Understanding Your Cardiac Test Results: Key Insights and Implications
What are the results of the examination? MEASUREMENTS AND SCREENING AO Diameter (MM) 31 LA/AO 1 Aortic Cusp (MM) 20 IVSd (MM) 10 LVIDd (MM) 50 LVPWd (MM) 8 IVSs (MM) 17 LVIDs (MM) 30 LVPWs (MM) 19 MV Deceleration Time (ms) 270 MV Deceleration Slope (mm/s²) 3...
Dr. Xie Rongyuan Reply:
Hello: Regarding your inquiry, please consult a cardiologist for further advice. Thank you for your message![Read More] Understanding Your Cardiac Test Results: Key Insights and Implications
Understanding Positive ANA and Normal Complement Levels in SLE Concerns
ANA positive homogeneous 1:160+ with normal C3 and C4 complement levels? Hello Doctor: Recently, I developed hives and visited the rheumatology and immunology department. After blood tests, it was found that my ANA was positive with a homogeneous pattern at 1:160. Other tests for...
Dr. Gao Jiankai Reply:
Hello, thank you for your inquiry. A positive ANA (antinuclear antibody) test can occur in healthy individuals as well. To confirm this possibility, we will investigate the reasons for a positive ANA, including the series of tests you mentioned. If these tests return negative res...[Read More] Understanding Positive ANA and Normal Complement Levels in SLE Concerns
Understanding Enlarged Lymph Nodes: When to Seek Medical Advice
Lymphadenopathy-related issues? Hello Doctor, I noticed that the lymph nodes in both groin areas have been swollen for over a week. Each side has multiple nodes, approximately 1 cm or slightly more, with a round or oval shape. However, I don't feel any significant discomfort...
Dr. Gao Jiankai Reply:
Hello, thank you for your inquiry. The presence of multiple enlarged lymph nodes in the groin area should be evaluated by a physician. Generally, ankylosing spondylitis does not cause lymphadenopathy, so it is advisable to consult a doctor who can assess other parts of your body....[Read More] Understanding Enlarged Lymph Nodes: When to Seek Medical Advice
Does Salazopyrin Cause Joint or Muscle Pain Side Effects?
Does Salvia have side effects related to joint or muscle pain? Hello, Doctor Gao. Does Salazopyrin have side effects related to joint or muscle pain? If so, how long does it typically take for this side effect to resolve after discontinuing the medication? Thank you, Doctor.
Dr. Gao Jiankai Reply:
Hello, thank you for your inquiry. I believe that Salazopyrin (sulfasalazine) is unlikely to have this side effect, so I recommend that you return to your attending physician for a personal evaluation. The Allergy, Immunology, and Rheumatology Department of Changhua Hospital, Min...[Read More] Does Salazopyrin Cause Joint or Muscle Pain Side Effects?
Can I Change the Dosage Schedule for Celebrex in Treating Ankylosing Spondylitis?
Can the method of taking Xarelto be changed? Hello Doctor, I have ankylosing spondylitis and I am currently taking one tablet of Celebrex (200 mg) in the morning and one in the evening for treatment. I would like to ask, 1) Can I change to taking two tablets at once every evening...
Dr. Gao Jiankai Reply:
Hello, thank you for your question. Here are my responses: 1) Can I change to taking 2 pills once every night? --> It is acceptable for a short period, but generally, it is not recommended to take two pills (400mg) at once for an extended duration. It is also difficult to defi...[Read More] Can I Change the Dosage Schedule for Celebrex in Treating Ankylosing Spondylitis?
Concerns About Ants in My Cup: Diabetes Worries Explained
About ants? Hello doctor, I recently noticed that sometimes there are ants in my water cup, and I'm worried that I might have diabetes. (My situation: I have no family history of the disease, I'm currently 23 years old, and I usually go to bed late and wake up late, aro...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, the presence of ants cannot indicate whether someone has diabetes. It is recommended to purchase or borrow a simple blood glucose meter to test fasting blood glucose levels. A fasting blood glucose level below 100 mg/dL is considered normal. Thank you for your inquiry.[Read More] Concerns About Ants in My Cup: Diabetes Worries Explained
Understanding HIV Testing: Key Questions and Answers for Patients
HIV testing issues? Hello Dr. Hong, thank you for your response. I would like to clarify a few points based on our previous discussion: 1. Is it correct to understand that as long as there is HIV virus present in the body, new antibodies will continuously be produced, maintaini...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, 1. Theoretically, the human body will produce corresponding antibodies; however, the quantity and types of antibodies may vary due to the functionality of the immune system and the progression of the disease. 2. If previous tests have been negative but there is a concer...[Read More] Understanding HIV Testing: Key Questions and Answers for Patients
Post-COVID Coughing: When to Seek Chest X-Ray for Blood-Streaked Phlegm?
What is the appropriate timing for a chest examination after being diagnosed with a condition and still experiencing hemoptysis? Hello doctor, I was diagnosed at the end of last year and completed isolation in early January. I continued to self-isolate until I tested negative on ...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, if you cough forcefully, it can easily cause microvascular rupture in the throat, leading to blood-tinged sputum. This should gradually improve as the cough resolves. Whether a follow-up chest X-ray is necessary mainly depends on whether you experience shortness of breath ...[Read More] Post-COVID Coughing: When to Seek Chest X-Ray for Blood-Streaked Phlegm?
Understanding HIV Antibody Testing: Common Concerns and Clarifications
HIV Antibody Testing Issues Hello, I am someone who has been panicking about HIV testing recently. 1. So even though HIV antibodies may decrease over time, they will not decrease to the point of being undetectable, right? I am mainly worried about a potential missed diagnosis f...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, 1. Currently, most hospitals use a combined test for antigens and antibodies, so it can still be detected. 2. If tests are negative after three months of unsafe sexual behavior, the chance of infection is very low. 3. This depends on the sensitivity of each test. 4. C...[Read More] Understanding HIV Antibody Testing: Common Concerns and Clarifications
Preparing for Stool Tests: Dietary Guidelines and Allergies Explained
Examination issues Hello Doctor, today I visited a gastroenterologist because I was experiencing abdominal pain and was a bit worried. There is currently no family history of gastrointestinal issues, although my grandfather had some, but my parents do not. They only arranged for ...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, your stool test should be a fecal occult blood test. It is indeed recommended to avoid red meat or blood products, such as pig's blood cake or rice blood cake, the night before. As for medications and vitamins, they should not have an impact. Thank you for your inquir...[Read More] Preparing for Stool Tests: Dietary Guidelines and Allergies Explained
Common Health Concerns: Allergies, Hygiene, and Urinary Tract Infections
May I ask the doctor? Hello, Doctor. I would like to ask you a few questions: 1. Are individuals with allergic constitutions more prone to bloating? I often need to walk after meals to aid digestion, and I wonder if this is due to my constitution or a problem with my digestive ...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, 1. Some people have slower gastrointestinal motility, and taking a short walk after eating foods that are prone to causing bloating can indeed help alleviate bloating issues. 2. Unless exposed to contaminated water, it is unlikely to cause an infection. 3. Yes, holding...[Read More] Common Health Concerns: Allergies, Hygiene, and Urinary Tract Infections
Understanding Abnormal Blood Test Results After COVID-19 Vaccination
Abnormal blood test results? Hello, Doctor: I received my fourth dose of the COVID-19 vaccine on November 26, 2022, and I underwent a health check at my company on December 13, 2022. I am unsure if some abnormal values are related to the vaccination. The results are as follows: N...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, based on your values, the main issues are low neutrophils and high lymphocytes. The most common causes are viral infections, such as COVID-19 or influenza. In addition to viral infections, other hematological disorders may also be a possibility. It is recommended to retest...[Read More] Understanding Abnormal Blood Test Results After COVID-19 Vaccination
Understanding Thyroid Health: Key Questions and Concerns
Thyroid-related issues Hello Dr. Lee, I would like to ask you some questions. Here are my questions: I recently had a thyroid ultrasound, and the thickness was measured at 1.9 cm on the right and 1.4 cm on the left. I was told that a thickness of 2.0 cm is the limit. (Thyroid fun...
Dr. Li Jian Reply:
Thyroid function is normal, and the ultrasound did not reveal any tumors or nodules. The cough is likely unrelated to the thyroid, and there is currently no need for regular monitoring.[Read More] Understanding Thyroid Health: Key Questions and Concerns
Does Handwashing Before Using the Restroom Reduce Infection Risk?
Does handwashing reduce the risk of infection? Hello doctor, I have severe obsessive-compulsive disorder regarding cleanliness. I would like to ask if washing my hands before using the restroom will reduce the risk of infection. Sometimes my hands are very dirty, as I might pick ...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, 1. Handwashing can indeed reduce the chances of infection. 2. If hands are washed thoroughly with soap, it should eliminate most pathogens. Thank you for your question.[Read More] Does Handwashing Before Using the Restroom Reduce Infection Risk?
Can Handling Raw Shrimp Lead to Parasite Infections?
Can one contract a parasitic disease? Recently, while handling shrimp (note: the shrimp was raw and had been split open for preparation), I forgot to wash my hands after peeling the shrimp and directly picked up food to eat. Could this lead to a parasitic infection? (I've be...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, most pathogens should be able to be washed away with clean water. If you do not experience any discomfort afterward, it should not be a concern. Thank you for your question.[Read More] Can Handling Raw Shrimp Lead to Parasite Infections?
Understanding HIV Testing: Common Concerns and Answers
HIV testing issues Hello Doctor, I would like to ask a few questions. 1. Four years ago, I underwent HIV antibody testing and RT-PCR testing due to a high-risk behavior, both of which were negative. I had slowly forgotten about this, but recently I have suddenly become fearful ...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, 1. If only antibodies are present, they may indeed decrease over time; however, RT-PCR tests for viral load, which will not decrease over time, so you should not miss a diagnosis. 2. Typically, instrument-based tests are more accurate. 3. Almost everyone will have anti...[Read More] Understanding HIV Testing: Common Concerns and Answers
Can Toilet Bugs Cause Infections? Understanding Risks and Precautions
Can it cause an infection? Hello doctor, I have noticed small flying insects around the toilet or on the toilet wall, but I'm not sure what kind of insects they are. Could this pose a risk of infection to my intimate areas or anus? I'm concerned about whether these inse...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, the contact with flying insects on the skin does not pose a significant risk of infectious diseases to the human body. Thank you for your inquiry.[Read More] Can Toilet Bugs Cause Infections? Understanding Risks and Precautions
Do Small Insects on Private Areas Cause Infection? A Doctor's Insight
May I ask the doctor? Hello Doctor, I am the questioner #191585. I would like to ask if small flying insects coming into contact with the mucous membranes of the genital area or the anus would pose any infection risk? Since children encounter similar flying insects when using res...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, yes, the conditions you mentioned are generally not likely to cause infections. Thank you for your question.[Read More] Do Small Insects on Private Areas Cause Infection? A Doctor's Insight
Understanding Urination Issues: Pain After Bathing and Hygiene Concerns
Urinary problems Hello doctor, recently after taking a shower, I have been feeling a bit of pain in my private area when I go to the bathroom, but it goes away after a while. Could this be due to excessive cleaning or a urinary tract infection? Also, if I wash my hands before usi...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, 1. The condition you mentioned could indicate either excessive cleaning of the urethral opening or a urethral infection. A urinalysis may be necessary to differentiate between the two. It is recommended to consult a urologist or a family medicine physician for evaluation...[Read More] Understanding Urination Issues: Pain After Bathing and Hygiene Concerns
Is There a Connection Between Urticaria and Immune System Disorders?
Is urticaria related to immune system disorders? Hello Doctor, I have been experiencing itching in my limbs for the past three weeks. The itching has progressively worsened, so I consulted a dermatologist who diagnosed me with urticaria, although I have never had this condition b...
Dr. Zeng Guosen Reply:
There is a connection between immune dysregulation and urticaria. For further differential diagnosis, you can consult a dermatologist or an immunology/allergy specialist. Thank you for your question.[Read More] Is There a Connection Between Urticaria and Immune System Disorders?