Understanding the Sounds of Swallowing: Eustachian Tube Dysfunction Explained
The sound of swallowing saliva? Hello, doctor. Generally, when we swallow saliva, the sound we hear in our ears is the result of the Eustachian tube opening. I would like to ask if patients with Eustachian tube dysfunction do not hear this sound when swallowing because their Eust...
Dr. Zheng Jueyi Reply:
Hello: When the Eustachian tube is open, sounds from the oral cavity should easily transmit to the middle ear, resulting in audible sounds. Wishing you peace and health. Sincerely, Dr. Cheng Jue-Yi, Director of the Department of Otolaryngology, Taoyuan General Hospital, Ministry ...[Read More] Understanding the Sounds of Swallowing: Eustachian Tube Dysfunction Explained
Can You Control Your Eustachian Tube with Muscle Relaxation?
Eustachian tube opening and closing? Doctor, I've been feeling a sense of fullness in my ears lately. I visited a clinic and was told it’s an issue with my Eustachian tube. I would like to ask if I can actively open or close the Eustachian tube by continuously tensing or rel...
Dr. Zheng Jueyi Reply:
Hello, the Eustachian tube is usually closed under normal conditions. It opens when nearby muscles are activated during swallowing or yawning. Generally, one cannot continuously exert force or relax the muscles to open or close the Eustachian tube. Wishing you peace and health. D...[Read More] Can You Control Your Eustachian Tube with Muscle Relaxation?
Understanding Unilateral Tonsillectomy: Why Only One Side?
Regarding the removal of the tonsils, only one side is removed..? Hello Dr. Cheng, I previously consulted you regarding my long-term issue with chronic tonsillitis. The last prescription I received included Amoxicillin 500 mg, Ibuprofen 400 mg, and an expectorant. After completin...
Dr. Zheng Jueyi Reply:
Hello: Generally, snoring or chronic tonsillitis is often associated with bilateral tonsil enlargement, so surgery typically involves the removal of both tonsils. However, if there is only suspicion of abnormalities in one tonsil, it is possible to remove just the affected side. ...[Read More] Understanding Unilateral Tonsillectomy: Why Only One Side?
Understanding Unilateral Tonsillectomy: Why Only One Side?
Regarding the removal of the tonsils, only one side is removed..? Hello Dr. Cheng, I previously visited you for my ongoing issue with chronic tonsillitis. During my last appointment, you prescribed Amoxicillin 500 mg, Ibuprofen 400 mg, and an expectorant. After completing the two...
Dr. Zheng Jueyi Reply:
Hello: Generally, snoring or chronic tonsillitis is often associated with bilateral tonsillar enlargement, so surgery typically involves the removal of both tonsils. However, if there is only suspicion of an abnormality in one tonsil, it is possible to remove just the unilateral ...[Read More] Understanding Unilateral Tonsillectomy: Why Only One Side?
Understanding the Sensation of a Foreign Body in the Throat
Sensation of a foreign body in the throat? I am a student preparing for a major exam, and my symptoms include a sensation of a foreign body in my throat. I do not experience difficulty swallowing or pain when eating, my throat is not hoarse, but I occasionally have a mild cough a...
Dr. Zheng Jueyi Reply:
Hello: If you do not smoke, the most common cause of chronic pharyngitis is still due to gastroesophageal reflux, lack of sleep, or irregular lifestyle habits. It is recommended to maintain a regular schedule and reduce the intake of coffee, tea, or irritating foods. If symptoms ...[Read More] Understanding the Sensation of a Foreign Body in the Throat
Understanding Throat Discomfort: Possible Causes and Next Steps
There is a foreign body sensation in the throat that feels like peeling skin? Hello, doctor. Due to occupational factors, I have been speaking for long periods, and it seems that I have developed calluses in my throat over the years. Speaking too much, staying up late, and eating...
Dr. Zheng Jueyi Reply:
Hello, the presence of nodules on the vocal cords typically manifests as hoarseness. If the symptoms do not improve or if there is persistent pain, it is advisable to visit an otolaryngology clinic or the otolaryngology department of a hospital for an endoscopic examination. Wish...[Read More] Understanding Throat Discomfort: Possible Causes and Next Steps
Understanding the Mechanism of Swallowing Saliva: A Medical Insight
Swallowing saliva Dear Doctor, What is the mechanism of normal saliva swallowing? Is it initiated by conscious control from the brain, or can it occur automatically without conscious awareness? One day, I suddenly became aware of this process and started to focus on how saliva i...
Dr. Zheng Jueyi Reply:
Hello: Swallowing saliva is generally an involuntary natural physiological phenomenon, but the act of swallowing can also be controlled voluntarily. It is advisable not to pay too much attention to it to avoid increasing self-consciousness. Wishing you peace and health. Sincerely...[Read More] Understanding the Mechanism of Swallowing Saliva: A Medical Insight
Feeling of Air Blockage in Right Ear: Causes and Solutions
It feels like there is air trapped in my right ear? Hello, doctor. One day I felt discomfort in my nose, and after blowing my nose several times, I noticed that it felt like there was air trapped in my right ear. My hearing is fine, but it feels a bit uncomfortable, especially wh...
Dr. Zheng Jueyi Reply:
Hello: The most common issue is still Eustachian tube dysfunction. You can try chewing gum or drinking more water to help with swallowing. If the problem persists and does not improve, it is recommended to seek medical evaluation. Wishing you safety and health. Sincerely, Dr. Che...[Read More] Feeling of Air Blockage in Right Ear: Causes and Solutions
Dealing with a Fish Bone Stuck in the Throat: When to Seek Help
Fishbone stuck in the throat? Hello Doctor, yesterday I got a fishbone stuck in my throat and immediately went to see an ENT specialist. While waiting for my appointment, I felt the fishbone moving down, and at one point, it was quite painful. However, by the time I saw the docto...
Dr. Zheng Jueyi Reply:
Hello: The most common issue is still Eustachian tube dysfunction. You can try chewing gum or drinking more water to swallow and see if it helps. If the problem persists, it is advisable to seek medical evaluation. Wishing you safety and health. Sincerely, Dr. Cheng Jue-Yi, Direc...[Read More] Dealing with a Fish Bone Stuck in the Throat: When to Seek Help
Understanding Tongue Pain: Causes and When to Seek Help
Abnormal tongue pain? Is it normal for the base of the tongue to have multiple protrusions? Additionally, I have recently experienced painful sores on my tongue and difficulty swallowing. Could this be oral cancer?
Dr. Zheng Jueyi Reply:
Hello, the protrusions at the base of the tongue are mostly normal circumvallate papillae. It is recommended to drink more water and monitor the situation. If the pain persists for more than a week without improvement, it is advisable to seek medical evaluation. Wishing you safet...[Read More] Understanding Tongue Pain: Causes and When to Seek Help
Concern Over Fish Bone In Throat: When to Seek Further Medical Attention?
Fishbone issues Hello Dr. Zheng, On the afternoon of November 21, I ate fish, and it wasn't until the last bite that I noticed discomfort in my throat after swallowing. At that moment, I didn't vomit anything and felt okay, so I didn't think much of it. However, a...
Dr. Zheng Jueyi Reply:
Hello: Most cases of discomfort that feel more like a sensation of something stuck rather than sharp pain are usually due to inflammation. If the symptoms persist without improvement or if you are concerned about a foreign object lodged in the esophagus, you may visit the gastroe...[Read More] Concern Over Fish Bone In Throat: When to Seek Further Medical Attention?
Understanding Throat Discomfort: Is It Chronic Pharyngitis?
The issue of medication for a feeling of something stuck in the throat? Hello, doctor. A few months ago, I felt like there was something foreign in my throat, so I went to an ENT specialist for an examination. The doctor didn't explain the cause to me after the examination, ...
Dr. Zheng Jueyi Reply:
Hello, the most common condition is still chronic pharyngitis. If examinations show no abnormalities, it is advisable to drink plenty of water and reduce the intake of irritating foods. However, if there is accompanying pain or difficulty swallowing, it is necessary to seek medic...[Read More] Understanding Throat Discomfort: Is It Chronic Pharyngitis?
Understanding Left Neck Swelling: Causes and Next Steps
Swelling on the left side of the neck? Hello Doctor: In August of this year, I started feeling slight discomfort on the left side of my neck. The sensation was intermittent at first. After school started in September, I noticed that the left side of my neck felt slightly swollen ...
Dr. Zheng Jueyi Reply:
Hello, if you have undergone many examinations and it has been confirmed that there are no abnormalities, but you still feel uncomfortable, it is recommended to perform some stretching exercises or use heat therapy and massage to alleviate the symptoms. Wishing you peace and heal...[Read More] Understanding Left Neck Swelling: Causes and Next Steps
Understanding Yellow Bumps on the Tongue: When to Seek Help
There is a yellow bump on the tongue? Hello, doctor. While having dinner, I suddenly felt a significant foreign body sensation at the base of my tongue. Upon looking in the mirror, I noticed a large yellowish protrusion at the base of my tongue that feels hard and somewhat like a...
Dr. Zheng Jueyi Reply:
Hello: It could possibly be an inflammatory granuloma or another benign tumor. If the size continues to increase or if you experience discomfort, it is advisable to visit a hospital or a general otolaryngology clinic for evaluation. Wishing you safety and health. Sincerely, Dr. C...[Read More] Understanding Yellow Bumps on the Tongue: When to Seek Help
Understanding the Sensation of a Foreign Body in the Throat
Foreign body sensation in the throat? Hello doctor, three weeks ago I noticed a sensation of something being stuck in my throat, which is not painful. Sometimes I feel this sensation, and sometimes I don't. When I do feel it, swallowing saliva makes the sensation more pronou...
Dr. Zheng Jueyi Reply:
Hello, the most common condition is still chronic pharyngitis, which is often related to post-nasal drip, gastroesophageal reflux, or other chronic irritants. It is recommended to drink plenty of water and reduce the intake of coffee, tea, desserts, or spicy foods. If symptoms pe...[Read More] Understanding the Sensation of a Foreign Body in the Throat
Understanding Eustachian Tube Function: When Does It Open?
Is that so? Hello, doctor. So generally speaking, the Eustachian tube usually only opens during yawning and swallowing. It does not open by simply tensing the muscles on your own, is that correct? Thank you, doctor.
Dr. Zheng Jueyi Reply:
Hello: Yes, that is correct. Wishing you peace and health. Sincerely, Dr. Cheng Jue-Yi, Director of the Department of Otolaryngology, Taoyuan Hospital, Ministry of Health and Welfare.[Read More] Understanding Eustachian Tube Function: When Does It Open?
Understanding Nasopharyngeal Cancer: Symptoms and Concerns
Nasopharyngeal carcinoma? A month ago, I discovered a movable, round tumor in my neck near the ear, which has a hard texture. It has not decreased in size and has not grown larger. Currently, I feel like there is phlegm stuck in my throat that I cannot clear (swallowing does not ...
Dr. Zheng Jueyi Reply:
Hello, the swelling in that area could potentially be a tumor of the cervical lymph nodes or the parotid gland. If it is not continuously increasing in size, it is mostly likely a benign change. If you are concerned, it is advisable to seek medical evaluation for a definitive dia...[Read More] Understanding Nasopharyngeal Cancer: Symptoms and Concerns
Clicking Sound in Left Ear When Swallowing: Causes and Solutions
There is a popping sound in my left ear when I swallow? Hello, doctor. Recently, I have noticed a popping sound in my left ear that occurs when I swallow saliva, lasting about 0.x to 1 second. I haven't had a cold lately, but I do have a long-standing allergy that causes nas...
Dr. Zheng Jueyi Reply:
Hello, if the popping sound persists without improvement, it is recommended to seek medical attention to check for any small earwax blockage on the eardrum or any abnormalities in the Eustachian tube function. Wishing you safety and health. Sincerely, Dr. Cheng Jue-Yi, Director o...[Read More] Clicking Sound in Left Ear When Swallowing: Causes and Solutions
Understanding Eustachian Tube Function: Opening Mechanisms and Exercises
Eustachian tube dysfunction? Hello, doctor. I would like to ask if the Eustachian tube only opens during swallowing and yawning. If I continuously tense the muscles in my neck and throat, can that keep the Eustachian tube open? Are there any actions that can keep the Eustachian t...
Dr. Zheng Jueyi Reply:
Hello, the Eustachian tube primarily opens during swallowing and yawning. Generally, maintaining tension in the neck and throat muscles does not allow the Eustachian tube to remain open continuously. In fact, the Eustachian tube is closed most of the time. A persistently open Eus...[Read More] Understanding Eustachian Tube Function: Opening Mechanisms and Exercises
Understanding Sudden Throat Pain: Causes and Remedies
Sore throat Even though I don't have a cold, my throat occasionally starts to feel sharp pain that gradually increases. Swallowing saliva also causes a slight sting, and sometimes it gets so intense that it makes me want to gag, and it can also trigger a cough. What could be...
Dr. Zheng Jueyi Reply:
Hello: The most common cause is chronic irritation, which may be related to post-nasal drip, acid reflux, smoking, or air pollution, among other factors. It is recommended to drink plenty of water. If the pain persists and does not improve, a medical examination is necessary. Wis...[Read More] Understanding Sudden Throat Pain: Causes and Remedies