Do Tonsils Serve Any Purpose? Understanding Tonsil Health and Surgery
Is it true that the tonsils are useless? Hello Doctor: I experienced tonsillar abscess and a fever of 39 degrees Celsius in January and March of this year. I took Cruam antibiotics for three weeks each time before recovering. During the March episode, I also received intravenous ...
Dr. Ji Zhaoyun Reply:
Hello, regarding the conditions for tonsillectomy that you mentioned, they are generally as follows: 1) Enlarged tonsils causing breathing difficulties or conditions such as obstructive sleep apnea; 2) Presence of malignant tumors; 3) Recurrent tonsillitis (as you mentioned in yo...[Read More] Do Tonsils Serve Any Purpose? Understanding Tonsil Health and Surgery
Loss of Smell After Septoplasty: Causes and Solutions
Loss of smell after septoplasty? Hello, doctor. I underwent a septoplasty and uvulopalatopharyngoplasty about four weeks ago due to sleep apnea, but I have lost my sense of smell since then. When I smell fragrances, they all have a strange odor. How should I address this issue?
Dr. Li Jiaxuan Reply:
Olfaction is partially derived from the nasal mucosa. Surgery for a deviated septum may temporarily reduce the surface area of the mucosa and cause transient hyposmia due to mucosal injury, which is a normal phenomenon. It is advised to avoid exposure to overly strong odors and t...[Read More] Loss of Smell After Septoplasty: Causes and Solutions
Understanding Sleep Apnea: Causes and Solutions for Snoring and Nasal Congestion
Snoring during sleep, followed by waking up due to airway obstruction? Hello Dr. Zheng, my girlfriend is 30 years old and works a rotating shift schedule (24 hours). About every two months, she has to work a night shift. When she sleeps during the day, I am next to her. She usual...
Dr. Zheng Jueyi Reply:
Hello: Snoring may be related to narrowing of the nasal passages or the oropharynx. If you experience daytime sleepiness or snoring accompanied by sleep apnea, it is recommended to consult an ENT specialist or a pulmonologist at a hospital. Wishing you safety and health. Sincerel...[Read More] Understanding Sleep Apnea: Causes and Solutions for Snoring and Nasal Congestion
Choosing the Right Surgical Option for Mild Sleep Apnea in ENT
Surgical options Hello doctor, regarding the issue of mild obstructive sleep apnea due to the soft palate, it is said that the risk of side effects from soft palate surgery is relatively high. Would it be more appropriate to first try radiofrequency ablation, and if the results a...
Dr. Zheng Jueyi Reply:
Hello, if the symptoms are mild, it is indeed reasonable to consider radiofrequency treatment first. If the results are unsatisfactory, then further surgical intervention can be pursued. Wishing you peace and good health. Sincerely, Dr. Cheng Jue-Yi, Director of the Department of...[Read More] Choosing the Right Surgical Option for Mild Sleep Apnea in ENT
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 Long Soft Palate Issues: Causes and Solutions
Issues related to an elongated soft palate? Hello, doctor. I would like to seek your advice again. I have been diagnosed by my physician through X-ray that I have a longer soft palate. I have also heard that if the soft palate extends to the base of the tongue, it can create an &...
Dr. Zheng Jueyi Reply:
Hi: An elongated soft palate may cause vibrations that result in snoring during sleep; however, whether there is a condition of sleep apnea is not certain and can only be confirmed through a sleep study. As for the necessity of surgery, it is advisable to consult a clinical physi...[Read More] Understanding Long Soft Palate Issues: Causes and Solutions
Understanding OSA: Differences in AHI and Treatment Options for Patients
Question about respiratory arrest? Hello, doctor. It seems that many individuals of East Asian descent have a low BMI but suffer from severe obstructive sleep apnea (OSA). In patients with a normal BMI and no significant retrognathia, some have a severe apnea-hypopnea index (AHI)...
Dr. Zheng Jueyi Reply:
Hello, if the AHI is moderate to severe, it is generally recommended to use CPAP as the primary treatment method. Surgery is unlikely to provide complete improvement, but if CPAP is not suitable, you can consult an otolaryngologist to see if surgery could provide partial improvem...[Read More] Understanding OSA: Differences in AHI and Treatment Options for Patients
Managing OSA and Non-Allergic Rhinitis: Treatment Options and Considerations
Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA) and Rhinitis Issues Hello, doctor. Recently, I have been experiencing significant stress due to work, leading to anxiety and worry. After a period of consultation with a physician, it was determined that my issues may primarily stem from Obstructive ...
Dr. Zheng Jueyi Reply:
Dear Mr. S, Regarding the symptoms of snoring, it is advisable to wait for the results of the polysomnography (PSG) and have an evaluation by an otolaryngologist before deciding whether surgery is necessary, and if so, which type of surgery would be most appropriate. As for alle...[Read More] Managing OSA and Non-Allergic Rhinitis: Treatment Options and Considerations
Does Allergic Rhinitis Affect Breathing Efficiency During Exercise?
Does allergic rhinitis affect respiratory efficiency? Doctor, I have a question: I have a history of allergic rhinitis and also struggle with obesity. My doctor suggested that exercising could help reduce the symptoms of sleep apnea and snoring. However, during exercise, I often ...
Dr. Zheng Jueyi Reply:
Hello: It is indeed possible that this is an issue related to allergic rhinitis. I recommend seeking medical attention to check if there are any additional problems besides allergic rhinitis. Wishing you safety and health. Sincerely, Dr. Cheng Jue-Yi, Director of the Department o...[Read More] Does Allergic Rhinitis Affect Breathing Efficiency During Exercise?
Understanding Sleep Disorders: Is It Sleep Apnea or Something Else?
Sleep apnea? Hello Doctor: For the past couple of weeks, whether during the day or at night, whenever I lie down to sleep, I experience involuntary movements in my throat just as I'm about to fall asleep (before actually sleeping). These movements include sudden inhalations,...
Dr. Zheng Jueyi Reply:
Hello, you may first visit an otolaryngologist to check for any structural issues or growths. The symptoms do not seem to indicate sleep apnea. If no issues are found, it may still be worth considering neurological problems or autonomic nervous system disorders. You could consult...[Read More] Understanding Sleep Disorders: Is It Sleep Apnea or Something Else?
Post-Meal Discomfort: Difficulty Swallowing and Breathing Issues Explained
Experiencing discomfort after eating, often accompanied by frequent swallowing of saliva? Hello, doctor: After I eat, I often experience belching and have a constant urge to swallow saliva, even when there is none. I tend to swallow forcefully, and sometimes I have difficulty swa...
Dr. Xu Jiazhen Reply:
Hello: From your letter, it is difficult to determine which specific disease is diagnosed. However, if you have been experiencing persistent swallowing difficulties, I would consider several possible factors. First, it is important to consider tumors or lesions in the hypopharynx...[Read More] Post-Meal Discomfort: Difficulty Swallowing and Breathing Issues Explained
Effective Solutions for Snoring: Treatment Options and Considerations
Treatment for Snoring Hello Dr. Hu: I would like to inquire about the complete cure for snoring. I have undergone an examination and have been diagnosed with mild sleep apnea. Is it necessary to use radiofrequency treatment? Are there any side effects, and can it completely cure ...
Dr. Hu Kexin Reply:
Hello: In response to your question about whether snoring can be completely cured, it depends on the underlying causes, the patient's age, body type, and lifestyle habits. If you have sleep apnea, it is advisable to consult a specialist to assess whether surgery is necessary...[Read More] Effective Solutions for Snoring: Treatment Options and Considerations
Will Tonsils Regrow After Tonsillectomy? Understanding Your ENT Concerns
Is it true that after a tonsillectomy, the tonsils will not grow back? (Forwarded from the Director's mailbox) Because I have sleep apnea, I went to see a doctor at Chang Gung Hospital regarding my tonsils yesterday. I asked him if there was any enlargement or hypertrophy of...
Dr. Hu Kexin Reply:
Hello: In response to your question, there are various treatment options for obstructive sleep apnea, and radiofrequency surgery is one of them. The choice of treatment method should be determined based on the clinical situation.[Read More] Will Tonsils Regrow After Tonsillectomy? Understanding Your ENT Concerns
Understanding Alternating Nasal Congestion and Sleep Disorders
Nasal congestion on both sides and sleep clinic? Hello Doctor, I have been experiencing nasal congestion for about one to two years. Sometimes my right nostril is blocked while the left is clear, and other times it’s the opposite. However, both sides never get blocked at the same...
Dr. Hu Kexin Reply:
1. In normal individuals, the inferior nasal turbinates naturally alternate in swelling, but this should not cause nasal congestion. If nasal congestion occurs, it may indicate inflammation of the inferior turbinates or other issues. 2. Snoring during sleep, especially if accom...[Read More] Understanding Alternating Nasal Congestion and Sleep Disorders
Understanding Tinnitus: Insights from ENT Specialists in Taiwan
Reply to the doctor's question - Thank you for your assistance? Your question: Since elementary school, I have experienced a crackling sound in my left ear when exposed to loud noises (similar to the sound of a radio without a signal), but I didn't think much of it. Rec...
Dr. Chen Jianzhi Reply:
Dear Inquirer, Tinnitus is indeed a challenging issue to address. Most patients worry about the possibility of an undetected serious underlying condition, and the diagnosis and treatment often test the physician's capabilities. Here, we must honestly and humbly inform you t...[Read More] Understanding Tinnitus: Insights from ENT Specialists in Taiwan
Understanding Unilateral Enlarged Tonsils: Risks and Treatment Options
Unilateral enlargement of the tonsil? I have severe nasal allergies, and I often experience post-nasal drip. In the past, I frequently suffered from tonsillitis, but one side has not resolved for about 2 to 3 years. Last year, I was concerned and went to the hospital for a biopsy...
Dr. Hu Kexin Reply:
Hello: In response to your question, an enlarged tonsil on one side does not necessarily indicate a malignant tumor. However, if there are ongoing concerns, frequent inflammation, or if it leads to obstructive sleep apnea, surgical removal may be considered.[Read More] Understanding Unilateral Enlarged Tonsils: Risks and Treatment Options
Understanding Sleep Apnea: Post-Surgery Concerns and Long-Term Management
Sleep Apnea Hello Doctor: I underwent an examination at a sleep center and was diagnosed with severe obstructive sleep apnea. After being referred to an otolaryngologist, I was confirmed to have tonsillar hypertrophy and a deviated septum as the causes. Two weeks ago, I had both ...
Dr. Hu Kexin Reply:
Hello: I recommend that you ask your attending physician who performed the surgery about this issue, as the surgical circumstances can vary from person to person, and they would have a better understanding of your condition. Dr. Hu Ke-hsin, Department of Otolaryngology, Keelung H...[Read More] Understanding Sleep Apnea: Post-Surgery Concerns and Long-Term Management
Understanding Snoring: Causes, Treatments, and Effective Solutions
Snoring I am currently 26 years old, 175 cm tall, and weigh 81 kg. I do not smoke, but I occasionally experience mild allergic reactions during seasonal changes or when the air quality is poor. I snore very loudly at night, which has affected my partner's sleep quality. Most...
Dr. Chen Jianzhi Reply:
Dear Inquirer, Based on your inquiry, it is essential to first rule out the possibility of sleep apnea as a cause of snoring. I recommend undergoing a comprehensive sleep study to determine the appropriate treatment options, as surgery is certainly not the only method available...[Read More] Understanding Snoring: Causes, Treatments, and Effective Solutions
Understanding Sleep Apnea: Surgical Options and Recovery Insights
Sleep Apnea Dear Director Hu, I have symptoms of sleep apnea and underwent uvulopalatopharyngoplasty last August, performed by Dr. Hsu Chia-Cheng, the former head of the ENT department. Since I also have a deviated nasal septum and predominantly breathe through one side (right s...
Dr. Hu Kexin Reply:
Hello: There are many causes of obstructive sleep apnea, which may include enlarged soft palate, enlarged tonsils, deviated nasal septum, obesity, and more. The degree of improvement after surgery still needs to be evaluated clinically and observed postoperatively. Nasal septum s...[Read More] Understanding Sleep Apnea: Surgical Options and Recovery Insights
Understanding Symptoms: Is Your Parent's Water Leakage a Stroke Warning?
Could you please help me with my question, doctor? Doctor, my dad is 60 years old and has a moderately obese build. He has a history of sleep apnea and has seen a doctor for it. However, in the past week, he has mentioned that when he drinks water or soup, it sometimes spills out...
Dr. Ye Dawei Reply:
Hello, Xiaosong: Regarding the first question: it could be related to the second question: please visit the ENT and Neurology departments for an examination. Director Yeh Da-wei of the ENT department at Hsinchu Hospital.[Read More] Understanding Symptoms: Is Your Parent's Water Leakage a Stroke Warning?