Understanding Tonsil Asymmetry and Its Cancer Concerns
Consultation for Throat and Tonsil Issues Hello Doctor: I have a question about my tonsils; one side is larger than the other. I have seen a physician who said it was nothing to worry about, but I have heard that asymmetry in tonsils could be a sign of cancer. However, I do not h...
Dr. Zheng Jueyi Reply:
Hello, if the examination shows no obvious abnormalities, it is advisable to monitor the situation. However, if there is persistent unilateral throat pain or ulcers that are difficult to heal, a follow-up medical examination is necessary. Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) is...[Read More] Understanding Tonsil Asymmetry and Its Cancer Concerns
Understanding a Darkened Tongue: Causes and Concerns in ENT Health
Dirty tongue? The tip of my tongue is slightly tilted to the left and appears dirty, with a dark color. There are no bumps, and it doesn't hurt or itch! I'm not sure what it could be!
Dr. Zheng Jueyi Reply:
Hello: Most of the symptoms are benign. If you are concerned, you can visit the Ear, Nose, and Throat (ENT) department for an examination. Wishing you peace and good health. Sincerely, Dr. Jue-Yi Cheng, Director of the ENT Department, Taoyuan General Hospital, Ministry of Health ...[Read More] Understanding a Darkened Tongue: Causes and Concerns in ENT Health
Why Does My Throat Feel Blocked After Smoking?
Throat issues Hello Doctor: Why do I always feel like there is something stuck in my throat after smoking, as if I haven't swallowed something? No matter how much water I drink, I still feel like there is something lodged in my throat?
Dr. Ji Zhaoyun Reply:
Dear Miss Qian, The situation you described may be indicative of chronic pharyngitis. I recommend seeking medical attention for a laryngoscopy to rule out any masses, as well as considering pharmacological treatment. In addition to medication, please keep the following lifestyle...[Read More] Why Does My Throat Feel Blocked After Smoking?
Understanding Deviated Septum and Hypertrophic Sinusitis: Key Insights
Deviated septum, hypertrophic rhinitis? Hello Doctor: I have been suffering from a cold for about two months, with symptoms including cough, itchy throat, throat inflammation, nasal congestion, and runny nose. These symptoms did not occur simultaneously. I have visited a pediatri...
Dr. Zheng Jueyi Reply:
Hello: 1. A deviated septum primarily causes nasal congestion. If you do not experience nasal congestion or it does not affect your quality of life, surgery is generally not necessary. 2. It is not significantly related to other diseases. 3. Recovery after surgery typically t...[Read More] Understanding Deviated Septum and Hypertrophic Sinusitis: Key Insights
Understanding Blood-tinged Sputum: When to Seek Medical Advice
Hemoptysis issue 2 Thank you, Dr. Chi, for your careful response last time. Is it possible that bronchitis could cause blood-tinged sputum? If it only occurs two or three times in a month, is it necessary to see a doctor? If the blood-tinged sputum is due to coughing too hard and...
Dr. Ji Zhaoyun Reply:
Hello, Xiao Jia. Although you only experience blood-tinged sputum two or three times a month, it is indeed possible that bronchitis is causing this symptom. This is often due to excessive coughing leading to mucosal injury, and it is commonly accompanied by a sore throat. However...[Read More] Understanding Blood-tinged Sputum: When to Seek Medical Advice
Understanding Sore Throat and Oral Pain: Causes and Treatments
Sore throat and oral pain? Hello doctor, about half a month ago, my throat and neck suddenly started to hurt and felt swollen. When I touch the area below my jaw, I can feel two round movable lumps. Later, I saw a doctor who said it was just throat inflammation causing discomfort...
Dr. Ji Zhaoyun Reply:
Hello Mr. Chang, based on your description, it is most likely that you are experiencing pharyngitis and oral ulcers accompanied by cervical lymphadenopathy. Treatment typically involves the use of certain medications, and antibiotics may be prescribed if necessary. However, if th...[Read More] Understanding Sore Throat and Oral Pain: Causes and Treatments
Understanding Uvula Issues: Symptoms, Solutions, and PSG Testing Explained
Uvular issues Hello Doctor, At the beginning of June, I suddenly became aware of the presence of my uvula, especially when I cough and my tongue goes up, causing my tongue to touch the uvula. This feels very uncomfortable. Question 1: What methods can help resolve this issue?...
Dr. Li Jiaxuan Reply:
The size of the uvula is typically congenital, but upper respiratory infections or coughing can cause swelling of the uvula, leading to a sensation of its presence. However, the underlying cause must be determined to decide on the appropriate treatment. Polysomnography (PSG) is o...[Read More] Understanding Uvula Issues: Symptoms, Solutions, and PSG Testing Explained
Understanding Chronic Throat Discomfort and Lymph Node Issues
Throat lymphatic issues? Hello Doctor, I have been experiencing discomfort in my throat for quite some time, approximately six months to a year. Last year, I thought I had a fish bone stuck in my throat, and I underwent a nasal endoscopy, which showed no issues, only some redness...
Dr. Zheng Jueyi Reply:
Hello! If you have already consulted multiple physicians and undergone endoscopic examinations, it is likely that the presence of any growths can be ruled out. The most common condition is still chronic pharyngitis, which is associated with smoking, gastroesophageal reflux, spicy...[Read More] Understanding Chronic Throat Discomfort and Lymph Node Issues
Understanding Intermittent Hemoptysis: Causes and Concerns in ENT Issues
Hemoptysis issue Hello, Dr. Chi. Last week, I had a cold with productive cough, and for two consecutive days, there was blood in my sputum, which increased in amount. Then, the following day, I experienced a severe sore throat. I went to a pulmonologist for a chest X-ray, and the...
Dr. Ji Zhaoyun Reply:
Hello, Xiao Jia. Blood-streaked sputum may originate from several areas: 1) Nose: The nasal mucosa can become fragile due to allergies or infections, leading to ruptured blood vessels when forcefully blowing the nose, rubbing, picking, or coming into contact with allergens, res...[Read More] Understanding Intermittent Hemoptysis: Causes and Concerns in ENT Issues
Understanding Pain When Swallowing: Possible Causes and Solutions
Pain when swallowing food? There is pain on the right side of my throat whenever I swallow, and it feels like a muscle is hurting. This has been ongoing for more than a month. When I tilt my head back while swallowing, it hurts less. I have seen an otolaryngologist who performed ...
Dr. Zheng Jueyi Reply:
Hello: The pain in that area may be related to inflammation of the tonsils, thyroid, or lymph nodes, or it could be due to nerve or muscle pain. Only a clinical physician can make a definitive diagnosis based on symptoms and physical examination, but the location alone cannot pro...[Read More] Understanding Pain When Swallowing: Possible Causes and Solutions
Understanding Chronic Throat Discomfort: Causes and Recovery Time
Sore throat? Hello, I have been experiencing discomfort in my throat for almost two months. When I swallow saliva or food, I feel a scraping or clicking sensation. I had a CT scan, and the doctor informed me that there are no issues and that the structures are all okay. I was pre...
Dr. Zheng Jueyi Reply:
Hello, if there are no structural issues, the most common condition is still chronic pharyngitis. It is recommended to avoid foods that can trigger acid reflux, such as coffee, tea, and desserts, as well as to refrain from smoking and drinking alcohol. Improvement may take severa...[Read More] Understanding Chronic Throat Discomfort: Causes and Recovery Time
Persistent Throat Dryness and Mouth Sores: Possible ENT Issues Explained
Dry throat, presence of blisters in the oral cavity, dry cough during sleep, and a sensation of swelling on both sides of the throat? Hello, Doctor. I have had a blister in my mouth for over a year, but it hasn't caused any pain. However, in the past few months, I have been ...
Dr. Li Jiaxuan Reply:
Nasal obstruction leading to mouth breathing during sleep, as well as chronic pharyngitis and chronic tonsillitis, could potentially cause the symptoms you described. Please visit an otolaryngology clinic for a physical examination to identify the underlying cause. Wishing you go...[Read More] Persistent Throat Dryness and Mouth Sores: Possible ENT Issues Explained
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
Throat Inflammation: Why Does My Throat Make Noise When Swallowing?
Inflammation of the throat causes a clicking sound in the mouth when swallowing saliva? Since I caught a cold the day before yesterday, today my mom gave me a bottle of cola. After drinking it, I noticed a sound when I swallow saliva. Is this normal? How long will it take to reco...
Dr. Zheng Jueyi Reply:
Hello: It will gradually improve within a week. Wishing you peace and health. Sincerely, Dr. Jue-Yi Cheng, Director of the Department of Otolaryngology, Taoyuan General Hospital, Ministry of Health and Welfare.[Read More] Throat Inflammation: Why Does My Throat Make Noise When Swallowing?
Feeling of a Pill Stuck in Throat: Causes and Solutions
It feels like there is a pill stuck in my throat? There is a sensation of something in the throat that is not painful and does not induce nausea, and there are no other uncomfortable symptoms. This sensation tends to disappear momentarily while eating.
Dr. Zheng Jueyi Reply:
Hello: Most cases are caused by pharyngitis. It is advisable to drink plenty of water and avoid spicy foods. If symptoms do not improve after a week, a medical examination is necessary. Wishing you safety and health. Sincerely, Dr. Jue-Yi Cheng, Director of the Department of Otol...[Read More] Feeling of a Pill Stuck in Throat: Causes and Solutions
Red Bumps in Throat: Understanding ENT Symptoms After a Cold
Red and swollen throat? Today, while looking in the mirror, I noticed some red protrusions in my throat, about three or four of them. The people around me do not have this symptom, and there is no pain or urge to cough, nor is my voice hoarse. However, I feel like there is phlegm...
Dr. Zheng Jueyi Reply:
Hello: The lymphoid tissue commonly found on the posterior wall of the throat is mostly benign and can usually be monitored. However, if there is pain or if it continues to enlarge, a medical examination is necessary. Wishing you peace and health. Sincerely, Dr. Cheng Jue-Yi, Dir...[Read More] Red Bumps in Throat: Understanding ENT Symptoms After a Cold
Understanding Recurring Throat Pain: Causes and Solutions
Throat issues Hello Doctor: I previously had a sore throat for six to seven days, which resolved on its own. Then it suddenly hurt again for two to three days and got better by itself. Now it has started hurting again, and it is very painful to swallow saliva. Why does it hurt su...
Dr. Zheng Jueyi Reply:
Hello: Recurrent infections are often related to an immune system that has not fully recovered or chronic inflammation caused by other persistent stimuli. If you experience frequent recurrences, it is advisable to continue seeking medical evaluation. Wishing you safety and health...[Read More] Understanding Recurring Throat Pain: Causes and Solutions
Persistent Throat Discomfort After Fishbone Removal: What to Do?
If you have removed a fishbone but still feel discomfort, it is advisable to consult a healthcare professional for further evaluation and management? Hello Doctor, on the first day of the Dragon Boat Festival holiday, I got a fishbone stuck in my throat. In the evening, I went to...
Dr. Zheng Jueyi Reply:
Hello: If there is no fever or worsening throat pain, you may continue to monitor the situation. However, if symptoms persist without improvement, it is necessary to seek medical attention again. Wishing you safety and health. Sincerely, Dr. Cheng Jue-Yi, Director of the Departme...[Read More] Persistent Throat Discomfort After Fishbone Removal: What to Do?
Understanding Lingual Discomfort: Causes of a Gritty Sensation on the Tongue
There is a spot on my tongue that feels rough? Hello doctor, I would like to ask about a sensation I experienced. Last October, I felt a rough spot on the back left side of my tongue that lasted for over a month. The rough sensation went away, but in March of this year, that spot...
Dr. Zheng Jueyi Reply:
Hello, if no obvious abnormalities are found upon examination, it is often related to chronic inflammation. It is recommended to maintain a regular routine and drink plenty of water, as this will generally lead to gradual improvement. Wishing you peace and health. Sincerely, Dr. ...[Read More] Understanding Lingual Discomfort: Causes of a Gritty Sensation on the Tongue
Persistent Tongue Pain and Inflammation: Possible Causes and Next Steps
There is a persistent pain at the back of the tongue? Hello Doctor: About a month ago, I engaged in kissing and sexual intercourse (without oral sex) with someone of the opposite sex. Since then, I have been experiencing an unusual odor in my mouth and discomfort in my throat. I ...
Dr. Zheng Jueyi Reply:
Hello: Upon initial examination, it appears that the primary issue is still inflammation of the tongue, which is commonly due to viral infections. Most cases improve gradually with medication and lifestyle adjustments. If you have already been examined by a physician, it is advis...[Read More] Persistent Tongue Pain and Inflammation: Possible Causes and Next Steps