Understanding Blood in Urine: Causes, Concerns, and When to Seek Help
Identifying the source of hematuria? My father recently experienced hematuria, and despite family urging him to seek medical attention, he has been unwilling to do so, which has made us very upset. He described his hematuria as being a deep red color and stated that it was consis...
Dr. Xiao Yongxun Reply:
1. Poisoning or rhabdomyolysis can lead to dark or red-colored urine; however, the term hematuria specifically refers to the presence of red blood cells in the urine. Gross hematuria is visible to the naked eye, while microscopic hematuria is detected under a microscope. 2. The...[Read More] Understanding Blood in Urine: Causes, Concerns, and When to Seek Help
Assessing Hepatitis B Transmission Risk from Blood Splash to Eyes
Blood splashed into the eyes of a patient who is a carrier of hepatitis B? If a patient is a carrier of hepatitis B but has low infectivity, and there was a splash of blood during a blood glucose measurement that got into the eyes, but the individual has been vaccinated against h...
Dr. Xiao Yongxun Reply:
Dear Miss Hsiao-Hsuan: 1. Since 1985, almost all newborns in our country have received complete vaccinations against hepatitis B. Therefore, since your test still shows the presence of hepatitis B antibodies, the chance of contracting hepatitis B is nearly nonexistent. 2. The...[Read More] Assessing Hepatitis B Transmission Risk from Blood Splash to Eyes
Concerns About Vibrio Infection After Fishing: What You Need to Know
The possibility of Vibrio species in shrimp fishing ponds? Hello Doctor, I apologize for the lengthy question. I would like to ask about an incident that occurred yesterday when I went to a shrimp fishing venue for the first time. I accidentally got pricked by a fish hook on my h...
Dr. Liao Yaopan Reply:
Vibrio parahaemolyticus is a bacterium commonly found in marine environments, and there are two main routes of infection. The first is through the consumption of contaminated seafood, such as oysters, clams, and raw fish. The second route is through direct infection via the skin,...[Read More] Concerns About Vibrio Infection After Fishing: What You Need to Know
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:
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
Understanding OCD and Cleanliness: When to Seek Help from a Doctor
Could you please provide more context or specify your question? Hello Doctor, I am unsure whether I have obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) or an unusually severe case of cleanliness, or if I might have other mental health issues. I often feel that when items fall on the ground ...
Dr. Lin Zhebin Reply:
Hello: 1. Based on your description, it seems that your concerns about cleanliness and washing have caused you significant psychological distress. I recommend consulting a psychiatrist to evaluate whether you may have obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) and to discuss relevant tr...[Read More] Understanding OCD and Cleanliness: When to Seek Help from a Doctor
Do I Have OCD? Understanding Compulsions and Hygiene Concerns
Hello, how can I assist you today? Hello, Doctor. I'm not sure if I have obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) or an abnormal level of cleanliness, or if it's another mental health issue. I often feel that when items fall on the ground and I pick them up, the floor is ver...
Dr. Lin Zhebin Reply:
Hello: 1. Based on your description, it seems that your concerns about cleanliness and washing have caused you significant mental and physical distress. It is advisable to consult a psychiatrist to evaluate whether there may be an issue with obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) an...[Read More] Do I Have OCD? Understanding Compulsions and Hygiene Concerns
Understanding Mild to Moderate COVID-19 Symptoms and Gastrointestinal Effects
Regarding the progression from mild to moderate symptoms and related sequelae? Hello Dr. Lin, I was infected and confirmed positive for COVID-19 on December 28 of last year due to exposure from a household member. I isolated at home for five days and have since completed my isola...
Dr. Lin Zhebin Reply:
Hello: 1. Although the infection caused by the COVID-19 virus primarily presents with respiratory symptoms, it can actually affect various organs and systems throughout the body, which means gastrointestinal symptoms may also occur. 2. The progression from mild to moderate or sev...[Read More] Understanding Mild to Moderate COVID-19 Symptoms and Gastrointestinal Effects
Understanding Unexplained Fever: When to Seek Medical Attention
Fever of unknown origin (FUO) Hello, doctor. I have been experiencing a slightly elevated temperature (37.2-38.2°C) for the past three weeks. I visited a clinic, but my temperature continues to fluctuate. The most noticeable symptoms are drowsiness and headaches. Should I conside...
Dr. Lin Zhebin Reply:
Hello: Your symptoms of fever, lethargy, and headache may be due to a COVID-19 infection or influenza virus infection. However, since your discomfort has persisted for three weeks, it is advisable to seek medical evaluation to rule out other serious infections or conditions (such...[Read More] Understanding Unexplained Fever: When to Seek Medical Attention
Understanding Leg Pain and Chest Discomfort After COVID-19 Recovery
Tingling sensations in the left calf and chest? Hello: After being diagnosed with COVID, I noticed that my heart beats very strongly. I have seen a cardiologist, had an electrocardiogram and a Holter monitor, and had blood tests, all of which were reported as normal. Recently, I ...
Dr. Lin Zhebin Reply:
Hello: The sensations of a strong heartbeat, discomfort in your left calf, and chest tightness with stabbing pain may be related to a confirmed COVID-19 infection, specifically long COVID symptoms. Currently, the management of long COVID sequelae primarily focuses on symptom cont...[Read More] Understanding Leg Pain and Chest Discomfort After COVID-19 Recovery
Understanding Leg Pain and Chest Discomfort After COVID-19 Recovery
Tingling in the left calf and chest? Hello, after being diagnosed with COVID, I noticed that my heart beats very strongly. I have seen a cardiologist who performed an electrocardiogram and monitored my heart rhythm, and after blood tests, the doctor said everything was normal. Re...
Dr. Lin Zhebin Reply:
Hello: The sensations of a strong heartbeat, discomfort in your left calf, and chest tightness with stabbing pain may be related to a confirmed COVID-19 infection, specifically long COVID symptoms. Currently, the management of long COVID sequelae primarily focuses on symptom cont...[Read More] Understanding Leg Pain and Chest Discomfort After COVID-19 Recovery
How to Properly Disinfect Showerheads to Prevent Infection Risks
Questions about environmental cleanliness? If you are concerned about the possibility of indirect infection from a showerhead contaminated with the blood of an individual with a sexually transmitted infection (STI), is it sufficient to disinfect the exterior of bathroom fixtures ...
Dr. Xiao Yongxun Reply:
Dear Mr. Anonymous: 1. Generally speaking, the pathogens of sexually transmitted infections (STIs), whether bacterial or viral, have a difficult time surviving outside the human body; therefore, the transmission of STIs typically requires intimate contact. 2. Approximately 70...[Read More] How to Properly Disinfect Showerheads to Prevent Infection Risks
Is It COVID-19 or a Cold? Understanding Symptoms in Children
COVID-19 Hello Doctor: My daughter, who is 10 years old, had a fever reaching 39 degrees Celsius (with slight headache) on December 10. On the morning of December 11, a rapid test was negative. After visiting the doctor, she was prescribed medication and her fever subsided, and t...
Dr. Liao Yaopan Reply:
Hello, with the recent drop in temperature, there has indeed been an increase in cases of respiratory viral infections. The existing home rapid tests for COVID-19 can be used to determine if there is an infection; however, most other pathogens do not have specific tests and are p...[Read More] Is It COVID-19 or a Cold? Understanding Symptoms in Children
Understanding Tonsillitis: Symptoms, Treatment, and When to Seek Help
Is it possible to be diagnosed with tonsillitis? Since last Friday (12/9), swallowing saliva has not been painful, but drinking water causes throat pain. On Friday, I looked in the mirror and did not see anything unusual, but starting Saturday, swallowing saliva also became painf...
Dr. Lin Zhebin Reply:
Hello: 1. Based on your description, it is indeed very likely that you have tonsillitis. 2. Since the symptoms of COVID-19 can manifest in various ways, it is possible to have both tonsillitis and a COVID-19 infection simultaneously, so I recommend that you take a rapid test for ...[Read More] Understanding Tonsillitis: Symptoms, Treatment, and When to Seek Help
Understanding Forearm Pain After IV Glucose Administration
Forearm pain A few days ago, I received a glucose infusion at the hospital, and I experienced pain at the injection site. The nursing staff explained that it was due to the hypertonic solution, but they quickly adjusted the flow rate, which gradually alleviated the pain. However,...
Dr. Xiao Yongxun Reply:
Dear Ms. Judy: 1. Common side effects or complications of intravenous therapy often arise from the infusion itself, the medications added, improper placement of the intravenous catheter, extravasation of the infusion from the venipuncture site, localized infections leading to c...[Read More] Understanding Forearm Pain After IV Glucose Administration
Can I Take Antihistamines for Throat Inflammation Without Allergies?
Medication issues Hello doctor, a few days ago I visited a physician due to a sore throat and cough. After taking the medication, my throat did not improve, and I started experiencing symptoms like a runny nose and phlegm. During a follow-up visit, I found out that the doctor pre...
Dr. Lin Zhebin Reply:
Hello: 1. Besides treating allergies, Shuminning can also reduce secretions such as nasal discharge and phlegm, which should help alleviate your discomfort, so it can be taken. 2. The cause of your throat inflammation is mostly due to a viral infection, which usually resolves wit...[Read More] Can I Take Antihistamines for Throat Inflammation Without Allergies?
Understanding the Likelihood of False Positive TPHA Results in Blood Tests
What is the likelihood of a false positive result for the TPHA test? In January, I donated blood and tested negative. However, in August, I was informed that my TPHA was positive and RPR was negative. In November, I went to the infectious disease department for testing, and the r...
Dr. Chen Bozhang Reply:
Hello! Syphilis infection typically enters the body through skin and mucosal lesions, but it is primarily transmitted through sexual intercourse; sharing bathroom facilities, kissing, hugging, and similar activities in daily life do not pose a risk. According to the self-reported...[Read More] Understanding the Likelihood of False Positive TPHA Results in Blood Tests
Understanding Iron Deficiency Anemia: When Iron Supplements Aren't Enough
Anemia, issues with taking iron supplements? I would like to ask a question. I visited a hematologist who diagnosed me with iron deficiency anemia and prescribed iron supplements for two weeks. However, my hemoglobin level remains at 8.9 and has not increased, while my ferritin l...
Dr. Lin Zhebin Reply:
Hello: The most common cause of anemia at your age is iron deficiency anemia, which is often related to heavy menstrual bleeding. Generally, treatment with iron supplements requires at least three months to significantly improve the anemia; taking them for only two weeks usually ...[Read More] Understanding Iron Deficiency Anemia: When Iron Supplements Aren't Enough
Understanding Infection Risks in Daily Life: A Guide for Family Medicine
Infection issues 1. If I have a wound on my hand and the other person also has a bleeding wound, and their blood comes into contact with coins or paper bills, can I get infected if my wound touches the wet blood or if I directly touch their bleeding wound? 2. If I haven't ...
Dr. Ye Qianyu Reply:
Hello, the hypothetical situation mentioned has a very low chance of causing infection. You may consider wearing gloves, and if you have concerns, you can go to a designated facility for anonymous testing. General contact is unlikely to cause transmission, and regular handwashing...[Read More] Understanding Infection Risks in Daily Life: A Guide for Family Medicine
Unexplained Fever and Abdominal Muscle Pain: What You Need to Know
Fever of unknown origin with abdominal muscle pain? Hello doctor, for the past two months, I have been experiencing persistent abdominal muscle cramps that feel different from typical leg cramps. It feels like someone is pulling the muscles inward from the inside. I often wake up...
Dr. Lin Zhebin Reply:
Hello: Regarding your abdominal pain, since it is accompanied by headaches and generalized muscle soreness, it is important to consider the possibility of an infection. Additionally, there may be endocrine and hormonal issues at play. From an organ perspective, the problem could ...[Read More] Unexplained Fever and Abdominal Muscle Pain: What You Need to Know
Do You Need Approval for Paying Out-of-Pocket Rabies Vaccination?
Is it necessary to submit an application for receiving a rabies vaccine at one's own expense? Hello, Doctor. I was bitten by my neighbor's dog on the evening of July 12. Since I was wearing long pants, I only had a small bruise and a minor abrasion. The next day, I went...
Dr. Xiao Yongxun Reply:
Dear Mr. Hsiao: 1. The risk of rabies in Taiwan is currently limited to wild animals in the central, southern, and eastern mountainous regions, primarily involving the badger as the main infected species, with a few cases in the white-nosed coati. The current regulation states t...[Read More] Do You Need Approval for Paying Out-of-Pocket Rabies Vaccination?