Tonsil stones, Otolaryngology FAQ - Page 3

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Understanding Enlarged Tonsils After Inflammation: What You Need to Know

Tonsil problems Hello Doctor: Last week I had tonsillitis, but this week I have recovered. My throat is no longer swollen, painful, or red. However, it seems that my right tonsil is slightly larger than the left one. I would like to know if there is still inflammation present. Pr...


Dr. Zheng Jueyi Reply:
Hello, it is normal for the size of the tonsils on both sides to vary slightly. If there is no significant pain or discomfort, you can monitor the situation yourself. If you are concerned, you may visit an otolaryngology clinic for further evaluation. Wishing you peace and good h...

[Read More] Understanding Enlarged Tonsils After Inflammation: What You Need to Know


Managing Tonsil Stones: When to Seek Medical Help or Self-Care Tips

Tonsil stones Hello Doctor: I have been experiencing issues with tonsil stones for a while now. Approximately every one to two months, I feel a sensation of something stuck in my tonsils, but it is not painful or red. When I use a toothpick to probe the crypts, I can see yellowis...


Dr. Zheng Jueyi Reply:
Hello: Drinking more water or rinsing your mouth frequently can help reduce the occurrence of stones. If discomfort persists, please seek medical evaluation to determine if surgical removal is necessary. Wishing you safety and health. Sincerely, Dr. Cheng Jue-Yi, Director of the ...

[Read More] Managing Tonsil Stones: When to Seek Medical Help or Self-Care Tips


Understanding the Connection Between Tonsillitis and Dizziness

What is the relationship between tonsillitis and dizziness? Dear Doctor, Three weeks ago, I experienced a sore throat resembling a cold (without any fever or runny nose symptoms). After taking medication for three days, I felt somewhat better, but a few days later, I began to ex...


Dr. Ji Zhaoyun Reply:
Hello, if it is confirmed that there is no acute tonsillitis but you are still experiencing dizziness (the tonsils appear slightly white and inflamed, which may indicate tonsil stones), there could be other underlying causes. It is advisable to consult an otolaryngologist for fur...

[Read More] Understanding the Connection Between Tonsillitis and Dizziness


Understanding Throat Pain: Causes of Discomfort When Swallowing

Doctor, this month I have been experiencing pain whenever I swallow saliva, whether it's before or after meals, regardless of whether I have hiccups or not. Additionally, there is a sensation of something being stuck in my throat, and now I also feel pain on the left side of...


Dr. Zheng Jueyi Reply:
Hello: There are many causes for a sensation of something stuck in the throat, commonly including tonsil stones, gastroesophageal reflux, and smoking. If the symptoms persist without improvement, it is advisable to seek medical evaluation for a definitive diagnosis. Wishing you s...

[Read More] Understanding Throat Pain: Causes of Discomfort When Swallowing


Understanding Tonsil Issues: When to Worry and When to Let Go

Tonsil problems Five or six years ago, I discovered something cartilage-like in one of my tonsils while trying to remove tonsil stones with my fingers. Over the years, my tonsils have not changed in appearance and remain symmetrical and normal. Due to my health anxiety, I visited...


Dr. Zheng Jueyi Reply:
Hello, when examining a common cold, it is standard to check the throat and tonsils. If there are no obvious discomforts and multiple physicians have conducted examinations, you can be reassured that there are no abnormalities. Wishing you peace and good health. Sincerely, Dr. Ch...

[Read More] Understanding Tonsil Issues: When to Worry and When to Let Go


Is Your Sore Throat Linked to Nasal Congestion and Allergies?

Is discomfort in the tonsils related to nasal secretions? Hello Doctor, I have a deviated septum and long-term issues with nasal allergies and congestion. Recently, I caught a mild cold, and my nasal discharge (or allergic inflammation) has become thicker, causing me to frequentl...


Dr. Ji Zhaoyun Reply:
Hello, regarding the conditions for tonsillectomy that you mentioned, they are generally as follows: 1) Enlarged tonsils causing respiratory issues or conditions such as obstructive sleep apnea; 2) Presence of malignant tumors (mostly unilateral); 3) Recurrent tonsillitis, which ...

[Read More] Is Your Sore Throat Linked to Nasal Congestion and Allergies?


Post-Tonsillectomy: Why Do Tonsil Stones Still Occur?

After tonsillectomy, stone formation may still occur? Hello Doctor, I had my palatine tonsils removed in 2016 due to issues with tonsillar abscess, stones, and halitosis. After the surgery, the halitosis persisted. In November 2018, I began to notice a foul odor emanating from my...


Dr. Zheng Jueyi Reply:
Hello, if the nasal cavity has already been examined, it is recommended to visit a dentist to check for any stones or other dental issues. Additionally, the numbness of the tongue and the bitter taste in the mouth, along with the pain from the throat to the nose, may be related t...

[Read More] Post-Tonsillectomy: Why Do Tonsil Stones Still Occur?


Understanding Recovery Time for Peritonsillar Abscess and White Patches

Peritonsillar abscess Hello Doctor: I had a peritonsillar abscess that did not improve after taking medication for three days at a small clinic. On December 1, I went to a large hospital where they incised and drained the abscess, and I have been on antibiotics for seven days. Th...


Dr. Ji Zhaoyun Reply:
Hello, regarding the issue you mentioned about the white pus spots left from the infection, I recommend maintaining good oral hygiene by rinsing your mouth after meals. This can help clear some tonsil stones (located in the tonsillar crypts). Additionally, try to avoid catching c...

[Read More] Understanding Recovery Time for Peritonsillar Abscess and White Patches


Should I Stop Self-Checking My Tonsils? Expert Advice on Tonsil Health

May I ask the doctor? Hello Doctor, about five or six years ago, I had tonsil stones and would often use my fingers to poke at my tonsils. I accidentally discovered that there seems to be a small hard spot in my left tonsil. At the end of last year, I remembered this and went to ...


Dr. Ji Zhaoyun Reply:
Hello, regarding the question you raised, to achieve a 100% diagnosis, a tonsillectomy is required under the following conditions: 1) Enlarged tonsils causing breathing difficulties or conditions such as obstructive sleep apnea; 2) Presence of malignant tumors; 3) Recurrent tonsi...

[Read More] Should I Stop Self-Checking My Tonsils? Expert Advice on Tonsil Health


Persistent Throat Irritation and Foul-Smelling Phlegm: When to See an ENT?

Itchy throat with foul-smelling phlegm? Hello doctor, for the past month or two, I have been experiencing intermittent phlegm in my throat, and sometimes the phlegm has a foul odor (similar to the smell of tonsil stones). However, the phlegm does not always have a smell. My throa...


Dr. Ji Zhaoyun Reply:
Hello, the situation you described may be chronic pharyngitis, but it is still recommended to undergo a laryngoscopy to rule out any masses and to receive medication treatment. In addition to medication, please pay attention to the following daily life precautions: avoid lying do...

[Read More] Persistent Throat Irritation and Foul-Smelling Phlegm: When to See an ENT?


Can Licking Your Tonsils or Teeth Lead to Cancer? Expert Insights

Is it related? Hello Doctor, I would like to ask if sometimes I feel like I have tonsil stones or food particles stuck in my teeth. I tend to lick them with my tongue a few times. Does this behavior increase the risk of cancer? I read in the news that excessive stimulation of the...


Dr. Zheng Jueyi Reply:
Hello: Generally, cancer is not caused by a few instances of licking; it is usually the result of long-term chronic irritation, such as from smoking or betel nut chewing. Wishing you safety and health. Sincerely, Dr. Cheng Jue-Yi, Director of the Department of Otolaryngology, Tao...

[Read More] Can Licking Your Tonsils or Teeth Lead to Cancer? Expert Insights


Understanding Tonsil Stones: Symptoms, Concerns, and Surgical Options

Tonsil stones Hello, Doctor. I have undergone a liver transplant at National Taiwan University Hospital. I often feel a sensation of something stuck due to tonsil stones, and my right tonsil is larger, which contributes to this discomfort. The doctors have said it's normal f...


Dr. Zheng Jueyi Reply:
Hello, I am currently a part-time physician at National Taiwan University and do not perform surgeries there. If you need to evaluate for surgery, you can directly make an appointment with a full-time physician in the Department of Otolaryngology or the Division of Head and Neck ...

[Read More] Understanding Tonsil Stones: Symptoms, Concerns, and Surgical Options


Understanding Tonsil Stones: Pain Management and Prevention Tips

Tonsil stones It is normal to still experience pain after having a stone removed, even if it is less severe, as the body may still be healing from the procedure. Pain radiating to the left ear can occur due to nerve pathways. Regarding the recurrence of stones, they can indeed ...


Dr. Zheng Jueyi Reply:
Hello, the stones may cause chronic inflammation and pain in the tonsil on that side. There are many reasons for the formation of stones, which may be related to individual constitution, oral hygiene, and dietary habits. This area is difficult to reach while brushing teeth, so it...

[Read More] Understanding Tonsil Stones: Pain Management and Prevention Tips


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


Understanding Tonsil Issues: When to Worry and When to Let Go

Tonsil problems Hello Doctor: About five years ago, I had tonsil stones (which I no longer have). When I tried to remove them by hand, I pressed on the left tonsil and felt something that resembled cartilage. At that time, I consulted four or five ENT specialists, all of whom sai...


Dr. Zheng Jueyi Reply:
Hello, if a thorough examination has shown no abnormalities, it is recommended that you can confidently self-monitor. If you are concerned, you may follow up at a clinic or hospital in six months. Wishing you peace and health. Sincerely, Dr. Cheng Jue-Yi, Director of the Departme...

[Read More] Understanding Tonsil Issues: When to Worry and When to Let Go


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


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 Tonsil Pain: Causes, Treatments, and When to Seek Help

Throat discomfort with sharp pain in the tonsils? Hello doctor, I went to the ENT specialist again today because of the tingling sensation and the feeling of something stuck. The doctor used a cotton swab to remove stones, and I went through this painful process twice, resulting ...


Dr. Zheng Jueyi Reply:
Hello: Generally, local treatment does not worsen the condition of the tonsils. It is also normal to feel a sensation of something stuck after swallowing. There are many reasons for the formation of tonsil stones, and it is generally recommended to drink more water or gargle freq...

[Read More] Understanding Tonsil Pain: Causes, Treatments, and When to Seek Help


Understanding Tonsil Pain: Causes, Treatments, and Concerns

Tonsillar pain or tonsil pain? Hello Doctor, last Wednesday I experienced a sharp pain on the left tonsil, and on Sunday my throat suddenly felt very tight, making it hard to breathe. By Monday, the sharp pain appeared on the right side as well, so now both sides have this sharp ...


Dr. Zheng Jueyi Reply:
Hello, if the tingling sensation has been examined by multiple physicians and no tumors were found, it is commonly associated with chronic inflammation. The feeling of excessive phlegm may also be a result of chronic inflammation, potentially related to chronic tonsillitis or irr...

[Read More] Understanding Tonsil Pain: Causes, Treatments, and Concerns


Unilateral Tonsil Enlargement Without Pain: What You Should Know

Unilateral enlargement of the tonsil without pain? Hello, Doctor. Recently, I noticed that my right tonsil appears slightly enlarged, as shown in the attached image (https://imgur.com/a/2OGcm) (taken in front of a mirror). I do not experience any pain when swallowing or at other ...


Dr. Ji Zhaoyun Reply:
Hello Mr. Chen, regarding the conditions for tonsillectomy that you mentioned, they are generally as follows: 1) Enlarged tonsils causing respiratory issues or conditions such as obstructive sleep apnea; 2) Presence of malignant tumors; 3) Recurrent tonsillitis, which is internat...

[Read More] Unilateral Tonsil Enlargement Without Pain: What You Should Know


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