Effective Remedies for Persistent Phlegm in the Throat
Phlegm in the throat? It has been ten days since last week, and my throat initially felt very dry. Later, I developed persistent phlegm, which has been inconvenient, but I do not have any other cold symptoms. What can I do to treat the phlegm issue?
Dr. Zhao Chongliang Reply:
The initial thirst may indicate a mild cold, followed by increased phlegm as a response of the immune system to an upper respiratory tract infection. If you smoke, it is advisable to quit. If the phlegm is yellowish-white and not thick, increasing water intake can help reduce thr...[Read More] Effective Remedies for Persistent Phlegm in the Throat
Understanding Your Symptoms: Possible Immune System Issues Explained
What disease is this? Hello Dr. Tseng, I currently have symptoms that suggest a cold, but after being diagnosed and having blood tests done by an otolaryngologist, it appears to be an issue with my immune system. I have swelling in the area under my jaw and neck that is painful w...
Dr. Zeng Guosen Reply:
Hello: Swelling and tenderness in the area below the ear and neck, along with fever, are most likely indicative of an infection combined with lymphadenopathy. This is less likely related to an allergic condition. It is recommended to visit an infectious disease outpatient clinic....[Read More] Understanding Your Symptoms: Possible Immune System Issues Explained
Understanding Symptoms: When to See a Specialist for Your Health Issues
Do I need to get checked? Which department should I visit? Doctor, I have been experiencing the following symptoms recently: 1. There is a black area in the middle of my tongue, approximately 2 cm long and 1 cm wide, which is not a growth but a discoloration compared to a normal ...
Dr. Zhao Chongliang Reply:
Western medicine generally does not study the tongue's appearance and coating, while Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) believes that a thick tongue coating is mostly related to gastrointestinal disorders and, to a lesser extent, kidney diseases, which can also lead to halit...[Read More] Understanding Symptoms: When to See a Specialist for Your Health Issues
Understanding Fever and Fatigue After Kissing: Possible Causes and Solutions
Fever Dear Deputy Director, I have a question that is somewhat difficult to express. I am thirty years old, and recently, after kissing my girlfriend, I experience fever and general fatigue 1-2 hours later, although my temperature does not exceed 38 degrees Celsius. These sympto...
Dr. Zhao Chongliang Reply:
The occurrence of symptoms 1-2 hours after the event could certainly indicate an allergy, unlike an infection. However, due to the absence of itching, rashes, hives, chest tightness, or wheezing, this remains uncertain. Another possibility is poisoning, which can be due to biolog...[Read More] Understanding Fever and Fatigue After Kissing: Possible Causes and Solutions
Chronic Back Pain: Understanding Symptoms and Seeking Relief
Chronic back pain Hello, I would like to describe my symptoms and kindly ask for your assistance. Thank you! 1. I have been experiencing chronic back pain for at least a year. During severe episodes, I am unable to lie down for long periods, and sleeping for more than seven hour...
Dr. Zeng Guosen Reply:
Hello! An ANA titer of 1:320, along with joint redness and swelling, fatigue, and even fever, suggests the need to consider connective tissue diseases, particularly lupus erythematosus. However, based on the information provided by the online user, a definitive diagnosis cannot b...[Read More] Chronic Back Pain: Understanding Symptoms and Seeking Relief
Understanding Thyroid Issues: Symptoms, Tests, and Next Steps
I have some questions I would like to ask? Hello, I would like to ask about frequently feeling discomfort and pain in my throat, often feeling very fatigued even with normal sleep, and experiencing a significant decrease in menstrual flow over the past three months. Given these i...
Dr. Yang Hongzhi Reply:
Simple goiter does not cause the described issues. If there is hypothyroidism, fatigue may occur, but menstruation generally does not decrease; instead, it may be excessive. If there are still concerns about thyroid disease, a consultation with an endocrinologist is recommended.[Read More] Understanding Thyroid Issues: Symptoms, Tests, and Next Steps
Understanding Persistent Cough: When to Seek Medical Advice
Coughing Hello Doctor: I would like to ask about my husband, who is 41 years old. For the past month, he has been experiencing a mild cough, but it is not severe. When I asked him, he mentioned that his throat feels itchy. He really enjoys drinking cold beverages (including water...
Dr. Zhao Chongliang Reply:
Hello! If your husband is still smoking or has quit smoking for less than 15 years, it is advisable to continue monitoring with chest X-rays. Just because the X-ray from two years ago was normal does not mean he is not at risk for lung cancer. Even if he does not smoke, if he has...[Read More] Understanding Persistent Cough: When to Seek Medical Advice
Understanding Parotitis: Symptoms, Causes, and Complications
Parotitis? Since the 15th of this month, I have been experiencing pain at the junction of the upper and lower left jaw (below the left ear). The pain is particularly noticeable when chewing or opening my mouth wide. Aside from this, I have no other discomfort. Could this be parot...
Dr. Zhao Chongliang Reply:
The parotid gland generally refers to the salivary gland known as the parotid gland, and parotitis is commonly known as mumps. It is an acute viral disease unrelated to oral retinoic acid. It primarily affects the parotid gland, but may also involve the submandibular or sublingua...[Read More] Understanding Parotitis: Symptoms, Causes, and Complications
Understanding Geographic Tongue and Oral Health Concerns
I'm sorry, there's another issue? I have already taken a test once, and it was negative. It has been three weeks since my last sexual encounter, and I will take another test in February. However, I have noticed that I have a coating on my tongue. I visited the dentist t...
Dr. Zheng Shuxing Reply:
Hello, Zhao Zilong! Oral candidiasis appears as white patches measuring 1-2 mm on the oral mucosa (the tongue is just one part of it) that may bleed when scraped. It typically occurs in immunocompromised patients (such as those undergoing chemotherapy, radiation therapy, or those...[Read More] Understanding Geographic Tongue and Oral Health Concerns
Understanding HIV Risks: Your Questions About Safe Sex Practices
Questions about HIV? I recently had one-night stands with three women over the past month and a half. The first was my first sexual encounter in a year, as my previous sexual partner was only my boyfriend. The second woman, aside from my ex-boyfriend, had one-night stands with si...
Dr. Zheng Shuxing Reply:
Hello! Although you used condoms with your multiple partners, the risk of infection is likely low. However, given your one-night stands and multiple partners, it's safest to get tested. I recommend you get a blood test within 2 to 6 weeks, and then follow up at 3 months and ...[Read More] Understanding HIV Risks: Your Questions About Safe Sex Practices
Which Specialist to See for a Cold: Internal Medicine or ENT?
excuse me? When it comes to treating a cold, you can see either an internal medicine specialist or an ear, nose, and throat (ENT) specialist. Since you have primarily seen pediatricians or internal medicine doctors in the past, it's understandable to be unsure. An ENT specia...
Dr. Yang Hongzhi Reply:
The common cold is a prevalent illness that can be treated by internal medicine, otolaryngology, or family medicine.[Read More] Which Specialist to See for a Cold: Internal Medicine or ENT?
Understanding Medication Side Effects: Gastritis and Sore Throat Relief
Gastritis / Sore throat - Questions about medication? Dear Dr. Chung, I would like to seek your advice regarding my father, who is currently 74 years old and has been a chronic disease patient for many years. He regularly visits a cardiologist every month to receive medication f...
Dr. Zhong Yuxun Reply:
Dear Ms. Chang, The symptoms you mentioned are likely side effects of Topaal or Zantac. Although these medications are commonly used and generally well-tolerated, individual responses can vary due to differences in body constitution. You may want to ask your father's attend...[Read More] Understanding Medication Side Effects: Gastritis and Sore Throat Relief
Understanding the Causes of Metallic Taste and Associated Symptoms
Metallic taste In the past month, I have frequently experienced a strong metallic taste in my throat and the center of my mouth, which resembles a bloody taste. I am certain it is not due to gum bleeding, and there is no blood when I pick my nose. Each episode is accompanied by d...
Dr. Yang Jun Reply:
Hello: In response to your question, the symptoms described in the article are not specific to any particular disease, making it difficult to determine a diagnosis based solely on symptoms. Since the internal medicine department has already examined the gastrointestinal tract and...[Read More] Understanding the Causes of Metallic Taste and Associated Symptoms
Understanding Breathing Difficulties: Possible Causes and Solutions
You're welcome! Hello Dr. Lin: I have been experiencing sudden episodes of shortness of breath, even when I am just sitting and not moving or running. My heart rate increases, but the doctors I have seen said it should not be asthma. Recently, I have been producing a lot of ...
Dr. Lin Jizhi Reply:
Sudden onset of rapid heartbeat and difficulty breathing in young individuals may be indicative of paroxysmal tachycardia or mitral valve prolapse. However, if accompanied by tinnitus, it is important to consider whether there is dysfunction of the Eustachian tube or bronchiectas...[Read More] Understanding Breathing Difficulties: Possible Causes and Solutions
Understanding Frequent Fever and Sore Throat: Causes and Concerns
Some questions about fever? I experienced fever more than a dozen times last year, but it rarely exceeded 39 degrees Celsius. Before I noticed the fever, I would first experience a sore throat, which made me realize I was running a fever. Why do I frequently have fevers, and why ...
Dr. Zhao Chongliang Reply:
Long-term low-grade intermittent fever should raise considerations for chronic inflammation, lymphoproliferative disorders, and collagen vascular diseases. The former, particularly in Taiwan, should include the possibility of tuberculosis. The second category may also apply to yo...[Read More] Understanding Frequent Fever and Sore Throat: Causes and Concerns
Overcoming Chronic Bad Breath: Seeking Help for a Long-Standing Issue
Annoying halitosis? Hello Doctor: I am 25 years old this year, but I have been suffering from halitosis for nearly ten years. I have always been too embarrassed and lacked the courage to see a doctor. However, as I am about to graduate and enter the workforce, I feel compelled to...
Dr. Ke Zhengchang Reply:
There are many reasons for halitosis in young people, including poor oral hygiene, consumption of foods such as garlic and onions, and various diseases such as liver disease, gastritis, and kidney disease. Additionally, insufficient water intake and low saliva production can cont...[Read More] Overcoming Chronic Bad Breath: Seeking Help for a Long-Standing Issue
Understanding Blood Vomiting and Amnesia After a Car Accident
Car accident? I was in a car accident recently, and I started vomiting blood after being hit. However, the hospital examination showed nothing wrong. Why is that? Where could this blood have come from? Could it be a nosebleed? Also, what is transient amnesia? How long does it usu...
Dr. Ke Zhengchang Reply:
After a car accident, spitting blood can originate from various locations including the nasal cavity, throat, gastrointestinal tract, and respiratory system. If X-rays and a thorough examination by a physician show no abnormalities, and the bleeding has stopped spontaneously, fol...[Read More] Understanding Blood Vomiting and Amnesia After a Car Accident
Understanding Post-Surgical Respiratory Issues: Coughing, Blood, and Asthma
Tracheal issues Hello, doctor. I have a few questions. 1. After my gynecological surgery, I experienced persistent itching in my right bronchus, frequent coughing with blood, and a sore throat. A few days later, I coughed up a dark blood clot from my nasopharynx. My voice has als...
Dr. Ke Zhengchang Reply:
Hello, Xiao Mei: It is recommended that you follow up with a pulmonology clinic for a chest X-ray examination. If there are any abnormal shadows, a bronchoscopy will need to be arranged.[Read More] Understanding Post-Surgical Respiratory Issues: Coughing, Blood, and Asthma
Understanding Hypoxia: Symptoms and Potential Causes in Adults
Cerebral hypoxia I have the following symptoms: there are two cords under both ears that run down along my neck, and I often feel a tightness in my throat. Additionally, the muscles in the back of my neck feel very tense, and pressing on them causes soreness. These symptoms frequ...
Dr. Ke Zhengchang Reply:
Hello Jen: Your symptoms seem to be caused by excessive tightness in the neck muscles, which is often due to lack of sleep or overexertion. You can start with local heat therapy, and if necessary, you may consult a rehabilitation specialist for further evaluation and treatment.[Read More] Understanding Hypoxia: Symptoms and Potential Causes in Adults
Understanding Throat Pain After Vomiting: Causes and Remedies
Pain I had a stomach upset yesterday with vomiting and diarrhea. After seeing a doctor, I have improved, but I'm not sure if the vomiting was too severe, as my throat feels like I choked on something, and the pain extends from my throat down to my chest. Today, I went to the...
Dr. Li Huixiong Reply:
Your symptoms may be caused by gastroesophageal reflux. Normally, the stomach is highly acidic, while the esophagus is neutral. When vomiting is severe, stomach acid can flow back into the esophagus, damaging the esophageal mucosa and causing your discomfort. This condition may t...[Read More] Understanding Throat Pain After Vomiting: Causes and Remedies