Understanding Pain and Discharge: Is It an Infection?
Could it be an infection? Hello doctor, I often experience some pain in my genital area when I go to the bathroom, and the intensity of the pain varies each time. I also frequently notice that my glans secretes a whitish-yellow fluid. What could be the issue? Would antibiotics be...
Dr. Lin Wufu Reply:
Hello! It's difficult to determine if there is an issue based solely on these descriptions. If there has been any recent unprotected sexual intercourse, it is indeed possible that this could be a manifestation of gonorrhea. I recommend visiting a urologist or an infectious d...[Read More] Understanding Pain and Discharge: Is It an Infection?
Managing Fever and Central Temperature Regulation After Brain Injury
Fever of unknown origin, central fever? Hello, my father suffered a subarachnoid hemorrhage at the beginning of this year, which led to hydrocephalus. He immediately had an external ventricular drain placed to manage the cerebrospinal fluid. After a cerebral angiogram revealed an...
Dr. Lin Wufu Reply:
Hello! Your father's condition is quite complex, making it difficult to assess based solely on your brief description. The diagnosis of central fever is made only after excluding other infectious causes, and it can be established only when laboratory tests show no obvious si...[Read More] Managing Fever and Central Temperature Regulation After Brain Injury
Unraveling Mysterious Immune Reactions: Antibiotic Allergies or Autoimmune Disorders?
Is the strange illness experienced personally due to a drug allergy or an autoimmune disorder? Hello, doctor. I have encountered a strange immune reaction while taking medication and would like to ask for your advice. Earlier this year, I was on long-term antibiotics due to a pro...
Dr. Gao Jiankai Reply:
Hello, thank you for your message. I suspect that you may have Reiter's syndrome, also known as reactive arthritis, and I recommend that you consult a rheumatologist at a major hospital. There are several reasons for my suspicion related to this condition, including chronic ...[Read More] Unraveling Mysterious Immune Reactions: Antibiotic Allergies or Autoimmune Disorders?
Persistent Fever for Three Weeks: What Specialist Should You Consult?
Recurrent fever for three weeks? My sister, who is 25 years old, developed a fever at the end of April and sought medical attention. Initially, she had a sore throat, and the ENT doctor diagnosed her with a cold. After taking medication for three days, her fever did not subside, ...
Dr. Lin Wufu Reply:
It sounds most like an autoimmune issue. I recommend consulting a rheumatologist, but many details still need to be assessed in person by your sister. You might also consider seeing an infectious disease specialist for further evaluation regarding the unexplained fever. If it is ...[Read More] Persistent Fever for Three Weeks: What Specialist Should You Consult?
Understanding Tongue Pain: The Role of B12 Deficiency and Parasites
Tongue pain and issues related to vitamin B12 deficiency and parasitic infections (long text)? Hello Doctor, I mainly want to ask about parasites and gastrointestinal issues. Here are my personal details: At the age of 12, I contracted pneumonia and took antibiotics for a month ...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
1. Theoretically, eosinophil levels may rise during a parasitic infection; however, this is not absolute, as many individuals with parasitic infections may have normal test results. 2. Indeed, when testing stool for ova, unless the parasite is shedding eggs at the time of testi...[Read More] Understanding Tongue Pain: The Role of B12 Deficiency and Parasites
Concerns About Wakamoto: Safety and Effects on Health
Dietary Concerns I have suffered from irritable bowel syndrome since a young age, and my weight has always been around 50 kg. I am 178 cm tall. After a minor surgery for a sebaceous cyst last year, I took antibiotics, which worsened my condition and also led to an anal fissure. L...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, beer yeast is essentially a type of yeast that does not contain alcohol, so it does not harm the pancreas. Wakamoto is a probiotic component, similar to many probiotic products available on the market, used for gut health. As long as there are no underlying immune deficien...[Read More] Concerns About Wakamoto: Safety and Effects on Health
Understanding Urticaria: Allergic Reactions or Medication Side Effects?
Is it simple urticaria, a drug allergy, or a side effect of antithyroid medication? I started experiencing hyperthyroidism on April 2nd and began taking Levothyroxine, one tablet twice a day, and Metoprolol, one to two tablets daily. On April 20th, a Bartholin gland cyst recurred...
Dr. Lin Wufu Reply:
Hello: Cephalosporins and penicillins have similar structures, and individuals who are allergic to one type have a 10-20% chance of being allergic to the other type of antibiotic. Therefore, it is indeed possible that you may also have an allergy to penicillin antibiotics. It is ...[Read More] Understanding Urticaria: Allergic Reactions or Medication Side Effects?
Ants Near the Toilet: Could It Indicate Diabetes Symptoms?
There are ants near the toilet? Hello doctor, my grandmother, her mother, and her brother all have diabetes, but my mother does not. Recently, I noticed a few ants (about 3 or 4) on the floor next to the toilet and on the toilet lid; it’s not a large number and they haven't ...
Dr. Li Jian Reply:
If there is a family history of diabetes and there are ants around the toilet, it is advisable to visit a metabolic specialist to check fasting blood glucose and glycated hemoglobin to rule out the possibility of diabetes.[Read More] Ants Near the Toilet: Could It Indicate Diabetes Symptoms?
Feeling Air in the Esophagus After Taking Cold Medicine: Causes and Solutions
After taking the medication, I feel a sensation of gas in my esophagus? Hello Dr. Hong, I had a cold recently and have been taking medication for about five days. Although I feel that my cold is mostly better, after taking so many pills, especially last night, I felt a sensation ...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, based on your description, the two antibiotics in your medication, Clindamycin and Moxiclav, could indeed cause such symptoms. However, your doctor has also prescribed the stomach medication Huaswei and the esophageal reflux medication Famotidine. If you finish these medic...[Read More] Feeling Air in the Esophagus After Taking Cold Medicine: Causes and Solutions
Understanding Fever Symptoms: When to Seek Medical Attention
Fever symptoms Hello Dr. Hong: I started experiencing chills and high fever ranging from 38.5 to 40.1 degrees Celsius on February 14. Therefore, I went to the outpatient department for hospitalization on February 17, where I underwent the following tests: blood tests (including c...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, based on your description, it is indeed difficult to determine the cause of the fever of unknown origin. There are a few points to consider: First, rheumatological and immunological issues may be a concern, which is likely why your physician has suspected this and prescr...[Read More] Understanding Fever Symptoms: When to Seek Medical Attention
Understanding Autoimmune Disorders in Children: Symptoms and Testing
Autoimmunity Hello Doctor, in October 2019, my son (7 years old) was infected with influenza type B. Later, he developed some red spots on his hands, and when we went to the hospital for a blood test, the emergency doctor said everything was normal, with a platelet count of 180,0...
Dr. Gao Jiankai Reply:
Hello, thank you for your message. It is indeed possible for children to develop skin rashes and abnormal blood test results due to viral infections, and if these symptoms resolve quickly or the test results return to normal, there is usually no need for concern. However, blood t...[Read More] Understanding Autoimmune Disorders in Children: Symptoms and Testing
Does Taking Antibiotics and Antacids Affect PEP (Truvada) Efficacy?
Does PEP (Post-Exposure Prophylaxis) interact with other medications? Due to an incident of unprotected sexual intercourse, I am currently taking PEP (Tenofovir/Emtricitabine) for prevention. However, I have coincidentally developed sinusitis, and my doctor has prescribed antibio...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, based on the information about your medication, there should not be any significant interactions if taken with a 2-hour interval. Regarding whether the dosage needs to be adjusted, I recommend consulting the clinical pharmacist at the prescribing hospital, as they typicall...[Read More] Does Taking Antibiotics and Antacids Affect PEP (Truvada) Efficacy?
Understanding Persistent Low-Grade Fever and Throat Symptoms
Temperature issues Hello Doctor, I started experiencing a sore throat on December 20th of last year and sought treatment. After finishing the first course of medication, my symptoms changed to a scratchy throat and coughing. I continued to return for follow-up visits and received...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, your body temperature is indeed slightly elevated, especially if it frequently exceeds 37.5°C. It is important to pay attention to this; if there are no specific symptoms of infection, it may be necessary to consider atypical infections or other factors such as rheumatolog...[Read More] Understanding Persistent Low-Grade Fever and Throat Symptoms
Understanding Testicular Pain: Diagnosis and Treatment Options
Abdominal issues? On December 8, I visited a clinic in Tainan due to left testicular pain. The doctor prescribed medication, but after three days of taking it, there was no improvement. On December 12, during a follow-up visit, I asked the doctor if it could be a varicocele. The ...
Dr. Lin Wuxuan Reply:
Hello: Based on your description, your abdominal symptoms seem to be more indicative of gastrointestinal motility disorders. It is recommended that you visit a gastroenterology specialist for further evaluation. Additionally, regarding your inquiry about whether surgery for varic...[Read More] Understanding Testicular Pain: Diagnosis and Treatment Options
Understanding Cold Sensitivity and Fatigue in Elderly Patients
Chills and lack of energy? Hello Dr. Hong: My mother (in her seventies) mentioned feeling discomfort in her abdomen the night before last. Yesterday, she experienced chills and felt cold even while wearing heavy clothing, and she was shivering. She occasionally coughed, but it wa...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, it is recommended to check her temperature and blood pressure. If she has diabetes, it is also important to measure her blood glucose levels. Based on your description, she may have an infection, which could be a respiratory tract infection, urinary tract infection, or gas...[Read More] Understanding Cold Sensitivity and Fatigue in Elderly Patients
Understanding Toe Issues: Concerns About Infections and Treatment
Toe problems (continued inquiry) Thank you for your response, Doctor. Regarding the first question, I still have some concerns I would like to ask. I recently took some leftover cold medication from last week when I had a cold and visited an ENT specialist. The medication contain...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, 1. The black spots you described are likely the openings of hair follicles, which is a normal structure. 2. The so-called immune-mediated arthritis mostly affects multiple joints, with the highest likelihood of a single joint being involved in gout. However, your sympto...[Read More] Understanding Toe Issues: Concerns About Infections and Treatment
Getting the Flu Vaccine: What to Expect and Common Concerns
Accompanying family members to receive the influenza vaccine? Hello Dr. Hong, today I accompanied my grandparents to get vaccinated and I also decided to pay for my own vaccination. I have a slight cold and was initially hesitant to get vaccinated, but the doctor mentioned that a...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, 1. There is no specific interval required between vaccines and medications because their mechanisms of action are different, so it is fine to use them together. 2. Local soreness is a normal phenomenon; adverse reactions would only be indicated by symptoms beyond local ...[Read More] Getting the Flu Vaccine: What to Expect and Common Concerns
Understanding Swelling in the Right Foot: Causes and Specialist Guidance
Swelling of the right dorsum of the foot? Hello doctor, about 9 years ago I was hospitalized for cellulitis in the dorsum of my right foot. It recurred approximately 4 years ago, and I was treated with oral antibiotics. Since then, my right foot has been persistently swollen, wit...
Dr. Gao Jiankai Reply:
Hello, thank you for your message. After repeated infections in the foot, local circulation may deteriorate, leading to increased swelling and even pigmentation changes. It is recommended that you consult with an infectious disease specialist or a cardiologist, and inform them of...[Read More] Understanding Swelling in the Right Foot: Causes and Specialist Guidance
Understanding Unexplained Fever: Causes and When to Seek Help
Fever of unknown origin? Hello, doctor. Last October, I was hospitalized for a week due to a fever. At that time, I had no other symptoms, just persistent fever, chills, and muscle weakness in my limbs. My temperature was around 38 degrees Celsius, and despite undergoing rapid te...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, based on your description, it is indeed necessary to conduct a detailed examination regarding the fever. Routine health check-ups may not necessarily identify the cause. I recommend consulting an infectious disease specialist at a major hospital for a fever workup. If no c...[Read More] Understanding Unexplained Fever: Causes and When to Seek Help
Understanding Cold Medications and Antibiotics: Your Questions Answered
Inquiry about cold medications? Hello doctor, it seems that I caught a cold from a friend the day before yesterday. I went to see a general practitioner who said it was a mild cold and prescribed an antibiotic called Amoxicillin. I noticed that after taking it, my urine has a cer...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, 1. It is normal for urine to have a medication odor after taking medication, so please don't worry. 2. Given the current pandemic situation, unless you are alone, it is still recommended to wear a mask to protect yourself and others. Thank you for your question.[Read More] Understanding Cold Medications and Antibiotics: Your Questions Answered