Concerns About Alcohol Disinfection in Shared Water Dispensers
Questions related to disinfectant alcohol? Hello, Doctor: I currently share a water dispenser with other residents on the same floor. I used 75% alcohol, classified as a type B disinfectant, to spray for disinfection. However, I later realized that my alcohol spray nozzle produce...
Dr. Lin Zhebin reply Family Medicine
Hello: If 75% alcohol is accidentally ingested, the primary concern is alcohol poisoning, especially in children. The general recommendation is to drink a large amount of water. However, unless a significant amount was sprayed during disinfection, ingesting a small amount should ...[Read More] Concerns About Alcohol Disinfection in Shared Water Dispensers
Understanding Declining GFR: Is It a Sign of Kidney Issues?
Health check-up issues Hello, doctor. I would like to ask if my glomerular filtration rate (GFR) is considered to be declining. I am 32 years old, and for the past few years, my GFR has been around 120. Last January, it was 99, and when I tested again in August, it was 94. Is thi...
Dr. Lin Zhebin reply Family Medicine
Hello: The normal glomerular filtration rate (GFR) is typically between 100-120 mL/min. After the age of 30-40, it generally declines by about 1 mL/min each year. This value is primarily calculated based on the serum creatinine level, along with age and gender, but can also be in...[Read More] Understanding Declining GFR: Is It a Sign of Kidney Issues?
Accidental Ingestion of Cooling Spray: When to Seek Medical Attention?
Accidental ingestion of cooling spray? I woke up at 7:30 AM with a bit of a scratchy throat. I usually spray some propolis, but instead, I grabbed the Thai Snake Brand cooling spray and used it four times. Afterward, I rinsed my mouth to remove any residue and drank a large amoun...
Dr. Lin Zhebin reply Family Medicine
Hello: The main ingredients of cooling sprays are water, alcohol, and plant-based essential oils (such as menthol). Ingesting these substances should not cause symptoms like fever, muscle pain, or dizziness. Your discomfort may not be related to the accidental ingestion of the co...[Read More] Accidental Ingestion of Cooling Spray: When to Seek Medical Attention?
Understanding Occasional Visual Disturbances: When to Seek Medical Help
Occasionally experiencing flashes of light in the vision, but the ophthalmologist cannot identify the cause? Hello Dr. Lin, recently I've been experiencing a sensation in my left eye near the outer corner that feels like seeing stars (this seems to occur more often when sitt...
Dr. Lin Zhebin reply Family Medicine
Hello: The discomfort in your left eye may require consideration of a retinal issue. However, since you have already consulted an ophthalmologist without any specific findings, the next step would be to consider a possible neurological problem. You have also seen a neurologist, a...[Read More] Understanding Occasional Visual Disturbances: When to Seek Medical Help
Accidentally Ingested Plastic Wrap: Health Risks and Concerns
Ingestion of plastic wrap? While eating at home, I bit into something hard and was unable to swallow. Upon spitting it out, I discovered it was plastic wrap. A family member forgot to remove the plastic wrap while cooking, but I had already eaten several pieces of food. I'm ...
Dr. Lin Zhebin reply Family Medicine
Hello: Generally speaking, ingested plastic wrap will pass through the gastrointestinal tract. The main concern is the potential for gastrointestinal obstruction. It is advisable to monitor for symptoms such as abdominal pain, bloating, and vomiting. If you experience any of thes...[Read More] Accidentally Ingested Plastic Wrap: Health Risks and Concerns
Understanding Prediabetes: Can Diet Changes Prevent Diabetes?
Prediabetes I went to the hospital for a blood test, and the doctor said I have prediabetes with a fasting blood glucose level of 101 mg/dL and a hemoglobin A1c of 6.2%. However, I only reviewed the report a week after the blood test, during which I had all-you-can-eat barbecue, ...
Dr. Lin Zhebin reply Family Medicine
Hello: Based on your test results, you are currently in the prediabetes stage. Generally, the progression to diabetes is gradual, so follow-up is typically done every three months. It is unlikely that a week of overeating will suddenly lead to diabetes. I recommend that you start...[Read More] Understanding Prediabetes: Can Diet Changes Prevent Diabetes?
Understanding Inner Thigh Lumps: When to Seek Medical Advice
Hard lump on the inner thigh? Recently, I may have worn tight underwear, which caused redness and swelling on the inner left thigh. The swelling has since subsided, but today I noticed a hard lump about 1.5 centimeters in size. It doesn't hurt when pressed, and I currently h...
Dr. Lin Zhebin reply Family Medicine
Hello: The hard lump on the inner side of your left thigh may be due to previous soft tissue compression, resulting in temporary redness, swelling, and tightness. If the redness and swelling have subsided, the skin over the lump shows no significant changes, and the lump is not c...[Read More] Understanding Inner Thigh Lumps: When to Seek Medical Advice
Understanding Hepatitis B Transmission Risks and Vaccination Options
Hepatitis B transmission issues? Hello Doctor: I was born in 2005 and previously received the hepatitis B vaccine, but due to my constitution, the antibodies later disappeared. On January 20, 2023, I had a French kiss and unprotected oral sex with a hepatitis B carrier, although ...
Dr. Lin Zhebin reply Family Medicine
Hello: 1. Because you have engaged in oral sexual contact, there is still a possibility of contracting Hepatitis B. However, since you have previously received the Hepatitis B vaccine, even though the antibody levels may have decreased to undetectable levels, there may still be s...[Read More] Understanding Hepatitis B Transmission Risks and Vaccination Options
Understanding Jaw Lymph Node Pain: When to Seek Medical Attention
Pain in the submandibular lymph nodes? The pain occurs approximately once every hour and has lasted for 2 to 3 days. However, the lymph nodes do not seem to be swollen upon examination. I'm not sure why this is happening, but it doesn't feel severe enough to warrant a d...
Dr. Lin Zhebin reply Family Medicine
Hello: Pain in the submandibular lymph nodes is mostly associated with upper respiratory infections (viral infections are more common). It usually resolves on its own after recovery from a cold. If the discomfort is significant, over-the-counter pain relievers can be taken to all...[Read More] Understanding Jaw Lymph Node Pain: When to Seek Medical Attention
Assessing Post-Car Accident Wounds: Inflammation, Healing, and Next Steps
Hello, Dr. Lin, this is the wound from my car accident on the 28th, which was last Saturday? First, the most severe wound on the foot looks like this: https://upload.cc/i1/2023/01/31/fX9E3l.jpg. I'm not sure if this wound is still inflamed or if the scab is not healing well ...
Dr. Lin Zhebin reply Family Medicine
Hello: 1. Regarding the wound on your foot, based on the image, it appears to still have some inflammation, and there may be some exudate present. However, this should be part of the normal healing process. It is recommended to continue regular dressing changes and not to use a...[Read More] Assessing Post-Car Accident Wounds: Inflammation, Healing, and Next Steps
Which Specialist to See for Nausea and Dizziness During Activities?
Which department should I see? Hello Doctor: Occasionally, while participating in activities during outings, I feel nauseous, and shortly after, I experience the urge to vomit, dizziness, blurred vision, and weakness in my limbs, which leads to fainting. However, after resting fo...
Dr. Lin Zhebin reply Family Medicine
Hello: Your discomfort may be due to syncope, which is often caused by neurological or cardiovascular issues. It is recommended that you consult a neurologist or a cardiologist.[Read More] Which Specialist to See for Nausea and Dizziness During Activities?
Understanding HIV Risk After Unprotected Sex: Key Insights
HIV-related issues In mid-December, I had unprotected intercourse with someone. Since then, I have been monitoring my temperature daily and have not experienced any fever or other acute HIV symptoms. I would like to know if this means that the likelihood of being infected is very...
Dr. Lin Zhebin reply Family Medicine
Hello: The incubation period for HIV can range from a few weeks to several years, and the initial symptoms may resemble mild flu-like symptoms. If you are concerned about the possibility of HIV infection, it is advisable to seek medical evaluation for peace of mind.[Read More] Understanding HIV Risk After Unprotected Sex: Key Insights
Understanding Blood Test Results: What Do They Mean for Your Health?
Blood test report I often experience dizziness, chest tightness, palpitations, fatigue, and excessive sleepiness, so I had a blood test done today. Could you please tell me if there are any issues with the lab report? Lab report: - White Blood Cell Count: 12,410 - Red Blood C...
Dr. Lin Zhebin reply Family Medicine
Hello: Your blood test report shows two main issues: 1. Severe microcytic anemia, which may require consideration of iron deficiency anemia and thalassemia. 2. Elevated white blood cell count with increased neutrophils and decreased lymphocytes, which may raise concerns about pos...[Read More] Understanding Blood Test Results: What Do They Mean for Your Health?
Concerns About Mouse-Borne Diseases After Visiting an Internet Cafe
Rodent-borne disease issues? Hello, doctor. Yesterday, when I was about to leave an internet café, I noticed what seemed to be mouse footprints on the armrest of the chair. During my time there, my clothes and hands came into contact with the armrest, and I also ordered food to e...
Dr. Lin Zhebin reply Family Medicine
Hello: The information from the Taiwan Centers for Disease Control is as follows: Diseases that can be transmitted by rodents include plague, rat-bite fever, endemic typhus, leptospirosis, scrub typhus, Lyme disease, hantavirus pulmonary syndrome, leptospirosis, and rickettsial s...[Read More] Concerns About Mouse-Borne Diseases After Visiting an Internet Cafe
Should You See a Doctor for STDs Without Symptoms? Here's What to Know
Sexually transmitted infections (STIs) issues? If there are no symptoms after sexual intercourse, can I still see a doctor? If so, which specialty should I consult: family medicine, urology, or infectious diseases?
Dr. Lin Zhebin reply Family Medicine
Hello: If you are concerned about contracting a sexually transmitted infection after sexual activity, it is recommended to visit an infectious disease specialist.[Read More] Should You See a Doctor for STDs Without Symptoms? Here's What to Know
Understanding Symptoms: Liver Pain, Lymph Nodes, and Sleep Issues
Lymph nodes, liver, neck, rib pain, and bruising during sleep? 1. About five years ago, I had liver inflammation issues when I was around 20 years old. I felt a bloated, numb sensation, as if there was something hard inside. At that time, the doctor diagnosed me with fatty liver....
Dr. Lin Zhebin reply Family Medicine
Hello: 1. The more common causes of liver inflammation are hepatitis B, hepatitis C, fatty liver disease, and alcoholic hepatitis. Liver function tests require blood draws for diagnosis. Regarding the intermittent sharp pain in your left and right abdomen, it is advisable to cons...[Read More] Understanding Symptoms: Liver Pain, Lymph Nodes, and Sleep Issues
How Long Should You Wait Between Tetanus and COVID Vaccines?
How long should vaccines be spaced apart? Hello doctor, I would like to ask about the interval between receiving the tetanus vaccine and the COVID-19 vaccine. I've seen information online suggesting a 7-day interval as well as a 14-day interval, which has caused me some conc...
Dr. Lin Zhebin reply Family Medicine
Hello: The latest information on COVID-19 vaccines announced by the Ministry of Health and Welfare is as follows: COVID-19 vaccines can be administered simultaneously with other vaccines in different arms, or they can be given at any interval. Therefore, you can receive the COVID...[Read More] How Long Should You Wait Between Tetanus and COVID Vaccines?
Understanding Low Body Temperature: Causes and Management for Chronic Conditions
Recently, I have noticed that my body temperature is abnormally low, at 34.7 degrees Celsius? Hello, doctor. I have a history of diabetes, hypertension, and kidney disease for 32 years. My hemoglobin A1c was 6.6 in December last year. I was diagnosed with myasthenia gravis in Jul...
Dr. Lin Zhebin reply Family Medicine
Hello: Your issue of having a low body temperature may be related to hypothyroidism, adrenal insufficiency, hypoglycemia, nutritional deficiencies, neuromuscular diseases, infections, and so on. Additionally, the frequent cramping you experience may be associated with electrolyte...[Read More] Understanding Low Body Temperature: Causes and Management for Chronic Conditions
Concerns About Blood Draws: Understanding Bruising and Blood Health
Blood draw issues? Hello, doctor. Last September, I went to the emergency room due to feeling unwell. The nurse mentioned that the needles used in the emergency department are thicker and that the pressure should be applied for a longer time. It was possible that the pressure app...
Dr. Lin Zhebin reply Family Medicine
Hello: Applying pressure to swelling caused by a subcutaneous hemorrhage is primarily to help stop the bleeding from the ruptured blood vessels, so it will not have any adverse effects on the blood or the body. Please do not worry.[Read More] Concerns About Blood Draws: Understanding Bruising and Blood Health
Is Bruising After Moderna Bivalent Vaccine a Normal Reaction?
After receiving the Moderna bivalent next-generation vaccine, there was bruising? Hello Doctor: My mother, who is 66 years old, noticed a bruise at the injection site three days after receiving the Moderna bivalent next-generation vaccine. Is this a normal reaction? Will it resol...
Dr. Lin Zhebin reply Family Medicine
Hello: During vaccination, it is possible to injure the local microvasculature, leading to bruising. Generally, this will resolve on its own. However, if the bruise continues to enlarge, there is severe swelling and pain, the appearance of other bruises on the body, difficulty br...[Read More] Is Bruising After Moderna Bivalent Vaccine a Normal Reaction?