Managing Anxiety and Health Concerns for HIV Positive Patients
The issue of experiencing anxiety and discomfort for an entire year? Hello, doctor. After many years of using Google for medical inquiries, this is my first time asking a question on this platform. I am HIV positive and have been on medication for five years, with my viral load c...
Dr. Lin Wufu Reply:
Hello: 1. If your HIV is well-controlled with medication (which should be the case, as your viral load remains undetectable), having a CD4 count of 500-700 means your immune system is not significantly worse than that of the general population. It is reasonable to seek medical ...[Read More] Managing Anxiety and Health Concerns for HIV Positive Patients
Concerns About COVID-19 After Mask Mishap: What You Should Know
COVID-19 pandemic Hello, I just finished my college entrance exam and was taken by my family to a department store for a meal. I accidentally touched the inside of my mask against my jacket after removing it. Later, I put the mask back on because I didn't have another one av...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, the situation you described is unlikely to lead to a COVID-19 infection, and symptoms would not typically develop within an hour. Therefore, there is no need to worry at this moment. You can seek medical attention only if you experience symptoms later. Thank you for your q...[Read More] Concerns About COVID-19 After Mask Mishap: What You Should Know
Understanding Your Thyroid Test Results: What Do They Mean?
Thyroid Test Report I had a thyroid blood test two days ago, and the results are as follows: Serum T3: 195.9 (70-170), Serum T4: 11.17 (4.9-12.0), TSH: 3.447 (0.34-5.60). This is the first time I have encountered such a situation. Compared to previous results, all three values ha...
Dr. Li Jian Reply:
Currently, there are no significant abnormalities in thyroid function, and treatment is not necessary at this time. Follow-up in three months is recommended.[Read More] Understanding Your Thyroid Test Results: What Do They Mean?
Chronic Cough and Throat Issues: When to Seek Medical Advice
Throat issues I have been experiencing a persistent cough for several months, starting around July or August, possibly even earlier. Every morning when I wake up, I definitely cough to the point of feeling nauseous. After a while, I also experience a burning sensation in my throa...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, I would like to know if you have allergic rhinitis and post-nasal drip, or if you have gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD)? If you have these two issues, they could be the cause of your cough. You can treat both conditions. If not, it may be necessary to see an otolaryn...[Read More] Chronic Cough and Throat Issues: When to Seek Medical Advice
Understanding Esophageal Sensitivity and Its Impact on Induced Vomiting
Esophageal sensitivity? Hello, doctor. I have a question about a friend who seems to be using vomiting as a weight loss method. I'm curious if eating food without any liquids makes it difficult to vomit. Even if she can vomit, would it only be a small amount because the food...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, inducing vomiting can be easy primarily due to the sensitivity of the throat, which varies from person to person. Long-term vomiting can lead to gastroesophageal reflux, resulting in esophageal burns. Prolonged injury to the esophagus may increase the risk of esophageal ca...[Read More] Understanding Esophageal Sensitivity and Its Impact on Induced Vomiting
Swallowed Something Hard: Understanding Fish Bones and Throat Discomfort
Swallowing something hard? Hello, Dr. Hong. Just now while I was having dinner, I ate some cod fish along with rice and possibly some sweet potato. After chewing and swallowing, I suddenly felt a sharp sensation near my esophagus, close to my tonsils. I'm not sure if it was ...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, usually most food will pass down to the esophagus after a while, unless there is a sharp fishbone that gets stuck in the throat. If there are no particular sensations in the throat afterward, you can just monitor the situation. As for the slight indentation you mentioned i...[Read More] Swallowed Something Hard: Understanding Fish Bones and Throat Discomfort
Understanding Persistent Throat Discomfort After Fish Bone Incident
Feeling a lump in the throat? Hello Doctor: Since I was choked by a fishbone, I started feeling a sensation of something stuck in my throat about one to two weeks later, which has persisted for three months. Recently, I have clearly felt that this sensation comes from the food I ...
Dr. Xie Rongyuan Reply:
Hello: Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) can be challenging to treat, and you may want to consult a physician regarding the risk of esophageal cancer. Proton pump inhibitor (PPI) therapy may require a longer duration; if you have severe GERD, medication may be needed for up ...[Read More] Understanding Persistent Throat Discomfort After Fish Bone Incident
Can Dental Procedures Lead to Bloodborne Infections?
Is it possible to have a blood infection from dental procedures? Hello Doctor: When I went to the dental clinic to have my wisdom teeth extracted, I was under anesthesia and couldn't control my rinsing, resulting in water splashing into my eyes. However, there was blood from...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, the likelihood of contracting HIV in the situation you described is very low, so it is unlikely that you are infected unless you experience symptoms such as fever, sore throat, or swollen lymph nodes, in which case you should seek medical attention. Thank you for your inqu...[Read More] Can Dental Procedures Lead to Bloodborne Infections?
Understanding Blood in Saliva: Causes and When to Seek Help
Hemoptysis Hello doctor, this morning around 4:00 AM, I noticed a jelly-like small blood clot in my mouth. When I got up at 7:50 AM, there was a deep red coagulated blood clot in my mouth, about the size of a 50 NT dollar coin, which I spat out. After that, I felt a sensation of ...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, I would like to know if you consume alcohol or have eaten any spicy foods? It is suspected that there may be bleeding in the trachea or esophagus. I recommend visiting an otolaryngologist first. If the examination by the otolaryngologist is normal, you may need to see a ga...[Read More] Understanding Blood in Saliva: Causes and When to Seek Help
Understanding Post-Choking Discomfort: Is It Aspiration Pneumonia?
Discomfort after choking? Hello, Dr. Hong. Yesterday, on November 30th, while eating Korean hot pot, I accidentally inhaled some soup. Half a day later, I experienced mild pain in my chest and back, a decreased appetite (eating more makes me feel a bit nauseous), and occasional s...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, based on your description, it seems that the inflammation in your throat is primarily caused by the broth, and it is unlikely to have resulted in aspiration pneumonia. I recommend continuing to monitor the situation, and seek medical attention only if you experience sympto...[Read More] Understanding Post-Choking Discomfort: Is It Aspiration Pneumonia?
Understanding Sudden Abdominal Pain: When to Seek Medical Help
Lumbar issues Hello Doctor, I apologize for bothering you. Today, while using the restroom, I suddenly experienced a sharp pain on the left side of my back (approximately at the kidney area) halfway through. After finishing, the pain improved somewhat, but I still feel a lingeri...
Dr. Wu Jiyu Reply:
Based on your description, it is possible that you are experiencing an episode of kidney stones. You may want to schedule an appointment with a urologist for further evaluation to clarify your condition. Thank you for your inquiry. The Nephrology Department at Changhua Hospital i...[Read More] Understanding Sudden Abdominal Pain: When to Seek Medical Help
Concerns About Swallowing Foreign Objects: What to Know After Biting Down
Biting a black stone? Hello, doctor. While I was having dinner, I bit into a mouthful of rice and suddenly heard a small cracking sound, thinking I had broken a tooth. I quickly spat it out and found a small black object that looked like a stone. Initially, my family thought it w...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, as long as it is not a sharp object, such as a fishbone or small stones, it is unlikely to cause any issues since most of it will pass through the digestive system and be excreted in the stool. Therefore, if there are no specific symptoms, you can observe the situation wit...[Read More] Concerns About Swallowing Foreign Objects: What to Know After Biting Down
Could Your Cold Symptoms Indicate a COVID-19 Infection Abroad?
If you are experiencing cold symptoms while abroad, how likely is it that they could be related to COVID-19? Hello doctor, I am currently abroad and feeling quite worried due to cold symptoms. I am unsure if there is a possibility of having COVID-19. Initially, I had a sensation ...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, based on the symptoms you described, it is indeed a respiratory infection. However, it is not possible to distinguish whether it is COVID-19 solely based on symptoms; confirmation of the diagnosis requires testing. Thank you for your inquiry.[Read More] Could Your Cold Symptoms Indicate a COVID-19 Infection Abroad?
Feeling of Throat Obstruction After Tick Removal: What to Do?
Sensation of a foreign body in the throat? Recently, I adopted a puppy that has ticks. I would like to ask if ticks can live inside humans, in addition to being on the skin of dogs and people. I forgot to wear a mask while treating the dog for parasites, and after talking during ...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, the chances of swallowing a tick are very low. Based on your symptoms, you should be more cautious about catching a cold. I recommend drinking some warm water and getting plenty of rest. If your symptoms persist, please consult an ear, nose, and throat specialist. Thank yo...[Read More] Feeling of Throat Obstruction After Tick Removal: What to Do?
How to Handle a Choking Sensation After Accidental Ingestion
Accidental ingestion of foreign objects? Recently, I have a puppy at home and noticed that it has ticks. However, when I applied the medication, I forgot to wear a mask. After applying the medication, I washed my hands and cleaned up, but I felt something strange in my throat, as...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, based on your description, it does not seem like an accidental ingestion. Additionally, whether it is a tick or any other object you came into contact with, the likelihood of it getting stuck in your throat is very low unless it is something sharp like a fishbone. I sugges...[Read More] How to Handle a Choking Sensation After Accidental Ingestion
Understanding Blood Test Results: Concerns About Leukemia and Cholesterol Levels
Follow-up examination? Hello, I have a follow-up appointment to discuss my blood test results and I would like to take some of your time to ask the doctor some questions. On August 5, 2020, my lab results showed ALT 40, AST 22, Cholesterol 224, LDL 150, Neutrophils 26%, Lymphocyt...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, 1. Based on your previous reports, the likelihood of a viral infection causing your cold is high. Most colds are caused by viral infections, and a key characteristic of viral infections is an increase in lymphocytes and a decrease in neutrophils. It is recommended to ret...[Read More] Understanding Blood Test Results: Concerns About Leukemia and Cholesterol Levels
Choking on Pears: What to Do and When to Worry
Please ask after choking? Hello, I accidentally choked while eating a pear and coughed a bit afterward. I still felt like something was stuck in my throat, so I induced vomiting, and now I feel fine. However, I'm a bit worried because I was taking cold medicine and had just ...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, if something is aspirated into the trachea, it typically causes a very intense sensation of foreign body obstruction and triggers severe coughing. Based on your description, it seems that the object did not enter the trachea, so there is no need for induced vomiting; just ...[Read More] Choking on Pears: What to Do and When to Worry
Concerns After Showering: Nasal Water Exposure and Facial Symmetry Issues
Issues Discovered While Showering Hello Dr. Hong, I would like to ask you some questions. While I was showering, water from the handheld showerhead accidentally went into my nostrils, and I suddenly felt uncomfortable as if it flowed down to my throat. I’m concerned whether this ...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, 1. The tap water in Taiwan is filtered and disinfected, so the risk of infection from water entering the nostrils is very low, so there is no need to worry. 2. The muscle patterns on the left and right sides of the face are not perfectly symmetrical; what you described is ...[Read More] Concerns After Showering: Nasal Water Exposure and Facial Symmetry Issues
Understanding the Sensation of a Foreign Body in the Throat
Sensation of a foreign body in the throat? 1. Recently, I have been feeling a constant sensation of a foreign body in my throat. I tried to cough it out and noticed a slight amount of blood. I consulted a doctor about what this symptom might be. A few days ago, I had an X-ray, an...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, there are many microvessels in your throat, and if you cough too violently, these microvessels can bleed, leading to the phenomenon you described. It is recommended to avoid forceful coughing, and the condition should improve. Thank you for your question.[Read More] Understanding the Sensation of a Foreign Body in the Throat
Flu Vaccine Concerns: Can I Get Vaccinated with Cold Symptoms?
I would like to ask the doctor about the flu vaccine? Hello, doctor. A few weeks ago, I went to the ENT department with my family to make an appointment for the flu vaccine, which I need to pay for out of pocket. Although it hasn't arrived yet, I heard that the vaccine is fr...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, according to the current contraindications for vaccines, you can receive the vaccine as long as you do not have a fever. Your white blood cell count should still be within the normal range, so there should be no issues with getting vaccinated. As for the side effects of th...[Read More] Flu Vaccine Concerns: Can I Get Vaccinated with Cold Symptoms?