Epistaxis / Nosebleeds – What to do

Nosebleeds can happen when you least expect it. At the very least, they are alarming especially with small children, and at the worst, possibly life threatening. So what can you do about the bleeding nose and what action should you take after it has stopped bleeding?

The first thing is to stop the “stoppable” bleeding. Bleeding that comes from the front of the nose can be stopped by pressure. All other bleedings from the middle or back of the nose stops only by your own blood clotting or with medical attention. The first thing to do in a nose bleed is place your head forward, breathe through the mouth and press gently but firmly on the soft part of the nose. This is the lowest third of the nose that you can wiggle with your fingers. Placing your head forward means that you will be less likely to choke and swallow your blood, and any continuing bleeding is clear to see. Pressure should be applied for 15 minutes and this is usually more than enough to stop the small bleed, as our blood will effectively clot in less than 3 minutes. If you are on blood-thinning medication, this can take much longer.

After releasing the pressure, if there is no further active bleeding, this suggests that the bleeding is from the front of the nose. Dry weather and a long flight travel in a dry cabin may be the cause and applying some Vaseline ointment inside the nostrils will help. Seeking the early attention of your ENT Physician would be recommended so that a good check up can be done to prevent further bleeds and treating the underlying cause. You can usually expect that the nose will be clearly visualized with an endoscope of the front, middle and back of the nose. Sometimes a scan of the sinuses may be required as the cavities of the sinuses are not usually visible to the naked eye or endoscope. If a bleeding point is identified, it can be electro-cauterized and this is very successful in preventing future bleeding in 90% of cases. If a nasal allergy causing rhinitis exists, this is also easily treated with medication.

If the bleeding is especially heavy and/or does not stop, it is usually from the middle to the back of the nose. Here the reason is because the vessels are larger and we cannot physically press on them as they are situated inside the face. Situations such as this will require immediate attention at your nearest hospital as you may have lost a lot of blood. Your attending doctor’s priority would be to stop the bleeding first. This is usually undertaken with nasal packs placed into the nose. They are uncomfortable to put in but their intention is life saving. They may then possibly refer you to the ENT Physicians to identify with their special endoscopes where the bleeding is coming from, and treat you accordingly. Nowadays modern endoscopes for the body cavities have revolutionized epistaxis care. After identifying the bleeding point, if appropriate, the source maybe cauterized.

Nosebleeds are frightening for the sufferer as well as family and friends. Thankfully the majority of nosebleeds are minor and easily stopped by pressure as mentioned above. If the bleeding is unduly heavy and does not stop, urgent hospital attention should be sought.

]

 

Reference: 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.

Epistaxis / Nosebleeds – Why? & Causes (2)

Our environment also plays an important part in causing nosebleeds.  Our nose should be moist, and not dry. If it is dry, the lining breaks down and we bleed.  So sudden changes in the environment make the nose drier and can cause bleeding. This happens if we fly especially for long journeys or go from a warm, humid climate to visit a dry climate like a winter skiing holiday in the Alps or if the temperature suddenly drops like during the Winter Solstice in Hong Kong. An underlying condition or drug may also cause dryness of the nose. Patients with radiotherapy to the nose for previous cancer or atrophic rhinitis (an inflammatory condition of the nose that has caused a reduction in the mucus secreting cells of the nose) will predispose the lining of the nose to easy breakdown and bleeding.

 

Interestingly also the internal passage size of our nose also affects our frequency of nose bleeding too, by creating a drier environment. If one’s nose is narrower on one side, there is more turbulence generated when we breathe normally. This turbulence causes local drying effects, lining breakdown and therefore bleeding. This narrowing can be caused by a deviated septum of the nose, enlarged turbinate from nose allergy or sinus polyps that narrow the passages themselves.

 

So epistaxis/nosebleeds are common. The cause/s of any nosebleed is varied and is the interplay between the anatomy of the nose, an underlying condition and environment factors. As mentioned earlier, most nosebleeds have no significant cause. However if any nose bleeding persists, recurs and/or is unusually heavy, it is always best to seek an assessment by your ENT Specialist to exclude all causes. Thankfully here too, most causes are easily treated.

Reference: 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.

Epistaxis / Nosebleeds – Why? & Causes (1)

“Epistaxis” is the Latin word for the nosebleeds. Nose bleeding is very common and every one of us has experienced it at least once in our lifetime. As common as it is, 90% of nosebleeds do not have an identifiable cause after investigation. This is not a bad thing as it means that most nosebleeds have no sinister causes.

Our nose is supplied by blood from an internal and external arterial system. The external vascular supply comes from the vessel that brings blood to our face; hence it enter the nose from outside, causes the bleeding from the front of the nose where we get most of the bleeding. The internal vascular supply is more elaborate, coming off the vessels that bring blood directly to the brain. They supply the nose from the back under higher pressure and therefore nose bleed from the internal system tends generally to be more heavier; this is because we cannot press and stop the bleeding at the back for the nose with our fingers and also as the arterial blood pressure is stronger too.

So what causes nose bleeding? Several factors affect and cause nose bleeds. Firstly we need a blood vessel as the source, preferably near the surface of the lining. Vessels in the front of the nose are nearer the surface as the lining is thinner so nose bleeds from the front is therefore commoner. Next we also need a condition that makes the vessel more prone to bleeding. So, for example, if there is an existing inflammation like a nose allergy, infection or sinusitis, there is inflammation of the vessel with an engorgement by blood. 

Perhaps the wall of the vessel might be weak and breaks easily; we sometimes see this as the sole reason in the elderly population. Trauma from an accident to the nose or repeated trauma by the patient picking his/her nose can break the vessel too. Obviously nasopharyngeal cancers, cancers of the nose and sinuses, vascular tumors and malformations can cause bleeding too. All tumor growths require a good blood supply to feed their growth and hence may present as a nosebleed early on.

Reference: 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.

What is functional septorhinoplasty surgery? (2)

The bony cartilaginous septum is intimately connected to the upper and middle third external nose structures, and loosely via strong suspensory ligaments, to the lower “mobile” third. This intimate relationship determines appearance and airflow through the nose. Hence a deformity of this internal framework structure can deviate the external nasal structure, and functionally cause a block nose.

The intimate relationship between the different structures of the upper, middle and lower nose, together with the internal nasal septum, is relevant. They all influence the function of the other; so surgery on one structure can dynamically affect the position of the other. Hence in some cases of a blocked nose, a septo-rhinoplasty surgery may be recommended in one surgical session to primarily improve function, and consequentially, appearance. A stronger septal “tent” and support would mean a less obstructed middle and lower third of the nose, as well as an improved projection and nasal profile.

Functional septo-rhinoplasty surgery can be performed under open or closed (endonasal) approaches. The optimal approach should be discussed with your surgeon.





Reference: 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.

What is functional septorhinoplasty surgery? (1)

Functional septo-rhinoplasty surgery is a “nose job” undertaken primarily to improve the function of the nose i.e. breathing through the nose. It is not a cosmetic nose job, which only enhances the aesthetics of the nose. However, it does realign the deviated / collapsed nasal structures whilst projecting them for an improved airway, and does result in a more aesthetically pleasing nose. In addition, the improved nasal airway improves sleep quality and sometimes snoring and adds a real life meaning to the cliché term “ beauty sleep “.

The structure of the nose consists of bony and cartilaginous elements. These form the upper, middle and lower nose as most people see on a person’s face. The internal nasal structure is however not visible. This consists of a midline strong bony cartilaginous septum which “tents” the outside nose, giving it projection, height and therefore also its aesthetic form. The nasal framework’s function is to tent and project the nose, and maintaining an air passage so that the nose remains open for air to pass through, during sleep and active exertion.

 

 

Bony and cartilaginous framework of the nose

Deviated internal nasal septum

 




Reference: 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.

如何保護你的聲帶

保護聲帶

- 放慢說話速度

- 說話時要作停頓

- 保持聲線得到適當的休息

-   以適合自己的聲調說話

-   多飲水

-   避免長時間逗留在乾燥／多煙塵的地方

- 減少吃刺激性飲食多放鬆自己

-   保持身心愉快，以理性的態度面對問題

-   日常生活有規律

    
-  減少娛樂中過度用聲

-   在許可情況下，培養多方面興趣

損害聲帶的行為

-   課餘時長時間不停的說話或唱歌，例如過度唱詩、煲電話粥

-   說話太快

-   在嘈吵環境中大叫和大聲說話，例如課室、茶樓、街上

-   用不適當音調說話或唱歌，(太高/太低音)

-   用不適當音量說話或唱歌，(太大/太細聲)

-   清喉嚨

-   大力咳嗽

-  激動地大笑/大哭

-   吸煙

-   飲刺激性飲料，例如酒、咖啡、濃茶

-  吃刺激性食物，例如煎炸/熱氣/太乾食物，太鹹/太甜/太辣食物，和太熱/太凍食物

 
- 吃宵夜過飽

-   娛樂節目中過度用聲，例如唱卡拉OK、打麻雀

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。

鼻竇炎

事實上，鼻敏感患者由於長期流鼻水和擤鼻涕，鼻竇和鼻腔間供鼻液流通的孔道會比常人狹窄；當患上感冒時，這些孔道會比平常更窄，結果感冒引起的鼻液(鼻水)就因為找不到宣泄的出口而堆積在副鼻腔中。含有大量細菌的鼻液一旦在鼻竇堆積，就會引發急性鼻竇炎。上述的男生就因為鼻竇發炎，令耳咽管的黏膜腫脹，一旦遇上氣壓改變就會引起劇痛。不過，急性鼻竇炎並不難治療，患者只需服用1-2星期鼻敏感藥及抗生素，再輔以噴鼻用的類固醇就可痊癒。

 

值得留意的是，慢性鼻竇炎患者也有年青化的趨勢。不少來求診的患者都是20多歲的年青人，成因和急性鼻竇炎一樣，是鼻敏感長期處理不善，令鼻內孔道長期腫脹，讓鼻液積聚誘發炎症而成。慢性鼻竇炎和急性鼻竇炎的病徵很相似，一般來說，如果鼻竇炎在6星期內不能痊癒的話，就會歸類為慢性鼻竇炎。

 

慢性鼻竇炎患者的鼻內孔道很多時都因為長期發炎腫脹而結痂，即使消炎和收鼻水後，孔道依然狹窄。要徹底治療，就要做手術來打通鼻竇與鼻腔間的自然孔洞，令鼻竇內的鼻黏膜回復正常。另外，如果患者本身的鼻敏感十分嚴重，亦需要以內窺鏡或電腦掃瞄觀察是否鼻結構出現問題，如是否有鼻中隔側移或出現瘜肉等問題，再對症下藥進行治療。

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。

創傷性疤痕護理須知

即使每天都對肌膚呵護備至，但如偶一不慎撞傷或擦傷，在臉上或身體上留下因外傷導致的「創傷性疤痕」，都總教人苦惱不已。要減低這些疤痕對外觀的負面影響，在護理方面便需格外用心。

 

 

 

如因擦傷而令皮膚出現損口，即使面積不大，但亦有可能會被肉眼難以發現的異物藏入傷口中，有機會令傷口長期難以復原甚至引起發炎，即使傷口最後癒合，留在傷口中的異物也可能會逐漸沉澱，造成「創傷性紋身」，令疤痕顏色明顯。

 

因此，一旦遇上創傷，又不想日後留下不雅觀的傷疤，傷口應交由醫護人員處理，

而為防止創口發炎，耳鼻喉專科醫生會處方抗生素藥膏或口服抗生素藥物，而在傷口癒合後，耳鼻喉專科醫生亦可指導病人以特別的按摩方式，改善疤痕狀況。

 

其實，創傷性疤痕與所有疾病一樣，都是預防勝於治療，各位讀者在進行各項運動時，亦應做足預防措施，例如戴上頭盔、護膝等，傷口癒合需時，病人應保持耐性，期間可定時由耳鼻喉專科醫生視察復原進度。

 

病人在傷口癒合期間，應做好防曬功夫，並繼續保持均衡飲食，但應避免進食任何可導致敏感、或是以生魚烹調的食物，而吸煙及二手煙均可令傷口癒合的時間延長二至三倍，及癒合質素受損，需小心留意。

 

 

 

 

 

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。

教你如何止鼻血

流鼻血是一種常見症狀，以兒童及老年人發病較多，一旦發生以上情况，發現者應保持鎮定，因為若病者精神緊張，血壓升高，出血會較難停止，對病者不利，以下是一般較簡易的應救措施：

 

·             先讓病者坐下，頭向前傾，解除頸部及胸部衣服的束縛，應保持鎮定，並安撫病者。

·             指示病人用口呼吸，並揘住鼻翼(鼻子的柔軟部份) 大約十分鐘，可以達到止血效果。

·             同時利用冰袋敷鼻樑及前額，可以收縮血管，幫助止血。

·             部份鼻血可能會流至口腔，應指導病者不應嚥下，及給予器皿盛載。

·             十分鐘後放鬆壓力，如果仍未止血，再壓十分鐘，此時病者仍不可把頭抬高。

·             不可用紙屑塞進鼻腔內。

·             出血情況停止後，叮囑病者避免身體過份用力，至少四小時內不要擤鼻涕，以免引致再流鼻血。

·             如急劇流鼻血或三十分鐘內仍未止血，應延醫治理。

 

  

 

 

 

 

 

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。

耳垢處理 -耳垢問題,耳垢 形成

 耳垢
Ear Wax

 為什麼會有耳垢？

耳垢的產生是一個正常的生理現象，因耳道的皮膚下藏有很多分泌腺，其分泌匯集空氣中的灰塵異物和耳道的死皮，便會形成耳垢。

耳垢的集結需要處理嗎？

一般正常的耳朵都有耳垢集結，並不需要特別處理，而且耳垢有保護外耳道的皮膚免它受細菌感染，所以可不需清理。但如果耳垢的集結而引致聽力减退、發炎或阻礙醫生檢查耳朵的深處時，耳垢便須用人工方法取出。


耳垢可以自行取出嗎？

如果耳垢被推掉到外耳道口，便可用紙巾或棉花抹去，切勿使用棉花棒、耳挖、牙簽、髮夾等東西挖耳，它們不但會把耳垢推進更深的地方，還會弄損外耳道皮膚而引致發炎，嚴重還會弄破耳膜。



嚴重的耳垢問題應怎樣解決？

找耳鼻喉專科醫生檢查耳朵，聽取他們的意見，在專科診所裏去除耳垢。方法包括：
• 用滴耳藥水溶解耳垢，使耳垢自動流出外耳道口。
• 頑固的耳垢，醫生可用吸液機和吸液管把它吸出。





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。