Understanding Parotid Tumor Surgery: Duration, Risks, and Consequences
Parotid gland tumor surgery Hello Doctor: I was recently diagnosed with a salivary gland tumor, and I would like to ask you a few questions. 1. How long does this surgery typically take (the tumor is about 3 cm)? 2. What is the likelihood of facial nerve injury? 3. If I choose no...
Dr. Xu Jiazhen reply Otolaryngology
Hello: In response to your question, the average duration of the surgery is about two hours. If the tumor is located deep, the surgery time may be extended. The probability of facial nerve damage is less than 1%. The decision not to undergo surgery depends on the type of tumor, a...[Read More] Understanding Parotid Tumor Surgery: Duration, Risks, and Consequences
Understanding Frequent Nosebleeds and Nasal Congestion: Causes and Solutions
Nosebleed I often experience nosebleeds for no apparent reason, along with frequent nasal congestion, without any trauma or nose-picking. What could be the cause?
Dr. Xu Jiazhen reply Otolaryngology
Hello: In response to your question, most patients suffer from poor nasal mucosa condition due to allergic rhinitis or chronic inflammation. However, a small portion of patients may have nasal tumors. It is advisable to consult a specialist for a more definitive diagnosis.[Read More] Understanding Frequent Nosebleeds and Nasal Congestion: Causes and Solutions
Understanding Sudden Hearing Loss: Causes, Treatments, and Recovery Options
Ear stroke Hello doctor, recently my father went to the hospital because he couldn't hear out of his left ear. The examination results indicated "ear stroke." The doctor only mentioned to keep observing, and that he might regain his hearing if he's lucky, but ...
Dr. Xu Jiazhen reply Otolaryngology
Hello: The term "ear stroke" is a common expression; the correct medical term is sudden sensorineural hearing loss. It is generally recommended to seek treatment within two weeks for a better response. This condition is not significantly related to environmental factors...[Read More] Understanding Sudden Hearing Loss: Causes, Treatments, and Recovery Options
Can Thermal Coagulation Treat Snoring? Side Effects and Insurance Coverage
Methods for Treating Snoring Is "thermal coagulation therapy" effective for treating snoring? What are the side effects, and is it covered by health insurance?
Dr. Xu Jiazhen reply Otolaryngology
Hello: In response to your question, snoring has many causes, and it depends on the specific reason behind it. Thermal coagulation therapy is just one of the treatment options; it utilizes new devices for treatment and has no significant side effects. However, health insurance do...[Read More] Can Thermal Coagulation Treat Snoring? Side Effects and Insurance Coverage
Feeling of Obstruction in One Nostril: When to See an ENT Specialist?
Feeling of a foreign body in the nasal cavity? Hello, doctor! For the past week, I've been feeling like there's something in my right nostril. It feels like there's a booger stuck inside, based on the sensation when I inhale and exhale, as well as the sound of air ...
Dr. Xu Jiazhen reply Otolaryngology
Hello: In response to your question, it is best to remove nasal foreign bodies when they are visible, as the nasal mucosa is very delicate and can easily bleed profusely if injured. We need to identify what the object is before proceeding with removal, so I recommend that you vis...[Read More] Feeling of Obstruction in One Nostril: When to See an ENT Specialist?
Understanding Tinnitus: A Teenager's Struggle with Ear Noise and Hearing Loss
Tinnitus Hello Dr. Hsu, I am a 17-year-old high school girl. On the morning of December 16, I suddenly experienced tinnitus when I woke up, and I felt something was wrong. That day, I went to a small clinic to see an ear specialist. The doctor suggested that it might be due to ...
Dr. Xu Jiazhen reply Otolaryngology
Hello: In response to your question, there are many causes and sources of tinnitus. Some patients may also experience hearing loss, which could be due to damage to the hair cells. The fluctuating nature of tinnitus is a subjective experience that only the patient can perceive. Wh...[Read More] Understanding Tinnitus: A Teenager's Struggle with Ear Noise and Hearing Loss
Understanding Right Ear Sensitivity to Loud Noises: Causes and Solutions
The right ear cannot tolerate loud sounds? Hello, I would like to ask a question. In very noisy environments, such as karaoke bars or movie theaters, or when the person next to me speaks at a higher volume (with overwhelming background noise), I experience discomfort in my right ...
Dr. Xu Jiazhen reply Otolaryngology
Hello: In response to your question, there are many potential causes ranging from peripheral to central issues. A physical examination alone cannot identify the problem; a hearing test is necessary to determine the specific issue. However, the treatment approach will depend on th...[Read More] Understanding Right Ear Sensitivity to Loud Noises: Causes and Solutions
Understanding Allergic Rhinitis and Its Impact on Ear Infections
Nasal allergies and otitis media? Hello Dr. Hsu: My daughter is 5 years old and often has a runny nose. After seeing a doctor and taking medication for about 14 days, her condition did not improve. About 10 days ago, we visited an ENT specialist who diagnosed her with allergic rh...
Dr. Xu Jiazhen reply Otolaryngology
Hello: In response to your question, otitis media can indeed affect hearing, but children may not always notice or inform their parents. Additionally, other ear symptoms are not commonly seen or are not obvious. Typically, medication is administered for about two weeks; if there ...[Read More] Understanding Allergic Rhinitis and Its Impact on Ear Infections
Unexplained Neck Lump and Bloody Nasal Discharge: What Could It Be?
Unidentified mass in the right side of the neck? Hello, Dr. Hsu: I have been experiencing nasal congestion for some time. Recently, I noticed blood in my nasal mucus, which is a small amount mixed in. Additionally, I have an unexplained lump on the right side of my neck, located ...
Dr. Xu Jiazhen reply Otolaryngology
Hello: In response to your question, nasal congestion and blood-tinged nasal discharge can indeed be symptoms of nasopharyngeal carcinoma, but they may also be caused by other issues. Additionally, when there is an unexplained lump under the ear along with these symptoms, we shou...[Read More] Unexplained Neck Lump and Bloody Nasal Discharge: What Could It Be?
Understanding Severe Tinnitus and Dizziness: Possible Causes and Solutions
Tinnitus Hello, doctor. For the past few days (3 to 4 days), I have been experiencing severe tinnitus in my left ear, accompanied by slight dizziness. I feel as though I am relying on my right ear for hearing, and this has started to affect my daily life. In the past (9 years ago...
Dr. Xu Jiazhen reply Otolaryngology
Hello: In response to your question, the definition of Meniere's disease includes recurrent symptoms such as hearing loss, vertigo, and tinnitus, so repeated episodes are understandable. It is generally believed to be caused by issues within the inner ear's lymphatic sy...[Read More] Understanding Severe Tinnitus and Dizziness: Possible Causes and Solutions
Understanding Headaches: Causes and Connections to ENT Issues
Headache I have been experiencing frequent headaches lately, starting from the back of my head and radiating to my temples. Sometimes the pain extends to the area behind my ears as well. What could be the cause of this? Thank you for your response.
Dr. Xu Jiazhen reply Otolaryngology
Hello: In response to your question, headaches can be caused by a variety of factors. Although they are all perceived by the nervous system, the pain patterns can differ depending on the specific organs or tissues involved. The information you provided is quite limited, making it...[Read More] Understanding Headaches: Causes and Connections to ENT Issues
When to Stop Using Steroid Nasal Sprays: A Guide for Patients
Steroid nasal spray Dear Dr. Hsu: Under what conditions should the use of steroid nasal sprays be discontinued? Should the discontinuation be done gradually? Is there a possibility of recurrence? Thank you!
Dr. Xu Jiazhen reply Otolaryngology
Hello: In response to your question, the treatment primarily focuses on controlling the inflammation of the nose. Treatment should continue until both subjective and objective symptoms improve. Generally, corticosteroid discontinuation should be done gradually. Whether there will...[Read More] When to Stop Using Steroid Nasal Sprays: A Guide for Patients
Experiencing Ear Pressure and Echoing Sounds During Exercise: Causes and Solutions
Experiencing ear fullness and a resonating sound while sweating during exercise? I am 50 years old, and I experience a feeling of fullness in my left ear when I sweat during exercise (this has only happened in the past year). For example, while playing tennis or running, my left ...
Dr. Xu Jiazhen reply Otolaryngology
Hello: In response to your question, based on your medical history, the issue seems to be related to the Eustachian tube opening. During physical activity, localized swelling at the Eustachian tube exit can affect the pressure balance in the middle ear, leading to a feeling of fu...[Read More] Experiencing Ear Pressure and Echoing Sounds During Exercise: Causes and Solutions
Understanding Submandibular Swelling: Is It a Sign of Nasopharyngeal Cancer?
Submandibular swelling Hello, Dr. Hsu. Last week, I felt a lump about one centimeter in size under my left ear. It hurts when pressed, and the surface feels somewhat smooth. There are no visible signs of a lump from the outside. I went to Chang Gung Memorial Hospital for a consul...
Dr. Xu Jiazhen reply Otolaryngology
Hello: In response to your question, there is indeed a lymphatic drainage area located beneath the ear that comes from the nasopharynx. However, it is difficult to determine the exact location of what you refer to as "beneath the ear" and the depth of the lump based on ...[Read More] Understanding Submandibular Swelling: Is It a Sign of Nasopharyngeal Cancer?
Understanding New Treatments for Chronic Nasal Allergies: A Medical Insight
Treatment for nasal allergies Hello, Dr. Hsu. I would like to ask for your professional opinion on the following news. I have chronic rhinitis and am considering surgery. Can it really provide a cure? Dr. Li Hong-Hsin from the ENT department of Chung Shan Medical University Hospi...
Dr. Xu Jiazhen reply Otolaryngology
Hello: In response to your question, the symptoms of nasal mucosal hypertrophy, congestion, and rhinorrhea are associated with local vasodilation. The dilation of blood vessels is indeed related to the autonomic nervous system and vascular function. However, in the case of allerg...[Read More] Understanding New Treatments for Chronic Nasal Allergies: A Medical Insight
Understanding Lymph Node Enlargement: Common Concerns and Medical Insights
Lymphadenopathy refers to the enlargement of lymph nodes, which can occur due to various causes, including infections, autoimmune diseases, and malignancies. It is important to evaluate the characteristics of the swollen lymph nodes, such as their size, consistency, Hello Doctor:...
Dr. Xu Jiazhen reply Otolaryngology
Hello: In response to your questions. 1. Steroids are medications, not toxins. Humans naturally secrete similar substances, and short-term use is generally safe. Many diseases require their use for management. 2. Tumors come in various types, and their progression and prognosis a...[Read More] Understanding Lymph Node Enlargement: Common Concerns and Medical Insights
Understanding the Connection Between Sinus Issues and Tinnitus
Rhinitis and Tinnitus Hello, my current symptoms include tinnitus, a foul smell from my nose (without yellow discharge), and loss of smell (which has persisted for too long and is now gone). I started treatment for left ear tinnitus at the clinic in early July, and later I notice...
Dr. Xu Jiazhen reply Otolaryngology
Hello: In response to your questions. 1. Based on your situation, it is likely that you have sinusitis and chronic rhinitis. When the air conditions change, it affects the mucosa and opens the sinus ostia, releasing the unpleasant odor from within, which may be your current condi...[Read More] Understanding the Connection Between Sinus Issues and Tinnitus
Can Sudden Hearing Loss Be Cured? Exploring Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy Options
I previously received treatment for sudden hearing loss. Is there a chance of recovery? I only have hyperbaric oxygen therapy left? Hello, Dr. Hsu. I previously experienced sudden sensorineural hearing loss. After a week of treatment, there hasn't been significant progress; ...
Dr. Xu Jiazhen reply Otolaryngology
Hello: In response to your question. First of all, sudden sensorineural hearing loss is not necessarily untreatable, but it is more common to see partial recovery. The degree of recovery is related to the time from onset to treatment, the presence of other symptoms, and the exten...[Read More] Can Sudden Hearing Loss Be Cured? Exploring Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy Options
Understanding Pain Behind the Ear: Causes and Solutions
There is a throbbing pain behind the ear? Hello doctor, my wife has been experiencing a recurring sharp pain in a muscle behind her ear for the past week. Sometimes the pain is unbearable, and pressing on it with her finger also causes pain. What could this issue be? Is it relate...
Dr. Xu Jiazhen reply Otolaryngology
Hello: In response to your question, based solely on your description (without a physical examination), this may be muscle pain, most likely related to your sleeping posture.[Read More] Understanding Pain Behind the Ear: Causes and Solutions
Understanding Preauricular Sinus: Treatment Options and Expert Care in Taoyuan
Preauricular sinus My daughter is currently in kindergarten (5 years old) and has a preauricular sinus, which is a small hole in front of her ear. Additionally, there is a small hole in the cartilage of her ear, so she has three holes in one ear. Sometimes it gets itchy, and she ...
Dr. Xu Jiazhen reply Otolaryngology
Hello, in response to your question: Preauricular sinus is a congenital condition that typically does not require special treatment. However, if there is redness, swelling, or the formation of an abscess, surgical intervention may be necessary. Please monitor the area around the ...[Read More] Understanding Preauricular Sinus: Treatment Options and Expert Care in Taoyuan