Minimally Invasive Turbinate Surgery: What You Need to Know
Minimally Invasive Turbinate Reduction Surgery Hello, doctor. Thank you for your response. Is the minimally invasive submucosal turbinectomy the same as the laser-assisted submucosal turbinectomy? Will the tissue grow back after 2-3 years post-surgery? If it does, performing a ne...
Dr. Xu Yingzhuo Reply:
Hello, Ms. Liu: The minimally invasive submucosal inferior turbinate reduction surgery differs from the laser submucosal inferior turbinate surgery. The laser only cauterizes the surface of the nasal mucosa without removing any nasal tissue, resulting in a very high recurrence ra...[Read More] Minimally Invasive Turbinate Surgery: What You Need to Know
Understanding Tinnitus: Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment Options
Tinnitus persists? Hello doctor, for the past few weeks, I have been hearing a sound like "ee ee ee" in both ears when no one is talking to me. This used to happen only late at night when everyone was asleep, but now it occurs whenever I am alone, even during the daytim...
Dr. Xu Jiazhen Reply:
Tinnitus is a common symptom with many potential causes, including sudden sensorineural hearing loss, eustachian tube obstruction, otitis media, and inner ear disorders, among others. The causes vary, but it is often perceived in quieter environments. Some individuals may experie...[Read More] Understanding Tinnitus: Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment Options
Understanding Ear Itching and Head Pressure: Common ENT Issues Explained
Itchy ears and a heavy head? Hello doctor, my ears have been itching internally every two to three days. I can't reach the itch, so I press on my ears with my fingers until it feels a bit better, but often this causes some skin irritation. When I shower and wash my face, the...
Dr. Hu Kexin Reply:
Hello: There are many causes for itchy ears, such as fungal infections, bacterial infections, or dry ear canals. Gently pressing on the ear with your finger may provide some comfort, but doing it too often or too forcefully can lead to injury, which would be counterproductive. It...[Read More] Understanding Ear Itching and Head Pressure: Common ENT Issues Explained
Understanding Ear Vibrations: Causes and Concerns in ENT Health
Troubled ears Whenever I wash my face, apply makeup, or massage my face (especially when pressing near the eyes and ears), I hear a vibrating sound in my "left" ear. Additionally, when I hear the sound of dishes clashing, the sound of turning pages in a book, or when I ...
Dr. Zheng Jueyi Reply:
Dear Hsi-Ning, Hello. Based on your description, all the tests have returned normal results. I suspect that the issue may be caused by small fragments of earwax in the external auditory canal. When you change positions, the larger fragments may strike the eardrum, producing soun...[Read More] Understanding Ear Vibrations: Causes and Concerns in ENT Health
Understanding Ear Sounds: Causes and Solutions for Ear Issues
Ear diseases In the past month, I have been experiencing sounds in my ears when I speak loudly. I also hear sounds when I press my face while washing it, and even when I stand up from a squat. Note: I have had my hearing checked at the hospital, and my middle ear pressure was tes...
Dr. Hu Kexin Reply:
Based on your description, a clinical examination is still necessary for an accurate assessment. It is recommended that you consult an otolaryngologist for a comprehensive clinical evaluation and to receive their diagnostic and treatment recommendations.[Read More] Understanding Ear Sounds: Causes and Solutions for Ear Issues
Understanding Ear Vibrations and Eustachian Tube Issues
Earwax? Eustachian tube? About a month ago, while lying flat on my bed and talking with a friend, I started to hear a vibrating sound in my right ear. A few days later, whenever I spoke loudly or massaged my face, I would also hear this vibrating sound in my ear. This condition s...
Dr. Xu Jiazhen Reply:
You are correct in your assumption; the issue is mostly caused by small earwax adhering to the eardrum. The Eustachian tubes on both sides are not connected, so there will not be the interaction you mentioned.[Read More] Understanding Ear Vibrations and Eustachian Tube Issues
Understanding Lymph Node Enlargement: Inflammation or Tumor Concerns?
Lymphadenopathy (inflammation? tumor) Hello, I recently discovered a swollen lymph node in the lower left side of my neck. It is painless to the touch, round and flat in shape, and the doctor estimated it to be about 0.3 cm, although I feel it might be around 0.8 cm (based on sur...
Dr. Zheng Jueyi Reply:
Hello: Based on your description, if what you felt is a lymph node, a normal, non-inflamed lymph node typically does not cause pain and generally does not lead to any discomfort. It is often discovered accidentally, and its size may not change significantly. If it remains the sam...[Read More] Understanding Lymph Node Enlargement: Inflammation or Tumor Concerns?
Understanding EB Virus and Adenoid Enlargement: Key Insights for Patients
EB virus and adenoid hypertrophy issues? Dear Doctor, Two years ago, I visited a teaching hospital due to tinnitus, and the attending physician ordered a blood test for Epstein-Barr virus (EBV), which returned positive, but I had no other symptoms. Recently, in the past week or ...
Dr. Zheng Jueyi Reply:
Dear Mr. Chang, Since the majority of the population has been infected with the Epstein-Barr virus (EBV), a positive EBV IgA test is only for reference or for monitoring after nasopharyngeal cancer radiotherapy. The definitive diagnosis still relies primarily on nasopharyngeal t...[Read More] Understanding EB Virus and Adenoid Enlargement: Key Insights for Patients
Understanding Sinusitis: Symptoms and When to Seek Help
Sinusitis Hello, sometimes when I have a slight cold, my nose feels uncomfortable, and my eyes suddenly feel foggy. My forehead also feels a bit swollen, and mainly, my face feels warm and hot, but I do not have a fever. Could this be a symptom of sinusitis? I would like to know ...
Dr. Zheng Jueyi Reply:
Dear Ms. Liu, Hello. The symptoms of acute sinusitis can be categorized into primary and secondary symptoms. The primary symptoms include: 1. Facial pain or pressure 2. Facial congestion or a feeling of fullness 3. Nasal obstruction 4. Purulent nasal discharge 5. Decreased sense...[Read More] Understanding Sinusitis: Symptoms and When to Seek Help
Understanding Ear Discomfort: Causes and When to Seek Help
Ear Hello, Dr. Hsu. In the past few months, I've occasionally felt a slight itch in my ears, so I used a cotton swab to clean them. I noticed that when I touch my left ear, it produces popping sounds or sounds similar to crinkling plastic. Any movement of the cotton swab cau...
Dr. Xu Jiazhen Reply:
Please don't worry; most of these unusual sounds are caused by small earwax moving across the surface of the eardrum. Some patients even experience this when changing body positions (such as getting out of bed). It can be quite uncomfortable, and you can visit a specialist t...[Read More] Understanding Ear Discomfort: Causes and When to Seek Help
Understanding Facial Tightness and Neck Discomfort: Possible ENT Issues
Tightness and swelling on both sides of the face and neck? Hello Dr. Hsu: I have been experiencing tightness and swelling on both sides of my face and neck for over two months. I have seen many specialists who all said there was no issue. Later, I underwent an endoscopy, and the ...
Dr. Xu Jiazhen Reply:
Tightness in the cheeks and neck usually does not require excessive concern unless there is a noticeable lump or tumor. It is often caused by poor posture or related to the quality of sleep at night, and it is also closely linked to emotional factors. It is recommended that you c...[Read More] Understanding Facial Tightness and Neck Discomfort: Possible ENT Issues
Understanding Dizziness: Causes and Solutions for Teens
Dizziness Dear Director Yeh, I have been experiencing dizziness for the past two days. It comes and goes; it's not very severe, but it recurs every few minutes. Sometimes I feel dizzy while sitting or lying down. When I stare at someone for too long, I feel like their face...
Dr. Ye Dawei Reply:
Dear Sir/Madam: This is a case of vertigo syndrome. It is recommended to visit the otolaryngology outpatient clinic for a detailed examination and consultation. Dr. Yeh Da-Wei, Head of the Otolaryngology Department, Hsinchu Hospital.[Read More] Understanding Dizziness: Causes and Solutions for Teens
Understanding Eustachian Tube Dysfunction: Symptoms, Impact, and Treatment Options
Eustachian tube dysfunction that has troubled me for over ten years? Hello, I have been experiencing Eustachian tube dysfunction since childhood, and I only learned this condition is called "Eustachian tube dysfunction" this year. For a long time, I have relied on pinch...
Dr. Ye Dawei Reply:
Dear Sir/Madam: The tracheostomy procedure is feasible and shows good results. The cost of this surgery will be covered by health insurance. Please first visit the ENT outpatient clinic for an examination. Sincerely, Dr. Yeh Da-Wei, Head of ENT Department, Hsinchu Hospital.[Read More] Understanding Eustachian Tube Dysfunction: Symptoms, Impact, and Treatment Options
Understanding Tinnitus After Head Injury: Causes and Recovery
Tinnitus for one week? Hello, doctor. Last Thursday night (07/22), while I was taking a shower, I stood up and accidentally hit my face on the sink. Later that night, when I was about to go to bed, I started to experience tinnitus! Sometimes my ear feels blocked, and I have high-...
Dr. Ye Dawei Reply:
Dear Sir/Madam: A1: The auditory nerve is unlikely to cause death, but it may be affected to some extent. A2: Tinnitus may respond to medication. There is a possibility. Please visit the otolaryngology outpatient clinic for an examination. Dr. Yeh Da-Wei, Head of the Otolaryngolo...[Read More] Understanding Tinnitus After Head Injury: Causes and Recovery
Managing Ear Canal Infections: Effective Treatments and Solutions
Preauricular sinus At the beginning of May, I had an inflammation of the dental canal but did not seek medical attention. On the 10th, I went to a clinic for treatment and took medication, but the dental canal started to bleed and discharge pus. On the 14th, I went to a major hos...
Dr. Xu Jiazhen Reply:
The growth pattern of preauricular sinuses resembles that of plant roots, spreading throughout the surrounding tissue. Simply removing the superficial portion is ineffective. If treatment relies solely on antibiotics, the results are very limited in patients who have already expe...[Read More] Managing Ear Canal Infections: Effective Treatments and Solutions
Can Eardrum Healing Improve Ear Pressure and Tinnitus?
Is it possible to improve tinnitus? Hello Doctor: After a perforated eardrum heals, can abnormal middle ear pressure be improved? Does hearing loss or a previous eardrum perforation affect the function of the Eustachian tube? If the function has not changed, is there a way to imp...
Dr. Xu Jiazhen Reply:
Strictly speaking, after surgery for otitis media, the pressure in the middle ear does not necessarily return to normal, as the function of the Eustachian tube, which connects to the nasopharynx, may not be restored. Of course, some patients experience improvement in Eustachian t...[Read More] Can Eardrum Healing Improve Ear Pressure and Tinnitus?
Causes of Hearing Impairment: Key Factors and Their Percentages
Causes of Hearing Impairment What are the causes of hearing impairment and what are their respective percentages?
Dr. Ye Dawei Reply:
Dear Sir/Madam, I received a sudden phone call from a senior colleague in the medical field whom I have always admired. During the call, he mentioned that a friend of his complained about experiencing a subjective decline in hearing on one side while listening to music. I casual...[Read More] Causes of Hearing Impairment: Key Factors and Their Percentages
Persistent Coughing: Understanding Throat and Sinus Issues
Coughing can be life-threatening? Since early July, I have occasionally experienced a scratchy throat that leads to coughing. By early August, I started having a runny nose. I have persistent phlegm in my throat, and my coughing has worsened; when I cough, my face turns red and m...
Dr. Hu Kexin Reply:
Hello: If a cough persists for an extended period, it is recommended to undergo a chest X-ray at the very least. If sinusitis is suspected, a detailed local examination by an otolaryngologist is necessary, and if needed, a sinus X-ray or CT scan should be performed for diagnosis....[Read More] Persistent Coughing: Understanding Throat and Sinus Issues
Understanding White Tongue and Pain: Causes and Concerns
Tongue pain with a white tip? I'm not sure why the tip of my tongue has changed from its original red color to white, but there is a small, short line. After that, the tip of my tongue started to hurt, and now the front part of my tongue also hurts, although the surface rema...
Dr. Ye Dawei Reply:
Dear Sir/Madam: Q: There is a persistent white line on the tip of my tongue, but it has started to hurt again in the past few days, and the area of pain has increased. A: Please visit the outpatient clinic for an examination. Q: Is this related to my current weight loss? A: No, i...[Read More] Understanding White Tongue and Pain: Causes and Concerns
Understanding Lumps in the Neck: When to Seek Medical Advice
There is a small hard lump on the left side of the neck? Hello, Director Yeh. About three years ago, I noticed a lymph node on both sides of my neck, approximately 1 cm in size, which fluctuated in size. At that time, I was under a lot of work stress and also experienced tinnitus...
Dr. Ye Dawei Reply:
Dear Sir/Madam: 1. Theoretically, cancer is less likely to fluctuate significantly in size. 2. It is advisable to have an outpatient consultation. Dr. Yeh Da-Wei, Director of the Department of Otolaryngology, Hsinchu Hospital.[Read More] Understanding Lumps in the Neck: When to Seek Medical Advice