Understanding Enlarged Lymph Nodes Behind the Ears: Causes and Concerns
Bilateral lymphadenopathy behind the ears? Hello Dr. Zheng, Due to work-related stress, I often smoke. About a month ago, I noticed swollen lymph nodes on both sides of my jaw. I did not have any cold symptoms or fever. An ENT specialist assessed that it was nothing serious and...
Dr. Zheng Jueyi Reply:
Hello, the most common conditions at that location are still salivary gland infections or lymphadenitis. If it continues to enlarge, since there is a previous medical history at National Taiwan University Hospital, you can return to consult the original physician for follow-up to...[Read More] Understanding Enlarged Lymph Nodes Behind the Ears: Causes and Concerns
Is It a Eustachian Tube Issue? Understanding Ear Symptoms During Military Service
Is this an issue with the Eustachian tube? Hello, doctor. I am currently serving in the military on an offshore island. Recently, I have been frequently shooting, and I am unsure if the gunfire has caused tinnitus in my left ear. I can hear normally, but when I speak or chew, the...
Dr. Zheng Jueyi Reply:
Hello, it could be an issue with the Eustachian tube, or it may be caused by an infection in the external auditory canal or cerumen impaction. If the symptoms persist without improvement, it is advisable to seek medical evaluation for a definitive diagnosis. Wishing you safety an...[Read More] Is It a Eustachian Tube Issue? Understanding Ear Symptoms During Military Service
Understanding Dizziness and Tinnitus: Causes and Concerns
Dizziness and tinnitus? Hello, Doctor. Last month, I experienced dizziness twice while having a cold, lasting about two hours each time, with the sensation that the whole house was spinning. I have had tinnitus in my left ear for a long time, but during the dizziness, I did not e...
Dr. Zheng Jueyi Reply:
Hello, dizziness accompanied by hearing loss, ear fullness, and tinnitus may still indicate Meniere's disease. It is advisable to go to the hospital for hearing tests or other evaluations for dizziness to reach a diagnosis. Additionally, viral infections during a cold, lack ...[Read More] Understanding Dizziness and Tinnitus: Causes and Concerns
Understanding Sublingual Cysts: Causes and Concerns for Your Health
Sublingual caruncle perforation Hello, recently I have developed a sore or ulcer under my tongue (approximately located at the sublingual papilla). What could have caused this?
Dr. Zheng Jueyi Reply:
Hello: It is often caused by viral infections. You can start by drinking plenty of water and gargling, then monitor your condition. Wishing you safety and health. Sincerely, Dr. Cheng Jue-Yi, Director of the Department of Otolaryngology, Taoyuan General Hospital, Ministry of Heal...[Read More] Understanding Sublingual Cysts: Causes and Concerns for Your Health
Can You Play a Musical Instrument with Otitis Externa?
Can I play a musical instrument if I have otitis externa? Today is the third day of the illness, and the inflammation has spread from the outer ear to the middle ear. I have been taking Tylenol and antibiotics. During this period, is it advisable to play a musical instrument for ...
Dr. Zheng Jueyi Reply:
Hello: If there is an outer ear infection, playing a wind instrument should be fine; however, if the ear infection is caused by a cold leading to otitis media, playing an instrument may push nasal secretions into the middle ear. If there is significant ear fullness, it is advisab...[Read More] Can You Play a Musical Instrument with Otitis Externa?
Is Nasal Perforation After Septoplasty Considered Medical Malpractice?
Is the occurrence of a nasal perforation after undergoing septoplasty considered medical malpractice? After the surgery on October 1, 2015, I had six follow-up visits over a period of one and a half months. The surgeon consistently said everything looked good, but I still felt un...
Dr. Zheng Jueyi Reply:
Hello, the septoplasty may have a risk of perforation due to slower wound healing or infection. You can return for a follow-up appointment to discuss with your surgeon whether to continue medication or if further surgical intervention is needed. Wishing you safety and good health...[Read More] Is Nasal Perforation After Septoplasty Considered Medical Malpractice?
Understanding Neck Ultrasound: Can It Distinguish Between Tumors?
Post-examination neck? Hello Dr. Cheng, I'm sorry to bother you again. Last time I asked about a neck mass, and I recently had a neck ultrasound. The report indicated fatty hilum measuring 17*11mm and 14*9mm. I was informed that there is no issue because I had an infection i...
Dr. Zheng Jueyi Reply:
Hello, the neck ultrasound can help determine whether a tumor appears more benign or malignant based on clinical observations. If there is a concerning tumor, a fine needle aspiration biopsy can be performed, but a definitive diagnosis still requires a tissue biopsy. If the clini...[Read More] Understanding Neck Ultrasound: Can It Distinguish Between Tumors?
Understanding Clear Phlegm: Causes and Solutions for Your Symptoms
The issue of clear phlegm? Hello doctor, I would like to ask about having a lot of phlegm for the past three months. It's clear and I have to spit it out multiple times a day, around twenty times, to feel comfortable. My throat feels very dry and I have a constant urge to dr...
Dr. Zheng Jueyi Reply:
Hello: Clear mucus is often not indicative of a significant infection. It is recommended to swallow the secretions by drinking water, rather than continuously spitting out saliva and mucus, as this may lead to throat dryness and discomfort. If symptoms persist without improvement...[Read More] Understanding Clear Phlegm: Causes and Solutions for Your Symptoms
Understanding Oral White Bumps: HPV or HSV Concerns?
White lesions in the oral cavity? Hello doctor, I discovered HPV in my anal area last December and after six months of treatment, I have fully recovered. However, a month ago, I found a small white spot in my mouth, about 0.2 cm in size, which is painless and resembles a blister....
Dr. Zheng Jueyi Reply:
Hello, if blisters continue to appear, you should visit the hospital's infectious disease department for examination. HSV usually resides in the nerve ganglia and can reactivate when immunity is low. It is indeed advisable to avoid popping the blisters with your hands to pre...[Read More] Understanding Oral White Bumps: HPV or HSV Concerns?
Understanding Nighttime Tongue Pain: Causes and Care Tips
Tongue pain at midnight? Hello Doctor: Last night, I woke up from my sleep due to intense pain, tingling, and a burning sensation at the tip of my tongue. When I looked in the mirror, I saw that the tip of my tongue was red and swollen, and it seemed to have a sore or ulcer. This...
Dr. Zheng Jueyi Reply:
Hello: Most inflammation ulcers are caused by viral infections. It is recommended to drink plenty of water and maintain a regular routine, which will likely lead to natural improvement. Wishing you peace and health. Sincerely, Dr. Cheng Jue-Yi, Director of the Department of Otola...[Read More] Understanding Nighttime Tongue Pain: Causes and Care Tips
Black Bumps on Tongue: Causes and When to Seek Medical Advice
Black spots resembling watermelon seeds appearing on the tongue? Hello, I recently noticed sudden black spots on my tongue that resemble watermelon seeds. There were no prior symptoms, and I only felt something unusual after eating, but I didn't notice anything while brushin...
Dr. Zheng Jueyi Reply:
Hello: If they disappear, it is mostly a benign change, unless the dark spots increase in number, which may indicate conditions such as microvascular proliferation, hemangiomas, or fungal infections. However, these conditions typically do not resolve quickly. Wishing you peace an...[Read More] Black Bumps on Tongue: Causes and When to Seek Medical Advice
Persistent Ear Congestion After Infection: What to Do Next?
There is a persistent feeling of fullness in the ear? Hello doctor, a few weeks ago I had an ear infection and consulted an otolaryngologist. I was given ear drops, and the inflammation improved, but the bacteria remained. After using the ear drops again, my ear feels blocked and...
Dr. Zheng Jueyi Reply:
Hello: The most common issue is still external auditory canal inflammation. It is recommended to return to the otolaryngology clinic for thorough local cleaning. The ear drops may be blocked due to the presence of inflamed earwax or secretions inside. Usually, after proper cleani...[Read More] Persistent Ear Congestion After Infection: What to Do Next?
Managing Ear Congestion and Middle Ear Infections in Children
A fifth-grade student is experiencing a feeling of fullness in the ear? Hello Doctor, my child had a cold last Wednesday and saw a doctor. During a follow-up visit on Friday, the doctor diagnosed him with otitis media due to complaints of right ear pain. He was prescribed antibio...
Dr. Zheng Jueyi Reply:
Hello, the causes of middle ear effusion are often due to dysfunction of the Eustachian tube resulting from sinusitis or a cold. Most cases of middle ear effusion improve with medication. However, if there is a long-term history of allergic rhinitis, it is advisable to manage the...[Read More] Managing Ear Congestion and Middle Ear Infections in Children
Understanding Sudden Smell Changes: What Does a Persistent Drug Odor Mean?
Olfactory issues Suddenly smelling a medication odor can be indicative of a few potential issues. It may be related to a neurological condition, such as a phantom smell (olfactory hallucination), which can occur without any accompanying cold symptoms. Other possibilities could in...
Dr. Zheng Jueyi Reply:
Hello, if you have been consistently noticing an unusual odor without improvement, it may be due to sinusitis or a viral infection causing olfactory dysfunction. If it persists for more than a week without improvement, it is advisable to seek medical evaluation. Wishing you safet...[Read More] Understanding Sudden Smell Changes: What Does a Persistent Drug Odor Mean?
Persistent Itching in Right Ear: Causes and Treatment Options
Itchy right ear? I have been experiencing itching in my right ear every day, which feels deep, close to the eardrum. There is a slightly moist yellowish fluid accompanied by a foul odor, but it's not a lot. I also notice yellowish flakes. I usually use a cotton swab with a s...
Dr. Zheng Jueyi Reply:
Hello, it is recommended to seek medical attention again for examination. Persistent itching may still indicate a fungal infection. It is advisable to visit an otolaryngology clinic for further evaluation or localized treatment. Wishing you safety and health. Sincerely, Dr. Jue-Y...[Read More] Persistent Itching in Right Ear: Causes and Treatment Options
Small Growth on Tongue Tip: What Could It Be?
There is a small bump on the tip of the tongue? I recently noticed a small growth on the tip of my tongue that is painful when pressed. I have a history of HPV, but I have been treated and have not had a recurrence for over a month (and I haven't had sexual intercourse for a...
Dr. Zheng Jueyi Reply:
Hello, granulomas can be caused by inflammation or HPV infection. If the granuloma persists for more than a week without improvement, it is advisable to seek medical evaluation and treatment. Wishing you safety and health. Sincerely, Dr. Cheng Jue-Yi, Director of the Department o...[Read More] Small Growth on Tongue Tip: What Could It Be?
Does Eustachian Tube Dysfunction Affect Hearing Loss?
Hearing problems Dr. Zheng, does the patency of the Eustachian tube affect hearing or lead to hearing loss?
Dr. Zheng Jueyi Reply:
Hello: Eustachian tube dysfunction typically does not directly affect hearing, unless it leads to middle ear effusion or infection, which can cause persistent hearing deterioration. Wishing you peace and good health. Sincerely, Dr. Jue-Yi Cheng, Director of the Department of Otol...[Read More] Does Eustachian Tube Dysfunction Affect Hearing Loss?
Understanding the Sensation of a Foreign Body in the Throat
Foreign body sensation in the throat? Hello doctor, three weeks ago I noticed a sensation of something being stuck in my throat, which is not painful. Sometimes I feel this sensation, and sometimes I don't. When I do feel it, swallowing saliva makes the sensation more pronou...
Dr. Zheng Jueyi Reply:
Hello, the most common condition is still chronic pharyngitis, which is often related to post-nasal drip, gastroesophageal reflux, or other chronic irritants. It is recommended to drink plenty of water and reduce the intake of coffee, tea, desserts, or spicy foods. If symptoms pe...[Read More] Understanding the Sensation of a Foreign Body in the Throat
Differentiating Between Gonococcal and Bacterial Pharyngitis Symptoms
Regarding pharyngitis? Is there a significant difference in symptoms between gonococcal pharyngitis and general bacterial pharyngitis? Is it easy to differentiate between the two? Recently, I have been experiencing throat inflammation without much cold symptoms, and after a consu...
Dr. Zheng Jueyi Reply:
Hello, the symptoms are not easily distinguishable and clinically resemble typical tonsillitis. If there is no improvement, it is recommended to visit the hospital's infectious disease department for further examination. Wishing you safety and health. Sincerely, Dr. Cheng Ju...[Read More] Differentiating Between Gonococcal and Bacterial Pharyngitis Symptoms
Understanding Painful Tongue Growth: What You Need to Know
My tongue hurts a lot? I have a small flesh-colored growth on the lower right side of my tongue that looks like a tumor. It doesn't hurt unless I touch it, and when I do, it is very painful. It appeared about four days ago. At first, I thought it was a sore. What should I do...
Dr. Zheng Jueyi Reply:
Dear Mr. Li, Hello. Generally, the pain is often caused by an infection. If the pain persists and does not improve, it is advisable to undergo examination and treatment. Wishing you peace and good health. Sincerely, Dr. Cheng Jue-Yi Director, Department of Otolaryngolog...[Read More] Understanding Painful Tongue Growth: What You Need to Know