Does Ankylosing Spondylitis Slow Down Recovery from Injuries?
Does ankylosing spondylitis cause slower resolution of swelling from injuries? Hello Doctor: Last year, I had a minor motorcycle accident and developed a lump on my calf. I applied ice and then heat to the area. A classmate who was riding with me also sustained an injury, and his...
Dr. Zeng Guosen Reply:
Individuals with ankylosing spondylitis do not experience slower resolution of swelling from injuries or surgeries, unless they are taking certain medications or have personal factors involved. Thank you for your question.[Read More] Does Ankylosing Spondylitis Slow Down Recovery from Injuries?
Risks of Discontinuing Hypertension Medication for Natural Remedies
Drug interactions Doctor, my father has high blood pressure and has been taking medication regularly. He has a condition that causes him to need to urinate every 20-30 minutes, so he started taking pumpkin seed supplements. He mentioned that taking both together might lower his b...
Dr. Lin Wuxuan Reply:
Chronic disease patients are advised not to arbitrarily adjust their medication dosage, frequency, or discontinue their medication. If there is a need to take dietary supplements or adjust medications, please discuss it with your attending physician. Thank you.[Read More] Risks of Discontinuing Hypertension Medication for Natural Remedies
Persistent Dizziness: Understanding Causes and Seeking Solutions
Dizziness and lightheadedness? I have been experiencing dizziness for some reason lately, and it has persisted for a week. I visited an otolaryngologist last week and took medication, but the issue has not improved. It doesn't seem to be a cold. I have a habit of practicing ...
Dr. Xie Rongyuan Reply:
Hello: If the dizziness does not improve, further examination is necessary to determine the cause. It could be an issue with the vestibular system of the inner ear, or it may be due to conditions such as benign paroxysmal positional vertigo (BPPV), Meniere's disease, brain t...[Read More] Persistent Dizziness: Understanding Causes and Seeking Solutions
Can Urinal Splashing Transmit STDs? Understanding Your Health Concerns
Urinary issues? Hello doctor, I would like to ask if getting splashed by the water from a urinal on my genital area while using the restroom can transmit sexually transmitted infections or HIV? Additionally, I have been feeling warm at times when lying on the bed, but I don'...
Dr. Liao Zhongxin Reply:
1. First, the definition of fever is a temperature greater than 37.5°C, and high fever is defined as greater than 38.3°C; however, it often varies from person to person, so comparing to one's own baseline is more accurate. 2. Generally, the water used to flush a urinal is n...[Read More] Can Urinal Splashing Transmit STDs? Understanding Your Health Concerns
Accidental Contact with Dried Blood: Safety Measures and Concerns
The lips came into contact with what appeared to be dried blood or other substances on the glove? During work, if you accidentally touched your lower lip with fingers that had dried red blood or other substances on your gloves, and you immediately wiped it with alcohol upon reali...
Dr. Liao Zhongxin Reply:
First, according to the data from the Centers for Disease Control, there are three main routes of HIV transmission: 1. Sexual transmission: Engaging in oral, anal, or vaginal intercourse without a condom with an HIV-infected individual or exchanging other bodily fluids poses a ri...[Read More] Accidental Contact with Dried Blood: Safety Measures and Concerns
How to Properly Take Euthyrox for Hypothyroidism Management?
How should Sotalol be taken correctly? Hello Dr. Lin, TSH (Thyroid Stimulating Hormone): 6.6 T3 (Triiodothyronine): 101 Free T4 (Free Thyroxine): 1.03 Thyroglobulin Antibody (Anti-Thyroglobulin Ab) level: 145 [<40.00] Thyroid Peroxidase Antibody (Anti-TPO) level: 710 ...
Dr. Lin Jianliang Reply:
Hello: 1. Dizziness caused by Staletrex is not common. Other potential causes should be ruled out first. 2. You can give it a try and then follow up.[Read More] How to Properly Take Euthyrox for Hypothyroidism Management?
Understanding Muscle Weakness and Pain: Causes and Solutions
Muscle soreness and weakness? Doctor, I often wake up in the morning feeling completely weak in my arms and legs, and even my toes are unable to move. Standing up is difficult, as if I have become a robot. This condition is temporary, but afterward, the areas that were weak becom...
Dr. Li Jian Reply:
You can first consult a neurologist. Thank you for your inquiry.[Read More] Understanding Muscle Weakness and Pain: Causes and Solutions
Risk of HIV Transmission from Contaminated Toilet Paper: What You Need to Know
Blood-stained toilet paper in public restrooms? Hello doctor, after using the restroom in a public toilet, I noticed that the nearby roll of toilet paper had quite a bit of fresh blood on it, which appeared to be bright red and likely not dried yet. When I removed the toilet pape...
Dr. Liao Zhongxin Reply:
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) data, there are three main transmission routes for the Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV): 1. Sexual transmission: Engaging in oral, anal, or vaginal intercourse without a condom with an HIV-infected individual or ...[Read More] Risk of HIV Transmission from Contaminated Toilet Paper: What You Need to Know
Understanding Immune System Disorders: Insights for Patients and Families
Inquiry about the immune system? Hello, Doctor Gao. I am a family member of patient #207861. Thank you very much for your response. I apologize for wanting to follow up with a question regarding the immune system. Based on the following lab results: An: 86, RPR: Non-reactive, RF:...
Dr. Gao Jiankai Reply:
Hello, thank you for your inquiry. I believe there is no autoimmune disease present. Although your ANA is slightly elevated, an ANA titer of 1:160 or higher is more significant. Additionally, your physician has arranged for a very detailed immunological assessment, so an ANA tite...[Read More] Understanding Immune System Disorders: Insights for Patients and Families
Understanding CRP Levels: What High Readings Could Indicate
The CRP test results may indicate the following meanings? Hello: Recently, due to the need for spinal surgery, a blood test was conducted, revealing a CRP level of 10.62 mg/L. The doctor recommended resting for two weeks and then rechecking the CRP, which remained elevated at 8.9...
Dr. Gao Jiankai Reply:
Hello, thank you for your questions. Here are my responses: 1. Regarding whether these numbers indicate a serious infection: I believe they do not. 2. Concerning the pain in the dental root due to the presence of a screw in the denture, could this cause the CRP to rise to 10.62 ...[Read More] Understanding CRP Levels: What High Readings Could Indicate
Understanding Your First Gout Attack: Symptoms, Treatment, and Management
First gout attack? Hello Doctor, I visited the clinic at the beginning of April due to ankle pain. At that time, I had been lifting heavy objects for half a day due to work. The next day, my ankle became red, swollen, hot, and painful, so I went back to the clinic where the docto...
Dr. Gao Jiankai Reply:
Hello, thank you for your question. If I understand correctly, both (Probenecid and Allopurinol) are medications used to lower uric acid levels. Generally, we prescribe only one uric acid-lowering medication, and we only consider combining them in patients who are more difficult ...[Read More] Understanding Your First Gout Attack: Symptoms, Treatment, and Management
Understanding Test Results: Concerns About Tumor Risk and Further Examinations
Please inquire about the test results? Hello, doctor. Recently, my father experienced swelling in his throat and left hand due to stress, prompting him to visit a rheumatology and immunology specialist. Based on his condition, the doctor ordered the following tests (the items lis...
Dr. Gao Jiankai Reply:
Hello, thank you for your inquiry. Here are my responses: 1. The attending physician did not inform us about the location of the tumor, nor did they provide a detailed explanation to my father regarding which specific values were problematic for the diagnosis. Could you please ...[Read More] Understanding Test Results: Concerns About Tumor Risk and Further Examinations
Can Magnetic Necklaces Affect Thyroid Nodules?
Can individuals with thyroid nodules wear magnetic necklaces? Hello doctor, I recently purchased a magnetic necklace with a magnetic field strength of 65 mT (650 gauss). Since it is worn around the neck, I would like to know if it could affect thyroid diseases. Thank you.
Dr. Lin Jianliang Reply:
Hello, there is currently not enough scientific evidence to demonstrate the effects of magnetic bracelets on thyroid diseases. Therefore, I cannot provide you with advice on this matter.[Read More] Can Magnetic Necklaces Affect Thyroid Nodules?
Understanding Soft Stool: Parasite Infection or Medication Side Effects?
Parasitic infection Hello Dr. Lin, I experienced a mental health crisis in April 2021. To avoid being forcibly taken to a hospital by my family, I hid in a public restroom at a temple. During that time, I completely lost my rationality and felt excessively thirsty. Believing I ha...
Dr. Lin Wufu Reply:
Hello: Theoretically, for the toilet water in a public restroom to contain parasites, it would require that a person who had feces with parasites used the toilet just before. Additionally, parasites cannot survive outside the human body for an extended period, so the likelihood o...[Read More] Understanding Soft Stool: Parasite Infection or Medication Side Effects?
Understanding Post-Infusion Vein Issues: What You Need to Know
Venous issues It has been over a month since I had an IV drip, which was administered in the vein at my elbow. Now, there are three raised areas on the vein, about the size of red beans. They are not painful, and I am unsure of the cause. Will there be any concerns when I need to...
Dr. Li Jian Reply:
It is recommended that you undergo a vascular surgery examination. Thank you for your inquiry.[Read More] Understanding Post-Infusion Vein Issues: What You Need to Know
Essential Care Tips for Living with One Kidney
Precautions for Having One Kidney Hello Dr. Huang, I was born with only one kidney on the left side (the right kidney was absent at birth). Recently, my routine blood tests have been normal, but an ultrasound revealed that my remaining kidney has enlarged slightly due to compen...
Dr. Huang Yaoxuan Reply:
Hello Mr. Lun: "Having only one kidney" means that you need to pay attention to certain aspects of daily life, which are similar to those of individuals with two kidneys. However, the situation may differ in cases of acute kidney injury, such as acute pyelonephritis, wh...[Read More] Essential Care Tips for Living with One Kidney
Understanding HIV Testing: Reliability of Oral Swab Results After High-Risk Behavior
HIV testing issues Hello Doctor, I had a high-risk sexual encounter on October 16, and I used the OraQuick saliva rapid test on April 1 of the following year (about five and a half months later), with a negative result. I would like to know if I can trust this result and if I can...
Dr. Gao Jiankai Reply:
Hello, thank you for your inquiry. Currently, questions related to HIV/AIDS fall under the specialty of infectious diseases, so please consult an infectious disease physician. The Allergy, Immunology, and Rheumatology Department of Changhua Hospital, Ministry of Health and Welfar...[Read More] Understanding HIV Testing: Reliability of Oral Swab Results After High-Risk Behavior
Understanding Abnormal Complement Tests and Their Link to Immune Disorders
Complement test abnormalities in autoimmune diseases? Hello Doctor: Recently, I have been experiencing symptoms resembling urticaria, and I underwent an examination at the rheumatology and immunology department. The test results showed abnormalities: CH50 Assay: 40.7, C3: 74.3, C...
Dr. Gao Jiankai Reply:
Hello, thank you for your inquiry. Here are my responses: 1. Is there a possibility of SLE (Systemic Lupus Erythematosus)? --> Based on the information currently provided, the likelihood remains low. 2. Is there a possibility that the immune system is already compromised? -...[Read More] Understanding Abnormal Complement Tests and Their Link to Immune Disorders
Concerns About Infection Risks: Understanding Transmission Routes
Infection risk inquiry? Hello Doctor, I would like to ask two questions. I came to Shanghai with my family, and today while eating, I accidentally drank from a cup that seemed to have some mucus or phlegm in it. I didn't swallow it, but it felt very unpleasant. I would like ...
Dr. Lin Wufu Reply:
1. Drinking mucus or saliva is generally destroyed by stomach acid, so it does not pose a significant risk of contracting any specific infectious disease. Of course, some viruses can be transmitted through saliva, so there is still a certain risk of infection. However, most virus...[Read More] Concerns About Infection Risks: Understanding Transmission Routes
Understanding Low Hemoglobin Levels: Do You Need Further Testing?
Blood test report issues? Hello, doctor! My blood test report shows low hemoglobin at 12.9, hematocrit at 39.3, MCH at 26.2, MCHC at 32.8, and MCV at 79.7. Do I need to undergo any further tests? Thank you!
Dr. Xie Rongyuan Reply:
Hello: The blood test report should be normal and not low; it can be monitored further. Thank you for your message![Read More] Understanding Low Hemoglobin Levels: Do You Need Further Testing?