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 Internal Medicine
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
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 Internal Medicine
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 Internal Medicine
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
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 Internal Medicine
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 Internal Medicine
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 Internal Medicine
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 Internal Medicine
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
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 Internal Medicine
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 Internal Medicine
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
Concerns About Infection from Old Needles Found on Beaches
Infection concerns? Hello, Doctor. I have a question I would like to ask you. Recently, I have been looking into environmental issues, and I came across an article stating that there is quite a bit of needle waste on the beaches. I would like to ask, if someone accidentally gets ...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin reply Internal Medicine
Hello, theoretically, viruses cannot survive for a long time outside the human body. However, if you are injured by a needle found on the beach, it is impossible to determine how long that needle has been there or whether there are still viruses present. Therefore, as a precautio...[Read More] Concerns About Infection from Old Needles Found on Beaches
How to Help Someone Choking on Saliva: Emergency Tips for Families
Choking on saliva? Hello, after an elder in the family choked on saliva, they coughed violently until their face turned red, then their eyes rolled back and they fainted, becoming limp and unresponsive in the chair. Fortunately, after several seconds, they finally regained consci...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin reply Internal Medicine
Hello, it is recommended that if elderly individuals have excessive saliva, they should lie on their side to allow the saliva to flow out, which can help prevent choking. Additionally, you can prepare a pulse oximeter at home to monitor the oxygen levels of the elderly. You may a...[Read More] How to Help Someone Choking on Saliva: Emergency Tips for Families
Risk of Infection from Needle Prick: Do You Need Testing?
Infection concerns? Hello doctor, I would like to inquire about a situation where my foot was punctured by an unknown needle on the street. The wound did not bleed, but there were small red dots resembling mosquito bites. These small red dots disappeared after 3 to 4 days. In thi...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin reply Internal Medicine
Hello, if you are certain that you were pricked by a needle, although the risk is low, there is still a possibility of bloodborne infection. It is recommended to visit an infectious disease specialist or a family medicine clinic to follow the appropriate procedures for needle sti...[Read More] Risk of Infection from Needle Prick: Do You Need Testing?
Risk of Blood Exposure: What to Know After a Pet Store Incident
Contact with another person's blood? I work at a pet store, and today a customer was bitten by a guinea pig and started bleeding profusely. In an effort to help the customer, I went to grab the guinea pig, but it immediately bit my finger instead. The situation was chaotic, ...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin reply Internal Medicine
Hello, the situation you mentioned does have a very low probability of bloodborne transmission. It is recommended to visit an infectious disease specialist and a family medicine clinic to inform them of your condition. They may need to follow the standard protocol for managing in...[Read More] Risk of Blood Exposure: What to Know After a Pet Store Incident
Concerns About Blood Infections from Acupuncture and Electrotherapy
Blood infection After acupuncture, if there are small wounds on the body, is there a concern for bloodborne infections when using electrodes for electrical stimulation and reusing cupping jars? Is there a risk of hepatitis B and HIV transmission?
Dr. Hong Yuanbin reply Internal Medicine
Hello, as long as the acupuncture needles are not reused and other treatment methods are followed, there should not be a risk of bloodborne infections. Thank you for your question.[Read More] Concerns About Blood Infections from Acupuncture and Electrotherapy
Concerns About Infection After Beach Cleanup: What You Need to Know
Infection concerns? Hello, I recently participated in a beach cleanup event, and after it ended, I noticed a red spot on the top of my foot. The spot is not bleeding, and I'm unsure if it was caused by a needle on the beach or an insect bite. I would like to know if, in this...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin reply Internal Medicine
Hello, unless it is confirmed that you have been punctured, based on your description, it is unlikely that you will be infected with any specific pathogens. You should monitor your body for any fever or discomfort, as well as observe the condition of any red spots. If you experie...[Read More] Concerns About Infection After Beach Cleanup: What You Need to Know
Can Sharing an Electric Toothbrush Lead to Infections?
Indirect infection Hello, doctor. I would like to ask if sharing an electric toothbrush handle while using separate brush heads poses any risk of transmitting or infecting diseases. Thank you! Additionally, I would like to inquire whether there is a risk of infection or disease t...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin reply Internal Medicine
Hello, 1. Using individual brush heads does not pose an infection risk. 2. The disinfection of hospital instruments follows specific regulations, so the risk of infection is quite low. Thank you for your question.[Read More] Can Sharing an Electric Toothbrush Lead to Infections?
Understanding False Positives in Syphilis Testing: A Case Study
Is it possible for a treponemal test to yield a false positive result? I am 36 years old. In August, I donated blood and received a notification that my TPHA was positive and RPR was negative. In January, my blood donation results were still normal, all negative. In November, I w...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin reply Internal Medicine
Hello, the two indices for syphilis, RPR and TPHA, show that RPR is more sensitive and can easily yield false positives, which may turn negative after syphilis treatment. On the other hand, the chance of false positives with TPHA is very low, and it typically remains positive eve...[Read More] Understanding False Positives in Syphilis Testing: A Case Study
Concerns About Needle Stick Injuries in the Operating Room
Stung by a thorn? Hello Doctor, I would like to inquire about an incident that occurred while I was working in the operating room. That day, a very small suture needle was left on the table, and while collecting instruments, I accidentally pressed on the needle. I was wearing glo...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin reply Internal Medicine
Hello, it is indeed difficult to determine the likelihood of infection based on your description. In clinical practice, if there is any suspicion of a needlestick injury similar to your situation, we typically follow the needlestick protocol to assess the risk of infection. Thank...[Read More] Concerns About Needle Stick Injuries in the Operating Room
Understanding Oral Ulcers: Healing Process and Structural Differences
Oral ulceration Previously, I had a suspected hole in my cheek or oral cavity that was quite large. I didn't pay much attention to it, and after a day, it stopped hurting, and I forgot how many days have passed. It should have been at least a week since that spot stopped hur...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin reply Internal Medicine
Hello, there are many causes of oral ulcers, including the friction from teeth or viral infections. If the ulcer persists for more than a week, it is recommended to visit a dental clinic for an examination to determine the cause. Thank you for your question.[Read More] Understanding Oral Ulcers: Healing Process and Structural Differences
Facial Nerve Paralysis: Challenges in Diagnosis and Insurance Claims
Facial nerve paralysis Hello Doctor, I would like to ask about my mother who had a car accident previously. She is now experiencing facial nerve paralysis and occasionally loses her sense of taste. However, the physician we consulted said that due to the lack of proper diagnostic...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin reply Internal Medicine
Hello, there is often a gap between clinical diagnoses and insurance coverage. It is advisable to first ask the physician what diagnosis can be provided based on the current medical condition. Then, inquire with the insurance company about the coverage for that specific diagnosis...[Read More] Facial Nerve Paralysis: Challenges in Diagnosis and Insurance Claims