Understanding Throat Discomfort: Possible Causes and Solutions
Infection issues I would like to ask the doctor, I have been experiencing some discomfort in my throat recently, but it is not severe. I feel very thirsty often, have a bit of bad breath, and I feel cold every morning when I wake up. Could you please tell me what this might indic...
Dr. Liao Zhongxin Reply:
1. Currently, it is midsummer, and the weather is hot and humid. It is important to increase fluid and electrolyte intake. 2. If you have already done this and still feel unwell, consider spending more time outdoors in nature during the morning and evening, while also paying at...[Read More] Understanding Throat Discomfort: Possible Causes and Solutions
Can You Get HIV from Saliva if You Have a Sore Throat?
HIV infection I have a cold and a sore throat. I came into contact with the saliva of an HIV-positive person. Since I have a sore throat with wounds, is there a risk of transmission?
Dr. Gao Jiankai Reply:
Hello, thank you for your inquiry. Although HIV infection leads to immune dysfunction, the related symptoms are primarily various infections. Therefore, the issue of HIV should be addressed by an infectious disease specialist. Please consult with an infectious disease physician. ...[Read More] Can You Get HIV from Saliva if You Have a Sore Throat?
Understanding Immune Disorders and Allergies: A Patient's Guide
Autoimmune diseases and allergic issues? Hello, Doctor. I would like to ask you a few questions: 1. I was diagnosed with ankylosing spondylitis over two years ago and started taking Celebrex, usually once a day, and sometimes twice when my back pain is worse. I would like to kn...
Dr. Gao Jiankai Reply:
Hello, thank you for your inquiry. Here are my responses: 1. You were diagnosed with ankylosing spondylitis over two years ago and started taking Celebrex, typically once a day, and sometimes twice when your back pain is more severe. You are wondering if it is normal to feel tha...[Read More] Understanding Immune Disorders and Allergies: A Patient's Guide
What to Do After Accidental Antibiotic Overdose?
What should be done after accidentally taking antibiotics? I had nasal congestion and runny nose for two to three days, thinking it was just my nasal allergies. Later, I woke up to find my throat swollen and realized I had a cold. I thought I would just go to the pharmacy to buy ...
Dr. Gao Jiankai Reply:
Hello, thank you for your question. Biaxin is an antibiotic that we commonly prescribe, and it can indeed have diarrhea as a side effect. If you are only experiencing a cold with a sore throat, without a fever, and your symptoms are improving, you may not need to continue taking ...[Read More] What to Do After Accidental Antibiotic Overdose?
Understanding Tonsillitis: Symptoms, Treatment, and Recovery Time
Tonsillitis Doctor, I recently tested positive for COVID-19, and about a week after recovering, I suddenly experienced pain on the left side of my throat. It feels like there is a foreign object when I swallow, and when I eat, it hurts. The doctor prescribed me antibiotics, somet...
Dr. Li Jian Reply:
If you have tonsillitis, please visit the otolaryngology clinic for further examination. Thank you for your inquiry.[Read More] Understanding Tonsillitis: Symptoms, Treatment, and Recovery Time
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
Understanding Autoimmune Hepatitis: Symptoms, Treatment, and Concerns
Autoimmune hepatitis Hello Doctor: At the end of March this year, I sought consultation in the hepatobiliary and gastroenterology department due to fatigue, jaundice, and tea-colored urine. Blood tests showed AST 675, ALT 1077, and total bilirubin 4.6. Subsequent tests for HBsAg ...
Dr. Zeng Guosen Reply:
It is highly recommended to seek medical attention as soon as possible, preferably by returning to your original treating physician's clinic. If the appointments are fully booked, you should be able to request an additional slot with your original doctor. To determine the si...[Read More] Understanding Autoimmune Hepatitis: Symptoms, Treatment, and Concerns
Managing Cough and Gastroesophageal Reflux: A Guide to Better Sleep
Cough accompanied by difficulty breathing, causing sleepless nights? Hello, I woke up suddenly around 3 AM with a headache, and then I started sweating profusely. After that, I vomited, possibly due to stomach acid irritating my throat, which now feels like there is something stu...
Dr. Wu Yuwei Reply:
It is recommended to follow up with a gastroenterologist, as gastroesophageal reflux can sometimes cause coughing symptoms.[Read More] Managing Cough and Gastroesophageal Reflux: A Guide to Better Sleep
Understanding Test Results: Concerns About Tumor Risk and Further Examinations
Please inquire about the test results? Hello, doctor. Recently, my father experienced swelling in his throat and left hand due to stress, prompting him to visit a rheumatology and immunology specialist. Based on his condition, the doctor ordered the following tests (the items lis...
Dr. Gao Jiankai Reply:
Hello, thank you for your inquiry. Here are my responses: 1. The attending physician did not inform us about the location of the tumor, nor did they provide a detailed explanation to my father regarding which specific values were problematic for the diagnosis. Could you please ...[Read More] Understanding Test Results: Concerns About Tumor Risk and Further Examinations
Managing Mycoplasma Infection: Treatment Duration and Medication Guidance
Medication issues related to suspected Mycoplasma infections? Hello Dr. Liao, I started experiencing symptoms of a sore throat, itching, and coughing on March 19 while in mainland China. Due to potential exposure to a Mycoplasma infection, I sought medical attention after retur...
Dr. Liao Zhongxin Reply:
According to the recommendations from the Centers for Disease Control in Taiwan: 1. The drug of choice for Mycoplasma pneumoniae is not erythromycin, but rather macrolide antibiotics. Alternative medications include fluoroquinolone antibiotics or tetracycline antibiotics. Gener...[Read More] Managing Mycoplasma Infection: Treatment Duration and Medication Guidance
Understanding Allergic Rhinitis: Immunology vs. ENT Treatment Approaches
Allergic rhinitis Can I also see the immunology department? May I ask if your treatment methods in immunology involve regular appointments for medication management? What is the difference between immunology and otolaryngology?
Dr. Gao Jiankai Reply:
Hello, thank you for your question. Personally, I believe the differences between our department and the otolaryngology department are as follows: 1. We primarily focus on medication, while otolaryngologists can use endoscopy to observe changes in the nasal cavity, throat, and ea...[Read More] Understanding Allergic Rhinitis: Immunology vs. ENT Treatment Approaches
Chronic Bloating, Unproductive Burping, and Unexplained Fever: Seeking Answers
Bloating, inability to burp, and unexplained fever issues? Hello doctor, I would like to ask about my issues with frequent bloating and an inability to burp, which has made me feel nauseous for over five years. Every morning, I wake up feeling very nauseous, and I almost always e...
Dr. Li Jian Reply:
If traveling abroad can improve the issue, it may be caused by psychological factors. It would be advisable to consider consulting a psychosomatic medicine specialist. Thank you for your inquiry.[Read More] Chronic Bloating, Unproductive Burping, and Unexplained Fever: Seeking Answers
Understanding Side Effects of Levothyroxine in Hypothyroidism Treatment
Thyroid medication consultation I have hypothyroidism (Hashimoto's disease) and have been under follow-up for over two years with no significant symptoms. During my last follow-up in March, my levels worsened slightly, and my doctor prescribed Eltroxin 50, instructing me to ...
Dr. Li Jian Reply:
The dosage of Antithyroid medication needs to be monitored by blood tests for TSH and free T4 levels in order to determine the appropriate dosage. Thank you for your inquiry.[Read More] Understanding Side Effects of Levothyroxine in Hypothyroidism Treatment
Could Oral Contact with a Massage Therapist Lead to Infection?
Infection concerns? Hello doctor, I visited a massage parlor on March 1st and licked the massage therapist's nipple. I know this is very unhygienic, but at that moment, due to some issues, I was emotionally unstable and acted foolishly. Starting on the night of March 3rd, I ...
Dr. Liao Zhongxin Reply:
In addition to HIV, there are other sexually transmitted infections (STIs) or skin diseases that can be transmitted through contact. HIV is primarily spread through unprotected sexual intercourse, sharing of drug injection needles, and vertical transmission from mother to child, ...[Read More] Could Oral Contact with a Massage Therapist Lead to Infection?
Can Sneezing Too Hard Cause Chest Pain After COVID-19?
Sneezing after diagnosis? Hello, I would like to consult a doctor. I was diagnosed with COVID-19 for the second time during the New Year. I took cold medicine and traditional Chinese medicine, and I no longer have yellow phlegm or a sore throat. However, after sneezing quite forc...
Dr. Liao Zhongxin Reply:
1. After a typical COVID-19 infection, a dry cough and decreased appetite may persist for one to two weeks, gradually improving over time. 2. If the cough and chest pain continue, or if there is hemoptysis, it is advisable to visit a healthcare facility to check for possible se...[Read More] Can Sneezing Too Hard Cause Chest Pain After COVID-19?
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
Recurring Monthly Fevers: Unraveling the Mystery Beyond Flu and COVID
Recurring fever every month that is neither influenza nor COVID-19? Since changing jobs in the second half of last year, I've been experiencing a lot of health issues (previously, I would only catch a cold once every six months). In May, I developed numerous unexplained red ...
Dr. Gao Jiankai Reply:
Hello, thank you for your inquiry. Recurrent fever is still a concern, and I recommend that you see a rheumatologist for further evaluation and testing. The Allergy, Immunology, and Rheumatology Department at Changhua Hospital of the Ministry of Health and Welfare is here to assi...[Read More] Recurring Monthly Fevers: Unraveling the Mystery Beyond Flu and COVID
Choking on Medication: Risks and Symptoms to Watch For
Medication stuck in the throat? About an hour ago, I accidentally swallowed a pill that got stuck on the right side of my throat. At that moment, I felt difficulty breathing along with coughing. Later, I drank water to push the pill down. Is it possible that I accidentally pushed...
Dr. Gao Jiankai Reply:
Hello, thank you for your question. The medication will not be pushed into the trachea; if it were to enter the trachea, your coughing would become more severe rather than alleviating. Therefore, the medication has already reached your stomach, so there is no need to worry. This ...[Read More] Choking on Medication: Risks and Symptoms to Watch For
Persistent Low-Grade Fever: Symptoms, Concerns, and Next Steps
Persistent low-grade fever Hello Doctor, I have been experiencing recurrent low-grade fevers since last Friday afternoon, and it has now been a week with no improvement. I visited a clinic where the doctor prescribed Tamiflu, but it has not been effective. My symptoms include per...
Dr. Li Jian Reply:
It is recommended that you go to the infectious disease department for further blood tests. Thank you for your inquiry.[Read More] Persistent Low-Grade Fever: Symptoms, Concerns, and Next Steps