Persistent Sore Throat After Cold: When to Seek Treatment?
Persistent sore throat after a cold? Hello, Doctor. I have been experiencing a cold recently, and after taking over-the-counter medication, my cold-related symptoms (runny nose, nasal congestion, mild fever) have improved, but my sore throat has not. I have been taking the medica...
Dr. Zheng Jueyi Reply:
Hello, bacterial tonsillitis may improve on its own if the immune system is functioning normally, even without medication. However, the use of antibiotics can effectively shorten the duration of the illness and reduce the risk of severe complications. General anti-inflammatory an...[Read More] Persistent Sore Throat After Cold: When to Seek Treatment?
Choking on Food: Understanding Throat and Breathing Issues
Choking while eating? Last Saturday, I choked while eating and started coughing. At first, I thought I had cleared it and continued eating, but afterwards, I occasionally had difficulty breathing over the weekend. On Monday, I felt better, but since then, I've been experienc...
Dr. Zheng Jueyi Reply:
Hello, if you continue to feel unwell, you may consider seeing an otolaryngologist or a pulmonologist for an examination. Wishing you safety and health. Sincerely, Dr. Cheng Jue-Yi, Director of the Department of Otolaryngology, Taoyuan Hospital, Ministry of Health and Welfare.[Read More] Choking on Food: Understanding Throat and Breathing Issues
Persistent Throat Issues: When to See an ENT Specialist?
My throat feels strange? I previously had a sore throat and it seemed to improve only after taking medication twice, but it hasn't completely resolved. Later, I felt uncomfortable again, so I decided to let my throat heal on its own. Recently, I've been feeling unwell a...
Dr. Zheng Jueyi Reply:
Hello: If you continue to experience pain or difficulty swallowing, it is advisable to seek medical evaluation from an otolaryngologist or a gastroenterologist as soon as possible. If you are currently not experiencing any significant discomfort, you can drink more water and adju...[Read More] Persistent Throat Issues: When to See an ENT Specialist?
Understanding Oral Ulcers: Causes, Treatments, and When to Seek Help
Oral ulceration On June 19, I noticed a sore-like lesion located approximately below my lower left wisdom tooth. It hurts when touched. I consulted an ENT specialist who diagnosed it as inflammation and prescribed anti-inflammatory medication and Orabase (a topical oral paste). A...
Dr. Zheng Jueyi Reply:
Hello: If an oral ulcer has not healed after two weeks, it is advisable to seek medical evaluation to determine if a biopsy is necessary. Non-healing ulcers are often related to continuous friction from teeth, so it is recommended to consult a dentist to see if any treatment is n...[Read More] Understanding Oral Ulcers: Causes, Treatments, and When to Seek Help
Understanding Chronic Pharyngitis: Symptoms and Muscle Weakness Explained
Chronic pharyngitis Hello Doctor, I underwent a nasal endoscopy at a medical center at the end of last year, and the physician diagnosed me with chronic pharyngitis. My symptoms have not improved since then; in fact, I have started to experience coughing when drinking water, and ...
Dr. Zheng Jueyi Reply:
Hello: It is uncommon to encounter situations that cause weakness. If such symptoms occur, it is recommended to visit a gastroenterologist or a neurologist for examination. Wishing you safety and health. Sincerely, Dr. Cheng Jue-Yi, Director of the Department of Otolaryngology, T...[Read More] Understanding Chronic Pharyngitis: Symptoms and Muscle Weakness Explained
Understanding Alternating Nasal Congestion: Causes and Remedies
Alternating nasal congestion I often experience alternating nasal congestion without any nasal discharge. There is a slight amount of nasal crusting, mostly clear to light yellow, but it doesn't completely block my nose throughout the day; rather, it comes and goes. I don&#x...
Dr. Zheng Jueyi Reply:
Hello: Common causes of nasal congestion include a deviated septum or hypertrophic inferior turbinates, which can lead to reduced airflow. You may start by self-monitoring or applying warm compresses to your nose. If discomfort persists, it is advisable to visit an otolaryngology...[Read More] Understanding Alternating Nasal Congestion: Causes and Remedies
Persistent Throat Itch: Causes, Symptoms, and When to Seek Help
A scratchy throat may lead to the urge to clear the throat? Hello, Doctor: I would like to ask a question. Two weeks ago, while working in the office, I may have been exposed to strong air conditioning, and I started to feel a chill in my back. Since that week, I have experienced...
Dr. Zheng Jueyi Reply:
Hello: It is common to experience sensitivity phenomena after an infection, but COVID-19 cannot be ruled out. If symptoms persist without improvement, it is advisable to seek medical examination and screening. Wishing you safety and health. Sincerely, Dr. Cheng Jue-Yi, Director o...[Read More] Persistent Throat Itch: Causes, Symptoms, and When to Seek Help
Understanding Dry Earwax: When to Seek Medical Advice
Dry earwax with blood? Hello, Doctor. I usually have a habit of cleaning my ears with cotton swabs and my finger joints. Recently, I've been experiencing itchiness in my ears and an increase in earwax, cleaning them about twice a week. I have dry ears and just noticed two sm...
Dr. Zheng Jueyi Reply:
Hello: If there is no obvious bleeding, you can start with self-observation and temporarily avoid digging in your ears. If there is persistent discharge or changes in hearing, you will need to see an otolaryngologist for an examination. Wishing you safety and health. Sincerely, D...[Read More] Understanding Dry Earwax: When to Seek Medical Advice
Understanding Dizziness: Causes, Symptoms, and When to Seek Help
Recently experienced dizziness (vertigo)? Hello, Doctor. I sometimes experience postural hypotension, such as feeling faint and seeing black when I suddenly stand up after squatting, but it resolves within a few seconds. My first episode of dizziness occurred about two years ago ...
Dr. Ji Zhaoyun Reply:
Hello, dizziness can have numerous potential causes: 1) If accompanied by a dull pain in the back of the head, it may suggest poor blood circulation in the head and neck. 2) If there are symptoms of ear fullness, pressure, or hearing loss, it may indicate sudden sensorineural hea...[Read More] Understanding Dizziness: Causes, Symptoms, and When to Seek Help
Understanding Post-Nasal Drip: Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment Options
Post-nasal drip Hello, doctor... Since the beginning of January, I have been experiencing nasal congestion and post-nasal drip, with symptoms that have not improved. The nasal discharge is clear, and I have never had this issue before. In early April, I went to Linkou Chang Gung ...
Dr. Ji Zhaoyun Reply:
Hello, common symptoms of sinusitis include nasal congestion, yellow-green nasal discharge, fever, facial pain, foul smell, and changes in smell, although not all symptoms may appear. Diagnostic methods include endoscopy and imaging studies. If acute sinusitis persists after two ...[Read More] Understanding Post-Nasal Drip: Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment Options
Understanding Ear Pain: Symptoms and Possible Causes Explained
Ear pain with an abnormal feeling in the ear canal? Hello Doctor, my ear has been intermittently painful for the past few days. The pain feels deep, not like a surface pain, and there are no bumps or anything when I touch the outside with my finger. Today, it feels itchy inside, ...
Dr. Ji Zhaoyun Reply:
Hello, the issues you mentioned may be due to the following possibilities: 1) Otitis Media: a) Acute Otitis Media: Often occurs alongside upper respiratory infections (such as colds) and sinusitis. In severe cases, there may be discharge from the ear. b) Chronic Otitis ...[Read More] Understanding Ear Pain: Symptoms and Possible Causes Explained
Oral Sex and HPV Transmission Risk: What You Need to Know
Oral transmission risk? Hello, doctor. My boyfriend was diagnosed with genital warts in March and underwent cryotherapy immediately. I went to the gynecologist and had no issues. I would like to ask, given that he has received cryotherapy and I have completed the second dose of t...
Dr. Zheng Jueyi Reply:
Hello: There is still a certain level of risk. If any abnormalities are found in the oral cavity, it is advisable to seek medical examination for confirmation. Wishing you safety and health. Sincerely, Dr. Cheng Jue-Yi, Director of the Department of Otolaryngology, Taoyuan Hospit...[Read More] Oral Sex and HPV Transmission Risk: What You Need to Know
Is Spraying 75% Alcohol in the Nose Safe? ENT Concerns and Advice
Questions related to disinfectant alcohol? Dear Doctor, This morning I had a sudden idea and sprayed 75% denatured alcohol into my nasal cavity (without inhaling). I only realized afterward that this might be harmful. Could this damage my nasal mucosa, nasopharynx, or other org...
Dr. Ji Zhaoyun Reply:
Hello, if there are no obvious discomforts such as nosebleeds, nasal congestion, or abnormal sense of smell, you can observe for now. Please be careful not to use alcohol in the nasal cavity again. Wishing you safety and good health.[Read More] Is Spraying 75% Alcohol in the Nose Safe? ENT Concerns and Advice
Understanding Nighttime Nasal Allergies: Causes and Remedies
Nasal allergies I have been experiencing itchy nose, sneezing, and runny nose every time I lie down to sleep for almost a week now, which is very disruptive to my sleep. I exercise regularly and maintain a balanced diet; I hardly consume cold foods or drinks, drink warm water, an...
Dr. Zheng Jueyi Reply:
Hello, if nasal allergies are affecting your daily life, it is recommended to use medication for control. Common options include oral antihistamines or nasal corticosteroid sprays for treatment; however, the spray requires a prescription from a physician and cannot be purchased o...[Read More] Understanding Nighttime Nasal Allergies: Causes and Remedies
Understanding Throat Pain: Is a Laryngoscopy Necessary?
Sore throat - Nasopharyngeal examination Hello Doctor, I am the author of post #169127. I would like to ask if a laryngoscopy is the same as a nasopharyngoscopy? The clinic physician performed a nasopharyngoscopy and mentioned sinusitis, but did not address the throat area. I am ...
Dr. Ji Zhaoyun Reply:
Hello, a nasopharyngoscopy can indeed examine the nasal area, but there is no requirement to also examine the throat. It is recommended to seek medical attention if symptoms persist without relief after medication. Wishing you peace and good health.[Read More] Understanding Throat Pain: Is a Laryngoscopy Necessary?
Understanding Tinnitus and Ear Noises: When to Seek Medical Help
Tinnitus, pulsatile tinnitus, and a sensation of bubbling sounds in the ear? Hello, doctor. I have been troubled for a long time by tinnitus and possibly pulsatile tinnitus. Sometimes, my right ear suddenly feels blocked, and I experience tinnitus, which sometimes goes away. The ...
Dr. Ji Zhaoyun Reply:
Hello, the issues you mentioned could be due to: 1) Eustachian tube dysfunction: This is the most common cause and can occur not only during flying, climbing, or diving, but also when forcefully blowing your nose or bending over. 2) Sudden sensorineural hearing loss. 3) Otitis me...[Read More] Understanding Tinnitus and Ear Noises: When to Seek Medical Help
Understanding Ear and Nose Bleeding: Causes and When to Seek Help
Bleeding from the ears and nose? Hello Dr. Cheng, thank you for taking the time to respond. My mother experienced a sensation of ear blockage yesterday, and later discovered some bleeding in her ear through a tissue. The bleeding was not severe enough to flow out but had a darker...
Dr. Zheng Jueyi Reply:
Hello, if you have persistent nasal discharge with blood streaks accompanied by unilateral ear fullness, it is recommended to seek medical evaluation to assess the condition of the nasopharynx. If the symptoms are due to nasal allergies affecting the function of the Eustachian tu...[Read More] Understanding Ear and Nose Bleeding: Causes and When to Seek Help
Understanding Ear Congestion: Causes, Tests, and Relief Options
Ear fullness sensation Hello Doctor, I started experiencing a feeling of fullness in my right ear at the end of last year. I went to the hospital for an examination, and the doctor said to monitor it. However, it felt more blocked, so I went to a clinic. The doctor prescribed me ...
Dr. Li Jiaxuan Reply:
Eustachian tube obstruction or inner ear lymphatic issues can be diagnosed through hearing tests, and auditory brainstem response (ABR) tests or imaging studies can be performed to check for conditions such as acoustic neuroma. These potential diagnoses need to be established bef...[Read More] Understanding Ear Congestion: Causes, Tests, and Relief Options
Understanding Persistent Nasal Congestion Without Mucus: Causes and Solutions
Persistent nasal congestion requiring forceful breathing without nasal discharge? Since I woke up last night, I've been experiencing some difficulty breathing for no apparent reason. I haven't turned on the air conditioning, and I don't have a runny nose! It doesn&...
Dr. Zheng Jueyi Reply:
Hello, if you continue to experience a feeling of wheezing, it is advisable to seek medical examination or go to the hospital for screening. Wishing you safety and health. Sincerely, Dr. Cheng Jue-Yi, Director of the Department of Otolaryngology, Taoyuan Hospital, Ministry of Hea...[Read More] Understanding Persistent Nasal Congestion Without Mucus: Causes and Solutions
Understanding Salivary Gland Stones: Symptoms, Management, and Concerns
Salivary gland stones I visited an ENT specialist on May 10 and 12 due to swelling of my right salivary gland, which was not painful. The doctor diagnosed it as a salivary stone and advised me to drink plenty of water. I was prescribed medication and informed that there might sti...
Dr. Zheng Jueyi Reply:
Hello, if there is no obvious inflammation or pain, it is advisable to drink plenty of water and monitor the situation during the pandemic. However, if there is inflammation, swelling, and pain, it is recommended to seek medical attention for medication treatment. Generally, smal...[Read More] Understanding Salivary Gland Stones: Symptoms, Management, and Concerns