Clipping Board » Disease & Prevention ─ Understanding diseases, prevention is better than cure.
China Broadcasting Network 2006-04-18 12:30
(Reported by Zhang Wenlu)
Sudden toothache, hoarseness, or neck swelling should not be taken lightly, as these could be signs of "deep neck infection," which can be life-threatening if medical treatment is delayed. A man in his seventies, who did not smoke, sought medical attention after his voice suddenly became hoarse. Upon examination, doctors diagnosed him with a deep neck infection, and the abscess had spread to his chest. Fortunately, after undergoing surgery to drain the pus and receive 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 surgery, it was discovered that the neck abscess had extended into the chest, leading to a mediastinal abscess, which has a mortality rate of up to 50%. Thankfully, after surgery by a thoracic surgeon to drain the pus, the patient's life was saved.
Dr. Lai pointed out that many patients mistakenly believe their symptoms are caused by a sore throat from a cold and treat themselves with antibiotics or over-the-counter medications, delaying proper medical care. 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. Patients may experience neck swelling, difficulty opening their mouths, or restricted movement of the jaw or neck. If the infection or abscess is located near the jaw, it can be even more dangerous, as it may compress the upper respiratory and digestive tracts, leading to hoarseness, difficulty breathing, or swallowing.
Dr. Lai urged the public to pay attention to oral hygiene and maintain 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
Sudden Hoarseness Nearly Fatal: Deep Neck Infection to Blame
(Reported by Zhang Wenlu)
Sudden toothache, hoarseness, or neck swelling should not be taken lightly, as these could be signs of "deep neck infection," which can be life-threatening if medical treatment is delayed. A man in his seventies, who did not smoke, sought medical attention after his voice suddenly became hoarse. Upon examination, doctors diagnosed him with a deep neck infection, and the abscess had spread to his chest. Fortunately, after undergoing surgery to drain the pus and receive 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 surgery, it was discovered that the neck abscess had extended into the chest, leading to a mediastinal abscess, which has a mortality rate of up to 50%. Thankfully, after surgery by a thoracic surgeon to drain the pus, the patient's life was saved.
Dr. Lai pointed out that many patients mistakenly believe their symptoms are caused by a sore throat from a cold and treat themselves with antibiotics or over-the-counter medications, delaying proper medical care. 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. Patients may experience neck swelling, difficulty opening their mouths, or restricted movement of the jaw or neck. If the infection or abscess is located near the jaw, it can be even more dangerous, as it may compress the upper respiratory and digestive tracts, leading to hoarseness, difficulty breathing, or swallowing.
Dr. Lai urged the public to pay attention to oral hygiene and maintain 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