Understanding Chest Bone Issues: Symptoms and Concerns Explained
Chest bone issues Hello, doctor. I have allergic rhinitis, and when I have a lot of nasal discharge, I tend to cough. While carrying my side backpack, I felt that the angle was just right for my cough, and I sensed that the strap of my backpack was pressing against my chest. Alth...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Under normal circumstances, pneumothorax or brittle bones are not common. Pneumothorax typically occurs due to individual predispositions, while fractures are associated with osteopenia combined with excessive force on the thoracic cage. Based on your description, pneumothorax or...[Read More] Understanding Chest Bone Issues: Symptoms and Concerns Explained
Managing COVID-19 Anxiety: Concerns About Safety and Infection Risks
Please consult a doctor for your questions? Hello, doctor. I have been out with my family for the past couple of days. Since the onset of COVID-19, my sister has become very anxious, even though it seems that the situation in the country is not as dangerous now. Three months ago,...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, COVID-19 primarily spreads through respiratory droplets, and there is currently no clear evidence of transmission through food. Therefore, the dietary aspect you mentioned should not pose a risk of infection. As for the situation at the station, there have been no confirme...[Read More] Managing COVID-19 Anxiety: Concerns About Safety and Infection Risks
Concerns About Swallowing Pills: Is Your Esophagus at Risk?
Feeling sluggish after taking medication? Hello doctor, I swallowed a yellow pill that resembles a pain reliever, which has "eve" written on it. I felt a slight scraping sensation as it passed through my esophagus, although it didn't get stuck. I'm concerned a...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, based on your description, it seems that there is only a minor abrasion of the esophagus, and it shouldn't cause any injury unless you continue to experience discomfort in your throat. Thank you for your inquiry.[Read More] Concerns About Swallowing Pills: Is Your Esophagus at Risk?
Understanding Temperature Fluctuations: When to Seek Medical Advice
Temperature issues Hello Doctor, I previously had a family member infected with mycoplasma, and I developed symptoms of a scratchy throat and a mild fever of 37 degrees Celsius in the evening. I sought medical attention and was prescribed DayShu for three days. I was scheduled fo...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, according to the chart you provided, the highest temperature recorded is 37.7°C, with most readings below 37°C. Body temperature can often fluctuate based on surrounding temperature or physical activity. Overall, such variations in temperature should not be considered a fe...[Read More] Understanding Temperature Fluctuations: When to Seek Medical Advice
Choking Hazards: Understanding Risks of Inhaled Water and Throat Issues
Choking issues? Hello, I accidentally drank water when my throat was very dry and suddenly started talking to my family, which caused me to choke. I coughed for a while, and later I felt a bit of water or phlegm in my throat, so I intentionally coughed again. Suddenly, I felt a s...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, since humans have an epiglottic cartilage that helps prevent choking and aspiration pneumonia, based on your described symptoms, it seems that you do not have aspiration pneumonia. Thank you for your inquiry.[Read More] Choking Hazards: Understanding Risks of Inhaled Water and Throat Issues
Can Sneezing While Eating Lead to Aspiration Pneumonia?
Can sneezing while eating cause aspiration pneumonia? Hello, Doctor Hong. While I was eating, I happened to bite into something in my rice, and suddenly my nose became very itchy, like I was about to sneeze. At that moment, I felt something, possibly from the rice, go down my thr...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, there is an epiglottic cartilage above our trachea that normally closes the airway during sneezing to prevent aspiration pneumonia. Additionally, you do not have any symptoms related to aspiration pneumonia, such as fever, cough, or wheezing, so there is no need to worry. ...[Read More] Can Sneezing While Eating Lead to Aspiration Pneumonia?
Understanding Oral Ulcers: Concerns and Treatments Explained
Consultation with a doctor? Hello Dr. Hong, I visited the ENT department at a large hospital because I had taken cold medicine from a general clinic three times, but I still felt pain on the right side of my throat. Yesterday, I noticed a white spot on the inner membrane of my mo...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, 1. Currently, ENT clinics in Taiwan should be following standard disinfection procedures, so there should be no risk of contracting COVID-19 from this. 2. The color changes you described in the mucous membranes are basic variations associated with mucosal inflammation,...[Read More] Understanding Oral Ulcers: Concerns and Treatments Explained
Assessing Foodborne Infection Risks in Public Dining Situations
Foodborne infection risk Hello, Doctor. I returned to Taiwan in early March after studying abroad online. Although I know Taiwan is relatively safe, I took my grandmother to pick up her medication and buy lunch. We ordered two bowls of noodle soup, and while the owner was wearing...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, currently the majority of COVID-19 infections occur through prolonged close contact. Additionally, since there are no community transmission cases in Taiwan at the moment, you should not be at risk of contracting COVID-19. Thank you for your inquiry.[Read More] Assessing Foodborne Infection Risks in Public Dining Situations
Concerns About Fish Bone Injury and Oral Anatomy Explained
Ingestion of fish bones and the structure of teeth and oral cavity, please inquire? Hello, Dr. Hong. During dinner, I suspect I may have bitten my gum on a small fish bone. Fortunately, I don't think I swallowed it, as I spat it out but couldn't find it. Currently, I do...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, the small holes you described in the oral cavity are a normal anatomical structure. As for the fishbone you mentioned, if there are no symptoms, it is likely that it has not penetrated. It is advisable to see an ENT specialist only if you experience any discomfort in the t...[Read More] Concerns About Fish Bone Injury and Oral Anatomy Explained
Understanding Throat Pain and the Risks of Swallowing Foreign Objects
Throat issues and ingestion problems? Hello, doctor. I'm not sure if my cold has not fully resolved. Initially, I had a sore throat, and now only one side still hurts. I plan to visit an ENT specialist tomorrow. However, while eating just now, I accidentally swallowed someth...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, based on your description, it seems that your symptoms are likely caused by a cold and not due to any foreign object being lodged. As for the white area you mentioned, I haven't seen it directly, so it's difficult to assess; however, based on your description, it...[Read More] Understanding Throat Pain and the Risks of Swallowing Foreign Objects
Assessing the Risk of COVID-19 Transmission in Public Dining Settings
Transmission potential of Wuhan pneumonia (COVID-19) Hello, doctor. Although I know that the pandemic situation in the country has eased, I tend to be quite anxious and often catch colds. Today, I was reluctantly taken by my family to a buffet at Han Lai Harbor Restaurant. There ...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, although it's mealtime, based on your description, it seems that the other person was at a different table. Currently, there are no local cases in Taiwan, and all foreign entrants are required to undergo a 14-day quarantine, so it is unlikely that you have COVID-19. H...[Read More] Assessing the Risk of COVID-19 Transmission in Public Dining Settings
Do I Need to Get Tested for COVID-19? Understanding Your Symptoms
Is it Wuhan pneumonia? Hello, doctor. On Tuesday afternoon, I experienced fever, muscle aches, and mild diarrhea accompanied by abdominal cramps. The fever subsided on Wednesday morning, leaving only slight diarrhea. On Friday, I noticed that my breasts were painful to touch. I h...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, if there is no travel history or contact history, the likelihood of contracting COVID-19 is very low. It is suspected to be acute gastroenteritis. It is recommended to visit an infectious disease outpatient clinic for consultation, and testing for COVID-19 may not be neces...[Read More] Do I Need to Get Tested for COVID-19? Understanding Your Symptoms
Understanding Blood-Streaked Phlegm: Causes and Concerns
Sputum with a slight trace of blood? Hello doctor, while I was showering, I sneezed and blew my nose, and I noticed a bit of blood mixed with mucus. Later, I felt some phlegm in my throat with blood streaks, but now it's gone. I'm wondering if this is related to the con...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, more severe pneumonia can indeed cause coughing up blood; however, the blood that is coughed up is typically rust-colored and in large amounts. As for the blood you described, it is likely to be bright red streaks, which can occur due to the rupture of small blood vessels ...[Read More] Understanding Blood-Streaked Phlegm: Causes and Concerns
Chest Tightness and Throat Pain: When to Seek Further Medical Attention
Chest tightness, sore throat, cough, and sharp pain in the throat and chest? Hello doctor, I have been experiencing chest tightness and throat pain for the past week or two. However, it doesn't hurt when I drink water. Occasionally, I have a cough, and when I cough, I feel s...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, based on your symptoms, it is indeed most likely a respiratory infection. However, if you experience persistent fever, ongoing chest pain, or continuous shortness of breath, you should consider seeking medical attention to check for other issues or to rule out the possibil...[Read More] Chest Tightness and Throat Pain: When to Seek Further Medical Attention
Concerns About Inhalation Pneumonia After Taking Herbal Powder
Throat and trachea issues, suspected choking on traditional Chinese medicine powder? Hello, Doctor Hong. I took some traditional Chinese medicine powder after breakfast, and I’m not sure if my mouth was too dry, but when I poured the powder into my mouth, it felt like it stuck to...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, based on the process and symptoms you described, there are no signs of aspiration pneumonia unless there are subsequent symptoms such as wheezing, chest pain, or fever. In that case, you would need to consult a pulmonologist, an infectious disease specialist, or a family m...[Read More] Concerns About Inhalation Pneumonia After Taking Herbal Powder
Can Sneezing While Eating Cause Food to Enter Lungs or Airways?
Sneezing issues? Hello, Doctor Hong. While I was eating, my nose suddenly became very itchy, and I sneezed halfway through my meal. I felt like a grain of rice went down my throat, and some of it may have entered my nasal cavity. Later, I coughed up some phlegm that contained bit...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, based on the symptoms you described, it seems to be a slight inflammation of the nasopharynx or oropharynx due to food irritation, rather than aspiration or aspiration pneumonia. Humans have an epiglottis that helps prevent aspiration pneumonia. Therefore, unless one is el...[Read More] Can Sneezing While Eating Cause Food to Enter Lungs or Airways?
Feeling of a Foreign Body in the Throat: Causes and Relief Options
Feeling of a foreign body in the throat? Hello, doctor. About a month ago, I had a slight cold and visited an ENT specialist. The doctor mentioned some inflammation. After taking medication for three days, I felt better and didn't return for a follow-up, allowing myself to r...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, 1. Based on your description, it seems to be just a throat inflammation and not aspiration pneumonia, unless there is severe coughing or wheezing, which would warrant concern. 2. If something is lodged in your throat, usually consuming soft foods can help alleviate the...[Read More] Feeling of a Foreign Body in the Throat: Causes and Relief Options
Managing Mild Cough and Upper Abdominal Pain: Tips for Relief
Mild cough and upper abdominal pain? There is a feeling of slight discomfort in the middle of the clavicle, which may lead to occasional mild coughing (about one or two coughs). Aside from in the morning upon waking, there is no production of phlegm or dry cough, and there is no ...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, based on the symptoms you described, it is important to confirm whether you have ever experienced any injury to the center of your chest. If there has been an injury, it could be the cause. If there has been no injury, the most likely conditions are esophagitis or gastroes...[Read More] Managing Mild Cough and Upper Abdominal Pain: Tips for Relief
Understanding Unexplained Fever: When to Seek Medical Attention
Fever of unknown origin (FUO) Hello, doctor. I have been experiencing an unexplained fever for three consecutive days, with my temperature ranging between 37.5°C and 38°C. On the third day, I also developed a headache in the forehead area, but I have had no cough, sneezing, or ru...
Dr. Lin Wufu Reply:
I apologize for the late response. There are many causes of fever, and if it is simply a fever without any respiratory symptoms, the likelihood of it being related to COVID-19 is actually quite low. However, a fever lasting more than three days definitely indicates an underlying ...[Read More] Understanding Unexplained Fever: When to Seek Medical Attention
Choking on Noodles: Risks of Aspiration and Lung Complications
Choking on noodles? The doctor would like to ask if after accidentally choking on noodles, I coughed for a while but did not see the noodles come out. Although I don't feel too uncomfortable and have been coughing, there is suddenly a strange sensation in my throat. Is it po...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, the human body has protective mechanisms in the throat, including the epiglottis and other structures that safeguard the respiratory tract. Therefore, unless it is an elderly person experiencing a decline in these protective mechanisms due to aging, it is unlikely for aspi...[Read More] Choking on Noodles: Risks of Aspiration and Lung Complications