Can Hearing Tests Alone Confirm No Issues with Auditory Nerve?
Can hearing tests alone determine if there are no issues with the auditory nerve? Hello, Doctor Hsu. About a month ago, I started experiencing persistent tinnitus in my right ear while lying in bed at night. The cause is unclear and could be due to various factors. I have a histo...
Dr. Xu Jiazhen Reply:
An experienced otolaryngologist can easily determine the possible causes of a patient's hearing impairment from an accurate audiogram. If there is a dislocation or damage to the ossicles, evidence can be seen on the audiogram. Of course, further CT imaging provides us with m...[Read More] Can Hearing Tests Alone Confirm No Issues with Auditory Nerve?
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 Maxillary Sinusitis: When Surgery is Necessary
Frontal sinusitis Dear Dr. Hu, I am a former patient of yours from Taoyuan. I previously underwent surgery for sinusitis. I am now experiencing an increase in the frequency of headaches and have come to the hospital for examination. The diagnosis indicates inflammation of the ma...
Dr. Hu Kexin Reply:
Hello, in response to your question, based on your description, your situation is more complex than that of a typical patient. Further clinical examinations and imaging studies such as a CT scan may be necessary to determine the appropriate treatment options. I cannot provide a d...[Read More] Understanding Maxillary Sinusitis: When Surgery is Necessary
Sudden Headache and Sore Throat: Is It a Cold or Something Else?
Sudden headache and sore throat occurred two to three hours ago? A sudden headache a few hours ago, with no phlegm in the throat but a slight feeling of swelling, pain when swallowing and speaking... no fever, no runny nose, and no chills, muscle aches, or abdominal pain. Could t...
Dr. Ye Dawei Reply:
Dear Sir/Madam: It sounds like the early signs of a cold. Please drink plenty of water and rest. If you feel unwell, it is advisable to consult an Ear, Nose, and Throat specialist or an Internal Medicine clinic. Dr. Yeh Da-Wei, Head of the ENT Department, Hsinchu Hospital.[Read More] Sudden Headache and Sore Throat: Is It a Cold or Something Else?
Persistent Nosebleeds: Causes, Concerns, and When to Seek Help
Recent occurrences of nosebleeds? Hello Dr. Cheng, Recently, I have noticed blood in my nasal mucus. Although I have experienced nosebleeds in the past, I have never encountered a situation like this where it does not heal. Each time I blow my nose, there are streaks of blood ra...
Dr. Zheng Jueyi Reply:
Dear Nick, Regarding nasal bleeding, most of the bleeding occurs at the anterior part of the nasal septum, as this area is a convergence point for blood vessels. It can be caused by dry weather, trauma, or hypertension, leading to the rupture of blood vessels. Nasopharyngeal car...[Read More] Persistent Nosebleeds: Causes, Concerns, and When to Seek Help
Post-Sinus Surgery: Understanding Forehead Pain and Recovery Concerns
Post-operative issues following endoscopic sinus surgery? Hello, Dr. Yeh. A few days ago, I had an MRI of my brain at the hospital, and the doctor said that my nasal cavity was filled with pus due to sinusitis. Therefore, I underwent endoscopic surgery on December 3rd to clean ou...
Dr. Ye Dawei Reply:
Dear Sir/Madam: It is possible. Further follow-up with endoscopic examination is necessary. Dr. Yeh Da-Wei, Director of the ENT Department, Hsinchu Hospital.[Read More] Post-Sinus Surgery: Understanding Forehead Pain and Recovery Concerns
Understanding Thyroid Cysts: Causes, Symptoms, and Dietary Considerations
Thyroid cyst Hello, Dr. Hsu: A family member (approximately 50 years old, postmenopausal female) underwent a health check and was found to have a thyroid cyst on the left side of the neck (0.275 x 0.662 cm). She was advised to follow up in a year. I would like to ask the doctor...
Dr. Xu Jiazhen Reply:
The thyroid gland and the adjacent parathyroid glands are very important for the human body. Generally, benign cysts are observed, which are a type of fluid-filled growth. Unless they become large enough to affect breathing, they typically do not present symptoms. If there is hoa...[Read More] Understanding Thyroid Cysts: Causes, Symptoms, and Dietary Considerations
Unpleasant Nasal Odor: Is It Sinusitis or Something Else?
There is an unusual odor coming from the nose? Last week, I woke up and noticed a foul smell coming from my nose, similar to what I experienced during previous episodes of sinusitis. However, I currently have no nasal discomfort at all—no congestion or nasal discharge—just this s...
Dr. Hu Kexin Reply:
Hello: In response to your question, sinusitis can certainly cause an unusual odor in the nose. Other conditions such as rhinitis or even nasal tumors can also lead to strange smells. Sometimes, taking vitamin B complex can result in a garlic-like odor in the nose as well.[Read More] Unpleasant Nasal Odor: Is It Sinusitis or Something Else?
Understanding Sinus Cysts: Symptoms, Diagnosis, and Next Steps
Sinus cyst issues? Hello Doctor: I have been experiencing discomfort in my nose for about two years, primarily with persistent nasal congestion on the left side. Additionally, I feel a pressure sensation behind my left eye, as if something is pushing against it, which has been oc...
Dr. Hu Kexin Reply:
Hello: In response to your question, currently, CT or MRI scans are considered more detailed examinations for sinus lesions, including conditions such as sinus cysts or sinusitis, which can be detected. If there are nasal polyps, they are likely associated with chronic sinusitis ...[Read More] Understanding Sinus Cysts: Symptoms, Diagnosis, and Next Steps
Understanding Nasopharyngeal Cancer Symptoms: Key Signs to Watch For
Symptoms of nasopharyngeal cancer? What are the exact symptoms of nasopharyngeal carcinoma? Can it cause post-nasal drip and jaw clenching (because I previously experienced a clicking sound when moving my left temporomandibular joint, but now it hurts when I force it)? What does ...
Dr. Chen Jianzhi Reply:
Dear Inquirer: The five major symptoms of nasopharyngeal carcinoma are (1) neck mass, (2) epistaxis, (3) diplopia, (4) unilateral serous otitis media, and (5) headache. Temporomandibular joint disorder and post-nasal drip are not typical symptoms of nasopharyngeal carcinoma. Te...[Read More] Understanding Nasopharyngeal Cancer Symptoms: Key Signs to Watch For
Understanding Inner Ear Imbalance: Causes, Symptoms, and Recovery Tips
Inner ear imbalance I have been experiencing dizziness every time I get up or lie down, sometimes accompanied by headaches. I consulted an ENT specialist who diagnosed it as a viral infection caused by a cold, leading to inner ear imbalance. Is this related? How long might this c...
Dr. Chen Jianzhi Reply:
Dear Inquirer: Hello, your condition is quite common in clinical practice and is likely caused by inner ear imbalance. It should resolve on its own after about 1 to 2 weeks of medication, so please rest assured. Sincerely, Dr. Chien-Chih Chen, Physician at Taoyuan Hospital, Depar...[Read More] Understanding Inner Ear Imbalance: Causes, Symptoms, and Recovery Tips
Understanding the Link Between Headaches and Nasal Issues
Headache and Nose Hello Dr. Chen, I have been experiencing headaches for nearly 20 years. I have seen a neurologist, but everything came back normal. I remember that my headaches started after a severe cold with a high fever during college, and they have persisted ever since (I e...
Dr. Chen Jianzhi Reply:
Dear Inquirer: Hello, based on your literal question, it is not possible to determine the cause of your headache. May I ask what kind of examinations you have undergone? Have you consulted with any specialists? Have you been taking painkillers for a long time? Do you have any oth...[Read More] Understanding the Link Between Headaches and Nasal Issues
How to Schedule Dizziness and Headache Tests with an ENT Specialist
Regarding dizziness and headache examinations? Hello Doctor, I visited you last Saturday, April 17th, and inquired about tests related to my dizziness. Regarding the tests, can I make an appointment over the phone? Or do I need to see you again to schedule the tests? If I can mak...
Dr. Chen Jianzhi Reply:
Dear Inquirer, Hello, arranging examinations for dizziness is not easy. I wonder if your symptoms have improved. Our hospital has limited examination options available; the basic tests include electronystagmography (ENG), caloric testing, and vestibular evoked myogenic potential...[Read More] How to Schedule Dizziness and Headache Tests with an ENT Specialist
Understanding Fever and Throat Inflammation: Dengue Fever Concerns
Feeling warm all over? Hello, today I feel a bit warm all over, and I thought it might be due to the weather. I also have a slight headache, which I attributed to not sleeping well yesterday. In the afternoon, I went to see an ENT specialist who told me that I have a fever and th...
Dr. Chen Jianzhi Reply:
Dear Inquirer: Hello, your concern can be addressed by getting a white blood cell count and differential at the hospital, as bacterial infections typically result in elevated white blood cell and neutrophil counts. I am curious about your current symptoms. Sincerely, Dr. Chien-Ch...[Read More] Understanding Fever and Throat Inflammation: Dengue Fever Concerns
Understanding Hearing Loss from Sneezing: Symptoms and Causes
Hearing impairment Hello: Covering your mouth and nose while sneezing may cause hearing loss. In such cases, is hearing loss accompanied by other symptoms? What are those symptoms?
Dr. Chen Jianzhi Reply:
Dear Inquirer: Based on your description, when sneezing, it is advisable to cover your mouth and nose with a handkerchief rather than pinching your nose with your fingers, as the latter may cause barotrauma to the eardrum, leading to hearing impairment. Typical symptoms of hear...[Read More] Understanding Hearing Loss from Sneezing: Symptoms and Causes
Understanding Tinnitus: Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment Options
Tinnitus issues? I have been experiencing tinnitus for the past 11 years, and sometimes I even have ear pain. I have undergone examinations before, and they all indicated that there were no issues. However, when the doctor used a stethoscope, they could indeed hear the same sound...
Dr. Ye Dawei Reply:
Subject: Q: Is there a way to treat tinnitus? A: Not necessarily treatable. ● Classification of Tinnitus The phrases "tinnitus is the gradual onset of deafness" and "if tinnitus persists, it will lead to deafness" highlight the potential severity of tinnitus...[Read More] Understanding Tinnitus: Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment Options
Does H1N1 Always Cause Fever? Understanding Symptoms and Concerns
Is fever always present with H1N1? I have a headache, runny nose, cough with phlegm, sore throat, and body aches, but I don't have a fever. Two days ago, I had diarrhea. I have allergic rhinitis and often have a runny nose. Does this mean I can rule out H1N1? I saw a doctor ...
Dr. Jian Huangqi Reply:
A rapid test for H1N1 can be performed using a nasopharyngeal swab. If symptoms are severe, Oseltamivir (75 mg per capsule) can be administered twice daily for a total of five days.[Read More] Does H1N1 Always Cause Fever? Understanding Symptoms and Concerns
Understanding Post-Nasal Drip: Is It Allergies or Something Else?
Allergy? Hello Doctor: I have been experiencing chronic post-nasal drip for over two years. I have seen multiple doctors without any improvement. I feel that there is a thick, clear, and slippery mucus constantly draining from a spot in my right nasal cavity, near the area below ...
Dr. Hu Kexin Reply:
Hello: The normal nasal cavity secretes mucus to maintain moisture, which drains into the throat, but a healthy person typically does not notice this. The sensation of postnasal drip or even severe coughing is most commonly caused by excessive secretion or the mucus being too thi...[Read More] Understanding Post-Nasal Drip: Is It Allergies or Something Else?
Understanding Nasal Polyps: Surgery Risks and Recovery Insights
Nasal polyp Hello Doctor: I have nasal polyps in both nostrils, occupying about 70% of the nasal passages. They have been present for a long time, and recently I have been experiencing persistent nasal congestion while sleeping, along with yellow mucus that forms crusts, causing ...
Dr. Hu Kexin Reply:
Hello: All surgeries carry certain risks, but they do not necessarily result in complications. The likelihood of complications may be related to the nature of the disease, the surgical method used, and the patient's constitution, among other factors. Hook Sin.[Read More] Understanding Nasal Polyps: Surgery Risks and Recovery Insights
Understanding Nasal Drip: Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment Options
Nasal cry (or rhinorrhea)? Hello Doctor: I have been struggling with post-nasal drip for over two years, and it has been persistent without any relief. I have seen many doctors and have tried antibiotics, antihistamines, and nasal sprays, but none have been effective. I have unde...
Dr. Chen Jianzhi Reply:
Dear Inquirer, Based on your literal question, you may not only have chronic rhinitis and sinusitis (allergic), but you might also be experiencing chronic pharyngitis. Would you consider visiting my clinic for assistance? My clinic hours at Taoyuan Hospital, Department of Health...[Read More] Understanding Nasal Drip: Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment Options