Can Patients with Sjögren's Syndrome Safely Receive Moderna COVID Vaccine?
Can patients with systemic dryness syndrome receive the Moderna COVID-19 vaccine? Hello, my mother is 74 years old and has Sjögren's syndrome with systemic dryness, rheumatoid arthritis, blepharospasm, arrhythmia, hypertension, chronic heart failure, irritable bowel syndrome...
Dr. Gao Jiankai Reply:
Hello, thank you for your message. Based on the condition of the elderly lady you described, I believe she can receive the Moderna vaccine. However, please pay attention to the medications she is taking; some drugs for rheumatoid arthritis should be temporarily discontinued after...[Read More] Can Patients with Sjögren's Syndrome Safely Receive Moderna COVID Vaccine?
Understanding Chest Tightness in Hyperthyroidism and Heart Valve Issues
Chest tightness issue? Hello, doctor. I am a patient with hyperthyroidism, and my only symptom is a slightly elevated heart rate. I also have a problem with mitral valve insufficiency. Currently, I am controlling my hyperthyroidism with medication, taking two tablets of methimazo...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, based on your description, there could indeed be many causes for your breathing difficulties. It may be necessary to check your blood oxygen levels; if they are abnormal, you should be cautious about potential lung or heart issues. However, since you have already undergone...[Read More] Understanding Chest Tightness in Hyperthyroidism and Heart Valve Issues
Managing Recurring Health Issues: Insights for Chronic Conditions
What should I do? I often feel unwell and have been diagnosed with acute tonsillitis twice in the past two weeks. Prior to this, I was diagnosed with acute respiratory infection, sinusitis, bronchitis, gastroesophageal reflux disease, and so on. In previous inquiries, some sugges...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, based on your description, it is indeed most likely that you have an allergic constitution. Many people in Taiwan have this type of constitution, and with the recent severe air pollution, many individuals are experiencing similar symptoms to yours. I recommend that you eng...[Read More] Managing Recurring Health Issues: Insights for Chronic Conditions
Understanding Acid Reflux: Symptoms and Solutions for Relief
Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) Hello, doctor. Recently, I've been experiencing a sensation of reflux in my stomach, which causes a feeling of something stuck in my throat, and occasionally I have a bitter taste in my mouth. I also have some discomfort in my neck. Cou...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, the symptoms you described are indeed typical of gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). It is recommended that you visit a gastroenterology clinic for an endoscopy to confirm the diagnosis. Thank you for your inquiry.[Read More] Understanding Acid Reflux: Symptoms and Solutions for Relief
Chronic Cough and Throat Issues: When to Seek Medical Advice
Throat issues I have been experiencing a persistent cough for several months, starting around July or August, possibly even earlier. Every morning when I wake up, I definitely cough to the point of feeling nauseous. After a while, I also experience a burning sensation in my throa...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, I would like to know if you have allergic rhinitis and post-nasal drip, or if you have gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD)? If you have these two issues, they could be the cause of your cough. You can treat both conditions. If not, it may be necessary to see an otolaryn...[Read More] Chronic Cough and Throat Issues: When to Seek Medical Advice
Understanding Left Lower Abdominal Pain and Bowel Sounds: Causes and Solutions
Sharp pain in the lower left abdomen, accompanied by bowel sounds? Hello, recently I have been experiencing sharp and aching pain in my lower left abdomen, feeling like needles stabbing and knives cutting, occurring intermittently along with bowel sounds and a sensation of moveme...
Dr. Xie Rongyuan Reply:
Hello: Left lower abdominal pain and bowel sounds are generally related to dietary choices or gastrointestinal dysfunction. Since the colonoscopy showed no abnormalities, it is advisable to pay attention to the types of food consumed, as this may help alleviate the symptoms. Than...[Read More] Understanding Left Lower Abdominal Pain and Bowel Sounds: Causes and Solutions
Understanding Persistent Throat Discomfort After Fish Bone Incident
Feeling a lump in the throat? Hello Doctor: Since I was choked by a fishbone, I started feeling a sensation of something stuck in my throat about one to two weeks later, which has persisted for three months. Recently, I have clearly felt that this sensation comes from the food I ...
Dr. Xie Rongyuan Reply:
Hello: Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) can be challenging to treat, and you may want to consult a physician regarding the risk of esophageal cancer. Proton pump inhibitor (PPI) therapy may require a longer duration; if you have severe GERD, medication may be needed for up ...[Read More] Understanding Persistent Throat Discomfort After Fish Bone Incident
Understanding Lower Rib Pain: Symptoms and When to Seek Medical Help
Sharp pain in the lower middle part of the ribs? Hello doctor, recently I have been experiencing sharp pain in the lower middle part of my ribcage, sometimes accompanied by a burning sensation. Additionally, I have been feeling intermittent burning in my chest for some time. Coul...
Dr. Zeng Guosen Reply:
Hello, along with the burning sensation, you have also been experiencing intermittent heartburn in your chest for some time. Based on your description, it seems like symptoms of heartburn, which may indicate gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). I recommend seeing a gastroenter...[Read More] Understanding Lower Rib Pain: Symptoms and When to Seek Medical Help
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 Abdominal Discomfort: When to Seek Medical Help
Abdominal issues? I visited a gastroenterologist on February 1st. I had an upper endoscopy in November 2019, which revealed gastritis and severe gastroesophageal reflux disease. However, for the past three weeks, I have been experiencing discomfort in my lower abdomen. I previous...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, 1. Ultrasound primarily examines solid organs, including the liver, gallbladder, pancreas, spleen, and kidneys. The intestines are generally not visible unless there is a large tumor. 2. It is important to hold your breath during the ultrasound to avoid blurriness caus...[Read More] Understanding Abdominal Discomfort: When to Seek Medical Help
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
Understanding Oily Stools: When to Seek Further Medical Evaluation
Oily stools during bowel movements? In the past month or two, I have noticed some oily residue in the toilet water after bowel movements. Although my stools are well-formed, I still feel an oily sensation when wiping. I don't experience much abdominal pain. I have undergone ...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, the first step is to confirm whether it is "oil." It is recommended to not flush the toilet after a bowel movement. If it is oil, you will see oil floating on the surface of the water next to the stool. If you do not see this, the likelihood of it being "oil...[Read More] Understanding Oily Stools: When to Seek Further Medical Evaluation
Understanding Nausea, Appetite Loss, and Weight Changes in Hepatitis B Patients
Loss of appetite, gastrointestinal discomfort, weight changes, Hepatitis B? Hello Dr. Hong, I weigh 59 kg and am 173 cm tall, and I am 17 years old. I experience nausea before lunch and after dinner. I have little appetite when I see food and rarely feel hungry, but I haven'...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, regarding hepatitis B, the main focus is on monitoring liver function tests. Based on your description, I would infer that your liver function tests should be normal. If they are normal, regular monitoring is sufficient. However, if you have irregular habits such as drinki...[Read More] Understanding Nausea, Appetite Loss, and Weight Changes in Hepatitis B Patients
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 Oral Heat Issues: Causes and Solutions for Discomfort
Oral heat issues? I would like to ask the doctor about my situation. We replaced a broken air conditioner at home, and the new one initially made a buzzing sound. Additionally, I was unsure if the strange smell was from the new unit or from PVC, which caused me to have trouble sl...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, based on your description, it is unlikely that the symptoms are caused by acid reflux due to air conditioning. The most probable causes are neurological issues or stress. I recommend seeing a neurologist for further evaluation. If the neurological examination is normal, it...[Read More] Understanding Oral Heat Issues: Causes and Solutions for Discomfort
Why Do I Feel Hungry but Experience Nausea After Eating?
Feeling hungry, but as soon as I eat, I feel nauseous and want to vomit? Hello Dr. Hong, I would like to ask you about an issue I've been experiencing since Tuesday night. I have been feeling very hungry and can feel my stomach constantly churning and making noises. Howeve...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Based on your description, the most likely conditions are gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) or a peptic ulcer. These conditions are typically confirmed and diagnosed through an upper gastrointestinal endoscopy. Your physician has already prescribed medication for peptic ulce...[Read More] Why Do I Feel Hungry but Experience Nausea After Eating?
Understanding Left Chest and Abdominal Pain: Causes and Symptoms
Pain and bloating in the lower left abdomen? Hello doctor, I often feel a lot of bloating and pain in the area below my left chest, and sometimes I also have a sensation of not being able to catch my breath. What could these symptoms indicate? I previously went to the hospital fo...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, the area you are referring to should be carefully evaluated for potential heart or lung issues. However, considering your age and the fact that you have had an X-ray, the likelihood of these conditions is low. The next possibility could be gastrointestinal problems, such a...[Read More] Understanding Left Chest and Abdominal Pain: Causes and Symptoms
Understanding Chronic Stomach Pain and Gastroesophageal Reflux in Teens
Prone to stomach pain, regardless of diet? Hello, doctor. I have had stomach pain issues since middle school, which later improved, but I started experiencing recurrent pain. My gastrointestinal motility is much slower than others; for example, if I eat breakfast at 7 AM, it take...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, the issue you mentioned is indeed a common symptom of gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). It is advisable to consider undergoing an endoscopy to confirm the diagnosis. If the endoscopy confirms GERD, relevant medications can be prescribed under health insurance. Howeve...[Read More] Understanding Chronic Stomach Pain and Gastroesophageal Reflux in Teens
Understanding Chronic Stomach Pain: Causes and Solutions
Prone to stomach pain, regardless of diet? Hello Doctor, I have been experiencing stomach pain since middle school. It improved for a while, but then the pain became recurrent. My gastrointestinal motility is much slower than average; for instance, if I eat breakfast at 7 AM, it ...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, these are indeed symptoms of gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). The main purposes of performing an endoscopy are to confirm the diagnosis and to qualify for better medication covered by health insurance. However, regardless of how effective the medication is, it prima...[Read More] Understanding Chronic Stomach Pain: Causes and Solutions
Understanding Causes of Chest and Throat Burning Sensations
Burning sensation in the chest and throat? Hello, doctor. I would like to ask what other conditions, besides gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), can cause a burning sensation in the chest and throat? For example, can heart disease, bronchial diseases, respiratory diseases, or...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, based on your description, the most common cause is indeed gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). Additionally, esophageal infections, gastritis, mediastinitis, and myocarditis are also possible causes. It is recommended to first undergo an upper endoscopy, and if the res...[Read More] Understanding Causes of Chest and Throat Burning Sensations