Persistent Throat Irritation and Foul-Smelling Phlegm: When to See an ENT?
Itchy throat with foul-smelling phlegm? Hello doctor, for the past month or two, I have been experiencing intermittent phlegm in my throat, and sometimes the phlegm has a foul odor (similar to the smell of tonsil stones). However, the phlegm does not always have a smell. My throa...
Dr. Ji Zhaoyun Reply:
Hello, the situation you described may be chronic pharyngitis, but it is still recommended to undergo a laryngoscopy to rule out any masses and to receive medication treatment. In addition to medication, please pay attention to the following daily life precautions: avoid lying do...[Read More] Persistent Throat Irritation and Foul-Smelling Phlegm: When to See an ENT?
Do You Really Need Surgery for Sinusitis? Expert Insights
Is surgery always necessary for sinusitis? Hello Dr. Lee! I finally had the root of my upper right second molar extracted in July, which resulted in an oral-antral fistula. After contacting the hospital twice, they still deemed it normal and advised against a follow-up visit. How...
Dr. Li Jiaxuan Reply:
If you are afraid of surgery, you can wait until the bone at the site of the sinus connection grows back before proceeding with surgery for your sinusitis. Currently, conservative treatments for sinusitis include medications (antihistamines and antibiotics) and nasal irrigation. ...[Read More] Do You Really Need Surgery for Sinusitis? Expert Insights
Understanding Throat Issues: Causes and Solutions for Discomfort
Throat issues Hello, doctor... Ten days ago, I woke up with a very dry throat, and the next day, I started to feel the need to cough occasionally to relieve the dryness, otherwise it would be uncomfortable. My throat feels like it has saliva in it, and I have mild nasal congestio...
Dr. Zheng Jueyi Reply:
Hello: It is common to experience throat inflammation. It is advisable to drink plenty of water, and if discomfort persists, it is recommended to visit an otolaryngologist for examination. Wishing you safety and health. Sincerely, Dr. Cheng Jue-Yi, Head of the Department of Otola...[Read More] Understanding Throat Issues: Causes and Solutions for Discomfort
Understanding Lymph Nodes: Common Concerns in ENT Health
Please provide your questions related to lymph nodes? Hello Dr. Zheng, I have been feeling lymph nodes on both sides of my neck (at the lower part of the sternocleidomastoid muscle, near the clavicle) since around March. They are movable, with the left side being larger than the...
Dr. Zheng Jueyi Reply:
Hello, 1. If there is no significant enlargement, it is likely a benign lymphadenopathy, and self-monitoring is recommended. However, it is not advisable to continuously palpate the lymph nodes, as repeated pressure can lead to inflammation and enlargement. 2. Conditions such...[Read More] Understanding Lymph Nodes: Common Concerns in ENT Health
Understanding Cough and Throat Tightness: When to Seek Medical Help
Cold and cough Hello, doctor. My tongue biopsy on September 14 was normal. The doctor said I have tongue inflammation and mucosal hyperplasia. I was originally scheduled for a tonsillectomy on September 28, but I mentioned I was coughing and asked if I needed to postpone it. I la...
Dr. Zheng Jueyi Reply:
Hello: The current cough symptoms may be related to a cold. Tightness in the clavicle does not necessarily indicate asthma. It is recommended to seek medical evaluation before using bronchodilators. As for the entire family coughing, it is commonly the result of a cold being tran...[Read More] Understanding Cough and Throat Tightness: When to Seek Medical Help
Understanding Neck Lumps: Symptoms, Concerns, and When to Seek Help
A lump in the neck? Recently, I noticed a lump on the left side of my neck due to pain in that area. It doesn't hurt when I press on it and it doesn't move. For the past few days, I've occasionally experienced numbness in my left hand, some overall weakness, and sl...
Dr. Ji Zhaoyun Reply:
Hello, based on your description, the neck mass could potentially be lymphadenopathy, a malignant tumor, a lipoma, or a congenital cyst, among other possibilities. If the condition is still progressing, it is advisable to consult an otolaryngologist for further evaluation as need...[Read More] Understanding Neck Lumps: Symptoms, Concerns, and When to Seek Help
Understanding Post-Nasal Drip: Causes, Symptoms, and Solutions
Post-nasal drip with phlegm can cause a persistent urge to cough? Hello Doctor: For the past six months, I have been experiencing a sensation of phlegm at the junction of my left nostril and throat that I cannot expel through my nose. I have to cough to clear it out, which provid...
Dr. Ji Zhaoyun Reply:
Hello, your symptoms may be due to allergic rhinitis, sinusitis, chronic pharyngitis, or Eustachian tube dysfunction, among others. If symptoms persist, it is advisable to seek medical evaluation. Common symptoms of sinusitis include nasal congestion, yellow-green nasal discharge...[Read More] Understanding Post-Nasal Drip: Causes, Symptoms, and Solutions
Understanding Tonsil Issues: Pain, Recovery, and Surgery Concerns
Tonsil problems On September 21, I had a tongue biopsy that was painful. From September 22 to 23, I felt slightly uncomfortable while drinking water and eating. By September 24, eating was almost painless, but today, for some reason, I am experiencing a sharp pain at the wound si...
Dr. Zheng Jueyi Reply:
Hello, if you have a fever or cough, there may be concerns regarding anesthesia. If you are worried, you may want to consult your surgeon at the outpatient clinic to determine whether the surgery will proceed as scheduled or if it should be rescheduled. Wishing you safety and hea...[Read More] Understanding Tonsil Issues: Pain, Recovery, and Surgery Concerns
Can Benign Thyroid Tumors Cause Coughing? Understanding the Symptoms
Thyroid tumor Can a benign thyroid tumor cause coughing, or is coughing only associated with malignant tumors?
Dr. Zheng Jueyi Reply:
Hello: Thyroid tumors are often not the primary cause of coughing, and the presence or absence of a cough cannot be used to determine whether a tumor is benign or malignant. If a thyroid tumor is suspected, the best diagnostic tool is an ultrasound examination, and it is recommen...[Read More] Can Benign Thyroid Tumors Cause Coughing? Understanding the Symptoms
Does Frequent Nasal and Throat Irritation Increase Cancer Risk?
Frequent swelling and bleeding of the nasal and throat mucosa can increase the risk of cancer? Hello! In recent years, I have particularly noticed that secondhand smoke immediately irritates my nose, causing a runny nose or phlegm. Reflecting on the past, since my neighbor loves ...
Dr. Zheng Jueyi Reply:
Hello: 1. Secondhand smoke may trigger allergies; if you experience discomfort with each exposure, it is advisable to avoid contact as much as possible. 2. Carcinogenesis is typically the result of multiple factors, but the best preventive measure is to avoid potential carcino...[Read More] Does Frequent Nasal and Throat Irritation Increase Cancer Risk?
Persistent Nasal Issues: Understanding Your Symptoms and Causes
Recurrent nasal issues? Recently, it seems that after catching a cold, I initially felt a sore throat and fatigue. By the next day, I started to cough, experienced pain on both sides of my head, and had a continuous runny nose with clear, watery discharge. There was no nasal cong...
Dr. Li Jiaxuan Reply:
Sinusitis can also present with symptoms such as headache, nasal discharge, and facial pressure. It is recommended to visit an otolaryngology clinic for diagnosis and treatment.[Read More] Persistent Nasal Issues: Understanding Your Symptoms and Causes
Persistent Phlegm and Sore Throat: Possible Causes and Solutions
Persistent phlegm in the throat? Hello, doctor. In mid-June of this year, I had a cold and visited a doctor for medication. Later on, I felt much better, but every morning when I wake up, I feel like I have phlegm that I can't cough out. I need to use a bit of a gag reflex t...
Dr. Ji Zhaoyun Reply:
Hello, the situation you described is rather atypical and could possibly be chronic pharyngitis, sinusitis, bronchitis, among others. It is advisable to seek medical attention if symptoms persist. Wishing you peace and good health. Sincerely, Dr. Chi Chao-Yun, Director of the ENT...[Read More] Persistent Phlegm and Sore Throat: Possible Causes and Solutions
Hoarseness and Sore Throat: When to See an ENT or Gastroenterologist?
Hoarseness and sore throat? Hello, doctor. I have been experiencing hoarseness, a sensation of something stuck in my throat, and some pain while swallowing for a month now. I previously underwent a nasopharyngoscopy, which indicated inflammation and swelling of the vocal cords. I...
Dr. Zheng Jueyi Reply:
Hello, if you have already seen an otolaryngologist and suspect laryngitis, you may first consult a gastroenterologist to assess whether an endoscopy is necessary. However, if the quality of your voice continues to deteriorate, you should return to the otolaryngology clinic for o...[Read More] Hoarseness and Sore Throat: When to See an ENT or Gastroenterologist?
How to Handle Fish Bone Throat Injuries: Essential Steps and Precautions
Fishbone stuck in the throat causing bleeding? Hello doctor, my family member got a fish bone stuck in their throat near the tonsils while eating fish at night. We tried to remove it but failed and are hesitant to try again due to bleeding. I have read that 1) we should not swall...
Dr. Zheng Jueyi Reply:
Hello: If the foreign object does not dislodge on its own and throat pain persists, it is recommended to seek medical attention immediately to have the foreign object removed. As for the method of removal, it may need to be determined by a clinical physician based on the situatio...[Read More] How to Handle Fish Bone Throat Injuries: Essential Steps and Precautions
Managing Persistent Throat Pain: When to See an ENT Specialist
Re: Unilateral throat pain has persisted for one month? Hello Doctor, thank you very much for your previous patient responses. Below is the photo I took today: https://ibb.co/mKHu7T. My throat pain has now turned into alternating pain in both tonsils, but: 1. There is no cough, a...
Dr. Zheng Jueyi Reply:
Hello, 1. If the oral surgeon has already prescribed medication, you may finish it and adjust your lifestyle habits, then observe the situation. 2. The need for antibiotics primarily depends on the presence of a bacterial infection, which still requires a comprehensive assessm...[Read More] Managing Persistent Throat Pain: When to See an ENT Specialist
Understanding HPV and Throat Issues: What You Need to Know
Throat issues related to HPV (Human Papillomavirus)? Last year, I was diagnosed with anal warts and underwent various treatments and examinations. Currently, there has been no recurrence for six months. However, since the end of March this year, I have been experiencing a dry thr...
Dr. Ji Zhaoyun Reply:
Hello, the situation you described 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 HPV and Throat Issues: What You Need to Know
Understanding Post-Nasal Drip: Causes, Symptoms, and Treatments
Post-nasal drip Hello, doctor. Recently, I've been feeling very uncomfortable due to a cough caused by post-nasal drip. I visited an otolaryngologist, who confirmed that my cough is indeed due to post-nasal drip. The doctor performed a thorough examination using a nasopharyn...
Dr. Zheng Jueyi Reply:
Hello, generally, acute sinusitis can be completely resolved with appropriate antibiotic treatment. It is recommended to continue follow-up visits at the outpatient clinic. As for whether nasal irrigation is necessary, it is advisable to consult a physician for evaluation. Wishin...[Read More] Understanding Post-Nasal Drip: Causes, Symptoms, and Treatments
One-Month-Long Unilateral Throat Pain: Causes and Concerns
Unilateral throat pain has persisted for one month? Hello, Doctor! I have had unilateral throat pain for a month now (right side, left side of the image). Swallowing saliva does not hurt, and I do not have a fever or cough. I would like to ask: 1. Is the yellow arrow pointing to ...
Dr. Zheng Jueyi Reply:
Hi, 1. Is it not tonsil stones? 2. Currently, there seems to be no bacterial infection, so there is no need to continue using antibiotics. 3. The protrusion on the tonsil appears to be a normal bump; if there is pain, it may be related to inflammation. 4. If the pain persist...[Read More] One-Month-Long Unilateral Throat Pain: Causes and Concerns
Can You Eat Liquid Foods with a Nasogastric Tube in Place?
Can a patient eat liquid food orally after having a nasogastric tube inserted? Due to my father's diagnosis of hypopharyngeal cancer, he has developed wounds in his throat during the course of radiation and chemotherapy (as stated by the attending physician). He is experienc...
Dr. Ji Zhaoyun Reply:
Hello, regarding your questions: 1. After the placement of a nasogastric tube, is it possible to consume liquid food orally? In principle, it is possible, but it requires an assessment of feasibility by your attending physician. If there is a risk of aspiration leading to aspir...[Read More] Can You Eat Liquid Foods with a Nasogastric Tube in Place?
Understanding Post-Nasal Drip: Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment Options
Post-nasal drip Hello, doctor... I have a history of nasal allergies. About a month and a half ago, I caught a cold and woke up with thick white nasal discharge and a bit of yellow discharge. I visited a clinic, and the doctor diagnosed me with sinusitis and post-nasal drip. Afte...
Dr. Zheng Jueyi Reply:
Hello, if the main symptoms are white nasal discharge and post-nasal drip, it may be primarily related to allergic rhinitis. If these symptoms continue to affect your daily life, you may need to take oral antihistamines or add a nasal spray for treatment. It is advisable to visit...[Read More] Understanding Post-Nasal Drip: Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment Options