Understanding Eye Allergies: Causes and Solutions for Itchy Eyes
Causes of Eye Allergies Hello Doctor, my child is 19 years old and has been troubled by allergies since childhood, primarily experiencing nasal congestion and runny nose (we have tested for over twenty allergens, which are unrelated to dust mites or pollen; based on regular obser...
Dr. Gao Jiankai Reply:
Hello, thank you for your question. Here are my answers: 1) Is my child's itchy eyes due to nasal allergies causing eye allergies, or is it because allergens directly entered the eyes causing eye allergies? In other words, even if my child keeps their eyes covered all day,...[Read More] Understanding Eye Allergies: Causes and Solutions for Itchy Eyes
Can You Get HIV from a Used Needle During Anonymous Testing?
I would like to ask the doctor if this could lead to an HIV infection? A few days ago, I underwent anonymous HIV testing, and the result was negative. However, I was very nervous during the test and did not pay attention to whether the blood draw needle was new. I would like to a...
Dr. Liao Zhongxin Reply:
A. First, refer to the relevant information from the Centers for Disease Control: https://www.cdc.gov.tw/Category/Page/lehLY2EFku4q7Gqv4bql2w. For example, there are three main transmission routes for the Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV): * Sexual transmission: Engaging in sexu...[Read More] Can You Get HIV from a Used Needle During Anonymous Testing?
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...[Read More] Understanding Dizziness, Nausea, and Weakness: When to Seek Help
Is It Safe to Dine Indoors and Stay in Enclosed Spaces During COVID-19?
Regarding COVID-19? Hello, doctor. Currently, Taiwan has tens of thousands of confirmed COVID-19 cases daily. Is it safe to stay indoors for extended periods (such as in libraries or cinemas)? Is wearing a mask indoors sufficient for safety? What about dining indoors? If dining i...
Dr. Lin Wufu Reply:
During the pandemic, it is generally recommended to maintain a distance of at least 2 meters from others indoors and for both parties to wear masks, which can significantly reduce the risk of infection. Therefore, dining indoors carries a higher risk than simply being indoors. On...[Read More] Is It Safe to Dine Indoors and Stay in Enclosed Spaces During COVID-19?
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...[Read More] Sudden Rapid Heartbeat and Low Oxygen: Understanding Your Symptoms
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.[Read More] Assessing Infection Risks from Accidental Contact in Public Spaces
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.[Read More] Is an HbA1c of 8 and Random Blood Sugar of 146 a Diabetes Diagnosis?
Understanding Upper Abdominal Bloating: Causes and Solutions
Upper abdominal bloating and pain? Hello Doctor, in the past couple of years, due to exam preparations, I have been sitting a lot and exercising less. I have experienced mild gastric discomfort before several major exams, but recently I have been frequently experiencing upper abd...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, based on your description, your stomach pain is likely primarily caused by exam stress, which is exacerbated by your menstrual period. It is expected that your symptoms will improve after the exams are over and the stress is relieved. During this time, I recommend engaging...[Read More] Understanding Upper Abdominal Bloating: Causes and Solutions
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...[Read More] Navigating Conflicting Medical Opinions: Lymphadenopathy vs. Cellulitis
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...[Read More] Managing Thyroid Issues After Total Thyroidectomy: A Patient's Journey
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...[Read More] Understanding HIV Rapid Test Results: What a Faint Line Means
Is Indoor Dining Safe During Ongoing COVID-19 Cases in Taiwan?
Regarding COVID-19? Hello, doctor. Currently, Taiwan has tens of thousands of confirmed COVID-19 cases daily. Is it safe to stay indoors for extended periods (such as in libraries or cinemas), or is wearing a mask indoors sufficient for safety? If indoor dining is still not safe,...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, the main concern is whether there are protective measures in place. For example, if there are partitions or if the distance between diners exceeds 1.5 meters, then it is permissible to remove masks while eating, and this is not directly related to the number of confirmed c...[Read More] Is Indoor Dining Safe During Ongoing COVID-19 Cases in Taiwan?
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...[Read More] Understanding Variations in Posterior Tibial Artery Pulsation: When to Seek Help
Understanding HIV Testing: Choosing Between RTPCR and Ag/Ab Combo Tests
HIV testing issues? Hello, doctor. I used an HIV self-test on June 15 (I was worried, so I used two different brands purchased from the Ministry of Health and Welfare: Kenbair and Milan), and both results were negative. My last sexual encounter was in February of last year, and I...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, based on your current condition, it is recommended to first undergo an HIV Ag/Ab Combo Test for screening. Thank you for your inquiry.[Read More] Understanding HIV Testing: Choosing Between RTPCR and Ag/Ab Combo Tests
Understanding Delayed Reactions to COVID-19 Vaccines in Elderly Patients
Adverse Reactions Following COVID-19 Vaccination Dear Doctor, My mother is 84 years old and has been taking anticoagulants due to a stroke. On June 20, she received her fourth dose of the vaccine; the first three doses were AstraZeneca, AstraZeneca, and Moderna. She did not expe...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, based on your description, it seems that the issue is not a delayed reaction but rather an enlargement of the bruise due to long-term use of anticoagulant medication. Could you please specify which anticoagulant your mother is taking? Most commonly, it is Coumadin (warfari...[Read More] Understanding Delayed Reactions to COVID-19 Vaccines in Elderly Patients
Understanding the Risks of Industrial Alcohol Exposure in Labs
Industrial alcohol inquiry? Hello Doctor, I am currently interning and trying to understand the products, so I followed a lab technician to conduct experiments. To clean the marker off the beaker, it is better to use 95% alcohol spray, as it washes off more easily. Since I haven&...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, these chemicals or compounds do indeed have a pungent odor, and many can cause dizziness when inhaled. However, unless consumed in large quantities, they are unlikely to cause significant harm to the body. It is recommended to drink plenty of water and rest; this should he...[Read More] Understanding the Risks of Industrial Alcohol Exposure in Labs
Concerns About Exposure to Unknown Liquid: Health Risks for Children
Contact with unknown liquid? Today, I took my son to the hospital. On our way there, we passed by a flower bed and sidewalk where there was a large puddle of some unknown thick liquid, which could have been vomit or feces. At that moment, we were in a hurry and didn't examin...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, in an outdoor environment with relatively good ventilation, the diseases you are concerned about, such as COVID-19, monkeypox, and influenza, are less likely to be contracted through contamination. These diseases primarily spread through inhalation of respiratory droplets ...[Read More] Concerns About Exposure to Unknown Liquid: Health Risks for Children
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...[Read More] Understanding Anti-SSA and Anti-SSB Antibodies: Implications and Insights
Understanding Sudden Thigh Pain: Causes, Treatments, and Recovery
Sudden pain? Hello, recently my family members tested positive for COVID-19, and I also tested positive. Then yesterday, I suddenly felt soreness in my thigh (it doesn't hurt when standing or walking, but after squatting, there is pain near a specific point on the right side...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, indeed some people with long COVID experience muscle soreness, which can be difficult to distinguish from strains. However, the management is the same: rest and heat therapy, as well as anti-inflammatory ointments such as Soothe, or acupuncture, can help alleviate symptoms...[Read More] Understanding Sudden Thigh Pain: Causes, Treatments, and Recovery
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 ...[Read More] Understanding Sleep Issues in Teen Athletes: A Guide to Common Concerns