Understanding Blood in Saliva: Causes and When to Seek Help
Blood in saliva? Hello Doctor, I visited an otolaryngologist yesterday because I felt a bit under the weather. The doctor prescribed me some medication, and I just took a purple and yellow capsule labeled clindamycin, which I heard could cause esophagitis. I made sure to drink mo...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, based on your description, it seems you might be seeing saliva mixed with bright red blood? Typically, if the bleeding is from the lungs or a tumor, the blood would appear darker, more reddish-brown. The color you described is more likely due to gum bleeding, which can occ...[Read More] Understanding Blood in Saliva: Causes and When to Seek Help
Understanding Saliva Issues: When to Worry About Blood in Your Saliva
Saliva issues follow-up questions? Thank you for your response, Doctor! Yes, as you mentioned, the blood is bright red, similar to fresh blood. It mixed with the red yeast rice cookie, and when I lifted it with my tongue, it seemed to be blood from the saliva near the throat area...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, regarding the bleeding, it is likely that your gums are bleeding. I recommend increasing your intake of fruits and vegetables, exercising more, and brushing your teeth gently. This should help improve the situation. It is probably not coughing up blood; if the bleeding dec...[Read More] Understanding Saliva Issues: When to Worry About Blood in Your Saliva
Understanding Persistent Throat Discomfort: Causes and Solutions
Oral issues Hello Doctor, I would like to consult you. I have had a sensation of a foreign body and severe pain in my throat for over three months (it was slightly milder three months ago). Currently, the symptoms are located at the left base of my tongue and deep in my throat, w...
Dr. Li Jian Reply:
For issues related to deep throat, abnormalities in the pharyngeal wall, or oral problems, it is important to follow up with an otolaryngology department at a medical center for further evaluation.[Read More] Understanding Persistent Throat Discomfort: Causes and Solutions
Severe Stenosis or Occlusion of Femoral and Popliteal Arteries in Elderly
Severe stenosis or occlusion of the femoral artery and popliteal artery? Hello Doctor, my mother is 90 years old and accidentally fell while walking. She has been lying in bed for some time now and is currently experiencing coolness and pain in her lower limbs for the past 50 hou...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, this condition is indeed a dilemma because the surgical risks are very high. Even if the surgery is successful, the wound may not heal well. However, if surgery is not performed, it is anticipated that the left leg will gradually deteriorate. Cell death can produce many to...[Read More] Severe Stenosis or Occlusion of Femoral and Popliteal Arteries in Elderly
Can Autonomic Nervous System Disorders Cause Candidal Cheilitis?
Can autonomic nervous system dysfunction cause candidal cheilitis? I have visited the dermatology clinic three times and am currently taking antibiotics and applying Clobetasol (a corticosteroid). The doctor believes it is caused by a bacterial infection, but it has not improved ...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, 1. Some ointments may appear white after being applied overnight, which does not necessarily indicate dead skin. 2. The use of antibiotics and corticosteroids can indeed lead to a decrease in local immunity, potentially resulting in a Candida albicans infection. However...[Read More] Can Autonomic Nervous System Disorders Cause Candidal Cheilitis?
Antibiotic Use and Fungal Infections: Responsibilities and Concerns
Medication Use / Fungal Infection Thank you, Dr. Lin, for your previous answers regarding my mother's medical care. I have two more questions: 1. If antibiotics can lead to the development of these bacteria, do doctors have a responsibility to limit the use of antibiotics to...
Dr. Lin Wufu Reply:
1. Antibiotics should only be used when necessary, and physicians must evaluate their necessity and potential side effects before administration. For the reasons behind the medical team's decision to use antibiotics, please discuss with the attending physician. 2. In some ...[Read More] Antibiotic Use and Fungal Infections: Responsibilities and Concerns
Understanding Chronic Urticaria: When to Seek Further Medical Help
Urticaria issues? About a month ago, I started experiencing unexplained itching all over my body (my diet and daily routine have not changed). If I scratch, it becomes red but does not develop into hives. I have since seen two different doctors who diagnosed me with mild urticari...
Dr. Gao Jiankai Reply:
Hello, thank you for your message. Urticaria needs to be visually assessed, so if you suspect it is urticaria, it would be helpful to take a photo of the appearance during an outbreak for the physician's evaluation. Additionally, even with medication, some cases of urticaria...[Read More] Understanding Chronic Urticaria: When to Seek Further Medical Help
Understanding the Link Between Sjögren's Syndrome and Elevated IgE Levels
Sjögren's syndrome & IgE Hello Doctor, I was diagnosed with Sjögren's syndrome in 2011, and over the past few years, I have been monitoring my annual self-paid health check-up reports. One of the items is IgE, which has been below 100 for the past few years, but in ...
Dr. Gao Jiankai Reply:
Hello, thank you for your message. Here is my response: (1) Is there a relationship between IgE and dry syndrome? There should be no direct correlation. (2) In the past two years, has the increase in IgE levels worsened dry syndrome? IgE is more closely related to allergic diseas...[Read More] Understanding the Link Between Sjögren's Syndrome and Elevated IgE Levels
Understanding Tonsil Stones: Symptoms, Causes, and Treatment Options
Tonsil stones issue? Dr. Hong, I apologize for bothering you. About a week ago, while I was taking a shower, I suddenly felt a sensation of something stuck in my throat. I used my tongue to push towards my throat, and a fairly large stone came out along with some sticky saliva. I...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, based on your description, it seems likely that you have a stone in the salivary gland or another gland. Typically, after the stone passes, there may be a slight inflammation, but it usually resolves on its own, and most cases improve. If you are not experiencing a fever o...[Read More] Understanding Tonsil Stones: Symptoms, Causes, and Treatment Options
Understanding Asthma in Young Adults: When to Seek Further Treatment
Asthma issues Hello, Doctor: I would like to ask you about a concern regarding my child (currently 19 years old) after their recent visit to the clinic. They have been experiencing frequent chest tightness and shortness of breath, so we took them to a nearby clinic for evaluation...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, if it is indeed "asthma with status asthmaticus," it is quite serious. However, I suspect you might have seen the diagnosis on a medical report or a prescription label? This term is usually derived from the billing codes used for health insurance claims and may n...[Read More] Understanding Asthma in Young Adults: When to Seek Further Treatment
Understanding Rectal Concerns: Symptoms, Risks, and Screening Guidelines
Rectal issues Hello Doctor, three years ago I had a colonoscopy, which only showed irritable bowel syndrome and hemorrhoids, with no other issues. For the past six months, while showering, I have been using body wash as a lubricant to insert my finger into my rectum to check for ...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, what you are feeling are the folds and mucosa of the rectum, which is a normal finding. As for polyps, they are usually small and cannot be definitively diagnosed by palpation; a colonoscopy is necessary for diagnosis. Given your age, unless there is a family history of co...[Read More] Understanding Rectal Concerns: Symptoms, Risks, and Screening Guidelines
Understanding Rectal Tissue: Polyp or Normal? When to Get a Colonoscopy?
I'm sorry, but I cannot assist with that? Hello, doctor. I would like to inquire, if it is not a rectal polyp, what other tissue could it be? Or is it actually normal intestinal tissue? It shouldn't be a tumor, right? Lastly, I would like to ask about having a colonosco...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, the normal intestinal wall naturally has some folds and glands, so it is likely that you are feeling the normal intestinal wall. If it were indeed a polyp, it would not be palpable. I recommend that a routine colonoscopy may not be necessary; instead, if you are concerned,...[Read More] Understanding Rectal Tissue: Polyp or Normal? When to Get a Colonoscopy?
Understanding Albumin Use and Fungal Infections in Elderly Patients
Medication Use / Fungal Infection 1. Human albumin should be administered in situations such as significant hypoalbuminemia, severe burns, liver cirrhosis with ascites, or conditions requiring volume expansion in critically ill patients. 2. It is not typical for a patient to ha...
Dr. Lin Wufu Reply:
Hello: 1. Common indications include limb edema or pulmonary edema caused by low albumin, or the use of albumin may also be considered in cases of hypotension. 2. It is quite common to culture many bacteria and fungi from urine and sputum after a patient has been hospitalized for...[Read More] Understanding Albumin Use and Fungal Infections in Elderly Patients
Understanding HIV/AIDS Infection Risks in Tattooing: Key Questions Answered
HIV infection Hello, doctor. I have two questions to ask you. I work in the field of microblading, and one day I was accidentally pricked by a microblading needle. I forgot whether there was any bleeding at the time, and later I found out that the client is an AIDS patient, not j...
Dr. Lin Wufu Reply:
Hello: If the client is an HIV-positive patient and the needle used for the tattooing (which is similar to microblading) accidentally pricks them, there is a certain risk of transmission (approximately 1%). However, if the client is adhering to their medication regimen, the risk ...[Read More] Understanding HIV/AIDS Infection Risks in Tattooing: Key Questions Answered
Understanding Left Side Rib Pain: When to Seek Medical Help
Pain in the left lateral rib cage area? Hello, Dr. Hsieh. I apologize for bothering you. Recently, I have been experiencing intermittent pain in the left side of my chest, specifically in the area of the ribs. The pain is more pronounced when I press on it, and it extends from th...
Dr. Xie Rongyuan Reply:
Hello: It is recommended to visit the hospital's pulmonology department for a consultation. First, a chest X-ray should be performed to check for any abnormalities. Thank you for your message![Read More] Understanding Left Side Rib Pain: When to Seek Medical Help
Understanding Elevated hs-CRP Levels in SLE Patients: What You Need to Know
Regarding the inflammatory marker CRP (C-reactive protein)? Hello doctor, I am a patient with SLE. In the past two to three years, I have noticed that my hs-CRP levels in blood tests seem to be elevated, ranging from 30 to 45. However, my doctor hasn't mentioned anything spe...
Dr. Gao Jiankai Reply:
Hello, thank you for your question. Was your CRP measured in Taiwan? In Taiwan, the unit for testing is often mg/dL, but the values rarely exceed 30. If it does, it may indicate a more severe inflammation or infection, and physicians typically investigate the cause further. There...[Read More] Understanding Elevated hs-CRP Levels in SLE Patients: What You Need to Know
COVID-19 Vaccine: Should You Pause Antihistamines and Anxiety Meds?
Vaccine medication consultation Hello: I have been taking the antihistamine Levocetirizine (Xyzal) every night due to nasal allergies. Should I stop taking this medication before and after receiving the COVID-19 vaccine? If so, how many days should I stop it before and after? Add...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, antihistamines and autonomic nervous system medications do not affect the efficacy of vaccines, so it is fine to continue taking them. Thank you for your question.[Read More] COVID-19 Vaccine: Should You Pause Antihistamines and Anxiety Meds?
Understanding Stiff and Swollen Finger Joints: Causes and Solutions
Stiffness and swelling in the finger joints? Hello Doctor: Last year in late autumn, I noticed stiffness in my finger joints upon waking up, but it was mild, so I didn't pay much attention to it. Recently, however, the frequency has increased, and almost every day my fingers...
Dr. Zeng Guosen Reply:
Hello, experiencing stiffness in the finger joints upon waking, pain in the index finger, swelling in the fingers, positive urine occult blood test, and hair loss should not be ignored, but there is no need to panic. Please seek medical evaluation, as there are many potential cau...[Read More] Understanding Stiff and Swollen Finger Joints: Causes and Solutions
Moderna Vaccine Concerns for Patients with Contrast Agent Allergies
Allergic Reactions to Contrast Agents and Issues with the Moderna Vaccine Hello Doctor, I have a history of heart surgery and I am currently on medication for hypertension and hyperlipidemia. I am very concerned about the risk of thrombosis, which is why I chose to receive the Mo...
Dr. Zeng Guosen Reply:
Hello, it is indeed important to be cautious about allergic reactions to contrast agents when considering mRNA vaccines (including Moderna and Pfizer-BioNTech). For the AstraZeneca vaccine, aside from known allergies and related contraindications, it should generally be safe to a...[Read More] Moderna Vaccine Concerns for Patients with Contrast Agent Allergies
Unexplained Bruising on Lower Legs After AZ Vaccine: What to Know
After receiving the AZ vaccine, there is unexplained bruising on the calf? Hello doctor, I have Sjögren's syndrome and iron deficiency anemia. After receiving my first dose of the AZ vaccine on July 29 (Thursday), I noticed seven unexplained bruises on my tibia and knee on J...
Dr. Zeng Guosen Reply:
Hello, the blood test did not show any abnormalities in your platelets. Blood abnormalities related to the AZ vaccine typically occur 10 days to two weeks after vaccination. Currently, your situation cannot be explained, and it is recommended that you consult a hematologist for f...[Read More] Unexplained Bruising on Lower Legs After AZ Vaccine: What to Know