Understanding Elevated Body Temperature: Causes and When to Seek Help
Elevated body temperature? Hello Dr. Hong, on Sunday morning (8/21), I bought a rice ball from a convenience store and noticed that the bottom packaging was damaged after taking a few bites, so I discarded it. Later that evening, I felt a bit unwell while staying in an air-condit...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, since convenience store food is kept at low temperatures throughout the transportation process, the damaged packaging you mentioned should not significantly affect the food itself. Unless you are experiencing any discomfort, there is currently no need for you to seek medic...[Read More] Understanding Elevated Body Temperature: Causes and When to Seek Help
Understanding Bruising on Legs: When to Seek Medical Attention
Leg bruising? Hello doctor, yesterday I noticed several bruises on the front of my lower leg (7 or 8 of varying sizes, mostly yellow). I also checked my inner thighs and arms but did not find any bruises. Recently, I have bumped into the corner of a table a few times, but not to ...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, based on your photo, it does appear that the likelihood of a bruise is highest due to trauma. If you do not have any history of trauma, other factors such as insect bites, skin itching leading to frequent scratching, vigorous washing or massaging of the legs, etc., could a...[Read More] Understanding Bruising on Legs: When to Seek Medical Attention
Understanding Bruising: When to Worry About Your Symptoms
Leg bruising Hello doctor, yesterday I noticed several bruises on the front of my lower leg (about 7 or 8 of varying sizes, mostly yellow). I also checked my inner thighs and arms but did not find any bruises. Recently, I have bumped into the corner of a table a few times, but no...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, based on your photo, it does appear that bruising is most likely due to trauma. If you do not have any history of trauma, other factors such as insect bites, skin itching leading to frequent scratching, vigorous scrubbing, or massaging of the legs could also cause this phe...[Read More] Understanding Bruising: When to Worry About Your Symptoms
Understanding Sinus Rhythm with Right Bundle Branch Block: What You Need to Know
Static Electrocardiogram (ECG) Hello Dr. Hong: Recently, during my son's company health check-up, a resting electrocardiogram revealed sinus rhythm with right bundle branch block. Is this considered a heart condition? What kind of treatment is necessary? Should we schedule a...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, this indicates that the electrical conduction in a certain part of the heart is slower, but it doesn't necessarily mean there is a disease; it could also be a normal physiological phenomenon. It is recommended to consult a cardiologist, as further tests such as an ele...[Read More] Understanding Sinus Rhythm with Right Bundle Branch Block: What You Need to Know
Understanding Elevated White Blood Cells and Platelets: What You Need to Know
Elevated white blood cell and platelet counts? Dear Doctor: Three years ago, my blood test showed a white blood cell count of 12,400 and a platelet count of 500,000. Recently, my test results indicated a white blood cell count of 13,900 and a platelet count of 550,000, but I do n...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, an elevated white blood cell count typically indicates that the body is in an inflammatory state, which may be due to infection, injury, medication (such as steroids), or other factors causing inflammation. It is advisable to first examine the areas of the body that are un...[Read More] Understanding Elevated White Blood Cells and Platelets: What You Need to Know
Post-Appendectomy: Persistent Low-Grade Fever, Dizziness, and Appetite Loss
After appendectomy, the body often experiences elevated temperature, dizziness, and decreased appetite? Hello Doctor, in mid-July, I had a continuous high fever of 39 degrees Celsius for two days. I was taken to the emergency room and found out that my appendix had ruptured. The ...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, based on your description, the main issues seem to be elevated body temperature and poor appetite. I'm not sure if there are any other discomforts, including those related to the surgical area or other parts of the body. If there are, it may be necessary to conduct ex...[Read More] Post-Appendectomy: Persistent Low-Grade Fever, Dizziness, and Appetite Loss
Understanding Viral Infections: Insights from Recent Blood Test Results
Viral infection Hello doctor, on the night of August 4th, I experienced fever and chills. The next day, I had a loss of appetite and nausea. After visiting an ENT specialist and taking medication, I felt somewhat better, but the fever returned quickly. Eventually, on August 18th,...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, most of these results are "reactive," meaning they show a response but may not have significant implications. 1. TOXO, or Toxoplasma gondii, antibody reactions are for reference and must be interpreted in conjunction with clinical symptoms to make a diagnosis. ...[Read More] Understanding Viral Infections: Insights from Recent Blood Test Results
Understanding the Impact of Stress on Immune System Health
Immune system Hello, doctor. I am the patient who asked questions today regarding the many positive results. Thank you for your answers. What I fear the most is the HIV test, but fortunately, it came back negative. However, I am still very worried about the numerous abnormal resu...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, indeed, aside from HIV, other positive results do not necessarily indicate an acute infection. Wishing you all the best and good health.[Read More] Understanding the Impact of Stress on Immune System Health
Should Individuals with Unexplained Fever and Infections Get Vaccinated?
Please advise on the administration of the COVID-19 vaccine for individuals with this type of constitution? Hello Dr. Gao, I have been experiencing unexplained fevers since 2014, with daily episodes lasting at least 6 hours, usually not exceeding 38.5 degrees Celsius. During seve...
Dr. Gao Jiankai Reply:
Hello, thank you for your inquiry. I believe that if possible, you should continue to follow up at the Rheumatology Department of National Taiwan University to try to identify the cause of the chronic fever. I have a patient who also experienced persistent chronic fever, initiall...[Read More] Should Individuals with Unexplained Fever and Infections Get Vaccinated?
Understanding Hepatitis B Carriers: Can Infection Occur During Childhood?
Questions related to hepatitis B carriers? I recently learned that my husband is a carrier of hepatitis B after his health check-up. I would like to understand if, apart from vertical transmission at birth, it is possible for someone to become a carrier through infection during t...
Dr. Xie Rongyuan Reply:
Hello: The transmission routes of hepatitis B primarily involve the entry of blood or bodily fluids infected with the hepatitis B virus into the human body through the skin or mucous membranes, particularly into the bloodstream. Hepatitis B can also be transmitted from mother to ...[Read More] Understanding Hepatitis B Carriers: Can Infection Occur During Childhood?
Assessing HIV Infection Risk After Eye Exposure to Unknown Liquid
Infection risk Hello Dr. Hong, I apologize for the interruption. I would like to ask you a question. Last night while dining out, an unknown liquid splashed near my eyes, very close to the eye area (I am not sure if it got into the mucous membranes of my eyes). I am concerned t...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, the likelihood of contracting HIV in the situation you mentioned is very low, and there have been no reported cases of HIV infection as a result. It is recommended to monitor the situation, and there is no need for medication at this time. Thank you for your inquiry.[Read More] Assessing HIV Infection Risk After Eye Exposure to Unknown Liquid
Understanding Dual Positivity of Hepatitis B Antigen and Antibody
Dual positivity for hepatitis B antigen and antibody? Hello, my student’s health check revealed that they are positive for both hepatitis B antigen and antibody, with an antigen level of 944.1 (+) and an antibody level of 18.12 (+). What does this mean?
Dr. Liao Zhongxin Reply:
1. First, here is a reference: Liver Disease Prevention and Treatment Academic Foundation https://www.liver.org.tw/journalView.php?cat=67&sid=926&page=1 Scenario 3: Both Hepatitis B surface antigen and antibody are positive. Regardless of whether Anti-HBs (Hepatitis B sur...[Read More] Understanding Dual Positivity of Hepatitis B Antigen and Antibody
Understanding Syphilis Treatment Options for LGBTQ+ Patients
Syphilis Diagnosis and Treatment I am gay and I was first diagnosed with syphilis two years ago (I was also diagnosed with HIV at the same time). I have received treatment (three injections for syphilis) and I was cured. Last year, I contracted syphilis again, but I was afraid to...
Dr. Liao Zhongxin Reply:
1. Yes, because the health insurance card will be annotated. For example, HIV and syphilis are both legally mandated reportable infectious diseases. If a clinic or physician diagnoses a legally reportable infectious disease but fails to report it within the specified time frame, ...[Read More] Understanding Syphilis Treatment Options for LGBTQ+ Patients
Understanding Safe Needle Use in HIV Screening: Your Concerns Addressed
Regarding screening needles? I previously went for an HIV test, and the person said they used safe needles for blood collection, similar to those at the Red House testing station. However, I have a concern: is it possible that I accidentally received a needle that was used by som...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, the so-called safety needles refer to those that retract the needle back into the syringe after a single use, making them completely unusable afterward. Therefore, there is no need to worry about the issue of reuse. Thank you for your question.[Read More] Understanding Safe Needle Use in HIV Screening: Your Concerns Addressed
Can You Get HIV from a Beach Injury? Understanding Infection Risks
Infection issues Hello doctor, today I went to the beach at Bali Left Bank. I was wearing flip-flops and later I felt a sharp pain, but there was no bleeding. I want to ask if there are any cases of people getting infected with HIV from being punctured on the beach... I didn'...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, there are currently no reported cases of HIV infection from being injured by needles or other objects on the beach, so it is recommended to continue monitoring the situation. Thank you for your inquiry.[Read More] Can You Get HIV from a Beach Injury? Understanding Infection Risks
Allergic Rhinitis and Reactions After Novavax COVID-19 Vaccination
Allergic rhinitis and reactions after COVID-19 vaccination? Hello, doctor. I have a history of allergies, including allergic rhinitis and atopic dermatitis. I usually experience a runny nose and nasal congestion upon waking up, which lasts until noon. On August 9th, I received th...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, 1. The runny nose caused by the vaccine typically resolves within 24 hours. Therefore, your condition may be due to an infection or other allergens. It is recommended to first test for COVID-19. If the result is negative, you can proceed with symptomatic treatment. 2. I...[Read More] Allergic Rhinitis and Reactions After Novavax COVID-19 Vaccination
How Long Does It Take for a Tongue Injury to Heal?
Issues with the tongue? Hello doctor, I injured my tongue with dental floss, and after two weeks, there is still a small indentation. It doesn't hurt much and doesn't resemble an ulcer with a white appearance. How long does it usually take for this type of tongue injury...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, the healing of the tongue typically takes a few weeks. If you are not experiencing any significant discomfort, there is no need to worry. Thank you for your question.[Read More] How Long Does It Take for a Tongue Injury to Heal?
Understanding Elevated Rheumatoid Factor: What You Need to Know
Elevated rheumatoid factor issue? Hello, Doctor. Last month, at the end of July, I underwent a comprehensive health check-up and unexpectedly found that my rheumatoid factor was elevated (242 IU/ml, with a reference range of below 20 IU/ml). All other health check items were almo...
Dr. Gao Jiankai Reply:
Hello, thank you for your question. Here are my responses: 1. The health check report indicates that a small number of healthy individuals may also have elevated RF factors—if I have no symptoms, should I not worry too much? --> Some symptoms can be very mild and may go unno...[Read More] Understanding Elevated Rheumatoid Factor: What You Need to Know
Unexplained Fever: Seeking Answers Beyond Immunology and Infectious Diseases
Fever of unknown origin Hello Doctor: I have been experiencing unexplained fever since May 20th. I have seen both immunology and rheumatology specialists, as well as infectious disease specialists, and have undergone all necessary blood and urine tests, all of which came back nor...
Dr. Lin Wufu Reply:
Hello, undiagnosed fever is inherently a challenging diagnostic issue, with some individuals requiring follow-up for one to two years before the underlying cause gradually becomes apparent. There are also many cases where the fever resolves on its own over time. It is recommended...[Read More] Unexplained Fever: Seeking Answers Beyond Immunology and Infectious Diseases
Does Cetirizine Affect Heart Rate? Exploring Alternatives Like Levocetirizine
Cetirizine and heart rate issues? Hello, doctor. I have been taking cetirizine for chronic urticaria for over 10 years. I have been using a smartwatch to monitor my heart rate, which often ranges from 95 to 100 bpm, and when lying down and resting, it is about 80 to 90 bpm. I hav...
Dr. Gao Jiankai Reply:
Hello, thank you for your question. Here are my responses: 1. Is it possible that cetirizine is affecting you? --> The likelihood is very low. In my clinical experience, I have not encountered this, and there is very little literature reporting tachycardia as a side effect. ...[Read More] Does Cetirizine Affect Heart Rate? Exploring Alternatives Like Levocetirizine