Addressing Concerns About Infectious Disease Exposure in Healthcare
Issues in Infectious Disease Prevention Hello Dr. Hong, today and tomorrow I have a day off and I'm accompanying my boyfriend to have dinner and go shopping with his mother for the first time. I graduated last year and am currently working in RCC at a hospital in Linkou, nor...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, regarding tuberculosis, it is primarily the open form of pulmonary tuberculosis that can cause airborne transmission in closed spaces. During caregiving, as long as proper N95 masks are worn and basic protective measures are taken, there should be no concern about contract...[Read More] Addressing Concerns About Infectious Disease Exposure in Healthcare
Understanding Risks of Drug-Resistant Staphylococcus Aureus in Hospitalized Patients
Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) Hello Dr. Hong, my mother, who is 97 years old, was hospitalized from June 7th due to a bleeding gastric ulcer. On June 9th, she vomited and developed aspiration pneumonia. On June 15th, the doctor informed me that her pneumonia ...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, Staphylococcus, whether antibiotic-resistant or not, is a common environmental bacterium. As long as the body is healthy, there is no risk of infection. Therefore, your mention of drinking juice poses no infection concerns, as long as you are cautious about the hot weather...[Read More] Understanding Risks of Drug-Resistant Staphylococcus Aureus in Hospitalized Patients
Concerns About HIV and Hepatitis B After Unsafe Sexual Encounters
Concerns regarding HIV and Hepatitis B? I have been staying up late until 3 AM since the beginning of the year. Between late February and mid-April, I had several instances of unprotected sexual intercourse with the same person (I am unaware of his medical history; I only know th...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, theoretically, the average window period for HIV is 3 months. If you have not engaged in sexual activity since April, then you should have surpassed the window period. Testing in August would likely yield a negative result, and the chances of infection should be very low. ...[Read More] Concerns About HIV and Hepatitis B After Unsafe Sexual Encounters
Managing Persistent Lung Inflammation: Tips for Care Before Hospital Visits
Pneumonia Hello, doctor... My mother is 60 years old! She initially sought treatment at a clinic for a urinary tract infection but only received injections and medication without improvement for about ten days. She then started experiencing high fevers around 39 to 40 degrees Cel...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, based on your description, it seems that your mother's condition may have worsened. If she is feeling very unwell, it is advisable to seek emergency care. Regarding her lung condition, it appears to be quite complex and may involve atypical pathogens or inflammation c...[Read More] Managing Persistent Lung Inflammation: Tips for Care Before Hospital Visits
Understanding Periodic Low Fever: Possible Causes and Next Steps
Periodic low-grade fever? Hello doctor, recently I've been experiencing slight weakness in my limbs, and my body temperature rises to 37.7 to 37.8 degrees Celsius in the afternoon, during which I feel a bit unwell. However, by the evening, my temperature returns to normal, a...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, the symptoms of tuberculosis are often very atypical, making it difficult to simply distinguish whether it is pulmonary tuberculosis based solely on symptoms. Conditions such as chronic allergies, rheumatic autoimmune diseases, and chronic bronchitis can present similar sy...[Read More] Understanding Periodic Low Fever: Possible Causes and Next Steps
Is There a Risk of Tuberculosis Recurrence After Many Years?
Can pulmonary tuberculosis recur? Hello, doctor. I would like to ask about an 83-year-old uncle who reported that he contracted tuberculosis (TB) at around the age of 19. He underwent standard treatment and was isolated for three years. Given that so much time has passed, is ther...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, targeted therapy usually refers to cancer treatment. It is estimated that this gentleman is receiving the standard 6-9 months of treatment for tuberculosis. In Taiwan, health authorities typically monitor patients until they complete their treatment. As long as there is su...[Read More] Is There a Risk of Tuberculosis Recurrence After Many Years?
Morning Throat Irritation: Causes and When to Seek Medical Help
Before getting up in the morning, it's common to experience a scratchy throat? In recent days, I have been experiencing a scratchy throat and coughing close to morning, with minimal phlegm that initially appears as yellowish clumps, sometimes with streaks of blood. These sym...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, based on your symptom description, if it has occurred recently, it is likely a cold. However, if you have been experiencing these symptoms for a long time, you may have allergic rhinitis. Whether it is a cold or allergies, antihistamines are commonly used for treatment, pr...[Read More] Morning Throat Irritation: Causes and When to Seek Medical Help
Persistent Cough and Itchy Airways: Seeking Answers for Unresolved Symptoms
Chronic bronchial itching and cough that cannot be resolved? Hello, doctor. I had a cold at the beginning of April, and after recovering, I started experiencing intense itching from my throat to my chest (likely in the trachea). Pressing firmly on my chest or the area between my ...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Based on the medical condition, it is important to clarify whether everything was normal before the cold in April, whether there are any underlying diseases, and if there are any other illnesses in the family to determine the relationship with the cold in April. Therefore: Situa...[Read More] Persistent Cough and Itchy Airways: Seeking Answers for Unresolved Symptoms
Managing Anxiety and Respiratory Symptoms: Understanding Your Health Concerns
Anxiety, tension, excessive nasal mucus, and phlegm? Hello, doctor. Since February of this year, I have experienced an increase in nasal discharge and started coughing up phlegm. On one or two occasions, I noticed blood-streaked sputum, so I consulted an ENT specialist who confir...
Dr. Xie Rongyuan Reply:
Hello: If you have a persistent cough that has not improved, it is best to go to the hospital for a chest X-ray to check for any abnormalities. Stress, anxiety, and panic can lead to shortness of breath and increased heart rate, so it is advisable to manage your emotions. Thank y...[Read More] Managing Anxiety and Respiratory Symptoms: Understanding Your Health Concerns
Understanding Severe Pneumonia and Complications in Elderly Patients
Pneumonia, currently undergoing intubation treatment? Doctor, I would like to ask you: My father, who is 83 years old, went to the emergency room due to back pain, but he has a long history of experiencing shortness of breath without further medical evaluation. He was initially s...
Dr. Xie Rongyuan Reply:
Hello: The patient is still experiencing an infection. It is advisable to discuss the condition and treatment with the attending physician, as I cannot provide any recommendations without observing the patient's clinical situation. Thank you for your message![Read More] Understanding Severe Pneumonia and Complications in Elderly Patients
Managing Tracheal Stenosis and Aspiration Pneumonia in Young Adults
Tracheal stenosis complicated by aspiration pneumonia? My son is currently 20 years old and has been experiencing tracheal stenosis, which is compressing the esophagus and causing aspiration leading to aspiration pneumonia. He has had high fever and recurrent fever episodes. Alth...
Dr. Xiao Yongxun Reply:
1. Since you are already hospitalized, please discuss with your attending physician based on clinical symptoms, laboratory data, and past medical history. 2. Due to tracheal stenosis compressing the esophagus, which caused aspiration leading to pneumonia, it is presumed that th...[Read More] Managing Tracheal Stenosis and Aspiration Pneumonia in Young Adults
Can Cryptococcus Infections Be Treated Before Symptoms Appear?
Cryptococcal infection... should treatment wait until symptoms develop? Hello Dr. Liao, I would like to ask... If a person is infected with Cryptococcus, must we wait for the disease to manifest before treatment can begin? If there are no symptoms, does it mean that the Cryptococ...
Dr. Liao Zhongxin Reply:
Dear readers: 1. First, refer to an article from Han Ming Hospital titled "Cryptococcal Pneumonia: A Concern for Immunocompromised Individuals." A. Unlike typical pneumonia, which presents with symptoms such as fever, cough, and sputum production, patients with crypto...[Read More] Can Cryptococcus Infections Be Treated Before Symptoms Appear?
Understanding Symptoms: Seeking Medical Advice for Unexplained Health Issues
Inquire about the etiology? Hello Dr. Chen, I have a friend who is experiencing some health issues. She has never received proper treatment throughout her life and, due to a lack of time and financial resources, she is seeking help online in hopes of finding some assistance! Her ...
Dr. Chen Jianyu Reply:
Your friend has many symptoms and requires a detailed health examination. I cannot determine the potential disease based solely on a brief two-line description; a personal examination of the patient is necessary for diagnosis. Your friend can visit an otolaryngologist, pulmonolog...[Read More] Understanding Symptoms: Seeking Medical Advice for Unexplained Health Issues
When to Seek Emergency Care for Influenza B Symptoms
Under what circumstances should one go to a large hospital for influenza type B? A 31-year-old female family member was diagnosed with influenza B at a clinic two days ago and is currently taking antiviral medication as prescribed by the doctor for five days. She is still experie...
Dr. Li Zhiyao Reply:
Hello Mr. Lin: Most influenza patients recover in about a week, but it is important to pay special attention to any warning signs of severe influenza (such as shortness of breath, difficulty breathing, cyanosis, blood or thick sputum, chest pain, altered consciousness, low blood ...[Read More] When to Seek Emergency Care for Influenza B Symptoms
Understanding Complications After Diabetes-Related Amputation
Diabetes issues Hello, doctor. I would like to ask about my grandfather. He had an amputation above the left knee due to complications from diabetes, and he is currently in the intensive care unit with a breathing tube. His condition doesn't seem very good; the sputum that h...
Dr. Xiao Yongxun Reply:
Hello: In response to your question, the text indicates that your grandfather is still in the intensive care unit. It is recommended that you consult the attending physician directly, as they are the most familiar with your grandfather's condition. Wishing for a speedy recov...[Read More] Understanding Complications After Diabetes-Related Amputation
Is Your Flu Symptoms Caused by KTV Outing? Understanding the Connection
Regarding influenza? Hello, doctor! I would like to ask, in my company, there are 3-4 people who suddenly felt dizzy, nauseous, bloated, and had joint pain after singing karaoke. Could this be caused by the flu?
Dr. Xiao Yongxun Reply:
Hello: In response to your question, the symptoms of influenza include cough, runny nose, nasal congestion, headache, sore throat, muscle aches, fever, and more. If you experience symptoms such as shortness of breath, difficulty breathing, cyanosis, blood-tinged sputum, altered c...[Read More] Is Your Flu Symptoms Caused by KTV Outing? Understanding the Connection
Consulting a Doctor: Managing Blood Sugar and Leukocytosis in Patients
Consult a physician? Hello Dr. Ke: I have two questions to ask: 1. A patient without diabetes has elevated blood glucose levels due to intravenous administration of albumin and glucose because of inability to eat. Is it appropriate to administer insulin to suppress blood glucos...
Dr. Ke Zhengchang Reply:
1. In individuals without diabetes, even without food intake, intravenous glucose administration can lead to elevated blood sugar levels. Therefore, insulin can be added, provided the dosage is appropriate, as there will be no side effects as long as hypoglycemia (below 70 mg/dL)...[Read More] Consulting a Doctor: Managing Blood Sugar and Leukocytosis in Patients
Managing Hyperthyroidism and Mitral Valve Insufficiency: A Patient's Journey
Hyperthyroidism and mitral valve insufficiency? Hello Dr. Yang, I have a few questions I would like to ask you. I have been dealing with hyperthyroidism for nearly 10 years. At the end of 2008, due to a recurrence of hyperthyroidism, I started taking medication again. However, t...
Dr. Yang Hongzhi Reply:
Coughing is not a common side effect of medications for hyperthyroidism. If it is indeed a side effect, in addition to surgery, radioactive iodine treatment can also be considered for hyperthyroidism.[Read More] Managing Hyperthyroidism and Mitral Valve Insufficiency: A Patient's Journey
Understanding Chest Discomfort After Testing Positive for Influenza A
Influenza A Hello Doctor: I previously tested positive for COVID-19 at the hospital. I am currently taking antiviral medication. However, I am experiencing significant chest tightness. I do not have a fever, and the hospital doctor mentioned that my symptoms are mild. My chest ti...
Dr. Li Zhiyao Reply:
Hello, A-Jie: Most individuals infected with the H1N1 influenza virus experience mild symptoms and typically recover within a week without the need for special treatment, allowing most people to rest at home. However, there are a small number of cases where the condition can rapi...[Read More] Understanding Chest Discomfort After Testing Positive for Influenza A
Managing Antibiotic Treatment for Elderly Patients with Multiple Health Issues
Antibiotics Hello Dr. Tsai: My grandfather had a lot of bacteria in his sputum and urine cultures during his hospitalization. He was treated with third-generation antibiotics and also received steroids. Within a week of discharge, he developed a fever again. Is it effective to us...
Dr. Cai Yaozhou Reply:
The physician must assess the clinical symptoms and, in conjunction with the results of bacterial cultures, determine which antibiotic to use based on the clinical presentation and the culture results.[Read More] Managing Antibiotic Treatment for Elderly Patients with Multiple Health Issues