Understanding Chills and Shaking: Possible Causes and When to Seek Help
Chills and shivering? Recently, I suddenly felt chills and shivering, which lasted for about an hour, followed by mild nausea and a small amount of vomiting. After that, I suddenly felt fine. Since this has never happened to me before, I would like to ask what the possible diagno...
Dr. Zeng Guosen Reply:
Feeling cold and shivering can sometimes be a precursor to a fever, but there are other potential causes as well. If a fever is present, you may want to consult an infectious disease specialist for differential diagnosis. If there is no fever, it would be advisable to see a famil...[Read More] Understanding Chills and Shaking: Possible Causes and When to Seek Help
Does Ankylosing Spondylitis Increase Risk of Low White or Red Blood Cells?
Does ankylosing spondylitis lead to low white blood cell or red blood cell counts? Hello Dr. Tseng, I am a patient with ankylosing spondylitis, 20 years old, and I have been diagnosed with ankylosing spondylitis for 3.5 years. I am currently undergoing stable treatment. I would l...
Dr. Zeng Guosen Reply:
Ankylosing spondylitis is not a common disease, and leukopenia or anemia may occur in some patients. Chronic inflammation over time can potentially lead to anemia. It is recommended to follow up with your physician for differential diagnosis. Thank you.[Read More] Does Ankylosing Spondylitis Increase Risk of Low White or Red Blood Cells?
Interactions Between Salazopyrin and Lybrel in Uveitis and Adenomyosis
Contraceptive pill issues I have uveitis and adenomyosis. I would like to know if there are any interactions between Salmeterol and Lopinavir.
Dr. Zeng Guosen Reply:
There is no information found regarding interactions between Salmeterol and Lopinavir. It is advisable to consult a pharmacist when obtaining medication. Thank you.[Read More] Interactions Between Salazopyrin and Lybrel in Uveitis and Adenomyosis
Assessing Severity: Understanding Your Joint Pain and Treatment Options
Mild or severe? Mild or severe? Celebrex (celecoxib) 200 mg, taken once in the morning and once in the evening, has become ineffective. Currently, I am experiencing pain in my knee joints, temporomandibular joints, finger joints, and both shoulder joints. I have difficulty squatt...
Dr. Zeng Guosen Reply:
There are many differential diagnoses for joint pain. If the symptoms persist and the response to medication is poor, it is advisable to return for a follow-up appointment sooner rather than waiting for 28 days. Thank you.[Read More] Assessing Severity: Understanding Your Joint Pain and Treatment Options
Understanding Abdominal Masses: Causes and Concerns
Abdominal mass? I would like to ask the doctor, today I suddenly noticed a small lump on the right side of my navel, about the size of a one-centimeter round ball. It hurts when I press it lightly, and it also hurts when I apply more pressure. I'm not sure what the issue cou...
Dr. Zeng Guosen Reply:
A friend online mentioned that an abdominal mass could be a sign of various conditions, ranging from skin lesions to intra-abdominal tumors. It is recommended to consult a gastroenterologist for a proper evaluation and diagnosis. Thank you.[Read More] Understanding Abdominal Masses: Causes and Concerns
Managing Dizziness and Appetite Loss After Mild Stroke in Seniors
Consultation for family members? Hello, doctor. My father is 61 years old. Recently, he has been feeling dizzy every day. He was hospitalized in the neurology department, and the examination results showed a mild cerebral infarction, carotid artery atherosclerosis, and elevated b...
Dr. Zeng Guosen Reply:
The user has reported that their blood pressure and blood sugar levels are well controlled after taking medication, but they still feel dizzy, indicating that there may be other unresolved issues. It is recommended to return for a follow-up appointment with a neurologist, who wil...[Read More] Managing Dizziness and Appetite Loss After Mild Stroke in Seniors
Should You Repeat Allergy Testing After 5 Years? Understanding Changes in Allergens
Is it necessary to repeat the allergen testing for the same allergens that were tested five years ago? Hello Dr. Tseng: I am 21 years old and have had an allergic constitution since childhood. When I was 16, I underwent an allergen test (M25-130-Z MAST ALLERGY) at Chang Gung Memo...
Dr. Zeng Guosen Reply:
Over 90% of individuals with chronic allergies cannot identify the cause. Even though allergens may change over a span of five years, MAST ALLERGY testing for 36 allergens still does not alter the treatment strategy. Thank you.[Read More] Should You Repeat Allergy Testing After 5 Years? Understanding Changes in Allergens
Thyroid Index and Hair Loss: Understanding the Connection
Thyroid levels and hair loss issues? Hello, doctor. I previously consulted a dermatologist regarding my hair loss issue and had blood tests done, which showed no abnormalities. The dermatologist thought my hair loss condition was not severe. Later, during a health check-up, I vis...
Dr. Lin Jianliang Reply:
Hello: It is recommended to have a blood test to check thyroid function. If hypothyroidism is present, it is more likely to cause hair loss.[Read More] Thyroid Index and Hair Loss: Understanding the Connection
Does Weather Influence CRP Levels in Ankylosing Spondylitis Patients?
Does weather affect CRP levels? Hello Doctor, my son is 20 years old and has been diagnosed with ankylosing spondylitis for 3.5 years. He has been undergoing regular medication treatment for the past 2.5 years and is currently stable. However, I have noticed a peculiar phenomenon...
Dr. Zeng Guosen Reply:
Patients with rheumatic diseases often experience more discomfort during damp and cold seasons, but weather does not affect the CRP (C-reactive protein) levels reported. Medication adjustments can only be made based on symptoms and the levels of CRP. Thank you.[Read More] Does Weather Influence CRP Levels in Ankylosing Spondylitis Patients?
Understanding the Risks of Expired Propylthiouracil: What You Need to Know
Propylthiouracil has expired? Hello Dr. Li, I just organized some medications for my family and found that the Propylthiouracil tablets for hyperthyroidism seem to be expired. The label indicates an expiration date of 2304, which should be April 30, 2023. We have taken about 20 t...
Dr. Li Jian Reply:
Expired medications should generally not be used, as their side effects are difficult to assess. Thank you for your inquiry.[Read More] Understanding the Risks of Expired Propylthiouracil: What You Need to Know
Unexplained High CRP Levels: Seeking Answers for Persistent Pain
Elevated CRP levels with no identifiable cause? Hello, doctor. Since the end of March, I have been experiencing generalized stiffness and pain. I have seen specialists in family medicine, rehabilitation, orthopedics, rheumatology and immunology, infectious diseases, pain manageme...
Dr. Gao Jiankai Reply:
Hello, thank you for your question. The unit for CRP can be either mg/dL or mg/L in our country, so the significance of the number 9 will differ accordingly. Additionally, I recommend that you continue to follow up with the rheumatology department, as your physician will monitor ...[Read More] Unexplained High CRP Levels: Seeking Answers for Persistent Pain
Alternatives to NSAIDs for Fever Relief and Allergy Concerns
Drug allergy Hello, doctor. If I have already experienced allergic reactions to NSAID fever reducers and have recently discovered that I am also allergic to acetaminophen, do I have other options for fever reducers? Additionally, could taking acetaminophen and traditional Chinese...
Dr. Gao Jiankai Reply:
Hello, thank you for your question. The likelihood of being allergic to paracetamol (acetaminophen) in clinical practice is very low; I rarely encounter such cases. Especially if you suspect it may be related to traditional Chinese medicine, I recommend confirming this further. F...[Read More] Alternatives to NSAIDs for Fever Relief and Allergy Concerns
Understanding Urine Changes: When to Seek Medical Advice
Urinary issues and proteinuria? Hello, doctor. On the evening of May 2nd, I visited a traditional Chinese medicine practitioner and explained that my urine in the morning was darker yellow, with a lot of bubbles that lasted longer than ten minutes. Aside from the first morning ur...
Dr. Lin Wuxuan Reply:
Hello: There are many causes of foamy urine, including disease-related factors (such as proteinuria) and general physiological states (such as higher urea concentration in the first morning urine). This phenomenon serves as a preliminary assessment tool for individuals to evaluat...[Read More] Understanding Urine Changes: When to Seek Medical Advice
How to Handle Your Child's Pinworm Infection: Essential Tips and Treatments
Childhood parasitic infections Hello Dr. Lin, I apologize for the interruption! I would like to ask what to do if my elementary school daughter has a pinworm infection. The other night, she woke up in the middle of her sleep complaining of itching around her buttocks. Upon checki...
Dr. Lin Wuxuan Reply:
The treatment methods for different intestinal parasitic infections vary, and it is recommended to take children to a healthcare provider for diagnosis and to use antiparasitic medications as prescribed by the physician. Family members living in the same household usually need to...[Read More] How to Handle Your Child's Pinworm Infection: Essential Tips and Treatments
Understanding Seasonal Variations in CRP Levels for Ankylosing Spondylitis
CRP levels are generally higher in winter and lower in non-winter months. It is unclear if this has any specific significance? Hello, Doctor. My son is 20 years old and has been diagnosed with ankylosing spondylitis for 3.5 years. He has been undergoing regular medication treatme...
Dr. Gao Jiankai Reply:
Hello, thank you for your question. I don't have a very good explanation for this part. However, the difference in CRP levels between the two time points is not significant, so I believe that more aggressive treatment changes are not necessary. I think that during winter, th...[Read More] Understanding Seasonal Variations in CRP Levels for Ankylosing Spondylitis
Does Hyperthyroidism Affect Fasting Blood Sugar Levels?
Does hyperthyroidism affect fasting blood glucose levels? Hello, doctor! Four years ago, I had my first adult health check-up, and my fasting blood glucose was slightly elevated at 106. Four years later, I had my second check-up, and my fasting blood glucose is still 106. Could t...
Dr. Li Jian Reply:
Thyroid antibody tests should ideally be monitored once a year. If fasting blood glucose levels are elevated, it is advisable to check glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c) to assess average blood sugar levels. Thank you for your inquiry.[Read More] Does Hyperthyroidism Affect Fasting Blood Sugar Levels?
Understanding the Sudden Spike in Syphilis Levels: Causes and Concerns
Elevated syphilis titers? Hello doctor, I had a blood test for syphilis at the end of March, which showed a titer of 1:2. I was hospitalized and received penicillin treatment for 14 days. In early May, my blood test showed a syphilis titer of 1:256. Could you please explain why t...
Dr. Liao Zhongxin Reply:
1. The syphilis index includes RPR (infectivity) and TPHA (past infection) categories; therefore, a result of 1:2X may indicate RPR, while 1:256X may indicate TPHA. 2. It is recommended to obtain information and consult with the medical facility to clarify the current situation.[Read More] Understanding the Sudden Spike in Syphilis Levels: Causes and Concerns
Understanding Joint Discomfort at Night: Causes and Solutions
Experiencing joint stiffness when going to sleep (but not pain)? I have a long-term symptom where, every time I go to sleep, the inner sides of my left elbow and left knee joints feel very sore. Interestingly, the joints on the right side of my body do not exhibit any such sympto...
Dr. Gao Jiankai Reply:
Hello, thank you for your inquiry. Your symptoms may require a clinical physical examination along with blood tests to more easily identify potential causes. It is recommended that you seek evaluation from the Department of Allergy, Immunology, and Rheumatology or the Department ...[Read More] Understanding Joint Discomfort at Night: Causes and Solutions
Understanding Leg Swelling and Muscle Twitches: When to Seek Medical Help
Twitching and pain in the thigh area? The doctor would like to ask you: Last year, after injuring the bottom of my left foot, I experienced swelling in both legs up to my thighs. A subsequent CT scan revealed that I have narrowing of the lymphatic vessels in my legs, but the doct...
Dr. Li Jian Reply:
Please schedule an appointment with the neurology department for an examination. Thank you for your inquiry.[Read More] Understanding Leg Swelling and Muscle Twitches: When to Seek Medical Help
Understanding the Risk of HIV Infection in Unsanitary Environments
Risk of HIV Infection Hello, doctor: I have a concern that I would like to ask you about. During my middle school years, the tutoring center environment was quite poor; there were very few restrooms, and the design might have been problematic, as there was often a puddle of urine...
Dr. Lin Wufu Reply:
Hello, there is basically no risk! HIV is primarily transmitted through contact with blood, bodily fluids, and mucous membranes, mainly through sexual intercourse. The viral load in urine is very low, and splashes that come into contact with the skin typically do not pose a trans...[Read More] Understanding the Risk of HIV Infection in Unsanitary Environments