Understanding Occult Blood in Urine: Implications for Kidney Health
Occult blood? Hello, Doctor Wu. I would like to ask if there is a relationship between occult blood and the kidneys. My occult blood level increased from 4+ to 5+. Will this affect my kidneys? What does an occult blood level of 4+ indicate? My urine protein and other indices are ...
Dr. Wu Hongjie Reply:
Hematuria and occult blood are different. It is important to first confirm the presence of red blood cells in the urine. If red blood cells are present, renal issues such as renal cysts, kidney lesions, stones, or tumors may need to be ruled out. If there is only occult blood wit...[Read More] Understanding Occult Blood in Urine: Implications for Kidney Health
Understanding Low Sodium Levels: Causes and Connections to Heart Rate
Causes of Hyponatremia Hello Doctor, my 87-year-old grandmother has a long history of hypertension (she is on diuretics) and bradycardia. Over the past two months, she has been undergoing chemotherapy and radiation for cervical cancer. In her weekly blood tests, we have observed ...
Dr. Lin Wuxuan Reply:
Grandma's condition requires a comprehensive and thorough evaluation. It is advisable to consult her attending physician during the routine follow-up visit. If Grandma experiences symptoms such as fatigue, weakness, nausea, headache, or drowsiness, she should seek medical at...[Read More] Understanding Low Sodium Levels: Causes and Connections to Heart Rate
Understanding Congenital Syphilis: Treatment and Implications for Newborns
Congenital Syphilis in Newborns Hello doctor, I had a syphilis infection during my pregnancy, so I brought my baby in for a blood test after she was born. The results showed an RPR of 1:4, and the hospital wants us to be admitted. Can my baby recover after treatment? Will there b...
Dr. Gao Jiankai Reply:
Hello, thank you for your inquiry. Your question pertains to infectious diseases, and I recommend that you consult with an infectious disease specialist. The Allergy, Immunology, and Rheumatology Department of Changhua Hospital, Ministry of Health and Welfare, is concerned about ...[Read More] Understanding Congenital Syphilis: Treatment and Implications for Newborns
Managing Edema: Concerns About Diuretics and Rising Uric Acid Levels
Discontinuation of diuretics can lead to edema? Hello, Doctor. About a month ago, I visited a clinic due to lower limb edema, and the doctor prescribed Rasitol 40 mg, one tablet daily. After taking it, the diuretic effect was quite good, and the edema improved. However, once I st...
Dr. Wu Hongjie Reply:
There are many causes of edema. Please visit the relevant specialty clinic to identify the underlying cause. Self-medicating with diuretics will not address the root issue. There are various types of diuretics; for example, thiazide diuretics can lead to elevated uric acid levels...[Read More] Managing Edema: Concerns About Diuretics and Rising Uric Acid Levels
Understanding Congenital Syphilis: What to Expect for Your Newborn
Congenital syphilis in newborns? Hello Doctor, I had a syphilis infection during my pregnancy, so I brought my baby in for a blood test after birth. The results showed RPR 1:4, and the hospital wants us to be admitted. Can my baby recover after treatment? Will there be any effect...
Dr. Gao Jiankai Reply:
Hello, thank you for your inquiry. Your question pertains to infectious diseases, and I recommend that you consult with an infectious disease specialist. The Allergy, Immunology, and Rheumatology Department of Changhua Hospital, Ministry of Health and Welfare, is here to support ...[Read More] Understanding Congenital Syphilis: What to Expect for Your Newborn
Can You Get Blood Tests at Different Hospitals for Chronic Conditions?
Different hospitals perform blood tests for the same specialty? Hello, Doctor Wu! I am a patient with a chronic prescription. I would like to ask: If I had blood drawn for the same specialty at Hospital A in Department A a month ago, can I not get a blood draw order from Departme...
Dr. Wu Hongjie Reply:
To prevent waste, the National Health Insurance system has established a cloud-based medication and medical history inquiry system for examination and testing items. Unless there are special needs or reasons, duplicate items will be subject to deletion based on medical conditions...[Read More] Can You Get Blood Tests at Different Hospitals for Chronic Conditions?
Understanding HIV Transmission Risks: Touching Scabs and Skin
Modes of Transmission of HIV/AIDS I would like to ask the doctor, if I touched a person with HIV on a recently scabbed area (about five days post-injury) and then touched my face (which has a few pimples) and rubbed my eyes, is there a risk of contracting HIV? Thank you, doctor.
Dr. Lin Wufu Reply:
Theoretically, if there is no contact with blood or bodily fluids, there should be no issue of exposure to the virus! (The skin does not contain the virus.)[Read More] Understanding HIV Transmission Risks: Touching Scabs and Skin
Risk of Infection from Plastic Fork Injury: What You Need to Know
Possibility of infection Hello Dr. Lin, today while traveling by air, I accidentally pricked myself with a plastic fork when I opened it. Although there was no bleeding, it looks a little white, and I'm not sure if the skin is broken. Even though the fork appears to be dispo...
Dr. Lin Wufu Reply:
Unless there is reasonable suspicion that the fork has come into contact with another person's blood or bodily fluids, there is minimal risk of infectious disease. It is advisable not to worry too much.[Read More] Risk of Infection from Plastic Fork Injury: What You Need to Know
Understanding Additional Routes of HIV Transmission Beyond Common Methods
Transmission routes of HIV In addition to 1. high-risk sexual behavior, 2. sharing needles, and 3. vertical transmission from mother to child, are there any other routes or factors that can lead to HIV infection?
Dr. Lin Wufu Reply:
Other bodily fluids theoretically also carry risks (such as from needle sticks), but the risk of transmission from a single occurrence is very low. Therefore, the primary modes of transmission are indeed the three mentioned above.[Read More] Understanding Additional Routes of HIV Transmission Beyond Common Methods
Understanding HIV Symptoms After Unprotected Sex: What You Need to Know
HIV infection Hello doctor, I had unprotected sex with a sex worker on October 16th, and I had already been experiencing cold symptoms, including a runny nose, since October 15th. Today, October 19th, my cold has progressed from just a runny nose to coughing and a scratchy throat...
Dr. Lin Wufu Reply:
Hello, the incubation period for HIV is at least one week, so if symptoms appear within two to three days, they are likely unrelated. However, if you have engaged in high-risk behaviors, it is still advisable to get tested.[Read More] Understanding HIV Symptoms After Unprotected Sex: What You Need to Know
Concerns About Infection Risks After Massage: What You Need to Know
Infection may be consulted? Hello doctor, I am currently on a business trip abroad. For the first time, a colleague took me to a massage due to back pain. The establishment was a regular massage parlor without any sexual services. Since I have never had a massage before, I had my...
Dr. Liao Zhongxin Reply:
Based on the photos, it appears to be skin symptoms that resemble friction or treatments involving mugwort; it is unlikely to be a sexually transmitted infection (including HIV). It is recommended to treat it as a regular wound. If there are still concerns, you may consult a near...[Read More] Concerns About Infection Risks After Massage: What You Need to Know
Can Mouse Droppings Cause Severe Infections and Sepsis?
Inquire about the authenticity of this medical news article? Dear Dr. Lin, A family friend recently passed away. The elder had diabetes and felt symptoms of a urinary tract infection, so they took over-the-counter medication. That night, they developed a fever, which subsided af...
Dr. Lin Wufu Reply:
Hello, mice and mouse droppings naturally carry many pathogens, and contact with them can indeed lead to severe bacterial infections. However, the progression of the condition you mentioned is not uncommon in diabetic patients and may not necessarily be related to mice. It is imp...[Read More] Can Mouse Droppings Cause Severe Infections and Sepsis?
Understanding the Risk of HIV Transmission Through Skin Contact
Probability of HIV infection I would like to ask the doctor, if I touched a person infected with HIV on a bruised area (approximately 4-5 days old) where the skin surface is peeling and scabbing (the skin looks dry with some flakes and does not feel wet to the touch), and then im...
Dr. Liao Zhongxin Reply:
1. There are three routes of transmission for HIV: unprotected sexual intercourse, sharing needles and diluents, and transmission from an HIV-positive mother during pregnancy. 2. When touching a patient's wound, if you also have a wound and the patient is not adhering to t...[Read More] Understanding the Risk of HIV Transmission Through Skin Contact
Impact of COVID-19 Vaccination on Infection Risks and Long-Term Effects
Regarding COVID-19 vaccines? Hello, Doctor! I would like to ask: I received my first dose of the COVID-19 vaccine (AstraZeneca) on September 10, 2021, my second dose (BioNTech) on November 24, 2021, and my booster dose (BioNTech) on March 1, 2022. I would like to know what the ou...
Dr. Lin Wufu Reply:
Hello, there is a certain probability of severe illness associated with COVID-19, which is related to factors such as the patient's age, pre-existing chronic conditions, and vaccination status. Your situation indicates that the likelihood of experiencing severe illness is lo...[Read More] Impact of COVID-19 Vaccination on Infection Risks and Long-Term Effects
Understanding Allergy Blood Test Results: Is Your Condition Serious?
Allergy blood test report I have been coughing for six months, and recently my nasal allergies have been almost daily, so I had blood tests done, but my lung function tests are normal. The doctor prescribed me an asthma inhaler, and I am hesitant to use it because it contains ste...
Dr. Gao Jiankai Reply:
Hello, thank you for your question. In Eastern populations, asthma often presents primarily as a chronic cough, with typical wheezing being less common. This may be why your physician prescribed this medication. Currently, inhaled corticosteroids are the mainstay of asthma treatm...[Read More] Understanding Allergy Blood Test Results: Is Your Condition Serious?
Understanding Urine Ketones: What Does a 3+ Result Mean for Your Health?
The medical examination report indicates urine ketones at 3+? Hello doctor, in April of this year, I experienced redness, swelling, and pain in my left foot, and a doctor at a clinic diagnosed it as gout (without blood tests). I have a history of gout and usually manage my diet, ...
Dr. Li Jian Reply:
The production of urine ketones is usually related to prolonged fasting. Please consult a metabolic specialist. Thank you for your inquiry.[Read More] Understanding Urine Ketones: What Does a 3+ Result Mean for Your Health?
Understanding Platelet Count: What Does 7.3 (10^4/µL) Mean?
Platelet test unit Hello, doctor. Could you please tell me what a platelet count of 7.3 (10^4/µL) means? Thank you for your response. I appreciate it.
Dr. Gao Jiankai Reply:
Hello, thank you for your inquiry. 10^4/µL refers to 10 raised to the fourth power, which means x10000. Therefore, 7.3(10^4/µL) means 7.3x10000=73000/µL, indicating a mild decrease in platelets. The Allergy, Immunology, and Rheumatology Department of Changhua Hospital, Ministry o...[Read More] Understanding Platelet Count: What Does 7.3 (10^4/µL) Mean?
Understanding Pemphigus Antibody Levels and Their Clinical Significance
Pemphigus blood test values Recently diagnosed with pemphigus with intercellular antibody titer of 1:1280. There are no skin blisters and no biopsy performed. Currently, the symptoms are concentrated in the oral mucosa with redness and ulceration. What is the clinical significanc...
Dr. Gao Jiankai Reply:
Hello, thank you for your question. Intercellular matrix antibodies are one of the blood tests used to diagnose pemphigus. A higher value indicates a greater amount of antibodies and is related to disease activity. However, the values can change with treatment and can serve as an...[Read More] Understanding Pemphigus Antibody Levels and Their Clinical Significance
Could My Anxiety and Symptoms Indicate Hyperthyroidism?
Is this hyperthyroidism? Doctor, I would like to ask for your advice. I am someone who easily feels stressed and somewhat anxious. Recently, I've been experiencing sudden episodes of anxiety where my body feels hot and I sometimes sweat. This has been happening for about two...
Dr. Li Jian Reply:
Please visit a major hospital to check if your thyroid function is normal. Thank you for your inquiry.[Read More] Could My Anxiety and Symptoms Indicate Hyperthyroidism?
Understanding Ankylosing Spondylitis: Severity and Progression in Young Adults
Ankylosing Spondylitis Hello Doctor: 1. Will the degree of spinal and cervical stiffness in patients with juvenile ankylosing spondylitis be more severe compared to those who develop the condition in adulthood? (Since the onset occurs earlier.) 2. Will every patient experience sp...
Dr. Gao Jiankai Reply:
Hello, thank you for your question. Here are my responses: 1. Will the stiffness of the spine and cervical spine in patients with juvenile ankylosing spondylitis be more severe compared to adults who develop the condition later? (Since the duration of the disease is longer.) --&...[Read More] Understanding Ankylosing Spondylitis: Severity and Progression in Young Adults