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Li Rui
Otolaryngology
About me
Graduated from Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, engaged in otorhinolaryngology head and neck surgery for more than four years.
Proficient in diseases
Diseases diagnosis and treatment in otolaryngology. Specialized in the diagnosis and treatment of chronic sinusitis, otitis media, head and neck tumors, and other diseases.
Voices
Can I smoke with vocal cord nodules?
Patients with vocal cord nodules are advised not to smoke, as cigarettes have a relatively strong irritant effect and directly stimulate the vocal cords. This may exacerbate the condition of vocal cord nodules and may also cause further hoarseness. Moreover, smokers are at a higher risk of developing cancerous changes in the vocal cords. Therefore, patients should not smoke or drink alcohol and should regularly visit an otolaryngologist for a laryngoscopy to monitor the changes in the vocal cord nodules. Most patients can achieve good control and relief of their condition through timely medication treatment and nebulization, with only a small number needing to consider surgical treatment.
Can vocal cord polyps be treated in an outpatient clinic?
Some vocal cord polyps can be treated with outpatient surgery. This decision largely depends on the general health of the patient and the size of the polyps. If the polyps are not particularly large and the patient’s overall health is good, local anesthesia procedures in an outpatient setting might be considered. However, during the procedure, it is important for the patient to cooperate with the doctor to avoid serious complications. If the vocal cord polyps are larger or the patient's overall health is not very good, it is recommended to opt for inpatient treatment. With hospitalization, additional assessments can be made, followed by surgery under general anesthesia. In this scenario, the patient does not need to actively participate during the surgery, and the procedure is generally considered routine minor surgery.
Symptoms of a deviated septum
The symptoms of a deviated nasal septum can vary significantly from person to person. Some individuals with a mild deviation might not exhibit any obvious clinical symptoms and are only diagnosed during a physical examination or an endoscopic nasal examination. However, if the deviation is more pronounced, it may cause various symptoms such as nasal congestion, runny nose, nosebleeds, headaches, and dizziness. In some cases, it can also lead to sinusitis, characterized by sudden acute purulent nasal discharge, nasal congestion, headaches, and a reduced sense of smell. Overall, this is a relatively common condition and most patients see good results after timely and standard medical treatment.
What are the symptoms of throat cancer?
Throat cancer is a relatively common type of head and neck malignant tumor, with clinical symptoms varying among individuals. Common symptoms include throat pain, hoarseness, and a foreign body sensation in the throat. Some patients may experience swallowing obstruction and breathing difficulties. Overall, there are individual differences in specific symptoms. After these symptoms appear, it is necessary to promptly visit an otolaryngology department. An endoscopic examination of the throat is recommended to assess the extent of the cancer. Further examination with MRI and CT scans of the head and neck are needed to evaluate the staging and typing of the disease. Generally, a combination of surgery and radiochemotherapy should be considered for treatment.
How is throat cancer treated?
Throat cancer is a relatively common malignant tumor in the head and neck region. In terms of treatment, it is first necessary to assess the specific severity of the condition. Generally, clinical staging and typing can be performed through imaging inspections, pathological biopsy tests, and laryngoscopy. If the condition is in its early stages, surgical treatment is primarily recommended. Most patients can undergo regular follow-ups to observe the recovery process after surgery. For mid-to-late-stage throat cancer, regular follow-ups are also needed after surgical removal, and it is advisable to combine radiation therapy and chemotherapy in a comprehensive treatment plan. The treatment period is relatively long, requiring long-term regular follow-ups.
Does otitis media require a special diet?
Patients with otitis media are advised to have a light diet and avoid spicy, stimulating foods and allergenic foods, as these may exacerbate the condition. Some patients may also develop acute pharyngitis or acute tonsillitis. Therefore, after the onset of otitis media, it is necessary to visit an otolaryngology (ENT) department, where a routine blood test and otoscopy can be conducted to assess the severity of the condition. Generally, the use of antibiotics for anti-infection treatment should be considered. During treatment, it is essential to keep the external ear canal dry and water-free. The treatment period is usually about one week. With timely treatment, most patients will gradually recover.
How long do vocal cord polyps need voice rest?
Vocal cord polyps are a relatively common otolaryngological condition with various clinical symptoms, the most common being hoarseness. If the vocal cord polyps are significant, it is necessary to rest the voice, typically recommended for about one to two weeks. However, it is still essential to speak as little as possible in daily life because excessive use of the voice can potentially worsen the condition of the vocal cord polyps. If the polyps are large, and resting the voice alone does not yield good results, additional treatments such as oral medications and nebulizer therapy may be needed. Some patients may not respond well to conservative treatment and might require surgical removal. After surgery, regular follow-ups are necessary to monitor the outcomes.
What is the best treatment for nasal polyps?
The treatment of nasal polyps largely depends on the size of the polyps. For very small polyps that do not present significant clinical symptoms, it is possible to consider observation and treatment using nasal spray medications. Some patients may find that the polyps gradually shrink after treatment. However, if the nasal polyps are large and accompanied by clear clinical symptoms such as nasal congestion, runny nose, and reduced sense of smell, medication treatment can be attempted to see its effectiveness. Yet, many patients do not achieve satisfactory results with medication alone and may need to consider surgical removal. Currently, the main approach is endoscopic nasal polyp removal. Regular follow-ups are also necessary to monitor recovery and check for any recurrence.
Methods for Relieving Pain from Otitis Media
Otitis media is a relatively common otorhinolaryngological disease, which may cause some patients to experience pain, discharge of pus, and decreased hearing. After the onset of pain, it is necessary to visit an otorhinolaryngologist for an otoscopic examination to assess the extent of the inflammation. Generally, it is considered necessary to use antibiotics for anti-infection treatment. During the treatment process, it is important to observe the alleviation of symptoms. If the pain persists and does not ease, a small number of patients may also need to consider treatment with pain relief medications. During the treatment process, it is necessary to monitor changes in the patient's vital signs. With timely treatment, the condition of most patients will gradually stabilize, but there may be recurrent episodes.
Postoperative Care for Laryngeal Cancer
Postoperative care for throat cancer is crucial and mainly includes the following aspects: First, it is vital to maintain a clear airway. After throat cancer surgery, most patients will require a tracheotomy, which means regular suctioning is necessary to ensure the airway remains clear. Special attention should be paid to prevent obstruction of the tracheal cannula, as blockage could lead to breathing difficulties and even suffocation in severe cases. Secondly, regarding diet, most patients need a liquid diet administered through a gastric tube immediately following throat cancer surgery, as they are temporarily unable to eat through the mouth or throat. This usually lasts about two weeks. Thirdly, in terms of routine postoperative care, patients should not stay in bed for an extended period. Prolonged bed rest can increase the risk of developing bedsores or vascular thrombosis.