Swallowing, Otolaryngology FAQ - Page 18

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Managing Persistent Throat Pain: When to See an ENT Specialist

Re: Unilateral throat pain has persisted for one month? Hello Doctor, thank you very much for your previous patient responses. Below is the photo I took today: https://ibb.co/mKHu7T. My throat pain has now turned into alternating pain in both tonsils, but: 1. There is no cough, a...


Dr. Zheng Jueyi Reply:
Hello, 1. If the oral surgeon has already prescribed medication, you may finish it and adjust your lifestyle habits, then observe the situation. 2. The need for antibiotics primarily depends on the presence of a bacterial infection, which still requires a comprehensive assessm...

[Read More] Managing Persistent Throat Pain: When to See an ENT Specialist


One-Month-Long Unilateral Throat Pain: Causes and Concerns

Unilateral throat pain has persisted for one month? Hello, Doctor! I have had unilateral throat pain for a month now (right side, left side of the image). Swallowing saliva does not hurt, and I do not have a fever or cough. I would like to ask: 1. Is the yellow arrow pointing to ...


Dr. Zheng Jueyi Reply:
Hi, 1. Is it not tonsil stones? 2. Currently, there seems to be no bacterial infection, so there is no need to continue using antibiotics. 3. The protrusion on the tonsil appears to be a normal bump; if there is pain, it may be related to inflammation. 4. If the pain persist...

[Read More] One-Month-Long Unilateral Throat Pain: Causes and Concerns


Can You Eat Liquid Foods with a Nasogastric Tube in Place?

Can a patient eat liquid food orally after having a nasogastric tube inserted? Due to my father's diagnosis of hypopharyngeal cancer, he has developed wounds in his throat during the course of radiation and chemotherapy (as stated by the attending physician). He is experienc...


Dr. Ji Zhaoyun Reply:
Hello, regarding your questions: 1. After the placement of a nasogastric tube, is it possible to consume liquid food orally? In principle, it is possible, but it requires an assessment of feasibility by your attending physician. If there is a risk of aspiration leading to aspir...

[Read More] Can You Eat Liquid Foods with a Nasogastric Tube in Place?


Understanding Throat Discomfort After Taking Medication: Causes and Solutions

Sore throat? Hello, doctor. Last week, I started taking capsule medication during my appointment, and since I began taking it, I've felt a sensation of something stuck in my throat (I have no history of drug allergies and have never had issues swallowing pills before). I too...


Dr. Zheng Jueyi Reply:
Hello: Chronic pharyngitis may be related to common conditions. If symptoms persist for more than two weeks without improvement, it is recommended to consult an otolaryngologist or a gastroenterologist. Wishing you safety and health. Sincerely, Dr. Cheng Jue-Yi, Director of the D...

[Read More] Understanding Throat Discomfort After Taking Medication: Causes and Solutions


Severe Coughing and Vomiting: Understanding ENT Issues and Treatment Options

Coughing, vomiting? Hello, I've been experiencing a severe cough due to a cold that feels uncontrollable, sometimes leading to vomiting. I thought I was getting better, but one moment I feel fine and the next I suddenly have a scratchy throat and the urge to cough and vomit,...


Dr. Zheng Jueyi Reply:
Hello, if the vomiting persists without improvement, it is recommended to visit a gastroenterologist for further evaluation. 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] Severe Coughing and Vomiting: Understanding ENT Issues and Treatment Options


Accidentally Swallowed Fish Bone: What to Do and What to Expect

Accidental ingestion of a fishbone? On the evening of Sunday, May 27th, I accidentally swallowed a bone from a milkfish during dinner. I went to a clinic at 8 PM to check if it was lodged in my throat. They used a nasal endoscope but did not find any fish bone, so the doctor advi...


Dr. Zheng Jueyi Reply:
Hello, if there are no obvious symptoms such as pain while swallowing, a sensation of a foreign body, or fever, it is unlikely that a fishbone is lodged in the esophagus. You may first observe your condition. If you experience any discomfort, you can visit a gastroenterologist to...

[Read More] Accidentally Swallowed Fish Bone: What to Do and What to Expect


Sore Throat After Yogurt: Is It Tonsillitis?

Sore throat? Hello doctor, after drinking yogurt last night, I woke up this morning with a sore throat and discomfort. Swallowing saliva feels sour and bitter. Could it be tonsillitis?


Dr. Zheng Jueyi Reply:
Hello, if your symptoms persist and you continue to feel unwell, it is advisable to visit a clinic for a medical examination to confirm the diagnosis. Wishing you safety and health. Sincerely, Dr. Cheng Jue-Yi, Director of the Department of Otolaryngology, Taoyuan Hospital, Minis...

[Read More] Sore Throat After Yogurt: Is It Tonsillitis?


Laser Surgery for Chronic Pharyngitis: When to Seek Further Medical Advice?

Laser surgery. Chronic pharyngitis? 1. I previously had some lymphoid hyperplasia at the base of my tongue, and due to its proximity to my molars, I underwent laser excision to prevent recurrent biting. However, it has been a month, and the wound has not yet healed. Although it i...


Dr. Ji Zhaoyun Reply:
Hello, the situation you described may be indicative of chronic pharyngitis. It is recommended to undergo a laryngoscopy to rule out any masses and to consider medication treatment. In addition to medication, please pay attention to the following daily living tips: avoid lying do...

[Read More] Laser Surgery for Chronic Pharyngitis: When to Seek Further Medical Advice?


Understanding Throat Issues: Possible Causes of Swelling During Swallowing

Throat issues Hello Doctor: Recently, I noticed that when I swallow saliva, there is something rolling around in my lower jaw. I can feel it when I touch it, and I also feel it when I swallow, but it doesn't hurt. However, if I turn my head while swallowing, this sensation d...


Dr. Ji Zhaoyun Reply:
Hello, based on your description, it is most likely a thyroglossal duct cyst, which is a type of congenital mass. However, there are many potential causes for neck masses. It is advisable to consult an otolaryngologist if symptoms persist. Wishing you peace and good health. Since...

[Read More] Understanding Throat Issues: Possible Causes of Swelling During Swallowing


Understanding One-Sided Throat and Ear Pain: Is It Pharyngitis?

Sore throat and ear pain on one side after drinking water? Hello Doctor, I noticed that over a week ago, I began experiencing pain in the upper left side of my throat. A day later, my left ear started to hurt as well, especially when swallowing saliva or drinking water, while eat...


Dr. Zheng Jueyi Reply:
Hello: The common conditions are still pharyngitis or tonsillitis. It is recommended to continue medication treatment, and if there is no improvement, further follow-up visits for treatment are necessary. Wishing you peace and health. Sincerely, Dr. Jue-Yi Cheng, Director of the ...

[Read More] Understanding One-Sided Throat and Ear Pain: Is It Pharyngitis?


Concerns After Inhaling Capsule Powder: When to See a Doctor?

Inhaling capsule powder into the nose? Hello Doctor, I was swallowing a capsule of iron supplement when it got stuck in my throat and melted, causing me to choke. I coughed forcefully, and a lot of powder went into one side of my nose. After that, I drank a lot of water and rinse...


Dr. Zheng Jueyi Reply:
Hello: Generally, nasal irritation will often improve on its own. It is advisable to drink more water and monitor the situation. If there is no improvement after a week, it is recommended to seek medical evaluation. Wishing you safety and health. Director of the Department of Oto...

[Read More] Concerns After Inhaling Capsule Powder: When to See a Doctor?


Managing Eustachian Tube Dysfunction: Steroid Use and Side Effects

Eustachian tube dysfunction treated with corticosteroids? Dear Director Zheng, I experienced symptoms of Eustachian tube dysfunction in my left ear suddenly in January of this year. Although my hearing is normal, every time I drink water or swallow, I hear a "pop, pop"...


Dr. Zheng Jueyi Reply:
Hello, if eustachian tube dysfunction is caused by nasal allergies, long-term oral steroids are not recommended. It is advisable to switch to intranasal steroid sprays for management, as nasal sprays can be used long-term and help avoid gastrointestinal discomfort, osteoporosis, ...

[Read More] Managing Eustachian Tube Dysfunction: Steroid Use and Side Effects


Managing Persistent Tonsil Stones and Inflammation: A Patient's Journey

Unilateral tonsillar swelling with stones? On April 9, I discovered that my left tonsil had some redness and swelling, so I sought treatment from a traditional Chinese medicine practitioner. Since the symptoms were not very pronounced, the doctor indicated that the throat issue w...


Dr. Zheng Jueyi Reply:
Diarrhea may be related to antibiotics. If symptoms such as sore throat or diarrhea persist without improvement, it is advisable to return to the original hospital to see if medication adjustments are needed, or if hospitalization for intravenous treatment is necessary, or if a r...

[Read More] Managing Persistent Tonsil Stones and Inflammation: A Patient's Journey


Understanding Tonsil Issues: Pain, Ulcers, and When to Seek Help

Tonsil and neck issues? Hello Doctor: I have had a sore throat for over two weeks now. The pain is localized on the right side of my throat, and it hurts when I swallow saliva. Additionally, my right tonsil appears to be more swollen. I visited an ENT specialist last week, and th...


Dr. Zheng Jueyi Reply:
Generally, throat ulcers improve within 1 to 2 weeks. If there is no improvement, it is recommended to visit a hospital for examination. Whether a biopsy is necessary or how to perform the biopsy will need to be determined by a clinical physician after evaluation. Wishing you pea...

[Read More] Understanding Tonsil Issues: Pain, Ulcers, and When to Seek Help


Understanding White Spots on Tonsils: Causes and Remedies

The tonsils appear white. There is an image? Hello, doctor. I have been feeling a sensation of a foreign body in my throat for about two weeks now. However, there is no pain, and I do not have difficulty swallowing; I only feel something stuck when I swallow. I visited an ENT spe...


Dr. Zheng Jueyi Reply:
Hello: Initially, it appears to be a cyst or inflammation caused by tonsillitis. It is advisable to drink plenty of water or use over-the-counter anti-inflammatory pain relievers for treatment. If symptoms persist without improvement, a medical examination is necessary. Wishing y...

[Read More] Understanding White Spots on Tonsils: Causes and Remedies


Persistent Swelling of Right Tonsil: When to Worry?

The right tonsil is more swollen? A month ago, I noticed that the right side of my tonsil was swollen, and I experienced pain in my throat on the right side when swallowing saliva. I visited a doctor who said it was just inflammation and prescribed anti-inflammatory medication. A...


Dr. Ji Zhaoyun Reply:
Hello, regarding your question about the tonsils, it is possible for them to be of different sizes on each side, but medical evaluation is necessary. An otolaryngologist (ENT specialist) should determine whether this is simply a size difference or swelling, as there can be severa...

[Read More] Persistent Swelling of Right Tonsil: When to Worry?


Understanding Tinnitus: Causes, Symptoms, and When to Seek Help

Tinnitus issues Hello, I have a history of allergic rhinitis (dust), mild asthma, chronic migraines, and low blood pressure. Since childhood, I have experienced tinnitus (a feeling of fullness in the ears with a whooshing sound) when exercising or slightly out of breath (such as ...


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: Causes, Symptoms, and When to Seek Help


Can Chewing Capsules Cause Salivary Gland Blockage?

Salivary gland issues Hello, doctor. I would like to ask a question. I have difficulty swallowing capsule medications, such as dietary supplements, so I usually bite them open before swallowing. I would like to know if biting them open could cause blockage in the submandibular gl...


Dr. Zheng Jueyi Reply:
Hello: Generally, it should not be a problem, but it is still recommended to take it with plenty of water. 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] Can Chewing Capsules Cause Salivary Gland Blockage?


Understanding Unilateral Tonsillectomy and Sleep Apnea Diagnosis

Unilateral tonsillectomy diagnosis issues? Hello, doctor. Initially, I had two small yellowish bumps on my tonsils that looked like pus-filled sacs. Before this, I only experienced pain when swallowing, but I did not have any cold or fever. When I went for a consultation, the doc...


Dr. Li Jiaxuan Reply:
Unilateral tonsillar hypertrophy may also lead to obstructive sleep apnea. This could be a concern that your physician has identified, and it would be advisable to discuss this further with your surgeon. Wishing you a safe and smooth recovery.

[Read More] Understanding Unilateral Tonsillectomy and Sleep Apnea Diagnosis


Unilateral Tonsil Enlargement: Causes and Concerns Explained

Unilateral tonsillar enlargement? Hello, I have recently noticed that my right tonsil has been enlarged for about 1 to 2 months, but there is no pain, difficulty swallowing, or any other symptoms. I would like to know what could be causing this issue. Thank you.


Dr. Zheng Jueyi Reply:
Hello: It is recommended to seek medical evaluation to determine if there are any issues or if a biopsy is necessary. 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] Unilateral Tonsil Enlargement: Causes and Concerns Explained


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