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

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