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
Could My Breathing Issues Be Symptoms of Autonomic Nervous System Disorder?
Could you please tell me if this is a symptom of autonomic nervous system dysfunction? Hello doctor, recently I don't know if it's because I've been watching too much news, but after seeing the news about happy hypoxia yesterday, I suddenly feel like my breathing i...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, what you refer to as autonomic nervous system dysregulation is usually a chronic condition. Based on your description, most of the symptoms have occurred recently, which suggests that stress may be a significant factor. As for whether there is a lack of oxygen, that would ...[Read More] Could My Breathing Issues Be Symptoms of Autonomic Nervous System Disorder?
Could My Breathing Issues Be Symptoms of Autonomic Nervous System Disorder?
Could you please tell me if this is a symptom of autonomic nervous system dysfunction? Hello, doctor. Recently, I don't know if it's because I've been watching too much news, but after seeing the news about happy hypoxia yesterday, I suddenly feel like my breathing...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, what you refer to as autonomic nervous system dysregulation is usually a chronic condition. Based on your description, most symptoms have occurred recently, which may be largely due to stress. As for whether there is a lack of oxygen, it would require measuring blood oxyge...[Read More] Could My Breathing Issues Be Symptoms of Autonomic Nervous System Disorder?
Concerns About AZ Vaccine for Allergy-Prone Patients and Elderly
AZ-related issues? Hello Dr. Hong, I would like to ask you two questions. 1. I am allergic to penicillin (I experienced rashes on my hands and feet, and swelling in my eyes and ears). I also have mild allergic reactions to some long-acting pain relief and anti-inflammatory medi...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, 1. Allergy to penicillin is not a contraindication for the AZ vaccine, so it can be administered. 2. Your grandfather's underlying conditions are also not contraindications for the AZ vaccine, whether in Taiwan or abroad. Thank you for your inquiry.[Read More] Concerns About AZ Vaccine for Allergy-Prone Patients and Elderly
Understanding Lupus: Symptoms, Family History, and When to Test
Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) Hello Dr. Hong from Tainan Hospital. I have a family history of lupus erythematosus, with my grandmother, two aunts, and my mother (currently under examination). In the past year, I have suddenly noticed some symptoms appearing, which has made m...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, based on your description, the skin manifestations you mentioned are not typical of erythematous lupus. Additionally, if you do not have other symptoms such as joint pain, the likelihood of erythematous lupus is very low. Thank you for your inquiry.[Read More] Understanding Lupus: Symptoms, Family History, and When to Test
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 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
Understanding Numbness and Pulsating Pain in the Back and Hand
Back numbness and intermittent hand pulse pain? Hello Doctor: I occasionally experience a tingling sensation in the upper middle part of my right back. It’s not painful, but it feels numb, especially when I am focused on a task (in a concentrated state). This sensation has been p...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, regarding the back pain, it is likely caused by muscle tension or injury due to posture. I recommend avoiding prolonged sitting and getting up to walk around approximately every 30 minutes; this should help improve the condition. As for the hand discomfort, it may be a nor...[Read More] Understanding Numbness and Pulsating Pain in the Back and Hand
Unraveling Mysterious Immune Reactions: Antibiotic Allergies or Autoimmune Disorders?
Is the strange illness experienced personally due to a drug allergy or an autoimmune disorder? Hello, doctor. I have encountered a strange immune reaction while taking medication and would like to ask for your advice. Earlier this year, I was on long-term antibiotics due to a pro...
Dr. Gao Jiankai Reply:
Hello, thank you for your message. I suspect that you may have Reiter's syndrome, also known as reactive arthritis, and I recommend that you consult a rheumatologist at a major hospital. There are several reasons for my suspicion related to this condition, including chronic ...[Read More] Unraveling Mysterious Immune Reactions: Antibiotic Allergies or Autoimmune Disorders?
Dietary Tips to Increase Low Triglycerides Without Raising Blood Sugar
Dietary Recommendations for Low Triglycerides Hello, doctor. I recently had a health check-up, and my triglyceride level was only 12 (compared to 20 a year ago). My low-density lipoprotein (LDL) and high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol levels are normal, at 90 and 77, respe...
Dr. Lin Jianliang Reply:
Hello JJ: Generally speaking, animal fats, alcohol, and increased dietary calories can lead to hypertriglyceridemia. Elevated blood lipids can contribute to cardiovascular diseases and cerebrovascular diseases. It is advisable to discuss with a physician before deciding on a trea...[Read More] Dietary Tips to Increase Low Triglycerides Without Raising Blood Sugar
Can Popping Pimples Lead to HIV Infection? Understanding the Risks
Pimple infection I squeezed a pimple on my face today, and it bled afterward. I would like to ask if I didn't wash my hands before squeezing and forgot what I touched, I'm worried that if my hands had come into contact with blood and then touched the bleeding pimple, co...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, the infection caused by popping pimples is usually due to surrounding bacteria entering through the wound. The risk of contracting HIV, which is a sexually transmitted infection, is not increased by an infection from a pimple wound. Therefore, you do not have an increased ...[Read More] Can Popping Pimples Lead to HIV Infection? Understanding the Risks
Understanding Red Dots on Arms: Causes and Concerns
Red spots on the arm? Hello, doctor. Recently, I noticed very small red spots on my arm, about a dozen on one hand. They initially appear bright red and then turn dark red after a while. I would like to ask what might be causing this. I have a history of palpitations and dizzines...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, based on your description, it is possible that it is eczema or an allergic reaction. The dark red color suggests that it may be in the recovery process. If the red spots continue to enlarge, you should consult a dermatologist. Thank you for your inquiry.[Read More] Understanding Red Dots on Arms: Causes and Concerns
Understanding STD Risks After Unprotected Encounters: What You Need to Know
Sexually transmitted infections (STIs) issues? Yesterday, I went to see a sex worker and had a handjob. It was my first time experiencing the worker spitting on my penis (twice). Today, I feel a bit of itching in my genital area, and I'm unsure if there is a risk of contract...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, sexually transmitted infections (STIs) are primarily transmitted through sexual intercourse. The risk of transmission through saliva contact is relatively low. Thank you for your question.[Read More] Understanding STD Risks After Unprotected Encounters: What You Need to Know
Is Your Immune System Weakening? Tips for Improvement
Is the immune system weakened? How can it be improved? Hello, Doctor Gao: Over the past six months, I have experienced occasional small cuts on my fingers that are difficult to heal, often taking 3-4 weeks (each time a small cut turns into a small area of skin ulceration, but th...
Dr. Gao Jiankai Reply:
Dear Mr. Chen, thank you for your message. Your symptoms are nonspecific, making it difficult to determine if there is an underlying immune dysfunction. I have a few suggestions as follows: 1. "Occasional small cuts on the fingers that are slow to heal, taking 3-4 weeks&qu...[Read More] Is Your Immune System Weakening? Tips for Improvement
Understanding HIV Transmission Risks: Common Myths and Facts
Infectious Concerns 1. I would like to ask the doctor again, if I do not come into contact with visible blood, is it still possible to transmit HIV if I have a small cut on my hand and touch public objects? Can HIV be present on surfaces in amounts that are not visible to the nak...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, HIV is primarily transmitted through sexual intercourse or sharing needles. The situations you mentioned are not routes of HIV transmission, so there is no need to worry. In medicine, it is important to rely on scientific evidence, and hypothetical questions may not have d...[Read More] Understanding HIV Transmission Risks: Common Myths and Facts
Preventing HIV Transmission: Safety Tips for Healthcare Workers
Wound transmission of HIV? I would like to consult with a doctor. Recently, I accidentally cut my wrist with a knife, but there was no bleeding, and I'm unsure if there is an actual wound. Due to my job, I come into contact with patients who are having blood drawn, and I...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, HIV is primarily transmitted through sexual intercourse or sharing needles. The situations you mentioned are not routes of HIV transmission, so there is no need to worry. In medicine, it is important to rely on scientific evidence, and hypothetical questions may not have d...[Read More] Preventing HIV Transmission: Safety Tips for Healthcare Workers
Managing Diabetes in HIV Patients: Expert Advice and Insights
Simultaneous diagnosis of HIV and diabetes? Hello Dr. Chen, due to my infection condition, I have hesitated to seek treatment from specialties outside of infectious diseases. However, my hemoglobin A1c has consistently been above 8.5. I am currently taking three different antidia...
Dr. Chen Jianyu Reply:
Hello: The infectious disease department of the hospital also has internal medicine specialty qualifications. Please inform the infectious disease physician to handle it accordingly.[Read More] Managing Diabetes in HIV Patients: Expert Advice and Insights
Can You Contract HIV from Minor Cuts and Public Surfaces?
Wound transmission of HIV? 1. Recently, I have a small wound on my hand that looks like it is cracked or cut, but it is not bleeding and I didn't notice it at first. If I touch public items with this wound, is there a risk of transmitting HIV? If my wound is not bleeding, co...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, HIV is primarily transmitted through sexual intercourse or sharing needles. The three situations you mentioned are not routes of HIV transmission, so there is no need to worry. Thank you for your question.[Read More] Can You Contract HIV from Minor Cuts and Public Surfaces?
Concerns About Infection from Minor Cuts and Hepatitis B Exposure
Wound infectious diseases Hello, I accidentally scratched the back of my hand with my own nail. Although the wound is very small and not bleeding much, I'm unsure if there are any other injuries. My family member has hepatitis B, and I'm worried about whether I could ge...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, the transmission routes for hepatitis B are higher through needle sticks or sharing needles. The daily life contact you mentioned does not pose a risk for hepatitis B infection, so there is no need to worry. Thank you for your question.[Read More] Concerns About Infection from Minor Cuts and Hepatitis B Exposure
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