Understanding Post-Choking Discomfort: Is It Aspiration Pneumonia?
Discomfort after choking? Hello, Dr. Hong. Yesterday, on November 30th, while eating Korean hot pot, I accidentally inhaled some soup. Half a day later, I experienced mild pain in my chest and back, a decreased appetite (eating more makes me feel a bit nauseous), and occasional s...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, based on your description, it seems that the inflammation in your throat is primarily caused by the broth, and it is unlikely to have resulted in aspiration pneumonia. I recommend continuing to monitor the situation, and seek medical attention only if you experience sympto...[Read More] Understanding Post-Choking Discomfort: Is It Aspiration Pneumonia?
Could Your Cold Symptoms Indicate a COVID-19 Infection Abroad?
If you are experiencing cold symptoms while abroad, how likely is it that they could be related to COVID-19? Hello doctor, I am currently abroad and feeling quite worried due to cold symptoms. I am unsure if there is a possibility of having COVID-19. Initially, I had a sensation ...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, based on the symptoms you described, it is indeed a respiratory infection. However, it is not possible to distinguish whether it is COVID-19 solely based on symptoms; confirmation of the diagnosis requires testing. Thank you for your inquiry.[Read More] Could Your Cold Symptoms Indicate a COVID-19 Infection Abroad?
Choking on Pears: What to Do and When to Worry
Please ask after choking? Hello, I accidentally choked while eating a pear and coughed a bit afterward. I still felt like something was stuck in my throat, so I induced vomiting, and now I feel fine. However, I'm a bit worried because I was taking cold medicine and had just ...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, if something is aspirated into the trachea, it typically causes a very intense sensation of foreign body obstruction and triggers severe coughing. Based on your description, it seems that the object did not enter the trachea, so there is no need for induced vomiting; just ...[Read More] Choking on Pears: What to Do and When to Worry
Getting the Flu Vaccine: What to Expect and Common Concerns
Accompanying family members to receive the influenza vaccine? Hello Dr. Hong, today I accompanied my grandparents to get vaccinated and I also decided to pay for my own vaccination. I have a slight cold and was initially hesitant to get vaccinated, but the doctor mentioned that a...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, 1. There is no specific interval required between vaccines and medications because their mechanisms of action are different, so it is fine to use them together. 2. Local soreness is a normal phenomenon; adverse reactions would only be indicated by symptoms beyond local ...[Read More] Getting the Flu Vaccine: What to Expect and Common Concerns
Understanding the Sensation of a Foreign Body in the Throat
Sensation of a foreign body in the throat? 1. Recently, I have been feeling a constant sensation of a foreign body in my throat. I tried to cough it out and noticed a slight amount of blood. I consulted a doctor about what this symptom might be. A few days ago, I had an X-ray, an...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, there are many microvessels in your throat, and if you cough too violently, these microvessels can bleed, leading to the phenomenon you described. It is recommended to avoid forceful coughing, and the condition should improve. Thank you for your question.[Read More] Understanding the Sensation of a Foreign Body in the Throat
Understanding Chest Discomfort: Muscle Pain or Heart Concerns?
Discomfort in the muscles near the chest? Hello Doctor: In the past few days, I have occasionally felt pain in the area about 3-4 fingers wide above the left nipple or near the midpoint between the nipple and the armpit when I move my arm. I'm not sure if it's muscle pa...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, the area you are referring to is likely where the cartilage or pleura is prone to inflammation. The deep breathing or chest expansion you mentioned can trigger pain, suggesting it could be pleuritis or costochondritis. It is possible that you previously experienced a cold,...[Read More] Understanding Chest Discomfort: Muscle Pain or Heart Concerns?
Understanding Chest Bone Movement and Occasional Pain: When to Worry?
Issues related to the bones in the front of the chest? Hello Doctor, today while I was stretching, I noticed that when I touched my chest with one hand and pulled back with the other, I felt a bone in my chest moving. Occasionally, when I cough, take a deep breath, or expand my c...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Based on your description, it seems you may be experiencing pleuritis or a muscle strain. Both of these conditions can cause discomfort with specific movements, especially during deep breathing, while holding your breath may alleviate the pain. If this is the case, I recommend re...[Read More] Understanding Chest Bone Movement and Occasional Pain: When to Worry?
Understanding Unexplained Fever: Causes and When to Seek Help
Fever of unknown origin? Hello, doctor. Last October, I was hospitalized for a week due to a fever. At that time, I had no other symptoms, just persistent fever, chills, and muscle weakness in my limbs. My temperature was around 38 degrees Celsius, and despite undergoing rapid te...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, based on your description, it is indeed necessary to conduct a detailed examination regarding the fever. Routine health check-ups may not necessarily identify the cause. I recommend consulting an infectious disease specialist at a major hospital for a fever workup. If no c...[Read More] Understanding Unexplained Fever: Causes and When to Seek Help
Understanding Pneumonia Symptoms: Is It Just a Cold or Something More?
The issue of the common cold? Hello, Doctor Hong. I would like to ask what symptoms are generally associated with pneumonia. Yesterday, I felt phlegm in my throat, and although my nose isn't completely congested, I sometimes feel like I have to breathe harder. Deep breathing...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Based on the symptoms you described, it is indeed an upper respiratory tract infection. However, it is difficult to distinguish whether it is a common cold or COVID-19 based solely on symptoms, so clinical testing is necessary for confirmation. Currently, there is no widespread c...[Read More] Understanding Pneumonia Symptoms: Is It Just a Cold or Something More?
Understanding Cold Medications: Amoxicillin and Safety Precautions
Inquiry about cold medications? Hello doctor, the day before yesterday I think I caught a cold from a friend. I went to see a general practitioner who said it was a mild cold and prescribed an antibiotic called Amoxicillin. I noticed that after taking it, my urine seems to have a...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, 1. It is normal for urine to have a medication odor after taking medication, so please don't worry. 2. Given the current pandemic situation, it is still recommended to wear a mask to protect yourself and others, unless you are alone and have no contact with others. Th...[Read More] Understanding Cold Medications: Amoxicillin and Safety Precautions
Understanding Cold Medications and Antibiotics: Your Questions Answered
Inquiry about cold medications? Hello doctor, it seems that I caught a cold from a friend the day before yesterday. I went to see a general practitioner who said it was a mild cold and prescribed an antibiotic called Amoxicillin. I noticed that after taking it, my urine has a cer...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, 1. It is normal for urine to have a medication odor after taking medication, so please don't worry. 2. Given the current pandemic situation, unless you are alone, it is still recommended to wear a mask to protect yourself and others. Thank you for your question.[Read More] Understanding Cold Medications and Antibiotics: Your Questions Answered
Understanding the Significance of Phlegm Color and Texture in Health
The color and consistency of sputum? Hello, doctor. Recently, I saw on LINE and the internet that white foamy sputum could indicate issues such as bronchitis or lung adenocarcinoma. I noticed that when I use my tongue or intentionally cough up phlegm, there are some foamy white a...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
In theory, the sputum of a healthy individual is typically white and frothy. If there is an inflammatory condition, such as pneumonia, the sputum may appear more yellow. In cases of bronchitis or lung adenocarcinoma, the sputum can also be white, but the quantity may be increased...[Read More] Understanding the Significance of Phlegm Color and Texture in Health
Can You Catch a Cold or Pneumonia on Public Transport?
Transmission of cold or pneumonia? Hello, doctor. Today I took my niece to Taipei, and we wore masks on the train. However, the man and woman across from us seemed to intentionally take off their masks when they coughed and sneezed... I want to ask if there is a possibility that ...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, based on your description, the ability for droplet transmission at a distance should be relatively low, so your risk of infection should be low. Thank you for your question.[Read More] Can You Catch a Cold or Pneumonia on Public Transport?
Can Medication Get Stuck? Understanding Risks and Symptoms
Is it possible for medication to get stuck? Hello doctor, last night I felt some discomfort in my stomach, and my sister kindly gave me a capsule-like medication called Yifuning to take. However, when I put it in my mouth and was about to swallow it with water, it seemed to disap...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, it is true that a small number of people may have medication stuck in the esophagus; however, unless it is something like a fish bone that gets lodged, drinking more water usually helps it to pass into the stomach. As for the trachea, food typically does not enter there be...[Read More] Can Medication Get Stuck? Understanding Risks and Symptoms
Addressing Concerns About Infectious Disease Exposure in Healthcare
Issues in Infectious Disease Prevention Hello Dr. Hong, today and tomorrow I have a day off and I'm accompanying my boyfriend to have dinner and go shopping with his mother for the first time. I graduated last year and am currently working in RCC at a hospital in Linkou, nor...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, regarding tuberculosis, it is primarily the open form of pulmonary tuberculosis that can cause airborne transmission in closed spaces. During caregiving, as long as proper N95 masks are worn and basic protective measures are taken, there should be no concern about contract...[Read More] Addressing Concerns About Infectious Disease Exposure in Healthcare
Understanding Cold Symptoms and Medication Side Effects: A Patient's Concerns
Side effects and issues related to taking medication for the common cold? Hello Dr. Hong: I woke up yesterday with pain on one side of my tonsil or throat, along with nasal congestion and phlegm. I visited an ENT specialist who examined my tongue to check for any lesions. During ...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, 1. Currently, legitimate clinics have established disinfection procedures for their equipment, and there is no evidence that COVID-19 can be transmitted through medical devices, so there should be no concern regarding COVID-19 infection. 2. Based solely on your descrip...[Read More] Understanding Cold Symptoms and Medication Side Effects: A Patient's Concerns
Is It a Cold or Tuberculosis? Understanding Your Symptoms
Symptoms of tuberculosis (TB) and the common cold may overlap? Hello Doctor, I usually don't catch colds often, but this time my family had a cold, and I accidentally used their utensils and ate food they had touched. Now my throat feels scratchy and phlegmy, and I've b...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, based on your symptoms, they are more indicative of an upper respiratory tract infection rather than tuberculosis. As for COVID-19, if you do not have a travel history or known exposure, the likelihood is quite low. Therefore, based on your description, it is most likely a...[Read More] Is It a Cold or Tuberculosis? Understanding Your Symptoms
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
Dining Out with Elderly: Safety Concerns and Health Tips
Inquiry about infectious concerns? Hello, doctor. Tonight, my sister in Taipei invited me to take my mother to a seafood restaurant in Kaohsiung. Since my father passed away, my mother has somewhat lost her sense of purpose in life. I am the only child left in Kaohsiung, and due ...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, if there is a certain level of social distancing, the risk of infection is relatively low, and currently, there is no risk of community transmission in Taiwan. Therefore, it is presumed that the likelihood of contracting COVID-19 is minimal. However, if your mother can go ...[Read More] Dining Out with Elderly: Safety Concerns and Health Tips
Concerns About Chest Discomfort After Inhaling Paint Fumes
Chest issues? Hello, doctor. Today while I was cycling in the basement, there was a strong smell of paint. I held my breath and exhaled for about 30 seconds, and I'm not sure if I was wearing a mask at that time. Later, I suddenly felt a tightness in my chest. Although I fee...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, based on your description, the part about breath-holding will not lead to pneumonia or pneumothorax. Pneumonia is typically caused by a viral or bacterial infection. Pneumothorax usually occurs due to trauma or forceful sneezing or coughing, along with individual susceptib...[Read More] Concerns About Chest Discomfort After Inhaling Paint Fumes