Accidental Ingestion of Preservatives: Health Risks and Concerns
Accidental ingestion of preservatives? Hello Doctor, yesterday my younger sister mistakenly threw a disposable lens cleaning wipe into the bag my father uses to brew coffee. Today, my father accidentally put it into the coffee. After coming home from school, I immediately checked...
Dr. Gao Jiankai Reply:
Hello, thank you for your question. I believe that if the cotton swab has not been used to brew coffee, it should be fine. This chemical (phenoxyethanol) is highly volatile, and if it has dried, there is often very little of this substance left in the cotton swab. As long as it h...[Read More] Accidental Ingestion of Preservatives: Health Risks and Concerns
Should Asthma Patients Consider L-Arginine Supplementation?
Asthma patients taking L-arginine? Hello Doctor, I am a 23-year-old asthma patient who has been experiencing episodes for about ten years. Recently, I have had a higher demand for exercise, working out at least three times a week for two to three hours each session, with a ratio ...
Dr. Gao Jiankai Reply:
Hello, thank you for your question. Currently, there are no studies in the literature indicating that L-arginine may worsen asthma. In fact, supplementation with L-arginine may help with asthma control, although more research is needed to confirm this. I believe that some studies...[Read More] Should Asthma Patients Consider L-Arginine Supplementation?
Chronic Lower Back Pain Without Diagnosis: What Are Your Options?
If you have been experiencing lower back pain for more than three months without a clear diagnosis, what should you do? Hello, Doctor Wu! I am here to inquire about a family member who is a 47-year-old male, working as a night shift operator for 25 years (his job does not require...
Dr. Wu Hongjie Reply:
It is recommended to see a large hospital's Immunology and Rheumatology department or Orthopedics. Wishing you well.[Read More] Chronic Lower Back Pain Without Diagnosis: What Are Your Options?
Can You Catch Rheumatoid Arthritis from Touching an Infected Area?
Inquiry Consultation Hello, Dr. Gao: I have limited understanding of rheumatoid arthritis, so I would like to seek your professional opinion. My question is as follows: Q. If my hand comes into contact with a patient who has rheumatoid arthritis, and that patient shows obvious sy...
Dr. Gao Jiankai Reply:
Hello. Thank you for your inquiry. Rheumatoid arthritis is not contagious, so there is no need to worry. The Allergy, Immunology, and Rheumatology Department of Changhua Hospital, Ministry of Health and Welfare, cares about you.[Read More] Can You Catch Rheumatoid Arthritis from Touching an Infected Area?
Sudden Left Chest Pain: Causes and When to Seek Medical Help
Sudden pain in the lower left chest? Hello Dr. Lee, I have seen similar inquiries in the Q&A section, but I still want to confirm my condition with you (as described below). Since childhood, I have experienced sudden sharp pain in the lower left side of my chest. For example,...
Dr. Li Jian Reply:
It is recommended to visit the pulmonology outpatient clinic for further examination. Thank you for your inquiry.[Read More] Sudden Left Chest Pain: Causes and When to Seek Medical Help
Understanding SLE: Symptoms, Diagnosis, and Treatment Options
SLE (Systemic Lupus Erythematosus) Hello, Director Gao. I am 33 years old and have been experiencing various illnesses and unexplained pains over the past few years, but no cause has been identified. I have also consulted a psychiatrist and taken medication without improvement (s...
Dr. Gao Jiankai Reply:
Hello, thank you for your inquiry. A slight fever can still be concerning, and I recommend visiting a rheumatologist. Based on the information you provided, it is not possible to confirm whether there is an issue with your immune system, so it would be best for a physician to exa...[Read More] Understanding SLE: Symptoms, Diagnosis, and Treatment Options
Understanding the Risk of Lupus and Sjögren's Syndrome: A Patient's Guide
Suspected systemic lupus erythematosus and Sjögren's syndrome? I visited a family medicine clinic for hair loss issues and had blood tests done, which all came back normal except for the rheumatology test, which showed a titer of 1:80. I then went to another hospital for fur...
Dr. Gao Jiankai Reply:
Hello, this question has been asked for the second time. I am reposting my previous response below; please avoid repeating questions in the future. I believe the likelihood of Sjögren's syndrome is higher. Your physician will arrange for further detailed examinations to conf...[Read More] Understanding the Risk of Lupus and Sjögren's Syndrome: A Patient's Guide
How to Alleviate Tinnitus Caused by Volleyball Injury After 37 Years
37 years ago, I was hit by a volleyball while passing by the school gymnasium, which resulted in tinnitus? Dr. Tseng, I have been troubled by tinnitus in my left ear for a long time. Thirty-seven years ago, I was hit in the left ear by a volleyball in the school gym, which caused...
Dr. Zeng Guosen Reply:
I apologize, as I am an internist and not specialized in tinnitus. I recommend consulting an otolaryngologist to investigate whether it is a neurological issue, a traumatic problem, or another concern. Thank you for your question.[Read More] How to Alleviate Tinnitus Caused by Volleyball Injury After 37 Years
Understanding Fluctuations in Glycated Hemoglobin Over One Month
Fluctuations in glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c) levels within one month? Hello Doctor: Thank you for taking the time to answer my questions despite your busy schedule. In my family, besides my parents, my aunts, uncles, and both sets of grandparents have diabetes, so I am particularl...
Dr. Li Jian Reply:
Weight loss can also be evaluated by testing thyroid function. Currently, there are no significant abnormalities in blood glucose levels, so testing once every 1-2 years is sufficient. Thank you for your inquiry.[Read More] Understanding Fluctuations in Glycated Hemoglobin Over One Month
Understanding the Risk of Lupus and Sjögren's Syndrome: A Patient's Guide
Suspected lupus erythematosus and Sjögren's syndrome? I went to see a family physician for hair loss issues, and all my blood test results were normal except for the rheumatology test, which showed a titer of 1:80. I then went to another hospital for further rheumatology blo...
Dr. Gao Jiankai Reply:
Hello, this question has been asked repeatedly. I am reposting my previous response below, and please avoid asking the same question in the future. I believe the likelihood of Sjögren's syndrome is higher. Your physician will arrange for additional detailed examinations to h...[Read More] Understanding the Risk of Lupus and Sjögren's Syndrome: A Patient's Guide
Understanding the Differences Between Blood and Urine Creatinine Levels
The difference between serum creatinine and urine creatinine lies in their measurement and significance in assessing kidney function. Serum creatinine is a blood test that measures the level of creatinine in the bloodstream, which is a waste product produced by muscle metabolis...
Dr. Li Jian Reply:
Hello, please follow up with a nephrologist regarding the abnormal kidney function. Thank you for your inquiry.[Read More] Understanding the Differences Between Blood and Urine Creatinine Levels
Understanding PEP for HIV: Protection During Treatment and Beyond
Regarding HIV PEP (Post-Exposure Prophylaxis) Hello doctor, I have been experiencing some issues recently, so I am currently taking PEP. I would like to ask if engaging in sexual intercourse during the PEP treatment period with a partner who is a carrier would provide protection,...
Dr. Liao Zhongxin Reply:
1. The difference between PrEP and PEP lies in their use for pre-exposure or post-exposure prophylaxis. 2. Additionally, I provide the 2-1-1 prevention method for your reference.[Read More] Understanding PEP for HIV: Protection During Treatment and Beyond
Accidentally Drinking Tap Water: Risks and Symptoms to Watch For
Accidental ingestion of untreated water? Hello doctor, I was filling my cup with boiled water at home while there was already a little water in it. At first, I didn't think much of it, but later I became concerned about the possibility that the original water in the cup was ...
Dr. Lin Wufu Reply:
In Taiwan, tap water is disinfected with chlorine, so there is generally no issue with parasites. While it is possible to ingest small amounts of bacteria, it usually does not cause any discomfort, so there is no need to worry too much![Read More] Accidentally Drinking Tap Water: Risks and Symptoms to Watch For
Understanding Skin Wounds: Care Tips and Healing Time
Please consult a doctor regarding the wound? Hello Doctor, I am currently abroad with my family for a week. Two days ago, I noticed some itching on the side of my left foot. After rubbing it, some skin flakes came off, and it seems like there was already a small area of broken sk...
Dr. Lin Wufu Reply:
Hello, the image link cannot be opened! Additionally, online consultations are not available here. Based on your description, I recommend continuing with your current care methods and seeking medical attention as soon as possible.[Read More] Understanding Skin Wounds: Care Tips and Healing Time
Understanding Your Blood Test Results: A Guide to Key Metrics
Examination Report Hello Dr. Lee, please help me interpret this blood test report. Thank you. Triglycerides (TG): 52 mg/dL Free Thyroxine (FT4): 1.44 ng/mL Thyroid Stimulating Hormone (TSH): 1.0742 µIU/mL Low-Density Lipoprotein (LDL): 89 mg/dL Total Cholesterol: 172 mg/...
Dr. Li Jian Reply:
The blood test report shows no significant abnormalities. Thank you for your inquiry.[Read More] Understanding Your Blood Test Results: A Guide to Key Metrics
Can Acetazolamide Be Safely Taken with Heart and Cholesterol Medications?
Medication-related issues? Hello, doctor. This New Year's Day, I plan to take my two elderly family members to Wuling to enjoy the scenery. We intend to prepare Acetazolamide for them to prevent symptoms of altitude sickness. Currently, I know that my mother is taking medica...
Dr. Li Jian Reply:
A single dose of Dantrolene has little impact on the cardiovascular system. Thank you for your inquiry.[Read More] Can Acetazolamide Be Safely Taken with Heart and Cholesterol Medications?
Understanding the Risk of Lupus and Sjögren's Syndrome: A Patient's Guide
Suspected systemic lupus erythematosus and Sjögren's syndrome? I visited a family medicine clinic for hair loss issues and had blood tests done, which all came back normal except for the rheumatology test, which showed a titer of 1:80. I then went to another hospital for fur...
Dr. Gao Jiankai Reply:
Hello, thank you for your inquiry. The likelihood of Sjögren's syndrome is higher. Your physician will arrange for additional detailed examinations to confirm the diagnosis. In principle, if there are no symptoms, we may not necessarily initiate treatment. If the symptoms ar...[Read More] Understanding the Risk of Lupus and Sjögren's Syndrome: A Patient's Guide
Concerns About HIV Risk from Needle Exposure in Clinics
HIV-related anxiety Recently, during a visit to the clinic for an injection, the nurse removed the needle cap and, while preparing to administer the injection, placed the exposed needle on a metal tray to attend to another matter (which seems to be non-standard procedure). Afterw...
Dr. Liao Zhongxin Reply:
The HIV virus will die within ten minutes when exposed to the environment outside the human body, so there is no need to worry about HIV infection.[Read More] Concerns About HIV Risk from Needle Exposure in Clinics
Understanding HIV Anxiety: Risks of Needle Exposure in Clinics
HIV-related anxiety Recently, during a visit to the clinic for an injection, the nurse removed the needle cap and, while preparing to administer the injection, placed the exposed needle on a metal tray to attend to another matter (which seems to be non-standard procedure). Afterw...
Dr. Liao Zhongxin Reply:
The HIV virus will die within ten minutes of being exposed to the environment outside the human body, so there is no need to worry about HIV infection.[Read More] Understanding HIV Anxiety: Risks of Needle Exposure in Clinics
Concerns About HIV Infection from Contaminated Toilet Encounter
Concerns about HIV infection? Hello doctor, earlier at school when I went to the restroom, I saw that the toilet had someone else's stool that seemed to be unflushed and had some blood in it. I thought they might have just finished using the toilet and left, so I didn't...
Dr. Liao Zhongxin Reply:
The HIV virus can survive outside the human body for more than ten minutes, so there is no need to worry about that; instead, attention should be paid to fecal-oral transmission, such as certain intestinal bacteria or viruses. Therefore, it is important to wash hands thoroughly b...[Read More] Concerns About HIV Infection from Contaminated Toilet Encounter