Understanding Dizziness After an Earthquake: Is It Normal?
Dizziness issues? Hello doctor, I just had lunch at home in Taipei when a strong earthquake suddenly struck. I quickly ran to crouch next to the refrigerator's support beam, and it felt very frightening. After the earthquake, I experienced a slight dizziness; it wasn't ...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, unless there is a head injury, an earthquake itself typically does not have a direct impact on the head. Dizziness is likely related to lifestyle factors, and adequate rest should help. Thank you for your question.[Read More] Understanding Dizziness After an Earthquake: Is It Normal?
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
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
Can Abdominal Pain Be Linked to STIs? Understanding the Risks
Is abdominal pain a sign of a sexually transmitted infection? I had an encounter with a female online friend in March of this year. We did not have sexual intercourse; I engaged in digital penetration for about 30 seconds, touched my own genitals, and she performed oral sex on me...
Dr. Lin Wufu Reply:
Hello: Indeed, some infectious diseases can be transmitted through sexual contact or oral contact (mainly the ones you mentioned), but they would not typically present with abdominal pain lasting six months. Abdominal pain has many differential diagnoses and is likely unrelated t...[Read More] Can Abdominal Pain Be Linked to STIs? Understanding the Risks
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
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
Potential Risks of Unknown Liquid Exposure: What You Need to Know
Contact with unknown liquid? During my visit to a local hospital in Southeast Asia, I was wearing a face mask and face shield due to the pandemic, so I didn't notice if I came into contact with anything. After returning home, I discovered brownish-yellow stains on my hands (...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, since it is difficult to determine what items you have come into contact with, it is challenging to assess the potential infectious diseases. However, generally speaking, if you do not have any obvious wounds or needle punctures, it is unlikely that you have been exposed t...[Read More] Potential Risks of Unknown Liquid Exposure: What You Need to Know
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
Increased Sweating After Starting Plaquenil: Is It Related?
After taking Belviq, I started sweating more than before? Hello Doctor: Two months ago, I went to the hospital for an examination and found that I have genes similar to lupus erythematosus, but I am still in the pre-symptomatic stage. Therefore, the doctor prescribed me 200 mg of...
Dr. Gao Jiankai Reply:
Hello, thank you for your inquiry. Based on my clinical experience and information regarding the side effects of this medication, it appears that excessive sweating is not a common side effect. The Allergy, Immunology, and Rheumatology Department at Changhua Hospital, Ministry of...[Read More] Increased Sweating After Starting Plaquenil: Is It Related?
Understanding Persistent Right Lower Abdominal Pain in Seniors: Causes and Specialist Recommendations
Right lower abdominal pain? My grandmother was born in 1934 and is currently 76 years old. She has been experiencing chronic pain in her lower right abdomen. Recently, she was hospitalized due to a gastric ulcer and underwent both colonoscopy and gastroscopy. The results showed a...
Dr. Wu Jiyu Reply:
There are many potential causes for right lower abdominal pain, ranging from the gastrointestinal system to the urinary and reproductive systems. It is advisable to consult your original gastroenterologist for appropriate examinations or referrals (to urology or obstetrics and gy...[Read More] Understanding Persistent Right Lower Abdominal Pain in Seniors: Causes and Specialist Recommendations
Managing Long-Term Low Potassium: Symptoms and Next Steps
Chronic hypokalemia Hello Doctor 👋 # I have been experiencing low potassium, proteinuria, mild anemia, and diarrhea for over a year! My body often feels unwell with symptoms such as fatigue, dizziness, numbness in my hands, nausea, palpitations, diarrhea, high blood pressure, and...
Dr. Wu Jiyu Reply:
Based on your inquiry, chronic hypokalemia primarily falls under the domain of nephrology, and it is advisable to consult a nephrologist for better coordination in managing your condition. Thank you for your question; the Nephrology Department at Changhua Hospital is here to supp...[Read More] Managing Long-Term Low Potassium: Symptoms and Next Steps
Concerns About Medication: Amoxicillin Allergy Risks for Patients
Medication concerns Hello, doctor. I would like to ask you about folliculitis in my nose that seems to have a bacterial infection with pus. I am allergic to Penicillin (causing eye swelling, ear swelling, and rashes), which I have informed the clinic physician. The doctor prescri...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, Penicillin and Amoxicillin are in the same class of medications, so if you are allergic to Amoxicillin, the likelihood of being allergic to Penicillin is also very high. It is not recommended to use it, and you may consider other types of antibiotics. Thank you for your in...[Read More] Concerns About Medication: Amoxicillin Allergy Risks for Patients
Persistent Ear Sounds and Mild Throat Irritation After Cold: What Could It Be?
Regarding persistent ear sounds and mild pharyngitis? Hello, about five months ago I had a severe cold due to an infection. I went to the emergency room, but no specific illness was diagnosed; it was noted to be similar to a severe flu. At that time, my throat was examined and th...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, based on your description, it is possible that you have an upper respiratory infection complicated by otitis media. It is recommended that you visit an otolaryngology clinic for a detailed examination. Thank you for your inquiry.[Read More] Persistent Ear Sounds and Mild Throat Irritation After Cold: What Could It Be?
Understanding Prolonged Pain After BNT Vaccination: A Patient's Journey
Discomfort after receiving the BNT vaccine? Hello Dr. Hong, I received my first dose of the BNT vaccine on June 20 at 15:58, and I began experiencing pain under my left clavicle at 16:08. Twelve hours after the first dose, I developed a fever and redness and swelling at the injec...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, muscle and joint pain after vaccination is quite common. However, if you have been experiencing pain for two months and it is getting worse, it may be necessary to consider that it might not be solely caused by the vaccine and that other underlying conditions could be invo...[Read More] Understanding Prolonged Pain After BNT Vaccination: A Patient's Journey
Can Washing Blood-Stained Cotton Cause Infection in Children?
Does dried blood on cotton cause infection? Dear Doctor: If a cotton ball with dried blood (that has been stored for a long time) accidentally gets washed with clothes in the washing machine, could it cause an infection? I am concerned about the possibility of infection on my chi...
Dr. Lin Wufu Reply:
Hello, in principle, pathogens transmitted through blood typically die within a few hours outside the human body. Therefore, it is generally not possible for them to contaminate others' clothing through a washing machine and cause transmission.[Read More] Can Washing Blood-Stained Cotton Cause Infection in Children?
Understanding Hematospermia: Treatment Success and Ongoing Symptoms
The success of treatment for hematospermia (blood in semen) depends on the underlying cause. It is important to conduct a thorough evaluation, including a medical history, physical examination, and appropriate diagnostic tests? Hello Doctor, I discovered blood in my semen in mid-...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, 1. It is possible that the metabolites of hemoglobin may still appear reddish-brown, but the fecal occult blood test will be negative. 2. It is recommended to refrain from masturbation and observe the color of the urine; usually, bleeding should stop within 2-3 weeks. I...[Read More] Understanding Hematospermia: Treatment Success and Ongoing Symptoms
Can Frequent Ejaculation Cause Rapid Heartbeat and Other Health Issues?
Rapid heartbeat can lead to other diseases? I have been ejaculating while holding a pillow about four to five times a week for several years. One day after ejaculation, my heart started racing extremely fast, to the point where I felt unable to do anything, which was quite fright...
Dr. Xie Rongyuan Reply:
Hello: Excessive excitement can lead to an increased heart rate. If further examination is needed, please visit a hospital for a detailed evaluation. Thank you for your message![Read More] Can Frequent Ejaculation Cause Rapid Heartbeat and Other Health Issues?
Managing Significant Weight Loss: When to Seek Medical Advice?
Please consult the outpatient clinic for significant weight loss evaluation? Hello, doctor. In February of this year, I weighed 116 kg, and I currently weigh 87 kg (I have lost 30 kg over 8 months). My current BMI is 25.9. During my weight loss journey, I have made the following ...
Dr. Li Jian Reply:
1. It is better to reduce the BMI to below 24 and the waist circumference to below 90 centimeters. 2. Rapid weight loss may lead to decreased thyroid function.[Read More] Managing Significant Weight Loss: When to Seek Medical Advice?