Should You See an ENT or Pulmonologist for Sleep Breathing Issues?
Sleep-related breathing disorders? Hello, Doctor: I previously inquired about this issue—may I ask if I should first see an otolaryngologist, and should I also consult a pulmonologist at the same time? Thank you for your response.
Dr. Zheng Jueyi Reply:
Dear Mr. Chuang, Hello, you can have a consultation with both departments at the same time to consider the opinions of both specialists. Wishing you health and safety. Sincerely, Dr. Cheng Jue-Yi Director, Department of Otolaryngology Taoyuan Hospital, Ministry of Health ...[Read More] Should You See an ENT or Pulmonologist for Sleep Breathing Issues?
Understanding Sleep Breathing Issues: Why Mouth Breathing Happens
Sleep breathing disorders Hello Doctor, Last year, my sleeping habits suddenly changed, and I started breathing through my mouth while sleeping. This has caused me to wake up after about three hours due to a dry throat, and this has been ongoing for three months. I have tried w...
Dr. Zheng Jueyi Reply:
Dear Mr. Chuang, Hello. If you tend to breathe through your mouth while sleeping, it may indicate an obstruction or insufficient muscle tone in areas other than the nose in the upper respiratory tract, leading to collapse. If your symptoms do not improve, it is advisable to seek...[Read More] Understanding Sleep Breathing Issues: Why Mouth Breathing Happens
Understanding Ear Congestion After Nasal Surgery: Causes and Concerns
Ear congestion Hello Dr. Cheng, I have been working in Bangkok for a long time. Due to nasal congestion, I returned to Taiwan at the end of January for "inferior turbinate reduction" and "septoplasty." My nasal breathing has been quite smooth since the surger...
Dr. Zheng Jueyi Reply:
Dear David, 1. It is generally rare for this surgery to cause dysfunction of the Eustachian tube. 2. The inferior turbinate is mostly partially resected, and the filtering function of the nose is usually not significantly affected. However, if allergic rhinitis symptoms are seve...[Read More] Understanding Ear Congestion After Nasal Surgery: Causes and Concerns
Understanding Nasal and Throat Issues: Symptoms and Remedies
Nasal and throat issues? In the past four days, I've been experiencing a sensation of warm air coming from my nose in the evenings, and my throat feels strange. Today, the symptoms have become more pronounced; not only do I feel warmth while breathing, but my throat is also ...
Dr. Hu Kexin Reply:
It could be a cold, but it is recommended that you still visit a hospital or clinic for a thorough examination by a physician.[Read More] Understanding Nasal and Throat Issues: Symptoms and Remedies
How Nasal Passage Size Affects Breathing Efficiency
Nostrils and Breathing Hello, doctor! Does the size of the nostrils affect the ease of breathing? Thank you again for your response! Wishing health to you and me!
Dr. Zheng Jueyi Reply:
Dear Kang: The size of the nostrils is not necessarily related to the ease of breathing, but the size of the nasal valve within the nostrils does affect respiration. If you are experiencing persistent nasal congestion, it is advisable to seek medical evaluation. Wishing you safet...[Read More] How Nasal Passage Size Affects Breathing Efficiency
Does Nose Bridge Height Affect Breathing Efficiency?
The nasal bridge affects breathing? Hello, Doctor: Is there an absolute relationship between the height of the nasal bridge and breathing? Thank you for your response!
Dr. Zheng Jueyi Reply:
Dear Kang: There is no absolute correlation; the prominence of the nasal bridge primarily affects appearance, but severe deformities can still impact breathing. Wishing you peace and health. Sincerely, Dr. Cheng Jue-Yi, Attending Physician, Department of Otolaryngology, Taoyuan G...[Read More] Does Nose Bridge Height Affect Breathing Efficiency?
Tinnitus After Exercise: Is It Related to Sinus Infection Treatment?
Tinnitus after exercise? Hello Doctor: Two weeks ago, I was diagnosed with sinusitis and started taking antibiotics after a visit to the clinic. I have also been using a nasal irrigation device, and my sinusitis symptoms have started to improve, with my nasal discharge turning wh...
Dr. Xu Yingzhuo Reply:
Hello Kent: Your symptoms are related to dysfunction of the Eustachian tube, which connects the ear and nasal passages to equalize internal and external pressure. Additionally, middle ear effusion may also cause these symptoms. It is advisable to seek professional assistance from...[Read More] Tinnitus After Exercise: Is It Related to Sinus Infection Treatment?
Post-Meal Discomfort: Difficulty Swallowing and Breathing Issues Explained
Experiencing discomfort after eating, often accompanied by frequent swallowing of saliva? Hello, doctor: After I eat, I often experience belching and have a constant urge to swallow saliva, even when there is none. I tend to swallow forcefully, and sometimes I have difficulty swa...
Dr. Xu Jiazhen Reply:
Hello: From your letter, it is difficult to determine which specific disease is diagnosed. However, if you have been experiencing persistent swallowing difficulties, I would consider several possible factors. First, it is important to consider tumors or lesions in the hypopharynx...[Read More] Post-Meal Discomfort: Difficulty Swallowing and Breathing Issues Explained
Persistent Ear Congestion and Tinnitus: Seeking Relief and Solutions
The left ear has been blocked for over three months, and there are occasional tinnitus episodes? In February of this year, I suddenly fell ill with what was diagnosed as acute sinusitis. I experienced yellow nasal discharge, post-nasal drip, sore throat, and a feeling of fullness...
Dr. Hu Kexin Reply:
Mr. Deng: It seems that this illness has been quite difficult for you. Based on your description, it appears to be more indicative of Eustachian tube dysfunction or middle ear effusion, although other possibilities cannot be completely ruled out. Eustachian tube dysfunction inclu...[Read More] Persistent Ear Congestion and Tinnitus: Seeking Relief and Solutions
What to Do If Your Nasal Valve Is Damaged: Expert Advice
The nasal valve has been severed? Hello doctor, I have noticed that the nasal valve on my right nostril seems to be missing. What should I do in this case? Please help me, I am in a lot of pain. Right now, I can only use tape on the surface to maintain normal breathing through my...
Dr. Zheng Jueyi Reply:
Dear Mark, Hello, I am not sure if your issue is related to the surgery. I recommend that you return for a follow-up appointment to have the original surgeon examine you. Wishing you safety and health. Sincerely, Dr. Cheng Jue-Yi Attending Physician, Department of Otolary...[Read More] What to Do If Your Nasal Valve Is Damaged: Expert Advice
Understanding Persistent Throat Mucus: Causes and Solutions
The cause of phlegm stuck in the throat is unclear? Hello Doctor: I have allergic rhinitis and often experience phlegm stuck in my throat, which I usually cannot cough out, affecting my breathing. Even when I'm not experiencing allergies, the throat symptoms persist. Over th...
Dr. Zheng Jueyi Reply:
Mr. Chen: Hello, based on the symptoms you've described, it is possible that you are experiencing chronic pharyngitis, allergic rhinitis, post-nasal drip, and gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). Factors such as smoking, air pollution, and habitual throat clearing could a...[Read More] Understanding Persistent Throat Mucus: Causes and Solutions
Can Hearing Tests Alone Confirm No Issues with Auditory Nerve?
Can hearing tests alone determine if there are no issues with the auditory nerve? Hello, Doctor Hsu. About a month ago, I started experiencing persistent tinnitus in my right ear while lying in bed at night. The cause is unclear and could be due to various factors. I have a histo...
Dr. Xu Jiazhen Reply:
An experienced otolaryngologist can easily determine the possible causes of a patient's hearing impairment from an accurate audiogram. If there is a dislocation or damage to the ossicles, evidence can be seen on the audiogram. Of course, further CT imaging provides us with m...[Read More] Can Hearing Tests Alone Confirm No Issues with Auditory Nerve?
Understanding Throat Issues: Causes, Symptoms, and Treatments
Throat issues For the past 1 to 2 days, I have had a sore throat with phlegm and a persistent urge to cough. After visiting a small clinic and taking medication, the pain has subsided, but my throat still feels swollen, and I have a sensation of something foreign when swallowing ...
Dr. Ye Dawei Reply:
Dear Sir/Madam: It is recommended to visit the Otolaryngology outpatient department for further examination. Dr. Yeh Da-Wei, Chief of Otolaryngology, Hsinchu Hospital.[Read More] Understanding Throat Issues: Causes, Symptoms, and Treatments
Struggling with Severe Nasal Congestion: Tips for Better Breathing
Nasal obstruction? Hello Doctor, since mid-November, I have been experiencing severe nasal congestion. I am unable to breathe through my nose and mostly have to breathe through my mouth; otherwise, I feel like I can't get enough air, which causes some difficulty in breathing...
Dr. Hu Kexin Reply:
Hello, in response to your question, according to medical research, chronic nasal congestion can significantly impact quality of life. It is recommended that you consult an otolaryngologist for a thorough examination to determine the underlying cause of your nasal congestion befo...[Read More] Struggling with Severe Nasal Congestion: Tips for Better Breathing
Is Sleeping on Your Stomach Safe? ENT Concerns and Solutions Explained
Is sleeping face down (prone position) good for you? Hello, Dr. Hsu: When I sleep lying down, I feel like my uvula gets obstructed during inhalation, causing a sensation of difficulty breathing. Therefore, I have switched to sleeping on my stomach. I would like to ask you what ad...
Dr. Xu Jiazhen Reply:
A small number of patients experience this type of disturbance during sleep, and the causes are often not solely due to enlarged uvula. Most cases are caused by a narrowing of the entire pharyngeal passage, which may include hypertrophy of the base of the tongue, and occasionally...[Read More] Is Sleeping on Your Stomach Safe? ENT Concerns and Solutions Explained
Understanding Thyroid Cysts: Causes, Symptoms, and Dietary Considerations
Thyroid cyst Hello, Dr. Hsu: A family member (approximately 50 years old, postmenopausal female) underwent a health check and was found to have a thyroid cyst on the left side of the neck (0.275 x 0.662 cm). She was advised to follow up in a year. I would like to ask the doctor...
Dr. Xu Jiazhen Reply:
The thyroid gland and the adjacent parathyroid glands are very important for the human body. Generally, benign cysts are observed, which are a type of fluid-filled growth. Unless they become large enough to affect breathing, they typically do not present symptoms. If there is hoa...[Read More] Understanding Thyroid Cysts: Causes, Symptoms, and Dietary Considerations
Understanding Alternating Nasal Congestion and Sleep Disorders
Nasal congestion on both sides and sleep clinic? Hello Doctor, I have been experiencing nasal congestion for about one to two years. Sometimes my right nostril is blocked while the left is clear, and other times it’s the opposite. However, both sides never get blocked at the same...
Dr. Hu Kexin Reply:
1. In normal individuals, the inferior nasal turbinates naturally alternate in swelling, but this should not cause nasal congestion. If nasal congestion occurs, it may indicate inflammation of the inferior turbinates or other issues. 2. Snoring during sleep, especially if accom...[Read More] Understanding Alternating Nasal Congestion and Sleep Disorders
Why Do I Wake Up with a Dry Mouth? Causes and Solutions
Waking up with dry mouth in the morning? Hello Dr. Chen, I am unsure if my question is appropriate for the ENT department. I often wake up in the morning with a very dry mouth, feeling very thirsty and wanting to drink water. I am not sure what the cause is or how to improve th...
Dr. Chen Jianzhi Reply:
Dear Inquirer: Hello, for patients who experience severe dry mouth upon waking and have no other systemic diseases, it is likely due to mouth breathing during sleep, which often accompanies snoring. I wonder if you snore while sleeping? Sincerely, Chen Jian-Zhi, Lecturer at Fu Je...[Read More] Why Do I Wake Up with a Dry Mouth? Causes and Solutions
The Connection Between Nasal Mucosa, Lungs, and Brain Function
Atrophic rhinitis What is the relationship between the nasal mucosa, lungs, and brain? Who regulates the function of breathing? If the mucosa of the nasal turbinates is necrotic, will the nasal cavity be unable to breathe? What compensatory mechanisms will the brain employ if the...
Dr. Ye Dawei Reply:
Response: A1: Inhalation of gases through the nasal passages. The lungs facilitate gas exchange. If the brainstem is injured, it may fundamentally impair the ability to initiate the respiratory process. A2: Breathing can still occur. A3: There should be no specific concerns. Dr. ...[Read More] The Connection Between Nasal Mucosa, Lungs, and Brain Function
Understanding Eustachian Tube Dysfunction: Symptoms and Treatment Options
Eustachian tube dysfunction Hello, over two years ago, I started experiencing a sensation of ear fullness in both ears, as if I could hear my own breathing and speaking. Gradually, this began to affect my daily life, and I occasionally felt dizzy. I consulted an otolaryngologist ...
Dr. Xu Jiazhen Reply:
Eustachian tube issues can indeed be very distressing for patients; they are not visible or tangible, yet they can significantly diminish quality of life. Generally, for Eustachian tube problems, the initial step should be to rule out other issues, which I believe previous specia...[Read More] Understanding Eustachian Tube Dysfunction: Symptoms and Treatment Options