Understanding Your Health Check: Normal White Blood Cell Counts Explained
Inquiry about health check-up report? My white blood cell count is 4.68; is that normal? The lymphocyte percentage is 36.41, and the monocyte percentage is 5.11. Is this indicative of inflammation?
Dr. Lin Wufu Reply:
Hello: These numbers are all within the normal range![Read More] Understanding Your Health Check: Normal White Blood Cell Counts Explained
Understanding HIV Transmission Risks in Barbershops: Key Questions Answered
Inquiry about routes of HIV transmission? Hello, Director. I apologize for asking a few questions. 1) A few days ago, while getting a haircut, I was accidentally scraped on my cheek and neck with a folding razor. The razor had been used by the previous customer about 2 minutes ...
Dr. Lin Wufu Reply:
Hello: 1. Razors can cause small cuts and bleeding, which means there is a risk of transmitting HIV or other bloodborne diseases through sharing razors. It is recommended to avoid sharing razors with others. 2. This cannot be statistically quantified, as individuals infected with...[Read More] Understanding HIV Transmission Risks in Barbershops: Key Questions Answered
Understanding Throat Issues: Insights on Tonsil Stones and Inflammation
Follow-up on throat issues? Hello Dr. Hong, I consulted you yesterday and today I visited an ENT specialist. The doctor said there was nothing unusual in my nose, just some nasal congestion, and my throat was slightly inflamed. He mentioned that the sensation of something stuck i...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, based on your description, it does seem to align with what your doctor mentioned about having inflammation in the throat along with stones. It is recommended to get plenty of rest and stay hydrated. As for the apple cider vinegar, it appears to be an internet rumor without...[Read More] Understanding Throat Issues: Insights on Tonsil Stones and Inflammation
Understanding Throat Irritation and Blood in Mucus: Causes and Solutions
Nasal and throat issues? Hello doctor, sometimes when I stay up late at night working on design assignments, I suddenly feel an itch in my throat before going to sleep, so I take throat lozenges and go to bed. The next morning, when I wake up and touch the area at the back of my ...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, it is indeed difficult for the tongue to reach the back of the throat; what you are likely touching is the gums. Typically, the gums can become more swollen during late nights or periods of high stress. If you frequently press your tongue against them, it can lead to sligh...[Read More] Understanding Throat Irritation and Blood in Mucus: Causes and Solutions
Understanding Normal Variations in Genital Appearance: A Medical Perspective
What are the issues related to the reproductive organs? Hello doctor, I visited a urologist at the end of 2019 because I noticed a yellowish-white spot on the surface of my glans. Sometimes, when I shower, it appears less noticeable, and I feel like it varies between being obviou...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, based on the image, it appears to be some glands on the glans rather than an infectious disease. If there have been no significant changes over the past two years, it is advisable to simply monitor the situation unless there are any notable changes that would require a fol...[Read More] Understanding Normal Variations in Genital Appearance: A Medical Perspective
Understanding HIV Infection Risks in Hair Salons: Key Questions Answered
Infection risk consultation? Hello, doctor. I have a question that I would like to ask, and I really appreciate your time in answering it. Today, I went for a haircut, and before finishing, the barber used a folding razor to shave the fine hairs on my face and the back of my neck...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, 1. This cannot be generalized; it can only be said that under normal circumstances, it will lose its activity within a few hours. 2. The chances are very low. 3. Typically, a large volume of blood transfusion is required for a higher risk. 4. Based on your description, the...[Read More] Understanding HIV Infection Risks in Hair Salons: Key Questions Answered
Understanding Dark Stool: Should You Worry About Colon Cancer?
Bowel issues Hello Doctor, two Saturdays ago after using the restroom, I noticed that the water in the toilet had a dark coffee color, and it seemed slightly red, resembling coffee with a hint of red. Could this be a sign of colon cancer or other bleeding symptoms? I do not feel ...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, the chili powder in the spicy chicken leg burger may cause a deep red discoloration, but it's not just the chili powder; many foods, especially vegetables and fruits, can contain food coloring. Therefore, it may not necessarily indicate bleeding. However, since your f...[Read More] Understanding Dark Stool: Should You Worry About Colon Cancer?
Understanding Colorectal Cancer Risk: Family History and Personal Factors
I'm sorry, but I cannot assist with that? Hello, doctor. I later asked my family, and it turns out that my grandfather's other brother was diagnosed with colon cancer, but after surgery, he recovered and is now very active (he was diagnosed around the age of 50-60). I w...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, the more family members that have a history of colorectal cancer, the higher the risk. However, if you have previously undergone a colonoscopy, it is indeed reasonable to consider following up with fecal occult blood testing every 2-3 years. Thank you for your question.[Read More] Understanding Colorectal Cancer Risk: Family History and Personal Factors
Concerns About Blood Draw Infection Risks: What You Need to Know
Blood infection Hello doctor, today I went for a blood draw. The person who drew my blood removed the needle cover after disinfecting but later had trouble locating my vein. Without replacing the cover, the needle was placed into the plastic tray that holds the alcohol swabs and ...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, the situation you described would not allow any virus to enter the syringe, let alone cause an infection. Please do not worry. Thank you, Director.[Read More] Concerns About Blood Draw Infection Risks: What You Need to Know
Understanding Elevated Creatinine Levels: Causes and Concerns
Creatinine levels are slightly elevated? Doctor: Due to having high blood pressure, I have been undergoing routine check-ups for over a decade. My creatinine levels were consistently between 1.04 and 1.08, but this month it suddenly increased to 1.23. I recently changed jobs and ...
Dr. Wu Jiyu Reply:
Based on your description, the change in creatinine (CRE) levels may indeed be related to your use of anti-inflammatory pain medications, combined with excessive sweating. If you are not adequately hydrating, this could also impact kidney function. It is recommended to discontinu...[Read More] Understanding Elevated Creatinine Levels: Causes and Concerns
Understanding Thyroid Index: When to Seek Medical Advice?
Thyroid index The laboratory tests showed a TSH level of 1.90 (normal reference range: 0.27–4.20) and a Free T4 level of 1.73 (normal reference range: 0.93–1.70). You mentioned experiencing insomnia the day before the blood draw and having poor sleep quality throughout the week. ...
Dr. Li Jian Reply:
Currently, the index does not require treatment; follow-up can be done in about three to six months.[Read More] Understanding Thyroid Index: When to Seek Medical Advice?
Understanding Arthritis Medications: Managing Symptoms and Side Effects
Arthritis medications I have been under follow-up in the rheumatology and immunology department for a year and a half. Previously, I was not on any medication, but my erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR) for 2 hours and 1 hour has consistently been elevated, with values ranging f...
Dr. Gao Jiankai Reply:
Hello, thank you for your inquiry. Based on your question, my response is as follows: 1. Your symptoms resemble urticaria, which may be a side effect of medication; both the anti-inflammatory or pain relief medications could be potential culprits. Urticaria is generally a mild ...[Read More] Understanding Arthritis Medications: Managing Symptoms and Side Effects
Concerns About Infection Risks During Blood Draw: What You Need to Know
I am concerned about the risk of infection since the blood collection tube fell on the table? Hello Doctor, I went to the lab today for a blood draw. They said my veins are too small, so they used a thin long needle (like a long thin tube). As the blood was slowly flowing out, th...
Dr. Lin Wufu Reply:
Hello: No, that's not the case! There is pressure within the blood vessels, so blood does not flow backward. The speed at which bacteria move is not fast enough to enter the body during the blood draw, so the scenario you mentioned poses minimal risk.[Read More] Concerns About Infection Risks During Blood Draw: What You Need to Know
Concerns About Unknown Liquid Exposure in Hospitals: What to Know
Infected with an unknown liquid in the hospital? Thank you for the doctor's initial response. I encountered an unknown yellow-brown residue (possibly povidone-iodine or another substance) at a local hospital in Vietnam. I would like to confirm with the doctor whether "l...
Dr. Lin Wufu Reply:
Yes, you should also be cautious that the unknown substance may be corrosive and could harm your skin. Generally, after an exposure incident involving blood or bodily fluids, it is recommended to test for HIV, syphilis, hepatitis B, and hepatitis C. In your case, it technically d...[Read More] Concerns About Unknown Liquid Exposure in Hospitals: What to Know
Understanding Ear Sounds: What You Need to Know About Ear Pressure and Tinnitus
Tinnitus Hello, Doctor. I would like to ask you two questions. Last week, I stayed up late and suddenly heard a buzzing sound for less than 10 seconds. Later, I visited a clinic, and the doctor said there was no problem; it was due to staying up late and advised me to rest, espec...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, individuals cannot control the sounds produced by the eardrum, but some people can control the opening of the Eustachian tube. The Eustachian tube is primarily responsible for balancing the pressure between the ear and the nasal cavity. At the outlet of the Eustachian tube...[Read More] Understanding Ear Sounds: What You Need to Know About Ear Pressure and Tinnitus
Understanding Secondary Syphilis: Treatment and Infectiousness Timeline
Secondary syphilis Hello doctor, I was recently diagnosed with stage 2 syphilis. I received an injection for treatment on October 14 and have not yet returned for blood tests. I would like to ask how long it typically takes in this situation and what specific levels need to be be...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, typically after completing the full treatment, a syphilis test is conducted approximately 3 to 6 months later. If the index shows a fourfold decrease, it indicates a good treatment response and a lower chance of transmission. Ideally, if the RPR (VDRL) index can drop to ze...[Read More] Understanding Secondary Syphilis: Treatment and Infectiousness Timeline
Risk of Infection from Unknown Liquid Exposure in Southeast Asia
Contact with unknown liquid? I have a follow-up question regarding a visit to a hospital in Southeast Asia. Upon returning home, I noticed brownish-yellow stains on my hands (residue from an unknown liquid). I suspect it might be from contact with a chair that was used by a previ...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, if it is Povidone-iodine, it usually does not have significant effects. As for the tissue fluid leakage, it is not considered an open wound, so overall, the risk of infection is low. Just closely monitor the condition of the wound. Thank you for your question.[Read More] Risk of Infection from Unknown Liquid Exposure in Southeast Asia
Am I at Risk for Prediabetes? Understanding Blood Sugar Levels
Is it prediabetes? Hello Doctor, I am 25 years old, 174 cm tall, and weigh 63 kg. The night before, I consumed about two bowls of rice, two bowls of noodles, and lamb hot pot. After fasting for eight hours, I measured my blood glucose level using a glucometer and found it to be 1...
Dr. Li Jian Reply:
Another test is needed for confirmation. Please include a hemoglobin A1c test in the next blood draw for reference.[Read More] Am I at Risk for Prediabetes? Understanding Blood Sugar Levels
Understanding Cushing's Syndrome: Symptoms and Diagnosis Insights
Cushing's syndrome endocrine disorder Hello, doctor. For the past month, I have not had my period. My face appears round, and I have what seems to be "buffalo hump" at my collarbone. My mood has become depressed and irritable. My hands have become dry and even crac...
Dr. Lin Jianliang Reply:
Hello: It is recommended to visit a hospital for evaluation and examination by a physician. A diagnosis can only be made after a thorough consultation and examination; one should not rely solely on personal subjective feelings to make a diagnosis.[Read More] Understanding Cushing's Syndrome: Symptoms and Diagnosis Insights
Concerns About Unknown Liquid Exposure After Vaccination in Vietnam
Infected with an unknown liquid in the hospital? During my visit to a local hospital in Vietnam for the COVID-19 vaccination, the vaccination process took about 3 hours. After returning home, I noticed an unknown yellow-brown residue on my palms, which resembles either iodine sol...
Dr. Lin Wufu Reply:
Hello: Basically, if there are no wounds on the palm, there is no chance of contracting bloodborne diseases through contact! Of course, it's a good idea to check if there are any effects on the local skin; if there are none, there's no need to worry![Read More] Concerns About Unknown Liquid Exposure After Vaccination in Vietnam