Saliva, Family Medicine FAQ - Page 5

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Concerns About STIs During Pregnancy: Testing and Health Implications

I am very anxious about the possibility of a sexually transmitted infection (STI)? The other party has herpes and hepatitis B, which I was unaware of. During my pregnancy, I tested positive for Group B Streptococcus: leukocyte esterase 2+; I had a very painful blister above my la...


Dr. Wu Fangcan Reply:
According to your description, it is possible to have contracted herpes. However, saliva does not transmit the virus. You have antibodies for hepatitis B, which theoretically makes you less susceptible to infection, unless it is a different subtype. You may consider consulting a ...

[Read More] Concerns About STIs During Pregnancy: Testing and Health Implications


Swollen Area Under Right Jaw: Possible Causes and When to Seek Help

Swelling on the right side of the jaw? Hello Doctor: Today I suddenly noticed that when I lift my chin, there is a swollen area under the right side of my jawbone, where it meets the neck. It feels tender to the touch, and pressing on it causes slight pain. Swallowing also causes...


Dr. Chen Taicheng Reply:
Based on your description, it is most likely that you are experiencing swelling or discomfort in the throat due to an illness, particularly at the junction of the jaw and neck. If there is indeed a lump in that area, it is most likely due to sialadenitis (inflammation of the sali...

[Read More] Swollen Area Under Right Jaw: Possible Causes and When to Seek Help


Can You Get HIV from Saliva During a Nosebleed?

HIV infection issues During a conversation with someone, it seemed that a bit of their saliva sprayed into my nostrils, and at that time, my nose was dry and I had a nosebleed (after talking, I used tissue to wipe away quite a bit of blood). If their saliva contained blood due to...


Dr. Chen Taicheng Reply:
● There are three main routes of HIV transmission: (1) sexual transmission (through sexual intercourse or exchange of bodily fluids during intercourse), (2) blood transmission (such as contact with HIV-contaminated blood, sharing needles, or receiving organs from an HIV-infected ...

[Read More] Can You Get HIV from Saliva During a Nosebleed?


Understanding Upper Jaw Dryness: Is It Related to Colds?

The upper jaw is very dry? Why does the upper jaw feel very thirsty, and is it related to a cold? Every time I get a cold, I feel very thirsty, and when I visit the doctor, I am often asked if I feel thirsty. Even drinking water doesn't help. Why do I feel thirsty, and how c...


Dr. Chen Taicheng Reply:
● There are small salivary glands in the upper jaw, and feeling thirsty is generally not related to a cold; thirst in the upper jaw should rule out trauma, any lesions in the upper jaw, or the use of certain anticholinergic medications (which can cause dry mouth, and some cold me...

[Read More] Understanding Upper Jaw Dryness: Is It Related to Colds?


Understanding Oral Pain: Is It a Dental Issue or Oral Health Concern?

Oral issues The tissue behind my last lower tooth has swollen, and it hurts when I swallow saliva or food. It also hurts when I press on it. I'm not sure if it's a dental issue or an oral issue.


Dr. Wu Fangcan Reply:
It is possible that the issue is caused by the wisdom teeth. It is recommended to seek dental evaluation and treatment.

[Read More] Understanding Oral Pain: Is It a Dental Issue or Oral Health Concern?


Potential Risks of Dog Saliva on Minor Wounds: What You Should Know

The wound came into contact with dog saliva? Hello, doctor. On my way home, I almost got bitten by a dog and came into contact with its teeth and mouth. There was a little saliva, but no obvious wounds. Ten minutes later, I touched the area again, but I have a small wound on my h...


Dr. Hou Angting Reply:
Hello, if the wound has not come into direct contact, you can rinse it thoroughly with plenty of clean water. If you are still concerned, you may visit a clinic for wound disinfection and evaluation.

[Read More] Potential Risks of Dog Saliva on Minor Wounds: What You Should Know


Understanding Left Neck and Ear Pain: Causes and Remedies

Swelling and pain in the left side of the neck and left ear? About a week ago, I noticed swelling on the left side of my neck, followed by swelling and a feeling of heat in the area below my left neck. After about two days, I went to see a traditional Chinese medicine practitione...


Dr. Wu Fangcan Reply:
Please seek an examination and treatment from an otolaryngologist (ENT specialist) as soon as possible.

[Read More] Understanding Left Neck and Ear Pain: Causes and Remedies


Persistent Nasal Mucus: When to Seek Medical Advice?

It seems like there is always mucus in the nasal cavity? Hello Doctor: I can't remember how long it's been, but I've been feeling like there's always mucus or phlegm in my nasal cavity. I have difficulty swallowing, and even when I try to swallow saliva or dri...


Dr. Wu Fangcan Reply:
Do you have a history of allergies or rhinitis? Do you have sinusitis, post-nasal drip, or chronic pharyngitis? You may want to consult an otolaryngologist for evaluation and examination. Thank you.

[Read More] Persistent Nasal Mucus: When to Seek Medical Advice?


Risk of HIV and STIs from Hand Injuries During Mutual Masturbation

Having a wound on your hand and engaging in mutual masturbation raises concerns about the potential transmission of HIV? Hello doctor, yesterday I engaged in mutual masturbation with someone else, but I completely forgot that I had a wound on the back of my hand (about 0.2 cm, no...


Dr. Liao Yaopan Reply:
Hello, sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) can be transmitted through bodily fluids, blood, and sexual intercourse. If you have any concerns, it is advisable to consult your family physician or an infectious disease specialist, and arrange for relevant blood tests if necessary. ...

[Read More] Risk of HIV and STIs from Hand Injuries During Mutual Masturbation


Understanding Thick Saliva: Causes and Health Implications

Thick saliva? About a year or two ago, during my dental cleaning, the dentist mentioned that my saliva was very thick and advised me to drink more water, but I didn't really notice anything at that time. However, in the past few months, I've started to noticeably feel t...


Dr. Chen Bozhang Reply:
Dear user, You mentioned that your saliva has become thick and stringy. This condition falls under the broad category of xerostomia (dry mouth), which can have various causes, including medication side effects, underlying health conditions, or insufficient fluid intake. These ca...

[Read More] Understanding Thick Saliva: Causes and Health Implications


Can Rabies Be Transmitted Indirectly Through Cat Interactions?

Can rabies be transmitted indirectly? Hello, Dr. Chen. Today, I went to a café in Taipei with my girlfriend, where there were many cats. My girlfriend loves to play with the cats, and she touched a cat and then touched my head. I often have scalp lesions that resemble pimples (I&...


Dr. Chen Bozhang Reply:
Hello, Thank you for your inquiry regarding your concerns about the potential transmission of rabies from direct or indirect contact with unknown cats. Currently, there is no rabies outbreak among stray cats and dogs in our country, and there are also no reported cases of rabie...

[Read More] Can Rabies Be Transmitted Indirectly Through Cat Interactions?


Understanding Mysterious Pain and Bleeding: A Guide to Your Symptoms

I want to know what is wrong with me? Since around middle school, I have experienced unexplained pain between my femur and hip, but it usually resolves within 1 to 2 hours. However, over the past two years, I have started to experience unexplained vomiting of blood, which occurs ...


Dr. Liao Yaopan Reply:
Hello, based on your inquiry and the information provided, it is currently difficult to explain the symptoms with a single diagnosis. If the bone pain persists, please follow up with an orthopedic specialist. Additionally, it is important to differentiate between "vomiting&q...

[Read More] Understanding Mysterious Pain and Bleeding: A Guide to Your Symptoms


Can Laundry Detergents Kill Rabies Virus on Contaminated Clothing?

Questions regarding the rabies virus? Hello, doctor. I would like to ask if the surfactant components in laundry detergent can kill the rabies virus. I have a pair of pants that got contaminated with saliva or nasal secretions from a stray dog, and I'm really worried about w...


Dr. Chen Bozhang Reply:
Hello, internet user: The rabies virus has poor survival capabilities outside of living animals. It quickly loses its activity in the presence of surfactants, strong acids and bases, formaldehyde, iodine tincture, ether, soap solutions, and detergents. Additionally, it is extreme...

[Read More] Can Laundry Detergents Kill Rabies Virus on Contaminated Clothing?


Concerns About Rabies After Encountering a Stray Dog in Taiwan

Questions about rabies? Hello, doctor. Today while I was out shopping, I was sitting on my scooter scrolling through my phone when I noticed a stray dog by my feet. I'm not sure if the dog touched my foot with its nose or mouth. I was wearing flip-flops at the time. When I g...


Dr. Gao Qingyun Reply:
Dear Xiao Xin, Hello, most cases of rabies occur after being bitten by a rabid animal, where the virus is transmitted through the infected saliva. Infection can also occur through contact with virus-containing tissues or saliva via wounds or mucous membranes. If there are no obv...

[Read More] Concerns About Rabies After Encountering a Stray Dog in Taiwan


Can Eating Cat-Contaminated Food Transmit Rabies to Children?

Rabies transmission Hello, if a child accidentally ingests a cookie that a cat may have eaten, could they become infected if the cat has rabies? Thank you.


Dr. Gao Qingyun Reply:
Animal saliva becomes infectious only 10 days before the onset of illness. If the animal does not show symptoms, the infectious potential is very low. Additionally, whether an infection occurs depends on whether there are any wounds or cavities in the child's mouth. Overall,...

[Read More] Can Eating Cat-Contaminated Food Transmit Rabies to Children?


Seeking Medical Advice: Which Specialty to Consult for Unexplained Symptoms?

If you're feeling unwell and are unsure which department to visit, I recommend starting with a general practitioner or family medicine physician. They can assess your symptoms and refer you to the appropriate specialist if necessary. Thank you? Hello: My mother, Chen Li-Man ...


Dr. Liao Yaopan Reply:
Hello, based on the information in your letter, it is currently not possible to determine the cause of the symptoms presented or to make a diagnosis. You should have already arranged for several basic blood tests, and no specific abnormalities were found. As for the saliva analys...

[Read More] Seeking Medical Advice: Which Specialty to Consult for Unexplained Symptoms?


Understanding Indirect Contact with Dog Saliva: Risks and Concerns

Indirect contact with dog saliva? Dear Doctor Gao, Thank you for your response to my previous question. It has put my mind at ease! I would like to ask you again: 1. If I indirectly came into contact with an object contaminated with dog saliva (approximately 5 minutes later), a...


Dr. Gao Qingyun Reply:
Dear Mrs. Lin, Hello. Based on your description, the likelihood of you being infected is low. However, if you still have significant concerns about rabies, I recommend that you visit the infectious disease outpatient clinic at the hospital to discuss with a specialist. Thank you...

[Read More] Understanding Indirect Contact with Dog Saliva: Risks and Concerns


Rabies Concerns: Can You Get Infected from Trying on Clothes?

Rabies Consultation Hello Dr. Chen: I went to a clothing store to buy some clothes. After trying on two pieces, I noticed a small 0.5 cm cut on my hand when I got home. It didn't bleed and hasn't fully scabbed over. If the previous customer had touched a dog or was a ra...


Dr. Chen Bozhang Reply:
Hello: Rabies is transmitted through the saliva of infected animals. If a person or another animal is bitten or scratched by an infected animal, they can contract rabies. Instances of infection through inhalation of aerosolized rabies virus are rare and typically only occur when ...

[Read More] Rabies Concerns: Can You Get Infected from Trying on Clothes?


Experiencing Herbal Medicine Poisoning: Which Specialist to Consult?

If you experience poisoning symptoms after taking traditional Chinese medicine and are concerned about potential sequelae, you should consult a specialist in toxicology or visit an emergency medicine department? On the evening of March 10th, Sunday, after taking traditional Chine...


Dr. Gao Qingyun Reply:
Hello: If you have acute symptoms, it is recommended that you bring your medications and relevant information directly to the emergency room for medical treatment. If the acute phase has passed and you are concerned about potential liver or kidney function impacts, you can bring ...

[Read More] Experiencing Herbal Medicine Poisoning: Which Specialist to Consult?


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


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