Persistent Solvent Smell After Cold: ENT Exam Shows No Issues
Intermittently smelling the odor of paint thinner, but ENT examination shows no issues? Hi Dr. Cheng: I had a cold at the beginning of June, and during that time, there was construction nearby that used a large amount of solvent, which filled the area with that smell. Even after ...
Dr. Zheng Jueyi Reply:
Dear Ms. Shen, Hello. You can visit the ENT department at the hospital for an X-ray or endoscopic examination to check for any issues related to sinusitis. If there is no infection or inflammation and you still perceive unusual odors, it may be related to a neurological function...[Read More] Persistent Solvent Smell After Cold: ENT Exam Shows No Issues
Feeling of a Foreign Body in Throat: Causes and Concerns Explained
There is a sensation of a foreign body in the throat, but little discomfort is felt during swallowing? Hello Dr. Zheng: About six months ago, I had a cold and have been coughing for about four to five months. After that, I started to feel something unusual in my throat. It seems ...
Dr. Zheng Jueyi Reply:
Hello: The most common cause is chronic pharyngitis resulting from an infection. It is advisable to drink plenty of water and avoid irritating foods, as well as secondhand smoke. Additionally, if there are symptoms of gastroesophageal reflux, it is recommended to limit coffee, te...[Read More] Feeling of a Foreign Body in Throat: Causes and Concerns Explained
Understanding Ear Pain: Causes and Solutions for Discomfort
My ear has been feeling strange and very painful lately? Hello doctor, initially my right ear was just feeling stuffy and itchy, so I kept using a cotton swab to clean it. However, there were a few times when I ended up causing bleeding. Gradually, it became more uncomfortable, a...
Dr. Zheng Jueyi Reply:
Hello: It is possible that you have otitis externa. If you are experiencing significant pain and a feeling of fullness, there may already be a bacterial infection. It is advisable to seek medical evaluation and receive appropriate medication treatment. Wishing you safety and heal...[Read More] Understanding Ear Pain: Causes and Solutions for Discomfort
Managing Ear Canal Fistula: When to Consider Surgery?
Preauricular sinus Is the preauricular sinus currently red and inflamed? Can surgery be scheduled? It has recurred several times; should we wait for this inflammation to resolve before proceeding with surgery?
Dr. Zheng Jueyi Reply:
Dear Ms. Pan, Hello. It is recommended to surgically address the recurrent inflammation of the preauricular sinus; however, it is generally advisable to wait until the infection improves before proceeding with the surgery. This approach allows for better wound healing and reduce...[Read More] Managing Ear Canal Fistula: When to Consider Surgery?
Understanding Right Tonsil Swelling: Causes and Concerns
Right tonsil enlargement? Doctor, I went to see a physician who said I have a viral infection and tonsillitis, but only the right side is swollen. I feel a bit of pain in my neck when swallowing saliva. He prescribed me medication for three days, but after taking it a few times, ...
Dr. Zheng Jueyi Reply:
Hello: Most likely, the swelling is due to inflammation of the tonsils. If there is no pain or fever, you can drink plenty of water and maintain a regular routine to observe the situation. If there is still no improvement, you may visit the hospital for a more detailed examinatio...[Read More] Understanding Right Tonsil Swelling: Causes and Concerns
Understanding Asymmetrical Tonsils in Children: When to Worry?
What is the issue of one tonsil being larger than the other in children? Dear Dr. Zheng, I apologize for the intrusion, but I would like to ask you about a concern regarding my child's tonsil hypertrophy. My daughter is nearly 3 years old, and I recently noticed that her le...
Dr. Zheng Jueyi Reply:
Hello: Generally, if there are no obvious symptoms such as pain, tonsillar ulcers, or associated neck tumors, most cases are benign tonsillar hyperplasia. Sometimes, the tonsils may vary slightly in size between the two sides. If the child is only three years old, it is usually r...[Read More] Understanding Asymmetrical Tonsils in Children: When to Worry?
Small Bumps Behind Tongue: Causes and When to Seek Help
There are several small nodules located at the back of the tongue, beneath the tonsils? Hello Doctor, thank you for helping me with my concerns. Recently, I have noticed several small bumps at the back of my tongue, just below the tonsils. I'm not sure what the cause is, and...
Dr. Zheng Jueyi Reply:
Hello, the most common finding is the circumvallate papillae arranged in an inverted V shape at the back of the tongue, which is not necessarily indicative of an infection. It is recommended to seek medical evaluation for a definitive diagnosis. Wishing you safety and health. Sin...[Read More] Small Bumps Behind Tongue: Causes and When to Seek Help
Understanding Tonsillitis: Symptoms, Causes, and Treatment Options
Tonsillitis Doctor, I went to see a physician on Friday, and the doctor said I have a viral infection and tonsillitis. The right side of my throat is swollen, but it seems like he didn't notice much when I was talking. Sometimes, when I swallow saliva, I feel a bit of pain i...
Dr. Zheng Jueyi Reply:
Hello: Most medications used for inflammation are similar. You can start with medication treatment and observe the results. If symptoms persist without improvement, you should seek medical attention for further examination. Wishing you safety and health. Sincerely, Dr. Cheng Jue-...[Read More] Understanding Tonsillitis: Symptoms, Causes, and Treatment Options
Can Fatigue or Muscle Tension Cause Rhinoplasty Complications?
Nasal issues Doctor, I just had rhinoplasty a month ago, and I would like to know if fatigue or muscle tension in the nose can cause inflammation or infection in the rhinoplasty area?
Dr. Zheng Jueyi Reply:
Hi Weiwei: Hello, generally, inflammation or infection at the rhinoplasty site is not caused by fatigue or tightness in the nasal muscles. Wishing you peace and good health. Sincerely, Dr. Cheng Jue-Yi, Director of the Department of Otolaryngology, Taoyuan General Hospital, Minis...[Read More] Can Fatigue or Muscle Tension Cause Rhinoplasty Complications?
Understanding Neck Lymph Nodes: When to Worry About Swelling
Cervical lymph nodes Hello, doctor. I have noticed a lymph node near my neck and ear since childhood. I later found that whenever I feel more tired, stay up late, or have more acne, that lymph node tends to swell more. It can be a bit painful when pressed, but it usually subsides...
Dr. Zheng Jueyi Reply:
Hello: Generally, tenderness and a decrease in size are often indicative of a benign condition. This may be accompanied by other symptoms of infection that can cause pain or enlargement. If there is a persistent increase in size or if the pain does not improve, it is necessary to...[Read More] Understanding Neck Lymph Nodes: When to Worry About Swelling
Understanding Ear Infections Caused by Improper Ear Cleaning
Ear digging can cause ear inflammation? Hello doctor, two days ago my right ear was very itchy, so I used a cotton swab to clean it. I didn't go too deep, but because it was a bit itchy, I rubbed the inner skin of my ear with the cotton swab. Afterward, I felt pain and swell...
Dr. Zheng Jueyi Reply:
Hi Yuni: Hello, the symptoms suggest external auditory canal inflammation. It is recommended to finish the medication and observe the situation. Additionally, please refrain from using cotton swabs to clean your ears for the time being. However, if the pain persists or worsens, o...[Read More] Understanding Ear Infections Caused by Improper Ear Cleaning
How Autonomic Nervous System Disorders Affect Eustachian Tube Function
Autonomic nervous system Does autonomic nervous system dysfunction affect the function of the Eustachian tube, causing it to become obstructed or narrowed, or does it lead to the Eustachian tube becoming more open?
Dr. Zheng Jueyi Reply:
Hello: Autonomic nervous system disorders generally do not directly affect Eustachian tube function. It is possible that insufficient sleep may lead to viral infections, which can then cause Eustachian tube dysfunction. Wishing you peace and health. Sincerely, Dr. Cheng Jue-Yi, D...[Read More] How Autonomic Nervous System Disorders Affect Eustachian Tube Function
Understanding Tonsil Granulomas: Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment Options
Tonsillar hyperplasia? Hello Doctor, my wife and I have been suffering from a cold for almost a month. During a follow-up visit yesterday, the clinic physician mentioned that I have a growth on my right tonsil. Could you please advise what this might be? Is it necessary to go to ...
Dr. Zheng Jueyi Reply:
Hello, granulomas are often the result of infection and inflammation. If they continue to grow or become red, swollen, and painful, it is advisable to seek medical evaluation for reassessment. A clinical physician will determine if a biopsy is necessary. Wishing you safety and he...[Read More] Understanding Tonsil Granulomas: Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment Options
Can Dust from the Floor Cause Oral and Respiratory Infections?
Regarding dust on the ground? Hello Dr. Cheng: Today, I was chatting with a friend while squatting, so my head was quite close to the floor (approximately 70-80 cm from my mouth and nose to the floor). The floor was quite dirty, with a lot of dust, and we were talking with our mo...
Dr. Zheng Jueyi Reply:
Hello: The human body has natural immunity, and most people will not get infected as a result, so there is no need to worry too much. Wishing you peace and good health. Sincerely, Dr. Cheng Jue-Yi, Director of the Department of Otolaryngology, Taoyuan General Hospital, Ministry o...[Read More] Can Dust from the Floor Cause Oral and Respiratory Infections?
Accidental Oral Contact with Bedding Zipper: Risks and Precautions
Oral contact (ingestion) with a blanket zipper? Dear Dr. Cheng, Today, I woke up to find a metallic object lodged in my lip, which startled me. It turned out to be a zipper from my blanket. I would like to ask you: 1. Since the zipper from the blanket was inserted into my lip,...
Dr. Zheng Jueyi Reply:
Hello: The human body has natural defense mechanisms, and most of the time, infections do not occur. It is advisable to observe the situation first. If there is redness, swelling, heat, or pain, medical treatment is necessary. Wishing you peace and health. Sincerely, Dr. Cheng Ju...[Read More] Accidental Oral Contact with Bedding Zipper: Risks and Precautions
Risks of Riding a Scooter Without a Mask: Inhaled Foreign Objects
Riding a motorcycle without wearing a mask, foreign objects flew into the mouth? Hello Dr. Cheng: Today, while riding my motorcycle, I did not wear a mask and felt something foreign enter my mouth (possibly fine sand, small stones, or insects). Currently, I have no unusual sympto...
Dr. Zheng Jueyi Reply:
Hello: 1. Most people will not experience any abnormalities, as the human body has natural defense mechanisms. 2. It is recommended to wear a mask while riding a bike to prevent foreign objects from entering. 3. You can observe your condition; if you feel unwell, you should seek ...[Read More] Risks of Riding a Scooter Without a Mask: Inhaled Foreign Objects
Should You Get Tested for EB Virus After Close Contact with a Patient?
Can one contract the Epstein-Barr virus (EBV)? If you have been in close proximity to a nasopharyngeal carcinoma patient while eating and talking for an extended period, and you are concerned about the possibility of being exposed to the Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) through saliva, i...
Dr. Zheng Jueyi Reply:
Hello AARON: The Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) infection is not the only factor that causes nasopharyngeal carcinoma; it is the result of multiple factors combined. There is no need to worry about infection or an increased risk of cancer simply due to contact with nasopharyngeal carci...[Read More] Should You Get Tested for EB Virus After Close Contact with a Patient?
Understanding Lymph Node Issues: Causes and Concerns in ENT Health
Lymph node issues? Hello Doctor, last year at the end of the year, I had a lymph node in the middle of my neck, which may have been caused by inflammation from acne. However, I was not at ease and visited two major hospitals to see an ENT specialist. In January, I also underwent ...
Dr. Zheng Jueyi Reply:
Hello: 1. Both colds and cold sores can cause lymphadenopathy due to infection. 2. Nasopharyngeal carcinoma is primarily confirmed through nasopharyngeal biopsy, but if a nasopharyngoscopy shows no issues, the likelihood of problems is relatively low. If abnormalities are detecte...[Read More] Understanding Lymph Node Issues: Causes and Concerns in ENT Health
Thyroid Hyperactivity: Is Sore Throat a Common Symptom?
After discovering hyperthyroidism, there is a dry and painful throat? Hello, I have been experiencing occasional hand tremors, rapid heartbeat, and unexplained weight loss during this time. Four days ago, I went for an examination and it appears to be hyperthyroidism (the tests a...
Dr. Zheng Jueyi Reply:
Hello: The symptoms of tremors, rapid heartbeat, and weight loss may be factors related to hyperthyroidism, and further follow-up with an endocrinologist in internal medicine may be necessary. However, the sore throat could possibly be caused by a cold or another viral infection,...[Read More] Thyroid Hyperactivity: Is Sore Throat a Common Symptom?
Understanding Blood-Streaked Phlegm: Causes and Concerns After a Cold
Cold and cough, later discovering blood streaks in the sputum? Hello, Doctor. I started experiencing a sore throat around January 8th, which progressed to a cough with nasal discharge after about two days. I did not have a fever, but my throat felt slightly painful. I had a dry c...
Dr. Zheng Jueyi Reply:
Dear Alan: Hello, if you only notice blood in your sputum for a short period, it is mostly due to microvascular rupture as the doctor mentioned. You can take medication and observe the situation. If the bleeding continues, then it would be necessary to go to the hospital for fu...[Read More] Understanding Blood-Streaked Phlegm: Causes and Concerns After a Cold