Understanding Bruises and Pain: When to See a Doctor
Please ask your question, doctor? Hello doctor, after taking a shower and drying off, I noticed some pain in my lower back. Upon inspection, I found some yellow-green discoloration that was a bit painful to touch, and there were also some purple spots that looked like small dots....
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Based on your description and the photos, it is most likely a simple bruise, which may have occurred due to an accidental bump or strain. Typically, the body will heal itself over time, so there is no need for concern. As for the purpura you mentioned, it is a type of autoimmune ...[Read More] Understanding Bruises and Pain: When to See a Doctor
Concerns About Infection Risks from Reusable Blood Collection Devices
Infection issues Hello doctor, during my blood draw at the hospital the other day, I noticed that the blood collection device (the pen cap-like tool) used by the nursing staff had remnants of blood from a previous patient. I researched online and found that these blood collection...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, the blood collection device you mentioned can indeed be reused and is specially designed to prevent backflow issues. Therefore, even if there is residual blood from other patients inside, you will not be at risk of infection. Thank you for your question.[Read More] Concerns About Infection Risks from Reusable Blood Collection Devices
Understanding Dry Tongue: Possible Links to Stomach Ulcers and Diabetes
Regarding dry tongue? Hello Doctor, let me describe my condition: Two and a half years ago, during a newborn health check, my fasting blood glucose was 75 mg/dL, with no diabetes, and everything else was normal. About one to two years ago, I experienced two episodes of dry mouth ...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, regarding your question about dry mouth, it is likely not caused by other underlying diseases. Typically, a healthy young person should consume around 2000-3000 cc of fluids (including water) per day, especially in hot weather when fluid loss is rapid. It is advisable to m...[Read More] Understanding Dry Tongue: Possible Links to Stomach Ulcers and Diabetes
Assessing COVID-19 Exposure Risks in Brief Interactions: A Pharmacist's Concern
Infectious potential, may I ask? Hello, Doctor Hong. I am a pharmacist. Today, after driving my girlfriend to dinner, I went back to the hospital to help my grandmother pick up her medication. I had it packaged and asked a colleague to leave it on the first floor for me to pick u...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, there is currently no clear evidence regarding how long conversations need to last for transmission to occur. According to the recommendations from Taiwan's Centers for Disease Control, social distancing should be maintained at least one meter apart, and wearing masks...[Read More] Assessing COVID-19 Exposure Risks in Brief Interactions: A Pharmacist's Concern
Assessing the Risk of COVID-19 Transmission in Public Dining Settings
Transmission potential of Wuhan pneumonia (COVID-19) Hello, doctor. Although I know that the pandemic situation in the country has eased, I tend to be quite anxious and often catch colds. Today, I was reluctantly taken by my family to a buffet at Han Lai Harbor Restaurant. There ...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, although it's mealtime, based on your description, it seems that the other person was at a different table. Currently, there are no local cases in Taiwan, and all foreign entrants are required to undergo a 14-day quarantine, so it is unlikely that you have COVID-19. H...[Read More] Assessing the Risk of COVID-19 Transmission in Public Dining Settings
Understanding Left Side Waist Pain: Causes and When to Seek Help
There is a slight pain in the left side of the lower back? Hello doctor, for the past couple of days, I've experienced a sudden mild pain in the flesh above the bone on my left lower back near the waist. However, it has eased after I twisted my waist. My family says it might...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, the appendix is located on the right side, so it is unlikely to be the left kidney. While acute kidney inflammation typically accompanies fever and urinary discomfort, based on your description, it seems you do not have these symptoms. The most likely speculation is a musc...[Read More] Understanding Left Side Waist Pain: Causes and When to Seek Help
Understanding Breathing Sensations and Muscle Pain After Exercise
Please ask your question? Hello doctor, today my boyfriend noticed that I haven't been exercising much besides walking, and he's worried that staying at home due to the pandemic might affect my health. He taught me how to do push-ups, and after struggling to complete ju...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, some young males can indeed experience spontaneous pneumothorax, but it typically presents with significant shortness of breath and chest pain. Based on your description, it does not seem to be pneumonia or pneumothorax, but rather a muscle strain caused by sudden intense ...[Read More] Understanding Breathing Sensations and Muscle Pain After Exercise
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
Concerns About Inhalation Pneumonia After Taking Herbal Powder
Throat and trachea issues, suspected choking on traditional Chinese medicine powder? Hello, Doctor Hong. I took some traditional Chinese medicine powder after breakfast, and I’m not sure if my mouth was too dry, but when I poured the powder into my mouth, it felt like it stuck to...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, based on the process and symptoms you described, there are no signs of aspiration pneumonia unless there are subsequent symptoms such as wheezing, chest pain, or fever. In that case, you would need to consult a pulmonologist, an infectious disease specialist, or a family m...[Read More] Concerns About Inhalation Pneumonia After Taking Herbal Powder
Understanding Anemia: What to Do When Common Tests Come Back Normal
Anemia issues Hello Doctor: In my health check reports, I always see red markings next to my red blood cell count, hemoglobin, and hematocrit levels. However, I have been tested at the clinic for both thalassemia and iron deficiency anemia, and neither was found. What should I do...
Dr. Lin Wuxuan Reply:
Hello: There are many causes of general anemia, and for young women, iron deficiency anemia is indeed the most common. Mediterranean anemia is also not uncommon, which is why most health screening centers or clinics include it as part of routine examinations. If these two causes ...[Read More] Understanding Anemia: What to Do When Common Tests Come Back Normal
Unexplained Fever, Weight Loss, and Joint Pain: A Medical Mystery
Unexplained fever with low-grade temperature, unintentional weight loss, and joint and muscle pain? Hello, doctor. I have undergone numerous tests in the infectious disease department, and the only abnormal finding was a slightly elevated cancer marker (for reference only) and a ...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, based on your description, it does align with the situation of "fever of unknown origin." We should indeed be cautious about atypical infections or bone marrow issues. Therefore, I agree with your infectious disease physician's recommendation to conduct furt...[Read More] Unexplained Fever, Weight Loss, and Joint Pain: A Medical Mystery
Understanding Proteinuria: Key Insights for Kidney Health Management
Urinary protein issue? Hello, doctor. I was born with one kidney, and recently I noticed bubbles in my urine, so I went to a nearby clinic for blood and urine tests. A few days later, when I reviewed the results, the doctor informed me that I had mild proteinuria (+30 mg/dL), whi...
Dr. Wu Hongjie Reply:
Hello: 1. It is recommended to conduct tests outside of the menstrual period. 2. Microalbuminuria and urinary protein levels are both higher than normal; if this is confirmed again after three months, it is classified as stage one chronic kidney disease. "Chronic" indic...[Read More] Understanding Proteinuria: Key Insights for Kidney Health Management
Concerns About Inhalation Pneumonia from Herbal Powder Intake
Throat and tracheal issues, suspected choking on herbal powder? Hello, Dr. Hong. I took some traditional Chinese medicine powder after breakfast, and I’m not sure if my mouth was too dry, but when I poured the powder into my mouth, it felt like it stuck to the back of my throat. ...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, this situation could indeed lead to aspiration pneumonia; however, considering your age, your swallowing function should be normal. Additionally, since you described that there have been no subsequent symptoms of coughing or wheezing, it is likely that your condition has n...[Read More] Concerns About Inhalation Pneumonia from Herbal Powder Intake
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 HIV Testing and Symptoms: Your Questions Answered
HIV testing issues? Hello Dr. Hong, I had an encounter with a woman on November 9th last year. About two to three days later, I developed a low-grade fever, sore throat, and a rash. After taking cold medication, I improved. As of today, I have not experienced any other acute HIV ...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, in response to your questions, I will address them in several parts: 1. Regarding the possibility of HIV infection, it is recommended to undergo a second screening test at three months to confirm that there is no infection. 2. Concerning the skin rash, I am unsure about...[Read More] Understanding HIV Testing and Symptoms: Your Questions Answered
Could I Be at Risk for Lupus? Understanding Symptoms and Prevention
Could it be systemic lupus erythematosus? Hello Doctor, I recently caught a cold, which has lowered my immune system, and I started developing small red spots on my body, about a third the size of a mung bean. I have two on the side of my nose, one on my knee, one on my calf, and...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, the typical rash associated with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is indeed the butterfly rash. Based on your description of the small red spots, it is more likely to be folliculitis. However, skin issues usually require a visual examination for accurate diagnosis, so I ...[Read More] Could I Be at Risk for Lupus? Understanding Symptoms and Prevention
Understanding Symptoms After Potential HIV Exposure: What to Know
Infectious symptoms Hello, doctor. I had sexual intercourse with a woman on the afternoon of the 9th. We used a condom throughout, but it slipped off at one point; however, I immediately replaced it with a new one. We also engaged in kissing and oral sex. About 2 to 3 days later,...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Based on your description, it seems that the symptoms you are experiencing may be due to a subsequent cold. However, it is true that the early symptoms of HIV can resemble those of a cold, so it cannot be completely ruled out based solely on symptoms. I recommend that you go to a...[Read More] Understanding Symptoms After Potential HIV Exposure: What to Know
Understanding Renal Ptosis: Causes, Effects, and Management Strategies
Nephroptosis (floating kidney) Hello, doctor. I would like to ask about my mother, who underwent surgery about six years ago to remove a large hepatic cyst. She has been having regular abdominal ultrasounds for follow-up every year. Recently, the doctor mentioned that she may hav...
Dr. Ke Taiyuan Reply:
Floating kidney is more commonly seen in individuals who are slender or have experienced rapid weight loss. Common symptoms include lower back pain. If symptoms are present, a support belt can be used to stabilize the kidney in a higher position. It is recommended to lie down wit...[Read More] Understanding Renal Ptosis: Causes, Effects, and Management Strategies
Understanding Common Dialysis Techniques: Hemodialysis vs. Peritoneal Dialysis
What are the currently commonly used dialysis techniques? Hello, doctor. I'm not seeking advice on symptoms; I would like to inquire about the most commonly used dialysis techniques currently. From my research, I found that there are hemodialysis, peritoneal dialysis, and he...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, currently the most commonly used treatment is hemodialysis, commonly known as kidney dialysis. However, its drawback is that patients must regularly visit a dialysis center for treatment. Therefore, the government is actively promoting peritoneal dialysis, which is the sec...[Read More] Understanding Common Dialysis Techniques: Hemodialysis vs. Peritoneal Dialysis
Understanding Discrepancies Between Blood Sugar Tests and Home Monitoring
The blood glucose test results from the lab are normal, but self-monitoring shows elevated levels? Hello, Doctor. Thank you for taking the time to read my lengthy description. About four weeks ago, I visited the hospital's endocrinology department due to concerns about my bl...
Dr. Lin Jianliang Reply:
Your condition may indicate impaired glucose tolerance, which may not yet meet the criteria for a diabetes diagnosis. It is recommended to manage your diet and exercise for a period of time, and then follow up at the hospital. If you experience any symptoms, seek immediate follow...[Read More] Understanding Discrepancies Between Blood Sugar Tests and Home Monitoring