Understanding Recurrent Infections: Causes and When to Seek Help
Recurrent inflammatory colds? Hello, doctor. In the past month, I have been experiencing recurrent episodes of fever and inflammation. The first instance was a sudden acute fever, which did not show significant signs of subsiding after two days. After visiting my family physician...
Dr. Lin Wufu Reply:
Hello: Your situation is relatively complex, and it is recommended that you visit the Infectious Disease outpatient clinic for evaluation. Additionally, if you experience any changes in hearing, it is advisable to see an Ear, Nose, and Throat (ENT) specialist to rule out more obv...[Read More] Understanding Recurrent Infections: Causes and When to Seek Help
Consulting a Doctor: COVID-19 Symptoms and Concerns Explained
Consult a doctor? Hello Doctor, I tested positive for COVID-19 a few days ago and have a few questions. I am currently taking Qingguo No. 1 and have also visited an ENT specialist for medication to treat my sore throat and runny nose. I noticed that my phlegm has been yellow and ...
Dr. Liao Zhongxin Reply:
1. After several days of forceful coughing, it is normal to have some blood-tinged sputum due to the rupture of small blood vessels in the trachea. However, if there is a significant amount of fresh blood, it is different, and you should seek medical attention. 2. Whether it...[Read More] Consulting a Doctor: COVID-19 Symptoms and Concerns Explained
Blood in Sputum Without Cough: Understanding Possible Causes
Coughing up blood-stained sputum without coughing? Today, I started experiencing a sore throat and a fever of 38 degrees Celsius. While taking a shower in the evening, I coughed up phlegm and noticed blood in it, but I haven't had a runny nose or a cough. I visited a clinic ...
Dr. Li Jian Reply:
If symptoms persist, it is recommended to see a pulmonologist for further evaluation. Thank you for your inquiry.[Read More] Blood in Sputum Without Cough: Understanding Possible Causes
Understanding One-Sided Nosebleeds: When to See an ENT Specialist
Bleeding is more likely to occur on the left side? Hello, doctor. I would like to ask: 1. If there is unilateral epistaxis, but the bleeding stops within about 2 minutes. 2. The nasal blood is not pure blood but has a viscous consistency. * After the bleeding stops, there is bloo...
Dr. Zeng Guosen Reply:
If a person experiences a nosebleed on one side, and it occurs infrequently and stops quickly, there is usually no need for concern. However, if it happens frequently, it is advisable to consult an otolaryngologist for further evaluation. If there has been a head injury, one shou...[Read More] Understanding One-Sided Nosebleeds: When to See an ENT Specialist
Post-COVID Coughing: When to Seek Chest X-Ray for Blood-Streaked Phlegm?
What is the appropriate timing for a chest examination after being diagnosed with a condition and still experiencing hemoptysis? Hello doctor, I was diagnosed at the end of last year and completed isolation in early January. I continued to self-isolate until I tested negative on ...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, if you cough forcefully, it can easily cause microvascular rupture in the throat, leading to blood-tinged sputum. This should gradually improve as the cough resolves. Whether a follow-up chest X-ray is necessary mainly depends on whether you experience shortness of breath ...[Read More] Post-COVID Coughing: When to Seek Chest X-Ray for Blood-Streaked Phlegm?
Persistent Cough and Fever After Negative COVID Test: What to Know
After testing negative for COVID-19, I have been experiencing persistent coughing and recurrent fever? I would like to ask about my friend who was previously diagnosed with COVID-19. Although he tested negative on a rapid test afterward, he has been experiencing low-grade fevers ...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Many people do continue to cough for a long time after recovering from COVID-19. It is important to determine whether there is a complication such as pneumonia. If pneumonia is present, antibiotic treatment may be necessary. The most accurate way to assess this is through a chest...[Read More] Persistent Cough and Fever After Negative COVID Test: What to Know
Risk of HIV Infection from Sputum Splash in Eyewear: What You Need to Know
HIV infection Hello Doctor, I would like to inquire about the risk of infection if a patient with HIV accidentally splashes sputum into my eyes while assisting with sputum suction. I usually wear prescription glasses, and today while helping the patient, I felt that some sputum m...
Dr. Liao Zhongxin Reply:
First, let's review the information from the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) regarding HIV transmission routes: 1. Sexual transmission: Engaging in oral, anal, or vaginal intercourse or other exchanges of bodily fluids with an HIV-infected individual carries a risk of infe...[Read More] Risk of HIV Infection from Sputum Splash in Eyewear: What You Need to Know
Risk of HIV Infection from Patient's Sputum Exposure: What You Need to Know
HIV infection Hello Doctor, the day before yesterday while I was performing suctioning on a patient, it seems that the patient's sputum splashed into my eyes. However, since I was wearing large-frame prescription glasses and the sensation was not very noticeable, I am not su...
Dr. Lin Wufu Reply:
Hello, I apologize for the late response. For transmission to occur through this route, the patient must be an HIV-positive individual who is not on antiretroviral therapy, resulting in a high viral load. Theoretically, the risk of transmission from respiratory secretions splashi...[Read More] Risk of HIV Infection from Patient's Sputum Exposure: What You Need to Know
Understanding the Connection Between Lung Nodules and Sputum Production
Pulmonary nodules and sputum? In early August of this year, a CT scan revealed a 1.5 cm ground-glass lung nodule in the right lung. Since early October, I have been experiencing a daily production of white phlegm from my throat, and now in late October, the amount of phlegm has i...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, could you please clarify what the possible causes of the nodules identified in your CT scan might be? Possible causes include previous pneumonia, tuberculosis, fibrosis, or tumors. Typically, a radiologist will provide a report with an initial assessment of the findings. I...[Read More] Understanding the Connection Between Lung Nodules and Sputum Production
Concerns About Cough and Possible STD: Understanding Your Diagnosis
Infection concerns? Hello, doctor. I've been coughing for over a month and was worried about the possibility of an HIV infection, so I went to the infectious disease department and had blood tests done twice, including testing for syphilis. The doctor only told me that I do ...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Doxycycline is currently primarily used to treat two types of conditions: 1. It is one of the drug choices for syphilis. 2. It is used to treat certain atypical bacterial infections, such as Mycoplasma infections of the respiratory tract. Since you have some respiratory symptoms ...[Read More] Concerns About Cough and Possible STD: Understanding Your Diagnosis
Blood-Streaked Sputum After COVID-19: When to Seek Medical Attention?
The diagnosed patient is coughing up sputum with a slight trace of blood? I tested positive on May 19. Initially, I had a cough but no phlegm. By the morning of May 21, I noticed blood streaks in my phlegm when I coughed it up. My wife said that my coughing technique might be wro...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, COVID-19 patients may experience some microvascular bleeding in the throat during severe coughing, which can lead to blood-tinged sputum. Symptomatic treatment is recommended, and it should gradually improve. However, if there is persistent fever, chest pain, or severe sho...[Read More] Blood-Streaked Sputum After COVID-19: When to Seek Medical Attention?
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
Chronic Cough and Fever: Could It Indicate Liver Issues?
Persistent cough and fever? Hello, my mother has been coughing since the beginning of this year. In February, she had a fever and went to the hospital where she underwent X-rays, a CT scan, and a bronchoscopy. The X-ray only showed slight fluid accumulation below the ribs. Her sp...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, based on your description, viral infections, bacterial infections, and medication factors can all affect liver function and lead to elevated liver enzyme levels. In a CT scan, the liver typically appears normal despite these three factors. If you are currently hospitalized...[Read More] Chronic Cough and Fever: Could It Indicate Liver Issues?
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 White Foamy Sputum: Causes and Concerns in Tracheostomy Patients
White frothy sputum Hello Doctor, I have a friend who has a tracheostomy. He usually has a lot of sputum, which is yellowish-white and thick. However, tonight it has changed to white, frothy sputum. A few days ago, there were blood streaks in the sputum, and after seeing a doctor...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, regarding foamy sputum, it is usually more likely to originate from the lungs. Patients with tracheostomies often need to frequently secrete mucus to expel foreign substances, which can easily lead to the production of white foamy sputum. As for blood-streaked sputum, it m...[Read More] Understanding White Foamy Sputum: Causes and Concerns in Tracheostomy Patients
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
Is White Foamy Sputum Normal? When to See a Doctor?
Persistent throat clearing with the expulsion of white foamy sputum? Question 1: Is white foamy sputum normal? Question 2: If I keep coughing up this type of sputum, which specialist should I see?
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, 1. Typically, yellow phlegm may indicate a possible infection, while white phlegm is usually a mixture of normal saliva, unless there are other symptoms present, in which case it may not require treatment. 2. If you are very concerned, you can schedule an appointment with ...[Read More] Is White Foamy Sputum Normal? When to See a Doctor?
Understanding Lung Infiltration: When to Seek Further Medical Evaluation
Lung issues Doctor, I have a question. I went to see a family physician because I had a cold, and I underwent an X-ray, blood tests, and sputum analysis (my sputum has always been white, without any yellow or blood-tinged coloration). Later, my cough symptoms improved, and during...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, based on the current pandemic situation, it is recommended to first undergo COVID-19 testing. If the result is negative and symptoms persist, further evaluation by a pulmonologist at a major hospital may be necessary. As for pulmonary infiltrates, it is essentially inflamm...[Read More] Understanding Lung Infiltration: When to Seek Further Medical Evaluation
Common Cold Concerns: Mucus, Phlegm, and Swallowing Issues Explained
I still have questions after the consultation? Hello, doctor. I have two questions I would like to ask you. Today, I visited an otolaryngologist because I don't often seek medical attention, but I've been experiencing a lot of nasal discharge and phlegm over the past fe...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, 1. The color and foam of sputum are primarily for reference; most people's white foamy sputum is considered normal. Diagnosing cancer requires additional diagnostic tools and is not solely based on the appearance of sputum, so you need not worry. 2. If you swallow...[Read More] Common Cold Concerns: Mucus, Phlegm, and Swallowing Issues Explained
Understanding the Significance of Phlegm Color and Texture in Health
The color and consistency of sputum? Hello, doctor. Recently, I saw on LINE and the internet that white foamy sputum could indicate issues such as bronchitis or lung adenocarcinoma. I noticed that when I use my tongue or intentionally cough up phlegm, there are some foamy white a...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
In theory, the sputum of a healthy individual is typically white and frothy. If there is an inflammatory condition, such as pneumonia, the sputum may appear more yellow. In cases of bronchitis or lung adenocarcinoma, the sputum can also be white, but the quantity may be increased...[Read More] Understanding the Significance of Phlegm Color and Texture in Health