Understanding Behçet's Disease: Symptoms and Diagnosis in Adults
Behçet's disease? Hello, doctor. I am a 43-year-old male. Previously, I experienced some issues with my glans and foreskin; when I tried to retract the foreskin to clean the glans, it would sometimes cause minor tears, but this would heal after a while. This symptom occurred...
Dr. Gao Jiankai Reply:
Hello, thank you for your inquiry. The oral mucosal ulcers associated with Behçet's disease, similar to thrush, often occur in multiple locations, and the ulcers in the genital area are also similar. Based on your symptoms, it seems unlikely to be Behçet's disease. Addi...[Read More] Understanding Behçet's Disease: Symptoms and Diagnosis in Adults
Can You Contract Gonorrhea Without Symptoms? Key Insights and FAQs
Can one contract gonorrhea without any apparent reason? 1. Can gonorrhea be contracted without any apparent reason? 2. What is the incubation period for gonorrhea? 3. What are the common symptoms of gonorrhea in women? 4. If I had unprotected sexual intercourse with my regular pa...
Dr. Liao Zhongxin Reply:
Gonorrhea is a sexually transmitted infection caused by the bacterium Neisseria gonorrhoeae, which is also known as gonococcus. It is a common issue among young populations, alongside genital warts (commonly referred to as "cauliflower") and syphilis. According to the W...[Read More] Can You Contract Gonorrhea Without Symptoms? Key Insights and FAQs
Can You Get Gonorrhea Without Symptoms? Key Facts and Insights
Can one contract gonorrhea without any apparent reason? 1. Can gonorrhea be contracted without any apparent reason? 2. What is the incubation period for gonorrhea? 3. What are the typical symptoms of gonorrhea in women? 4. If I had unprotected sexual intercourse with my ste...
Dr. Liao Zhongxin Reply:
Gonorrhea is a sexually transmitted infection caused by the bacterium Neisseria gonorrhoeae, which is also known as gonococcus. It is a common issue among young populations, along with genital warts (commonly referred to as "cauliflower") and syphilis. According to the ...[Read More] Can You Get Gonorrhea Without Symptoms? Key Facts and Insights
Understanding Antibiotic Resistance: A Patient's Concerns on CURAM
Please inquire about bacterial resistance to antibiotics? Hello Dr. Lin, I am part of the group with a high BMI. Between 2015 and 2019, I experienced multiple bacterial infections of the left parotid gland, and the clinic doctors treated me with CURAM. However, the infection at t...
Dr. Lin Wufu Reply:
Hello: Different infections can be caused by different bacteria, so the presence of antibiotic-resistant bacteria in previous infections does not necessarily mean that future infections will also involve bacteria resistant to the same antibiotic. If bacterial cultures can be perf...[Read More] Understanding Antibiotic Resistance: A Patient's Concerns on CURAM
Understanding Abdominal Pain: Is It Appendicitis or Just Muscle Strain?
Please ask your question? Hello, Doctor. I am currently studying high school abroad and would like to ask you a question. After eating today, I lay on my bed and suddenly felt a sharp pain on the right side of my abdomen near the navel. I don't feel it anymore, but I recentl...
Dr. Liao Zhongxin Reply:
A. What is appendicitis? Appendicitis, medically referred to as acute appendicitis, is an inflammation of the appendix, located in the lower right abdomen. When appendicitis occurs, patients may experience abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting, fever, and loss of appetite. Common caus...[Read More] Understanding Abdominal Pain: Is It Appendicitis or Just Muscle Strain?
Understanding Cellulitis: Long-Term Recovery and Ongoing Symptoms
Cellulitis I was admitted to the emergency room on February 28 due to swelling in my left hand. I was diagnosed with cellulitis despite having no external injuries. After 11 days of antibiotic treatment, the swelling finally decreased, and my CRP levels returned to normal. Howeve...
Dr. Lin Wufu Reply:
Severe cellulitis may lead to localized tissue thickening or persistent swelling for some time after infection control, and it may take longer to gradually recover. Another possibility is that if the infection has invaded deeper tissues such as joints or bones, the recovery time ...[Read More] Understanding Cellulitis: Long-Term Recovery and Ongoing Symptoms
Concerns About Parasite Infection After Using Contaminated Water
Parasitic issues? Dear Doctor, I stayed overnight in a rural area where the washing facilities only had a faucet without a showerhead and no hot water supply. It had not been used for about six months, and when I turned it on, I noticed some filamentous floating substances resemb...
Dr. Liao Zhongxin Reply:
1. Parasitic infections are primarily transmitted through contact routes, such as oral ingestion (via drinking water or food) or external parasites (like scabies). Therefore, when traveling to the outdoors or Southeast Asia, remember to wear long sleeves and avoid consuming untre...[Read More] Concerns About Parasite Infection After Using Contaminated Water
Understanding Recurring Skin Infections: Causes and Treatments
Skin infection issues? There is a specific area on my calf that has become particularly rough due to prolonged friction with my pants. The skin in that area is darker, approximately 2.5 cm in size. Later, I experienced a sensation of a foreign body, and upon applying pressure, I ...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, the condition you mentioned is likely folliculitis. You can use iodine ointment or antibiotic ointment. It's important to avoid squeezing or picking at it. Typically, this condition occurs more easily in hot and humid environments, so it's recommended to wear bre...[Read More] Understanding Recurring Skin Infections: Causes and Treatments
How Long Should You Wait to Take Antibiotics After Drinking Beer?
After consuming a bottle of beer, it is generally recommended to wait at least 48 hours before taking the antibiotic Norfloxacin. Alcohol can interfere with the effectiveness of antibiotics and may increase the risk of side effects. Always consult your healthcare provider for per...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, it is recommended to avoid alcohol consumption during the medication period. However, if you do drink alcohol, it is theoretically acceptable to take the medication after more than two hours. It is advised not to interrupt the treatment course, as it can indeed lead to bac...[Read More] How Long Should You Wait to Take Antibiotics After Drinking Beer?
Understanding Umbilical Inflammation: Symptoms, Causes, and Next Steps
Umbilical inflammation Hello, my belly button has been inflamed since early January this year. I have taken antibiotics for two months but have not recovered; I still have pus daily, although the amount is gradually decreasing. The dermatologist mentioned that there is a cyst ins...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, based on your description, it is indeed very unlikely for the cyst to become malignant. If the symptoms persist, you may consider consulting an infectious disease specialist or a general surgeon for further evaluation. A CT scan or surgery may be necessary. Thank you for y...[Read More] Understanding Umbilical Inflammation: Symptoms, Causes, and Next Steps
Recovery from Marine Vibrio Infection After Fish Sting: A Patient's Journey
I am currently abroad and would like to inquire about the recovery situation for Vibrio parahaemolyticus infections? Hello Doctor, I am currently in Oman (as of February 15). On February 11 at 3 PM, while diving to catch fish, I accidentally got stung on the back of my hand by a ...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, the antibiotic you were prescribed is a first-generation antibiotic for general cellulitis. However, based on your images, it does appear to have improved. As for the pain or pigmentation changes, these are likely residual symptoms of cellulitis. Please be cautious and che...[Read More] Recovery from Marine Vibrio Infection After Fish Sting: A Patient's Journey
Post-Cellulitis Complications: Understanding Your Ongoing Symptoms
What are the sequelae of cellulitis? In May 2021, I suddenly experienced severe pain on the inner side of my left tibia when getting out of bed. Walking was also very painful. Initially, I thought it was plantar fasciitis since I had been running a lot in the days prior. However,...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, during the recovery process of cellulitis, it is indeed common for the surface to start peeling, which does not necessarily indicate a lack of improvement. However, the tissue is more fragile right after recovery, and continued exercise, work, or rehabilitation pressure ca...[Read More] Post-Cellulitis Complications: Understanding Your Ongoing Symptoms
Understanding Elevated Fasting Blood Sugar: Causes and Concerns
Fasting blood glucose levels are elevated? On October 14, 2021, I went to the emergency room due to discomfort from vaccine side effects, around 8 PM after dinner, feeling very anxious (due to chest pain). The emergency department recorded a blood glucose level of 171. A few days...
Dr. Li Jian Reply:
Fasting blood glucose greater than 100 mg/dL or hemoglobin A1c greater than 5.6% indicates prediabetes. Low-dose mirtazapine is not commonly associated with hyperglycemia. Maintaining proper dietary control and lifestyle adjustments is key. Thank you for your inquiry.[Read More] Understanding Elevated Fasting Blood Sugar: Causes and Concerns
Managing Persistent Wound Issues: Insights on Bruises and Blackheads
Wound management questions? There is a small area on my lower leg just below the knee that was originally a grayish color, approximately 2 cm in size, likely caused by long-term friction from wearing pants. One day, I felt a foreign body sensation, and when I squeezed it, a black...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, based on your description, it seems to be a larger folliculitis, commonly referred to as "dingzi" in Taiwanese. This type of folliculitis does indeed heal very slowly. However, if there is a bacterial infection involved, it may require some debridement and the us...[Read More] Managing Persistent Wound Issues: Insights on Bruises and Blackheads
Understanding Cellulitis Treatment: Addressing Ongoing Pain and Swelling
Questions about the treatment of cellulitis? Hello Doctor: My mother experienced redness, swelling, and pain in her foot dorsum at night in late November, accompanied by fever. Therefore, she went to the emergency department for evaluation. Although there were no wounds, the doct...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, in patients with compromised immunity or poor blood circulation, cellulitis can indeed be difficult to resolve. It is usually necessary to confirm whether there is pus formation or bone infection. Based on your description, a CT scan has already been performed, which shoul...[Read More] Understanding Cellulitis Treatment: Addressing Ongoing Pain and Swelling
Understanding Injection Complications: Pain and Recovery After IV Medication
Regarding injection leakage? Hello, doctor. A while ago, when I received an injection (not an IV drip, just a regular intravenous injection), the nurse used a machine to administer the medication while I was not present. Before half of the medication was pushed through, my hand s...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, based on your description, it seems to be phlebitis. Some individuals may experience inflammation for a longer duration. I recommend applying a cold compress. In addition to oral pain relievers, you can also purchase anti-inflammatory ointment to apply to the painful area,...[Read More] Understanding Injection Complications: Pain and Recovery After IV Medication
Understanding Suppurative Tonsillitis: When to Seek Hospitalization
Tonsillitis with suppuration? Hello Doctor, I would like to inquire about my condition. On November 1st, I went to the emergency room due to a sore throat that made it difficult to swallow and a fever. The emergency diagnosis was purulent tonsillitis. I had blood tests done, and ...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, based on your description, it is recommended to have an otolaryngologist perform a laryngoscopy to examine the throat. If pus is found, consideration should be given to a minor surgical procedure for incision and drainage, and possibly hospitalization. If it is merely infl...[Read More] Understanding Suppurative Tonsillitis: When to Seek Hospitalization
Understanding Prediabetes: Should You Retest Blood Sugar Levels?
Prediabetes Hello doctor, my most recent health check showed a fasting blood glucose level of 104 mg/dL, glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c) of 5.7%, red blood cell count of 4.56 million cells/µL, hemoglobin of 14 g/dL, MCV of 88.6 fL, and hematocrit of 40.4%. Prior to the health check, ...
Dr. Li Jian Reply:
The current report indicates prediabetes. Please start with dietary control and follow up in three months.[Read More] Understanding Prediabetes: Should You Retest Blood Sugar Levels?
Post-Appendectomy: Persistent Low-Grade Fever, Dizziness, and Appetite Loss
After appendectomy, the body often experiences elevated temperature, dizziness, and decreased appetite? Hello Doctor, in mid-July, I had a continuous high fever of 39 degrees Celsius for two days. I was taken to the emergency room and found out that my appendix had ruptured. The ...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, based on your description, the main issues seem to be elevated body temperature and poor appetite. I'm not sure if there are any other discomforts, including those related to the surgical area or other parts of the body. If there are, it may be necessary to conduct ex...[Read More] Post-Appendectomy: Persistent Low-Grade Fever, Dizziness, and Appetite Loss
Should Individuals with Unexplained Fever and Infections Get Vaccinated?
Please advise on the administration of the COVID-19 vaccine for individuals with this type of constitution? Hello Dr. Gao, I have been experiencing unexplained fevers since 2014, with daily episodes lasting at least 6 hours, usually not exceeding 38.5 degrees Celsius. During seve...
Dr. Gao Jiankai Reply:
Hello, thank you for your inquiry. I believe that if possible, you should continue to follow up at the Rheumatology Department of National Taiwan University to try to identify the cause of the chronic fever. I have a patient who also experienced persistent chronic fever, initiall...[Read More] Should Individuals with Unexplained Fever and Infections Get Vaccinated?