Persistent Cough with Phlegm: Possible Causes and Next Steps
Coughing with phlegm for almost a month? Hello: I had a cold on January 30 and saw a doctor twice, but my symptoms did not improve. I then consulted an otolaryngologist who diagnosed me with a bacterial infection. I have been taking antibiotics for three weeks, but I still have p...
Dr. Hu Kexin Reply:
Hello: Based on your description alone, it may be difficult to provide an accurate diagnosis. If the symptoms have not improved, in addition to a clinical examination, the X-ray imaging you mentioned should also assist the physician in making a more accurate diagnosis and treatme...[Read More] Persistent Cough with Phlegm: Possible Causes and Next Steps
Understanding Acute Suppurative Tonsillitis: Treatment and Concerns
Could you please tell me about acute suppurative tonsillitis? Hello, Dr. Hsu: I would like to ask about my condition. I have been diagnosed with acute suppurative tonsillitis and have experienced some coughing, difficulty swallowing (saliva), and a fever reaching 38.6 degrees Cel...
Dr. Xu Jiazhen Reply:
Hello: Simple tonsillitis is effectively treated with penicillin-type medications. Both Augmentin and Amoxicillin can effectively treat the condition, with the only consideration being the timing of effectiveness, as it takes some time for oral medications to reach sufficient bac...[Read More] Understanding Acute Suppurative Tonsillitis: Treatment and Concerns
Understanding Adult Otitis Media with Effusion: Key Questions Answered
Adult otitis media with effusion Dr. Hsu: Hello! A while ago, my mother experienced repeated colds for about a month. During the later stages of her cold, she reported that she seemed to have some hearing impairment in one ear (we also noticed that we needed to speak louder than ...
Dr. Xu Yingzhuo Reply:
Hello, Little Black Pig: Middle ear effusion can be classified into acute and chronic types. Acute otitis media leading to middle ear effusion is caused by bacterial infection, with symptoms including ear pain and even discharge. Antibiotics can be effective in this case. Howev...[Read More] Understanding Adult Otitis Media with Effusion: Key Questions Answered
Managing Persistent Lymph Node Inflammation and Post-Nasal Drip Issues
Lymph nodes and tonsils often become inflamed? If the lymph nodes are frequently inflamed and painful, and there is post-nasal drip causing mucus to accumulate in the lymph nodes, what should I do about this situation? It is very painful for me. I am afraid of taking antibiotics ...
Dr. Xu Jiazhen Reply:
If there are recurrent inflammations, it is advisable to address the issue. Whether it requires antibiotic treatment today or even surgical intervention for removal, these are viable solutions. You should discuss this further with your attending physician. Simply avoiding the pro...[Read More] Managing Persistent Lymph Node Inflammation and Post-Nasal Drip Issues
Chronic Lymphadenitis and Tonsillitis: Seeking Solutions for Persistent Pain
Lymph nodes and tonsils often become inflamed? Hello, doctor! I have been experiencing pain and inflammation in my lymph nodes and tonsils for several consecutive months. I have visited an otolaryngologist multiple times, but each time the diagnosis is different; sometimes it...
Dr. Xu Jiazhen Reply:
Repeated episodes of tonsillitis can lead to various complications. Generally, if you experience more than one episode per season (three months), it is recommended to consider surgical removal of the tonsils, as this may be a better option for you.[Read More] Chronic Lymphadenitis and Tonsillitis: Seeking Solutions for Persistent Pain
Understanding Sinusitis Symptoms: Is Your Pain a Sign?
Symptoms of sinusitis? A few days ago, I experienced a headache that was very painful from the bridge of my nose (between my eyebrows) to above my left eyebrow. Gently tapping or pressing on that area causes significant pain. The pain persists from noon to the afternoon, to the p...
Dr. Xu Yingzhuo Reply:
The human sinuses are divided into the frontal sinus, maxillary sinus, sphenoid sinus, and ethmoid sinus. The frontal sinus is located in the middle of the forehead, just above the glabella. When a cold causes swelling of the nasal mucosa, or when nasal polyps or tumors grow at t...[Read More] Understanding Sinusitis Symptoms: Is Your Pain a Sign?
Understanding Nasal Pain and Congestion: Causes and Treatments
Nasal numbness, nasal pain? Hello Dr. Hu, In March, I had a cold with nasal discharge, which later had blood in it. I visited a clinic, and the doctor diagnosed me with acute sinusitis. After taking antibiotics for two weeks, the blood in my nasal discharge resolved. However, I ...
Dr. Hu Kexin Reply:
Hello: Excessive rinsing or irritation of the nasal mucosa (including forcefully blowing out residual rinse solution after rinsing, etc.) may lead to nasal numbness or pain. Of course, nasal numbness or pain can also be caused by other factors, so it is recommended that you under...[Read More] Understanding Nasal Pain and Congestion: Causes and Treatments
Understanding Painless Lymphadenopathy: Causes and Concerns
Painless lymphadenopathy? Dear Dr. Cheng, I recently consulted with you and visited an ENT specialist at a medical center. I have some unresolved questions I would like to ask you. Currently, my symptoms include lymphadenopathy measuring 1 x 0.5 cm (as noted by the physician dur...
Dr. Zheng Jueyi Reply:
Dear Beforly: Based on your description, the lymph node enlargement measuring 1 x 0.5 cm and being mobile is most likely a benign change. Antibiotics or anti-inflammatory medications are effective during acute infections; however, if there is no infection present, antibiotics may...[Read More] Understanding Painless Lymphadenopathy: Causes and Concerns
Understanding Lymph Node Enlargement: Inflammation or Tumor Concerns?
Lymphadenopathy (inflammation? tumor) Hello, I recently discovered a swollen lymph node in the lower left side of my neck. It is painless to the touch, round and flat in shape, and the doctor estimated it to be about 0.3 cm, although I feel it might be around 0.8 cm (based on sur...
Dr. Zheng Jueyi Reply:
Hello: Based on your description, if what you felt is a lymph node, a normal, non-inflamed lymph node typically does not cause pain and generally does not lead to any discomfort. It is often discovered accidentally, and its size may not change significantly. If it remains the sam...[Read More] Understanding Lymph Node Enlargement: Inflammation or Tumor Concerns?
Understanding Inflammatory Index: What Does a Level of 15.2 Mean?
Inflammatory index Hello: It is likely an adenovirus infection, with symptoms of conjunctivitis and purulent tonsillitis. The blood test showed an inflammatory index of 15.2 (the doctor suggested hospitalization or oral antibiotics). Due to having children, we chose oral antibiot...
Dr. Ye Dawei Reply:
Dear Sir/Madam: If you experience a high fever or if your symptoms persist without improvement, please return to the hospital for treatment as soon as possible. Sincerely, Dr. Shih Shui-Mu, Attending Physician, Department of Otolaryngology, Hsinchu Hospital.[Read More] Understanding Inflammatory Index: What Does a Level of 15.2 Mean?
Understanding Sinusitis: Symptoms and When to Seek Help
Sinusitis Hello, sometimes when I have a slight cold, my nose feels uncomfortable, and my eyes suddenly feel foggy. My forehead also feels a bit swollen, and mainly, my face feels warm and hot, but I do not have a fever. Could this be a symptom of sinusitis? I would like to know ...
Dr. Zheng Jueyi Reply:
Dear Ms. Liu, Hello. The symptoms of acute sinusitis can be categorized into primary and secondary symptoms. The primary symptoms include: 1. Facial pain or pressure 2. Facial congestion or a feeling of fullness 3. Nasal obstruction 4. Purulent nasal discharge 5. Decreased sense...[Read More] Understanding Sinusitis: Symptoms and When to Seek Help
Persistent Cough and Throat Discomfort: Is It Just a Cold?
Hello, Dr. Hu? Hello, Dr. Hu. Here are my questions! Since the 31st of last year, I have been feeling unwell. My throat feels uncomfortable and I have a persistent cough with phlegm that seems never-ending. My body feels warm, but my hands and feet are cold. I feel very fatigued ...
Dr. Hu Kexin Reply:
Hello: In response to your question, based on your description of symptoms, you may have sinusitis and bronchitis. However, a proper diagnosis can only be established through an examination by a specialist. If necessary, antibiotic treatment may be required.[Read More] Persistent Cough and Throat Discomfort: Is It Just a Cold?
Post-Sinus Surgery: Understanding Forehead Pain and Recovery Concerns
Post-operative issues following endoscopic sinus surgery? Hello, Dr. Yeh. A few days ago, I had an MRI of my brain at the hospital, and the doctor said that my nasal cavity was filled with pus due to sinusitis. Therefore, I underwent endoscopic surgery on December 3rd to clean ou...
Dr. Ye Dawei Reply:
Dear Sir/Madam: It is possible. Further follow-up with endoscopic examination is necessary. Dr. Yeh Da-Wei, Director of the ENT Department, Hsinchu Hospital.[Read More] Post-Sinus Surgery: Understanding Forehead Pain and Recovery Concerns
Persistent Lump Behind Ear: When Antibiotics Fail to Help
Hard lump behind the ear? A hard lump behind the ear was previously evaluated at a large hospital and treated with antibiotics, but it did not resolve.
Dr. Hu Kexin Reply:
Hello: In response to your question, I recommend that you promptly return to your original treating physician for further communication and additional examinations.[Read More] Persistent Lump Behind Ear: When Antibiotics Fail to Help
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:
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 Ear Cysts and Lymph Node Swelling: Expert Insights
Please provide the content you would like me to translate into English? Hello Dr. Chen: The sebaceous cyst on my ear has reduced a little, but it is still present. When I saw the doctor today, he mentioned that I need to continue taking antibiotics and applying ointment. He belie...
Dr. Chen Jianzhi Reply:
Dear Inquirer, The fundamental treatment for sebaceous cysts is surgical excision. If the cyst is not large, conservative treatment with medication is generally recommended, and immediate surgery may not be necessary. If acne leads to localized small abscess formation, it can po...[Read More] Understanding Ear Cysts and Lymph Node Swelling: Expert Insights
Understanding Salivary Glands and Chronic Pharyngitis: Your ENT Questions Answered
Consultation Inquiry Hello, Dr. Chen. I saw you today for my appointment, and you mentioned that what I felt on my chin was a salivary gland. I forgot to ask if everyone can feel it, or is it because of inflammation? If there is inflammation, do I need to take medication? Additio...
Dr. Chen Jianzhi Reply:
Dear Inquirer, Hello, the salivary glands are palpable in everyone, especially in women, individuals with a lean physique, or those experiencing inflammation. Your condition is due to chronic pharyngitis leading to inflammation of the salivary glands, which may cause localized s...[Read More] Understanding Salivary Glands and Chronic Pharyngitis: Your ENT Questions Answered
Understanding Oral Mucosa and Tonsil Issues: Symptoms and Solutions
Oral mucosa and tonsil issues? Dear Doctor, I have a few questions I would like to ask: 1. Last July and August, I noticed many small white spots (approximately 0.1-0.2 cm in diameter) on the mucous membrane of the right side of my mouth. The areas with white spots feel slight...
Dr. Ye Dawei Reply:
Dear Sir/Madam: Q: Are the small white spots on the oral mucosa truly salivary glands? They appear normal now, but is there a possibility they could worsen into another serious condition in the future? Could it be oral cancer? A: Currently, it does not seem to be. Q: I do not...[Read More] Understanding Oral Mucosa and Tonsil Issues: Symptoms and Solutions
Persistent Dry Cough at Home: Possible Causes and Solutions
Persistent dry cough? Hello, my husband starts to cough dry for no reason as soon as he gets home. He has taken cold medicine, but it doesn't help, and he doesn't cough when he's outside. I've also cleaned the house! For the past two years, he has had persiste...
Dr. Ye Dawei Reply:
Subject: Possible Relationships Coughing can be related to various factors. Just as we fear leaks when building a house, doctors fear misdiagnosing a cough. **Viral Infections – Viral Bronchitis** Coughing occurs in our bodies due to the presence of "cough receptors&quo...[Read More] Persistent Dry Cough at Home: Possible Causes and Solutions
Understanding Tinnitus: Causes, Symptoms, and Possible Solutions
Please provide the content you would like Hello: I have answered the questions from your last response one by one, hoping to identify the true cause of my condition. 1. Is the tinnitus accompanied by dizziness? Does it get louder during dizziness? A: I usually experience tinni...
Dr. Ye Dawei Reply:
Dear Sir/Madam: Many cases of tinnitus have unknown causes. Dr. Yeh Da-Wei, Director of the Department of Otolaryngology at Hsinchu Hospital.[Read More] Understanding Tinnitus: Causes, Symptoms, and Possible Solutions