Understanding Antibiotic Treatment Duration: Do You Really Need 7-10 Days?
Antibiotic therapy regimen Hello, there is a message online stating that antibiotics are generally taken for about 7 to 10 days abroad before they can be stopped; otherwise, residual bacteria may lead to heart or kidney issues (such as the need for dialysis). In the past, I have ...
Dr. Liao Yaopan Reply:
Hello, antibiotics are medications used to treat bacterial infections. The duration of treatment is generally assessed based on clinical conditions. Improper use (including excessive, insufficient, or misuse) is not appropriate. Long-term inappropriate use can also lead to antibi...[Read More] Understanding Antibiotic Treatment Duration: Do You Really Need 7-10 Days?
Post-Risky Behavior: Lip Cracking and Persistent Throat Issues
After engaging in risky sexual behavior, the lower lip may be prone to cracking or breaking? I would like to explain to the doctor that my only risky behavior was sucking on a massage therapist's toes. On January 1st of this year, I went to a massage parlor in Zhubei and eng...
Dr. Gao Qingyun Reply:
Dear Xiao Wu, It is recommended that you consult an otolaryngologist for any oral or lip lesions. A proper diagnosis and differentiation of the lesions require an in-person examination. Wishing you peace and good health. Sincerely, Gao Qingyun Director, Department of Family...[Read More] Post-Risky Behavior: Lip Cracking and Persistent Throat Issues
Which Medical Specialty Should I Choose for My Health Issues?
Which department should I consult? Hello: Due to being quite busy, I haven't had the time to seek medical attention and will have to wait until mid-December for my salary to afford a doctor. It's been a while... Next month, I will have two evenings free and would like t...
Dr. Ye Qianyu Reply:
It is advisable to minimize staying up late and excessive eye strain, as these can significantly reduce discomfort. For issues related to styes and eye discomfort, please consult an ophthalmologist. For acne and gastroesophageal reflux, you may see a general internist or family m...[Read More] Which Medical Specialty Should I Choose for My Health Issues?
Understanding Rabies Risk: Indirect Contact and Safety in Taiwan
Rabies indirect contact Hello Dr. Chen: First of all, I would like to apologize for not knowing that repeated questions would lead to data deletion! I did not mean to do so, and I am truly sorry. I sincerely seek your guidance on the following: 1. According to the Centers for Dis...
Dr. Chen Bozhang Reply:
The letter mentions the issue of contact with stray dogs in Taiwan. Currently, Taiwan is not an area endemic to rabies, so there is no need to administer rabies vaccinations for bites from stray dogs, stray cats, or other wild animals. However, if bitten by a dog, the animal'...[Read More] Understanding Rabies Risk: Indirect Contact and Safety in Taiwan
Understanding Whole Body Itching: Causes and When to Seek Help
Generalized pruritus? I would like to consult a doctor. Last Sunday night, before going to bed, I suddenly experienced intense itching all over my body (without any rash). I initially thought it might be a food or drug allergy since I had eaten raw mango and taken antibiotics tha...
Dr. Chen Bozhang Reply:
If your issue is related to allergies, it is a matter of constitution, and the only solution is to avoid foods or environments that trigger your allergies. It is advisable to find a trusted physician in internal medicine, immunology, rheumatology, or family medicine who is famili...[Read More] Understanding Whole Body Itching: Causes and When to Seek Help
Understanding Unexplained Fever: When to Seek Further Medical Evaluation
Fever of unknown origin (FUO) Hello, I would like to inquire about a family member (male) who has been experiencing unexplained fever multiple times over the past week, often reaching 38.5°C at night. He visited a general outpatient clinic, but the doctor could not determine the ...
Dr. Hong Jianfeng Reply:
There are hundreds of potential causes for fever of unknown origin (FUO). Typically, the common causes are ruled out one by one. Even in medical centers, there are many cases of FUO where the cause remains undetermined. It is recommended to seek further evaluation at a hospital w...[Read More] Understanding Unexplained Fever: When to Seek Further Medical Evaluation
Should You Finish Your Cold Medication? Understanding Antibiotic Use
Is it necessary to finish taking cold medicine? Hello, Doctor: I caught a cold yesterday, experiencing symptoms such as headache, dizziness, and runny nose. I visited a clinic and after taking a packet of cold medicine, my cold improved. However, I noticed that the prescription i...
Dr. Chen Zonglin Reply:
The common cold is mostly caused by viral infections. Since antibiotics cannot kill viruses, and most individuals with normal immune function tend to recover on their own, treatment primarily focuses on symptom management. Antibiotics are only considered if there is suspicion of ...[Read More] Should You Finish Your Cold Medication? Understanding Antibiotic Use
Itchy Belly Button with Discharge: When to Seek Medical Attention?
The belly button is very itchy and has a discharge? A couple of days ago, I cleaned my belly button, and now it feels strange. First, it was very itchy, and today it started to ooze a clear fluid that has a somewhat foul smell. I'm not sure if I need to seek medical attentio...
Dr. Gao Qingyun Reply:
Dear Xiao Lin, 1. When discussing a medical condition, it is best to provide age and gender for reference. 2. Since I have not seen the lesion in person, please prioritize the opinions of any other physicians who have conducted a physical examination. 3. Based on your descriptio...[Read More] Itchy Belly Button with Discharge: When to Seek Medical Attention?
Understanding Ear Canal Surgery: When to See a Specialist and Antibiotic Use
Preauricular canal I would like to ask which specialty I should consult for the excision of the preauricular sinus? Also, when the preauricular sinus is inflamed, is it possible to avoid taking antibiotics (Amoxicillin)? Thank you.
Dr. Chen Bozhang Reply:
Hello: In response to your question about the excision of the preauricular sinus, it is necessary to consult an otolaryngologist. Regarding the use of antibiotics during inflammation, the general principle is to use them, but it also depends on the clinical situation.[Read More] Understanding Ear Canal Surgery: When to See a Specialist and Antibiotic Use
Understanding Ear Discharge: Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment Options
Please ask your question? If there is pus coming from the ear, it may have a foul odor and the ear may feel moist. This could be due to an ear infection or a perforated eardrum. Whether surgery is necessary depends on the severity of the condition. For managing ear discharge, i...
Dr. Chen Bozhang Reply:
Hello: In response to your question, the most common cause of ear discharge is ear inflammation. However, the actual cause must be confirmed through examinations such as otoscopy. Treatment should also be based on a confirmed diagnosis. I recommend that you avoid digging in your ...[Read More] Understanding Ear Discharge: Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment Options
Can People with G6PD Deficiency Drink Energy Drinks?
I'm sorry, but I need more context or information to provide an accurate translation. Could you please provide additional details or clarify your Hello, can individuals with G6PD deficiency drink Red Bull? It contains Vitamin B1, Vitamin B6, Vitamin B12, Vitamin C, inositol,...
Dr. Chen Bozhang Reply:
Hello: In response to your question, individuals with G6PD deficiency should avoid items such as gentian violet, camphor and its products, methylene blue, fava bean products, antimalarial drugs, sulfonamide antibiotics, and aspirin-type analgesics. The energy drink does not conta...[Read More] Can People with G6PD Deficiency Drink Energy Drinks?
Understanding Injection Site Reactions: Causes and Concerns
Injection site wound Hello doctor, my mother went to the hospital for an injection, and she mentioned that it was an intramuscular injection. However, the injection site on her arm has a wound with a diameter of about 0.4 cm, and the surrounding area is red, swollen, and inflamed...
Dr. Cai Jueren Reply:
Hello: Redness and swelling around the injection site are generally caused by inflammation. Possible reasons include incomplete disinfection, unclean needles, or post-injection wound infections, commonly referred to as cellulitis. If the condition is severe, hospitalization may b...[Read More] Understanding Injection Site Reactions: Causes and Concerns
How to Lower Elevated Neutrophil Percentage in Blood Tests?
Blood test issues? To restore the percentage of neutrophils to normal levels, which in your case is above the standard value (70.4% compared to the normal range of 65%), it is important to identify and address the underlying cause. Here are some general steps that may help: 1. *...
Dr. Cai Jueren Reply:
Hello: An elevated neutrophil count may indicate a recent infection or inflammation in some area (it is best to correlate with other data). The underlying cause should be identified; if no cause is found and there are no physical symptoms, a follow-up appointment can be scheduled...[Read More] How to Lower Elevated Neutrophil Percentage in Blood Tests?
Understanding Blood in Stool: Causes and Concerns for Your Health
Bleeding during bowel movements? For two years, I experienced rectal bleeding for the first time, which was bright red, and I also had constipation. I thought it was hemorrhoids, but after the bleeding, I started having a high fever that wouldn't subside, eventually leading ...
Dr. Lai Junlong Reply:
Hello: In response to your question, experiencing bleeding during bowel movements is something that should not be ignored. There are many possible causes, including hemorrhoidal bleeding, anal fissures, or growths in the intestines. The hospital where you were last admitted shoul...[Read More] Understanding Blood in Stool: Causes and Concerns for Your Health
Rare Virus Threatens Life: Urgent Call for Medical Insights
Rare virus can be life-threatening within a day? My sibling is only in their early 30s and has developed a rare illness. The hospital has issued a critical condition notice and a consent form has been signed. Kind-hearted individuals are hoping to help save her, and I sincerely a...
Dr. Cai Mengru Reply:
Dear Mr. Hsiao-Chieh, First of all, I hope your siblings are feeling better now. Based on your description of the condition, it is indeed challenging to arrive at a definitive diagnosis. The foot pain may be a manifestation of muscle inflammation or injury. If there are signs si...[Read More] Rare Virus Threatens Life: Urgent Call for Medical Insights
Long-Term Medication Use: Potential Side Effects and Kidney Health Concerns
What are the side effects of long-term medication use on the body? Hello Doctor: I have been experiencing urinary issues (prolonged urge to urinate, weak urine flow, frequent urination, and nocturia). I have been intermittently taking Detrusitol SR 4mg for about six months, but r...
Dr. Cai Jueren Reply:
Hello: The medication you are taking may have adverse effects on your liver and kidneys in the long term. Considering your age, it may not be necessary for you to take medication long-term unless there are any congenital defects. I recommend that you consult with the physician wh...[Read More] Long-Term Medication Use: Potential Side Effects and Kidney Health Concerns
Understanding Allergens: Which Specialist to Consult for Acne Issues?
Allergen Hello, Dr. Tsai. I have been troubled by acne for the past year and a half, primarily on my chin. When it first occurred, I visited a dermatologist and, after using some oral medications and fruit acid products, I recovered in about a month. However, a year later, it rec...
Dr. Cai Jueren Reply:
Hello Shuyi: The most common allergen tests are patch testing and blood tests. These two types of tests usually have only a few overlapping allergens. Most large hospitals have dermatology departments that offer these tests, and some family medicine departments may also conduct s...[Read More] Understanding Allergens: Which Specialist to Consult for Acne Issues?
Is Fushuganlong Capsule Safe for G6PD Patients? Side Effects Explained
Medications Is this medication safe for patients with G6PD deficiency? Chinese name: Fushuganlong Capsules Ingredients: Acetaminophen..........300mg Chlorpheniramine Maleate.........2.5mg Dextromethorphan Hydrobromide.....15mg dl-Methylephedrine Hydrochloride......10mg Potassium ...
Dr. Cai Jueren Reply:
Hello, we advise against the use of the aforementioned medications for patients with G6PD deficiency. All medications should be prescribed by a physician, and it is best not to purchase over-the-counter drugs without guidance. The following substances can cause oxidative agents t...[Read More] Is Fushuganlong Capsule Safe for G6PD Patients? Side Effects Explained
Persistent Belly Button Discharge: Seeking the Right Medical Advice
My belly button is leaking fluid? On Monday, I noticed that my abdomen was leaking yellow, foul-smelling fluid, so I went to see a dermatologist the next day. The doctor said I might have an infection and prescribed anti-inflammatory medication and topical ointment. However, afte...
Dr. Cai Jueren Reply:
Hello, I apologize for only getting back to you after returning from France. I hope the following response can help resolve your concerns. The dermatologist was correct; it is indeed a bacterial infection. Since some time has passed, I recommend that you consult a general surgeon...[Read More] Persistent Belly Button Discharge: Seeking the Right Medical Advice
Why Am I Getting Sick So Often? Understanding Frequent Illnesses
Why do I often get sick? Hello Dr. Hsu, I have been frequently experiencing colds and gastroenteritis for several weeks now, alternating between the two. I get a cold, recover, and then a few days later, I have gastroenteritis. After recovering from that, I get sick again shortl...
Dr. Xu Li'an Reply:
Dear Worried Girl Linda, I believe that frequently falling ill helps to build resilience for the future. I have also been sick often since childhood, and even now, many medical issues remain unexplained. Answering why you often get sick is akin to addressing questions like why C...[Read More] Why Am I Getting Sick So Often? Understanding Frequent Illnesses