Understanding Swallowing Difficulties in Seniors: Causes and Solutions
Swallowing difficulties I would like to consult a physician: My mother is 71 years old, and recently she has been having difficulty swallowing harder meats or fibrous vegetables. She is afraid to swallow and worries about choking, so she has to take small bites to get them down. ...
Dr. Zheng Jueyi reply Otolaryngology
Hello: Difficulty swallowing, commonly associated with neurodegeneration, is often observed. It is recommended to seek evaluation from a neurologist or a rehabilitation specialist. Wishing you safety and health. Sincerely, Dr. Cheng Jue-Yi, Director of the Department of Otolaryng...[Read More] Understanding Swallowing Difficulties in Seniors: Causes and Solutions
Understanding Thick Nasal Mucus and Congestion: Causes and Solutions
Purulent nasal discharge and nasal congestion? Hello, doctor. I have been experiencing white nasal discharge and nasal congestion for over a month. Last Wednesday, I visited a clinic where the doctor suggested it might be an infection, as I had a significant amount of white nasal...
Dr. Zheng Jueyi reply Otolaryngology
Hello: The presence of common purulent nasal discharge may be associated with chronic sinusitis or chronic rhinitis. If there has been no significant improvement after using antibiotics, or if symptoms persist, it is advisable to visit a clinic for further evaluation to determine...[Read More] Understanding Thick Nasal Mucus and Congestion: Causes and Solutions
Understanding Ear Congestion: Causes and Solutions for Ear Pain
The ears feel full and congested? Hello Doctor, on the afternoon of March 21, I experienced ear pain and used the ear drops "Mei Kang" that I had previously received for otitis media caused by swimming. I applied the drops to my left ear, and after lying down for 10 min...
Dr. Zheng Jueyi reply Otolaryngology
Hello: Currently, it is difficult to determine the cause of the ear fullness. If you have already sought medical attention, issues such as earwax blockage or Eustachian tube obstruction should be ruled out. If the sensation of fullness occurred after using the ear drops, it may b...[Read More] Understanding Ear Congestion: Causes and Solutions for Ear Pain
Is Slight Asymmetry in Thyroid Cartilage Normal? ENT Insights
The cartilage next to the Adam's apple is slightly protruding? Hello doctor, I recently noticed that the cartilage next to my Adam's apple is slightly protruding on one side, causing asymmetry (it's not visible, but can be felt upon touch). Is this a normal phenome...
Dr. Zheng Jueyi reply Otolaryngology
Hello: It is generally normal for there to be slight asymmetry on both sides. If you have concerns or doubts, you may visit an otolaryngology clinic for examination and confirmation. Wishing you safety and health. Sincerely, Dr. Cheng Jue-Yi, Director of the Department of Otolary...[Read More] Is Slight Asymmetry in Thyroid Cartilage Normal? ENT Insights
Understanding Ear Pain and Tinnitus: When to Seek Further Evaluation
Tinnitus and mild ear pain? At the beginning of March, I felt a painful sensation in my ear, accompanied by slight tinnitus (a cicada-like sound at night when going to bed, and a high-pitched ringing when I exert pressure on my ears or block them during the day). I visited Mackay...
Dr. Zheng Jueyi reply Otolaryngology
Hello: Based on the current symptoms, it is not possible to determine a definitive cause. If the symptoms do not improve, it is recommended to continue follow-up visits for medical examination. Wishing you safety and health. Sincerely, Dr. Cheng Jue-Yi, Director of the Department...[Read More] Understanding Ear Pain and Tinnitus: When to Seek Further Evaluation
Understanding Glossitis: Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment Options
Glossitis issues I have a red, painful, and hot tongue that has been fluctuating for the past two years. I went to a teaching hospital for an examination, and they said the redness was normal, and it improved later. However, it flared up again, and I consulted an ENT specialist w...
Dr. Zheng Jueyi reply Otolaryngology
Hello: Glossitis is often associated with a deficiency in vitamin B2 or B12. If inflammation recurs, it is advisable to enhance lifestyle adjustments, such as increasing water intake, avoiding late nights, and improving oral hygiene. Additionally, regular exercise can help manage...[Read More] Understanding Glossitis: Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment Options
Understanding Ear Pain: Possible Causes and When to Seek Help
Ear pain? Hello doctor, today I noticed that pressing on the indentation behind my left ear causes pain. I don't feel any lumps, but it is painful. I would like to know what could be the cause and if it is serious.
Dr. Zheng Jueyi reply Otolaryngology
Hello: Common issues that may be related to inflammation. If no obvious lumps are felt, you may start with self-observation. If the pain persists without improvement, it is advisable to seek medical examination and treatment. Wishing you peace and health. Sincerely, Dr. Cheng Jue...[Read More] Understanding Ear Pain: Possible Causes and When to Seek Help
Understanding Lingual Tonsil Hypertrophy: Causes, Treatment, and Recovery
Tonsillar hypertrophy Hello, doctor. I have been experiencing a sensation of something stuck in my throat along with phlegm for the past few days. I went to the ENT department for an endoscopic examination, and the doctor diagnosed me with enlarged lingual tonsils. They suggested...
Dr. Zheng Jueyi reply Otolaryngology
Hello: The enlargement of the lingual tonsils is associated with both congenital and acquired chronic inflammation due to long-term irritation. Prolonged postnasal drip or gastroesophageal reflux may also contribute to hypertrophy. Regarding the details of the surgery and potenti...[Read More] Understanding Lingual Tonsil Hypertrophy: Causes, Treatment, and Recovery
Managing Frequent ENT Issues: Tips for Better Health
Common Health Issues I often visit the doctor, and on March 1st, I was diagnosed with acute pharyngitis. Today, I have throat inflammation, and at times, I experience acute upper respiratory infections, allergic rhinitis, bronchitis, sinusitis, and so on. Could these be the cause...
Dr. Zheng Jueyi reply Otolaryngology
Hello, if you frequently experience recurrent infections, you may visit a family medicine or general internal medicine clinic for an examination, or consider a self-funded health check to identify any chronic diseases or other issues. In addition to medication treatment, if your ...[Read More] Managing Frequent ENT Issues: Tips for Better Health
Understanding a Hard Lymph Node Near the Ear: What You Need to Know
Preauricular lymphadenopathy with a firm mass? Hello, doctor. I have a round, hard, slightly movable lump located in front of the lymph node of my right ear. It is about one centimeter in size and has not changed for nearly ten years. It felt like a swollen lymph node in front of...
Dr. Zheng Jueyi reply Otolaryngology
Hello: The common conditions at this location are preauricular lymph nodes or parotid gland tumors. If there is no significant change in size, they are mostly benign tumors. Wishing you peace and health. Sincerely, Dr. Cheng Jue-Yi, Director of the Department of Otolaryngology, T...[Read More] Understanding a Hard Lymph Node Near the Ear: What You Need to Know
Can Allergy Immunotherapy Cure Allergic Rhinitis? What to Know
Desensitization therapy Can allergic rhinitis be cured with desensitization therapy? How many sessions does health insurance cover? Which department should I consult?
Dr. Zheng Jueyi reply Otolaryngology
Hello: There are desensitization treatment options available, but not every hospital offers them. It is advisable to call for consultation first. I recommend consulting the ENT department, Rheumatology and Immunology department, or Pulmonary Medicine department at the hospital. W...[Read More] Can Allergy Immunotherapy Cure Allergic Rhinitis? What to Know
Is Daily Ear Cleaning Safe? Expert Advice on Ear Hygiene
Ear cleaning issues? Hello, Doctor: I would like to ask about ear cleaning. I have wet ears and I almost clean them with cotton swabs every day. A few days ago, I read online that it's better not to use cotton swabs. However, I have never removed any solid earwax, and I'...
Dr. Zheng Jueyi reply Otolaryngology
Hello: The condition commonly referred to as "wet ears" is known as oily earwax. It is not recommended to use cotton swabs for cleaning, as they often push the earwax further inside, leading to impaction. The external auditory canal has a self-cleaning mechanism, so it ...[Read More] Is Daily Ear Cleaning Safe? Expert Advice on Ear Hygiene
Understanding Irregular Pulsations in the Right Ear: Causes and Solutions
There is an irregular pulsating sensation in the right ear? Hello, Doctor. Here’s the situation: I have a noticeable pulsating sensation in my right ear, as if some structure is beating. I’ve researched online and found that this is different from tinnitus, as it’s not a sound of...
Dr. Zheng Jueyi reply Otolaryngology
Hello: Currently, the cause cannot be determined. If you continue to experience a sensation of pulsation in your ear, it is recommended that you visit an otolaryngology department at a medical center for further examination, or consult a neurologist to check if the muscle twitchi...[Read More] Understanding Irregular Pulsations in the Right Ear: Causes and Solutions
Can Allergic Rhinitis Cause Tinnitus? Understanding ENT Concerns
Can allergic rhinitis cause tinnitus? Hello, two years ago I had otitis media, and since then my tinnitus has not disappeared. I went to see a doctor, but they said there was no problem. I would like to ask: 1. Can allergic rhinitis cause tinnitus? 2. When I pinch my nose and blo...
Dr. Zheng Jueyi reply Otolaryngology
Hello: There are many factors that can cause tinnitus, including allergic rhinitis and Eustachian tube dysfunction. If pinching your nose and blowing causes a feeling of fullness in your ears, it indicates that the Eustachian tube is patent, but it does not rule out the possibili...[Read More] Can Allergic Rhinitis Cause Tinnitus? Understanding ENT Concerns
Understanding Inner Ear Edema: Symptoms, Diagnosis, and When to Seek Help
Endolymphatic hydrops Hello Doctor: Last Friday, I went to the hospital due to severe dizziness accompanied by hearing loss. During my follow-up appointment this week, the doctor mentioned that my hearing has improved somewhat and diagnosed me with either inner ear edema or vesti...
Dr. Zheng Jueyi reply Otolaryngology
Hello, if symptoms such as hearing or dizziness improve, the likelihood of brain lesions is lower. It is still recommended to continue follow-up visits. If symptoms do not improve or if there are other concerns, please discuss in detail with your physician whether further examina...[Read More] Understanding Inner Ear Edema: Symptoms, Diagnosis, and When to Seek Help
Morning-Only Tinnitus: Causes and Concerns Explained
Tinnitus that occurs only in the morning? Hello, Doctor. Recently, for the past month, I have occasionally experienced tinnitus in my right ear when waking up in the morning or at night. It's very faint, resembling a buzzing sound from an electrical device, and it generally ...
Dr. Zheng Jueyi reply Otolaryngology
Hello: If the tinnitus is not persistent and there are no accompanying symptoms of hearing loss or dizziness, it is less likely to be Meniere's disease. As for whether it is related to other issues, there are many factors that can cause tinnitus. If the symptoms persist with...[Read More] Morning-Only Tinnitus: Causes and Concerns Explained
Understanding Ear Congestion: Can You Control It?
Do you feel like you can control your ear congestion? When I forcefully sniff, I sometimes experience a feeling of blockage in my left ear, but yawning or swallowing restores it, and I feel I can control it. Additionally, when I swallow, the sound I hear in my left ear is louder ...
Dr. Zheng Jueyi reply Otolaryngology
Hello: When you forcefully inhale through your nose, it can cause the Eustachian tube to close, leading to a sensation of ear fullness. Swallowing can open the Eustachian tube, which may alleviate this feeling, and this is a normal physiological phenomenon. Differences in sound p...[Read More] Understanding Ear Congestion: Can You Control It?
Understanding Ear and Throat Pain: Causes, Symptoms, and Treatments
Ear and throat pain? Hello Doctor, I have been experiencing tinnitus since before the Lunar New Year. I have a persistent dull pain in the tonsils at the back of my tongue, and there is also pain in the area indicated by the arrow in the photo. Sometimes, I experience sudden ear ...
Dr. Zheng Jueyi reply Otolaryngology
Hello: Currently, there are no obvious tumors observed. If the pain persists, it is recommended to return to the ENT department or neurology for further examination. Wishing you safety and health. Sincerely, Dr. Cheng Jue-Yi, Director of the ENT Department, Taoyuan Hospital, Mini...[Read More] Understanding Ear and Throat Pain: Causes, Symptoms, and Treatments
Understanding Hearing Issues: When Loud Noises Affect Your Ear
Hearing issues Hello doctor, this has been a long-term issue for me. Whenever I encounter loud sounds, especially in lively environments, it happens most frequently (so I'm not sure if it's due to me making too loud a sound or if it's a problem with hearing loud so...
Dr. Zheng Jueyi reply Otolaryngology
Hello, if you experience a feeling of fullness or distortion in your ears when exposed to loud sounds, but do not have any noticeable hearing issues otherwise, this is commonly related to a normal physiological response. When the ears encounter loud noises, a neural reflex causes...[Read More] Understanding Hearing Issues: When Loud Noises Affect Your Ear
Understanding Allergic Rhinitis: Symptoms, Treatments, and Relief Options
Allergic rhinitis? Inflammation? Hello Doctor: I have been feeling quite fatigued lately. Recently, upon waking up, I noticed that my throat feels dry, and there is some stickiness in my nose. I also feel some thick mucus in the area where my nose connects to my throat. My tongue...
Dr. Zheng Jueyi reply Otolaryngology
Hello, the symptoms do not resemble the typical signs of allergic rhinitis. They may be related to changes in weather or mild infections caused by fatigue. It is recommended to drink plenty of water and get ample rest. If there is no improvement, it is advisable to visit a clinic...[Read More] Understanding Allergic Rhinitis: Symptoms, Treatments, and Relief Options