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BCC News Network 2006-04-18 12:30
(Reported by Zhang Wenlu)
Sudden toothache, hoarseness, or neck swelling should not be ignored, as these could be symptoms of "deep neck infection," which can be life-threatening if medical attention is delayed. A man in his 70s, who did not smoke, sought medical attention after his voice suddenly became hoarse. Upon examination, doctors discovered a deep neck infection, with the abscess having spread to the chest cavity. Fortunately, after surgical drainage and treatment, his life was saved.
Dr. Lai Zhengxuan, an ENT specialist at Kuang Tien General Hospital, explained that the elderly man sought treatment due to sudden hoarseness. An endoscopy revealed neck swelling, and further CT scans confirmed a deep neck infection with pus formation. During the incision and drainage procedure, it was discovered that the neck abscess had extended into the chest cavity, leading to a mediastinal abscess, which has a mortality rate of up to 50%. Fortunately, after surgical drainage by a thoracic surgeon, the patient's life was saved.
Dr. Lai noted that many patients mistakenly believe their symptoms are caused by a sore throat from a cold and self-medicate with antibiotics or over-the-counter drugs, delaying proper treatment. Generally, deep neck infections are often caused by long-term tooth decay leading to dental inflammation, pus formation, or respiratory inflammation from a cold. Bacteria can invade the deep neck through the tonsils or throat mucosa, causing infection or abscesses. Symptoms include neck swelling and pain, difficulty opening the mouth, and restricted movement of the jaw or neck. If the infection or abscess is located near the jaw, it can compress the upper respiratory and digestive tracts, leading to hoarseness, difficulty breathing, or swallowing.
Dr. Lai urged the public to maintain good oral hygiene and cleanliness. Additionally, during seasonal changes when colds are more common, people should be especially vigilant.
Source: http://news. yam. com/ bcc/ healthy/ 200604/ 20060418507556. html
Man Suspected of Brain Tumor, Surgery Reveals 5cm Tapeworm
(Reported by Zhang Wenlu)
Sudden toothache, hoarseness, or neck swelling should not be ignored, as these could be symptoms of "deep neck infection," which can be life-threatening if medical attention is delayed. A man in his 70s, who did not smoke, sought medical attention after his voice suddenly became hoarse. Upon examination, doctors discovered a deep neck infection, with the abscess having spread to the chest cavity. Fortunately, after surgical drainage and treatment, his life was saved.
Dr. Lai Zhengxuan, an ENT specialist at Kuang Tien General Hospital, explained that the elderly man sought treatment due to sudden hoarseness. An endoscopy revealed neck swelling, and further CT scans confirmed a deep neck infection with pus formation. During the incision and drainage procedure, it was discovered that the neck abscess had extended into the chest cavity, leading to a mediastinal abscess, which has a mortality rate of up to 50%. Fortunately, after surgical drainage by a thoracic surgeon, the patient's life was saved.
Dr. Lai noted that many patients mistakenly believe their symptoms are caused by a sore throat from a cold and self-medicate with antibiotics or over-the-counter drugs, delaying proper treatment. Generally, deep neck infections are often caused by long-term tooth decay leading to dental inflammation, pus formation, or respiratory inflammation from a cold. Bacteria can invade the deep neck through the tonsils or throat mucosa, causing infection or abscesses. Symptoms include neck swelling and pain, difficulty opening the mouth, and restricted movement of the jaw or neck. If the infection or abscess is located near the jaw, it can compress the upper respiratory and digestive tracts, leading to hoarseness, difficulty breathing, or swallowing.
Dr. Lai urged the public to maintain good oral hygiene and cleanliness. Additionally, during seasonal changes when colds are more common, people should be especially vigilant.
Source: http://news. yam. com/ bcc/ healthy/ 200604/ 20060418507556. html