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?
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 Hepatitis C Infection Risks in Everyday Situations
Infection risk 1. If I accidentally cut myself with a utility knife while working, and the knife may have residual dried blood from a colleague who is a hepatitis C carrier, is it possible for me to contract hepatitis C through the cut if the virus survives on the dried blood? (I...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, hepatitis C is primarily transmitted through sharing needles or needlestick injuries, while syphilis is transmitted through sexual contact. The scenarios you mentioned are not routes of transmission for these two diseases, so the risk of infection is very low. Please don&#...[Read More] Understanding Hepatitis C Infection Risks in Everyday Situations
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
Understanding Your Symptoms: When to Seek Medical Advice for Discomfort
Frequent medical visits? I am not feeling well; sometimes I lie in bed to rest or sit in a chair waiting... I just feel discomfort in my body, so I take a break. Today, I feel discomfort in my neck. I have allergic rhinitis, and during my doctor visits, the diagnosis is often upp...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, because your symptoms are relatively vague, it is difficult to determine the cause. If the discomfort persists, I recommend visiting a larger hospital's pulmonology or cardiology department for further evaluation. Thank you for your inquiry.[Read More] Understanding Your Symptoms: When to Seek Medical Advice for Discomfort
Understanding Acid Reflux: Symptoms and Solutions for Relief
Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) Hello, doctor. Recently, I've been experiencing a sensation of reflux in my stomach, which causes a feeling of something stuck in my throat, and occasionally I have a bitter taste in my mouth. I also have some discomfort in my neck. Cou...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, the symptoms you described are indeed typical of gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). It is recommended that you visit a gastroenterology clinic for an endoscopy to confirm the diagnosis. Thank you for your inquiry.[Read More] Understanding Acid Reflux: Symptoms and Solutions for Relief
Understanding Persistent Low-Grade Fever and Throat Symptoms
Temperature issues Hello Doctor, I started experiencing a sore throat on December 20th of last year and sought treatment. After finishing the first course of medication, my symptoms changed to a scratchy throat and coughing. I continued to return for follow-up visits and received...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, your body temperature is indeed slightly elevated, especially if it frequently exceeds 37.5°C. It is important to pay attention to this; if there are no specific symptoms of infection, it may be necessary to consider atypical infections or other factors such as rheumatolog...[Read More] Understanding Persistent Low-Grade Fever and Throat Symptoms
Understanding Neck Pain: Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment Options
Neck pain I recently went to exercise and twisted the right side of my neck. I applied a patch for four days, and it doesn't hurt while it's on, nor in the morning, but by the afternoon, the pain comes and goes. Additionally, I have difficulty swallowing saliva, and swa...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, based on your description, it is likely that you are experiencing a muscle strain. However, since you mentioned difficulty swallowing, there is a concern about a possible throat issue or a localized hematoma. I recommend that you first consult an otolaryngologist for an ex...[Read More] Understanding Neck Pain: Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment Options
Understanding Oral Sex Risks: Symptoms and Concerns About HIV
Oral sex with mouth sores? On November 1, I had oral sex without any other sexual activity, but I developed a sore in the middle of my tongue, which did not bleed. On November 3, I experienced tonsillitis and saw a doctor. By November 5, I had recovered. On November 9, I had lary...
Dr. Lin Wufu Reply:
Hello: The risk of contracting HIV from a single oral sex encounter is approximately 1 in 10,000, which is generally a very low probability, but of course, it cannot be guaranteed that it is zero. The symptoms you mentioned can indeed be indicative of acute HIV infection, but sim...[Read More] Understanding Oral Sex Risks: Symptoms and Concerns About HIV
Understanding Persistent Dark Spots on the Neck: When to Seek Treatment
Black spots on the neck? Hello doctor, I seem to have a black spot on my neck that won't wash off, and it has been there for quite a while. It looks like a mole. I visited a dermatologist who said it’s nothing serious, but I would like to know if I need to consider laser tre...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, based on the image you provided, it appears to be a mole. It is advisable to monitor it unless there are changes in size, color, or shape, in which case you should seek medical evaluation for further examination or treatment. Thank you for your inquiry.[Read More] Understanding Persistent Dark Spots on the Neck: When to Seek Treatment
Managing Post-HIV Test Anxiety and Skin Conditions: A Comprehensive Guide
HIV testing-related sequelae? Dear Dr. Hong, Hello. Over a month ago, I consulted you about HIV screening. As you anticipated, the HIV antigen-antibody rapid test result was negative 92 days after the sexual encounter, which allows me to rule out HIV. However, these past three m...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, high stress levels can indeed lead to the occurrence of folliculitis. Dermatologists typically prescribe symptomatic medications, but the most important factors are regulating your daily routine, managing stress, and engaging in moderate exercise. If these methods do not i...[Read More] Managing Post-HIV Test Anxiety and Skin Conditions: A Comprehensive Guide
Thyroid Fine Needle Aspiration: What to Know Before Your Procedure
Thyroid fine-needle aspiration biopsy? Hello Dr. Lin, My mother (70 years old) has been diagnosed with hyperthyroidism and has been advised to undergo a fine needle aspiration biopsy of the thyroid (and neck mass). The consent form mentions that anticoagulant use is a contraindi...
Dr. Lin Jianliang Reply:
Generally, a thyroid ultrasound is performed first, followed by a fine needle aspiration biopsy of the thyroid. It is recommended to inform the physician performing the biopsy beforehand.[Read More] Thyroid Fine Needle Aspiration: What to Know Before Your Procedure
Understanding Blood Test Results: What Your Doctor Might Be Concerned About
Follow-up data and related issues? Hello, Doctor. I actually visited a family medicine clinic this morning because my liver enzyme levels were at 40 and my cholesterol was slightly over 200, so I have been following up every three months. However, this time the doctor suddenly su...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, as you mentioned, these values are all types of white blood cells, and they add up to 100%. Your main concern is that the lymphocyte ratio is too high, while the neutrophil/segment ratio is too low, along with the presence of atypical lymphocytes (a.lym). This situation ca...[Read More] Understanding Blood Test Results: What Your Doctor Might Be Concerned About
Understanding Post-Thyroidectomy Neck Symptoms and Lymphedema Management
Post-thyroid lobectomy neck? I would like to ask the doctor, I underwent a total right thyroid lobectomy with unilateral neck lymphadenectomy in March of this year. Upon discharge, I experienced numbness in the right side of my neck, but it has gradually improved. The swelling ab...
Dr. Li Jian Reply:
It is recommended to discuss postoperative recovery matters with the original surgeon to address how to alleviate and improve the situation.[Read More] Understanding Post-Thyroidectomy Neck Symptoms and Lymphedema Management
Understanding Throat Pain and the Risks of Swallowing Foreign Objects
Throat issues and ingestion problems? Hello, doctor. I'm not sure if my cold has not fully resolved. Initially, I had a sore throat, and now only one side still hurts. I plan to visit an ENT specialist tomorrow. However, while eating just now, I accidentally swallowed someth...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, based on your description, it seems that your symptoms are likely caused by a cold and not due to any foreign object being lodged. As for the white area you mentioned, I haven't seen it directly, so it's difficult to assess; however, based on your description, it...[Read More] Understanding Throat Pain and the Risks of Swallowing Foreign Objects
Mask Hygiene Concerns: Risks of Contamination During Haircuts
Mask hygiene issues? Hello doctor, today when I went to get a haircut, I originally planned to wear a mask, but the hairdresser accidentally cut the ear straps of my mask. I temporarily placed the mask on my abdomen, and when I was about to leave, I realized that the white side o...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, the COVID-19 virus primarily spreads through contact with mucous membranes via contaminated hands. Regular handwashing and maintaining hand hygiene can significantly reduce the risk of infection. Based on your description, the overall risk of transmission should be low. Th...[Read More] Mask Hygiene Concerns: Risks of Contamination During Haircuts
Managing Hyperthyroidism: Medication Challenges and Allergic Reactions
Thyroid issues = Hyperthyroidism medication, urticaria, and medication-related problems? I was diagnosed with hyperthyroidism in mid-October last year (taking only one pill a day). I started with the first medication, Methimazole, but after three days I felt extremely uncomfortab...
Dr. Lin Jianliang Reply:
There are generally two to three types of medications used to treat hyperthyroidism, and typically, treatment lasts for one to two years. If medication is not suitable, surgical intervention or radioactive iodine therapy may be considered. Antihistamines commonly have side effect...[Read More] Managing Hyperthyroidism: Medication Challenges and Allergic Reactions
Understanding Neck Pain: Possible Causes and Connections to Recent Meals
Lymphatic issues When I woke up today, I felt some pain on the right side of my neck near the jaw, but there is no swelling. I had a gastroscopy yesterday afternoon and ate ginger duck in the evening, and I'm not sure if this is related.
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, could you please check if there is a small lump about the size of a coin? Based on your description, the most likely possibility is lymphadenopathy. If this occurred suddenly, it is usually due to inflammation or infection in the nearby area, most commonly related to denta...[Read More] Understanding Neck Pain: Possible Causes and Connections to Recent Meals
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
Understanding Symptoms After Potential HIV Exposure: What to Know
Infectious symptoms Hello, doctor. I had sexual intercourse with a woman on the afternoon of the 9th. We used a condom throughout, but it slipped off at one point; however, I immediately replaced it with a new one. We also engaged in kissing and oral sex. About 2 to 3 days later,...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Based on your description, it seems that the symptoms you are experiencing may be due to a subsequent cold. However, it is true that the early symptoms of HIV can resemble those of a cold, so it cannot be completely ruled out based solely on symptoms. I recommend that you go to a...[Read More] Understanding Symptoms After Potential HIV Exposure: What to Know