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
Is My Sore Throat a Cold or Something More Serious?
Is it a cold issue? Hello, doctor. About ten days ago, I had a cold and took medication twice. Later, the doctor said that since I no longer had a sore throat, I didn't need to return for a follow-up. However, today I felt something like a droplet shape stuck in my throat ne...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, 1. Regarding the previous cold symptoms, such as post-nasal drip, if they persist for a longer duration, it is usually recommended to rest more and stay hydrated, which should help in recovery. 2. As for the dizziness, it could be caused by multiple factors, including ...[Read More] Is My Sore Throat a Cold or Something More Serious?
Managing Anxiety and Health Concerns for HIV Positive Patients
The issue of experiencing anxiety and discomfort for an entire year? Hello, doctor. After many years of using Google for medical inquiries, this is my first time asking a question on this platform. I am HIV positive and have been on medication for five years, with my viral load c...
Dr. Lin Wufu Reply:
Hello: 1. If your HIV is well-controlled with medication (which should be the case, as your viral load remains undetectable), having a CD4 count of 500-700 means your immune system is not significantly worse than that of the general population. It is reasonable to seek medical ...[Read More] Managing Anxiety and Health Concerns for HIV Positive Patients
Understanding Infection Risks: Skin, Cysts, and HPV Transmission
Infection issues 1. Is it possible for water to enter the small opening of a pilonidal sinus while swimming, or for viruses and bacteria to enter the body through this opening due to the lack of skin protection? 2. Regarding an inflamed and swollen cyst located at the coccyx (w...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, 1. Pathogens can enter the body through any openings at any time and place, including the small openings you mentioned. However, the human body has an immune system that can eliminate most pathogens, preventing illness. 2. HPV can indeed be transmitted through contact ...[Read More] Understanding Infection Risks: Skin, Cysts, and HPV Transmission
Does Inderal Affect Rheumatology and Immunology Test Results?
Testing issues Hello, doctor. I visited the rheumatology and immunology department yesterday due to some issues. The physician arranged for blood tests related to rheumatology and the immune system, but I forgot to inform the doctor that I took "Inderal" (propranolol) t...
Dr. Gao Jiankai Reply:
Hello, thank you for your message. Taking this medication will not affect the test results, so there is no need to worry. The Allergy, Immunology, and Rheumatology Department of Changhua Hospital, Ministry of Health and Welfare, cares about you.[Read More] Does Inderal Affect Rheumatology and Immunology Test Results?
Understanding Mixed Connective Tissue Disease: Symptoms, Diagnosis, and Management
What is mixed connective tissue disease? Hello Doctor: I previously experienced an outbreak of urticaria and visited a nearby dermatologist two or three times without improvement. I read in magazines that I should see a rheumatologist, so I found the only clinic nearby that offer...
Dr. Gao Jiankai Reply:
Hello, thank you for your message. Mixed connective tissue disease is a type of rheumatic disease, which, as the name suggests, exhibits features of other rheumatic diseases, including scleroderma, systemic lupus erythematosus, and rheumatoid arthritis, but it is classified as an...[Read More] Understanding Mixed Connective Tissue Disease: Symptoms, Diagnosis, and Management
Managing Rapid Heartbeat and Thyroid Medication: A Patient's Journey
My heart is racing? Currently, I take 250 mcg of thyroid hormone daily, but my heart rate has become very uncomfortable, averaging 120 beats per minute. When I walk or climb stairs, it almost reaches 150. Although I am happy to have lost 15 kilograms, I often feel short of breath...
Dr. Lin Jianliang Reply:
After reading your letter, I am unable to ascertain your general condition from your description. Given your uncomfortable symptoms, I recommend that you inform your attending physician immediately. Discussing your situation with them will help ensure your health.[Read More] Managing Rapid Heartbeat and Thyroid Medication: A Patient's Journey
Understanding Common Cold Duration and Risks for Family Health
The issue of the common cold? Hello, Doctor Hong. I visited an ENT specialist yesterday, and the doctor said it was just a cold. However, I would like to ask how long it typically takes for a common cold to resolve with medication. I usually prefer to let it run its course natura...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Based on your description, it seems to be a mild cold, which is usually caused by common viral infections. Currently, in Taiwan, most cases are still imported from abroad. If your work does not frequently involve contact with foreigners, the likelihood of contracting COVID-19 is ...[Read More] Understanding Common Cold Duration and Risks for Family Health
Concerns About Facial Treatments: Can Mold Cause Infections?
Questions to ask the doctor? Hello, doctor. I was taken to a place similar to a beauty salon by my mom at noon. I had been there a year ago for a similar treatment to remove blackheads. Today, when the beautician was washing my face with a sponge, I noticed a smell that resembled...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, there are many molds and their spores present in the environment, including in everyday items and the air. Given your age, as long as your immune system is functioning normally and you maintain cleanliness and dryness of your body, you are generally not at high risk for in...[Read More] Concerns About Facial Treatments: Can Mold Cause Infections?
Understanding Sleep Issues and Cold Symptoms: When to Seek Help
I'm not sure if I have a cold? Hello, doctor. For the past couple of days, I have been feeling very alert at night and have trouble sleeping. I often don't fall asleep until around six in the morning, but I wake up around ten. However, I feel like I have a runny nose an...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, based on your description, there is indeed a high chance of catching a cold. The term "cold" refers to a condition that occurs when the body is in poor health, such as due to staying up late or experiencing high levels of stress, which can weaken the immune syste...[Read More] Understanding Sleep Issues and Cold Symptoms: When to Seek Help
Understanding Immune System Issues After Miscarriage: Key Tests to Consider
Is there a problem with the immune system? Hello doctors: Since my miscarriage last year, I have been experiencing persistent dry mouth symptoms. No matter how much water I drink, I still feel dry throughout the day. I have undergone immune system testing and ruled out Sjögren&#x...
Dr. Zeng Guosen Reply:
Hello, internet user. 1. There are many causes of dry mouth and dry tongue, with only a small percentage of cases attributed to immune issues. In addition to blood tests, a commonly overlooked examination for immune problems is a salivary gland biopsy, which is necessary for di...[Read More] Understanding Immune System Issues After Miscarriage: Key Tests to Consider
Understanding Unexplained Fever: When to Seek Medical Attention
Fever of unknown origin (FUO) Hello, doctor. I have been experiencing an unexplained fever for three consecutive days, with my temperature ranging between 37.5°C and 38°C. On the third day, I also developed a headache in the forehead area, but I have had no cough, sneezing, or ru...
Dr. Lin Wufu Reply:
I apologize for the late response. There are many causes of fever, and if it is simply a fever without any respiratory symptoms, the likelihood of it being related to COVID-19 is actually quite low. However, a fever lasting more than three days definitely indicates an underlying ...[Read More] Understanding Unexplained Fever: When to Seek Medical Attention
Understanding Persistent Low-Grade Fever and Its Possible Causes
Slightly elevated body temperature over a prolonged period? Hello Doctor, I have been experiencing slightly elevated body temperature since before my vacation, particularly feeling uncomfortable when it reaches around 37.5 to 37.8 degrees Celsius, while my usual temperature is ab...
Dr. Gao Jiankai Reply:
Hello, thank you for your message. If you are experiencing unexplained elevated body temperature or mild fever and have already consulted the specialties mentioned in your message without finding a solution, it would indeed be advisable to visit a Rheumatology and Immunology depa...[Read More] Understanding Persistent Low-Grade Fever and Its Possible Causes
Unexplained Fever, Weight Loss, and Joint Pain: A Medical Mystery
Unexplained fever with low-grade temperature, unintentional weight loss, and joint and muscle pain? Hello, doctor. I have undergone numerous tests in the infectious disease department, and the only abnormal finding was a slightly elevated cancer marker (for reference only) and a ...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, based on your description, it does align with the situation of "fever of unknown origin." We should indeed be cautious about atypical infections or bone marrow issues. Therefore, I agree with your infectious disease physician's recommendation to conduct furt...[Read More] Unexplained Fever, Weight Loss, and Joint Pain: A Medical Mystery
Understanding Low C3 and C4 Levels: Do They Indicate Immune System Disorders?
Immune system Hello Doctor: Recently, I had a blood test at the Metabolism Department and found that my C3 and C4 complement levels were low, and my white blood cell count was around 3100. I would like to ask if this indicates an immune system disease? Do I need treatment, or sho...
Dr. Gao Jiankai Reply:
Hello Rita, thank you for your message. Complement proteins are related to the immune system and typically increase during infections; however, in some immune system disorders, complement levels may be low, which can serve as a reference for diagnosing related immune diseases and...[Read More] Understanding Low C3 and C4 Levels: Do They Indicate Immune System Disorders?
Understanding Left-Sided Symptoms: Possible Immune System Issues
Immune system issues? Hello, doctor. I am currently preparing for my college entrance exam, but I have been experiencing some unusual symptoms and would like to seek your reassurance. I would like to ask why my symptoms are predominantly affecting the left side of my body. For ex...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello: The effects of the immune system are generally systemic, with very few distinctions made between the left and right sides. Therefore, the likelihood of a systemic immune response is relatively low. However, the left-sided lymphadenopathy and some discomfort you described a...[Read More] Understanding Left-Sided Symptoms: Possible Immune System Issues
Could I Be at Risk for Lupus? Understanding Symptoms and Prevention
Could it be systemic lupus erythematosus? Hello Doctor, I recently caught a cold, which has lowered my immune system, and I started developing small red spots on my body, about a third the size of a mung bean. I have two on the side of my nose, one on my knee, one on my calf, and...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, the typical rash associated with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is indeed the butterfly rash. Based on your description of the small red spots, it is more likely to be folliculitis. However, skin issues usually require a visual examination for accurate diagnosis, so I ...[Read More] Could I Be at Risk for Lupus? Understanding Symptoms and Prevention
Understanding Flu and Cold Symptoms: Insights from Taiwan's Experience
Influenza Issues Hello, I would like to ask you about the issues related to influenza and the common cold. I am from Taichung and have just moved to Keelung two months ago, working in Taipei. I don't know if I was just lucky before, but I have never had influenza and only ca...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, the symptoms you described, such as body aches, weakness, sore throat, nasal congestion, and diarrhea, are all indicative of cold symptoms. There are many causes for these symptoms, including influenza virus, parainfluenza virus, adenovirus, and various other types. Accord...[Read More] Understanding Flu and Cold Symptoms: Insights from Taiwan's Experience
Allergies and Excessive Sleepiness: Understanding Your Symptoms
Allergy + Drowsiness Recently, I have been experiencing multiple physical abnormalities, including dry mouth, dry eyes, and itchy dry skin (I have a history of urticaria, but this sensation feels different. Only specific areas of my hands and feet are dry and itchy, and there are...
Dr. Gao Jiankai Reply:
Hello, thank you for your inquiry. Here is the response to your question: 1. You have noticeable symptoms of dryness, which may be related to issues with your immune system, particularly Sjögren's syndrome or related autoimmune diseases. 2. It is recommended that you first c...[Read More] Allergies and Excessive Sleepiness: Understanding Your Symptoms
Managing Steroid Dosage: Coping with Persistent Symptoms and Allergic Reactions
The steroid dosage has been reduced to 7.5 mg, and the symptoms are becoming more pronounced? Last year, I developed a skin wound from scratching due to flea bites, which became infected with bacteria. The wound started to hurt, but after taking antibiotics, the pain subsided. Ho...
Dr. Zeng Guosen Reply:
Hello, skin disorders can indeed be very bothersome. If reducing the steroid dosage to 10 mg causes instability in your symptoms, there’s no need to panic. This indicates that your skin condition is still unstable. It may be advisable to adjust the methotrexate (MTX) dosage and w...[Read More] Managing Steroid Dosage: Coping with Persistent Symptoms and Allergic Reactions