Difficulty swallowing, Otolaryngology FAQ

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Accidentally Swallowed Chicken Bone: When to Seek Medical Attention?

Accidental ingestion of chicken bones? If you accidentally ingested a chicken bone during lunch and now feel a sensation of something stuck in your throat, but you are not experiencing pain while swallowing, and occasionally cough, should you seek immediate medical attention or j...


Dr. Zheng Jueyi Reply:
Hello, if you experience persistent pain or difficulty swallowing, it is advisable to seek medical evaluation. If there are no obvious symptoms, you may start with self-monitoring.

[Read More] Accidentally Swallowed Chicken Bone: When to Seek Medical Attention?


Understanding Throat Foreign Body Sensation: Causes and Solutions

Sensation of a foreign body in the throat? Hello Doctor, on the night of July 8th, while eating fish, I felt something scratch my throat, which was painful. When I woke up in the morning, I noticed discomfort on the right side of my throat. I visited a clinic where the doctor sai...


Dr. Ji Zhaoyun Reply:
Based on your detailed description, your symptoms include sore throat, a sensation of a foreign body, difficulty swallowing, elevated body temperature, loss of appetite, fatigue, chest tightness, as well as abdominal pain and diarrhea. These symptoms may be caused by various fact...

[Read More] Understanding Throat Foreign Body Sensation: Causes and Solutions


Understanding Choking Hazards: What to Do When Food Gets Stuck

Choking on an object? Hello, Doctor. I am a student. While I was eating sweet and sour pork ribs during evening study at school, I stood up to talk to a classmate and suddenly choked on a whole piece of pork rib. I was still able to speak, but it was very uncomfortable. I asked a...


Dr. Zheng Jueyi Reply:
The common sensation of a foreign body in the throat may be related to irritation caused by a foreign object. If there is no significant difficulty swallowing or throat pain, you may monitor the situation on your own. However, if you experience any of the above symptoms, it is ad...

[Read More] Understanding Choking Hazards: What to Do When Food Gets Stuck


Understanding Low Blood Oxygen and Throat Issues: Is It Esophageal Cancer?

Oxygen saturation at 80% with difficulty breathing? I am experiencing recent difficulty swallowing, a very dry throat, and a sensation of something being stuck. My blood oxygen level is 80 while asleep and 98 while awake. Could this be esophageal cancer?


Dr. Zheng Jueyi Reply:
Hello, it is difficult to determine. It is recommended to visit an otolaryngologist or a gastroenterologist for examination.

[Read More] Understanding Low Blood Oxygen and Throat Issues: Is It Esophageal Cancer?


Managing Thick Saliva and Excessive Phlegm in Elderly Patients

Thick saliva and excessive phlegm? Hello, my father is 88 years old and has some difficulty swallowing. He has excessive and thick saliva, and he constantly spits out thick saliva throughout the day. What can be done to improve this condition? Thank you!


Dr. Zheng Jueyi Reply:
Hello, there are many factors that can cause swallowing difficulties in older age. It is recommended to first seek evaluation from a neurologist and a gastroenterologist.

[Read More] Managing Thick Saliva and Excessive Phlegm in Elderly Patients


Understanding Lymph Node Swelling, Back Pain, and Night Sweats

Lymphatic issues, back pain, and night sweats are concerning problems? Hello, Doctor. Since the passing of a family member in October, my previously hectic and stressful life has slowed down, and my body has started to react to the sadness with various symptoms. Over the past two...


Dr. Zheng Jueyi Reply:
Hello, currently the cause cannot be determined. If most tests show no abnormalities, chronic fatigue, autonomic nervous system disorders, or health anxiety may be suspected. It is recommended to seek evaluation and assessment from a psychosomatic medicine specialist.

[Read More] Understanding Lymph Node Swelling, Back Pain, and Night Sweats


Understanding Peritonsillar Abscess: Symptoms, Risks, and Treatment Options

Peritonsillar abscess Hello, may I ask why when I go to the hospital and tell them I can't breathe, I'm wheezing, and my heart hurts, they only give me sedatives or don't give me any medication at all and tell me to go home and manage it myself? I ended up risking ...


Dr. Zheng Jueyi Reply:
It is recommended to seek medical evaluation for confirmation. If it is a bacterial infection such as a peritonsillar abscess or tonsillitis, antibiotics may be used for a week. However, if it is not a bacterial infection, antibiotics will not have a significant effect. Bacterial...

[Read More] Understanding Peritonsillar Abscess: Symptoms, Risks, and Treatment Options


Chronic Throat Pain: Struggling with Swallowing and Breathing Issues

I have had a sore throat for three years and it hasn't improved? I have been experiencing gastroesophageal reflux since 2020. After I accidentally swallowed a bone and used my hand to expel it, I vomited a significant amount of blood and then started having difficulty swallo...


Dr. Ji Zhaoyun Reply:
Hello, if you have had a sore throat for three years without improvement, it is advisable to directly visit an otolaryngologist for further examination.

[Read More] Chronic Throat Pain: Struggling with Swallowing and Breathing Issues


Understanding Non-Painful White or Yellow Patches on Tonsils

The tonsils have white (or yellow) patches, but there is no pain? Hello, Doctor. I had a case of purulent tonsillitis due to influenza at the beginning of June 2023 (which often happens whenever I get sick). After that, I was diagnosed with COVID-19 before fully recovering from t...


Dr. Ji Zhaoyun Reply:
Hello, regarding the conditions for tonsillectomy that you mentioned, they are generally as follows: 1) Enlarged tonsils causing respiratory issues or conditions such as sleep apnea; 2) Presence of malignant tumors; 3) Recurrent tonsillitis (as you mentioned). Internationally rec...

[Read More] Understanding Non-Painful White or Yellow Patches on Tonsils


Severe Throat Pain During Colds: Chronic Inflammation or Cyst?

Severe throat pain due to a cold? Every time I catch a cold, it starts with my throat, and the pain is so severe that I don't want to speak, and swallowing saliva is extremely painful. I previously mentioned this issue to a doctor, who used a nasopharyngoscope and noted that...


Dr. Zheng Jueyi Reply:
Chronic pharyngitis or cysts often present with a sensation of a lump in the throat, while severe pain is usually associated with acute infections, such as acute tonsillitis or acute nasopharyngitis. If pain persists or there is difficulty swallowing, it is advisable to seek eval...

[Read More] Severe Throat Pain During Colds: Chronic Inflammation or Cyst?


Severe Throat Pain During Colds: Chronic Inflammation or Cyst?

Severe throat pain due to a cold? Every time I catch a cold, it starts with my throat, which hurts so much that I don't want to speak, and swallowing is extremely painful. I previously mentioned this issue to a doctor, who used a nasogastric endoscope and noted that I often ...


Dr. Zheng Jueyi Reply:
Chronic pharyngitis or cysts often present with a sensation of a lump in the throat, while severe pain is usually associated with acute infections, such as acute tonsillitis or acute nasopharyngitis. If pain persists or if there is difficulty swallowing, it is recommended to seek...

[Read More] Severe Throat Pain During Colds: Chronic Inflammation or Cyst?


Swallowing Difficulties After COVID-19: When to Seek Medical Help

Swallowing difficulties Hello doctor, after being diagnosed with COVID-19, I have been experiencing increasing difficulty swallowing food. By the fourth day, I was unable to swallow solid food. I initially thought this was due to throat ulcers, but today (the eighth day) I still ...


Dr. Zheng Jueyi Reply:
It is recommended to visit an otolaryngologist and a gastroenterologist for examination.

[Read More] Swallowing Difficulties After COVID-19: When to Seek Medical Help


Understanding Prolonged Tonsillitis: Symptoms, Treatment, and Concerns

The tonsillitis has not improved from March 25, 2023, to April 4, 2023? On March 23, 2023, I initially experienced discomfort in my right tonsil and visited the ENT department on March 25 for examination, where I was diagnosed with acute tonsillitis. I was prescribed antibiotics ...


Dr. Li Jiaxuan Reply:
It is recommended to undergo imaging studies and bacterial culture for the ruptured membrane of the tonsils, as it is prone to recurrent infections. Wishing you good health.

[Read More] Understanding Prolonged Tonsillitis: Symptoms, Treatment, and Concerns


Understanding Uvula Issues: When to Seek Medical Attention for Throat Pain

Uvular issues Hello, I have had a sore throat for about four days without any other cold symptoms. This afternoon, I started coughing, and tonight I noticed that two-thirds of my uvula has turned bright red, but there is no bleeding. I also feel a foreign body sensation in my thr...


Dr. Zheng Jueyi Reply:
Hello, throat inflammation and redness are common. It is advisable to drink plenty of water and monitor the situation. If discomfort persists, or if there are symptoms such as fever or difficulty swallowing, it is recommended to seek medical evaluation and treatment.

[Read More] Understanding Uvula Issues: When to Seek Medical Attention for Throat Pain


Dealing with Fishbone Throat Injuries: When to Seek Emergency Care

Fishbone stuck in the throat? Hello, doctor. Yesterday, while eating, I felt a sharp sensation in my throat, which I suspect is due to a small fishbone. I went to a nearby clinic, but since the sensation of the foreign body is located in my neck, the doctor advised me to go to th...


Dr. Zheng Jueyi Reply:
If you continue to feel unwell, it is advisable to seek medical evaluation and examination as soon as possible.

[Read More] Dealing with Fishbone Throat Injuries: When to Seek Emergency Care


Could My Throat Pain and Swallowing Issues Indicate Cancer?

Hello, I would like to ask if this could possibly be cancer? A year ago, I experienced gastroesophageal reflux for an entire year, which led to severe throat pain and difficulty swallowing. Initially, it was just difficulty swallowing, but within six months, I went to the emergen...


Dr. Zheng Jueyi Reply:
If you are unable to determine, it is advisable to seek medical examination from the relevant specialty.

[Read More] Could My Throat Pain and Swallowing Issues Indicate Cancer?


Do You Really Need Antibiotics for Tonsillitis? Expert Insights

Is it possible to avoid taking antibiotics? I previously took antibiotic capsules for tonsillitis, but I had difficulty swallowing them, which led to esophageal ulcers. This has left me feeling very anxious about taking antibiotics again. Over the past two days, I have started ex...


Dr. Zheng Jueyi Reply:
Hello, whether antibiotics are needed for tonsillitis should be determined by a clinician based on the possibility of a bacterial infection. If there is no significant improvement in symptoms after using anti-inflammatory and pain relief medications, it is advisable to seek medic...

[Read More] Do You Really Need Antibiotics for Tonsillitis? Expert Insights


Understanding Throat Discomfort and Swallowing Difficulties: Causes and Solutions

Sore throat / mild difficulty swallowing? Last night, while eating, I suddenly felt discomfort and soreness when swallowing. My head felt a bit dizzy for a moment. After a while, it went away, but I still felt that my throat was dry. Today at noon, when I started eating my lunch,...


Dr. Zheng Jueyi Reply:
Hello, if you frequently experience inflammation and have persistent sore throat and difficulty swallowing, it is advisable to consult an otolaryngologist or a gastroenterologist for examination.

[Read More] Understanding Throat Discomfort and Swallowing Difficulties: Causes and Solutions


Understanding Persistent Throat Discomfort: Causes and Solutions

Foreign body sensation in the throat? Hello Doctor: Since the end of May last year (2021), I have been experiencing a sensation of a foreign body in my throat. Initially, I consulted an otolaryngologist who diagnosed me with throat inflammation and gastroenteritis. However, the s...


Dr. Ji Zhaoyun Reply:
Hello, regarding your questions: (1) I had a general student health check-up in October and was diagnosed with hyperlipidemia. Could this be related to my physical discomfort (weakness, muscle pain)? -> It is possible. I recommend consulting a specialist in Metabolism. (2) Doc...

[Read More] Understanding Persistent Throat Discomfort: Causes and Solutions


White Bump in Throat: Causes and When to Seek Medical Help

There is a large white growth in the throat? Today while brushing my teeth, I noticed a white spot at the back of my throat. I have no difficulty swallowing, and I can't seem to remove it with a cotton swab; it doesn't hurt when I touch it either. I would like to know i...


Dr. Zheng Jueyi Reply:
If you are unable to determine the cause and if it continues to grow or is accompanied by pain, it is advisable to visit an otolaryngologist for examination and confirmation.

[Read More] White Bump in Throat: Causes and When to Seek Medical Help


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