Base of the tongue, Otolaryngology FAQ - Page 4

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Understanding Bumps on the Back of Your Tongue: When to See a Doctor

Are there small bumps on the back of your tongue? Today I noticed some lumps at the back of my tongue (the base of the tongue) that are similar in color to the tongue itself, varying in size. I think I remember seeing them before, but they seemed to be covered by the tongue coati...


Dr. Chen Jianzhi Reply:
Dear Inquirer: Hello, based on your literal question, it is common to find inflammation of the taste buds and the lingual tonsils at the base of the tongue in patients with gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). There is no need for you to worry too much. Sincerely, Dr. Chien-Ch...

[Read More] Understanding Bumps on the Back of Your Tongue: When to See a Doctor


Understanding Flexible Endoscopy: Safety and Pain Concerns in ENT Exams

Please ask another question? The hospital's website states: The newly introduced flexible nasopharyngolaryngoscope is equipped to examine the nasal cavity, nasopharynx, base of the tongue, hypopharynx, and larynx through the nostrils. It is an effective tool for diagnosing c...


Dr. Chen Jianzhi Reply:
Dear Inquirer, Regarding your literal question, nasopharyngoscopy is quite safe. During the examination, you may experience some discomfort and a sensation of nasal congestion. However, some patients may feel uncomfortable due to excessive anxiety. G6PD deficiency does not affec...

[Read More] Understanding Flexible Endoscopy: Safety and Pain Concerns in ENT Exams


Understanding Throat Discomfort: Causes and Self-Care Tips

Sensation of discomfort in the throat? Around the end of July, I experienced a sensation of a protrusion in my throat, which caused nausea, but often after a day, the feeling would disappear. At that time, I was taking medication and thought it might be a side effect. However, af...


Dr. Ye Dawei Reply:
Hello, 1. It may be inflammation and swelling at the base of the tongue. 2. It is possible, but it is better to consult a doctor. Dr. Yeh Da-Wei, Head of the ENT Department at Hsinchu Hospital.

[Read More] Understanding Throat Discomfort: Causes and Self-Care Tips


Understanding Stage IV Throat Cancer: Prognosis and Treatment Options

What is stage IV laryngeal cancer? Hello, Dr. Yeh. My father recently visited the hospital due to discomfort in his throat, and the initial diagnosis is stage IV throat cancer. Can throat cancer be cured? What does stage IV mean? Is there a risk to his life?


Dr. Ye Dawei Reply:
1. Radiation therapy + chemotherapy 2. It has metastasized. 3. Laryngeal cancer can be detected early. The larynx is the human organ for voice production, composed of hard tissue, cartilage, and soft tissue, located at the upper end of the trachea. The main functions of the l...

[Read More] Understanding Stage IV Throat Cancer: Prognosis and Treatment Options


Understanding Colorful Bumps on the Tongue: Causes and Concerns

The tongue has raised, flesh-colored lesions? Hello. I have noticed flesh-colored protrusions at the back of my tongue near the throat, and they seem to be increasing in number and gradually spreading. They vary in size, and I'm unsure what the issue might be. Additionally, ...


Dr. Hu Kexin Reply:
Hello: The flesh-colored protrusion near the throat on the tongue may be some lymphoid tissue, but it is still advisable to have a detailed examination and diagnosis by an otolaryngologist. There are many reasons for a thick and white tongue coating, which may include the accumul...

[Read More] Understanding Colorful Bumps on the Tongue: Causes and Concerns


How to Improve Dry Mouth and Discomfort from Sleeping with Mouth Open

Sleep habits can lead to some cognitive difficulties? Hello Dr. Yeh, I have a concern that when I sleep, my mouth tends to stay open, which results in waking up every day with a particularly dry mouth and tongue. Since I am currently on an offshore island, it is even colder and d...


Dr. Ye Dawei Reply:
"Household child's breathing is already like thunder" – Snoring and Sleep Apnea Syndrome "Night drinking, Dongpo wakes up and gets drunk again, returning home, it feels like three in the morning. The household child's breathing is already like thunder......

[Read More] How to Improve Dry Mouth and Discomfort from Sleeping with Mouth Open


Understanding Snoring: Causes, Treatments, and Effective Solutions

Loud shout Hello: In the past year or two, I have suddenly started snoring loudly while sleeping. Sometimes, during light sleep, I can even hear my own snoring. I do not have any nasal issues. Is there a permanent solution for this? I have come across information about snoring th...


Dr. Xu Jiazhen Reply:
Hello: In response to your question, this is likely what is commonly referred to as sleep apnea syndrome. However, before preparing for surgery, it is necessary to undergo multiple sleep studies in the pulmonology department to determine whether it is peripheral or central sleep ...

[Read More] Understanding Snoring: Causes, Treatments, and Effective Solutions


Understanding Throat Cancer: Stages, Treatment Options, and Family Support

Laryngeal cancer has been diagnosed? My father's condition started with discomfort in his throat, and it has been 5 to 6 months before he went to the hospital for an examination. The doctor diagnosed him with throat cancer. Initially, the doctor said surgery was an option, b...


Dr. Ye Dawei Reply:
Laryngeal cancer: Is surgery necessary? There is much debate, and opinions among physicians vary. The stage of laryngeal cancer can only be determined through clinical examination. Diet and bodily diseases are closely related, and it is advisable to consult various literature on ...

[Read More] Understanding Throat Cancer: Stages, Treatment Options, and Family Support


Understanding Snoring Issues: When to Seek Medical Help

Snoring issues Dear Dr. Yeh: If a patient experiences symptoms such as respiratory pauses during sleep, frequent urination, choking, and coughing at night; and during the day shows signs of poor sleep leading to feelings of fatigue, lack of concentration, memory decline, restless...


Dr. Ye Dawei Reply:
If internal medicine treatment does not improve after a period of time, surgical intervention should be considered. Here is an article for your reference: "The Child's Snoring is Thunderous" – Snoring and Sleep Apnea Syndrome. In Su Dongpo's poem "Linji...

[Read More] Understanding Snoring Issues: When to Seek Medical Help


Effective Treatments for Severe Snoring After Nasal Surgery

Snoring issues Hello Dr. Yeh, I have a patient who is troubled by snoring. They have undergone a septoplasty, but the symptoms remain severe, especially as their body gets more fatigued, the snoring becomes louder, and there are episodes of breathing cessation, often accompanie...


Dr. Ye Dawei Reply:
Dear Sir/Madam, the septoplasty may not completely resolve the snoring issue. Please come in for a detailed examination. My clinic hours are Monday, Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday mornings. Attached is an article for your reference. "The sound of snoring has become thunde...

[Read More] Effective Treatments for Severe Snoring After Nasal Surgery


Struggling with Snoring: Seeking ENT Solutions for Better Sleep

A long-standing issue... snoring? Hello, Dr. Yeh. I have been experiencing snoring for a long time, which has negatively affected my sleep quality and overall mental state. My nose is usually congested on one side, while the other side is blocked. I previously visited a doctor at...


Dr. Ye Dawei Reply:
Mr. Steven, please come to the outpatient clinic for an examination to clearly understand the cause and treatment options. If the issue is due to nasal congestion, a nasal laser surgery may be performed. If a uvulopalatopharyngoplasty is required, I recommend visiting Chang Gung ...

[Read More] Struggling with Snoring: Seeking ENT Solutions for Better Sleep


Understanding Normal Variations of Lingual Papillae at the Tongue Base

Lingual papillae at the base of the tongue? Hello, doctor. I would like to ask if the several papillae on both sides of the base of the tongue (near the throat) are a normal structure. I haven't noticed them before. Thank you for your response!


Dr. Ye Dawei Reply:
Mr. Xiao Zhang, it is a normal structure. There is no need to worry.

[Read More] Understanding Normal Variations of Lingual Papillae at the Tongue Base


Understanding Sleep Apnea: Surgery vs. Laser Treatment for Nasal Issues

Sleep Apnea Dear Sir/Madam, I have been suffering from sleep apnea for three to four years. One doctor suggested that I should first undergo surgery for a deviated septum, while another said that the deviation is not severe and that I could proceed directly with laser treatment....


Dr. Chen Junliang Reply:
Hello Amin: First, let me explain nasal septum deviation: Symptoms of nasal septum deviation include nasal congestion and occasional nosebleeds. If there are no symptoms, no active treatment is necessary. Correction of nasal septum deviation requires surgery rather than laser tre...

[Read More] Understanding Sleep Apnea: Surgery vs. Laser Treatment for Nasal Issues


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