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Signs That May Indicate Your Snoring is Dangerous

Snoring – most people snore at some point in their lives, but is it a sign for concern? Snoring can be normal, but in some cases, it may be a sign of a serious underlying health condition. If you have a snoring problem and are wondering if it is something you should be worried about, you have come to the right place. In this article, we will discuss the basics of snoring, what causes people to snore and how to identify signs that may indicate it is dangerous. If you are searching for a reliable snoring specialist in Singapore, we might be able to help you with that!

Snoring

A snorting, whistling, grumbling, rattling sound or even a quiet vibration that is produced during sleep is referred to as snoring. When you sleep, the muscles relax, narrowing the airway. The moving air causes the tissue to vibrate and generate noise as a person breathes in and out. However, this muscle relaxation during sleep is not the only instance that can cause snoring; any obstruction that disrupts the normal passage of air can cause snoring.

Let’s look at some of the main factors that can interfere with airflow and cause snoring:

  • Age – With age, the airways tend to narrow as a result of the decreasing muscle tone. This poor muscle tone can cause snoring.
  • Anatomy – Individuals who have a low and thick soft palate are more likely to snore as their airway is narrow. The risk of snoring is higher if an individual has an airway defect such as a deviated septum.
  • Gender – Males are more predisposed to snoring as their oropharynx (middle section of the throat) is usually larger than in women.
  • Inadequate sleep – If you are experiencing sleep deprivation, this can cause your muscles to relax even further, resulting in snoring.
  • Sleeping position – If you tend to sleep on your back, you are more likely to snore. This is because when you lie on your back, the soft palate and base of your tongue collapse to the back wall of your throat, creating a vibrating sound while you sleep.
  • Weight – Being overweight or obese can add extra pressure to the airways and compress the passage due to the excess fat.
  • Pregnancy – The hormonal changes that occur during pregnancy causes blood vessels to dilate and the mucous membranes to swell. These changes can constrict the airway and cause you to snore.
  • Family history – Snoring tends to run in families, so if you have a family member that snores, you would be more prone to snore.
  • Overall health – Any underlying medical conditions can play a role in snoring, such as nasal congestion and allergies.

The consumption of alcohol can also relax the throat muscles and contribute to this condition. In addition, certain medications, such as sedatives, can further exacerbate this condition. Therefore, it is important that you do not attempt to self-medicate. An experienced snoring specialist in Singapore will ensure that the proper assessment and treatment are carried out to provide you relief from snoring.

When Should You Seek Medical Attention for Snoring? 

Whether your snoring is dangerous or not will depend on type, severity, and frequency. The types of snoring can be classified into three broad categories – light snoring, which is usually considered harmless and requires no further investigation or snoring treatment. Primary snoring, on the other hand, occurs more than three nights a week and may require testing to come to a diagnosis. However, if individuals do not have sleep apnoea or experience sleep disruption, there will be no cause for concern. The third type is snoring related to obstructive sleep apnoea; this type needs medical attention as it can have certain adverse consequences, such as stroke and cardiovascular issues if left untreated.

Let’s walk through some signs that may indicate your snoring is dangerous:

You Are Constantly Exhausted

Daytime drowsiness is a key indicator of poor sleep. If you are feeling exhausted and you snore a lot, it could be due to sleep apnoea. Daytime sleepiness can reduce the quality of life and may have severe implications, such as driving accidents.

Gasping or Choking Sounds While Sleeping

Family members usually notice this, but some snorers may wake up often from sleep without them even realising it.

You Are Diagnosed with Obstructive Sleep Apnoea (OSA)

OSA is a common sleeping disorder that interferes with normal breathing. Frequent episodes of partial or complete closure of the upper airway characterise this condition.

You Have Hypertension (High Blood Pressure)

While hypertension alone may not be a warning sign, the presence of other telltale clues can indicate a more sinister issue. Hypertension can result from OSA. The sympathetic nervous system of the body activates and increases blood pressure every time a person briefly stops breathing.

You Have a High Body Mass Index (BMI)

As mentioned previously, individuals carrying excess weight are at a higher risk of snoring. The extra fat around the neck region can directly impact the upper airway, and obesity has been known to have a link to OSA. Therefore, if this is a factor that is contributing to your condition, your snoring specialist in Singapore may recommend weight loss as part of your snoring treatment. 

Snoring – Diagnosis and Treatment

In order to make the correct diagnosis, your doctor for snoring in Singapore will take a detailed medical history which a physical examination will usually follow. Additionally, you may be required to undergo a few investigations, such as a sleep study (polysomnography), allergy testing, nasal endoscopy and various other imaging tests.

The snoring treatment plan will differ from person to person – the symptoms, causes, and patient compliance will determine this. The specialist may initially focus on non-surgical options like cold and allergy medication (if allergies are a factor in the problem), and implementing certain lifestyle changes, such as abstaining from alcohol, losing weight, adopting better-sleeping positions, and using nasal strips or oral appliances. 

If there is obstructive sleep apnoea, your doctor may recommend the use of a CPAP (Continuous Positive Airway Pressure) machine to help keep your airways open during sleep.

If these remedies are ineffective or not well tolerated, they may have to consider surgical snoring treatments like tonsillectomy, ablation therapy, and laser-assisted uvulopalatoplasty.

Amandela ENT Head and Neck Center – Your Trusted ENT Clinic in Singapore 

If you are seeking medical guidance to relieve snoring, Amandela ENT Head and Neck Centre has got you covered. Our practice aims to provide subspecialty care for every patient and will ensure that you will receive support and assistance every step of the way. Get in touch with our dedicated and friendly team today.

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What are the Common ENT Procedures Performed in Singapore?

Are you suffering from an ENT (ear, nose, and throat) concern? If so, know that you are not alone. ENT-related problems are common among the population in Singapore and worldwide. While you may visit a general physician for your condition initially, you would most probably be referred to an ENT specialist for further assessment and evaluation. But who are ENT specialists, what conditions can they treat, and what procedures are commonly carried out by these specialists? If these questions are running across your mind, you have come to the right place. In this article, we will provide answers to all these questions and more. In addition, if you are looking for a reliable ear specialist or ENT clinic in Singapore, we have you covered!

ENT Specialists: Who Are They and What Conditions Do They Treat? 

These head and neck specialists are also known as otolaryngologists or ENT specialists, and they specialise in diagnosing and treating diseases that affect the ear, nose, and throat, as well as related regions of the head and neck. In addition to treating certain medical conditions, these head and neck doctors perform specific surgical procedures.

Some of the common conditions treated by these head and neck specialists include:

Ear

  • Ear aches
  • Ear infections
  • Tinnitus
  • Hearing loss
  • Vertigo and balance issues

Nose

  • Allergic rhinitis
  • Sinus infections (sinusitis)
  • Nasal congestion or runny nose
  • Breathing issues
  • Anosmia (loss of smell)
  • Snoring
  • Obstructive sleep apnoea (OSA) and other sleeping disorders

Throat

  • Loss of voice or hoarseness
  • Tonsillitis
  • Swallowing difficulty

ENT Surgical Procedures in Singapore

Apart from the conditions mentioned above, some head and neck specialists may also perform various ENT surgical procedures that involve the head and neck region. For instance, at Amandela ENT Head and Neck Center, our ENT specialists perform a range of surgeries, from day surgeries to inpatient surgeries, including complex surgeries.

Let’s take an in-depth look at some of the ENT surgical procedures offered by our ENT clinic in Singapore:

Sinus Surgery

This is a treatment option for those who experience chronic and recurrent sinus infections, nasal polyps (abnormal growths), and those with an abnormal sinus structure. The goal of this surgery is to unblock obstructions and open the sinus passages. There are many kinds of sinus surgery, but the most common type is endoscopic sinus surgery. In this procedure, the specialist will insert an endoscope – a thin tube with a light and camera at one end, into the nasal cavity to help guide them during the surgery. Some specialists may even use balloon sinuplasty, which involves using the endoscope to guide the insertion of a catheter with a balloon at one end to widen the sinus channel.

Turbinate Reduction Surgery

This surgery is offered for individuals who experience chronic nasal obstruction. Turbinates are structures at the sides of the nose which help warm and humidify the air that we breathe in through the nose. These structures can get swollen due to infection or allergies leading to nasal obstruction and congestion. Turbinate reduction surgery, as the name implies, helps reduce the size of turbinates and improves airflow. It can be a simple procedure done under local anaesthesia involving inserting a needle like instrument into the turbinate and using radiofrequency energy to shrink the turbinates. Sometimes, it may be necessary to remove part of the turbinate under general anaesthesia. However, this is not the first line of treatment for nasal obstruction, and the head and neck doctor will only perform this procedure if all other nonsurgical options have not been successful.

Tonsillectomy

If you are someone who experiences tonsillitis often or has chronic tonsillitis, your head and neck specialist may recommend a tonsillectomy, which refers to the removal of the tonsils. Tonsillectomies are usually indicated for patients with recurrent and chronic tonsillitis and peritonsillar abscess. Tonsillectomy may sometimes be performed as part of a procedure for  sleep-disordered breathing issues like OSA 

Thyroidectomy

The thyroid gland is an important gland that carries out many critical functions of the body. It plays a significant role in many components, such as hormone regulation, growth and development, metabolism regulation and more. However, if the patient is suffering from conditions such as thyroid nodules or thyroid cancer, the gland (whole or part) may need to be removed, which is referred to as thyroidectomy. This procedure is classified into two broad categories depending on how much thyroid tissue is excised – partial and total thyroidectomy.

During a partial thyroidectomy, only a section of the gland is removed, and this category can be further divided into four subtypes – thyroid lobectomy (removal of a lobe), lobectomy with isthmusectomy (removal of a lobe and isthmus), partial thyroid lobectomy (removal of a portion of the lobe), and subtotal lobectomy. In a subtotal thyroidectomy, a small portion of the gland will be left during the procedure. Total thyroidectomy refers to the removal of the entire thyroid gland and as the patient would not have any thyroid tissue remaining, they would require thyroid hormone supplementation for the rest of their lives.

Furthermore, a surgery known as completion thyroidectomy is carried out to remove the remaining thyroid tissue following a partial thyroidectomy. This intervention may be required for patients who present with a diagnosis of a malignant thyroid tumour after having undergone the primary operation.

In addition to the surgical procedures mentioned above, our medical professionals at Amandela Head and Neck Center treat cancers affecting the head and neck region, such as parotid and salivary gland, as well as tongue cancer treatment and more. If you need more information on these procedures or have any questions or concerns, do not hesitate to reach out to our team. Our practice offers subspecialty care that any patient can trust and rely on. Get in touch with us now!

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Do You Snore?: Here’s 5 Reasons Why

Do you toss and turn in bed at night because your spouse is snoring? Or are you receiving complaints in the morning that you are the reason for someone else’s sleepless night? Whatever the case may be, snoring is an irritating disturbance to a restful night’s sleep and perhaps an indication of a much more serious issue like Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA).

It is important to note that just because you snore, you do not necessarily have OSA. However, OSA should not be treated lightly because those who suffer from this condition may stop breathing in their sleep due to a restricted airway. Our team of medical professionals at Amandela ENT Head and Neck Centre strongly recommend that you visit a snoring doctor in Singapore if you snore so that they are able to diagnose the cause of your snoring correctly. 

Snoring occurs when air is unable to move freely through your trachea when you sleep. When the airway is constricted or blocked, this causes the tissues to move and vibrate due to the airflow causing that all too familiar noise known as a snore. There are several reasons why people tend to snore according to snoring doctors in Singapore. 

1. Blocked Airways

Do you recall the last time you suffered from a sinus infection or when pesky allergies affected your ability to breathe easy? You might not be able to recall it now, but there is a very high likelihood that you snored quite a bit during such periods. A stuffy nose can prevent air from flowing freely in the trachea causing snoring.  Individuals with persistent nasal obstruction are more likely to snore often. 

Some ways to eliminate snoring that arises from nasal congestion is through taking prescribed medications to treat the infection or allergies. Nasal decongestant sprays are also useful in lessening the nasal congestion, allowing for air to flow freely in the airway thereby reducing snoring. 

2. Obesity

Another common reason for snoring is weight. Simply put, when there is more fat around your neck, it can press against your upper airway when you sleep. When neck fat compresses the upper airway, it makes it incredibly difficult for air to flow smoothly through the airway and makes snoring more likely. Interestingly, people who snore tend to have a hard time sleeping at night leading to poor sleep quality. This makes them groggy and restless during the day causing  them to snack more thereby leading to greater weight gain. 

One way most snoring doctors in Singapore recommend to resolve this cause of snoring is to lose weight. When the individual loses weight, it drastically reduces snoring and improves overall sleep quality. A healthy diet is also recommended for people who snore due to obesity. When the patient pays close attention to the food he or she eats, they are able to control their weight and be more conscious of how their eating habits affect their snoring patterns.

For example, eating too close to bedtime can lead to painful indigestion. When acid from the indigestion travels because of the body’s supine position, it can cause the gullet to become inflamed and swollen. This can cause the trachea to become constricted making it difficult for air to flow, thus leading to snoring. 

3. Gender-Related Reasons 

Did you know that according to a study conducted by the American Academy of Sleep Medicine, 40% of men are snorers compared to 24% of their female counterparts. It’s a fact that men snore more than women (sorry guys!) but what are some of the reasons that predispose a certain sex towards snoring? 

One obvious reason is due to biology. It’s no secret that men and women are anatomically different. Since men have a unique type of muscle structure in their throat and neck, it can amplify the sound of the snore. In fact, men have a larger-sized airway and a bigger hard palate in the mouth which facilitates loud snores. 

Another reason is due to the hormones unique to women.  Two types of female hormones which include oestrogen and progesterone help the females to reduce snoring. Progesterone, for example, is key in preventing abnormal breathing during sleep. In fact, recent research has shown that women who go through menopause and experience lower levels of these vital hormones tend to have symptoms of OSA. 

4. Alcohol Consumption

Another reason for snoring is alcohol consumption. When a person ingests alcohol it causes the throat muscles to become lax. This can lead to constricted air flow. When air travels through the narrow airways, it moves against these loosened and relaxed throat muscles which creates the snoring sound. Snoring doctors in Singapore usually recommend that individuals do not drink alcohol at least five to six hours before bedtime as these could exacerbate the snoring. 

5. Age

Age is also a factor which can worsen snoring. When we age, the muscles in our body tend to weaken. It is no different for the muscles in our airway. When air flow moves against these loose tissues, it causes them to vibrate thereby producing the familiar snoring sound. 

Schedule A Consultation With Our ENT Doctors at Amandela ENT Head and Neck Centre

Make an appointment with our doctors at Amandela ENT Head and Neck Centre if you need treatment for your snoring. Our doctors are determined to deliver patient-centric care so that you receive the most suitable snoring treatment. Click here to arrange a consultation session with our team of ENT doctors at Amandela ENT Head and Neck centre. 

 

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I have a neck lump which moves when I swallow!

If you clicked on this post, chances are that you are experiencing a phenomenon known as a thyroid nodule which sometimes presents itself as a painless lump in your neck that is easily viewable or can be felt by pressing against it.

But what exactly are thyroid nodules?

Thyroid nodules are lumps or growths that are either filled with liquid or solid in nature. They are formed within the thyroid gland itself which is situated at the bottom of the neck. They are often discovered during routine physical examinations or when they present themselves outwardly on the neck. It is important to note that thyroid nodules tend to be painless to the touch and usually move when people ingest food and drink. 

There are several reasons why a thyroid nodule may be formed. Some causes include an overgrowth of thyroid tissue, thyroid inflammation or  the development of a tumour. Thyroid nodules are also common amongst older individuals, specifically females. Iodine deficiency and a family history of thyroid cancers and autoimmune diseases are among other risk factors. 

Symptoms Of Thyroid Nodules

One obvious symptom of thyroid nodules is the appearance of a thyroid nodule in your neck. In some cases, larger nodules may even add pressure against your trachea and oesophagus making everyday actions like breathing and swallowing food difficult. These can also cause a whole host of other symptoms known as compressive symptoms which include but not limited to:

  1. Difficulty breathing especially when exercising 
  2. Difficulty swallowing 
  3. Loud and noisy breathing when sleeping at night 
  4. A sense of tightness in the neck 
  5. A sense of discomfort when lying down especially when adopting certain positions when lying down

How Are Thyroid Nodules Evaluated? 

When you visit a thyroid specialist in Singapore, the first step is to identify if the nodules are cancerous. The first step is usually an ultrasound which is able to pinpoint the thyroid nodule with targeted accuracy. The doctor will make an informed decision to move forward with a biopsy based on the results of the ultrasound. Ultrasounds are incredibly helpful in helping the doctor to determine the size, shape and make-up of the nodules. 

There are usually two scenarios that follow the ultrasound. First, the ultrasound indicates if the thyroid nodule is filled with liquid or is cystic in nature. If it is a purely cystic nodule, it means that it does not have a solid component and the chances of it being benign are fortunately very high. 

In such cases when the thyroid nodule is purely cystic or fluid-filled, the ultrasound will show that the nodule is completely black. This is a good sign that the nodule is not malignant and does not pose a severe threat to the patient’s life. On the other hand, if the ultrasound reveals the nodule is marked with little white spots, it could signal the presence of thyroid cancer. 

When this happens, the  thyroid specialist in Singapore will usually proceed with the biopsy. Using a fine-needle aspiration, the doctor will carefully insert a needle into the nodule in order to collect some thyroid cells for laboratory analysis. It is a minimal procedure with no downtime whatsoever and can be completed within half an hour. 

thyroid

Treatment Options For Thyroid Nodules

Thyroid treatment for thyroid nodules include invasive procedures like thyroid surgery which is usually required to remove suspicious nodules, medical prescriptions and close monitoring. Listed below are more details about the various treatment methods which are usually determined based on the severity of the thyroid nodule. 

1.  Surgery

Generally, Invasive methods like thyroid surgery are only recommended if the patient’s thyroid nodule turns out to be cancerous. In such cases, the thyroid specialist in Singapore will surgically remove about half of the thyroid gland. However, the doctor will determine how much of the thyroid gland to remove as it is dependent on the spread of the cancer. This treatment method is also recommended if the thyroid nodule presses against your windpipe or oesophagus making essential activities like breathing or swallowing difficult. 

2. Hormone Therapy

If the thyroid nodule is producing thyroid hormones, this could cause an overproduction of thyroid hormones which are naturally generated by the thyroid gland. In such cases, the doctor recommends treating this issue with two distinct types of medication. The first is anti-thyroid medication like methimazole which makes it difficult for the body to produce hormones and helps to reduce the effects of the overactive thyroid nodule. 

Another option is when the attending doctor prescribes radioactive iodine which is either ingested orally as a tablet or as a liquid. When absorbed by the thyroid cells, the radioactive iodine helps to decrease the size of the thyroid nodule. When the thyroid nodule becomes smaller, it reduces the overproduction of thyroid hormones. 

3. Close Monitoring

Another common alternative is for the doctor to closely monitor the growth of the thyroid nodule. If it does not increase in size and is non-cancerous, then the thyroid specialist in Singapore would recommend close monitoring instead. The patient may be required to come down for regular physical examinations by a thyroid specialist in Singapore and frequent biopsy testing to ensure that the thyroid nodule does not become malignant. 

Schedule A Consultation With Our ENT Doctors at Amandela ENT Head and Neck Centre

Make an appointment with our doctors at Amandela ENT Head and Neck Centre if you need treatment for thyroid-related issues or if you suspect that a thyroid nodule has developed in your neck. Our doctors are determined to deliver patient-centric care so that you receive the right help to ease any potential compressive symptoms and ensure that the thyroid nodule is not malignant. Click here to arrange a consultation session with our team of ENT doctors at Amandela ENT Head and Neck centre.