Chronic Throat Phlegm: Causes, Symptoms, and Remedies
Chronic sputum production? I have had clear, colorless phlegm in my throat for several years, and it's difficult to cough it all out. If I force myself to expel it completely, I usually end up with a sore throat the next day, followed by cold symptoms (pharyngitis leading to...
Dr. Ji Zhaoyun reply Otolaryngology
Dear Mr. Fii, The situation you described may be indicative of chronic pharyngitis. I recommend seeking medical attention for a laryngoscopy to rule out any masses or unusual growths, as well as considering pharmacological treatment. In addition to medication, please observe the...[Read More] Chronic Throat Phlegm: Causes, Symptoms, and Remedies
Understanding Throat Discomfort: Causes and Remedies for Your Symptoms
Feeling a lump in the throat? Hello, doctor. Since yesterday, I've been feeling a sensation of something stuck in my throat. I have a history of nasal allergies, and sometimes I wake up in the morning with nasal congestion that lasts until the afternoon. Yesterday, I happene...
Dr. Ji Zhaoyun reply Otolaryngology
Hello, the situation you described may be caused by chronic pharyngitis, which commonly arises from 1) post-nasal drip due to nasal allergies and 2) gastroesophageal reflux or laryngopharyngeal reflux. It is recommended to undergo a laryngoscopy to rule out any masses and to cons...[Read More] Understanding Throat Discomfort: Causes and Remedies for Your Symptoms
Unexplained Unilateral Tinnitus: Causes and Next Steps for Relief
Unexplained unilateral tinnitus? Hello Doctor: I have been experiencing unilateral tinnitus (on the right side) for almost three months now. Yesterday, I visited an ENT specialist at a hospital, and after examination, the doctor said my ear was clean and there were no issues. He ...
Dr. Ji Zhaoyun reply Otolaryngology
Hello Mila, The issues you mentioned could potentially be due to 1) Eustachian tube dysfunction, 2) sudden sensorineural hearing loss, or 3) otitis media: a) acute otitis media, which often occurs alongside upper respiratory infections (such as colds) and sinusitis, and in seve...[Read More] Unexplained Unilateral Tinnitus: Causes and Next Steps for Relief
Understanding Ear Noises: Causes and When to Seek Help
Ear problems I have been experiencing a popping sound in my left ear for the past few days, and the frequency is increasing each day. There is no pain or itching. I would like to know what this issue might be. Thank you.
Dr. Ji Zhaoyun reply Otolaryngology
Dear Mr. Su Kangfu, The issues you mentioned may be due to 1) Eustachian tube dysfunction (based on your description, this is the most likely cause; it is advisable to avoid forceful nose blowing, mountain climbing, diving, and flying), 2) sudden sensorineural hearing loss, or 3...[Read More] Understanding Ear Noises: Causes and When to Seek Help
Breathless Speech: Understanding the Connection Between Talking and Breathing
Holding breath while speaking Hello, doctor. I have been searching online for a long time and have not found any similar cases, so I am taking the liberty to ask here. The following is a bit lengthy, and I kindly ask you to read it patiently. Medical History: This morning, I wok...
Dr. Ji Zhaoyun reply Otolaryngology
Hello: Based on your current description, it is advisable to consult an otolaryngologist for an endoscopic examination. Appropriate treatment can be provided based on the examination results. If there are no structural issues, voice rehabilitation therapy may also be beneficial. ...[Read More] Breathless Speech: Understanding the Connection Between Talking and Breathing
Understanding Laser Treatment for Tongue Tumors: Recovery Insights
Regarding tongue laser treatment? Hello, Dr. Chi. Two months ago, I developed a tumor about 1 cm in size on the surface of my tongue. Two weeks ago, I underwent laser excision, and the biopsy results indicated it was benign. I would like to ask how long the redness and swelling t...
Dr. Ji Zhaoyun reply Otolaryngology
Hello Mr. Hsu, based on your description, generally speaking, a benign tumor on the tongue measuring about 1 cm should gradually reduce in swelling within two weeks after laser excision. If you feel that the swelling is increasing, there may be a risk of infection, and it is advi...[Read More] Understanding Laser Treatment for Tongue Tumors: Recovery Insights
Understanding Seasonal Nasal Allergies: Symptoms and Management Tips
Nasal allergy issues? Hello, doctor. Since I was young, doctors at the clinic have told me that I have nasal allergies. However, I have noticed that my condition has worsened over the past two years, so I went to the hospital for a consultation. The doctor arranged for me to have...
Dr. Ji Zhaoyun reply Otolaryngology
Hello, regarding nasal allergies, here is a brief overview: The main triggering factors are genetic predisposition and environmental allergens. If one parent has allergic rhinitis, the likelihood of their children developing allergic rhinitis increases fourfold. Common allergens ...[Read More] Understanding Seasonal Nasal Allergies: Symptoms and Management Tips
Understanding Pink Bumps Under the Tongue: Causes and Concerns
Growths under the tongue? Hello doctor, I have noticed that there are many pink, slightly transparent bumps under my tongue that are neither painful nor itchy. However, since I have performed oral sex on my boyfriend, I am concerned that I might have contracted genital warts.
Dr. Ji Zhaoyun reply Otolaryngology
Hello, based on the image you uploaded, due to resolution limitations, it is difficult to accurately determine whether the oral ulcer is caused by a viral infection, a minor salivary gland cyst, or other conditions. It is recommended to seek evaluation and treatment from an otola...[Read More] Understanding Pink Bumps Under the Tongue: Causes and Concerns
Understanding Dizziness After Alcohol-Related Injuries
Injury and fainting after alcohol consumption? Hello, doctor. My father accidentally cut himself after drinking about 3 or 4 cans of beer, and then he fainted. Could the dizziness be caused by the injury he sustained while under the influence of alcohol?
Dr. Ji Zhaoyun reply Otolaryngology
Hello Mr. Lin, Dizziness can have numerous potential causes: 1) If accompanied by neck and head pain, it may suggest poor blood circulation in the head and neck. 2) If there are symptoms such as ear fullness, ear pressure, or hearing loss, it may indicate sudden sensorineural...[Read More] Understanding Dizziness After Alcohol-Related Injuries
Persistent Throat Pain: Struggling with Voice Issues After Overuse
Experiencing abnormal soreness in the throat, making it difficult to speak normally? Due to work-related reasons, I often speak a lot. Six months ago, after overusing my voice, I woke up one day and felt a pain in my throat as if I had strained a muscle. It was extremely painful,...
Dr. Ji Zhaoyun reply Otolaryngology
Hello Mr. Chen, based on your description, there are many potential causes for your poor voice and throat discomfort, including vocal cord atrophy, vocal cord inflammation, vocal cord edema, vocal cord nodules, impaired vocal cord movement, and chronic pharyngitis, among others. ...[Read More] Persistent Throat Pain: Struggling with Voice Issues After Overuse
Persistent Bloody Taste in Nose: Causes and Solutions
A persistent bloody smell in the nose? Hello, Dr. Chi. I previously underwent an endoscopy, but it has been a month, and I occasionally notice a bloody taste when I breathe through my nose, and sometimes there are blood streaks in my phlegm. This month, I consulted several clinic...
Dr. Ji Zhaoyun reply Otolaryngology
Hello Mr. Hsiao, based on your description, there are many causes of nosebleeds, with the most common being thin nasal mucosa, which can result from forceful nose blowing. However, other potential causes include nasopharyngeal or nasal cavity tumors (such as nasopharyngeal carcin...[Read More] Persistent Bloody Taste in Nose: Causes and Solutions
Understanding Tinnitus: Causes and Solutions for Persistent Ear Noise
Tinnitus issues? Hello Doctor: I have been experiencing tinnitus for about four months. It is a faint EEEEE sound that disappears after I wake up, but it starts again around noon and continues until the next morning when it disappears again. What could be the issue?
Dr. Ji Zhaoyun reply Otolaryngology
Hello, Xiao Wu. The issues you mentioned could possibly be due to: 1) Eustachian tube dysfunction, 2) degeneration of the inner ear nerves, or 3) otitis media: a) Acute otitis media: often occurs alongside upper respiratory infections (such as colds) and sinusitis, and in severe ...[Read More] Understanding Tinnitus: Causes and Solutions for Persistent Ear Noise
Understanding Salivary Gland Issues in Children: What Parents Should Know
Salivary gland issues Hello, doctor. My child has some bumps on the oral mucosa near the corner of the mouth. When we visited the pediatrician for a vaccination, I asked the doctor about it, and he said it was a salivary gland. However, I noticed that other children at home do no...
Dr. Ji Zhaoyun reply Otolaryngology
Hello Jia-En, based on your description, it is most likely a minor salivary gland cyst. Our oral mucosa is filled with minor salivary glands, which can rupture and swell when bitten or scratched while eating. If there is no further irritation, most of these cysts will resolve on ...[Read More] Understanding Salivary Gland Issues in Children: What Parents Should Know
Is It Inflammation or HPV Warts? Understanding Ear, Nose, and Throat Issues
Is it inflammation? Is it a cauliflower? I have raised white spots that are painful to touch. Initially, it was just a line that looked like a blood vessel. I've been experiencing pain for about 4 to 5 days and thought it might be from biting something. I asked my dentist du...
Dr. Ji Zhaoyun reply Otolaryngology
Dear Mr. Yan, Based on your description and the images, there appears to be granulation tissue and leukoplakia (though the resolution of the images is quite limited). It is recommended that you consult an otolaryngologist. Depending on the situation, a biopsy or medication may ...[Read More] Is It Inflammation or HPV Warts? Understanding Ear, Nose, and Throat Issues
Concerns About Oral Health: Risks of Hand-to-Mouth Contact in Children
Oral hygiene Hello, doctor. I have a question. My elder at home actually let my child suck on his finger. Could this affect my child's oral health? I'm really at a loss for words; it's so unhygienic! Could there be any infectious diseases that might impact oral hea...
Dr. Ji Zhaoyun reply Otolaryngology
Hello, Yan. It is advisable to first understand the health status of the elderly at home—whether there are any underlying conditions, and if there are any wounds or fungal infections on their fingers. At the same time, pay attention to whether the children have symptoms such as s...[Read More] Concerns About Oral Health: Risks of Hand-to-Mouth Contact in Children
Understanding Recurrent Oral Ulcers: Causes and Treatment Options
Recurrent oral ulcers? Hello Doctor: My 53-year-old mother has diabetes and hypertension, and she has been troubled by recurrent oral ulcers lately. She has wounds on both sides of her cheeks and around her lips. Initially, we thought it was just a simple mouth sore that would he...
Dr. Ji Zhaoyun reply Otolaryngology
Hello YJ, most oral ulcers heal within two weeks after treatment. If the ulcer persists beyond two weeks, further examination is necessary to rule out 1) malignant lesions (which can be biopsied by an otolaryngologist or oral surgeon), 2) autoimmune diseases (rheumatology), and 3...[Read More] Understanding Recurrent Oral Ulcers: Causes and Treatment Options
Understanding Sinusitis: Persistent Symptoms and Treatment Options
Regarding sinusitis issues? Hello, Doctor! Since last year, I have been experiencing issues with yellow nasal discharge, but I did not seek active treatment. Occasionally, when I blow my nose forcefully, there are streaks of blood, and I experience alternating nasal congestion in...
Dr. Ji Zhaoyun reply Otolaryngology
Hello Jason, if acute sinusitis persists despite antibiotic treatment for more than two weeks, it is recommended to visit an otolaryngologist for bacterial culture. If a "more virulent" bacteria is identified, it may be necessary to switch to a stronger antibiotic. I su...[Read More] Understanding Sinusitis: Persistent Symptoms and Treatment Options
Understanding Elevated EB IgA Levels: What You Need to Know
Elevated EB IgA Index Issue Hello Doctor, thank you for your response. Five years ago, during a company health screening, my VCA IgA was positive. I underwent a nasopharyngoscopy and biopsy, which were normal, so I didn't pay much attention to it. Today, five years later, I ...
Dr. Ji Zhaoyun reply Otolaryngology
Hello, Xiao Chen. The index for nasopharyngeal carcinoma is the "EBV titer," which includes the VCA IgA and EA IgA you mentioned. However, a high "EBV titer" does not necessarily indicate nasopharyngeal carcinoma, as there are many cases where individuals are ...[Read More] Understanding Elevated EB IgA Levels: What You Need to Know
Understanding Non-Painful Neck Lumps: Possible Causes and Concerns
There is a hard lump in the neck? Hello doctor, I have a round hard lump about one centimeter in diameter on the lower right side of my neck, close to the area between my shoulder and collarbone where it connects to the neck. It has been there for about four to five months, but i...
Dr. Ji Zhaoyun reply Otolaryngology
Dear Mr. Wen, Due to the inability to ascertain the depth and texture of the mass, it is challenging to make an accurate diagnosis based on your description. Possibilities include cervical lymph nodes, lipomas, or subcutaneous cysts. It is advisable to consult an otolaryngologi...[Read More] Understanding Non-Painful Neck Lumps: Possible Causes and Concerns
Severe Sore Throat and Painful Swallowing: Causes and Remedies
Sore throat with difficulty swallowing? Yesterday, my throat felt fine, but after drinking a bottle of 20% lemon juice, my throat started to feel a bit strange. I didn't think much of it, but this morning when I woke up, I had severe throat pain. Eating, drinking, talking, a...
Dr. Ji Zhaoyun reply Otolaryngology
Hello Ms. Jiang, the situation you described may be due to excessive stimulation leading to pharyngeal edema. It is advisable to seek medical attention for a possible laryngoscopy and medication treatment. If you experience difficulty breathing, please seek medical help immediate...[Read More] Severe Sore Throat and Painful Swallowing: Causes and Remedies