Understanding the Connection Between Lung Nodules and Sputum Production
Pulmonary nodules and sputum? In early August of this year, a CT scan revealed a 1.5 cm ground-glass lung nodule in the right lung. Since early October, I have been experiencing a daily production of white phlegm from my throat, and now in late October, the amount of phlegm has i...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, could you please clarify what the possible causes of the nodules identified in your CT scan might be? Possible causes include previous pneumonia, tuberculosis, fibrosis, or tumors. Typically, a radiologist will provide a report with an initial assessment of the findings. I...[Read More] Understanding the Connection Between Lung Nodules and Sputum Production
Understanding Internal Itching: Causes and Solutions After Diagnosis
It feels itchy inside the body? Since the third day after being diagnosed, I have not had a fever, but I feel an internal itch throughout my body. It's very uncomfortable and hard to describe; I feel the need to keep moving to feel a bit better. Even before going to sleep at...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, it is true that some individuals may experience skin rashes due to COVID-19, although the likelihood is low. I would like to know if you are currently taking any medications, as it may be necessary to rule out drug or food allergies. If there are none, then it could be att...[Read More] Understanding Internal Itching: Causes and Solutions After Diagnosis
Managing High Cholesterol: Tips for Balancing HDL and LDL Levels
High total cholesterol Hello, Doctor. During my health check-up, I found that my total cholesterol is above the normal range. I have noticed a trend of increasing total cholesterol in the past few years: total cholesterol (161→186→194→227), triglycerides (60→58→82→79). This time,...
Dr. Lin Jianliang Reply:
Hello: 1. Currently, there are no primary methods for treating elevated high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol; however, if HDL cholesterol levels are already high, it is advised not to supplement with related health products. 2. If HDL cholesterol is elevated, do not supplem...[Read More] Managing High Cholesterol: Tips for Balancing HDL and LDL Levels
Can Using Public Restroom Toilet Paper Lead to STIs or Infections?
Is indirect transmission possible? Hello Doctor: I would like to ask if using toilet paper in public restrooms poses a risk of contracting sexually transmitted infections or other infections. Thank you!
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, as long as the tissue paper has not been used by anyone, there is no concern about the transmission of sexually transmitted infections or any specific infections. Thank you for your question.[Read More] Can Using Public Restroom Toilet Paper Lead to STIs or Infections?
Understanding Infection Risks: HIV Exposure and Safety Precautions
Infection issues Hello doctor, a few days ago I asked you some questions: 1. You mentioned that the chance of infection from being splashed with blood containing the HIV virus in the eyes, nose, or mouth with an open wound is low. Does this mean that if I accidentally get splashe...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, 1. On one hand, the infectiousness through this route is low, and on the other hand, the immune system can clear it. 2. It will not. 3. This will not cause an infection. Thank you for your question.[Read More] Understanding Infection Risks: HIV Exposure and Safety Precautions
Understanding HIV Transmission Risks: Common Questions Answered
HIV infection issues Hello Doctor: 1. I would like to ask, there are articles stating that HIV in blood quickly becomes inactive when exposed to air. If someone with a bleeding hand sprays blood into my eyes, nasal cavity, or mouth, especially if I have an open wound, is there ...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, 1. The chance of infection should be low. 2. Yes. 3. The likelihood is very low. 4. This is not a mode of transmission. 5. You will not be infected. Thank you for your question.[Read More] Understanding HIV Transmission Risks: Common Questions Answered
Understanding Antibiotic Dosage: Managing Overuse and Side Effects
Antibiotic dosage Hello, doctor. I was hospitalized for 4 days due to a peritonsillar abscess. During my hospital stay, I received antibiotic injections, and I felt much better upon discharge. The doctor prescribed oral Curran 1000 mg for 7 days, to be taken twice a day, with 2 t...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, whether a medication overdose requires a blood test to check drug levels is indeed a consideration. However, the nausea you mentioned is a common side effect of this antibiotic and can occur even at normal dosages. Experiencing nausea does not necessarily indicate an overd...[Read More] Understanding Antibiotic Dosage: Managing Overuse and Side Effects
Understanding HIV Infection Risks from Contaminated Utensils and Water
HIV infection If you have small cuts on your hands and are washing utensils that have been used by someone else, there is a risk of HIV infection if those utensils have saliva or blood from the other person. Additionally, if the other person has a wound that comes into contact wi...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, the two situations you mentioned do not carry any risk of infection. Thank you for your inquiry.[Read More] Understanding HIV Infection Risks from Contaminated Utensils and Water
Is Your Back Pain After Surgery a Side Effect of Spinal Anesthesia?
Which department should I see? Hello doctor, I underwent a bunion surgery on my fifth toe in January and July, both under spinal anesthesia. Several months have passed, and I often feel lower back soreness and pain. Could this be a side effect of the spinal anesthesia? Thank you,...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, based on your description, the likelihood of the issue being caused by anesthesia is low. It is more likely related to spinal or muscular problems. I recommend that you schedule an appointment with an orthopedic specialist. Thank you for your inquiry.[Read More] Is Your Back Pain After Surgery a Side Effect of Spinal Anesthesia?
Understanding Skin Rashes and Elevated C4 Complement Levels
Generalized urticaria and elevated C4 complement levels? Hello doctor, I noticed many small papules on my body on October 9th, particularly on my arms and legs. They are not painful, but sometimes itchy (I'm not sure if it's due to friction from clothing). I had blood d...
Dr. Gao Jiankai Reply:
Hello, thank you for your question. Elevated C4 levels can occur when the body is experiencing discomfort, including infections. Generally speaking, elevated complement C3 and C4 levels are usually not concerning, while low levels often indicate abnormalities in immune function. ...[Read More] Understanding Skin Rashes and Elevated C4 Complement Levels
Understanding HIV Risks After Brief Unprotected Sex: What You Need to Know
Fear of contracting HIV? Hello, I had sexual intercourse with a sex worker (female) on October 4th. During the encounter, I may have become too excited and removed the condom for about one minute. I had previously met with the same person, and during that encounter, we both insis...
Dr. Liao Zhongxin Reply:
1. If safe sex practices are followed, the chances of transmission are low. 2. However, there are over thirty types of sexually transmitted infections (STIs), all of which are transmitted through contact; remember to maintain hand hygiene to avoid infection.[Read More] Understanding HIV Risks After Brief Unprotected Sex: What You Need to Know
Managing Fever After COVID-19 Diagnosis: Symptoms and Treatment
Fever after diagnosis? In the first three days after diagnosis, I experienced a fever of 38.5°C. After that, my daytime temperature was around 37.2-37.5°C, but as the sun began to set, I felt my temperature rise to 38.5°C, which lasted for about 3-4 hours before it decreased, acc...
Dr. Liao Zhongxin Reply:
1. When infected with COVID-19, there may also be infections in other areas, such as the upper respiratory tract, urinary tract, and wound infections. Therefore, please also check for any abnormalities in other areas. 2. Body temperature throughout the day is generally lower in t...[Read More] Managing Fever After COVID-19 Diagnosis: Symptoms and Treatment
Fever After Diagnosis: Understanding Post-Infection Symptoms
Fever after diagnosis? In the first three days after diagnosis, I experienced a fever of 38.5°C. After that, my daytime temperature was around 37.2-37.5°C, but as the sun began to set, I felt my temperature rise to 38.5°C, which lasted for about 3-4 hours before it decreased, acc...
Dr. Liao Zhongxin Reply:
1. When infected with COVID-19, there may also be infections in other areas, such as the upper respiratory tract, urinary tract, and wound infections. Therefore, please check for any abnormal signs in other areas as well. 2. Body temperature throughout the day is typically lower ...[Read More] Fever After Diagnosis: Understanding Post-Infection Symptoms
Understanding Hormonal Imbalance: When to See a Specialist
Endocrine disorder Hello, Doctor: I visited the obstetrics and gynecology department in April and was diagnosed with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). Due to not having my period for several months, the doctor prescribed Norethindrone 5.705 mg to be taken twice daily for 14 days....
Dr. Lin Jianliang Reply:
Hello: You can first consult with an obstetrician-gynecologist. Inform them of your condition completely, and then ask if you need to see any other specialists.[Read More] Understanding Hormonal Imbalance: When to See a Specialist
Can Shoe Laces Cause Indirect Infections? A Medical Inquiry
Indirect infection issues Hello! If shoelaces often rub against the floor or occasionally come into contact with urine in public restrooms, I would like to ask if tucking the shoelaces inside the shoes and rinsing the feet with clean water while showering would pose a risk of inf...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, the situation you mentioned will not cause an infection. Thank you for your inquiry.[Read More] Can Shoe Laces Cause Indirect Infections? A Medical Inquiry
Should I Stop Taking Salazopyrine After Testing Positive for COVID-19?
If diagnosed with COVID-19, should Salmeterol be discontinued? Hello Doctor: I am a 20-year-old patient with ankylosing spondylitis. Currently, I take two tablets of Salazopyrin daily (without taking anti-inflammatory medication) to manage my condition. I was diagnosed with COVID...
Dr. Gao Jiankai Reply:
Hello, thank you for your question. Here are my responses: 1) Salazopyrin is an immunomodulator, which is different from immunosuppressants. It only suppresses the body's immune response but does not inhibit the immune response to foreign viruses, so it does not lower the ...[Read More] Should I Stop Taking Salazopyrine After Testing Positive for COVID-19?
Concerns About Infection from Splashing in Public Toilets
Toilet water splashing? Hello, I would like to inquire about the concerns regarding using a squat toilet in a public place. If water and urine splash up while using the toilet and come into contact with the genital area, anus, or private parts, is there a risk of infection or oth...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, the situation you mentioned will not cause an infection. Thank you for your question.[Read More] Concerns About Infection from Splashing in Public Toilets
Positive Rapid Test on Day 10: Understanding COVID-19 Recovery and Risks
Ten days after diagnosis, the rapid test is still positive? Hello Doctor, I am 20 years old and today marks the 10th day since my diagnosis. I still test positive on the rapid test (the test line is faint, not as dark as when I was first diagnosed). On the first day of my diagnos...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, 1. A positive result still indicates that viral proteins remain in the body, which does not necessarily mean that the immune system is weak or that there is a high viral load; some individuals may naturally retain certain viral proteins. 2. The presence of a positive re...[Read More] Positive Rapid Test on Day 10: Understanding COVID-19 Recovery and Risks
Understanding Anemia in Ankylosing Spondylitis: Causes and Insights
Ankylosing Spondylitis Anemia Hello doctor, I have ankylosing spondylitis and recently had blood tests that showed some abnormal results: WBC: 7.15 (3.6-11.2) normal, RBC: 3.87 (4.5-5.7) abnormal, HB: 12.5 (13.7-17) abnormal, HCT: 37.0 (40.5-50) abnormal, MCV: 95.6 (80-100) norma...
Dr. Gao Jiankai Reply:
Hello, thank you for your inquiry. If ankylosing spondylitis is poorly controlled, it may lead to anemia. Your inflammatory markers are normal, indicating that your ankylosing spondylitis is relatively stable, and the anemia may not be caused by a rheumatic disease. I recommend t...[Read More] Understanding Anemia in Ankylosing Spondylitis: Causes and Insights
Understanding Steroid Dosage and Side Effects in Myositis Treatment
Steroid dosage usage Hello Dr. Gao, my mother is 68 years old. She was diagnosed with COVID-19 in May of this year. During the infection, she did not experience any severe symptoms. However, one month after testing negative, she developed unexplained muscle pain in both legs, whi...
Dr. Gao Jiankai Reply:
Hello, thank you for your question. Steroids can be taken on an alternating schedule, which is a method we use to gradually taper the dosage when there isn't a lower dose formulation available for adjustment. Steroids may cause edema and can also affect sleep, so it is advis...[Read More] Understanding Steroid Dosage and Side Effects in Myositis Treatment