Concerns About Inhalation Pneumonia from Herbal Powder Intake
Throat and tracheal issues, suspected choking on herbal powder? Hello, Dr. 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 the back of my throat. ...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, this situation could indeed lead to aspiration pneumonia; however, considering your age, your swallowing function should be normal. Additionally, since you described that there have been no subsequent symptoms of coughing or wheezing, it is likely that your condition has n...[Read More] Concerns About Inhalation Pneumonia from Herbal Powder Intake
Understanding Shortness of Breath During Meals: Possible Causes and Solutions
Dyspnea Hello Doctor, I have noticed that I feel a bit short of breath while eating, which lasted for about 3 hours. During this time, I constantly felt the need to take deep breaths, but I still felt breathless, and eventually, I experienced some tightness and mild pain in my ch...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Based on your description, it is quite difficult to determine which disease is most likely. The possibilities include: 1. Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), which is characterized by the occurrence of symptoms, especially after meals, often accompanied by a burning sensation...[Read More] Understanding Shortness of Breath During Meals: Possible Causes and Solutions
Choking Risks: Sneezing While Eating and Its Health Implications
Choking on a sneeze in the trachea? Hello, Doctor Hong. While I was having breakfast, I suddenly felt the urge to sneeze. However, since I had food in my mouth, I didn't open my mouth like I usually do. Later, my sister told me that this could be dangerous and might lead to ...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, the human trachea is very sensitive, and even a small foreign object can trigger a severe reaction, such as coughing. Additionally, the epiglottis protects the trachea, making the chances of foreign objects entering it quite low. Based on your description, it seems unlikel...[Read More] Choking Risks: Sneezing While Eating and Its Health Implications
Understanding Post-Meal Blood Sugar of 201: Risks and Management Strategies
A postprandial blood glucose level of 201 mg/dL is considered elevated. It is important to evaluate this result in the context of the individual's overall health, medical history, and potential symptoms. Here are some considerations and actions to take: 1? Hello, doctor. Th...
Dr. Lin Jianliang Reply:
1. Generally speaking, a random blood glucose level of 201 mg/dL increases the likelihood of diabetes compared to normal individuals. However, at that time, you also had a cold, which could affect blood glucose levels. It is recommended to visit the endocrinology clinic after rec...[Read More] Understanding Post-Meal Blood Sugar of 201: Risks and Management Strategies
Managing Temperature Fluctuations and Emotional Instability in Seniors
Experiencing fluctuations in temperature, sweating, and emotional instability? Hello Doctor: My mother-in-law is 70 years old. Ever since she caught a cold five months ago, her entire body system has been out of balance. Initially, she experienced constant chills and wore many la...
Dr. Lin Jianliang Reply:
You can consult a pulmonologist, an immunologist, or a family medicine physician.[Read More] Managing Temperature Fluctuations and Emotional Instability in Seniors
Understanding Heart Palpitations: Causes and Concerns
Chest pain? Hello, doctor! Recently, I've been experiencing frequent heart palpitations, but they are not painful. Sometimes, if the palpitations last too long, I start to cough. Could this be palpitations, or is it due to excessive stress?
Dr. Xie Rongyuan Reply:
Hello: It is recommended that you undergo an electrocardiogram (ECG) and a chest X-ray examination at the hospital to determine the underlying cause. Thank you for your message![Read More] Understanding Heart Palpitations: Causes and Concerns
Understanding Enlarged Submandibular Lymph Nodes: Causes and Treatment
Submandibular lymphadenopathy Symptom description: 1) Generalized muscle soreness 2) No fever, but has a cough 3) Pain upon pressing the area between the upper abdomen and the ribs 4) Pain in the left axilla, but no swelling 5) Unilateral (left side) submandibular lymphadenopathy...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, based on your description, we need to first confirm whether the symptoms of muscle soreness, abdominal tenderness, axillary pain, and lymphadenopathy have all occurred recently. If these are long-standing issues, we must consider whether they are due to muscle strain or ot...[Read More] Understanding Enlarged Submandibular Lymph Nodes: Causes and Treatment
Persistent Dry Cough for Months: When to Seek Further Medical Help?
Coughing for several months? Hello Doctor: I have been coughing for nearly three months without improvement. During this time, I have visited an otolaryngologist twice, and there was only slight improvement, but the cough persisted. The cough is dry, with no phlegm, occurring abo...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Based on your description, it is most likely that you previously had a cold, which may have led to complications such as chronic bronchitis, combined with the current poor air quality and the significant temperature fluctuations in the mornings and evenings, resulting in occasion...[Read More] Persistent Dry Cough for Months: When to Seek Further Medical Help?
Understanding Dry Syndrome and Joint Cartilage Issues: A Guide to Immune Disorders
Sjögren's syndrome, articular cartilage Hello, Director Gao! I have several symptoms and I'm unsure if they are related to an autoimmune disease. 1. My dentist informed me that my mouth is very dry. This condition has persisted for at least three years, especially dur...
Dr. Gao Jiankai Reply:
Hello, I apologize for the late response. I believe your symptoms are indeed related to Sjögren's syndrome, including dry eyes, dry mouth, thyroid dysfunction, cough, and generalized body aches, even lower back pain, which may all be associated with Sjögren's syndrome. ...[Read More] Understanding Dry Syndrome and Joint Cartilage Issues: A Guide to Immune Disorders
Can HIV Be Transmitted Through Droplets? Common Misconceptions Explained
Questions about HIV/AIDS Is it possible for HIV to be transmitted through respiratory droplets landing on my face and then contaminating food that I eat? Today, while dining out, there was a table nearby with individuals who appeared to be gay, and they were coughing. I was uncer...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, HIV is transmitted through contact with blood and bodily fluids and is almost never spread through droplets or food. Based on the situation you described, the risk of contracting HIV is very low. Thank you for your question.[Read More] Can HIV Be Transmitted Through Droplets? Common Misconceptions Explained
Concerns About HIV and Hepatitis B After Unsafe Sexual Encounters
Concerns regarding HIV and Hepatitis B? I have been staying up late until 3 AM since the beginning of the year. Between late February and mid-April, I had several instances of unprotected sexual intercourse with the same person (I am unaware of his medical history; I only know th...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, theoretically, the average window period for HIV is 3 months. If you have not engaged in sexual activity since April, then you should have surpassed the window period. Testing in August would likely yield a negative result, and the chances of infection should be very low. ...[Read More] Concerns About HIV and Hepatitis B After Unsafe Sexual Encounters
Understanding Left Rib Pain: Causes and When to Seek Help
Left rib cage Hello, doctor. Since noon today, I've been experiencing pain in my left ribcage whenever I take a deep breath, but the frequency is inconsistent; sometimes it hurts, and sometimes it doesn't. I'm not sure if it is related to my work involving lifting ...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, based on your description, it seems that the inflammation of the muscles or pleura on the left side of the ribcage could be due to heavy lifting, trauma, or severe coughing from a cold. It is recommended to rest the affected area and apply some analgesic ointment to allevi...[Read More] Understanding Left Rib Pain: Causes and When to Seek Help
Understanding HIV Transmission Risks: Your Concerns Addressed
Questions about HIV/AIDS Hello Doctor, about a month ago, I had unprotected oral sex with someone (I don't know if the other person has an STD). During the process, I licked her nipples, and I have a sore in my mouth. Is there a possibility of contracting HIV? Then she perfo...
Dr. Lin Wufu Reply:
Hello! The primary transmission route for HIV is through "contact with blood or bodily fluids," with the secretions from sexual organs being the most infectious. Therefore, if your hands come into contact with the secretions of your partner's sexual organs and then...[Read More] Understanding HIV Transmission Risks: Your Concerns Addressed
Measles Vaccine Concerns: Risks for Young Adults and Hospital Visits
Measles vaccine Hello, doctor. Recently, the measles outbreak has caused public panic, and young adults in their 20s have been identified as a high-risk group. However, the Ministry of Health and Welfare has urged that vaccines be prioritized for frontline healthcare workers and ...
Dr. Liao Zhongxin Reply:
Dear readers, In response to the sudden increase in demand for the self-paid MMR vaccine, the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) has urged prioritization of vaccination for high-risk groups (CDC Circular No. 351, April 24, 2018). 1. Due to recent public concern regarding the me...[Read More] Measles Vaccine Concerns: Risks for Young Adults and Hospital Visits
Understanding Proteinuria: Kidney Health Concerns and Symptoms
Kidney proteinuria Hello, doctor. I have some questions I would like to ask you. Question 1: This week, I observed that my urine has a lot of bubbles and appears cloudy after each bathroom visit. I also experience pain in both sides of my lower back. Could this indicate protein...
Dr. Wu Hongjie Reply:
1. The presence of bubbles in urine does not necessarily indicate the presence of urinary albumin; actual conditions should be confirmed through testing. 2. To assess kidney function, it is essential to conduct relevant kidney function tests (creatinine, blood urea nitrogen, he...[Read More] Understanding Proteinuria: Kidney Health Concerns and Symptoms
Understanding Unusually Slow Recovery from Cold Symptoms
The recovery from a cold is slower than usual? I usually have nasal allergies, often experiencing nasal congestion and runny nose. Besides that, I rarely catch colds and do not take any medications regularly. Initially, one morning I woke up with sudden pain near my tonsils, and ...
Dr. Liao Zhongxin Reply:
Dear readers: <Regarding whether there is insufficient immunity or other underlying conditions? How to check and improve?> A: 1. You can refer to the following website: https://www.femh.org.tw/epaperadmin/viewarticle.aspx?ID=49672. It is recommended to maintain a regular ro...[Read More] Understanding Unusually Slow Recovery from Cold Symptoms
Can Tuberculosis Patients Undergo Percutaneous Endoscopic Gastrostomy?
Can patients with pulmonary tuberculosis undergo percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy (PEG) placement? Hello Doctor, my mother is 67 years old and has been diagnosed with tuberculosis in the lungs for the past three months, which has subsequently led to meningitis and abnormal beh...
Dr. Liao Zhongxin Reply:
Dear readers: Regarding the inquiry about whether patients with tuberculosis can undergo percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy (PEG) surgery, the response is as follows: 1. Transmission of tuberculosis: (1) Historically, there have been theories regarding transmission through ...[Read More] Can Tuberculosis Patients Undergo Percutaneous Endoscopic Gastrostomy?
Understanding Oral Infections: Tonsillitis, Gum Swelling, and Lip Ulcers
Purulent tonsillitis in the oral cavity, gingival swelling, and purulent lips? Hello Doctor, since I took my sister to the hospital on January 4th and stayed there from 9 AM to 10 PM, I have not slept for eighteen hours. It was the most irregular day for my schedule in over a yea...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, based on your description, your oral ulceration does seem severe. It may not be possible to determine the true cause based solely on your description. I recommend visiting a major hospital's dental department for relevant examinations, including viral testing. If ther...[Read More] Understanding Oral Infections: Tonsillitis, Gum Swelling, and Lip Ulcers
Can I Rule Out Infection After Multiple Negative Tests?
Will there be a turnaround? Doctor, I had a high-risk exposure on October 7th. I took an RTPCR test on October 18th and November 9th, and I also had P24 antigen and antibody tests done at 10 days, 33 days, 4 weeks, 6 weeks, 8 weeks, and 10 weeks, all of which were negative. I hav...
Dr. Xiao Yongxun Reply:
Dear Mr. Akai: 1. Your question was already addressed on December 4, 2017. In addition to considering HIV, there are many other potential diagnoses that need to be clarified regarding your symptoms of fever, lymphadenopathy, and diarrhea in order to provide appropriate treatmen...[Read More] Can I Rule Out Infection After Multiple Negative Tests?
Swollen Lymph Nodes Without Cold Symptoms: What to Do Next?
Swollen lymph nodes without cold symptoms? Hello Doctor, two weeks ago, I noticed swelling in the lymph nodes on the right side of my jaw, which is painful when pressed, but I do not have any cold symptoms (no cough, sore throat, nasal congestion, or runny nose). I took antibioti...
Dr. Gao Jiankai Reply:
Hello, thank you for your question. Painful swollen lymph nodes are usually associated with local infections, including bacterial and viral infections. Some infections may present with mild symptoms, primarily manifesting as lymphadenopathy. Therefore, if you have swollen and pai...[Read More] Swollen Lymph Nodes Without Cold Symptoms: What to Do Next?