Does Gentamicin Cream Cause Irreversible Ototoxicity When Applied Externally?
Does topical Gentamicin Cream cause ototoxicity? Hello, I would like to ask the doctor if applying Gentamicin Cream (from the manufacturer Hsin Kuei) in the external ear canal could potentially cause irreversible ototoxicity. I applied it once today and noticed it mentioned that ...
Dr. Zheng Jueyi Reply:
Hello: The absorption of topical medications in a limited area of the body is minimal, and it generally requires long-term use to cause any issues. The likelihood of adverse effects from standard ointments is quite low. Wishing you peace and health. Sincerely, Dr. Cheng Jue-Yi, D...[Read More] Does Gentamicin Cream Cause Irreversible Ototoxicity When Applied Externally?
Understanding Hearing Loss and Tinnitus: Causes and Recovery Options
Hearing loss and tinnitus? Hello, doctor. Last year, I visited the ENT department at Kaohsiung Medical University. After completing a hearing test, the doctor only mentioned that I had hearing loss. The issue is that I can hear sounds, but sometimes they are unclear, and there ar...
Dr. Zheng Jueyi Reply:
Hello! Symptoms of sensorineural hearing loss are mostly irreversible. If you are experiencing difficulties in daily life due to hearing impairment, it is advisable to consider using hearing aids to assist with hearing. Wishing you health and happiness! Sincerely, Dr. Jue-Yi Chen...[Read More] Understanding Hearing Loss and Tinnitus: Causes and Recovery Options
Understanding Neck Lumps: Lymph Nodes or Carotid Artery Concerns?
Neck lump? Doctor, I have a hard lump on the left side of my neck, located near the carotid artery. It feels pulsatile and is oval-shaped, measuring about 3 to 3.5 centimeters in length and about 1 centimeter in width. It is not painful. I have seen an ENT specialist, but some do...
Dr. Zheng Jueyi Reply:
Hello: If it persists and is larger than one centimeter, it is recommended to visit a hospital for further 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] Understanding Neck Lumps: Lymph Nodes or Carotid Artery Concerns?
Understanding Sudden Throat Irritation: Causes and Solutions
Sudden throat irritation? Hello Doctor: I haven't had a cold recently, but I often experience a sudden, sharp sensation in my throat that feels like a prickling irritation. This sensation makes me want to cough, and holding back the cough causes discomfort and tears. Althoug...
Dr. Zheng Jueyi Reply:
Hello! This may be related to gastroesophageal reflux, post-nasal drip, or respiratory sensitivity. It is recommended to consult with an otolaryngologist, gastroenterologist, or pulmonologist for examination. Wishing you health and happiness! Sincerely, Dr. Cheng Jue-Yi, Director...[Read More] Understanding Sudden Throat Irritation: Causes and Solutions
Understanding Recurrent Facial and Ear Swellings in Young Children
A four-year-old child presents with swelling in the area below the ear and on the cheek (not simultaneously)? Hello Doctor: My four-year-old daughter has been experiencing swelling on both sides of her face and under her ears for the past six months. The first swelling (under the...
Dr. Zheng Jueyi Reply:
Hello, if there is no improvement, you may consider searching for a pediatric surgeon at a medical center in central or southern Taiwan for a more detailed examination and evaluation. Wishing you safety and health. Sincerely, Dr. Cheng Jue-Yi, Director of the Department of Otolar...[Read More] Understanding Recurrent Facial and Ear Swellings in Young Children
Is Your Eustachian Tube Blocked or Is Mucus in Your Middle Ear?
Is the Eustachian tube blocked? Or is mucus running into the middle ear? In the morning, I had a runny nose, and my right nostril was blocked. As a result, when I forcefully blew my nose, it felt like something was stuck in my right ear. Can it be determined whether my Eustachian...
Dr. Zheng Jueyi Reply:
Hello: The common issue is still related to the Eustachian tube. If it does not improve, you may go to the hospital for an evaluation using instruments. Wishing you peace and health. Director of the Department of Otolaryngology, Taoyuan Hospital, Ministry of Health and Welfare, Z...[Read More] Is Your Eustachian Tube Blocked or Is Mucus in Your Middle Ear?
Understanding Ear Pain, Tinnitus, and Pressure: Seeking Answers
Noise in the ear, tinnitus, pain, and a feeling of fullness? Hello, about 7 days ago, I started experiencing pain in my left ear along with tinnitus. After visiting a clinic, I was told it was due to nasal inflammation. Two days later, I began to hear a buzzing sound in my right ...
Dr. Zheng Jueyi Reply:
Hello, if the hearing test is normal, tinnitus is often related to anxiety and poor sleep. If you are still concerned, you may consider getting a check-up at another hospital. Wishing you peace and good health. Sincerely, Dr. Cheng Jue-Yi, Director of the Department of Otolaryngo...[Read More] Understanding Ear Pain, Tinnitus, and Pressure: Seeking Answers
Understanding Excess Nasal Discharge: Allergies or Other Causes?
Excessive nasal discharge? When the weather is cold, if I don't pay attention to keeping my neck warm, I tend to have a lot of nasal discharge. However, once I keep warm, the nasal discharge stops. Yet, even when I am warm, regardless of whether the weather is hot or cold, i...
Dr. Zheng Jueyi Reply:
If the nasal discharge is white, it is mostly caused by allergic rhinitis. If there is a persistent yellow nasal discharge, it may indicate sinusitis. If symptoms do not improve, it is advisable to seek medical evaluation.[Read More] Understanding Excess Nasal Discharge: Allergies or Other Causes?
Understanding Tinnitus and Ear Pressure Issues: Causes and Solutions
Tinnitus and ear fullness? Hello, doctor. About nine months ago, I started experiencing tinnitus in my left ear. Initially, I wasn't sure if it was due to excessive stress, as I also felt dizzy and nauseous. A few days later, it became just tinnitus with a feeling of fullnes...
Dr. Zheng Jueyi Reply:
Hello, if you have already undergone an examination, it is advisable not to pay excessive attention to the tinnitus, as it is mostly a benign change. Additionally, you can first address the nasal allergies, as the function of the Eustachian tube may gradually improve after the al...[Read More] Understanding Tinnitus and Ear Pressure Issues: Causes and Solutions
Why Do I Hear Crackling Sounds in My Ear After a Cold?
When moving the lower jaw, a crackling sound can be heard inside the ear? I have been experiencing a cold for the past few days, and severe nasal congestion has led to an imbalance in ear pressure. I tried pinching my nose and forcefully blowing to equalize the pressure, but it m...
Dr. Zheng Jueyi Reply:
Hello, the common cause is usually due to dysfunction of the Eustachian tube, which often improves gradually. If discomfort persists, you may seek medical evaluation. Wishing you peace and health. Sincerely, Dr. Cheng Jue-Yi, Director of the Department of Otolaryngology, Taoyuan ...[Read More] Why Do I Hear Crackling Sounds in My Ear After a Cold?
Understanding Allergic Rhinitis and Acute Nasopharyngitis in Military Personnel
Allergic rhinitis and acute nasopharyngitis? Hello Dr. Zheng, I am currently serving in the military, and during this past month (approximately 40-50 days) in the Marine Corps, I have frequently experienced nosebleeds. As a result, I have been restricted from swimming and other t...
Dr. Zheng Jueyi Reply:
Hello, if you frequently experience nosebleeds, it is advisable to visit an ENT specialist at the hospital for an examination. Generally, if the bleeding source can be identified, it can usually be completely resolved through cauterization or laser treatment. Wishing you safety a...[Read More] Understanding Allergic Rhinitis and Acute Nasopharyngitis in Military Personnel
Understanding Ear Noises: Causes and Solutions for Ear Clogs
Tinnitus? Recently, I have been experiencing a popping sound in my ear whenever I exert pressure, which is quite bothersome. Could this be due to earwax? Will it come out on its own?
Dr. Zheng Jueyi Reply:
Hello: It is possible that there is a small amount of earwax inside, which may not easily come out due to the angle. If discomfort persists, you may want to visit an otolaryngology clinic for an examination. Wishing you safety and good health. Sincerely, Dr. Cheng Jue-Yi, Directo...[Read More] Understanding Ear Noises: Causes and Solutions for Ear Clogs
Understanding Oral Blisters and Smell Disorders: Treatment Options
Blister... olfactory dysfunction? Hello, Doctor. Recently, I've been experiencing small blisters in my mouth from time to time. I previously consulted a doctor who mentioned that it was due to a decline in my immune system and advised me to get more rest. However, I've ...
Dr. Zheng Jueyi Reply:
Hello, 1. The best ways to improve immunity are to maintain a regular schedule and engage in exercise. Additionally, managing stress levels can also help enhance immune function. If there is no improvement, it is advisable to consult the Rheumatology and Immunology Department a...[Read More] Understanding Oral Blisters and Smell Disorders: Treatment Options
Can Tinnitus Be Cured? Understanding Treatment Options and Relief
Can tinnitus be cured? I had otitis media when I was young, and since then I have experienced mild tinnitus, which is more noticeable in quiet places or while sleeping. Although my hearing has not been affected, the buzzing sound can be somewhat bothersome. Is there a way to comp...
Dr. Zheng Jueyi Reply:
Hello: If there is no hearing loss and you only notice it more in very quiet places or while sleeping, it is mostly a normal phenomenon. It is recommended to distract yourself by engaging in other activities, or to play music or a broadcast to mask the tinnitus, gradually helping...[Read More] Can Tinnitus Be Cured? Understanding Treatment Options and Relief
Understanding Laryngeal Papilloma: Causes, Symptoms, and Transmission Concerns
Laryngeal papillomatosis Hello doctor, I felt discomfort in my throat yesterday, and after an examination, I found out that there is a growth in my larynx. The doctor told me it is a papilloma. Is a papilloma the same as a wart? If it is like a wart, will I be able to transmit it...
Dr. Zheng Jueyi Reply:
Hello: Papillomas and warts are both associated with human papillomavirus (HPV) infection. However, if there is only a single papilloma in the oral cavity, it may not necessarily be a wart; it could simply be a common papilloma related to the HPV that is already present in the mo...[Read More] Understanding Laryngeal Papilloma: Causes, Symptoms, and Transmission Concerns
Understanding Nasal Congestion: Insights on Surgery and Treatment Options
Nasal congestion issues? Hello Doctor, I am also a patient with unilateral nasal congestion that alternates. After much thought, I would like to ask you a few questions. The so-called nasal cavity expansion surgery seems to involve addressing the nasal septum, middle and inferior...
Dr. Zheng Jueyi Reply:
Hello, the primary airflow in the nose mainly passes through the inferior turbinate. Therefore, the main surgical interventions to alleviate nasal congestion focus on correcting the nasal septum and performing inferior turbinate surgery. If it is confirmed that the middle turbina...[Read More] Understanding Nasal Congestion: Insights on Surgery and Treatment Options
Understanding Neck Masses: When to Seek Further Evaluation
Neck mass Hello doctor, I discovered a lump below my neck, above the clavicle, in June. Initially, a CT scan showed one lump measuring 0.3 cm and another 0.6 cm. However, by September, an ultrasound revealed one lump measuring 3 cm and two others measuring 2 cm, all of which are ...
Dr. Zheng Jueyi Reply:
Hello, if there are changes in size, you can discuss with your clinician whether a biopsy is necessary to confirm the diagnosis, or if continued monitoring is sufficient. Wishing you safety and health. Sincerely, Dr. Cheng Jue-Yi, Director of the Department of Otolaryngology, Tao...[Read More] Understanding Neck Masses: When to Seek Further Evaluation
Understanding Potential Throat Cancer: Symptoms, Diagnosis, and Treatment Options
Suspected laryngeal cancer? Hello Dr. Cheng, I would like to ask a few questions: My family member experienced hoarseness and loss of voice in April of this year and sought treatment at a major hospital, where an unknown polyp was found in the throat. The doctor arranged for hosp...
Dr. Zheng Jueyi Reply:
Hello, 1. Whether it is merely abnormal cell proliferation or cancer still requires a biopsy for definitive diagnosis; blood tests or imaging studies can only provide reference information. 2. If cancer is confirmed, radiation therapy or surgical resection is necessary for tre...[Read More] Understanding Potential Throat Cancer: Symptoms, Diagnosis, and Treatment Options
Unexplained Sore Throat: Possible Causes and Treatment Options
The throat has suddenly become red? Dear Doctor: Last Friday (three days ago), I suddenly felt a sore throat. The pain is noticeably different from the typical sore throat associated with a cold. Yesterday (two days after the onset of pain), I visited an otolaryngologist, who not...
Dr. Zheng Jueyi Reply:
Hello, the most common cause of inflammation is still viral infection, which presents different clinical symptoms depending on the virus. Some may improve within three to five days, while others may take more than a week. It is recommended to take medication first and then observ...[Read More] Unexplained Sore Throat: Possible Causes and Treatment Options
Post-Radiation Edema in Head and Neck Cancer Patients: Common Concerns
Edema following head and neck radiation therapy? Hello, doctor. My father has T4aN2bM0 hypopharyngeal cancer. He underwent two rounds of chemotherapy in January 2015, followed by surgery in March, and then received 33 sessions of intensity-modulated radiation therapy (IMRT) which...
Dr. Zheng Jueyi Reply:
Hello, many patients experience edema after radiation therapy. Some individuals gradually improve, while others may have recurrent episodes of swelling. This is a common occurrence following radiation therapy. It is recommended to follow up with your physician for further evaluat...[Read More] Post-Radiation Edema in Head and Neck Cancer Patients: Common Concerns