Understanding Chest Pain: Causes, Concerns, and Connections to Back Pain
Chest tightness or chest discomfort? Hello, doctor. Recently, I've suddenly experienced chest tightness and pain over the past few weeks. Sometimes it’s on the left side, sometimes on the right, and the location of the pain varies. It seems to move around. I went to the hosp...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, chest pain is often most concerning for heart disease. The heart is located on the left side of the body, and based on your description, it occasionally radiates to the right side. The symptoms you describe do not strongly resemble typical heart disease, which usually show...[Read More] Understanding Chest Pain: Causes, Concerns, and Connections to Back Pain
Understanding Symptoms After Intimate Encounters: When to Seek Medical Help
This symptom is somewhat severe..? Hello Dr. Liao, on October 10th, I went to a hotel with my girlfriend for the first time. The bathroom was dry, and we took about 40 minutes before using the toilet. That day, I did not have an erection or penetration, but I did use my tongue to...
Dr. Liao Zhongxin Reply:
Dear readers: 1. Regarding the question, "I have two areas of broken skin on my foot; could the hotel be the source of infection?" A: If it was oral sex, the wounds on your foot are not related to sexually transmitted infections. Just ensure proper wound care. 2. Con...[Read More] Understanding Symptoms After Intimate Encounters: When to Seek Medical Help
Understanding Hashimoto's Thyroiditis and Its Impact on Thyroid Enlargement
Regarding thyroid enlargement caused by Hashimoto's thyroiditis? Hello, Doctor. I was diagnosed with Hashimoto's thyroiditis earlier this month after experiencing thyroid enlargement. I underwent an ultrasound and blood tests at the hospital. My outpatient physician inf...
Dr. Gao Jiankai Reply:
Hello, thank you for your question. I am not an endocrinologist, so I can only provide a general response. Ultimately, your question should be discussed with your physician during your clinic visit. From what I understand, Hashimoto's thyroiditis can lead to either hyperthyr...[Read More] Understanding Hashimoto's Thyroiditis and Its Impact on Thyroid Enlargement
Morning Throat Irritation: Causes and When to Seek Medical Help
Before getting up in the morning, it's common to experience a scratchy throat? In recent days, I have been experiencing a scratchy throat and coughing close to morning, with minimal phlegm that initially appears as yellowish clumps, sometimes with streaks of blood. These sym...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, based on your symptom description, if it has occurred recently, it is likely a cold. However, if you have been experiencing these symptoms for a long time, you may have allergic rhinitis. Whether it is a cold or allergies, antihistamines are commonly used for treatment, pr...[Read More] Morning Throat Irritation: Causes and When to Seek Medical Help
What to Do If You Accidentally Ingest Melted Plastic from Cooking?
What to do if you are concerned about food poisoning? While baking food in the oven, I accidentally left the plastic handle of a spatula inside, and both the spatula and the handle came into contact with the food. I know part of it is resin, but I'm unsure about the other ma...
Dr. Wu Hongjie Reply:
Dear Correspondent, There are many types of plastic-related poisoning. Some can lead to the release of irritating gases (such as hydrogen cyanide), resulting in bronchitis, persistent coughing, and pulmonary edema. If you experience these symptoms, you may want to consult a pulm...[Read More] What to Do If You Accidentally Ingest Melted Plastic from Cooking?
Understanding Left Chest Swelling: Causes and Concerns
There is swelling in the left chest area? Hello, doctor. I would like to ask about a situation I experience. Whenever I exert myself excessively, I notice a slight swelling in my left chest about half an hour later, but it subsides within half a day. Normally, when I touch it, it...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, based on your description, it seems to be subcutaneous emphysema. I would like to know if you have a history of chest trauma, chest surgery, or pneumothorax. If none of these apply, I recommend getting a chest X-ray to confirm whether there is a pneumothorax. If there is n...[Read More] Understanding Left Chest Swelling: Causes and Concerns
Do I Have GERD? Understanding Symptoms and When to Seek Help
Is it gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), and is there a need for a medical consultation? I am not sure if I have gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) because I do not experience any burning sensation. Since elementary school, I have had episodes where, about half an hour a...
Dr. Xiao Yongxun Reply:
Dear Miss Ganzi: 1. The symptoms of gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) include a burning sensation in the epigastric area, chest pain, upper abdominal discomfort, a feeling of a lump in the throat, regurgitation of stomach contents, acid reflux, frequent belching, vomiting,...[Read More] Do I Have GERD? Understanding Symptoms and When to Seek Help
Understanding Weakness and Burning Sensation in Limbs: Possible Causes and Solutions
Weakness and burning sensation in the limbs? I seem to have chronic prostatitis. When it first started, I experienced some weakness in my limbs, but that feeling eventually disappeared. However, after recently recovering from a cold, that sensation returned. Once the cold resolve...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Typically, we need to first determine whether there is a genuine decrease in muscle strength. Physicians usually conduct actual tests to assess the patient's muscle strength to confirm any decline. If there is no significant decrease in muscle strength, it may be due to weak...[Read More] Understanding Weakness and Burning Sensation in Limbs: Possible Causes and Solutions
Understanding HIV: How to Know Your Status and Risks in Relationships
HIV Issues If neither partner has been tested for HIV, how can one know if they have contracted it? Does the body gradually become weaker? If both partners are unaware of their HIV status but believe they are not infected, can they still contract the virus through anal intercours...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Due to the window period of HIV, the initial symptoms of infection can resemble those of a cold and may go unnoticed. In fact, many individuals may not experience any discomfort for several years after infection, making it impossible to determine infection based solely on symptom...[Read More] Understanding HIV: How to Know Your Status and Risks in Relationships
Chest Discomfort, Frequent Hiccups, and Persistent Cough: What to Know
Left chest tightness, persistent hiccups, and continuous coughing? Hello Doctor, at the beginning of the month, I felt a heaviness in my left chest and sometimes experienced slight weakness in my body. On the 8th, I went to a cardiologist for an examination, and the doctor mentio...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Based on your description, the most likely condition is gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). The characteristics of GERD include symptoms that occur after eating or when lying down, such as a mild burning sensation in the chest, noticeable belching, and in severe cases, throat...[Read More] Chest Discomfort, Frequent Hiccups, and Persistent Cough: What to Know
Understanding Persistent Cough: Causes and Diagnosis Explained
Chronic bronchial itching and cough that cannot be resolved? Thank you, Doctor, for taking the time to answer my questions. I would like to ask: 1. Regarding your mention that lying down can lead to coughing, should we consider the issue of pulmonary edema? Can this condition be ...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello: Chronic cough caused by the heart, liver, or kidneys is mostly due to pulmonary edema, which often leads to orthopnea, meaning that coughing or wheezing is more pronounced when lying down. However, pulmonary edema can typically be detected on an X-ray. Additionally, condit...[Read More] Understanding Persistent Cough: Causes and Diagnosis Explained
Persistent Cough After Thyroid Tumor Surgery: Possible Causes Explained
Thyroid tumor has been removed, but persistent cough continues? My mother underwent thyroid tumor removal surgery on Monday. She had been experiencing severe coughing for a week prior to the surgery. The day after the surgery, Tuesday, she did not cough before noon, but after noo...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Coughing can have many causes. Based on the clinical description, the possible reasons for the patient's condition include: 1. A thyroid tumor itself or the damage it causes, as the thyroid can trigger coughing. Even after surgery, it is necessary to monitor the surgical s...[Read More] Persistent Cough After Thyroid Tumor Surgery: Possible Causes Explained
Persistent Cough and Itchy Airways: Seeking Answers for Unresolved Symptoms
Chronic bronchial itching and cough that cannot be resolved? Hello, doctor. I had a cold at the beginning of April, and after recovering, I started experiencing intense itching from my throat to my chest (likely in the trachea). Pressing firmly on my chest or the area between my ...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Based on the medical condition, it is important to clarify whether everything was normal before the cold in April, whether there are any underlying diseases, and if there are any other illnesses in the family to determine the relationship with the cold in April. Therefore: Situa...[Read More] Persistent Cough and Itchy Airways: Seeking Answers for Unresolved Symptoms
Concerns About HIV After Unprotected Sex: What You Need to Know
Fear of contracting HIV? Hello, doctor: I had sexual intercourse with a foreign girl the day before yesterday, and her vagina accidentally bled when I used my hand. I also had a wound on my hand. After that, we had protected vaginal intercourse, but afterward, I felt dizzy and we...
Dr. Liao Zhongxin Reply:
Dear readers: Regarding the situation where I had sexual intercourse with a foreign girl, and her vagina accidentally bled due to my hand, which also had a wound, I later engaged in protected intercourse but felt dizzy and weak afterward. The next day, I continued to experience d...[Read More] Concerns About HIV After Unprotected Sex: What You Need to Know
Chronic Headaches: Seeking Relief and Solutions for Persistent Pain
Persistent headache I have been experiencing headaches for over a week, from the moment I wake up until I go to sleep, and the pain is increasing throughout the day. The pain is mostly concentrated in the left temple, radiating to my eyes and the back of my head. A few years ago,...
Dr. Xiao Yongxun Reply:
Dear Ms. Evelyn: 1. Your condition may be classified as a tension-type headache, although there could be other causes as well. Common scenarios include migraines, cluster headaches, ophthalmic disorders, colds, and headaches induced by medications or foods. A physical examinatio...[Read More] Chronic Headaches: Seeking Relief and Solutions for Persistent Pain
Concerns About HIV Transmission from Contaminated Floors and Shoes
Floor and shoe sole Hello: I work in a pathology lab where specimens often result in blood or bodily fluids dripping onto the floor. After handling specimens, I walk back to the adjacent office and am concerned that HIV in the bodily fluids on the floor could be brought back to t...
Dr. Liao Zhongxin Reply:
Dear readers, 1. The following are legally mandated infectious diseases that can be transmitted through contact: Granulomatous amoebic encephalitis, rabies, anthrax, glanders, leptospirosis, tetanus, neonatal tetanus, scabies, pediculosis, leprosy, cat scratch fever, tularemia, ...[Read More] Concerns About HIV Transmission from Contaminated Floors and Shoes
Understanding Your Symptoms: Cold, Diarrhea, and Unusual Stool Color
What is wrong with my body? I have been experiencing a cold for the past few days, and I stopped taking medication when I was almost better. Shortly after, my cold relapsed, and it became more severe. I also have diarrhea and have been coughing so hard in the morning that I vomit...
Dr. Liao Zhongxin Reply:
Dear readers: 1. Regarding the recent increase in influenza-like illnesses and severe cases, it is important for everyone to pay attention to self-health management and to avoid crowded places. 2. The subsequent situations are somewhat complex, so it is advisable to seek follo...[Read More] Understanding Your Symptoms: Cold, Diarrhea, and Unusual Stool Color
Severe Headaches and Anemia: Understanding Your Symptoms
Headache and anemia? Recently, I've been experiencing sudden headaches at night along with anemia for about three days. The headaches are so intense that it feels like my head is about to explode. It seems to be affecting my eyes as well, as my eyeballs feel a bit painful. I...
Dr. Xiao Yongxun Reply:
Dear Ms. Linda: 1. There are many causes of headaches, including migraines, tension-type headaches, cluster headaches, headaches related to head trauma, vascular headaches, non-vascular intracranial headaches, headaches caused by medications or foods, headaches related to non-he...[Read More] Severe Headaches and Anemia: Understanding Your Symptoms
Managing Anxiety and Respiratory Symptoms: Understanding Your Health Concerns
Anxiety, tension, excessive nasal mucus, and phlegm? Hello, doctor. Since February of this year, I have experienced an increase in nasal discharge and started coughing up phlegm. On one or two occasions, I noticed blood-streaked sputum, so I consulted an ENT specialist who confir...
Dr. Xie Rongyuan Reply:
Hello: If you have a persistent cough that has not improved, it is best to go to the hospital for a chest X-ray to check for any abnormalities. Stress, anxiety, and panic can lead to shortness of breath and increased heart rate, so it is advisable to manage your emotions. Thank y...[Read More] Managing Anxiety and Respiratory Symptoms: Understanding Your Health Concerns
Understanding Post-Cold Cough: Causes, Treatments, and When to Seek Help
Post-cold cough rebound? Hello, doctor. I caught a cold around the end of February and recovered after a week, but I have been coughing continuously since then. Around March 10th, the cough became very severe, preventing me from sleeping at night. Following my family's advic...
Dr. Xie Rongyuan Reply:
Hello: If the cough persists and does not improve, a chest X-ray is recommended to determine the cause. If a bacterial infection is not confirmed, the use of antibiotics is not advised. Thank you for your message![Read More] Understanding Post-Cold Cough: Causes, Treatments, and When to Seek Help