Understanding Persistent Fatigue: Common Causes and Solutions
Continuous health issues? Dear Doctor, I have been feeling very sleepy for the past few days. I first noticed it on the first day when I felt the urge to sleep around 9 or 10 AM at work and ended up sleeping for over an hour. I also took a nap during lunch for more than an hour...
Dr. Chen Taicheng Reply:
- Seek medical attention to check for any infections or other bodily abnormalities. - If there are indentations on the tongue without any wounds, there is no need to worry too much; sometimes this is related to poor sleep or high stress levels. - The small red spots on the tong...[Read More] Understanding Persistent Fatigue: Common Causes and Solutions
Understanding Tongue Coating: What It Reveals About Your Health
Tongue coating concerns? Hello, I noticed that my tongue coating was thicker for a while, but recently it has decreased a bit. Today, I observed that the middle and back parts of my tongue have more coating again. When I scrape it off and smell it, there is a slight strange odor,...
Dr. Chen Taicheng Reply:
● The tongue coating may indeed change slightly over time, due to diet and individual health conditions. However, these changes are often not significant issues and may improve on their own. ● Generally, observation is sufficient; if discomfort occurs, it is advisable to seek fur...[Read More] Understanding Tongue Coating: What It Reveals About Your Health
Understanding Oral Issues: Causes and Solutions for Bad Breath and Tongue Pain
Oral issues Hello, doctor. I would like to ask why I have been experiencing an unusual taste in my mouth for the past week (sometimes it feels sour, but it doesn't seem to be). My tongue occasionally feels prickly. How can I improve this condition?
Dr. Chen Taicheng Reply:
● If you have recently taken medication, such as antibiotics, it may sometimes cause changes in taste, which will gradually improve after discontinuation. ● Oral malodor should also consider the possibility of sinusitis, gastroesophageal reflux, excessive salivation, or oral hygi...[Read More] Understanding Oral Issues: Causes and Solutions for Bad Breath and Tongue Pain
How to Clear Phlegm When You Can't Cough It Up
Unable to expel phlegm? My family has told me that I snore while I am in deep sleep, but it's not the kind of snoring associated with sleep apnea. Instead, it sounds like my throat is blocked, and I feel like I want to cough up phlegm but can't. What are some methods to...
Dr. Chen Taicheng Reply:
● Check if you often have phlegm, smoke, have allergic conditions such as asthma or allergic rhinitis, or suffer from sinusitis. If phlegm occurs occasionally, medication can be used initially, but it is important to identify the underlying cause. You may visit a family medicine ...[Read More] How to Clear Phlegm When You Can't Cough It Up
Understanding TMJ Disorders: Tongue Pain and Related Symptoms
Temporomandibular joint, small white spots on the tongue, and pain when pressure is applied to the throat? Hello Doctor: I have been experiencing issues with my temporomandibular joint (TMJ) for a long time. Whenever I open my mouth slightly, there is a clicking sound that has pe...
Dr. Chen Taicheng Reply:
● If your temporomandibular joint (TMJ) is consistently making sounds and feels stiff, it may lead to joint wear. Please consult an oral and maxillofacial surgeon or an otolaryngologist at a major hospital. ● Small white spots on the tongue may simply be ulcers, which typically h...[Read More] Understanding TMJ Disorders: Tongue Pain and Related Symptoms
Is It Normal to Feel Something on the Inside of My Tongue?
Tongue issues? Hello doctor, I feel something on the inner right front side of my tongue, but it doesn't hurt. Is this normal?
Dr. Chen Taicheng Reply:
● It is difficult to make a definitive diagnosis without a physical examination or palpation. Please visit an otolaryngologist or a family medicine physician for further evaluation and treatment. Wishing you good health, Dr. Chen Tai-Cheng from Taoyuan Hospital, Department of Fam...[Read More] Is It Normal to Feel Something on the Inside of My Tongue?
Understanding Chest Pain: Esophageal Issues and Endoscopy Insights
Chest pain, esophageal issues, endoscopy? Hello, Doctor. I accidentally swallowed a fish bone on the evening of April 26. I visited the ENT department on the afternoon of April 27, where the doctor noted only throat inflammation and could not see the fish bone. He advised that if...
Dr. Chen Taicheng Reply:
● It has been approximately 2 weeks. If there were a severe esophageal or gastrointestinal perforation, the symptoms would be quite serious; currently, there are no such signs, so you can be somewhat reassured. Generally, if a fishbone is present in the digestive tract, it should...[Read More] Understanding Chest Pain: Esophageal Issues and Endoscopy Insights
Understanding Oral Warts: Symptoms, Diagnosis, and Treatment Options
Oral cauliflower (also known as oral warts or oral papillomas) I am 16 years old and have developed some strange pink bumps under my tongue, about 10 in total, some are separate and some are connected. I am concerned because I performed oral sex on a stranger three weeks ago, so ...
Dr. Chen Taicheng Reply:
● If you suspect warts, you may want to consult an otolaryngologist. If the diagnosis remains uncertain, you can also visit a dermatologist for further evaluation. ● Treatment options for warts include cryotherapy, electrosurgery, laser therapy, topical wart removal medications, ...[Read More] Understanding Oral Warts: Symptoms, Diagnosis, and Treatment Options
Understanding Unusual Symptoms After Antibiotic Use: A Guide
Body issues Hello Doctor, I just finished taking antibiotics last Friday. On Saturday and Sunday, I felt a cool sensation in my mouth and tongue. By Monday, I experienced a bitter taste, and on Tuesday, it was a combination of bitter and sweet. Today, I even have a metallic taste...
Dr. Chen Taicheng Reply:
Hello, the issues mentioned above are similar to this one, please refer to https://goo.gl/wb3Ssj. The metallic taste is likely a side effect of the antibiotic, which should gradually improve. Based on your age, the likelihood of diabetes is low. More severe diabetes is characteri...[Read More] Understanding Unusual Symptoms After Antibiotic Use: A Guide
Managing Post-Infection Symptoms: A Guide for Patients
How to maintain health? Hello, Doctor. At the end of last month, I was diagnosed with urethritis, and the next day I had diarrhea, which was diagnosed as norovirus. On April 7, I was diagnosed with nephritis and have been taking antibiotics for over two weeks. I stopped taking an...
Dr. Chen Taicheng Reply:
● If there were no oral-related symptoms prior, the most likely cause of the altered taste is due to antibiotics. This could be a side effect of the antibiotics themselves, affecting the taste buds; alternatively, antibiotics may disrupt the oral microbiome, leading to an overgro...[Read More] Managing Post-Infection Symptoms: A Guide for Patients
Understanding Throat Discomfort and Neck Tension: A Patient's Journey
Sensation of a foreign body in the throat with tightness in the back of the neck? Hello Doctor: I tend to be overly anxious and have a history of gastrointestinal bloating, constipation, headaches, and chest tightness due to spinal and cervical misalignments. Long-term use of Wes...
Dr. Chen Taicheng Reply:
● It is important to determine what you may have choked on to rule out any issues with obstruction in the esophagus or trachea; however, since you have undergone a CT scan of the throat, it should initially rule out foreign body issues in the larynx. You may want to consult an ot...[Read More] Understanding Throat Discomfort and Neck Tension: A Patient's Journey
Swollen Area Under Right Jaw: Possible Causes and When to Seek Help
Swelling on the right side of the jaw? Hello Doctor: Today I suddenly noticed that when I lift my chin, there is a swollen area under the right side of my jawbone, where it meets the neck. It feels tender to the touch, and pressing on it causes slight pain. Swallowing also causes...
Dr. Chen Taicheng Reply:
Based on your description, it is most likely that you are experiencing swelling or discomfort in the throat due to an illness, particularly at the junction of the jaw and neck. If there is indeed a lump in that area, it is most likely due to sialadenitis (inflammation of the sali...[Read More] Swollen Area Under Right Jaw: Possible Causes and When to Seek Help
Understanding Throat Ulcers: When to See an ENT Specialist
Throat perforation issue? Hello Doctor: Recently, I have noticed two large ulcers on the left side of my throat, near the tongue. However, one of the large ulcers has a white, raised area around it. I would like to ask if that white area is part of the ulcer, or should I see an o...
Dr. Liao Yaopan Reply:
Hello, regarding your inquiry, it is still recommended to consult an otolaryngologist or a dentist for an in-person evaluation. Changhua Hospital cares about you.[Read More] Understanding Throat Ulcers: When to See an ENT Specialist
Understanding Tongue Pain: Causes and Connections to Root Discomfort
Pain at the base of the tongue and tongue pain? A few days ago, while drinking a beverage, I accidentally hurt the back of my tongue on the bottle opening, feeling as if I had a small cut. Currently, that area appears white, and for the past two days, the tip and sides of my tong...
Dr. Liao Yaopan Reply:
Hello, regarding your issue, it is recommended to seek medical attention for a personal examination by a physician to clarify your condition. You may consult an otolaryngologist or a dentist for evaluation. Changhua Hospital cares about you.[Read More] Understanding Tongue Pain: Causes and Connections to Root Discomfort
Understanding Severe Headaches and Neck Pain: Seeking the Right Specialist
Headache with neck stiffness? Hello, my mother had abdominal surgery last year and after returning home to rest, she has been experiencing severe headaches and is unable to turn her neck due to pain. Doctors have been unable to determine the cause. Today when I returned home, she...
Dr. Liao Yaopan Reply:
Hello, based on your description, I still do not fully understand your mother's condition. I initially recommend seeking an evaluation from a neurologist. Changhua Hospital cares about you.[Read More] Understanding Severe Headaches and Neck Pain: Seeking the Right Specialist
Why Does My Tongue Tingle After a Shower? Tips for Self-Care
After taking a shower, my tongue feels numb? Hello Dr. Chen, I would like to ask why my tongue feels numb after taking a shower. How can I take care of myself in this situation, and what should I pay attention to? Thank you.
Dr. Chen Bozhang Reply:
Dear Mr. Wang, In your letter, you mentioned that your tongue feels numb after taking a shower. If you do not experience any abnormal sensations in your tongue during normal times and do not feel discomfort while eating or chewing, you can generally monitor the situation yoursel...[Read More] Why Does My Tongue Tingle After a Shower? Tips for Self-Care
Understanding Sleep Study Results: Navigating OSA and CSA Challenges
Sleep study Hello Doctor, I underwent a PSG (with ENT) and while the validity was over 90%, the hospital's bed was too hard and the sound insulation was poor. I clearly remember that I only slept about 2 to 3 hours (I rarely experience insomnia). I spent most of the first ha...
Dr. Chen Bozhang Reply:
1. Can I request a retest at the hospital, or do I need to go to a different hospital? Will health insurance cover it? Most people find it uncomfortable to undergo a sleep study due to changes in their sleep environment, and some may be skeptical about the results. However, this ...[Read More] Understanding Sleep Study Results: Navigating OSA and CSA Challenges
Understanding Black Spots on the Tongue: Causes and Concerns
Small black spots on the tongue? Hello Doctor: I found a small black bump on my tongue that feels a bit strange. At first, I thought it was something stuck to it from eating, but I can't get it off. I tried to pull it off, but it seems to be growing on the surface and it hur...
Dr. Chen Bozhang Reply:
If symptoms persist for more than two weeks, please consult an oral and maxillofacial surgeon or an otolaryngologist.[Read More] Understanding Black Spots on the Tongue: Causes and Concerns
Experiencing Herbal Medicine Poisoning: Which Specialist to Consult?
If you experience poisoning symptoms after taking traditional Chinese medicine and are concerned about potential sequelae, you should consult a specialist in toxicology or visit an emergency medicine department? On the evening of March 10th, Sunday, after taking traditional Chine...
Dr. Gao Qingyun Reply:
Hello: If you have acute symptoms, it is recommended that you bring your medications and relevant information directly to the emergency room for medical treatment. If the acute phase has passed and you are concerned about potential liver or kidney function impacts, you can bring ...[Read More] Experiencing Herbal Medicine Poisoning: Which Specialist to Consult?
Severe Lower Abdominal Pain During Colonoscopy: What to Do Next?
During the colonoscopy, I experienced significant pain below the navel? I have a very sensitive gastrointestinal system, and I also tend to get anxious, which often leads to stomach pain. Over the past two months, the stomach pain has become more frequent. Initially, the doctor d...
Dr. Chen Bozhang Reply:
If the physician suspects the possibility of endometriosis, a consultation with an obstetrician-gynecologist is recommended.[Read More] Severe Lower Abdominal Pain During Colonoscopy: What to Do Next?