Persistent Low-Grade Fever: When to Seek Further Medical Evaluation?
Low-grade fever for four consecutive days? Hello, For the past four days, my axillary temperature has been between 36.4°C and 36.6°C (previously, it was mostly between 35.6°C and 35.9°C, and during my menstrual period, it peaked at 36.1°C). However, when measuring my ear temper...
Dr. Zeng Guosen Reply:
Hello, your body temperature is slightly elevated but not significantly high. Due to the combined factor of a white blood cell count below the standard range, it is recommended that you first visit an infectious disease specialist. The physician will evaluate the results of your ...[Read More] Persistent Low-Grade Fever: When to Seek Further Medical Evaluation?
Can Sneezing While Eating Lead to Aspiration Pneumonia?
Can sneezing while eating cause aspiration pneumonia? Hello, Doctor Hong. While I was eating, I happened to bite into something in my rice, and suddenly my nose became very itchy, like I was about to sneeze. At that moment, I felt something, possibly from the rice, go down my thr...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, there is an epiglottic cartilage above our trachea that normally closes the airway during sneezing to prevent aspiration pneumonia. Additionally, you do not have any symptoms related to aspiration pneumonia, such as fever, cough, or wheezing, so there is no need to worry. ...[Read More] Can Sneezing While Eating Lead to Aspiration Pneumonia?
Understanding Oral Ulcers: Concerns and Treatments Explained
Consultation with a doctor? Hello Dr. Hong, I visited the ENT department at a large hospital because I had taken cold medicine from a general clinic three times, but I still felt pain on the right side of my throat. Yesterday, I noticed a white spot on the inner membrane of my mo...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, 1. Currently, ENT clinics in Taiwan should be following standard disinfection procedures, so there should be no risk of contracting COVID-19 from this. 2. The color changes you described in the mucous membranes are basic variations associated with mucosal inflammation,...[Read More] Understanding Oral Ulcers: Concerns and Treatments Explained
Concerns About Fish Bone Injury and Oral Anatomy Explained
Ingestion of fish bones and the structure of teeth and oral cavity, please inquire? Hello, Dr. Hong. During dinner, I suspect I may have bitten my gum on a small fish bone. Fortunately, I don't think I swallowed it, as I spat it out but couldn't find it. Currently, I do...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, the small holes you described in the oral cavity are a normal anatomical structure. As for the fishbone you mentioned, if there are no symptoms, it is likely that it has not penetrated. It is advisable to see an ENT specialist only if you experience any discomfort in the t...[Read More] Concerns About Fish Bone Injury and Oral Anatomy Explained
Understanding Throat Pain and the Risks of Swallowing Foreign Objects
Throat issues and ingestion problems? Hello, doctor. I'm not sure if my cold has not fully resolved. Initially, I had a sore throat, and now only one side still hurts. I plan to visit an ENT specialist tomorrow. However, while eating just now, I accidentally swallowed someth...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, based on your description, it seems that your symptoms are likely caused by a cold and not due to any foreign object being lodged. As for the white area you mentioned, I haven't seen it directly, so it's difficult to assess; however, based on your description, it...[Read More] Understanding Throat Pain and the Risks of Swallowing Foreign Objects
Assessing the Risk of COVID-19 Transmission in Public Dining Settings
Transmission potential of Wuhan pneumonia (COVID-19) Hello, doctor. Although I know that the pandemic situation in the country has eased, I tend to be quite anxious and often catch colds. Today, I was reluctantly taken by my family to a buffet at Han Lai Harbor Restaurant. There ...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, although it's mealtime, based on your description, it seems that the other person was at a different table. Currently, there are no local cases in Taiwan, and all foreign entrants are required to undergo a 14-day quarantine, so it is unlikely that you have COVID-19. H...[Read More] Assessing the Risk of COVID-19 Transmission in Public Dining Settings
Understanding Blood-Streaked Phlegm: Causes and Concerns
Sputum with a slight trace of blood? Hello doctor, while I was showering, I sneezed and blew my nose, and I noticed a bit of blood mixed with mucus. Later, I felt some phlegm in my throat with blood streaks, but now it's gone. I'm wondering if this is related to the con...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, more severe pneumonia can indeed cause coughing up blood; however, the blood that is coughed up is typically rust-colored and in large amounts. As for the blood you described, it is likely to be bright red streaks, which can occur due to the rupture of small blood vessels ...[Read More] Understanding Blood-Streaked Phlegm: Causes and Concerns
Chest Tightness and Throat Pain: When to Seek Further Medical Attention
Chest tightness, sore throat, cough, and sharp pain in the throat and chest? Hello doctor, I have been experiencing chest tightness and throat pain for the past week or two. However, it doesn't hurt when I drink water. Occasionally, I have a cough, and when I cough, I feel s...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, based on your symptoms, it is indeed most likely a respiratory infection. However, if you experience persistent fever, ongoing chest pain, or continuous shortness of breath, you should consider seeking medical attention to check for other issues or to rule out the possibil...[Read More] Chest Tightness and Throat Pain: When to Seek Further Medical Attention
Understanding Throat Issues: Pain, Mucus, and Anxiety Explained
Throat issues Hello Doctor, I have a lot of nasal discharge and I feel some pain on the left side of my throat or tonsil, which appears to be larger than the right side. I visited an ENT specialist today, and the doctor said there is no significant inflammation and prescribed me ...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Based on your description, it is possible that you are experiencing symptoms of a cold or allergies, which may have led to throat inflammation and discomfort. If you have already been examined by an otolaryngologist, it is likely just a simple inflammatory condition. If you have ...[Read More] Understanding Throat Issues: Pain, Mucus, and Anxiety Explained
Swallowed Crab Shell: Risks and What to Expect for Your Throat
Throat issues Doctor, today while eating crab, I accidentally swallowed a small thin piece that resembles a shell. Although my throat feels fine now, it felt a bit strange at first, but it improved after drinking some water. I would like to know if it could still be stuck in my t...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, usually substances like crab shells will pass through the stomach and be excreted in the feces, and they are unlikely to get stuck in the stomach. Thank you for your question.[Read More] Swallowed Crab Shell: Risks and What to Expect for Your Throat
Swallowed Fish Bone or Just a Sensation? Understanding Your Symptoms
I'm not sure if it's a fish bone? Hello, doctor. While eating fried sweet and sour fish, I felt something stuck in my throat after swallowing, and I'm not sure if it was the hard fried skin or a fish bone. I tried to induce vomiting to see if anything would come ou...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, if a fishbone gets stuck, there is usually a persistent sensation of a foreign body. Based on your description, if the subsequent symptoms gradually improve, there should be less concern about the fishbone issue. However, if you still feel very uncomfortable, you can visit...[Read More] Swallowed Fish Bone or Just a Sensation? Understanding Your Symptoms
Concerns About Inhalation Pneumonia After Taking Herbal Powder
Throat and trachea issues, suspected choking on traditional Chinese medicine powder? Hello, Doctor Hong. I took some traditional Chinese medicine powder after breakfast, and I’m not sure if my mouth was too dry, but when I poured the powder into my mouth, it felt like it stuck to...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, based on the process and symptoms you described, there are no signs of aspiration pneumonia unless there are subsequent symptoms such as wheezing, chest pain, or fever. In that case, you would need to consult a pulmonologist, an infectious disease specialist, or a family m...[Read More] Concerns About Inhalation Pneumonia After Taking Herbal Powder
Can Sneezing While Eating Cause Food to Enter Lungs or Airways?
Sneezing issues? Hello, Doctor Hong. While I was eating, my nose suddenly became very itchy, and I sneezed halfway through my meal. I felt like a grain of rice went down my throat, and some of it may have entered my nasal cavity. Later, I coughed up some phlegm that contained bit...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, based on the symptoms you described, it seems to be a slight inflammation of the nasopharynx or oropharynx due to food irritation, rather than aspiration or aspiration pneumonia. Humans have an epiglottis that helps prevent aspiration pneumonia. Therefore, unless one is el...[Read More] Can Sneezing While Eating Cause Food to Enter Lungs or Airways?
Feeling of a Foreign Body in the Throat: Causes and Relief Options
Feeling of a foreign body in the throat? Hello, doctor. About a month ago, I had a slight cold and visited an ENT specialist. The doctor mentioned some inflammation. After taking medication for three days, I felt better and didn't return for a follow-up, allowing myself to r...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, 1. Based on your description, it seems to be just a throat inflammation and not aspiration pneumonia, unless there is severe coughing or wheezing, which would warrant concern. 2. If something is lodged in your throat, usually consuming soft foods can help alleviate the...[Read More] Feeling of a Foreign Body in the Throat: Causes and Relief Options
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
Concerns About Ingesting Shell Fragments: When to Seek Medical Attention
Ingestion issues Hello doctor, while eating seafood porridge, I unknowingly swallowed a small hard object that might have been a fragment of a clam shell or an oyster. I felt it when I swallowed it with the rice, but after drinking water, I no longer felt anything. Recently, I ca...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, normally the epiglottic cartilage in healthy individuals prevents aspiration pneumonia. Based on your description, it is unlikely to cause aspiration pneumonia unless some elderly individuals have deteriorated swallowing function, which could lead to choking. Therefore, th...[Read More] Concerns About Ingesting Shell Fragments: When to Seek Medical Attention
Choking on Noodles: Risks of Aspiration and Lung Complications
Choking on noodles? The doctor would like to ask if after accidentally choking on noodles, I coughed for a while but did not see the noodles come out. Although I don't feel too uncomfortable and have been coughing, there is suddenly a strange sensation in my throat. Is it po...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, the human body has protective mechanisms in the throat, including the epiglottis and other structures that safeguard the respiratory tract. Therefore, unless it is an elderly person experiencing a decline in these protective mechanisms due to aging, it is unlikely for aspi...[Read More] Choking on Noodles: Risks of Aspiration and Lung Complications
Understanding Throat Issues: Symptoms, Risks, and Recovery Tips
Throat and pharyngeal issues? Hello, Doctor Hong. I recently visited an otolaryngologist due to a cold, and I'm not sure if it's related, but after drinking too much alcohol yesterday, I vomited. Today, when I ate garlic chives or some vegetables, I felt like they were ...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, based on your description, the most common cause is a fishbone or small bone lodged in the throat. The examination method is performed by an otolaryngologist using a laryngoscope to check the throat. If you have seen an otolaryngologist and they have performed a laryngosco...[Read More] Understanding Throat Issues: Symptoms, Risks, and Recovery Tips
Understanding Persistent Low-Grade Fever and Its Possible Causes
Slightly elevated body temperature over a prolonged period? Hello Doctor, I have been experiencing slightly elevated body temperature since before my vacation, particularly feeling uncomfortable when it reaches around 37.5 to 37.8 degrees Celsius, while my usual temperature is ab...
Dr. Gao Jiankai Reply:
Hello, thank you for your message. If you are experiencing unexplained elevated body temperature or mild fever and have already consulted the specialties mentioned in your message without finding a solution, it would indeed be advisable to visit a Rheumatology and Immunology depa...[Read More] Understanding Persistent Low-Grade Fever and Its Possible Causes
Concerns About Inhalation Pneumonia from Herbal Powder Intake
Throat and tracheal issues, suspected choking on herbal powder? Hello, Dr. Hong. I took some traditional Chinese medicine powder after breakfast, and I’m not sure if my mouth was too dry, but when I poured the powder into my mouth, it felt like it stuck to the back of my throat. ...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, this situation could indeed lead to aspiration pneumonia; however, considering your age, your swallowing function should be normal. Additionally, since you described that there have been no subsequent symptoms of coughing or wheezing, it is likely that your condition has n...[Read More] Concerns About Inhalation Pneumonia from Herbal Powder Intake