Understanding Gonorrhea and Chlamydia: When to See a Urologist or Infectious Disease Specialist
For issues related to gonorrhea, chlamydia, and sexually transmitted infections (STIs), you should consult a urologist or an infectious disease specialist? Hello, Doctor! I apologize for bothering you, but I would like to ask you some questions regarding gonorrhea and chlamydia. ...
Dr. Lin Wufu Reply:
1. Both types can have asymptomatic infections, and even if there are no symptoms, there is still a possibility of being infectious. 2. Asymptomatic infections are rare in males, but more common in females. If there are no symptoms, unless your intimate partner has been diagnosed...[Read More] Understanding Gonorrhea and Chlamydia: When to See a Urologist or Infectious Disease Specialist
Persistent Dry Cough After COVID-19: Understanding Symptoms and Management
A slight cough (non-productive) in the throat persisting for six months after a confirmed COVID-19 infection? Hello Doctor: I am 20 years old and have ankylosing spondylitis. I tested positive for COVID-19 in early October 2022, experiencing mild symptoms (low fever for 1-2 days,...
Dr. Xie Rongyuan Reply:
Hello: After being diagnosed with COVID-19, there may be upper respiratory symptoms. If the symptoms persist, you may visit a hospital for medical care to alleviate the symptoms. Thank you for your message![Read More] Persistent Dry Cough After COVID-19: Understanding Symptoms and Management
Understanding Urticaria and Thyroid Test Results: Key Insights
Urticaria and Thyroid Testing After catching a cold at the end of February (with symptoms of sore throat and general weakness), I began to develop hives all over my body, particularly around my eyes and neck. I visited a clinic where I was prescribed steroids and received an inje...
Dr. Gao Jiankai Reply:
Hello, thank you for your question. Here are my responses: 1. Is there a connection between urticaria and slightly elevated TSH levels? Do I need to see a rheumatologist for an examination? --> In cases of long-term urticaria, we sometimes check thyroid function. Your TSH is ...[Read More] Understanding Urticaria and Thyroid Test Results: Key Insights
Long COVID Management Tips for Patients with Ankylosing Spondylitis
Considerations for Long COVID Treatment in Patients with Ankylosing Spondylitis Hello Doctor: My son, who is 20 years old, has a history of ankylosing spondylitis. He tested positive for COVID-19 in early October 2022, experiencing mild symptoms (low-grade fever for 1-2 days, mus...
Dr. Gao Jiankai Reply:
Hello, thank you for your inquiry. Here are my responses: 1. Is the slower recovery from long COVID possibly related to ankylosing spondylitis? How long does it take to fully recover? --> Long COVID can be monitored for three months; after three months, most symptoms should g...[Read More] Long COVID Management Tips for Patients with Ankylosing Spondylitis
Frequent Dizziness and Unsteadiness: When to Seek Medical Attention
Dizziness and unsteadiness? Hello, Doctor. I would like to ask about my condition. Over the past few weeks, I have been experiencing frequent dizziness. It started with pain in the back of my head, followed by dizziness and instability when standing. I often feel like I'm go...
Dr. Xie Rongyuan Reply:
Hello: If you frequently experience dizziness, it is important to seek medical attention to determine the underlying cause. Thank you for your message![Read More] Frequent Dizziness and Unsteadiness: When to Seek Medical Attention
Understanding Thyroid Nodules: Symptoms, Diagnosis, and Treatment Options
Thyroid nodule Three years ago, a company health check revealed slight abnormalities in thyroid indices and a suspected enlargement of the neck. Upon further examination at the hospital, a nodule approximately 1.2-1.4 cm in size (with microcalcifications) was confirmed on the rig...
Dr. Li Jian Reply:
Ultrasound localization is more accurate. If you have recently felt tightness or discomfort in your neck, you can return for ultrasound follow-up, but it is usually not caused by nodules.[Read More] Understanding Thyroid Nodules: Symptoms, Diagnosis, and Treatment Options
Swallowed Half-Chewed Almond: Understanding Stomach Pain and Risks
Stomach pain after swallowing a half-chewed almond? Last night, while I was chewing almonds, I was urged by my family to quickly grab something, and in a rush, I swallowed a large piece of almond that I hadn't fully chewed. It was sharp and uncomfortable going down. After th...
Dr. Gao Jiankai Reply:
Hello, thank you for your question. Our bodies have the ability to digest most foods, including nuts. Swallowing them whole may cause some symptoms during the process, but if the symptoms disappear the next day, I think it would be reasonable to continue monitoring. If any discom...[Read More] Swallowed Half-Chewed Almond: Understanding Stomach Pain and Risks
Understanding Occipital Pain: Symptoms, Causes, and When to Seek Help
Pain in the back of the head? In the past two to three weeks, I've been feeling that my head is different from usual. Normally, it feels light, but recently it feels like there's something in my head, a sort of foggy sensation. When I'm focused on a task, it's...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, based on your description, the likelihood of a confirmed diagnosis is indeed higher. It is recommended that you first perform a rapid test. If the result is positive, make sure to rest adequately; you should gradually recover. If the result is negative, it may indicate ano...[Read More] Understanding Occipital Pain: Symptoms, Causes, and When to Seek Help
Understanding Oral Mucosal Folds: When to Seek Medical Advice
Oral mucosal folds The inner side of my lower lip feels strange when I lick it with my tongue. After looking in the mirror, I noticed fine lines that appear like wrinkles or small fissures, aligned parallel to my teeth, but they do not extend to the sides. I also feel that my low...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, regarding fine lines or unusual sensations, these are more subjective experiences and can be difficult to diagnose. The blisters are suspected to be caused by the herpes simplex virus, which is often triggered by irregular sleep patterns or high stress levels. Therefore, i...[Read More] Understanding Oral Mucosal Folds: When to Seek Medical Advice
Swallowed Fish Bone: Should You See a Doctor for Chest Pain?
Accidental ingestion of a fish bone? Hello, a few days ago I got a fish bone stuck in my throat, and it seems I swallowed it. Since yesterday, I've been experiencing a burning sensation in my chest that has lasted all day. Should I see a doctor? I'm worried that the fis...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, theoretically, the symptoms of accidentally swallowing a fishbone do not typically include a burning sensation, so the likelihood of that is considered low. However, if the symptoms persist, one should consider esophageal reflux. If discomfort continues, it is advisable to...[Read More] Swallowed Fish Bone: Should You See a Doctor for Chest Pain?
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?
Understanding Thyroid Health: Key Questions and Concerns
Thyroid-related issues Hello Dr. Lee, I would like to ask you some questions. Here are my questions: I recently had a thyroid ultrasound, and the thickness was measured at 1.9 cm on the right and 1.4 cm on the left. I was told that a thickness of 2.0 cm is the limit. (Thyroid fun...
Dr. Li Jian Reply:
Thyroid function is normal, and the ultrasound did not reveal any tumors or nodules. The cough is likely unrelated to the thyroid, and there is currently no need for regular monitoring.[Read More] Understanding Thyroid Health: Key Questions and Concerns
Concerns About Swallowing Small Bones: What You Need to Know
Eating issues? Hello Doctor, I would like to ask you about something. I had steak for dinner and I'm not sure if I swallowed a small bone or some burnt meat. I felt something hard go down my esophagus. Although it didn't get stuck in my throat, I'm concerned whethe...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, bones do not have sharp spurs, so they are less likely to get stuck in the throat compared to fish bones. If you are not experiencing any specific discomfort, there is no need to worry unless you later develop a sore throat, in which case you should consult an otolaryngolo...[Read More] Concerns About Swallowing Small Bones: What You Need to Know
How to Assess Throat Discomfort After Possible Chemical Ingestion
How to assess throat discomfort? After drinking a beverage in the afternoon, I have been experiencing a slight burning sensation in the area just above my clavicle and throat. I would like to ask a physician if, in the case of accidental ingestion or if someone intentionally adde...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, if it is corrosive esophagitis, the pain should be very pronounced, and you would likely be unable to drink water or eat anything. Based on your description, it does not seem to be corrosive esophagitis unless you are feeling very uncomfortable. If that is the case, you ca...[Read More] How to Assess Throat Discomfort After Possible Chemical Ingestion
Understanding Elevated White Blood Cell Count: Causes and Next Steps
Elevated white blood cell count? Hello, doctor. First, I would like to inform you that I am a patient with myasthenia gravis. I am currently taking four tablets of Mestinon daily and one tablet of Anspine weekly. Here are my questions: Since mid-September, I have been infected wi...
Dr. Liao Zhongxin Reply:
1. First, we are currently in the era of COVID-19, so it is essential to rule out this possibility by conducting a self-administered rapid test and receiving the COVID-19 vaccine (at least four doses are recommended). 2. Secondly, the side effects of medications should also be c...[Read More] Understanding Elevated White Blood Cell Count: Causes and Next Steps
Understanding Suppurative Tonsillitis: When to Seek Hospitalization
Tonsillitis with suppuration? Hello Doctor, I would like to inquire about my condition. On November 1st, I went to the emergency room due to a sore throat that made it difficult to swallow and a fever. The emergency diagnosis was purulent tonsillitis. I had blood tests done, and ...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, based on your description, it is recommended to have an otolaryngologist perform a laryngoscopy to examine the throat. If pus is found, consideration should be given to a minor surgical procedure for incision and drainage, and possibly hospitalization. If it is merely infl...[Read More] Understanding Suppurative Tonsillitis: When to Seek Hospitalization
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
Understanding Asthma: Managing Persistent Cough and Heart Concerns
Asthma issues I would like to ask the doctor a few questions. Since last winter, I have been coughing persistently. I have visited many clinics, and the doctors have said it is due to allergies caused by changes in the weather, and that it would improve as the weather warms up. I...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, chronic cough can indeed have many causes. The most important thing is to rule out lung and heart issues. If auscultation is normal, the chances of severe asthma are lower, but there may be other lung problems. It is advisable to consult a pulmonology or family medicine ou...[Read More] Understanding Asthma: Managing Persistent Cough and Heart Concerns
Understanding Throat Discomfort: Causes and Concerns for Your Health
Sensation of a foreign body in the throat? I previously experienced a sensation of something stuck in my throat after drinking tea on an empty stomach and then eating pineapple cake. This feeling disappeared the next day, but after a few days, it returned intermittently, even whe...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, the symptoms you described are likely caused by two main conditions. First, it could be allergic rhinitis, which can lead to post-nasal drip causing throat discomfort and productive cough. I recommend increasing physical activity and avoiding allergens, which should help i...[Read More] Understanding Throat Discomfort: Causes and Concerns for Your Health
Choosing the Right Specialist for Allergic Rhinitis: ENT vs. Immunology
Allergic rhinitis Should I see an Ear, Nose, and Throat (ENT) specialist or a Rheumatologist? I noticed that after my last visit to the ENT, I wasn't scheduled for a follow-up appointment, but the Rheumatology department keeps scheduling my next visits. Which specialty shoul...
Dr. Gao Jiankai Reply:
Hello, thank you for your inquiry. I personally believe that if rhinitis requires localized treatment, you can consult an otolaryngologist. If symptoms persist and long-term medication is needed, both specialties can assist. If your symptoms improve and medication use decreases, ...[Read More] Choosing the Right Specialist for Allergic Rhinitis: ENT vs. Immunology