Assessing Infection Risks from Accidental Blood Exposure in Clinical Settings
Infection issues Hello, doctor. I am currently interning, and someone placed an alcohol swab contaminated with a patient's blood on the table. While I was reaching for gloves, my finger accidentally touched it. I have a habit of picking at my thumb, and I'm not sure if ...
Dr. Lin Wufu Reply:
Hello, viruses die quickly outside the human body, so the risk of indirect contact (where the virus transfers from blood to an alcohol swab and then enters your wound) is quite low. Furthermore, alcohol has a strong virucidal effect, so in the case of a single incident, I believe...[Read More] Assessing Infection Risks from Accidental Blood Exposure in Clinical Settings
Understanding Morning Stiffness in Ankylosing Spondylitis: A Parent-Child Perspective
Is this morning stiffness (and pain) a symptom of ankylosing spondylitis? Hello Dr. Gao, both my son and I have been diagnosed with ankylosing spondylitis by rheumatologists, but I find it quite peculiar that our experiences of morning stiffness are completely different. When I w...
Dr. Gao Jiankai Reply:
Hello, thank you for your question. The significance of morning stiffness lies in the joint stiffness and pain that occurs after rest, particularly following sleep, but improves with activity. Therefore, the presentation of stiffness and pain can vary, potentially affecting the r...[Read More] Understanding Morning Stiffness in Ankylosing Spondylitis: A Parent-Child Perspective
Understanding High Thyroglobulin Antibody Levels: Do You Have Thyroid Issues?
Elevated thyroid index? My recent health check report shows that my thyroglobulin antibody (TA) level is 95.63 IU/mL, which is elevated, and my intact parathyroid hormone (iPTH) level is 69.6 pg/mL, which is also elevated. Other tests, including rheumatoid factor (RF) and anti-th...
Dr. Li Jian Reply:
Please visit a major hospital and schedule a detailed examination with the Department of Endocrinology and Metabolism. Thank you for your inquiry.[Read More] Understanding High Thyroglobulin Antibody Levels: Do You Have Thyroid Issues?
Understanding Sacroiliac Joint Issues: Is It Always an Autoimmune Disease?
Ankylosing spondylitis 1. The patient recently underwent an X-ray examination due to lower back pain, which revealed structural damage to the sacroiliac joint. The doctor suspects ankylosing spondylitis, but blood tests returned negative for the associated gene, with inflammatory...
Dr. Zeng Guosen Reply:
1. Issues with the sacroiliac joint are not solely caused by autoimmune diseases; differential diagnosis is necessary. 2. Generally, back pain associated with ankylosing spondylitis responds well to treatment; if the response is poor, other causes of back pain should be consider...[Read More] Understanding Sacroiliac Joint Issues: Is It Always an Autoimmune Disease?
Do Allergies Affect Symptoms of Ankylosing Spondylitis?
Can allergies affect the symptoms of stiffness? Hello Dr. Tseng, my son is 20 years old and has both ankylosing spondylitis and allergy issues. He is currently taking two tablets of Celebrex daily for ankylosing spondylitis, but he still experiences morning stiffness for about an...
Dr. Zeng Guosen Reply:
If a person has severe allergies that lead to irregular daily routines, it may affect the stability of autoimmune diseases. Mild symptoms typically do not have such an impact. Based on your description (morning stiffness lasting about 1 hour and an ESR frequently elevated to 40-5...[Read More] Do Allergies Affect Symptoms of Ankylosing Spondylitis?
Managing Hair Loss After Thyroid Dysfunction: Expert Advice
Thyroid-related hair loss issues? Hello Doctor, I was previously diagnosed with hyperthyroidism with the following lab results: 112/04 T4: 5.14 and 112/04 TSH: <0.005. After medication, my levels changed to hypothyroidism with 112/05 T4: 0.59 and 112/05 TSH: 0.058. On July 29,...
Dr. Li Jian Reply:
If thyroid function improves but hair loss continues, you may want to consult a dermatologist. Thank you for your inquiry.[Read More] Managing Hair Loss After Thyroid Dysfunction: Expert Advice
Understanding Fasting vs. Postprandial Blood Sugar Levels: A Patient's Concern
Is it considered preprandial blood glucose or postprandial blood glucose? I have a history of hypertension and take my medication every morning before meals. My blood pressure is currently well-controlled. I am 158 cm tall, weigh 55 kg, and am 44 years old. On the evening of Augu...
Dr. Lin Jianliang Reply:
Hello: I had milk tea around 3-4 PM. I tested my blood sugar at 6 PM, which is considered postprandial blood sugar (2 hours after eating), not fasting blood sugar.[Read More] Understanding Fasting vs. Postprandial Blood Sugar Levels: A Patient's Concern
Understanding HIV Risks: Common Questions and Concerns Addressed
I'm sorry, but I need more context or content to provide a translation? 1. I understand that the HIV virus dies quickly outside the human body. However, as a cashier, if I touched a customer's wound and then rubbed my eyes, would there still be a risk of HIV infection d...
Dr. Lin Wufu Reply:
1. The risk can only be described as negligible; if I say it's less than one in ten thousand, you might think that's quite high. 2. Blood on the surface is indeed considered external; the virus dies quickly. 3. There is a risk of transmitting infectious diseases whe...[Read More] Understanding HIV Risks: Common Questions and Concerns Addressed
Concerns About Parasite Infection from Contact with Stray Cat Waste
Parasitic infection Hello, doctor. I accidentally came into contact with the vomit of a stray cat I care for, and then I unintentionally ingested some food that had touched it. Could this lead to an infection with the pork tapeworm? I have seen this stray cat eating raw pork, so ...
Dr. Lin Wufu Reply:
No, pork tapeworms generally do not appear in cat vomit. The likelihood of a cat acquiring parasites from a single ingestion of something from its gastrointestinal tract is also very low. Preventive medication or special monitoring is not recommended.[Read More] Concerns About Parasite Infection from Contact with Stray Cat Waste
Risk of HIV Infection from Blood Splashing in the Eye: What You Need to Know
Blood splattered into the eyes? Hello doctor, my colleague has a tattoo on his hand, and after getting it done, the tattooed area has been bleeding. Today, while I was crouching to pick something up, my colleague was standing in front of me and something splashed into my eye. If ...
Dr. Lin Wufu Reply:
I can't say there are no risks, but the overall risk should be lower than being struck by lightning while walking on the street (probably less than one in ten thousand). It can only be said that professional assessments do not consider such a negligible risk worth the expens...[Read More] Risk of HIV Infection from Blood Splashing in the Eye: What You Need to Know
Concerns About Choking on Pills: Risks and Solutions for Safe Swallowing
Choking on a pill? Hello, Doctor: Recently, I have been taking medication frequently, but sometimes I am afraid that the pills might go down the trachea. After taking the medication, I often feel a sensation of something stuck in my throat, and sometimes I cough. Could this be as...
Dr. Xie Rongyuan Reply:
Hello: Aspiration pneumonia can cause coughing, fever, and shortness of breath. A chest X-ray is necessary. As for whether Codemin can be opened and dissolved in water, please consult a pharmacist. Thank you for your message![Read More] Concerns About Choking on Pills: Risks and Solutions for Safe Swallowing
Understanding Unexplained Bruising on the Palm: Causes and Concerns
Bruising of the palm? Hello doctor, this morning I suddenly felt a swelling sensation in my right palm. In the afternoon, I noticed bruising and swelling below my thumb (as indicated in the image in the following link). However, there was no impact, sports injury, or anything sim...
Dr. Yu Liying Reply:
Hello, Miss Xiao Zhang. In fact, the area around the palm is particularly susceptible to pressure or impact when we least expect it! If there is localized swelling or bruising that shows signs of spreading, or if unexplained bruising and swelling appear in other areas, it is advi...[Read More] Understanding Unexplained Bruising on the Palm: Causes and Concerns
Risk of HIV Infection from Blood Contact with Eyes: What You Need to Know
Wound contact with the eyes? Hello doctor, today when I was checking out at a convenience store, I noticed that the cashier had a noticeable bleeding wound on his hand. After he handed me the change, I came into contact with his bleeding wound, and then my eyes started to itch, s...
Dr. Lin Wufu Reply:
Hello, the HIV virus dies quickly outside the human body. Even if you accidentally touch a visibly bleeding wound of another person and then rub your eyes, the amount of blood that could be on your hands is extremely minimal (if there is any at all). The live virus present in suc...[Read More] Risk of HIV Infection from Blood Contact with Eyes: What You Need to Know
Understanding Carotid Ultrasound Reports: Insights on Stroke Risk and Atherosclerosis
Carotid Ultrasound Report Hello Doctor, I have high cholesterol (not on medication, 280), and there is a history of stroke in my family (grandfather and father). Recently, I often feel dizzy several times a day, each episode lasting several seconds. This is the report from my tra...
Dr. Yu Liying Reply:
Hello Ms. Chen, the causes of dizziness are diverse and may indeed be related to cerebral blood circulation. It is advisable for you to visit a neurologist in person. The doctor will conduct a thorough history taking, along with physical and neurological examinations, to provide ...[Read More] Understanding Carotid Ultrasound Reports: Insights on Stroke Risk and Atherosclerosis
Understanding Nausea and Vomiting: Insights on Esophageal Ulcers and Treatment
Nausea and vomiting? Hello Doctor, I would like to inquire about my gastroscopy performed in April this year. Previous gastro-camera or fiberoptic findings: Premedication: Buscopan 20 mg intramuscularly and local use of 10% Xylocaine spray. Esophagus: 1. ONE CORD OF LINEAR ULCER....
Dr. Zheng Weijun Reply:
Hello, based on the results of your gastroscopy, you have a history of esophageal ulcers and mild gastritis. The symptoms of nausea and regurgitation you mentioned may indeed be related to autonomic nervous system dysfunction. Symptoms that can arise from autonomic nervous system...[Read More] Understanding Nausea and Vomiting: Insights on Esophageal Ulcers and Treatment
Understanding Abdominal Pain: Causes and When to Seek Help
Abnormal abdominal pain Hello, doctor. I am 29 years old and I have ankylosing spondylitis and chronic anemia (with an average hemoglobin level of about 20). I'm not sure if this is related to the events I've experienced. The first incident occurred when I was around 20...
Dr. Zheng Weijun Reply:
Hello, thank you for your detailed description. First, regarding your mention that "the average hemoglobin does not exceed 20," this value is within the normal range; the normal hemoglobin level for women is 12–16 g/dL, so your current hemoglobin level may not be abnorm...[Read More] Understanding Abdominal Pain: Causes and When to Seek Help
Understanding Minimal Change Disease in Nephrotic Syndrome and Military Exemption
Minimal Change Disease in Nephrotic Syndrome Conditions for various types of nephritis include one of the following: 1. Chronic renal impairment confirmed by examination, with serum creatinine greater than 2 mg/dL and creatinine clearance less than 50 mL/min. 2. Histopathological...
Dr. Lin Wuxuan Reply:
Please proactively inform the examining physician and provide your medical history during the military conscription examination, in accordance with the regulations set by the Ministry of National Defense and the Military Service Agency of the Ministry of the Interior. Thank you.[Read More] Understanding Minimal Change Disease in Nephrotic Syndrome and Military Exemption
The Connection Between Allergies and Ankylosing Spondylitis Symptoms
The relationship between allergies and stiffness symptoms? Hello, Doctor Gao. My son is 20 years old and has both ankylosing spondylitis and allergy issues. He is currently taking four Sulfasalazine tablets daily for ankylosing spondylitis, but he still experiences morning stiffn...
Dr. Gao Jiankai Reply:
Hello, thank you for your question. I believe that allergy symptoms are unrelated to stiffness symptoms. An elevated ESR may be associated with inadequate control of ankylosing spondylitis. If you are already taking four Salazopyrin tablets daily and continuously using anti-infla...[Read More] The Connection Between Allergies and Ankylosing Spondylitis Symptoms
Managing Excessive Sweating and Heat Sensation in Diabetes Patients
Chest heat or chest discomfort? Hello doctor, I have type 2 diabetes, and about three years ago, I started experiencing night sweats while covered with a blanket during winter (mostly concentrated in the chest and back). In recent months, I have been able to clearly feel a wave o...
Dr. Lin Jianliang Reply:
Hello, since the symptoms you described are non-specific, it is recommended to consult a family medicine physician first.[Read More] Managing Excessive Sweating and Heat Sensation in Diabetes Patients
Understanding Elevated Thyroid-Stimulating Hormone Levels: Causes and Treatment
Elevated Thyroid-Stimulating Hormone (TSH) Levels Hello, doctor. This year's health check report shows Thyroid Stimulating Hormone (TSH) at 7.739 IU/ml (abnormal) and Free Thyroxine (Free T4) at 0.86 ng/dl (normal). What could be the cause of this? Do I need further treatmen...
Dr. Gao Jiankai Reply:
Hello, thank you for your question. This is a normal result. Thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) levels can vary due to the body's condition; for example, if you were feeling unwell or had mild respiratory symptoms at the time of testing, it could affect the results. Free thyr...[Read More] Understanding Elevated Thyroid-Stimulating Hormone Levels: Causes and Treatment