ENT/Head Neck surgery,JDWNRH

01/04/2026

Join us tomorrow as we “Light It Blue” in support of World Autism Awareness Day 💙

Let’s come together to raise awareness, celebrate neurodiversity, and show our support for individuals on the autism spectrum and their families. Every light shines a message of inclusion, understanding, and acceptance.

Be part of the movement. Wear blue, share your support, and help us spread the message.

21/03/2026

1️⃣ Sudden Hearing Loss
• Rapid loss of hearing in one or both ears.
• Could be sudden sensorineural hearing loss, which is an ENT emergency.
• Early treatment (often steroids) within 24–72 hours can improve recovery.

2️⃣ Difficulty Breathing or Swallowing
• May indicate airway obstruction, severe infection, epiglottitis, allergic reaction, or a foreign body.
• If severe, it can become life-threatening and needs immediate evaluation.

3️⃣ Persistent Nosebleeds (Epistaxis)
• Recurrent or prolonged nosebleeds may be due to hypertension, trauma, infection, tumors, or clotting disorders.
• Bleeding lasting >20 minutes or recurring frequently needs medical assessment.

4️⃣ A Neck Lump That Doesn’t Go Away
• Any neck swelling persisting more than 2–3 weeks should be evaluated.
• Possible causes include infection, thyroid disease, lymph node enlargement, or head and neck cancers.

5️⃣ Severe Ear Pain with Fever
• Could indicate acute otitis media, mastoiditis, or severe ear infection.
• In children especially, this may require urgent treatment.

If these symptoms appear suddenly, persist, or worsen, patients should seek medical care immediately—preferably with an ENT specialist.

16/03/2026

Bear Attack Season in Bhutan - Stay Alert

As March begins, many people go to forests to collect mushrooms and firewood. This is also a time when bears become more active, increasing the risk of human-wildlife encounters.

Simple precautions can help prevent encounters:

- Avoid going alone in forests. If possible, go in groups
- Inform family where you are going
- Make noise while walking so wildlife is not surprised
- Stay alert for bear footprints or droppings
- If you encounter a bear, Do not run. Stay calm and slowly back away

Awareness and caution can prevent injuries and save lives while allowing us to coexist safely with wildlife.

For more information, refer to the research article:
“Circumstances of Human Conflicts with Bears and Patterns of Bear Maul Injuries in Bhutan (2015–2019).”
https://journals.plos.org/plosone/article?id=10.1371/journal.pone.0237812

13/03/2026

World Sleep Day – March 13
Theme for 2026: “Sleep Well, Live Better.”

In today’s fast-paced world, sleep deprivation is often glorified as productivity. But the truth is that sleep is essential for physical health, mental wellbeing, immunity, and daily performance.

Good sleep habits can make a big difference:
- Maintain a regular sleep schedule
- Avoid screens before bedtime
- Limit caffeine late in the day

Many sleep problems are also related to ENT conditions, such as:
- Snoring
- Nasal obstruction
- Enlarged tonsils/adenoids
- Obstructive sleep apnea.

These can significantly affect sleep quality but are treatable with proper evaluation and care.

Healthy sleep is not a luxury; it is a necessity for better living.

11/03/2026

“From Communities to Classrooms: Hearing Care for All Children” — the theme for World Hearing Day 2026 — was observed today in a modest but meaningful way at Apollo Nursing Institute.

We extend our sincere gratitude to everyone who took part in the event. This program was made possible through the support and collaboration of the Disability Program and Zhenphen Hearing.

09/03/2026

Normal saline irrigation (nasal saline rinse) is a simple and effective method to clean the nasal cavity using sterile saline solution. It helps remove mucus, allergens, crusts, and infectious material from the nose and sinuses.

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1. Indications (Common Uses)

Saline irrigation is commonly recommended for:
• Chronic rhinosinusitis
• Allergic rhinitis
• Post-operative care after endoscopic sinus surgery
• Upper respiratory infections
• Nasal crusting or dryness
• Deviated septum with mucus stasis

It is widely used in ENT practice to improve mucociliary clearance.

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2. Solution Used

The most common solution is 0.9% Normal Saline.

Typical preparation (if homemade):
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 liter boiled and cooled sterile water

Optional:
• A pinch of sodium bicarbonate may be added to reduce irritation.

Important:
• Use sterile, distilled, or boiled water to prevent infection.

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3. Methods / Devices

Common devices used:
1. Neti pot
2. Squeeze bottle (most common in hospitals)
3. Bulb syringe
4. Powered irrigation devices

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4. Basic Technique
1. Lean over a sink and tilt the head slightly forward and to one side.
2. Insert the nozzle into the upper nostril.
3. Gently squeeze or pour saline so it flows through the nasal cavity and exits the other nostril.
4. Breathe through the mouth during the procedure.
5. Repeat on the other side.

Typical volume: 100–250 ml per nostril.

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5. Benefits
• Clears mucus and debris
• Reduces nasal congestion
• Improves breathing
• Enhances effectiveness of intranasal medications
• Promotes post-surgical healing

08/03/2026

Happy women’s Day 🫶

Commemorative message on International Women’s day from Jigme Dorji Wangchuck National Referral Hospital

03/03/2026

From communities to classrooms: hearing care for all children

Act now so no child is left behind due to ear or hearing problems



Why focus on children’s hearing?
Globally, school-age children with hearing loss often remain undiagnosed and without access to needed services (World report on hearing, 2021). Hearing loss affects around 90 million children and adolescents aged 5-19 years, across all parts of the world (Global burden of disease study, 2021). However, it commonly remains undetected, especially in low-resource settings.

Common, preventable and treatable causes of hearing loss—such as otitis media with effusion (OME), chronic suppurative otitis media (CSOM), and impacted ear wax—remain widely prevalent in children. At time, hearing loss begins insidiously but progresses and worsens over time.

Left unaddressed, this not only affects a child’s ability to hear but significantly impacts speech, language, cognitive and social development, commonly leading to poorer educational outcomes, reduced employment prospects and long-term economic disadvantages.





How?

This year, WHD highlights the theme "From communities to classrooms: hearing care for all children."

The campaign focuses on two imperatives:

Preventing avoidable childhood hearing loss
Ensuring early identification of and care for children with ear or hearing problems
Communities and classrooms are natural entry points to reach children, parents, and teachers. By integrating hearing care into school health and child health programmes, we can help children hear, learn, and succeed.

27/02/2026

Arrow injuries can cause serious damage to the eyes, neck, chest, abdomen, and major blood vessels. Many are preventable with proper safety measures and awareness.

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🚨 Why Arrow Injuries Are Dangerous
• Deep penetrating trauma
• Severe bleeding
• Injury to vital organs (brain, lungs, vessels)
• High risk of infection
• Can be fatal if not managed immediately

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🛡️ Key Prevention Strategies

1️⃣ Safe Archery Practice
• Always practice in a designated archery range
• Never aim at people or animals
• Ensure a proper backstop behind targets
• Maintain a safe shooting distance

2️⃣ Supervision & Training
• Children must be supervised by trained adults
• Proper instruction before handling bows and arrows
• Follow strict range commands (“clear,” “shoot,” etc.)

3️⃣ Use Protective Equipment
• Arm guards
• Finger tabs or gloves
• Eye protection in training settings

4️⃣ Safe Storage
• Store bows and arrows in locked cabinets
• Keep out of reach of children
• Separate arrows from bow when not in use

5️⃣ Community Awareness
• Educate about dangers of playing with arrows
• Avoid celebratory or recreational misuse
• Promote responsible traditional or sporting use

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⚕️ In Case of Injury
• Do NOT remove the arrow (can worsen bleeding)
• Stabilize the object
• Control external bleeding
• Immediate transfer to hospital
The department also published a case series on arrow injuries in Bhutan. https://doi.org/10.1177/2050313X241271809

25/02/2026

International Cochlear Implant Day 2026 (February 25), the focus is on celebrating the strength, diversity, and unity of the global CI community under the theme " ". The day highlights the life-changing impact of technology, aiming to raise awareness and foster advocacy for equitable, lifelong access to hearing…In Bhutan ,Dr Tika Ram Adhikari the first leading otologist and cochlear implant surgeon who performs Cochlear implant surgery …He performed 18 cochlear implant surgeries till date. post CI implant rehabilitation is done by Pelden Wangchuk (senior Audiologist) and Nima zangmo is undergoing masters in speech therapy.

24/02/2026

We warmly welcome Dr. Phub Tshering as our new Medical Director of JDWNRH and Dr. Sontosh Mukhia as our new Head of Department.

With their leadership, vision, and dedication, we look forward to progressing confidently into 2026. Their guidance will undoubtedly inspire excellence, strengthen teamwork, and enhance the quality of care we provide.

Together, we are committed to growth, innovation, and continued service to our patients and community.

Looking forward to being led, inspired, and achieving greater milestones ahead 😊