Chest Tightness and Throat Pain: When to Seek Further Medical Attention
Chest tightness, sore throat, cough, and sharp pain in the throat and chest? Hello doctor, I have been experiencing chest tightness and throat pain for the past week or two. However, it doesn't hurt when I drink water. Occasionally, I have a cough, and when I cough, I feel s...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, based on your symptoms, it is indeed most likely a respiratory infection. However, if you experience persistent fever, ongoing chest pain, or continuous shortness of breath, you should consider seeking medical attention to check for other issues or to rule out the possibil...[Read More] Chest Tightness and Throat Pain: When to Seek Further Medical Attention
Concerns About Inhalation Pneumonia After Taking Herbal Powder
Throat and trachea issues, suspected choking on traditional Chinese medicine powder? Hello, Doctor Hong. I took some traditional Chinese medicine powder after breakfast, and I’m not sure if my mouth was too dry, but when I poured the powder into my mouth, it felt like it stuck to...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, based on the process and symptoms you described, there are no signs of aspiration pneumonia unless there are subsequent symptoms such as wheezing, chest pain, or fever. In that case, you would need to consult a pulmonologist, an infectious disease specialist, or a family m...[Read More] Concerns About Inhalation Pneumonia After Taking Herbal Powder
Managing Mild Cough and Upper Abdominal Pain: Tips for Relief
Mild cough and upper abdominal pain? There is a feeling of slight discomfort in the middle of the clavicle, which may lead to occasional mild coughing (about one or two coughs). Aside from in the morning upon waking, there is no production of phlegm or dry cough, and there is no ...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, based on the symptoms you described, it is important to confirm whether you have ever experienced any injury to the center of your chest. If there has been an injury, it could be the cause. If there has been no injury, the most likely conditions are esophagitis or gastroes...[Read More] Managing Mild Cough and Upper Abdominal Pain: Tips for Relief
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
Understanding Hypothyroidism: Symptoms, Diagnosis, and Treatment Options
Thyroid issues What is hypothyroidism? I have upper abdominal and chest pain and consulted a gastroenterologist who performed some tests revealing a gastric ulcer and pulmonary infiltration. The blood report indicated low thyroid hormone levels. The doctor keeps saying there are ...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, a general thyroid function test typically checks three values: TSH, T3, and free T4. Among these, free T4 is the most representative of thyroid function, while the other two values serve as supplementary indicators. However, all three values can fluctuate due to an individ...[Read More] Understanding Hypothyroidism: Symptoms, Diagnosis, and Treatment Options
Understanding the Risks of Skin-to-Skin Contact and HIV Transmission
Wound-to-wound contact? Hello, doctor. I would like to inquire about the following: 1. A few days ago at a gathering, a pole dancer hugged me and rubbed her chest against my cheek. I was concerned because I have acne and some shaving cuts on my face, and she also had some wound...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
The contact you described does not pose a risk of infection, and there is no need for blood tests to rule it out. Recommendations should focus on preventing unsafe sexual behaviors rather than assuming whether everyday activities could lead to infection.[Read More] Understanding the Risks of Skin-to-Skin Contact and HIV Transmission
Should You Seek Further Evaluation for Persistent High Blood Pressure?
Is it necessary to go to a major hospital for further examination? Hello Doctor: My father (approximately 57 years old) is currently undergoing hypertension monitoring at a clinic and is taking antihypertensive medication. However, his daily blood pressure readings at home are st...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, it is recommended to measure your blood pressure regularly 3-4 times a day. Before each measurement, make sure to rest for at least 15 minutes to obtain more accurate readings. If you are measuring your blood pressure only once a day or even less, and it exceeds 140 mmHg, ...[Read More] Should You Seek Further Evaluation for Persistent High Blood Pressure?
Understanding Heart Palpitations: Causes and Concerns
Chest pain? Hello, doctor! Recently, I've been experiencing frequent heart palpitations, but they are not painful. Sometimes, if the palpitations last too long, I start to cough. Could this be palpitations, or is it due to excessive stress?
Dr. Xie Rongyuan Reply:
Hello: It is recommended that you undergo an electrocardiogram (ECG) and a chest X-ray examination at the hospital to determine the underlying cause. Thank you for your message![Read More] Understanding Heart Palpitations: Causes and Concerns
Understanding Chest Pain: Causes and When to Seek Medical Help
Chest pain in the center? Hello Doctor: I have been experiencing pain in the middle of my chest recently. Given that my family has a history of ankylosing spondylitis, I am concerned that this might be related. I work in a sedentary office job, and the pain is intermittent (it ha...
Dr. Zeng Guosen Reply:
Hello, some cases of ankylosing spondylitis may present with pain in the middle of the chest. However, chest pain can have other causes, so differential diagnosis is necessary to rule out other possibilities. It is recommended to consult a rheumatologist first. Thank you for your...[Read More] Understanding Chest Pain: Causes and When to Seek Medical Help
Understanding Lung Issues: Insights on X-Ray Findings and Manganese Exposure
Pulmonary issues I have been working in the steel industry, which requires long hours of welding. During the last health check, an X-ray showed abnormalities. The family medicine report indicated a localized shadow in the right lower lung, possible bronchitis, or manganese poison...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, I tend to agree with the second physician's opinion. Indeed, to confirm whether it is manganese poisoning, blood and urine tests are more accurate. Chest X-rays are not very effective in diagnosing manganese poisoning. The presence of shadows or spots in the lungs is ...[Read More] Understanding Lung Issues: Insights on X-Ray Findings and Manganese Exposure
Persistent Dry Cough for Months: When to Seek Further Medical Help?
Coughing for several months? Hello Doctor: I have been coughing for nearly three months without improvement. During this time, I have visited an otolaryngologist twice, and there was only slight improvement, but the cough persisted. The cough is dry, with no phlegm, occurring abo...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Based on your description, it is most likely that you previously had a cold, which may have led to complications such as chronic bronchitis, combined with the current poor air quality and the significant temperature fluctuations in the mornings and evenings, resulting in occasion...[Read More] Persistent Dry Cough for Months: When to Seek Further Medical Help?
Understanding Non-Rheumatic Mitral Valve Prolapse: Is It Congenital?
Non-rheumatic mitral valve prolapse Is the non-rheumatic mitral valve prolapse diagnosed recently due to caffeine-induced palpitations a congenital condition?
Dr. Lin Wufu Reply:
Hello! As far as I know, mitral valve prolapse is mostly congenital, so it may be discovered in young individuals who seek medical attention due to symptoms like chest tightness or mild chest pain. Mitral valve prolapse itself typically does not have a significant impact on cardi...[Read More] Understanding Non-Rheumatic Mitral Valve Prolapse: Is It Congenital?
Understanding Dry Syndrome and Joint Cartilage Issues: A Guide to Immune Disorders
Sjögren's syndrome, articular cartilage Hello, Director Gao! I have several symptoms and I'm unsure if they are related to an autoimmune disease. 1. My dentist informed me that my mouth is very dry. This condition has persisted for at least three years, especially dur...
Dr. Gao Jiankai Reply:
Hello, I apologize for the late response. I believe your symptoms are indeed related to Sjögren's syndrome, including dry eyes, dry mouth, thyroid dysfunction, cough, and generalized body aches, even lower back pain, which may all be associated with Sjögren's syndrome. ...[Read More] Understanding Dry Syndrome and Joint Cartilage Issues: A Guide to Immune Disorders
Managing Thyroid Issues During a Cold: What You Need to Know
Thyroid-related issues due to cold exposure? Doctor, I would like to ask about my condition. I have been suffering from hyperthyroidism for over two years. A few days ago, I caught a slight cold and have been experiencing intermittent high fever. When I visited the doctor, my hea...
Dr. Lin Jianliang Reply:
It is recommended that you see a physician for diagnosis and treatment as soon as possible, without delay, to prevent the condition from worsening and endangering your health. Thank you for your message.[Read More] Managing Thyroid Issues During a Cold: What You Need to Know
Concerns About HIV and Hepatitis B After Unsafe Sexual Encounters
Concerns regarding HIV and Hepatitis B? I have been staying up late until 3 AM since the beginning of the year. Between late February and mid-April, I had several instances of unprotected sexual intercourse with the same person (I am unaware of his medical history; I only know th...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, theoretically, the average window period for HIV is 3 months. If you have not engaged in sexual activity since April, then you should have surpassed the window period. Testing in August would likely yield a negative result, and the chances of infection should be very low. ...[Read More] Concerns About HIV and Hepatitis B After Unsafe Sexual Encounters
Post-Thyroid Surgery: Understanding Recent Health Issues and Symptoms
6.7 years post-thyroidectomy, experiencing some recent health issues? I previously had hyperthyroidism and underwent surgery six to seven years ago. I have been taking Antithyroid medication regularly, and recently I have been taking two 50 mg tablets a day. However, I have been ...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, I'm not sure if you have been continuously monitoring your thyroid function. If you are on medication, you should be regularly tracking it. If your thyroid function is normal, based on your described symptoms, the most likely cause is a strain. I wonder if you have re...[Read More] Post-Thyroid Surgery: Understanding Recent Health Issues and Symptoms
Managing Chronic Lymphadenitis: Tips for Self-Care and Awareness
What should be noted regarding chronic lymphadenitis? Two to three years ago, I had lymphadenitis in my right armpit. Since then, I have experienced intermittent redness, swelling, and tenderness, which have been milder than the initial infection. There are times when I feel comp...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, it is important to determine whether you have ever had surgery or an injury to your right hand or right chest. Previous injuries or surgeries can indeed lead to the symptoms you are experiencing. If there is no history of such events, we should consider whether your right ...[Read More] Managing Chronic Lymphadenitis: Tips for Self-Care and Awareness
Understanding Right Lower Chest Pain: Possible Causes and Next Steps
There is a dull pain in the lower right area of the chest, and there is tenderness upon palpation? Hello Dr. Hong, Since May of last year, I have been experiencing a dull pain in the lower right side of my chest (approximately to the right of the xiphoid process) that lasts for...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, the location you described is indeed at the junction of the heart, lungs, stomach, liver, gallbladder, and pancreas. Many diseases need to be considered. According to your description, the chest X-ray is normal, so the most likely issue is gastritis. It is recommended to f...[Read More] Understanding Right Lower Chest Pain: Possible Causes and Next Steps
Understanding Left Chest and Abdominal Pain: Causes and Symptoms
Pain and bloating in the lower left abdomen? Hello doctor, I often feel a lot of bloating and pain in the area below my left chest, and sometimes I also have a sensation of not being able to catch my breath. What could these symptoms indicate? I previously went to the hospital fo...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, the area you are referring to should be carefully evaluated for potential heart or lung issues. However, considering your age and the fact that you have had an X-ray, the likelihood of these conditions is low. The next possibility could be gastrointestinal problems, such a...[Read More] Understanding Left Chest and Abdominal Pain: Causes and Symptoms
Home Blood Pressure Monitoring for Dialysis Patients: Key Considerations
Home Blood Pressure Monitoring for Dialysis Patients Hello, Dr. Ke. My grandfather is a dialysis patient with uremia and needs long-term dialysis. He lacks patience and does not have a regular habit of measuring and recording his blood pressure at home. Recently, we have consider...
Dr. Ke Taiyuan Reply:
Dialysis patients may experience significant fluctuations in blood pressure due to reduced urine output and dehydration during the dialysis process. It is generally recommended to purchase a blood pressure monitor and measure blood pressure regularly each day. During dialysis, nu...[Read More] Home Blood Pressure Monitoring for Dialysis Patients: Key Considerations