Tonsils, Internal Medicine FAQ

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Swallowed Fish Bone: X-Ray Findings and Endoscopy Insights

Ingestion of a fishbone but not found during gastroscopy? Hello Doctor: Two nights ago, while eating salmon, I accidentally swallowed a fish bone that was about one centimeter long and not soft. I felt a bit nervous, so I swallowed a bite of rice and vegetables afterward, but lat...


Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, 1. It is possible for a fishbone to be visible on an X-ray but not detected during an endoscopy. This can occur due to the numerous folds in the stomach, and if the fishbone is not prominently colored, it may not be seen during the endoscopic examination. 2. It is plau...

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Understanding PET Scan Results: Is a 1.6cm Liver Nodule Benign?

Inquiry about Positron Emission Tomography (PET) Report Hello Doctor, I have to wait until Friday to see the report 😭. I would like to ask if you could confirm my initial translation, which suggests that there is no metastasis or malignant tumor. Is the 1.6 cm nodule in the liver...


Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, this report mainly indicates that no signs of tumors or metastasis were found, suggesting that the liver tumor is likely benign. Thank you for your inquiry.

[Read More] Understanding PET Scan Results: Is a 1.6cm Liver Nodule Benign?


Understanding Tonsil Stones: Symptoms, Causes, and Treatment Options

Tonsil stones issue? Dr. Hong, I apologize for bothering you. About a week ago, while I was taking a shower, I suddenly felt a sensation of something stuck in my throat. I used my tongue to push towards my throat, and a fairly large stone came out along with some sticky saliva. I...


Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, based on your description, it seems likely that you have a stone in the salivary gland or another gland. Typically, after the stone passes, there may be a slight inflammation, but it usually resolves on its own, and most cases improve. If you are not experiencing a fever o...

[Read More] Understanding Tonsil Stones: Symptoms, Causes, and Treatment Options


Understanding Tonsil Issues: When to Seek ENT Help and Infection Risks

Tonsil issues, may I ask? Hello, Doctor Hong. Previously, I visited an ENT specialist because I had tonsil stones. The doctor used a tool to press on it and later seemed to suction it out. After lunch today, while brushing my teeth, I noticed a white spot near my tonsils that loo...


Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, tonsil stones, as your doctor described, do not necessarily require any special treatment if there is no discomfort or inflammation. Regarding hepatitis B, it is primarily transmitted through vertical transmission and blood. The risk of infection from bleeding in the mouth...

[Read More] Understanding Tonsil Issues: When to Seek ENT Help and Infection Risks


Understanding Mild Throat Pain: When to Seek Further Medical Attention

Slight pain in the throat? Hello Doctor, I recently seem to have caught a cold and visited an ENT specialist. I'm still taking medication, but I still feel pain on the right side of my throat, near the tonsils. The ENT doctor only mentioned slight inflammation. I have had to...


Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, stones are less likely to form in the throat and esophagus. Based on your description, it seems to be an upper respiratory infection combined with pharyngitis. It is indeed recommended to drink plenty of water and rest. However, if you have a persistent fever lasting more ...

[Read More] Understanding Mild Throat Pain: When to Seek Further Medical Attention


Understanding Throat Pain: When to Worry and When to Rest

Slight pain in the throat? Hello Doctor, I recently seem to have caught a cold and visited an ENT specialist. I'm still taking medication, but I still feel pain on the right side of my throat, near the tonsils. The ENT doctor only mentioned slight inflammation. I previously ...


Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, stones are less likely to form in the throat and esophagus. Based on your description, it seems to be an upper respiratory infection combined with pharyngitis. It is indeed recommended to drink plenty of water and rest. However, if you have a persistent fever lasting more ...

[Read More] Understanding Throat Pain: When to Worry and When to Rest


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 Tongue Pain: Causes, Symptoms, and Remedies

My tongue seems to be a bit painful? Hello, doctor. Yesterday, I suddenly noticed a small blister on the upper right side of my tongue. Although I'm not sure if it has burst, today I feel a slight pain in that area when I touch it with my teeth or roll my tongue, similar to ...


Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, 1. Based on your description, having a small sore on the tongue is indeed a common occurrence. Sometimes it happens when you accidentally bite your tongue, and other times it may be due to a decline in your overall health. Typically, it will improve within a few days, so...

[Read More] Understanding Tongue Pain: Causes, Symptoms, and Remedies


Understanding Throat Pain and the Risks of Swallowing Foreign Objects

Throat issues and ingestion problems? Hello, doctor. I'm not sure if my cold has not fully resolved. Initially, I had a sore throat, and now only one side still hurts. I plan to visit an ENT specialist tomorrow. However, while eating just now, I accidentally swallowed someth...


Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, based on your description, it seems that your symptoms are likely caused by a cold and not due to any foreign object being lodged. As for the white area you mentioned, I haven't seen it directly, so it's difficult to assess; however, based on your description, it...

[Read More] Understanding Throat Pain and the Risks of Swallowing Foreign Objects


Understanding Unusually Slow Recovery from Cold Symptoms

The recovery from a cold is slower than usual? I usually have nasal allergies, often experiencing nasal congestion and runny nose. Besides that, I rarely catch colds and do not take any medications regularly. Initially, one morning I woke up with sudden pain near my tonsils, and ...


Dr. Liao Zhongxin Reply:
Dear readers: <Regarding whether there is insufficient immunity or other underlying conditions? How to check and improve?> A: 1. You can refer to the following website: https://www.femh.org.tw/epaperadmin/viewarticle.aspx?ID=49672. It is recommended to maintain a regular ro...

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Understanding Oral Infections: Tonsillitis, Gum Swelling, and Lip Ulcers

Purulent tonsillitis in the oral cavity, gingival swelling, and purulent lips? Hello Doctor, since I took my sister to the hospital on January 4th and stayed there from 9 AM to 10 PM, I have not slept for eighteen hours. It was the most irregular day for my schedule in over a yea...


Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, based on your description, your oral ulceration does seem severe. It may not be possible to determine the true cause based solely on your description. I recommend visiting a major hospital's dental department for relevant examinations, including viral testing. If ther...

[Read More] Understanding Oral Infections: Tonsillitis, Gum Swelling, and Lip Ulcers


Understanding Persistent Fever and Cough: Possible HIV Concerns

I have been experiencing intermittent fever for a month? 1. What is the likelihood of contracting HIV in this situation? 2. Do these symptoms resemble those of HIV? I have been monitoring my lymph nodes and oral health, and everything appears normal, except for throat pain caused...


Dr. Liao Zhongxin Reply:
Dear readers: Regarding 1. What is the likelihood of contracting HIV in this situation? A: According to the CDC-Taiwan, there are three main routes of HIV transmission: 1. Sexual transmission: Engaging in oral, anal, or vaginal intercourse with an HIV-infected individual or exch...

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Understanding Dry Cough in Hypertension Patients: Causes and Solutions

Antihypertensive medications and dry cough? Current medications include: 1. Tenormin 100 mg tablet (Atenolol) 2. Posterisan Forte ointment 10 g 3. Prozac 20 mg dispersible tablet (Fluoxetine) 4. Renitec tablet 5 mg (Enalapril) 5. Moduretic tablet (Amiloride and Hydrochlorothiazid...


Dr. Zhong Weisheng Reply:
The dry cough mentioned in your letter is most likely caused by the medication Renitec (Enalapril) 5 mg. It is recommended to discontinue this medication. If blood pressure increases, you may consider adding a non-angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitor. Thank you for your letter...

[Read More] Understanding Dry Cough in Hypertension Patients: Causes and Solutions


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


Why Does Sore Throat Always Lead to Fever? Understanding the Connection

Fever? Doctor, why do I always have a fever when I have a sore throat? Is it related to my tonsils? Can I let the fever resolve on its own, or is it better to see a doctor for a quicker recovery?


Dr. Cai Zonglong Reply:
If throat pain is caused by inflammation, it may lead to a fever. Throat pain is not necessarily related to the tonsils. It is recommended that if you experience throat pain accompanied by a fever, you should seek assistance and diagnosis from an otolaryngologist. This response i...

[Read More] Why Does Sore Throat Always Lead to Fever? Understanding the Connection


Swollen Lips and Red Spots: Allergy or Food Poisoning Concerns?

Swollen lips, with red spots appearing on the neck and arms? Hello Doctor: Recently, I have experienced swelling of the lips, small red spots on my neck and arms, bone pain, and a slight pain in my tonsils. Which department should I consult? Could this be an allergy or food poiso...


Dr. Huang Maosen Reply:
Hello, I apologize for the delayed response. Based on the symptoms you described, it should be considered an allergic reaction, as there are no symptoms of diarrhea or vomiting, which are not typical of food poisoning. You should consult a general internist. Thank you!

[Read More] Swollen Lips and Red Spots: Allergy or Food Poisoning Concerns?


Understanding Lymph Node Issues After Tonsillitis: Your Questions Answered

I have a question regarding lymph nodes... Please, doctor, respond to me as soon as possible? Doctor, I have a question... I am a resident of Hualien and I would like to ask about my previous acute inflammation of the tonsils. After about four days of medication treatment, the pa...


Dr. Wang Fangli Reply:
Hello Ajie: If you are very concerned, please go to a medical center for a blood test.

[Read More] Understanding Lymph Node Issues After Tonsillitis: Your Questions Answered