Managing COVID-19 in Patients with Sjögren's Syndrome: Treatment Insights
After being diagnosed with COVID-19 three times, the patient has been unable to test negative for an extended period following the most recent diagnosis? Hello Doctor, my mother has been diagnosed with Sjögren's syndrome for over ten years. Currently, she is taking one pill ...
Dr. Gao Jiankai Reply:
Hello, thank you for your question. Here are my responses: 1. I would like to ask whether antiviral medication is necessary, or if there is a need for antiviral medication for patients with Sjögren's syndrome? (I am not opposed to taking it; if possible, I hope the physicia...[Read More] Managing COVID-19 in Patients with Sjögren's Syndrome: Treatment Insights
Understanding Salivary Gland Scintigraphy in Sjögren's Syndrome
Salivary Gland Scintigraphy Report for Sjögren's Syndrome Hello, Dr. Gao. My salivary gland biopsy showed lymphocytic infiltration, confirming a diagnosis of Sjögren's syndrome. I subsequently underwent salivary gland scintigraphy and would like to ask how this report i...
Dr. Gao Jiankai Reply:
Hello, thank you for your question. Compensatory parotid function refers to the adaptive response of the salivary glands, resulting in heterogeneous signal distribution on imaging, where some areas show strong signals while others show weak signals. This indicates that the functi...[Read More] Understanding Salivary Gland Scintigraphy in Sjögren's Syndrome
Can Tiny Jumping Bugs Enter Your Lungs and Cause Harm?
Jumping worms are very small and can jump in the air; can they be inhaled into the lungs? Hello, doctor. Due to previous flooding of the wooden floor in my home, there has been a presence of damp insects. I hired a pest control company to address the issue, but I later noticed th...
Dr. Lin Wufu Reply:
Hello! No, that's not possible! Our trachea has many cilia, and when foreign objects enter the trachea, it triggers a strong cough reflex to expel the foreign material. It also produces secretions to prevent foreign objects from continuing to enter the lungs. So under normal...[Read More] Can Tiny Jumping Bugs Enter Your Lungs and Cause Harm?
Understanding Prolonged Fever: Blood Test Insights and Concerns
Blood tests for fever lasting more than 6 days? Hello Doctor, I have been experiencing a fever for over 6 days (around 38 degrees Celsius). I visited the clinic twice (COVID-19 and influenza tests were negative). The clinic doctor recommended that I go to a large hospital for blo...
Dr. Li Jian Reply:
The inflammatory index is slightly elevated, and the glomerular filtration rate can be monitored by a nephrologist. Thank you for your inquiry.[Read More] Understanding Prolonged Fever: Blood Test Insights and Concerns
Why You Might Wake Up at 5 AM with Breathing Issues: Causes and Solutions
For the past couple of days, I have been waking up at five in the morning with difficulty breathing? Hello doctor, for the past two or three days, I have been waking up at 5 AM feeling congested, with a sore throat and difficulty breathing. I feel like I have a lot of phlegm, and...
Dr. Gao Jiankai Reply:
Hello, thank you for your inquiry. If it's inconvenient for you to seek medical attention, you can start by using antihistamines, preferably the newer generation medications that are less likely to cause drowsiness. Additionally, make sure to drink plenty of water to see if ...[Read More] Why You Might Wake Up at 5 AM with Breathing Issues: Causes and Solutions
Choking on Saliva: Risks of Aspiration and When to Seek Help
Choking on saliva while swallowing, leading to difficulty breathing? About twenty minutes ago, I choked on my own saliva. This isn't the first time it has happened; each time, I cough to the point where I feel like I can't breathe and I'm close to suffocating. This...
Dr. Gao Jiankai Reply:
Hello, thank you for your question. Our trachea is quite sensitive, and even if we choke on water, it is often just a small amount that can be coughed out quickly. The amount of saliva is even less, making it unlikely to choke on a large volume of water, so there is no need to wo...[Read More] Choking on Saliva: Risks of Aspiration and When to Seek Help
Understanding Recurrent Fever: Immune System Challenges and Solutions
Repeated fever over the past two months? Hello, since May, I have noticed that my immune system has been getting weaker. I used to rarely get sick, but on May 8, I discovered I had shingles (the doctor said it was due to stress and a decline in immunity, and prescribed zinc for m...
Dr. Liao Zhongxin Reply:
1. Since you have been diagnosed with influenza type A and are receiving treatment with oseltamivir, it is important to rest well and allow your immune system to recover to eliminate the virus from your body. 2. As for persistent symptoms after infection, this is common with COV...[Read More] Understanding Recurrent Fever: Immune System Challenges and Solutions
Can Slug Mucus Spread Parasites in Your Home? Health Risks Explained
Slugs are crawling all over the house? Hello, doctor. I have seen reports that the mucus secreted by mollusks such as snails, slugs, and other soft-bodied animals can contain the parasitic worm Angiostrongylus cantonensis. A few days ago, a large slug about 10 centimeters long cr...
Dr. Liao Zhongxin Reply:
The pathogen of Guangdong blood fluke infection is the Guangdong blood fluke. In 1933, Mr. Chen Xintao first discovered this parasite in the lungs (pulmonary arteries) of rats while investigating parasites in the black rat and brown rat in Guangdong Province, China. In 1937, a Ja...[Read More] Can Slug Mucus Spread Parasites in Your Home? Health Risks Explained
Persistent Dry Cough After COVID-19: Understanding Symptoms and Management
A slight cough (non-productive) in the throat persisting for six months after a confirmed COVID-19 infection? Hello Doctor: I am 20 years old and have ankylosing spondylitis. I tested positive for COVID-19 in early October 2022, experiencing mild symptoms (low fever for 1-2 days,...
Dr. Xie Rongyuan Reply:
Hello: After being diagnosed with COVID-19, there may be upper respiratory symptoms. If the symptoms persist, you may visit a hospital for medical care to alleviate the symptoms. Thank you for your message![Read More] Persistent Dry Cough After COVID-19: Understanding Symptoms and Management
Understanding Asthma: Managing Persistent Cough and Heart Concerns
Asthma issues I would like to ask the doctor a few questions. Since last winter, I have been coughing persistently. I have visited many clinics, and the doctors have said it is due to allergies caused by changes in the weather, and that it would improve as the weather warms up. I...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, chronic cough can indeed have many causes. The most important thing is to rule out lung and heart issues. If auscultation is normal, the chances of severe asthma are lower, but there may be other lung problems. It is advisable to consult a pulmonology or family medicine ou...[Read More] Understanding Asthma: Managing Persistent Cough and Heart Concerns
Understanding Unusual Breathing Sounds: When to Seek Medical Advice
Regarding respiratory issues? Hello, doctor. I have a question. Sometimes my breathing sounds very loud (not during sleep). It’s like after normal breathing, there’s a sudden loud exhale, and it feels like I have tightness in my chest and can’t breathe out properly. I’m not sure ...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, 1. Regarding the respiratory sounds, being overweight can cause airway compression, which may lead to wheezing or audible breathing. If you are feeling very uncomfortable, you can visit an outpatient clinic for an X-ray to ensure that your lungs are healthy. If it is alr...[Read More] Understanding Unusual Breathing Sounds: When to Seek Medical Advice
Understanding Loud Breathing: Causes and When to Seek Help
Regarding respiratory issues? Hello, doctor. I have a question. Sometimes my breathing sounds very loud (not during sleep). It's like after normal breathing, there will suddenly be a loud exhalation, and it feels like I have a tightness in my chest and can't breathe out...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, 1. Regarding respiratory sounds, being overweight can cause airway compression, which may lead to wheezing or audible breathing. If you are feeling very uncomfortable, you can visit an outpatient clinic for an X-ray to confirm that your lungs are in good condition. If it...[Read More] Understanding Loud Breathing: Causes and When to Seek Help
Understanding Choking Hazards: Symptoms and When to Seek Help
Choking issues? Hello, doctor. While I was having dinner, I suddenly felt the urge to talk and laugh, and it seemed like the food I had just chewed suddenly slipped down. I also felt like something was running up to my nose, but I didn't cough immediately. After eating a few...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, the human body has certain physiological structures, such as the epiglottis, that help prevent choking. Therefore, even if young people choke, the likelihood of food entering the airway is low. Additionally, since you have not experienced persistent coughing or symptoms of...[Read More] Understanding Choking Hazards: Symptoms and When to Seek Help
Managing Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease After Tracheostomy
Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease - Issues After Tracheostomy Hello, Dr. Hong. My father has a history of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and severe pulmonary fibrosis. A few years ago, he required intubation due to respiratory failure, but he successfully underw...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Based on your description, your father has chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) along with severe pulmonary fibrosis. The chances of him being weaned off the ventilator are indeed very low. Additionally, the fact that he can only maintain respiratory training for 1-2 hour...[Read More] Managing Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease After Tracheostomy
Chest Pain in Ankylosing Spondylitis: Which Specialist to See First?
If a patient with ankylosing spondylitis experiences chest pain, they should first consult a rheumatologist? Hello Doctor, I am 51 years old and a patient with ankylosing spondylitis, which I developed at the age of 45. My symptoms initially included only buttock pain and morning...
Dr. Gao Jiankai Reply:
Hello, thank you for your question. I recommend seeing a rheumatologist first, as the duration of pain and the pain pattern may resemble that of ankylosing spondylitis, and it could potentially be related to it. If you still have concerns, you can discuss your anxiety about cardi...[Read More] Chest Pain in Ankylosing Spondylitis: Which Specialist to See First?
Understanding Rust-Colored Phlegm: Causes and Concerns
Rust-colored sputum? Hello, doctor. I have a question. I have been using tobacco, alcohol, and betel nut for 30 years. I quit after noticing that the first phlegm I coughed up upon waking in the morning was rust-colored. This has been the case for 2 years now. I have undergone na...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, based on your description, the rust-colored sputum likely indicates chronic inflammation in the lungs, combined with a history of long-term smoking, while both chest X-rays and low-dose CT scans are normal. This situation suggests chronic bronchitis caused by prolonged smo...[Read More] Understanding Rust-Colored Phlegm: Causes and Concerns
Understanding Lung Cancer: Symptoms, Diagnosis, and Next Steps
Lung cancer issues? My husband was diagnosed with malignant liver cancer (stage II) last August. The tumor pressed against the diaphragm, so a small portion was surgically removed. Since March of this year, he has been experiencing persistent shortness of breath, occasional fever...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, based on your description, it is likely that a weakened immune system has led to a lung infection or inflammation. Whether there is emphysema or lung cancer requires further examination for confirmation. Typically, your condition is indeed managed by a pulmonologist; howev...[Read More] Understanding Lung Cancer: Symptoms, Diagnosis, and Next Steps
Understanding Cough and Left Back Pain in Mitral Valve Prolapse Patients
Cold and cough. Soreness in the left back? I have a problem with mitral valve prolapse, and I am taking medication for palpitations and to prevent heart failure. I tend to be more sensitive and anxious, and sometimes my family says I make a big deal out of small issues. However, ...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, 1. Regarding your back pain, it is likely caused by a muscle strain. If you haven't experienced any recent injuries, it may be due to poor posture or muscle strain from excessive coughing. Typically, applying heat or using a topical analgesic can help alleviate the ...[Read More] Understanding Cough and Left Back Pain in Mitral Valve Prolapse Patients
Understanding PET Scan Results: Is a 1.6cm Liver Nodule Benign?
Inquiry about Positron Emission Tomography (PET) Report Hello Doctor, I have to wait until Friday to see the report 😭. I would like to ask if you could confirm my initial translation, which suggests that there is no metastasis or malignant tumor. Is the 1.6 cm nodule in the liver...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, this report mainly indicates that no signs of tumors or metastasis were found, suggesting that the liver tumor is likely benign. Thank you for your inquiry.[Read More] Understanding PET Scan Results: Is a 1.6cm Liver Nodule Benign?
Breathing Difficulties and Chest Pain: Understanding Your Symptoms
Difficulty breathing can cause wheezing, and there may be a stabbing or cramping sensation in the heart? Recently, I've been feeling like I have to take deep breaths to get enough air, and this sensation is more pronounced when I'm wearing a mask. After some physical ac...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, based on your description, it could potentially be a problem related to the stomach, lungs, or heart. However, further examination may be necessary to determine the exact issue. I recommend visiting a cardiology or pulmonology clinic for evaluation. You may need to undergo...[Read More] Breathing Difficulties and Chest Pain: Understanding Your Symptoms