Ear Nose & Throat Centre CC Lau

21/10/2020

Snoring isn't just an issue of noise - it can sometimes have serious medical implications. Left untreated, chronic snoring can lead to Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA).

In these cases, the obstruction is so severe that the air entering the lungs is greatly reduced. An apnea happens when the lungs "take a break" from over-exertion, causing the sleeper to stop breathing for more than 10 seconds.

OSA has many undesirable consequences, including:

• "Brain suffocation" when insufficient oxygen reaches the brain
• Adverse effects on the body's performance and function
• Increased risk of heart attack or stroke

Dr Lau Chee Chong is experienced in the accurate diagnosis and treatment of OSA. For more information, call 𝟲𝟮𝟯𝟱 𝟵𝟱𝟯𝟱.

07/10/2020

A common condition that often goes undetected, LPR (aka the Silent Reflux) occurs when the stomach involuntarily regurgitates its contents back into the oesophagus.

With stomach contents containing stomach acid, this can result in irritation and coughing. However, the majority of LPR patients may not have such symptoms.

Treatment includes medication to lower gastric levels and lifestyle changes such as:

• Avoiding large, heavy meals
• Reducing weight (as obesity increases LPR)
• Refraining from sleeping on a full stomach

If the above alleviates the patient's chronic cough, LPR is usually then diagnosed as the likely cause of the cough.

Dr Lau Chee Chong has over 20 years of experience treating LPR. For a detailed assessment, call 𝟲𝟮𝟯𝟱 𝟵𝟱𝟯𝟱.

23/09/2020

Nose cancer is one of the most common cancers in Singapore, with studies indicating that the Chinese race is genetically predisposed to it.

It occurs more commonly in men, typically between the ages of 30 and 50. Other risk factors include family history, underlying conditions like chronic sinus infections and exposure to certain chemicals.

Nose cancer has a high cure rate if detected and treated early. Dr Lau Chee Chong has over 20 years' experience managing the condition. For a detailed assessment, contact us at 𝟲𝟮𝟯𝟱 𝟵𝟱𝟯𝟱.

09/09/2020

To Dr Lau Chee Chong, one of the greatest privileges of being a doctor is the ability to look after the health of his family members.

Talking about his father and grandmother, he explains, "I noticed early symptoms of certain conditions. If they had not been diagnosed early, the consequences could have been very serious."

Dr Lau is also devoted to providing his patients with the best possible care and considers them a part of his family.

He ensures each patient gets the best care by always asking himself, "What would I decide if this were my daughter or father or grandma or brother?"

19/08/2020

Allergic rhinitis occurs when the immune system overreacts to allergens in the air that you breathe in, resulting in an allergic reaction.

People can suffer from 2 types of allergic rhinitis:

𝗦𝗲𝗮𝘀𝗼𝗻𝗮𝗹: This type is seasonal, and is triggered by exposure to outdoor allergens such as pollen from trees and plants.

𝗣𝗲𝗿𝗲𝗻𝗻𝗶𝗮𝗹: This type can occur all year round, and is usually triggered by indoor allergens that include pet dander, dust mites and mould.

Singapore's warm and humid climate increases the growth of common allergens such as dust mites and mould, while other allergens like pollen remain throughout the year as Singapore does not experience seasonal changes.

Treating allergic rhinitis involves avoiding the source of the allergy where possible, and medication can be prescribed to alleviate symptoms as well.

05/08/2020

Thyroid cancer affects the thyroid gland in the neck, which helps regulate vital bodily functions such as blood pressure and body temperature.

Its trademark symptom is a slow-growing, asymptomatic lump in the lower neck.

Treatment-wise, surgery is followed by radiation. In cases with a good prognosis, thyroidectomy followed by radioactive iodine therapy is often the treatment of choice.

Should a lump in the neck be observed, please visit an ENT specialist immediately to get it assessed. For more information, call us at 𝟲𝟮𝟯𝟱 𝟵𝟱𝟯𝟱.

22/07/2020

Dr Lau prides himself on incorporating humour into this practice, as he believes that it will help “alleviate the patient's nerves and anxiety, especially among first-time patients."

He further explains that when patients are relaxed, "they are more cooperative for examinations and procedures," and more willing to open up and share more details with him, allowing for more accurate diagnoses and treatment planning.

Dr Lau also regularly treats young children with ENT conditions, and observes that humour is especially important in these situations because it "helps calm anxious parents, which is crucial because children are affected by their parents' anxiety."

08/07/2020

08/07/2020

A cough is considered chronic when it lasts for 8 weeks in adults and 4 weeks in children.

As causes of chronic cough vary, it is essential to identify the root cause in order to be prescribed the most targeted and effective treatment.

If your cough persists or is causing significant discomfort, seek medical attention from an ENT specialist.

Our ENT clinic currently offers teleconsultation services for adults and children suffering from chronic cough. Call us at 6235 9535.

17/06/2020

Do you hear a 'ringing' sound in your ears even when there is actually none? This is known as tinnitus.

A common condition affecting up to 15% of the local population, exposure to loud noises tend to worsen symptoms.

Tinnitus is often idiopathic, most likely caused by a previous viral infection or minor vascular event. Other underlying medical conditions, such as ear infections, tumours or nerve damage, can also cause tinnitus to occur.

If the ringing sound is so loud and persistent that it affects your day-to-day life, seek medical attention. Our ENT clinic offers teleconsultation services – please enquire for more information.

03/06/2020

Middle ear infections are commonly found in children.

The infection may spread from the back of the throat or nose during flu attacks and sinusitis, into the Eustachian tube which is connected to the middle ear.

A perforated eardrum can also allow external sources of bacterial infection to enter the ear.

Should you notice your child experiencing any of these worrying symptoms, seek medical attention. Our ENT clinic offers teleconsultation services for children suffering from middle ear infections and other conditions.

22/05/2020

20/05/2020

A tracheostomy is a treatment that facilitates breathing through a tube in the neck, bypassing the nose, mouth and throat.

An opening in the neck (below the vocal cords) is first created to insert the tube, where air goes through to enter the lungs.

Conditions that may require a tracheostomy include:

1. Severe obstructive sleep apnoea (OSA)
2. Throat cancer or vocal cord paralysis
3. Severe facial, neck or mouth injuries
4. Need for prolonged respiratory support

Dr Lau Chee Chong is an ENT specialist with over 20 years' experience helping patients in dire need restore their breathing capabilities. Contact us at 6235 9535 for more information.

06/05/2020

A chronic cough is a cough that typically lasts for more than 8 weeks as an adult, or four weeks as a child.

Chronic cough is a result of irritation, inflammation or itching of the airways, triggering the body's cough reflex in order to remove the source of irritation.

LPR (Laryngopharyngeal Reflux) is another condition with chronic cough as a symptom, resulting from acid reflux which damages the airway tract.

Chronic coughs can also severely interfere with one's sleep quality and cause breathing difficulties.

Treatment for a chronic cough is dependent on the underlying cause(s), and most people can expect to regain a better quality of life.

15/04/2020

Nasopharyngeal cancer (NPC) is the 8th most common cancer in Singaporean men, predominantly affecting Chinese men between the ages of 35 and 55.

Some common and earlier symptoms of NPC include:

1. Bloodstained sputum (saliva and mucus)
2. A blocked ear or a ringing sound (tinnitus) in the ear
3. Lump(s) in neck due to the cancer spreading to the lymph nodes

In the later stages, patients may experience a blocked nose, headache, and problems with the nerves controlling eye movement and vision.

Our ENT clinic is experienced and equipped to screen and treat NPC in a supportive environment.

08/04/2020

Dr Lau Chee Chong has been practising ENT for over 20 years. Why did he choose this field?

Initially drawn to the surgical and medical aspects of ENT, Dr Lau reveals that he enjoys "the challenges of surgery and like seeing the rapid results," as well as how he can have "a lot of interaction with patients."

A devoted doctor and family man, Dr Lau also chose ENT because it had relatively fewer emergencies, which meant that his "lifestyle outside of the clinic is less compromised."

Read more about Dr Lau's storied career and life outside the clinic here at https://www.entcentrecclau.com.sg/eng/media/honourable-and-meaningful-work.html

11/03/2020

Cochlear implants are small electronic devices surgically attached behind the ear, bypassing the damaged cochlea in the inner ear to directly stimulate the auditory nerve.

On the other hand, hearing aids work by amplifying sounds, but does not help much if the cochlea is already damaged.

Cochlear implants are therefore usually recommended for children who receive little to no benefit from hearing aids and suffer from severe to profound hearing loss.

This is important as restoring hearing function at a young age will allow children to develop normal speech and language skills much better.

Our clinic provides cochlear implants for eligible children and adults alike. For more information, please call us at 6235 9535 - we will be happy to help.

04/03/2020

Does your baby or toddler not react to loud sounds? They may be suffering from a degree of hearing loss.

Other indications of hearing impairment in babies and toddlers include not responding to your voice or not turning towards sounds even after they turn 6 months old.

Older children may turn up the TV's volume too high, seem generally inattentive, fail to follow conversations properly or frequently misunderstand questions.

Should you notice such symptoms in your child, it is highly recommended to visit a paediatric ENT specialist to properly diagnose the issue and receive targeted treatment.

11/02/2020

With the Image-Guided Endoscopic Sinus Surgery (ESS), more serious sinusitis—usually those that involve structural issues like a deviated septum or nasal polyps—can now be efficiently treated.

Features of ESS include:

1. No incisions required—the endoscope is guided through the nose
2. Uses a detailed 3D model of the sinuses and surrounding structures
3. Real-time visualization for increased precision and safety

Dr Lau Chee Chong has over 20 years of experience treating sinusitis. Call us at 6235 9535 for a consultation today.

04/02/2020

Sinusitis is caused by a bacterial infection which inflames the sinuses—cavities located around the nose—resulting in pain and stuffiness.

Symptoms include:

1. Pain found in and around the nose, or around the eyes, teeth and forehead
2. Yellow or green mucus, or the mucus drips down the back of the throat and causes a sore throat
3. A low-grade fever

Sinusitis can be classified as either acute or chronic, both of which share similar symptoms but are differentiated by how long they last.

If you suspect you might have sinusitis, call our clinic at 6235 9535 for a detailed assessment and treatment today.

15/01/2020

A variety of treatments exist for treating Obstructive Sleep Apnoea (OSA) and are customized to each individual's needs.

A staple OSA treatment is the Continuous Positive Airway Pressure (CPAP) machine that keeps the airways propped open while pushing air into the nose and/or mouth.

More severe cases are treated with surgery, by removing excess tissue from the back of the throat and enlarged tonsils that block the airways.

Breathe and sleep better again - call our clinic at 6235 9535 for a personalized and effective OSA treatment plan.

08/01/2020

A chronic snorer, or something more serious? Obstructive Sleep Apnoea (OSA) is a sleep disorder that affects a person's breathing while asleep.

OSA intermittently disrupts patients' breathing throughout the night, due to an obstruction of the airways.

The result: abrupt awakenings accompanied by gasping and choking, excessive daytime sleepiness, loud snoring and most importantly - lowered oxygen levels and stressed vital organs.

If you suspect you may have OSA, call our clinic at 6235 9535 for a detailed sleep assessment today.

18/12/2019

Tonsillectomy, or removing one’s tonsils via surgery, is a procedure for patients with severe tonsillitis.

Some of the warning signs that require a tonsillectomy include:
𝐀𝐧𝐭𝐢𝐛𝐢𝐨𝐭𝐢𝐜𝐬 – unresponsive/allergic to antibiotics

𝐄𝐧𝐥𝐚𝐫𝐠𝐞𝐝 𝐭𝐨𝐧𝐬𝐢𝐥𝐬 – causes trouble swallowing or sleeping (obstructive sleep apnea)

𝐂𝐡𝐫𝐨𝐧𝐢𝐜 𝐭𝐨𝐧𝐬𝐢𝐥𝐥𝐢𝐭𝐢𝐬 – frequent tonsil infections in a year (e.g. 5 in one year)

If you think your tonsillitis symptoms aren’t improving, give our clinic a call at 6235 9535 to book a consultation.

11/12/2019

An inflammation in the tonsils (tonsillitis) is either caused by a viral or bacterial infection.

Viruses such as influenza and the common cold are caused by a viral infection, while a bacterial infection is more severe and causes strep throat.

A difference is that recovery for 𝐯𝐢𝐫𝐚𝐥 𝐭𝐨𝐧𝐬𝐢𝐥𝐥𝐢𝐭𝐢𝐬 requires drinking fluids and resting, but 𝐛𝐚𝐜𝐭𝐞𝐫𝐢𝐚𝐥 𝐭𝐨𝐧𝐬𝐢𝐥𝐥𝐢𝐭𝐢𝐬 can be remedied with antibiotics.

27/11/2019

If you’re experiencing chronic sinusitis, some ways to relieve its symptoms and accelerate recovery include a saline nasal spray and prescription antibiotics.

If your symptoms persist or worsen even after taking medication, then surgical treatment is a subsequent option. Although there isn’t a permanent cure for sinusitis, sinus surgery is known to be effective in controlling its symptoms.

Here at our clinic, Dr Lau Chee Chong has expertise in performing endoscopic sinus surgery with the assistance of Image-Guided System navigational tool.

Contact us at 6235 9535 for a consultation.

20/11/2019

Sinusitis (or a sinus infection) should not be mistaken for an allergy. Although they sometimes display similar symptoms, some signs that are more indicative of sinusitis than a nasal allergy attack are:

• Thick yellow-green mucus
• Facial pain
• Nasal inflammation
• Symptoms lasting 4-12 weeks

Sinus infections that continue for more than 12 weeks are diagnosed as chronic sinusitis. Your doctor might recommend surgery if you experience multiple episodes of chronic sinusitis within a year.

28/03/2017

Do you know when something irritates a part of the upper airway or oesophageal tract (the UAOT), such as nasal passages, oral parts, throat, larynx, upper oesophagus or lungs, the body reacts by coughing? This reflex is how the body forcibly expels the irritation or unwanted particles from the UAOT.

The common causes of chronic cough may include

1.Chronic infections such as sinusitis, tonsillitis, pharyngitis, laryngitis, bronchitis, and chest or dental infections, where mucus and inflammation of the throat irritate the air passages.
2.Smoking (or haze in the air) may cause constant irritation of the airway.
3.Cancer of the throat, oral cavity, lungs or oesophagus.
4.Certain antihypertensive drugs such as ACE inhibitors (look out for drugs with trade names ending with “pril”) have the side effect of increasing throat sensitivity.
5.Allergies such as allergic rhinitis, throat allergy, cough variant asthma and asthma.
6.Laryngopharyngeal Reflux (LPR)

For more information, please read http://www.entcentrecclau.com.sg/eng/media/understanding-chronic-cough-lpr.html or call 6235 9535.

17/02/2017

Do you know that cochlear implants are particularly beneficial for deaf children who do not benefit from hearing aids or other means of amplification and show a lack of progress in developing auditory skills? The earlier the device is implanted, the greater the benefits that the child is likely to receive. Recent studies have indicated that these benefits include enhanced development and learning ability, even for a second language. For more information, please visit http://www.entcentrecclau.com.sg/eng/cochlear-implants.html or call 6235 9535