Managing Chronic Health Issues: Insights for Frequent Medical Visits
Health issues I visit the doctor approximately 50 times a year. Aside from my monthly visits to a psychiatrist, the main reasons for my frequent medical consultations are gastroenteritis and upper respiratory infections, including allergic rhinitis. Recently, I underwent allergy ...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, based on your description, it seems that your body may be experiencing minor issues with various organs, mostly related to allergies. I recommend that the most effective approach is to engage in regular exercise, followed by maintaining a consistent sleep schedule. Avoid s...[Read More] Managing Chronic Health Issues: Insights for Frequent Medical Visits
Morning Abdominal Pain: When to Seek Medical Help for Your Symptoms
Left upper abdominal pain upon waking? Hello, I would like to ask about experiencing abdominal pain every morning upon waking up. The pain has been severe enough on several occasions that I had to regulate my breathing to endure it, but it only occurs right after getting out of b...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, based on your description, I would like to understand if your pain is related to your posture. For example, if the pain increases with abdominal stretching, it could indicate an abdominal muscle strain. Additionally, does the pain occur again after bowel movements? If so, ...[Read More] Morning Abdominal Pain: When to Seek Medical Help for Your Symptoms
Frequent Doctor Visits: Understanding Respiratory Issues and Immunity
Frequent medical visits? I often feel discomfort while breathing through my nose, and my doctor has mostly diagnosed me with upper respiratory infections. Sometimes it is bronchitis or allergic rhinitis, and at times I experience discomfort around my nose. I frequently visit the ...
Dr. Gao Jiankai Reply:
Hello, thank you for your question. There are several reasons for nasal discomfort. In addition to allergies, it could simply be that the nasal mucosa is sensitive to temperature and humidity, or even a mild upper respiratory viral infection could be the cause. For persistent and...[Read More] Frequent Doctor Visits: Understanding Respiratory Issues and Immunity
Understanding COVID-19 Transmission Risks in Public Spaces
The transmissibility of COVID-19? Hello, since March of this year, I have been trying to stay indoors as much as possible. Today, I had to take the MRT to handle some matters. While I was on the escalator, a foreign Black woman walked past me. As she got closer, I noticed she see...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, based on your description, if both parties are wearing masks, the chance of infection is very low. Currently, some community infections in Taiwan are just sporadic cases, so there is no need to be overly concerned. Thank you for your question.[Read More] Understanding COVID-19 Transmission Risks in Public Spaces
Understanding Chest Pain: Could It Be a Post-Cold Issue?
Chest muscle pain, follow-up questions, thank you? Hello, doctor, thank you for your response. About a month ago, I had a health check-up and an X-ray was taken; the doctor said there were no abnormalities. During my last visit for a cold, another doctor mentioned that my lungs s...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, based on your description, the main concern should be the chest pain. Given your previous history of a cold, it is likely that you may be experiencing pleuritis or possibly a muscle strain. The topical anti-inflammatory medication you mentioned can be used, and typically, ...[Read More] Understanding Chest Pain: Could It Be a Post-Cold Issue?
Understanding Chest Discomfort: Muscle Pain or Heart Concerns?
Discomfort in the muscles near the chest? Hello Doctor: In the past few days, I have occasionally felt pain in the area about 3-4 fingers wide above the left nipple or near the midpoint between the nipple and the armpit when I move my arm. I'm not sure if it's muscle pa...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, the area you are referring to is likely where the cartilage or pleura is prone to inflammation. The deep breathing or chest expansion you mentioned can trigger pain, suggesting it could be pleuritis or costochondritis. It is possible that you previously experienced a cold,...[Read More] Understanding Chest Discomfort: Muscle Pain or Heart Concerns?
Understanding Chest Bone Movement and Occasional Pain: When to Worry?
Issues related to the bones in the front of the chest? Hello Doctor, today while I was stretching, I noticed that when I touched my chest with one hand and pulled back with the other, I felt a bone in my chest moving. Occasionally, when I cough, take a deep breath, or expand my c...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Based on your description, it seems you may be experiencing pleuritis or a muscle strain. Both of these conditions can cause discomfort with specific movements, especially during deep breathing, while holding your breath may alleviate the pain. If this is the case, I recommend re...[Read More] Understanding Chest Bone Movement and Occasional Pain: When to Worry?
Understanding Pneumonia Symptoms: Is It Just a Cold or Something More?
The issue of the common cold? Hello, Doctor Hong. I would like to ask what symptoms are generally associated with pneumonia. Yesterday, I felt phlegm in my throat, and although my nose isn't completely congested, I sometimes feel like I have to breathe harder. Deep breathing...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Based on the symptoms you described, it is indeed an upper respiratory tract infection. However, it is difficult to distinguish whether it is a common cold or COVID-19 based solely on symptoms, so clinical testing is necessary for confirmation. Currently, there is no widespread c...[Read More] Understanding Pneumonia Symptoms: Is It Just a Cold or Something More?
Understanding Hypothyroidism: Heart Palpitations and Treatment Insights
Hypothyroidism and Palpitations Hello Dr. Lee, I would like to ask you a question. Last year, I underwent an advanced health check-up and was diagnosed with hypothyroidism. I am currently taking one tablet of Eltroxin 50 mcg. I often experience severe palpitations and sometimes h...
Dr. Li Jian Reply:
Palpitations are often a symptom of hyperthyroidism. When taking thyroid hormone, thyroid function should be monitored every three months to determine if it is normal and whether lifelong medication is necessary. Regular blood tests are required to assess this.[Read More] Understanding Hypothyroidism: Heart Palpitations and Treatment Insights
Breathing Difficulties and Chest Pain: Are Masks to Blame?
The issue of wearing masks? Hello, today I noticed that the mask I wore felt different; it seemed harder to breathe while wearing it. After returning home, I experienced increased shortness of breath after taking it off, and I suddenly felt a pain in my chest near the ribs. I...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, if the mask you are wearing is tightly fitted to your nostrils, it may cause some shortness of breath; however, this will not lead to pneumothorax or pneumonia. Your symptoms do not appear to be severe. Regarding mask selection, each type of mask indeed feels different whe...[Read More] Breathing Difficulties and Chest Pain: Are Masks to Blame?
Understanding Muscle Pain Near the Armpit: When to Seek Medical Advice
Muscles near the axilla (armpit) Hello Doctor, today I felt a sudden soreness in the muscles under my right armpit or near my chest. When I poke it, it feels like there's something in the muscle or tissue, and it hurts a bit when I press on the bone area. I'm not sure i...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, based on your description, the most likely issue is a strain. The pain from a strain typically worsens with elevated use of the affected hand. As for the pneumothorax you mentioned, it usually presents with asthma-like symptoms and more severe breathing difficulties. Cance...[Read More] Understanding Muscle Pain Near the Armpit: When to Seek Medical Advice
Understanding Sleep Paralysis: Causes, Symptoms, and Solutions
Waking up with a clear mind but unable to control the body, and always feeling very fatigued upon waking? Hello, doctor. This issue has been intermittently bothering me for several years. I am in my twenties, and it started when I was preparing for university in high school. Some...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, the condition you described is a type of sleep disorder, which is quite common among people in Taiwan. There are many potential causes, including irregular sleep patterns, stress, and airway obstruction. It is recommended that you consult a sleep medicine clinic, where a s...[Read More] Understanding Sleep Paralysis: Causes, Symptoms, and Solutions
Understanding Transmission Risks: Can You Catch COVID-19 Over the Phone?
Infectious potential Good evening, doctor. I would like to ask you a few questions. A while ago, an old friend of mine called me. He was diagnosed with COVID-19 in Japan around May. He wasn't hospitalized and experienced difficulty breathing and a persistent fever, which eve...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, 1. You cannot get infected while talking on the phone, so please rest assured. 2. COVID-19 is primarily transmitted through respiratory droplets or contact transmission; however, since the virus is invisible to the naked eye, people often get infected without knowing th...[Read More] Understanding Transmission Risks: Can You Catch COVID-19 Over the Phone?
Understanding Breathing Sensations and Muscle Pain After Exercise
Please ask your question? Hello doctor, today my boyfriend noticed that I haven't been exercising much besides walking, and he's worried that staying at home due to the pandemic might affect my health. He taught me how to do push-ups, and after struggling to complete ju...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, some young males can indeed experience spontaneous pneumothorax, but it typically presents with significant shortness of breath and chest pain. Based on your description, it does not seem to be pneumonia or pneumothorax, but rather a muscle strain caused by sudden intense ...[Read More] Understanding Breathing Sensations and Muscle Pain After Exercise
Understanding Abdominal Discomfort: When to Seek Medical Help
Abdominal issues? I visited a gastroenterologist on February 1st. I had an upper endoscopy in November 2019, which revealed gastritis and severe gastroesophageal reflux disease. However, for the past three weeks, I have been experiencing discomfort in my lower abdomen. I previous...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, 1. Ultrasound primarily examines solid organs, including the liver, gallbladder, pancreas, spleen, and kidneys. The intestines are generally not visible unless there is a large tumor. 2. It is important to hold your breath during the ultrasound to avoid blurriness caus...[Read More] Understanding Abdominal Discomfort: When to Seek Medical Help
Can Antibacterial Sprays Enhance Mask Protection Against Viruses?
Antibacterial spray for virus protection? Hello Doctor: I would like to ask about commercially available antibacterial sprays for clothing, such as Golden Shield Long-Lasting Antibacterial Liquid, Formosa Biomedical Antibacterial Protection Spray, and Aether Antibacterial Spray, ...
Dr. Lin Wufu Reply:
Hello: To truly determine the antibacterial efficacy of these sprays or antimicrobial solutions when applied to masks, testing is necessary. However, it is important to note that the primary function of masks is to prevent bacteria and viruses from passing through the pores and e...[Read More] Can Antibacterial Sprays Enhance Mask Protection Against Viruses?
Understanding Shortness of Breath During Meals: Possible Causes and Solutions
Dyspnea Hello Doctor, I have noticed that I feel a bit short of breath while eating, which lasted for about 3 hours. During this time, I constantly felt the need to take deep breaths, but I still felt breathless, and eventually, I experienced some tightness and mild pain in my ch...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Based on your description, it is quite difficult to determine which disease is most likely. The possibilities include: 1. Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), which is characterized by the occurrence of symptoms, especially after meals, often accompanied by a burning sensation...[Read More] Understanding Shortness of Breath During Meals: Possible Causes and Solutions
Seeking Alternative Medical Opinions for Esophageal Swelling and Airway Compression
A family member recently sought medical attention due to esophageal swelling compressing the trachea? My uncle is 35 years old and has diabetes (insulin injection approximately 40 units) and hepatitis B (taking Baraclude). Recently, he experienced esophageal swelling and sought m...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, there are many causes of esophageal swelling, but it is quite rare for esophageal swelling to compress the trachea to the point where surgery is necessary. It would be important to understand what the initial diagnosis from the physician was regarding the cause of the esop...[Read More] Seeking Alternative Medical Opinions for Esophageal Swelling and Airway Compression
Post-Surgery Complications: Understanding Abdominal Pain and Recovery
Postoperative issues? On June 20, I underwent surgery for a ruptured appendix that led to peritonitis (laparoscopic surgery). Since I have been feeling unwell, I had an upper gastrointestinal endoscopy on July 18, which revealed gastritis/esophagitis. I returned to work in August...
Dr. Chen Jianyu Reply:
1.2. It cannot be ruled out that the symptoms are complications from surgery or other internal medical issues; a follow-up visit to a gastroenterologist is necessary to address this dilemma. 3.4. Since no scars are visible, it is suspected that there may be a keloid formation fro...[Read More] Post-Surgery Complications: Understanding Abdominal Pain and Recovery
Post-Exercise Weakness: Heart Pain, Breathing Issues, and Cold Sweats
Post-exercise generalized weakness, difficulty breathing, chest pain, and profuse sweating? This morning, I overslept and rushed to the station. When I arrived, I felt very dizzy and thought I would wash my face at the nearby McDonald's. However, as soon as I walked in, my h...
Dr. Xie Rongyuan Reply:
Hello: If you have the above symptoms, please go to the hospital for a detailed examination. Anemia can increase the workload on the heart, which is certainly related to cardiac issues. Thank you for your message![Read More] Post-Exercise Weakness: Heart Pain, Breathing Issues, and Cold Sweats