Do Cold and Inflammation Affect Fasting Blood Sugar Levels?
Blood sugar issues in health examinations? During the health examination, I experienced a cold and inflammation of the glans. The report showed a fasting blood glucose level of 106. I would like to know if a cold and glans inflammation can affect fasting blood glucose levels.
Dr. Liu Hongxiang Reply:
Hello ACDC060: Possible reasons for elevated blood sugar levels before meals include diet, insufficient fasting time, diseases, infections, stress, and medication use. It is recommended to monitor blood sugar levels again once the body has recovered to determine if there is a pro...[Read More] Do Cold and Inflammation Affect Fasting Blood Sugar Levels?
Concerns About Needle Stick Injuries and HIV Exposure: What You Need to Know
Stepping on a syringe? Hello, doctor. I am the one who stepped on a syringe. I would like to ask, I usually experience the sensation of being pricked by a needle (a psychiatric symptom). That day, I was wearing flip-flops, and when I suddenly made a sharp turn while walking, I fe...
Dr. Lin Zhebin Reply:
Hello: If there is only a prickling sensation without any external injury, the likelihood of being injured by a syringe is very low and is likely more related to the illusion of being pricked. Additionally, although the HIV virus typically loses its infectivity and cannot survive...[Read More] Concerns About Needle Stick Injuries and HIV Exposure: What You Need to Know
What to Do If a Maggot Gets in Your Nose: Risks and Symptoms
Mosquito-borne diseases If a maggot were to enter the nose, the worst-case scenario could involve a range of complications, including nasal irritation, infection, or even more severe conditions such as myiasis, where the larvae can infest tissue. Symptoms may include nasal pain, ...
Dr. Ye Qianyu Reply:
Hello! This is a hypothetical question. If you see maggots, you may be concerned about myiasis, which typically occurs in individuals with poor immune and hygiene conditions. The life cycle of a fly consists of four stages: egg, larva (maggot), pupa, and adult. Female adult flies...[Read More] What to Do If a Maggot Gets in Your Nose: Risks and Symptoms
What to Do If You Step on a Syringe: HIV Risk Explained
If you step on a syringe? Hello doctor, I would like to ask, if I step on a syringe outside, is it possible to contract HIV? Thank you, doctor.
Dr. Lin Zhebin Reply:
Hello: If you have been injured by a syringe, there is a risk of infection from bloodborne and bodily fluid-transmitted diseases. Besides HIV, more common diseases include Hepatitis B, Hepatitis C, and Syphilis, among others. It is advisable to seek medical treatment as soon as p...[Read More] What to Do If You Step on a Syringe: HIV Risk Explained
Understanding Bedwetting in Children: When to Seek Medical Advice
Childhood bedwetting Hello Doctor: I would like to ask about my younger son, who is almost 7 years old and in the first grade. He often wets the bed at night. Should I take him to see a doctor? Which specialty should I consult? He usually wakes up only after he has already wet th...
Dr. Lin Zhebin Reply:
Hello: Common causes of bedwetting in children, aside from psychological factors, may include nocturnal polyuria, overactive bladder, and abnormalities in the brain's awakening centers (where the brain does not sense urine). If your son experiences any of the following sympt...[Read More] Understanding Bedwetting in Children: When to Seek Medical Advice
Understanding Symptoms: Nasal Congestion, Chest Pain, Vomiting, and Palpitations
Nasal congestion + runny nose + chest pain + vomiting + palpitations? Hello, I have been experiencing severe nasal congestion since December, which often prevents me from sleeping at night. (When my nose is clear, I have thick white phlegm.) After two to three weeks of significan...
Dr. Lin Zhebin Reply:
Hello: Based on the symptoms you described, we should consider the possibility of a respiratory or gastrointestinal infection. Additionally, the symptoms of chest pain and palpitations may indicate a cardiac issue, as potential causes can involve multiple organs. It is recommende...[Read More] Understanding Symptoms: Nasal Congestion, Chest Pain, Vomiting, and Palpitations
Addressing Mask Concerns in Shared Living Spaces During Pandemic
The issue of masks? I have a couple of questions regarding my rented room in a shared house. The common hallway is poorly ventilated and often has a musty and strange odor. With the recent rise in COVID-19 cases, I have some concerns: 1. When I pass through the hallway wearing ...
Dr. Lin Zhebin Reply:
Hello: 1. General medical masks do not effectively block odors, but they are quite effective at filtering bacteria. On the other hand, activated carbon masks can block odors, but they do not filter bacteria. 2. Alcohol can damage the waterproof layer of masks, reducing their effe...[Read More] Addressing Mask Concerns in Shared Living Spaces During Pandemic
Monkey Scratch Injury: What You Need to Know About Rabies and Tetanus
Injured by a monkey bite? Hello Doctor, I was attacked by a wild monkey in Shoushan, Kaohsiung on December 29, resulting in scratches. The wounds are small; I have two red marks on my shoulder without open wounds but with mild pain, and I suspect I may have a scrape on the back o...
Dr. Lin Zhebin Reply:
Hello: 1. Although Taiwan is currently considered a rabies-endemic area, the outbreak is limited to wild animals such as ferrets and civets, and the likelihood of monkeys in Taiwan contracting rabies is very low. 2. Most injuries from monkey bites primarily require a tetanus vacc...[Read More] Monkey Scratch Injury: What You Need to Know About Rabies and Tetanus
Understanding Mycoplasma Infection: Transmission Risks and Precautions
Mycoplasma infection Hello, doctor. My family members were recently diagnosed with a mycoplasma infection and have since recovered, but they are experiencing some related sequelae, such as coughing. I did not live with them during their illness, so I did not get infected. However...
Dr. Ye Qianyu Reply:
Hello! Mycoplasma is a type of bacteria that can cause atypical pneumonia. The transmission occurs through respiratory droplets and contact with nasal secretions, so preventive measures include wearing masks, proper hand hygiene, and using alcohol for simple environmental disinfe...[Read More] Understanding Mycoplasma Infection: Transmission Risks and Precautions
Persistent Low-Grade Fever After Kidney Infection: What to Know
The body temperature has been consistently around 37 degrees Celsius for several days? Hello, doctor. I was hospitalized for pyelonephritis two weeks ago and stayed for a week, followed by another week of antibiotics after discharge. My menstrual period started right after and la...
Dr. Xiao Yongxun Reply:
Dear Ms. Chen: 1. The diagnosis of acute pyelonephritis primarily presents with symptoms such as frequent urination, dysuria, flank pain, and may even include fever, chills, and headache. Laboratory tests typically show an increase in white blood cells with a rise in the proport...[Read More] Persistent Low-Grade Fever After Kidney Infection: What to Know
Can UV Lights and Ozone Kill COVID-19? N95 Mask Reuse Tips
Regarding epidemic prevention? Hello, Doctor. I would like to ask you a couple of questions. 1. Can ultraviolet (UV) lamps and the ozone they produce eliminate the coronavirus? 2. I use an N95 mask in crowded places, but I would like to reuse it multiple times. When I get home...
Dr. Lin Zhebin Reply:
Hello: 1. Ultraviolet (UV) light can kill the SARS-CoV-2 virus. It has previously been used for air disinfection in large spaces such as schools, hospitals, and hotels. Ozone can also kill the SARS-CoV-2 virus, but the concentration needs to be sufficient. The ozone produced by t...[Read More] Can UV Lights and Ozone Kill COVID-19? N95 Mask Reuse Tips
Understanding Facial Numbness After Cheekbone Surgery: Next Steps
Zygomatic bone surgery? Hello Doctor, ten years ago I was in a car accident that resulted in fractures of my zygomatic bone and orbital bone. After surgery, titanium metal was placed in my zygomatic bone, and the nerve part healed on its own after six months. In recent years, I h...
Dr. Xiao Yongxun Reply:
Dear Mr. Yao: 1. Based on the symptoms you described, it may be indicative of the distribution of the trigeminal nerve; its branches innervate the gums and the roots of the teeth. Any changes affecting the nerve distribution could lead to sensations of numbness or pain. 2. Of c...[Read More] Understanding Facial Numbness After Cheekbone Surgery: Next Steps
Understanding Drug Interactions: Duloxetine and NSAIDs Safety
Drug interactions I have been taking duloxetine (Cymbalta) daily for nerve pain. Recently, I have a cold and ear pain and would like to take NSAIDs, but I read online that they should not be taken together. Should I avoid taking them for the entire day, or is there a specific tim...
Dr. Lin Zhebin Reply:
Hello: Taking Duloxetine and NSAIDs together may increase the risk of bleeding, with gastrointestinal bleeding and skin bruising being more common, especially in patients who are older or have a history of gastrointestinal ulcers or other chronic conditions (such as liver or kidn...[Read More] Understanding Drug Interactions: Duloxetine and NSAIDs Safety
Understanding Arm Pain After Pneumococcal Vaccine: When to Seek Help
Soreness in the upper arm occurred one week after receiving the pneumococcal vaccine? When raising the upper arm, there is a noticeable muscle soreness, and the arm feels slightly swollen. There is no pain when the arm is lowered, and there is no pain when moving the lower arm. T...
Dr. Lin Zhebin Reply:
Hello: The arm soreness caused by vaccine injection typically resolves within three days. Since your arm pain has persisted for almost a week, along with a mild fever, it is advisable to seek medical evaluation and treatment. Given your described symptoms, there is concern about ...[Read More] Understanding Arm Pain After Pneumococcal Vaccine: When to Seek Help
Understanding Drug Resistance Issues in Family Medicine: Key Medications
Regarding issues related to drug resistance? Hello, doctor. Could you please tell me if there will be any drug resistance or other issues if the following four medications are discontinued? 1. ACTEIN EFFERVESCENT TABLETS 600mg (Acetylcysteine) 2. Xyzal® film-coated tablets 5mg (L...
Dr. Ye Qianyu Reply:
Hello! These medications are used to treat symptoms of upper respiratory tract infections. If the symptoms have improved, you can discontinue the medication, as there is no issue of antibiotic resistance.[Read More] Understanding Drug Resistance Issues in Family Medicine: Key Medications
Can You Kiss with Mouth Ulcers? Understanding Risks and Safety
Mouth ulcers and kissing? Doctor, I have been experiencing frequent mouth sores that appear as white ulcers but do not bleed. I would like to know if it is safe to engage in kissing during this time. Is there a possibility of transmitting a sexually transmitted infection?
Dr. Ye Qianyu Reply:
Hello! You are describing the appearance of an oral ulcer. If there is a bacterial presence in the area of contact, there is a risk of infection. It is recommended that you rest for about three days and avoid spicy foods, alcohol, and hard or dry foods. Additionally, try to minim...[Read More] Can You Kiss with Mouth Ulcers? Understanding Risks and Safety
Is It Safe to Touch Your Baby After Wearing Makeup?
Is it safe to touch a baby while wearing makeup? Hello, doctor. Since I sometimes wear makeup, I would like to know what might happen if I come into contact with my baby. Should I take special care to wash the baby if I touch them? Also, do shared items have any residual makeup o...
Dr. Ye Qianyu Reply:
Hello! "The Department of Health stipulates that during the application process for the development of new cosmetic ingredients, new components and medicated cosmetics must undergo safety testing and provide a safety report for the cosmetic ingredients to confirm that the te...[Read More] Is It Safe to Touch Your Baby After Wearing Makeup?
Unexplained Nipple Holes: What Could Be Causing This Pain?
The nipple has developed two unexplained large holes? Hello, a couple of days ago I went to a hot spring and used an oven (I had no issues while bathing). However, yesterday while showering, I noticed some pain in my nipples. Upon inspection, I found two large holes (considering ...
Dr. Liao Yaopan Reply:
Hello, you can consult a breast surgeon online to evaluate your symptoms. Please note that online consultations are not equivalent to in-person medical visits and cannot provide diagnoses or treatment recommendations. Changhua Hospital cares about you.[Read More] Unexplained Nipple Holes: What Could Be Causing This Pain?
Is Tetanus Infection a Concern After a Minor Cut?
Possible tetanus infection Hello, Doctor. About two weeks ago, I had a cut approximately 3 centimeters long and less than 2 millimeters deep. Recently, the wound has healed, and there are no visible signs of injury. However, the cutting instrument was not very clean (it had a bit...
Dr. Lin Zhebin Reply:
Hello: 1. Any wound has the potential to become infected with tetanus, but the likelihood varies. Since you were vaccinated against tetanus in childhood and considering the description of your wound, the risk of tetanus infection should be very low. 2. If the back muscle pain is ...[Read More] Is Tetanus Infection a Concern After a Minor Cut?
Understanding Low Lymphocyte Percentage in Health Check Results
Lymphocyte percentage: 17.5% The health check results show a lymphocyte percentage of 17.5% (normal range: 18.4% to 45%), while the other results are normal. This means that your lymphocyte count is slightly below the normal range, which could indicate a mild decrease in your imm...
Dr. Chen Bozhang Reply:
Dear Mr. He, In your letter, you mentioned that your lymphocyte percentage from the health check blood test is slightly low (17.5%). This could be due to physical or psychological stress, a viral infection, or other infections, or it may simply be a normal physiological variatio...[Read More] Understanding Low Lymphocyte Percentage in Health Check Results