Needle Stick Injury: Risks of Bloodborne Infections and Testing Options
Needle-related issues Dear Dr. Hong, I am a nurse at a hospital, and a few days ago, I accidentally experienced a needle stick injury while on the intensive care unit. I have already followed the protocol for screening for HIV, syphilis, and hepatitis B. However, I am still very...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin reply Internal Medicine
Hello, the conditions you mentioned are mostly sexually transmitted infections (STIs) and are not transmitted through needle stick injuries. The primary diseases associated with needle stick injuries are HIV, syphilis, and hepatitis B and C. It is recommended to follow the needle...[Read More] Needle Stick Injury: Risks of Bloodborne Infections and Testing Options
Understanding Blood Test Results and Ear Pain: When to Seek Medical Advice
Please consult the doctor regarding blood draw and related issues? I apologize for the interruption. I was diagnosed about 3-4 months ago, and sometimes I feel like I have some lingering symptoms, so I thought I should get a check-up. Last week, I made an appointment with a famil...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin reply Internal Medicine
Hello, regarding the lymphocyte count, as your physician mentioned, it is true that various conditions can cause fluctuations in individual values. Your results are within the normal range, so there is no need to worry. As for the outer part of your ear, based on your description...[Read More] Understanding Blood Test Results and Ear Pain: When to Seek Medical Advice
Understanding Throat Discomfort: Causes and Concerns for Your Health
Sensation of a foreign body in the throat? I previously experienced a sensation of something stuck in my throat after drinking tea on an empty stomach and then eating pineapple cake. This feeling disappeared the next day, but after a few days, it returned intermittently, even whe...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin reply Internal Medicine
Hello, the symptoms you described are likely caused by two main conditions. First, it could be allergic rhinitis, which can lead to post-nasal drip causing throat discomfort and productive cough. I recommend increasing physical activity and avoiding allergens, which should help i...[Read More] Understanding Throat Discomfort: Causes and Concerns for Your Health
Assessing the Risk of HIV and Syphilis After Recent Grooming and Sexual Activity
Risk assessment If I am a male and have just shaved my pubic hair, and there may be some wounds in the shaved area, is there a risk of contracting HIV or syphilis if I perform oral sex (without a condom) and vaginal intercourse (with a condom) with a sex worker 12 hours later?
Dr. Hong Yuanbin reply Internal Medicine
Hello, as long as there is unprotected sex, there will be risks. Of course, oral sex carries relatively lower risks. As for whether to shave pubic hair, it has a relatively minor impact. Thank you for your question.[Read More] Assessing the Risk of HIV and Syphilis After Recent Grooming and Sexual Activity
Weight Loss Concerns: Stress, Health Checks, and Diabetes Risk
Weight loss In July of this year, after being diagnosed, I continued to have a poor appetite and trouble sleeping. In August, I started a new job that brought a lot of stress, and I had a persistent cough after the diagnosis, which only improved by the end of September. Before th...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin reply Internal Medicine
Hello, regarding diabetes, a single blood glucose test is not sufficient to determine if there is a concern for diabetes. It is recommended to consult with a specialist in Metabolism or Family Medicine. As for weight loss, it is advisable to maintain a regular routine and engage ...[Read More] Weight Loss Concerns: Stress, Health Checks, and Diabetes Risk
Understanding Abnormal Kidney Function: High Creatinine and Uric Acid Levels
Renal dysfunction Hello doctor, I am currently eighteen years old. In my health examination report, I found that my creatinine level is elevated (1.45) and my uric acid level is high (9.2). Additionally, there is protein in my urine. Could you please explain what issues this migh...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin reply Internal Medicine
Hello, based on your description, it is likely that you have nephrotic syndrome. Given your age, most cases are benign conditions. I recommend visiting a nephrology clinic for further confirmation and examination. Thank you for your inquiry.[Read More] Understanding Abnormal Kidney Function: High Creatinine and Uric Acid Levels
Understanding Dizziness After Sudden Movements: When to Seek Medical Advice
Please ask your question? I apologize for bothering you, doctor, but I have a question. I was lying down playing on my phone when my grandmother suddenly needed to use the bathroom and called for my help. I rushed over, and after standing up, I suddenly felt dizzy and unsteady fo...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin reply Internal Medicine
Hello, the conditions you mentioned are referred to as "orthostatic hypotension," which occurs when there is a significant change in body posture and the cardiovascular system is unable to adequately adjust, resulting in temporary low blood pressure. It is recommended t...[Read More] Understanding Dizziness After Sudden Movements: When to Seek Medical Advice
Concerns After Train Door Incident: Injury Risks and Health Advice
I almost got caught by the train door? Hello, today when I was out with my boyfriend, he hurriedly pulled me onto the train, and as I was walking in, the door almost closed on me and I felt a slight bump. Although I don't feel any pain now, I'm wondering if I might have...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin reply Internal Medicine
Hello, based on your description and the images provided, it seems that there is likely no injury. Regarding your concerns about needle pricks or infections, the chances are low, so there is no need to worry. Thank you for your inquiry.[Read More] Concerns After Train Door Incident: Injury Risks and Health Advice
Concerns After Train Door Incident: Injury Risks and Safety Tips
I almost got caught in the train door by accident? Hello, today when I was out with my boyfriend, he hurriedly pulled me onto the train, and as I was getting on, the door almost closed on me, causing me to be slightly bumped. Although I don't feel any pain now, I'm wond...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin reply Internal Medicine
Hello, based on your description and the images provided, it does not appear that you have sustained an injury. Regarding your concerns about needle pricks or infection, the likelihood seems low, so there is no need to worry. Thank you for your inquiry.[Read More] Concerns After Train Door Incident: Injury Risks and Safety Tips
Two Medical Questions: Rib Discomfort and Hepatitis B Concerns
Two questions, please ask the doctor? Hello, I have two questions I would like to ask you. Today, while practicing diaphragmatic breathing, I noticed that after exhaling, the left rib, specifically the bone in the upper left part of my abdomen, seems to protrude slightly more tha...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin reply Internal Medicine
Hello, 1. In a normal human body, the ribs on both sides are not perfectly symmetrical. The condition you mentioned is likely just a normal physiological variation and should not be a cause for concern. 2. The injury you mentioned from being scratched by a fork does not pose a ri...[Read More] Two Medical Questions: Rib Discomfort and Hepatitis B Concerns
Understanding Clinical Definitions of High-Fat Diets and Nut Consumption
Nutritional Counseling In clinical terms, a high-fat diet is typically defined as one that consists of more than 35% of total daily calories coming from fat. If you consume approximately 15 crushed nuts while maintaining a generally low-fat diet, it may not necessarily classify a...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin reply Internal Medicine
Hello, 1. A high-fat diet generally refers to a diet with a higher proportion of fats, but there is no absolute definition. 2. What you described is merely a one-time excessive intake of fats, whereas a high-fat diet refers to a long-term dietary pattern. Therefore, it is usually...[Read More] Understanding Clinical Definitions of High-Fat Diets and Nut Consumption
Understanding Growths Near the Anus: Causes and Treatment Options
There is a lump in the anus? Hello, I have had a growth near my anus for 10 years, and sometimes there is some discharge. What could it be, and how should I handle it?
Dr. Hong Yuanbin reply Internal Medicine
Hello, based on your description, it is likely a benign cyst in the anal area. If it is not causing significant issues, you can apply some anti-inflammatory and antibacterial ointment. If it becomes bothersome, you may consider surgical removal. You can make an appointment with a...[Read More] Understanding Growths Near the Anus: Causes and Treatment Options
Understanding Growths Near the Anus: Causes and Treatments
There is a lump in the anus? Hello, I have had a growth near my anus for 10 years, and sometimes there is some discharge. What could it be, and how should I handle it?
Dr. Hong Yuanbin reply Internal Medicine
Hello, based on your description, it seems to be a benign anal cyst. If it is not causing significant issues, you can apply some anti-inflammatory and antibacterial ointments. If it is causing discomfort, you may consider surgical removal. You can make an appointment with a color...[Read More] Understanding Growths Near the Anus: Causes and Treatments
Understanding Neck Pain: Causes, Concerns, and When to Seek Help
Neck pain issues? Hello, I would like to ask the doctor about something. This morning, while I was working in my usual office administrative role, where I frequently use the computer, I suddenly felt a tightness and pain in the left back of my neck for a brief moment. It lasted a...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin reply Internal Medicine
Hello, based on your description, it seems that prolonged immobility in a certain posture has led to muscle tension. I recommend incorporating regular movement into your work routine to prevent this issue. If the muscle tightness persists without improvement, it may be necessary ...[Read More] Understanding Neck Pain: Causes, Concerns, and When to Seek Help
Can You Get HIV from Scratches in Public Places?
Infection concerns? If I get scratched by a plastic board displaying prices in a store, and someone before me has also been scratched, am I at risk of contracting HIV? The wound situation is that there is a slight bleeding from a horizontal scratch, while other abrasions are not ...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin reply Internal Medicine
Hello, the situation you mentioned does not pose a risk of HIV infection. Thank you for your question.[Read More] Can You Get HIV from Scratches in Public Places?
COVID-19 Transmission Concerns: Safety Tips for Healthcare Workers
Transmission of COVID-19 Hello Doctor: Due to work, I come into contact with 3-4 clients daily who are not wearing masks (each interaction lasts about 20 minutes), as well as colleagues. Since I have a one-year-old child at home, my current practice is to spray alcohol all over m...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin reply Internal Medicine
Hello, 1. The primary mode of virus transmission is through hand contact with surfaces or shaking hands, so handwashing is the most important measure; other forms of exposure are not as significant. 2. The situation you mentioned has a low risk of infection. 3. When outdoors with...[Read More] COVID-19 Transmission Concerns: Safety Tips for Healthcare Workers
Understanding Digestive Motility Issues: Causes and Solutions
Peristalsis issues Hello, doctor. I have been severely troubled by gastrointestinal issues for the past two years. My stomach often makes inexplicable and frequent noises, regardless of whether I have eaten. The sounds are not the usual growling associated with hunger or gas move...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin reply Internal Medicine
Hello, based on your description, it seems that you are primarily troubled by loud bowel sounds. I would like to know if you are experiencing constipation or diarrhea. Typically, the condition you described can be caused by abnormal intestinal motility due to constipation or diar...[Read More] Understanding Digestive Motility Issues: Causes and Solutions
Post-Exposure Prophylaxis: Symptoms and Concerns After Risky Encounter
Post-exposure prophylaxis symptom inquiry Hello Doctor, I engaged in high-risk sexual behavior with a sex worker on August 31st at noon. That evening at 7 PM, I immediately registered at the infectious disease department, and at 8 PM, I started taking PEP (post-exposure prophylax...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin reply Internal Medicine
Hello, 1. Your symptoms are more indicative of an allergic reaction or eczema, and it may not necessarily be a treatment failure. Whether you are HIV positive can only be determined through testing. 2. The incidence of HIV infection after prophylactic treatment failure is very...[Read More] Post-Exposure Prophylaxis: Symptoms and Concerns After Risky Encounter
Understanding Your Symptoms: When to Seek Medical Attention
Medical issues? Hello Doctor, I have been experiencing persistent dull pain in my lower right abdomen for two weeks, which is why I consulted a gastroenterologist this week. I have undergone eight blood tests, a fecal occult blood test, and an abdominal X-ray, and I am currently ...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin reply Internal Medicine
Hello, your previous abdominal pain was indeed evaluated by a gastroenterologist. However, the subsequent dizziness and shortness of breath may not necessarily be related to the abdominal pain. It might be necessary to check for issues in other systems. I recommend scheduling an ...[Read More] Understanding Your Symptoms: When to Seek Medical Attention
Understanding Your HIV Viral Load: What to Do Next?
HIV Viral Load has a numerical value? Hello Dr. Hong, I am an HIV-positive patient. I have been adhering to my medication regimen daily to control the virus. However, after my routine blood test this month, I saw in the National Health Insurance Quick Translation system that my H...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin reply Internal Medicine
Hello, your viral load does appear to have increased. However, whether a change in medication is necessary or if we should just monitor the situation requires evaluation by your attending physician. Therefore, I recommend that you schedule an appointment with your doctor for conf...[Read More] Understanding Your HIV Viral Load: What to Do Next?