Using Eye Drops in Ears: Concerns and Safety Tips
Ear drops Hello, Doctor: I visited an otolaryngologist because of itching in my ears, and the doctor prescribed eye drops to be used in my ears. I would like to ask if it is concerning that I heard a whooshing sound when the drops flowed into my ear. I am a bit worried that the d...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, if it’s just a simple drop of medication, it shouldn't rupture the eardrum. What you are hearing is likely the sound of the liquid moving. If your hearing is currently normal, there should be no cause for concern. Thank you for your question.[Read More] Using Eye Drops in Ears: Concerns and Safety Tips
Can Patients with Sjögren's Syndrome Safely Receive Moderna COVID Vaccine?
Can patients with systemic dryness syndrome receive the Moderna COVID-19 vaccine? Hello, my mother is 74 years old and has Sjögren's syndrome with systemic dryness, rheumatoid arthritis, blepharospasm, arrhythmia, hypertension, chronic heart failure, irritable bowel syndrome...
Dr. Gao Jiankai Reply:
Hello, thank you for your message. Based on the condition of the elderly lady you described, I believe she can receive the Moderna vaccine. However, please pay attention to the medications she is taking; some drugs for rheumatoid arthritis should be temporarily discontinued after...[Read More] Can Patients with Sjögren's Syndrome Safely Receive Moderna COVID Vaccine?
Understanding the Use of Xylometazoline for Allergic Rhinitis Relief
The medication commonly prescribed by otolaryngologists is Xylometazoline? I have mostly experienced nasal congestion or discomfort in my nose over the past few years, which is why I sought medical attention, unlike before when I primarily went to the doctor for a runny nose and ...
Dr. Gao Jiankai Reply:
Hello, thank you for your message. Xylo is a combination medication, one of its components causes vasoconstriction of the nasal mucosa, which can relieve your nasal congestion or stuffiness. However, this component may occasionally cause palpitations as a side effect, and prolong...[Read More] Understanding the Use of Xylometazoline for Allergic Rhinitis Relief
Struggling with Hypothyroidism: Seeking Effective Treatment Solutions
Hypothyroidism Treatment Issues Hello Doctor, I am a patient with hypothyroidism. I have been undergoing treatment for about three years and have been taking thyroid hormone, but there has been little improvement in my lab values or physical condition. Dietary changes and exercis...
Dr. Lin Jianliang Reply:
Hello: Generally speaking, patients with hypothyroidism who regularly take their medication to keep thyroid hormone levels within the normal range are less likely to experience symptoms of hypothyroidism. Based on your description, it is recommended to first consult with an endoc...[Read More] Struggling with Hypothyroidism: Seeking Effective Treatment Solutions
Health Concerns After Prolonged Exposure to Industrial Hexane
Medical Consultation: Exposure to n-Hexane Hello Doctor, I would like to ask about my recent work experience. My boss required us to use industrial heptane for product cleaning for about 8 hours. During this time, I wore latex gloves, but they kept becoming brittle and tearing, s...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, long-term exposure to heptane can indeed cause skin irritation and inflammation, leading to redness, swelling, and warmth. However, other environmental factors, including contact with skincare products, pollen, and dust mites, can also trigger similar inflammatory response...[Read More] Health Concerns After Prolonged Exposure to Industrial Hexane
Managing VPC: Understanding Ventricular Premature Contractions and Anxiety
Ventricular Premature Contractions (VPC) Hello Dr. Hong, thank you for your previous response. You are correct that my VPC (ventricular premature contractions) were discovered through a 24-hour Holter monitor. I have paid out of pocket for this test five times, with occurrences r...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, VPC (ventricular premature contractions) is currently considered a "benign" arrhythmia, meaning it does not pose a life-threatening risk and is unlikely to have long-term adverse effects. However, it may still cause symptoms such as palpitations during episodes. ...[Read More] Managing VPC: Understanding Ventricular Premature Contractions and Anxiety
Understanding Persistent Stomach Bloating: Causes and Solutions
Persistent abdominal bloating? Hello, doctor. I've been experiencing bloating for the past month. I've seen four or five doctors, and due to accompanying cold symptoms (nasal congestion, itchy throat, etc.), most diagnosed it as a gastroenteritis. While the cold symptom...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Based on the symptoms you described, it does appear to be a cold, which indicates a higher likelihood of an upper respiratory tract infection given the current community situation in Taiwan. It is advisable to first rule out the possibility of a COVID-19 infection. If the COVID-1...[Read More] Understanding Persistent Stomach Bloating: Causes and Solutions
Understanding Dizziness: Is It Just Fatigue or Something More?
Please ask your question? Hello, doctor. I would like to ask you about a heavy feeling in my head. I've been staying up late playing games for the past few days, sometimes until around 4:45 AM, and then I sleep until 9 or 10 AM. For the past two days, I've noticed that ...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, based on your description, the main issue is discomfort caused by staying up late. The only solution is to maintain a regular sleep schedule and avoid staying up late. Additionally, regular exercise can also be helpful. These symptoms are not indicative of Meniere's d...[Read More] Understanding Dizziness: Is It Just Fatigue or Something More?
Understanding Dizziness After Late Nights: Causes and Recovery Time
Please provide the content you would like me to translate? Thank you for your response, doctor. I went to bed earlier yesterday and felt a bit better, but I still occasionally feel dizzy when using my phone. However, pressing on the back of my neck alleviates the dizziness. I wou...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, it is indeed a matter of the body not being properly adjusted, and the instability you mentioned is certainly a negative reaction to staying up late. It should improve after a few days of regular sleep patterns. These are all normal physiological phenomena. Thank you for y...[Read More] Understanding Dizziness After Late Nights: Causes and Recovery Time
Understanding Postural Hypotension: Causes and Solutions for Dizziness
Standing up suddenly may cause slight dizziness? Hello, doctor. I have noticed that sometimes when I go to bed late, I feel fine when I wake up the next day. However, there are times when I suddenly get up from a prone position and feel a bit dizzy, with my vision becoming blurry...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, based on your description, it is suspected that you may have orthostatic hypotension combined with anemia. The primary cause of orthostatic hypotension is poor vascular elasticity. Therefore, in addition to slowing down movements, avoiding staying up late, and maintaining ...[Read More] Understanding Postural Hypotension: Causes and Solutions for Dizziness
Understanding Post-COVID PCR Results and Ongoing Symptoms: Expert Insights
Positive result on rapid test for COVID-19 (continued three) Hello Dr. Hong, I am a patient who tested positive via PCR on June 15. After self-isolating in Indonesia and taking Indonesian cold medicine for the first week, along with Qingguan No. 1 for about two weeks, and current...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, 1. Any case with a detectable CT value is considered positive, but the threshold for determining infectiousness and the criteria for ending isolation vary by country, with some countries setting the threshold at 26, 30, or even 40. These are regulations specific to each ...[Read More] Understanding Post-COVID PCR Results and Ongoing Symptoms: Expert Insights
Understanding Indirect Infection Risks of Bloodborne Viruses: B and C Hepatitis
Can bloodborne viruses such as hepatitis B and C be transmitted indirectly? Actually, this happened about four years ago when I took a part-time job as a dental assistant. One day, while waiting to clean instruments, I accidentally pricked my hand with a probe, causing some bleed...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, the possibility of infection depends on whether the probe is contaminated with the patient's blood and whether the patient has a bloodborne disease. Given the long time frame, it is indeed advisable to consider blood tests for Hepatitis B, Hepatitis C, and HIV. Howeve...[Read More] Understanding Indirect Infection Risks of Bloodborne Viruses: B and C Hepatitis
Managing Arrhythmias in Dialysis Patients: Beyond Medication Solutions
Dialysis-related arrhythmias Hello Doctor, my father has been on dialysis for about two years. Before receiving the vaccine, he experienced arrhythmia, but it was managed with medication. However, after getting vaccinated, he has experienced arrhythmia again during dialysis, and ...
Dr. Wu Jiyu Reply:
Due to the various forms of arrhythmias, some present as tachycardia, others as bradycardia, some exhibit irregularity within a regular rhythm, and others are completely irregular. Each type has different management strategies; some may be monitored, some require medication, and ...[Read More] Managing Arrhythmias in Dialysis Patients: Beyond Medication Solutions
Understanding Low Platelet Counts: When to Seek Further Testing
Thrombocytopenia Hello Doctor, my mother has had a long-standing issue with low platelet counts. A few years ago, she visited a hematology-oncology specialist, and her platelet count (PL) was around 70,000 to 80,000. The specialist only recommended that she continue to monitor he...
Dr. Gao Jiankai Reply:
Hello, thank you for your message. Generally, before a hematologist recommends continued monitoring for an elderly woman, they will also evaluate the screening indicators for immune function. You may want to ask your physician whether there is a possibility of an immune issue for...[Read More] Understanding Low Platelet Counts: When to Seek Further Testing
Understanding Dark Green Stool: Causes and Concerns After Iron Supplementation
The stool appears dark green? Hello Doctor: I started taking iron supplements in February of last year, and after stopping the medication in December, I noticed that my stool has consistently been dark green to blackish green until now. During this time, I had a positive fecal oc...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, taking iron supplements can cause the stool to become darker, resembling a dark green color. Additionally, certain foods, such as matcha, can also result in green-colored stool. Furthermore, taking iron supplements may lead to a positive result for occult blood in the stoo...[Read More] Understanding Dark Green Stool: Causes and Concerns After Iron Supplementation
Understanding Urticarial Vasculitis: Symptoms, Causes, and Treatment Options
Urticarial vasculitis? Hello, doctor. I have a tendency to be allergic and sneeze (which started about nine years ago). I have also experienced mild urticaria intermittently. However, starting in April of this year, I suddenly developed widespread urticaria. I went to a dermatolo...
Dr. Gao Jiankai Reply:
Hello, thank you for your inquiry. Here are my responses: 1. How is anaphylactic shock determined? Although I was experiencing stomach pain, I was still responsive at the time... --> Perhaps "shock" is a bit severe, but you did have swelling of the lips and eyelids,...[Read More] Understanding Urticarial Vasculitis: Symptoms, Causes, and Treatment Options
Understanding Rheumatoid Arthritis: Diagnosis, Treatment, and Concerns
Regarding the diagnosis and medication use for rheumatoid arthritis? Dear Director Gao, I apologize for the length of my inquiry and hope you can take the time to clarify my doubts. Thank you! About a year and a half ago, blood tests revealed that my rheumatoid factor (RF) was...
Dr. Gao Jiankai Reply:
Hello, thank you for your questions. Here are my consolidated responses: 1. Can anti-CCP antibodies be present intermittently? (There was a significant difference in test results just five days apart.) Could differences in testing methods cause varying results? Are there differe...[Read More] Understanding Rheumatoid Arthritis: Diagnosis, Treatment, and Concerns
Concerns About Infection Risks from DIY Condom Use: A Young Adult's Inquiry
Please ask your question? Hello, doctor. I have a question. I have some small wounds on my ring finger, and this morning I was trying to use a condom for the first time because I was a bit nervous about using it later. It's a bit funny, but after I finished, I accidentally t...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, based on your description, there is no risk of contracting any sexually transmitted infections or HIV, so there is no need to worry. However, please keep the wound clean to avoid infection. Thank you for your question.[Read More] Concerns About Infection Risks from DIY Condom Use: A Young Adult's Inquiry
Understanding Thyroid Nodules: What You Need to Know About Your Ultrasound Results
Thyroid nodule Hello Doctor, I participated in a company health check in May this year. During the examination, the physician noted that my right neck felt swollen and recommended a thyroid ultrasound. Recently, I received the report indicating a hypoechoic nodule on the right si...
Dr. Li Jian Reply:
Hypoechoic thyroid nodules require regular monitoring, with ultrasound examinations typically performed once a year. During the ultrasound, the physician will determine whether a fine-needle aspiration biopsy is necessary. In most cases, these nodules are benign, and thyroid canc...[Read More] Understanding Thyroid Nodules: What You Need to Know About Your Ultrasound Results
Understanding Congenital Adrenal Hyperplasia: Risks, Treatment, and Concerns
Endocrine issues, congenital adrenal hyperplasia? Hello Dr. Lin, I apologize for bothering you. Since there is no endocrinology department here, I consulted with the internal medicine department and learned that your specialty is endocrinology. I would like to ask you about my gi...
Dr. Lin Jianliang Reply:
Hello: Congenital adrenal hyperplasia (CAH) encompasses various specific disorders. Based on the information you provided, it is difficult to determine which specific type it is. It is recommended to discuss this with her physician.[Read More] Understanding Congenital Adrenal Hyperplasia: Risks, Treatment, and Concerns