Emergency Medications for Allergies: Sneezing and Runny Nose Relief
What are some alternative medications for allergic rhinitis, such as runny nose or sneezing? Hello Doctor, I would like to ask you about my nose. It often runs or I sneeze when there are changes in the environment, such as when I enter or exit the bathroom, my home, or the car, a...
Dr. Zeng Guosen Reply:
It is advisable to have backup medications and stable control medications. It is recommended to consult an otolaryngologist. Thank you.[Read More] Emergency Medications for Allergies: Sneezing and Runny Nose Relief
Concerns About Undercooked Pork Chops: Parasite Risks and Medical Guidance
Eating undercooked pork chop? On the evening of May 20, I ate an air-fried frozen pork chop. Halfway through, I noticed that the meat was tough to chew and had a slightly raw color. The pork chop was a frozen product that I had purchased only two or three days ago. Is there a pos...
Dr. Zeng Guosen Reply:
It is highly recommended to consult an infectious disease specialist. Consuming contaminated or undercooked food can lead to infections or food poisoning. Thank you.[Read More] Concerns About Undercooked Pork Chops: Parasite Risks and Medical Guidance
Understanding Autoimmune Hepatitis: Symptoms, Treatment, and Concerns
Autoimmune hepatitis Hello Doctor: At the end of March this year, I sought consultation in the hepatobiliary and gastroenterology department due to fatigue, jaundice, and tea-colored urine. Blood tests showed AST 675, ALT 1077, and total bilirubin 4.6. Subsequent tests for HBsAg ...
Dr. Zeng Guosen Reply:
It is highly recommended to seek medical attention as soon as possible, preferably by returning to your original treating physician's clinic. If the appointments are fully booked, you should be able to request an additional slot with your original doctor. To determine the si...[Read More] Understanding Autoimmune Hepatitis: Symptoms, Treatment, and Concerns
Understanding Lower Abdominal Pain: When to See a Urologist?
Lower abdominal tenderness inquiry? Hello Doctor, in the past week, I have experienced localized tenderness in my lower abdomen. Initially, it was located about one centimeter to the right of my navel, but later it appeared about eight centimeters to the left of my navel, while t...
Dr. Lin Wufu Reply:
Hello, bladder inflammation typically presents with urinary tract symptoms. Your tenderness may also be related to the abdominal wall muscle layer. It is advisable to observe for two to three days, as it often improves on its own. When visiting a urologist, a urinalysis will like...[Read More] Understanding Lower Abdominal Pain: When to See a Urologist?
Risk of Parasite Infection from Snail Contact: What You Should Know
Snail parasites Hello, doctor. This morning, I directly touched a small snail on my motorcycle handle. After realizing it was a snail, I used a wet cloth to remove it. At that moment, there was no water source nearby, so I rode for about 30 minutes to my destination before using ...
Dr. Lin Wufu Reply:
Hello, there is usually not much risk involved. Eating raw snails is typically riskier because parasites are found inside the snails rather than on their surface. Therefore, touching snails is unlikely to expose you to parasites.[Read More] Risk of Parasite Infection from Snail Contact: What You Should Know
Understanding Skin Reactions and Infection Risks: Common Concerns
Please ask your question? Hello, doctor. I have two questions I'd like to ask. The first one is that a few days ago, the outer side of my thigh felt itchy and looked like it was bitten by an insect, with a little swelling. I didn't pay much attention to it and didn'...
Dr. Lin Wufu Reply:
Hello, it's difficult to determine the exact condition just from the pictures, but insect bites combined with scratching can indeed lead to similar wounds. Lyme disease is almost non-existent in Taiwan, and most cases are contracted while traveling to Europe or America. The ...[Read More] Understanding Skin Reactions and Infection Risks: Common Concerns
Muscle Tremors and Abnormal Urinalysis: When to Seek Help?
Muscle tremors and abnormal urinalysis? Hello Doctor, I had a routine check-up last week, and the protein test result was (+/-). I initially thought it wasn't a big deal, but recently I've been experiencing involuntary muscle twitching all over my body, and I even had l...
Dr. Lin Wuxuan Reply:
Side effects of the yellow fever vaccine may include headache, muscle pain, and mild fever, resembling cold symptoms, which typically resolve within 1 to 2 days. It is recommended to consult your primary care physician or an internal medicine clinic at the original vaccination fa...[Read More] Muscle Tremors and Abnormal Urinalysis: When to Seek Help?
Understanding Right Arm Pain: Possible Causes and Solutions
Right lower arm pain and joint pain? On May 9th, I ate a lemon tart containing almond flour, and immediately felt pain in my lower right arm. This pain has now persisted as joint pain in my right arm, making it difficult to open a water bottle cap and my motorcycle key lock. I ha...
Dr. Gao Jiankai Reply:
Hello, thank you for your inquiry. If the pain has persisted since May 9, it is advisable to have a physician evaluate the situation. We need to properly assess the condition of the joint pain. Vitamin B12 does not have analgesic effects, and high cholesterol is less likely to ca...[Read More] Understanding Right Arm Pain: Possible Causes and Solutions
Can You Contract STDs from Kissing After a Lip Injury?
Sexually transmitted infections (STIs) transmission Hello Doctor, I recently engaged the services of a foreign sex worker and used a condom throughout the entire process. During the encounter, I was asked for a wet kiss. However, due to a lack of sleep in the past few days, I hav...
Dr. Liao Zhongxin Reply:
1. Most sexually transmitted infections (STIs) are commonly found in the perineal area, with another frequent site being the oral cavity. Engaging in oral sex without proper protection, such as a condom, can certainly increase the risk of acquiring STIs. 2. In addition to commo...[Read More] Can You Contract STDs from Kissing After a Lip Injury?
Managing Thyroid Medication: From Hyperthyroidism to Hypothyroidism Concerns
The treatment for hyperthyroidism has been reduced, but the medication is still being taken? Hello Doctor: I have been experiencing a rapid heartbeat, and blood tests revealed hyperthyroidism with TSH < 0.005 and Free T4 > 7.7. The doctor prescribed: for the first and secon...
Dr. Li Jian Reply:
During the treatment process for hyperthyroidism, fluctuations may occur. Please ensure regular blood tests are conducted to facilitate dosage adjustments. Thank you for your inquiry.[Read More] Managing Thyroid Medication: From Hyperthyroidism to Hypothyroidism Concerns
Understanding Blood Sugar Fluctuations: Insights from Continuous Glucose Monitoring
I have some questions regarding the use of continuous glucose monitoring devices? Hello Doctor, I am 42 years old. Last August, my health check revealed a fasting blood glucose level of 115 mg/dL and a hemoglobin A1c of 5.8%. Since then, my fasting blood glucose has remained elev...
Dr. Lin Wufu Reply:
Hello, your question falls within the specialty of endocrinology, and the physician may need to ask you additional questions related to your diet and exercise in order to have a discussion. Therefore, it is recommended that you visit the hospital to consult with the endocrinology...[Read More] Understanding Blood Sugar Fluctuations: Insights from Continuous Glucose Monitoring
Can X-rays or CT Scans Differentiate Causes of Sacroiliitis?
Can X-rays or CT scans differentiate the causes of sacroiliac joint arthritis? What are the treatment options for enthesitis? Hello Doctor, I have been experiencing chronic lower back pain that alleviates with activity. X-rays from last year show bilateral grade II sacroiliitis, ...
Dr. Gao Jiankai Reply:
Hello, thank you for your inquiry. Here are my responses: (1) I have been experiencing intermittent sharp pain in my right ankle since last year, as if it is being bitten, with the pain intensifying at night. Additionally, I have long-term soreness on the outer side of my right...[Read More] Can X-rays or CT Scans Differentiate Causes of Sacroiliitis?
Managing Cough and Gastroesophageal Reflux: A Guide to Better Sleep
Cough accompanied by difficulty breathing, causing sleepless nights? Hello, I woke up suddenly around 3 AM with a headache, and then I started sweating profusely. After that, I vomited, possibly due to stomach acid irritating my throat, which now feels like there is something stu...
Dr. Wu Yuwei Reply:
It is recommended to follow up with a gastroenterologist, as gastroesophageal reflux can sometimes cause coughing symptoms.[Read More] Managing Cough and Gastroesophageal Reflux: A Guide to Better Sleep
Understanding Infection Risks After a Haircut: HIV and Other Concerns
Infection issues Hello, I apologize for the previous question. I would like to ask again: on March 24, I got a haircut and was accidentally cut on the neck, causing a small piece of skin to bleed. There is dried black blood around it. Am I at risk of contracting HIV? If the perso...
Dr. Liao Zhongxin Reply:
It can be said yes, but it can also be said no; to transmit bloodborne diseases (including HIV and hepatitis B/C), aside from direct contact like sharing needles among drug users, the risk of transmission through other wound exposure is relatively low. If you are concerned, you m...[Read More] Understanding Infection Risks After a Haircut: HIV and Other Concerns
Managing Lupus: Weight Loss, Muscle Cramps, and Tattoo Safety
Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) Hello Doctor: 1. I am a patient with Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (SLE). I would like to ask if it is normal for me to feel very hungry and eat four to five meals a day, despite having a light diet, while still losing weight after being diagnos...
Dr. Gao Jiankai Reply:
Hello, thank you for your questions. Here are my responses: 1. I am an SLE (Systemic Lupus Erythematosus) patient. I would like to ask if it is normal for me to feel very hungry and eat four to five meals a day, even though I have been eating a light diet and have been on medica...[Read More] Managing Lupus: Weight Loss, Muscle Cramps, and Tattoo Safety
Managing Autoimmune Disorders: Concerns About Long-Term Medication Use
Autoimmune disease issues Hello, doctor. I am a patient with Hashimoto's thyroiditis and have been taking thyroid medication for over 30 years. In recent years, I have been troubled by dry eye syndrome, which has affected my daily life. I underwent blood tests for rheumatic ...
Dr. Gao Jiankai Reply:
Hello, thank you for your question. Pilocarpine is a medication commonly used by patients with Sjögren's syndrome. If you have dry eyes, normal blood test results, and a good response to eye drops or ointments, along with experiencing side effects from the medication, it may...[Read More] Managing Autoimmune Disorders: Concerns About Long-Term Medication Use
Understanding Lupus Nephritis: Key Questions About Diagnosis and Recovery
Questions related to lupus erythematosus and kidney biopsy? Hello Dr. Gao, I was diagnosed with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) in 2012, and recently underwent a kidney biopsy that confirmed class III lupus nephritis. I have some questions related to lupus and the kidney bio...
Dr. Gao Jiankai Reply:
Hello, thank you for your questions. Here are my responses: 1. If the biopsy results indicate Class III lupus nephritis, is it possible for treatment to reduce it to Class I or II lupus nephritis, or even to have no nephritis at all? --> The classification may change, but the...[Read More] Understanding Lupus Nephritis: Key Questions About Diagnosis and Recovery
Emergency Medications for Allergic Rhinitis: What You Need to Know
What are some alternative medications for allergic rhinitis, such as runny nose or sneezing? Hello Doctor, I would like to ask you about my nose. It often runs or I sneeze when there are changes in the environment, such as going in and out of the bathroom, home, or car, as well a...
Dr. Gao Jiankai Reply:
Hello, thank you for your inquiry. You can prepare antihistamines, which are available at pharmacies. It is recommended to choose those with minimal sedative side effects, as they are less likely to impact your daily life or work. If the symptoms remain severe, you should consult...[Read More] Emergency Medications for Allergic Rhinitis: What You Need to Know
Impact of Thirdhand Smoke on Hyperthyroidism: Concerns and Insights
Hyperthyroidism issues? Hello, Doctor. I have hyperthyroidism and have been undergoing treatment for about 6 years. Currently, my treatment involves taking one Methimazole (5 mg) tablet every night before bed. I would like to ask you about a situation regarding my rental housing....
Dr. Li Jian Reply:
There are no clear reports on the effects of thirdhand smoke on thyroid function. Please cooperate with your outpatient physician and undergo regular blood tests for monitoring. Thank you for your inquiry.[Read More] Impact of Thirdhand Smoke on Hyperthyroidism: Concerns and Insights
Understanding Weight Changes After Knee Surgery: What to Know
Weight issues Hello Doctor, my mother is about 60 years old and had knee replacement surgery earlier this year. She is currently recovering well and can climb stairs. The only medication she is taking now is one pill in the morning and one in the evening for blood pressure and he...
Dr. Li Jian Reply:
If you are unsure about how to exercise appropriately, you can consult a rehabilitation specialist for therapy to prevent muscle atrophy. Thank you for your inquiry.[Read More] Understanding Weight Changes After Knee Surgery: What to Know