Understanding COVID-19 PCR Results and Symptoms: A Patient's Inquiry
Positive result on rapid test for COVID-19 (Continuation Four) Hello Dr. Hong, This week I underwent the fourth PCR screening, and the CT value has decreased again. The report is as follows: SARS-CoV-2 Gene E: 33.06 (previously, the tested item was SARS-CoV-2 Gene RdRp with res...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, 1. This refers to the detection of antigens at different locations of the virus. The CT values of different reagents cannot necessarily be compared with each other. 2. Since these are different reagents, this does not necessarily indicate a relapse. Additionally, during...[Read More] Understanding COVID-19 PCR Results and Symptoms: A Patient's Inquiry
Struggling with Hypothyroidism: Seeking Effective Treatment Solutions
Hypothyroidism Treatment Issues Hello Doctor, I am a patient with hypothyroidism. I have been undergoing treatment for about three years and have been taking thyroid hormone, but there has been little improvement in my lab values or physical condition. Dietary changes and exercis...
Dr. Lin Jianliang Reply:
Hello: Generally speaking, patients with hypothyroidism who regularly take their medication to keep thyroid hormone levels within the normal range are less likely to experience symptoms of hypothyroidism. Based on your description, it is recommended to first consult with an endoc...[Read More] Struggling with Hypothyroidism: Seeking Effective Treatment Solutions
Understanding Persistent Stomach Bloating: Causes and Solutions
Persistent abdominal bloating? Hello, doctor. I've been experiencing bloating for the past month. I've seen four or five doctors, and due to accompanying cold symptoms (nasal congestion, itchy throat, etc.), most diagnosed it as a gastroenteritis. While the cold symptom...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Based on the symptoms you described, it does appear to be a cold, which indicates a higher likelihood of an upper respiratory tract infection given the current community situation in Taiwan. It is advisable to first rule out the possibility of a COVID-19 infection. If the COVID-1...[Read More] Understanding Persistent Stomach Bloating: Causes and Solutions
Understanding Post-COVID PCR Results and Ongoing Symptoms: Expert Insights
Positive result on rapid test for COVID-19 (continued three) Hello Dr. Hong, I am a patient who tested positive via PCR on June 15. After self-isolating in Indonesia and taking Indonesian cold medicine for the first week, along with Qingguan No. 1 for about two weeks, and current...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, 1. Any case with a detectable CT value is considered positive, but the threshold for determining infectiousness and the criteria for ending isolation vary by country, with some countries setting the threshold at 26, 30, or even 40. These are regulations specific to each ...[Read More] Understanding Post-COVID PCR Results and Ongoing Symptoms: Expert Insights
Understanding COVID-19 PCR Results and Managing Symptoms at Home
Positive Rapid Test for COVID-19 (Continuation 2) Hello Dr. Hong, I am a patient who tested positive for COVID-19 through a rapid test and PCR a few days ago. Since my diagnosis on June 14, I have experienced some changes in my health. Yesterday, June 19, I retested for PCR, and ...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, 1. The value you mentioned should refer to the CT value of the PCR test. A higher CT value indicates a lower viral load, and values above 30 suggest that there is almost no transmissibility. Therefore, based on your values, it seems you are gradually recovering. 2. If ...[Read More] Understanding COVID-19 PCR Results and Managing Symptoms at Home
Persistent Fever for Four Weeks: Unraveling the Mystery of Undiagnosed Infection
Fever has persisted for nearly four weeks, and no definitive source of infection has been identified? In the first week, there was a persistent elevated body temperature at night, with an ear temperature above 37.5°C. In the second week, after four to five days, the body temperat...
Dr. Lin Wufu Reply:
Hello: Based on the symptoms and test results you described, the most likely diagnosis is infectious mononucleosis caused by CMV infection. To confirm the diagnosis, a measurement of the viral load of CMV in the blood can be performed. Generally, the condition tends to resolve on...[Read More] Persistent Fever for Four Weeks: Unraveling the Mystery of Undiagnosed Infection
Understanding Positive COVID-19 Rapid Test Results: A Patient's Journey
Positive result on COVID-19 rapid test? Hello Dr. Hong, I hope you are well. I am currently in Indonesia and am using online consultation services, so I hope to gain a deeper understanding. I apologize for the lengthy description. Starting on the evening of June 12, I experienc...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, based on the symptoms you described, they do resemble a COVID-19 infection; however, we still need to wait for the PCR test for confirmation. The medications you mentioned are all for relieving cold symptoms. If you have cold symptoms, they can be taken to alleviate discom...[Read More] Understanding Positive COVID-19 Rapid Test Results: A Patient's Journey
Managing COVID-19 Symptoms: Insights on Treatment and Recovery
Positive rapid test for COVID-19 (continued) Hello Dr. Hong, I am the patient who asked a question yesterday. The PCR results just came out... it is positive for SARS-CoV-2 with RdRp gene: 23.25 and SARS-CoV-2 ORF 1ab: 21.26. Today is the second day, and I continue to take "...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Currently, there are indeed several medications available for use, including for mild cases. However, for high-risk patients, such as those over 65 years of age, monoclonal antibodies can be used for patients with declining oxygen levels. For more severe cases, remdesivir can be ...[Read More] Managing COVID-19 Symptoms: Insights on Treatment and Recovery
Understanding Water Intoxication: Symptoms, Risks, and Recovery Tips
Concern about water intoxication? A week ago, I had a mild cold and saw a doctor. The doctor advised me to drink plenty of water, so I forced myself to drink about 5000 milliliters daily for around 5-6 days. Sometimes, I accidentally consumed over 1000 milliliters within an hour,...
Dr. Li Jian Reply:
For information related to water intoxication, you can consult the nephrology outpatient clinic.[Read More] Understanding Water Intoxication: Symptoms, Risks, and Recovery Tips
Persistent Fever for Days: Understanding Causes and Solutions
Having a high fever that has persisted for three to four days without subsiding? Hello Doctor, I have been experiencing a fever since the first day, with an initial temperature around 38.5 degrees Celsius. I went to see a doctor, who noted that my throat was particularly red. The...
Dr. Lin Wufu Reply:
Hello! I apologize for the late response due to the pandemic. First, your situation requires screening to rule out COVID-19, as patients with COVID-19 can present with symptoms such as fever, sore throat, and diarrhea. If the screening is negative, the next consideration would be...[Read More] Persistent Fever for Days: Understanding Causes and Solutions
Persistent Headaches and Nausea: Should You See a Doctor?
Experiencing headaches, nausea, and a desire to vomit for several consecutive days? Hello doctor, I have been experiencing dizziness and headaches for the past 2-3 days. The pain is located at the back of my head, and sometimes it feels like it's inside my brain. The pain pe...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, based on your description, it is indeed important to be cautious of subacute intracranial hemorrhage. I recommend returning to a major hospital for a follow-up, as you may need to undergo a CT scan or MRI of the brain to rule out the risk of intracranial bleeding. Thank yo...[Read More] Persistent Headaches and Nausea: Should You See a Doctor?
Understanding Unexplained Elevated Body Temperature: Is It a Fever?
Unexplained elevated body temperature? Hello doctor, my body temperature has been unusually high in the past few days, measuring around 37.8 to 38.0 degrees Celsius with a forehead thermometer. However, I have no symptoms; I am not coughing, I don't have a headache, and impo...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, this temperature is indeed on the higher side. It is recommended to measure with another thermometer. If the reading is still the same, it is advisable to visit an infectious disease clinic for further evaluation. Thank you for your inquiry.[Read More] Understanding Unexplained Elevated Body Temperature: Is It a Fever?
Understanding Breathlessness: Insights on Mitral Valve Prolapse and Dizziness
Feeling unable to breathe? Hello Doctor, I have mitral valve prolapse and vertigo. Whenever I am in a car, even with the air conditioning on, I must crack a window open; otherwise, I feel like I can't breathe, start to hyperventilate, feel nauseous, and then get a headache. ...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, regarding the breathing difficulties you mentioned, there could be many potential causes, including issues related to the heart, lungs, or psychological factors. Simply relying on symptom description may not allow for a proper assessment. It is recommended that you visit a...[Read More] Understanding Breathlessness: Insights on Mitral Valve Prolapse and Dizziness
Understanding Zinc Gluconate: Safety and Absorption Concerns
Zinc Gluconate Is it true that many zinc gluconate supplements available on the market are synthetic? Will consuming these cause irreversible harm to the body? Is there a possibility that taking zinc gluconate could lead to an inability to absorb zinc in the future, or am I just ...
Dr. Wu Hongjie Reply:
Side effects of zinc include abdominal cramps, loss of appetite, irritability, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, headaches, and a metallic taste in the mouth. These symptoms usually resolve on their own. Adult males require approximately 11 milligrams (mg) of zinc per day, and the abso...[Read More] Understanding Zinc Gluconate: Safety and Absorption Concerns
Persistent Fever for Three Weeks: What Specialist Should You Consult?
Recurrent fever for three weeks? My sister, who is 25 years old, developed a fever at the end of April and sought medical attention. Initially, she had a sore throat, and the ENT doctor diagnosed her with a cold. After taking medication for three days, her fever did not subside, ...
Dr. Lin Wufu Reply:
It sounds most like an autoimmune issue. I recommend consulting a rheumatologist, but many details still need to be assessed in person by your sister. You might also consider seeing an infectious disease specialist for further evaluation regarding the unexplained fever. If it is ...[Read More] Persistent Fever for Three Weeks: What Specialist Should You Consult?
Risk of Infection from Snail Encounter During Meal: What to Know
Infection issues If I accidentally bit into a snail shell while eating a lunch box and realized it afterward, but I didn't swallow it, am I at risk of infection? If I have a wound in my mouth, does that increase the likelihood? Should I monitor the situation or seek medical ...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, regarding the snail you mentioned, it is unclear whether it is alive or has been cooked with the food. If it has already been cooked, it should theoretically pose no harm. However, if it is raw, one must be cautious of potential parasitic infections or bacterial contaminat...[Read More] Risk of Infection from Snail Encounter During Meal: What to Know
Risks of Eating Undercooked Pork: Symptoms and When to Seek Help
Ingestion of potentially undercooked pork? Hello, doctor. Today at a hot pot restaurant, I accidentally consumed possibly undercooked pork (it had a soft, raw texture, unlike fully cooked pork). Am I at risk of contracting a parasitic infection? If I do get infected, what symptom...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, undercooked pork is commonly associated with pork tapeworms; however, the risk is relatively low in Taiwan. A higher concern is the potential for bacterial growth if the meat is not fresh, which could lead to gastroenteritis. It is advisable to monitor for symptoms such as...[Read More] Risks of Eating Undercooked Pork: Symptoms and When to Seek Help
Which Medical Specialty Should I See for Severe Cough and Nasal Issues?
Which specialty should I see? (Due to severe coughing along with nasal congestion and runny nose issues.) Dr. Hong: Hello! I started experiencing coughing symptoms on the fourth day of the Lunar New Year this year (to clarify: I actually had severe sneezing on February 9th, and I...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Based on your description, it seems you may have an acute respiratory infection combined with bronchitis, exacerbated by recent severe air pollution, which is causing your persistent cough. If you have already seen an otolaryngologist, I recommend visiting a pulmonology clinic to...[Read More] Which Medical Specialty Should I See for Severe Cough and Nasal Issues?
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
Chronic Phlegm and Chest X-Ray Concerns: What You Need to Know
Chronic sputum production and chest X-ray abnormalities? Hello, Doctor. For the past few months, I seem to have been experiencing a persistent phlegm condition. If I refer to my earliest medical visit, it was in September of this year. There were times when I didn't feel muc...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, based on your initial X-ray, we did not observe any significant issues. Your symptoms are primarily upper respiratory symptoms, which could be due to a common cold, COVID-19 infection, influenza, or allergic bronchitis. These conditions can be difficult to differentiate ba...[Read More] Chronic Phlegm and Chest X-Ray Concerns: What You Need to Know