Managing Ear Discharge: Safe Practices and Home Remedies
Ear problems If a doctor finds that there is dried pus in the ear, is it advisable to use a cotton swab dipped in mineral oil? Also, can a menthol ointment be applied? What should be done after the pus has dried in the ear? My friend goes to a hair salon where the owner helps cli...
Dr. Xu Jiazhen reply Otolaryngology
Hydrogen peroxide can essentially be considered a type of disinfectant. It is commonly used to soften hard earwax in the external auditory canal, but it is important to remove it immediately and rinse with clean water. However, it is not recommended for patients with a perforated...[Read More] Managing Ear Discharge: Safe Practices and Home Remedies
Understanding Eustachian Tube Dysfunction: Treatment Options and Concerns
Eustachian tube treatment Hello, Doctor. A year ago, I visited the hospital due to unexplained ear pain and tinnitus. The doctor diagnosed me with "Eustachian tube dysfunction." I had not lost weight or taken any medications prior to this, and I had never experienced si...
Dr. Xu Jiazhen reply Otolaryngology
First of all, I apologize for the delay in responding to your message as I was abroad. I hope I can still assist you. The function of the Eustachian tube is primarily to equalize the pressure in the middle ear. Therefore, when there is an issue, the patient's ear pressure ma...[Read More] Understanding Eustachian Tube Dysfunction: Treatment Options and Concerns
Understanding Dizziness and Tinnitus: A Guide for Patients
Hello, Dr. Hsu? Hello, Dr. Hsu! My uncle is 45 years old, and I am worried about a symptom he has. Sometimes he experiences unexplained dizziness, a heavy sensation in his legs, and instability while standing. His blood pressure is 160. He eats regular meals, does not stay up lat...
Dr. Xu Jiazhen reply Otolaryngology
There are many causes of dizziness, and there are various classifications in medical theory. However, from the perspective of patients and their families, the most pressing questions are often, "What is the condition? Will it get better?" Having worked with patients suf...[Read More] Understanding Dizziness and Tinnitus: A Guide for Patients
Protecting Your Ears: Tips for Call Center Workers
Ear problems? I'm sorry! I would like to ask, because my friend works in customer service and often has to answer phone calls, he has recently mentioned that his ears feel uncomfortable. I would like to ask the doctor if there are any self-protection methods for the ears tha...
Dr. Xu Jiazhen reply Otolaryngology
Users who frequently use headphones or talk for extended periods may experience discomfort, often due to cartilage pressure pain or ear canal injury from in-ear headphones. I would recommend taking short breaks; for example, after wearing headphones for an hour, take a ten-minute...[Read More] Protecting Your Ears: Tips for Call Center Workers
Understanding Facial Tightness and Neck Discomfort: Possible ENT Issues
Tightness and swelling on both sides of the face and neck? Hello Dr. Hsu: I have been experiencing tightness and swelling on both sides of my face and neck for over two months. I have seen many specialists who all said there was no issue. Later, I underwent an endoscopy, and the ...
Dr. Xu Jiazhen reply Otolaryngology
Tightness in the cheeks and neck usually does not require excessive concern unless there is a noticeable lump or tumor. It is often caused by poor posture or related to the quality of sleep at night, and it is also closely linked to emotional factors. It is recommended that you c...[Read More] Understanding Facial Tightness and Neck Discomfort: Possible ENT Issues
Understanding and Managing Recurring Dizziness: Insights on Meniere's Disease
Recurrent dizziness Approximately 3-4 months ago, the patient experienced sudden severe dizziness and vomiting, leading to a visit to a teaching hospital where a brain CT scan was performed and deemed normal by the physician. Due to recurrent episodes, the patient continued to se...
Dr. Xu Jiazhen reply Otolaryngology
Patients with vertigo have various underlying causes, and a neurological examination is generally required for a definitive diagnosis. If we consider Meniere's disease, symptoms often improve with medication. However, as you mentioned in your letter, if you are experiencing ...[Read More] Understanding and Managing Recurring Dizziness: Insights on Meniere's Disease
Is Sleeping on Your Stomach Safe? ENT Concerns and Solutions Explained
Is sleeping face down (prone position) good for you? Hello, Dr. Hsu: When I sleep lying down, I feel like my uvula gets obstructed during inhalation, causing a sensation of difficulty breathing. Therefore, I have switched to sleeping on my stomach. I would like to ask you what ad...
Dr. Xu Jiazhen reply Otolaryngology
A small number of patients experience this type of disturbance during sleep, and the causes are often not solely due to enlarged uvula. Most cases are caused by a narrowing of the entire pharyngeal passage, which may include hypertrophy of the base of the tongue, and occasionally...[Read More] Is Sleeping on Your Stomach Safe? ENT Concerns and Solutions Explained
Understanding Thyroid Cysts: Causes, Symptoms, and Dietary Considerations
Thyroid cyst Hello, Dr. Hsu: During a health check-up for a family member (approximately 50 years old, postmenopausal female), a thyroid cyst (0.275*0.662 cm) was discovered via carotid ultrasound, and it is recommended to follow up in one year. P.S. She experiences a persistent ...
Dr. Xu Jiazhen reply Otolaryngology
Clinically, most thyroid tumors are benign, whether they are cysts or solid nodules. Generally, they do not affect the body significantly; they may present as a lump that is slightly uncomfortable in appearance. However, if there are accompanying symptoms such as hoarseness or di...[Read More] Understanding Thyroid Cysts: Causes, Symptoms, and Dietary Considerations
Understanding Thyroid Cysts: Causes, Symptoms, and Dietary Considerations
Thyroid cyst Hello, Dr. Hsu: A family member (approximately 50 years old, postmenopausal female) underwent a health check and was found to have a thyroid cyst on the left side of the neck (0.275 x 0.662 cm). She was advised to follow up in a year. I would like to ask the doctor...
Dr. Xu Jiazhen reply Otolaryngology
The thyroid gland and the adjacent parathyroid glands are very important for the human body. Generally, benign cysts are observed, which are a type of fluid-filled growth. Unless they become large enough to affect breathing, they typically do not present symptoms. If there is hoa...[Read More] Understanding Thyroid Cysts: Causes, Symptoms, and Dietary Considerations
Understanding Right Cheek Tightness: Causes and Recommended Tests
Tightness in the right cheek? I have been experiencing tightness in my right cheek for the past month. The symptoms vary in intensity, and after examination, no tumors were found. The discomfort does not remain in the same area; sometimes it is behind my ear, at my temple, or in ...
Dr. Xu Jiazhen reply Otolaryngology
The structure of the human body is quite complex, and sometimes not all tests can provide us with answers. Your issue seems to have two possible causes. The first could be Eustachian tube dysfunction, which may present some symptoms as you described. This aspect can be further ev...[Read More] Understanding Right Cheek Tightness: Causes and Recommended Tests
Understanding Ear Noises: Causes and Connections to Past Infections
Strange sounds in the ear? Hello, today while running, I noticed a thumping sound in my right ear that occurs with the rhythm of my running. It feels like something inside is loose. Additionally, if I tilt my head back slightly, the sound disappears. A few years ago, I had an inf...
Dr. Xu Jiazhen reply Otolaryngology
In most cases, this situation is caused by small foreign objects in the ear canal, which can lead to varying symptoms with changes in posture. Some foreign objects may also cause inflammation. It is advisable to consult a specialist, as the issue should be relatively easy to diag...[Read More] Understanding Ear Noises: Causes and Connections to Past Infections
How Long Does Tinnitus Last After Ossicular Reconstruction Surgery?
Will tinnitus persist for a long time after ossicular reconstruction? Hello Doctor: I noticed tinnitus at the beginning of January this year, and despite undergoing tympanostomy and laser treatment, there has been no improvement. In early August, I had surgery for further examina...
Dr. Xu Jiazhen reply Otolaryngology
Many patients clinically experience tinnitus after surgery, which can be a persistent source of distress. In fact, most cases of postoperative tinnitus are related to damage in the inner ear, and these injuries are often associated with the underlying disease itself. In other wor...[Read More] How Long Does Tinnitus Last After Ossicular Reconstruction Surgery?
Understanding Changes in Lumps Behind the Ear: Causes and Concerns
Changes in the hard lump behind the ear? The changes in the hard lump behind the ear are as follows: it is one during the day and becomes two at night. Thank you.
Dr. Xu Jiazhen reply Otolaryngology
The hard lump behind the ear should be evaluated based on its location for further management. From the description, it is likely caused by inflammation of the lymph nodes in the ear area, which typically does not require special treatment. However, a small portion of the swellin...[Read More] Understanding Changes in Lumps Behind the Ear: Causes and Concerns
Understanding Congenital Ear Fistulas: Symptoms and Treatment Options
Regarding the issue of ear fistulas? Dear Doctor: My younger sister recently had a pus-filled ear that burst, and after applying medication, her condition improved. We took her to see a doctor, who suspected a congenital fistula, but the location on my sister is not in front of t...
Dr. Xu Jiazhen reply Otolaryngology
The location of preauricular sinuses is primarily in front of the ear, but they can also occur in other areas. Their distribution can be erratic, resembling the roots of a tree underground, making it difficult to establish a fixed description. It is recommended that if surgical r...[Read More] Understanding Congenital Ear Fistulas: Symptoms and Treatment Options
Understanding Kimura Disease: Symptoms, Treatment, and Gender Differences
Kimura disease Hello: Five months ago, I had a lump on the right side of my neck. An MRI was performed, and there were no signs of cancer. Five months have passed, and the lump has not disappeared. During my recent follow-up, a blood test showed that one of the markers had increa...
Dr. Xu Jiazhen reply Otolaryngology
I believe you have done a lot of research to understand your neck mass. Kimura's disease is a common inflammatory response, but it is not specific, meaning that coexisting with the human body does not pose significant issues. However, it is important to note that if the mass...[Read More] Understanding Kimura Disease: Symptoms, Treatment, and Gender Differences
Understanding Throat Inflammation: Symptoms and Medical Insights
Please provide the content you would like me to translate into English? Hello, Doctor: Initially, I felt a sensation of something stuck in my throat, which later developed into slight pain when swallowing saliva. I went for a consultation and explained my condition to the physici...
Dr. Xu Jiazhen reply Otolaryngology
If the symptoms gradually improve, it should not be a concern. Additionally, the lymph nodes in the neck should be monitored. Clinically, while the initial severity is assessed based on size, changes in size over time are a more important indicator.[Read More] Understanding Throat Inflammation: Symptoms and Medical Insights
Managing Meniere's Disease: Seeking Relief from Severe Dizziness and Vomiting
Meniere's disease Dear Vice President, I would like to consult you regarding my husband, who has been diagnosed with Meniere's disease. He underwent steroid treatment a year ago and even received hyperbaric oxygen therapy during his hospitalization. His symptoms improv...
Dr. Xu Jiazhen reply Otolaryngology
The diagnosis of Meniere's disease requires substantial evidence, and several clinical features must be present. Typically, there is fluctuating hearing loss accompanied by vertigo and tinnitus. Patients may also experience vomiting during episodes. Generally, medication can...[Read More] Managing Meniere's Disease: Seeking Relief from Severe Dizziness and Vomiting
Understanding Throat Discomfort: Causes of Dryness and Sensation
Please ask your questions? Hello, I have a sensation of something being stuck in my throat when I swallow saliva (there is no pain), and I also feel that my throat is dry. I'm not sure what the cause might be. Thank you.
Dr. Xu Jiazhen reply Otolaryngology
The sensation of something being stuck in the throat after swallowing is generally due to chronic inflammation of the larynx. This condition often cannot be completely resolved with medication alone; it is important to address the underlying causes. Factors such as poor sleep, th...[Read More] Understanding Throat Discomfort: Causes of Dryness and Sensation
Post-Surgery Concerns for Preauricular Sinus: Healing and Care
Preauricular sinus - postoperative issues! Question: If the preauricular sinus is not sutured properly, will it bleed? If the wound is not completely closed, will the scar be unsightly in the future? Is a 7-day period for suture removal too long? Why is there swelling behind the ...
Dr. Xu Jiazhen reply Otolaryngology
The preauricular fistula does not have a fixed trajectory, making it difficult to predict the suture location in advance. The fistula resembles underground tree roots, which can extend in various directions. When the physician removes the visible portion, they typically align the...[Read More] Post-Surgery Concerns for Preauricular Sinus: Healing and Care
Optimal Timing for Surgery on Preauricular Sinus Inflammation
Timing for Surgery on Preauricular Sinus Doctor, may I ask, in the current situation where the inflammation has not completely resolved, and there is yellow discharge while on medication, followed by a watery discharge after stopping the medication, when would it be best to consi...
Dr. Xu Jiazhen reply Otolaryngology
Based on previous experiences, patients with preauricular sinus will definitely have at least one major episode in their lifetime, not to mention that many suffer for years, with severe cases even leading to facial nerve damage, which should not be taken lightly! Given your situa...[Read More] Optimal Timing for Surgery on Preauricular Sinus Inflammation