Persistent Sore Throat After Cold: When to See a Doctor?
Even after recovering from a cold, my throat still hurts? I have been coughing due to a cold, and during the worst days, I was coughing so much that I couldn't sleep well. I think I coughed too hard, and later my throat started to hurt. Even though I am no longer coughing an...
Dr. Zheng Jueyi Reply:
Hello: If your sore throat persists for more than a week without improvement, it is advisable to seek medical attention for further evaluation. Wishing you safety and health. Sincerely, Dr. Cheng Jue-Yi, Director of the Department of Otolaryngology, Taoyuan Hospital, Ministry of ...[Read More] Persistent Sore Throat After Cold: When to See a Doctor?
Understanding Swallowing Difficulties in Seniors: Causes and Solutions
Swallowing difficulties I would like to consult a physician: My mother is 71 years old, and recently she has been having difficulty swallowing harder meats or fibrous vegetables. She is afraid to swallow and worries about choking, so she has to take small bites to get them down. ...
Dr. Zheng Jueyi Reply:
Hello: Difficulty swallowing, commonly associated with neurodegeneration, is often observed. It is recommended to seek evaluation from a neurologist or a rehabilitation specialist. Wishing you safety and health. Sincerely, Dr. Cheng Jue-Yi, Director of the Department of Otolaryng...[Read More] Understanding Swallowing Difficulties in Seniors: Causes and Solutions
Should You See an ENT for Ear Pain After Cleaning Your Ears?
Do I need to apply medication for ear swelling caused by ear digging? Hello, doctor. Recently, I accidentally injured my right ear while cleaning it. I currently do not have a fever or difficulty swallowing, and I feel no discomfort. However, when I touch the area around my ear, ...
Dr. Zheng Jueyi Reply:
Hello: Commonly associated with external auditory canal inflammation, if there is discharge, it may indicate a bacterial infection. If symptoms persist without improvement or if pain worsens, it is recommended to visit an otolaryngologist for examination and medical treatment. Wi...[Read More] Should You See an ENT for Ear Pain After Cleaning Your Ears?
Understanding the Risks of Fish Bones and Chicken Bones in the Throat
Ingestion of fish bones or chicken bones? Is it common for a fish bone to penetrate the esophagus or even the aorta? On December 12, I had chicken thigh and red snapper, and now I feel a sensation of a foreign body in my throat, which sometimes hurts, but I can still swallow food...
Dr. Zheng Jueyi Reply:
Hello: If you experience persistent sore throat, fever, or difficulty swallowing within a week after accidentally ingesting a foreign object, it is possible that the object is lodged in the throat or esophagus. It is recommended to seek medical attention for an examination as soo...[Read More] Understanding the Risks of Fish Bones and Chicken Bones in the Throat
Understanding the Risks of Fish Bone Ingestion and Esophageal Symptoms
Accidental ingestion of a fishbone? After eating chicken leg and fish on December 12, I felt a sensation of something stuck in my throat. I'm unsure if it's gastroesophageal reflux or if a bone or thorn is lodged in my throat. I would like to ask the doctor what symptom...
Dr. Ji Zhaoyun Reply:
Hello, it is generally recommended to visit an otolaryngologist at least once if you have been pierced by a fishbone. If the fishbone has penetrated the esophagus, symptoms such as swallowing pain, difficulty swallowing, chest pain, back pain, and fever may occur, but these sympt...[Read More] Understanding the Risks of Fish Bone Ingestion and Esophageal Symptoms
Understanding Dysphagia: Causes and Solutions for Swallowing Difficulties
Dysphagia Hello doctor, my mother has recently been unable to swallow, not even a small sip of water. She also has no saliva production and can barely extend her tongue (at most, it reaches her lips and has limited lateral movement). She struggles to open her mouth (the sounds fo...
Dr. Zheng Jueyi Reply:
Hello: If you are experiencing persistent difficulty swallowing, it is recommended that you return to the hospital or go directly to the emergency department for evaluation. Wishing you safety and health! Sincerely, Dr. Cheng Jue-Yi, Director of the Department of Otolaryngology, ...[Read More] Understanding Dysphagia: Causes and Solutions for Swallowing Difficulties
Understanding Fishbone Injuries: Risks and ENT Insights
Fishbone stuck in the throat? 1. If a nasopharyngoscopy has been performed, can one be less concerned about fishbone issues? Is a fishbone likely to lacerate the esophagus? Can a fishbone easily cause significant bleeding? (I ate cod on 10/24) 2. Can a nasopharyngoscopy lead to a...
Dr. Zheng Jueyi Reply:
Hello: Generally, flexible endoscopy does not cause any harm. If you suspect a fishbone is lodged in your throat and the physician's endoscopic examination shows no obvious abnormalities, you may observe yourself for a while. However, if throat pain or difficulty swallowing ...[Read More] Understanding Fishbone Injuries: Risks and ENT Insights
Difficulty Swallowing with Ear Pain: Understanding ENT Issues
There is a sensation of difficulty swallowing that extends to the ear? Two weeks ago, I primarily experienced throat discomfort and mild cold symptoms. After visiting my primary care physician, the doctor did not prescribe cold medication but instead provided treatment for esopha...
Dr. Zheng Jueyi Reply:
Hello, if you continue to experience difficulty swallowing or a persistent sensation of a foreign body that has not improved, it is recommended to follow up with an otolaryngologist or consult a gastroenterologist for further evaluation. Wishing you safety and good health. Sincer...[Read More] Difficulty Swallowing with Ear Pain: Understanding ENT Issues
Understanding Tonsillitis and Mouth Ulcers: When to Seek Treatment
Tonsillitis and mouth ulcers? Hello Doctor: Recently, I accidentally bit the side of my mouth on the right side, resulting in two holes approximately 0.5 centimeters in diameter. It has been three days, but they have not healed yet. I can also feel some swelling in my right cheek...
Dr. Zheng Jueyi Reply:
Hello: If there is no obvious fever or difficulty swallowing, you may first observe your condition and drink plenty of water. If symptoms persist for more than a week without improvement, it is advisable to seek medical examination and treatment. Wishing you peace and health. Sin...[Read More] Understanding Tonsillitis and Mouth Ulcers: When to Seek Treatment
How to Determine if Your Throat Lump is a Swollen Lymph Node?
Determine whether it is a lymph node? Hello Doctor, Last night while lying in bed, I noticed a lump about 1 cm in size just above my Adam's apple when I tilted my head down. It hurts when I swallow and also when I tilt my head up or down. It’s not very visible from the out...
Dr. Zheng Jueyi Reply:
Hello: If there is no pain or difficulty swallowing, the likelihood of a foreign object being lodged in the throat is low. The swelling in that area could be due to enlarged lymph nodes or other benign cysts or soft tissue issues. If it persists, it is recommended to consult an o...[Read More] How to Determine if Your Throat Lump is a Swollen Lymph Node?
Understanding Tonsillitis: Symptoms, Treatment, and Complications
Tonsillitis, ulceration, foul odor? Hello Dr. Cheng, a couple of days ago I woke up with sudden sharp pain in my left throat. After an examination by a clinic physician, I was diagnosed with severe swelling and redness of the tonsils, with a temperature of 38 degrees Celsius. I h...
Dr. Zheng Jueyi Reply:
Hello: In general, a small amount of pus swallowed will be broken down by stomach acid and typically will not cause infections in other areas. Wishing you peace and health. Sincerely, Dr. Cheng Jue-Yi, Director of the Department of Otolaryngology, Taoyuan General Hospital, Minist...[Read More] Understanding Tonsillitis: Symptoms, Treatment, and Complications
Understanding Tongue Issues: Causes of Coating and Soreness
Issues related to the back of the tongue? Hello Doctor: I would like to ask you about an issue with my tongue. I recently had tonsillitis, and over the past four to five days, I have consumed quite a bit of chocolate and nuts (could these foods be causing a slight irritation in m...
Dr. Zheng Jueyi Reply:
Hello: The changes in tongue coating color are related to diet and do not necessarily indicate a significant infection. If there are no obvious symptoms such as pain or difficulty swallowing, it is advisable to drink more water, rinse your mouth frequently, and monitor your condi...[Read More] Understanding Tongue Issues: Causes of Coating and Soreness
Chronic Nasopharyngeal Inflammation: Causes and Treatment Options
Nasal congestion and post-nasal drip issues? In the past, I would recover after taking medication once, but last year, after getting sick, I took medication three or four times, and then I started experiencing post-nasal drip from my right nostril. Since May, I've noticed th...
Dr. Zheng Jueyi Reply:
Hello, if the examination shows no chronic sinusitis, inflammation of the nasopharynx is often associated with chronic rhinitis, allergic rhinitis, post-nasal drip, or gastroesophageal reflux. It is recommended to continue follow-up visits with an otolaryngologist or gastroentero...[Read More] Chronic Nasopharyngeal Inflammation: Causes and Treatment Options
Concerns About Swallowing Toothbrush Bristles: What You Need to Know
I'm not sure if I accidentally swallowed some bristles while brushing my teeth? Hello doctor, while brushing my teeth, I felt a bit of resistance with my front teeth, so I used my toothbrush to clean them. However, I'm not sure if the gap is too small and if I might hav...
Dr. Zheng Jueyi Reply:
Hello: If accidentally swallowed, it usually passes out with the stool. It is rare for it to get stuck in the body and cause an infection. If there are no obvious symptoms such as difficulty swallowing or fever, one can generally observe themselves first. Wishing you safety and h...[Read More] Concerns About Swallowing Toothbrush Bristles: What You Need to Know
Feeling of Foreign Body in Throat: Causes and Concerns Explained
Foreign body sensation in the throat? Hello, Dr. Zheng. I was eating pasta too quickly, and it felt like a piece got stuck in my esophagus. I initially wanted to spit it out, but all that came out were chewed pieces, so I gave up. However, when I swallow saliva afterward, my thro...
Dr. Zheng Jueyi Reply:
Hello: If you have a sensation of a foreign body in your throat without significant pain or difficulty swallowing, you can start with self-observation. If there is no severe coughing while eating, it is unlikely to cause aspiration pneumonia. As for the ulcer on your tongue, you ...[Read More] Feeling of Foreign Body in Throat: Causes and Concerns Explained
Understanding Throat and Trachea Issues: Common Concerns and Solutions
Throat and tracheal issues? Hello Doctor, after having mung bean soup for dinner today, I felt like something was stuck in my throat, as if a mung bean was lodged there. After inducing vomiting, although I no longer felt the mung bean, I still have a strange sensation when I spit...
Dr. Zheng Jueyi Reply:
Hello, if there is no obvious difficulty swallowing or pain while swallowing, the strange sensation may be related to throat discomfort caused by inducing vomiting, and it is advisable to self-monitor. As for the feeling that food sometimes seems to go up into the nose, it may be...[Read More] Understanding Throat and Trachea Issues: Common Concerns and Solutions
Concerns About Swallowing Antibiotics: What You Need to Know
Issues with swallowing medication? Hello doctor, I visited an ENT specialist the day before yesterday because I had a cold, and the doctor prescribed me an antibiotic, MOXICLAV 1g. Just now, when I took the medication, I might not have drunk enough water and suddenly felt it get ...
Dr. Zheng Jueyi Reply:
Hello: If there is no obvious difficulty swallowing or pain while swallowing, you may start with self-observation. However, if your throat pain worsens or you experience difficulty swallowing, you should seek medical attention for evaluation. Wishing you safety and health. Sincer...[Read More] Concerns About Swallowing Antibiotics: What You Need to Know
Feeling of a Foreign Body in the Throat: Causes and Solutions
Foreign body sensation in the throat? Hello Dr. Zheng, while I was eating roasted duck leg last night, I was watching TV and accidentally swallowed what I thought was a small piece of cartilage, but it felt more like a small piece of meat that I hadn't chewed properly. When ...
Dr. Zheng Jueyi Reply:
Hello, if there are no obvious symptoms such as pain while swallowing or difficulty swallowing, you may start with self-observation. However, if the sensation of a foreign body becomes more intense or does not improve, it is advisable to seek medical evaluation. Wishing you safet...[Read More] Feeling of a Foreign Body in the Throat: Causes and Solutions
Symptoms from Swallowed Fish Bones: When to Seek Medical Attention
Symptoms caused by fishbone injury? Yesterday at noon, I ate fish that had many small bones. Accidentally, I swallowed one of the bones, but I'm not sure if it scratched my throat. However, I have been feeling discomfort in my throat and occasionally experiencing gastroesoph...
Dr. Zheng Jueyi Reply:
Hello: If there are no obvious symptoms of fever, sore throat, or difficulty swallowing, you may observe your condition for now. However, if you experience any of the aforementioned symptoms and they worsen, it is advisable to seek medical evaluation. Wishing you safety and healt...[Read More] Symptoms from Swallowed Fish Bones: When to Seek Medical Attention
Understanding Swallowing Difficulties: Psychological vs. Physical Causes
Dysphagia In the past two weeks, I've noticed that sometimes I suddenly have difficulty swallowing food and need to drink water or beverages to swallow it smoothly. This has caused me to develop a bit of a psychological fear of eating. There are times when I can eat without ...
Dr. Zheng Jueyi Reply:
Hello: If you continue to experience difficulty swallowing, it is recommended to consult an otolaryngologist or a gastroenterologist for examination. Wishing you safety and health. Sincerely, Dr. Jue-Yi Cheng, Director of the Department of Otolaryngology, Taoyuan Hospital, Minist...[Read More] Understanding Swallowing Difficulties: Psychological vs. Physical Causes