Understanding Throat and Gastrointestinal Discomfort: When to Seek Help
Throat and gastrointestinal discomfort? Hello Doctor, I would like to ask about my recent symptoms. Sometimes I wake up with a bitter taste in my mouth and a feeling of nausea. I also have a slight cough and find myself swallowing excessively for no apparent reason. I recently vi...
Dr. Li Jian Reply:
If you frequently experience dry mouth and dry tongue, consider consulting an immunologist to check for any autoimmune conditions such as Sjögren's syndrome. Thank you for your inquiry.[Read More] Understanding Throat and Gastrointestinal Discomfort: When to Seek Help
Choking on Capsules: Understanding Risks and Remedies
Choking on a capsule? This morning, I swallowed a capsule that got stuck on the left side of my throat. Later, I tried to push it down by eating something and drank a lot of water. I ended up coughing so hard that I vomited, and I'm not sure if I expelled the capsule as well...
Dr. Xie Rongyuan Reply:
Hello: If you still have symptoms, please go to the hospital for evaluation to determine the issue. Thank you for your message![Read More] Choking on Capsules: Understanding Risks and Remedies
Concerns After Choking on Lutein Capsules: What You Need to Know
Choking on lutein capsules? After having breakfast in the morning, I took a lutein capsule, but it seems I didn't drink enough water. At first, I felt it stuck on the left side, and then I started to feel nauseous and kept coughing. I'm not sure if I vomited it out, but...
Dr. Qiu Junwei Reply:
If you feel increasingly short of breath, it is recommended to schedule an appointment with a pulmonologist to determine the possibility of pneumonia. If you only have a sensation of something stuck in your throat, an ear, nose, and throat (ENT) specialist near your home can help...[Read More] Concerns After Choking on Lutein Capsules: What You Need to Know
Managing Chronic Post-Nasal Drip with Fever and Neck Swelling: When to Seek Emergency Care
Long-term post-nasal drip has recently worsened, presenting symptoms such as fever, neck swelling, and pharyngeal pain? I suspect I have an infection in my nose, which is causing post-nasal drip and resulting in coughing. This symptom has persisted for about six months (since Apr...
Dr. Lin Wufu Reply:
Hello, it is recommended to visit the ENT department of a major hospital today (10/9) to confirm what the neck mass is. It is most likely lymphadenopathy, which is just an inflammatory response, possibly caused by a new wave of tonsillitis starting from 10/6. This is separate fro...[Read More] Managing Chronic Post-Nasal Drip with Fever and Neck Swelling: When to Seek Emergency Care
Concerns About Choking on Pills: Risks and Solutions for Safe Swallowing
Choking on a pill? Hello, Doctor: Recently, I have been taking medication frequently, but sometimes I am afraid that the pills might go down the trachea. After taking the medication, I often feel a sensation of something stuck in my throat, and sometimes I cough. Could this be as...
Dr. Xie Rongyuan Reply:
Hello: Aspiration pneumonia can cause coughing, fever, and shortness of breath. A chest X-ray is necessary. As for whether Codemin can be opened and dissolved in water, please consult a pharmacist. Thank you for your message![Read More] Concerns About Choking on Pills: Risks and Solutions for Safe Swallowing
Understanding Recurrent Fever: Immune System Challenges and Solutions
Repeated fever over the past two months? Hello, since May, I have noticed that my immune system has been getting weaker. I used to rarely get sick, but on May 8, I discovered I had shingles (the doctor said it was due to stress and a decline in immunity, and prescribed zinc for m...
Dr. Liao Zhongxin Reply:
1. Since you have been diagnosed with influenza type A and are receiving treatment with oseltamivir, it is important to rest well and allow your immune system to recover to eliminate the virus from your body. 2. As for persistent symptoms after infection, this is common with COV...[Read More] Understanding Recurrent Fever: Immune System Challenges and Solutions
Understanding Oral Symptoms and HIV Concerns After Unprotected Sex
Oral symptoms raising suspicion for HIV? Hello Doctor: Nine weeks ago, I had unprotected sexual intercourse with a sex worker (two minutes of unprotected vaginal intercourse and three minutes of oral sex performed on her). About three weeks later, I experienced unexplained nasal ...
Dr. Liao Zhongxin Reply:
According to the Centers for Disease Control data, there are three main transmission routes for HIV: (A) Sexual transmission: Engaging in oral, anal, or vaginal intercourse or other exchanges of bodily fluids with an HIV-infected individual carries a risk of infection. (B) Bl...[Read More] Understanding Oral Symptoms and HIV Concerns After Unprotected Sex
Persistent Dry Cough After COVID-19: Understanding Symptoms and Management
A slight cough (non-productive) in the throat persisting for six months after a confirmed COVID-19 infection? Hello Doctor: I am 20 years old and have ankylosing spondylitis. I tested positive for COVID-19 in early October 2022, experiencing mild symptoms (low fever for 1-2 days,...
Dr. Xie Rongyuan Reply:
Hello: After being diagnosed with COVID-19, there may be upper respiratory symptoms. If the symptoms persist, you may visit a hospital for medical care to alleviate the symptoms. Thank you for your message![Read More] Persistent Dry Cough After COVID-19: Understanding Symptoms and Management
Long COVID Management Tips for Patients with Ankylosing Spondylitis
Considerations for Long COVID Treatment in Patients with Ankylosing Spondylitis Hello Doctor: My son, who is 20 years old, has a history of ankylosing spondylitis. He tested positive for COVID-19 in early October 2022, experiencing mild symptoms (low-grade fever for 1-2 days, mus...
Dr. Gao Jiankai Reply:
Hello, thank you for your inquiry. Here are my responses: 1. Is the slower recovery from long COVID possibly related to ankylosing spondylitis? How long does it take to fully recover? --> Long COVID can be monitored for three months; after three months, most symptoms should g...[Read More] Long COVID Management Tips for Patients with Ankylosing Spondylitis
Chest Pain and Cough After Car Accident: What You Need to Know
Chest pain and cough after a car accident? After the car accident, I experienced chest pain. It has been over a week now, and I have started to cough intermittently. The chest pain has gradually decreased over the past week.
Dr. Li Jian Reply:
Hello: This issue is not within the specialty of Metabolism, so I recommend consulting a pulmonologist. Thank you.[Read More] Chest Pain and Cough After Car Accident: What You Need to Know
Understanding Low Hemoglobin Levels: Symptoms, Treatment, and Next Steps
Understanding the Health Check Report dated February 27, 2023? I would like to understand how to treat my current hemoglobin level of 8.2. My lab results show RBC 4.18, Hgb 8.2, Hct 29.6, MCV 70.8, MCH 19.6, and MCHC 27.7. I often experience dizziness, lightheadedness, fatigue, l...
Dr. Lin Wufu Reply:
Hello, the issues you mentioned involve several different specialties. For anemia, please continue taking iron supplements. Heavy menstrual flow may be a cause of iron deficiency anemia, so please consult with an obstetrician-gynecologist to see if medication adjustments can help...[Read More] Understanding Low Hemoglobin Levels: Symptoms, Treatment, and Next Steps
Understanding Anti-TPO Levels and Thyroid Surgery Decisions
Thyroid anti-TPO related issues? Dr. Li, I have had multiple thyroid nodules for 30 years (in 2016, the left side was over 5 cm, and I underwent an ablation procedure). During these 30 years, I experienced two episodes of hyperthyroidism. As of August 2022, my lab results are a...
Dr. Li Jian Reply:
If TPO antibodies are positive, regular monitoring of thyroid function is necessary, as there is a possibility of developing hypothyroidism in the future. Whether thyroidectomy is required should be considered in conjunction with the results of fine needle aspiration cytology, th...[Read More] Understanding Anti-TPO Levels and Thyroid Surgery Decisions
Understanding COVID-19 Recovery: When Will You Test Negative?
COVID-19 Hello Doctor, I tested positive on February 6th, but today is February 15th and my rapid test is still positive, with the second line still quite clear. I would like to ask how long it will take for me to test negative. Am I still contagious? Traditional Chinese medicine...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, 1. The CT value of PCR tests can provide some insight into infectiousness, but it is generally believed that the infectiousness is not very strong. 2. It is recommended to wear a mask and wash hands frequently; this should allow for safe outings in well-ventilated outdoor ...[Read More] Understanding COVID-19 Recovery: When Will You Test Negative?
Understanding Thyroid Nodules: What You Need to Know
Thyroid enlargement (goiter) related issues? Hello Doctor, I am #191626: During the last examination, two thyroid nodules were detected, one measuring 0.3 x 0.3 x 0.3 cm and the other 0.2 x 0.2 x 0.1 cm. I would like to ask if there is anything I need to pay attention to? (Becaus...
Dr. Li Jian Reply:
If you have a thyroid nodule, it is recommended to undergo ultrasound monitoring once every one to two years.[Read More] Understanding Thyroid Nodules: What You Need to Know
Post-COVID Coughing: When to Seek Chest X-Ray for Blood-Streaked Phlegm?
What is the appropriate timing for a chest examination after being diagnosed with a condition and still experiencing hemoptysis? Hello doctor, I was diagnosed at the end of last year and completed isolation in early January. I continued to self-isolate until I tested negative on ...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, if you cough forcefully, it can easily cause microvascular rupture in the throat, leading to blood-tinged sputum. This should gradually improve as the cough resolves. Whether a follow-up chest X-ray is necessary mainly depends on whether you experience shortness of breath ...[Read More] Post-COVID Coughing: When to Seek Chest X-Ray for Blood-Streaked Phlegm?
Understanding Thyroid Health: Key Questions and Concerns
Thyroid-related issues Hello Dr. Lee, I would like to ask you some questions. Here are my questions: I recently had a thyroid ultrasound, and the thickness was measured at 1.9 cm on the right and 1.4 cm on the left. I was told that a thickness of 2.0 cm is the limit. (Thyroid fun...
Dr. Li Jian Reply:
Thyroid function is normal, and the ultrasound did not reveal any tumors or nodules. The cough is likely unrelated to the thyroid, and there is currently no need for regular monitoring.[Read More] Understanding Thyroid Health: Key Questions and Concerns
Inhalation of Smoke from Overcooked Microwave Food: Should You Worry?
Inhalation of smoke from microwave charring? Hello, Doctor: Today, while microwaving a convenience store meal at home, I accidentally overcooked it due to uncertain wattage settings, as the dial only indicated medium power. This caused the food to burn and smoke. When I came out ...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, currently most microwave-safe materials do not produce lethal gases, so if you are not experiencing any discomfort, you can just observe the situation for now and there is no need for any special treatment. Thank you for your inquiry.[Read More] Inhalation of Smoke from Overcooked Microwave Food: Should You Worry?
Concerns About Inhaling Smoke from Microwave Food: Health Risks and Advice
Inhalation of smoke from microwave charring? Hello Doctor: Today, while microwaving a convenience store meal at home, I accidentally overcooked it due to uncertain wattage settings, as the dial only indicates medium power. The food became completely burnt and started smoking. Whe...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, currently most microwave-safe materials do not produce lethal gases, so if you are not experiencing any discomfort, you can just monitor the situation for now and there is no need for any special treatment. Thank you for your inquiry.[Read More] Concerns About Inhaling Smoke from Microwave Food: Health Risks and Advice
Persistent Cough and Fever After Negative COVID Test: What to Know
After testing negative for COVID-19, I have been experiencing persistent coughing and recurrent fever? I would like to ask about my friend who was previously diagnosed with COVID-19. Although he tested negative on a rapid test afterward, he has been experiencing low-grade fevers ...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Many people do continue to cough for a long time after recovering from COVID-19. It is important to determine whether there is a complication such as pneumonia. If pneumonia is present, antibiotic treatment may be necessary. The most accurate way to assess this is through a chest...[Read More] Persistent Cough and Fever After Negative COVID Test: What to Know
Can Water Inhalation During Bathing Cause Parasite Infections in Children?
Parasite questions? Hello doctor, I would like to ask if a child accidentally gets water in their nose while bathing and coughs as a result, could this lead to the development of parasites or other diseases or infections? Thank you!
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, if you are using tap water, it has undergone filtration and disinfection, so the likelihood of parasitic infections or other special infections should be low. If your child does not exhibit any symptoms afterward, there is no need to worry. In summary, the chance of parasi...[Read More] Can Water Inhalation During Bathing Cause Parasite Infections in Children?