Understanding Vocal Cord Ulcers: Treatment Options and Dietary Tips
Vocal cord ulceration Hello doctor, I have a friend who has developed vocal cord ulcers, which has resulted in the inability to produce sound. It has been over a month since this started. Initially, he has been on medication for more than a month, and the doctor performed an endo...
Dr. Xu Jiazhen Reply:
Hello: If what you say is true, it is a rare case of vocal cord ulceration. The first consideration should be whether there is an issue with the systemic immune system. Additionally, certain fungal infections can also cause this, and occupational hazards should be considered, suc...[Read More] Understanding Vocal Cord Ulcers: Treatment Options and Dietary Tips
Understanding Adult Otitis Media with Effusion: Key Questions Answered
Adult otitis media with effusion Dr. Hsu: Hello! A while ago, my mother experienced repeated colds for about a month. During the later stages of her cold, she reported that she seemed to have some hearing impairment in one ear (we also noticed that we needed to speak louder than ...
Dr. Xu Yingzhuo Reply:
Hello, Little Black Pig: Middle ear effusion can be classified into acute and chronic types. Acute otitis media leading to middle ear effusion is caused by bacterial infection, with symptoms including ear pain and even discharge. Antibiotics can be effective in this case. Howev...[Read More] Understanding Adult Otitis Media with Effusion: Key Questions Answered
Understanding Darkened Taste Buds: Causes and Concerns
Blackened taste buds I have recently noticed that the taste buds on the tip of my tongue have changed color and appear darker, almost like little black spots. There are also some on the sides of my tongue. Is this normal?
Dr. Zheng Jueyi Reply:
Dear Kexin: It may be caused by pigment deposition from diet or a fungal infection. You can try rinsing your mouth more frequently after meals. If there is no improvement, it is advisable to seek medical evaluation from a physician. Wishing you safety and health. Sincerely, Dr. Z...[Read More] Understanding Darkened Taste Buds: Causes and Concerns
Understanding Left Neck Mass: Lymph Node or Tumor Concerns?
Left posterior cervical mass? Hello, I would like to ask about a slightly raised area on the back of my left neck, just a bit behind the left side of my neck, which is about 1 to 2 centimeters in size. It seems to be immovable. I remember discovering it about ten years ago and co...
Dr. Xu Jiazhen Reply:
This is usually part of the posterior auricular lymph nodes, which may become more swollen during a mild infection, such as when there are nearby pimples. If the swelling persists for more than a week or continues to enlarge, please seek medical attention promptly.[Read More] Understanding Left Neck Mass: Lymph Node or Tumor Concerns?
Understanding Sinusitis Symptoms: Is Your Pain a Sign?
Symptoms of sinusitis? A few days ago, I experienced a headache that was very painful from the bridge of my nose (between my eyebrows) to above my left eyebrow. Gently tapping or pressing on that area causes significant pain. The pain persists from noon to the afternoon, to the p...
Dr. Xu Yingzhuo Reply:
The human sinuses are divided into the frontal sinus, maxillary sinus, sphenoid sinus, and ethmoid sinus. The frontal sinus is located in the middle of the forehead, just above the glabella. When a cold causes swelling of the nasal mucosa, or when nasal polyps or tumors grow at t...[Read More] Understanding Sinusitis Symptoms: Is Your Pain a Sign?
Understanding Neck Lumps Behind the Ear: When to Seek Further Evaluation
Lump behind the ear and neck? Hello, I discovered a hard lump about 0.5 cm in size behind my right ear in early August. I can feel it, but it is not visible to the naked eye. After visiting an otolaryngologist, the doctor said that as long as it hasn't grown, there is no cau...
Dr. Xu Jiazhen Reply:
Typically, these small lumps are not necessarily malignant tumors, but caution is still advised as they could be due to a minor infection or a viral issue. It is recommended to monitor the situation closely and maintain communication with your attending physician to ensure comple...[Read More] Understanding Neck Lumps Behind the Ear: When to Seek Further Evaluation
Understanding Ear Itching and Head Pressure: Common ENT Issues Explained
Itchy ears and a heavy head? Hello doctor, my ears have been itching internally every two to three days. I can't reach the itch, so I press on my ears with my fingers until it feels a bit better, but often this causes some skin irritation. When I shower and wash my face, the...
Dr. Hu Kexin Reply:
Hello: There are many causes for itchy ears, such as fungal infections, bacterial infections, or dry ear canals. Gently pressing on the ear with your finger may provide some comfort, but doing it too often or too forcefully can lead to injury, which would be counterproductive. It...[Read More] Understanding Ear Itching and Head Pressure: Common ENT Issues Explained
Understanding Nonspecific Inflammation in Sinus Conditions: An ENT Perspective
Diagnosis details Nonspecific inflammation (noncaseating granulomatous or nongranulomatous) within the sinus refers to an inflammatory response in the sinus cavities that does not exhibit specific characteristics associated with particular diseases. Noncaseating granulomatous inf...
Dr. Hu Kexin Reply:
Non-specific inflammation of the sinus (non-caseating granulomatous or non-granulomatous). For clinical interpretation, please consult your attending physician.[Read More] Understanding Nonspecific Inflammation in Sinus Conditions: An ENT Perspective
Why Do Ear Infections Keep Recurring? Understanding Causes and Risks
Why do ears repeatedly get infected and inflamed? About a month ago, I had a fungal infection in my left ear. After applying medication, I noticed some improvement, but I've been hesitant to clean my ears. Recently, I've experienced sudden bouts of dizziness and sharp p...
Dr. Xu Jiazhen Reply:
Most recurrent infections are often caused by persistent scratching. It is generally advisable to investigate the underlying reasons for the scratching. Some causes may include excessively dry ear canals or the presence of otitis media. Fungal infections could also be a contribut...[Read More] Why Do Ear Infections Keep Recurring? Understanding Causes and Risks
Understanding Ear Infections: Symptoms, Diagnosis, and Recovery Tips
About otitis media? I recently experienced an unexplained itch in my throat, so I waited until the next day after school to see a doctor. However, after taking the medication, my condition did not improve and instead my throat started to hurt. Last night, I felt pain in my right ...
Dr. Ke Minzheng Reply:
Hello, Miss: Thank you for your inquiry. I would like to respond to your question and provide the following advice: Acute pharyngitis can likely lead to an infection of the middle ear, resulting in a complication known as otitis media. It is essential to seek medical treatment pr...[Read More] Understanding Ear Infections: Symptoms, Diagnosis, and Recovery Tips
Understanding Painless Lymphadenopathy: Causes and Concerns
Painless lymphadenopathy? Dear Dr. Cheng, I recently consulted with you and visited an ENT specialist at a medical center. I have some unresolved questions I would like to ask you. Currently, my symptoms include lymphadenopathy measuring 1 x 0.5 cm (as noted by the physician dur...
Dr. Zheng Jueyi Reply:
Dear Beforly: Based on your description, the lymph node enlargement measuring 1 x 0.5 cm and being mobile is most likely a benign change. Antibiotics or anti-inflammatory medications are effective during acute infections; however, if there is no infection present, antibiotics may...[Read More] Understanding Painless Lymphadenopathy: Causes and Concerns
Understanding Lymph Node Enlargement: Inflammation or Tumor Concerns?
Lymphadenopathy (inflammation? tumor) Hello, I recently discovered a swollen lymph node in the lower left side of my neck. It is painless to the touch, round and flat in shape, and the doctor estimated it to be about 0.3 cm, although I feel it might be around 0.8 cm (based on sur...
Dr. Zheng Jueyi Reply:
Hello: Based on your description, if what you felt is a lymph node, a normal, non-inflamed lymph node typically does not cause pain and generally does not lead to any discomfort. It is often discovered accidentally, and its size may not change significantly. If it remains the sam...[Read More] Understanding Lymph Node Enlargement: Inflammation or Tumor Concerns?
Understanding Inflammatory Index: What Does a Level of 15.2 Mean?
Inflammatory index Hello: It is likely an adenovirus infection, with symptoms of conjunctivitis and purulent tonsillitis. The blood test showed an inflammatory index of 15.2 (the doctor suggested hospitalization or oral antibiotics). Due to having children, we chose oral antibiot...
Dr. Ye Dawei Reply:
Dear Sir/Madam: If you experience a high fever or if your symptoms persist without improvement, please return to the hospital for treatment as soon as possible. Sincerely, Dr. Shih Shui-Mu, Attending Physician, Department of Otolaryngology, Hsinchu Hospital.[Read More] Understanding Inflammatory Index: What Does a Level of 15.2 Mean?
Understanding Unilateral Tonsil Inflammation After Tonsillectomy
Unilateral tonsillar suppuration? Hello Doctor: I had my tonsils removed over ten years ago (both sides). For the past decade, whenever I catch a cold, my throat would hurt, but it never resulted in pus or fever. However, in the past two days, my throat started to hurt, and I dev...
Dr. Zheng Jueyi Reply:
Dear Amy: Generally, the tonsils do not regenerate after removal. If there is still inflammation in the tonsils, there could be several possibilities: 1. Inflammation of the surrounding tissue, which may appear similar to tonsillitis; 2. Inflammation of any residual tonsillar tis...[Read More] Understanding Unilateral Tonsil Inflammation After Tonsillectomy
Understanding Ear Infections and Fungal Issues: What to Expect
Ear inflammation and fungal infection issues? In the past 1-2 months, I have frequently experienced inflammation in my left ear. I visited an otolaryngologist, who informed me that the recurrent inflammation has led to a fungal infection, and there is also a mild infection in my ...
Dr. Zheng Jueyi Reply:
Dear A-Qi, Hello. An external auditory canal fungal infection can cause symptoms such as ear fullness, itching, or tinnitus, and may even lead to mild hearing impairment. These symptoms should naturally resolve after the fungal infection of the external auditory canal is cured, ...[Read More] Understanding Ear Infections and Fungal Issues: What to Expect
Understanding Ear Discharge: Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment Options
Please ask your question? 1. Is it normal for the ear to discharge pus that has an unpleasant odor and is sticky? What causes pus to flow from the ear? Could it be due to a ruptured eardrum or an ear infection? 2. When cleaning the ears, can you see the very inside of the ear, o...
Dr. Ye Dawei Reply:
Dear Sir/Madam: A1: There are many possible causes; it is not definitive. A2: The external auditory canal can be visualized using an otoscope or endoscope. A3: It is generally recommended to visit an otolaryngology clinic for examination and management based on the specific...[Read More] Understanding Ear Discharge: Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment Options
Understanding Dizziness and Balance Issues Related to Ear Infections
Dizziness and Balance Hello doctor, I have been experiencing ear inflammation for a long time. Recently, I have taken anti-inflammatory medication for a week, which has improved my dizziness symptoms, but I still feel heavy-headed, unsteady on my feet, and have visual disturbance...
Dr. Ye Dawei Reply:
Dear Sir/Madam: It is recommended to visit the Otolaryngology outpatient department for further consultation and, if necessary, arrange for examinations. Dr. Yeh Da-Wei, Head of Otolaryngology, Hsinchu Hospital.[Read More] Understanding Dizziness and Balance Issues Related to Ear Infections
Understanding Ear Noises: Causes and Connections to Past Infections
Strange sounds in the ear? Hello, today while running, I noticed a thumping sound in my right ear that occurs with the rhythm of my running. It feels like something inside is loose. Additionally, if I tilt my head back slightly, the sound disappears. A few years ago, I had an inf...
Dr. Xu Jiazhen Reply:
In most cases, this situation is caused by small foreign objects in the ear canal, which can lead to varying symptoms with changes in posture. Some foreign objects may also cause inflammation. It is advisable to consult a specialist, as the issue should be relatively easy to diag...[Read More] Understanding Ear Noises: Causes and Connections to Past Infections
Understanding Throat Pain and Enlarged Tonsils: Key Insights for Relief
Throat and tonsils [Currently having a cold] This morning, I visited a general clinic for symptoms: sore throat, itchy throat, post-nasal drip, cough, and phlegm. The diagnosis was bacterial infection with a red and swollen throat. In the evening: Q1: When I push on my tongue, it...
Dr. Ye Dawei Reply:
Dear Sir/Madam: A1: Based on the article, it appears to be tonsillitis. A2: It is not a throat ulcer; it is inflammation of the lymph nodes in the pharynx. Please visit the otolaryngology outpatient department for further diagnosis and treatment. Dr. Shih Shui-Mu, Attending Physi...[Read More] Understanding Throat Pain and Enlarged Tonsils: Key Insights for Relief
Is This a Polyp? Understanding Oral Growths and Their Symptoms
Is this a long polyp? I'm sorry, but I cannot access external links or images. However, based on your description of a painful growth in the oral cavity, it could potentially be a number of conditions such as an oral ulcer, a fibroma, or even an infection like a cold sore or...
Dr. Hu Kexin Reply:
Hello: In response to your question, it could possibly be a polyp, a mucous cyst, or other conditions. It is recommended that you visit an otolaryngologist for a thorough examination and treatment.[Read More] Is This a Polyp? Understanding Oral Growths and Their Symptoms