Understanding Ear Congestion: Causes and When to Seek Help
The sensation of fullness or blockage in the right ear? Since yesterday, I've been feeling a blockage in my right ear upon waking up. Initially, I also experienced pain in the right side of my neck, similar to discomfort caused by poor posture. However, after an afternoon, t...
Dr. Xu Jiazhen Reply:
Hello: Eustachian tube obstruction is indeed one of the symptoms of nasopharyngeal carcinoma. Generally, it is necessary to consult an otolaryngologist, who can use a mirror or nasopharyngoscope to observe the nasopharynx and determine if there are any tumors present. If confirma...[Read More] Understanding Ear Congestion: Causes and When to Seek Help
Can Eustachian Tube Issues Cause Tinnitus? Understanding Your Symptoms
Can the Eustachian tube cause tinnitus? Hello Doctor: I have a few questions I would like you to clarify: You mentioned concerns about nasopharyngeal tumors. I had a nasal endoscopy, and they said everything was normal with no tumors. I would like to know if Eustachian tube issue...
Dr. Xu Jiazhen Reply:
Hello: If the issue is not caused by a tumor in the nasopharynx leading to Eustachian tube dysfunction, we would generally consider whether inflammation is the cause. Of course, long-term abnormal ear pressure can lead to inner ear pathology, commonly presenting as hearing loss o...[Read More] Can Eustachian Tube Issues Cause Tinnitus? Understanding Your Symptoms
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
Sounds in Ears When Swallowing: Causes and Treatment Options
Hearing a sound in the ear when swallowing saliva? Hello: I experience a sound in my ear when I swallow. What could be the possible cause? How should it be treated? Thank you.
Dr. Zheng Jueyi Reply:
Dear Wade, Hello, it may be due to Eustachian tube dysfunction. The Eustachian tube connects the middle ear to the nasopharynx and opens during swallowing to equalize pressure in the middle ear. Dysfunction of this tube may lead to abnormal sounds. Most cases tend to improve nat...[Read More] Sounds in Ears When Swallowing: Causes and Treatment Options
Understanding EB Virus and Adenoid Enlargement: Key Insights for Patients
EB virus and adenoid hypertrophy issues? Dear Doctor, Two years ago, I visited a teaching hospital due to tinnitus, and the attending physician ordered a blood test for Epstein-Barr virus (EBV), which returned positive, but I had no other symptoms. Recently, in the past week or ...
Dr. Zheng Jueyi Reply:
Dear Mr. Chang, Since the majority of the population has been infected with the Epstein-Barr virus (EBV), a positive EBV IgA test is only for reference or for monitoring after nasopharyngeal cancer radiotherapy. The definitive diagnosis still relies primarily on nasopharyngeal t...[Read More] Understanding EB Virus and Adenoid Enlargement: Key Insights for Patients
Understanding Persistent Ear Ringing and Nasal Issues: A Comprehensive Guide
Incurable disease? Hello! I often use the computer and maintain a hunched posture. Two to three years ago, I started experiencing persistent tinnitus in my left ear (the sound is louder at night and less noticeable during the day, but I can still hear it if I pay attention). I al...
Dr. Ye Dawei Reply:
Response: A1: An active magnetic resonance angiography and carotid duplex ultrasound examination can be performed. A2: It is recommended to consult the ENT department and the neurology department. Director Yeh Da-Wei of the ENT department at Hsinchu Hospital.[Read More] Understanding Persistent Ear Ringing and Nasal Issues: A Comprehensive Guide
Persistent Nosebleeds: Causes, Concerns, and When to Seek Help
Recent occurrences of nosebleeds? Hello Dr. Cheng, Recently, I have noticed blood in my nasal mucus. Although I have experienced nosebleeds in the past, I have never encountered a situation like this where it does not heal. Each time I blow my nose, there are streaks of blood ra...
Dr. Zheng Jueyi Reply:
Dear Nick, Regarding nasal bleeding, most of the bleeding occurs at the anterior part of the nasal septum, as this area is a convergence point for blood vessels. It can be caused by dry weather, trauma, or hypertension, leading to the rupture of blood vessels. Nasopharyngeal car...[Read More] Persistent Nosebleeds: Causes, Concerns, and When to Seek Help
Understanding Lymph Nodes: When to Worry and When It's Normal
Lymph node issues? Hello: I have lymph nodes in my neck that are symmetrical. I visited an ENT clinic for examination, and the doctor said they are movable and smaller than one centimeter, which is considered normal lymph nodes. Additionally, the endoscopic examination of the nas...
Dr. Zheng Jueyi Reply:
Dear Mr. Zhang, Based on your description, including bilateral lymph nodes that are smaller than one centimeter and mobile upon palpation, these are characteristics of benign and normal lymph nodes. A thorough nasopharyngoscopy has ruled out the possibility of head and neck tumo...[Read More] Understanding Lymph Nodes: When to Worry and When It's Normal
Understanding Nasopharyngeal Cancer Symptoms: Key Signs to Watch For
Symptoms of nasopharyngeal cancer? What are the exact symptoms of nasopharyngeal carcinoma? Can it cause post-nasal drip and jaw clenching (because I previously experienced a clicking sound when moving my left temporomandibular joint, but now it hurts when I force it)? What does ...
Dr. Chen Jianzhi Reply:
Dear Inquirer: The five major symptoms of nasopharyngeal carcinoma are (1) neck mass, (2) epistaxis, (3) diplopia, (4) unilateral serous otitis media, and (5) headache. Temporomandibular joint disorder and post-nasal drip are not typical symptoms of nasopharyngeal carcinoma. Te...[Read More] Understanding Nasopharyngeal Cancer Symptoms: Key Signs to Watch For
Morning Cough: Causes and Recommended Tests for Relief
Morning cough I have a cold, but I almost wake up coughing every morning and always feel an itch in my throat. Could you please tell me what the reason for this is and what kind of examination I should undergo? Thank you!
Dr. Chen Jianzhi Reply:
Dear Inquirer: Hello, based on your literal question, you may ask a physician to examine your nasopharynx or oropharynx for signs of post-nasal drip. I'm not sure if you have a condition of sinusitis. Sincerely, Lecturer Chen Jian-Zhi, Fu Jen Catholic University.[Read More] Morning Cough: Causes and Recommended Tests for Relief
Understanding White Spots in the Throat: Causes and Treatment Options
White spots on the throat? I would like to ask the doctor: I can't quite describe it, but I have white spots on the right side of my throat near the pharynx. I initially thought it was a viral infection from my child, so I went to see an ENT specialist. However, the doctor s...
Dr. Xu Jiazhen Reply:
Based on your description, it is difficult to determine the exact issue you are experiencing, but there are several possible causes. The first could be thick secretions resulting from tonsillitis, which are expelled from the small crypts of the tonsils. This may lead you to belie...[Read More] Understanding White Spots in the Throat: Causes and Treatment Options
Understanding Nasal Polyps: Causes, Treatment, and Surgical Options
Nasal issues? My friend recently visited a doctor due to nasal congestion. The physician used a nasopharyngoscope (which allows for visual examination) and mentioned that there are polyps in the nasopharynx. The doctor said that if the condition does not improve after medication,...
Dr. Chen Jianzhi Reply:
Dear Inquirer: Nasal polyps are likely to originate from the posterior nasal cavity or sinuses. The standard treatment for nasal polyps is surgical removal, especially after medical treatment has failed; however, surgery is not mandatory. Sincerely, Dr. Chien-Chih Chen, Phys...[Read More] Understanding Nasal Polyps: Causes, Treatment, and Surgical Options
Understanding Salivary Gland Tumors and Nasopharyngeal Cancer Risks
Salivary gland (parotid gland) tumors and nasopharyngeal carcinoma? Hello Dr. Chen, thank you for your sincere response to my previous question regarding the EB virus. Today, I went for a follow-up appointment with the otolaryngology department. Last year, my EB test result was i...
Dr. Chen Jianzhi Reply:
Dear Inquirer: Hello, regarding your EB test, you may follow the recommendations of your attending physician. As for your father, it is advised to have at least one examination of the nasopharynx; the physician can use either a mirror or an endoscope for this. Sincerely, Dr. Chen...[Read More] Understanding Salivary Gland Tumors and Nasopharyngeal Cancer Risks
Understanding Ear Issues: Could Sinusitis Be the Culprit?
Ear problems? Recently, I've been experiencing strange sounds in my ears, similar to the discomfort felt when taking an elevator to a high floor, like in Taipei 101. I find that yawning helps, but my ears still feel muffled, and no matter how much I yawn, it doesn't imp...
Dr. Chen Jianzhi Reply:
Dear Inquirer: Hello, your issue may be caused by thick mucus from sinusitis affecting the Eustachian tube during treatment. If you have a follow-up appointment, please let me know, and I will check your nasopharynx and tympanic membrane to see if this is the underlying problem. ...[Read More] Understanding Ear Issues: Could Sinusitis Be the Culprit?
Can Eardrum Healing Improve Ear Pressure and Tinnitus?
Is it possible to improve tinnitus? Hello Doctor: After a perforated eardrum heals, can abnormal middle ear pressure be improved? Does hearing loss or a previous eardrum perforation affect the function of the Eustachian tube? If the function has not changed, is there a way to imp...
Dr. Xu Jiazhen Reply:
Strictly speaking, after surgery for otitis media, the pressure in the middle ear does not necessarily return to normal, as the function of the Eustachian tube, which connects to the nasopharynx, may not be restored. Of course, some patients experience improvement in Eustachian t...[Read More] Can Eardrum Healing Improve Ear Pressure and Tinnitus?
Understanding Persistent Lymph Nodes: ENT Insights and Concerns
Please provide the content you would like me to translate into English? Hello: 1. I have four lymph nodes in my neck (for over three years), all of which are symmetrical and smaller than 1.5 cm. The doctor indicated that as long as they are being monitored, there is generally n...
Dr. Xu Jiazhen Reply:
First, I believe it should not be less than 1.5 cm; rather, lesions smaller than 1 cm generally have little immediate clinical significance, except in cases of change. Examination, including physical and imaging assessments of the head and neck, is reasonable. The otolaryngology ...[Read More] Understanding Persistent Lymph Nodes: ENT Insights and Concerns
Understanding the Need for ENT Evaluation After Positive EB-VCA IgA Test
EB-VCA IgA positive Hello, doctor. During my husband's health check-up at the park, he opted for an additional out-of-pocket cancer screening, and the EB-VCA IgA test came back positive for the ENT section. The doctor recommended that he see an ENT specialist for a nasophary...
Dr. Chen Jianzhi Reply:
Dear Inquirer: I recommend that you first visit a nearby otolaryngology clinic for a physical examination of the nasopharynx. The standard examination method for the nasopharynx is using a mirror, rather than an endoscope. After that, you can retest for EB-VCA IgA in one month....[Read More] Understanding the Need for ENT Evaluation After Positive EB-VCA IgA Test
Understanding ENT Procedures: When Is a Biopsy Necessary?
Please provide the content you would like Hello: 1. Is a surgical biopsy the same as surgery? Under what circumstances is a biopsy necessary? 2. If a biopsy is not performed, is it impossible to determine whether the lymph nodes are normal? 3. The physician's report indi...
Dr. Chen Jianzhi Reply:
Dear Inquirer, Based on your literal question, surgical pathology specimens are currently the only method to definitively determine whether a lesion is benign or malignant. This method cannot be replaced by physical examinations, imaging studies, or other methods. A normal nasop...[Read More] Understanding ENT Procedures: When Is a Biopsy Necessary?
Understanding ENT Procedures: Biopsy, Diagnosis, and Neck Mass Concerns
Please provide the content you would like me to translate Hello: 1. Surgical pathology specimens are currently the only method to definitively determine whether a lesion is benign or malignant, and they cannot be replaced by physical examinations, imaging studies, or other meth...
Dr. Chen Jianzhi Reply:
Dear Inquirer, Based on your literal question, a puncture examination cannot replace a biopsy. The determination of whether a lesion is benign or malignant still primarily relies on surgical biopsy. This is unrelated to the duration of specimen storage. The timing and complexity...[Read More] Understanding ENT Procedures: Biopsy, Diagnosis, and Neck Mass Concerns
Do I Need Ongoing Follow-Up for My Neck Lymph Nodes?
Lymph Hello, I previously consulted you about the lymph nodes in my neck. Today, I went back to the hospital for a follow-up, and the doctor examined me and said that the nasopharynx looks clear and there haven't been any significant changes. Since it's been nearly thre...
Dr. Chen Jianzhi Reply:
Dear Inquirer: Hello, based on your literal question, are you considering undergoing a surgical biopsy? Sincerely, Dr. Chen Jian-Zhi, Physician at Taoyuan Hospital, Department of Health, and Lecturer at Fu Jen Catholic University.[Read More] Do I Need Ongoing Follow-Up for My Neck Lymph Nodes?