Ear, Internal Medicine FAQ

Concerns About Pork Tapeworm Infection After Handling Fresh Pork

Pork tapeworm parasite This morning, I went to the market to buy pork (ground pork). The vendor said the pork was freshly slaughtered. After I brought it home and handled it, I forgot to wash my hands, but I did use alcohol to disinfect them before eating. Is there a risk of para...

Dr. Liao Zhongxin Reply:
No; you can refer to the CDC's information: https://www.cdc.gov.tw/Category/ListContent/AHwuigegBBBmuDcbWkzoGQ?uaid=T0MRJj8KVycdb4ZS6EGu_g. In Hualien County, an indigenous man named Peng Zhaoxi frequently consumed raw wild boar meat. Over a month ago, he developed a hard lu...

Concerns About Pork Tapeworm Infection After Handling Fresh Pork

Dr. Liao Zhongxin Reply:
No; you can refer to the information from the Centers for Disease Control: https://www.cdc.gov.tw/Category/ListContent/AHwuigegBBBmuDcbWkzoGQ?uaid=T0MRJj8KVycdb4ZS6EGu_g. In Hualien County, an indigenous man named Peng Zhaoxi frequently consumed raw wild boar meat. Over a month a...

Feeling Pressure Near the Stomach: Could It Be a Spine Injury or Gastro Issue?

Recently, I have been feeling a pressure near my chest, close to my stomach? For the past few days, when I lie flat on my bed, I feel a sensation as if something is pressing against my chest near my stomach. I'm not sure if this is related to my spinal surgery after I fell f...

Dr. Li Yanquan Reply:
Please first consult the surgeon who performed your operation, and then see a gastroenterologist. Thank you.

Is Two-Medication Therapy Effective for Helicobacter Pylori?

Helicobacter pylori treatment Dear Doctor, I found treatments online that are either triple or quadruple therapy, but my doctor only prescribed two medications: LFLOCIN F.C. TABLETS 500MG once daily, one tablet, and AMOXICILLIN CAPSULES 500MG twice daily, two capsules each for tw...

Dr. Li Yanquan Reply:
Please consult the original attending physician regarding this issue, or you may seek a second opinion from another gastroenterologist. Thank you.

Concerns Over Mysterious Particles on Cooked Squid Rings: Health Risks?

The cooked squid rings are covered with unidentified granular substances? Recently, I dined at a Vietnamese restaurant and noticed that the squid rings in the rice noodles had a dense layer of greenish-yellow granular substances. When I inquired with the staff, they claimed it wa...

Dr. Lin Wufu Reply:
Hello! I understand your concerns, but to be honest, based on your description, I cannot confirm what exactly it is, making it difficult to assess its potential impact on the human body. Generally, parasites or their eggs are very sensitive to high temperatures; a slight exposure...

Persistent Dry Cough After COVID-19: Understanding Symptoms and Management

A slight cough (non-productive) in the throat persisting for six months after a confirmed COVID-19 infection? Hello Doctor: I am 20 years old and have ankylosing spondylitis. I tested positive for COVID-19 in early October 2022, experiencing mild symptoms (low fever for 1-2 days,...

Dr. Xie Rongyuan Reply:
Hello: After being diagnosed with COVID-19, there may be upper respiratory symptoms. If the symptoms persist, you may visit a hospital for medical care to alleviate the symptoms. Thank you for your message!

Concerns About Parasite Infection After Using Contaminated Water

Parasitic issues? Dear Doctor, I stayed overnight in a rural area where the washing facilities only had a faucet without a showerhead and no hot water supply. It had not been used for about six months, and when I turned it on, I noticed some filamentous floating substances resemb...

Dr. Liao Zhongxin Reply:
1. Parasitic infections are primarily transmitted through contact routes, such as oral ingestion (via drinking water or food) or external parasites (like scabies). Therefore, when traveling to the outdoors or Southeast Asia, remember to wear long sleeves and avoid consuming untre...

Dog Bite Concerns: Do You Need Rabies and Tetanus Vaccines?

Bitten by my own dog? Hello Doctor, I would like to ask four questions: 1. I was bitten on my finger by my dog around midnight on April 13. The bite site is shown in the photos linked here. There was no bleeding, and I'm not sure if there are other bite marks. My dog is tw...

Dr. Lin Wufu Reply:
Hello, it is recommended to go to the hospital for wound treatment and evaluation if bitten! Online consultations cannot replace in-person examinations and assessments. 1. No, if bitten by a domestic dog, rabies vaccination is not necessary. 2. Any deep wound carries a risk; i...

Understanding Urticaria and Thyroid Test Results: Key Insights

Urticaria and Thyroid Testing After catching a cold at the end of February (with symptoms of sore throat and general weakness), I began to develop hives all over my body, particularly around my eyes and neck. I visited a clinic where I was prescribed steroids and received an inje...

Dr. Gao Jiankai Reply:
Hello, thank you for your question. Here are my responses: 1. Is there a connection between urticaria and slightly elevated TSH levels? Do I need to see a rheumatologist for an examination? --> In cases of long-term urticaria, we sometimes check thyroid function. Your TSH is ...

Long COVID Management Tips for Patients with Ankylosing Spondylitis

Considerations for Long COVID Treatment in Patients with Ankylosing Spondylitis Hello Doctor: My son, who is 20 years old, has a history of ankylosing spondylitis. He tested positive for COVID-19 in early October 2022, experiencing mild symptoms (low-grade fever for 1-2 days, mus...

Dr. Gao Jiankai Reply:
Hello, thank you for your inquiry. Here are my responses: 1. Is the slower recovery from long COVID possibly related to ankylosing spondylitis? How long does it take to fully recover? --> Long COVID can be monitored for three months; after three months, most symptoms should g...

Which Specialist Should I See for Right Upper Abdomen Discomfort?

Not sure which specialty to see? Hello, doctor. I have been experiencing discomfort in my upper right abdomen (not a constant pain, nor a sharp pain) for almost two years. It feels like there is something inside, and occasionally pressing on the right upper rib causes pain. I con...

Dr. Lin Wuxuan Reply:
Hello, 1. The CA125 level is 47; it is recommended to follow up with a gynecologist. 2. For upper abdominal pain and rib pain, if liver, gallbladder, and gastrointestinal diseases have been ruled out, it is advisable to consult a cardiologist for further evaluation. Thank you.

Managing Weight Gain with Hypothyroidism: Tips and Advice

Hypothyroidism and weight gain? Hello Doctor, I just learned that I have hypothyroidism and have gained 25 kilograms over the past year. I am currently on medication, and my thyroid levels are normal, but I am still unable to lose weight. I have significant gray hair, often feel ...

Dr. Lin Wufu Reply:
Hello, please consult with the physician who is currently monitoring your condition and prescribing medication. I'm not sure if the symptoms you mentioned are directly related to hypothyroidism; additional endocrine and internal medicine blood tests may be necessary.

Frequent Dizziness and Unsteadiness: When to Seek Medical Attention

Dizziness and unsteadiness? Hello, Doctor. I would like to ask about my condition. Over the past few weeks, I have been experiencing frequent dizziness. It started with pain in the back of my head, followed by dizziness and instability when standing. I often feel like I'm go...

Dr. Xie Rongyuan Reply:
Hello: If you frequently experience dizziness, it is important to seek medical attention to determine the underlying cause. Thank you for your message!

Assessing Infection Risks from Handling Contaminated Clothing

Is there a risk of infection? On April 6, I helped a patient wash underwear stained with menstrual blood. I had several small wounds on my hands (including cuts from finger flesh and mosquito bites). The patient has a history of genital warts, so I am uncertain about their health...

Dr. Liao Zhongxin Reply:
1. In principle, healthcare personnel should not have direct contact with patients' blood, body fluids, or wounds without gloves; they should wear gloves while performing procedures. 2. If there is accidental contact with an infectious wound, remember to first wash it thor...

Can You Get Infected from a Used Needle During Blood Draw?

Is there an infection? Hello doctor, the other day at the hospital, after a person had their blood drawn and left, I sat down next. I noticed that the needle cap used by the nurse was already opened and exposed to the air before she drew my blood. I suspect that the nurse did not...

Dr. Liao Zhongxin Reply:
According to the data from the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), 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 carries a risk of infectio...

Stepping on Cockroaches: Risks and Precautions for Your Health

Stepping on a cockroach barefoot? Today, when I went shopping, I accidentally stepped on a cockroach while wearing flip-flops. The cockroach seemed to have just died, and it got stuck between my foot and the flip-flop. I quickly shook it off, but since I was outside, I wasn'...

Dr. Liao Zhongxin Reply:
The general public has a complete immune system, and if there are no obvious wounds, there is little chance of infection; simply washing the foot that stepped on a foreign object is sufficient.

Understanding the Link Between EB Virus, CMV, and White Blood Cell Counts

The relationship between Epstein-Barr virus (EBV), cytomegalovirus (CMV), and leukocytes? Hello Doctor, I experienced fever along with swollen and painful bilateral inguinal lymph nodes at the beginning of February. I went for a urology examination, and the blood test was done ap...

Dr. Gao Jiankai Reply:
Hello, thank you for your inquiry. It is recommended to include the reference ranges for the test results to facilitate interpretation, as different hospitals may use different laboratory equipment, which can lead to variations in normal values. Additionally, although the total w...

Dietary Recommendations for Elderly Patients with Diabetes, Hypertension, and Kidney Issues

For patients with chronic kidney dysfunction, diabetes, and hypertension, it is important to follow a diet that helps manage these conditions. Here are some dietary recommendations: 1. **Limit Sodium Intake**: Reduce salt consumption to help control blood pressure. Aim for less ...

Dr. Lin Wuxuan Reply:
Hello, it is recommended to first take the elderly person to an outpatient clinic for examination and evaluation, and then consult a nutritionist for dietary advice. Thank you.

Understanding Thyroid Nodules: Symptoms, Diagnosis, and Treatment Options

Thyroid nodule Three years ago, a company health check revealed slight abnormalities in thyroid indices and a suspected enlargement of the neck. Upon further examination at the hospital, a nodule approximately 1.2-1.4 cm in size (with microcalcifications) was confirmed on the rig...

Dr. Li Jian Reply:
Ultrasound localization is more accurate. If you have recently felt tightness or discomfort in your neck, you can return for ultrasound follow-up, but it is usually not caused by nodules.

Swallowed Half-Chewed Almond: Understanding Stomach Pain and Risks

Stomach pain after swallowing a half-chewed almond? Last night, while I was chewing almonds, I was urged by my family to quickly grab something, and in a rush, I swallowed a large piece of almond that I hadn't fully chewed. It was sharp and uncomfortable going down. After th...

Dr. Gao Jiankai Reply:
Hello, thank you for your question. Our bodies have the ability to digest most foods, including nuts. Swallowing them whole may cause some symptoms during the process, but if the symptoms disappear the next day, I think it would be reasonable to continue monitoring. If any discom...

Previous｜Page ｜Next