Persistent Cough and Fever After Negative COVID Test: What to Know
After testing negative for COVID-19, I have been experiencing persistent coughing and recurrent fever? I would like to ask about my friend who was previously diagnosed with COVID-19. Although he tested negative on a rapid test afterward, he has been experiencing low-grade fevers ...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Many people do continue to cough for a long time after recovering from COVID-19. It is important to determine whether there is a complication such as pneumonia. If pneumonia is present, antibiotic treatment may be necessary. The most accurate way to assess this is through a chest...[Read More] Persistent Cough and Fever After Negative COVID Test: What to Know
Understanding Elevated Fasting Blood Sugar: Causes and Concerns
Fasting blood glucose levels are elevated? On October 14, 2021, I went to the emergency room due to discomfort from vaccine side effects, around 8 PM after dinner, feeling very anxious (due to chest pain). The emergency department recorded a blood glucose level of 171. A few days...
Dr. Li Jian Reply:
Fasting blood glucose greater than 100 mg/dL or hemoglobin A1c greater than 5.6% indicates prediabetes. Low-dose mirtazapine is not commonly associated with hyperglycemia. Maintaining proper dietary control and lifestyle adjustments is key. Thank you for your inquiry.[Read More] Understanding Elevated Fasting Blood Sugar: Causes and Concerns
Understanding Elevated White Blood Cell Count: Causes and Next Steps
Elevated white blood cell count? Hello, doctor. First, I would like to inform you that I am a patient with myasthenia gravis. I am currently taking four tablets of Mestinon daily and one tablet of Anspine weekly. Here are my questions: Since mid-September, I have been infected wi...
Dr. Liao Zhongxin Reply:
1. First, we are currently in the era of COVID-19, so it is essential to rule out this possibility by conducting a self-administered rapid test and receiving the COVID-19 vaccine (at least four doses are recommended). 2. Secondly, the side effects of medications should also be c...[Read More] Understanding Elevated White Blood Cell Count: Causes and Next Steps
Understanding Asthma: Managing Persistent Cough and Heart Concerns
Asthma issues I would like to ask the doctor a few questions. Since last winter, I have been coughing persistently. I have visited many clinics, and the doctors have said it is due to allergies caused by changes in the weather, and that it would improve as the weather warms up. I...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, chronic cough can indeed have many causes. The most important thing is to rule out lung and heart issues. If auscultation is normal, the chances of severe asthma are lower, but there may be other lung problems. It is advisable to consult a pulmonology or family medicine ou...[Read More] Understanding Asthma: Managing Persistent Cough and Heart Concerns
Understanding Autoimmune Disorders: Questions to Ask Your Doctor
Immune system? Hello, Doctor: I previously asked you about issues related to rheumatology and immunology, specifically about skin pain and itching. I believe I may have lupus erythematosus, and the doctors have suggested further monitoring. The patient has been experiencing persi...
Dr. Gao Jiankai Reply:
Hello, thank you for your question. Here are my responses: 1. Is autonomic nervous system dysfunction included in immune system diseases, or should I consult another specialty? --> Autonomic nervous system dysfunction is not related to the immune system, but immune system di...[Read More] Understanding Autoimmune Disorders: Questions to Ask Your Doctor
Understanding Unusual Breathing Sounds: When to Seek Medical Advice
Regarding respiratory issues? Hello, doctor. I have a question. Sometimes my breathing sounds very loud (not during sleep). It’s like after normal breathing, there’s a sudden loud exhale, and it feels like I have tightness in my chest and can’t breathe out properly. I’m not sure ...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, 1. Regarding the respiratory sounds, being overweight can cause airway compression, which may lead to wheezing or audible breathing. If you are feeling very uncomfortable, you can visit an outpatient clinic for an X-ray to ensure that your lungs are healthy. If it is alr...[Read More] Understanding Unusual Breathing Sounds: When to Seek Medical Advice
Understanding Loud Breathing: Causes and When to Seek Help
Regarding respiratory issues? Hello, doctor. I have a question. Sometimes my breathing sounds very loud (not during sleep). It's like after normal breathing, there will suddenly be a loud exhalation, and it feels like I have a tightness in my chest and can't breathe out...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, 1. Regarding respiratory sounds, being overweight can cause airway compression, which may lead to wheezing or audible breathing. If you are feeling very uncomfortable, you can visit an outpatient clinic for an X-ray to confirm that your lungs are in good condition. If it...[Read More] Understanding Loud Breathing: Causes and When to Seek Help
Understanding HIV Exposure Risks After Intimate Contact with PEP Users
Having sexual relations with someone who is on PrEP? Hello, doctor. I had close contact with someone who may be an HIV patient. On that day, I had a deep kiss with him (he has bleeding symptoms when brushing his gums or sucking hard, and I also experience bleeding when I brush my...
Dr. Lin Wufu Reply:
Hello: First, it is important to clarify that PEP (Post-Exposure Prophylaxis) is used to prevent HIV transmission after potential exposure. Therefore, if your partner is currently taking PEP, the likelihood of them having HIV at that moment is very low. Assuming they are indeed a...[Read More] Understanding HIV Exposure Risks After Intimate Contact with PEP Users
Understanding Choking Hazards: Symptoms and When to Seek Help
Choking issues? Hello, doctor. While I was having dinner, I suddenly felt the urge to talk and laugh, and it seemed like the food I had just chewed suddenly slipped down. I also felt like something was running up to my nose, but I didn't cough immediately. After eating a few...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, the human body has certain physiological structures, such as the epiglottis, that help prevent choking. Therefore, even if young people choke, the likelihood of food entering the airway is low. Additionally, since you have not experienced persistent coughing or symptoms of...[Read More] Understanding Choking Hazards: Symptoms and When to Seek Help
Understanding Elevated Body Temperature: Causes and When to Seek Help
Elevated body temperature? Hello Dr. Hong, on Sunday morning (8/21), I bought a rice ball from a convenience store and noticed that the bottom packaging was damaged after taking a few bites, so I discarded it. Later that evening, I felt a bit unwell while staying in an air-condit...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, since convenience store food is kept at low temperatures throughout the transportation process, the damaged packaging you mentioned should not significantly affect the food itself. Unless you are experiencing any discomfort, there is currently no need for you to seek medic...[Read More] Understanding Elevated Body Temperature: Causes and When to Seek Help
Understanding Bruising on Legs: When to Seek Medical Attention
Leg bruising? Hello doctor, yesterday I noticed several bruises on the front of my lower leg (7 or 8 of varying sizes, mostly yellow). I also checked my inner thighs and arms but did not find any bruises. Recently, I have bumped into the corner of a table a few times, but not to ...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, based on your photo, it does appear that the likelihood of a bruise is highest due to trauma. If you do not have any history of trauma, other factors such as insect bites, skin itching leading to frequent scratching, vigorous washing or massaging of the legs, etc., could a...[Read More] Understanding Bruising on Legs: When to Seek Medical Attention
Understanding Bruising: When to Worry About Your Symptoms
Leg bruising Hello doctor, yesterday I noticed several bruises on the front of my lower leg (about 7 or 8 of varying sizes, mostly yellow). I also checked my inner thighs and arms but did not find any bruises. Recently, I have bumped into the corner of a table a few times, but no...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, based on your photo, it does appear that bruising is most likely due to trauma. If you do not have any history of trauma, other factors such as insect bites, skin itching leading to frequent scratching, vigorous scrubbing, or massaging of the legs could also cause this phe...[Read More] Understanding Bruising: When to Worry About Your Symptoms
Understanding Chest Tightness and Weakness After a Head Injury: What to Know
Occasional chest tightness with shaking and deep breathing? Doctor, why do I experience chest tightness, and even before an episode, I get goosebumps, feel a bit dizzy, and have overall weakness when I take deep breaths? I had a car accident in early June 2020 that resulted in a ...
Dr. Xie Rongyuan Reply:
Hello: If the symptoms occur frequently, it is recommended to visit a cardiologist to check for coronary artery disease or other underlying issues. Thank you for your message![Read More] Understanding Chest Tightness and Weakness After a Head Injury: What to Know
Understanding Upper Abdominal Bloating: Causes and Solutions
Upper abdominal bloating and pain? Hello Doctor, in the past couple of years, due to exam preparations, I have been sitting a lot and exercising less. I have experienced mild gastric discomfort before several major exams, but recently I have been frequently experiencing upper abd...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, based on your description, your stomach pain is likely primarily caused by exam stress, which is exacerbated by your menstrual period. It is expected that your symptoms will improve after the exams are over and the stress is relieved. During this time, I recommend engaging...[Read More] Understanding Upper Abdominal Bloating: Causes and Solutions
Understanding Aspiration Pneumonia Symptoms After Choking
Regarding the issue of choking and aspiration into the trachea? If you experienced choking while drinking hot kimchi soup and felt a sensation of fluid flowing through the right lung area, accompanied by severe coughing, you should be aware of the following potential symptoms of ...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, if you are not currently experiencing a persistent cough, the likelihood of aspiration pneumonia should be very low. You can observe for 2-3 days, and if there are no symptoms such as fever or cough, it should be fine. Thank you for your question.[Read More] Understanding Aspiration Pneumonia Symptoms After Choking
Understanding Choking: When to Seek Medical Attention for Throat Issues
Regarding choking? Hello Dr. Hong, Recently, while drinking at home, I experienced discomfort and itchiness in my throat after eating fried food and then drinking something cold. This caused me to feel like I was choking. At that moment, I couldn't hold it in and ended up ...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, based on your description, the human body has mechanisms to prevent choking, such as the epiglottis. Therefore, unless there is a loss of consciousness, it is unlikely to aspirate into the trachea. Additionally, since you did not experience any particular discomfort afterw...[Read More] Understanding Choking: When to Seek Medical Attention for Throat Issues
Chest Pain After Prolonged Singing: Causes and Concerns
Experiencing chest pain after singing with prolonged vocalization? Today, due to special requirements, I needed to record audio. The length of the audio required a prolonged exhalation while vocalizing. I did not take a breath before starting to vocalize and continued to do so un...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, based on your description, the chest pain during deep inhalation, if located in the upper part, may be caused by strain on the thoracic wall or ribs. If it is in the lower part, it could be due to pressure on the stomach. In any case, this is mostly a physiological phenome...[Read More] Chest Pain After Prolonged Singing: Causes and Concerns
Understanding Chest Pain and Cough: Causes and Treatment Options
Chest pain and cough? Hello, doctor. Since March, I have been experiencing pain in the center of my chest. I have visited both pulmonology and cardiology several times, and after undergoing X-rays and heart-related tests, everything came back normal. The pain occurs mainly in the...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, based on your description and the fact that you have already had an X-ray, it does seem more like costochondritis. However, costochondritis typically does not present with a cough. I recommend that you first get tested for COVID-19. If the result is negative and you still ...[Read More] Understanding Chest Pain and Cough: Causes and Treatment Options
Vaccines and Inflammation: Understanding Symptoms in Ankylosing Spondylitis
Vaccines and Inflammatory Markers Hello Doctor, I am a patient with ankylosing spondylitis. Recently, after receiving the vaccine, I have developed new symptoms of chest pain, which has lasted for six months. Both cardiology and pulmonology have stated that it is not a heart or l...
Dr. Zeng Guosen Reply:
Hello, the vaccine can indeed trigger the activation of autoimmune diseases. First, it's important to determine whether the nature and location of the chest pain are related to ankylosing spondylitis; you may want to consult a rheumatologist. If that is ruled out, you should...[Read More] Vaccines and Inflammation: Understanding Symptoms in Ankylosing Spondylitis
Understanding Persistent Low-Grade Fever in COVID-19 Patients
Regarding the persistent low-grade fever in confirmed cases of COVID-19? Hello: I tested positive for COVID-19 via PCR on May 12. From May 11 to May 14, my axillary temperature was 37.5 degrees Celsius. From May 15 to May 24, my daily axillary temperature ranged from 37 to 37.3 d...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, if you experience moderate to severe symptoms such as shortness of breath, chest pain, or altered consciousness, you should seek medical attention. If these symptoms are not present, it is advisable to rest more and drink plenty of water, as you should gradually improve. T...[Read More] Understanding Persistent Low-Grade Fever in COVID-19 Patients