Understanding Increased Bowel Movements: Is It Irritable Bowel Syndrome?
Bowel movements 4 to 5 times a day? Hello Doctor, since December, my bowel movements have increased from 1-2 times a day to 4-5 times a day. I have diabetes and usually have a bowel movement once after breakfast, which is typically well-formed. However, in the afternoon, I experi...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin reply Internal Medicine
Hello, it is indeed possible that it could be irritable bowel syndrome or food-related issues, such as dragon fruit, which can easily cause diarrhea. It is recommended to first consult a gastroenterologist or a family medicine physician to check for any issues with your stool. Af...[Read More] Understanding Increased Bowel Movements: Is It Irritable Bowel Syndrome?
Understanding Parasite Risks: Can Outdoor Activities Lead to Infection?
Fear of parasitic diseases? I recently came across many news articles about parasites online, and as a high school freshman, I have a lot of questions and fears regarding them. My current concern is whether there is a chance of encountering parasites on sports fields or grassy ar...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin reply Internal Medicine
Hello, the insects you mentioned in these environments are not considered parasites. Parasites refer to organisms that can infect humans. The smaller parasitic worms are most commonly found in undercooked meats and seafood. As long as food is cooked thoroughly, there is usually n...[Read More] Understanding Parasite Risks: Can Outdoor Activities Lead to Infection?
Persistent Cough and Fever After Negative COVID Test: What to Know
After testing negative for COVID-19, I have been experiencing persistent coughing and recurrent fever? I would like to ask about my friend who was previously diagnosed with COVID-19. Although he tested negative on a rapid test afterward, he has been experiencing low-grade fevers ...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin reply Internal Medicine
Many people do continue to cough for a long time after recovering from COVID-19. It is important to determine whether there is a complication such as pneumonia. If pneumonia is present, antibiotic treatment may be necessary. The most accurate way to assess this is through a chest...[Read More] Persistent Cough and Fever After Negative COVID Test: What to Know
Should You Seek Medical Attention for a Head Injury After Fainting?
Head injury Fainting in the bathroom can be concerning, especially if it is uncertain whether it was due to weakness from menstruation or from hot water and poor air circulation leading to oxygen deprivation. Since you hit your forehead and near your temple during the fall, and y...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin reply Internal Medicine
Hello, it is important to monitor whether the pain persists for more than 48 hours, becomes increasingly severe, or if vomiting occurs. If the symptoms become more pronounced, it is advisable to seek evaluation from a neurosurgeon or visit the emergency department to assess for p...[Read More] Should You Seek Medical Attention for a Head Injury After Fainting?
Understanding Sudden Dizziness: Causes and Concerns in Cold Weather
Occasionally, there is a sensation of dizziness or heaviness? Hello, doctor. I would like to ask why sometimes when the weather is cold, I suddenly feel a sense of dizziness or heaviness for about 1-2 seconds. Although it doesn't feel like spinning or nausea, I initially tho...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin reply Internal Medicine
Hello, what you mentioned is known as orthostatic hypotension, which commonly occurs with sudden changes in posture or changes in surrounding temperature that cause a temporary drop in blood pressure. This is a physiological response. To improve this condition, it is advisable to...[Read More] Understanding Sudden Dizziness: Causes and Concerns in Cold Weather
Can You Get STDs from Contaminated Water? Understanding the Risks
Questions related to the possibility of syphilis or sexually transmitted infections (STIs)? If there was a small amount of contaminated blood in the bucket and after about an hour, you filled it with water without rinsing it out, then spilled it on your foot where you later disco...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin reply Internal Medicine
Hello, the situation you mentioned does not pose a risk for HIV, syphilis, or gonorrhea. Thank you for your inquiry.[Read More] Can You Get STDs from Contaminated Water? Understanding the Risks
Understanding Sandy Sensation in Oral Mucosa: Causes and Solutions
The oral mucosa feels gritty? Hello, doctor. I apologize for bothering you. After I eat, I feel a gritty sensation when I touch the area around the lower left side (near the inner side of the lower teeth) with my tongue. Sometimes, after drinking water, that sensation goes away. ...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin reply Internal Medicine
Hello, based on your photo and description, it appears to be the normal physiological structure of taste buds or gland openings. You only need to seek medical attention if there is significant pain or any discharge. Thank you for your inquiry.[Read More] Understanding Sandy Sensation in Oral Mucosa: Causes and Solutions
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 Internal Medicine
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 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 Internal Medicine
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 Internal Medicine
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 Internal Medicine
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 Internal Medicine
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 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 Internal Medicine
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
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 Internal Medicine
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 Internal Medicine
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 Internal Medicine
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 Internal Medicine
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 Internal Medicine
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 Internal Medicine
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
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 Internal Medicine
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