Chest, Internal Medicine FAQ

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Sudden Rapid Heartbeat During Sleep: Causes and When to Seek Help

Waking up in the middle of the night with a sudden rapid heartbeat? Recently, I have been experiencing episodes during sleep where I feel my heart racing, and I am unable to wake up, accompanied by a sensation of being pressed down by a ghost. Each time, I have to take deep breat...


Dr. Yu Liying Reply:
Hello: This situation may be related to excessive cardiac excitability at night, such as nighttime arrhythmias, anxiety, or panic attacks. It is recommended to try relaxation techniques to reduce nighttime anxiety and stress. Additionally, avoid consuming caffeinated beverages or...

[Read More] Sudden Rapid Heartbeat During Sleep: Causes and When to Seek Help


Understanding Mild Mitral Valve Prolapse and Heart Failure Symptoms

Suspected heart failure with mitral valve issues? Hello Doctor, thank you for your response. To provide some background, last year I experienced several months of sleep deprivation. I usually do not drink alcohol, but one night while out with friends, I was forced to drink a cock...


Dr. Xie Rongyuan Reply:
Hello: MVP is a common condition characterized by the prolapse of one or both leaflets of the mitral valve into the left atrium during systole due to mitral valve insufficiency. The pathological mechanism is not fully understood. Pro-BNP testing can assist in the diagnosis of con...

[Read More] Understanding Mild Mitral Valve Prolapse and Heart Failure Symptoms


Challenging Cases of Severe Hypokalemia: When Potassium Supplements Fail

Severe hypokalemia that cannot be corrected? My mother suffers from severe hypokalemia, with potassium levels ranging from about 1.7 to 1.9 when stable, and dropping to as low as 1.4 during severe episodes. She takes potassium tablets daily, with the hospital prescribing up to 60...


Dr. Huang Yaoxuan Reply:
You can visit the outpatient clinic for a detailed assessment and examination.

[Read More] Challenging Cases of Severe Hypokalemia: When Potassium Supplements Fail


Understanding Mitral Valve Prolapse: Symptoms and Diagnosis Explained

Mitral valve prolapse Doctor, is my report normal? Is the difficulty in breathing, chest tightness, and dizziness caused by mitral valve prolapse? AO 27 mm (normal range 20-37) IVS 7 mm (normal range 7-10) LVEF M 70.8% AV 16 mm (normal range 16-26) LVPW 7 mm (normal ran...


Dr. Xie Rongyuan Reply:
Hello: Mild mitral regurgitation (MR) and tricuspid regurgitation (TR) are abnormal findings. If there are any concerns, you should consult a cardiologist. Thank you for your message!

[Read More] Understanding Mitral Valve Prolapse: Symptoms and Diagnosis Explained


Understanding Persistent Skin Rashes: Possible Immune System Disorders

Red rashes on the back, posterior legs, arms, and anterior chest, with itching at night that makes it impossible to sleep, and some areas of skin peeling? Since January 2024, the patient has been experiencing symptoms and has visited three clinics where eczema or urticaria was su...


Dr. Zeng Guosen Reply:
The skin condition described by the netizen seems to be unrelated to the positive antinuclear antibody (ANA) titer of 1:5120. There may be other autoimmune diseases involved, and it is advisable to seek further medical evaluation. It is recommended to first visit a dermatology de...

[Read More] Understanding Persistent Skin Rashes: Possible Immune System Disorders


Understanding Sudden Chest Pain: Causes and When to Seek Help

Chest pain? This morning, while trying to go back to sleep, I suddenly experienced a sharp pain in my heart for just a few seconds. This is the first time it has happened. However, I have been experiencing more frequent sharp pains in my right chest. Since it seems to be a chest ...


Dr. Lin Wufu Reply:
Hello, the description seems more related to muscle or nerve issues rather than the heart itself. Further evaluation is needed to determine the exact problem. It is recommended to consult with a family medicine physician, general internist, or neurologist for assessment.

[Read More] Understanding Sudden Chest Pain: Causes and When to Seek Help


Can Sneezing Too Hard Cause Chest Pain After COVID-19?

Sneezing after diagnosis? Hello, I would like to consult a doctor. I was diagnosed with COVID-19 for the second time during the New Year. I took cold medicine and traditional Chinese medicine, and I no longer have yellow phlegm or a sore throat. However, after sneezing quite forc...


Dr. Liao Zhongxin Reply:
1. After a typical COVID-19 infection, a dry cough and decreased appetite may persist for one to two weeks, gradually improving over time. 2. If the cough and chest pain continue, or if there is hemoptysis, it is advisable to visit a healthcare facility to check for possible se...

[Read More] Can Sneezing Too Hard Cause Chest Pain After COVID-19?


Understanding Systemic Pain and Allergic Reactions: When to See a Doctor

Generalized tingling, itching, and numbness? Hello Director Gao: I am following up on my inquiry from January 15 regarding my symptoms of generalized itching, tingling, itchy eyes, itchy ears, fungal patches, difficulty concentrating, memory decline, forgetfulness, headaches, che...


Dr. Gao Jiankai Reply:
Hello, thank you for your inquiry. Brittle nails are often a result of nutritional deficiencies, and this can be evaluated by a dermatologist. If your primary care physician is unable to address your concerns, and you are also experiencing anxiety related to allergy symptoms, you...

[Read More] Understanding Systemic Pain and Allergic Reactions: When to See a Doctor


Sudden Left Chest Pain: Causes and When to Seek Medical Help

Sudden pain in the lower left chest? Hello Dr. Lee, I have seen similar inquiries in the Q&A section, but I still want to confirm my condition with you (as described below). Since childhood, I have experienced sudden sharp pain in the lower left side of my chest. For example,...


Dr. Li Jian Reply:
It is recommended to visit the pulmonology outpatient clinic for further examination. Thank you for your inquiry.

[Read More] Sudden Left Chest Pain: Causes and When to Seek Medical Help


Choking on Pills: Understanding Risks and Symptoms of Medication Ingestion

Choking on medication? I went to see a doctor because of a sore throat. Previously, I had a vitamin C tablet get stuck in my throat, so I have been avoiding pills since then. However, during my recent visit, the doctor prescribed me pills again. After picking up the medication, I...


Dr. Xie Rongyuan Reply:
Hello: If a medication is lodged in the trachea, it can potentially cause aspiration pneumonia. A chest X-ray can be performed at the hospital. Common symptoms of aspiration pneumonia may include coughing, wheezing, and even fever. Thank you for your message!

[Read More] Choking on Pills: Understanding Risks and Symptoms of Medication Ingestion


Understanding Lung Shadows on X-rays: What You Need to Know

The chest X-ray shows shadows in the lungs? Last week, I received a notice for military service medical examination. After undergoing a physical check-up and an X-ray, I was informed today that there is a shadow in the lower left lung. Since I have to wait until next week for a f...


Dr. Cai Mingsong Reply:
Lung X-ray shadows may be due to pulmonary nodules, vascular issues, lung infections, or other multiple causes. It is advisable to return to the original hospital for a chest CT scan to determine the underlying cause. Follow-up with a pulmonology outpatient clinic is recommended.

[Read More] Understanding Lung Shadows on X-rays: What You Need to Know


Frequent Styes: Understanding Causes and Seeking Medical Advice

Frequent occurrence of styes? Hello Doctor: Since last year, I have been preparing for the national exam, and starting in May of this year, I have been experiencing frequent styes, approximately once a month. Recently, just last week, I had a stye on my left eye, and today I have...


Dr. Gao Jiankai Reply:
Hello, thank you for your inquiry. Since the symptoms are mostly non-specific, it is difficult to pinpoint where the issue lies. If you are very concerned, you may consider undergoing a comprehensive health check-up. If the results are normal but you continue to experience recurr...

[Read More] Frequent Styes: Understanding Causes and Seeking Medical Advice


Frequent Styes: Understanding Causes and When to Seek Help

Frequent occurrence of styes? Hello Doctor: Since last year, I have been preparing for the national exam, and starting in May of this year, I have been experiencing frequent styes, approximately once a month. Recently, just last week, I had a stye on my left eye, and today I deve...


Dr. Gao Jiankai Reply:
Hello, thank you for your inquiry. Since the symptoms are mostly non-specific, it is difficult to pinpoint the exact issue. If you are very concerned, you may start with a comprehensive health check-up. If the results are normal but you continue to experience recurrent styes or c...

[Read More] Frequent Styes: Understanding Causes and When to Seek Help


Could My Anxiety and Symptoms Indicate Hyperthyroidism?

Is this hyperthyroidism? Doctor, I would like to ask for your advice. I am someone who easily feels stressed and somewhat anxious. Recently, I've been experiencing sudden episodes of anxiety where my body feels hot and I sometimes sweat. This has been happening for about two...


Dr. Li Jian Reply:
Please visit a major hospital to check if your thyroid function is normal. Thank you for your inquiry.

[Read More] Could My Anxiety and Symptoms Indicate Hyperthyroidism?


Choking on Capsules: Understanding Risks and Remedies

Choking on a capsule? This morning, I swallowed a capsule that got stuck on the left side of my throat. Later, I tried to push it down by eating something and drank a lot of water. I ended up coughing so hard that I vomited, and I'm not sure if I expelled the capsule as well...


Dr. Xie Rongyuan Reply:
Hello: If you still have symptoms, please go to the hospital for evaluation to determine the issue. Thank you for your message!

[Read More] Choking on Capsules: Understanding Risks and Remedies


Concerns After Choking on Lutein Capsules: What You Need to Know

Choking on lutein capsules? After having breakfast in the morning, I took a lutein capsule, but it seems I didn't drink enough water. At first, I felt it stuck on the left side, and then I started to feel nauseous and kept coughing. I'm not sure if I vomited it out, but...


Dr. Qiu Junwei Reply:
If you feel increasingly short of breath, it is recommended to schedule an appointment with a pulmonologist to determine the possibility of pneumonia. If you only have a sensation of something stuck in your throat, an ear, nose, and throat (ENT) specialist near your home can help...

[Read More] Concerns After Choking on Lutein Capsules: What You Need to Know


Managing Chronic Post-Nasal Drip with Fever and Neck Swelling: When to Seek Emergency Care

Long-term post-nasal drip has recently worsened, presenting symptoms such as fever, neck swelling, and pharyngeal pain? I suspect I have an infection in my nose, which is causing post-nasal drip and resulting in coughing. This symptom has persisted for about six months (since Apr...


Dr. Lin Wufu Reply:
Hello, it is recommended to visit the ENT department of a major hospital today (10/9) to confirm what the neck mass is. It is most likely lymphadenopathy, which is just an inflammatory response, possibly caused by a new wave of tonsillitis starting from 10/6. This is separate fro...

[Read More] Managing Chronic Post-Nasal Drip with Fever and Neck Swelling: When to Seek Emergency Care


Low C3 Levels and Edema: Exploring Potential Causes and Next Steps

Edema examination shows low C3 levels? Stage I thyroid cancer, right thyroidectomy medication: OncoTect 50mg/day. Received one dose of the AZ vaccine, experienced adverse effects after a full meal, and has not been diagnosed since May due to lower limb edema. Consulted at the Int...


Dr. Gao Jiankai Reply:
Hello, thank you for your inquiry. There are no specific issues with immune function, and a decrease in C3 does not have particular significance. It is recommended to continue monitoring with the Metabolism Department. The Allergy, Immunology, and Rheumatology Department at Chang...

[Read More] Low C3 Levels and Edema: Exploring Potential Causes and Next Steps


Understanding Suspected Ankylosing Spondylitis: Symptoms and Next Steps

Suspected ankylosing spondylitis? Hello Doctor, I am 28 years old. Initially, six months ago, after a full-body adjustment, I started experiencing stiffness and pain in my back upon waking up, particularly in the upper back (with no issues in the lower back). After stretching in...


Dr. Gao Jiankai Reply:
Hello, thank you for your inquiry. Here are my responses: 1. Do I have ankylosing spondylitis? --> It would be helpful to check for HLA-B27. Your symptoms have persisted for a while, and chronic lower back pain in young individuals warrants caution regarding ankylosing spondy...

[Read More] Understanding Suspected Ankylosing Spondylitis: Symptoms and Next Steps


Chest Pain and Nausea After Sleepless Nights: When to See a Doctor?

Chest pain and nausea after staying up late? If you experienced chest pain and nausea after staying up for 1 to 2 days, but the symptoms resolved after a day, it is still advisable to consult a doctor. While the symptoms may have improved, chest pain can be a sign of a serious co...


Dr. Li Jian Reply:
If you are experiencing intermittent chest pain, please consult a cardiologist. Thank you.

[Read More] Chest Pain and Nausea After Sleepless Nights: When to See a Doctor?


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