Understanding Loud Breathing: Causes and When to Seek Help
Regarding respiratory issues? Hello, doctor. I have a question. Sometimes my breathing sounds very loud (not during sleep). It's like after normal breathing, there will suddenly be a loud exhalation, and it feels like I have a tightness in my chest and can't breathe out...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, 1. Regarding respiratory sounds, being overweight can cause airway compression, which may lead to wheezing or audible breathing. If you are feeling very uncomfortable, you can visit an outpatient clinic for an X-ray to confirm that your lungs are in good condition. If it...[Read More] Understanding Loud Breathing: Causes and When to Seek Help
Understanding Fever in COVID-19: Symptoms, Duration, and Contagion
Fever due to COVID-19? Hello, doctor. I am a confirmed case and have been on medication for a week. My cough and phlegm have decreased, but I am experiencing tinnitus and, after the medication wears off, I start to have a fever with axillary temperatures ranging from 36.8 to 37.8...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, if you have been diagnosed for over a week and still have a persistent fever, it is indeed uncommon. I would like to know if you are experiencing any other discomfort. If so, I recommend seeking medical attention to confirm whether there is a subsequent bacterial infection...[Read More] Understanding Fever in COVID-19: Symptoms, Duration, and Contagion
Understanding Choking Hazards: Symptoms and When to Seek Help
Choking issues? Hello, doctor. While I was having dinner, I suddenly felt the urge to talk and laugh, and it seemed like the food I had just chewed suddenly slipped down. I also felt like something was running up to my nose, but I didn't cough immediately. After eating a few...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, the human body has certain physiological structures, such as the epiglottis, that help prevent choking. Therefore, even if young people choke, the likelihood of food entering the airway is low. Additionally, since you have not experienced persistent coughing or symptoms of...[Read More] Understanding Choking Hazards: Symptoms and When to Seek Help
Understanding Aspiration Pneumonia Symptoms After Choking
Regarding the issue of choking and aspiration into the trachea? If you experienced choking while drinking hot kimchi soup and felt a sensation of fluid flowing through the right lung area, accompanied by severe coughing, you should be aware of the following potential symptoms of ...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, if you are not currently experiencing a persistent cough, the likelihood of aspiration pneumonia should be very low. You can observe for 2-3 days, and if there are no symptoms such as fever or cough, it should be fine. Thank you for your question.[Read More] Understanding Aspiration Pneumonia Symptoms After Choking
Understanding Choking: When to Seek Medical Attention for Throat Issues
Regarding choking? Hello Dr. Hong, Recently, while drinking at home, I experienced discomfort and itchiness in my throat after eating fried food and then drinking something cold. This caused me to feel like I was choking. At that moment, I couldn't hold it in and ended up ...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, based on your description, the human body has mechanisms to prevent choking, such as the epiglottis. Therefore, unless there is a loss of consciousness, it is unlikely to aspirate into the trachea. Additionally, since you did not experience any particular discomfort afterw...[Read More] Understanding Choking: When to Seek Medical Attention for Throat Issues
Understanding Persistent Throat Issues: Causes and Solutions
My throat feels increasingly strange? Hello Doctor: About 5 or 6 years ago, I started coughing frequently due to sensitivity to the air, which seemed to have caused some old injuries. However, after visiting doctors for about 1 or 2 years, nothing was found. Now, I generally feel...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, 1. Based on your description, it seems to be symptoms of tonsil stones; however, this needs to be confirmed by an otolaryngologist. 2. According to your description, I am unsure if you have diabetes or are using steroids, which could suggest a possible oral candidiasis ...[Read More] Understanding Persistent Throat Issues: Causes and Solutions
Concerns About Cough and Possible STD: Understanding Your Diagnosis
Infection concerns? Hello, doctor. I've been coughing for over a month and was worried about the possibility of an HIV infection, so I went to the infectious disease department and had blood tests done twice, including testing for syphilis. The doctor only told me that I do ...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Doxycycline is currently primarily used to treat two types of conditions: 1. It is one of the drug choices for syphilis. 2. It is used to treat certain atypical bacterial infections, such as Mycoplasma infections of the respiratory tract. Since you have some respiratory symptoms ...[Read More] Concerns About Cough and Possible STD: Understanding Your Diagnosis
Understanding Chest Pain and Cough: Causes and Treatment Options
Chest pain and cough? Hello, doctor. Since March, I have been experiencing pain in the center of my chest. I have visited both pulmonology and cardiology several times, and after undergoing X-rays and heart-related tests, everything came back normal. The pain occurs mainly in the...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, based on your description and the fact that you have already had an X-ray, it does seem more like costochondritis. However, costochondritis typically does not present with a cough. I recommend that you first get tested for COVID-19. If the result is negative and you still ...[Read More] Understanding Chest Pain and Cough: Causes and Treatment Options
Blood-Streaked Sputum After COVID-19: When to Seek Medical Attention?
The diagnosed patient is coughing up sputum with a slight trace of blood? I tested positive on May 19. Initially, I had a cough but no phlegm. By the morning of May 21, I noticed blood streaks in my phlegm when I coughed it up. My wife said that my coughing technique might be wro...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, COVID-19 patients may experience some microvascular bleeding in the throat during severe coughing, which can lead to blood-tinged sputum. Symptomatic treatment is recommended, and it should gradually improve. However, if there is persistent fever, chest pain, or severe sho...[Read More] Blood-Streaked Sputum After COVID-19: When to Seek Medical Attention?
Understanding the Link Between Ankylosing Spondylitis and Vaccination
The relationship between ankylosing spondylitis and vaccines? Hello Doctor, I am a 51-year-old male patient with ankylosing spondylitis. I received my first dose of the BNT vaccine in October last year and the second dose in January this year. I would like to ask if the symptoms ...
Dr. Gao Jiankai Reply:
Hello, thank you for your question. Here are my responses: 1) Is my chest pain more likely caused by the vaccine or by smoking? --> Ankylosing spondylitis can also cause chest pain, and the likelihood may be higher than the side effects from the vaccine, so it is unlikely to...[Read More] Understanding the Link Between Ankylosing Spondylitis and Vaccination
Understanding Coughing Up Blood: Causes and Medical Guidance
For vomiting blood or coughing up blood, which medical specialty should be consulted? I would like to ask about my father, who is 67 years old and has been coughing up blood. He was hospitalized in the chest medicine department for two weeks. After returning home, he seemed to re...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, I would like to ask if your father often experiences severe coughing or frequently produces phlegm? If so, this could be due to damage to the mucosal epithelium causing bleeding, which needs to be addressed along with the original cough issue and reducing the frequency of ...[Read More] Understanding Coughing Up Blood: Causes and Medical Guidance
Understanding Rust-Colored Phlegm: Causes and Concerns
Rust-colored sputum? Hello, doctor. I have a question. I have been using tobacco, alcohol, and betel nut for 30 years. I quit after noticing that the first phlegm I coughed up upon waking in the morning was rust-colored. This has been the case for 2 years now. I have undergone na...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, based on your description, the rust-colored sputum likely indicates chronic inflammation in the lungs, combined with a history of long-term smoking, while both chest X-rays and low-dose CT scans are normal. This situation suggests chronic bronchitis caused by prolonged smo...[Read More] Understanding Rust-Colored Phlegm: Causes and Concerns
Chronic Cough and Fever: Could It Indicate Liver Issues?
Persistent cough and fever? Hello, my mother has been coughing since the beginning of this year. In February, she had a fever and went to the hospital where she underwent X-rays, a CT scan, and a bronchoscopy. The X-ray only showed slight fluid accumulation below the ribs. Her sp...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, based on your description, viral infections, bacterial infections, and medication factors can all affect liver function and lead to elevated liver enzyme levels. In a CT scan, the liver typically appears normal despite these three factors. If you are currently hospitalized...[Read More] Chronic Cough and Fever: Could It Indicate Liver Issues?
Understanding Tongue Bumps: Are They Normal or Cause for Concern?
Please ask your question? Hello, the day before yesterday while brushing my teeth, I noticed a small bump under my tongue that looks somewhat like the tiny bumps on the surface of the tongue. I'm not sure if it's normal for there to be something like this underneath. I ...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, based on your description, it seems that the taste buds or the salivary gland ducts are normally structured, so there is no need to worry. Thank you for your inquiry.[Read More] Understanding Tongue Bumps: Are They Normal or Cause for Concern?
Understanding Lung Cancer: Symptoms, Diagnosis, and Next Steps
Lung cancer issues? My husband was diagnosed with malignant liver cancer (stage II) last August. The tumor pressed against the diaphragm, so a small portion was surgically removed. Since March of this year, he has been experiencing persistent shortness of breath, occasional fever...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, based on your description, it is likely that a weakened immune system has led to a lung infection or inflammation. Whether there is emphysema or lung cancer requires further examination for confirmation. Typically, your condition is indeed managed by a pulmonologist; howev...[Read More] Understanding Lung Cancer: Symptoms, Diagnosis, and Next Steps
Managing Mild COVID-19 Symptoms: Treatment Options and Recovery Explained
Treatment for mild COVID-19? Hello: Recent news reports indicate that mild COVID-19 patients can take acetaminophen for treatment. I would like to ask: 1. Besides taking acetaminophen, do mild cases need to take antiviral medications or other drugs? 2. While acetaminophen can all...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, 1. For mild patients, if there are no significant underlying conditions such as diabetes, kidney failure, cancer, etc., only symptomatic treatment is needed, and there is no requirement for specific antiviral medications. 2. Acetaminophen can only alleviate symptoms; t...[Read More] Managing Mild COVID-19 Symptoms: Treatment Options and Recovery Explained
Understanding Throat Discomfort After Deep Kissing: Causes and Concerns
Throat infection issues related to deep kissing? Hello Doctor: About a month ago, I had a brief deep kissing encounter with a sex worker. The next day, I felt a dryness in my throat, and on the following day, I noticed a slight phlegm when swallowing. By the third day, the drynes...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, based on your description, it is unlikely that you have a sexually transmitted infection. As for COVID-19, I recommend purchasing a rapid test kit to confirm your status; if the result is negative, the likelihood of infection is low. Thank you for your inquiry.[Read More] Understanding Throat Discomfort After Deep Kissing: Causes and Concerns
Is Drinking Licorice Juice Daily Harmful to My Mother's Health?
Is it harmful for my mom to drink licorice root juice as if it were water? Hello Dr. Wu, my mother was born in 1938 and underwent thyroid surgery thirty years ago. She received chemotherapy and radiation therapy for nasopharyngeal cancer over twenty years ago, which resulted in i...
Dr. Wu Jiyu Reply:
Based on your inquiry, excessive consumption of licorice juice may lead to hypokalemia. Additionally, considering the issue of edema, it is recommended to consult a nephrologist to clarify your condition. Thank you for your question; the Nephrology Department at Changhua Hospital...[Read More] Is Drinking Licorice Juice Daily Harmful to My Mother's Health?
Understanding Cough and Left Back Pain in Mitral Valve Prolapse Patients
Cold and cough. Soreness in the left back? I have a problem with mitral valve prolapse, and I am taking medication for palpitations and to prevent heart failure. I tend to be more sensitive and anxious, and sometimes my family says I make a big deal out of small issues. However, ...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, 1. Regarding your back pain, it is likely caused by a muscle strain. If you haven't experienced any recent injuries, it may be due to poor posture or muscle strain from excessive coughing. Typically, applying heat or using a topical analgesic can help alleviate the ...[Read More] Understanding Cough and Left Back Pain in Mitral Valve Prolapse Patients
Concerns About Capsule Swallowing: Risks of Aspiration into Airways
Difficulty swallowing capsules raises concerns about whether they might enter the trachea or bronchi? Hello Dr. Hong: Last night, while taking the silymarin capsules, I felt some discomfort in my throat during swallowing, as if it wasn't very smooth. After drinking water, my...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, the trachea of a normal person is very sensitive; even a small foreign object entering can trigger a very intense reaction, such as coughing. Based on your description, the likelihood of a pill entering the airway should be very low. Thank you for your question.[Read More] Concerns About Capsule Swallowing: Risks of Aspiration into Airways