Understanding Sharp Chest Pain: Which Cardiology Specialist to See?
Sharp pain near the heart? Sometimes I feel a sharp pain near my heart, and it gets worse with each breath; it eases a bit when I don't breathe. I have previously had an X-ray and an electrocardiogram, both of which showed no issues. The doctor suggested that I see a cardiol...
Dr. Xiao Yongxun Reply:
Hello: In response to your question. 1. The causes of chest pain may originate from the skin, chest wall, lungs, heart and major blood vessels, gastrointestinal tract, or psychological factors. Pain from musculoskeletal disorders, pneumothorax, pleuritis, and pericarditis may wor...[Read More] Understanding Sharp Chest Pain: Which Cardiology Specialist to See?
Understanding Coughing Up Blood: Causes and When to Seek Help
Coughing up blood? I thought I had phlegm when I was coughing, but what I coughed up was blood, and afterwards, I still felt like there was phlegm in my throat, but I continued to cough up small blood clots. What could be the issue, and which specialist should I see? Thank you.
Dr. Cai Yaozhou Reply:
Chest X-ray in the field of pulmonology.[Read More] Understanding Coughing Up Blood: Causes and When to Seek Help
Common Gastrointestinal Issues: Solutions for Bloating and Gas
Two small problems, yet they are a big hassle! Hello Dr. Hong: Previously, a netizen mentioned that their stomach was constantly gurgling, and they were experiencing excessive and foul-smelling gas, with occasional smooth bowel movements. It seems that many people have this issue...
Dr. Hong Hongchang Reply:
Hello Lily: 1. Foods that can cause gas, such as milk, soy milk, bread, and cake, as you described, are indeed related to endocrine disorders like thyroid dysfunction, which can also lead to increased anxiety. Treatment options include exercise or medication, but it is essential ...[Read More] Common Gastrointestinal Issues: Solutions for Bloating and Gas
Effective Treatments for Persistent Cough: Relief Strategies Explained
How can cough be treated? Why have I been coughing continuously? I've been treating it for a long time, and the cough is very severe. I'm in a lot of pain!
Dr. Yao Quan Reply:
Dear Miss Yu-Juan, There are many reasons for a persistent cough. According to statistics, common causes include side effects from medications, post-nasal drip, gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), and asthma. For example, angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors (ACEIs), whi...[Read More] Effective Treatments for Persistent Cough: Relief Strategies Explained
Understanding Unpleasant Sneezing: Air Quality vs. Lung Health
Foul-smelling nasal discharge? Hello, in the past year, I have noticed that my husband’s sneezing has a moldy and foul smell. Is this an issue with his lungs or the air quality in our environment? My husband has a smoking habit, and we also have a dog at home. I believe it’s an a...
Dr. Xie Yonghui Reply:
Dear Ms. Jiun, According to your letter, your husband is experiencing halitosis (commonly known as bad breath), which is not directly related to lung issues. Symptoms of lung diseases typically include cough, yellow sputum, and difficulty breathing. Halitosis is generally associ...[Read More] Understanding Unpleasant Sneezing: Air Quality vs. Lung Health
Understanding Blood in Stool: Causes and Concerns for Your Health
Hemorrhoidal bleeding Hello Dr. Hong, a few days ago, after the late stage of a cold, I experienced a dry cough and diarrhea (which was watery and light yellow in color) for about a week. However, now when I wipe after a bowel movement, there is blood on the toilet paper, althoug...
Dr. Hong Hongchang Reply:
Hello, the presence of blood in the stool combined with diarrhea can have many causes, including colitis, hemorrhoids, or acute tumors. Additionally, abdominal distension may indicate a gastric issue. Please seek consultation at a gastroenterology clinic promptly. Thank you.[Read More] Understanding Blood in Stool: Causes and Concerns for Your Health
Why Cold Medicine Might Make You Feel Worse: Understanding Reactions
Taking cold medicine may make you feel worse? Hello Doctor, I would like to ask you about a friend of mine who recently caught a cold and has been coughing. He went to a hospital to get cold medication, but every time he takes the medicine, he feels very uncomfortable, even more ...
Dr. Zeng Guosen Reply:
Hello: A mild cold does not necessarily require medication. However, if symptoms persist for too long or are severe, you should seek medical attention. Common cold medications can have side effects, and what you are describing is likely a side effect. It is advisable to return fo...[Read More] Why Cold Medicine Might Make You Feel Worse: Understanding Reactions
Understanding Heart Valve Disorders: Symptoms, Risks, and Management Tips
Cardiovascular diseases? Hello Dr. Chen, I would like to ask you some questions regarding a 22-year-old female friend of mine. She has mitral and tricuspid regurgitation and sometimes experiences palpitations. I have heard that she may also have valve degeneration. During cold ...
Dr. Chen Qingbin Reply:
The issues you mentioned are all related to heart disease, and you should consult a cardiologist for a thorough examination and treatment.[Read More] Understanding Heart Valve Disorders: Symptoms, Risks, and Management Tips
Understanding Right Lower Lung Nodules: Causes, Symptoms, and Concerns
What is a right lower lung nodule? Today, my health check report indicated a nodule in the lower right lung. I just looked it up online, and it seems like it could be related to cancer. However, I don't have any symptoms like coughing; I only experience shortness of breath. ...
Dr. Lin Mingfeng Reply:
The story you mentioned is likely unrelated to pulmonary nodules. Given your age, the probability of developing lung cancer is relatively low. Therefore, it is essential to first confirm the presence of the nodules. If they are confirmed to exist, the characteristics of the nodul...[Read More] Understanding Right Lower Lung Nodules: Causes, Symptoms, and Concerns
Potential Health Risks of Mercury Exposure from Broken Thermometers
Could it be mercury poisoning? Hello, doctor: I would like to ask, when I was a child, out of curiosity, I repeatedly touched the mercury from a broken thermometer with my hands. Will this cause any long-term effects? What impact could it have on my health?
Dr. Lin Mingfeng Reply:
We are exposed to trace amounts of mercury daily, approximately 0.005 to 0.02 milligrams. A fluorescent light tube contains about several milligrams to over 20 milligrams of mercury. Mercury is highly volatile, so all mercury-containing objects should be handled with caution to p...[Read More] Potential Health Risks of Mercury Exposure from Broken Thermometers
Understanding Lymphadenopathy: Symptoms, Causes, and When to Seek Help
Lymphadenopathy Hello doctor, about three months ago, I noticed a line of swollen lymph nodes on the right side of my neck. When I visited an ENT specialist, the doctor checked for nasopharyngeal cancer and said it was not the case. He mentioned that it was caused by a viral infe...
Dr. Yang Hongzhi Reply:
In principle, lymphadenopathy tends to resolve on its own, and the likelihood of cancer is relatively low. The possibility of a painful infection is greater; however, this is not absolute. You may consider consulting an oncologist or an infectious disease specialist for further e...[Read More] Understanding Lymphadenopathy: Symptoms, Causes, and When to Seek Help
How to Safely Handle Broken Fluorescent Bulbs and Mercury Exposure Risks
Fluorescent lamps contain mercury vapor, and if one breaks, it is important to handle it properly to avoid health hazards. Here are the steps to take: 1. **Evacuate the Area**: Immediately leave the room and ensure that others do the same to minimize exposure. 2. **Ventilate th...
Dr. Lin Mingfeng Reply:
We are exposed to trace amounts of mercury daily, approximately 0.005 to 0.02 milligrams. A fluorescent light bulb contains about several milligrams to over 20 milligrams of mercury. Mercury easily evaporates, so all mercury-containing objects should be handled with caution to pr...[Read More] How to Safely Handle Broken Fluorescent Bulbs and Mercury Exposure Risks
Unexplained Fever: When to Seek Medical Attention for Your Symptoms
Fever of unknown origin (FUO) Hello, I would like to ask a question. Recently, I have been experiencing unexplained heat in my head and a feeling of internal heat in my body. I have researched various related materials, but some indicate that it is not serious, while others sugge...
Dr. Lin Mingfeng Reply:
The symptoms you described involve several organ systems, including the gastrointestinal tract, respiratory system, skin, and eyes. Therefore, it is more likely to be caused by a systemic disease, such as an autoimmune disorder or infection. You should first determine if you have...[Read More] Unexplained Fever: When to Seek Medical Attention for Your Symptoms
Persistent Fever: Understanding Symptoms and Seeking Proper Diagnosis
Persistent fever Hello Doctor: I have been experiencing frequent fevers over the past few days. I sweat and feel better when lying down, but the fever returns shortly after. Today marks the fourth day. I currently live in Taichung City, and yesterday I visited the family medicine...
Dr. Zhao Chongliang Reply:
Hello! Recurrent fever, joint pain (discomfort in the spine), cough with chest pain, and sputum (even in small amounts) may indicate bacterial pneumonia or atypical pneumonia. Please first visit a general internal medicine or pulmonary medicine department to arrange for a chest X...[Read More] Persistent Fever: Understanding Symptoms and Seeking Proper Diagnosis
Understanding Sarcoidosis: Symptoms, Diagnosis, and Treatment Options
Sarcoidosis is a systemic granulomatous disease I have been experiencing fatigue, weight loss, low-grade fever, and night sweats for the past few months, but I have not had a cough or cold. After an examination, my doctor said that both my white blood cells and red blood cells ar...
Dr. Zhao Chongliang Reply:
Sarcoidosis is quite rare in Taiwan, with occasional reports from Japan, primarily affecting African Americans and Scandinavians. It is an idiopathic, non-caseating granulomatous disorder that can involve multiple organ systems, previously thought to be related to birch pollen al...[Read More] Understanding Sarcoidosis: Symptoms, Diagnosis, and Treatment Options
Understanding Right Chest Pain: Possible Causes and When to Seek Help
Chest pain Recently, I've been experiencing pain in my right chest, especially when I lower my shoulder; it hurts the most then. I can't really pinpoint the source of the pain when I touch it. It's strange because I don't recall any sports injuries. What could...
Dr. Zhao Chongliang Reply:
Chest pain can be caused by serious conditions such as acute myocardial infarction, aortic dissection, pulmonary embolism, lung cancer, esophageal cancer, rib or intercostal tumors, or pneumothorax. It can also result from less severe issues like chest wall pain (including menstr...[Read More] Understanding Right Chest Pain: Possible Causes and When to Seek Help
Is Joint Pain After a Cold Normal or a Sign to See a Doctor?
What to do if you catch a cold? In the past two days, I have had a cold and consulted a doctor, taking medication. However, since last night, I have been experiencing subtle pain in my left ankle and knee joint, which is gradually becoming weaker and more painful. Is this a sympt...
Dr. Xiao Yongxun Reply:
Hello: In response to your question... 1. The symptoms of a common cold include runny nose, nasal congestion, sneezing, sore throat, cough, headache, muscle aches, joint pain, fever, and more. Common complications include otitis media, sinusitis, pneumonia, and bronchitis. A cold...[Read More] Is Joint Pain After a Cold Normal or a Sign to See a Doctor?
Effective Treatments for Bronchiectasis: A Guide for Patients
How to cure bronchiectasis? Hello, Dr. Ke. My father, who is 82 years old, was hospitalized last year due to pneumonia, diagnosed as being caused by bronchiectasis. I would like to ask what more aggressive treatment options could be taken to cure this condition, as he has been pe...
Dr. Ke Zhengchang Reply:
1. Bronchiectasis is not curable and can only be managed through increased fluid intake, expectoration, and postural drainage to control symptoms. If there is fever, hemoptysis, purulent sputum, or respiratory distress, medical treatment is necessary, typically involving antibiot...[Read More] Effective Treatments for Bronchiectasis: A Guide for Patients
Understanding Left Lower Abdominal Pain: Causes and Remedies
Occasionally, there is cramping pain in the lower left abdomen? Hello, doctor. Recently, I have been experiencing occasional sharp pain in my lower left abdomen when I cough, breathe, or exert pressure on my abdomen (I have had similar symptoms in the past). My appetite is genera...
Dr. Cai Zonglong Reply:
Hello, the pain you are experiencing may be due to neuropathic pain or local muscle spasms. It is advisable not to overeat, avoid vigorous exercise after meals, and wear loose-fitting clothing. If the symptoms persist, you should consult a gynecologist and a gastroenterologist. T...[Read More] Understanding Left Lower Abdominal Pain: Causes and Remedies
Understanding Asthma Medications: Side Effects and Alternatives
Questions regarding asthma medications? Currently, the medications prescribed to me are as follows: "KODAPIN TAB," "COM-TRIMETON TABLETS 4MG," "MEPTIN-MINI 25UG TAB," "CEMINE 10MG F.C TAB," and "VOREN 50MG (WEREN) CAP." I feel oka...
Dr. Zhao Chongliang Reply:
Hello! Regarding your medications, only Meptin-mini is an asthma medication. Kodapin is a cough suppressant and is not recommended for long-term use in asthma patients. Cemine is an antihistamine for allergies and should not be used unless you also have chronic sinusitis or post-...[Read More] Understanding Asthma Medications: Side Effects and Alternatives