Understanding Antibiotic Resistance: A Patient's Concerns on CURAM
Please inquire about bacterial resistance to antibiotics? Hello Dr. Lin, I am part of the group with a high BMI. Between 2015 and 2019, I experienced multiple bacterial infections of the left parotid gland, and the clinic doctors treated me with CURAM. However, the infection at t...
Dr. Lin Wufu Reply:
Hello: Different infections can be caused by different bacteria, so the presence of antibiotic-resistant bacteria in previous infections does not necessarily mean that future infections will also involve bacteria resistant to the same antibiotic. If bacterial cultures can be perf...[Read More] Understanding Antibiotic Resistance: A Patient's Concerns on CURAM
Understanding Immune Dysregulation: Chronic Urticaria and Its Challenges
Immune dysfunction Hello, Doctor. I have been suffering from chronic urticaria for about four years, and it has not been cured. A previous doctor mentioned that this is a reaction of immune hyperactivity. However, since my diagnosis nearly a year ago, I have been experiencing rec...
Dr. Gao Jiankai Reply:
Hello, thank you for your question. Here are my responses: 1. Is this situation due to immune hyperactivity or deficiency? Can both coexist? --> It may be better understood as "immune system dysregulation." Autoimmune diseases and allergic conditions are both result...[Read More] Understanding Immune Dysregulation: Chronic Urticaria and Its Challenges
Understanding Antinuclear Antibody Test Results: What Do They Mean?
Antinuclear Antibody (Indirect Immunofluorescence) Report I had this report done at the end of last year because I have been experiencing itchy and painful bones for many years, so I underwent a thorough examination. In my report, there are two highlighted results. One is the ant...
Dr. Gao Jiankai Reply:
Hello, thank you for your question. Here are my responses: 1. The general value should be less than 1:40. What does it mean if my value is so high? Is there a possibility of developing a disease? --> Generally, a value of 1:1280 is considered high, and we would conduct furthe...[Read More] Understanding Antinuclear Antibody Test Results: What Do They Mean?
Understanding Rheumatoid Factor: Implications for Your Health
Rheumatoid arthritis factor Hello, doctor. I am a patient with ulcerative colitis, and my intestinal mucosa has recovered. Recently, after being diagnosed with COVID-19, I developed skin vasculitis on my calves. I went to the hospital for examination and blood tests, and the vasc...
Dr. Gao Jiankai Reply:
Hello, thank you for your inquiry. Although the RF-IgM value is somewhat elevated, it is not significantly high. We generally consider values exceeding four times the upper limit of normal to be more meaningful. Therefore, if you only have the symptoms mentioned in your text, I r...[Read More] Understanding Rheumatoid Factor: Implications for Your Health
Low Eosinophil Count: Is It Related to Prednisolone Use?
Eosinophil count is low? Hello, doctor. Recently, I had a blood test at the hospital, and one of the items was the eosinophil count, which was <18, while the standard range is 40-350. Could this be related to my oral Prednisolone treatment (1 tablet BID) for skin vasculitis 10...
Dr. Gao Jiankai Reply:
Hello, thank you for your inquiry. Your low eosinophil count is indeed a change in your test results due to your previous use of corticosteroids. The Allergy, Immunology, and Rheumatology Department of Changhua Hospital, Ministry of Health and Welfare, is concerned about you.[Read More] Low Eosinophil Count: Is It Related to Prednisolone Use?
Does Taking Salazopyrin Cause Hair Loss? Recovery After Stopping Use?
Does taking Salo (Finasteride) cause hair loss? Will prolonged use lead to irreversible hair thinning even after discontinuation? Hello Doctor, my son is 20 years old. He was diagnosed with ankylosing spondylitis at the age of 17. He started taking two Salazopyrin (sulfasalazine)...
Dr. Gao Jiankai Reply:
Hello, thank you for your question. Here are my responses: 1) Taking 2 tablets of Finasteride daily is a very mild dosage (there is still room for an increase). Is it really that easy to experience hair loss as a side effect? --> The likelihood is very low. My patients who tak...[Read More] Does Taking Salazopyrin Cause Hair Loss? Recovery After Stopping Use?
Do Other Viruses Affect HIV Test Results? Insights on RT-PCR and Rapid Tests
Will it affect the test results? Hello doctor, I would like to ask if the presence of other viruses in the body, such as COVID-19, monkeypox, dengue fever, and other diseases, can affect the results of RT-PCR or other rapid tests for HIV?
Dr. Liao Zhongxin Reply:
If you receive a positive result for HIV, don't panic! Let's discuss the concept of "false positives" in statistics. Imagine a scenario where you are not part of a high-risk group for HIV and have no specific sexual orientation, but you accidentally get expose...[Read More] Do Other Viruses Affect HIV Test Results? Insights on RT-PCR and Rapid Tests
Can You Get HIV from Drinking Water Touched by an Infected Person?
Drinking water that has been contaminated with HIV? Drinking water or beverages that have been touched by an HIV-infected person does not pose a risk of HIV transmission. HIV is primarily transmitted through specific bodily fluids such as blood, semen, vaginal fluids, and breast ...
Dr. Liao Zhongxin Reply:
According to the data from the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) in Taiwan, the transmission routes of the Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) are as follows: A. There are three main transmission routes for HIV: 1. Sexual transmission: Engaging in oral, anal, or vaginal intercour...[Read More] Can You Get HIV from Drinking Water Touched by an Infected Person?
Understanding Rabies: Can It Remain Dormant for Over 20 Years?
Hello, I am the questioner 198067? Hello, doctor. I apologize for asking again. Do you mean that if it has been over 20 years without any rabies symptoms, this indicates that the rabies virus did not enter my body at the time of the initial bite? Or is it possible that a trace am...
Dr. Lin Wufu Reply:
According to the existing literature, it appears that the rabies virus does not coexist peacefully with the human body in the long term. The incubation period generally does not exceed one year, so if there are no related neurological symptoms after one year, it can be considered...[Read More] Understanding Rabies: Can It Remain Dormant for Over 20 Years?
Understanding Thyroid Issues During Pregnancy: What You Need to Know
Thyroid issues Two years ago, during pregnancy, I had a special blood test for thyroid function. The results showed that my TSH (Thyroid Stimulating Hormone) was <0.005 and my Free T4 was normal at 1.570. Could you tell me if this is caused by the pregnancy? My mother had a hi...
Dr. Li Jian Reply:
Please visit the Metabolism Department for further examination to confirm whether there are any thyroid function abnormalities. Thank you for your inquiry.[Read More] Understanding Thyroid Issues During Pregnancy: What You Need to Know
Understanding Thyroid Hormone Fluctuations: From Hyperthyroidism to Hypothyroidism
Hyperthyroidism has transitioned to hypothyroidism: Free T4 0.884 / TSH 27.07? Hello, I was diagnosed with hyperthyroidism at the end of last year during a health check-up (T4 2.91/TSH 0.005). I have been taking medication in several phases: Carbimazole 10 mg/tab, one tablet each...
Dr. Li Jian Reply:
It is recommended that you consult an endocrinologist to determine whether there are positive TSH receptor antibodies. Thank you for your inquiry.[Read More] Understanding Thyroid Hormone Fluctuations: From Hyperthyroidism to Hypothyroidism
Concerns About Rabies After Monkey Bite: 20 Years Later
Bitten by a monkey over 20 years ago? Hello, doctor. When I was about 8 years old (over 20 years ago), I was bitten by a monkey in Southeast Asia. However, since it has been such a long time, I can't remember if I received pre-exposure or post-exposure rabies vaccinations, o...
Dr. Lin Wufu Reply:
The incubation period for rabies is not that long, so there's no need to worry![Read More] Concerns About Rabies After Monkey Bite: 20 Years Later
Understanding Symptoms and Management of Vasculitis: A Patient's Guide
Vasculitis symptoms issues? Doctor, I am the previous patient who inquired about vasculitis. It has been confirmed that my skin condition is not ANCA-related and has improved. However, I am unsure why this afternoon I experienced some abdominal discomfort and lower back pain. Aft...
Dr. Gao Jiankai Reply:
Hello, thank you for your inquiry. I believe the symptoms you described are not specific, but if you are concerned, you can schedule an earlier follow-up appointment for tests. A simple urine test can help determine if there are any issues with your kidneys. The Allergy, Immunolo...[Read More] Understanding Symptoms and Management of Vasculitis: A Patient's Guide
Understanding Elevated Eosinophils: Causes and Next Steps
Eosinophilia Hello Doctor, I had a health check-up in April 2022, which showed that my eosinophil count was elevated at 11.1%, while other white blood cell counts were normal. At that time, I also had a high bacterial count in my urinary tract, and I was thinking that this infect...
Dr. Gao Jiankai Reply:
Hello, thank you for your question. Here is my response summarized as follows: 1. The assessment of whether eosinophils are elevated should primarily focus on the total count rather than just the percentage (%). 2. If eosinophils are indeed elevated, potential causes include alle...[Read More] Understanding Elevated Eosinophils: Causes and Next Steps
Chronic Nasopharyngeal Inflammation: When to Seek Further Medical Advice?
Chronic nasopharyngitis Hello, Doctor Gao: For a long time (10 years), I have occasionally noticed blood in my saliva. In early June, I visited an ENT specialist, and the biopsy results indicated benign chronic nasopharyngitis. However, the doctor did not recommend any further tr...
Dr. Gao Jiankai Reply:
Hello, thank you for your inquiry. Chronic nasal bleeding indeed requires regular follow-up appointments. As for whether you need to see a rheumatologist, I believe it could be beneficial. Some rheumatic conditions can affect the nasopharynx, leading to bleeding and inflammation....[Read More] Chronic Nasopharyngeal Inflammation: When to Seek Further Medical Advice?
Understanding HIV Rapid Test Results: Your Questions Answered
Hello, I would like to inquire about the rapid test results? Last Tuesday, I went to the hospital for anonymous HIV testing. My situation is that it has been one month since the high-risk behaviors (unprotected oral sex and protected vaginal intercourse). Although the result at t...
Dr. Lin Wufu Reply:
1. It is possible, so it is generally recommended to follow up 3-4 months after engaging in risky behavior, and only if the test remains negative can one be completely assured that there is no issue. 2. Similarly, it is advised to retest for antibodies 3-4 months after engaging...[Read More] Understanding HIV Rapid Test Results: Your Questions Answered
Can Steroid Supplementation Fully Restore Cognitive Function in Adrenal Insufficiency?
Adrenal cortical insufficiency Hello, I would like to inquire whether cognitive dysfunctions caused by adrenal insufficiency, such as memory decline, slowed reaction times, lack of concentration, and decreased comprehension, can fully recover with appropriate steroid supplementat...
Dr. Huang Hongling Reply:
Cognitive decline caused by adrenal insufficiency can be improved with steroid supplementation, but it may not fully restore the patient's cognitive function. Additionally, since cognitive deterioration often has multiple causes, it is important to consider factors such as d...[Read More] Can Steroid Supplementation Fully Restore Cognitive Function in Adrenal Insufficiency?
Understanding Dog Bites: Rabies Risks and Wound Care Essentials
Please provide the content you would like me to translate? Hello, doctor. I am the person asking the following question: "I have a wound on my calf that looks like it was scratched from itching or possibly a mosquito bite. I didn't examine the wound closely, but a few d...
Dr. Lin Wufu Reply:
You're welcome![Read More] Understanding Dog Bites: Rabies Risks and Wound Care Essentials
Understanding Abnormal Creatinine Levels: When to Seek Further Kidney Evaluation
Abnormal creatinine levels in health check-ups? Hello Doctor, during my health check last month, my creatinine level was abnormal (0.58), blood urea nitrogen was 11, and the urine test showed normal values except for urine ketones at 1+. I had a poor appetite that month due to st...
Dr. Lin Wuxuan Reply:
It is recommended to bring your health check report to a consultation with a family medicine or nephrology outpatient clinic. Thank you.[Read More] Understanding Abnormal Creatinine Levels: When to Seek Further Kidney Evaluation
Eating Undercooked Pork Chops: Risks and What to Do Next
Eating undercooked pork chops? Hello Dr. Lin, on the evening of June 28, I ate a pork chop (rib) that my family cooked. I only realized that the meat near the bone was undercooked and still red when I bit into it. I wasn't paying attention while using my phone, so I'm n...
Dr. Lin Wufu Reply:
Parasites are killed by freezing! Therefore, meat that has been frozen is less likely to carry the risk of transmitting parasites. Undercooked meat usually has a higher bacterial load, but if you don't experience diarrhea within a day or two, there is typically no significan...[Read More] Eating Undercooked Pork Chops: Risks and What to Do Next