How Smoking Affects Pain Areas in Ankylosing Spondylitis Patients
Newly added pain locations for ankylosing spondylitis? Hello Doctor, I often see reports online stating that patients with ankylosing spondylitis should not smoke, but they do not explain how smoking affects ankylosing spondylitis. I would like to ask you, if smoking increases pa...
Dr. Gao Jiankai Reply:
Hello, thank you for your question. Ankylosing spondylitis not only affects the spine but also indirectly or directly impacts the ribs due to their connection with the spine, leading to chest and back pain. Many chronic ankylosing spondylitis patients experience rib or chest pain...[Read More] How Smoking Affects Pain Areas in Ankylosing Spondylitis Patients
Blood-Streaked Sputum After COVID-19: When to Seek Medical Attention?
The diagnosed patient is coughing up sputum with a slight trace of blood? I tested positive on May 19. Initially, I had a cough but no phlegm. By the morning of May 21, I noticed blood streaks in my phlegm when I coughed it up. My wife said that my coughing technique might be wro...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, COVID-19 patients may experience some microvascular bleeding in the throat during severe coughing, which can lead to blood-tinged sputum. Symptomatic treatment is recommended, and it should gradually improve. However, if there is persistent fever, chest pain, or severe sho...[Read More] Blood-Streaked Sputum After COVID-19: When to Seek Medical Attention?
Understanding the Link Between Ankylosing Spondylitis and Vaccination
The relationship between ankylosing spondylitis and vaccines? Hello Doctor, I am a 51-year-old male patient with ankylosing spondylitis. I received my first dose of the BNT vaccine in October last year and the second dose in January this year. I would like to ask if the symptoms ...
Dr. Gao Jiankai Reply:
Hello, thank you for your question. Here are my responses: 1) Is my chest pain more likely caused by the vaccine or by smoking? --> Ankylosing spondylitis can also cause chest pain, and the likelihood may be higher than the side effects from the vaccine, so it is unlikely to...[Read More] Understanding the Link Between Ankylosing Spondylitis and Vaccination
Chest Pain in Ankylosing Spondylitis: Which Specialist to See First?
If a patient with ankylosing spondylitis experiences chest pain, they should first consult a rheumatologist? Hello Doctor, I am 51 years old and a patient with ankylosing spondylitis, which I developed at the age of 45. My symptoms initially included only buttock pain and morning...
Dr. Gao Jiankai Reply:
Hello, thank you for your question. I recommend seeing a rheumatologist first, as the duration of pain and the pain pattern may resemble that of ankylosing spondylitis, and it could potentially be related to it. If you still have concerns, you can discuss your anxiety about cardi...[Read More] Chest Pain in Ankylosing Spondylitis: Which Specialist to See First?
Understanding Coughing Up Blood: Causes and Medical Guidance
For vomiting blood or coughing up blood, which medical specialty should be consulted? I would like to ask about my father, who is 67 years old and has been coughing up blood. He was hospitalized in the chest medicine department for two weeks. After returning home, he seemed to re...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, I would like to ask if your father often experiences severe coughing or frequently produces phlegm? If so, this could be due to damage to the mucosal epithelium causing bleeding, which needs to be addressed along with the original cough issue and reducing the frequency of ...[Read More] Understanding Coughing Up Blood: Causes and Medical Guidance
Understanding Rust-Colored Phlegm: Causes and Concerns
Rust-colored sputum? Hello, doctor. I have a question. I have been using tobacco, alcohol, and betel nut for 30 years. I quit after noticing that the first phlegm I coughed up upon waking in the morning was rust-colored. This has been the case for 2 years now. I have undergone na...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, based on your description, the rust-colored sputum likely indicates chronic inflammation in the lungs, combined with a history of long-term smoking, while both chest X-rays and low-dose CT scans are normal. This situation suggests chronic bronchitis caused by prolonged smo...[Read More] Understanding Rust-Colored Phlegm: Causes and Concerns
Post-Vaccine Reactions: Understanding Chest Pain and Discomfort
Reactions after the third dose of the vaccine? Hello, doctor. I would like to inquire about my condition. After receiving my third vaccine dose on April 23, I experienced a fever for the first two days. On the third day, I had symptoms of chest tightness and chest pain (approxima...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, what you described could indeed be vaccine side effects. However, most vaccine side effects typically improve without the need for treatment. If your symptoms gradually become milder, you do not need to seek medical attention. If your symptoms worsen or do not improve, the...[Read More] Post-Vaccine Reactions: Understanding Chest Pain and Discomfort
Understanding Persistent Low-Grade Fever: When to Seek Medical Advice
Temperature issues Hello Doctor, I am currently on day four of quarantine. Since the first night of quarantine, I have felt an increase in body temperature and warmth. (In previous years, I occasionally felt feverish, with temperatures around the mid-36s, sometimes reaching 37.3,...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, 1. It can be difficult to distinguish between the symptoms of a common cold and COVID-19, so it may still be necessary to perform a PCR test or a rapid test for confirmation. 2. There are many possible causes of fever, and a detailed examination may be required to deter...[Read More] Understanding Persistent Low-Grade Fever: When to Seek Medical Advice
Understanding Ankylosing Spondylitis: Treatment Options and Patient Concerns
Ankylosing spondylitis Dear Doctor: I am a patient with ankylosing spondylitis, diagnosed for 2.5 years, and I am currently 18.8 years old. I have been managing my condition with NSAIDs and have been unable to discontinue them. I would like to ask the following questions: 1) Gen...
Dr. Zeng Guosen Reply:
1) Biological agents tend to be more effective and are easier to achieve stable drug withdrawal. 2) For a 19-year-old, there are no specific recommendations; a general chest X-ray and electrocardiogram are sufficient. 3) It does not necessarily increase. 4) A temporary paus...[Read More] Understanding Ankylosing Spondylitis: Treatment Options and Patient Concerns
Understanding Your Health Check Report: Key Follow-Up Tests Explained
Questions about the medical examination report? Last month, I underwent a health check-up, and the low-dose chest CT report included these two recommendations. What further examinations are needed for confirmation? 1. Thickening of the lower esophageal wall (is it due to contract...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, 1. Thickening of the lower esophageal wall may indicate malignant changes, but it could also be benign. It is indeed recommended to perform an endoscopy for a detailed examination. 2. Increased density in the anterior mediastinum has a higher likelihood of being benign...[Read More] Understanding Your Health Check Report: Key Follow-Up Tests Explained
Understanding Persistent Upper Right Abdominal Discomfort: Possible Causes
The body has been experiencing issues for a long time? For the past two to three months, I have been experiencing a sensation of heat and swelling in the upper right abdomen, near the lower edge of the ribs (specifically in the area just above the navel and slightly below the rig...
Dr. Gao Jiankai Reply:
Hello, thank you for your inquiry. The likelihood of multiple myeloma is low, as the levels of immunoglobulins (such as IgG, IgA, and IgM) are within normal ranges, and the albumin/globulin ratio is also normal, so there is no need to worry about myeloma. As for the pain below th...[Read More] Understanding Persistent Upper Right Abdominal Discomfort: Possible Causes
Understanding HIV Transmission Risks in Everyday Situations
Risk of HIV Infection Hello, doctor. I work in the service industry, and today a machine in the store broke down. When the repair technician came to fix it, I noticed he had an open wound on his finger that hadn't scabbed over. I asked him what happened, and he said he accid...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, 1. Splashing on my clothes and hands does not transmit HIV. 2. Contact between hands and other parts of clothing does not transmit HIV. 3. Having acne that is scratched and becomes a wound does not transmit HIV. 4. Touching a handle or a drainage ditch does not transm...[Read More] Understanding HIV Transmission Risks in Everyday Situations
Understanding Cough and Left Back Pain in Mitral Valve Prolapse Patients
Cold and cough. Soreness in the left back? I have a problem with mitral valve prolapse, and I am taking medication for palpitations and to prevent heart failure. I tend to be more sensitive and anxious, and sometimes my family says I make a big deal out of small issues. However, ...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, 1. Regarding your back pain, it is likely caused by a muscle strain. If you haven't experienced any recent injuries, it may be due to poor posture or muscle strain from excessive coughing. Typically, applying heat or using a topical analgesic can help alleviate the ...[Read More] Understanding Cough and Left Back Pain in Mitral Valve Prolapse Patients
Understanding Sudden Red Rashes on the Torso: Causes and Concerns
Sudden rash on the torso? Hello, Dr. Lin. Two nights ago, I noticed some red rashes on my abdomen. When I woke up the next morning, the rashes had increased in number, extending from my abdomen to both sides of my waist and the sides of my chest. There are no rashes on my back, b...
Dr. Lin Wufu Reply:
Hello! There are many possible causes for this type of skin rash, so it's advisable to visit a dermatologist for a more accurate assessment. Generally, allergic rashes tend to be itchy, so if the rash is not itchy, we should consider infections, heat-related issues, or syste...[Read More] Understanding Sudden Red Rashes on the Torso: Causes and Concerns
Understanding Unexplained Chest Pain: Causes and When to Seek Help
Unexplained chest pain? I have been doing physical labor, specifically moving goods, and for the past month, I have been going to bed late and waking up early. I started experiencing chest pain in a fixed location, which has been a mild discomfort for a week. Sometimes the pain i...
Dr. He Yonghe Reply:
Hello, Student Pan. Lifting heavy objects may cause muscle strains, so it is advisable not to lift anything too heavy. If you experience persistent chest pain, you should go to the hospital for an examination.[Read More] Understanding Unexplained Chest Pain: Causes and When to Seek Help
Understanding a 1.6 cm Liver Nodule: Implications and Next Steps
Liver nodule measuring 1.6 centimeters? On October 19, 2021, an abdominal ultrasound revealed: Liver: moderate degree of increased echogenicity of the liver parenchyma compared to the kidney. A hypoechoic zone at the gallbladder fossa, possibly due to focal sparing. Intrahepatic ...
Dr. Xie Rongyuan Reply:
Hello: There is a 1.6 cm liver nodule on the right side of the liver. What is the nature of this lesion? It is advisable to follow up with a hepatobiliary and gastroenterology specialist for further examination. The fact that the abdominal ultrasound did not detect it may also be...[Read More] Understanding a 1.6 cm Liver Nodule: Implications and Next Steps
Understanding Dizziness and Fainting: Heart Rate Concerns in Teens
Cardiac issues, dizziness, and fainting? I am currently 17 years old and my heart rate reaches 190 to 200 beats per minute after about 5 minutes of exercise. Is this considered normal? I feel very dizzy and short of breath. I went to the hospital for an ECG, which was normal, and...
Dr. Zeng Guosen Reply:
Hello, if your heart rate reaches 190 to 200 beats per minute after about 5 minutes of exercise, it indicates that the intensity is too high for you. It is recommended to adopt a gradual approach to increase your exercise intensity. If no issues are found, consider consulting a s...[Read More] Understanding Dizziness and Fainting: Heart Rate Concerns in Teens
Understanding Lung Nodules Detected in Routine Chest X-rays
Routine chest X-ray screening revealed pulmonary nodules? Hello Doctor: Recently, my routine chest X-ray examination report showed a nodular lesion in the interstitium of the left upper lobe. I have been undergoing annual chest X-rays for the past few years, and previous results ...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, based on your description, if there have been no significant changes for over 6 years, the likelihood of cancer is relatively low. It is advisable to continue monitoring with X-rays. If there are no notable changes, there should be no cause for concern. However, if you are...[Read More] Understanding Lung Nodules Detected in Routine Chest X-rays
Undercooked Pork: Health Risks and When to Seek Medical Help
Eating undercooked pork? In October 2021, I ate undercooked pork chops at a teppanyaki restaurant. Over the past few months, I have frequently experienced itching in my buttocks, increased episodes of diarrhea, and sometimes abdominal cramps. I'm unsure if these symptoms are...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, based on your description, the main concern is diarrhea and the possibility of a parasitic infection. It is recommended to visit a gastroenterologist or a family medicine physician to arrange for a stool test to check for any eggs. If none are found, the likelihood of a pa...[Read More] Undercooked Pork: Health Risks and When to Seek Medical Help
Post-Vaccine Concerns: Understanding Chest Pain After BNT Shot
Questions regarding post-vaccination issues? Hello, I received my second dose of the BNT vaccine on December 6th, and my first dose was the AZ vaccine in September. I experienced a fever after the first dose, but I didn't have any significant reactions after the second dose....
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, the chest pain you described due to a change in posture is not typically a symptom of myocarditis; it is usually caused by muscle or bone strain. If it were myocarditis, the chest pain would be persistent and accompanied by shortness of breath. It is advisable to monitor t...[Read More] Post-Vaccine Concerns: Understanding Chest Pain After BNT Shot