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Andrew Cho - Specialist Otolaryngologist Head & Neck Surgeon

Private Service, ENT/ Head & Neck Surgery

Description

Dr Cho has been in practice in Auckland for a number of years now.  After finishing his Otolaryngology/Head and Neck Surgery training in New Zealand, Andrew undertook a Paediatric ENT Fellowship at Starship Hospital in Auckland.  After that he pursued his passion for Head and Neck Surgery and was accepted for a prestigious American Head and Neck Society Fellowship at University of California, Davis, in Head and Neck Oncological Surgery and Microvascular Reconstruction.  It was at UCD that he was also using the Da Vinci robot in resecting cancers and started using it for TORS (Trans Oral Robotic Surgery).  In addition to Oncology and Reconstruction he enjoys Endocrine (thyroids and parathyroids) and General ENT practice. After the US, he undertook further Cosmetic and Reconstructive surgery training in Brazil. Dr Cho now works in private with Robot Head and Neck Surgery (www.robotheadandnecksurgery.co.nz) and also in public at Counties Manukau DHB.

曹医生是澳大利亚皇家外科医师学会会员、耳鼻喉科专家

曹医生在ENT手术的各个方面都有丰富的经验,特别是癌症护理、激光手术和头颈部重建方面。 DR ANDREW CHO的兴趣和专长是癌症护理、经口机器人手术和重建手术。

他不仅对头颈部癌症重建手术和机器人手术方面的治疗,他对于常规的ENT (ear, nose, throat), 耳(如听力), 鼻(如鼻窦炎急性鼻窦炎反复发作、鼻鼾症)和 咽炎 (如声音沙哑 久咳不愈)提供全面的诊断治疗;同时对头颈癌症提供专业的评估诊断,治疗方案及病情管理,包括扁桃体癌、皮肤癌清除术,甲状腺癌。

Staff

Gigi Kwok- ENT Nurse Specialist

Consultants

Ages

Child / Tamariki, Youth / Rangatahi, Adult / Pakeke, Older adult / Kaumātua

How do I access this service?

Referral, Make an appointment, Contact us, Casual (not enrolled) patients

Referral Expectations

HOW TO MAKE AN APPOINTMENT:

Please describe your symptoms in as much detail as possible so that the doctor can accurately assess and explain your condition when you visit.

Please ask the general practitioner or specialist you have consulted to send us a referral letter and send all relevant test results to our clinic.

CONTACT US NOW

If you can complete the patient registration form so that we can ensure that all your details are correct, and we have your consent to share information with other healthcare providers, this is also helpful. When all this is done, please send it to 

Patient registration form

 

如何进行预约:

Dr Cho希望您尽可能详细的描述您的病征,使他们能够在您就诊时准确地评估并解释您的个人情况。

请要求您已就诊过的全科医生或专家给我们发送转诊函,并把全部相关的测试结果发送到创新耳鼻喉科诊所。

现在就联系我们

如果您可以填写患者登记表,以便我们可以确保您所有的详细信息是正确的,并且我们得到您的 同意与其他医疗服务提供者共享信息,这也是有帮助的。所有这些完成后,请将其发送至 

患者登记表

Fees and Charges Description

Hours

Gillies Hospital Specialist Centre, 160 Gillies Avenue, Epsom, Auckland

Mon – Fri 9:00 AM – 4:30 PM

Please contact the practice during the above times to arrange appointments.
Please send a copy of your referral to choreception@tors.co.nz for assessment. 

 

Public Holidays: Closed Auckland Anniversary (27 Jan), Waitangi Day (6 Feb), Good Friday (18 Apr), Easter Sunday (20 Apr), Easter Monday (21 Apr), ANZAC Day (25 Apr), King's Birthday (2 Jun), Matariki (20 Jun), Labour Day (27 Oct).
Christmas: Open 23 Dec — 24 Dec. Closed 25 Dec — 26 Dec. Open 27 Dec. Closed 28 Dec — 29 Dec. Open 30 Dec — 31 Dec. Closed 1 Jan — 2 Jan. Open 3 Jan. Closed 4 Jan — 5 Jan. Open 6 Jan — 10 Jan.

124 Hobsonville Road, Hobsonville, Auckland

Dr Cho will be at Hobsonville Clinic one Thursday per month for consultations.

Crawford Specialist Clinic, 12 Picton Street, Howick, Auckland

Dr Cho will be at Crawford Specialist Centre one Wednesday and one Thursday per month for consultation.

Languages Spoken

English, Chinese, Interpreting Service, Cantonese Chinese

Procedures / Treatments

Nasal Conditions 鼻子的状况

Fractures If your nose breaks and you want expert help to better understand your condition, our specialists can explain the risks and complications of surgery, and can advise you on the best possible treatment. Acute and chronic sinusitis Tired of sinusitis causing serious headache, purulent nasal discharge and other discomfort? You are not alone. Our doctors have helped many people who are just like you. Our ENT specialists can provide you with advice on the most appropriate medical management or surgical treatment based on your personal circumstances and symptoms. 骨折 如果你鼻骨断裂,你想要得到专家的帮助来更好地了解你的病情,我们的专家可以解释外科手术的风险和并发症,并可以为你得到最好的治疗途径提供建议。 急性鼻窦炎+反复发作 厌倦了鼻窦炎给你带来严重的头痛、流脓鼻涕等不适吗?你不是个例,我们的医生已经帮助了很多正像你这种情况的人。我们的ENT专科医生可以根据您的个人情况及症状综合考虑,提供最合适的医疗管理或手术治疗的建议。

Fractures
If your nose breaks and you want expert help to better understand your condition, our specialists can explain the risks and complications of surgery, and can advise you on the best possible treatment.

 

Acute and chronic sinusitis
Tired of sinusitis causing serious headache, purulent nasal discharge and other discomfort? You are not alone. Our doctors have helped many people who are just like you. Our ENT specialists can provide you with advice on the most appropriate medical management or surgical treatment based on your personal circumstances and symptoms.

 

骨折

如果你鼻骨断裂,你想要得到专家的帮助来更好地了解你的病情,我们的专家可以解释外科手术的风险和并发症,并可以为你得到最好的治疗途径提供建议。

 

急性鼻窦炎+反复发作

厌倦了鼻窦炎给你带来严重的头痛、流脓鼻涕等不适吗?你不是个例,我们的医生已经帮助了很多正像你这种情况的人。我们的ENT专科医生可以根据您的个人情况及症状综合考虑,提供最合适的医疗管理或手术治疗的建议。

Sinusitis 鼻竇炎

In the facial bones surrounding your nose, there are four pairs of hollow air spaces known as sinuses or sinus cavities. These sinuses all open into your nose, allowing air to move into and out of the sinus and mucous to drain into the nose and the back of your throat. If the passage between the nose and sinus becomes swollen and blocked, then air and mucous can become trapped in the sinus cavity causing inflammation of the sinus membranes or linings. This is known as sinusitis. Sinusitis can be: acute - usually a bacterial (or sometimes viral) infection in the sinuses that follows a cold, or an allergic reaction. chronic - a long term condition that lasts for more than 3 weeks and may or may not be caused by an infection. Sinusitis can be a recurrent condition which means it may occur every time you get a cold. Symptoms of sinusitis include: facial pain or pressure nasal congestion (blocking) nasal discharge headaches fever. Treatment for bacterial sinusitis is antibiotics and for non-infective sinusitis may include steroid nasal sprays and nasal washes. If this treatment is unsuccessful, surgery may be considered. This is usually performed endoscopically; a tiny camera attached to a tube (endoscope) is inserted into your nose. Very small instruments can be passed through the endoscope and used to remove abnormal or obstructive tissue thus restoring movement of air and mucous between the nose and the sinus.

In the facial bones surrounding your nose, there are four pairs of hollow air spaces known as sinuses or sinus cavities. These sinuses all open into your nose, allowing air to move into and out of the sinus and mucous to drain into the nose and the back of your throat. If the passage between the nose and sinus becomes swollen and blocked, then air and mucous can become trapped in the sinus cavity causing inflammation of the sinus membranes or linings.  This is known as sinusitis.
Sinusitis can be:
  •   acute -  usually a bacterial (or sometimes viral) infection in the sinuses that follows a cold, or an allergic reaction.
  •   chronic - a long term condition that lasts for more than 3 weeks and may or may not be caused by an infection.
Sinusitis can be a recurrent condition which means it may occur every time you get a cold.
 
Symptoms of sinusitis include:
  •     facial pain or pressure
  •     nasal congestion (blocking)
  •     nasal discharge
  •     headaches
  •     fever.
 
Treatment for bacterial sinusitis is antibiotics and for non-infective sinusitis may include steroid nasal sprays and nasal washes.
If this treatment is unsuccessful, surgery may be considered. This is usually performed endoscopically; a tiny camera attached to a tube (endoscope) is inserted into your nose. Very small instruments can be passed through the endoscope and used to remove abnormal or obstructive tissue thus restoring movement of air and mucous between the nose and the sinus.
Tonsillitis 扁桃體炎

Your tonsils are the oval-shaped lumps of tissue that lie on both sides of the back of the throat. Sometimes tonsils can become inflamed (red and swollen with white patches on them) as the result of a bacterial or viral infection; this is known as tonsillitis. If you have tonsillitis, you will have a very sore throat and maybe swollen glands on the side of your neck, a fever, headache or changes to your voice. In some cases, pus can be seen on the tonsils. Tonsillitis mostly occurs in young children and can be a recurrent condition (it keeps coming back). If the tonsillitis is caused by bacteria, antibiotics will be prescribed. If the tonsillitis is caused by a virus, treatment will usually consist of medications to relieve symptoms such as a pain killer. If tonsillitis occurs often over a period of two or more years, then surgical removal of the tonsils (tonsillectomy) may be considered.

Your tonsils are the oval-shaped lumps of tissue that lie on both sides of the back of the throat. Sometimes tonsils can become inflamed (red and swollen with white patches on them) as the result of a bacterial or viral infection; this is known as tonsillitis.
If you have tonsillitis, you will have a very sore throat and maybe swollen glands on the side of your neck, a fever, headache or changes to your voice. In some cases, pus can be seen on the tonsils.
Tonsillitis mostly occurs in young children and  can be a recurrent condition (it keeps coming back).
 
If the tonsillitis is caused by bacteria, antibiotics will be prescribed. If the tonsillitis is caused by a virus, treatment will usually consist of medications to relieve symptoms such as a pain killer.
If tonsillitis occurs often over a period of two or more years, then surgical removal of the tonsils (tonsillectomy) may be considered.
Head and Neck Masses 頭頸部腫塊

Growths, lumps, tumours or masses on the head and neck can be benign (noncancerous) or cancerous and can form in the larynx, pharynx, thyroid gland, salivary gland, mouth, neck, face or skull. Tests to diagnose a mass may include: Neurological examination – assesses eye movements, balance, hearing, sensation, coordination, etc. MRI – magnetic resonance imaging uses magnetic fields and radio waves to give images of internal organs and body structures CT Scan – computer tomography combines x-rays with computer technology to give cross-sectional images of the body Biopsy – a sample of tissue is taken for examination under a microscope. Enlarged Lymph Nodes Lymph nodes in the neck often become swollen when the body is fighting an infection. Benign Lesions Noncancerous masses such as cysts are often removed surgically to prevent them from pressing on nerves and other structures in the head and neck. Cancer Cancerous masses spread to surrounding tissues and may be: Primary – they arise in the head or neck. Mostly caused by tobacco or alcohol use Secondary – they have spread from a primary tumour in another part of the body. Cancers may be treated by a combination of radiotherapy, chemotherapy and surgery.

Growths, lumps, tumours or masses on the head and neck can be benign (noncancerous) or cancerous and can form in the larynx, pharynx, thyroid gland, salivary gland, mouth, neck, face or skull.

Tests to diagnose a mass may include:

  • Neurological examination – assesses eye movements, balance, hearing, sensation, coordination, etc.
  • MRI – magnetic resonance imaging uses magnetic fields and radio waves to give images of internal organs and body structures
  • CT Scan – computer tomography combines x-rays with computer technology to give cross-sectional images of the body
  • Biopsy – a sample of tissue is taken for examination under a microscope.

Enlarged Lymph Nodes
Lymph nodes in the neck often become swollen when the body is fighting an infection.

Benign Lesions
Noncancerous masses such as cysts are often removed surgically to prevent them from pressing on nerves and other structures in the head and neck.

Cancer
Cancerous masses spread to surrounding tissues and may be:

  • Primary – they arise in the head or neck. Mostly caused by tobacco or alcohol use
  • Secondary – they have spread from a primary tumour in another part of the body.

Cancers may be treated by a combination of radiotherapy, chemotherapy and surgery.

Throat & Neck Conditions 喉咙+颈部的状况

Tonsils + adenoids Whether you are young or old, inflammation of the tonsils can cause recurrent episodes of inflammation of the throat and upper respiratory tract. Symptoms include ear canal infections, sore throat, nasal dyspnoea, dysphagia, and obstructive sleep apnoea. If you have encountered these symptoms frequently in the past year, please call us to make a comprehensive expert assessment. 扁桃腺+腺样体 无论您是年轻还是年老,扁桃体发炎肿大可诱发咽喉及上呼吸道炎症的反复发作,出现耳道感染、喉咙痛、鼻部呼吸困难、吞咽困难和阻塞性睡眠呼吸暂停等症状。如果您在过去一年经常遇到这些症状,请给我们打电话预约进行一次全面的专家评估。 腮腺炎 (Mumps) 声音嘶哑+久咳不愈 (Hoarseness and Chronic Cough) 甲状腺+甲状旁腺症状 (Thyroid & Parathyroid Symptoms) 头和颈部的癌症 (Head & Neck Cancer) 唾液肿瘤+症状 (Salivary Tumour & Symptoms)

Tonsils + adenoids
Whether you are young or old, inflammation of the tonsils can cause recurrent episodes of inflammation of the throat and upper respiratory tract. Symptoms include ear canal infections, sore throat, nasal dyspnoea, dysphagia, and obstructive sleep apnoea. If you have encountered these symptoms frequently in the past year, please call us to make a comprehensive expert assessment.

 

扁桃腺+腺样体

无论您是年轻还是年老,扁桃体发炎肿大可诱发咽喉及上呼吸道炎症的反复发作,出现耳道感染、喉咙痛、鼻部呼吸困难、吞咽困难和阻塞性睡眠呼吸暂停等症状。如果您在过去一年经常遇到这些症状,请给我们打电话预约进行一次全面的专家评估。


腮腺炎  (Mumps)

声音嘶哑+久咳不愈 (Hoarseness and Chronic Cough)

甲状腺+甲状旁腺症状 (Thyroid & Parathyroid Symptoms)

头和颈部的癌症 (Head & Neck Cancer)

唾液肿瘤+症状 (Salivary Tumour & Symptoms)

Thyroid & Parathyroid Surgery 甲狀腺和甲狀旁腺手術

Thyroidectomy An incision (cut) is made in the front of and at the base of the neck and part or all of the thyroid gland is removed. Parathyroidectomy An incision (cut) is made in the front of and at the base of the neck and one or more of the parathyroid glands are removed.

Thyroidectomy
An incision (cut) is made in the front of and at the base of the neck and part or all of the thyroid gland is removed.

Parathyroidectomy
An incision (cut) is made in the front of and at the base of the neck and one or more of the parathyroid glands are removed.

Neck Surgery 頸部手術

Radical Neck Dissection All lymph nodes (bean-shaped glands that filter harmful agents picked up by the lymphatic system) from the collar bone to the jaw and from the front of the neck to the back are removed, along with the sternocleidomastoid muscle (moves the head from side to side), the spinal accessory nerve (involved in speech, swallowing and some head movements), the submandibular gland (one of the salivary glands) and the internal jugular vein. Modified or Functional Neck Dissection All lymph nodes (bean-shaped glands that filter harmful agents picked up by the lymphatic system) from the collar bone to the jaw and from the front of the neck to the back are removed.

Radical Neck Dissection
All lymph nodes (bean-shaped glands that filter harmful agents picked up by the lymphatic system) from the collar bone to the jaw and from the front of the neck to the back are removed, along with the sternocleidomastoid muscle (moves the head from side to side), the spinal accessory nerve (involved in speech, swallowing and some head movements), the submandibular gland (one of the salivary glands) and the internal jugular vein.

Modified or Functional Neck Dissection
All lymph nodes (bean-shaped glands that filter harmful agents picked up by the lymphatic system) from the collar bone to the jaw and from the front of the neck to the back are removed.

TORS (TransOral Robotic Surgery) 經口機器人手術

TransOral Robotic Surgery (TORS) is the world's first group of minimally invasive robotic surgery techniques that enable Head and Neck surgeons to remove benign and malignant tumors of the mouth and throat. Dr Cho and Dr Hall were the first surgeons in NZ to perform the surgery and have been instrumental in its development in this country. Together they have performed more TORS procedures than any other physicians in New Zealand. We are able to provide TORS in NZ and have a first class team comprising leading surgeons, anaesthetists, nurses, and clinicians dedicated to providing superior patient outcomes through the use of robotic-assisted technology.

TransOral Robotic Surgery (TORS) is the world's first group of minimally invasive robotic surgery techniques that enable Head and Neck surgeons to remove benign and malignant tumors of the mouth and throat.

Dr Cho and Dr Hall were the first surgeons in NZ to perform the surgery and have been instrumental in its development in this country.  Together they have performed more TORS procedures than any other physicians in New Zealand.

We are able to provide TORS in NZ and have a first class team comprising leading surgeons, anaesthetists, nurses, and clinicians dedicated to providing superior patient outcomes through the use of robotic-assisted technology.

Otitis Media 中耳炎

This is inflammation or infection of your middle ear (the space behind your eardrum) and is often associated with a build-up of fluid in your middle ear. Acute Otitis Media This is usually caused by a temporary malfunction of the Eustachian tube due to allergies, infections or trauma. The Eustachian tube connects the middle ear to the nose and allows air to enter the middle ear, thus making middle ear pressure the same as air pressure outside the head. Acute otitis media results in an infection in the middle ear causing pain, fever and a red, bulging eardrum (the thin, transparent membrane between the outer ear canal and the middle ear). This condition is usually seen in young children. The treatment may be antibiotics if it is suspected to be a bacterial, rather than viral, infection, or if there are repeated episodes, surgical insertion of grommets into the eardrums may be required. Grommets are tiny ventilation tubes that allow normal airflow into, and drainage out of, the middle ear until the Eustachian tube begins to work normally. The operation is done under general anaesthesia (the child is asleep) and takes 10-15 minutes. Most grommets fall out naturally after six to twelve months, by which time the Eustachian tubes are often working properly. Otitis Media with Effusion (Glue Ear) Like acute otitis media, glue ear is usually the result of a temporary malfunction of the Eustachian tube and may either follow an episode of acute otitis media or occur on its own. The condition is usually seen in children. Fluid is present in the middle ear and the ear is not usually painful, but the ear drum is not red and bulging and there is no fever. Glue ear may lead to hearing loss, which can result in speech delays, and balance problems. Treatment options include: a prolonged course of antibiotics; grommet insertion; or treatment with decongestants, antihistamines or steroids. Chronic Otitis Media If the Eustachian tube is blocked repeatedly over a period of several years, there may be changes to the tissues of the middle ear such as deformity of the ear drum and damage to the bones of the ear. These changes may result in hearing problems, balance problems, and persistent deep ear pain. If such long term damage has occurred, an operation called tympanomastoidectomy may be required. This involves making an incision (cut) behind or around the upper part of your ear, drilling through the mastoid bone and removing, and possibly repairing, damaged tissues. 耳引流 如果你有耳痛,耳朵不适,感觉失去平衡而且伴有耳朵灼热感或你注意到有听力下降,甚至吞咽时有异物感。我们的专家也可以提供紧急评估和治疗,为您清理耳朵异物,同时我们的儿科ENT专家能确保你家里的每个小家庭成员都能得到最佳管理和治疗。

This is inflammation or infection of your middle ear (the space behind your eardrum) and is often associated with a build-up of fluid in your middle ear.

Acute Otitis Media

This is usually caused by a temporary malfunction of the Eustachian tube due to allergies, infections or trauma.  The Eustachian tube connects the middle ear to the nose and allows air to enter the middle ear, thus making middle ear pressure the same as air pressure outside the head.  Acute otitis media results in an infection in the middle ear causing pain, fever and a red, bulging eardrum (the thin, transparent membrane between the outer ear canal and the middle ear).  This condition is usually seen in young children.  The treatment may be antibiotics if it is suspected to be a bacterial, rather than viral, infection, or if there are repeated episodes, surgical insertion of grommets into the eardrums may be required.  Grommets are tiny ventilation tubes that allow normal airflow into, and drainage out of, the middle ear until the Eustachian tube begins to work normally.  The operation is done under general anaesthesia (the child is asleep) and takes 10-15 minutes. Most grommets fall out naturally after six to twelve months, by which time the Eustachian tubes are often working properly.

Otitis Media with Effusion (Glue Ear)

Like acute otitis media, glue ear is usually the result of a temporary malfunction of the Eustachian tube and may either follow an episode of acute otitis media or occur on its own. The condition is usually seen in children. Fluid is present in the middle ear and the ear is not usually painful, but the ear drum is not red and bulging and there is no fever. Glue ear may lead to hearing loss, which can result in speech delays, and balance problems. Treatment options include: a prolonged course of antibiotics; grommet insertion; or treatment with decongestants, antihistamines or steroids.

Chronic Otitis Media

If the Eustachian tube is blocked repeatedly over a period of several years, there may be changes to the tissues of the middle ear such as deformity of the ear drum and damage to the bones of the ear. These changes may result in hearing problems, balance problems, and persistent deep ear pain.  If such long term damage has occurred, an operation called tympanomastoidectomy may be required. This involves making an incision (cut) behind or around the upper part of your ear, drilling through the mastoid bone and removing, and possibly repairing, damaged tissues.

耳引流

如果你有耳痛,耳朵不适,感觉失去平衡而且伴有耳朵灼热感或你注意到有听力下降,甚至吞咽时有异物感。我们的专家也可以提供紧急评估和治疗,为您清理耳朵异物,同时我们的儿科ENT专家能确保你家里的每个小家庭成员都能得到最佳管理和治疗。

Snoring 打鼾

Snoring is the harsh rattling noise made by some people when they sleep. Snoring occurs when the flow of air through the back of the mouth and nose becomes partially blocked and structures such as the tongue, soft palate (the back part of the roof of the mouth) and uvula (the tag that hangs at the back of the mouth) strike each other and vibrate. Causes of snoring include: nasal polyps; a bend in the nasal septum (the partition running down the middle of the nose), large tonsils or adenoids, obesity, smoking, excess alcohol. Surgical treatment of snoring involves the removal of excess loose tissue in the throat or soft palate.

Snoring is the harsh rattling noise made by some people when they sleep. Snoring occurs when the flow of air through the back of the mouth and nose becomes partially blocked and structures such as the tongue, soft palate (the back part of the roof of the mouth) and uvula (the tag that hangs at the back of the mouth) strike each other and vibrate.
 
Causes of snoring include: nasal polyps; a bend in the nasal septum (the partition running down the middle of the nose), large tonsils or adenoids, obesity, smoking, excess alcohol.
 
Surgical treatment of snoring involves the removal of excess loose tissue in the throat or soft palate.
Obstructive Sleep Apnoea (OSA) 阻塞性睡眠呼吸暫停

When snoring is interrupted by episodes of totally obstructed breathing, it is known as obstructive sleep apnoea. The obstruction is caused by the relaxation of muscles that support the soft tissues at the back of the throat such as the uvula, soft palate, tongue and tonsils. These tissues then collapse and momentarily block the airway. Episodes may last 20 seconds or more and may occur hundreds of times per night. While you are not breathing, the levels of oxygen in your blood drop which causes your blood pressure to go up and adds strain to your cardiovascular system. In addition, you are likely to feel overly tired during the day and your work, driving and overall performance may be affected. The usual treatment for OSA is to wear a nasal mask that delivers pressurised air to keep the airways open while you sleep. This treatment is known as Continuous Positive Airway Pressure (CPAP).

When snoring is interrupted by episodes of totally obstructed breathing, it is known as obstructive sleep apnoea. The obstruction is caused by the relaxation of muscles that support the soft tissues at the back of the throat such as the uvula, soft palate, tongue and tonsils. These tissues then collapse and momentarily block the airway.
 
Episodes may last 20 seconds or more and may occur hundreds of times per night. While you are not breathing, the levels of oxygen in your blood drop which causes your blood pressure to go up and adds strain to your cardiovascular system. In addition, you are likely to feel overly tired during the day and your work, driving and overall performance may be affected.
 
The usual treatment for OSA is to wear a nasal mask that delivers pressurised air to keep the airways open while you sleep. This treatment is known as Continuous Positive Airway Pressure (CPAP).
Salivary Gland Disorders 唾液腺疾病

There are three large pairs of glands (parotid, sublingual and submandibular) in your mouth that produce saliva which helps break down food as part of the digestion process. Salivary Gland Malfunction Salivary gland malfunction that results in a decrease in saliva production can be caused by conditions such as Parkinson’s disease, depression, HIV infection and chronic pain. Saliva production can also be decreased by certain medications such as some antidepressants, antihistamines and sedatives. Reduced saliva can lead to increased tooth decay and difficulty speaking and swallowing. Good dental care is important in this condition. In some cases, saliva substitutes can be helpful. Salivary Gland Swelling If the duct or tube carrying saliva from the gland to the mouth becomes blocked, the gland will swell. The glands can also swell as the result of mumps, bacterial infections and certain other diseases. If the duct is blocked by a stone, it can sometimes by squeezed or pulled out but may on occasion require surgery to remove it.

There are three large pairs of glands (parotid, sublingual and submandibular) in your mouth that produce saliva which helps break down food as part of the digestion process.

Salivary Gland Malfunction
Salivary gland malfunction that results in a decrease in saliva production can be caused by conditions such as Parkinson’s disease, depression, HIV infection and chronic pain. Saliva production can also be decreased by certain medications such as some antidepressants, antihistamines and sedatives.

Reduced saliva can lead to increased tooth decay and difficulty speaking and swallowing.

Good dental care is important in this condition. In some cases, saliva substitutes can be helpful.

Salivary Gland Swelling
If the duct or tube carrying saliva from the gland to the mouth becomes blocked, the gland will swell. The glands can also swell as the result of mumps, bacterial infections and certain other diseases.

If the duct is blocked by a stone, it can sometimes by squeezed or pulled out but may on occasion require surgery to remove it.

Rhinitis 鼻炎

Rhinitis is the inflammation of the lining of the nose (nasal mucosa). The most common symptoms are a blocked, runny and itchy nose. Rhinitis can be: allergic – either seasonal (hay fever) caused by pollen allergies or perennial caused by e.g. house dust mite, pets. infectious – e.g. the common cold non-allergic, non-infectious – caused by irritants such as smoke, fumes, food additives In the case of allergic rhinitis, the specific allergen (the thing that you are allergic to) may be identified by skin prick tests. This involves placing a drop of the allergen on your skin and then scratching your skin through the drop. If you are allergic, your skin will become red and swollen at the site. Treatment of allergic rhinitis involves avoiding the allergen if possible, but if not possible then corticosteroid nasal sprays and antihistamines are the usual medications prescribed.

Rhinitis is the inflammation of the lining of the nose (nasal mucosa). The most common symptoms are a blocked, runny and itchy nose.
 
Rhinitis can be:
  • allergic – either seasonal (hay fever) caused by pollen allergies or perennial caused by e.g. house dust mite, pets.
  • infectious – e.g. the common cold
  • non-allergic, non-infectious – caused by irritants such as smoke, fumes, food additives
 
In the case of allergic rhinitis, the specific allergen (the thing that you are allergic to) may be identified by skin prick tests. This involves placing a drop of the allergen on your skin and then scratching your skin through the drop. If you are allergic, your skin will become red and swollen at the site.
 
Treatment of allergic rhinitis involves avoiding the allergen if possible, but if not possible then corticosteroid nasal sprays and antihistamines are the usual medications prescribed. 
Hoarseness 嘶啞

Hoarseness can be described as abnormal voice changes that make your voice sound raspy and strained and higher or lower or louder or quieter than normal. These changes are usually the result of disorders of the vocal cords which are the sound-producing parts of the voice box (larynx). The most common cause of hoarseness is laryngitis (inflammation of the vocal cords) which is usually associated with a viral infection but can also be the result of irritation caused by overuse of your voice e.g. excessive singing, cheering, loud talking. Other causes of hoarseness include: nodules on the vocal cords – these may develop after using your voice too much or too loudly over a long period of time smoking gastro-oesophageal reflux disease (GERD) – stomach acid comes back up the oesophagus and irritates the vocal cords. This is a common cause of hoarseness in older people allergies polyps on the vocal cords glandular problems tumours. Diagnostic tests may include viewing the vocal cords with a mirror at the back of your throat or by inserting a small flexible tube with a camera on the end (endoscope) through your mouth. Sometimes tests may be done to analyse the sounds of your voice. Treatment depends on the cause of the hoarseness and may include resting your voice or changing how it is used, avoiding smoking, medication to slow stomach acid production and sometimes surgical removal of nodules or polyps.

Hoarseness can be described as abnormal voice changes that make your voice sound raspy and strained and higher or lower or louder or quieter than normal.
These changes are usually the result of disorders of the vocal cords which are the sound-producing parts of the voice box (larynx).
 
The most common cause of hoarseness is laryngitis (inflammation of the vocal cords) which is usually associated with a viral infection but can also be the result of irritation caused by overuse of your voice e.g. excessive singing, cheering, loud talking.
 
Other causes of hoarseness include:
  • nodules on the vocal cords – these may develop after using your voice too much or too loudly over a long period of time
  • smoking
  • gastro-oesophageal reflux disease (GERD) – stomach acid comes back up the oesophagus and irritates the vocal cords. This is a common cause of hoarseness in older people
  • allergies
  • polyps on the vocal cords
  • glandular problems
  • tumours.
 
Diagnostic tests may include viewing the vocal cords with a mirror at the back of your throat or by inserting a small flexible tube with a camera on the end (endoscope) through your mouth. Sometimes tests may be done to analyse the sounds of your voice.
 
Treatment depends on the cause of the hoarseness and may include resting your voice or changing how it is used, avoiding smoking, medication to slow stomach acid production and sometimes surgical removal of nodules or polyps.

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This page was last updated at 9:47AM on March 12, 2024. This information is reviewed and edited by Andrew Cho - Specialist Otolaryngologist Head & Neck Surgeon.