Understanding One-Sided Ear Congestion: Causes and Concerns
My ear has been blocked for two weeks now (supplementing previous symptoms)? Hello Doctor, thank you for responding to my ear symptoms. I would like to add that the feeling of fullness in my ear is only in my right ear. If it is due to Eustachian tube dysfunction, can it occur un...
Dr. Zheng Jueyi Reply:
Dear Ms. Lin, Hello, the dysfunction of the Eustachian tube can occur unilaterally or bilaterally. Currently, the most likely cause remains to be Eustachian tube dysfunction. Wishing you peace and good health. Sincerely, Dr. Cheng Jue-Yi Director, Department of Otolaryngolo...[Read More] Understanding One-Sided Ear Congestion: Causes and Concerns
Persistent Ear Congestion: Causes, Concerns, and Next Steps
My ear has been blocked for two weeks? Hello Doctor, I have been experiencing a feeling of fullness in my ear for two weeks. When it was blocked for a week, I went to an otolaryngologist for an examination, but they couldn't find anything wrong. They advised me to observe th...
Dr. Zheng Jueyi Reply:
Hello: The most common reason is Eustachian tube dysfunction, which typically takes several days to weeks to recover. If there is no improvement, it is advisable to visit a hospital for further examination. Wishing you safety and health. Director of the Department of Otolaryngolo...[Read More] Persistent Ear Congestion: Causes, Concerns, and Next Steps
Understanding Blood-Streaked Nasal Mucus: Causes and Concerns
Blood in nasal mucus Hello Dr. Zheng, I have been experiencing nasal discharge with blood streaks for a month. The first occurrence, about two weeks ago, seemed to be from the anterior nasal vestibule, and I could wipe it away with tissue. Last week, it appeared to be from the na...
Dr. Zheng Jueyi Reply:
Hello: Allergic rhinitis can still cause blood-tinged nasal discharge due to microvascular rupture. As for nasopharyngeal carcinoma, the primary method of diagnosis involves endoscopic evaluation followed by biopsy of any suspicious areas. Blood tests can only reference EBV-IgA, ...[Read More] Understanding Blood-Streaked Nasal Mucus: Causes and Concerns
Understanding Ear Congestion and Tinnitus After a Cold: When to See a Doctor
Ear fullness followed by tinnitus? Yesterday, after descending from the mountain, I experienced a feeling of fullness in my left ear. When I woke up the next day, the fullness had slightly decreased, but I developed tinnitus. While trying to relieve the fullness during the recove...
Dr. Zheng Jueyi Reply:
Hello, it is possible that after a cold, the dysfunction of the Eustachian tube, combined with changes in altitude, has led to the accumulation of fluid in the middle ear, resulting in symptoms such as ear fullness or tinnitus. These symptoms often improve gradually. However, if ...[Read More] Understanding Ear Congestion and Tinnitus After a Cold: When to See a Doctor
Understanding Ear Pain During Airplane Descent: Causes and Solutions
Ear pain during airplane descent? Hello Doctor: Every time the airplane descends, I experience tinnitus accompanied by severe ear pain, which feels like my ears are about to burst. My friends and family do not have such severe symptoms. Should I seek medical attention? Or is it s...
Dr. Zheng Jueyi Reply:
Dear Mrs. Chen, Hello. The phenomenon you are experiencing is primarily caused by poor eustachian tube function. It is recommended that you start to slowly and repeatedly swallow or yawn as the airplane begins its descent. This can help open the eustachian tube and reduce discom...[Read More] Understanding Ear Pain During Airplane Descent: Causes and Solutions
Recurring Ear Congestion: Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment Options
Could you please clarify the recurrent sensation of ear fullness? Hello Doctor: I previously asked you about experiencing recurrent ear fullness in my right ear. There are times when it feels normal, but then it starts to feel full again, often accompanied by symptoms such as a h...
Dr. Zheng Jueyi Reply:
Hi Hedy: If all examinations have been conducted, the most common condition may still be Eustachian tube dysfunction. If there is allergic rhinitis, it should be well managed, and the chances of catching a cold should be minimized. Chewing gum can help exercise the muscles around...[Read More] Recurring Ear Congestion: Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment Options
Understanding Hard Lumps at the Back of the Neck: When to Seek Medical Advice
There is a small hard lump at the nape of the neck? Hello, Doctor: Since the end of July this year, I have been experiencing a feeling of fullness in my right ear. This is the second occurrence, as I had a similar issue two years ago. About a month ago, the ear fullness improved ...
Dr. Zheng Jueyi Reply:
Dear Hedy, Hello. The primary concern regarding Eustachian tube dysfunction is whether there is a tumor in the nasopharynx. However, if you have already undergone examinations at two different otolaryngology clinics, both of which returned normal results, and you have also had a...[Read More] Understanding Hard Lumps at the Back of the Neck: When to Seek Medical Advice
Understanding Ear Pressure Issues After Cold and Altitude Changes
Ear congestion? Hello, doctor. I had a cold two days ago and visited an ENT specialist for medication. Yesterday, I went with my family to the Daxueshan Forest Recreation Area, which is at an altitude of about 2300 to 2400 meters. However, after driving down the mountain, I exper...
Dr. Zheng Jueyi Reply:
Mr. Hsu: Hello, it is possible that your symptoms are due to eustachian tube dysfunction caused by a cold. Later, going to the mountains may have created a situation similar to flying, leading to a pressure imbalance in the middle ear and resulting in middle ear effusion. Most ca...[Read More] Understanding Ear Pressure Issues After Cold and Altitude Changes
Understanding Eustachian Tube Dysfunction: A Patient's Journey
Regarding issues related to Eustachian tube dysfunction? Hello Doctor, I had poor health as a child and did not receive proper treatment, which led to chronic sinusitis lasting for eight years. Three months before my military service, my Eustachian tube seemed to have become inf...
Dr. Zheng Jueyi Reply:
Dear Student Li, 1. The Eustachian tube is a muscular structure that must open when necessary and close when appropriate. Currently, medications primarily target inflammation in the surrounding tissues to alleviate symptoms related to the Eustachian tube. Surgical options can ei...[Read More] Understanding Eustachian Tube Dysfunction: A Patient's Journey
Are There Any Side Effects of Using a Nasal Irrigation Device?
Are there any side effects of nasal irrigation? Hello Dr. Zheng, I have post-nasal drip (persistent phlegm) and often experience nasal congestion. I saw online that some people recommend using a nasal irrigator, so I bought a manual Sinucleanse nasal irrigator. After using it, I ...
Dr. Zheng Jueyi Reply:
Hello, generally, normal use should not cause significant side effects, except for a few cases that may lead to issues with the Eustachian tube, such as otitis media or Eustachian tube dysfunction. However, it is unlikely to affect the sense of smell. It is recommended to use sal...[Read More] Are There Any Side Effects of Using a Nasal Irrigation Device?
Understanding the Impact of TMJ Disorders on Ear Health
Temporomandibular joint (TMJ) I apologize, doctor, but I have a couple of questions. Due to tightness in my temporomandibular joint (TMJ), I experience sharp pain and a feeling of fullness in my ears. After an examination, the doctor mentioned that my ears are slightly retracted,...
Dr. Zheng Jueyi Reply:
Hello: In theory, it is quite rare for temporomandibular joint (TMJ) issues to affect Eustachian tube function and lead to middle ear inflammation and fluid accumulation. Additionally, TMJ problems generally do not cause hearing impairment. Wishing you safety and health. Sincerel...[Read More] Understanding the Impact of TMJ Disorders on Ear Health
Understanding Left Ear Tingling: Causes and Connections to Allergies
Numbness in the left ear? I have allergy symptoms and often sneeze. Recently, I've started to feel post-nasal drip and have a constant urge to clear my throat! I'm not sure if it's related, but my left ear occasionally feels full and tingly, and I keep wanting to p...
Dr. Zheng Jueyi Reply:
Hello Momo: The primary cause may still be allergic rhinitis, which leads to frequent sneezing and postnasal drip. The postnasal drip could be due to inflammation near the opening of the Eustachian tube, which may cause swelling or a feeling of fullness in the ear. It is recommen...[Read More] Understanding Left Ear Tingling: Causes and Connections to Allergies
Can TMJ Pain Lead to Middle Ear Fluid Accumulation?
Can temporomandibular joint pain cause middle ear effusion? Can temporomandibular joint (TMJ) pain cause middle ear effusion? I've been feeling tightness in my TMJ lately and would like to know if it could lead to ear inflammation or middle ear effusion. Thank you.
Dr. Zheng Jueyi Reply:
Hello: Generally, middle ear effusion is primarily related to the function of the Eustachian tube, and temporomandibular joint pain typically does not cause middle ear effusion. Wishing you peace and health. Sincerely, Dr. Cheng Jue-Yi, Director of the Department of Otolaryngolog...[Read More] Can TMJ Pain Lead to Middle Ear Fluid Accumulation?
Understanding Eustachian Tube Dysfunction: Symptoms and Hearing Impact
Ear fullness. There is a popping sound in the ears when opening the mouth. There is tightness and pain near the chewing muscles? I visited an otolaryngologist because I was experiencing discomfort due to a feeling of fullness in my ears. The doctor mentioned that I likely have po...
Dr. Zheng Jueyi Reply:
1. A retracted tympanic membrane does not necessarily lead to hearing loss. 2. Poor Eustachian tube function does not always result in middle ear effusion; sometimes it manifests as tinnitus, a feeling of fullness in the ear, or a sensation of echoing during speech. Additionally...[Read More] Understanding Eustachian Tube Dysfunction: Symptoms and Hearing Impact
Understanding Right Ear Issues: Possible Sudden Hearing Loss Causes
Right ear issues? Hello Doctor, Since April 9th, I have been experiencing a feeling of fullness and pressure in my right ear upon waking up. I went to the hospital for a hearing test, and the results indicated hearing loss in my right ear, with the ability to hear only at 40-50...
Dr. Zheng Jueyi Reply:
Dear Wen, Hello, it is possible that you are experiencing sudden sensorineural hearing loss. You can start with medication treatment in conjunction with your physician. Most cases show improvement in hearing, but if there is no improvement, you may consult with a clinical physic...[Read More] Understanding Right Ear Issues: Possible Sudden Hearing Loss Causes
Persistent Sore Throat and Hearing Issues: What Could Be Wrong?
Repeated sore throat and difficulty hearing? Hello, doctor. In mid-March, I caught a cold, and my symptoms mostly started with a scratchy throat, followed by severe coughing accompanied by phlegm that I couldn't expel. Eventually, I developed intense throat pain that made it...
Dr. Zheng Jueyi Reply:
Hello, it is possible that the symptoms of ear fullness or difficulty hearing may be caused by fluid accumulation in the middle ear or dysfunction of the Eustachian tube following a cold. It is recommended to blow your nose one side at a time rather than using force on both sides...[Read More] Persistent Sore Throat and Hearing Issues: What Could Be Wrong?
Understanding Ear Issues and Nasopharynx Biopsy Results: Key Insights
Please ask your question? The doctor has two questions. I would like to ask: 1. Recently, I have been experiencing issues with fluid accumulation in my ear (after having a cold). I had a drainage procedure that helped, but it seems to have recurred, and I also have nasal discha...
Dr. Zheng Jueyi Reply:
Hello, 1. It is possible that the ear dysfunction caused by a cold has led to otitis media or middle ear effusion. Most cases can be treated with medication, and once the eustachian tube function is restored, the effusion will improve naturally. If a nasopharyngeal biopsy has a...[Read More] Understanding Ear Issues and Nasopharynx Biopsy Results: Key Insights
Is Your Eustachian Tube Medication Effective? Common Concerns
Eustachian tube medication issues? A week ago, I experienced a sensation of sound in my ears while speaking, so I visited an otolaryngology clinic for treatment. The doctor mentioned that I had a slight Eustachian tube dysfunction and prescribed me with a decongestant, a nasal sp...
Dr. Zheng Jueyi Reply:
Dear Wen-Ning, Based on the symptoms you described, it does indeed seem like Eustachian tube dysfunction. Prescribing a decongestant, nasal spray, and medication for any underlying obstruction is appropriate. However, recovery from Eustachian tube dysfunction can take some time,...[Read More] Is Your Eustachian Tube Medication Effective? Common Concerns
Can Eustachian Tube Dysfunction Cause High-Pitched Tinnitus?
Can Eustachian tube obstruction or dysfunction cause high-frequency tinnitus? Last November, I experienced high-frequency tinnitus in my left ear. On February 8th of this year, I felt a sense of fullness and pressure in my right ear. Then, on the night of February 11th, I began t...
Dr. Zheng Jueyi Reply:
Dear Mr. Tsao, Hello. Eustachian tube obstruction or dysfunction can indeed cause high-frequency tinnitus. However, if the tinnitus in your right ear persists without improvement, it is advisable to return to the hospital for a hearing examination to determine if there are any o...[Read More] Can Eustachian Tube Dysfunction Cause High-Pitched Tinnitus?
Understanding Nasal Congestion and Tinnitus: Causes and Solutions
Nasal congestion and tinnitus? Ten years ago, during a severe cold, I experienced significant nasal congestion. After forcefully blowing my nose, I heard a sound in my ears similar to a popping noise, and subsequently, I noticed the presence of tinnitus. The tinnitus fluctuates i...
Dr. Zheng Jueyi Reply:
Dear Yoyo: If there is no improvement, it is recommended to visit the ENT department at the hospital for a detailed examination and to arrange for a hearing test to determine whether the issue is related to the Eustachian tube or the middle ear. Wishing you safety and health. Sin...[Read More] Understanding Nasal Congestion and Tinnitus: Causes and Solutions