Understanding Groin Issues: When to Seek Medical Help
Groin issues Hello Doctor: Initially, I noticed a round, hard lump near my anus (I consulted a colorectal specialist because I was concerned it might be an anal fistula, and there was significant swelling from the groin area towards the perineum, which I suspected might be lympha...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, based on your description, the lump next to the anus is likely a benign cyst. If the doctor has already incised it, it should gradually heal and reduce in size over time. As for the vaginitis and urethral discharge, they are likely not directly related to this issue. If yo...[Read More] Understanding Groin Issues: When to Seek Medical Help
Concerns About Infection from a Stranger: HIV and Hepatitis Risks
Questions about infection from strangers? Hello Doctor, after class today, while I was checking out at a convenience store, a stranger suddenly pushed past me to throw away his aluminum drink. It seemed like he had finished drinking outside and brought it in to dispose of it. I n...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, based on your description, it seems that there are suspected scratch marks on your hand, but no obvious wounds have been caused. In this case, there is no risk of contracting HIV or hepatitis B or C, so please do not worry. Thank you for your inquiry.[Read More] Concerns About Infection from a Stranger: HIV and Hepatitis Risks
Medication Management for Dialysis Patients: When to Seek Specialist Care
Medications for dialysis patients? Hello, my father undergoes dialysis three times a week, but he often reports experiencing painful urination and dizziness. Should I discuss this with the doctor at the dialysis center and request medication, or is it necessary to consult a urolo...
Dr. Wu Hongjie Reply:
Dysuria: If there is residual urine, please check to rule out infection and provide medication that can be administered at the dialysis clinic. Dizziness: Check hemoglobin levels to ensure they are adequate, and arrange a neurology consultation if necessary. Wishing you health an...[Read More] Medication Management for Dialysis Patients: When to Seek Specialist Care
Understanding High Creatinine and Uric Acid Levels in Young Adults
Elevated creatinine levels? Hello doctor, I am currently 18 years old, 170 cm tall, and weigh 47 kg. During a health check-up, I found that my creatinine level is elevated (1.45) and my uric acid level is also high (9.2). Additionally, protein was detected in my urine. Is my kidn...
Dr. Wu Hongjie Reply:
Based on your body type, it appears that you do not have a physique characterized by high muscle mass. The elevated creatinine levels suggest a need for further evaluation at a clinic. Wishing you health and safety.[Read More] Understanding High Creatinine and Uric Acid Levels in Young Adults
Assessing HIV Risk After Unprotected Oral and Protected Sex: Your Questions Answered
HIV transmission issues? On October 6, I had sexual intercourse with a sex worker, which included unprotected oral sex and protected vaginal intercourse. The female sex worker cleaned my penis before we engaged in further activities. During the encounter, we also kissed and had u...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, due to the risk of infection from unsafe sexual practices, it is currently recommended to follow up for at least three months. If all tests are negative, it will be considered safer. Thank you for your inquiry.[Read More] Assessing HIV Risk After Unprotected Oral and Protected Sex: Your Questions Answered
Is Ankylosing Spondylitis a Severe Risk Factor for COVID-19?
Is ankylosing spondylitis a risk factor for severe disease? Hello Doctor, my son is 19 years old and has ankylosing spondylitis. I have some questions to ask you. 1) There are many risk factors for severe COVID-19, one of which is "diseases affecting immune function (such ...
Dr. Gao Jiankai Reply:
Hello, thank you for your question. Here are my responses: 1) There are many risk factors for severe COVID-19, one of which is "diseases affecting immune function (HIV infection, congenital immunodeficiency, solid organ or hematopoietic stem cell transplantation, use of ste...[Read More] Is Ankylosing Spondylitis a Severe Risk Factor for COVID-19?
Is Ankylosing Spondylitis a Severe Risk Factor for COVID-19?
Is ankylosing spondylitis a risk factor for severe illness? Additional question? Hello Doctor, I apologize for the follow-up question regarding the issue I asked yesterday (#187270). I would like to ask you: My child has been taking 2 tablets of Salbutamol daily for the past six ...
Dr. Gao Jiankai Reply:
Hello, thank you for your question. Broadly speaking, I believe it is. In a narrower sense, having a smaller quantity of two can also be considered as not being so. I tend to lean towards the broader definition. The Allergy, Immunology, and Rheumatology Department of Changhua Hos...[Read More] Is Ankylosing Spondylitis a Severe Risk Factor for COVID-19?
Post-COVID Treatment: Should You Take Antiviral Medications?
How to use medication after being diagnosed with COVID-19? Hello Doctor: I am a patient with ankylosing spondylitis, 22 years old, and I have had this condition for over two years. Currently, I am managing my condition with Salazopyrin. Yesterday, a general clinic (not a rheumato...
Dr. Gao Jiankai Reply:
Hello, thank you for your question. The use of Isalor tablets for managing ankylosing spondylitis is indeed related to an abnormal immune function, which is why your physician has prescribed Belaviv. Currently, this medication has not yet received market approval, and if there ar...[Read More] Post-COVID Treatment: Should You Take Antiviral Medications?
Understanding C3 and C4 Levels: What to Do When Symptoms Persist?
Complement C3 & C4 Every morning when I wake up, my hands are swollen and stiff, and I experience pain in the joints when bending my fingers. Blood tests showed an erythrocyte sedimentation rate of 16, rheumatoid arthritis factor tests (immunoturbidimetry) were less than 20, ...
Dr. Gao Jiankai Reply:
Hello, thank you for your inquiry. Your C3 level is slightly low, but this may just be a variation due to your constitution, so there is no need to worry too much. Other tests are normal. I believe that if your morning stiffness lasts for a short duration, such as less than half ...[Read More] Understanding C3 and C4 Levels: What to Do When Symptoms Persist?
Understanding Oral Ulcers in Ankylosing Spondylitis Patients
Ankylosing spondylitis-related issues? Hello Doctor: I was diagnosed with ankylosing spondylitis a few months ago, and since then, I have been taking Celebrex. Recently, I have been taking it about 4 to 5 days a week, and my inflammatory markers have been normal. However, since I...
Dr. Gao Jiankai Reply:
Hello, thank you for your question. Patients with ankylosing spondylitis are indeed prone to developing mouth ulcers. It is recommended that you use oral gels and regularly take vitamin B complex. The likelihood of Humira causing mouth ulcers is low, but it is still a possibility...[Read More] Understanding Oral Ulcers in Ankylosing Spondylitis Patients
Could Your Red Rash Be Lupus? Understanding Symptoms and Allergies
Could a painless and non-itchy rash be indicative of lupus erythematosus? On October 1st, upon waking up in the morning, I noticed several small red rashes on my abdomen and arms (originally raised). Within a few hours, they flattened out, but the color remained reddish. There we...
Dr. Gao Jiankai Reply:
Hello, thank you for your inquiry. It sounds like urticaria, but it does not resemble lupus erythematosus. The Allergy, Immunology, and Rheumatology Department of Changhua Hospital, Ministry of Health and Welfare, is concerned about you.[Read More] Could Your Red Rash Be Lupus? Understanding Symptoms and Allergies
Do Ankylosing Spondylitis Patients Need Antiviral Drugs for COVID-19?
Do patients with ankylosing spondylitis who are diagnosed with COVID-19 need to take antiviral medication? Hello Doctor, I am a patient with ankylosing spondylitis. I would like to ask you: 1) If a patient with ankylosing spondylitis is diagnosed with COVID-19, what are the gover...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, regarding the second risk factor, one of the conditions is diseases that affect immune function (such as HIV infection, congenital immunodeficiency, solid organ or hematopoietic stem cell transplantation, and the use of corticosteroids or other immunosuppressants). Therefo...[Read More] Do Ankylosing Spondylitis Patients Need Antiviral Drugs for COVID-19?
Understanding the Risk of Severe COVID-19 After Initial Mild Symptoms
If diagnosed with COVID-19 and symptoms are becoming milder, is there a significant chance of suddenly progressing to moderate or severe symptoms? Hello Doctor: After being diagnosed with COVID-19, I saw a doctor and received medication (it seems like the medication is mostly for...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, if you have previously been diagnosed, your body will still have some antibodies; however, these antibodies will gradually decrease over time. Therefore, if there is a long interval since the last infection and your immune system is not functioning well, it is indeed possi...[Read More] Understanding the Risk of Severe COVID-19 After Initial Mild Symptoms
Do Ankylosing Spondylitis Patients Need Antiviral Medications for COVID-19?
Is antiviral medication needed for stiffness? Additional inquiry? Hello Doctor, below the line is the doctor's response from this morning. I would like to confirm with the doctor regarding the second point. Does the doctor's reply mean that "not all patients with a...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, yes, it is important to check if there are any relevant medications being taken (such as immunosuppressants) that could affect immune function, as these would be considered significant risk factors. Thank you for your question.[Read More] Do Ankylosing Spondylitis Patients Need Antiviral Medications for COVID-19?
Understanding Low White Blood Cell Count: Causes and Follow-Up
Leukopenia The most recent blood biochemistry test showed a white blood cell count of 3300, which is low; red blood cells are normal, hemoglobin is low, mean corpuscular volume is low, mean corpuscular hemoglobin is low, and total bilirubin is 2.22, which is high, while all other...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, regarding the white blood cell count, it's important to first know what your previous levels were. Some individuals naturally have a white blood cell count around 3,000, which can be normal for them. However, if your count has suddenly dropped to 3,000 from a previous...[Read More] Understanding Low White Blood Cell Count: Causes and Follow-Up
Impact of Frequent Masturbation on Middle School Boys' Brain Health
The effects of masturbation on the brain in adolescent boys? Hello, doctor. Can you please tell me if frequent masturbation in middle school students can damage the brain or affect memory? Thank you, doctor.
Dr. Li Jian Reply:
Hello, 1. Will it affect brain development? No. Generally, masturbation can be seen as a way for individuals to relieve sexual urges or stress. Conversely, if one suppresses masturbation, it may lead to self-doubt or negatively impact others in the pursuit of sexual outlets, wh...[Read More] Impact of Frequent Masturbation on Middle School Boys' Brain Health
Understanding Dizziness: Possible Causes Beyond Viral Infections
Dizziness, feeling of heaviness in the head, and lightness in the legs? Hello, doctor. I've been feeling a bit dizzy these past few days. It's not severe, and I feel dizzy whether I'm standing or sitting, but I don't feel anything when lying down. I visited a ...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, there are indeed many factors that can cause dizziness. Based on your situation, the following possible factors may apply: 1. Staying up late or irregular sleep patterns 2. Excessive stress 3. Anemia 4. Side effects of cold medications 5. Inner ear imbalance. It is recomme...[Read More] Understanding Dizziness: Possible Causes Beyond Viral Infections
Understanding Abnormal Kidney Function Tests: Causes and Next Steps
Abnormal kidney function tests? The health examination report indicates elevated creatinine levels (1.45 mg/dL) and high uric acid levels (9.2 mg/dL), along with the presence of protein in the urine. Should I undergo further testing? What could be the causes of these abnormalitie...
Dr. Huang Yaoxuan Reply:
Hello, Asong: It is recommended that you consult a nephrology outpatient clinic to monitor the elevated creatinine levels and protein in your urine. For high uric acid levels, you may follow up with a rheumatology outpatient clinic. Thank you![Read More] Understanding Abnormal Kidney Function Tests: Causes and Next Steps
Understanding Asthma: Managing Persistent Cough and Heart Concerns
Asthma issues I would like to ask the doctor a few questions. Since last winter, I have been coughing persistently. I have visited many clinics, and the doctors have said it is due to allergies caused by changes in the weather, and that it would improve as the weather warms up. I...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, chronic cough can indeed have many causes. The most important thing is to rule out lung and heart issues. If auscultation is normal, the chances of severe asthma are lower, but there may be other lung problems. It is advisable to consult a pulmonology or family medicine ou...[Read More] Understanding Asthma: Managing Persistent Cough and Heart Concerns
Are Home Rapid Tests Reliable? Understanding Infection Risks After a Year
Rapid testing for infection issues? I would like to ask if the rapid tests sold online by the health department are accurate. I buy a rapid test almost every month and have been testing for a year now. My last test was two days ago, and it was negative. I would like to know if I ...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, are you referring to HIV rapid testing? The accuracy of HIV rapid tests for initial assessment is indeed not as high as that of formal tests conducted in medical institutions. Each rapid test kit may also have varying degrees of accuracy. If you want to confirm your result...[Read More] Are Home Rapid Tests Reliable? Understanding Infection Risks After a Year