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Asia's Only Sleep Singapore’s 2nd Sleep Dr Pang's Published Work in International Journals/Textbooks |
COMMON CONDITIONS
ALLERGIC RHINITIS (Sinus Problem) Allergy of the nose causes blockage, itchiness and sneezing. Patients may also have watery eyes, headaches and visual changes. This genetic condition can occur alongside skin rash and asthma. Treatment methods include:
Dizziness, imbalance, light headedness can be symptoms of ear disease. It may be associated with ear pain, ear fullness or hearing loss. Dizziness may be due to low blood pressure, dehydration, stress or anxiety. Vertigo is rotatory sensation perceived by the patient. It is usually due to pathology of the inner ear. Occasionally, it can be due to a defect of the cerebellum (hind brain). This can be diagnosed with a high resolution Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) of the brain. Causes include viral illness of the inner ear, small “stones” in the semi-circular canals of the inner ear, and less commonly, Meniere’s disease.
The ringing sound in the ears is defined as a "hallucination of sound". It may be due to an inflammatory process in the outer, middle or inner ear. Simple ear wax may also cause tinnitus. An MRI of the inner ear may be done to detect any abnormalities or tumours of the cerebello-pontine angle. The key in tinnitus treatment would be to find the cause and treat it. Distraction therapy may also be useful. Not so commonly, some drugs may be helpful.
Sore throats may be due to tonsillitis, pharyngitis or laryngitis. Tonsillitis is usually very painful and may have a longer course of illness. Pharyngitis is usually due to a virus and is usually milder with a shorter duration. Laryngitis is associated with pain and hoarseness of voice. Persistent sore throats that result in a fever or flu may be due to chronic or recurrent tonsillitis. If you experience tonsillitis more than once in two months, you may want to consider surgery to remove the tonsils (Tonsillectomy).
Loss of voice can result from a prolonged flu or sore throat. Hoarseness of voice for more than two weeks, with a past history of smoking, needs a thorough clinical examination. A biopsy is mandatory to detect if the hoarseness is due to underlying cancer of the voice box. Cancer of the throat, if detected early can be treated with high cure rates. Voice exertion in certain professions such as teachers and singers is common. The key is prevention of voice abuse and over-use by knowing the correct way and method of voice use. Treatment includes anti-inflammatory medication, voice therapy, and resting the voice.
A lump in throat sensation is very common. It is due to the swelling of the throat, also known as laryngo-pharyngeal reflux (LPR) disease. This occurs when acid from the stomach ascends upwards into the throat and results in inflammation and swelling around the voice box (gastro-esophageal reflux disease, GERD). This is aggravated by snoring and obstructive sleep apnoea. Treatment entails taking regular meals, avoiding spicy food, alcohol, smoking, and caffeine. Proton pump inhibitors are also useful, they decrease the level of acid in the stomach and hence, the throat inflammation.
Nose bleeding (epistaxis) can occur unexpectedly or after a nose injury. If it is persistent and associated with ear block, it may be due to Nasopharyngeal cancer (NPC) (cancer of the back of the nose). There may be a correlation with environmental factors, like food ingestion, although studies have demonstrated a genetic link to NPC. Early detection is crucial and can be treated effectively with radiation therapy.
Lumps in the front of the neck may be due to swelling of the thyroid gland. The thyroid gland produces thyroxine hormone that controls the metabolic rate of the body. Thyroid lumps can enlarge and cause difficulty in swallowing, breathing and pain. They can enlarge to very big sizes and are not cosmetic. Thyroid lumps are common in women and may be genetically linked. They usually present as a single nodule or lump. They can be benign or cancerous (malignant). Investigations include ultrasound of the thyroid gland, a fine needle aspiration of the lump and occasionally a CT (computed tomography) scan of the lesion. Early detection is crucial and can be curative.
Salivary glands in the mouth and throat produce saliva to lubricate the mouth for digestion and swallowing. Diseases of the salivary glands may be due to tumours or stones that are lodged in the ducts of these salivary glands. Swelling of the salivary gland can be due to tumours or growths. These growths may be cancerous. Investigations include a fine needle aspiration of the lump and a CT (computed tomography) scan of the lesion. Early detection is crucial and can be curative. Stone diseases of the salivary gland can cause the gland to swell and can be very painful. These can be recurrent and very troublesome to the patient. Antibiotics and medications are important in its treatment. |
