Can Saliva and Sweat Transmit HIV? Understanding the Risks
Saliva and sweat do not transmit HIV? Doctor, if I talk to a suspected HIV patient and their saliva sprays into my mouth, or if they sweat a lot and it comes into contact with a wound on my body, or if they sneeze on my face or cough near me, is there a risk of contracting HIV?
Dr. Lin Mingfeng reply Internal Medicine
If there are no wounds in the oral cavity, kissing (i.e., coming into contact with another person's saliva) does not pose a risk of transmitting HIV. Sweat also does not carry a risk of transmission. Essentially, blood contains a higher viral load, but if the skin of the con...[Read More] Can Saliva and Sweat Transmit HIV? Understanding the Risks
Understanding Internal Discomfort in Hands, Feet, and Chest During Sleep
Nourishing the hands and feet? Why do I sometimes feel a tingling or aching sensation in my palms, soles, and heart (chest) while I sleep? It's not on the surface; it feels like it's coming from within, and I can't seem to fall asleep as if someone is scratching me...
Dr. Lin Mingfeng reply Internal Medicine
Based on your description of itching in the palms and soles, this is an issue related to sensory abnormalities. It is important to first observe for any skin lesions and the possibility of allergies, and to also consider neuropathy. However, if there is also itching in the chest ...[Read More] Understanding Internal Discomfort in Hands, Feet, and Chest During Sleep
Hard Lump in Left Groin: What Could It Be?
There is a hard lump in the left groin area... it feels strange? Hello Doctor: I suddenly noticed a hard, raised structure on the inner side of my left thigh near the groin. It feels similar to a blood vessel, but it is distinctly prominent and can be felt easily. It is hard but ...
Dr. Lin Mingfeng reply Internal Medicine
Based on your description, if there is pulsation, it is more likely to be a typical blood vessel. Although lymph nodes can appear in clusters, they rarely present as a single smooth strip. If you are unable to confirm this, you can visit a general internal medicine or family medi...[Read More] Hard Lump in Left Groin: What Could It Be?
Understanding Prolonged Fever: When to Seek Further Medical Evaluation
Fever of unknown origin (FUO) Hello Doctor: I have been experiencing unexplained fever for two months, with temperatures ranging from around 37°C to 38°C. I have visited an infectious disease specialist, but no cause has been identified. My white blood cell count is approximately...
Dr. Lin Mingfeng reply Internal Medicine
In clinical practice, if a patient's body temperature exceeds 38.3°C and persists for three weeks, and after one week of hospitalization with thorough examinations no cause for the fever is identified, it is termed fever of unknown origin (FUO). There are many potential caus...[Read More] Understanding Prolonged Fever: When to Seek Further Medical Evaluation
Which Specialist to See for Abdominal Swelling and Discomfort?
Should I see a general internist or a urologist? I have had a slight swelling in the area just above my left reproductive organ since middle school when I exert myself, but it hasn't interfered with my daily life, so I didn't pay much attention to it. Now that I am 26, ...
Dr. Lin Mingfeng reply Internal Medicine
Based on the described symptoms, it may be a hernia. It is recommended to first consult a urologist.[Read More] Which Specialist to See for Abdominal Swelling and Discomfort?
Understanding Viral Infections in Children: Antibiotics and Fever Concerns
Issues Related to Viral Infections and Antibiotics My child is nine years old and last Wednesday had a fever reaching 40 degrees Celsius. We went to the pediatric outpatient clinic, where the doctor found only slight redness and swelling in the throat. Auscultation showed no bron...
Dr. Lin Mingfeng reply Internal Medicine
1. Viral infections refer to infections caused by filterable viruses. Influenza (commonly known as the flu) is just one of them; most colds are also caused by viruses. 2. Antibiotics are not needed for viral infections unless a bacterial infection occurs as a complication. 3....[Read More] Understanding Viral Infections in Children: Antibiotics and Fever Concerns
Understanding Antibiotic Effectiveness in Persistent Fever and Abscess Cases
The effects of antibiotics? Hello Doctor: A child has been experiencing unexplained persistent fever. During this time, the physician prescribed oral antibiotics. After two weeks of continuous fever, the child was hospitalized for observation. During the hospitalization, first-li...
Dr. Lin Mingfeng reply Internal Medicine
During the surgical discovery, it was confirmed that there was pus. In addition to the possibility that prior antibiotic use may have inhibited bacterial culture growth, one must also consider the presence of Mycobacterium, fungi, or other fastidious bacteria. Therefore, the obta...[Read More] Understanding Antibiotic Effectiveness in Persistent Fever and Abscess Cases
Persistent Clear Discharge After Gonorrhea Treatment: What to Do?
Gonorrhea It has been over a month since I started treatment for gonorrhea, but I still experience a clear, egg-white discharge during erections. Doctor, what should I do now? I'm concerned that I have taken too many antibiotics and worry about developing antibiotic resistan...
Dr. Lin Mingfeng reply Internal Medicine
If the treatment is not satisfactory, bacterial culture and antibiotic sensitivity testing of the effusion should be performed to select the appropriate antibiotic and ensure adequate treatment duration. Concerns about antibiotic resistance should not be a primary focus at this t...[Read More] Persistent Clear Discharge After Gonorrhea Treatment: What to Do?
Understanding Intermittent Lung Pain: Possible Causes and Symptoms
Lung issues I have been experiencing occasional pain in my lungs recently. It's quite strange because it doesn't hurt a lot, but it does hurt for a brief moment. What could this symptom indicate?
Dr. Lin Mingfeng reply Internal Medicine
When experiencing chest pain, it is important to pay attention to the location, nature, timing of the pain, accompanying symptoms, and aggravating factors. In adolescents, most cases are related to musculoskeletal issues. Some may be associated with lifestyle habits or physical a...[Read More] Understanding Intermittent Lung Pain: Possible Causes and Symptoms
Understanding Sepsis: Complications and Treatment Challenges in Elderly Patients
Sepsis My father underwent a lengthy surgery for bone spurs and received nearly 20,000 milliliters of blood transfusions. He developed sepsis, and despite more than two months of investigation, the source of the infection remains unidentified. He has been treated solely with anti...
Dr. Lin Mingfeng reply Internal Medicine
The mortality rate for hospitalized patients with sepsis is generally around 35%. Only 30-50% of blood cultures are positive. Common sources include pneumonia or urinary tract infections. In postoperative patients, bacteria may also originate from surgical wounds. Additionally, i...[Read More] Understanding Sepsis: Complications and Treatment Challenges in Elderly Patients
Could Avian Flu Mutate and Combine with Salmonella in Taiwan?
Is it possible for avian influenza variants to combine with Salmonella? My mother advised me that there are many bacteria on egg shells, so it's best to cook eggs thoroughly before consuming them for safety. Avian influenza is about to invade Taiwan, and this virus may mutat...
Dr. Lin Mingfeng reply Influenza
Eggs are prone to Salmonella contamination, so they should be cooked thoroughly. The avian influenza virus is an RNA virus that can mutate or exchange genetic material between viruses, leading to the emergence of variants. However, since it is not a bacterium, it is unrelated to ...[Read More] Could Avian Flu Mutate and Combine with Salmonella in Taiwan?
Could Your Lymph Nodes Be Causing That Painful Bump?
Is it related to the lymph nodes? Dear Doctor: On the night of March 25th, I woke up feeling pain and a tingling sensation under my right arm. Upon touching it, I discovered that it was swollen (about slightly smaller than a coin). It hurts when I don't touch it, and it hurt...
Dr. Lin Mingfeng reply Internal Medicine
Based on your description, it is highly likely to be acute lymphadenitis. It can indeed be caused by an upper respiratory tract infection. If there is a possibility of a bacterial infection, antibiotic treatment can lead to a quick resolution. If it persists, please visit an outp...[Read More] Could Your Lymph Nodes Be Causing That Painful Bump?
Understanding Right Lower Lung Nodules: Causes, Symptoms, and Concerns
What is a right lower lung nodule? Today, my health check report indicated a nodule in the lower right lung. I just looked it up online, and it seems like it could be related to cancer. However, I don't have any symptoms like coughing; I only experience shortness of breath. ...
Dr. Lin Mingfeng reply Internal Medicine
The story you mentioned is likely unrelated to pulmonary nodules. Given your age, the probability of developing lung cancer is relatively low. Therefore, it is essential to first confirm the presence of the nodules. If they are confirmed to exist, the characteristics of the nodul...[Read More] Understanding Right Lower Lung Nodules: Causes, Symptoms, and Concerns
Understanding Chitosan and Its Potential Role in Treating COPD and Lung Fibrosis
Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) Hello: My father has been diagnosed with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), and the doctor said it is in the advanced stage. I once read a report stating that high molecular weight chitosan could treat pulmonary fibrosis. I ...
Dr. Lin Mingfeng reply Internal Medicine
According to a search on Medline, there is currently insufficient evidence in the medical literature to support the efficacy of high molecular water-soluble chitosan for chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Only a few studies have documented the use of chitosan in certai...[Read More] Understanding Chitosan and Its Potential Role in Treating COPD and Lung Fibrosis
How to Relieve Itching After Washing Your Penis with Soap
Itching of the penis? Hello, I applied soap to my penis and vigorously rubbed it while showering, and now it is very itchy. What should I do?
Dr. Lin Mingfeng reply Internal Medicine
Excessive rubbing with soap may cause dermatitis. You can visit a dermatology clinic to obtain ointment for treatment.[Read More] How to Relieve Itching After Washing Your Penis with Soap
Understanding Headaches: Causes and Solutions for Sleep-Related Pain
Headache Hello, doctor! When I sleep without protecting my forehead, such as covering it with a blanket or shielding it with my hand, I wake up with a headache. Sometimes it goes away after a few hours, but other times it doesn't subside until the next day. This is quite bot...
Dr. Lin Mingfeng reply Internal Medicine
During sleep, it may be difficult for you to determine whether you are covered with a blanket or if you are using your hand to shield your forehead. Therefore, your headache should be evaluated separately. It is recommended that you visit a neurology clinic for further examinatio...[Read More] Understanding Headaches: Causes and Solutions for Sleep-Related Pain
Understanding Persistent High Body Temperature and Its Causes
Unusual elevated body temperature? Hello Doctor: Since I was young, I often experience an increase in body temperature upon waking up, along with a pale complexion and very red lips. Recently, this has been happening quite frequently during the summer vacation. I visited my famil...
Dr. Lin Mingfeng reply Internal Medicine
In response to the reported increase in body temperature, the first priority is to determine the actual temperature. Please accurately record the temperature for the physician's reference. The previously diagnosed urinary tract infection (UTI) generally requires clinical sym...[Read More] Understanding Persistent High Body Temperature and Its Causes
Understanding Pus Cells in Urine: Causes Beyond Urethritis
Urinalysis Report Hello, doctor! In my recent urine report, I found that there are 30-40 pus cells per high power field (hpf). The doctor mentioned it could be urethritis and prescribed me a week of anti-inflammatory medication called OFLOXACIN. I would like to know if there are ...
Dr. Lin Mingfeng reply Internal Medicine
Pyuria (indicating an excess of white blood cells in the urine) is most likely due to a urinary tract infection (UTI) based on probability. Some girls with UTIs may have subtle or nonspecific urinary symptoms. Additionally, the causes of pyuria may include interstitial nephritis,...[Read More] Understanding Pus Cells in Urine: Causes Beyond Urethritis
Potential Health Risks of Mercury Exposure from Broken Thermometers
Could it be mercury poisoning? Hello, doctor: I would like to ask, when I was a child, out of curiosity, I repeatedly touched the mercury from a broken thermometer with my hands. Will this cause any long-term effects? What impact could it have on my health?
Dr. Lin Mingfeng reply Internal Medicine
We are exposed to trace amounts of mercury daily, approximately 0.005 to 0.02 milligrams. A fluorescent light tube contains about several milligrams to over 20 milligrams of mercury. Mercury is highly volatile, so all mercury-containing objects should be handled with caution to p...[Read More] Potential Health Risks of Mercury Exposure from Broken Thermometers
How to Safely Handle Broken Fluorescent Bulbs and Mercury Exposure Risks
Fluorescent lamps contain mercury vapor, and if one breaks, it is important to handle it properly to avoid health hazards. Here are the steps to take: 1. **Evacuate the Area**: Immediately leave the room and ensure that others do the same to minimize exposure. 2. **Ventilate th...
Dr. Lin Mingfeng reply Internal Medicine
We are exposed to trace amounts of mercury daily, approximately 0.005 to 0.02 milligrams. A fluorescent light bulb contains about several milligrams to over 20 milligrams of mercury. Mercury easily evaporates, so all mercury-containing objects should be handled with caution to pr...[Read More] How to Safely Handle Broken Fluorescent Bulbs and Mercury Exposure Risks