Difficulty Coughing Up Phlegm: Ear, Nose, and Throat Concerns Explained
Coughing up phlegm that cannot be expelled and is not swallowed? Recently, it seems like I've inhaled a foreign object, similar to nasal mucus. The next day, I felt like I had phlegm that I couldn't cough up, and after swallowing saliva, it feels like it hasn't gon...
Dr. Chen Jianzhi reply Otolaryngology
Dear Inquirer: Based on your description, it seems that allergies may be the cause of your symptoms. I recommend visiting a nearby otolaryngology clinic for an examination and appropriate medication, as random "hypothetical treatments" will not be beneficial for you. Si...[Read More] Difficulty Coughing Up Phlegm: Ear, Nose, and Throat Concerns Explained
Symptoms of HIV and Oral Cancer: What to Look Out For
What are the early symptoms of HIV or oral cancer? Hello Doctor: In mid-June, I had an oral candidiasis and lost 6 kilograms in two months. However, after applying the medication for three days, I was completely cured, and there has been no recurrence since then. I also underwent...
Dr. Chen Jianzhi reply Otolaryngology
Dear Inquirer, Based on your literal question, oral lesions associated with HIV primarily manifest as candidiasis, while oral cancer is characterized by mass-like lesions. However, most painful oral lesions are benign, and only a very small number that do not heal within a month...[Read More] Symptoms of HIV and Oral Cancer: What to Look Out For
Understanding Blood-Streaked Phlegm: When to Seek Medical Help
Coughing up saliva with blood streaks? I previously had a cold and coughed up phlegm that contained blood. However, over the past few days, I have visited several hospitals and consulted different specialists. I underwent a nasopharyngoscopy (not sure what it's called), but ...
Dr. Chen Jianzhi reply Otolaryngology
Dear Inquirer, I understand your concerns based on your description. It seems that the real source of your worry may be the "hidden enemy lurking in unknown places." To address your doubts, I would like to clarify a few questions: 1. When do you typically notice bloo...[Read More] Understanding Blood-Streaked Phlegm: When to Seek Medical Help
Understanding Coughing Up Blood: Causes and Concerns in ENT Health
Coughing up saliva with blood streaks? Dear Inquirer, I understand your concerns based on your description. It seems that the real source of your worry may be the "hidden enemy lurking in unknown places." To address your doubts, I would like to clarify a few questions:...
Dr. Chen Jianzhi reply Otolaryngology
Dear Inquirer, Based on your description, it is highly unlikely that you are suffering from lung cancer or nasopharyngeal cancer, as hemoptysis caused by cancer does not improve with medication or worsen with the consumption of cold water. It seems that you may be experiencing c...[Read More] Understanding Coughing Up Blood: Causes and Concerns in ENT Health
Understanding Sinusitis Surgery: Anesthesia, Duration, and Recovery
Sinusitis is very painful? Hello, doctor. I would like to ask what type of anesthesia is used for sinusitis surgery? Can local anesthesia be used? How long does the surgery typically take? Is hospitalization required after the surgery? Will there be significant pain after the sur...
Dr. Chen Jianzhi reply Otolaryngology
Dear Inquirer, Hello, based on your literal question, it is clear that you are experiencing some distress. Have you already found a physician to schedule your surgery, but you are feeling very anxious and uneasy? Since each physician has different approaches to treating sinusiti...[Read More] Understanding Sinusitis Surgery: Anesthesia, Duration, and Recovery
Understanding Morning Dry Mouth: Causes and Connections to Systemic Diseases
Dry mouth upon waking? Hello Dr. Chen: I previously inquired about this issue and I don't recall having any snoring. What exactly is meant by "systemic disease"? Sometimes I feel the urge to urinate while sleeping, but I don't want to get up to do so. I'm...
Dr. Chen Jianzhi reply Otolaryngology
Dear Inquirer, Systemic diseases refer to conditions such as hypertension and diabetes that affect the entire body. It is recommended that you drink water immediately upon waking up; this may help alleviate the issue of dry mouth upon waking. As for the situation of feeling the ...[Read More] Understanding Morning Dry Mouth: Causes and Connections to Systemic Diseases
Why Do I Wake Up with a Dry Mouth? Causes and Solutions
Waking up with dry mouth in the morning? Hello Dr. Chen, I am unsure if my question is appropriate for the ENT department. I often wake up in the morning with a very dry mouth, feeling very thirsty and wanting to drink water. I am not sure what the cause is or how to improve th...
Dr. Chen Jianzhi reply Otolaryngology
Dear Inquirer: Hello, for patients who experience severe dry mouth upon waking and have no other systemic diseases, it is likely due to mouth breathing during sleep, which often accompanies snoring. I wonder if you snore while sleeping? Sincerely, Chen Jian-Zhi, Lecturer at Fu Je...[Read More] Why Do I Wake Up with a Dry Mouth? Causes and Solutions
Understanding Scapulohyoid Syndrome: Surgery, Risks, and Recovery
Regarding scapulohumeral syndrome? Dear Dr. Chen: Which hospital or doctor in Taiwan can perform the surgical procedure for the sectioning of the omohyoid muscle? How difficult is this surgery? Is general anesthesia required? Are there any postoperative complications, such as aff...
Dr. Chen Jianzhi reply Otolaryngology
Dear Inquirer, The surgical procedure for cutting the omohyoid muscle in cases of scapulohyoid muscle syndrome can be performed at any hospital with a head and neck surgery department. However, this condition is quite rare. Are your symptoms severe enough to warrant surgery? The...[Read More] Understanding Scapulohyoid Syndrome: Surgery, Risks, and Recovery
Blood-Streaked Phlegm: What It Means and When to Seek Help
Sputum with blood streaks? A month ago, I experienced pain when swallowing saliva. The doctor examined me and said I had pharyngitis, but I thought it would be fine to just take medication and continue eating cold foods. As a result, the pain worsened, and drinking water and swal...
Dr. Chen Jianzhi reply Otolaryngology
Dear Inquirer, Based on your inquiry, there is a high likelihood of acute tonsillitis. I recommend that you drink plenty of cool water, but avoid ice-cold water. Patients with kidney transplants can take medications that are metabolized by the kidneys, but the dosage should not ...[Read More] Blood-Streaked Phlegm: What It Means and When to Seek Help
Understanding Eye Misalignment in Children: Seeking Expert Advice
Strabismus Hello Dr. Chen, my daughter is currently one and a half years old. She was diagnosed with left-sided torticollis at nine months old. After undergoing rehabilitation, her head tilt is currently about five degrees. However, when she looks straight at objects, her head in...
Dr. Chen Jianzhi reply Otolaryngology
Dear Inquirer, Thank you for reading my paper published a few years ago. However, it is important to note that ocular deviation can be classified into pathological and physiological types. The pathological type must be differentiated from several common conditions, such as torti...[Read More] Understanding Eye Misalignment in Children: Seeking Expert Advice
Understanding Nasopharyngeal Cancer Survival Rates and Recurrence Risks
Nasopharyngeal carcinoma survival rate? Hello Dr. Chen, my uncle has been diagnosed with nasopharyngeal carcinoma and has completed chemotherapy and radiation therapy. He is in stage III, and he still feels a slight hard lump; the doctor said it's normal. Is this true? My un...
Dr. Chen Jianzhi reply Otolaryngology
Dear Inquirer, Hello. In patients with nasopharyngeal carcinoma, neck lumps may occur after radiation therapy. This is due to the death of tumor cells, which temporarily leaves the space previously occupied by the tumor filled with scar tissue, resulting in a firm and slightly s...[Read More] Understanding Nasopharyngeal Cancer Survival Rates and Recurrence Risks
Understanding Nasopharyngeal Cancer Symptoms: Key Signs to Watch For
Symptoms of nasopharyngeal cancer? What are the exact symptoms of nasopharyngeal carcinoma? Can it cause post-nasal drip and jaw clenching (because I previously experienced a clicking sound when moving my left temporomandibular joint, but now it hurts when I force it)? What does ...
Dr. Chen Jianzhi reply Otolaryngology
Dear Inquirer: The five major symptoms of nasopharyngeal carcinoma are (1) neck mass, (2) epistaxis, (3) diplopia, (4) unilateral serous otitis media, and (5) headache. Temporomandibular joint disorder and post-nasal drip are not typical symptoms of nasopharyngeal carcinoma. Te...[Read More] Understanding Nasopharyngeal Cancer Symptoms: Key Signs to Watch For
Understanding Tinnitus: Is Your Ear Buzzing from Headphone Use?
Tinnitus Doctor Chen, I have been experiencing frequent ringing in my ears lately. Is it because I often use headphones, or do I need to go to Taoyuan Hospital for further examination? Thank you for your response, Doctor Chen.
Dr. Chen Jianzhi reply Otolaryngology
Dear Inquirer, Based on your literal question, you may want to pause your habit of using headphones. If the tinnitus persists, you should visit a nearby clinic to rule out issues such as otitis media or Eustachian tube dysfunction. If the problem continues, you can seek consulta...[Read More] Understanding Tinnitus: Is Your Ear Buzzing from Headphone Use?
Understanding Red Spots in the Mouth: Causes and Concerns
Small red spots in the oral cavity? Today, I noticed a small red spot on the mucosa near the inner side of my lower second molar (also quite close to my tongue), and it's located deep inside, requiring me to stick my tongue out completely to see it. I accidentally ruptured i...
Dr. Chen Jianzhi reply Otolaryngology
Dear Inquirer, I recommend that you use the oral ointment properly. The method of application should be as follows: before going to bed, after brushing your teeth, apply the ointment to the affected area, and then go to sleep. Keep the ointment in your mouth until morning. This ...[Read More] Understanding Red Spots in the Mouth: Causes and Concerns
Understanding Scapulohyoid Muscle Syndrome: Symptoms and Treatment Options
Scapulohumeral syndrome Do you know about scapulohyoid syndrome, Dr. Chen? When I swallow saliva, the left scapulohyoid muscle protrudes outward, and this protrusion disappears after swallowing. I feel discomfort while swallowing. What treatment options are available?
Dr. Chen Jianzhi reply Otolaryngology
Dear Inquirer, The scapulohyoid muscle syndrome is a rather rare condition with an unknown etiology. It may be due to structural abnormalities of the scapulohyoid muscle in the affected area, which can cause the muscle to protrude outward when the pressure in the upper esophagus...[Read More] Understanding Scapulohyoid Muscle Syndrome: Symptoms and Treatment Options
Understanding Ear Lobe Swelling and Associated Pain Symptoms
There is a lump on the earlobe that is tilted backward? Doctor, I have a lump behind the earlobe on the left side, about the size of a 1 cm round ball, and it doesn't hurt. What could it be? Additionally, I've been experiencing sharp pains in my neck and temple recently...
Dr. Chen Jianzhi reply Otolaryngology
Dear Inquirer, Based on your literal question, there are some clarifications needed. Is the lump behind your earlobe fixed or movable? Do you feel any soreness when you press on that lump? As for the bone above the teeth on the left side of your cheek that makes a clicking sound...[Read More] Understanding Ear Lobe Swelling and Associated Pain Symptoms
Understanding Red Spots in the Mouth: Causes and Concerns
Small red spots in the oral cavity? Today, I noticed a small red spot on the mucosa near the inner side of my lower second molar (also quite close to the tongue), and it's located deep inside, requiring me to pull my tongue out completely to see it. I accidentally ruptured i...
Dr. Chen Jianzhi reply Otolaryngology
Dear Inquirer: Hello, based on your description, it may be localized mucosal inflammation causing small red spots. Since you have accidentally broken the area, if the wound heals without any trace after one day, there is no need to worry too much. Sincerely, Chen Jian-Zhi, Lectur...[Read More] Understanding Red Spots in the Mouth: Causes and Concerns
Understanding Bumps on the Back of Your Tongue: When to See a Doctor
Are there small bumps on the back of your tongue? Today I noticed some lumps at the back of my tongue (the base of the tongue) that are similar in color to the tongue itself, varying in size. I think I remember seeing them before, but they seemed to be covered by the tongue coati...
Dr. Chen Jianzhi reply Otolaryngology
Dear Inquirer: Hello, based on your literal question, it is common to find inflammation of the taste buds and the lingual tonsils at the base of the tongue in patients with gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). There is no need for you to worry too much. Sincerely, Dr. Chien-Ch...[Read More] Understanding Bumps on the Back of Your Tongue: When to See a Doctor
Understanding Painful Lumps Behind the Ear: When to Seek Medical Help
Hard lump behind the ear? Hello Doctor: Recently, while taking a shower, I discovered a hard lump about the size of a coin behind my right ear and on my neck. It is somewhat painful when pressed and feels a bit sore and soft. I also feel a bit of heaviness in my head. The lump se...
Dr. Chen Jianzhi reply Otolaryngology
Dear Inquirer: Hello, based on your description, it seems like there may be localized muscle contractions forming a muscle knot. I recommend that you visit a nearby otolaryngology clinic for evaluation. Sincerely, Chen Jian-Zhi, Lecturer at Fu Jen Catholic University.[Read More] Understanding Painful Lumps Behind the Ear: When to Seek Medical Help
Understanding Geographic Tongue: Can It Cause Sores Under the Tongue?
Can the underside of the tongue get sores? I previously visited an oral surgeon and a dentist for orthodontic treatment and a general check-up. The dentist mentioned that my oral health was generally fine, but I have geographic tongue and advised me to supplement with certain vit...
Dr. Chen Jianzhi reply Otolaryngology
Dear Inquirer: Hello, based on your literal question, the tongue can reflect a person's physiological state. It is advisable to follow your physician's instructions and drink plenty of water to get through this difficult time. Once you recover, you can check if geograph...[Read More] Understanding Geographic Tongue: Can It Cause Sores Under the Tongue?