Understanding Ear Pain: Is It Inflammation or Just Pressure?
Otitis externa Hello doctor, recently I have been experiencing significant pain in my ear when I sleep, but the discomfort gradually subsides when I change my position. However, when I touch the area, I feel a slight pain on the skin. Initially, I thought I might have perichondri...
Dr. Zheng Jueyi Reply:
Hello: If there are no obvious symptoms of redness, swelling, heat, or pain in the ear, it is less likely to be perichondritis. You may observe it for now, but if you are concerned, you can visit a clinic for a check-up. Wishing you safety and health. Sincerely, Dr. Cheng Jue-Yi,...[Read More] Understanding Ear Pain: Is It Inflammation or Just Pressure?
Managing Persistent Throat Pain: When to See an ENT Specialist
Re: Unilateral throat pain has persisted for one month? Hello Doctor, thank you very much for your previous patient responses. Below is the photo I took today: https://ibb.co/mKHu7T. My throat pain has now turned into alternating pain in both tonsils, but: 1. There is no cough, a...
Dr. Zheng Jueyi Reply:
Hello, 1. If the oral surgeon has already prescribed medication, you may finish it and adjust your lifestyle habits, then observe the situation. 2. The need for antibiotics primarily depends on the presence of a bacterial infection, which still requires a comprehensive assessm...[Read More] Managing Persistent Throat Pain: When to See an ENT Specialist
Understanding Eardrum Damage from Diving: Recovery and Treatment Options
Due to eardrum rupture issues from diving? Hello, due to ear pressure imbalance while diving, my left eardrum has been damaged by about 30% (date: July 7). I would like to ask: 1) At the age of 55, is there still a possibility of self-healing? How long might it take? 2) If it can...
Dr. Zheng Jueyi Reply:
Hello: 1) There is still a possibility of natural healing, and you can regularly visit the otolaryngology clinic to monitor if the perforation is decreasing in size. 2) If there is no significant reduction, surgical repair may be considered. 3) Hearing may deteriorate due to the ...[Read More] Understanding Eardrum Damage from Diving: Recovery and Treatment Options
Why Do My Ears Make Popping Sounds When I Swallow?
Hearing a popping sound in the ears when swallowing saliva? Is it just fatigue or could it be a cold? I sometimes hear a pulsing sound in one ear, but after a good sleep, it seems to be fine. However, when I swallow, I still hear a popping sound in both ears. What is happening to...
Dr. Ji Zhaoyun Reply:
Hello, the issues you mentioned could be due to: 1) Eustachian tube dysfunction: This is the most common cause and can occur not only during flying, climbing, or diving but also when forcefully blowing your nose or bending over. 2) Sudden sensorineural hearing loss. 3) Otitis med...[Read More] Why Do My Ears Make Popping Sounds When I Swallow?
Understanding Smell Disorders After a Cold: Causes and Solutions
Olfactory issues Hello Dr. Zheng, After a recent cold, I initially thought my inability to smell was due to the lingering effects of the illness. Now, about two months later, I can smell again, but everything smells unpleasant. Foods like chocolate and soda now have an off-putti...
Dr. Zheng Jueyi Reply:
Hello: It is possible that the damage to the olfactory nerve is caused by a viral infection, which is quite common. If there is no improvement, it is recommended to visit the ENT department at the hospital for relevant examinations. Wishing you safety and health. Sincerely, Dr. Z...[Read More] Understanding Smell Disorders After a Cold: Causes and Solutions
Understanding Ear Swelling and Pus: When to Seek ENT Care
Redness and swelling near the ear with pus discharge? Recently, I noticed sudden redness and swelling near my ear (as shown in the image: https://ppt.cc/fznYkx), but it is neither painful nor itchy. I initially thought it would go away in a few days, but after accidentally touchi...
Dr. Zheng Jueyi Reply:
Hello: Commonly, this may be due to a bacterial infection. If symptoms persist without improvement, it is recommended to visit an ENT specialist at a clinic or hospital for examination. Wishing you safety and health. Sincerely, Dr. Cheng Jue-Yi, Director of the ENT Department, Ta...[Read More] Understanding Ear Swelling and Pus: When to Seek ENT Care
One-Month-Long Unilateral Throat Pain: Causes and Concerns
Unilateral throat pain has persisted for one month? Hello, Doctor! I have had unilateral throat pain for a month now (right side, left side of the image). Swallowing saliva does not hurt, and I do not have a fever or cough. I would like to ask: 1. Is the yellow arrow pointing to ...
Dr. Zheng Jueyi Reply:
Hi, 1. Is it not tonsil stones? 2. Currently, there seems to be no bacterial infection, so there is no need to continue using antibiotics. 3. The protrusion on the tonsil appears to be a normal bump; if there is pain, it may be related to inflammation. 4. If the pain persist...[Read More] One-Month-Long Unilateral Throat Pain: Causes and Concerns
Understanding Sudden Hearing Loss: MRI Insights and Prevention Tips
Sudden Sensorineural Hearing Loss Hello, doctor. I previously experienced sudden sensorineural hearing loss and underwent an MRI during my hospitalization to check for tumors. I would like to ask if an MRI can visualize the blood vessels in the brain. It has been about 3 to 4 mon...
Dr. Zheng Jueyi Reply:
Hello: MRI can simultaneously examine the major blood vessels in the brain, and any significant abnormalities should be detectable. Additionally, although sudden hearing loss is commonly referred to as "ear stroke," the primary causes are not well understood and are mos...[Read More] Understanding Sudden Hearing Loss: MRI Insights and Prevention Tips
Understanding Earwax Issues: When One Ear Sounds Louder Than the Other
Ear problems Hello, doctor. Today, when I cleaned my left ear, I removed a large amount of earwax. After that, the sounds in my left ear became significantly louder, but I did not experience any pain or discomfort. When I cleaned my right ear, I did not remove anything, but the s...
Dr. Ji Zhaoyun Reply:
Hello, the issues you mentioned could be due to: 1) Eustachian tube dysfunction: This is the most common cause and can occur not only during flying, climbing, or diving, but also when forcefully blowing your nose or bending over. 2) Sudden sensorineural hearing loss. 3) Otitis me...[Read More] Understanding Earwax Issues: When One Ear Sounds Louder Than the Other
Understanding Nasopharyngeal Checkups: What You Need to Know About EBV and Cancer Risks
Nasal and pharyngeal examination Hello Dr. Zheng, About two months ago, I visited an ENT specialist at a local hospital due to yellow-green nasal discharge with blood streaks, and I was diagnosed with sinusitis. Since there was blood present, the doctor performed a nasal endosco...
Dr. Zheng Jueyi Reply:
Hello: Currently, the diagnosis of nasopharyngeal carcinoma is primarily based on nasopharyngoscopy and biopsy. If the numbers are elevated but the nasopharyngoscopy results are normal and there are no suspicious areas requiring biopsy, you may return for a follow-up in three mon...[Read More] Understanding Nasopharyngeal Checkups: What You Need to Know About EBV and Cancer Risks
Persistent Hoarseness: When to Seek Further Medical Evaluation?
Hoarseness for several months? Hello Doctor, I had a suspected middle ear infection two months ago, and I experienced hoarseness (not sure if it's related). I recovered from the cold, but my voice still hasn't returned to normal. Recently, I've started coughing (wi...
Dr. Zheng Jueyi Reply:
Hello, if there is no improvement after more than 2 months, it is recommended to visit a hospital to check if there are any issues with the vocal cords. Wishing you safety and health. Sincerely, Dr. Cheng Jue-Yi, Director of the Department of Otolaryngology, Taoyuan Hospital, Min...[Read More] Persistent Hoarseness: When to Seek Further Medical Evaluation?
Understanding Neck Masses: When to Seek Further Evaluation
Neck mass Before the Lunar New Year, I discovered a relatively large lump on the right side of my neck while having a cold. The size is slightly smaller than my pinky nail, it is not painful and somewhat immobile, oval-shaped. Additionally, there are two smaller lumps that the do...
Dr. Ji Zhaoyun Reply:
Hello, based on your description, there are many potential causes for the neck mass, including metastatic cancer, infections, congenital cysts, and tuberculosis, among others. It is advisable to consult an otolaryngologist for further examination. Wishing you peace and good healt...[Read More] Understanding Neck Masses: When to Seek Further Evaluation
Understanding Neck Masses: Key Questions About Lumps and Their Implications
Neck mass Hello, doctor. Earlier this year, I noticed an oval-shaped lump in my neck, approximately 1-1.5 cm in size. I would like to ask: 1. Do malignant tumors always grow larger, or can they remain the same size? 2. Is physical examination and nasal endoscopy sufficient to d...
Dr. Zheng Jueyi Reply:
Hello: 1. Malignant tumors generally continue to grow larger. 2. Physical examination and nasal endoscopy can only provide clinical judgment on whether the likelihood of malignancy is high or low; highly suspicious masses still require aspiration or biopsy for diagnosis. 3. F...[Read More] Understanding Neck Masses: Key Questions About Lumps and Their Implications
Recurring Tongue Pain: Causes, Concerns, and When to Seek Help
Recurrent tongue pain? I am the person who previously asked about my tongue in early April, worried that a wound was caused by licking my teeth. After that, I visited a nearby ENT clinic where the doctor prescribed an ointment. I felt it might be caused by a virus, so I decided t...
Dr. Zheng Jueyi Reply:
Hello, if a physician has examined you and found no obvious abnormalities, cancer can likely be ruled out. It is recommended to drink plenty of water, maintain a regular routine, and avoid spicy foods and smoking, as these measures may gradually improve your condition. Wishing yo...[Read More] Recurring Tongue Pain: Causes, Concerns, and When to Seek Help
Understanding Yellow Nasal Discharge and Blood Streaks: Causes and Concerns
Yellowing and fine blood vessels? I have been experiencing sneezing after showering, sometimes with a sensation of nasal discharge that leads to actual dripping. At times, when I blow my nose, nothing comes out. I have developed a habit of rolling tissue and placing it in my nose...
Dr. Li Jiaxuan Reply:
Nasal mucus sometimes flows backward, making it difficult to expel. If you have yellow mucus, it is likely a nasal infection; if it's not a cold, it could be chronic sinusitis. As for the presence of blood, it is generally caused by excessive force when blowing your nose, le...[Read More] Understanding Yellow Nasal Discharge and Blood Streaks: Causes and Concerns
Understanding Airflow Sounds in the Left Ear: Causes and Concerns
There is a sound of air flowing in the left ear? Hello, First, I would like to thank the director for the response. Since I did not see a similar question in the Q&A, I would like to ask about an issue I've been experiencing for the past three months. My left ear often...
Dr. Ji Zhaoyun Reply:
Hello, the issues you mentioned could be due to: 1) Eustachian tube dysfunction: This is the most common cause and can occur not only during flying, climbing, or diving, but also when forcefully blowing your nose or bending over. 2) Sudden sensorineural hearing loss. 3) Otitis me...[Read More] Understanding Airflow Sounds in the Left Ear: Causes and Concerns
Persistent Ear Pressure: When to Seek Medical Attention Again?
Ear pressure sensation Recently, I experienced intense itching deep in my ear. I visited a doctor who said there was no fungal infection, just seasonal allergies. Now, I have a feeling of fullness and pressure in my right ear that has persisted for a week. I am worried it might b...
Dr. Zheng Jueyi Reply:
Hello: The sensation of fullness and pressure in the right ear is commonly associated with Eustachian tube dysfunction and is not necessarily indicative of nasopharyngeal cancer. If there are significant hearing abnormalities or if the condition persists without improvement, it i...[Read More] Persistent Ear Pressure: When to Seek Medical Attention Again?
Will Sinusitis Worsen Without Surgery? Understanding Your Options
Persistent nasal discharge? If the diagnosis is sinusitis and no surgery is performed, will it worsen, or will it just maintain the original symptoms?
Dr. Zheng Jueyi Reply:
Hello: If diagnosed with acute sinusitis, it is generally due to a bacterial infection, and antibiotic treatment is recommended for 10-14 days. If diagnosed with chronic sinusitis, whether surgery or ongoing medication management is necessary should be assessed based on clinical ...[Read More] Will Sinusitis Worsen Without Surgery? Understanding Your Options
Morning Throat Discomfort: Understanding Brown and Rust-Colored Phlegm
Sore throat with morning phlegm that is brownish and rusty in color? I have been experiencing throat discomfort for the past two weeks, primarily upon waking up. The first few sputum samples in the morning are brownish and rust-colored, but throughout the day, the sputum is clear...
Dr. Zheng Jueyi Reply:
Hello, if you only have purulent sputum in the morning, it is commonly associated with post-nasal drip or gastroesophageal reflux. It is advisable to first address any nasal allergy symptoms. Generally, sinusitis tends to present with yellow purulent nasal discharge throughout th...[Read More] Morning Throat Discomfort: Understanding Brown and Rust-Colored Phlegm
Understanding Pulsatile Tinnitus: Causes and Solutions for Ear Noises
There is a thumping sound in the ear? Hello Doctor: Recently, when I lie down to sleep, I hear a thumping sound in my right ear, like a drumming noise, somewhat resembling an abnormal electrical discharge. The thumping is irregular; initially, it occurred infrequently, but now it...
Dr. Ji Zhaoyun Reply:
Hello, regarding your question, it is possible that you are experiencing: 1) Eustachian tube dysfunction: This is the most common cause and can occur not only during activities such as flying, climbing, or diving, but also when forcefully blowing your nose or bending over. 2) Sud...[Read More] Understanding Pulsatile Tinnitus: Causes and Solutions for Ear Noises