Understanding Symptoms: Numbness, Low Fever, and Heart Issues
Numbness in the cheeks, unexplained fever, and heart rate issues? Around 1 AM on June 2, my family member received a notification from the "Taiwan Social Distancing" app indicating possible contact with a confirmed COVID-19 case. They went to work in the morning, but in...
Dr. Lin Wufu Reply:
Hello! It is common to experience palpitations and other discomforting symptoms during a fever. A single negative test result does not definitively confirm that you are negative for the virus. If you still have the same symptoms after 3-4 days (which is now), it is advisable to c...[Read More] Understanding Symptoms: Numbness, Low Fever, and Heart Issues
Understanding Post-Pandemic Erectile Dysfunction: When to Seek Help
Pandemic-induced erectile dysfunction I believe I may have been diagnosed, but my symptoms are not very pronounced. I have slight difficulty breathing, a mild fever, muscle weakness, abdominal pain, and incomplete penile engorgement, but I do not have a cough or throat discomfort...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, 1. It is recommended to contact the health department or call 1922 to arrange for testing to confirm whether it is a COVID-19 infection, as this is essential for appropriate treatment of the disease. 2. In the event of a positive COVID-19 result, there have indeed been...[Read More] Understanding Post-Pandemic Erectile Dysfunction: When to Seek Help
Understanding Mild Throat Pain: Tonsil Stones or Something More?
Slight pain in the tonsils? Hello, Doctor. I would like to ask you about some symptoms I've been experiencing. A few days ago, I felt a slight discomfort on the right side of my throat or tonsil, and later I expelled a yellowish substance, which seemed to relieve the discomf...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, the condition you described is likely caused by tonsillitis, which is usually triggered by a cold. The chance of cancer is very low. Additionally, some individuals may experience tonsillitis due to factors such as lack of sleep, stress leading to a weakened immune system, ...[Read More] Understanding Mild Throat Pain: Tonsil Stones or Something More?
Understanding Lung Infiltration: When to Seek Further Medical Evaluation
Lung issues Doctor, I have a question. I went to see a family physician because I had a cold, and I underwent an X-ray, blood tests, and sputum analysis (my sputum has always been white, without any yellow or blood-tinged coloration). Later, my cough symptoms improved, and during...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, based on the current pandemic situation, it is recommended to first undergo COVID-19 testing. If the result is negative and symptoms persist, further evaluation by a pulmonologist at a major hospital may be necessary. As for pulmonary infiltrates, it is essentially inflamm...[Read More] Understanding Lung Infiltration: When to Seek Further Medical Evaluation
Managing Fever and Central Temperature Regulation After Brain Injury
Fever of unknown origin, central fever? Hello, my father suffered a subarachnoid hemorrhage at the beginning of this year, which led to hydrocephalus. He immediately had an external ventricular drain placed to manage the cerebrospinal fluid. After a cerebral angiogram revealed an...
Dr. Lin Wufu Reply:
Hello! Your father's condition is quite complex, making it difficult to assess based solely on your brief description. The diagnosis of central fever is made only after excluding other infectious causes, and it can be established only when laboratory tests show no obvious si...[Read More] Managing Fever and Central Temperature Regulation After Brain Injury
Persistent Fever for Days: Understanding Causes and Solutions
Having a high fever that has persisted for three to four days without subsiding? Hello Doctor, I have been experiencing a fever since the first day, with an initial temperature around 38.5 degrees Celsius. I went to see a doctor, who noted that my throat was particularly red. The...
Dr. Lin Wufu Reply:
Hello! I apologize for the late response due to the pandemic. First, your situation requires screening to rule out COVID-19, as patients with COVID-19 can present with symptoms such as fever, sore throat, and diarrhea. If the screening is negative, the next consideration would be...[Read More] Persistent Fever for Days: Understanding Causes and Solutions
Understanding Low-Grade Fever: When to Seek Medical Attention
Low-grade fever Hello Doctor, I have had a mild cough since around May 20th. On May 28th, I suddenly experienced persistent numbness in my tongue, but the symptoms improved the next day. Starting from May 29th, I measured my temperature with an ear thermometer, which ranged from ...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, given the current pandemic situation, it is essential to first rule out the possibility of a COVID-19 infection. I recommend going to the hospital for a COVID-19 test. If the result is negative, you may need to visit the infectious disease outpatient clinic to investigate ...[Read More] Understanding Low-Grade Fever: When to Seek Medical Attention
Understanding Unexplained Elevated Body Temperature: Is It a Fever?
Unexplained elevated body temperature? Hello doctor, my body temperature has been unusually high in the past few days, measuring around 37.8 to 38.0 degrees Celsius with a forehead thermometer. However, I have no symptoms; I am not coughing, I don't have a headache, and impo...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, this temperature is indeed on the higher side. It is recommended to measure with another thermometer. If the reading is still the same, it is advisable to visit an infectious disease clinic for further evaluation. Thank you for your inquiry.[Read More] Understanding Unexplained Elevated Body Temperature: Is It a Fever?
Understanding Left Chest Pain: When to Seek Medical Attention
Pain upon palpation at the lower edge of the left chest? Hello Doctor: Recently, I have noticed pain when pressing on the lower edge of my left chest (about 5 centimeters below the left nipple). There is no pain when I stretch my arm or breathe; it only hurts when I apply pressur...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Based on your description, the most likely conditions are costochondritis or pleuritis. If you are not experiencing fever or shortness of breath, there is no need to seek medical attention at this time. However, if the discomfort persists, you may consider visiting a pulmonologis...[Read More] Understanding Left Chest Pain: When to Seek Medical Attention
Understanding Body Temperature: When to Worry and COVID-19 Concerns
Temperature Inquiry Due to the pandemic, there is heightened sensitivity to temperature readings. Recently, my ear temperature has been fluctuating around 37.1 to 37.5 degrees Celsius, and sometimes it even reaches 37.8 degrees when the thermometer is inserted deeper into the ear...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, indeed, each person's baseline body temperature is different, and thermometers can have discrepancies. It is recommended to use a thermometer from a hospital or a public health facility for measurement. If it reads around 37 degrees Celsius, this may be your baseline ...[Read More] Understanding Body Temperature: When to Worry and COVID-19 Concerns
Persistent Fever for Three Weeks: What Specialist Should You Consult?
Recurrent fever for three weeks? My sister, who is 25 years old, developed a fever at the end of April and sought medical attention. Initially, she had a sore throat, and the ENT doctor diagnosed her with a cold. After taking medication for three days, her fever did not subside, ...
Dr. Lin Wufu Reply:
It sounds most like an autoimmune issue. I recommend consulting a rheumatologist, but many details still need to be assessed in person by your sister. You might also consider seeing an infectious disease specialist for further evaluation regarding the unexplained fever. If it is ...[Read More] Persistent Fever for Three Weeks: What Specialist Should You Consult?
Understanding Left Abdominal Pain: Causes and Symptoms Explained
Please provide more details about your abdominal issues? Hello, doctor. I feel a slight pain in my left abdomen, especially when twisting my waist. I'm worried that it might be appendicitis or diverticulitis, or could it be a muscle strain in that area? I also experience mus...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, based on your description, the pain that worsens with changes in posture is more indicative of a muscle strain. As for the left-sided abdominal pain, it is important to be cautious about diverticulitis; however, diverticulitis typically does not worsen with changes in post...[Read More] Understanding Left Abdominal Pain: Causes and Symptoms Explained
Risk of Infection from Snail Encounter During Meal: What to Know
Infection issues If I accidentally bit into a snail shell while eating a lunch box and realized it afterward, but I didn't swallow it, am I at risk of infection? If I have a wound in my mouth, does that increase the likelihood? Should I monitor the situation or seek medical ...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, regarding the snail you mentioned, it is unclear whether it is alive or has been cooked with the food. If it has already been cooked, it should theoretically pose no harm. However, if it is raw, one must be cautious of potential parasitic infections or bacterial contaminat...[Read More] Risk of Infection from Snail Encounter During Meal: What to Know
Understanding Fever Symptoms: When to Seek Medical Attention
Fever symptoms Hello Dr. Hong: I started experiencing chills and high fever ranging from 38.5 to 40.1 degrees Celsius on February 14. Therefore, I went to the outpatient department for hospitalization on February 17, where I underwent the following tests: blood tests (including c...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, based on your description, it is indeed difficult to determine the cause of the fever of unknown origin. There are a few points to consider: First, rheumatological and immunological issues may be a concern, which is likely why your physician has suspected this and prescr...[Read More] Understanding Fever Symptoms: When to Seek Medical Attention
Understanding Post-Cold Symptoms: When to Seek Medical Advice
Feelings after a cold? Hello, doctor. I had a slight cold previously and visited a pediatrician, taking medication twice. Since I didn't feel unwell, I didn't return for a follow-up. However, today while eating, I thought something was stuck in my throat and induced vom...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Based on the symptoms you described, it is likely that you have a cold complicated by otitis media. I recommend getting plenty of rest, which should help improve your condition. However, if symptoms persist or if you experience complications such as fever, ear pain, increased ear...[Read More] Understanding Post-Cold Symptoms: When to Seek Medical Advice
Understanding Autoimmune Disorders in Children: Symptoms and Testing
Autoimmunity Hello Doctor, in October 2019, my son (7 years old) was infected with influenza type B. Later, he developed some red spots on his hands, and when we went to the hospital for a blood test, the emergency doctor said everything was normal, with a platelet count of 180,0...
Dr. Gao Jiankai Reply:
Hello, thank you for your message. It is indeed possible for children to develop skin rashes and abnormal blood test results due to viral infections, and if these symptoms resolve quickly or the test results return to normal, there is usually no need for concern. However, blood t...[Read More] Understanding Autoimmune Disorders in Children: Symptoms and Testing
Risks of Eating Undercooked Pork: Symptoms and When to Seek Help
Ingestion of potentially undercooked pork? Hello, doctor. Today at a hot pot restaurant, I accidentally consumed possibly undercooked pork (it had a soft, raw texture, unlike fully cooked pork). Am I at risk of contracting a parasitic infection? If I do get infected, what symptom...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, undercooked pork is commonly associated with pork tapeworms; however, the risk is relatively low in Taiwan. A higher concern is the potential for bacterial growth if the meat is not fresh, which could lead to gastroenteritis. It is advisable to monitor for symptoms such as...[Read More] Risks of Eating Undercooked Pork: Symptoms and When to Seek Help
Can You Get Vibrio Infection from a Fish Injury? Expert Insights
Vibrio infection Hello, doctor: Today while I was organizing my refrigerator, I got pricked by a frozen fish bone. I immediately rinsed it with water and squeezed out the blood, and then I applied a topical antibiotic. Am I at risk of contracting Vibrio vulnificus?
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, theoretically, the likelihood of infection from being injured by a salted fish bone is higher if there is already a compromised immune system, such as in cases of diabetes or liver cirrhosis. It is advisable to monitor for any signs of fever or localized redness, swelling,...[Read More] Can You Get Vibrio Infection from a Fish Injury? Expert Insights
Swallowed Fish Bones: What You Need to Know About Potential Risks
I'm not sure if I've eaten fish bones? Hello doctor, I was eating a fish called "sea bass," and my mom said it doesn't have bones, but when I ate the edges, I encountered small, short things that felt like either spines or bones. I swallowed one bite with...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, based on your description, it seems that the object has likely entered the stomach. Generally, bones or fish bones that enter the stomach will be broken down and excreted. Unless you experience any discomfort later, such as stomach pain or fever, there is no need to worry....[Read More] Swallowed Fish Bones: What You Need to Know About Potential Risks
Understanding Thyroid Issues: Should You Get Further Testing?
Thyroid issues Recently, I had a blood test for my thyroid due to issues with hand tremors, and my TSH level came back slightly low. Do I need to get further testing? I have been experiencing persistent low-grade fever, fatigue, insomnia, irritability, reduced menstrual flow, and...
Dr. Lin Jianliang Reply:
Hello: Further related tests for the thyroid gland can be conducted.[Read More] Understanding Thyroid Issues: Should You Get Further Testing?