Understanding Thyroid Enlargement: Concerns and Next Steps for Patients
Goiter Hello Dr. Yang: I consulted with Dr. Dong Jin-jia at Taoyuan General Hospital's Internal Medicine Department. The examination revealed that I have an enlarged thyroid gland. I have been taking a medication called Antithyroid for 9 months. For the first 6 months, the s...
Dr. Yang Hongzhi Reply:
Hello: 1. Thyroid enlargement needs to be differentiated as either diffuse goiter (where the entire thyroid gland is enlarged) or thyroid nodules (which may consist of one or more nodules), so the ultrasound results will determine which type it is. 2. Some thyroid enlargements ca...[Read More] Understanding Thyroid Enlargement: Concerns and Next Steps for Patients
Do You Really Need Antibiotics for Your Symptoms?
Do I need to take antibiotics? I have a headache and a fever of 37.8°C. My throat is slightly swollen (day one). I saw a doctor who prescribed antibiotics. Should I take the antibiotics? I have a sensitive stomach, and every time I take medication, my stomach hurts the next day a...
Dr. Hong Hongchang Reply:
Hello: Thank you for your question. In response to your inquiry, I would like to provide the following advice: Most respiratory infections do not require antibiotics. If you have any further questions, please feel free to ask.[Read More] Do You Really Need Antibiotics for Your Symptoms?
Understanding Thyroid Cysts: Symptoms, Diagnosis, and Treatment
Growths on the neck? There is a thyroid cyst near the right clavicle that varies in size, with ultrasound examination showing solid components that cannot be aspirated. Sometimes it feels swollen and painful, and there is also a sensation of dryness and pain in the throat. I woul...
Dr. Zeng Guosen Reply:
According to the description from netizens, it is likely a thyroid cyst or thyroid nodule. It is recommended to visit an endocrinologist for differential diagnosis.[Read More] Understanding Thyroid Cysts: Symptoms, Diagnosis, and Treatment
Feeling of a Foreign Body When Swallowing: Causes and Solutions
Feeling of a foreign body sensation when swallowing saliva? Hello Dr. Zhong, I started having gastroscopies about three years ago, and the results showed chronic gastritis and esophagitis. The doctor mentioned that my esophagitis was due to excessive gastric acid reflux. After ...
Dr. Zhong Weisheng Reply:
Kelly: Hello, regarding the sensation of a foreign body when swallowing saliva, it is recommended to consult an "Otolaryngologist" to examine the nasopharynx and oropharynx for any abnormalities. If there are no issues, you may then see a Gastroenterologist for an esoph...[Read More] Feeling of a Foreign Body When Swallowing: Causes and Solutions
Understanding Thyroid Issues: Symptoms, Causes, and Dietary Advice
Thyroid issues Hello Doctor: My family member previously went to the hospital for a thyroid function test, which showed T3: 136, T4: 8.27, TSH: 13.3. Later, during a follow-up test, the TSH level increased to over 51. I have a few questions: 1. What could have caused this? 2. My ...
Dr. Yang Hongzhi Reply:
Normal T3 and T4 levels with a slight increase in TSH are referred to as subclinical hypothyroidism, indicating that the thyroid gland is showing a tendency towards dysfunction. However, due to compensatory mechanisms, thyroid function remains normal. If TSH rises to 51, it is ne...[Read More] Understanding Thyroid Issues: Symptoms, Causes, and Dietary Advice
Understanding Viral Infections in Children: Antibiotics and Fever Concerns
Issues Related to Viral Infections and Antibiotics My child is nine years old and last Wednesday had a fever reaching 40 degrees Celsius. We went to the pediatric outpatient clinic, where the doctor found only slight redness and swelling in the throat. Auscultation showed no bron...
Dr. Lin Mingfeng Reply:
1. Viral infections refer to infections caused by filterable viruses. Influenza (commonly known as the flu) is just one of them; most colds are also caused by viruses. 2. Antibiotics are not needed for viral infections unless a bacterial infection occurs as a complication. 3....[Read More] Understanding Viral Infections in Children: Antibiotics and Fever Concerns
Understanding Coughing Up Blood: Causes and When to Seek Help
Coughing up blood? I thought I had phlegm when I was coughing, but what I coughed up was blood, and afterwards, I still felt like there was phlegm in my throat, but I continued to cough up small blood clots. What could be the issue, and which specialist should I see? Thank you.
Dr. Cai Yaozhou Reply:
Chest X-ray in the field of pulmonology.[Read More] Understanding Coughing Up Blood: Causes and When to Seek Help
Do You Need High Doses of Vitamin C for Urticaria Relief?
Do hives require a large intake of vitamin C? I have been experiencing a rash for half a month. Although I have undergone blood tests, the results have not yet come back. My condition includes numerous red rashes on my hands and body, and I also feel tightness and discomfort in m...
Dr. Zeng Guosen Reply:
Hello: The treatment of urticaria with vitamin C and B is not a medically recommended approach and may be based on hearsay. It is essential to identify the underlying cause of urticaria to achieve complete control of the condition. However, in most cases of chronic urticaria, the...[Read More] Do You Need High Doses of Vitamin C for Urticaria Relief?
Effective Treatments for Persistent Cough: Relief Strategies Explained
How can cough be treated? Why have I been coughing continuously? I've been treating it for a long time, and the cough is very severe. I'm in a lot of pain!
Dr. Yao Quan Reply:
Dear Miss Yu-Juan, There are many reasons for a persistent cough. According to statistics, common causes include side effects from medications, post-nasal drip, gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), and asthma. For example, angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors (ACEIs), whi...[Read More] Effective Treatments for Persistent Cough: Relief Strategies Explained
Can Allergic Purpura Appear on Thighs? Symptoms and Treatment Insights
Purpura can appear on the thighs? Hello, doctor. I would like to ask if allergic purpura can appear on the thighs and the inner thighs? The symptoms are as follows: occasional abdominal pain, lower back pain, and knee pain when walking. The spots are painful when pressed. Will th...
Dr. Yao Quan Reply:
Hello, Miss Sandy. Allergic purpura primarily appears on the lower extremities and can occur on the thighs. Some patients may also have purpura on the trunk. The following photo is from the British Journal of Dermatology, 149(6):1282-5, December 2003. Allergic purpura is a type o...[Read More] Can Allergic Purpura Appear on Thighs? Symptoms and Treatment Insights
Understanding the Incubation Period of HIV: Key Insights for Testing
The incubation period for HIV (Human Immunodeficiency Virus) can vary significantly among individuals. Typically, the time from exposure to the virus to the development of detectable antibodies can range from 2 to 12 weeks, with most people testing positive within 4 to 6 weeks He...
Dr. Xie Yonghui Reply:
Hello Mr. Tom: The progression of HIV infection is illustrated as follows: Virus infection ==> Acute symptoms appear after several weeks or months: lymphadenopathy, splenomegaly, sweating, fever, fatigue, skin rashes, muscle and joint pain, sore throat ==> Symptoms resolve ...[Read More] Understanding the Incubation Period of HIV: Key Insights for Testing
Is This a Sign of Heat Stroke? Understanding Symptoms and Recovery
Is this a symptom of heatstroke? A couple of days ago, after finishing my stall, I went home and developed a fever for two days (I have a medication allergy, so it wasn't severe, and I just rested). My throat was sore, and today after the fever subsided... while standing at ...
Dr. Wang Fangli Reply:
This is likely not heatstroke; it may be the recent influenza or another infection, and it is advisable to seek medical attention promptly.[Read More] Is This a Sign of Heat Stroke? Understanding Symptoms and Recovery
Understanding Sleep Issues and Skin Problems: A Comprehensive Guide
Often not getting enough sleep? Hello, doctor! Recently, I have been feeling constantly tired despite going to bed at 11 PM. I have to wake up at 6:30 AM for my 8 AM job. I've also been experiencing persistent and large acne breakouts, and I have been applying medication to ...
Dr. Liao Zhongxin Reply:
Dear readers: 1. It is important to note that sleep patterns vary significantly throughout human life. Infants can sleep all day, while elderly individuals may only sleep 2 to 3 hours a day. Whether one is getting enough sleep depends on age and the body's needs on a given...[Read More] Understanding Sleep Issues and Skin Problems: A Comprehensive Guide
Could Your Lymph Nodes Be Causing That Painful Bump?
Is it related to the lymph nodes? Dear Doctor: On the night of March 25th, I woke up feeling pain and a tingling sensation under my right arm. Upon touching it, I discovered that it was swollen (about slightly smaller than a coin). It hurts when I don't touch it, and it hurt...
Dr. Lin Mingfeng Reply:
Based on your description, it is highly likely to be acute lymphadenitis. It can indeed be caused by an upper respiratory tract infection. If there is a possibility of a bacterial infection, antibiotic treatment can lead to a quick resolution. If it persists, please visit an outp...[Read More] Could Your Lymph Nodes Be Causing That Painful Bump?
What Could This Bump on My Neck Be? Understanding Lymph Nodes and Infections
What exactly has grown on my neck? Hello Doctor, about three weeks ago I had a bit of a runny nose and a cold, then my eyes started to feel sore and watery in bright light, and my throat was a bit sore. A couple of days later, I noticed a lump near my neck. It's hard to desc...
Dr. Zheng Shuxing Reply:
Hello: It is difficult to confirm the disease based on your description. To simplify, if there are no lesions on the skin surface, it may be something that has developed subcutaneously. A subcutaneous mass could potentially be a lymphadenopathy or a salivary gland tumor. Without ...[Read More] What Could This Bump on My Neck Be? Understanding Lymph Nodes and Infections
Understanding Your Child's Abdominal Pain: When to Seek Further Evaluation
Abdominal pain Hello Doctor: My child has been complaining of stomach pain for the past few days. Sometimes the pain is quite severe, but most of the time it's just mild. The bowel movements are soft, but not watery enough to be considered diarrhea; sometimes they occur up t...
Dr. Hong Hongchang Reply:
Hello: Based on your description, the child seems to be experiencing a viral infection combined with acute gastroenteritis. If there is a decrease in activity level and signs of dehydration, it is advisable to visit a major hospital for evaluation, as the symptoms currently do no...[Read More] Understanding Your Child's Abdominal Pain: When to Seek Further Evaluation
Innovative IGY Immunoglobulin Treatment for Helicobacter Pylori Infection
Treatment of Helicobacter pylori infection with IGY immunoglobulin yolk? Hello, Doctor. My father is currently 45 years old and works as a taxi driver. He suffers from gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). In July of last year, he underwent an examination and was found to have ...
Dr. Hong Hongchang Reply:
Hello Sophia: The prevalence of Helicobacter pylori in Taiwan is increasing, and it has been found to be associated with atrophic gastritis and early gastric lymphoma. The current standard treatment regimen involves a triple therapy or quadruple therapy for one to two weeks, foll...[Read More] Innovative IGY Immunoglobulin Treatment for Helicobacter Pylori Infection
Understanding Gallstones: Symptoms, Treatment Options, and Weight Concerns
After having gallstones, I feel like my life is going to be dull? Hello Doctor, I learned from a health check that I have gallstones. I have always considered myself a healthy person, going to bed early, waking up early, jogging regularly, and being mindful of my diet. My health ...
Dr. Cai Zonglong Reply:
Hello, your issue may be associated with peptic ulcers or irritable bowel syndrome. I recommend consulting a gastroenterologist for diagnosis and treatment. Additionally, about 30-35% of people have gallstones, so there is no need to worry unless you experience severe pain or fev...[Read More] Understanding Gallstones: Symptoms, Treatment Options, and Weight Concerns
Understanding Lymph Nodes: When to Seek Medical Attention for Concerns
My lymph nodes? Hello doctor, a while ago I felt a lump in my throat when swallowing saliva, so I went to see an otolaryngologist. I mentioned that I felt a movable lymph node on the left side of my neck, and the doctor said it was nothing serious. The swallowing issue was attrib...
Dr. Yang Hongzhi Reply:
Systemic lymphadenopathy can initially be evaluated by a hematologist-oncologist or an infectious disease specialist.[Read More] Understanding Lymph Nodes: When to Seek Medical Attention for Concerns
Understanding Gastrointestinal Issues: Symptoms, Causes, and Solutions
Gastrointestinal issues? Hello Dr. Zhao, I have been experiencing gastrointestinal issues for quite some time, but I have never seen a doctor. I have many questions and would like to know if having bloating and unusual sounds from my stomach (similar to hunger growls or gurgling ...
Dr. Zhao Chongliang Reply:
Hello! Your symptoms are not indicative of malabsorption; otherwise, you would have experienced nutritional weight loss by now. These symptoms are consistent with Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS), which is actually a quite common condition—about one in ten patients in a gastroenter...[Read More] Understanding Gastrointestinal Issues: Symptoms, Causes, and Solutions