Understanding Liver Enzymes and Eye Health: What You Need to Know
Liver enzymes and the eyes? Hello, I would like to ask the doctor about my health. Last year, after returning to Taiwan, I had a health check-up with my family at a hospital six months later. During my first blood test, my AST was 22 and ALT was 45. My family physician advised me...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, based on your photo, the sclera of your eyes appears to be a normal color without any signs of jaundice. Jaundice in the sclera is characterized by a distinct yellowing. Additionally, your liver function tests are currently normal, so regular monitoring should suffice. Tha...[Read More] Understanding Liver Enzymes and Eye Health: What You Need to Know
Chronic Cough and Throat Issues: When to Seek Medical Advice
Throat issues I have been experiencing a persistent cough for several months, starting around July or August, possibly even earlier. Every morning when I wake up, I definitely cough to the point of feeling nauseous. After a while, I also experience a burning sensation in my throa...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, I would like to know if you have allergic rhinitis and post-nasal drip, or if you have gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD)? If you have these two issues, they could be the cause of your cough. You can treat both conditions. If not, it may be necessary to see an otolaryn...[Read More] Chronic Cough and Throat Issues: When to Seek Medical Advice
Common Cold Concerns: Mucus, Phlegm, and Swallowing Issues Explained
I still have questions after the consultation? Hello, doctor. I have two questions I would like to ask you. Today, I visited an otolaryngologist because I don't often seek medical attention, but I've been experiencing a lot of nasal discharge and phlegm over the past fe...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, 1. The color and foam of sputum are primarily for reference; most people's white foamy sputum is considered normal. Diagnosing cancer requires additional diagnostic tools and is not solely based on the appearance of sputum, so you need not worry. 2. If you swallow...[Read More] Common Cold Concerns: Mucus, Phlegm, and Swallowing Issues Explained
Understanding Oral Sex Risks: Symptoms and Concerns About HIV
Oral sex with mouth sores? On November 1, I had oral sex without any other sexual activity, but I developed a sore in the middle of my tongue, which did not bleed. On November 3, I experienced tonsillitis and saw a doctor. By November 5, I had recovered. On November 9, I had lary...
Dr. Lin Wufu Reply:
Hello: The risk of contracting HIV from a single oral sex encounter is approximately 1 in 10,000, which is generally a very low probability, but of course, it cannot be guaranteed that it is zero. The symptoms you mentioned can indeed be indicative of acute HIV infection, but sim...[Read More] Understanding Oral Sex Risks: Symptoms and Concerns About HIV
Am I at Risk? Expert Advice on COVID-19 Exposure Concerns
Is this very dangerous? Hello, doctor. Recently, I've noticed that foreigners are very afraid of contracting COVID-19. Today, while I was on the MRT, I wasn't paying attention and suddenly someone sat down next to me. It turned out to be a blonde foreign woman. I was ab...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, based on your description, both parties were wearing masks, so the risk of infection should be very low. There is no need for special testing at this time unless symptoms of a cold develop later. Thank you for your inquiry.[Read More] Am I at Risk? Expert Advice on COVID-19 Exposure Concerns
Understanding Left Lower Abdominal Pain and Bowel Sounds: Causes and Solutions
Sharp pain in the lower left abdomen, accompanied by bowel sounds? Hello, recently I have been experiencing sharp and aching pain in my lower left abdomen, feeling like needles stabbing and knives cutting, occurring intermittently along with bowel sounds and a sensation of moveme...
Dr. Xie Rongyuan Reply:
Hello: Left lower abdominal pain and bowel sounds are generally related to dietary choices or gastrointestinal dysfunction. Since the colonoscopy showed no abnormalities, it is advisable to pay attention to the types of food consumed, as this may help alleviate the symptoms. Than...[Read More] Understanding Left Lower Abdominal Pain and Bowel Sounds: Causes and Solutions
Chronic Phlegm and Chest X-Ray Concerns: What You Need to Know
Chronic sputum production and chest X-ray abnormalities? Hello, Doctor. For the past few months, I seem to have been experiencing a persistent phlegm condition. If I refer to my earliest medical visit, it was in September of this year. There were times when I didn't feel muc...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, based on your initial X-ray, we did not observe any significant issues. Your symptoms are primarily upper respiratory symptoms, which could be due to a common cold, COVID-19 infection, influenza, or allergic bronchitis. These conditions can be difficult to differentiate ba...[Read More] Chronic Phlegm and Chest X-Ray Concerns: What You Need to Know
Understanding Your Symptoms: Fatigue, Cramps, and More Health Concerns
Recently, I have been experiencing various health issues? Recently, I have been experiencing excessive sleepiness, waking up still feeling fatigued, recurrent mouth ulcers, dizziness, weakness in my limbs, sore feet, elevated body temperature, frequent colds, phlegm, runny nose, ...
Dr. Gao Jiankai Reply:
Hello, thank you for your message. The recurring mouth ulcers and blisters in the perineal area, along with elevated body temperature, may be related to rheumatic diseases. It would be advisable to visit a rheumatology clinic nearby for a physical examination and to arrange for t...[Read More] Understanding Your Symptoms: Fatigue, Cramps, and More Health Concerns
Managing Rapid Heartbeat and Thyroid Medication: A Patient's Journey
My heart is racing? Currently, I take 250 mcg of thyroid hormone daily, but my heart rate has become very uncomfortable, averaging 120 beats per minute. When I walk or climb stairs, it almost reaches 150. Although I am happy to have lost 15 kilograms, I often feel short of breath...
Dr. Lin Jianliang Reply:
After reading your letter, I am unable to ascertain your general condition from your description. Given your uncomfortable symptoms, I recommend that you inform your attending physician immediately. Discussing your situation with them will help ensure your health.[Read More] Managing Rapid Heartbeat and Thyroid Medication: A Patient's Journey
Could Your Cold Symptoms Indicate a COVID-19 Infection Abroad?
If you are experiencing cold symptoms while abroad, how likely is it that they could be related to COVID-19? Hello doctor, I am currently abroad and feeling quite worried due to cold symptoms. I am unsure if there is a possibility of having COVID-19. Initially, I had a sensation ...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, based on the symptoms you described, it is indeed a respiratory infection. However, it is not possible to distinguish whether it is COVID-19 solely based on symptoms; confirmation of the diagnosis requires testing. Thank you for your inquiry.[Read More] Could Your Cold Symptoms Indicate a COVID-19 Infection Abroad?
Understanding Hand Tremors: Causes, Concerns, and Management Tips
Please consult a doctor? Hello, about four years ago, I occasionally noticed that one of my fingers would shake while I was eating with chopsticks, which my family also observed. When I intentionally tried to straighten it, there was a slight tremor. Later, I consulted a neurolog...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, based on your description, it is more likely that the hand tremors are caused by emotional factors, which is quite common, especially during moments of anger and anxiety. This is usually a normal physiological response, so some tests may come back normal. It is recommended...[Read More] Understanding Hand Tremors: Causes, Concerns, and Management Tips
Feeling of Throat Obstruction After Tick Removal: What to Do?
Sensation of a foreign body in the throat? Recently, I adopted a puppy that has ticks. I would like to ask if ticks can live inside humans, in addition to being on the skin of dogs and people. I forgot to wear a mask while treating the dog for parasites, and after talking during ...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, the chances of swallowing a tick are very low. Based on your symptoms, you should be more cautious about catching a cold. I recommend drinking some warm water and getting plenty of rest. If your symptoms persist, please consult an ear, nose, and throat specialist. Thank yo...[Read More] Feeling of Throat Obstruction After Tick Removal: What to Do?
Understanding Blood Test Results: Concerns About Leukemia and Cholesterol Levels
Follow-up examination? Hello, I have a follow-up appointment to discuss my blood test results and I would like to take some of your time to ask the doctor some questions. On August 5, 2020, my lab results showed ALT 40, AST 22, Cholesterol 224, LDL 150, Neutrophils 26%, Lymphocyt...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, 1. Based on your previous reports, the likelihood of a viral infection causing your cold is high. Most colds are caused by viral infections, and a key characteristic of viral infections is an increase in lymphocytes and a decrease in neutrophils. It is recommended to ret...[Read More] Understanding Blood Test Results: Concerns About Leukemia and Cholesterol Levels
Choking on Pears: What to Do and When to Worry
Please ask after choking? Hello, I accidentally choked while eating a pear and coughed a bit afterward. I still felt like something was stuck in my throat, so I induced vomiting, and now I feel fine. However, I'm a bit worried because I was taking cold medicine and had just ...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, if something is aspirated into the trachea, it typically causes a very intense sensation of foreign body obstruction and triggers severe coughing. Based on your description, it seems that the object did not enter the trachea, so there is no need for induced vomiting; just ...[Read More] Choking on Pears: What to Do and When to Worry
Getting the Flu Vaccine: What to Expect and Common Concerns
Accompanying family members to receive the influenza vaccine? Hello Dr. Hong, today I accompanied my grandparents to get vaccinated and I also decided to pay for my own vaccination. I have a slight cold and was initially hesitant to get vaccinated, but the doctor mentioned that a...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, 1. There is no specific interval required between vaccines and medications because their mechanisms of action are different, so it is fine to use them together. 2. Local soreness is a normal phenomenon; adverse reactions would only be indicated by symptoms beyond local ...[Read More] Getting the Flu Vaccine: What to Expect and Common Concerns
Understanding Urinary Concerns: When to Seek Medical Advice
I would like to ask a question to the doctor? Hello, I have some questions for the doctor. Sometimes after urinating, I feel like I might drip onto my underwear, or when I wake up, it seems like I might have had a nocturnal emission. There are times when I change my underwear fou...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, the government has been promoting that ketamine can cause bladder fibrosis, leading to frequent urination, so it's understandable that your family members might overreact. However, nocturnal emissions are a normal physiological phenomenon, and changing underwear the n...[Read More] Understanding Urinary Concerns: When to Seek Medical Advice
Understanding Muscle Pain: Is It Stress or Something More Serious?
Muscle pain sensation Hello, I would like to ask the doctor about experiencing sudden pain in the right side of my back and a bit under the right breast, which feels like muscle or bone pain, especially when I take a deep breath. This occurs sometimes when I am nervous or afterwa...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, based on your description, it seems you may have a strain in the muscles or joints of your right arm, possibly due to recent activities such as unusual exercise or lifting heavy objects. I recommend doing some warm-up exercises or applying heat to alleviate the discomfort....[Read More] Understanding Muscle Pain: Is It Stress or Something More Serious?
Flu Vaccine Concerns: Can I Get Vaccinated with Cold Symptoms?
I would like to ask the doctor about the flu vaccine? Hello, doctor. A few weeks ago, I went to the ENT department with my family to make an appointment for the flu vaccine, which I need to pay for out of pocket. Although it hasn't arrived yet, I heard that the vaccine is fr...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, according to the current contraindications for vaccines, you can receive the vaccine as long as you do not have a fever. Your white blood cell count should still be within the normal range, so there should be no issues with getting vaccinated. As for the side effects of th...[Read More] Flu Vaccine Concerns: Can I Get Vaccinated with Cold Symptoms?
Understanding Chest Pain: Could It Be a Post-Cold Issue?
Chest muscle pain, follow-up questions, thank you? Hello, doctor, thank you for your response. About a month ago, I had a health check-up and an X-ray was taken; the doctor said there were no abnormalities. During my last visit for a cold, another doctor mentioned that my lungs s...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, based on your description, the main concern should be the chest pain. Given your previous history of a cold, it is likely that you may be experiencing pleuritis or possibly a muscle strain. The topical anti-inflammatory medication you mentioned can be used, and typically, ...[Read More] Understanding Chest Pain: Could It Be a Post-Cold Issue?
Understanding Chest Discomfort: Muscle Pain or Heart Concerns?
Discomfort in the muscles near the chest? Hello Doctor: In the past few days, I have occasionally felt pain in the area about 3-4 fingers wide above the left nipple or near the midpoint between the nipple and the armpit when I move my arm. I'm not sure if it's muscle pa...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, the area you are referring to is likely where the cartilage or pleura is prone to inflammation. The deep breathing or chest expansion you mentioned can trigger pain, suggesting it could be pleuritis or costochondritis. It is possible that you previously experienced a cold,...[Read More] Understanding Chest Discomfort: Muscle Pain or Heart Concerns?