Is Sleeping on Your Stomach Safe? ENT Concerns and Solutions Explained
Is sleeping face down (prone position) good for you? Hello, Dr. Hsu: When I sleep lying down, I feel like my uvula gets obstructed during inhalation, causing a sensation of difficulty breathing. Therefore, I have switched to sleeping on my stomach. I would like to ask you what ad...
Dr. Xu Jiazhen Reply:
A small number of patients experience this type of disturbance during sleep, and the causes are often not solely due to enlarged uvula. Most cases are caused by a narrowing of the entire pharyngeal passage, which may include hypertrophy of the base of the tongue, and occasionally...[Read More] Is Sleeping on Your Stomach Safe? ENT Concerns and Solutions Explained
Understanding Tonsillectomy: Procedure, Scarring, and Voice Impact for Kids
Tonsillectomy surgical methods? The tonsils are removed through a surgical procedure called tonsillectomy, which is typically performed through the mouth. This means there are no external incisions, so visible scars are usually not present. For a 5-year-old child, concerns about ...
Dr. Ye Dawei Reply:
Dear Sir/Madam: The removal from the throat will not affect the appearance and is unrelated to the vocal cords. Therefore, there will be no damage or impact on the vocal cords. Dr. Yeh Da-Wei, Head of the Department of Otolaryngology, Hsinchu Hospital.[Read More] Understanding Tonsillectomy: Procedure, Scarring, and Voice Impact for Kids
Understanding Throat Pain and Enlarged Tonsils: Key Insights for Relief
Throat and tonsils [Currently having a cold] This morning, I visited a general clinic for symptoms: sore throat, itchy throat, post-nasal drip, cough, and phlegm. The diagnosis was bacterial infection with a red and swollen throat. In the evening: Q1: When I push on my tongue, it...
Dr. Ye Dawei Reply:
Dear Sir/Madam: A1: Based on the article, it appears to be tonsillitis. A2: It is not a throat ulcer; it is inflammation of the lymph nodes in the pharynx. Please visit the otolaryngology outpatient department for further diagnosis and treatment. Dr. Shih Shui-Mu, Attending Physi...[Read More] Understanding Throat Pain and Enlarged Tonsils: Key Insights for Relief
Understanding Bumps on the Back of Your Tongue: When to See a Doctor
Are there small bumps on the back of your tongue? Today I noticed some lumps at the back of my tongue (the base of the tongue) that are similar in color to the tongue itself, varying in size. I think I remember seeing them before, but they seemed to be covered by the tongue coati...
Dr. Chen Jianzhi Reply:
Dear Inquirer: Hello, based on your literal question, it is common to find inflammation of the taste buds and the lingual tonsils at the base of the tongue in patients with gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). There is no need for you to worry too much. Sincerely, Dr. Chien-Ch...[Read More] Understanding Bumps on the Back of Your Tongue: When to See a Doctor
Understanding White Spots in the Throat: Causes and Treatment Options
White spots on the throat? I would like to ask the doctor: I can't quite describe it, but I have white spots on the right side of my throat near the pharynx. I initially thought it was a viral infection from my child, so I went to see an ENT specialist. However, the doctor s...
Dr. Xu Jiazhen Reply:
Based on your description, it is difficult to determine the exact issue you are experiencing, but there are several possible causes. The first could be thick secretions resulting from tonsillitis, which are expelled from the small crypts of the tonsils. This may lead you to belie...[Read More] Understanding White Spots in the Throat: Causes and Treatment Options
Understanding Throat Pain and Hard Lumps: A Guide for Expats
Sometimes there is a prickling sensation in the throat when swallowing saliva? About a month and a half ago, I woke up for two consecutive days with a particularly dry sensation in my right throat, and upon touching the right side of my throat, I found a small hard lump. Then, on...
Dr. Ye Dawei Reply:
Subject: Abnormal Sensation in the Throat and Tonsils Dr. Yeh Da-Wei: "Doctor, I feel like there's something stuck in my throat. It's been like this for several months, and I've seen many general practitioners without any improvement. They said you are better...[Read More] Understanding Throat Pain and Hard Lumps: A Guide for Expats
Understanding Unilateral Enlarged Tonsils: Risks and Treatment Options
Unilateral enlargement of the tonsil? I have severe nasal allergies, and I often experience post-nasal drip. In the past, I frequently suffered from tonsillitis, but one side has not resolved for about 2 to 3 years. Last year, I was concerned and went to the hospital for a biopsy...
Dr. Hu Kexin Reply:
Hello: In response to your question, an enlarged tonsil on one side does not necessarily indicate a malignant tumor. However, if there are ongoing concerns, frequent inflammation, or if it leads to obstructive sleep apnea, surgical removal may be considered.[Read More] Understanding Unilateral Enlarged Tonsils: Risks and Treatment Options
Understanding Ear and Jaw Discomfort: Insights from ENT Specialists
Please provide the content you would like me to translate into English? Hello, Doctor. Regarding your question, here is my response: At the end of January, I experienced unusual sensations in the nerves behind my left ear extending to the area near my jaw. The next day, I noticed...
Dr. Chen Jianzhi Reply:
Dear Inquirer: Hello, thank you for your response. I now understand. Sincerely, Dr. Chen Chien-Chih, Physician at Taoyuan Hospital, Department of Health, Lecturer at Fu Jen Catholic University.[Read More] Understanding Ear and Jaw Discomfort: Insights from ENT Specialists
Effective Ways to Prevent Frequent Tonsillitis: Expert Insights
Are there any preventive methods for frequent tonsillitis? Hello, Doctor: For the past three years, I have been experiencing frequent inflammation of my tonsils for unknown reasons. When it flares up, it is very painful—eating hurts, drinking water hurts, speaking hurts, and even...
Dr. Chen Jianzhi Reply:
Dear Inquirer, The prevention method for tonsillitis is to avoid catching a cold. However, the key point is that it is still unclear whether your acute tonsillitis is bacterial, viral, or due to other causes. If you experience an episode, I recommend visiting our hospital for a ...[Read More] Effective Ways to Prevent Frequent Tonsillitis: Expert Insights
Does Sore Throat Affect Ear Health? Understanding ENT Connections
Sore throat issues? Hello, does a sore throat affect the ears? I have a sore throat, and sometimes my ears feel inexplicably itchy. Now, it hurts to swallow saliva. The doctor said my tonsils are larger, which makes treatment more complicated. Does having larger tonsils mean that...
Dr. Hu Kexin Reply:
Hello: In response to your question, a sore throat can affect the ears, potentially due to nerve involvement or issues with the Eustachian tube. If the tonsils are frequently inflamed, experiencing pain more than 4 to 6 times a year can be classified as chronic tonsillitis. Due t...[Read More] Does Sore Throat Affect Ear Health? Understanding ENT Connections
Understanding Oral Mucosa and Tonsil Issues: Symptoms and Solutions
Oral mucosa and tonsil issues? Dear Doctor, I have a few questions I would like to ask: 1. Last July and August, I noticed many small white spots (approximately 0.1-0.2 cm in diameter) on the mucous membrane of the right side of my mouth. The areas with white spots feel slight...
Dr. Ye Dawei Reply:
Dear Sir/Madam: Q: Are the small white spots on the oral mucosa truly salivary glands? They appear normal now, but is there a possibility they could worsen into another serious condition in the future? Could it be oral cancer? A: Currently, it does not seem to be. Q: I do not...[Read More] Understanding Oral Mucosa and Tonsil Issues: Symptoms and Solutions
Understanding Sleep Apnea: Post-Surgery Concerns and Long-Term Management
Sleep Apnea Hello Doctor: I underwent an examination at a sleep center and was diagnosed with severe obstructive sleep apnea. After being referred to an otolaryngologist, I was confirmed to have tonsillar hypertrophy and a deviated septum as the causes. Two weeks ago, I had both ...
Dr. Hu Kexin Reply:
Hello: I recommend that you ask your attending physician who performed the surgery about this issue, as the surgical circumstances can vary from person to person, and they would have a better understanding of your condition. Dr. Hu Ke-hsin, Department of Otolaryngology, Keelung H...[Read More] Understanding Sleep Apnea: Post-Surgery Concerns and Long-Term Management
Understanding Throat Discomfort: When to See an ENT Specialist
Feeling a lump in the throat? Hello, I would like to ask a few questions: 1. If I talk continuously for about 10 minutes, I start to feel hoarse and my throat becomes very dry, requiring me to drink a little water to lubricate it. What could be the issue here? 2. Recently, for...
Dr. Ye Dawei Reply:
Subject: 1. Chronic Pharyngitis. 2. In the ENT outpatient clinic at Hsinchu Hospital, the condition that takes up the most time and involves the most patients is the so-called "globus sensation." Many patients claim that they have heard from friends and family that Dr. ...[Read More] Understanding Throat Discomfort: When to See an ENT Specialist
Understanding White Granules Coughing: Causes and Remedies
Coughing up white granular substances from the throat? Doctor, I have recently been coughing up small white and slightly grayish particles, and when I crush them, they emit a very unpleasant odor. Previously, I felt something stuck in my throat, and when I visited the clinic, the...
Dr. Chen Jianzhi Reply:
Dear Inquirer: Hello, based on your literal question, it may be chronic tonsillitis. You can purchase mouthwash and rinse four times a day after meals to see if it improves your symptoms. Sincerely, Dr. Chien-Chih Chen, Physician at Taoyuan Hospital, Department of Health, and Lec...[Read More] Understanding White Granules Coughing: Causes and Remedies
Persistent Tonsillitis: What to Do After Five Days of Symptoms?
The tonsils have been inflamed for five days? Hello doctor, I started feeling unwell on August 3rd and visited a doctor on August 4th, where I was prescribed medication. That day, I had a fever of 39.2 degrees Celsius, and the doctor diagnosed me with tonsillitis. I took the medi...
Dr. Ye Dawei Reply:
Dear Sir/Madam: If oral medication is poorly controlled, hospitalization for antibiotic treatment may be necessary. Dr. Yeh Da-Wei, Head of the Department of Otolaryngology, Hsinchu Hospital.[Read More] Persistent Tonsillitis: What to Do After Five Days of Symptoms?
Understanding Tonsil Hypertrophy: Symptoms, Surgery, and Recovery
Tonsillar hypertrophy I went to the doctor for a cold because my throat was uncomfortable. The doctor said that my tonsils are enlarged, which can cause me to snore easily and feel more discomfort when swallowing saliva. Is surgery a better option? Will there be any side effects ...
Dr. Ye Dawei Reply:
Dear Sir/Madam, I visited the doctor due to a cold and discomfort in my throat. The doctor mentioned that my tonsils are enlarged, which can cause me to snore and make swallowing more uncomfortable. Is surgery a better option? A. Yes. Will there be any complications after the su...[Read More] Understanding Tonsil Hypertrophy: Symptoms, Surgery, and Recovery
Understanding Neck Tonsil Pain and Dizziness: When to See an ENT Specialist
The tonsils in the neck often experience pain? I underwent a neurological examination at the hospital from August to September of last year due to dizziness on the right side of my head, which lasts about 10 seconds when I get up. After the examination, the doctor advised me to s...
Dr. Chen Jianzhi Reply:
Dear Xiao Pan, Based on your literal description, the condition seems a bit unusual. Without a physical examination, it is difficult to address your concerns. I recommend that you return to Mackay Memorial Hospital in Taipei for further evaluation. Sincerely, Dr. Chen Jian-Zh...[Read More] Understanding Neck Tonsil Pain and Dizziness: When to See an ENT Specialist
Understanding Right Ear and Jaw Pain: Possible Causes and Solutions
Right ear pain and pain near the right jaw? Hello, doctor. I have a few questions that I hope you can help me with. 1. Recently, I've been experiencing pain when I press on my right ear, which I've never had before. 2. There is pain from my jaw to my right cheek; it hur...
Dr. Chen Jianzhi Reply:
Dear Ms. Bao, Based on your description, it seems that there may be inflammation in the nearby areas such as the ear, ear canal, salivary glands, temporomandibular joint, tonsils, or other locations. More information is needed for a proper assessment. I recommend that you visit ...[Read More] Understanding Right Ear and Jaw Pain: Possible Causes and Solutions
Understanding Sleep Apnea: Surgical Options and Recovery Insights
Sleep Apnea Dear Director Hu, I have symptoms of sleep apnea and underwent uvulopalatopharyngoplasty last August, performed by Dr. Hsu Chia-Cheng, the former head of the ENT department. Since I also have a deviated nasal septum and predominantly breathe through one side (right s...
Dr. Hu Kexin Reply:
Hello: There are many causes of obstructive sleep apnea, which may include enlarged soft palate, enlarged tonsils, deviated nasal septum, obesity, and more. The degree of improvement after surgery still needs to be evaluated clinically and observed postoperatively. Nasal septum s...[Read More] Understanding Sleep Apnea: Surgical Options and Recovery Insights
Do You Need Antibiotics for a Cold? Understanding Allergies and Treatments
Do you need to take antibiotics for a cold? Hello Doctor: I have a personal history of allergies and have been dealing with chronic rhinitis for a long time. I would like to ask if the commonly used antihistamines on the market are primarily aimed at treating runny nose and sneez...
Dr. Hong Guangliang Reply:
Hello, here are the answers to your questions: 1. "Commonly used antihistamines are primarily aimed at treating runny nose and sneezing, while another class of vasoconstrictors targets nasal congestion symptoms." - This is generally correct, but the former refers to an...[Read More] Do You Need Antibiotics for a Cold? Understanding Allergies and Treatments