Should You Worry About Small Bumps Under Your Armpit?
Please ask your question? Hello, today while taking a shower, I suddenly noticed one or two very small bumps near my armpit. I'm worried that they might be something unusual. Could it just be that I'm cold and got goosebumps? However, it also resembles something I have ...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, based on your description and the images, it appears to be a skin gland, which is a normal physiological structure. There's no need to worry. Thank you for your inquiry.[Read More] Should You Worry About Small Bumps Under Your Armpit?
Understanding Kidney Function: GFR and Creatinine Levels Explained
Kidney examination issues? I would like to ask the doctor: I am 48 years old. I went to the hospital for a blood test, and the results showed a creatinine level of 0.92, with an estimated GFR of 60 (88 is for reference) ml/min/1.73㎡. Is the glomerular filtration rate 88? Is my ki...
Dr. Lin Wuxuan Reply:
Hello: This kidney function report is within the normal range.[Read More] Understanding Kidney Function: GFR and Creatinine Levels Explained
Which Test is Best for Detecting Heavy Metal Poisoning: Hair, Blood, or Urine?
To determine if there is heavy metal poisoning, one should check hair, blood, or urine. Which one is appropriate? Hello, doctor. I have frequently been exposed to various strange pigments in the past, which contained heavy metals, but I have not been exposed for a long time. If I...
Dr. Lin Wuxuan Reply:
Hello: Generally speaking, different heavy metals have different detection methods, but most can be assessed through blood tests and urine tests to determine their levels.[Read More] Which Test is Best for Detecting Heavy Metal Poisoning: Hair, Blood, or Urine?
Understanding Risks of Sharing Needles: HIV and Syphilis Concerns
Shared needles Hello doctor, I recently shared a syringe for intravenous injection with an HIV patient. What is the likelihood of infection? I used the syringe at least an hour after he did. I've seen various claims online about the virus survival time, ranging from 3 minute...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, sharing needles can lead to infection regardless of how long they have been used, so it is crucial never to use needles that have been used by others. The so-called rash typically occurs during the secondary stage of syphilis, which happens approximately six weeks to six m...[Read More] Understanding Risks of Sharing Needles: HIV and Syphilis Concerns
Understanding Risks of Sharing Needles: HIV and Syphilis Concerns
Shared needles Hello doctor, I recently shared a needle for intravenous injection with an HIV patient. What is the likelihood of infection? I used the needle at least an hour after he did. I've seen various claims online about the virus survival time, ranging from 3 minutes ...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, sharing needles can lead to infection regardless of how long they have been used. Therefore, it is crucial not to use needles that have been used by others. The so-called rash is associated with secondary syphilis, which typically occurs approximately six weeks to six mont...[Read More] Understanding Risks of Sharing Needles: HIV and Syphilis Concerns
Understanding Risks of Sharing Needles: HIV and Syphilis Concerns
Sharing needles Hello doctor, I recently shared a needle for intravenous injection with an HIV patient. What is the likelihood of infection? I used the needle at least an hour after he did. I’ve seen various claims online about the virus survival time, ranging from 3 minutes to s...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, sharing needles can lead to infection regardless of how long they have been used. Even if it’s just for one minute, there is still a risk of infection. Therefore, never use needles that have been used by someone else. The so-called rash is associated with the secondary sta...[Read More] Understanding Risks of Sharing Needles: HIV and Syphilis Concerns
Understanding Risks of Sharing Needles: HIV and Syphilis Concerns
Sharing needles Hello Doctor, I recently shared a needle for intravenous injection with an HIV patient. What is the likelihood of infection? I used the needle at least an hour after he did. I've seen various claims online about the virus survival time, ranging from 3 minutes...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, sharing needles can lead to infection regardless of how long they have been used; even if it’s just for one minute, there is still a risk of infection. Therefore, never use needles that have been used by someone else. The so-called rash is associated with the secondary sta...[Read More] Understanding Risks of Sharing Needles: HIV and Syphilis Concerns
Understanding Chronic Loose Stools: IBS and Gastrointestinal Concerns
I have been experiencing issues with frequent loose stools? Hello, doctor. I started experiencing diarrhea and almost daily soft stools (with a slight shape, small lumps) at the beginning of the year. Later, during a health check, I had a positive fecal occult blood test. Followi...
Dr. Xie Rongyuan Reply:
Hello: It may be an issue related to irritable bowel syndrome. Since the colonoscopy results are normal, you might consider starting medication to see if your symptoms improve. If you frequently experience acid reflux, it would also be advisable to undergo an upper endoscopy. Tha...[Read More] Understanding Chronic Loose Stools: IBS and Gastrointestinal Concerns
Understanding Finger Hemorrhage: Causes and Treatment Options
Subungual hematoma I usually play rhythm games on my phone (the type that requires tapping the screen), and I've recently noticed that my fingers hurt when I tap the screen. I found a black line inside my fingertip. Will that disappear on its own after some time?
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, the condition you mentioned may be due to bruising or some dirt, and it might require a visual examination for proper assessment. If the discomfort persists, I recommend considering a visit to a dermatologist. Thank you for your inquiry.[Read More] Understanding Finger Hemorrhage: Causes and Treatment Options
Managing High Cholesterol: When to See a Doctor and Lifestyle Tips
Recent health check revealed slightly elevated cholesterol levels? Recently, a health check revealed slightly elevated cholesterol levels. My height is 164 cm and weight is 44 kg. Total cholesterol is 238 mg/dL, triglycerides are 42 mg/dL, HDL (high-density lipoprotein) is 69.9 m...
Dr. Lin Jianliang Reply:
Hello: It is recommended to see a physician. Whether treatment is necessary depends on the physician's assessment of any risk factors you may have, such as hypertension, diabetes, cardiovascular disease, cerebrovascular disease, and other risk factors. Additionally, it is im...[Read More] Managing High Cholesterol: When to See a Doctor and Lifestyle Tips
Head Pain When Moving: Causes and Effective Solutions
Pain occurs when shaking the head? If shaking your head or moving down the stairs causes pain, this issue has been present for some time. What methods can be used to improve this condition?
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, there are indeed many causes of headaches. Based on your description, both tension-type headaches and migraines are possible. If the discomfort persists, I recommend visiting a neurology clinic for a more detailed examination. Thank you for your inquiry.[Read More] Head Pain When Moving: Causes and Effective Solutions
Understanding Brain Fog: Concerns and Solutions for Patients
Brain fog issue? Hello Doctor: I originally had poor memory and difficulty concentrating due to a mental illness, similar to brain fog, which made me hesitant to dine in restaurants for fear of exacerbating my condition. This has been somewhat distressing. I am concerned about th...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, it is recommended to get vaccinated, as this can lead to milder symptoms in case of infection and a lower risk of complications. Regarding brain fog, it mostly occurs in older adults, so the likelihood at your age is low. Even if it does happen, recovery is gradual and doe...[Read More] Understanding Brain Fog: Concerns and Solutions for Patients
Can STDs Spread Through Contaminated Showerheads? Prevention Tips
Questions about sexually transmitted infections (STIs) If a person with a sexually transmitted infection (STI) such as HIV, syphilis, or gonorrhea shaves in the bathroom and there is a trace of blood contamination on the showerhead, can another person become infected if they use ...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, the situation you described, where a small amount of blood sprays outside, is unlikely to pose an infection risk after a short period of time. It should not lead to the transmission of the sexually transmitted infections you mentioned. As for the showerhead, it is advisabl...[Read More] Can STDs Spread Through Contaminated Showerheads? Prevention Tips
Can Syphilis Cause False Positive in HIV Rapid Test Results?
HIV rapid test I would like to ask the doctor, today I purchased the HIV rapid test from Chembio and the result was positive. Could it be that I previously had syphilis, which might cause a cross-reactivity and result in a false positive for "similar HIV antibodies"?
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, having had syphilis will not cause an HIV rapid test to turn positive. Thank you for your question.[Read More] Can Syphilis Cause False Positive in HIV Rapid Test Results?
Understanding HIV Rapid Test Results: Next Steps After a Positive Reading
Infection concerns Following up on the previous question about the HIV rapid test, I would like to ask if a positive result with the Western blot test is essentially also considered positive? If it is confirmed positive, what steps should I take next? Thank you, doctor.
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, indeed, a high Western blot result is likely to be positive. After that, you should visit an infectious disease clinic to test for viral load and CD4 T cell count. We will determine whether to initiate antiviral treatment based on your symptoms and CD4 T cell count. Thank ...[Read More] Understanding HIV Rapid Test Results: Next Steps After a Positive Reading
Understanding Lip Pain: When to Seek Medical Advice
Lip issues Hello, I would like to ask about suddenly feeling a slight pain in my lips at night. When I looked, they seemed a bit red. Is this normal? I asked my sister, and she said it might be because I accidentally bit them, and that applying oral ointment would be fine. Howeve...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, the most common cause of red and painful lips is indeed accidentally biting them. Aside from that, the most frequent issue is viral infections, such as herpes virus infections. Most cases will resolve on their own, so there is no need to worry. As for the very few cases th...[Read More] Understanding Lip Pain: When to Seek Medical Advice
Understanding Elevated Fasting Blood Sugar: Causes and Concerns
Fasting blood glucose levels are elevated? On October 14, 2021, I went to the emergency room due to discomfort from vaccine side effects, around 8 PM after dinner, feeling very anxious (due to chest pain). The emergency department recorded a blood glucose level of 171. A few days...
Dr. Li Jian Reply:
Fasting blood glucose greater than 100 mg/dL or hemoglobin A1c greater than 5.6% indicates prediabetes. Low-dose mirtazapine is not commonly associated with hyperglycemia. Maintaining proper dietary control and lifestyle adjustments is key. Thank you for your inquiry.[Read More] Understanding Elevated Fasting Blood Sugar: Causes and Concerns
Concerns About Infection Risks from Handshakes: What You Need to Know
Please ask your question? Hello, doctor. Today, when I met with an international client, I shook hands with him and later noticed that he had black lines on his fingernails. I looked it up online, and it mentioned something about HIV. I would like to ask you, I had a small cut on...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, the presence of black lines on the nails cannot be used to diagnose or confirm an HIV infection. Additionally, HIV is not transmitted through handshakes. Therefore, based on the situation you described, there should be no risk of HIV infection. Thank you for your inquiry.[Read More] Concerns About Infection Risks from Handshakes: What You Need to Know
Understanding Elevated Creatinine Levels: Health Tips for a 34-Year-Old
The health check report shows a creatinine level of 1.31? Dear Doctor, I am 34 years old. My health check report from October 4, 2022, shows a BMI of 22.4, a waist circumference of 77 cm, a creatinine level of 1.31, and a glomerular filtration rate (GFR) of 66.57. There is no pro...
Dr. Huang Yaoxuan Reply:
Hello HEBE: "Creatinine 1.31, Glomerular Filtration Rate 66.57." You can follow up at the nephrology outpatient clinic. Additionally, regarding "daily diet/lifestyle," it is recommended to measure your blood pressure daily, avoid excessive salt intake, limit f...[Read More] Understanding Elevated Creatinine Levels: Health Tips for a 34-Year-Old
Understanding Clear Urine: When to Seek Medical Advice
Urinary issues Hello Doctor: I recently started weight training for the past week and have been consuming weight gain protein powder, along with increasing my water intake to about 2500 ml per day. In the last couple of days, I've noticed that my urine has become almost clea...
Dr. Huang Yaoxuan Reply:
Hello Lin, if you notice that your urine sometimes has slight bubbles, you can follow up at the nephrology clinic. Thank you![Read More] Understanding Clear Urine: When to Seek Medical Advice