Sudden Facial Swelling: Causes of Numbness Without Pain or Itching
A small area on the face suddenly swelled up, resembling a mosquito bite, but it is neither painful nor itchy, although it feels numb? Tonight after class, I suddenly noticed a small area on my left cheek that is red and swollen, but it doesn't hurt or itch. It feels a bit n...
Dr. Xiao Yongxun Reply:
Dear Mr. Huang: 1. There is a sudden redness and swelling in a small area of your left cheek, which is not painful or itchy but feels numb. The differential diagnoses are numerous, including inflammatory reactions due to insect bites, follicular or sebaceous gland infections, l...[Read More] Sudden Facial Swelling: Causes of Numbness Without Pain or Itching
Understanding Post-Wisdom Tooth Extraction: Flattened Tissue Concerns
After wisdom tooth extraction, the swelling in the cheek transforms into a flat, pancake-like tissue? Hello, Director Hsiao. Three months ago, I underwent surgery to extract my lower right wisdom tooth. After the extraction, my right cheek was significantly swollen. One month pos...
Dr. Xiao Yongxun Reply:
Dear Ms. Yi: 1. I recommend that you have a thorough discussion with your attending physician, as they are most familiar with your overall condition and treatment process. 2. Based on your description, it is possible that an infection or abscess developed after the extraction o...[Read More] Understanding Post-Wisdom Tooth Extraction: Flattened Tissue Concerns
Understanding Post-Wisdom Tooth Extraction Swelling and Calcification
Is it possible for the swelling after wisdom tooth extraction to calcify so quickly, within 3 to 4 months? Hello Dr. Lin, I had my lower right wisdom tooth extracted three months ago. After the extraction, my right cheek was significantly swollen. A month later, I was referred to...
Dr. Lin Zhebin Reply:
Hello: The flat, pancake-shaped, and somewhat hard area on your right cheek is likely a result of soft tissue fibrosis caused by a previous inflammatory infection, somewhat similar to scar tissue. As for whether there is calcification or other issues, further medical examination ...[Read More] Understanding Post-Wisdom Tooth Extraction Swelling and Calcification
Are Undercooked Sausages Safe? Understanding Parasite Risks and Solutions
Suspected undercooked sausage? Hello Doctor, I recently cooked the microwave sausages from 7-Eleven, but due to my lack of experience, I couldn't determine if they were fully cooked. I found online that there might be concerns about parasites and other issues. I would like t...
Dr. Xiao Yongxun Reply:
Dear Mr. Tim: 1. I apologize; I am not aware of the detailed manufacturing process of the "7-11 microwave sausage," so I cannot determine the possibility of parasitic infections or the presence of eggs. In our country, over the past few decades, there have been very fe...[Read More] Are Undercooked Sausages Safe? Understanding Parasite Risks and Solutions
Impact of Medications on Blood Sugar Levels: A Patient's Inquiry
Issues related to steroids and blood sugar? Hello, doctor. Six months ago, I measured my fasting blood sugar at a testing center, and the value was 110. Since then, I have been controlling my diet, and my recent readings have been around 83-107. However, I have not yet measured m...
Dr. Lin Zhebin Reply:
Hello: 1. The oral medication you are using does not affect blood sugar levels, and while the topical eczema cream, eye ointment, and eye drops contain steroids, topical steroids generally do not significantly impact blood sugar. Additionally, issues related to inflammation and i...[Read More] Impact of Medications on Blood Sugar Levels: A Patient's Inquiry
How Soon After COVID-19 Can You Safely Resume Exercise?
How long after recovering from COVID-19 is it advisable to resume exercise? Hello Dr. Lin, I tested positive on June 28, and as of today, June 30, my symptoms have not fully resolved. After my follow-up visit, the doctor provided supportive treatment. Currently, I have intermitte...
Dr. Lin Zhebin Reply:
Hello: 1. Diabetes, unless it involves short-term fluctuations in blood sugar levels, typically causes organ damage through chronic and long-term changes. Additionally, the management of diabetes is not solely reliant on medication; dietary modifications and exercise are also cru...[Read More] How Soon After COVID-19 Can You Safely Resume Exercise?
Understanding Underarm Itching During Coughing or Cold Symptoms
Itchy throat, cough, or during a cold, there is itching in the subcutaneous layer of the armpit? Hello Doctor: This issue has been bothering me for a long time. Whenever I have a scratchy throat, cough, or cold, the skin underneath my right armpit becomes itchy. Each time I ask a...
Dr. Ye Qianyu Reply:
Hello! Based on your description, it may be lymphadenopathy or an infection triggering an allergic reaction. It is recommended that you visit a dermatologist when this occurs.[Read More] Understanding Underarm Itching During Coughing or Cold Symptoms
Understanding Blood Test Results: Do They Indicate Inflammation or Issues?
Blood test report Hello, doctor. Could you please tell me if the following data indicates inflammation or other issues in the body? Here are the test results: =============================================== White Blood Cell Count: 6.36 (Reference Range: 4.0–11.0) Red Blood Cell C...
Dr. Lin Zhebin Reply:
Hello: 1. Your blood test report shows elevated neutrophil levels and decreased lymphocyte levels. Generally, this raises concerns about potential infections; however, the values are only slightly outside the normal range, and your overall white blood cell count is normal, so it ...[Read More] Understanding Blood Test Results: Do They Indicate Inflammation or Issues?
Understanding Belly Button Issues: Pain and Redness After Infection
Umbilical issues I was diagnosed with pneumonia yesterday. Last night, I was too idle and picked at my belly button. After that, I cleaned it with alcohol, and it hurt a little, feeling like it might break the skin. This morning, I noticed a small red area around my belly button,...
Dr. Lin Zhebin Reply:
Hello: Your condition is umbilical inflammation. If the umbilicus continues to be red, swollen, hot, and painful without improvement, there is a concern that it may progress to cellulitis, so it is advisable to seek medical treatment immediately.[Read More] Understanding Belly Button Issues: Pain and Redness After Infection
Concerns About HIV and Hepatitis Risks During Blood Tests
Concerns about HIV infection? Hello, doctor. I recently went to a nearby clinic for an adult health check-up, and during the blood draw, I noticed that the nurse did not use a new syringe, although the needle was newly unwrapped. Could this lead to an infection with HIV or hepati...
Dr. Xiao Yongxun Reply:
Dear Mr. Ashan: 1. I do not understand your statement. Generally, needles and syringes are often packaged together and opened for use. It is also possible that a single needle is opened and then used to draw blood from various vacuum tubes one by one. What you observed might be ...[Read More] Concerns About HIV and Hepatitis Risks During Blood Tests
COVID-19 Symptoms or Autonomic Nervous System Disorder?
Is it a symptom of the confirmed diagnosis or is there an additional complication of autonomic nervous system dysfunction? Hello, doctor. I would like to explain that I am experiencing a second diagnosis of COVID-19 and I have a history of mitral valve prolapse with regurgitation...
Dr. Liao Yaopan Reply:
Hello, whether or not a diagnosis is confirmed should still be determined by viral testing. However, it is difficult to confirm the presence of the aforementioned discomfort symptoms based on experience and clinical research. It is advisable to seek appropriate treatment or manag...[Read More] COVID-19 Symptoms or Autonomic Nervous System Disorder?
Understanding Elevated Amylase Levels: Causes and Concerns
Pancreatic amylase Hello Doctor: I recently had a blood test, and one of the items measured was amylase (normal range is 28-100 u/L). However, my report showed a level of 107 u/L. All other tests for liver and kidney function were normal. Could this indicate hyperamylasemia? I am...
Dr. Lin Zhebin Reply:
Hello: Since your amylase level is only slightly elevated above the normal range, it is more likely to be a case of simple amylase elevation (possibly related to the pancreas or salivary glands) rather than macroamylasemia. Macroamylasemia is typically associated with certain inf...[Read More] Understanding Elevated Amylase Levels: Causes and Concerns
Concerns About Potential Infections from Hotel Showerheads in Taiwan
Please ask your question? Hello doctor, I would like to ask a question. My family and I were playing at a hotel in Taiwan, and while showering, I pressed the showerhead, which has many tiny holes, and suddenly felt a sharp pain. At that moment, I checked the showerhead and didn&#...
Dr. Chen Bozhang Reply:
If the water pressure is strong and the contact area is small, it is indeed possible to experience a stinging sensation. If there are no external injuries, redness, or other symptoms, there is likely no need for excessive concern. You may also consult a family medicine or dermato...[Read More] Concerns About Potential Infections from Hotel Showerheads in Taiwan
Understanding Cold Sensation and Rapid Heartbeat During Sleep
Regarding feeling cold and experiencing a rapid heartbeat while sleeping? I have been having trouble sleeping lately and have some questions for the doctor. Recently, I feel very cold while sleeping. At first, I thought it might be due to the air conditioning or fan being too str...
Dr. Lin Zhebin Reply:
Hello: The symptoms of feeling cold and having a rapid heartbeat at night are likely due to high stress causing irregular sleep patterns, which results in sympathetic nervous system activation. However, it is also important to consider other issues such as infections or endocrine...[Read More] Understanding Cold Sensation and Rapid Heartbeat During Sleep
Does Massaging Cystic Acne Worsen Symptoms or Cause Infection?
Will massaging inflamed acne have a counterproductive effect? Hello Doctor, I am a third-year male student. I have a pimple on my face that appears to be cystic in nature, and it has been present for about a month. When I press on it, there is a noticeable soft, jelly-like pus th...
Dr. Lin Zhebin Reply:
Hello: Cystic acne affects the deeper layers of the skin, and after inflammation subsides, it can easily leave scars on the face. Since you have been experiencing this for a month, it is advisable to seek treatment from a dermatologist as soon as possible. Additionally, avoid tou...[Read More] Does Massaging Cystic Acne Worsen Symptoms or Cause Infection?
Understanding Frequent Breathing Difficulties: Asthma or Heart Issues?
Shortness of breath Hello, doctor. I have a question today. I have asthma, and during an attack, I experience frequent coughing, poor sleep, and even difficulty breathing. Using bronchodilators provides significant relief. I find that changes in weather can easily trigger my asth...
Dr. Liu Hongxiang Reply:
Hello, Qing: It seems that you are using short-acting bronchodilators more frequently. If you are experiencing frequent episodes, it is recommended to use both short-acting and long-acting bronchodilators together, as this can help stabilize your breathing. During episodes of dys...[Read More] Understanding Frequent Breathing Difficulties: Asthma or Heart Issues?
Persistent Low-Grade Fever: Possible Causes and Next Steps for Evaluation
Persistent elevated body temperature? Hello, doctor. Last August, I had a fever reaching 38 degrees Celsius (ear temperature), which dropped to 37.7 degrees on the same day. However, I have been experiencing a persistent low-grade fever ranging from 37 to 37.5 degrees until March...
Dr. Chen Bozhang Reply:
Dear Ms. Tsai, I understand from your letter that you have been experiencing persistent low-grade fever since August of last year, and various examinations have not revealed a cause. Generally, the potential causes of continuous fever may include infections, rheumatologic and au...[Read More] Persistent Low-Grade Fever: Possible Causes and Next Steps for Evaluation
Concerns About Infection Risks from Everyday Activities
Infection issues Hello, Doctor. 1. When riding a bicycle, I place items on the foot mat, but to prevent them from falling, I keep my foot on them the entire time and only use my hand to grab them afterward. Could this lead to an infection, even though I wash my hands? I'm ...
Dr. Lin Zhebin Reply:
Hello: The items that shoes come into contact with may carry dirt and bacteria, raising concerns about infection. However, most infections occur through hand contact when proper hygiene is not maintained, leading to touching the eyes, nose, and mouth. Therefore, hand hygiene is c...[Read More] Concerns About Infection Risks from Everyday Activities
Understanding Infection Risks from Everyday Activities: A Guide for Patients
Infection issues Hello, Doctor. 1. When riding a bike, I place items on the foot mat, but to prevent them from falling, I keep my foot on them the entire time and only grab them with my hand afterward. Could this lead to an infection? Although I wash my hands, I am concerned ab...
Dr. Lin Zhebin Reply:
Hello: If your hands come into contact with something that has been stepped on by shoes, washing your hands with soap is sufficient to achieve cleanliness and disinfection.[Read More] Understanding Infection Risks from Everyday Activities: A Guide for Patients
Understanding Infection Risks: Everyday Scenarios and Prevention Tips
Infection issues? Hello, Doctor. 1. When riding a bike, I place items on the foot mat, but to prevent them from falling, I keep my feet on them the entire time and only use my hands to retrieve them afterward. Could this lead to an infection, even though I wash my hands? I'...
Dr. Lin Zhebin Reply:
Hello: Touching something that has been stepped on by shoes can actually be cleaned and sanitized effectively with soap and water.[Read More] Understanding Infection Risks: Everyday Scenarios and Prevention Tips