What is Endoscopic Sinus Surgery and Its Potential Side Effects?
What is endoscopic sinus surgery? What is endoscopic sinus surgery? Are there any sequelae or effects after the procedure?
Dr. Xu Jiazhen reply Otolaryngology
Could you please clarify what you mean by "nasal cavity"? If possible, please describe it in more detail.[Read More] What is Endoscopic Sinus Surgery and Its Potential Side Effects?
Managing Ear Canal Infections: Effective Treatments and Solutions
Preauricular sinus At the beginning of May, I had an inflammation of the dental canal but did not seek medical attention. On the 10th, I went to a clinic for treatment and took medication, but the dental canal started to bleed and discharge pus. On the 14th, I went to a major hos...
Dr. Xu Jiazhen reply Otolaryngology
The growth pattern of preauricular sinuses resembles that of plant roots, spreading throughout the surrounding tissue. Simply removing the superficial portion is ineffective. If treatment relies solely on antibiotics, the results are very limited in patients who have already expe...[Read More] Managing Ear Canal Infections: Effective Treatments and Solutions
Understanding Eustachian Tube Dysfunction: Symptoms and Treatment Options
Eustachian tube dysfunction Hello, over two years ago, I started experiencing a sensation of ear fullness in both ears, as if I could hear my own breathing and speaking. Gradually, this began to affect my daily life, and I occasionally felt dizzy. I consulted an otolaryngologist ...
Dr. Xu Jiazhen reply Otolaryngology
Eustachian tube issues can indeed be very distressing for patients; they are not visible or tangible, yet they can significantly diminish quality of life. Generally, for Eustachian tube problems, the initial step should be to rule out other issues, which I believe previous specia...[Read More] Understanding Eustachian Tube Dysfunction: Symptoms and Treatment Options
Post-Surgery Dizziness After Cholesteatoma Surgery: Causes and Concerns
After undergoing cholesteatoma surgery, I have been experiencing persistent dizziness? Hello, Dr. Hsu! My grandmother underwent surgery for a cholesteatoma in May. She is 75 years old, and since the surgery over a month ago, she has been experiencing dizziness. Last week, due to ...
Dr. Xu Jiazhen reply Otolaryngology
Although a cholesteatoma is a benign tumor, it poses significant risks to the body as it can continuously expand and destroy surrounding tissues. Therefore, it is generally advisable to remove it as soon as it is detected, regardless of the stage. Regarding the dizziness you ment...[Read More] Post-Surgery Dizziness After Cholesteatoma Surgery: Causes and Concerns
Understanding White Spots in the Throat: Causes and Treatment Options
White spots on the throat? I would like to ask the doctor: I can't quite describe it, but I have white spots on the right side of my throat near the pharynx. I initially thought it was a viral infection from my child, so I went to see an ENT specialist. However, the doctor s...
Dr. Xu Jiazhen reply Otolaryngology
Based on your description, it is difficult to determine the exact issue you are experiencing, but there are several possible causes. The first could be thick secretions resulting from tonsillitis, which are expelled from the small crypts of the tonsils. This may lead you to belie...[Read More] Understanding White Spots in the Throat: Causes and Treatment Options
Impact of Branchial Cleft Cyst on Aviation Medical Certification
Regarding branchial cleft cysts? I would like to ask Dr. Hsu. Two years ago, I underwent surgery for a branchial cleft cyst, and my life has not changed since the surgery. However, I am currently planning to pursue a career as a pilot. I have also flown over 250 hours internation...
Dr. Xu Jiazhen reply Otolaryngology
This type of congenital anomaly, if completely excised after surgery, generally does not lead to any further issues and should not affect flying duties, unless there were complications at the time or other specific lesions that required special attention from the physician. I am ...[Read More] Impact of Branchial Cleft Cyst on Aviation Medical Certification
Why Does Food Taste Strange After Losing Smell?
Everything has become less tasty? Hello: Due to a car accident, I lost my sense of smell, and later I noticed that food tastes strange. Sometimes, when I eat something sweet, it has a bitter taste mixed in, or foods that I used to enjoy now taste unpleasant because of the strange...
Dr. Xu Jiazhen reply Otolaryngology
Nerve damage can commonly present with issues primarily arising from head trauma, whether due to damage to the taste nerves (located in the inner ear) or localized injuries. Most cases require further examination for confirmation, which can be addressed in neurology or otolaryngo...[Read More] Why Does Food Taste Strange After Losing Smell?
Can Eardrum Healing Improve Ear Pressure and Tinnitus?
Is it possible to improve tinnitus? Hello Doctor: After a perforated eardrum heals, can abnormal middle ear pressure be improved? Does hearing loss or a previous eardrum perforation affect the function of the Eustachian tube? If the function has not changed, is there a way to imp...
Dr. Xu Jiazhen reply Otolaryngology
Strictly speaking, after surgery for otitis media, the pressure in the middle ear does not necessarily return to normal, as the function of the Eustachian tube, which connects to the nasopharynx, may not be restored. Of course, some patients experience improvement in Eustachian t...[Read More] Can Eardrum Healing Improve Ear Pressure and Tinnitus?
Can Tinnitus Improve After Eardrum Repair? Expert Insights
Is it possible to improve tinnitus? Hello Doctor: I would like to ask about a situation where the eardrum has ruptured and has healed, but there is still persistent tinnitus that sounds like a heartbeat. The noise becomes louder during quiet or noisy environments to the point of ...
Dr. Xu Jiazhen reply Otolaryngology
After surgery for otitis media, some patients may still experience lingering effects from the previous inflammation, such as hearing impairment or tinnitus, which are quite common in outpatient settings. However, you mentioned being able to hear your own heartbeat and experiencin...[Read More] Can Tinnitus Improve After Eardrum Repair? Expert Insights
Could Brainstem Issues Cause Intracranial Noise? ENT Insights
Auditory center Hello, doctor. I have intracranial noise on the left side, and an ENT specialist said that both my ears and nose are normal. I suspect that there might be a lesion in the brainstem causing this intracranial noise, as the auditory center is located in the brainstem...
Dr. Xu Jiazhen reply Otolaryngology
The so-called intracranial noises are not necessarily solely caused by ear-related issues; brain lesions should also be considered. It is generally recommended to undergo further examination, as the absence of external damage does not guarantee that the internal structures are no...[Read More] Could Brainstem Issues Cause Intracranial Noise? ENT Insights
Could Ear Issues Be Behind My Unusual Walking Sensation?
Hello doctor, I would like to ask if this issue is related to the ear? I previously experienced a sensation while walking where it felt like my feet were momentarily sinking down and then bouncing back to their original position, even though they were firmly on the ground. This s...
Dr. Xu Jiazhen reply Otolaryngology
Many people have experienced temporary discomfort or unusual sensations in their bodies. Generally, if these feelings are not persistent, there is no need to worry. However, if you mention that the condition is ongoing, in addition to standard medical examinations, you may also s...[Read More] Could Ear Issues Be Behind My Unusual Walking Sensation?
Understanding Persistent Lymph Nodes: ENT Insights and Concerns
Please provide the content you would like me to translate into English? Hello: 1. I have four lymph nodes in my neck (for over three years), all of which are symmetrical and smaller than 1.5 cm. The doctor indicated that as long as they are being monitored, there is generally n...
Dr. Xu Jiazhen reply Otolaryngology
First, I believe it should not be less than 1.5 cm; rather, lesions smaller than 1 cm generally have little immediate clinical significance, except in cases of change. Examination, including physical and imaging assessments of the head and neck, is reasonable. The otolaryngology ...[Read More] Understanding Persistent Lymph Nodes: ENT Insights and Concerns
Understanding Ear Pain and Headaches: Causes and Solutions
Ear pain and headache? I started experiencing a sore throat last night, which then turned into intermittent pain in my right ear. This morning, I woke up with episodes of headache. What could be the cause? Please, doctor, I would appreciate your insights. Thank you!
Dr. Xu Jiazhen reply Otolaryngology
Hello: It may be related to referred pain or the occurrence of otitis media. It is recommended to consult a specialist for evaluation.[Read More] Understanding Ear Pain and Headaches: Causes and Solutions
Understanding Ear Congestion: Causes and Solutions for Relief
Feeling of ear fullness? Hello Dr. Hsu, I have been experiencing a feeling of fullness in my ears and frequent nasal congestion, especially when taking the elevator, for the past three weeks. I have undergone a nasal endoscopy and tympanometry at the hospital, and the results wer...
Dr. Xu Jiazhen reply Otolaryngology
Hello: In response to your question, patients with Eustachian tube dysfunction often experience such issues, which are significantly related to nasal problems. Since you have already undergone surgery at the hospital, I recommend discussing this further with your attending physic...[Read More] Understanding Ear Congestion: Causes and Solutions for Relief
Subcutaneous Cysts: When Surgery is Necessary and What to Expect
Subcutaneous cyst 1. If a subcutaneous cyst continues to grow and topical ointments are ineffective, is surgery necessary? 2. Are there risks or other considerations to be aware of regarding the surgery? Can it be performed at an ENT clinic, or is a specialized hospital require...
Dr. Xu Jiazhen reply Otolaryngology
Hello: In response to your questions. 1. Yes. 2. There are risks associated with anything, please discuss with your attending physician. 3. It depends on the location and situation; generally, local anesthesia is sufficient.[Read More] Subcutaneous Cysts: When Surgery is Necessary and What to Expect
Safe Ear Cleaning: Why You Should Avoid Cotton Swabs
I want to clean my ears, but it hurts, so I can only use cotton swabs? Hello, Doctor. I saw a report recently about a child who had excessive earwax, which almost affected their hearing. This made me a bit anxious. I want to ask you, I’m afraid of pain when I try to clean my ears...
Dr. Xu Jiazhen reply Otolaryngology
Hello: In response to your question, ear secretions generally contain antibodies and white blood cells that protect the ear canal. Unless there is inflammation, it is usually not necessary to clean them constantly. If the blockage can be removed in an outpatient setting, that is ...[Read More] Safe Ear Cleaning: Why You Should Avoid Cotton Swabs
Understanding Adult Mumps: Risks, Symptoms, and Prevention
Adult parotitis Dear Dr. Hsu, In the past few days, my boyfriend's left side of the face has swollen, and after visiting a dermatologist, he was diagnosed with mumps. If we kiss while dating, is there a chance that I could get infected? I read that it is transmitted through...
Dr. Xu Jiazhen reply Otolaryngology
Hello: In response to your questions. 1. If a woman is infected with mumps during pregnancy, there is a risk of congenital malformations, so it is recommended to receive the MMR vaccine first, which provides lifelong immunity. 2. The likelihood of orchitis is very low, so there i...[Read More] Understanding Adult Mumps: Risks, Symptoms, and Prevention
Understanding Lymph Nodes: Diagnosis and Treatment Options Explained
Lymphatic node I am a 43-year-old male who has lost 20 pounds since last year (2006). In February of this year (2007), I visited a doctor and underwent an ultrasound, which revealed several lymph nodes. At that time, lymph nodes were detected on both sides of my neck, with the la...
Dr. Xu Jiazhen reply Otolaryngology
Hello: In response to your questions. For points 1 and 2: the largest lymph node should be completely removed for examination. For point 3: a biopsy can provide information, but the treatment for lymphoma is not as you described. For points 4 and 5: please confirm the diagnosis b...[Read More] Understanding Lymph Nodes: Diagnosis and Treatment Options Explained
Understanding Ear Lobe Issues: Effectiveness of Gentaderm Cream
Earlobe Hello, I have a round lump inside my earlobe! After seeing the doctor, he prescribed a cream called GENTADERM CREAM (Taiwan FDA approval number 032319). Is this cream effective? The doctor told me to wash my hands thoroughly before applying it and to apply it gently! He m...
Dr. Xu Jiazhen reply Otolaryngology
Hello: Generally, this is mostly a subcutaneous cyst. If it becomes too large or undergoes further changes, surgical treatment will be necessary.[Read More] Understanding Ear Lobe Issues: Effectiveness of Gentaderm Cream
Understanding Subcutaneous Cysts: Risks, Treatments, and Health Impacts
Subcutaneous cyst If a subcutaneous cyst is left untreated, it may continue to grow, become painful, or become infected, leading to complications such as abscess formation. In some cases, the cyst may rupture, causing inflammation and discomfort in the surrounding tissue. Treat...
Dr. Xu Jiazhen reply Otolaryngology
Hello: In response to your question, large lesions, even if benign, can potentially cause compressive symptoms. If these issues arise, early treatment is the best approach.[Read More] Understanding Subcutaneous Cysts: Risks, Treatments, and Health Impacts