Do You Need Surgery for Fungal Sinusitis? Exploring Treatment Options
Is surgery always necessary for the treatment of fungal sinusitis? Dear Doctor: I am a patient with Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (SLE). Recently, for about three to four weeks, I have been experiencing post-nasal drip in the early morning, producing thick yellow-green phlegm with...
Dr. Zheng Jueyi Reply:
Hello, fungal sinusitis is indeed difficult to treat with medication. General antibiotics primarily target bacterial infections. If two weeks of antibiotics do not resolve the issue, surgical treatment is recommended. Wishing you safety and health. Sincerely, Dr. Jue-Yi Cheng, Di...[Read More] Do You Need Surgery for Fungal Sinusitis? Exploring Treatment Options
Understanding Unilateral Tonsil Swelling: When to Seek Further Evaluation
Unilateral tonsillar enlargement? Hello, Doctor. About three to four months ago (March 109), I noticed that one side of my tonsil was particularly swollen. At that time, I didn't have any obvious discomfort, so I delayed seeking medical attention until a few days ago (June 2...
Dr. Zheng Jueyi Reply:
Hello: Upon initial examination, the right side appears slightly larger, but there are no obvious tumors or ulcers. If there are no significant symptoms and a physician has already evaluated the condition, self-monitoring may be appropriate, or a follow-up examination can be sche...[Read More] Understanding Unilateral Tonsil Swelling: When to Seek Further Evaluation
Understanding Tonsillectomy Costs: Insurance vs. Out-of-Pocket Expenses
Tonsillectomy I would like to inquire about the cost of tonsillectomy surgery—both out-of-pocket and covered by insurance. A doctor mentioned that my tonsils are relatively large, and removal would be beneficial, especially since I frequently experience colds due to tonsillitis. ...
Dr. Zheng Jueyi Reply:
Hello: The surgical costs are covered by health insurance. As for the use of self-paid equipment such as cryoablation probes, plasma knives, or other hemostatic materials, the prices may vary slightly between hospitals. It is recommended to consult directly with the physician at ...[Read More] Understanding Tonsillectomy Costs: Insurance vs. Out-of-Pocket Expenses
Urgent Throat Issues: Understanding Symptoms and Seeking Relief
Urgent throat issues It's been about a week now... I don't remember much from earlier, but I recall going to see a doctor (family medicine) for the first time last Friday because I had a severe headache, a sore throat (similar to cold symptoms), and tightness in my shou...
Dr. Zheng Jueyi Reply:
Hello, inflammation commonly associated with viral or bacterial infections. If you are feeling unwell, it is advisable to continue follow-up visits with an otolaryngologist for treatment. Wishing you safety and health. Sincerely, Dr. Cheng Jue-Yi, Director of the Department of Ot...[Read More] Urgent Throat Issues: Understanding Symptoms and Seeking Relief
Understanding Ear Blockage: Causes and Solutions for Your Left Ear
Ear problems The left ear feels blocked, and pulling on it produces a loud whooshing sound.
Dr. Ji Zhaoyun Reply:
Hello, the issues you mentioned could be due to: 1) Eustachian tube dysfunction: This is the most common cause and can occur not only during flying, climbing, or diving, but also when forcefully blowing your nose or bending over. 2) Sudden sensorineural hearing loss. 3) Otitis me...[Read More] Understanding Ear Blockage: Causes and Solutions for Your Left Ear
Chronic Nasal Congestion and Mucus: When to Seek ENT Treatment
Nasal congestion and phlegm issues? Hello Dr. Cheng, my husband is 46 years old and has been suffering from nasal congestion and excessive phlegm for a long time. He produces yellow phlegm daily due to nasal congestion and has been experiencing this symptom for several decades. P...
Dr. Zheng Jueyi Reply:
Hello: Based on your symptoms, it may be chronic sinusitis. It is recommended that you visit the ENT department at a hospital for examination. If the chronic sinusitis is not well controlled with medication, surgical treatment may need to be considered. Wishing you safety and hea...[Read More] Chronic Nasal Congestion and Mucus: When to Seek ENT Treatment
Understanding Tinnitus: Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment Options
Tinnitus condition About two months ago, I started experiencing low-frequency tinnitus in my left ear in a quiet environment due to insomnia. After taking medication, the tinnitus subsided. At that time, I underwent a pure-tone audiometry test, which yielded normal results. Howev...
Dr. Ji Zhaoyun Reply:
Hello, the issues you mentioned could be due to: 1) Eustachian tube dysfunction: This can occur not only during flying, mountain climbing, or diving, but also when forcefully blowing your nose or bending over. 2) Sudden sensorineural hearing loss: Based on your description, this ...[Read More] Understanding Tinnitus: Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment Options
Understanding Nasopharyngeal Issues: Persistent Symptoms and Treatment Challenges
Nasopharyngeal issues? Hello Doctor, I am currently abroad and have seen multiple doctors without any signs of recovery, so I would like to ask for your advice. Around the end of January, I started feeling inflammation in my nasal cavity, but I thought it was just a cold and dela...
Dr. Zheng Jueyi Reply:
Hello: Recurrent inflammation in the nasopharynx may be related to chronic sinusitis with post-nasal drip or gastroesophageal reflux. If symptoms persist without improvement, it is advisable to investigate or treat these two areas first. Wishing you peace and health. Sincerely, D...[Read More] Understanding Nasopharyngeal Issues: Persistent Symptoms and Treatment Challenges
Understanding Tonsil Pain: Causes, Concerns, and When to Seek Help
The tonsils are a bit painful? Hello Doctor, last Monday I visited an ENT specialist because I had a sore throat on both sides, along with phlegm and nasal discharge. The doctor diagnosed me with allergies and a cold. After taking the medication twice, I noticed some improvement,...
Dr. Zheng Jueyi Reply:
Hello: The secretions on the tonsils are commonly associated with infections. If there is no improvement, please continue to follow up with an otolaryngology clinic for examination and treatment. Wishing you peace and good health. Sincerely, Dr. Cheng Jue-Yi, Director of the Depa...[Read More] Understanding Tonsil Pain: Causes, Concerns, and When to Seek Help
Understanding Persistent Throat Irritation: Causes and Solutions
There is a persistent sensation of throat irritation (not actual choking)? Hello, Dr. Chi: For the past two weeks, I have been experiencing a sensation in my throat that feels like I am choking, although I am not actually choking. It’s just that lingering feeling. Sometimes I try...
Dr. Ji Zhaoyun Reply:
Hello, the situation you mentioned may be indicative of chronic pharyngitis. It is recommended to seek medical attention for a laryngoscopy to rule out any masses, as well as to consider pharmacological treatment. In addition to medication, please pay attention to the following l...[Read More] Understanding Persistent Throat Irritation: Causes and Solutions
Understanding High-Frequency Hearing Loss in the Right Ear
High-frequency hearing loss in the right ear? Hello Doctor, Symptoms: I have high-frequency hearing loss in my right ear, with hearing thresholds at 2000 Hz (40 dB), 4000 Hz (60 dB), and 8000 Hz (80 dB). Recently, during weight training while holding my breath and squatting with...
Dr. Li Jiaxuan Reply:
The hearing in the right ear is 2000 Hz (40 dB), 4000 Hz (60 dB), and 8000 Hz (80 dB), while other frequencies are normal, indicating sensorineural hearing loss, which is unlikely to recover. It is recommended to maintain a regular lifestyle and avoid further deterioration of hea...[Read More] Understanding High-Frequency Hearing Loss in the Right Ear
Understanding Chronic Tonsillitis: Symptoms, Causes, and Dietary Impact
Tonsillar hypertrophy Dear Doctor, For the past two years, I have experienced swollen tonsils every summer, lasting about a month each time. Both sides are swollen (one side is larger than the other), but I have not had a fever or cold symptoms. The swelling is not painful, but...
Dr. Zheng Jueyi Reply:
Hello: The symptoms may indicate chronic tonsillitis. It is recommended to drink plenty of water and gargle, and to reduce the intake of spicy or fried foods. Wishing you safety and health. Sincerely, Dr. Cheng Jue-Yi, Director of the Department of Otolaryngology, Taoyuan Hospita...[Read More] Understanding Chronic Tonsillitis: Symptoms, Causes, and Dietary Impact
Exploring New Treatments for Persistent Smell Disorders
Olfactory issues Two years ago, I had a severe cold (or allergy), and although I recovered, I lost my sense of smell. After treatment from a physician at Taichung Veterans General Hospital, there has been no improvement until now. Are there any new treatment options available?
Dr. Ji Zhaoyun Reply:
Hello, there are many possible causes for olfactory dysfunction. Depending on the situation, examinations such as nasal endoscopy, computed tomography (CT), olfactory testing (which should have specialized equipment at Taichung Veterans General Hospital), and olfactory nerve asse...[Read More] Exploring New Treatments for Persistent Smell Disorders
Understanding Lymph Node Issues in the Neck: When to Seek Help
Cervical lymphatic issues Medical history: History of nasopharyngeal lymphadenopathy excision, chronic hypertrophic rhinitis, and mild chronic urticaria dating back six months. Initially, I noticed a prominent swollen and painful mass on the right posterior neck, without any acco...
Dr. Ji Zhaoyun Reply:
Hello, if you have recurrent swollen lymph nodes in the neck or other neck masses, it is advisable to consult an otolaryngologist. Wishing you good health and safety.[Read More] Understanding Lymph Node Issues in the Neck: When to Seek Help
Understanding Painful Taste Buds: Causes and Remedies
Papillae on the tongue Recently, I have been experiencing pain and discomfort in my taste buds. I would like to know if this is related to food (such as cherry tomatoes and shrimp fried rice, and avoiding hot or spicy foods) or if it is due to poor sleep quality. My tongue appear...
Dr. Zheng Jueyi Reply:
Hello: Regarding the symptoms related to tongue inflammation, it is recommended to avoid spicy or irritating foods, drink plenty of water, and rinse your mouth. You may also supplement with vitamins B and C, and ensure adequate sleep. If the symptoms persist and do not improve, i...[Read More] Understanding Painful Taste Buds: Causes and Remedies
Understanding Chronic Pharyngitis and the Sensation of a Throat Lump
Chronic pharyngitis, sensation of a foreign body in the throat? Hello, Doctor. Two months ago, I initially had a mild cold and consumed spicy food. My throat lost its voice for about a day, and then I started feeling a persistent sensation of mucus in my throat. It gradually wors...
Dr. Zheng Jueyi Reply:
Hello, it is likely that you are experiencing gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) combined with chronic laryngitis. It is recommended to continue medication treatment and dietary control. Wishing you safety and health. Sincerely, Dr. Cheng Jue-Yi, Director of the Department of...[Read More] Understanding Chronic Pharyngitis and the Sensation of a Throat Lump
Understanding Right Ear Congestion: Symptoms, Causes, and When to Seek Help
Feeling of fullness or pressure in the right ear? Dear Dr. Cheng, Hello. Recently, I have been experiencing occasional pressure and discomfort at the upper edge of my right eye extending to the area near my right temple. Subsequently, I have also started to feel a sensation of f...
Dr. Zheng Jueyi Reply:
Hello: 1. Ear fullness may be related to issues with the external auditory canal, middle ear cavity, Eustachian tube, or inner ear. 2. If symptoms do not show significant improvement, it is recommended to visit an otolaryngology clinic or hospital for examination. 3. Gastroesopha...[Read More] Understanding Right Ear Congestion: Symptoms, Causes, and When to Seek Help
Persistent Throat Pain and Thick Mucus: Understanding Sinusitis and Treatment Options
Sinusitis/post-nasal drip/sore throat/thick phlegm? Hello Doctor, at the beginning of January this year, I visited a doctor for a sore throat and took cold medication for nine days. After that, I started coughing up thick phlegm with blood about once a week. By the end of Februar...
Dr. Zheng Jueyi Reply:
Hello, if the symptoms persist without improvement, they are often related to post-nasal drip or pulmonary diseases. If the ENT examination is normal, it is recommended to consult a pulmonologist for further evaluation. Wishing you peace and health. Sincerely, Dr. Cheng Jue-Yi, D...[Read More] Persistent Throat Pain and Thick Mucus: Understanding Sinusitis and Treatment Options
Understanding Persistent Low-Grade Fever After a Cold: When to Seek Help
Persistent low-grade fever after a cold? Hello Doctor: I visited the clinic due to severe throat pain and was diagnosed with tonsillitis and post-nasal drip. The next day, I developed a fever over 38 degrees Celsius. After taking antipyretics, my temperature dropped to over 37 de...
Dr. Zheng Jueyi Reply:
Hello: It is common that you may still have an incomplete recovery from a cold infection. It is advisable to drink plenty of water and get ample rest. If your body temperature exceeds 38 degrees Celsius or if you continue to feel unwell, it is recommended to seek medical evaluati...[Read More] Understanding Persistent Low-Grade Fever After a Cold: When to Seek Help
Understanding Persistent Throat Symptoms: Antibiotics or Viral Infection?
Continuing from question #154740? Hello Doctor: I am currently in the United States and am having some difficulties with medical care. I would like to request your assistance. Previously, I asked you about issues related to inflammation of the tongue and tonsils. Last week, I rec...
Dr. Zheng Jueyi Reply:
Hello: You can finish the course of medication. If there are no significant symptoms such as fever or throat pus, and you have completed a week of antibiotics, you may temporarily refrain from using antibiotics. It is advisable to drink plenty of water, rest, and self-monitor. If...[Read More] Understanding Persistent Throat Symptoms: Antibiotics or Viral Infection?