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Li Mao Cai
Otolaryngology
About me
With over 10 years of experience in clinical otolaryngology, I have accumulated a certain amount of expertise in diagnosing and treating diseases in this specialty. I have a professional perspective on understanding health issues, believing that prevention is better than cure. Therefore, on online platforms, while addressing the concerns of those seeking advice, I am more willing to provide some popular science knowledge on disease prevention. Those in need are welcome to consult.
Proficient in diseases
Allergic rhinitis, pharyngitis, chronic pharyngitis, sinusitis, nasal polyps, nasopharyngeal carcinoma, laryngeal carcinoma, vocal cord polyps, adenoid hypertrophy, chronic tonsillitis, snoring, tinnitus, thyroid nodules, otitis media, etc.
Voices
How to prevent seasonal rhinitis
Seasonal rhinitis, also known as allergic rhinitis with seasonal outbreaks, requires the identification of specific allergens for its prevention. This type of rhinitis is caused by allergies to seasonal factors, so it is necessary to visit an allergen testing center at an ENT (Ear, Nose, and Throat) department of a hospital to determine the specific allergens. Then, prior to the season, preventative measures can be taken to avoid contact with these allergens. Medications can be started one or two weeks in advance to alleviate the symptoms of rhinitis. Common medications include anti-allergy nasal steroids and other anti-allergy drugs such as antihistamines and leukotriene antagonists. Nasal steroids are typically administered via nasal spray once or twice a day, and during the prevention period, it can be sprayed once a day.
What department should I go to for adenoid hypertrophy?
Glandular hypertrophy is a common condition in the field of otolaryngology, so for glandular hypertrophy, one should consult the otolaryngology department. The glands are located at the back of the nasal cavity, specifically in the nasopharyngeal area. Thus, when the glands are enlarged, it can cause various related symptoms in the ears, nose, and throat. The most common symptoms include nasal congestion, runny nose, snoring, mouth breathing, adenoid facies, secretory otitis media, and even suppurative otitis media. Therefore, in such cases, it is essential to visit the otolaryngology department of a hospital, undergo a nasopharyngoscopy to assess the extent of glandular hypertrophy, and decide on the appropriate treatment based on the specific diagnosis.
What will happen if nasal polyps are not operated on?
Nasal polyps are a common pathological change in otolaryngology, mainly caused by chronic inflammatory stimuli such as rhinitis and sinusitis, leading to changes in the nasal mucosa. Nasal polyps are an abnormal structural change. Once nasal polyps occur, emergency surgical treatment is recommended. If surgery is not performed, the polyps will continue to grow larger, altering some of the anatomical structures of the nasal cavity and occupying space, which can impair nasal function. This may lead to nasal congestion, a decrease in the sense of smell, and changes in the external nose, such as a "frog-like" nose; the nose becomes swollen and large, resembling a frog. Over time, due to poor nasal ventilation, this can cause headaches, a heavy head, and other uncomfortable symptoms, therefore urgent surgical treatment is advised.
What tests are needed for adenoid hypertrophy?
The adenoids are located at the back end of the nasal cavity in the nasopharyngeal area, so the examination needed for adenoid hypertrophy is generally the electronic nasopharyngoscopy. Electronic nasopharyngoscopy is a minimally invasive procedure that allows direct visual observation of the enlarged adenoids and the blockage of the posterior nasal apertures. Modern electronic nasopharyngoscopes are very thin; they can be inserted through the nostrils directly into the nasopharynx, providing a clear view of the adenoids with minimal discomfort and no radiation exposure, making it the preferred method. Another test that can be performed is a lateral X-ray of the nasopharynx. This examination has been a classic approach and is available in many township and county hospitals. It can accurately display the condition of adenoid hypertrophy and any airway obstruction. However, the only drawback is that it involves some level of radiation exposure.
How long does it usually take for vocal cord nodules to heal?
Vocal cord nodules are primarily caused by improper pronunciation or overuse of the voice, commonly seen in people who use their voices frequently. Treatment primarily involves vocal rest, which means speaking less and pronouncing correctly. The period of vocal rest usually needs to be relatively long. If the vocal cord nodules are larger, then an even longer period of vocal rest may be required, generally lasting from two to four weeks. Clinically, most cases require four weeks. The effects are generally better after resting for four weeks. During this period, treatment can be complemented with medications, such as nebulized inhalation, which can speed up recovery. The premise is to first undergo vocal rest followed by medication treatment, which generally takes about two to four weeks.
What should be noted after vocal cord polyp surgery?
The most important thing to pay attention to after vocal cord polyp surgery is to speak as little as possible, which means vocal rest. Typically, vocal rest should last between two to four weeks. The better you adhere to vocal rest, the better your voice will recover after the surgery. Once recovered, continue to minimize speaking and ensure correct pronunciation to prevent recurrence of vocal cord polyps. Another important consideration is avoiding environments with tobacco smoke; do not smoke and try to stay away from places where others are smoking. Diet should be light, avoiding spicy and stimulating foods. Also, manage your emotions in daily life; do not rush or shout, as this can affect your recovery. Even if you do not yell when anxious, it can still lead to a less than optimal post-operative recovery.
Symptoms of recurrent sinusitis
The symptoms of recurrent sinusitis are essentially the same as those of sinusitis itself. Symptoms can be divided into local symptoms, which are those of the nasal cavity, as well as some systemic symptoms, because the recurrence of sinusitis often follows a cold that leads to an acute recurrence. The nasal symptoms mainly include nasal discharge, primarily consisting of yellow pus-like mucus. There may also be nasal congestion or a sensation of the nose being blocked, as well as headaches. The location and severity of the headache depend on which sinus is more severely inflamed, which also affects where the headache is felt. Additionally, there may be a disturbance in the sense of smell, which refers to a reduced sensitivity to smells, or a reduced ability to smell or weak sense of smell. Systemic symptoms mainly include lethargy, feelings of headache and weakness, lack of concentration, and a general lack of energy. Overall, the symptoms of recurrent sinusitis are similar to those of initial sinusitis, with most being the same.
How is suppurative tonsillitis caused?
The acute onset of suppurative tonsillitis is commonly due to a weakened immune system, which then leads to bacterial infection and thus suppurative tonsillitis. For example, getting chilled or getting caught in the rain, or having a persistent cold. Other common causes include irritation from smoking and alcohol environments, spicy foods, and staying up late. Also, if there is some chronic inflammation in the tonsils, these adverse stimuli make it easier to trigger this type of suppurative inflammation. Therefore, in addition to maintaining a normal routine in daily life, it is also important to check for the presence of chronic tonsillitis. If chronic tonsillitis is present, it's crucial to choose a proper opportunity for surgical treatment, which means performing surgery when it is not in an acute phase, to prevent the recurrence of suppurative inflammation.
How to deal with nasal polyps and enlarged turbinates?
Nasal polyps and hypertrophic turbinates require surgical treatment because both are manifestations of chronic inflammation in rhinitis. Medical treatment alone is not very effective in these cases. Nasal polyps and hypertrophic turbinates mainly cause poor nasal ventilation, and over time, can also affect the drainage of the sinuses. Therefore, in patients with significantly enlarged nasal polyps, who often also suffer from chronic sinusitis, treatment involves the endoscopic removal of nasal polyps and partial resection of the inferior turbinate, along with the opening of the sinus passages. This is a systematic and comprehensive treatment approach. After surgery, it is crucial to follow a prescribed medication regimen, as this ensures the effectiveness of the surgery. If surgery is performed without subsequent medication, the results may not be very good. Additionally, regular postoperative check-ups and cleanings are essential to maintain the effectiveness of the surgery and to prevent long-term recurrence. Many patients who cease medication and do not return for follow-up cleanings after surgery are likely to experience a quick recurrence.
Treatment methods for vocal cord nodules
The treatment is primarily divided into conservative treatment and surgical treatment. Generally, conservative treatment is implemented first. The main strategy of conservative treatment is vocal rest, which entails speaking as little as possible, typically for a duration of two to four weeks. Concurrently, medication is administered, often through nebulized inhalation therapy. The second approach is surgical treatment, which is considered if the conservative treatment does not yield satisfactory results, or if the condition worsens. At this point, surgical treatment of vocal cord nodules is typically performed using support laryngoscopy, microscopy, and either laser or fiber instruments to remove the vocal cord nodules. Post-surgery, a period of vocal rest is necessary for recovery, also lasting two to four weeks. During the recovery period, it is important to speak less, use proper phonation, avoid smoking and alcohol, follow a light diet, and steer clear of spicy and irritating foods.