturally occurring bacterial toxin. This type of treatment to paralyse muscles selectively and reduce wrinkles is commonly known as 'Botox' treatment. Botox is a trade name, and other similar preparations may also be used for this purpose. Botulinum toxin was initially used in the 1970s for treating patients with hyperactive muscles around the eyes. Currently, it is widely used for cosmetic reasons, such as wrinkle reduction and a wide variety of other medical conditions related to dysfunction of muscles.





Consultation and treatment 

During consultation a detailed medical history is obtained by your surgeon and assessment of the facial wrinkles is carried out to determine the exact areas of muscles that require the injection. An appropriate dose of botulinum toxin is then injected into the muscles using a tiny micro needle. Following the treatment with Botox, the skin over the muscles remains smooth and even. Injected muscles are paralysed in about 2-3 days while untreated areas continue to work as normal. As the needle used is very fine and small quantities are injected, the pain is minimal and therefore no anaesthetic is required. You may experience some discomfort over the treated area immediately after treatment. You may resume normal activities immediately however any strenuous activity and massaging the area should be avoided. You must follow the post injection instructions carefully to avoid any untoward effects. Some patients may experience mild headaches in the first week or so following the injection which resolve spontaneously, and the use of mild painkillers such as paracetamol is recommended to relieve the headaches.








Reference information: www.entific.com.hk, www.eafps.org/
The information aims to provide educational purpose only. Anyone reading it should consult ENT Specialists before considering treatment and should not rely on the information above.



Monday, March 4, 2013

Hearing loss treatment












The treatments vary depending on the type, site/s and severity of hearing loss. This is best assessed and diagnosed by an Ear, Nose & Throat Specialist. 


The appropriate treatment may be conservative observation, hearing aiding and /or ear surgery. For children with persisting “glue ear” especially when in both ears with notable signs of language and /or attention problems, a ventilation tube (grommet) can be placed into the eardrum by surgery. For patients with a perforated eardrum, this can be repaired by surgery.


For patients with bilateral complete deafness, a cochlear implant sound processor should be considered. This re-stimulates the deaf ear using an electrode array and some very clever speech software processing. The new sound that is heard will indeed be different. Speech and hearing rehabilitation exercises to re-learn these sounds would be required. Children do better than adults with these cochlear implants. Studies have shown that a child’s brain has a higher neuro-plasticity than an adult, and therefore a greater capacity to adapt to new sounds and learning development.






Reference information: www.entific.com.hk
The information aims to provide educational purpose only. Anyone reading it should consult ENT Specialists before considering treatment and should not rely on the information above.