Understanding Throat Pain and Tongue Ulcers: Insights from an ENT Specialist
Left-sided throat pain and a sore on the tongue? Hello Dr. Zheng, I sometimes experience excessive nasal discharge and a slight pain in the left side of my throat after staying up late. I visited an ENT specialist in the morning, initially thinking that my left tonsil might be in...
Dr. Zheng Jueyi Reply:
Hello! A hole on the side of the tongue may potentially cause pain in the throat on the same side, as they are innervated by the same sensory nerve. You can start with medication and monitor the situation. As for allergic rhinitis, long-term use of corticosteroid nasal sprays is ...[Read More] Understanding Throat Pain and Tongue Ulcers: Insights from an ENT Specialist
Can Tonsillitis Occur Without Sore Throat Pain? Understanding Symptoms
Tonsillitis? A few days ago, I suddenly started coughing and felt a bit warm. After seeing a doctor, I was informed that I have tonsillitis and that I should just rest. However, I don't have any pain in my throat; swallowing saliva doesn't hurt, and I only occasionally ...
Dr. Zheng Jueyi Reply:
Hello: Generally, tonsillitis is often accompanied by a sore throat, cough, and a mild fever, which may still indicate an upper respiratory infection. It is recommended to finish the medication and then monitor the situation. Wishing you safety and health. Sincerely, Dr. Cheng Ju...[Read More] Can Tonsillitis Occur Without Sore Throat Pain? Understanding Symptoms
Concerns About Swallowing Fish Bones: When to Seek ENT Care
Uncertain if a fishbone has been swallowed? Hello, Doctor. During lunch, while eating sweet and sour fried fish, I suddenly felt a sensation of something stuck in my throat, and I'm not sure if it was a small fish bone or just the crunchy texture of the fried fish. I tried t...
Dr. Zheng Jueyi Reply:
Hello: Generally, when a fishbone gets stuck in the throat, there is often noticeable pain or discomfort. If there is no significant pain while swallowing, you can initially monitor the situation. However, if you are concerned, you may visit an otolaryngologist for examination an...[Read More] Concerns About Swallowing Fish Bones: When to Seek ENT Care
Understanding Throat Issues: Why New Symptoms Arise After Treatment
Throat issues I visited a clinic because I had a sore throat for three days. After taking a packet of medication, my throat pain turned into itching, and not only is my throat itchy, but my breathing has also become somewhat difficult. (I have a history of allergic asthma.) I wou...
Dr. Zheng Jueyi Reply:
Hello: It is common for the course of an illness to gradually change over time. If symptoms improve, you may monitor yourself for a while. However, if symptoms worsen or do not improve, you should seek medical attention again. Wishing you peace and health. Sincerely, Dr. Cheng Ju...[Read More] Understanding Throat Issues: Why New Symptoms Arise After Treatment
Understanding Throat Irritation and Breathing Issues: When to Seek Help
Sore throat? On February 2, 2020, I caught a cold from a friend. Currently, I feel phlegm in my throat, often needing to clear it. My throat frequently itches, and I sometimes experience a sensation of shortness of breath or a cool feeling in my airways. I can't quite distin...
Dr. Zheng Jueyi Reply:
Hello: If you feel that there is phlegm in your throat and you frequently need to clear it, it may be chronic pharyngitis. This condition is often associated with post-cold infections, post-nasal drip, or gastroesophageal reflux. If there are no significant discomforts, it is adv...[Read More] Understanding Throat Irritation and Breathing Issues: When to Seek Help
Persistent Phlegm in Throat After Cold: Causes and Solutions
Phlegm in the throat? My friend had cold symptoms in January 2020 and infected four other people. Interestingly, after everyone recovered from their cold symptoms, they all experienced similar throat phlegm and needed to cough to clear it, and it seems there is quite a bit of phl...
Dr. Zheng Jueyi Reply:
Hello: There are many factors that can cause a sensation of phlegm in the throat, including post-nasal drip, gastroesophageal reflux, smoking, or pulmonary diseases. Therefore, if the condition persists without improvement, it is advisable to consult an otolaryngologist or a pulm...[Read More] Persistent Phlegm in Throat After Cold: Causes and Solutions
Understanding Asymmetrical Tonsils: When to Seek Medical Advice
Asymmetrical tonsil size? Hello Doctor: I have been feeling something unusual in my throat, and upon examining my mouth, I noticed that the tonsils are asymmetrical (the left one is barely visible, while the right one is protruding about the size of a fingertip). I currently do n...
Dr. Zheng Jueyi Reply:
Hello: The size of the tonsils on both sides shows slight differences. If there are no persistent pain, ulcers, fever, or swelling of the cervical lymph nodes, you may observe it yourself, as it is mostly a benign condition. If you are concerned, you can visit an otolaryngologist...[Read More] Understanding Asymmetrical Tonsils: When to Seek Medical Advice
Understanding Tonsil Swelling and Persistent Low-Grade Fever
Tonsillar enlargement and temperature issues? In early March, I experienced a throat ulcer and swelling of the left tonsil, suspected to be due to a weakened immune system. Although the pain has subsided, the tonsil remains swollen. Since then, my body temperature has consistentl...
Dr. Zheng Jueyi Reply:
Hello: If there are no obvious symptoms of pain or fever (above 38 degrees Celsius), you can initially self-monitor. However, if you experience discomfort or if your tonsils continue to enlarge, you should return for a follow-up examination. Wishing you safety and health. Sincere...[Read More] Understanding Tonsil Swelling and Persistent Low-Grade Fever
Unilateral Sore Throat and Ear Pain: Possible Causes and Solutions
Unilateral sore throat and ear pain issues? Two nights ago, after eating ice cream, I experienced unilateral ear pain and unilateral throat pain the next morning. The throat only hurts when swallowing saliva, and the ear pain resembles symptoms of otitis media. I have been taking...
Dr. Ji Zhaoyun Reply:
Hello, the issues you mentioned could potentially be due to one of the following four causes: 1) Acute tonsillitis causing referred ear pain. 2) Otitis media: a) Acute otitis media: Often occurs alongside upper respiratory infections (colds) or sinusitis, and in severe cas...[Read More] Unilateral Sore Throat and Ear Pain: Possible Causes and Solutions
Understanding Nasal Drip with Blood: When to Seek ENT Care
Post-nasal drip with blood-tinged mucus? Hello Dr. Zheng: In mid-February, I experienced headaches, fatigue, nasal congestion, and a runny nose. I visited the clinic three times without improvement, and finally, I couldn't stand it anymore and went to the emergency room wher...
Dr. Zheng Jueyi Reply:
Hello, if you are concerned, you can visit a hospital or clinic's otolaryngology department to have your nasopharynx examined. Generally, this can be done using a mirror or a nasopharyngoscope. Wishing you safety and health. Sincerely, Dr. Cheng Jue-Yi, Director of the Otola...[Read More] Understanding Nasal Drip with Blood: When to Seek ENT Care
Understanding Persistent Throat Swelling: Causes and Treatments
Sore throat? Hello Dr. Cheng, I started feeling a swollen throat around February 25, with a sensation of sound when swallowing that fluctuates in severity, but there is no pain. I have seen several doctors, and they all said it was inflammation and prescribed cold medication. Ini...
Dr. Zheng Jueyi Reply:
Hello: Chronic pharyngitis is often related to lifestyle habits. If you do not smoke, you can start by adjusting your lifestyle to improve gastroesophageal reflux. If there is no improvement, you may want to consult a gastroenterologist for further evaluation. Wishing you peace a...[Read More] Understanding Persistent Throat Swelling: Causes and Treatments
Understanding Burns from Hot Food: Symptoms and Treatment Options
Food intake burn issues? Hello, doctor. I apologize for having many questions. Recently, due to time constraints, I consumed very hot porridge shortly after it was cooked, which resulted in a burn on a large area of my tongue. I did not spit it out; instead, I kept swallowing. Th...
Dr. Zheng Jueyi Reply:
Hello: It is common for burns to cause inflammation of the throat or esophagus, and prescribing medication is reasonable. As for headaches, heaviness in the head, and body heat, these are generally not related to medication side effects. If discomfort persists, you may consult a ...[Read More] Understanding Burns from Hot Food: Symptoms and Treatment Options
Understanding Tongue Imprints and White-Yellow Coating: Symptoms and Remedies
Tongue with scalloped edges and a white-yellow coating? Hello doctor, I am currently in the United States. Recently, I have suddenly developed teeth marks on the edges of my tongue along with a white-yellow coating on the tongue. I also feel a bit fatigued, and my hands are occas...
Dr. Zheng Jueyi Reply:
Hello: If there are no obvious discomforts, you can start by drinking more water and maintaining a regular routine; it is not necessary to use anti-inflammatory medications. Wishing you safety and health. Director of the Department of Otolaryngology, Taoyuan General Hospital, Min...[Read More] Understanding Tongue Imprints and White-Yellow Coating: Symptoms and Remedies
Concerns About Swallowing Shellfish Fragments: When to Seek Medical Help
Ingested suspected fragments of oysters or clams? Hello doctor, while I was eating seafood porridge, I swallowed what I believe were small fragments of oyster or clam along with the rice. Although it felt a bit hard compared to the rice when I swallowed it, I didn't experien...
Dr. Zheng Jueyi Reply:
Hello: If there is no obvious pain or difficulty in swallowing, you can observe yourself first, as small fragments will mostly pass naturally with the stool. However, if there is significant fever, abdominal pain, or pain while swallowing, it is advisable to seek medical attentio...[Read More] Concerns About Swallowing Shellfish Fragments: When to Seek Medical Help
Persistent Phlegm in Throat: Understanding Symptoms and Seeking Help
Phlegm in the throat? On January 15, 2020, my friend's daughter returned from a trip to South Korea and caught a cold, which she transmitted to my friend. On February 2, 2020, I went hiking with my friend, and he transmitted the illness to me. Initially, I experienced a runn...
Dr. Zheng Jueyi Reply:
Hello: If pneumonia has been ruled out and the throat congestion with phlegm, post-nasal drip, or acid reflux is related to respiratory sensitivity due to infection, it is advisable to drink plenty of water and maintain a regular routine, while minimizing the intake of coffee, te...[Read More] Persistent Phlegm in Throat: Understanding Symptoms and Seeking Help
Throat Itching and Occasional Blood: Understanding ENT Symptoms
Itchy throat with occasional streaks of blood? Doctor: Hello, since I caught a cold in mid-April last year, I've been experiencing an itchy sensation in my throat, sometimes feeling it at the back of the uvula (around the area from the nasopharynx to the oropharynx). This ar...
Dr. Zheng Jueyi Reply:
Hello, (1) The scope of nasopharyngoscopy includes the observation of the nasal cavity, nasopharynx, oropharynx, hypopharynx, and the position of the vocal cords. (2) A sensation of itchiness in the throat is often associated with post-nasal drip or gastroesophageal reflux di...[Read More] Throat Itching and Occasional Blood: Understanding ENT Symptoms
Uncontrollable Throat Noises: Is It Related to GERD?
Involuntary throat noises or vocalizations? Hello, I have been suffering from gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) for several years, and it has become somewhat severe since the beginning of this year. I can feel a sensation of something stuck in my throat, along with some pain...
Dr. Zheng Jueyi Reply:
Hello, if there is not much change in voice quality, it is commonly associated with throat edema caused by gastroesophageal reflux. It is recommended to first strengthen dietary control to improve gastroesophageal reflux. If the effect is not satisfactory, you may visit a gastroe...[Read More] Uncontrollable Throat Noises: Is It Related to GERD?
Feeling of Foreign Body in Throat: Causes and Concerns Explained
Foreign body sensation in the throat? Hello, Dr. Zheng. I was eating pasta too quickly, and it felt like a piece got stuck in my esophagus. I initially wanted to spit it out, but all that came out were chewed pieces, so I gave up. However, when I swallow saliva afterward, my thro...
Dr. Zheng Jueyi Reply:
Hello: If you have a sensation of a foreign body in your throat without significant pain or difficulty swallowing, you can start with self-observation. If there is no severe coughing while eating, it is unlikely to cause aspiration pneumonia. As for the ulcer on your tongue, you ...[Read More] Feeling of Foreign Body in Throat: Causes and Concerns Explained
Throat Pain Radiating to Ears and Occasional Headaches: Solutions?
Sore throat radiating to the ear, occasional headache? Hello Doctor, I am currently living abroad and I'm not sure if the air conditioning while sleeping is a factor, but the air is very dry and it has led to a sore throat. Initially, the symptoms were mild, but now they hav...
Dr. Zheng Jueyi Reply:
Hello: Common causes of throat inflammation may be related to viral or bacterial infections. The primary use of Betadine is for its antiseptic properties and it can be used as an adjunct treatment. However, it does not have analgesic effects. If there is pain, it may be advisable...[Read More] Throat Pain Radiating to Ears and Occasional Headaches: Solutions?
Understanding Throat and Trachea Issues: Common Concerns and Solutions
Throat and tracheal issues? Hello Doctor, after having mung bean soup for dinner today, I felt like something was stuck in my throat, as if a mung bean was lodged there. After inducing vomiting, although I no longer felt the mung bean, I still have a strange sensation when I spit...
Dr. Zheng Jueyi Reply:
Hello, if there is no obvious difficulty swallowing or pain while swallowing, the strange sensation may be related to throat discomfort caused by inducing vomiting, and it is advisable to self-monitor. As for the feeling that food sometimes seems to go up into the nose, it may be...[Read More] Understanding Throat and Trachea Issues: Common Concerns and Solutions