Sudden Swelling Under the Ear: Causes and When to Seek Help
Sudden swelling of the parotid gland? On March 15th at 3:15 AM, I experienced mild pain and noticed that the area under my ear suddenly swelled, measuring approximately 2 cm in width, 3 cm in length, and 1 cm in height, with a slight tenderness upon touch. By around noon, the swe...
Dr. Ji Zhaoyun reply Otolaryngology
Hello, you may have mumps or another condition. It is recommended to consult an otolaryngologist.[Read More] Sudden Swelling Under the Ear: Causes and When to Seek Help
Understanding Throat Pain and Difficulty Swallowing After Trauma
Possible trauma leading to difficulty swallowing and throat pain? Hello Doctor: A month ago, a good friend showed me some Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu moves: he used his thighs to secure my head and neck and applied pressure. Since he was trained, I was more relaxed and didn't protec...
Dr. Ji Zhaoyun reply Otolaryngology
If symptoms persist, it is recommended to seek medical attention and consider a nasopharyngoscopy.[Read More] Understanding Throat Pain and Difficulty Swallowing After Trauma
Managing Persistent Cough After COVID-19: A Guide for Patients
I have been coughing for three and a half months. How should I manage it? Hello, Doctor. I am currently in Chicago, USA. Since last Christmas, I have been experiencing cold symptoms (sore throat, fatigue, nasal congestion, and mild diarrhea). I took over-the-counter cold medicati...
Dr. Ji Zhaoyun reply Otolaryngology
Hello, the situation you described may be due to 1. chronic pharyngitis. It is recommended to seek medical attention for a laryngoscopy examination (to rule out any masses) and medication treatment. In addition to medication, daily lifestyle precautions include avoiding lying dow...[Read More] Managing Persistent Cough After COVID-19: A Guide for Patients
Understanding Chronic Tonsillitis and Throat Inflammation: Causes and Concerns
Tonsillitis and pharyngitis? Hello Doctor, I have been experiencing recurrent inflammation of my tonsils, which sometimes improves but then flares up again. Additionally, I have had persistent throat inflammation for a long time. I previously consulted a traditional Chinese medic...
Dr. Ji Zhaoyun reply Otolaryngology
Hello, the situation you described may be chronic pharyngitis. It is recommended to seek medical attention for a laryngoscopy to rule out any masses and to consider pharmacological treatment. In addition to medication, daily lifestyle precautions include: avoiding lying down for ...[Read More] Understanding Chronic Tonsillitis and Throat Inflammation: Causes and Concerns
Understanding Septoplasty: Advances, Risks, and Recovery Insights
Consultation for Septoplasty Surgery Hello Doctor, in recent years, there seems to have been advancements in the surgery for deviated septum. I have a few questions regarding the procedure: 1. With the latest techniques for deviated septum surgery, can hypertrophy of the superior...
Dr. Ji Zhaoyun reply Otolaryngology
Hello, Question 1: Generally, non-essential conditions (e.g., middle turbinate syndrome and others) do not require special treatment for the superior and middle turbinates, as damage to the sense of smell cannot effectively resolve spatial issues. Question 2: Common complicat...[Read More] Understanding Septoplasty: Advances, Risks, and Recovery Insights
Understanding Nighttime Nasal Congestion: Causes and Solutions
Nasal congestion? It has been a long time, but I often experience nasal congestion on the left side at night. It doesn't last too long, and occasionally the right side gets congested, but not as frequently. Two years ago, I visited a doctor because I noticed that nasal mucus...
Dr. Ji Zhaoyun reply Otolaryngology
Hello, you may have a deviated septum, allergic rhinitis, hypertrophic turbinates, or sinusitis. It is advisable to consult an otolaryngologist if symptoms persist. Wishing you peace and good health.[Read More] Understanding Nighttime Nasal Congestion: Causes and Solutions
Understanding High-Pitched Ringing in Your Ears: Causes and Solutions
High-frequency buzzing in the ear? Recently, while exercising outdoors, I accidentally got chilled by the cold wind, which caused me to shiver for a while after returning to my dormitory. Later, during the weekend at home, I sometimes hear a high-pitched buzzing sound in the kitc...
Dr. Ji Zhaoyun reply Otolaryngology
Hello, the issues you mentioned could be due to 1) Eustachian tube dysfunction: This is the most common cause and can occur not only during flying, climbing, or diving, but also when forcefully blowing your nose or bending over. 2) Sudden sensorineural hearing loss. 3) Otitis med...[Read More] Understanding High-Pitched Ringing in Your Ears: Causes and Solutions
Understanding Ear Pressure Changes: Risks and Remedies for Ear Health
Sudden increase in pressure on the eardrum? Hello, Doctor. I would like to ask a few questions. Q1: In the past, when I was eating, I would hear a sound of air movement in one ear, and there would be a popping sound while chewing, like bubbles bursting. Later, I visited a clinic...
Dr. Ji Zhaoyun reply Otolaryngology
Hello, the issues you mentioned could be due to 1) Eustachian tube dysfunction: This is the most common cause and can occur not only during flying, climbing, or diving, but also when forcefully blowing your nose or bending over. 2) Sudden sensorineural hearing loss. 3) Otitis med...[Read More] Understanding Ear Pressure Changes: Risks and Remedies for Ear Health
Morning Nasal Mucus Drainage: Why Am I Seeing Blood Streaks?
In the morning, when I sniff mucus back into my throat, there is often blood streaks? I often notice slight traces of blood when I clear mucus from my throat after waking up in the morning. This symptom has been persistent for a month, but it occurs intermittently. I do not exper...
Dr. Ji Zhaoyun reply Otolaryngology
There are many causes of nosebleeds, the most common being thin nasal mucosa, often resulting from forceful nose blowing. However, conditions such as nasopharyngeal or nasal cavity tumors (like nasopharyngeal carcinoma), sinusitis, fungal infections, allergic rhinitis, hypertensi...[Read More] Morning Nasal Mucus Drainage: Why Am I Seeing Blood Streaks?
Post-Surgery Smell Issues After Septoplasty: What to Know
Olfactory issues after septoplasty? In late November 2021, I underwent septoplasty along with the removal of nasal polyps. About a month after the surgery, I noticed that I couldn't smell anything from the left side of my nose, although my breathing was clear. Could this be ...
Dr. Ji Zhaoyun reply Otolaryngology
Hello, if the surgery was solely for the nasal septum, there typically should not be any issues with smell afterward. It is advisable to follow up with the original surgeon to discuss any concerns.[Read More] Post-Surgery Smell Issues After Septoplasty: What to Know
Understanding Ear Pain After Showering: Is It Inflammation or Something Else?
Ear problems Hello, Dr. Chi. I would like to ask about a situation where water got into my ear after washing my hair. For the past one or two days, I've been experiencing pain in my left ear when I burp, and I can hear sounds. Whenever I eat on the left side, I also experien...
Dr. Ji Zhaoyun reply Otolaryngology
Hello, the issues you mentioned could be due to: 1) Eustachian tube dysfunction: This is the most common cause and can occur not only during flying, climbing, or diving, but also when forcefully blowing your nose or bending over. 2) Sudden sensorineural hearing loss. 3) Otitis me...[Read More] Understanding Ear Pain After Showering: Is It Inflammation or Something Else?
Persistent Ear Scab for Three Months: Is It Normal or a Cause for Concern?
Crusts in the ear that have not fallen off for three months? Hello, doctor. I visited a hospital over three months ago due to bleeding and scabbing in my ear canal. The doctor at that time mentioned that if it healed well, the scab would fall off. However, recently, I went to an ...
Dr. Ji Zhaoyun reply Otolaryngology
Hello, it is necessary to examine the clinical condition of the ear canal to make a judgment. If symptoms persist, it is advisable to seek medical attention.[Read More] Persistent Ear Scab for Three Months: Is It Normal or a Cause for Concern?
Can Hearing Loss at 60 Decibels Be Treated or Only Managed with Hearing Aids?
Hearing-related treatment issues? With current technology, is there still a chance for improvement in hearing loss at 60 decibels through treatment, or is it only possible to rely on hearing aids? Thank you.
Dr. Ji Zhaoyun reply Otolaryngology
Hello, it depends on the type of hearing loss—conductive, sensorineural, or mixed—as they vary in nature. If hearing is affected, it is advisable to seek medical attention as soon as possible.[Read More] Can Hearing Loss at 60 Decibels Be Treated or Only Managed with Hearing Aids?
Chronic Nasal Congestion: When to Seek Further Medical Help?
Chronic nasal congestion Hello: I have been experiencing nasal congestion for six months. Previously, I consulted an ENT specialist who diagnosed me with sinusitis and prescribed antibiotics for 14 days, which alleviated the nasal congestion. Upon follow-up, it was noted that I n...
Dr. Ji Zhaoyun reply Otolaryngology
If symptoms persist, it is advisable to seek medical evaluation. Regarding allergic rhinitis, there are several important concepts to consider: the individual's constitution and environmental allergens and irritants are the primary triggering factors. If one parent has aller...[Read More] Chronic Nasal Congestion: When to Seek Further Medical Help?
Managing Persistent Cough and Throat Phlegm from Allergic Rhinitis
Nasal allergies Hello Doctor: I have a history of nasal allergies, and recently I've been coughing non-stop, both in the morning and at night. I feel like there's phlegm in my throat, but when I cough it up, it's white. Occasionally, I also taste nasal mucus. I...
Dr. Ji Zhaoyun reply Otolaryngology
Hello, the situation you described may be chronic pharyngitis. It is recommended to seek medical attention for a laryngoscopy to rule out any masses and to consider medication treatment. In addition to medication, daily lifestyle precautions include: avoiding lying down for two h...[Read More] Managing Persistent Cough and Throat Phlegm from Allergic Rhinitis
Understanding Ear Pulsations: Causes and When to Seek Help
Vibration in the ear? Hello Doctor, I have been busy preparing for graduate school entrance exams these past few days. Occasionally, I experience a sensation of my eardrum twitching, but it hasn't been significant or frequent, so I haven't paid much attention to it. How...
Dr. Ji Zhaoyun reply Otolaryngology
Hello, the issues you mentioned could be due to 1) Eustachian tube dysfunction: This is the most common cause and can occur not only during air travel, hiking, or diving, but also when forcefully blowing your nose or bending over. 2) Sudden sensorineural hearing loss. 3) Otitis m...[Read More] Understanding Ear Pulsations: Causes and When to Seek Help
Is It Normal for One Tonsil to Remain Enlarged After Infection?
Unilateral tonsillar enlargement? Hello, Doctor. About two weeks ago, I was diagnosed with acute tonsillitis. After taking antibiotics for about 9 days, I no longer have any symptoms. However, my right tonsil, although reduced in swelling, is still slightly larger than before (it...
Dr. Ji Zhaoyun reply Otolaryngology
Hello, the tonsils on both sides may not be the same size; however, if there are concerns, it is still advisable to consult an otolaryngologist for further examination to rule out the possibility of a tonsillar tumor.[Read More] Is It Normal for One Tonsil to Remain Enlarged After Infection?
Understanding Throat Foreign Body Sensation: Causes and Solutions
Foreign body sensation in the throat? Doctor, I would like to ask about my throat issues over the past two to three years. I have been experiencing persistent mild pain and a foreign body sensation on the right side of my throat. Initially, I had stones in my tonsils, which I squ...
Dr. Ji Zhaoyun reply Otolaryngology
Hello, you may consider conditions such as elongated styloid syndrome, chronic pharyngitis, chronic tonsillitis, temporomandibular joint disorder, migraines, and neurological issues. It is advisable to first consult an otolaryngologist to discuss these concerns and arrange for re...[Read More] Understanding Throat Foreign Body Sensation: Causes and Solutions
Understanding Breathing Difficulties: Causes and Solutions
Respiratory issues Hello Doctor: Since around January of this year, I have been experiencing episodes of breathlessness, sometimes feeling like I am about to suffocate. For instance, when I walk for a while and then stop, I suddenly feel like my airway is blocked for a second or ...
Dr. Ji Zhaoyun reply Otolaryngology
Hello, regarding the aforementioned symptoms, you may consider consulting an otolaryngologist or a pulmonologist for further relevant examinations such as nasopharyngoscopy or polysomnography.[Read More] Understanding Breathing Difficulties: Causes and Solutions
Understanding Neck Lumps: What You Need to Know About Lymph Nodes
Neck issues? Hello doctor, I suddenly noticed a lump near my neck on the right side on January 4th, and I've been experiencing soreness in my right shoulder and neck. On January 8th, I saw my first doctor, who used a nasal endoscope and said it might be lymphadenopathy. He p...
Dr. Ji Zhaoyun reply Otolaryngology
Hello, based on what you have described, it does seem to lean towards lymphadenopathy. It is advisable to consider waiting for the results of the examination report.[Read More] Understanding Neck Lumps: What You Need to Know About Lymph Nodes