Blood, Internal Medicine FAQ

Can You Contract Bloodborne Diseases from Contaminated Food?

Any blood or body fluid transmissible disease? Hello, doctor. I would like to ask if there is any risk of contracting a blood or body fluid-borne infectious disease if a virus or pathogen from contaminated food comes into contact with a cut or sore in the mouth, either inside or ...

Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, the risk of transmitting blood or bodily fluid infectious diseases through the oral cavity or food is very low, unless there is a significant bleeding wound in the mouth. Thank you for your question.

Understanding Dizziness, Nausea, and Weakness: When to Seek Help

Dizziness, nausea, and weakness? Hello Dr. Hong, in the past week, I have been experiencing dizziness, headaches, and nausea (one day it was quite severe). I also feel some weakness in my hands, and I have pain around my glabella and from the right side of my nose to the area aro...

Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, based on your description, it is recommended to first check your blood pressure to see if it is elevated. The higher likelihoods could be due to elevated intraocular pressure, inner ear inflammation, or migraines. It is advisable to first consult an ophthalmologist, especi...

Sudden Rapid Heartbeat and Low Oxygen: Understanding Your Symptoms

Sudden increase in heart rate while sitting, decreased blood oxygen levels, and hand tremors? Hello doctor, after taking a shower tonight, I sat down and suddenly experienced a rapid heartbeat that shot up to over 120 beats per minute. My blood oxygen level dropped from 99 to 93,...

Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Based on your description, it is likely that the significant temperature changes have activated the sympathetic nervous system, leading to your symptoms. It is advisable to avoid drastic temperature fluctuations and to take care to keep warm after bathing. The rapid heartbeat may...

Assessing Infection Risks from Accidental Contact in Public Spaces

Possibility of transmission Hello Doctor, I went to a convenience store around noon to buy something. While I was in line to check out, a stranger suddenly pushed past me. I tried to dodge him, but he still brushed against me with the straw from his drink bottle (it seemed like h...

Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, based on your description and the images provided, there are no obvious wounds, so there is essentially no risk of infection. Please don't worry, and thank you for your inquiry.

Is an HbA1c of 8 and Random Blood Sugar of 146 a Diabetes Diagnosis?

Glycated hemoglobin This year, the company checked the hemoglobin A1c level, which was as high as 8, and the random blood glucose was 146. Does this confirm a diagnosis of diabetes?

Dr. Li Jian Reply:
A hemoglobin A1c level of 6.5% or higher, or a fasting blood glucose level of 126 mg/dL or higher, is considered indicative of diabetes.

Post-Meal Blood Sugar Measurement: Timing with Liquid vs. Solid Foods

Postprandial blood glucose measurement inquiry? Hello Dr. Li, I hope you are well. I have a question regarding blood sugar measurement after meals. Generally, the information available indicates that blood sugar should be measured two hours after the first bite of food. However...

Dr. Li Jian Reply:
As soon as you take the first bite of a caloric food, you should start timing.

Can You Contract Bloodborne Diseases from Haircut Tools?

Blood and Body Fluid Transmissible Diseases - Follow-up Questions Hello, doctor. A few days ago, I asked you the following question: If I go to get a haircut and the razor used for trimming my sideburns (I am male) has any bodily fluids from a previous person who has a bloodborne...

Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, if there is contact with blood, there is indeed a risk; however, compared to the chances of infection from blood transfusions, sharing needles, or sexual intercourse, the risk of infection from incidental contact is relatively lower. Thank you for your question.

Navigating Conflicting Medical Opinions: Lymphadenopathy vs. Cellulitis

The initial orthopedic consultation indicated lymphadenopathy, and the follow-up visit diagnosed cellulitis? Hello Doctor, my ex-husband was diagnosed with COVID-19 on June 26. During this time, several areas became swollen and formed hard lumps. The swollen areas initially inclu...

Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, based on your description, the main issue is the enlargement of the lymph nodes. One aspect that needs clarification is whether this lymphadenopathy occurred suddenly after a COVID-19 infection or if it has been present for some time. If it occurred suddenly, theoretically...

Managing Thyroid Issues After Total Thyroidectomy: A Patient's Journey

Thyroid issues The family member is 63 years old, has undergone total thyroidectomy over a year ago, and has completed radioactive iodine therapy, with no other chronic illnesses. Initially, they were supplementing with 50 mg of Levothyroxine, but after a follow-up visit, the doc...

Dr. Li Jian Reply:
In addition to T3, it is also important to consider TSH and free T4 levels to determine their status. If there are concerns about excessive supplementation leading to hyperthyroidism, an electrocardiogram (ECG) and a bone density test can be performed to check for any arrhythmias...

Can Abnormal Thyroid Antibodies Trigger Urticaria? Exploring the Connection

The possibility of thyroid antibody abnormalities triggering urticaria? Hello, Doctor. I have been suffering from severe urticaria since the end of March, and it has not improved as of now (July). After blood tests, all thyroid-related examination reports were abnormal. TSH < ...

Dr. Gao Jiankai Reply:
Hello, thank you for your question. From the perspective of a rheumatologist, some causes of chronic urticaria may be related to thyroid dysfunction. Although the viewpoints of the two specialties may differ, the treatment for urticaria falls under rheumatology. Therefore, I beli...

Understanding HIV Rapid Test Results: What a Faint Line Means

HIV rapid test Hello Dr. Hong, I purchased the Milan HIV rapid blood test and after waiting 15 minutes, the result was negative (the instructions state to read the result after 15 minutes). However, after waiting more than 20 minutes, I noticed a faint second line appeared after ...

Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, almost all rapid test kits will show two lines even for individuals who do not have HIV if they are left for too long. This is the most common reason for false positives. Therefore, the test kits recommend using the time specified in the instructions as the standard for in...

Understanding Variations in Posterior Tibial Artery Pulsation: When to Seek Help

Inquiry Consultation Dear Dr. Lee, I hope this message finds you well. I am unsure which specialty to consult regarding my issue, so I am starting with internal medicine. If this is not your area of expertise, I would appreciate your guidance on which specialty I should consult....

Dr. Li Jian Reply:
Dear Dr. Huang and Dr. Hsiang, The posterior tibial artery is located more superficially near the skin at the ankle, and in thinner individuals, it may be possible to see its pulsation. Generally, it is not easy to "see" it, and quantifying blood flow status visually i...

Can Women with IgA Nephropathy Safely Get Pregnant?

Can a person with IgA nephropathy become pregnant and give birth? Hello, doctor. I was diagnosed with IgA nephropathy and minimal change disease after undergoing a kidney biopsy in the past. My condition is currently stable, with no proteinuria or hematuria, and my kidney functio...

Dr. Wu Jiyu Reply:
Based on the information provided in the literature, if blood pressure is normal and the glomerular filtration rate is greater than 70 ml/min, the impact of pregnancy on the kidneys can be minimized. However, it is essential to discuss your specific situation with your attending ...

Risk of Bloodborne Diseases from Haircutting Tools: What You Need to Know

Blood and Body Fluid Transmissible Infections Hello, doctor. I have a question. If I go to get a haircut and the trimmer used for my sideburns has been contaminated with any bodily fluids from a previous person who has a bloodborne or fluid-borne infectious disease, and it then c...

Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, what you should be concerned about are bloodborne infectious diseases or sexually transmitted infections, such as HIV. These diseases cannot be transmitted through the situation you described, so there is no need to worry. Thank you for your question.

Understanding Your Urine Test Results: Key Insights for Diabetics

Examination Report Doctor, my urine screening report shows a microalbumin level of 30.4 and a urine creatinine level of 270.8. I have diabetes with a hemoglobin A1c of 10.1. Should I be concerned about this? Should I exercise more and control my diet? Thank you.

Dr. Li Jian Reply:
Currently, there is no microalbuminuria; however, it is still important to manage blood sugar levels effectively, aiming to keep the hemoglobin A1c below seven to reduce the risk of complications in the future.

Understanding Elevated Creatinine Levels: When to See a Nephrologist

Creatinine levels exceed the standard? Hello Doctor: In my blood test report, my creatinine level is 1.21 and my glomerular filtration rate (GFR) is 71.7. Should I urgently see a nephrologist? What advice would you give me? My triglycerides are 160, total cholesterol is 210, high...

Dr. Wu Jiyu Reply:
For chronic kidney disease, a glomerular filtration rate (GFR) greater than 60, combined with proteinuria, hematuria, or renal parenchymal damage (such as stones, edema, or cysts), is required for a diagnosis of chronic kidney disease. Based on the report you provided, while your...

Understanding Anti-SSA and Anti-SSB Antibodies: Implications and Insights

Anti-SSA and Anti-SSB 1. The incidental finding of abnormal levels of these two antibodies during a blood test, without any signs of Sjögren's syndrome or physical discomfort, does not necessarily confirm a diagnosis of Sjögren's syndrome. It may indicate a potential ri...

Dr. Gao Jiankai Reply:
Hello, thank you for your question. Here are my responses: 1. The abnormal levels of these two antibodies were discovered incidentally during a blood test, but there are no signs of Sjögren's syndrome and no physical discomfort. Does this indicate a diagnosis or a possibili...

Understanding Aspiration Pneumonia Symptoms After Choking

Regarding the issue of choking and aspiration into the trachea? If you experienced choking while drinking hot kimchi soup and felt a sensation of fluid flowing through the right lung area, accompanied by severe coughing, you should be aware of the following potential symptoms of ...

Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, if you are not currently experiencing a persistent cough, the likelihood of aspiration pneumonia should be very low. You can observe for 2-3 days, and if there are no symptoms such as fever or cough, it should be fine. Thank you for your question.

Assessing Risks of Blood Draw Wound and Mucosal Contact During Intimacy

Blood draw needle injury and glans mucosa? I would like to ask the doctor to assess the risk in a busy schedule. The other person had a blood test for blood sugar at 18:00 using a blood draw needle, and four hours later at 22:00, he performed manual stimulation (masturbation and ...

Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, 1. The blood glucose lancet is very fine and will heal quickly, so there should be no bleeding after four hours. 2. Based on your description, there is no risk of infection. Thank you for your inquiry.

Understanding Sleep Issues in Teen Athletes: A Guide to Common Concerns

Sleep issues Hello, doctor. I have some questions I would like to ask you. As a teenager, I'm not sure if what I'm experiencing is normal. I am an athlete and I start training at 7 AM and also have practice in the afternoon. Recently, I've been sleeping with the ai...

Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, 1. It is normal to experience a dry throat when sleeping in an air-conditioned room, as air conditioning has a dehumidifying function. 2. Whether you snore may require the assistance of those around you to observe. As for sleep apnea, a sleep study at a sleep clinic is ...

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