Understanding the Risks of Hepatitis B and C Transmission at Home
Hepatitis B and Hepatitis C Issues Hello, Doctor! I would like to ask you about the transmission of Hepatitis B and C viruses through contact with infected blood. If a family member gets injured and bleeds on indoor shoes, and I have a cut on the sole of my foot, could I get infe...
Dr. Liao Zhongxin Reply:
1. First, the hepatitis B vaccine should have been administered during childhood; however, over time, antibody levels may decline, leading to decreased protection. It is advisable to check with a nearby healthcare facility to see if protection is still present. 2. As for the hepa...[Read More] Understanding the Risks of Hepatitis B and C Transmission at Home
Concerns About Swallowing Small Bones: What You Need to Know
Eating issues? Hello Doctor, I would like to ask you about something. I had steak for dinner and I'm not sure if I swallowed a small bone or some burnt meat. I felt something hard go down my esophagus. Although it didn't get stuck in my throat, I'm concerned whethe...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, bones do not have sharp spurs, so they are less likely to get stuck in the throat compared to fish bones. If you are not experiencing any specific discomfort, there is no need to worry unless you later develop a sore throat, in which case you should consult an otolaryngolo...[Read More] Concerns About Swallowing Small Bones: What You Need to Know
Can Biologics for Psoriasis Be Used After Prostate Cancer Radiation Therapy?
Can biologic agents for psoriasis be used after radiation therapy for prostate cancer? Hello, my father has been diagnosed with stage II prostate cancer and has undergone radiation therapy. He has been monitored for two years, and his PSA levels are normal. However, due to the im...
Dr. Gao Jiankai Reply:
Hello, thank you for your question. Currently, the use of biologics should be avoided in patients who have been diagnosed with cancer for less than ten years. Different biologics may have varying effects on cancer treatment and recurrence, ranging from significant to minimal impa...[Read More] Can Biologics for Psoriasis Be Used After Prostate Cancer Radiation Therapy?
Understanding Limb Pain: Causes and When to Seek Medical Advice
Pain and discomfort in the limbs? Hello, Doctor. For the past few weeks, I have been experiencing alternating pain in my hands and feet (most commonly in my fingers and toes). I'm wondering if this could be caused by excessive humidity or a lack of exercise (I recently start...
Dr. Gao Jiankai Reply:
Hello, thank you for your inquiry. Your symptoms have been present for a relatively short time. If you do not have any other chronic illnesses, it is recommended to start with anti-inflammatory pain relievers and increase your water intake to manage your symptoms. If there is no ...[Read More] Understanding Limb Pain: Causes and When to Seek Medical Advice
Understanding Health Insurance Subsidies for Lupus Patients in Taiwan
System for Health Insurance Subsidies for Lupus Erythematosus / Major Illness / Specific Illness / Special Program Hello, Dr. Gao. I would like to inquire whether patients with systemic lupus erythematosus can apply for major illness or specific illness certification to receive h...
Dr. Gao Jiankai Reply:
Hello, thank you for your inquiry. Here are my responses: 1. I would like to ask if patients with systemic lupus erythematosus can apply for catastrophic illness or specific illness certification to receive medication subsidies from health insurance? Or can they apply for a heal...[Read More] Understanding Health Insurance Subsidies for Lupus Patients in Taiwan
Understanding Tonsil Issues: Pain, Stones, and Cancer Concerns
Tonsil problems Hello, I would like to ask about a situation. Last week, I felt some pain in one side of my tonsil, so I went to see an ENT specialist. The doctor mentioned that it was slightly red and prescribed some medication for me. After taking the medication for two days, t...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, based on your description, it does seem more like tonsilloliths, which are a common symptom of upper respiratory infections. Most cases can improve, and it is unlikely to progress to cancer. As for the unilateral cancer you mentioned, it is a rare occurrence and is more co...[Read More] Understanding Tonsil Issues: Pain, Stones, and Cancer Concerns
Are Clinic Injection Needles Safe? Understanding Sterilization Practices
Clinic injections Hello, I noticed during a previous visit to the dermatology clinic that the injection equipment was not freshly opened; it was pre-packaged and stored in a box. At that time, I didn't think much of it, but later I recalled that such equipment should be open...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, in theory, a legitimate clinic should not reuse needles. You should ensure that the needle is disposed of in front of you after use. As for other instruments, some can indeed be properly sterilized and reused, and as long as they are correctly disinfected, there should be ...[Read More] Are Clinic Injection Needles Safe? Understanding Sterilization Practices
Managing Hypothyroidism: Weight Loss and Long-Term Health Strategies
Hypothyroidism Hello, my girlfriend has been diagnosed with hypothyroidism after gaining significant weight, which prompted her to seek medical attention. The doctor advised that she does not need medication. I would like to know if the weight gain is indeed caused by the thyroid...
Dr. Lin Jianliang Reply:
Hello: There are many causes of hypothyroidism. For obesity caused by hypothyroidism, it is advisable to first normalize thyroid hormone levels. Then, based on the underlying cause, treatment can be initiated to see if it is possible to prevent further hypothyroidism.[Read More] Managing Hypothyroidism: Weight Loss and Long-Term Health Strategies
Effective Strategies for Managing Abdominal Obesity: A Guide
How to manage obesity? I want to lose weight, especially abdominal fat. How does your department handle this? What is the difference between seeing a metabolic specialist and a family medicine physician?
Dr. Lin Jianliang Reply:
Hello: The metabolic department focuses on obesity issues primarily related to endocrine disorders, such as hypothyroidism, among others. The management approach includes correcting endocrine abnormalities, dietary control, and exercise management. I'm not very clear on the ...[Read More] Effective Strategies for Managing Abdominal Obesity: A Guide
Understanding HIV Transmission Risks from Contaminated Toilet Paper
Transmission of HIV/AIDS Hello doctor, at the end of July this year, I used a public restroom and found that the toilet paper was wet when I wiped my intimate area. I'm not sure what liquid the toilet paper was contaminated with, but at the end of August, I experienced a fev...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, urine does not transmit HIV, but semen can indeed transmit HIV, although the risk of infection is very low. Thank you for your question.[Read More] Understanding HIV Transmission Risks from Contaminated Toilet Paper
Understanding Unexplained Pain After IV Treatment: Causes and Next Steps
Unexplained pain Hello Dr. Hong: After I finished my IV drip, the area around the vein feels hard and has a foreign body sensation, and it is painful. I would like to know what could be the possible causes of this? If I want to understand this further, which specialty should I co...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, based on your description, it seems to be phlebitis caused by the injection. Usually, applying a cold compress or using some anti-inflammatory ointment will gradually improve the condition. If the discomfort persists, you may consider consulting a plastic surgeon or a fami...[Read More] Understanding Unexplained Pain After IV Treatment: Causes and Next Steps
Can Using a Tampon After Toilet Water Contact Cause STIs?
Infection issues A few days ago, while I was changing my sanitary pad in a public restroom at a restaurant, the pad accidentally fell into the toilet. When I retrieved the pad from the toilet, I noticed it had come into contact with some toilet water. I simply dabbed the pad dry ...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, based on your description, it is unlikely that you have a sexually transmitted infection. However, damp cotton pads can easily harbor other bacteria or fungi, so it is advisable to avoid using wet sanitary pads. Thank you for your inquiry.[Read More] Can Using a Tampon After Toilet Water Contact Cause STIs?
Understanding Injection Complications: Pain and Recovery After IV Medication
Regarding injection leakage? Hello, doctor. A while ago, when I received an injection (not an IV drip, just a regular intravenous injection), the nurse used a machine to administer the medication while I was not present. Before half of the medication was pushed through, my hand s...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, based on your description, it seems to be phlebitis. Some individuals may experience inflammation for a longer duration. I recommend applying a cold compress. In addition to oral pain relievers, you can also purchase anti-inflammatory ointment to apply to the painful area,...[Read More] Understanding Injection Complications: Pain and Recovery After IV Medication
Thyroid Nodule Surgery: Is Ablation an Option for Benign Cases?
Thyroid nodule surgery? I recently had a thyroid ultrasound and found that two nodules on the right side have each grown by 1 cm over the past three years (from 1.3 cm to 2.3 cm). I underwent a fine needle aspiration biopsy, which showed the nodules to be benign. However, my doct...
Dr. Li Jian Reply:
Your condition is suitable for ablation (radiofrequency ablation), but it is recommended to undergo a fine needle aspiration biopsy again to confirm benignity, in order to avoid missing a potential malignant tumor. Additionally, the ablation procedure is out-of-pocket, and our ho...[Read More] Thyroid Nodule Surgery: Is Ablation an Option for Benign Cases?
Understanding Hypothyroidism During Pregnancy: Key Hormone Levels Explained
Hypothyroidism If one side of the thyroid has been removed and you are taking 50 mcg of Levothyroxine (Enthexin) daily, currently at six weeks of pregnancy, and after increasing the dosage to two tablets, your blood test results show T3: 84 (64-152), T4: 0.94 (0.7-1.48), and TSH:...
Dr. Lin Jianliang Reply:
Hello: T3: 84 (64-152) T4: 0.94 (0.7-1.48) TSH: 23.3 (0.35-4.94) This indicates hypothyroidism. It is recommended to return to the original clinic for evaluation by a physician to determine if any adjustments are necessary.[Read More] Understanding Hypothyroidism During Pregnancy: Key Hormone Levels Explained
Understanding Elevated White Blood Cell Count: When to Seek Medical Attention
White blood cell count above 10,000? Hello Doctor: I underwent a health check-up at school on September 12th of this year. The results showed a white blood cell count of 10,190, a pulse rate of 96, and I have issues with being overweight and atopic dermatitis, but I do not have a...
Dr. Liao Zhongxin Reply:
1. The normal range for white blood cell counts in the general population at our hospital is between 3,500 and 11,000, which means that 5% of individuals may have counts below 3,500 or above 11,000, so there is no need to panic at this time. 2. However, it is important to compare...[Read More] Understanding Elevated White Blood Cell Count: When to Seek Medical Attention
Managing Hypothyroidism: Weight Loss and Long-Term Health Strategies
Hypothyroidism Hello, my girlfriend has been diagnosed with hypothyroidism after noticing significant weight gain, which prompted her to seek medical attention. The doctor mentioned that medication is not necessary. I would like to ask if the weight gain is indeed caused by the t...
Dr. Lin Jianliang Reply:
Hello: There are many causes of hypothyroidism. For obesity caused by hypothyroidism, it is advisable to first normalize thyroid hormone levels. Then, based on the underlying cause, treatment can be implemented to see if it is possible to prevent further hypothyroidism.[Read More] Managing Hypothyroidism: Weight Loss and Long-Term Health Strategies
Managing Hypothyroidism: Weight Loss and Long-Term Health Strategies
Hypothyroidism Hello, my girlfriend has been diagnosed with hypothyroidism after gaining significant weight, which prompted her to seek medical attention. The doctor advised that she does not need medication. I would like to know if the weight gain is indeed caused by the thyroid...
Dr. Lin Jianliang Reply:
Hello: There are many causes of hypothyroidism. For obesity caused by hypothyroidism, it is advisable to first normalize thyroid hormone levels. Then, treatment can be based on the underlying cause to see if it can be resolved.[Read More] Managing Hypothyroidism: Weight Loss and Long-Term Health Strategies
How Long Does It Take for Kidney Stones to Shrink and Pass?
How long does it take for kidney stones to shrink and be expelled? In August of this year, I underwent a renal ultrasound at Taipei Shin Kong Hospital, which revealed two kidney stones measuring 0.7 cm each (asymptomatic). There was no proteinuria and no signs of chronic kidney a...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, what you have done is already the basic necessary steps. However, kidney stones may not pass out due to individual differences in body constitution and location. Since your stone is small and you do not have any specific symptoms, it can indeed be monitored long-term. Emer...[Read More] How Long Does It Take for Kidney Stones to Shrink and Pass?
How to Assess Throat Discomfort After Possible Chemical Ingestion
How to assess throat discomfort? After drinking a beverage in the afternoon, I have been experiencing a slight burning sensation in the area just above my clavicle and throat. I would like to ask a physician if, in the case of accidental ingestion or if someone intentionally adde...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, if it is corrosive esophagitis, the pain should be very pronounced, and you would likely be unable to drink water or eat anything. Based on your description, it does not seem to be corrosive esophagitis unless you are feeling very uncomfortable. If that is the case, you ca...[Read More] How to Assess Throat Discomfort After Possible Chemical Ingestion