Understanding Chest Bone Movement and Occasional Pain: When to Worry?
Issues related to the bones in the front of the chest? Hello Doctor, today while I was stretching, I noticed that when I touched my chest with one hand and pulled back with the other, I felt a bone in my chest moving. Occasionally, when I cough, take a deep breath, or expand my c...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Based on your description, it seems you may be experiencing pleuritis or a muscle strain. Both of these conditions can cause discomfort with specific movements, especially during deep breathing, while holding your breath may alleviate the pain. If this is the case, I recommend re...[Read More] Understanding Chest Bone Movement and Occasional Pain: When to Worry?
Flu Concerns and Vaccination: What You Need to Know
Inquiry about influenza and vaccines? Hello, doctor. Yesterday, I had a barbecue with a friend who is currently serving in the military. Towards the end of our conversation, he mentioned that there seemed to be a lot of colds or flu going around. After he returned, he developed s...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, 1. The incubation period for influenza is typically around 3-5 days. 2. Physicians usually determine whether the symptoms are new or existing, as well as consider your age and any underlying health conditions, to decide whether to prescribe antiviral medications like Ta...[Read More] Flu Concerns and Vaccination: What You Need to Know
Understanding Pneumonia Symptoms: Is It Just a Cold or Something More?
The issue of the common cold? Hello, Doctor Hong. I would like to ask what symptoms are generally associated with pneumonia. Yesterday, I felt phlegm in my throat, and although my nose isn't completely congested, I sometimes feel like I have to breathe harder. Deep breathing...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Based on the symptoms you described, it is indeed an upper respiratory tract infection. However, it is difficult to distinguish whether it is a common cold or COVID-19 based solely on symptoms, so clinical testing is necessary for confirmation. Currently, there is no widespread c...[Read More] Understanding Pneumonia Symptoms: Is It Just a Cold or Something More?
Assessing HIV Risk After Oral and Protected Sex: Your Questions Answered
HIV testing issues Hello Dr. Hong, I would like to ask you some questions about HIV, thank you. I had unprotected oral sex with my ex-girlfriend on July 26th, and on August 2nd, we had protected intercourse. However, I also kissed her and swallowed her saliva. Afterward, I learne...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, I understand your concerns about infection. Regarding the HIV testing you underwent, the accuracy should be very high, so you are likely not infected. However, as you mentioned, there is a window period associated with precise testing. The HIV Ag/Ab combo test currently ha...[Read More] Assessing HIV Risk After Oral and Protected Sex: Your Questions Answered
Understanding Cold Medications: Amoxicillin and Safety Precautions
Inquiry about cold medications? Hello doctor, the day before yesterday I think I caught a cold from a friend. I went to see a general practitioner who said it was a mild cold and prescribed an antibiotic called Amoxicillin. I noticed that after taking it, my urine seems to have a...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, 1. It is normal for urine to have a medication odor after taking medication, so please don't worry. 2. Given the current pandemic situation, it is still recommended to wear a mask to protect yourself and others, unless you are alone and have no contact with others. Th...[Read More] Understanding Cold Medications: Amoxicillin and Safety Precautions
Understanding Cold Medications and Antibiotics: Your Questions Answered
Inquiry about cold medications? Hello doctor, it seems that I caught a cold from a friend the day before yesterday. I went to see a general practitioner who said it was a mild cold and prescribed an antibiotic called Amoxicillin. I noticed that after taking it, my urine has a cer...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, 1. It is normal for urine to have a medication odor after taking medication, so please don't worry. 2. Given the current pandemic situation, unless you are alone, it is still recommended to wear a mask to protect yourself and others. Thank you for your question.[Read More] Understanding Cold Medications and Antibiotics: Your Questions Answered
Understanding Common Cold Duration and Risks for Family Health
The issue of the common cold? Hello, Doctor Hong. I visited an ENT specialist yesterday, and the doctor said it was just a cold. However, I would like to ask how long it typically takes for a common cold to resolve with medication. I usually prefer to let it run its course natura...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Based on your description, it seems to be a mild cold, which is usually caused by common viral infections. Currently, in Taiwan, most cases are still imported from abroad. If your work does not frequently involve contact with foreigners, the likelihood of contracting COVID-19 is ...[Read More] Understanding Common Cold Duration and Risks for Family Health
Understanding the Significance of Phlegm Color and Texture in Health
The color and consistency of sputum? Hello, doctor. Recently, I saw on LINE and the internet that white foamy sputum could indicate issues such as bronchitis or lung adenocarcinoma. I noticed that when I use my tongue or intentionally cough up phlegm, there are some foamy white a...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
In theory, the sputum of a healthy individual is typically white and frothy. If there is an inflammatory condition, such as pneumonia, the sputum may appear more yellow. In cases of bronchitis or lung adenocarcinoma, the sputum can also be white, but the quantity may be increased...[Read More] Understanding the Significance of Phlegm Color and Texture in Health
Concerns About Infectious Diseases: Staying Safe in Public Spaces
Concern about infectious diseases? Hello Doctor, I have been seeing a lot of news about imported cases recently. Today, while I was on my day off and taking the train to visit my mother-in-law and see the baby, I encountered many foreign individuals who appeared to be from the Ph...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, based on your description, you are in an open space and you are wearing a mask, so the risk of infection should be very low. You can set aside any concerns regarding this matter. Thank you for your question.[Read More] Concerns About Infectious Diseases: Staying Safe in Public Spaces
Unexplained Fever Episodes: When to Seek Medical Evaluation?
In recent months, there has been an unexplained fever? Hello, doctor. Since December of last year, I have experienced fever in December, March, May, August, and this week. The longest duration of fever was about three days, while the shortest was an afternoon fever that resolved ...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Based on your description, the main symptoms are intermittent fever and throat inflammation, with no other symptoms present. The most likely diagnosis is multiple episodes of the common cold, which is a type of upper respiratory infection. It is advisable to monitor the duration ...[Read More] Unexplained Fever Episodes: When to Seek Medical Evaluation?
Understanding Lip Issues: Causes and Solutions for Cracked Lips
Lip issues Hello, Doctor. Since the year before last, my lips have been cracking whenever there is a change in weather (such as rain or colder temperatures). Sometimes, the corners of my mouth also crack and bleed. I previously consulted a dermatologist who diagnosed me with angu...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Based on your description, it seems that you are experiencing chapped lips, which can be attributed to individual physiological factors. Many people have lower sebum production, making them more prone to this condition. Adjusting your daily habits and supplementing with vitamins ...[Read More] Understanding Lip Issues: Causes and Solutions for Cracked Lips
High White Blood Cell Count: Should You Be Concerned?
Last October, during the school health check-up, my white blood cell count was elevated? Hello Doctor, during my health check-up last October, my white blood cell count was elevated to 18,000. I had a fever and cold in September but did not seek medical attention and just rested....
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, white blood cells are an indicator of inflammation, and they will increase whenever there is inflammation in the body. The most common cause is infection, such as a cold, which can lead to an elevation in white blood cell count. Other common causes include dehydration, hea...[Read More] High White Blood Cell Count: Should You Be Concerned?
Can You Catch a Cold or Pneumonia on Public Transport?
Transmission of cold or pneumonia? Hello, doctor. Today I took my niece to Taipei, and we wore masks on the train. However, the man and woman across from us seemed to intentionally take off their masks when they coughed and sneezed... I want to ask if there is a possibility that ...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, based on your description, the ability for droplet transmission at a distance should be relatively low, so your risk of infection should be low. Thank you for your question.[Read More] Can You Catch a Cold or Pneumonia on Public Transport?
Understanding Your Blood Test Results: What Elevated ALT and Lymphocytes Mean
Ask the doctor some questions? Hello doctor, my health check report shows an ALT level of 45, and it seems my lymphocytes are elevated at around 60, while other values are slightly low and abnormal, prompting the recommendation to see a hematologist. At that time, the doctor aske...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, 1. Based on your description of general discomfort along with elevated liver enzymes and increased lymphocytes, it is indeed more likely to be a viral infection. However, the viruses referred to here are common viruses, such as respiratory viruses, commonly known as &quo...[Read More] Understanding Your Blood Test Results: What Elevated ALT and Lymphocytes Mean
Understanding Blood Test Results: What Your Doctor Might Be Concerned About
Follow-up data and related issues? Hello, Doctor. I actually visited a family medicine clinic this morning because my liver enzyme levels were at 40 and my cholesterol was slightly over 200, so I have been following up every three months. However, this time the doctor suddenly su...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, as you mentioned, these values are all types of white blood cells, and they add up to 100%. Your main concern is that the lymphocyte ratio is too high, while the neutrophil/segment ratio is too low, along with the presence of atypical lymphocytes (a.lym). This situation ca...[Read More] Understanding Blood Test Results: What Your Doctor Might Be Concerned About
Assessing Exposure Risks: Should I Worry After Brief Encounters?
Does this count as contact with a person at risk? Hello, doctor. Ever since the pandemic started, I've been feeling very anxious. I've tried to relax as my husband suggested, but today, after taking my child to a temple, we were on the MRT heading home when two girls su...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, currently, international travelers are required to adhere to quarantine protocols. If masks are worn properly, the risk of infection is actually very low. It is recommended to enhance hand hygiene while going out, which should alleviate excessive concerns. Daily routines o...[Read More] Assessing Exposure Risks: Should I Worry After Brief Encounters?
Understanding Transmission Risks: Can You Catch COVID-19 Over the Phone?
Infectious potential Good evening, doctor. I would like to ask you a few questions. A while ago, an old friend of mine called me. He was diagnosed with COVID-19 in Japan around May. He wasn't hospitalized and experienced difficulty breathing and a persistent fever, which eve...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, 1. You cannot get infected while talking on the phone, so please rest assured. 2. COVID-19 is primarily transmitted through respiratory droplets or contact transmission; however, since the virus is invisible to the naked eye, people often get infected without knowing th...[Read More] Understanding Transmission Risks: Can You Catch COVID-19 Over the Phone?
Should You Worry After Your Child Bumps Their Head?
The child accidentally bumped their head lightly? Hello, Doctor Hong. My child is in third grade, and tonight while he was playing with his sister, I called him, and he turned around and accidentally bumped into the corner of the wall. Although it didn't seem very hard, I wo...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, when it comes to a bruise, there are two main things to observe. First, check the condition of the local wound. Based on your description, the wound should be small, and you can apply an ointment. Second, be cautious of a concussion. The main symptoms include headache, diz...[Read More] Should You Worry After Your Child Bumps Their Head?
Understanding Cold Symptoms and Medication Side Effects: A Patient's Concerns
Side effects and issues related to taking medication for the common cold? Hello Dr. Hong: I woke up yesterday with pain on one side of my tonsil or throat, along with nasal congestion and phlegm. I visited an ENT specialist who examined my tongue to check for any lesions. During ...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, 1. Currently, legitimate clinics have established disinfection procedures for their equipment, and there is no evidence that COVID-19 can be transmitted through medical devices, so there should be no concern regarding COVID-19 infection. 2. Based solely on your descrip...[Read More] Understanding Cold Symptoms and Medication Side Effects: A Patient's Concerns
Is It a Cold or Tuberculosis? Understanding Your Symptoms
Symptoms of tuberculosis (TB) and the common cold may overlap? Hello Doctor, I usually don't catch colds often, but this time my family had a cold, and I accidentally used their utensils and ate food they had touched. Now my throat feels scratchy and phlegmy, and I've b...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, based on your symptoms, they are more indicative of an upper respiratory tract infection rather than tuberculosis. As for COVID-19, if you do not have a travel history or known exposure, the likelihood is quite low. Therefore, based on your description, it is most likely a...[Read More] Is It a Cold or Tuberculosis? Understanding Your Symptoms