Understanding the Implications of Thyroid Disorders in Medical Diagnoses
The diagnosis of "thyroid disorders" signifies a range of medical conditions that affect the thyroid gland, which is responsible for regulating metabolism, growth, and development through the production of hormones. These disorders can include hypothyroidism, hyperthyro...
Dr. Gao Jiankai Reply:
Hello, thank you for your inquiry. "Thyroid disorders" were hypothesized based on the symptoms you presented during your initial consultation, which is why a thyroid function test was arranged. If the thyroid function is normal, there will be no diagnosis of hyperthyroi...[Read More] Understanding the Implications of Thyroid Disorders in Medical Diagnoses
Hip and Thigh Muscle Pain: Understanding Post-Hospitalization Discomfort
Hip bone pain, soreness in the outer thigh muscles, and leg twitching when falling asleep? Last Sunday, I was hospitalized due to lower abdominal pain, which was diagnosed as mild appendicitis. I received antibiotic treatment through an IV, and after that, I no longer experienced...
Dr. Gao Jiankai Reply:
Hello, thank you for your inquiry. If you are experiencing pain or cramping at night that interferes with your sleep, it is advisable to schedule an earlier follow-up appointment with your attending physician for evaluation. Some differential diagnoses require a physical examinat...[Read More] Hip and Thigh Muscle Pain: Understanding Post-Hospitalization Discomfort
Choking on Medication: Risks and Symptoms to Watch For
Medication stuck in the throat? About an hour ago, I accidentally swallowed a pill that got stuck on the right side of my throat. At that moment, I felt difficulty breathing along with coughing. Later, I drank water to push the pill down. Is it possible that I accidentally pushed...
Dr. Gao Jiankai Reply:
Hello, thank you for your question. The medication will not be pushed into the trachea; if it were to enter the trachea, your coughing would become more severe rather than alleviating. Therefore, the medication has already reached your stomach, so there is no need to worry. This ...[Read More] Choking on Medication: Risks and Symptoms to Watch For
Understanding Sudden Decrease in Complement C3 Levels: What to Do?
Decreased complement C3? Last year on October 21, a complement C3 test was performed in the emergency department, with a value of 104.4, C4 at 21.7, and an ANA titer of 1:80, which was negative. Four days later, on October 25, the C3 value was 85.4 and C4 was 19.5. This year, on ...
Dr. Gao Jiankai Reply:
Hello, thank you for your question. Complement proteins C3 and C4 are produced by the liver, and the liver tends to produce more complement in response to various bodily stresses, which is why complement levels often rise. A decrease in complement levels is often associated with ...[Read More] Understanding Sudden Decrease in Complement C3 Levels: What to Do?
Can You Contract HIV from Masturbation After Contact with Infected Fluids?
Masturbation-related infection If a person has contact with the blood or semen of an HIV-infected individual on their hands, does not wash their hands, and then engages in masturbation with broken skin on their genitals, is there a risk of HIV infection?
Dr. Liao Zhongxin Reply:
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) data, there are three main routes of HIV transmission: 1. Sexual transmission: Engaging in oral, anal, or vaginal intercourse without a condom with an HIV-infected individual or exchanging other bodily fluids poses...[Read More] Can You Contract HIV from Masturbation After Contact with Infected Fluids?
Can You Get HIV from Touching with Lubricated Hands?
Will this lead to an HIV infection? I touched the inside of a girl's vagina with my hand that had lubricant on it, and then immediately touched my own glans. I am not circumcised, and I was wearing a condom the entire time. Is there a risk of transmitting HIV in this situati...
Dr. Liao Zhongxin Reply:
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), there are three main routes of transmission for the Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV): 1. Sexual transmission: Engaging in oral, anal, or vaginal intercourse without a condom with an HIV-infected individual or ...[Read More] Can You Get HIV from Touching with Lubricated Hands?
Understanding Painless Bumps Under the Tongue: Causes and Concerns
Oral issues Hello doctor, I would like to ask about the small bumps under my tongue. They look a bit like blisters but are completely painless. Is this a normal phenomenon?
Dr. Xie Rongyuan Reply:
Hello: It is recommended to visit an oral surgeon for a definitive diagnosis. Thank you for your message![Read More] Understanding Painless Bumps Under the Tongue: Causes and Concerns
Persistent Low-Grade Fever: Symptoms, Concerns, and Next Steps
Persistent low-grade fever Hello Doctor, I have been experiencing recurrent low-grade fevers since last Friday afternoon, and it has now been a week with no improvement. I visited a clinic where the doctor prescribed Tamiflu, but it has not been effective. My symptoms include per...
Dr. Li Jian Reply:
It is recommended that you go to the infectious disease department for further blood tests. Thank you for your inquiry.[Read More] Persistent Low-Grade Fever: Symptoms, Concerns, and Next Steps
Understanding Gastrointestinal Issues: Causes of Excess Gas and Exercise Benefits
Gastrointestinal issues Today I've been feeling the urge to pass gas. I would like to know what possible reasons there could be, and if exercise can help improve this condition?
Dr. Li Jian Reply:
If you are experiencing persistent flatulence, please consult a gastroenterologist. Thank you for your inquiry.[Read More] Understanding Gastrointestinal Issues: Causes of Excess Gas and Exercise Benefits
Understanding Right Groin Lymphadenopathy: Causes and Next Steps
Right inguinal lymphadenopathy? Hello, doctor. For the past month, I have been experiencing a feeling of heaviness and discomfort in my groin and lower right abdomen, accompanied by lower back pain. I can feel small lymph nodes on the inner side of my right thigh. Three weeks ago...
Dr. Huang Yaoxuan Reply:
You can go for an outpatient evaluation and examination.[Read More] Understanding Right Groin Lymphadenopathy: Causes and Next Steps
Concerns About Pork Parasites: Should You Get Tested After Eating Undercooked Pork?
Pork parasitic infection issues? Hello Doctor: Yesterday (January 23), while eating a milk hot pot, I consumed thin slices of pork (originating from Denmark, unsure if it was frozen). After the water boiled, I added the pork and noticed it turned white and firm, so I took it out ...
Dr. Lin Wufu Reply:
Unless you are consuming fresh pork, generally, parasites cannot survive in meat that has been frozen. Therefore, the likelihood of getting sick from parasites is quite low; it is more probable to experience foodborne illness from bacteria. Given the situation you described, the ...[Read More] Concerns About Pork Parasites: Should You Get Tested After Eating Undercooked Pork?
Can You Drink Alcohol While Undergoing Treatment for Polymyositis?
Is it safe to consume alcohol during the treatment of polymyositis? Hello, doctor. I am currently being treated for polymyositis with the following medications: =================================== * Azathioprine 50 mg (Azaprine) - one tablet per day * Donisone - four tablets p...
Dr. Gao Jiankai Reply:
Hello, thank you for your inquiry. Your current dosage of steroids is still high, so it is advisable to avoid alcohol for now. Once your steroid dosage is reduced to two pills or less per day, please discuss it with your physician. This is from the Allergy, Immunology, and Rheuma...[Read More] Can You Drink Alcohol While Undergoing Treatment for Polymyositis?
Understanding Proteinuria: Does Position Affect Foamy Urine?
Proteinuria issues? Hello doctor, can you please tell me if foamy urine caused by proteinuria occurs regardless of whether one is urinating while standing or sitting? Or is it that sitting down to urinate does not produce foam?
Dr. Li Jian Reply:
Proteinuria is not related to posture. Thank you for your inquiry.[Read More] Understanding Proteinuria: Does Position Affect Foamy Urine?
Understanding Dry Mouth: Causes, Medications, and Solutions
Dry mouth and dry tongue? Hello, doctor. I have been experiencing dry mouth and dry tongue for the past three weeks. My mouth feels very dry every day, and drinking water does not help. This has somewhat affected my daily life. Prior to the dry mouth symptoms, I was taking Loraze...
Dr. Li Jian Reply:
Imipramine may cause dry mouth. Thank you for your inquiry.[Read More] Understanding Dry Mouth: Causes, Medications, and Solutions
Understanding Systemic Pain and Allergic Reactions: When to See a Doctor
Generalized tingling, itching, and numbness? Hello Director Gao: I am following up on my inquiry from January 15 regarding my symptoms of generalized itching, tingling, itchy eyes, itchy ears, fungal patches, difficulty concentrating, memory decline, forgetfulness, headaches, che...
Dr. Gao Jiankai Reply:
Hello, thank you for your inquiry. Brittle nails are often a result of nutritional deficiencies, and this can be evaluated by a dermatologist. If your primary care physician is unable to address your concerns, and you are also experiencing anxiety related to allergy symptoms, you...[Read More] Understanding Systemic Pain and Allergic Reactions: When to See a Doctor
Unexplained Hand Swelling: Seeking Answers for Persistent Symptoms
I would like to inquire about unexplained swelling on the back of the hand? Hello Doctor: I would like to inquire about my father (in his 60s). He previously went to the emergency room and was diagnosed with cellulitis. His symptoms included swelling and pain in his hand without ...
Dr. Li Jian Reply:
If your hand is swollen and you are unable to exert strength, you can consult either an orthopedic specialist or a neurologist. Thank you for your inquiry.[Read More] Unexplained Hand Swelling: Seeking Answers for Persistent Symptoms
Unexplained Hand Swelling: Seeking Answers for Persistent Symptoms
I would like to inquire about unexplained swelling on the back of the hand? Hello Doctor, I would like to inquire about my father, who is in his 60s. He previously went to the emergency room and was diagnosed with cellulitis. His symptoms included swelling and pain in his hand ...
Dr. Li Jian Reply:
If your hand is swollen and you are unable to exert strength, you can consult either an orthopedic specialist or a neurologist. Thank you for your inquiry.[Read More] Unexplained Hand Swelling: Seeking Answers for Persistent Symptoms
Understanding Hemoglobin A1c: Concerns About Blood Sugar and Anemia
Glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c) Hello Doctor, I have some questions I would like to ask you: I had a blood test done in December. Since both of my parents have diabetes and my weight has decreased from 64 kg in mid-August to only 59 kg recently, I am very anxious about my blood sugar...
Dr. Lin Jianliang Reply:
Hello, glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c) is an indicator of the average blood glucose levels over the past three months. The most significant factor affecting it is the blood glucose level itself. The primary influences on blood glucose are diet and lifestyle. Mild anemia does not have...[Read More] Understanding Hemoglobin A1c: Concerns About Blood Sugar and Anemia
Should You Remove a 3.6 cm Thyroid Nodule? Understanding Your Options
Thyroid nodule Hello, during a recent physical examination, a 3.6 cm nodule was found on the left side of my thyroid. A fine needle aspiration biopsy was performed, and it was determined to be benign. However, I have recently been experiencing some discomfort in my throat, occasi...
Dr. Li Jian Reply:
If the thyroid nodule is larger than 3 centimeters and there are uncomfortable symptoms, you can consult a thyroid surgeon to discuss how to manage it. Thank you for your inquiry.[Read More] Should You Remove a 3.6 cm Thyroid Nodule? Understanding Your Options
Do Low Glycemic Foods Affect Hemoglobin A1c Levels?
Do low glycemic index foods affect glycated hemoglobin levels? Hello doctor, I had a hemoglobin A1c test in November that showed 5.3, and in December, it was 5.6. This past month, aside from meat and fats, I increased my intake of avocados, nuts, and 100% chocolate. I added appro...
Dr. Li Jian Reply:
If the nuts are unsweetened and the chocolate is completely sugar-free, they should have little impact on blood sugar levels. Thank you for your inquiry.[Read More] Do Low Glycemic Foods Affect Hemoglobin A1c Levels?