For 4 days, I've had a painful white ulcer on my tongue. How can I tell if it's a fungal infection or tongue cancer, and what are the symptoms of each? (Anh Tran, 45, Ho Chi Minh City)

My 5-year-old recently recovered from a sore throat and is currently taking prescribed medication. They have a swollen lymph node in their neck, about 1 cm in size. Is this cause for concern? (Thai Anh, 33, Lam Dong)

7-year-old Thao suffered from a throat infection for a week. The untreated infection spread to her ears, causing pus discharge and eardrum swelling.

French fries, crackers, and pickles can scratch sores and irritate coughs, exacerbating sore throat symptoms.

I often have a sore throat and sinus pain. Can an ENT endoscopy help detect cancer, and how can I tell if a lesion is benign or malignant? (Hung Nguyen, 50, TP HCM)

I frequently experience recurring sore throats and only antibiotics seem to provide quick relief. Is frequent antibiotic use dangerous? (An Lam, 35, Ho Chi Minh City)

Ulcers can cause pain and discomfort, but eating soft foods and avoiding fried or spicy items can bring relief.