Understanding Tonsil Issues: When to Seek ENT Help and Infection Risks
Tonsil issues, may I ask? Hello, Doctor Hong. Previously, I visited an ENT specialist because I had tonsil stones. The doctor used a tool to press on it and later seemed to suction it out. After lunch today, while brushing my teeth, I noticed a white spot near my tonsils that loo...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, tonsil stones, as your doctor described, do not necessarily require any special treatment if there is no discomfort or inflammation. Regarding hepatitis B, it is primarily transmitted through vertical transmission and blood. The risk of infection from bleeding in the mouth...[Read More] Understanding Tonsil Issues: When to Seek ENT Help and Infection Risks
Post-Accident Health Concerns: Vaccine Eligibility and Recovery Insights
Post-accident condition and vaccine issues? I would like to ask about the injuries I sustained from a car accident two years ago, which resulted in liver and spleen lacerations. I did not undergo invasive treatment, but I fractured five ribs and my sternum. Occasionally, I still ...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, the process of healing at the fracture site and the wound around the knee may lead to fibrosis, which could result in the pulling sensation or pain you mentioned. Theoretically, this should gradually diminish. However, if the pain increases, it is advisable to consult your...[Read More] Post-Accident Health Concerns: Vaccine Eligibility and Recovery Insights
Risk of Bloodborne Infection from Accidental Needle Contact
Stabbed by a soft needle? Hello, I would like to inquire about an incident where I accidentally brushed against a wound while removing a patient's intravenous catheter. I applied pressure and did not see any blood, and I was wearing gloves at the time, so the contact was thr...
Dr. Lin Wufu Reply:
Hello: If there is a hole in the gloves, it indicates that the soft needle has directly punctured the skin, which poses a potential risk of infection even if there is no visible bleeding! Additionally, it is important to verify whether the patient has been tested for HIV, Hepatit...[Read More] Risk of Bloodborne Infection from Accidental Needle Contact
Understanding Low Platelet Counts: When to Seek Further Testing
Thrombocytopenia Hello Doctor, my mother has had a long-standing issue with low platelet counts. A few years ago, she visited a hematology-oncology specialist, and her platelet count (PL) was around 70,000 to 80,000. The specialist only recommended that she continue to monitor he...
Dr. Gao Jiankai Reply:
Hello, thank you for your message. Generally, before a hematologist recommends continued monitoring for an elderly woman, they will also evaluate the screening indicators for immune function. You may want to ask your physician whether there is a possibility of an immune issue for...[Read More] Understanding Low Platelet Counts: When to Seek Further Testing
Concerns About Infection Risks from DIY Condom Use: A Young Adult's Inquiry
Please ask your question? Hello, doctor. I have a question. I have some small wounds on my ring finger, and this morning I was trying to use a condom for the first time because I was a bit nervous about using it later. It's a bit funny, but after I finished, I accidentally t...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, based on your description, there is no risk of contracting any sexually transmitted infections or HIV, so there is no need to worry. However, please keep the wound clean to avoid infection. Thank you for your question.[Read More] Concerns About Infection Risks from DIY Condom Use: A Young Adult's Inquiry
Understanding Atypical Infections and Blood Test Results: Key Insights
Follow-up on blood test results? Thank you for your response, Doctor. I'm not quite clear on what atypical infections are. Could it be related to my late sleeping habits after the New Year, or the fact that I had a wound when I had my blood drawn? Should I mention this to th...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, atypical infections refer to infections caused by less common bacteria, with the most notable examples being Mycobacterium tuberculosis and Rickettsia. Regarding the wound, you can discuss it with a hematologist, although it may not necessarily be related to your report. A...[Read More] Understanding Atypical Infections and Blood Test Results: Key Insights
Understanding Sudden Tongue Bleeding: Causes and When to Seek Help
Sudden slight bleeding under the tongue? Hello Doctor, I just brushed my teeth and when I stuck out my tongue and moved it, I suddenly felt a burst of fluid coming from underneath. I noticed a slight bleeding near the area of the lingual frenulum or submandibular gland, and it se...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, the spraying you mentioned is likely the salivary glands secreting saliva. As for the bleeding part, it is true that if you stay up late, experience high stress, or have a weakened immune system, your gums can easily bleed. Just make sure to get plenty of rest and exercise...[Read More] Understanding Sudden Tongue Bleeding: Causes and When to Seek Help
Understanding Tongue Pain: The Role of B12 Deficiency and Parasites
Tongue pain and issues related to vitamin B12 deficiency and parasitic infections (long text)? Hello Doctor, I mainly want to ask about parasites and gastrointestinal issues. Here are my personal details: At the age of 12, I contracted pneumonia and took antibiotics for a month ...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
1. Theoretically, eosinophil levels may rise during a parasitic infection; however, this is not absolute, as many individuals with parasitic infections may have normal test results. 2. Indeed, when testing stool for ova, unless the parasite is shedding eggs at the time of testi...[Read More] Understanding Tongue Pain: The Role of B12 Deficiency and Parasites
Can Popping Pimples Lead to HIV Infection? Understanding the Risks
Pimple infection I squeezed a pimple on my face today, and it bled afterward. I would like to ask if I didn't wash my hands before squeezing and forgot what I touched, I'm worried that if my hands had come into contact with blood and then touched the bleeding pimple, co...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, the infection caused by popping pimples is usually due to surrounding bacteria entering through the wound. The risk of contracting HIV, which is a sexually transmitted infection, is not increased by an infection from a pimple wound. Therefore, you do not have an increased ...[Read More] Can Popping Pimples Lead to HIV Infection? Understanding the Risks
Understanding Anal Fistulas: Surgical Options and Recovery Tips
Anal fistula Last September, I underwent hemorrhoid surgery. By December, I noticed a lump near the anus that was extremely painful. I consulted a specialist, and in late February, I was given a seton placement. However, there is still a small lump in that area, and a few days be...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, the surgical removal of an anal fistula primarily depends on whether it causes infection and related complications. Based on your description, it seems to frequently cause discomfort, which is why your physician recommended surgery. As for postoperative care, your doctor s...[Read More] Understanding Anal Fistulas: Surgical Options and Recovery Tips
Risk of Infection from Snail Encounter During Meal: What to Know
Infection issues If I accidentally bit into a snail shell while eating a lunch box and realized it afterward, but I didn't swallow it, am I at risk of infection? If I have a wound in my mouth, does that increase the likelihood? Should I monitor the situation or seek medical ...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, regarding the snail you mentioned, it is unclear whether it is alive or has been cooked with the food. If it has already been cooked, it should theoretically pose no harm. However, if it is raw, one must be cautious of potential parasitic infections or bacterial contaminat...[Read More] Risk of Infection from Snail Encounter During Meal: What to Know
Understanding HIV Transmission Risks During Pregnancy and Ultrasound Procedures
HIV transmission risk Hello, doctor. Recently, I've entered the later stages of pregnancy, and my belly has been itching easily. I accidentally scratched my belly, causing a wound. Today, during my follow-up appointment for an ultrasound of my abdomen, the wound felt a bit p...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, the ultrasound procedure you described does not transmit HIV. Thank you for your question.[Read More] Understanding HIV Transmission Risks During Pregnancy and Ultrasound Procedures
Understanding Black Spots on Nails: When to Seek Medical Advice
Finger consultation? Hello Doctor, I visited a dermatologist the day before yesterday because of acne, and I also asked the doctor about a small dark spot at the tip of my nail. However, when I pulled back the skin, it appeared to be separated and not on the nail itself. The derm...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, based on your description, it could possibly be melanin deposition or residual scabbing. However, skin lesions that do not continue to enlarge, produce odor, or become purulent usually do not pose significant issues. I recommend using fusidic acid ointment, which is an ant...[Read More] Understanding Black Spots on Nails: When to Seek Medical Advice
Understanding HIV Transmission Risks: Common Myths and Facts
Infectious Concerns 1. I would like to ask the doctor again, if I do not come into contact with visible blood, is it still possible to transmit HIV if I have a small cut on my hand and touch public objects? Can HIV be present on surfaces in amounts that are not visible to the nak...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, HIV is primarily transmitted through sexual intercourse or sharing needles. The situations you mentioned are not routes of HIV transmission, so there is no need to worry. In medicine, it is important to rely on scientific evidence, and hypothetical questions may not have d...[Read More] Understanding HIV Transmission Risks: Common Myths and Facts
Preventing HIV Transmission: Safety Tips for Healthcare Workers
Wound transmission of HIV? I would like to consult with a doctor. Recently, I accidentally cut my wrist with a knife, but there was no bleeding, and I'm unsure if there is an actual wound. Due to my job, I come into contact with patients who are having blood drawn, and I...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, HIV is primarily transmitted through sexual intercourse or sharing needles. The situations you mentioned are not routes of HIV transmission, so there is no need to worry. In medicine, it is important to rely on scientific evidence, and hypothetical questions may not have d...[Read More] Preventing HIV Transmission: Safety Tips for Healthcare Workers
Risk of HIV Infection from Blood on Acne Wounds: What You Need to Know
Bleeding acne wounds? I would like to ask the doctor, if I have a bleeding acne wound on my face and I accidentally touch the clothing of someone who has just had blood drawn, is there a risk of contracting HIV if my bleeding acne wound comes into contact with their clothing? Add...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, HIV is primarily transmitted through sexual intercourse or sharing needles. The situation you described is not a route of HIV infection, so there is no need to worry. Thank you for your question.[Read More] Risk of HIV Infection from Blood on Acne Wounds: What You Need to Know
Can You Contract HIV from Minor Cuts and Public Surfaces?
Wound transmission of HIV? 1. Recently, I have a small wound on my hand that looks like it is cracked or cut, but it is not bleeding and I didn't notice it at first. If I touch public items with this wound, is there a risk of transmitting HIV? If my wound is not bleeding, co...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, HIV is primarily transmitted through sexual intercourse or sharing needles. The three situations you mentioned are not routes of HIV transmission, so there is no need to worry. Thank you for your question.[Read More] Can You Contract HIV from Minor Cuts and Public Surfaces?
Concerns About Infection from Minor Cuts and Hepatitis B Exposure
Wound infectious diseases Hello, I accidentally scratched the back of my hand with my own nail. Although the wound is very small and not bleeding much, I'm unsure if there are any other injuries. My family member has hepatitis B, and I'm worried about whether I could ge...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, the transmission routes for hepatitis B are higher through needle sticks or sharing needles. The daily life contact you mentioned does not pose a risk for hepatitis B infection, so there is no need to worry. Thank you for your question.[Read More] Concerns About Infection from Minor Cuts and Hepatitis B Exposure
Am I at Risk of Rabies After a Dog Bite Years Ago?
Am I at risk of contracting rabies? When I was in the ninth grade, I was bitten by someone else's dog. At that time, I was wearing thicker pants, but I still had a small wound (a shallow laceration). I rinsed the wound with clean water, and after about an hour, I received a ...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, based on your description, it is just a superficial wound and currently there are no signs of discomfort or infection. The chance of rabies is very low, so please do not worry. Thank you for your inquiry.[Read More] Am I at Risk of Rabies After a Dog Bite Years Ago?
Which Medical Specialty Should I See for Severe Cough and Nasal Issues?
Which specialty should I see? (Due to severe coughing along with nasal congestion and runny nose issues.) Dr. Hong: Hello! I started experiencing coughing symptoms on the fourth day of the Lunar New Year this year (to clarify: I actually had severe sneezing on February 9th, and I...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Based on your description, it seems you may have an acute respiratory infection combined with bronchitis, exacerbated by recent severe air pollution, which is causing your persistent cough. If you have already seen an otolaryngologist, I recommend visiting a pulmonology clinic to...[Read More] Which Medical Specialty Should I See for Severe Cough and Nasal Issues?