Understanding Hepatitis Transmission Risks in Home Care Situations
Infectious disease inquiries? Hello, Dr. Hsiao. Due to my father-in-law being hospitalized recently, we hired a caregiver from the hospital to take care of him. Now that he has been discharged, she has come to live with us. My mother-in-law is also here, but the previous caregive...
Dr. Xiao Yongxun reply Family Medicine
Dear Ms. Min: 1. The hepatitis C virus primarily transmits through blood entering the body via skin or mucous membranes. Therefore, sharing contaminated needles, syringes, or receiving contaminated blood, blood products, or using inadequately sterilized instruments can lead to i...[Read More] Understanding Hepatitis Transmission Risks in Home Care Situations
Understanding Rib Pain: Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment Options
Rib issues Hello Doctor, I have been experiencing issues related to poor posture lately. When I bend over, I feel a dull, tight sensation near my left lower rib area (around the waist). For the past few days, even when I sit up straight, I still feel this discomfort, although I d...
Dr. Xiao Yongxun reply Family Medicine
Dear Mr. JAM: 1. In the area near the lower left rib close to the waist, in addition to the neuromuscular structures, there are the left lower lobe of the lung, diaphragm, spleen, left kidney, part of the stomach, the upper left portion of the colon, and the tail of the pancreas...[Read More] Understanding Rib Pain: Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment Options
Understanding Sudden Dizziness: When to Worry and When to Relax
Sometimes I suddenly feel dizzy? Hello Doctor: I’m not sure if it’s related to the increasingly hot weather, but I have occasionally experienced dizziness when sitting or standing up from a low position. I consulted an ENT specialist who mentioned it was normal and gave it a name...
Dr. Xiao Yongxun reply Family Medicine
Dear Mr. Chen: There are many causes of dizziness, which can be primarily categorized as follows: 1. Dizziness originating from peripheral issues (approximately 40%): - Meniere's disease - Vestibular neuronitis and acute labyrinthitis - Benign paroxysmal positiona...[Read More] Understanding Sudden Dizziness: When to Worry and When to Relax
Understanding Sudden Dizziness: When to Worry and When to Relax
Sometimes I suddenly feel dizzy? Hello Doctor: I’m not sure if it’s related to the increasingly hot weather, but I have occasionally experienced dizziness when sitting or standing up from a low position. I consulted an ENT specialist who mentioned it was normal and referred to a ...
Dr. Xiao Yongxun reply Family Medicine
Dear Mr. Chen: There are many causes of dizziness, which can be primarily categorized as follows: 1. Dizziness originating from peripheral issues (approximately 40%): - Meniere's disease - Vestibular neuronitis and acute labyrinthitis - Benign paroxysmal positiona...[Read More] Understanding Sudden Dizziness: When to Worry and When to Relax
Health Concerns: Can I Get Infected from a Small Cut?
Could you please provide more details or specify your question? Hello doctor, I took a shower later than usual yesterday when I got home, and then I thought I would help my family by washing some underwear. This morning, I found out that my brother's underwear was also in th...
Dr. Xiao Yongxun reply Family Medicine
Hello! 1. (1) Cauliflower is primarily transmitted through sexual contact. Your concern about indirect transmission is mitigated by the fact that you wash your hands with soap, which reduces the likelihood of infection. (2) However, since each individual's constitution varie...[Read More] Health Concerns: Can I Get Infected from a Small Cut?
Breath-Holding Concerns: Understanding Symptoms and Risks
Issues after breath-holding Hello, doctor. Today, while passing through a basement area, I encountered a very strong smell of paint. I was wearing a mask, but the odor was still quite intense. I held my breath for about 40 seconds and only breathed again after leaving the area. L...
Dr. Xiao Yongxun reply Family Medicine
Hello! 1. Since each person's height and weight vary, lung function also differs; based on your description, the likelihood of developing a pneumothorax is relatively low, so there is no need to worry too much. 2. The most common symptoms of pneumothorax include chest tightn...[Read More] Breath-Holding Concerns: Understanding Symptoms and Risks
Concerns About Swallowing Bone Fragments and Side Pain Explained
Please consult a doctor? Hello, doctor. I would like to ask what might happen if I accidentally swallowed a small piece of bone. I bit into some while eating pig trotters and swallowed it, but I don't feel like it got stuck in my throat. Another question is about some pain...
Dr. Xiao Yongxun reply Family Medicine
Dear Ms. Ann: 1. Fish bones, chicken bones, pork bones, or beef bones can potentially get lodged in the throat or esophagus, and sometimes they may need to be removed using an endoscope to alleviate pain or prevent mediastinal infection and inflammation. If they pass through the...[Read More] Concerns About Swallowing Bone Fragments and Side Pain Explained
Is Swallowing Mouthwash Dangerous? Understanding Risks and Safety
A small amount of mouthwash ingestion may be possible? Hello Doctor, I usually rinse my mouth with BMW mouthwash and then rinse with water afterward. Just now, I forgot to rinse with water after spitting it out and went to drink a glass of water right after washing my face. I jus...
Dr. Xiao Yongxun reply Family Medicine
Dear Miss Mingming, 1. The ingredients of BMW Mouthwash® are Chlorhexidine Gluconate and alcohol; they can kill bacteria and inhibit bacterial growth. Theoretically, ingesting a small amount of this type of mouthwash should not lead to severe poisoning; there are no related case...[Read More] Is Swallowing Mouthwash Dangerous? Understanding Risks and Safety
Understanding Nausea and Neck Pain: Possible Causes and Solutions
Pain in the submandibular area with nausea? Hello, since April 28, I have been experiencing a persistent feeling of nausea and slight dizziness (but I still have an appetite), along with sharp pain in the area of the uterus and ovaries. (It cannot be pregnancy as I have not had s...
Dr. Xiao Yongxun reply Family Medicine
Dear Miss Anonymous: 1. Regarding your lower abdominal discomfort, in addition to considering issues related to the uterus and ovaries, it is also important to think about potential problems with the ureters, bladder, or lower gastrointestinal tract. Therefore, we generally cons...[Read More] Understanding Nausea and Neck Pain: Possible Causes and Solutions
Can I Take Antibiotics Before Wisdom Tooth Extraction While Using Eye Drops?
Medication Consultation Doctor, I am using 0.5% dorzolamide eye drops, methacholine sulfate and phenylephrine eye drops, and "Excelvision" antihistamine eye drops. Recently, I need to have my wisdom teeth extracted. Can I take antibiotics? Thank you, doctor.
Dr. Xiao Yongxun reply Family Medicine
Dear Ms. Z: 1. "Timolol Maleate Eye Drops 0.5%": The active ingredient is Timolol maleate 6.8 mg; it belongs to the class of beta-blockers. 2. "Neostigmine Methylsulfate Eye Drops": The active ingredient is Neostigmine Methylsulfate; Neostigmine temporari...[Read More] Can I Take Antibiotics Before Wisdom Tooth Extraction While Using Eye Drops?
Common Concerns: Neck Pain and Ingesting Small Insects
Please ask your two questions? Hello, Doctor. While watching a video in bed and lying on my stomach, I suddenly turned my head to respond and thought I heard a sound. Although I currently don't feel any discomfort, could it be that my neck bone is broken, or is it just nearb...
Dr. Xiao Yongxun reply Family Medicine
Dear Ms. Apple: 1. If there is a fracture in the neck, the symptoms are likely to be more severe and pronounced. A sudden turn of the head accompanied by a cracking sound is most likely due to improper posture or chronic arthritis, which can cause the ligaments or tendons aroun...[Read More] Common Concerns: Neck Pain and Ingesting Small Insects
Understanding Minor Injuries: Do Slips Cause Serious Back Issues?
Questions for the doctor? Hello, Doctor: I was cleaning the floor at home when it was wet, and while stepping on a mat, I slipped slightly but did not fall. Currently, I don't feel any unusual pain when bending or twisting, just a slight soreness when bending. I would like...
Dr. Xiao Yongxun reply Family Medicine
Dear Ms. Amanda: 1. Theoretically, at the age of 20, the likelihood of sustaining a fracture or a spinal dislocation from a minor slip while walking is low, unless there are underlying conditions such as osteoporosis, chondrodysplasia, or congenital fibrous dysplasia. However, ...[Read More] Understanding Minor Injuries: Do Slips Cause Serious Back Issues?
Exploring Causes of Hand and Foot Numbness Beyond Diabetes
Dear Dr. Hsiao, aside from diabetes, what are the other possible causes of numbness in the hands and feet? Today's lab report is out: fasting blood glucose is 80 mg/dL, and hemoglobin A1c is 5.7, so I should not have diabetes, right? Ever since I started experiencing numbnes...
Dr. Xiao Yongxun reply Family Medicine
Dear Mr. Luka: 1. There are many diseases that can lead to numbness or abnormal sensations in the hands and feet, including common conditions such as vascular compression, diabetes, peripheral neuropathy, peripheral vascular disease, degenerative spinal disorders, herniated dis...[Read More] Exploring Causes of Hand and Foot Numbness Beyond Diabetes
Discrepancy Between Forehead and Ear Temperature: What to Do?
The significant difference between forehead temperature and ear temperature? In recent days, I have been measuring my ear temperature at home, which is around 36.9 degrees Celsius. Due to the current pandemic, I need to have my forehead temperature checked whenever I go to public...
Dr. Xiao Yongxun reply Family Medicine
Dear Mr. ABC: 1. Methods for measuring body temperature include rectal, oral, axillary, tympanic, and temporal measurements, with rectal temperature being the closest to the body's true internal temperature. The central body temperature is approximately 37 to 38 degrees Cel...[Read More] Discrepancy Between Forehead and Ear Temperature: What to Do?
Understanding the Contagiousness of Chickenpox and Blister Infections
The contagiousness of blisters? Hello, doctor. Recently, our school has switched to remote learning due to confirmed cases. Just the day before yesterday, a friend in the dormitory showed me that there was a chickenpox infection on their floor, so they started disinfecting again....
Dr. Xiao Yongxun reply Family Medicine
Dear Mr. Gina: 1. Chickenpox (Varicella) refers to the disease caused by the initial infection with the varicella-zoster virus (VZV), which is most commonly seen in children under the age of 10, although it can occasionally occur in young adults. The early symptoms resemble thos...[Read More] Understanding the Contagiousness of Chickenpox and Blister Infections
Essential Tests for Diabetes Diagnosis and Dietary Guidance
Dear Dr. Hsiao: What tests should be done to diagnose diabetes? When visiting a medical laboratory for tests, what should be checked? Should I test for fasting blood glucose levels, hemoglobin, or other items? Additionally, if someone has diabetes, can they consume sugar-free bev...
Dr. Xiao Yongxun reply Family Medicine
Dear Mr. Luka: According to the diagnostic criteria for diabetes set by the American Diabetes Association, a. Fasting plasma glucose level ≥126 mg/dL after fasting for more than 8 hours, b. Plasma glucose level ≥200 mg/dL during a 2-hour oral glucose tolerance test, c. HbA1c ≥6.5...[Read More] Essential Tests for Diabetes Diagnosis and Dietary Guidance
Understanding Muscle Pain: Concerns About Discomfort Near the Armpit
Suspected muscle pain? Hello doctor, near the joint under my left armpit, I feel a protrusion and some pain when I raise my arm. I'm not sure if it's a muscle strain, but my family says it feels like there's no hard mass, just muscle, which makes me quite worried. ...
Dr. Xiao Yongxun reply Family Medicine
Dear Mr. Dada: 1. Pain and tenderness in the left axilla may commonly indicate issues such as muscle strain, neuropathy, pneumothorax, myocardial ischemia, infection, tumors, or shingles, among others. If the pain persists, it is advisable to discuss this with your primary care...[Read More] Understanding Muscle Pain: Concerns About Discomfort Near the Armpit
Understanding Choking Hazards: What to Do After Food Goes Down the Wrong Pipe
Suspected aspiration? Hello, Doctor. While eating corn, I suddenly felt uncomfortable as if something had gone into my nasal cavity. It felt like it slipped down, and I wasn't sure if I swallowed it. I coughed a couple of times, feeling like I choked a bit. Afterwards, I had...
Dr. Xiao Yongxun reply Family Medicine
Dear Ms. Mo: 1. Aspiration pneumonia refers to a bacterial infection of the lungs caused by the inhalation of harmful gases, liquids, or solid particles, leading to mechanical obstruction and chemical injury; it often results in bronchopneumonia. This condition is most commonly ...[Read More] Understanding Choking Hazards: What to Do After Food Goes Down the Wrong Pipe
Post-Cold Concerns: When to Seek Medical Advice for Throat and Chest Issues
Inquiry after a cold? Hello Doctor, about a week ago I started feeling discomfort in my throat and I was worried that I might have contracted a virus, especially since many classmates in my class frequently cough without wearing masks. I visited an ENT specialist, who said that m...
Dr. Xiao Yongxun reply Family Medicine
Dear Miss Hsiao Yi: 1. Based on your description and medical history, the likelihood of contracting COVID-19 is very low. I personally agree with your attending physician's assessment that it may be due to post-nasal drip. 2. Please avoid ice products or cold drinks, mainta...[Read More] Post-Cold Concerns: When to Seek Medical Advice for Throat and Chest Issues
Understanding Infection Transmission: Clarifying Myths for Kids
Transmission routes of diseases? Hello, Dr. Hsiao. My son, who is in middle school, has been spreading strange rumors among his classmates, claiming that if someone has a wound, they can get infected with pneumonia or HIV. He scared his younger sister with these false claims whil...
Dr. Xiao Yongxun reply Family Medicine
Dear Ms. Fang: 1. The pathogens that can attack humans primarily include bacteria, viruses, fungi, protozoa, parasites, rickettsiae, and prions. Their modes of transmission vary, including droplet transmission, airborne transmission, fecal-oral transmission, foodborne transmissi...[Read More] Understanding Infection Transmission: Clarifying Myths for Kids