Understanding Sleep Issues and Cold Symptoms: When to Seek Help
I'm not sure if I have a cold? Hello, doctor. For the past couple of days, I have been feeling very alert at night and have trouble sleeping. I often don't fall asleep until around six in the morning, but I wake up around ten. However, I feel like I have a runny nose an...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, based on your description, there is indeed a high chance of catching a cold. The term "cold" refers to a condition that occurs when the body is in poor health, such as due to staying up late or experiencing high levels of stress, which can weaken the immune syste...[Read More] Understanding Sleep Issues and Cold Symptoms: When to Seek Help
Daily High Fever and Weight Loss in a 70-Year-Old with Lupus
Persistent high fever every morning accompanied by weight loss? Hello, Doctor. Thank you for taking the time to read this amidst your busy schedule. My father, who is 70 years old, has been diagnosed with systemic lupus erythematosus and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. He ...
Dr. Gao Jiankai Reply:
Hello, thank you for your inquiry. Here are my responses: 1. You can return for a follow-up appointment anytime you feel unwell, especially if you have a fever, without worrying about the physician's opinion. 2. If you have had a persistent fever for over a month, that is...[Read More] Daily High Fever and Weight Loss in a 70-Year-Old with Lupus
Managing COVID-19 Anxiety: Concerns About Safety and Infection Risks
Please consult a doctor for your questions? Hello, doctor. I have been out with my family for the past couple of days. Since the onset of COVID-19, my sister has become very anxious, even though it seems that the situation in the country is not as dangerous now. Three months ago,...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, COVID-19 primarily spreads through respiratory droplets, and there is currently no clear evidence of transmission through food. Therefore, the dietary aspect you mentioned should not pose a risk of infection. As for the situation at the station, there have been no confirme...[Read More] Managing COVID-19 Anxiety: Concerns About Safety and Infection Risks
Can You Catch Another Cold While Sick? Understanding Overlapping Infections
During the cold season? Is it possible for a doctor to become infected with other bacteria or viruses during a cold, leading to more severe discomfort, or is there a possibility of overlapping infections with two different colds?
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, the term "cold" is a general term that refers to symptoms caused by bacterial or viral infections of the upper respiratory tract. There are many types of bacteria and viruses, and often more than one pathogen can infect simultaneously. In terms of severity, bacte...[Read More] Can You Catch Another Cold While Sick? Understanding Overlapping Infections
Understanding Temporary Tinnitus: When to Seek Medical Attention
Sudden transient tinnitus in the ear? Hello, Doctor Hong. Earlier, I suddenly experienced a brief buzzing sound in my right ear for about 10 seconds. Although it disappeared shortly after, it felt like my ear was suddenly blocked. This morning, I had severe nasal congestion due t...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, some individuals may experience temporary tinnitus due to their physical constitution, excessive fatigue, or various other factors. Others may develop tinnitus as a result of a cold. If the tinnitus is only temporary and later improves, no special treatment is necessary. H...[Read More] Understanding Temporary Tinnitus: When to Seek Medical Attention
Understanding Unexplained Foot Size Differences in Women
Women have larger feet than men? Typically, women wear shoe sizes ranging from 24 to 39. My foot size is 27.5, and particularly, my right foot is significantly more swollen than my left, making it impossible to fit into such small shoes. Additionally, my feet are larger than thos...
Dr. Chen Jianyu Reply:
The issue is complex; it is recommended to visit a hospital for a more detailed consultation and examination.[Read More] Understanding Unexplained Foot Size Differences in Women
Understanding Persistent Calf Edema: Causes, Symptoms, and Solutions
Lower leg edema I'm not sure if it's a problem with my body constitution or if I have some illness, but my calves are prone to swelling. They are slim in the morning when I wake up, but they start to swell more as I walk. This symptom has been ongoing for quite a while....
Dr. Chen Jianyu Reply:
Your issue requires a detailed medical history, and it is recommended to visit a hospital for consultation.[Read More] Understanding Persistent Calf Edema: Causes, Symptoms, and Solutions
Persistent Low-Grade Fever: When to Seek Further Medical Evaluation?
Low-grade fever for four consecutive days? Hello, For the past four days, my axillary temperature has been between 36.4°C and 36.6°C (previously, it was mostly between 35.6°C and 35.9°C, and during my menstrual period, it peaked at 36.1°C). However, when measuring my ear temper...
Dr. Zeng Guosen Reply:
Hello, your body temperature is slightly elevated but not significantly high. Due to the combined factor of a white blood cell count below the standard range, it is recommended that you first visit an infectious disease specialist. The physician will evaluate the results of your ...[Read More] Persistent Low-Grade Fever: When to Seek Further Medical Evaluation?
Understanding Oral Ulcers: Concerns and Treatments Explained
Consultation with a doctor? Hello Dr. Hong, I visited the ENT department at a large hospital because I had taken cold medicine from a general clinic three times, but I still felt pain on the right side of my throat. Yesterday, I noticed a white spot on the inner membrane of my mo...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, 1. Currently, ENT clinics in Taiwan should be following standard disinfection procedures, so there should be no risk of contracting COVID-19 from this. 2. The color changes you described in the mucous membranes are basic variations associated with mucosal inflammation,...[Read More] Understanding Oral Ulcers: Concerns and Treatments Explained
Understanding Throat Pain and the Risks of Swallowing Foreign Objects
Throat issues and ingestion problems? Hello, doctor. I'm not sure if my cold has not fully resolved. Initially, I had a sore throat, and now only one side still hurts. I plan to visit an ENT specialist tomorrow. However, while eating just now, I accidentally swallowed someth...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, based on your description, it seems that your symptoms are likely caused by a cold and not due to any foreign object being lodged. As for the white area you mentioned, I haven't seen it directly, so it's difficult to assess; however, based on your description, it...[Read More] Understanding Throat Pain and the Risks of Swallowing Foreign Objects
Assessing COVID-19 Exposure Risks in Brief Interactions: A Pharmacist's Concern
Infectious potential, may I ask? Hello, Doctor Hong. I am a pharmacist. Today, after driving my girlfriend to dinner, I went back to the hospital to help my grandmother pick up her medication. I had it packaged and asked a colleague to leave it on the first floor for me to pick u...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, there is currently no clear evidence regarding how long conversations need to last for transmission to occur. According to the recommendations from Taiwan's Centers for Disease Control, social distancing should be maintained at least one meter apart, and wearing masks...[Read More] Assessing COVID-19 Exposure Risks in Brief Interactions: A Pharmacist's Concern
Understanding Changes in Stool Color After Antibiotic Use
The effects of medications on stool? Hello, doctor. I have been seeing an ENT specialist for the past five days due to a cold and have been prescribed antibiotics along with a green pill that the doctor said is for the stomach. I would like to ask if taking these medications can ...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, First, the color of stool can indeed vary due to food or medication. Generally, when we are concerned about gastrointestinal bleeding, the stool may appear very dark, resembling the color of hair, and it is sticky, referred to as "melena." I believe your stool ...[Read More] Understanding Changes in Stool Color After Antibiotic Use
Assessing the Risk of COVID-19 Transmission in Public Dining Settings
Transmission potential of Wuhan pneumonia (COVID-19) Hello, doctor. Although I know that the pandemic situation in the country has eased, I tend to be quite anxious and often catch colds. Today, I was reluctantly taken by my family to a buffet at Han Lai Harbor Restaurant. There ...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, although it's mealtime, based on your description, it seems that the other person was at a different table. Currently, there are no local cases in Taiwan, and all foreign entrants are required to undergo a 14-day quarantine, so it is unlikely that you have COVID-19. H...[Read More] Assessing the Risk of COVID-19 Transmission in Public Dining Settings
Understanding Abnormal Results in Your Health Check Report
Health check report issues Hello Doctor: I recently received a report from a previous health check-up, but I am confused about several items marked in red on the report. I would like to ask the doctor what could cause these abnormal values? After learning about these abnormal res...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, regarding the following data: (1) pCO2 (partial pressure of carbon dioxide) → 46.9 mmHg, (2) pO2 (partial pressure of oxygen) → 30.1 mmHg, (3) HCO3 (bicarbonate) → 26.4. The normal reference ranges for these values are determined using arterial blood; however, based on you...[Read More] Understanding Abnormal Results in Your Health Check Report
Safe Disinfection of Baby Products: Alcohol Use and Alternatives
Questions related to the disinfection of baby products? Can alcohol be used to disinfect baby products or toys for infants under one year old? Will there be alcohol residue that could affect the baby, especially if they chew on the toys? Are there alternative methods? Additionall...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, in response to your inquiries, I will address them from several perspectives: 1. Whether baby products or toys can be disinfected with alcohol depends on the material of each item. Some plastic products may undergo changes when exposed to alcohol, so it is advisable to ch...[Read More] Safe Disinfection of Baby Products: Alcohol Use and Alternatives
Understanding Throat Issues: Pain, Mucus, and Anxiety Explained
Throat issues Hello Doctor, I have a lot of nasal discharge and I feel some pain on the left side of my throat or tonsil, which appears to be larger than the right side. I visited an ENT specialist today, and the doctor said there is no significant inflammation and prescribed me ...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Based on your description, it is possible that you are experiencing symptoms of a cold or allergies, which may have led to throat inflammation and discomfort. If you have already been examined by an otolaryngologist, it is likely just a simple inflammatory condition. If you have ...[Read More] Understanding Throat Issues: Pain, Mucus, and Anxiety Explained
Feeling of a Foreign Body in the Throat: Causes and Relief Options
Feeling of a foreign body in the throat? Hello, doctor. About a month ago, I had a slight cold and visited an ENT specialist. The doctor mentioned some inflammation. After taking medication for three days, I felt better and didn't return for a follow-up, allowing myself to r...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, 1. Based on your description, it seems to be just a throat inflammation and not aspiration pneumonia, unless there is severe coughing or wheezing, which would warrant concern. 2. If something is lodged in your throat, usually consuming soft foods can help alleviate the...[Read More] Feeling of a Foreign Body in the Throat: Causes and Relief Options
Understanding Throat Issues: Symptoms, Risks, and Recovery Tips
Throat and pharyngeal issues? Hello, Doctor Hong. I recently visited an otolaryngologist due to a cold, and I'm not sure if it's related, but after drinking too much alcohol yesterday, I vomited. Today, when I ate garlic chives or some vegetables, I felt like they were ...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, based on your description, the most common cause is a fishbone or small bone lodged in the throat. The examination method is performed by an otolaryngologist using a laryngoscope to check the throat. If you have seen an otolaryngologist and they have performed a laryngosco...[Read More] Understanding Throat Issues: Symptoms, Risks, and Recovery Tips
Unexplained Fever, Weight Loss, and Joint Pain: A Medical Mystery
Unexplained fever with low-grade temperature, unintentional weight loss, and joint and muscle pain? Hello, doctor. I have undergone numerous tests in the infectious disease department, and the only abnormal finding was a slightly elevated cancer marker (for reference only) and a ...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, based on your description, it does align with the situation of "fever of unknown origin." We should indeed be cautious about atypical infections or bone marrow issues. Therefore, I agree with your infectious disease physician's recommendation to conduct furt...[Read More] Unexplained Fever, Weight Loss, and Joint Pain: A Medical Mystery
Understanding Gastrointestinal Issues: Allergies and Sinusitis Connection
Gastrointestinal issues Hello Doctor, two weeks ago I had my wisdom teeth extracted, and the dentist mentioned that I might develop sinusitis because the wisdom teeth are located close to the sinuses. A few days later, I started experiencing nasal congestion, eye allergies, nasal...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Based on your description, the respiratory symptoms may be indicative of an upper respiratory infection (commonly known as a cold) or allergies. This aspect should not have a direct correlation with gastrointestinal bloating; however, there may be an indirect relationship. For in...[Read More] Understanding Gastrointestinal Issues: Allergies and Sinusitis Connection