Managing Cholesterol and Wound Care: Your Health Questions Answered
Two questions? Hello Doctor, I received my health check results today as school is starting. The only red flags were a heart rate of 92 and a cholesterol level of 219. I would like to ask if there are any methods to lower cholesterol. I feel that my weight is not high, but this c...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, regarding your health check-up, a heart rate of 92 is still within the normal physiological range, and a liver enzyme level of 37 is also within normal limits, so there is no need to worry. The only thing you should consider is your cholesterol level of 219; it is recommen...[Read More] Managing Cholesterol and Wound Care: Your Health Questions Answered
Concerns About Infection After Picking Up Trash: What You Should Know
Please consult a doctor for your questions? Hello doctor, I am a freshman this year. During class today, I noticed that last week there was some trash or a bag left under the seat next to me. Today, I sat next to a different person, but the trash ended up being kicked in front of...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, based on your description, you noticed a small abrasion on your hand after picking up trash and are concerned about potential injury during the process. Theoretically, unless the trash contained sharp objects that were contaminated with blood, the risk of infection is mini...[Read More] Concerns About Infection After Picking Up Trash: What You Should Know
Stepping on Metal: Should You Worry About Infections or Tetanus?
Stepped on something similar to a wire? Hello Dr. Hong, today while I was walking at school on my way to work, I stepped on something that felt like a metal rod. At first, I thought I stepped on metal, so I went back to check and found it blended in with the floor color. I report...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, it is recommended to check the soles of the feet for any bleeding wounds. If there are any, medical treatment is necessary. If there are no bleeding wounds or only superficial abrasions, you can clean the wound yourself. However, if you experience subsequent fever or if th...[Read More] Stepping on Metal: Should You Worry About Infections or Tetanus?
Understanding Unexplained Fever: Causes and When to Seek Help
Fever of unknown origin? Hello, doctor. Last October, I was hospitalized for a week due to a fever. At that time, I had no other symptoms, just persistent fever, chills, and muscle weakness in my limbs. My temperature was around 38 degrees Celsius, and despite undergoing rapid te...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, based on your description, it is indeed necessary to conduct a detailed examination regarding the fever. Routine health check-ups may not necessarily identify the cause. I recommend consulting an infectious disease specialist at a major hospital for a fever workup. If no c...[Read More] Understanding Unexplained Fever: Causes and When to Seek Help
Parasite Infection Risks from Undercooked Sausages: What You Need to Know
Parasitic infection issues? Hello, doctor. Yesterday, I cooked some small sausages in a frying pan at home without thawing them first. I wasn't sure if they were fully cooked, and some family members thought that parts of them seemed a bit off when they bit into them. About ...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, if the sausage you purchased is from a legitimate vendor and has been properly cooked, the risk of infection should be very low. Additionally, Taiwan is not a high-prevalence area for pork tapeworms, so the likelihood of parasitic infection is also low. Regarding your diar...[Read More] Parasite Infection Risks from Undercooked Sausages: What You Need to Know
Flu Concerns and Vaccination: What You Need to Know
Inquiry about influenza and vaccines? Hello, doctor. Yesterday, I had a barbecue with a friend who is currently serving in the military. Towards the end of our conversation, he mentioned that there seemed to be a lot of colds or flu going around. After he returned, he developed s...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, 1. The incubation period for influenza is typically around 3-5 days. 2. Physicians usually determine whether the symptoms are new or existing, as well as consider your age and any underlying health conditions, to decide whether to prescribe antiviral medications like Ta...[Read More] Flu Concerns and Vaccination: What You Need to Know
Understanding the Risks of Abrasions: Tetanus and Infection Concerns
Issues related to contusions? Hello, today I went on an overnight trip with my family to hike and stay in a cabin. While waiting for a table at a noodle shop during lunch, a strong wind caused a large umbrella used by a nearby fruit vendor to fall over. I managed to dodge it, but...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, based on your description and the photos, it appears to be a superficial abrasion. Since you have applied medication, the chance of infection should be very low. I recommend continuing to monitor the condition of the wound. You should seek medical attention only if you dev...[Read More] Understanding the Risks of Abrasions: Tetanus and Infection Concerns
Understanding Pneumonia Symptoms: Is It Just a Cold or Something More?
The issue of the common cold? Hello, Doctor Hong. I would like to ask what symptoms are generally associated with pneumonia. Yesterday, I felt phlegm in my throat, and although my nose isn't completely congested, I sometimes feel like I have to breathe harder. Deep breathing...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Based on the symptoms you described, it is indeed an upper respiratory tract infection. However, it is difficult to distinguish whether it is a common cold or COVID-19 based solely on symptoms, so clinical testing is necessary for confirmation. Currently, there is no widespread c...[Read More] Understanding Pneumonia Symptoms: Is It Just a Cold or Something More?
Concerns About Minor Finger Wounds and Infection Risks
Small cuts on the fingers? Hello Doctor, I had a small cut on my finger this morning while using my nails. Later in the evening, while peeling shrimp, I felt some pain and I'm not sure if it was due to the moisture from the boiled shrimp. I just looked online and I'm wo...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, properly cooked seafood has a significantly lower risk of infection. It is advisable to monitor for any subsequent signs of infection, such as fever or redness, swelling, heat, and pain at the wound site. If none of these symptoms are present, there should be no need for c...[Read More] Concerns About Minor Finger Wounds and Infection Risks
Understanding Cold Medications: Amoxicillin and Safety Precautions
Inquiry about cold medications? Hello doctor, the day before yesterday I think I caught a cold from a friend. I went to see a general practitioner who said it was a mild cold and prescribed an antibiotic called Amoxicillin. I noticed that after taking it, my urine seems to have a...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, 1. It is normal for urine to have a medication odor after taking medication, so please don't worry. 2. Given the current pandemic situation, it is still recommended to wear a mask to protect yourself and others, unless you are alone and have no contact with others. Th...[Read More] Understanding Cold Medications: Amoxicillin and Safety Precautions
Understanding Cold Medications and Antibiotics: Your Questions Answered
Inquiry about cold medications? Hello doctor, it seems that I caught a cold from a friend the day before yesterday. I went to see a general practitioner who said it was a mild cold and prescribed an antibiotic called Amoxicillin. I noticed that after taking it, my urine has a cer...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, 1. It is normal for urine to have a medication odor after taking medication, so please don't worry. 2. Given the current pandemic situation, unless you are alone, it is still recommended to wear a mask to protect yourself and others. Thank you for your question.[Read More] Understanding Cold Medications and Antibiotics: Your Questions Answered
Unexplained Fever Episodes: When to Seek Medical Evaluation?
In recent months, there has been an unexplained fever? Hello, doctor. Since December of last year, I have experienced fever in December, March, May, August, and this week. The longest duration of fever was about three days, while the shortest was an afternoon fever that resolved ...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Based on your description, the main symptoms are intermittent fever and throat inflammation, with no other symptoms present. The most likely diagnosis is multiple episodes of the common cold, which is a type of upper respiratory infection. It is advisable to monitor the duration ...[Read More] Unexplained Fever Episodes: When to Seek Medical Evaluation?
Concerns About Mosquitoes: Health Risks and Symptoms Explained
The issue of mosquitoes? Hello, I was called back to my hometown by my family to help with some rituals. I usually stay in the northern part of Taiwan, where there aren't many mosquitoes near my home. However, at my grandmother's house, I didn't notice them during ...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, mosquitoes primarily transmit bloodborne diseases through their bites, such as dengue fever. Direct contact does not transmit specific diseases. Therefore, based on your description, unless you are bitten, you should not contract any specific diseases, unless you have an a...[Read More] Concerns About Mosquitoes: Health Risks and Symptoms Explained
Could Your Bloating and Discomfort Indicate Appendicitis?
Symptoms of appendicitis? Hello, doctor. I've been experiencing some unexplained bloating over the past couple of days. Yesterday, I had a bit of diarrhea, but today it has returned to normal. Sometimes, I feel like I can't completely empty my bowels during a bowel move...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
The main characteristic of appendicitis is that the primary pain is located in the lower right abdomen, which may be accompanied by fever and loss of appetite. If the main symptoms include bloating and generalized abdominal pain, it is more likely to be a case of gastroenteritis....[Read More] Could Your Bloating and Discomfort Indicate Appendicitis?
Understanding Muscle Pain Near the Armpit: When to Seek Medical Advice
Muscles near the axilla (armpit) Hello Doctor, today I felt a sudden soreness in the muscles under my right armpit or near my chest. When I poke it, it feels like there's something in the muscle or tissue, and it hurts a bit when I press on the bone area. I'm not sure i...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, based on your description, the most likely issue is a strain. The pain from a strain typically worsens with elevated use of the affected hand. As for the pneumothorax you mentioned, it usually presents with asthma-like symptoms and more severe breathing difficulties. Cance...[Read More] Understanding Muscle Pain Near the Armpit: When to Seek Medical Advice
High White Blood Cell Count: Should You Be Concerned?
Last October, during the school health check-up, my white blood cell count was elevated? Hello Doctor, during my health check-up last October, my white blood cell count was elevated to 18,000. I had a fever and cold in September but did not seek medical attention and just rested....
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, white blood cells are an indicator of inflammation, and they will increase whenever there is inflammation in the body. The most common cause is infection, such as a cold, which can lead to an elevation in white blood cell count. Other common causes include dehydration, hea...[Read More] High White Blood Cell Count: Should You Be Concerned?
Unexplained Right Side Discomfort: Muscle Strain or Appendicitis?
Strange sensation in the right side of the waist? Doctor, when I try to sit up in bed, I suddenly feel a twitching sensation on my right side of the waist. It doesn't really hurt, but now I have a bit of soreness from the right side of my waist to the back. Could this just b...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, appendicitis typically causes pain in the lower right abdomen, and it can be painful even when lying flat. It is often accompanied by feelings of nausea. Based on your description, it does not seem to be another possibility, which is a urinary tract infection combined with...[Read More] Unexplained Right Side Discomfort: Muscle Strain or Appendicitis?
Understanding Your Blood Test Results: What Elevated ALT and Lymphocytes Mean
Ask the doctor some questions? Hello doctor, my health check report shows an ALT level of 45, and it seems my lymphocytes are elevated at around 60, while other values are slightly low and abnormal, prompting the recommendation to see a hematologist. At that time, the doctor aske...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, 1. Based on your description of general discomfort along with elevated liver enzymes and increased lymphocytes, it is indeed more likely to be a viral infection. However, the viruses referred to here are common viruses, such as respiratory viruses, commonly known as &quo...[Read More] Understanding Your Blood Test Results: What Elevated ALT and Lymphocytes Mean
Understanding Transmission Risks: Can You Catch COVID-19 Over the Phone?
Infectious potential Good evening, doctor. I would like to ask you a few questions. A while ago, an old friend of mine called me. He was diagnosed with COVID-19 in Japan around May. He wasn't hospitalized and experienced difficulty breathing and a persistent fever, which eve...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, 1. You cannot get infected while talking on the phone, so please rest assured. 2. COVID-19 is primarily transmitted through respiratory droplets or contact transmission; however, since the virus is invisible to the naked eye, people often get infected without knowing th...[Read More] Understanding Transmission Risks: Can You Catch COVID-19 Over the Phone?
Addressing Concerns About Infectious Disease Exposure in Healthcare
Issues in Infectious Disease Prevention Hello Dr. Hong, today and tomorrow I have a day off and I'm accompanying my boyfriend to have dinner and go shopping with his mother for the first time. I graduated last year and am currently working in RCC at a hospital in Linkou, nor...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, regarding tuberculosis, it is primarily the open form of pulmonary tuberculosis that can cause airborne transmission in closed spaces. During caregiving, as long as proper N95 masks are worn and basic protective measures are taken, there should be no concern about contract...[Read More] Addressing Concerns About Infectious Disease Exposure in Healthcare