Unexplained Fever After Family COVID-19 Diagnosis: What to Know
Fever of unknown origin (not diagnosed) Hello, doctor. On Sunday (September 11), a family member tested positive for COVID-19, and the next day (September 12), another family member also tested positive. I have no other symptoms of COVID-19, although I did experience wrist pain f...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, based on your description, it is possible that you are experiencing early symptoms of COVID-19. Initially, the viral load may be low, which could result in a false negative on a rapid test. Another possibility is whether you have been taking any prophylactic medications, a...[Read More] Unexplained Fever After Family COVID-19 Diagnosis: What to Know
Understanding Loud Breathing: Causes and When to Seek Help
Regarding respiratory issues? Hello, doctor. I have a question. Sometimes my breathing sounds very loud (not during sleep). It's like after normal breathing, there will suddenly be a loud exhalation, and it feels like I have a tightness in my chest and can't breathe out...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, 1. Regarding respiratory sounds, being overweight can cause airway compression, which may lead to wheezing or audible breathing. If you are feeling very uncomfortable, you can visit an outpatient clinic for an X-ray to confirm that your lungs are in good condition. If it...[Read More] Understanding Loud Breathing: Causes and When to Seek Help
Can High Rheumatoid Factor Levels Return to Normal? Insights and Advice
Is it possible for a high rheumatoid factor to decrease to normal levels? Hello Doctor, I would like to ask you a question. I have recently measured my rheumatoid factor twice, and both times it was very high, around 200. The second measurement was even higher than the first. My...
Dr. Gao Jiankai Reply:
Hello, thank you for your question. A high rheumatoid factor is an indication of immune dysfunction and, in principle, will not return to normal solely due to strict lifestyle adjustments. A higher rheumatoid factor simply suggests that you have a greater likelihood of having a r...[Read More] Can High Rheumatoid Factor Levels Return to Normal? Insights and Advice
Concerns About PEP Use: Symptoms, Timing, and Alcohol Interaction
Issues Related to PEP Administration Hello doctor, I would like to ask about my situation. I have been taking PEP medication for about a week now, within 48 hours of potential exposure. During this period, I have experienced symptoms similar to acute HIV infection, such as swolle...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, 1. Symptoms can be difficult to determine. It is recommended to get an HIV test if there are any concerns. 2. To confirm a diagnosis, it is advisable to undergo testing. 3. It is recommended to avoid alcohol as much as possible. If you really want to drink, wait 2-3 da...[Read More] Concerns About PEP Use: Symptoms, Timing, and Alcohol Interaction
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 the Impact of Stress on Immune System Health
Immune system Hello, doctor. I am the patient who asked questions today regarding the many positive results. Thank you for your answers. What I fear the most is the HIV test, but fortunately, it came back negative. However, I am still very worried about the numerous abnormal resu...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, indeed, aside from HIV, other positive results do not necessarily indicate an acute infection. Wishing you all the best and good health.[Read More] Understanding the Impact of Stress on Immune System Health
Understanding Mucus and Blood in Stool: Is It a Sign of Colon Cancer?
Stool with mucus and blood? Hello Doctor, my gastrointestinal health has not been good for the past two months (slow gastrointestinal motility after a viral infection). Two months ago, when my stomach issues were not as severe, I had an endoscopy. Recently, I still feel short of ...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, I would like to know if you are seeing fresh blood or black stools? If it is fresh blood, it may be due to hemorrhoidal bleeding caused by constipation. If there is a large amount of fresh blood, a colonoscopy is recommended. If it is black stools, it could indicate gastro...[Read More] Understanding Mucus and Blood in Stool: Is It a Sign of Colon Cancer?
Assessing Risks of Blood Draw Wound and Mucosal Contact During Intimacy
Blood draw needle injury and glans mucosa? I would like to ask the doctor to assess the risk in a busy schedule. The other person had a blood test for blood sugar at 18:00 using a blood draw needle, and four hours later at 22:00, he performed manual stimulation (masturbation and ...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, 1. The blood glucose lancet is very fine and will heal quickly, so there should be no bleeding after four hours. 2. Based on your description, there is no risk of infection. Thank you for your inquiry.[Read More] Assessing Risks of Blood Draw Wound and Mucosal Contact During Intimacy
Understanding Sleep Issues in Teen Athletes: A Guide to Common Concerns
Sleep issues Hello, doctor. I have some questions I would like to ask you. As a teenager, I'm not sure if what I'm experiencing is normal. I am an athlete and I start training at 7 AM and also have practice in the afternoon. Recently, I've been sleeping with the ai...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, 1. It is normal to experience a dry throat when sleeping in an air-conditioned room, as air conditioning has a dehumidifying function. 2. Whether you snore may require the assistance of those around you to observe. As for sleep apnea, a sleep study at a sleep clinic is ...[Read More] Understanding Sleep Issues in Teen Athletes: A Guide to Common Concerns
Understanding Sudden Fainting: Causes and Concerns for Your Health
Sudden fainting? Around 12:20 AM today, my mother (52 years old) was talking before going to the bathroom when she suddenly fainted just as she was about to enter. I heard a noise and rushed to check, finding her collapsed at the doorway. She regained consciousness after about 30...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Based on your description, it is likely that the alcohol caused vasodilation, leading to a sudden drop in blood pressure, combined with urine production activating the sympathetic nervous system, resulting in a temporary fainting episode. It is recommended that if she drinks alco...[Read More] Understanding Sudden Fainting: Causes and Concerns for Your Health
Managing Weight Loss and Health for Night Shift Nurses
Moderately obese night shift nurse? Hello, doctor. I am a nurse who has been working night shifts for a long time. Over the past three years, I have gained 30 kilograms (currently classified as moderately obese, with a history of polycystic ovary syndrome). Since last year, I hav...
Dr. Li Jian Reply:
Drink water at your convenience, while always being attentive to any urinary tract symptoms.[Read More] Managing Weight Loss and Health for Night Shift Nurses
Chest Pain in Ankylosing Spondylitis: Which Specialist to See First?
If a patient with ankylosing spondylitis experiences chest pain, they should first consult a rheumatologist? Hello Doctor, I am 51 years old and a patient with ankylosing spondylitis, which I developed at the age of 45. My symptoms initially included only buttock pain and morning...
Dr. Gao Jiankai Reply:
Hello, thank you for your question. I recommend seeing a rheumatologist first, as the duration of pain and the pain pattern may resemble that of ankylosing spondylitis, and it could potentially be related to it. If you still have concerns, you can discuss your anxiety about cardi...[Read More] Chest Pain in Ankylosing Spondylitis: Which Specialist to See First?
Understanding Kidney Issues: Urination Patterns and Posture Effects
Kidney problems Hello Doctor: My urine output is not very high, about 100 to 200 ml each time, and the color is yellow or dark yellow. I feel the urge to urinate every 2 to 3 hours. However, when I am half-reclining and half-sitting on my bed using my phone at night, the time bet...
Dr. Wu Hongjie Reply:
1. Urine color is not related to posture; it is recommended to visit a hospital for examination to rule out urinary system issues. 2. Kidney function impairment is assessed by serum creatinine and glomerular filtration rate. If there is no proteinuria and the values are normal, i...[Read More] Understanding Kidney Issues: Urination Patterns and Posture Effects
Managing Anxiety and Health Issues: A Guide for Chronic Symptoms
Years of anxiety and restlessness? Unexplained weight loss (notable thinning of the waist, abdomen, thighs, and calves), frequent dry throat and pain during sleep, muscle soreness, recurrent oral ulcers affecting the tongue and gums that persist, healing only to break out again a...
Dr. Zeng Guosen Reply:
The user is experiencing muscle soreness, recurrent ulcers in the mouth, tongue, and gums, and sometimes has a low-grade fever ranging from 37.0 to 37.5 degrees Celsius, indicating a chronic inflammation issue. It is recommended to consult with an immunologist for a thorough eval...[Read More] Managing Anxiety and Health Issues: A Guide for Chronic Symptoms
Concerns About Undercooked Pork: Symptoms and Parasitic Infection Risks
Undercooked pork consumption issues? Hello, doctor. Before the Qingming Festival, I dined at a Japanese pork cutlet chain restaurant and noticed that some pieces of meat seemed undercooked. The symptoms I experienced are as follows: 1. After returning home, I did not have any sig...
Dr. Lin Wufu Reply:
Hello: Parasites in raw pork typically die after freezing, so unless you are consuming freshly slaughtered and cooked pork chops, the likelihood of contracting parasites from undercooked pork in Taiwan is quite low. Given the current COVID-19 pandemic, it is more appropriate to f...[Read More] Concerns About Undercooked Pork: Symptoms and Parasitic Infection Risks
Understanding Lung Cancer: Symptoms, Diagnosis, and Next Steps
Lung cancer issues? My husband was diagnosed with malignant liver cancer (stage II) last August. The tumor pressed against the diaphragm, so a small portion was surgically removed. Since March of this year, he has been experiencing persistent shortness of breath, occasional fever...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, based on your description, it is likely that a weakened immune system has led to a lung infection or inflammation. Whether there is emphysema or lung cancer requires further examination for confirmation. Typically, your condition is indeed managed by a pulmonologist; howev...[Read More] Understanding Lung Cancer: Symptoms, Diagnosis, and Next Steps
Understanding Occasional Dizziness: When to Seek Medical Advice
Occasionally, I experience slight dizziness? Hello doctor, I would like to ask about experiencing occasional dizziness over the past few weeks. Initially, the sensation was quite strong, but the frequency has significantly decreased, and now I only feel dizzy occasionally, mostly...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, based on your description, it seems more likely that your dizziness is caused by lifestyle stress or irregular sleeping patterns. I recommend starting with lifestyle adjustments, such as establishing a regular sleep schedule and engaging in regular exercise. If you still f...[Read More] Understanding Occasional Dizziness: When to Seek Medical Advice
Concerned About My Height Growth at Age 13: Seeking Medical Advice
I feel like I'm not growing taller? Hello, doctor. I am 13 years old, and I feel like I haven't grown taller recently. My dad is 172 cm and my mom is 161 cm. My diet is normal, and I drink plenty of milk. Sometimes I stay up late, and I am also working on my abs. In the...
Dr. Xie Rongyuan Reply:
Hello: If there is a concern about not growing taller, it is advisable to visit a pediatric endocrinologist to check for any issues with growth hormone. Growth hormone secretion is lower during the day, while it is significantly released during sleep, particularly between 10 PM a...[Read More] Concerned About My Height Growth at Age 13: Seeking Medical Advice
Understanding Persistent Low-Grade Fever: When to Seek Medical Advice
Temperature issues Hello Doctor, I am currently on day four of quarantine. Since the first night of quarantine, I have felt an increase in body temperature and warmth. (In previous years, I occasionally felt feverish, with temperatures around the mid-36s, sometimes reaching 37.3,...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, 1. It can be difficult to distinguish between the symptoms of a common cold and COVID-19, so it may still be necessary to perform a PCR test or a rapid test for confirmation. 2. There are many possible causes of fever, and a detailed examination may be required to deter...[Read More] Understanding Persistent Low-Grade Fever: When to Seek Medical Advice
Understanding Gout Diagnosis: Symptoms, Treatment, and Management
Gout Diagnosis Thank you, doctor, for taking the time to respond to my questions. I really appreciate it! I am a 34-year-old male, 175 cm tall, weighing 93 kg. I do not drink alcohol but often stay up late. I have gastroesophageal reflux disease and a duodenal ulcer, for which I ...
Dr. Gao Jiankai Reply:
Hello, thank you for your question. Here are my responses: 1. Is swelling and redness always present in gout? I had pain in my knee at that time, but there was no swelling or redness; can that still be considered gout? --> Most of the time, yes, but some patients may not exhi...[Read More] Understanding Gout Diagnosis: Symptoms, Treatment, and Management