Understanding Neck Lumps: Causes and When to Seek Help
Cervical mass? Dr. Cheng, thank you for your hard work. I would like to ask: On October 18, 2015, I felt discomfort in my neck and noticed a round lump about four centimeters below my right ear (I estimate it to be around three centimeters). It was painful to touch, movable, and ...
Dr. Zheng Jueyi Reply:
Hello, The most common cause of neck lymphadenopathy is inflammation. However, if the lymph nodes are larger than one centimeter or do not decrease in size after an infection, it is advisable to seek medical evaluation to rule out other potential issues besides the inflamed lym...[Read More] Understanding Neck Lumps: Causes and When to Seek Help
Understanding Tongue Pain and Difficulty Swallowing: Causes and Solutions
Sore tongue leading to difficulty swallowing? I have a small red area with tiny red bumps on the right side of my tongue. Overall, my tongue is very red, but the right side is particularly painful. It hurts to swallow food and even to talk. Could this be due to excessive heat in ...
Dr. Zheng Jueyi Reply:
Hello, the redness is mostly due to inflamed taste buds on the tongue. It is recommended to drink more water and reduce the intake of spicy foods. If there is no improvement after a week, it is advisable to seek medical examination and treatment. Wishing you peace and health. Sin...[Read More] Understanding Tongue Pain and Difficulty Swallowing: Causes and Solutions
Swollen Throat Without Pain: Causes and When to See a Doctor
Swollen throat but no pain? I feel a swelling above my neck (probably around the jaw area) that isn't painful. It seems like there's phlegm, but when I swallow, it feels like it comes back up. I experience a bit of a tight sensation when drinking water or swallowing foo...
Dr. Zheng Jueyi Reply:
Hi Fangfang: Hello, if the feeling of discomfort persists without improvement, it is advisable to seek medical examination for peace of mind. Wishing you safety and health. Sincerely, Dr. Cheng Jue-Yi, Director of the Department of Otolaryngology, Taoyuan Hospital, Ministry of He...[Read More] Swollen Throat Without Pain: Causes and When to See a Doctor
Understanding Long Styloid Process and Tonsillitis Surgery: Antibiotic Use Explained
Long styloid process and tonsillitis? I went to the hospital because I felt nauseous and wanted to vomit while swallowing. The doctor arranged for a CT scan and diagnosed me with elongated styloid process and tonsillitis, recommending surgery. I am currently undergoing interferon...
Dr. Zheng Jueyi Reply:
Hello: For general oral surgeries, a preoperative dose of antibiotics is typically administered. As for postoperative antibiotic use, most cases do not require it, but the decision should still be made by the clinician based on the specific circumstances. Wishing you safety and h...[Read More] Understanding Long Styloid Process and Tonsillitis Surgery: Antibiotic Use Explained
Understanding Throat Pain: Is It a Throat Ball or Something Else?
Sore throat, could it be pharyngitis? Hello doctor, I would like to ask about the pain I’ve been experiencing on the right side of my throat for the past couple of days. It feels like something is stuck in there, but I have difficulty swallowing water, and when I swallow saliva, ...
Dr. Zheng Jueyi Reply:
Hello, it is recommended to visit an otolaryngology clinic or hospital for an examination. If necessary, the physician may use a nasopharyngoscope to confirm the diagnosis. It is advisable to first check with an otolaryngologist's clinic near your home. Wishing you safety an...[Read More] Understanding Throat Pain: Is It a Throat Ball or Something Else?
Feeling of a Foreign Body in Throat: Causes and Concerns Explained
There is a sensation of a foreign body in the throat, but little discomfort is felt during swallowing? Hello Dr. Zheng: About six months ago, I had a cold and have been coughing for about four to five months. After that, I started to feel something unusual in my throat. It seems ...
Dr. Zheng Jueyi Reply:
Hello: The most common cause is chronic pharyngitis resulting from an infection. It is advisable to drink plenty of water and avoid irritating foods, as well as secondhand smoke. Additionally, if there are symptoms of gastroesophageal reflux, it is recommended to limit coffee, te...[Read More] Feeling of a Foreign Body in Throat: Causes and Concerns Explained
Frequent Nosebleeds: Causes and When to Seek Medical Attention
Possible causes of frequent nosebleeds? Hello, I have been experiencing severe nosebleeds for nearly a year. I have visited several clinics, and they all said it was due to injury and allergies that have damaged my nasal mucosa (with pollen/dust mite allergies). Additionally, I h...
Dr. Zheng Jueyi Reply:
Hello: Most nosebleeds are caused by bleeding from the anterior nasal septum mucosa. If you experience frequent nosebleeds, it is advisable to seek medical evaluation. Wishing you safety and health. Sincerely, Dr. Jue-Yi Cheng, Director of the Department of Otolaryngology, Taoyua...[Read More] Frequent Nosebleeds: Causes and When to Seek Medical Attention
Red Dots on Tongue and Lips: Possible ENT Issues Explained
The anterior sides of the tongue and the anterior part of the upper and lower lips? Hello Doctor, starting Monday, I noticed red spots on the tip and sides of my tongue, as well as on the front of my upper and lower lips. When I lick my tongue, it feels a bit numb, similar to the...
Dr. Zheng Jueyi Reply:
Hello: The most common cause of a tingling sensation in the tongue is glossitis. Additionally, if you often feel a sensation of something stuck in your throat while swallowing, along with frequent bloating, belching, or flatulence, it may be due to gastroesophageal reflux disease...[Read More] Red Dots on Tongue and Lips: Possible ENT Issues Explained
Impact of Avoiding Swallowing Due to Acute Tonsillitis
Swallowing difficulties Doctor, I am experiencing difficulty swallowing due to acute tonsillitis and I am considering not swallowing at all. What effects might this have, such as muscle atrophy or other issues?
Dr. Zheng Jueyi Reply:
Hello: Generally, it does not cause muscle atrophy, but difficulty swallowing can lead to inadequate nutrition, which may affect immune recovery. It is recommended that if symptoms are severe, medical treatment or hospitalization for intravenous therapy should be sought. Wishing ...[Read More] Impact of Avoiding Swallowing Due to Acute Tonsillitis
Understanding Right Tonsil Swelling: Causes and Concerns
Right tonsil enlargement? Doctor, I went to see a physician who said I have a viral infection and tonsillitis, but only the right side is swollen. I feel a bit of pain in my neck when swallowing saliva. He prescribed me medication for three days, but after taking it a few times, ...
Dr. Zheng Jueyi Reply:
Hello: Most likely, the swelling is due to inflammation of the tonsils. If there is no pain or fever, you can drink plenty of water and maintain a regular routine to observe the situation. If there is still no improvement, you may visit the hospital for a more detailed examinatio...[Read More] Understanding Right Tonsil Swelling: Causes and Concerns
Why Drinking Water Hurts My Throat: Understanding ENT Issues
Sore throat when drinking water? I have never liked drinking water since I was a child, so I rarely drink it. Later, I discovered that drinking water causes throat pain, which made me dislike it even more. Especially with warm water, after swallowing a couple of sips, I feel like...
Dr. Zheng Jueyi Reply:
Hello: Currently, it is unclear why drinking beverages or milk does not cause pain, while drinking plain water does. If the pain persists, it is advisable to seek medical evaluation. Wishing you peace and good health. Sincerely, Dr. Jue-Yi Cheng, Director of the Department of Oto...[Read More] Why Drinking Water Hurts My Throat: Understanding ENT Issues
Understanding Tinnitus and Ear Pressure: Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment Options
Tinnitus and ear fullness? Hello Doctor, about three months ago I suddenly experienced tinnitus and a feeling of fullness in my left ear. Initially, I had occasional dizziness, so I went to a clinic where they diagnosed me with allergic rhinitis causing post-nasal drip. After tak...
Dr. Zheng Jueyi Reply:
Hello, if you have already been examined, the most common issue is Eustachian tube dysfunction. Since the opening of the Eustachian tube is located in the nasopharynx, the entire nasopharyngeal area can be observed regardless of which side the endoscope is inserted from. As the r...[Read More] Understanding Tinnitus and Ear Pressure: Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment Options
Clicking Sound in Right Ear When Swallowing: ENT Insights
There is a sound in the right ear when swallowing saliva? When swallowing saliva, there is a sound of a thumping or popping in the right ear.
Dr. Zheng Jueyi Reply:
Hello, when swallowing saliva, the Eustachian tube opens, and sometimes you may hear sounds as a result. This is generally a normal phenomenon, and you can continue to observe it. Wishing you peace and health. Sincerely, Dr. Cheng Jue-Yi, Director of the Department of Otolaryngol...[Read More] Clicking Sound in Right Ear When Swallowing: ENT Insights
Understanding Eustachian Tube Dysfunction: Effects of Positioning
Eustachian tube obstruction When the Eustachian tube is obstructed, does bending forward or lying flat worsen the blockage? Should these positions be avoided? (Because if the Eustachian tube is already partially blocked, wouldn't bending forward or lying flat make it harder ...
Dr. Zheng Jueyi Reply:
Hi: In theory, there is no need for special avoidance; differences in posture will only cause temporary changes in the Eustachian tube. Wishing you peace and health. Sincerely, Dr. Jue-Yi Cheng, Director of the Department of Otolaryngology, Taoyuan General Hospital, Ministry of H...[Read More] Understanding Eustachian Tube Dysfunction: Effects of Positioning
Why Does Pinching Nose While Swallowing Affect Ear Pressure When Standing?
Pinching the nose while swallowing saliva? There is another question: why do doctors experience a feeling of fullness in their ears when pinching their nose and swallowing while standing, but not when lying down? Is this normal? Thank you.
Dr. Zheng Jueyi Reply:
In theory, it should feel stuffy, but since everyone's anatomy is different, there may be some variations, which are still considered normal. Wishing you peace and health. Sincerely, Dr. Cheng Jue-Yi, Director of the Department of Otolaryngology, Taoyuan General Hospital, Mi...[Read More] Why Does Pinching Nose While Swallowing Affect Ear Pressure When Standing?
Why Pinching Your Nose and Swallowing Can Test Eustachian Tube Function
Pinch your nose and swallow? When I asked the doctor if my Eustachian tube was clear, he told me to pinch my nose and swallow. Then he asked if my ears felt clogged, and I said yes. The doctor then said that my Eustachian tube was clear and there was no issue. Doctor, why does pi...
Dr. Zheng Jueyi Reply:
Dear Mr. Hu, Under normal circumstances, swallowing saliva opens the Eustachian tube to equalize the pressure in the middle ear. Therefore, when you pinch your nose and swallow, it can create negative pressure, leading to a feeling of fullness in the ears. However, if the Eustac...[Read More] Why Pinching Your Nose and Swallowing Can Test Eustachian Tube Function
Understanding Uvulopalatopharyngoplasty: Procedure, Recovery, and Care Tips
Uvulopalatopharyngoplasty (UPPP) Due to inflammation of the left tonsil and a benign tumor located behind it, there is swelling in the left side of the neck and cheek. The doctor has recommended performing uvulopalatopharyngoplasty (UPPP) and indicated that a hospital stay of 2 t...
Dr. Zheng Jueyi Reply:
Hello: The surgery is similar to a tonsillectomy, typically performed under general anesthesia. The procedure is conducted directly through the oral cavity, so there will be no external wounds on the face. The main postoperative issue is swallowing pain, for which physicians ofte...[Read More] Understanding Uvulopalatopharyngoplasty: Procedure, Recovery, and Care Tips
Crackling Sounds When Swallowing: Understanding Ear and Throat Issues
There is a popping sound when swallowing saliva? Hello Doctor, I would like to ask you, since I caught a cold last November, I have been experiencing a popping sound (crackling sound) in my ears when swallowing saliva. I have visited three major hospitals, and the doctors examine...
Dr. Zheng Jueyi Reply:
Hi Xiao Huang: Hello, the most common issue may be a temporary dysfunction of the Eustachian tube. If you have already been examined by a physician and no specific problems were found, you can continue to manage your allergy symptoms and observe whether there is gradual improveme...[Read More] Crackling Sounds When Swallowing: Understanding Ear and Throat Issues
Pain in the Neck When Swallowing: Possible Causes and Solutions
Pain in the neck when swallowing saliva? Hello, doctor. I have been experiencing some pain in my neck when swallowing saliva, located on the lower left side of my throat near the clavicle, which seems to be close to the thyroid area. The pain is near the surface (but it’s not ski...
Dr. Zheng Jueyi Reply:
Hello, you may want to have an examination by an otolaryngologist first. The most common issue is chronic pharyngitis, which may be caused by gastroesophageal reflux, postnasal drip, or chronic irritation from smoking. Additionally, it could be due to a neck muscle strain, possib...[Read More] Pain in the Neck When Swallowing: Possible Causes and Solutions
Understanding Neck Pain When Swallowing: Possible Causes and Solutions
Pain in the neck when swallowing saliva (additional information) I apologize for the follow-up to the previous question. The pain is located in the lower left side of my throat near the clavicle, but occasionally it also occurs higher up (still on the left side) near the mandible...
Dr. Zheng Jueyi Reply:
Hello, it is advisable to have an ENT specialist examine you first. The most common condition is chronic pharyngitis, which may be caused by gastroesophageal reflux, postnasal drip, or chronic irritation from smoking. Additionally, it could be due to neck muscle strain, possibly ...[Read More] Understanding Neck Pain When Swallowing: Possible Causes and Solutions