Phlegm, Otolaryngology FAQ

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Understanding Elevated Eosinophil Levels: Implications for ENT Symptoms

An elevated eosinophil count may indicate various health issues. It can be associated with allergic reactions, parasitic infections, autoimmune diseases, and certain types of cancers. It is important to consult a healthcare professional for a thorough evaluation and appropriate d...


Dr. Ji Zhaoyun Reply:
Based on the medical history and examination data you provided, here are some possible explanations and recommendations: ### Symptom Analysis 1. **Sensation of a foreign body in the throat**: This sensation may be caused by various factors, including chronic pharyngitis, gastroe...

[Read More] Understanding Elevated Eosinophil Levels: Implications for ENT Symptoms


Persistent Sore Throat: When to Seek Further Medical Attention?

Persistent sore throat? Hello doctor, I experienced symptoms of a cold on the first day, including cough, green phlegm, and sore throat (without fever). After visiting a doctor, I took antibiotics for three days, and my sore throat improved, but my cough and green phlegm did not ...


Dr. Zheng Jueyi Reply:
Hello, if there is no obvious fever and symptoms have partially improved, you may complete the 7-day course of medication before returning for a follow-up examination.

[Read More] Persistent Sore Throat: When to Seek Further Medical Attention?


Understanding Nasal Allergies: Symptoms and Possible Causes

Nasal allergies Hello Doctor, I have been experiencing a runny nose since middle school. The symptoms occur right after I eat, and I also have phlegm in my throat, both of which are clear. My nose runs severely whether I eat hot or cold food, and sometimes it starts running sudde...


Dr. Ji Zhaoyun Reply:
Hello, if you want to diagnose or rule out a trigeminal schwannoma, it is recommended to visit a hospital for a direct examination.

[Read More] Understanding Nasal Allergies: Symptoms and Possible Causes


Chronic Pharyngitis and Coughing: Effective Treatment Options

Chronic pharyngitis with coughing: how to treat? Hello Doctor, I have confirmed that I have chronic pharyngitis (for about six years), gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), and post-nasal drip, with the latter being more severe. Both of these issues are difficult to manage, and...


Dr. Zheng Jueyi Reply:
1. For long-term postnasal drip, it is recommended to seek medical evaluation to check for issues such as allergic rhinitis or sinusitis. Most cases can be managed with medication to control symptoms, but a complete cure may not be possible. Some patients may also need to use sal...

[Read More] Chronic Pharyngitis and Coughing: Effective Treatment Options


Understanding White Foamy Sputum: Causes and Concerns in ENT Health

White frothy sputum Hello, doctor. About six months ago, an X-ray revealed that I had phlegm accumulation in my lungs. The doctor prescribed antibiotics, and I improved significantly. However, after a recent cold, I have been experiencing an increased amount of phlegm regardless ...


Dr. Ji Zhaoyun Reply:
Hello, thank you for providing a detailed description of your symptoms. Based on your description, you have recently experienced a significant amount of foamy white sputum, which may be related to various factors. Here are some possible causes and recommendations, but please be s...

[Read More] Understanding White Foamy Sputum: Causes and Concerns in ENT Health


Understanding Systemic Pain and Allergies: Seeking the Right Specialist

Generalized tingling, itching, and numbness? Hello, Doctor: I was diagnosed with severe allergic rhinitis in mid-September last year, and I have experienced many symptoms including sneezing, runny nose, chest tightness, chest pain, palpitations, abdominal pain, tingling in the so...


Dr. Li Jiaxuan Reply:
In the field of otolaryngology, it is recommended to examine the sinuses to differentiate the diagnosis of chronic sinusitis. Nasal irrigation may also be considered, as postmenopausal changes can lead to thinning of the nasal mucosa. Allergic conditions may be more pronounced in...

[Read More] Understanding Systemic Pain and Allergies: Seeking the Right Specialist


Understanding Throat and Sinus Symptoms: When to Seek Medical Help

Hello, doctor? I would like to ask about something I have noticed at the back of my tongue, near my throat. There are small, lump-like formations that I cannot see myself, but sometimes when I cough or spit up phlegm, I can see these lump-like structures that resemble pus-filled ...


Dr. Zheng Jueyi Reply:
Hello, the base of the tongue contains circumvallate papillae and numerous lymphoid tissues. If you are concerned about any lesions at the base of the tongue or issues such as sinusitis, you should first visit an otolaryngology clinic for an examination. If there are any concerns...

[Read More] Understanding Throat and Sinus Symptoms: When to Seek Medical Help


Understanding Clear, Bubbly Phlegm: When to See an ENT or Pulmonologist

Clear phlegm with bubbles? Hello, doctor. For the past few months, I have frequently had phlegm in my throat. Initially, I visited a nearby ENT clinic, and the doctor said it was between an infection and allergies. The medication provided some relief for a while, but after one or...


Dr. Zheng Jueyi Reply:
Hello, upper respiratory symptoms can lead to increased phlegm production. It is advisable to first visit an otolaryngologist for an examination of the upper respiratory tract. If there is no improvement, you may then consult a pulmonologist for an evaluation of the lower respira...

[Read More] Understanding Clear, Bubbly Phlegm: When to See an ENT or Pulmonologist


Understanding One-Sided Ear Congestion and Headache: Causes and Treatments

Unilateral ear congestion with unilateral headache? For the past month, I have been experiencing unilateral ear fullness and unilateral headache, with occasional facial numbness during severe episodes. The same side of my eye also feels pressure and swelling. The symptoms fluctua...


Dr. Ji Zhaoyun Reply:
Hello, the issues you mentioned could possibly 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 (com...

[Read More] Understanding One-Sided Ear Congestion and Headache: Causes and Treatments


Understanding Nasopharyngeal Cancer Risks: Your Questions Answered

Nasopharyngeal carcinoma issues? Hello Doctor, I am very anxious and would like to ask a few questions. I have not had any cough, but I constantly feel like I have phlegm. I have visited several clinics, and the doctors prescribed medication for mild inflammation. After seeing th...


Dr. Zheng Jueyi Reply:
Hello, the general screening for nasopharyngeal carcinoma can refer to the EBV-VCA IgA index. A value of 0.59 is considered negative, indicating that the result is normal and the likelihood of nasopharyngeal carcinoma is low. However, a definitive diagnosis should still be based ...

[Read More] Understanding Nasopharyngeal Cancer Risks: Your Questions Answered


Persistent Throat Discomfort and Brown Mucus: Possible Causes and Solutions

Sore throat with brownish, stringy (or small clumpy) phlegm? Hello Doctor, I have been experiencing a persistent sensation of something stuck in my throat along with phlegm for nearly two months. The phlegm does not resemble the typical yellow or green color seen in common colds;...


Dr. Ji Zhaoyun Reply:
Hello, based on the symptoms you described, you have undergone a series of evaluations, including assessments from otolaryngology, pulmonology, and gastroenterology, and it has been found that you have moderate gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). Here are some possible causes...

[Read More] Persistent Throat Discomfort and Brown Mucus: Possible Causes and Solutions


Understanding Nasal Congestion and Water Sensation During a Cold

Why does it feel like there is water in the nasal cavity when you have a cold? I have had a cold for a week, and the medication prescribed by the doctor hasn't been effective. Initially, I felt a sensation of water in my nasal passages and a foreign body sensation. Later, I ...


Dr. Ji Zhaoyun Reply:
If symptoms persist, it is advisable to consider visiting an otolaryngologist for a possible endoscopic examination or other relevant tests as needed.

[Read More] Understanding Nasal Congestion and Water Sensation During a Cold


Understanding Flu Transmission: Risks and Prevention Tips

Influenza Transmission Issues Hello, Doctor. My mother (60 years old) contracted the flu last Tuesday (March 12). Her symptoms included fever, runny nose, and sore throat. As of today, March 22, she still has a cough with phlegm and a runny nose, but she no longer has a fever or ...


Dr. Zheng Jueyi Reply:
1. The infectious period for influenza ranges from one day before the onset of symptoms to 3 to 7 days after symptoms appear, during which individuals may transmit the virus to others. However, there are individual variations, so it is uncertain whether a person with only a produ...

[Read More] Understanding Flu Transmission: Risks and Prevention Tips


Sudden Loss of Voice After Cold: Causes and Remedies

Sudden loss of voice (complete aphonia) after a cold? Hello Doctor: I started experiencing cold symptoms last Tuesday (March 12) including fever, runny nose, sore throat, nasopharyngeal inflammation, cough, and phlegm. Yesterday, due to persistent coughing, I took cough syrup con...


Dr. Zheng Jueyi Reply:
Hello, a common cause of sudden loss of voice is related to edema of the vocal cords or surrounding tissues. Oral corticosteroids can be taken, and symptoms usually improve gradually within a week. This condition is not related to cough syrup. It is recommended to drink plenty of...

[Read More] Sudden Loss of Voice After Cold: Causes and Remedies


Morning Throat Phlegm: Is It Related to Heart and Lung Health?

Hello, doctor. I inquired yesterday? I asked you yesterday about the first thing in the morning when I clear my throat, and I notice white phlegm with a light red tint. After clearing it two or three times, it stops. Throughout the day, I only have those two or three instances in...


Dr. Zheng Jueyi Reply:
Hello, it may be related to the lungs and upper respiratory tract, such as the nasopharynx, oropharynx, or laryngopharynx. If symptoms persist, it is recommended to seek medical evaluation for confirmation.

[Read More] Morning Throat Phlegm: Is It Related to Heart and Lung Health?


Managing Thick Saliva and Excessive Phlegm in Elderly Patients

Thick saliva and excessive phlegm? Hello, my father is 88 years old and has some difficulty swallowing. He has excessive and thick saliva, and he constantly spits out thick saliva throughout the day. What can be done to improve this condition? Thank you!


Dr. Zheng Jueyi Reply:
Hello, there are many factors that can cause swallowing difficulties in older age. It is recommended to first seek evaluation from a neurologist and a gastroenterologist.

[Read More] Managing Thick Saliva and Excessive Phlegm in Elderly Patients


Is This Oral Lesion Caused by HPV? Seeking Medical Advice

Is this cauliflower (condylomata acuminata)? Hello doctor, I engaged in unprotected sexual activity (oral sex) with a male friend on December 22, during which he ejaculated in my mouth without a condom. I have now noticed some abnormalities on my tongue and I'm increasingly ...


Dr. Li Jiaxuan Reply:
Hello, you should still see an otolaryngologist. Wishing you good health.

[Read More] Is This Oral Lesion Caused by HPV? Seeking Medical Advice


Understanding Tongue Abnormalities After Oral Sex: What You Need to Know

Abnormalities of the tongue? Hello Doctor, I engaged in unprotected sexual activity (oral sex) with a male friend on December 22, during which he ejaculated in my mouth. I have recently noticed some unusual changes in my oral cavity and tongue, and I am increasingly worried. Here...


Dr. Zheng Jueyi Reply:
Hello, it initially appears to be taste buds or minor salivary gland tissue on the tongue. If the clinical ENT specialist does not observe any significant abnormalities, you may monitor it yourself or follow up regularly with an ENT or infectious disease specialist for a period o...

[Read More] Understanding Tongue Abnormalities After Oral Sex: What You Need to Know


Understanding Nasopharyngeal Cancer Risk: Key Insights for Patients

Hello, doctor. I would like to inquire about nasopharyngeal carcinoma? Hello Doctor, I would like to ask you a question. Before the Lunar New Year, I had a cold and went to the hospital for an examination. During the process, I mentioned to the doctor that I had undergone surgery...


Dr. Ji Zhaoyun Reply:
Hello, nasopharyngeal carcinoma is a high-risk group and should not be assessed solely through blood tests. It is recommended to return to the original physician for a comprehensive evaluation and opinion.

[Read More] Understanding Nasopharyngeal Cancer Risk: Key Insights for Patients


Understanding Nasal Septum Deviation and Its Impact on Throat Mucus

Deviated septum Hello, doctor. My father has been to an ENT clinic, and the doctor mentioned that he has a deviated septum. I would like to know if a deviated septum can cause frequent phlegm in the throat. He often seems to make sounds as if he is trying to clear his throat, and...


Dr. Ji Zhaoyun Reply:
Hello, if you experience post-nasal drip, it is possible to feel phlegm in your throat. Whether surgery is needed requires a comprehensive evaluation, so it is recommended to consult an otolaryngologist directly.

[Read More] Understanding Nasal Septum Deviation and Its Impact on Throat Mucus


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