How to Differentiate Between Neck Muscles and Lymph Nodes?
Neck mass Hello, doctor. Last week, I felt a thicker tendon on the left side of my neck. When I pull on it, it feels like a tendon, but when I relax, it seems like there are small lumps on it. Those lumps are not painful. I would like to know how to differentiate between the tend...
Dr. Zheng Jueyi reply Otolaryngology
Hello: The common tissue in the neck that is less than one centimeter and oval-shaped is a lymph node. If you are concerned or feel uncomfortable, you can visit an otolaryngologist for examination and confirmation. Wishing you peace and good health. Sincerely, Dr. Cheng Jue-Yi, D...[Read More] How to Differentiate Between Neck Muscles and Lymph Nodes?
Persistent Throat Issues: When to See an ENT Specialist?
My throat feels strange? I previously had a sore throat and it seemed to improve only after taking medication twice, but it hasn't completely resolved. Later, I felt uncomfortable again, so I decided to let my throat heal on its own. Recently, I've been feeling unwell a...
Dr. Zheng Jueyi reply Otolaryngology
Hello: If you continue to experience pain or difficulty swallowing, it is advisable to seek medical evaluation from an otolaryngologist or a gastroenterologist as soon as possible. If you are currently not experiencing any significant discomfort, you can drink more water and adju...[Read More] Persistent Throat Issues: When to See an ENT Specialist?
Understanding Lymph Node Issues: What Softening Means for Your Health
Lymph node issues? Hello, doctor! I previously inquired about lymph nodes, and I appreciate your response. I have noticed a few small lymph nodes on my body. When I visited the doctor, she was able to palpate only two of them, both approximately 1 cm in size. She prescribed a 7-d...
Dr. Zheng Jueyi reply Otolaryngology
Hello: Generally, lymph nodes with a soft and elastic texture are benign. If you are concerned, you can follow up with an outpatient examination after completing the medication. Wishing you peace and health. Sincerely, Dr. Cheng Jue-Yi, Director of the Department of Otolaryngolog...[Read More] Understanding Lymph Node Issues: What Softening Means for Your Health
Chronic Tonsillitis: When to Seek Medical Attention for Swollen Tonsils
Tonsillitis On May 27, I experienced a sore throat and had a fever for two days. I took some over-the-counter cold medication at home, which helped. However, in the following days, when I shone a flashlight on my throat, I noticed that the left tonsil appeared more swollen. Swall...
Dr. Zheng Jueyi reply Otolaryngology
Hello: Generally, if there are no obvious signs of redness, swelling, heat, or pain, the white spots on the tonsils may be related to secretions. It is advisable to rinse your mouth more frequently and reduce the intake of irritating foods. If the condition persists for more than...[Read More] Chronic Tonsillitis: When to Seek Medical Attention for Swollen Tonsils
Swelling Under the Tongue: Causes and When to Seek Medical Help
Swelling in the middle of the sublingual area? Hello Doctor, after eating hot noodles yesterday, my tongue felt a tingling sensation similar to a burn. This morning, I noticed that the area under my tongue feels strange, and upon looking in the mirror, I found that it is swollen ...
Dr. Zheng Jueyi reply Otolaryngology
Hello: It is possible that inflammation is caused by a burn. You may observe the situation yourself; however, if swelling persists or if you experience symptoms such as fever, it is advisable to seek medical attention. Generally, the condition should gradually improve within a we...[Read More] Swelling Under the Tongue: Causes and When to Seek Medical Help
Understanding Swollen Lymph Nodes and Neck Pain: When to Seek Medical Attention
Tightness in the neck with swollen lymph nodes? Hello doctor, about two weeks ago I experienced throat inflammation and oral ulcers. After visiting the doctor last week, I was prescribed medication, and my symptoms improved after three days. However, a few days ago, I accidentall...
Dr. Zheng Jueyi reply Otolaryngology
Hello, if there is no obvious pain or difficulty in swallowing, and you have just completed a medical examination, you may observe your condition for now. If discomfort persists, you can return for a follow-up examination. Wishing you peace and health. Sincerely, Dr. Cheng Jue-Yi...[Read More] Understanding Swollen Lymph Nodes and Neck Pain: When to Seek Medical Attention
Understanding Tongue Pain and Bumps: Causes and Next Steps
Painful sensation on both sides of the tongue + small white bump on the front left tip? Hello Dr. Cheng, for the past year and a half, I have been experiencing a tingling sensation on both sides of my tongue. Initially, there was a raised area at the back of my tongue, which the ...
Dr. Zheng Jueyi reply Otolaryngology
Hello, if you have already seen an otolaryngologist, it is recommended that you first visit the Rheumatology and Immunology department in Internal Medicine for evaluation and assessment. Wishing you safety and health. Sincerely, Dr. Cheng Jue-Yi, Director of the Department of Oto...[Read More] Understanding Tongue Pain and Bumps: Causes and Next Steps
Understanding Throat Discomfort: Common Causes and When to Seek Help
Oral issues Hello Doctor, I have previously inquired about a severe sensation of a foreign body in my throat, but I do not experience difficulty swallowing; the sensation just persists. I used my hand to feel the back of my tongue near the throat and noticed many protrusions at t...
Dr. Zheng Jueyi reply Otolaryngology
Hello: The protrusion at the base of the tongue may be a circumvallate papilla, which can generally be observed during an endoscopic examination. If the clinician does not find any significant issues, it is mostly normal tissue of the tongue base. If you are concerned, you may vi...[Read More] Understanding Throat Discomfort: Common Causes and When to Seek Help
Understanding and Treating Papillary Inflammation: A Patient's Journey
Papillitis I have seen many doctors, but no one can explain my symptoms, which fluctuate between good and bad. For the past three years, the painful area has been completely red and atrophied. After searching online for photos, I discovered that it resembles the symptoms of papil...
Dr. Zheng Jueyi reply Otolaryngology
Hello: There are many factors that can cause chronic inflammation of the tongue. In addition to improving lifestyle habits, it may be related to some chronic diseases or autoimmune conditions. If there is no improvement, it is recommended to visit the Department of Internal Medic...[Read More] Understanding and Treating Papillary Inflammation: A Patient's Journey
Persistent Oral Candidiasis: Seeking Solutions for Recurrent Symptoms
Oral mucosal desquamation and candidiasis? I have been experiencing oral candidiasis approximately every three to four months for the past two years. My mouth consistently has a white film that peels off, and there are white strands emerging from between my teeth. I have not unde...
Dr. Zheng Jueyi reply Otolaryngology
Hello, the presence of white, sticky strands does not necessarily indicate a Candida infection. If the condition persists without improvement or if you have concerns, it is advisable to return for a check-up with an otolaryngologist or dentist for confirmation. Wishing you peace ...[Read More] Persistent Oral Candidiasis: Seeking Solutions for Recurrent Symptoms
Understanding Throat Discomfort: Causes and Solutions
Sore throat? Hello doctor, I have been experiencing discomfort in my throat for over a month. During this time, sometimes it hurts and sometimes it suddenly becomes painful. I recently visited an ENT specialist who said it was a cold, but I haven't had any other symptoms. Af...
Dr. Zheng Jueyi reply Otolaryngology
Hello: Upon initial examination, there are no obvious abnormalities. If throat discomfort persists and does not improve after lifestyle and dietary adjustments, you may visit an otolaryngologist or a gastroenterologist for further evaluation. Wishing you peace and good health. Si...[Read More] Understanding Throat Discomfort: Causes and Solutions
Understanding Post-Tonsillectomy Symptoms: Addressing Throat Discomfort
Oral issues Hello Doctor, I would like to consult you. It has been three months since I had my bilateral tonsillectomy. From the beginning, even before the surgery, I felt discomfort primarily on the left side. After the surgery, I still have a sensation of a foreign body and mil...
Dr. Zheng Jueyi reply Otolaryngology
Hello: Upon initial examination, there appear to be no obvious abnormalities, and the clinical physician has reviewed the case with no significant issues identified. The possibility of foreign body sensation can be largely ruled out. There are many factors that can cause this sen...[Read More] Understanding Post-Tonsillectomy Symptoms: Addressing Throat Discomfort
Understanding Oral Ulcers: Causes, Treatments, and When to Seek Help
Oral ulceration On June 19, I noticed a sore-like lesion located approximately below my lower left wisdom tooth. It hurts when touched. I consulted an ENT specialist who diagnosed it as inflammation and prescribed anti-inflammatory medication and Orabase (a topical oral paste). A...
Dr. Zheng Jueyi reply Otolaryngology
Hello: If an oral ulcer has not healed after two weeks, it is advisable to seek medical evaluation to determine if a biopsy is necessary. Non-healing ulcers are often related to continuous friction from teeth, so it is recommended to consult a dentist to see if any treatment is n...[Read More] Understanding Oral Ulcers: Causes, Treatments, and When to Seek Help
Understanding Chronic Pharyngitis: Symptoms and Muscle Weakness Explained
Chronic pharyngitis Hello Doctor, I underwent a nasal endoscopy at a medical center at the end of last year, and the physician diagnosed me with chronic pharyngitis. My symptoms have not improved since then; in fact, I have started to experience coughing when drinking water, and ...
Dr. Zheng Jueyi reply Otolaryngology
Hello: It is uncommon to encounter situations that cause weakness. If such symptoms occur, it is recommended to visit a gastroenterologist or a neurologist for examination. Wishing you safety and health. Sincerely, Dr. Cheng Jue-Yi, Director of the Department of Otolaryngology, T...[Read More] Understanding Chronic Pharyngitis: Symptoms and Muscle Weakness Explained
Understanding Alternating Nasal Congestion: Causes and Remedies
Alternating nasal congestion I often experience alternating nasal congestion without any nasal discharge. There is a slight amount of nasal crusting, mostly clear to light yellow, but it doesn't completely block my nose throughout the day; rather, it comes and goes. I don&#x...
Dr. Zheng Jueyi reply Otolaryngology
Hello: Common causes of nasal congestion include a deviated septum or hypertrophic inferior turbinates, which can lead to reduced airflow. You may start by self-monitoring or applying warm compresses to your nose. If discomfort persists, it is advisable to visit an otolaryngology...[Read More] Understanding Alternating Nasal Congestion: Causes and Remedies
Understanding Lymph Node Concerns: When to Choose Ultrasound or CT Scan
Lymph node issues in the neck? Hello, Doctor. Recently, I noticed a lymph node in my neck. I had it evaluated by an ENT specialist who examined it and noted that it was less than one centimeter. He also palpated my entire neck and didn't mention any issues. He performed a na...
Dr. Zheng Jueyi reply Otolaryngology
Hello: Generally, lymph nodes in the neck that are less than one centimeter are mostly benign. If you are concerned about radiation or are scheduled for a PET scan, you may inform your physician to discuss whether to arrange an ultrasound for preliminary evaluation. Ultimately, t...[Read More] Understanding Lymph Node Concerns: When to Choose Ultrasound or CT Scan
Are There Blind Spots in Nasopharyngoscopy? Understanding ENT Examination Limitations
Are there blind spots in transnasal endoscopy? A month ago, I felt a foreign body sensation in my throat, so I visited an ENT specialist. They treated me for a tonsil stone (on the right side), and it seemed to resolve. However, after returning home, I began to experience the sen...
Dr. Zheng Jueyi reply Otolaryngology
Hello: No examination is 100% accurate. Endoscopy, blood tests, X-rays, and CT scans all have their limitations and indications. A persistent sensation of a foreign body in the throat is commonly associated with chronic pharyngitis. If there are no significant abnormalities found...[Read More] Are There Blind Spots in Nasopharyngoscopy? Understanding ENT Examination Limitations
Inhalation of Cleaning Agents: When to Seek Medical Attention?
Discomfort from inhaling cleaning agents? I used bleach in the bathroom without diluting it, approximately 100 c.c. At first, I didn't wear a mask, but later I noticed a strong odor and put on a medical mask. I used it for about 20 minutes. The rental unit has no windows, an...
Dr. Zheng Jueyi reply Otolaryngology
If the exposure time was short and there are currently no symptoms such as difficulty breathing, wheezing, generalized itching, rash, sore throat, or other allergic reactions, it is advisable to drink plenty of water and monitor your condition. If discomfort persists or if the af...[Read More] Inhalation of Cleaning Agents: When to Seek Medical Attention?
White Spots and Red Swelling Under the Tongue: Possible Causes
White spots and two swollen areas under the tongue? Hello, I have noticed white spots under the tongue and two swollen areas as shown in the image. I would like to ask what the initial assessment might indicate regarding this condition?
Dr. Zheng Jueyi reply Otolaryngology
Hello: Common issues that may be related to inflammatory ulcers should be evaluated if they persist for more than a week without improvement. It is recommended to seek medical examination and treatment. Wishing you safety and health. Sincerely, Dr. Cheng Jue-Yi, Director of the D...[Read More] White Spots and Red Swelling Under the Tongue: Possible Causes
Understanding Tonsil Bleeding: When to Seek Emergency Care
Tonsillar hemorrhage Recently, I had a severe mouth ulcer that led to an abscess in my tonsil area. Now, it has ruptured and is bleeding, and it feels like the bleeding won't stop. What should I do? I'm thinking of observing it until tomorrow and then deciding whether t...
Dr. Zheng Jueyi reply Otolaryngology
Hello: If there is persistent inflammation accompanied by bleeding, it is advisable to seek medical attention for examination as soon as possible. Wishing you safety and health. Dr. Cheng Jue-Yi, Director of the Department of Otolaryngology, Taoyuan Hospital, Ministry of Health a...[Read More] Understanding Tonsil Bleeding: When to Seek Emergency Care