Understanding Chest Pain: Could It Be a Post-Cold Issue?
Chest muscle pain, follow-up questions, thank you? Hello, doctor, thank you for your response. About a month ago, I had a health check-up and an X-ray was taken; the doctor said there were no abnormalities. During my last visit for a cold, another doctor mentioned that my lungs s...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, based on your description, the main concern should be the chest pain. Given your previous history of a cold, it is likely that you may be experiencing pleuritis or possibly a muscle strain. The topical anti-inflammatory medication you mentioned can be used, and typically, ...[Read More] Understanding Chest Pain: Could It Be a Post-Cold Issue?
Concerns About Insects Entering the Body: What You Need to Know
Mosquito issues? Hello, doctor. While I was sitting at home drawing and chatting, I suddenly saw a fruit fly or some similar insect flying around in front of me, and then it disappeared. I'm worried that it might have gone into my nose or throat, which could cause it to get ...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, generally speaking, fruit flies, like other insects, tend to avoid flying into mouths, and they usually do not carry pathogens that are harmful to humans, so there is no need to worry. Thank you for your question.[Read More] Concerns About Insects Entering the Body: What You Need to Know
Understanding Pneumonia Symptoms: Is It Just a Cold or Something More?
The issue of the common cold? Hello, Doctor Hong. I would like to ask what symptoms are generally associated with pneumonia. Yesterday, I felt phlegm in my throat, and although my nose isn't completely congested, I sometimes feel like I have to breathe harder. Deep breathing...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Based on the symptoms you described, it is indeed an upper respiratory tract infection. However, it is difficult to distinguish whether it is a common cold or COVID-19 based solely on symptoms, so clinical testing is necessary for confirmation. Currently, there is no widespread c...[Read More] Understanding Pneumonia Symptoms: Is It Just a Cold or Something More?
Understanding COVID-19 Transmission Risks in Shared Spaces
Transmission potential of COVID-19? Hello, doctor. I am a university student, and since the pandemic, I have become very anxious about the possibility of getting infected. I always wear a mask at school, but some international students do not wear masks. For example, today at lun...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, based on your description, it seems that you were in an open space and had approximately 3 minutes of contact with an international student. However, since you were wearing a mask the entire time, the risk of infection should be very low. You can further enhance your safet...[Read More] Understanding COVID-19 Transmission Risks in Shared Spaces
Understanding Common Cold Duration and Risks for Family Health
The issue of the common cold? Hello, Doctor Hong. I visited an ENT specialist yesterday, and the doctor said it was just a cold. However, I would like to ask how long it typically takes for a common cold to resolve with medication. I usually prefer to let it run its course natura...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Based on your description, it seems to be a mild cold, which is usually caused by common viral infections. Currently, in Taiwan, most cases are still imported from abroad. If your work does not frequently involve contact with foreigners, the likelihood of contracting COVID-19 is ...[Read More] Understanding Common Cold Duration and Risks for Family Health
Unexplained Fever Episodes: When to Seek Medical Evaluation?
In recent months, there has been an unexplained fever? Hello, doctor. Since December of last year, I have experienced fever in December, March, May, August, and this week. The longest duration of fever was about three days, while the shortest was an afternoon fever that resolved ...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Based on your description, the main symptoms are intermittent fever and throat inflammation, with no other symptoms present. The most likely diagnosis is multiple episodes of the common cold, which is a type of upper respiratory infection. It is advisable to monitor the duration ...[Read More] Unexplained Fever Episodes: When to Seek Medical Evaluation?
Can Food Particles Get Stuck in Your Throat and Nose?
Can food particles get stuck in the nasopharynx? Hello, doctor. While I was having dinner, I suddenly felt like some rice particles were stuck in my throat and that a little bit had gone into my right nostril. No matter how much I blew my nose, there was no mucus. After a while, ...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, theoretically, any foreign object, including food, entering the nasal cavity can cause a severe reaction such as sneezing and a runny nose; these are protective mechanisms of the body. If these symptoms improve and the person feels no discomfort, it is reasonable to assume...[Read More] Can Food Particles Get Stuck in Your Throat and Nose?
Concerns About Mosquitoes: Health Risks and Symptoms Explained
The issue of mosquitoes? Hello, I was called back to my hometown by my family to help with some rituals. I usually stay in the northern part of Taiwan, where there aren't many mosquitoes near my home. However, at my grandmother's house, I didn't notice them during ...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, mosquitoes primarily transmit bloodborne diseases through their bites, such as dengue fever. Direct contact does not transmit specific diseases. Therefore, based on your description, unless you are bitten, you should not contract any specific diseases, unless you have an a...[Read More] Concerns About Mosquitoes: Health Risks and Symptoms Explained
Understanding Your Blood Test Results: What Elevated ALT and Lymphocytes Mean
Ask the doctor some questions? Hello doctor, my health check report shows an ALT level of 45, and it seems my lymphocytes are elevated at around 60, while other values are slightly low and abnormal, prompting the recommendation to see a hematologist. At that time, the doctor aske...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, 1. Based on your description of general discomfort along with elevated liver enzymes and increased lymphocytes, it is indeed more likely to be a viral infection. However, the viruses referred to here are common viruses, such as respiratory viruses, commonly known as &quo...[Read More] Understanding Your Blood Test Results: What Elevated ALT and Lymphocytes Mean
Understanding Blood Test Results: What Your Doctor Might Be Concerned About
Follow-up data and related issues? Hello, Doctor. I actually visited a family medicine clinic this morning because my liver enzyme levels were at 40 and my cholesterol was slightly over 200, so I have been following up every three months. However, this time the doctor suddenly su...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, as you mentioned, these values are all types of white blood cells, and they add up to 100%. Your main concern is that the lymphocyte ratio is too high, while the neutrophil/segment ratio is too low, along with the presence of atypical lymphocytes (a.lym). This situation ca...[Read More] Understanding Blood Test Results: What Your Doctor Might Be Concerned About
Can Medication Get Stuck? Understanding Risks and Symptoms
Is it possible for medication to get stuck? Hello doctor, last night I felt some discomfort in my stomach, and my sister kindly gave me a capsule-like medication called Yifuning to take. However, when I put it in my mouth and was about to swallow it with water, it seemed to disap...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, it is true that a small number of people may have medication stuck in the esophagus; however, unless it is something like a fish bone that gets lodged, drinking more water usually helps it to pass into the stomach. As for the trachea, food typically does not enter there be...[Read More] Can Medication Get Stuck? Understanding Risks and Symptoms
Understanding Transmission Risks: Can You Catch COVID-19 Over the Phone?
Infectious potential Good evening, doctor. I would like to ask you a few questions. A while ago, an old friend of mine called me. He was diagnosed with COVID-19 in Japan around May. He wasn't hospitalized and experienced difficulty breathing and a persistent fever, which eve...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, 1. You cannot get infected while talking on the phone, so please rest assured. 2. COVID-19 is primarily transmitted through respiratory droplets or contact transmission; however, since the virus is invisible to the naked eye, people often get infected without knowing th...[Read More] Understanding Transmission Risks: Can You Catch COVID-19 Over the Phone?
Understanding Cold Symptoms and Medication Side Effects: A Patient's Concerns
Side effects and issues related to taking medication for the common cold? Hello Dr. Hong: I woke up yesterday with pain on one side of my tonsil or throat, along with nasal congestion and phlegm. I visited an ENT specialist who examined my tongue to check for any lesions. During ...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, 1. Currently, legitimate clinics have established disinfection procedures for their equipment, and there is no evidence that COVID-19 can be transmitted through medical devices, so there should be no concern regarding COVID-19 infection. 2. Based solely on your descrip...[Read More] Understanding Cold Symptoms and Medication Side Effects: A Patient's Concerns
Is It a Cold or Tuberculosis? Understanding Your Symptoms
Symptoms of tuberculosis (TB) and the common cold may overlap? Hello Doctor, I usually don't catch colds often, but this time my family had a cold, and I accidentally used their utensils and ate food they had touched. Now my throat feels scratchy and phlegmy, and I've b...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, based on your symptoms, they are more indicative of an upper respiratory tract infection rather than tuberculosis. As for COVID-19, if you do not have a travel history or known exposure, the likelihood is quite low. Therefore, based on your description, it is most likely a...[Read More] Is It a Cold or Tuberculosis? Understanding Your Symptoms
Understanding Sleep Issues and Cold Symptoms: When to Seek Help
I'm not sure if I have a cold? Hello, doctor. For the past couple of days, I have been feeling very alert at night and have trouble sleeping. I often don't fall asleep until around six in the morning, but I wake up around ten. However, I feel like I have a runny nose an...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, based on your description, there is indeed a high chance of catching a cold. The term "cold" refers to a condition that occurs when the body is in poor health, such as due to staying up late or experiencing high levels of stress, which can weaken the immune syste...[Read More] Understanding Sleep Issues and Cold Symptoms: When to Seek Help
Is It Safe to Remove Your Mask Outdoors? Expert Insights
Is it really safe now? Hello, Dr. Hong. Although I know it's relatively safe now, I still wear a mask when I go out with my family. However, in the parking lot, it was too hot, so I took off my mask to drink water. At that moment, a girl nearby sneezed very loudly without an...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, based on your description, if you maintain an appropriate social distance, the chances of infection should be very low. So please relax and don't worry. You can also engage in appropriate exercise while maintaining social distance to relieve stress. Thank you for your...[Read More] Is It Safe to Remove Your Mask Outdoors? Expert Insights
Concerns About Swallowing Pills: Is Your Esophagus at Risk?
Feeling sluggish after taking medication? Hello doctor, I swallowed a yellow pill that resembles a pain reliever, which has "eve" written on it. I felt a slight scraping sensation as it passed through my esophagus, although it didn't get stuck. I'm concerned a...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, based on your description, it seems that there is only a minor abrasion of the esophagus, and it shouldn't cause any injury unless you continue to experience discomfort in your throat. Thank you for your inquiry.[Read More] Concerns About Swallowing Pills: Is Your Esophagus at Risk?
Understanding Temperature Fluctuations: When to Seek Medical Advice
Temperature issues Hello Doctor, I previously had a family member infected with mycoplasma, and I developed symptoms of a scratchy throat and a mild fever of 37 degrees Celsius in the evening. I sought medical attention and was prescribed DayShu for three days. I was scheduled fo...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, according to the chart you provided, the highest temperature recorded is 37.7°C, with most readings below 37°C. Body temperature can often fluctuate based on surrounding temperature or physical activity. Overall, such variations in temperature should not be considered a fe...[Read More] Understanding Temperature Fluctuations: When to Seek Medical Advice
Should I Get Tested for HIV After Contact with Blood in Sparring?
The issue of exposure to a pool of blood? Hello, doctor. I have a habit of practicing martial arts. A few days ago during practice, my opponent had a lot of bleeding from the face, and blood splattered on my face and the floor. Since it was a practice match, I didn't stop th...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, HIV is primarily transmitted through sexual contact or blood transfusion, and the risk of infection through casual contact is very low. Based on the situation you described, it is unlikely that you would contract HIV. However, if you experience any discomfort in the future...[Read More] Should I Get Tested for HIV After Contact with Blood in Sparring?
Choking Hazards: Understanding Risks of Inhaled Water and Throat Issues
Choking issues? Hello, I accidentally drank water when my throat was very dry and suddenly started talking to my family, which caused me to choke. I coughed for a while, and later I felt a bit of water or phlegm in my throat, so I intentionally coughed again. Suddenly, I felt a s...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, since humans have an epiglottic cartilage that helps prevent choking and aspiration pneumonia, based on your described symptoms, it seems that you do not have aspiration pneumonia. Thank you for your inquiry.[Read More] Choking Hazards: Understanding Risks of Inhaled Water and Throat Issues