Why Does Everything Taste Salty? Understanding Sinusitis and Taste Changes
The taste of everything I eat has become salty? Hello, I have been experiencing a cold and cough for a week. I visited two ENT clinics and a traditional Chinese medicine clinic to address my cough. However, after taking the herbal medicine, everything I eat, even non-salty foods,...
Dr. Zheng Jueyi Reply:
Hello, it is possible that the abnormal taste sensation is caused by an infection. It is advisable to treat the cold first, as most cases will resolve on their own. If the abnormal sensation does not improve, it is recommended to seek further evaluation from a neurologist. Wishin...[Read More] Why Does Everything Taste Salty? Understanding Sinusitis and Taste Changes
Loss of Smell After Sinus Surgery: Is It Normal?
Loss of smell? Hello, I had planned for endoscopic sinus surgery this year due to chronic nasal congestion, but the surgery was postponed because I became pregnant. At that time, I had already lost my sense of smell. After giving birth, I underwent the endoscopic surgery at the h...
Dr. Zheng Jueyi Reply:
Hi Lydian: There are many causes of olfactory loss. If the loss of smell is due to sinusitis infection or obstruction, it should gradually improve with surgery followed by medication. However, if the olfactory nerve has degenerated due to long-term chronic inflammation, recovery ...[Read More] Loss of Smell After Sinus Surgery: Is It Normal?
Understanding Tongue Growth: Symptoms and HPV Concerns
Growths on the tongue? Hello: I have recently noticed a growth at the base of my tongue, similar to the thumbnail in the link http://ppt.cc/KjY~, and for the past few days, I have been experiencing pain in my tongue. Last year, I engaged in oral sex, and later discovered that my ...
Dr. Zheng Jueyi Reply:
Dear Summerbid: The arrangement of taste buds at the base of the tongue is typically normal. It may be difficult to determine whether they are normal taste buds or if there is an infection based solely on photographs. It is advisable to monitor the situation; if there is no chang...[Read More] Understanding Tongue Growth: Symptoms and HPV Concerns
Understanding Ear Piercing Complications: Managing Infections and Concerns
Ear bone issues? I have a cartilage piercing, but it seems that applying too much ointment has caused it to become non-breathable and resulted in a pustule. I visited an ENT clinic, and the doctor drained the pustule, stating that there was no pus, and prescribed me some medicati...
Dr. Zheng Jueyi Reply:
Hello: Generally, ear deformity occurs only if there is inflammation of the ear cartilage and inadequate treatment. It is recommended to continue taking medication and monitoring the situation. If there is still no improvement, a bacterial culture should be performed at the hospi...[Read More] Understanding Ear Piercing Complications: Managing Infections and Concerns
Understanding Symptoms of Throat Discomfort After Fish Bone Incident
Symptoms that may occur from a fish bone stuck in the throat include: 1. A sensation of something being lodged in the throat. 2. Pain or discomfort in the throat, especially when swallowing. 3. Difficulty swallowing or a feeling of tightness in the Hello Doctor, I visited the c...
Dr. Zheng Jueyi Reply:
Hello, if you have already been examined and it is likely that your throat discomfort is caused by an infection, you can take medication and drink plenty of water to monitor your condition. If there is no improvement, you will need to seek medical attention again. Wishing you saf...[Read More] Understanding Symptoms of Throat Discomfort After Fish Bone Incident
Are Earplugs Safe for Sleep? Understanding Ear Health Risks
Sleeping with earplugs? Doctor, does sleeping with earplugs cause any harm to the ears, such as hearing loss?
Dr. Zheng Jueyi Reply:
Dear Koko: Wearing earplugs should not cause hearing loss, but prolonged use can lead to a warm and humid environment in the ear canal, which may increase the risk of external ear canal inflammation or fungal infections. Wishing you safety and health. Sincerely, Dr. Cheng Jue-Yi,...[Read More] Are Earplugs Safe for Sleep? Understanding Ear Health Risks
Tinnitus and Dizziness: Understanding Their Connection and Symptoms
Tinnitus can be accompanied by dizziness? Hello, doctor. For the past two days, I have experienced mild tinnitus followed by dizziness in the area above my ears, which has persisted throughout the day. I also have slight discomfort in my throat, but it is not painful. I have not ...
Dr. Zheng Jueyi Reply:
Hi Caro: Hello, based on the symptoms you described, it may be dizziness caused by a cold virus infection or an inner ear condition such as Meniere's disease. If you also experience changes in hearing or a sensation of ear fullness, or if the symptoms persist without improve...[Read More] Tinnitus and Dizziness: Understanding Their Connection and Symptoms
Understanding the Causes of Hairy Tongue: ENT Insights
Tongue issues? Hello doctor, may I ask what could be the reason for my tongue appearing hairy? It has been like this for quite some time.
Dr. Zheng Jueyi Reply:
Hi Xiao Jie: The most common causes of a hairy tongue are inflammation, fungal infections, or immune system abnormalities. It is recommended to rinse your mouth more frequently, and if there is no improvement, you should seek medical evaluation. Wishing you peace and health. Sinc...[Read More] Understanding the Causes of Hairy Tongue: ENT Insights
Chronic Ear Infection: Managing Yellow Discharge After Nasopharyngeal Cancer
Continuous flow of yellow fluid for two weeks? I am a nasopharyngeal cancer survivor, and it's been about 8 years since my treatment. My left eardrum has been perforated for a long time, and recently I have been experiencing yellow discharge for two weeks. My ear feels stuff...
Dr. Zheng Jueyi Reply:
Hi Aders: This situation is indeed indicative of otitis media. Most cases can be effectively treated with ear drops or oral antibiotics, but treatment may take several weeks, so patience with the medication is necessary. If there is no improvement, it may be necessary to go to ...[Read More] Chronic Ear Infection: Managing Yellow Discharge After Nasopharyngeal Cancer
Understanding Facial Tightness and Numbness Near the Ear: Causes and Solutions
Tightness and tingling in the left cheek near the ear? Recently, for about 2 to 3 weeks, I have been experiencing occasional unusual sensations in the left side of my neck below the ear, along with a tight and tingling feeling in the left cheek. I visited a neurologist who examin...
Dr. Zheng Jueyi Reply:
Dear Joy, Hello, if infections, inflammation, or local tissue edema have been ruled out, the issue may primarily be related to sensory nerve abnormalities. If there is no improvement, you may consider consulting a neurologist for a detailed examination. Wishing you peace and h...[Read More] Understanding Facial Tightness and Numbness Near the Ear: Causes and Solutions
Understanding Rapid Hearing Loss: Causes, Prevention, and Hearing Aids
Hearing issues? 1. I used to experience hearing loss, but it was manageable in daily life. During my school years and early career, my hearing did not deteriorate significantly. However, from the time I entered the workforce until about seven to eight years ago, I noticed an aver...
Dr. Zheng Jueyi Reply:
Hi: 1. Hearing naturally deteriorates over time, but if the decline is rapid, it is advisable to seek medical attention for a detailed examination to rule out issues related to the auditory nerve or otitis media. If there are no obstructions, it may be necessary to investigate po...[Read More] Understanding Rapid Hearing Loss: Causes, Prevention, and Hearing Aids
Post-Laser Treatment for Oral Leukoplakia: Key Questions Answered
After laser treatment for oral leukoplakia? Hello Dr. Cheng, my father visited the ENT department at Chang Gung Memorial Hospital at the beginning of the month. During his initial consultation, a biopsy was performed, and during the second visit, the doctor informed us that the b...
Dr. Zheng Jueyi Reply:
Hello, 1. The severity of leukoplakia is not related to the extent of the affected areas. 2. An experienced physician can visually assess whether there may be an issue and choose to perform a biopsy on the potentially problematic areas; however, the definitive diagnosis of ora...[Read More] Post-Laser Treatment for Oral Leukoplakia: Key Questions Answered
Understanding Pain Above the Adam's Apple: Causes and Insights
Pain above the Adam's apple? Dr. Zheng: Hello, I have something to consult you about. Yesterday (May 23, 2013), upon waking up, I noticed an abnormality above my Adam's apple. Today (May 24, 2013), the symptoms are still present. 1. There is slight pain when I tilt my h...
Dr. Zheng Jueyi Reply:
Hello, the most common issue may be inflammation of the submandibular lymph nodes, which can cause pain when pulled or pressed. This may be due to a viral infection or inflammation caused by dental issues. It is advisable to monitor the situation for a few days. If the pain worse...[Read More] Understanding Pain Above the Adam's Apple: Causes and Insights
Understanding Recurrent Unilateral Parotitis: Causes and Next Steps
Parotitis In the past six months, there have been 5-6 episodes of unilateral parotitis. A CT scan has ruled out the possibility of salivary gland stones. Due to accompanying symptoms of dry eyes and dry mouth, a referral was made to the rheumatology and immunology department. Tea...
Dr. Zheng Jueyi Reply:
Dear Ah Sheng, Hello. If the possibility of a salivary gland stone has been ruled out, it may be worthwhile to consult a dentist to check for any dental issues. Additionally, you could ask an infectious disease specialist to evaluate for any other unusual infections. However, gi...[Read More] Understanding Recurrent Unilateral Parotitis: Causes and Next Steps
Understanding Throat Pain: Essential Tests and Causes Explained
If you have a sore throat, what tests should you undergo? Hello Dr. Zheng, I have been experiencing a sharp pain in the central anterior part of my throat (similar to the location of a male's Adam's apple) since April of last year. The pain is most noticeable when I f...
Dr. Zheng Jueyi Reply:
Dear Fangfang, 1. The tube inserted through the nostril for examination is likely a nasopharyngoscope, which allows for a detailed inspection from the nasal cavity, nasopharynx, oropharynx, to the hypopharynx. Chronic pharyngitis caused by gastric acid can show inflammation and ...[Read More] Understanding Throat Pain: Essential Tests and Causes Explained
Understanding Nasal Endoscopy: Insights on Ear Ringing and Throat Health
Nasal Endoscopy Examination Hello Doctor, Recently I've been experiencing tinnitus, so I went to a large hospital to see a doctor and had a hearing test done. The tinnitus is at a high frequency, and the doctor mentioned that my left ear shows some signs of aging. During m...
Dr. Zheng Jueyi Reply:
Hi Ah Bin: The nasopharynx is primarily composed of lymphoid tissue, and viral infections can lead to inflammation and redness in this area. It is advisable to wait until the infection improves before conducting a follow-up examination. Wishing you peace and health. Sincerely, Dr...[Read More] Understanding Nasal Endoscopy: Insights on Ear Ringing and Throat Health
Understanding Excess Earwax: Causes, Symptoms, and Solutions
The issue of excessive earwax? Hello, doctor! My right ear has been painful because I frequently dig for earwax. However, the earwax seems to be increasing, and I have a lot of large flakes every day that are becoming increasingly foul-smelling. When I visited the doctor, they sa...
Dr. Zheng Jueyi Reply:
Dear Yikun, Most cases of acute external auditory canal inflammation are caused by trauma, which may lead to the production of significant secretions or debris. It is recommended to use ear drops and to avoid digging in the ear temporarily. As the infection improves, the debris ...[Read More] Understanding Excess Earwax: Causes, Symptoms, and Solutions
Can Tinnitus Be Cured? Understanding Treatment Options and Hearing Loss
Is tinnitus incurable? Hello, I have persistent itching in my ear accompanied by a ringing sound (tinnitus). The doctor mentioned that the first phase of treatment for bacterial infection lasts two weeks, followed by three months, and that the itching and tinnitus are two separat...
Dr. Hu Kexin Reply:
Hello, yes, itching in the ears is generally not directly related to tinnitus. Persistent tinnitus often affects hearing; however, some patients with tinnitus may have normal audiograms. Treatment options depend on clinical evaluation. Massaging around the ear acupoints, such as ...[Read More] Can Tinnitus Be Cured? Understanding Treatment Options and Hearing Loss
Understanding Anosmia: Treatment Options for Loss of Smell
Loss of smell Hello Dr. Cheng, My father lost his sense of smell after a severe cold around April 2012. He has been treated for sinusitis, but his loss of smell has not improved. In late December, he underwent a CT scan of his nose at this hospital, and the report indicated that...
Dr. Zheng Jueyi Reply:
Dear Coco, Hello, I apologize that there is currently no effective treatment for anosmia. If a CT scan has been performed to rule out tumors or sinusitis as causes of obstructive smell loss, and it is suspected that the olfactory nerve atrophy is due to a viral infection, short-...[Read More] Understanding Anosmia: Treatment Options for Loss of Smell
Understanding Earwax Odor: Symptoms and Health Implications
What is the smell of earwax? Deep yellow earwax with an odor may indicate an infection or other ear-related issues. The sweet smell you noticed after cleaning your ears could be related to various factors, including the presence of bacteria or a fungal infection. While sweet-smel...
Dr. Zheng Jueyi Reply:
Dear Mr. Li, Hello. Earwax is primarily composed of secretions from sebaceous glands mixed with metabolic byproducts from the skin's stratum corneum, along with some normal flora present in the ear canal. Therefore, its yellow color or slight odor may be considered normal. ...[Read More] Understanding Earwax Odor: Symptoms and Health Implications