Understanding HIV Risks: Key Insights for Gay Men After Unprotected Sex
HIV Risk Hello doctor, I am a gay man. In early February, I had unprotected intercourse with someone, and I immediately withdrew after ejaculation. Does this reduce the risk of HIV infection, or is it still the same? I've been feeling a bit unwell these past few days; my gum...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, any unsafe sexual behavior carries a risk of HIV infection, and testing is necessary to confirm whether an infection has occurred. The symptoms you described are common manifestations of various infections, making it difficult to determine if HIV is present based solely on...[Read More] Understanding HIV Risks: Key Insights for Gay Men After Unprotected Sex
Does Mitral Valve Prolapse Affect Male Sexual Function?
Does mitral valve prolapse cause sexual dysfunction? Does mitral valve prolapse cause sexual dysfunction? Since it is related to heart blood flow, I am concerned about its impact as a male.
Dr. Xiao Yongxun Reply:
Dear Mr. Luas: 1. There are very few studies that report mitral valve prolapse as a cause of sexual dysfunction. 2. Most cases of mitral valve prolapse are asymptomatic. A small percentage may experience symptoms such as shortness of breath, palpitations, chest pain, arrhythmias...[Read More] Does Mitral Valve Prolapse Affect Male Sexual Function?
Understanding Chronic Stomach Pain and Gastroesophageal Reflux in Teens
Prone to stomach pain, regardless of diet? Hello, doctor. I have had stomach pain issues since middle school, which later improved, but I started experiencing recurrent pain. My gastrointestinal motility is much slower than others; for example, if I eat breakfast at 7 AM, it take...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, the issue you mentioned is indeed a common symptom of gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). It is advisable to consider undergoing an endoscopy to confirm the diagnosis. If the endoscopy confirms GERD, relevant medications can be prescribed under health insurance. Howeve...[Read More] Understanding Chronic Stomach Pain and Gastroesophageal Reflux in Teens
Managing Recurrence of Pleural Effusion: Insights on Immunity and Treatment
How to manage a recurrence of a chronic thoracic condition? Seven years ago, Xiao Min was hospitalized due to a persistent high fever, which led to the discovery of pleural effusion in the thoracic cavity, diagnosed as pulmonary tuberculosis. He was treated and prescribed medicat...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, the factors influencing the occurrence of diseases are numerous and typically involve a combination of constitution, environment, personal health care, genetics, and other factors. Not smoking or drinking alcohol, maintaining a regular lifestyle, and consistently engaging ...[Read More] Managing Recurrence of Pleural Effusion: Insights on Immunity and Treatment
Understanding Heart Palpitations: Tests and Treatment Options
Cardiac issues and diagnostic concerns? Recently, my heart has been racing, reaching a maximum of 136 beats per minute, and my hands also tremble. I underwent a resting electrocardiogram and a chest X-ray, and the doctor said everything was normal, only prescribing me antiarrhyth...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, heart rhythm medications primarily control heart rate and should not have a significant impact on thyroid function. As for the reason behind your increased heart rate, it may be necessary to visit a family medicine or cardiology specialist for a 24-hour Holter monitor to c...[Read More] Understanding Heart Palpitations: Tests and Treatment Options
Understanding Chronic Stomach Pain: Causes and Solutions
Prone to stomach pain, regardless of diet? Hello Doctor, I have been experiencing stomach pain since middle school. It improved for a while, but then the pain became recurrent. My gastrointestinal motility is much slower than average; for instance, if I eat breakfast at 7 AM, it ...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, these are indeed symptoms of gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). The main purposes of performing an endoscopy are to confirm the diagnosis and to qualify for better medication covered by health insurance. However, regardless of how effective the medication is, it prima...[Read More] Understanding Chronic Stomach Pain: Causes and Solutions
Persistent Cough and Sleep Issues: When to Seek Further Medical Help
About the common cold? I have been coughing for three to four days, but there has been no improvement, and my sleep has not been good (I have difficulty breathing). What should I do to improve? I have already visited a hospital in Taipei and underwent a rapid influenza test, whic...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, recently with colds, regardless of whether they are caused by the flu, symptoms including cough typically last for more than 3-4 days. However, if you continue to experience wheezing, it is advisable to get a chest X-ray to confirm whether there is pneumonia. As for the se...[Read More] Persistent Cough and Sleep Issues: When to Seek Further Medical Help
Understanding Causes of Chest and Throat Burning Sensations
Burning sensation in the chest and throat? Hello, doctor. I would like to ask what other conditions, besides gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), can cause a burning sensation in the chest and throat? For example, can heart disease, bronchial diseases, respiratory diseases, or...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, based on your description, the most common cause is indeed gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). Additionally, esophageal infections, gastritis, mediastinitis, and myocarditis are also possible causes. It is recommended to first undergo an upper endoscopy, and if the res...[Read More] Understanding Causes of Chest and Throat Burning Sensations
Persistent Chest Discomfort: When to Seek Further Medical Evaluation
Chest discomfort or tightness? I've been feeling a tightness in my chest these past few days. I saw a doctor who said it might be related to my digestive system. I've been taking medication for a few days, but it hasn't improved. Sometimes the discomfort is more no...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, many diseases can manifest as chest discomfort, including cardiac issues, pulmonary problems, gastrointestinal disorders, or musculoskeletal issues. If you experience persistent chest discomfort, it is advisable to visit a hospital for a thorough examination, which may inc...[Read More] Persistent Chest Discomfort: When to Seek Further Medical Evaluation
Understanding Enterococcus Infections: Arthritis, Neuropathy, and More
Enterococcus arthritis neuropathy Hello Dr. Liao: I have seen many doctors without improvement in my condition, so I am here to seek your advice regarding my medical history: Last August, I was diagnosed with prostatitis and took broad-spectrum antibiotics, specifically tetracycl...
Dr. Liao Zhongxin Reply:
Dear readers, Recently, there have been reports of an increase in cases of vancomycin-resistant enterococci (VRE) infections in hospitals in Hong Kong. Once infected, treatment can be very challenging, with a mortality rate as high as 30%. This outbreak has quickly garnered publ...[Read More] Understanding Enterococcus Infections: Arthritis, Neuropathy, and More
Understanding Abdominal Discomfort While Lying Flat: Possible Causes
Abdominal discomfort? When lying flat on your back while sleeping, you experience discomfort around the area between your chest and abdomen, but you do not feel this discomfort when sleeping on your side. What could be the possible reasons for this? You do not have a significant ...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, based on your description, it seems that you are experiencing discomfort in the area of the esophagus and stomach. The most common cause for this is gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). It is recommended to eat smaller, more frequent meals and to reduce the intake of ir...[Read More] Understanding Abdominal Discomfort While Lying Flat: Possible Causes
Understanding Acute HIV Infection: Symptoms and Diagnosis
Acute HIV infection phase? Hello Doctor, I started feeling unwell around August 29, experiencing fever and fatigue. On August 30, I had blood tests showing a CRP of 7.490 (all other biochemical parameters were normal), WBC of 12,870, Neutrophils 70.8%, Lymphocytes 19.9%, and Mono...
Dr. Liao Zhongxin Reply:
Dear readers: According to the Centers for Disease Control website (http://www.cdc.gov.tw), there are three main routes of HIV transmission: 1. Sexual transmission: Engaging in oral, anal, or vaginal intercourse or other exchanges of bodily fluids with an HIV-infected individual ...[Read More] Understanding Acute HIV Infection: Symptoms and Diagnosis
Could I Have Contracted an STD? Symptoms and Concerns Explained
Sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) Hello, Doctor. I had sexual relations with a mature sex worker on August 22. Initially, she gave me a full-body massage with lotion, and later we engaged in intercourse with a condom. However, about 20 minutes after finishing and returning hom...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, based solely on your symptoms, it is difficult to definitively determine whether it is a sexually transmitted infection (STI), primarily because STIs can present with a wide range of symptoms. Additional diagnostic tests are needed for a more accurate assessment. If you ar...[Read More] Could I Have Contracted an STD? Symptoms and Concerns Explained
Can Normal Chest X-Ray Rule Out Tuberculosis?
If a chest X-ray is normal, does it necessarily mean that tuberculosis is not present? If a chest X-ray is normal, does it necessarily mean that there is no tuberculosis?
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello: It is not accurate to say that a normal X-ray definitively rules out tuberculosis, as the likelihood of tuberculosis is very low but still possible. For instance, when tuberculosis is not severe, the changes on the X-ray may be subtle. Additionally, a small number of indiv...[Read More] Can Normal Chest X-Ray Rule Out Tuberculosis?
Frequent Bacterial Infections: Is It a Sign of Immune System Issues?
Repeated bacterial infections – is it a problem with the immune system? Hello, doctor. In mid-May of this year, I had an acne wound infection that spread inflammation to half of my face within a week. After taking antibiotics for three weeks, I recovered. Shortly after, at the en...
Dr. Gao Jiankai Reply:
Hello, thank you for your inquiry. The frequent infections during this period are indeed unusual. It is recommended to consult with an immunologist or a hematologist. The Changhua Hospital of the Ministry of Health and Welfare has an Allergy, Immunology, and Rheumatology Departme...[Read More] Frequent Bacterial Infections: Is It a Sign of Immune System Issues?
Managing Persistent Lung Inflammation: Tips for Care Before Hospital Visits
Pneumonia Hello, doctor... My mother is 60 years old! She initially sought treatment at a clinic for a urinary tract infection but only received injections and medication without improvement for about ten days. She then started experiencing high fevers around 39 to 40 degrees Cel...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, based on your description, it seems that your mother's condition may have worsened. If she is feeling very unwell, it is advisable to seek emergency care. Regarding her lung condition, it appears to be quite complex and may involve atypical pathogens or inflammation c...[Read More] Managing Persistent Lung Inflammation: Tips for Care Before Hospital Visits
Which Medical Specialty Should You Consult for Unexplained Localized Heat?
Which department should I see? Hello Doctor: I would like to inquire about experiencing unexplained localized warmth in the body (specifically in the shoulders, back, and chest) at normal room temperature, along with sweating at the back of the head. My body temperature ranges be...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, a person's local temperature may vary due to local blood circulation, whether there is pressure, or if there is congestion or inflammation. This is a normal physiological phenomenon. Problems may arise only if there are signs of local redness, swelling, heat, or pain....[Read More] Which Medical Specialty Should You Consult for Unexplained Localized Heat?
Understanding Periodic Low Fever: Possible Causes and Next Steps
Periodic low-grade fever? Hello doctor, recently I've been experiencing slight weakness in my limbs, and my body temperature rises to 37.7 to 37.8 degrees Celsius in the afternoon, during which I feel a bit unwell. However, by the evening, my temperature returns to normal, a...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, the symptoms of tuberculosis are often very atypical, making it difficult to simply distinguish whether it is pulmonary tuberculosis based solely on symptoms. Conditions such as chronic allergies, rheumatic autoimmune diseases, and chronic bronchitis can present similar sy...[Read More] Understanding Periodic Low Fever: Possible Causes and Next Steps
Chest Tightness and Mid-Back Pain: Understanding Symptoms and Causes
Chest tightness and mid-back pain? Symptoms: Chest tightness and pain, mid-back pain, which is relieved for about 2 hours after running, but then the pain returns. Duration: Six months or even longer. Examination: 1. Chest X-ray normal, compared with last year's film from Au...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Based on your description, it seems less likely to be caused by a tumor. If the rheumatology and immunology department has already evaluated you, there is a higher chance of inflammation in the bones or muscles. It is recommended that you consult an orthopedic specialist or a fam...[Read More] Chest Tightness and Mid-Back Pain: Understanding Symptoms and Causes
Understanding Dizziness and Discomfort: When to Seek Medical Advice
Dizziness, body heat, discomfort, and dry heaving? Hello, Doctor! Recently, I've been experiencing dizziness and a feeling of warmth in my body after walking or standing for about a minute. My walking becomes unstable, especially during exercise, and I feel a pressure in my ...
Dr. Liao Zhongxin Reply:
Dear readers: "I have been experiencing dizziness when walking or standing for about a minute." Here are some responses: 1. Consider two aspects: (1) Orthostatic hypotension: This occurs when standing up suddenly after prolonged sitting or lying down, leading to ...[Read More] Understanding Dizziness and Discomfort: When to Seek Medical Advice