How to Communicate with Doctors About a Nail Stuck in Your Throat
Nail lodged in the throat? Hello Doctor, I have a habit of biting my nails. Once, while biting my nails, I sneezed and accidentally inhaled a nail. It seems to be lodged somewhere between my throat and trachea, possibly near the pharynx. The position shifts slightly when I eat or...
Dr. Zheng Jueyi reply Otolaryngology
Hello: If the endoscopic examination shows no obvious foreign body or signs of inflammation and swelling, the likelihood of a foreign body being lodged is very low. As for the hoarseness and fatigue while speaking, it may be more related to the vocal cords and is generally not as...[Read More] How to Communicate with Doctors About a Nail Stuck in Your Throat
Understanding Excessive Thirst and Thick Phlegm in Allergic Rhinitis
Phlegm issues with thick mucus and symptoms of thirst? Hello doctor, I have a problem with nasal allergies and recently I've been experiencing sudden intense thirst at times. No matter how much water I drink, the feeling doesn't improve, but after a while, I suddenly ex...
Dr. Zheng Jueyi reply Otolaryngology
Hello, if you continue to have thick phlegm, it may be related to a bacterial infection, such as sinusitis. If it does not improve, it is advisable to seek medical evaluation for confirmation. Wishing you safety and health! Dr. Cheng Jue-Yi, Director of the Department of Otolaryn...[Read More] Understanding Excessive Thirst and Thick Phlegm in Allergic Rhinitis
Understanding Painful Growths Under the Tongue: ENT Insights
Tongue issues - Growths under the tongue? Hello, I have developed something similar to what is shown in the following link under my tongue. It is pointed and painful. I am not sure what this is.
Dr. Zheng Jueyi reply Otolaryngology
Hello: The common issue is with the sublingual salivary gland tissue. If it continues to enlarge or causes pain, it is advisable to seek medical examination for confirmation. Wishing you safety and health! Dr. Cheng Jue-Yi, Director of the Department of Otolaryngology, Taoyuan Ho...[Read More] Understanding Painful Growths Under the Tongue: ENT Insights
Understanding Throat Discomfort: GERD and Its Effects on Swallowing
Sensation of a foreign body in the throat? Hello Doctor, I am in the United States. I saw an ENT specialist on November 2nd. The doctor used a nasal endoscope to examine my nose and throat. He diagnosed me with gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) and laryngopharyngeal reflux (...
Dr. Zheng Jueyi reply Otolaryngology
Hello: The common sensation of a lump in the throat is indeed related to gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). If an endoscopy shows no significant abnormalities, it can be confirmed that there are no apparent issues above the esophageal entrance. However, if symptoms have not ...[Read More] Understanding Throat Discomfort: GERD and Its Effects on Swallowing
Understanding Ear Discomfort: Should You Worry About Hearing Loss?
There is some discomfort in the ear? Hello, Dr. Zheng. This morning, while I was on the phone using my mobile, I accidentally activated the speakerphone at maximum volume. I felt a sudden vibration in my eardrum, and initially, there was some pain in my ear. By the afternoon, my ...
Dr. Zheng Jueyi reply Otolaryngology
Hello: Generally, brief exposure to noise does not cause permanent hearing impairment. You can initially monitor any changes in your hearing. If there are no significant changes, continue to observe. However, if you notice any changes, it is advisable to seek medical evaluation. ...[Read More] Understanding Ear Discomfort: Should You Worry About Hearing Loss?
Understanding Submandibular Gland Issues: Common Concerns and Questions
Questions regarding the location of the submandibular gland? Hello, Doctor: I would like to ask a few questions: 1. Generally speaking, is the submandibular gland palpable? Or can it be felt more easily in thinner individuals (with a BMI of approximately 16.7)? I can feel a lump ...
Dr. Zheng Jueyi reply Otolaryngology
Hello: Generally speaking, it is normal for thinner individuals to have less subcutaneous fat, making the submandibular glands more palpable. If there is no significant pain, you can start with self-observation. If you are concerned about any changes, you may consider regular fol...[Read More] Understanding Submandibular Gland Issues: Common Concerns and Questions
Understanding Dysphagia: Causes and Solutions for Swallowing Difficulties
Dysphagia Hello doctor, my mother has recently been unable to swallow, not even a small sip of water. She also has no saliva production and can barely extend her tongue (at most, it reaches her lips and has limited lateral movement). She struggles to open her mouth (the sounds fo...
Dr. Zheng Jueyi reply Otolaryngology
Hello: If you are experiencing persistent difficulty swallowing, it is recommended that you return to the hospital or go directly to the emergency department for evaluation. Wishing you safety and health! Sincerely, Dr. Cheng Jue-Yi, Director of the Department of Otolaryngology, ...[Read More] Understanding Dysphagia: Causes and Solutions for Swallowing Difficulties
Understanding Nosebleeds: When to Worry and When to Self-Monitor
Nasal skin lesions and allergies? Three months ago, I experienced a nosebleed from picking my nose and saw a doctor who performed a nasopharyngoscopy, which showed no issues. The doctor advised me that I could avoid picking my nose, so I've been careful and only do it occasi...
Dr. Zheng Jueyi reply Otolaryngology
Hello: If you notice a small amount of bleeding only when picking your nose and it does not continue to bleed, you can observe it yourself. However, if you experience recurrent bleeding without touching your nose, or if there are blood streaks in your nasal discharge or phlegm, y...[Read More] Understanding Nosebleeds: When to Worry and When to Self-Monitor
Understanding Throat Pain and Ear Discomfort: When to Seek Help
Sore throat for one day, persistent sensation of a foreign body for three days, and ear pain? Hello, Doctor. I experienced a sore throat that lasted only one day, and it hurt even when drinking water, but there was no difficulty breathing. After the sore throat appeared, the pain...
Dr. Zheng Jueyi reply Otolaryngology
Hello: If there is no improvement, it is recommended to visit an otolaryngologist or a neurologist for examination. Wishing you safety and health. Sincerely, Dr. Cheng Jue-Yi, Director of the Department of Otolaryngology, Taoyuan Hospital, Ministry of Health and Welfare.[Read More] Understanding Throat Pain and Ear Discomfort: When to Seek Help
Understanding Tonsil Issues: Symptoms, Causes, and Remedies
Tonsil and throat issues? Hello Doctor: I used a tongue depressor and noticed a protrusion on the inner membrane behind the tonsils, located at the back of the throat, which appears white. It may be a tonsil stone encapsulated within. The uvula also seems a bit softer than usual ...
Dr. Zheng Jueyi reply Otolaryngology
Hello: It is advisable to drink more water and adjust your daily routine. If the symptoms persist without improvement or if you are concerned about any growths, it is recommended to visit an otolaryngologist for examination and confirmation. Wishing you safety and health. Sincere...[Read More] Understanding Tonsil Issues: Symptoms, Causes, and Remedies
CO2 Laser Treatment for Oral Warts: Is It Available?
Carbon Dioxide Laser Is there a carbon dioxide laser for oral papillomas?
Dr. Zheng Jueyi reply Otolaryngology
Hello: If there is a papillomavirus infection in the oral cavity, surgical excision may be performed. Whether to use laser or conventional surgical excision will be determined by the physician based on the clinical situation. Wishing you peace and health. Sincerely, Dr. Jue-Yi Ch...[Read More] CO2 Laser Treatment for Oral Warts: Is It Available?
Understanding Lip Swelling and Redness: Possible Causes and Solutions
The lips are slightly swollen and often appear red. When flipped inside out, there are numerous small petechiae, and there is a mild burning sensation and itching at the lower edge? Hello Dr. Zheng, this morning when I woke up, I noticed that my lips were slightly swollen and app...
Dr. Zheng Jueyi reply Otolaryngology
Hello: The common phenomenon of lip inflammation, if there is no history of drug allergies and no other symptoms such as swelling around the eyes or generalized itching, is likely not related to drug allergies. It is advisable to monitor the condition and increase fluid intake. I...[Read More] Understanding Lip Swelling and Redness: Possible Causes and Solutions
Chronic Tonsillitis: Should You Stop Antibiotics and What to Expect?
If the tonsillitis has not improved for a long time, it is important to consult a healthcare professional. They can evaluate the situation and determine whether to continue or discontinue antibiotics based on the specific circumstances, including the severity of the infection and...
Dr. Zheng Jueyi reply Otolaryngology
Hello, 1. Having tonsillitis for a month and experiencing pain while swallowing saliva is not normal. If there is no improvement, you should continue to follow up with your doctor for further examination. 2. Currently, there has been no long-term use of antibiotics, so the ris...[Read More] Chronic Tonsillitis: Should You Stop Antibiotics and What to Expect?
Understanding Tinnitus After Head Injury: Causes and Solutions
Loud tinnitus I fell a month ago and had a hemorrhage in my head. I have since returned home to rest, but I am experiencing tinnitus and fluctuations in my hearing, where sounds seem much louder or softer. I have seen multiple doctors, but none have been able to determine the cau...
Dr. Zheng Jueyi reply Otolaryngology
Hello: Currently, it is difficult to make a determination. If the symptoms persist without improvement, 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 of Otolaryngology...[Read More] Understanding Tinnitus After Head Injury: Causes and Solutions
Persistent Tongue Lesions: When to Seek Further Medical Evaluation?
Red and white protrusions on the tongue margins? About five years ago, I had a persistent ulcer on the edge of my tongue that did not heal. I went to the hospital for a biopsy, and the results indicated "a mass on the tongue with epidermal hyperplasia and moderate dysplasia....
Dr. Zheng Jueyi reply Otolaryngology
Hello, if there are still persistent lumps and the previous biopsy showed moderately differentiated carcinoma, it is recommended to continue regular follow-up visits for medical examinations. Whether another biopsy is necessary will be determined by the clinical physician. Wishin...[Read More] Persistent Tongue Lesions: When to Seek Further Medical Evaluation?
Understanding Lumps Behind the Ear: When to Seek Medical Advice
There is a palpable lump located just below the ear? Hello Dr. Cheng, I would like to ask you a question. Three weeks ago, I discovered a lump about one centimeter in size located just below the back of my left ear. I can only feel it when I press it with my fingertip; if I touch...
Dr. Zheng Jueyi reply Otolaryngology
Hello: It is common to have swollen lymph nodes. If they continue to enlarge or remain painful, it is advisable to seek medical evaluation for confirmation. If they fluctuate in size or show no obvious symptoms, you may observe them for now. Wishing you safety and health. Sincere...[Read More] Understanding Lumps Behind the Ear: When to Seek Medical Advice
Understanding Inner Ear Imbalance and Vestibular Neuritis Symptoms
Inner ear imbalance and vestibular neuritis issues? Hello Doctor: Since October, I have been experiencing dizziness, mild nausea, and occasional vomiting. I consulted an otolaryngologist who diagnosed me with inner ear imbalance and advised me to avoid quick head movements. Throu...
Dr. Zheng Jueyi reply Otolaryngology
Hello, 1. Inner ear imbalance can lead to a transient or persistent sensation of unsteadiness, sometimes accompanied by tinnitus. However, if the symptoms persist without improvement, it is advisable to continue seeking medical evaluation from an otolaryngologist and a neurolog...[Read More] Understanding Inner Ear Imbalance and Vestibular Neuritis Symptoms
Understanding Tinnitus: Causes, Diagnosis, and Treatment Options
How many days have you been experiencing tinnitus? I have been experiencing tinnitus lately, which sounds like a high-pitched cicada. It seems to be present in both ears, but I'm not sure which ear is producing it; it feels like it's more prominent in the right ear, alt...
Dr. Zheng Jueyi reply Otolaryngology
Hello: If there are no obvious abnormalities found during the examination, tinnitus is often triggered by anxiety, lack of sleep, or other related physical symptoms. It is advisable to first address other issues such as anxiety or allergic rhinitis. If the tinnitus persists witho...[Read More] Understanding Tinnitus: Causes, Diagnosis, and Treatment Options
Essential Infection Prevention Tips for ENT Visits During the Pandemic
Infection Awareness for Patients Before Seeking Medical Care During the Pandemic Due to the pandemic, there is increased attention to details regarding potential infections. Recently, I would like to inquire about colds and have some questions for the physician: 1. Do general oto...
Dr. Zheng Jueyi reply Otolaryngology
Hello: According to the Health Bureau's opinion, it is not feasible to disinfect the nasal spray guns used in general otolaryngology clinics for every patient; they are typically disinfected after each consultation. The disinfection methods may vary by hospital, using either...[Read More] Essential Infection Prevention Tips for ENT Visits During the Pandemic
Understanding Itchy Ears While Sleeping: Causes and Solutions
Itchy deep inside the ear while sleeping? Hello, sometimes I experience intense itching deep inside my right ear while sleeping, and swallowing increases the itchiness. During these episodes, using an ear pick to reach deeper areas causes pain, but the itching sensation feels sig...
Dr. Zheng Jueyi reply Otolaryngology
Hello, it is recommended to visit an otolaryngologist for confirmation. Commonly, this is related to external auditory canal infections. If the infection has improved but itching persists, it is advisable to enhance the control of allergic rhinitis, as inadequate allergy manageme...[Read More] Understanding Itchy Ears While Sleeping: Causes and Solutions