Should You Worry About Small Bumps Under Your Armpit?
Please ask your question? Hello, today while taking a shower, I suddenly noticed one or two very small bumps near my armpit. I'm worried that they might be something unusual. Could it just be that I'm cold and got goosebumps? However, it also resembles something I have ...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, based on your description and the images, it appears to be a skin gland, which is a normal physiological structure. There's no need to worry. Thank you for your inquiry.[Read More] Should You Worry About Small Bumps Under Your Armpit?
Understanding Rheumatoid Arthritis: Symptoms, Diagnosis, and Treatment Options
Rheumatoid Arthritis Hello Doctor, I would like to inquire whether my symptoms could be diagnosed as arthritis. At the end of October: I felt an unusual sensation when bending my hands. At the beginning of November: I experienced an unusual sensation in my big toe, and my knees h...
Dr. Gao Jiankai Reply:
Hello, thank you for your question. I believe further monitoring is appropriate. Although the RF value is abnormal, it is not significantly elevated, and with normal CCP levels, I think tracking is sufficient. If ANA, CRP, and ESR are also normal, the likelihood of severe rheumat...[Read More] Understanding Rheumatoid Arthritis: Symptoms, Diagnosis, and Treatment Options
Relieving Left Shoulder, Neck, and Arm Pain After Late Nights
Left shoulder, neck, and arm pain? Hello, doctor. For the past five days, I have mostly been sleeping after 3:00 AM. After drinking alcohol yesterday, I started to feel soreness in my left arm and shoulder after 4:00 AM, which sometimes extends to my neck. I would like to know ho...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, after drinking, it is common to experience lactic acid accumulation, and due to posture issues, it is very easy to have the situation you described. I recommend applying a hot compress and using analgesic ointment or pain relief patches to alleviate the discomfort. When sl...[Read More] Relieving Left Shoulder, Neck, and Arm Pain After Late Nights
Understanding Blood Test Results and Ear Pain: When to Seek Medical Advice
Please consult the doctor regarding blood draw and related issues? I apologize for the interruption. I was diagnosed about 3-4 months ago, and sometimes I feel like I have some lingering symptoms, so I thought I should get a check-up. Last week, I made an appointment with a famil...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, regarding the lymphocyte count, as your physician mentioned, it is true that various conditions can cause fluctuations in individual values. Your results are within the normal range, so there is no need to worry. As for the outer part of your ear, based on your description...[Read More] Understanding Blood Test Results and Ear Pain: When to Seek Medical Advice
Understanding Neck Pain: Causes, Concerns, and When to Seek Help
Neck pain issues? Hello, I would like to ask the doctor about something. This morning, while I was working in my usual office administrative role, where I frequently use the computer, I suddenly felt a tightness and pain in the left back of my neck for a brief moment. It lasted a...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, based on your description, it seems that prolonged immobility in a certain posture has led to muscle tension. I recommend incorporating regular movement into your work routine to prevent this issue. If the muscle tightness persists without improvement, it may be necessary ...[Read More] Understanding Neck Pain: Causes, Concerns, and When to Seek Help
Understanding Neck Tightness and Breathing Issues in Dialysis Patients
Tightness in the neck and difficulty breathing? Hello, doctor. I would like to ask you a question. I have been on dialysis for over six years. Recently, I underwent ablation surgery due to atrial fibrillation. Lately, before dialysis, I often feel a tightness in my neck and diffi...
Dr. Huang Yaoxuan Reply:
"Hello, dialysis patient: Based on your description, I cannot determine the underlying factors... I recommend discussing this with your physician at the dialysis center to see what suggestions they may have, or consider consulting a specialist for cervical spine treatment (u...[Read More] Understanding Neck Tightness and Breathing Issues in Dialysis Patients
Post-Exposure Prophylaxis: Symptoms and Concerns After Risky Encounter
Post-exposure prophylaxis symptom inquiry Hello Doctor, I engaged in high-risk sexual behavior with a sex worker on August 31st at noon. That evening at 7 PM, I immediately registered at the infectious disease department, and at 8 PM, I started taking PEP (post-exposure prophylax...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, 1. Your symptoms are more indicative of an allergic reaction or eczema, and it may not necessarily be a treatment failure. Whether you are HIV positive can only be determined through testing. 2. The incidence of HIV infection after prophylactic treatment failure is very...[Read More] Post-Exposure Prophylaxis: Symptoms and Concerns After Risky Encounter
Understanding Post-Treatment Reactions to Syphilis: What to Expect
Reactions after syphilis treatment? Hello, Doctor Liao. I went for an anonymous rapid syphilis test on August 13, and on August 18, I was informed that the result was positive for syphilis. On August 19, I made an appointment at the Infectious Disease Department of Pingtung Hospi...
Dr. Liao Zhongxin Reply:
Transmission Methods: 1. Close contact during sexual intercourse and other sexual activities is the primary route of transmission. Direct contact of wounds with secretions, bodily fluids, and other excretions (such as semen, blood, and vaginal secretions) from skin or mucosal les...[Read More] Understanding Post-Treatment Reactions to Syphilis: What to Expect
Understanding Forehead Heat and Headaches: When to Seek Medical Advice
Forehead headache with fever? Hello, Dr. Hong. Since last Sunday (August 21), I've been feeling a warmth on my forehead at times, which I find quite uncomfortable, but my temperature has not shown any fever, peaking at 36.8-36.9°C. Initially, I did not experience any headach...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, based on your description, the main issues are headaches and a sensation of heat in the head, but your body temperature is normal. If you do not have any other specific symptoms, the most likely causes are stress or discomfort due to environmental factors, such as irregula...[Read More] Understanding Forehead Heat and Headaches: When to Seek Medical Advice
Understanding Abnormal RF and ESR Results: What You Need to Know
Abnormal RF and ESR? Hello Doctor, I had a CRP test on April 21st which was 0.1 (normal range 0-1 mg/dL), and on July 19th, my comprehensive health check showed an abnormal RF of 242 (<15 IU/mL). On August 7th, I visited the immunology department, and during a brief consultati...
Dr. Gao Jiankai Reply:
Hello, thank you for your inquiry. A high RF (Rheumatoid Factor) may be associated with other conditions, including viral hepatitis, particularly hepatitis C, Sjögren's syndrome, and other rheumatic diseases. It is advisable to consult your physician for more detailed examin...[Read More] Understanding Abnormal RF and ESR Results: What You Need to Know
Navigating Conflicting Medical Opinions: Lymphadenopathy vs. Cellulitis
The initial orthopedic consultation indicated lymphadenopathy, and the follow-up visit diagnosed cellulitis? Hello Doctor, my ex-husband was diagnosed with COVID-19 on June 26. During this time, several areas became swollen and formed hard lumps. The swollen areas initially inclu...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, based on your description, the main issue is the enlargement of the lymph nodes. One aspect that needs clarification is whether this lymphadenopathy occurred suddenly after a COVID-19 infection or if it has been present for some time. If it occurred suddenly, theoretically...[Read More] Navigating Conflicting Medical Opinions: Lymphadenopathy vs. Cellulitis
Understanding Bone Marrow Suppression and Its Complications After Azathioprine
Subsequent Issues Following Bone Marrow Suppression Induced by Azacitidine Hello, Doctor Gao. In February of this year, I visited the rheumatology and immunology department due to mild vitiligo and alopecia areata. I was prescribed Yasmin for a month, which resulted in significan...
Dr. Gao Jiankai Reply:
Hello, thank you for your question. I don't believe it's purpura. The likelihood of lymphoma is very low because your lymph nodes are small. It may be more likely that the side effects of the medication have not completely resolved. Although your platelet count is somew...[Read More] Understanding Bone Marrow Suppression and Its Complications After Azathioprine
Understanding Rust-Colored Phlegm: Causes and Concerns
Rust-colored sputum? Hello, doctor. I have a question. I have been using tobacco, alcohol, and betel nut for 30 years. I quit after noticing that the first phlegm I coughed up upon waking in the morning was rust-colored. This has been the case for 2 years now. I have undergone na...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, based on your description, the rust-colored sputum likely indicates chronic inflammation in the lungs, combined with a history of long-term smoking, while both chest X-rays and low-dose CT scans are normal. This situation suggests chronic bronchitis caused by prolonged smo...[Read More] Understanding Rust-Colored Phlegm: Causes and Concerns
Understanding Acanthosis Nigricans and Blood Sugar Levels: A Guide
Blood sugar exceeds? Hello, doctor. I am currently 176 cm tall and at my heaviest, I weighed 103 kg. I have now reduced my weight to 89 kg and am continuing to lose weight. My body fat percentage is 23% (down from 32% at my heaviest) and my visceral fat is 12 (down from 16 at my ...
Dr. Li Jian Reply:
Hello: If you have acanthosis nigricans, it is recommended to test for hemoglobin A1c. If the result is between 5.7 and 6.4, it indicates prediabetes.[Read More] Understanding Acanthosis Nigricans and Blood Sugar Levels: A Guide
Managing Hand Numbness in Fibromyalgia: Seeking the Right Specialist
Fibromyalgia and hand numbness? Hello, doctor. I have been suffering from hand pain and numbness for about three years. Initially, I was examined at two major hospitals in central Taiwan, and they both indicated issues related to autoimmune rheumatic arthritis. I was on medicatio...
Dr. Gao Jiankai Reply:
Hello, thank you for your question. The numbness you are experiencing is likely not related to fibromyalgia; it seems more probable that it is due to carpal tunnel syndrome. Carpal tunnel syndrome can be confirmed through neurological examinations while ruling out cervical spine ...[Read More] Managing Hand Numbness in Fibromyalgia: Seeking the Right Specialist
Understanding Yawning-Related Pain: When to Seek Medical Advice
Please provide the content you would like me to translate? Thank you for your response, Doctor. I was chatting with friends earlier, and they mentioned that yawning too forcefully can lead to similar issues. I would like to ask about what you mentioned regarding caution. I do not...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, you mentioned that sometimes the joints may experience mild inflammation, which typically improves after a period of time. Regarding the cold symptoms, due to the recent COVID-19 pandemic, it is advisable to take a rapid test. If the rapid test is negative, it is more like...[Read More] Understanding Yawning-Related Pain: When to Seek Medical Advice
Understanding Elevated RF Levels: Implications for Autoimmune Disorders
Rheumatoid factor (RF) is elevated in rheumatoid arthritis? Hello Doctor, I have had an allergic constitution since childhood and have been receiving treatment in the rheumatology and immunology department for long-term issues related to my nose and urticaria. During my last visi...
Dr. Gao Jiankai Reply:
Hello, thank you for your inquiry. If the test results mentioned above are all the examinations you have undergone, I believe there are additional tests that can be arranged. If you are very concerned and unsure about whether to take quinine, I suggest you consult another rheumat...[Read More] Understanding Elevated RF Levels: Implications for Autoimmune Disorders
Could Shoulder Pain and Leg Twitches Indicate Tetanus Symptoms?
Physical condition Hello, I had a minor abrasion previously and did not receive a tetanus shot. Recently, I've been experiencing stiffness and pain in my neck and shoulders, and occasionally, my legs feel like they twitch for a moment but then it goes away. Currently, I have...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, the symptoms you mentioned are not indicative of tetanus, so there is no need to worry. Thank you for your inquiry.[Read More] Could Shoulder Pain and Leg Twitches Indicate Tetanus Symptoms?
Swallowed Fish Bone: X-Ray Findings and Endoscopy Insights
Ingestion of a fishbone but not found during gastroscopy? Hello Doctor: Two nights ago, while eating salmon, I accidentally swallowed a fish bone that was about one centimeter long and not soft. I felt a bit nervous, so I swallowed a bite of rice and vegetables afterward, but lat...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, 1. It is possible for a fishbone to be visible on an X-ray but not detected during an endoscopy. This can occur due to the numerous folds in the stomach, and if the fishbone is not prominently colored, it may not be seen during the endoscopic examination. 2. It is plau...[Read More] Swallowed Fish Bone: X-Ray Findings and Endoscopy Insights
Understanding PET Scan Results: Is a 1.6cm Liver Nodule Benign?
Inquiry about Positron Emission Tomography (PET) Report Hello Doctor, I have to wait until Friday to see the report 😭. I would like to ask if you could confirm my initial translation, which suggests that there is no metastasis or malignant tumor. Is the 1.6 cm nodule in the liver...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, this report mainly indicates that no signs of tumors or metastasis were found, suggesting that the liver tumor is likely benign. Thank you for your inquiry.[Read More] Understanding PET Scan Results: Is a 1.6cm Liver Nodule Benign?