Understanding Cold Symptoms and Medication Side Effects: A Patient's Concerns
Side effects and issues related to taking medication for the common cold? Hello Dr. Hong: I woke up yesterday with pain on one side of my tonsil or throat, along with nasal congestion and phlegm. I visited an ENT specialist who examined my tongue to check for any lesions. During ...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, 1. Currently, legitimate clinics have established disinfection procedures for their equipment, and there is no evidence that COVID-19 can be transmitted through medical devices, so there should be no concern regarding COVID-19 infection. 2. Based solely on your descrip...[Read More] Understanding Cold Symptoms and Medication Side Effects: A Patient's Concerns
Understanding Risks of Drug-Resistant Staphylococcus Aureus in Hospitalized Patients
Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) Hello Dr. Hong, my mother, who is 97 years old, was hospitalized from June 7th due to a bleeding gastric ulcer. On June 9th, she vomited and developed aspiration pneumonia. On June 15th, the doctor informed me that her pneumonia ...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, Staphylococcus, whether antibiotic-resistant or not, is a common environmental bacterium. As long as the body is healthy, there is no risk of infection. Therefore, your mention of drinking juice poses no infection concerns, as long as you are cautious about the hot weather...[Read More] Understanding Risks of Drug-Resistant Staphylococcus Aureus in Hospitalized Patients
Understanding Changes in Stool Color After Antibiotic Use
The effects of medications on stool? Hello, doctor. I have been seeing an ENT specialist for the past five days due to a cold and have been prescribed antibiotics along with a green pill that the doctor said is for the stomach. I would like to ask if taking these medications can ...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, First, the color of stool can indeed vary due to food or medication. Generally, when we are concerned about gastrointestinal bleeding, the stool may appear very dark, resembling the color of hair, and it is sticky, referred to as "melena." I believe your stool ...[Read More] Understanding Changes in Stool Color After Antibiotic Use
Managing Mitral Valve Prolapse: Dietary Tips and B Vitamins
Mitral valve prolapse Hello, doctor: A family member has symptoms of mitral valve prolapse. Besides avoiding strong tea and caffeine and ensuring adequate rest, is it advisable to supplement with low-dose B vitamins or similar products? Thank you.
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Currently, there is no strong evidence to support the efficacy of low-dose B vitamin supplementation for mitral valve prolapse; however, there are also no significant drawbacks, as B vitamins are water-soluble and easily excreted from the body. In addition to the points you menti...[Read More] Managing Mitral Valve Prolapse: Dietary Tips and B Vitamins
Understanding Throat Issues: Pain, Mucus, and Anxiety Explained
Throat issues Hello Doctor, I have a lot of nasal discharge and I feel some pain on the left side of my throat or tonsil, which appears to be larger than the right side. I visited an ENT specialist today, and the doctor said there is no significant inflammation and prescribed me ...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Based on your description, it is possible that you are experiencing symptoms of a cold or allergies, which may have led to throat inflammation and discomfort. If you have already been examined by an otolaryngologist, it is likely just a simple inflammatory condition. If you have ...[Read More] Understanding Throat Issues: Pain, Mucus, and Anxiety Explained
Does Antibiotic Use Affect HIV Testing Results?
Sexually Transmitted Infection (STI) Screening I would like to ask about HIV testing. I took antibiotics the night before the test, received an antibiotic injection a week prior, and also took anti-inflammatory medication and folic acid. Will this affect the test results? Thank y...
Dr. Liao Zhongxin Reply:
I cannot.[Read More] Does Antibiotic Use Affect HIV Testing Results?
Feeling of a Foreign Body in the Throat: Causes and Relief Options
Feeling of a foreign body in the throat? Hello, doctor. About a month ago, I had a slight cold and visited an ENT specialist. The doctor mentioned some inflammation. After taking medication for three days, I felt better and didn't return for a follow-up, allowing myself to r...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, 1. Based on your description, it seems to be just a throat inflammation and not aspiration pneumonia, unless there is severe coughing or wheezing, which would warrant concern. 2. If something is lodged in your throat, usually consuming soft foods can help alleviate the...[Read More] Feeling of a Foreign Body in the Throat: Causes and Relief Options
Understanding Unexplained Fever: Insights and Recommendations for Patients
Consultation for Fever of Unknown Origin Hello, doctor. Recently, from the beginning of this month until now, I have measured my ear temperature to be between 37.1 and 38.5 degrees Celsius (my usual ear temperature is around 36 to 36.2 degrees). At the beginning of the month, I v...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, 1. Regarding body temperature, different devices and measurement sites can yield varying results. It is advisable to refer to the baseline values provided by the device (usually found in the user manual). Body temperature should be assessed in relation to these baseline ...[Read More] Understanding Unexplained Fever: Insights and Recommendations for Patients
Understanding Infection Risks: Antibiotics and Heart Conditions Explained
Infection concerns? I originally had an inflamed sebaceous cyst scheduled for removal in two weeks. The doctor prescribed a one-day course of prophylactic antibiotics, but due to unforeseen circumstances, I didn't go. Yesterday, I consulted another physician who insisted tha...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, regarding aortic stenosis with a bicuspid aortic valve and mitral valve prolapse, prophylactic antibiotics are only necessary in certain situations that involve bleeding, such as tooth extractions, due to the concern of infective endocarditis. For a simple cyst removal sur...[Read More] Understanding Infection Risks: Antibiotics and Heart Conditions Explained
Managing Infected Lipomas: Risks of Endocarditis and Antibiotic Prophylaxis
Infected sebaceous cyst? I have an inflamed lipoma on my shoulder that is 2.5 cm and red, but it hasn't ruptured, and I don't want surgery for now. I also have aortic coarctation and a bicuspid aortic valve with mitral valve prolapse. If I leave the inflammation untreat...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, regarding aortic stenosis with bicuspid aortic valve and mitral valve prolapse, prophylactic antibiotics are only necessary in certain situations that may cause bleeding, such as tooth extraction, due to concerns about infective endocarditis. If it is simply a lipoma, prop...[Read More] Managing Infected Lipomas: Risks of Endocarditis and Antibiotic Prophylaxis
Managing Steroid Dosage: Coping with Persistent Symptoms and Allergic Reactions
The steroid dosage has been reduced to 7.5 mg, and the symptoms are becoming more pronounced? Last year, I developed a skin wound from scratching due to flea bites, which became infected with bacteria. The wound started to hurt, but after taking antibiotics, the pain subsided. Ho...
Dr. Zeng Guosen Reply:
Hello, skin disorders can indeed be very bothersome. If reducing the steroid dosage to 10 mg causes instability in your symptoms, there’s no need to panic. This indicates that your skin condition is still unstable. It may be advisable to adjust the methotrexate (MTX) dosage and w...[Read More] Managing Steroid Dosage: Coping with Persistent Symptoms and Allergic Reactions
Sudden High Fever: Understanding Causes and Concerns in Internal Medicine
Unexplained sudden high fever? Two nights ago, I suddenly experienced full-body shaking and a headache. The next day, I woke up feeling weak all over and had a severe headache. Later in the afternoon, my temperature rose to 39.3°C, so I went to a clinic for evaluation. I had no s...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, 1. In cases of more severe bacterial infections, it is usually sufficient to take just one course of antibiotics to control the infection. Based on your description, it seems more likely to be a viral infection or a mild bacterial infection, which should be monitored fur...[Read More] Sudden High Fever: Understanding Causes and Concerns in Internal Medicine
Navigating My Medical Journey: Confusion and Fear Amidst Antibiotic Treatment
What is happening with my medical process? I am filled with confusion and fear? I am currently on antibiotics and waiting for an MRI examination... Let me recount my medical journey from November 23, 2018, to the present... On the 23rd, I developed a corn on my right big toe, so ...
Dr. Liao Zhongxin Reply:
Dear readers, regarding your questions, here are the responses: 1. When bacterial infection is confirmed, why is it not possible to be hospitalized immediately (waiting for 4 days), and even after hospitalization, immediate testing is not available? After nearly 2 weeks of anti...[Read More] Navigating My Medical Journey: Confusion and Fear Amidst Antibiotic Treatment
Abdominal Pain, Lung Inflammation, and Fever: Seeking Medical Advice
Abdominal pain, pulmonary inflammation, and high fever issues? Hello Doctor, I apologize for the interruption. I've been experiencing abdominal pain (cramping) for the past two days, and my bowel movements have been very loose. I also have muscle aches, fever (ranging from 3...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello: Based on your description of fever, upper abdominal pain, and diarrhea, it is likely that you are experiencing acute gastroenteritis or a gastrointestinal viral infection, possibly caused by consuming contaminated food. The medications you have been prescribed are aimed at...[Read More] Abdominal Pain, Lung Inflammation, and Fever: Seeking Medical Advice
Understanding the Healing Process of Balanitis: Signs and Care Tips
How to determine the healing of balanitis? Hello Doctor, I have phimosis, but there are no issues with retracting the glans. Before the infection, I cleaned daily. Around October 10, 2018, I noticed a small red spot on the glans that gradually enlarged, peeled, and ulcerated. I v...
Dr. Lin Wufu Reply:
Hello, the typical treatment duration for balanitis is about one to three weeks. If there is no pain or itching, it usually indicates that the infection has largely improved. The skin of the glans is quite sensitive, and it is indeed possible for it to become red due to medicatio...[Read More] Understanding the Healing Process of Balanitis: Signs and Care Tips
Understanding Elevated White Blood Cell Counts and Related Health Issues
Regarding issues related to elevated white blood cell counts? Hello, Doctor; my friend was hospitalized last January due to a fever (at that time, there were abnormal white blood cell counts). However, after hospitalization, the condition was controlled, and the hospital did not ...
Dr. Lin Wufu Reply:
Hello! To determine whether there is a correlation between your friend's two episodes of fever and elevated white blood cell count, it is essential to assess whether the white blood cell count returned to normal between the two hospitalizations, as well as to consider any ot...[Read More] Understanding Elevated White Blood Cell Counts and Related Health Issues
Managing Recurrent Chlamydia Infections: Treatment Options and Resistance
Treatment for Mycoplasma Infection Repeated infections with Chlamydia three times within two years. The first two times were successfully treated with two weeks of doxycycline. However, the third time, after two weeks of doxycycline, the infection did not resolve. If Chlamydia ha...
Dr. Lin Wufu Reply:
Hello, for standard chlamydial urethritis, a one-week course of doxycycline is usually sufficient. If there is no improvement after two weeks, there are several common possibilities: 1. It could be a recurrent infection - if you have a stable partner, they should also receive tre...[Read More] Managing Recurrent Chlamydia Infections: Treatment Options and Resistance
Concerns About HIV and Hepatitis B After Unsafe Sexual Encounters
Concerns regarding HIV and Hepatitis B? I have been staying up late until 3 AM since the beginning of the year. Between late February and mid-April, I had several instances of unprotected sexual intercourse with the same person (I am unaware of his medical history; I only know th...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, theoretically, the average window period for HIV is 3 months. If you have not engaged in sexual activity since April, then you should have surpassed the window period. Testing in August would likely yield a negative result, and the chances of infection should be very low. ...[Read More] Concerns About HIV and Hepatitis B After Unsafe Sexual Encounters
Understanding Facial Swelling After Facial Nerve Paralysis: What to Do Next?
During the recovery phase of facial nerve paralysis, swelling of the eyes and face may occur? Hello Doctor, I experienced facial nerve paralysis on the right side of my face on August 3, 2017. At that time, my right eye's vision, hearing, and taste were all affected. Althoug...
Dr. Gao Jiankai Reply:
Hello, thank you for your question. Here are my responses: 1. The unilateral lower limb swelling and pain (right leg) should not be related to the facial nerve paralysis on the same side, nor should it be associated with renal dysfunction (as renal dysfunction typically leads to...[Read More] Understanding Facial Swelling After Facial Nerve Paralysis: What to Do Next?
Understanding Oral Infections: Tonsillitis, Gum Swelling, and Lip Ulcers
Purulent tonsillitis in the oral cavity, gingival swelling, and purulent lips? Hello Doctor, since I took my sister to the hospital on January 4th and stayed there from 9 AM to 10 PM, I have not slept for eighteen hours. It was the most irregular day for my schedule in over a yea...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, based on your description, your oral ulceration does seem severe. It may not be possible to determine the true cause based solely on your description. I recommend visiting a major hospital's dental department for relevant examinations, including viral testing. If ther...[Read More] Understanding Oral Infections: Tonsillitis, Gum Swelling, and Lip Ulcers