Is White Foamy Sputum Normal? When to See a Doctor?
Persistent throat clearing with the expulsion of white foamy sputum? Question 1: Is white foamy sputum normal? Question 2: If I keep coughing up this type of sputum, which specialist should I see?
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, 1. Typically, yellow phlegm may indicate a possible infection, while white phlegm is usually a mixture of normal saliva, unless there are other symptoms present, in which case it may not require treatment. 2. If you are very concerned, you can schedule an appointment with ...[Read More] Is White Foamy Sputum Normal? When to See a Doctor?
Understanding Stiff and Swollen Finger Joints: Causes and Solutions
Stiffness and swelling in the finger joints? Hello Doctor: Last year in late autumn, I noticed stiffness in my finger joints upon waking up, but it was mild, so I didn't pay much attention to it. Recently, however, the frequency has increased, and almost every day my fingers...
Dr. Zeng Guosen Reply:
Hello, experiencing stiffness in the finger joints upon waking, pain in the index finger, swelling in the fingers, positive urine occult blood test, and hair loss should not be ignored, but there is no need to panic. Please seek medical evaluation, as there are many potential cau...[Read More] Understanding Stiff and Swollen Finger Joints: Causes and Solutions
Understanding Chest Pain: Causes and When to Seek Help
Chest tightness or pain? I am a high school student. On the afternoon of August 9th, I moved some heavy objects, after which I started experiencing severe pressure and pain in my left shoulder and chest. I immediately stopped all activities, and then I began to have some difficul...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, based on your description, it seems you may have a shoulder muscle strain. It is recommended to rest the injured area, apply some heat, and consider using topical anti-inflammatory ointments or patches, or taking anti-inflammatory medications such as acetaminophen. If the ...[Read More] Understanding Chest Pain: Causes and When to Seek Help
Post-Vaccine Symptoms: When to Seek Medical Attention After Moderna Shot
After receiving the vaccine Hello, doctor. I recently received my second dose of the Moderna vaccine, and it's been five days. I've been experiencing pain in my arm when making larger movements (like shaking, running, or jumping), but it doesn't hurt much when I&#x...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, based on your description, these are indeed possible phenomena after vaccination. It is not necessarily required to seek medical attention immediately unless the symptoms become more pronounced or if you experience fever, chest pain, severe shortness of breath, or other co...[Read More] Post-Vaccine Symptoms: When to Seek Medical Attention After Moderna Shot
Post-Vaccine Concerns: Is Chest Pain a Sign of Myocarditis?
Post-Vaccination Issues - 2 Thank you, Dr. Hong, for your previous response. I forgot to mention other aspects while feeling unwell. On July 29 at 13:40, I received the second dose of the Moderna vaccine. On July 30 at 17:00, while going out to buy dinner, I experienced some ches...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Based on the symptoms and timeline you described, it is likely not myocarditis. I recommend getting plenty of rest and staying hydrated. You should seek medical attention only if the symptoms persist for more than 48 hours or if you start feeling increasingly unwell. Thank you fo...[Read More] Post-Vaccine Concerns: Is Chest Pain a Sign of Myocarditis?
Understanding Intermittent Chest Pain: When to Seek Medical Attention
Occasionally experiencing chest pain? In the past few months, I have been experiencing sudden chest pain that lasts for a second or two. The location of the pain varies; sometimes it is on the left side of my chest, and other times on the right side. I can clearly identify where ...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, based on your description, the pain that changes with posture or massage is more likely to be musculoskeletal pain, typically associated with inflammation of the sternum, ribs, or vertebrae. I'm not sure if you've recently experienced poor posture, lifted heavy o...[Read More] Understanding Intermittent Chest Pain: When to Seek Medical Attention
Post-Accident Health Concerns: Vaccine Eligibility and Recovery Insights
Post-accident condition and vaccine issues? I would like to ask about the injuries I sustained from a car accident two years ago, which resulted in liver and spleen lacerations. I did not undergo invasive treatment, but I fractured five ribs and my sternum. Occasionally, I still ...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, the process of healing at the fracture site and the wound around the knee may lead to fibrosis, which could result in the pulling sensation or pain you mentioned. Theoretically, this should gradually diminish. However, if the pain increases, it is advisable to consult your...[Read More] Post-Accident Health Concerns: Vaccine Eligibility and Recovery Insights
Seeking Answers: Navigating Chronic Pain and Unexplained Symptoms
Hello, doctor? Hello Doctor, about four months ago, I started experiencing a feeling of discomfort and pain in my upper abdomen, and sometimes my stomach would suddenly spasm. I visited a gastroenterologist and underwent an endoscopy, which revealed only mild gastritis. I also ha...
Dr. Gao Jiankai Reply:
Hello, thank you for your inquiry. I noticed that you have experienced symptoms of dysphagia along with multiple areas of muscle pain, which may be related to rheumatology. If you have seen many specialists without a clear diagnosis, I recommend that you visit a rheumatologist fo...[Read More] Seeking Answers: Navigating Chronic Pain and Unexplained Symptoms
Understanding Non-Rheumatic Mitral Valve Insufficiency: Symptoms and Insights
What is non-rheumatic mitral valve insufficiency? Due to experiencing left-sided chest pain for a period of time without improvement, I visited a cardiologist. At that time, I mentioned that the pain was localized to a specific point, and the doctor indicated that it was likely n...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
In the past, when medical knowledge was not as advanced, mitral valve insufficiency was often caused by bacterial infections, particularly streptococcal infections. This type of infection is referred to as "rheumatic mitral valve insufficiency." Other causes that are no...[Read More] Understanding Non-Rheumatic Mitral Valve Insufficiency: Symptoms and Insights
Understanding Adult Still's Disease: Symptoms and Immune System Flare-Ups
Immune system dysfunction in adults with Still's disease? Hello Doctor: I have an immune system disorder (the doctor has diagnosed me with suspected "Adult Still's Disease" on the medical certificate). Due to the recent pandemic, I haven't been able to at...
Dr. Gao Jiankai Reply:
Hello, thank you for your message. The inflammation index you mentioned, which is over ten thousand, could possibly refer to the ferritin level, which is an indicator of adult Still's disease and also serves as a reference for disease stability. Given that your levels were o...[Read More] Understanding Adult Still's Disease: Symptoms and Immune System Flare-Ups
Understanding Heart Discomfort During Dialysis: Causes and Solutions
Discomfort in the heart during dialysis? Dear Dr. Wu, I have a family member, a 30-year-old female, who has been undergoing dialysis treatment for nearly two years. Recently, she experienced a sudden myocardial infarction and underwent cardiac catheterization and coronary artery...
Dr. Wu Jiyu Reply:
Based on your inquiry, the hemoglobin measurement is approximately 21-25, which is low. After blood transfusion, you may discuss with your physician whether erythropoietin (EPO) or iron supplements are adequate or if there are other bleeding issues (such as gastrointestinal bleed...[Read More] Understanding Heart Discomfort During Dialysis: Causes and Solutions
Understanding COVID-19 PCR Results and Symptoms: A Patient's Inquiry
Positive result on rapid test for COVID-19 (Continuation Four) Hello Dr. Hong, This week I underwent the fourth PCR screening, and the CT value has decreased again. The report is as follows: SARS-CoV-2 Gene E: 33.06 (previously, the tested item was SARS-CoV-2 Gene RdRp with res...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, 1. This refers to the detection of antigens at different locations of the virus. The CT values of different reagents cannot necessarily be compared with each other. 2. Since these are different reagents, this does not necessarily indicate a relapse. Additionally, during...[Read More] Understanding COVID-19 PCR Results and Symptoms: A Patient's Inquiry
Heart Palpitations After Moderna Vaccine: When to Seek Medical Attention?
Palpitations after receiving the Moderna vaccine? I received the Moderna vaccine this morning. On the same day, I experienced only arm soreness and a mild fever. However, at night, while lying flat, I felt a noticeable heartbeat. I measured my heart rate multiple times, and it ra...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, the discomfort you described is indeed a common side effect of the Moderna vaccine, typically occurring within 48 hours. Most symptoms improve within this timeframe. If you still feel unwell after 48 hours or experience chest pain, it is advisable to seek medical attention...[Read More] Heart Palpitations After Moderna Vaccine: When to Seek Medical Attention?
Struggling with Hypothyroidism: Seeking Effective Treatment Solutions
Hypothyroidism Treatment Issues Hello Doctor, I am a patient with hypothyroidism. I have been undergoing treatment for about three years and have been taking thyroid hormone, but there has been little improvement in my lab values or physical condition. Dietary changes and exercis...
Dr. Lin Jianliang Reply:
Hello: Generally speaking, patients with hypothyroidism who regularly take their medication to keep thyroid hormone levels within the normal range are less likely to experience symptoms of hypothyroidism. Based on your description, it is recommended to first consult with an endoc...[Read More] Struggling with Hypothyroidism: Seeking Effective Treatment Solutions
Understanding Chest Tightness in Hyperthyroidism and Heart Valve Issues
Chest tightness issue? Hello, doctor. I am a patient with hyperthyroidism, and my only symptom is a slightly elevated heart rate. I also have a problem with mitral valve insufficiency. Currently, I am controlling my hyperthyroidism with medication, taking two tablets of methimazo...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, based on your description, there could indeed be many causes for your breathing difficulties. It may be necessary to check your blood oxygen levels; if they are abnormal, you should be cautious about potential lung or heart issues. However, since you have already undergone...[Read More] Understanding Chest Tightness in Hyperthyroidism and Heart Valve Issues
Can Gout Attack the Chest Area? Understanding Unusual Symptoms
Can gout occur in the chest? During my gout attacks, it usually occurs in the joints, but in the past 3 to 4 months, I have experienced two attacks in my right chest area, which were also red, swollen, and painful, accompanied by pain in other joints. After taking medication for ...
Dr. Gao Jiankai Reply:
Hello, thank you for your inquiry. In principle, gout does not occur in the chest area, and given your age and gender, the likelihood of gout is even lower. It is recommended that you consult a specialist in Allergy, Immunology, and Rheumatology to identify the true cause of your...[Read More] Can Gout Attack the Chest Area? Understanding Unusual Symptoms
Persistent Breathing Difficulty and Chest Pain: When to Seek Medical Help
Shortness of breath lasting for one week + occasional chest pain? On the night of the 7th, I woke up feeling somewhat short of breath for no apparent reason. I hadn't turned on the air conditioning, and it didn't feel like my usual nasal congestion, but it felt very obs...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, based on your description, it seems that the main issue is subjective discomfort. I recommend measuring your body temperature and blood oxygen levels. If both are normal, you may consider an outpatient consultation. It could be caused by anemia or hyperthyroidism. However,...[Read More] Persistent Breathing Difficulty and Chest Pain: When to Seek Medical Help
Persistent Symptoms After Negative COVID-19 Tests: What to Do?
Negative rapid test for COVID-19 and normal test results, yet persistent illness? Hello Dr. Hong, First of all, I do not have any chronic illnesses, a travel history, or overlapping exposure to confirmed cases. I live in Taichung City, which is not a hot zone, and I was in good ...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, I'm not sure if the two tests you received were rapid antigen tests (ELISA) or PCR tests. If they were antigen tests, there is indeed a high chance of false negatives, and you may need to consider getting an RT-PCR test for confirmation. If both tests were PCR, the ch...[Read More] Persistent Symptoms After Negative COVID-19 Tests: What to Do?
Understanding Lung Infiltration: When to Seek Further Medical Evaluation
Lung issues Doctor, I have a question. I went to see a family physician because I had a cold, and I underwent an X-ray, blood tests, and sputum analysis (my sputum has always been white, without any yellow or blood-tinged coloration). Later, my cough symptoms improved, and during...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, based on the current pandemic situation, it is recommended to first undergo COVID-19 testing. If the result is negative and symptoms persist, further evaluation by a pulmonologist at a major hospital may be necessary. As for pulmonary infiltrates, it is essentially inflamm...[Read More] Understanding Lung Infiltration: When to Seek Further Medical Evaluation
Understanding Left Chest Pain: When to Seek Medical Attention
Pain upon palpation at the lower edge of the left chest? Hello Doctor: Recently, I have noticed pain when pressing on the lower edge of my left chest (about 5 centimeters below the left nipple). There is no pain when I stretch my arm or breathe; it only hurts when I apply pressur...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Based on your description, the most likely conditions are costochondritis or pleuritis. If you are not experiencing fever or shortness of breath, there is no need to seek medical attention at this time. However, if the discomfort persists, you may consider visiting a pulmonologis...[Read More] Understanding Left Chest Pain: When to Seek Medical Attention