Can You Get HIV from Saliva if You Have a Sore Throat?
HIV infection I have a cold and a sore throat. I came into contact with the saliva of an HIV-positive person. Since I have a sore throat with wounds, is there a risk of transmission?
Dr. Gao Jiankai Reply:
Hello, thank you for your inquiry. Although HIV infection leads to immune dysfunction, the related symptoms are primarily various infections. Therefore, the issue of HIV should be addressed by an infectious disease specialist. Please consult with an infectious disease physician. ...[Read More] Can You Get HIV from Saliva if You Have a Sore Throat?
Impact of Delayed Cortisol Blood Test on Medical Interpretation
Cortisol blood draw was not performed at the designated time? The lab report indicated that blood should be drawn at 8 AM, but due to a long queue at the blood draw station, the blood was drawn at 9:23 AM, which is almost an hour and a half later. Will this delay affect the docto...
Dr. Li Jian Reply:
There may be slight effects, but the values are still referenceable. Thank you for your inquiry.[Read More] Impact of Delayed Cortisol Blood Test on Medical Interpretation
Understanding Salivary Gland Scintigraphy in Sjögren's Syndrome
Salivary Gland Scintigraphy Report for Sjögren's Syndrome Hello, Dr. Gao. My salivary gland biopsy showed lymphocytic infiltration, confirming a diagnosis of Sjögren's syndrome. I subsequently underwent salivary gland scintigraphy and would like to ask how this report i...
Dr. Gao Jiankai Reply:
Hello, thank you for your question. Compensatory parotid function refers to the adaptive response of the salivary glands, resulting in heterogeneous signal distribution on imaging, where some areas show strong signals while others show weak signals. This indicates that the functi...[Read More] Understanding Salivary Gland Scintigraphy in Sjögren's Syndrome
Understanding Syphilis Testing: What Does a Negative Result Mean?
Syphilis Issues Hello Doctor: In mid-May of this year, I underwent a rapid screening test that showed a faint line, but it was uncertain whether it was two lines. The physician administered a single dose of treatment, and the subsequent blood test results were RPR: Reactive 1:4, ...
Dr. Liao Zhongxin Reply:
1. First, there are two methods for syphilis testing: one is the RPR or VDRL test, which indicates whether there is current infectiousness, and the other is the TPHA or TPPA test, which indicates whether there has been a past infection with syphilis. Both tests should be interpre...[Read More] Understanding Syphilis Testing: What Does a Negative Result Mean?
Understanding Pre-Diabetes and Cholesterol Management: Key Insights
Blood sugar/lipid issues Hello Doctor: Recently, my fasting blood glucose was 101 mg/dL, glycated hemoglobin was 5.5%, low-density lipoprotein (LDL) was 161 mg/dL, and high-density lipoprotein (HDL) was 37 mg/dL. There is no family history of diabetes. The day before the test, I ...
Dr. Li Jian Reply:
Fasting blood glucose levels exceeding 100 mg/dL indicate prediabetes. Strengthening dietary control may help restore normal levels. Reducing the intake of red meat may help lower cholesterol. Thank you for your inquiry.[Read More] Understanding Pre-Diabetes and Cholesterol Management: Key Insights
Understanding Your Blood Sugar Levels: Are You at Risk for Prediabetes?
Both pre-meal and post-meal blood glucose levels are at the threshold? Doctor, my hemoglobin A1c is 5.2, my fasting blood sugar is 99, and my postprandial blood sugar is 140. Since both values are at the borderline, am I considered to have prediabetes? Also, how much should I eat...
Dr. Lin Jianliang Reply:
Hello: Based on the data you provided, a glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c) level of 5.2% falls within the normal range (generally, the normal range is less than 5.7%). The normal range for fasting blood glucose is 70-99 mg/dL, while the normal range for postprandial blood glucose (two ...[Read More] Understanding Your Blood Sugar Levels: Are You at Risk for Prediabetes?
Can Tiny Jumping Bugs Enter Your Lungs and Cause Harm?
Jumping worms are very small and can jump in the air; can they be inhaled into the lungs? Hello, doctor. Due to previous flooding of the wooden floor in my home, there has been a presence of damp insects. I hired a pest control company to address the issue, but I later noticed th...
Dr. Lin Wufu Reply:
Hello! No, that's not possible! Our trachea has many cilia, and when foreign objects enter the trachea, it triggers a strong cough reflex to expel the foreign material. It also produces secretions to prevent foreign objects from continuing to enter the lungs. So under normal...[Read More] Can Tiny Jumping Bugs Enter Your Lungs and Cause Harm?
Managing HPV Infection: Safe Practices for Couples During Pregnancy Planning
Recurrence after HPV infection? I am a male and about two years ago I contracted genital warts. After undergoing laser treatment, I have had no symptoms until recently when I suspected a new symptom. After laser treatment and testing, it was confirmed that it is not HPV. However,...
Dr. Liao Zhongxin Reply:
1. First, regarding the question of whether receiving the HPV vaccine affects the ability to conceive: The vaccine is essentially a cultured form of the virus or bacteria, which is then inactivated through heat or chemical agents. To some extent, the HPV vaccine may pose potentia...[Read More] Managing HPV Infection: Safe Practices for Couples During Pregnancy Planning
Understanding Immune Disorders and Allergies: A Patient's Guide
Autoimmune diseases and allergic issues? Hello, Doctor. I would like to ask you a few questions: 1. I was diagnosed with ankylosing spondylitis over two years ago and started taking Celebrex, usually once a day, and sometimes twice when my back pain is worse. I would like to kn...
Dr. Gao Jiankai Reply:
Hello, thank you for your inquiry. Here are my responses: 1. You were diagnosed with ankylosing spondylitis over two years ago and started taking Celebrex, typically once a day, and sometimes twice when your back pain is more severe. You are wondering if it is normal to feel tha...[Read More] Understanding Immune Disorders and Allergies: A Patient's Guide
Can You Drink Alcohol While Taking BikTarVy for PEP Treatment?
Post-Exposure Prophylaxis (PEP) Hello doctor, today I went to Mackay Memorial Hospital for PEP treatment, and the doctor prescribed me BikTarVy (bictegravir/emtricitabine/tenofovir alafenamide). Can I drink alcohol while taking this medication? If so, how long should I wait after...
Dr. Liao Zhongxin Reply:
1. First, regarding the precautions for using Loxone (Tadalafil): When using Loxone film-coated tablets, please adhere to the following precautions and medication recommendations: - Follow the physician's prescription: Before using Loxone film-coated tablets, obtain an ...[Read More] Can You Drink Alcohol While Taking BikTarVy for PEP Treatment?
What to Do After Accidental Antibiotic Overdose?
What should be done after accidentally taking antibiotics? I had nasal congestion and runny nose for two to three days, thinking it was just my nasal allergies. Later, I woke up to find my throat swollen and realized I had a cold. I thought I would just go to the pharmacy to buy ...
Dr. Gao Jiankai Reply:
Hello, thank you for your question. Biaxin is an antibiotic that we commonly prescribe, and it can indeed have diarrhea as a side effect. If you are only experiencing a cold with a sore throat, without a fever, and your symptoms are improving, you may not need to continue taking ...[Read More] What to Do After Accidental Antibiotic Overdose?
Feeling Hungry Soon After Eating: Stress or Endocrine Issues?
Feeling hungry shortly after eating? About one to two weeks ago, I started feeling hungry again about 1-2 hours after eating, to the point where my stomach growls. However, sometimes I don't really feel like eating psychologically, even though physiologically I feel hungry. ...
Dr. Li Jian Reply:
We recommend that you visit the Metabolism Department. Thank you for your inquiry.[Read More] Feeling Hungry Soon After Eating: Stress or Endocrine Issues?
Understanding Lupus: Key Symptoms, Diagnosis, and Treatment Options
Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) Hello, doctor. I started experiencing hair loss (alopecia areata) and urticaria in May of this year. I recalled that four years ago, I had a similar condition and underwent testing in the immunology department, where my anti-dsDNA level was 11. ...
Dr. Gao Jiankai Reply:
Hello, thank you for your question. Here are my responses: 1. ANA 1:1280; anti-dsDNA 13; C3 90. The doctor mentioned that although these indices suggest a high likelihood of systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), since it hasn't reached 15, it cannot be definitively diagnosed...[Read More] Understanding Lupus: Key Symptoms, Diagnosis, and Treatment Options
Understanding Kidney Function Test Results: What Do They Mean?
Follow-up Questions Regarding Kidney Function Hello, doctor. Previously, during a health check-up, I had elevated levels of blood urea nitrogen at 23, uric acid at 7.3, glomerular filtration rate at 78, and urine protein at 15 (+/-). My creatinine level was 1.1, which is normal. ...
Dr. Gao Jiankai Reply:
Hello, thank you for your inquiry. Your information is incomplete, as it lacks the reference ranges for various indicators, making it difficult to provide an accurate response. However, regarding the result of the P/C Ratio, it should be acceptable. The Allergy, Immunology, and R...[Read More] Understanding Kidney Function Test Results: What Do They Mean?
Understanding HIV Testing: When to Get Retested After Potential Exposure
HIV testing issues? Hello, doctor! I have some questions regarding my last unsafe sexual encounter in February of this year. I was concerned about potential infections, so I went for a blood test on June 27, and the result was negative! I have heard that the HIV window period doe...
Dr. Gao Jiankai Reply:
Hello, thank you for your inquiry. The diagnosis, treatment, prevention, and prognosis related to HIV are managed by infectious disease specialists. Although the issues caused by HIV are related to immune function, we kindly ask that you direct any questions regarding HIV to an i...[Read More] Understanding HIV Testing: When to Get Retested After Potential Exposure
Mercury Poisoning Risks from Broken Light Bulbs: What You Need to Know
Breaking a light bulb can lead to mercury poisoning? After I removed the bulb from the lamp, it accidentally fell and broke on the table while I was putting it in a bag. During the cleanup, my hand came into contact with the glass shards. Could this cause mercury poisoning? What ...
Dr. Gao Jiankai Reply:
Hello, thank you for your question. The mercury content in regular light bulbs is very low, and contact with broken glass should not cause poisoning. However, the mercury vapor inside the bulb can potentially lead to inhalation mercury poisoning after the bulb breaks. Therefore, ...[Read More] Mercury Poisoning Risks from Broken Light Bulbs: What You Need to Know
Understanding Kidney Function: GFR, Proteinuria, and Health Concerns
Glomerular filtration rate and urinary protein issues? I am currently 42 years old and would like to inquire about some health concerns. I had a health check-up last October, and during this year's company health screening, I noticed that some values have significantly dropp...
Dr. Li Jian Reply:
Regarding the issues of proteinuria and glomerular filtration rate, please consult a nephrologist for further evaluation. Thank you for your inquiry.[Read More] Understanding Kidney Function: GFR, Proteinuria, and Health Concerns
Understanding Tonsillitis: Symptoms, Treatment, and Recovery Time
Tonsillitis Doctor, I recently tested positive for COVID-19, and about a week after recovering, I suddenly experienced pain on the left side of my throat. It feels like there is a foreign object when I swallow, and when I eat, it hurts. The doctor prescribed me antibiotics, somet...
Dr. Li Jian Reply:
If you have tonsillitis, please visit the otolaryngology clinic for further examination. Thank you for your inquiry.[Read More] Understanding Tonsillitis: Symptoms, Treatment, and Recovery Time
Persistent Foamy Urine and Nausea: Understanding Possible Causes
For a year, I've been experiencing foamy urine and nausea, and this has been ongoing for three to four years? A year ago, I experienced a panic attack and took a lot of pain relief and psychiatric medications for a month or two. After stopping the medication, I started notic...
Dr. Li Jian Reply:
If you notice bubbles in your urine, please follow up with a nephrologist. Nausea and vomiting are likely not related to the bubbly urine. Thank you for your inquiry.[Read More] Persistent Foamy Urine and Nausea: Understanding Possible Causes
Understanding Abnormal Immunofixation Electrophoresis Results: Should You See a Doctor?
Immunofixation Electrophoresis Issues A few days ago, I underwent a self-funded immunofixation electrophoresis due to personal reasons, and the results are as follows: total protein 7 g/dL, albumin 62.3% (reference range 54-60, elevated), α-1 2.2% (reference range 1.8-4.0), α-2 6...
Dr. Gao Jiankai Reply:
Hello, thank you for your inquiry. I believe there is no issue, so please do not worry. If you are still concerned, you may ask the physician who arranged the examination for a second confirmation. The Allergy, Immunology, and Rheumatology Department of Changhua Hospital, Ministr...[Read More] Understanding Abnormal Immunofixation Electrophoresis Results: Should You See a Doctor?