Understanding Cold Agglutinin Disease: Symptoms and Connections to Neuropathy
Numbness and tingling in the hands and feet associated with cryoglobulinemia? Hello, doctor. I was diagnosed with COVID-19 for the first time in early June this year and recovered. At the end of June, I noticed similar bleeding spots on both feet and visited the hospital, where t...
Dr. Gao Jiankai Reply:
Hello, thank you for your inquiry. To determine whether it is a neurological issue, including polyneuropathy, you can consult a neurologist. They will assess whether further nerve conduction studies are necessary. This test can help initially differentiate between polyneuropathy,...[Read More] Understanding Cold Agglutinin Disease: Symptoms and Connections to Neuropathy
Understanding Discomfort and Urgency in the Genital Area: Causes and Solutions
Perineal tightness Sometimes I experience discomfort in my lower abdomen (during non-menstrual periods), accompanied by frequent urination, but only a small amount each time. It feels particularly uncomfortable and tense when I urinate. This morning, I had the same situation, but...
Dr. Lin Wufu Reply:
Hello, it is recommended to schedule an appointment with the obstetrics and gynecology department for diagnosis and treatment. The symptoms sound very much like a urinary tract infection, but during menstruation, it is common to experience discomfort similar to that of a urinary ...[Read More] Understanding Discomfort and Urgency in the Genital Area: Causes and Solutions
Understanding Your Urine Test Results: Total Protein and Creatinine Levels
Total protein (U) & creatinine (U) Doctor, my test report shows that protein is negative, creatinine is 0.56, total protein (U) is 9.7, and creatinine (U) is 95.36. What do these results mean? Are they within the normal range? Is there anything I need to pay attention to? Tha...
Dr. Wu Hongjie Reply:
Total protein (U) 9.7 and creatinine (U) 95.36 refer to the levels of total protein and creatinine in your urine. The normal reference range for total protein (U) is less than 14, and your result of 9.7 is within the normal range. There is no established normal range for creatini...[Read More] Understanding Your Urine Test Results: Total Protein and Creatinine Levels
Experiencing Sudden Foot Pain: When to See a Doctor?
Suspected needle stick injury? Two days ago, while walking on the street, I felt a sudden pain in my foot, as if I had been pricked by a needle. Which type of doctor should I see for this, and what should I do to address it?
Dr. Liao Zhongxin Reply:
1. You can first check what was collected by yourself or ask a family member to do so, remove any foreign objects, and then perform wound care. 2. If the wound does not improve, you may go to a nearby medical facility for a dressing change or further treatment.[Read More] Experiencing Sudden Foot Pain: When to See a Doctor?
Experiencing Sudden Foot Pain: When to See a Doctor?
Suspected needle stick injury? Two days ago, while walking on the road, I felt a sudden pain in my foot, as if I had been pricked by a needle. Which type of doctor should I see for this, and what should I do to manage it?
Dr. Liao Zhongxin Reply:
1. You can first check what was collected by yourself or ask a family member to help, remove any foreign objects, and then perform wound care. 2. If the wound does not improve, you may visit a nearby medical facility for dressing changes or further treatment.[Read More] Experiencing Sudden Foot Pain: When to See a Doctor?
Understanding Atypical Ankylosing Spondylitis: Symptoms and Diagnosis
Autoimmune diseases Doctor, I am currently 30 years old, have not given birth, HLA-B27 negative, with inflammatory markers CRP: 0.02 and ESR: 3. Since June, I have been experiencing pain in my buttocks, and an MRI report shows sacroiliac joint sclerosis. The doctor prescribed Cel...
Dr. Gao Jiankai Reply:
Hello, thank you for your inquiry. Diagnosing ankylosing spondylitis requires a comprehensive evaluation that includes imaging studies, blood tests, clinical symptoms, and physical examination findings, and it heavily relies on the experience of the treating physician. The inform...[Read More] Understanding Atypical Ankylosing Spondylitis: Symptoms and Diagnosis
Understanding Elbow Issues: Potential Causes and When to See a Doctor
Elbow issues Hello doctor, a few days ago I noticed some raised bumps on my elbow that feel itchy but are not red. I scratched and rubbed them, and yesterday the skin broke a little but it seems to have scabbed over. Now it looks a bit red in that area, but I don’t feel any open ...
Dr. Gao Jiankai Reply:
Hello, thank you for your question. Just by looking at the pictures, it is difficult to determine; it resembles common eczema or contact dermatitis. I recommend seeing a dermatologist first. We do not solely rely on the rash to diagnose autoimmune diseases or HIV, so please do no...[Read More] Understanding Elbow Issues: Potential Causes and When to See a Doctor
Understanding Your MRI Report: Is It Ankylosing Spondylitis?
I would like to inquire about the MRI report of the sacroiliac joint? Since June, the patient has been experiencing lower back pain and has taken Celecoxib and Sulfasalazine for two weeks without improvement. Blood tests showed: SER: 3, CRP: 0.02. The MRI report dated September 8...
Dr. Gao Jiankai Reply:
Hello, thank you for your inquiry. The MRI findings are not typical for ankylosing spondylitis, and given that your inflammatory markers are not significantly elevated and your symptoms have not responded well to anti-inflammatory medications, I recommend discussing this further ...[Read More] Understanding Your MRI Report: Is It Ankylosing Spondylitis?
Understanding the Risk of STIs from Oral Sex: Key Insights
The likelihood of sexually transmitted infections (STIs) from oral sex? Hello, doctor. Recently, I engaged in oral sex (I was the recipient). My partner has no sores or ulcers in their mouth, and there are no wounds on their genitals, so is there no risk of any infection? Additio...
Dr. Lin Wufu Reply:
Hello, the oral epithelium is considered a mucous membrane and does not have the same level of resistance as regular skin. If it comes into contact with pathogens or viruses associated with sexually transmitted infections, there is a risk of disease transmission. The likelihood o...[Read More] Understanding the Risk of STIs from Oral Sex: Key Insights
Could My Blood Test Results Indicate Thalassemia?
Am I experiencing Mediterranean anemia? Hello doctor, I recently tested for anemia and my results are as follows: MCHC 30.5, MCH 19.8, MCV 65.0, RBC 6.71, RDW 16.8, TIBC 356, HbA 97.4%, HbA2 2.6%, HGB H (Positive). Does this indicate thalassemia?
Dr. Xie Rongyuan Reply:
Hello: Based on the data above, it is possible. Therefore, it is best to seek medical attention at a hospital. Thank you for your message![Read More] Could My Blood Test Results Indicate Thalassemia?
Understanding Cryptococcus Infection Risks from Bird Droppings
Concerns about the risk of cryptococcal infection? Hello Dr. Lin, I would like to ask about the risk of cryptococcal infection: There is a floor-to-ceiling window next to my bedroom that opens to a balcony. I have found 5 or 6 clumps of bird droppings on the balcony railing and f...
Dr. Lin Wufu Reply:
Hello, Cryptococcus is actually a type of fungus found in the environment, and it is present in the air, so we encounter it in our daily lives. Generally, individuals with normal immune systems are unlikely to develop diseases caused by Cryptococcus. However, the concentration of...[Read More] Understanding Cryptococcus Infection Risks from Bird Droppings
Understanding Abdominal Pain: Causes and Solutions for Young Adults
Abdominal cramping? I am 20 years old and usually have a bowel movement once a day, but I only eat one or two meals daily (I've been doing this for a year). However, something strange has happened recently: on the first day of my menstrual period (October 31), I experienced ...
Dr. Xie Rongyuan Reply:
Hello: Please visit the hospital for a medical examination and undergo an abdominal X-ray to investigate the cause. Thank you for your message![Read More] Understanding Abdominal Pain: Causes and Solutions for Young Adults
Understanding Blood Sugar Levels: Insights for Diabetic Concerns
Diabetes-related issues Hello doctor, I have a family history of diabetes, and recently I've been feeling some unusual symptoms. Sometimes I urinate a lot, and after fasting for eight hours, my blood glucose level was 118 mg/dL. My HbA1c was 4.4%, and the doctor said the hem...
Dr. Li Jian Reply:
You may also consider visiting a metabolic clinic for an oral glucose tolerance test. Thank you for your inquiry.[Read More] Understanding Blood Sugar Levels: Insights for Diabetic Concerns
Can Hyperthyroidism Cause Erectile Dysfunction? Understanding the Link
Hyperthyroid-related sexual dysfunction Hello, doctor. I have hyperthyroidism, I smoke, and I have a habit of masturbation. Suddenly, I am unable to achieve an erection, while I was normal before. Can hyperthyroidism cause erectile dysfunction? If my hyperthyroidism is well-contr...
Dr. Li Jian Reply:
If you experience erectile dysfunction, please consult a urologist for an examination. Thyroid function should be properly regulated to prevent any impact on other organ systems. Thank you for your inquiry.[Read More] Can Hyperthyroidism Cause Erectile Dysfunction? Understanding the Link
Frequent Styes: Understanding Causes and Seeking Medical Advice
Frequent occurrence of styes? Hello Doctor: Since last year, I have been preparing for the national exam, and starting in May of this year, I have been experiencing frequent styes, approximately once a month. Recently, just last week, I had a stye on my left eye, and today I have...
Dr. Gao Jiankai Reply:
Hello, thank you for your inquiry. Since the symptoms are mostly non-specific, it is difficult to pinpoint where the issue lies. If you are very concerned, you may consider undergoing a comprehensive health check-up. If the results are normal but you continue to experience recurr...[Read More] Frequent Styes: Understanding Causes and Seeking Medical Advice
Can Hyperthyroidism Cause Erectile Dysfunction? Understanding the Connection
Hyperthyroid-related sexual dysfunction Hello, doctor. I have hyperthyroidism, smoke, and have a habit of masturbation, but suddenly I am unable to achieve an erection, which was normal before. Can hyperthyroidism cause erectile dysfunction? If my hyperthyroidism is well-controll...
Dr. Li Jian Reply:
If you experience erectile dysfunction, please consult a urologist for an examination. Thyroid function should be properly regulated to prevent any impact on other organ systems. Thank you for your inquiry.[Read More] Can Hyperthyroidism Cause Erectile Dysfunction? Understanding the Connection
Can Hyperthyroidism Cause Erectile Dysfunction? Understanding the Link
Hyperthyroid-related sexual dysfunction Hello, doctor. I have hyperthyroidism, I smoke, and I have a habit of masturbation. Suddenly, I am unable to achieve an erection, whereas I was normal before. Can hyperthyroidism cause erectile dysfunction? If my hyperthyroidism is well-con...
Dr. Li Jian Reply:
If you experience erectile dysfunction, please consult a urologist for an examination. Thyroid function should be properly regulated to prevent any impact on other organ systems. Thank you for your inquiry.[Read More] Can Hyperthyroidism Cause Erectile Dysfunction? Understanding the Link
Frequent Styes: Understanding Causes and When to Seek Help
Frequent occurrence of styes? Hello Doctor: Since last year, I have been preparing for the national exam, and starting in May of this year, I have been experiencing frequent styes, approximately once a month. Recently, just last week, I had a stye on my left eye, and today I deve...
Dr. Gao Jiankai Reply:
Hello, thank you for your inquiry. Since the symptoms are mostly non-specific, it is difficult to pinpoint the exact issue. If you are very concerned, you may start with a comprehensive health check-up. If the results are normal but you continue to experience recurrent styes or c...[Read More] Frequent Styes: Understanding Causes and When to Seek Help
Understanding Abnormal ANA and Complement Levels: Causes and Next Steps
Antinuclear antibodies and abnormalities in complement levels C3 and C4? Hello Doctor, my wife has had abnormal antinuclear antibody (ANA) levels in her blood tests over the past few years (both AC-1 and AC-4 are affected), with titers fluctuating between a maximum of 1:320 and a...
Dr. Gao Jiankai Reply:
Hello, thank you for your question. The presence of abnormal ANA along with decreased C3 and C4 levels suggests a higher likelihood of an autoimmune disease. C3 and C4 are produced by the liver, and generally, they increase in response to stress or infection. However, in cases of...[Read More] Understanding Abnormal ANA and Complement Levels: Causes and Next Steps
Understanding Medication Resistance in Ankylosing Spondylitis Treatment
Medications for Ankylosing Spondylitis Hello Doctor, I have been controlling my condition well with the medication Sulfasalazine, taking one pill a day. My blood tests showed CRP levels around 0.3 mg/dL and ESR around 5. However, in the past month, I started experiencing pain, an...
Dr. Gao Jiankai Reply:
Hello, thank you for your question. The condition of ankylosing spondylitis can fluctuate. If other causes of elevated CRP have been ruled out, it is important to suspect a worsening of ankylosing spondylitis, and immunomodulatory medications may be necessary. I recommend having ...[Read More] Understanding Medication Resistance in Ankylosing Spondylitis Treatment