Understanding Ear Lobe Bumps: When to See a Doctor?
Ear Hello, I have a question! For the past few days, it seems like there is something inside my earlobe that feels like a small pimple; it feels round when I touch it. Should I see a doctor? What could it be? Which specialist should I consult?
Dr. Xu Jiazhen reply Otolaryngology
Hello: In response to your question, this is generally a subcutaneous cyst. If it continues to grow larger, surgical removal may be considered.[Read More] Understanding Ear Lobe Bumps: When to See a Doctor?
Persistent Hmm Sound in Right Ear: Causes and Solutions
There is a continuous "humming" sound in the right ear? Hello Doctor: My mother has been experiencing a constant "humming" sound in her right ear for at least 1 to 2 weeks. During the day, she feels the sound is quieter due to the noisy environment, but at nig...
Dr. Xu Jiazhen reply Otolaryngology
Hello: In response to your question, it is recommended to visit a larger hospital for an evaluation from an otoneurological perspective, which can provide further insights.[Read More] Persistent Hmm Sound in Right Ear: Causes and Solutions
Understanding the Feeling of a 'Stuck' Throat After Eating
Feeling a lump in the throat? Dear Doctor, after eating certain foods, my throat feels tight, almost like I'm choking. What could be the issue?
Dr. Xu Jiazhen reply Otolaryngology
Hello: In response to your question, food that is too dry or chronic inflammation of the oral mucosa could both be potential causes.[Read More] Understanding the Feeling of a 'Stuck' Throat After Eating
Understanding Your Child's Speech and Hearing Issues: ENT Guidance
Child language and hearing My child has started speaking and is now in preschool, but his voice is very hoarse and he has a lisp. We took him to see a doctor who examined his tongue and said there were no issues, but he still speaks with a lisp and his words are all slurred toget...
Dr. Xu Jiazhen reply Otolaryngology
Hello: In response to your question, either an otolaryngologist or a rehabilitation specialist can assist, but a physician's assessment is required.[Read More] Understanding Your Child's Speech and Hearing Issues: ENT Guidance
Understanding Ear Pressure, Pain, and Dizziness: Possible ENT Issues
Ear fullness and dizziness? During a health check-up, it was discovered that there was an imbalance in hearing between the left and right ears. Following the recommendation, I went to the outpatient clinic for further audiometric testing (which involved two earplugs and a small d...
Dr. Xu Jiazhen reply Otolaryngology
Hello: In response to your question, the bacteria that cause otitis media are present in our environment and are not primarily caused by specific individuals. For a more detailed explanation, you should consult your attending physician.[Read More] Understanding Ear Pressure, Pain, and Dizziness: Possible ENT Issues
Understanding Throat Discomfort and Lymph Node Pain: When to Seek Help
My throat feels strange? Hello, doctor. Recently, I noticed that there seems to be a lymph node area above my left clavicle that feels painful and uncomfortable when pressed lightly. I also often feel a sensation of something stuck in my throat, and sometimes I experience slight ...
Dr. Xu Jiazhen reply Otolaryngology
Hello: In response to your question, it may require an actual examination for a proper diagnosis. It is recommended to consult an otolaryngologist for evaluation.[Read More] Understanding Throat Discomfort and Lymph Node Pain: When to Seek Help
Managing Hearing Loss: Can Vitamin B1 Help Prevent Nerve Damage?
Auditory nerve damage? Hello Doctor: During a recent health check-up, I discovered that I have hearing issues. After undergoing a hearing test at the hospital, the doctor informed me that the tinnitus is caused by nerve damage and is untreatable. Currently, it does not affect my ...
Dr. Xu Jiazhen reply Otolaryngology
Hello: In response to your question, any qualified Vitamin B1 is acceptable.[Read More] Managing Hearing Loss: Can Vitamin B1 Help Prevent Nerve Damage?
Is This Buzzing Sound Tinnitus? Understanding Ear Noise and Hearing Tests
Does this situation qualify as tinnitus? In general, when there is no sound present, the ears do not perceive any auditory stimuli. If there is a constant buzzing sound heard in the ears, it is considered tinnitus. In the case of tinnitus, undergoing a hearing test may indeed res...
Dr. Xu Jiazhen reply Otolaryngology
Hello: In response to your question, it is referred to as "tinnitus" by some. Your description is also valid. There should be no issues with the hearing test itself, so feel free to proceed with the examination![Read More] Is This Buzzing Sound Tinnitus? Understanding Ear Noise and Hearing Tests
Understanding Chronic External Ear Inflammation: Tips for Pain Management
Otitis externa Excuse me, I am the patient who asked about ear pain yesterday. Is perichondritis considered a type of external otitis? A doctor told me that it has become chronic and cannot be completely cured, which means I will still experience intermittent pain in the future. ...
Dr. Xu Jiazhen reply Otolaryngology
Hello: In response to your question, yes, there are some conditions that cannot be completely cured. It is important to monitor the inflammation and avoid any further injuries.[Read More] Understanding Chronic External Ear Inflammation: Tips for Pain Management
Common Surgical Treatments for Chronic Otitis Media Explained
Otitis media I would like to ask Dr. Hsu about the most common surgical procedure for chronic otitis media. Is it tympanoplasty, mastoidectomy, or myringotomy? There are many versions of the book, and I'm not sure which one is the most accurate in the latest edition. I hope ...
Dr. Xu Jiazhen reply Otolaryngology
Hello: In response to your questions. 1. Tympanoplasty is considered, but the surgical approach will depend on the patient's condition. 2. The choice of surgical method is based on the physician's assessment of the patient's situation, and there is no "absolut...[Read More] Common Surgical Treatments for Chronic Otitis Media Explained
Managing Tinnitus After a Cold: Effective Strategies and Solutions
Tinnitus Around the end of December 2004, I had a severe cold accompanied by nasal congestion. I may have blown my nose too hard, which led to a ringing sensation in both ears, similar to tinnitus. I have visited other ENT specialists, but there has been no sign of improvement. I...
Dr. Xu Jiazhen reply Otolaryngology
Hello: In response to your question, it is usually an issue of Eustachian tube obstruction. It is recommended that you follow up with your specialist for ongoing treatment.[Read More] Managing Tinnitus After a Cold: Effective Strategies and Solutions
Understanding Persistent Ear Pain: Possible Causes and Solutions
Ear pain? For the past four years, I have experienced intermittent pain in my left ear. In the first two years, the pain was tolerable and did not last long; sometimes it would start in the morning and be gone by the afternoon. However, there was one instance when the pain became...
Dr. Xu Jiazhen reply Otolaryngology
Hello: In response to your question, the possible cause is perichondritis, which may occur due to injury to the external auditory canal. It is recommended to seek medical attention immediately upon experiencing any symptoms.[Read More] Understanding Persistent Ear Pain: Possible Causes and Solutions
Understanding Lymph Nodes: What to Know About Small Lymph Balls
Lymphocyte Symptoms: I can feel a small round lump on either side of my Adam's apple. Today, I visited an ENT specialist who diagnosed it as a small lymph node and prescribed medication. The doctor mentioned that it doesn't need to be monitored whether it disappears or ...
Dr. Xu Jiazhen reply Otolaryngology
Hello: In response to your question, yes, if there are any changes, please consult a specialist for further evaluation.[Read More] Understanding Lymph Nodes: What to Know About Small Lymph Balls
Is That Small Round Lump Near My Adam's Apple Cancer or Swollen Lymph Node?
excuse me? If you can feel a small, round, painless lump on either side of your Adam's apple, could it be cancer or swollen lymph nodes?
Dr. Xu Jiazhen reply Otolaryngology
Hello: In response to your question, please be cautious about neck lumps and consult an otolaryngologist (ENT specialist).[Read More] Is That Small Round Lump Near My Adam's Apple Cancer or Swollen Lymph Node?
Understanding Cheek Pain: Symptoms and Specialist Recommendations
Cheek pain Hello, doctor. I noticed pain in my cheek after waking up. The exact location is near my right ear, in a sunken area of my cheek. The surrounding area, including the bone (the pain extends to the temple), hurts when pressed. What could be the symptoms of this condition...
Dr. Xu Jiazhen reply Otolaryngology
Hello: In response to your question, it is mostly related to temporomandibular joint issues. Please consult an otolaryngologist or a dentist.[Read More] Understanding Cheek Pain: Symptoms and Specialist Recommendations
Understanding Side Effects of Steroid Nasal Sprays and Allergy Treatment
Side effects of steroid nasal sprays? Hello, doctor: Are there any side effects associated with the use of steroid nasal sprays? I am using "Besonin" (beclomethasone) nasal aerosol. Additionally, can allergic rhinitis be completely cured? Is there no possibility of recu...
Dr. Xu Jiazhen reply Otolaryngology
Hello: In response to your question, short-term use generally poses no significant issues. While allergic rhinitis may not be "completely cured," it is still important to manage it to prevent complications.[Read More] Understanding Side Effects of Steroid Nasal Sprays and Allergy Treatment
Are Headphones Harmful? Understanding Safe Volume Levels for Hearing Health
Is using headphones likely to cause harm? The common understanding is that using headphones can lead to hearing damage. This is often attributed to the close proximity of the ear drum to the headphone diaphragm, which results in a smaller and more concentrated sound wave transmis...
Dr. Xu Jiazhen reply Otolaryngology
Hello: In response to your question, the use of headphones is not limited to low volume. Due to the structure of the ear canal, certain frequency ranges are amplified, and since most people use headphones for extended periods, the risk of damage is higher.[Read More] Are Headphones Harmful? Understanding Safe Volume Levels for Hearing Health
Understanding Post-Nasal Drip and Its Connection to Sinusitis in Children
Does post-nasal drip cause sinusitis? A 4.4-year-old child with a history of mild thalassemia and allergies (primarily atopic dermatitis before age 2, currently with nasal symptoms) typically experiences upper respiratory infections that take 10-15 days to improve. The child freq...
Dr. Xu Jiazhen reply Otolaryngology
Hello: In response to your question, there are no "absolute" symptoms in medicine, as we are dealing with "humans." White nasal discharge is not necessarily indicative of reflux, and the symptoms of acute sinusitis do not solely manifest as a runny nose. Since...[Read More] Understanding Post-Nasal Drip and Its Connection to Sinusitis in Children
Understanding Dizziness: Common ENT Causes and Solutions
Dizziness During work one day, I suddenly felt dizzy, almost fainting. I slept for a while and woke up several times, but soon after, the dizziness returned. I would like to ask what could be the cause of this?
Dr. Xu Jiazhen reply Otolaryngology
Hello: In response to your question, if there is a loss of consciousness, it is recommended to first consult a neurologist for evaluation or follow up at an otolaryngology clinic.[Read More] Understanding Dizziness: Common ENT Causes and Solutions
Unexplained Nerve Pain: Understanding Symptoms and Treatment Options
Idiopathic neuropathic pain Hello doctor, since I started drinking the commercially available raspberry detox drink in March 2023, I have been experiencing numbness in my hands and stiffness and pain in my neck, which has persisted until now. I have long-term pain on the right si...
Dr. Xu Jiazhen reply Otolaryngology
Hello: In response to your question, it is recommended to consult a neurologist.[Read More] Unexplained Nerve Pain: Understanding Symptoms and Treatment Options