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...[Read More] Swallowed Fish Bone: X-Ray Findings and Endoscopy Insights
Understanding Low Neutrophil Levels: Causes and Implications
Blood Test Report - Neutrophils Hello Dr. Hong, I received your response yesterday and would like to ask about other blood values being normal, but with a decreasing neutrophil count. What could typically cause this issue? Does it need to be addressed? In previous health checks, ...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, neutrophils are related to the body's resistance to bacterial infections. Common causes of neutrophil reduction include medications, viral infections, and decreased immunity, among others. However, it can also be a normal physiological variation. Therefore, it is esse...[Read More] Understanding Low Neutrophil Levels: Causes and Implications
Understanding Blood Test Results: What Do They Mean for Your Health?
Blood test results? Other test data source: Test category: Sorted items: Test item name: All. Rotating the mobile screen horizontally will display more data. Test Date | Test Item Name | Test Result 110/08/13 | HCT | 43.5 110/08/13 | HGB | 13.2 110/08/13 | MCH | 21.0 11...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, based on your blood test report: 1. Your blood glucose level is elevated. If this was a fasting blood test, it is recommended to visit a metabolic clinic to check for diabetes. 2. Your oxygen saturation is low, but it is unclear whether the sample was drawn from an arter...[Read More] Understanding Blood Test Results: What Do They Mean for Your Health?
Understanding Low-Grade Fever, Chills, Fatigue, and Headache Symptoms
Low-grade fever, chills, weakness, headache? Hello, I have been experiencing a low-grade fever for three to four days (body temperature around 37.3-37.5°C). I also have a headache, fatigue, and slight chills. I took a home rapid test for COVID-19 yesterday, which came back negati...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, other viral infections, urinary tract infections, irregular lifestyle, high stress, and menstrual periods can all contribute to the symptoms mentioned above. It is recommended to maintain a regular schedule, exercise, and have a balanced diet, as well as to drink plenty of...[Read More] Understanding Low-Grade Fever, Chills, Fatigue, and Headache Symptoms
Understanding Adult Still's Disease: Symptoms and Immune System Flare-Ups
Immune system dysfunction in adults with Still's disease? Hello Doctor: I have an immune system disorder (the doctor has diagnosed me with suspected "Adult Still's Disease" on the medical certificate). Due to the recent pandemic, I haven't been able to at...
Dr. Gao Jiankai Reply:
Hello, thank you for your message. The inflammation index you mentioned, which is over ten thousand, could possibly refer to the ferritin level, which is an indicator of adult Still's disease and also serves as a reference for disease stability. Given that your levels were o...[Read More] Understanding Adult Still's Disease: Symptoms and Immune System Flare-Ups
Persistent Fever for Four Weeks: Unraveling the Mystery of Undiagnosed Infection
Fever has persisted for nearly four weeks, and no definitive source of infection has been identified? In the first week, there was a persistent elevated body temperature at night, with an ear temperature above 37.5°C. In the second week, after four to five days, the body temperat...
Dr. Lin Wufu Reply:
Hello: Based on the symptoms and test results you described, the most likely diagnosis is infectious mononucleosis caused by CMV infection. To confirm the diagnosis, a measurement of the viral load of CMV in the blood can be performed. Generally, the condition tends to resolve on...[Read More] Persistent Fever for Four Weeks: Unraveling the Mystery of Undiagnosed Infection
Persistent Symptoms After Negative COVID-19 Tests: What to Do?
Negative rapid test for COVID-19 and normal test results, yet persistent illness? Hello Dr. Hong, First of all, I do not have any chronic illnesses, a travel history, or overlapping exposure to confirmed cases. I live in Taichung City, which is not a hot zone, and I was in good ...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, I'm not sure if the two tests you received were rapid antigen tests (ELISA) or PCR tests. If they were antigen tests, there is indeed a high chance of false negatives, and you may need to consider getting an RT-PCR test for confirmation. If both tests were PCR, the ch...[Read More] Persistent Symptoms After Negative COVID-19 Tests: What to Do?
Persistent Fever for Days: Understanding Causes and Solutions
Having a high fever that has persisted for three to four days without subsiding? Hello Doctor, I have been experiencing a fever since the first day, with an initial temperature around 38.5 degrees Celsius. I went to see a doctor, who noted that my throat was particularly red. The...
Dr. Lin Wufu Reply:
Hello! I apologize for the late response due to the pandemic. First, your situation requires screening to rule out COVID-19, as patients with COVID-19 can present with symptoms such as fever, sore throat, and diarrhea. If the screening is negative, the next consideration would be...[Read More] Persistent Fever for Days: Understanding Causes and Solutions
Understanding Autoimmune Disorders in Children: Symptoms and Testing
Autoimmunity Hello Doctor, in October 2019, my son (7 years old) was infected with influenza type B. Later, he developed some red spots on his hands, and when we went to the hospital for a blood test, the emergency doctor said everything was normal, with a platelet count of 180,0...
Dr. Gao Jiankai Reply:
Hello, thank you for your message. It is indeed possible for children to develop skin rashes and abnormal blood test results due to viral infections, and if these symptoms resolve quickly or the test results return to normal, there is usually no need for concern. However, blood t...[Read More] Understanding Autoimmune Disorders in Children: Symptoms and Testing
Understanding Foot Pain: Causes and When to Seek Medical Advice
Please consult regarding toe issues? Hello, doctor. Yesterday, I stayed up late working on a report and only fell asleep around dawn, waking up after 10 AM. Later, I went out to buy something to eat, and when I returned home, I noticed that my right little toe was painful when I ...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, 1. Regarding the condition of your foot, based on the photos you provided, it appears to be folliculitis accompanied by cellulitis, which is usually caused by follicular obstruction. It is recommended to maintain cleanliness, and it should gradually improve over time. If...[Read More] Understanding Foot Pain: Causes and When to Seek Medical Advice
Frequent Doctor Visits: Understanding Respiratory Issues and Immunity
Frequent medical visits? I often feel discomfort while breathing through my nose, and my doctor has mostly diagnosed me with upper respiratory infections. Sometimes it is bronchitis or allergic rhinitis, and at times I experience discomfort around my nose. I frequently visit the ...
Dr. Gao Jiankai Reply:
Hello, thank you for your question. There are several reasons for nasal discomfort. In addition to allergies, it could simply be that the nasal mucosa is sensitive to temperature and humidity, or even a mild upper respiratory viral infection could be the cause. For persistent and...[Read More] Frequent Doctor Visits: Understanding Respiratory Issues and Immunity
Understanding Mucus and Blood in Stool: When to Seek Medical Help
Mucous mixed with blood in stool? Hello Dr. Hong, I am currently abroad and it's not very suitable to go out due to COVID-19. I would like to ask about a concern I've been having. For the past few months, after having a bowel movement, I have noticed a mixture of clear ...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, based on your description of the mucus, I'm not sure if you've recently consumed foods that are higher in mucus content. If there are no other symptoms, it usually isn't a cause for concern. Regarding the blood streaks, I'm curious if you observed this ...[Read More] Understanding Mucus and Blood in Stool: When to Seek Medical Help
Understanding Painful White Growths on the Tongue: Causes and Treatments
There is a growth on the tongue? Yesterday, I noticed a white, elongated growth on the edge of my tongue. It is less than one centimeter long and causes slight pain when touched.
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, since I cannot see the actual condition, I can only speculate that it might be a mild ulcer on the tongue, usually caused by biting or a viral infection. It should gradually improve over the next few days. If it persists and does not resolve, please visit a dental clinic f...[Read More] Understanding Painful White Growths on the Tongue: Causes and Treatments
Should You Get Tested for HIV After Unprotected Oral Sex?
HIV infection Hello doctor, I would like to ask you a question. My girlfriend and I have both tested negative for HIV in the past. We engaged in oral sex without using a condom, but my girlfriend has recently developed symptoms that are suggestive of acute HIV infection, such as ...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, if you have suspected symptoms, it is indeed advisable to go to the hospital for a detailed examination. This is because it is difficult to differentiate HIV from other viral infections based solely on symptoms. Thank you for your inquiry.[Read More] Should You Get Tested for HIV After Unprotected Oral Sex?
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
Assessing HIV Risk After Oral and Protected Sex: Your Questions Answered
HIV testing issues Hello Dr. Hong, I would like to ask you some questions about HIV, thank you. I had unprotected oral sex with my ex-girlfriend on July 26th, and on August 2nd, we had protected intercourse. However, I also kissed her and swallowed her saliva. Afterward, I learne...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, I understand your concerns about infection. Regarding the HIV testing you underwent, the accuracy should be very high, so you are likely not infected. However, as you mentioned, there is a window period associated with precise testing. The HIV Ag/Ab combo test currently ha...[Read More] Assessing HIV Risk After Oral and Protected Sex: Your Questions Answered
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
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 You Catch Another Cold While Sick? Understanding Overlapping Infections
During the cold season? Is it possible for a doctor to become infected with other bacteria or viruses during a cold, leading to more severe discomfort, or is there a possibility of overlapping infections with two different colds?
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, the term "cold" is a general term that refers to symptoms caused by bacterial or viral infections of the upper respiratory tract. There are many types of bacteria and viruses, and often more than one pathogen can infect simultaneously. In terms of severity, bacte...[Read More] Can You Catch Another Cold While Sick? Understanding Overlapping Infections