Understanding Mitral Valve Prolapse: Symptoms and Diagnosis Explained
Mitral valve prolapse Doctor, is my report normal? Is the difficulty in breathing, chest tightness, and dizziness caused by mitral valve prolapse? AO 27 mm (normal range 20-37) IVS 7 mm (normal range 7-10) LVEF M 70.8% AV 16 mm (normal range 16-26) LVPW 7 mm (normal ran...
Dr. Xie Rongyuan Reply:
Hello: Mild mitral regurgitation (MR) and tricuspid regurgitation (TR) are abnormal findings. If there are any concerns, you should consult a cardiologist. Thank you for your message![Read More] Understanding Mitral Valve Prolapse: Symptoms and Diagnosis Explained
Concerns About Parasite Infection After Stepping on a Snail
Stepping on a snail raises concerns about parasitic infections? Hello, Doctor. I accidentally stepped on a snail at my doorstep and only realized it after entering the house. I wiped my shoes and the entrance area that day, and I disposed of the shoes two days later. What additio...
Dr. Liao Zhongxin Reply:
The parasitic infection in snails, particularly caused by Angiostrongylus cantonensis, is noteworthy; however, it typically leads to eosinophilic meningitis only when consumed raw and in large quantities. Generally, cooking the snails thoroughly and avoiding raw consumption makes...[Read More] Concerns About Parasite Infection After Stepping on a Snail
Understanding Autoimmune Thyroid Disease: Key Questions and Insights
Please provide guidance on the administration method for Suotexin? Hello Doctor: The results of the thyroid ultrasound are as follows: Examination report: Findings: The thyroid measures 5.29 x 1.69 x 1.98 cm in the right lobe and 3.09 x 1.43 x 1.91 cm in the left lobe. The overal...
Dr. Lin Jianliang Reply:
Hello Eason: 1. The antibodies representing the thyroid are the cause of your autoimmune thyroid disease; there are many causes of cancer, and one cannot rely solely on certain data. 2. The ultrasound images of the thyroid are consistent with autoimmune thyroid disease. 3. The ca...[Read More] Understanding Autoimmune Thyroid Disease: Key Questions and Insights
Understanding ANA Test Results: What Does a 1:80 Titer Mean?
Antinuclear antibodies (ANA) 1. The ANA (antinuclear antibody) test result of 1:80 indicates a low level of antibodies present in your system. While your previous result was negative, the current result suggests that there may be some level of antibodies, but it is still consider...
Dr. Gao Jiankai Reply:
Hello, thank you for your inquiry. Here are my responses: 1. If two years ago the result was NEGATIVE and now it is 1:80X(-), does this indicate that there are some antibodies present in the body? --> Yes, it indicates that there has been an increase in antibodies. 2. Previ...[Read More] Understanding ANA Test Results: What Does a 1:80 Titer Mean?
Understanding Your Blood Sugar Levels: Do You Have Diabetic Dermopathy?
Is it a diabetic spot? Hello Doctor, my BMI is 21. I have been consistently engaging in aerobic exercise and maintaining a healthy diet, but I have been troubled by diabetes issues recently. At the end of February this year, my fasting blood glucose was 89, but by the end of Marc...
Dr. Li Jian Reply:
Currently, blood sugar levels are normal. Regarding skin lesions, you can consult a dermatologist. Thank you for your inquiry.[Read More] Understanding Your Blood Sugar Levels: Do You Have Diabetic Dermopathy?
Understanding the Diagnostic Process for Arthritis: Key Considerations and Timeline
What should be noted and considered during the diagnostic process? How long does the diagnostic process typically take? Is it possible that it could be another non-autoimmune disease? Hello, Doctor Gao. I have been experiencing symptoms of arthritis for the past three weeks, incl...
Dr. Gao Jiankai Reply:
Hello, thank you for your question. I believe you can undergo an anti-CCP test, which you can discuss with your physician, as it relates to prognosis and future changes in your condition. If these tests return normal results, although you still experience joint pain, the severity...[Read More] Understanding the Diagnostic Process for Arthritis: Key Considerations and Timeline
Understanding Medications for Ankylosing Spondylitis and Related Symptoms
Regarding medications for ankylosing spondylitis? Hello, doctor. I have been experiencing geographic tongue for over three years now. I have been taking two Sertraline tablets in the morning and evening, and one Pantoprazole tablet in the morning, along with medications for gastr...
Dr. Gao Jiankai Reply:
Hello, thank you for your question. Here are my responses: 1. I have noticed that many patients with ankylosing spondylitis (AS) experience issues with tongue ulcers. Is this related to salazopyridine (Salsalate)? (Because when I first developed geographic tongue over three year...[Read More] Understanding Medications for Ankylosing Spondylitis and Related Symptoms
Managing Mycoplasma Infection: Treatment Duration and Medication Guidance
Medication issues related to suspected Mycoplasma infections? Hello Dr. Liao, I started experiencing symptoms of a sore throat, itching, and coughing on March 19 while in mainland China. Due to potential exposure to a Mycoplasma infection, I sought medical attention after retur...
Dr. Liao Zhongxin Reply:
According to the recommendations from the Centers for Disease Control in Taiwan: 1. The drug of choice for Mycoplasma pneumoniae is not erythromycin, but rather macrolide antibiotics. Alternative medications include fluoroquinolone antibiotics or tetracycline antibiotics. Gener...[Read More] Managing Mycoplasma Infection: Treatment Duration and Medication Guidance
Understanding Eosinophils and RDW-CV: What Your Blood Test Results Mean
Eosinophils Hello, doctor. During this health check, there were two abnormal blood indices: 1. Red Blood Cell Distribution Width Coefficient of Variation (RDW-CV): 11.4% (normal range is 11.5% to 14.5%) 2. Eosinophils: 6.9% (normal range is 0% to 6%). The other indices are normal...
Dr. Gao Jiankai Reply:
Hello, thank you for your question. Here are my responses: 1. Red Cell Distribution Width - Coefficient of Variation (RDW-CV): 11.4% (normal range is 11.5% to 14.5%) --> This indicates that there is little variation in red blood cell size. However, as long as hemoglobin leve...[Read More] Understanding Eosinophils and RDW-CV: What Your Blood Test Results Mean
Understanding HIV and HPV Risks: PEP Efficacy and Autoimmune Concerns
HIV infection HPV infection Hello, Doctor. I have a question. After performing oral sex on a woman, I noticed small red spots on my abdomen two days later, which made me very anxious. I quickly went to a clinic and had a blood test for HIV, which came back negative. I started tak...
Dr. Liao Zhongxin Reply:
First, let's look at the information about HIV: The HIV virus has three main transmission routes: 1. Sexual transmission: Engaging in oral, anal, or vaginal intercourse without a condom with an HIV-infected individual or exchanging other bodily fluids carries a risk of infec...[Read More] Understanding HIV and HPV Risks: PEP Efficacy and Autoimmune Concerns
Understanding Hypoglycemia: Causes, Diagnosis, and Treatment Options
Hypoglycemia Report [Radioimmunoassay Nuclear Medicine Test] Hypoglycemia Report Date: 01/08/2021 [Thyroglobulin] 25.51 ng/ml [hGH] 11.13 ng/ml [C-Peptide] 1.01 ng/ml [Insulin] 2.52 uIU/ml [Cortisol] 15.35 (17:39) µg/dl [Free T4] 1.06 ng/ml [TSH] 2.44 uIU/ml [Ab-T...
Dr. Lin Jianliang Reply:
Hello: 1. The above report cannot determine whether it is hypoglycemia or type 1 diabetes; it seems to be looking for causes of hypoglycemia. 2. In the early or pre-stage of diabetes, due to abnormal insulin secretion in the body, postprandial hypoglycemia may occur. The assessme...[Read More] Understanding Hypoglycemia: Causes, Diagnosis, and Treatment Options
Does Ankylosing Spondylitis Slow Down Recovery from Injuries?
Does ankylosing spondylitis cause swelling from injuries to subside more slowly? 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, but h...
Dr. Gao Jiankai Reply:
Hello, thank you for your question. I don't think that would be the case, especially regarding your wisdom teeth. Have they not healed for 7 months or 7 weeks? Seven months is quite a long time, and I would recommend seeing a dentist for an evaluation, or even consulting an ...[Read More] Does Ankylosing Spondylitis Slow Down Recovery from Injuries?
Blood Draw Infection Risks: Understanding Safety Protocols in Clinics
Blood draw infection issues? Hello, doctor: (1) Last month, I went to a private laboratory for a blood test. Normally, the procedure is to draw blood first and then pay, but that day I paid first before the blood draw. The technician counted out change for me using seven one-hund...
Dr. Liao Zhongxin Reply:
First, it is important to note that the HIV virus can only survive outside the human body for about 10 minutes. Therefore, unless the other person is covered in fresh blood and is in direct contact with your open wound, the risk of infection is very low. If you still have concern...[Read More] Blood Draw Infection Risks: Understanding Safety Protocols in Clinics
Can You Contract HIV Through Masturbation After Contact with Infected Fluids?
Transmission route - masturbation If a person has contact with the blood or semen of an HIV-infected individual on their hands, does not wash their hands, and then engages in masturbation with broken skin on their genitals, is there a risk of HIV infection?
Dr. Liao Zhongxin Reply:
First, let's review the transmission routes of HIV. There are three main transmission routes for the HIV virus: 1. Sexual transmission: Engaging in oral, anal, or vaginal intercourse without a condom with an HIV-infected individual, or exchanging other bodily fluids, carri...[Read More] Can You Contract HIV Through Masturbation After Contact with Infected Fluids?
Concerns About Starting Uric Acid-Lowering Medication
Questions Before Taking Uric Acid Lowering Medication I have had high uric acid levels for several years. My uric acid level was around 7 during high school, and after starting work, it increased to 8. Recently, during a company health check, it rose to 9. When I go back for my n...
Dr. Gao Jiankai Reply:
Hello, thank you for your question. When starting uric acid-lowering medication, we often combine it with colchicine to prevent gout attacks. Once the uric acid levels have been maintained within the normal range for a period of time, we can gradually discontinue colchicine. This...[Read More] Concerns About Starting Uric Acid-Lowering Medication
Understanding Gastrointestinal Issues: Causes and Remedies for Stomach Pain
Gastrointestinal issues Hello, doctor. I went to the night market yesterday and ate a lot of food. Around 2 AM, I experienced about 20 minutes of abdominal cramping (some time had passed since I finished eating). I felt the urge to have a bowel movement but couldn't, and the...
Dr. Gao Jiankai Reply:
Hello, thank you for your inquiry. If you are not experiencing any further cramping, then there is no need for concern. Blood in the stool is more commonly associated with hemorrhoids or anal fissures. Anal fissures tend to be painful, whereas if there is no pain, it is more like...[Read More] Understanding Gastrointestinal Issues: Causes and Remedies for Stomach Pain
Understanding Allergic Rhinitis: Immunology vs. ENT Treatment Approaches
Allergic rhinitis Can I also see the immunology department? May I ask if your treatment methods in immunology involve regular appointments for medication management? What is the difference between immunology and otolaryngology?
Dr. Gao Jiankai Reply:
Hello, thank you for your question. Personally, I believe the differences between our department and the otolaryngology department are as follows: 1. We primarily focus on medication, while otolaryngologists can use endoscopy to observe changes in the nasal cavity, throat, and ea...[Read More] Understanding Allergic Rhinitis: Immunology vs. ENT Treatment Approaches
Understanding HPV: Can Cervical and Anal Infections Affect Each Other?
Cervical HPV virus and anal HPV virus? Background: There was a previous incident of unprotected anal intercourse. Later, a cervical HPV test showed an infection with HPV type 58, but it has since been treated and resolved. I would like to ask: Can cervical HPV and anal HPV infect...
Dr. Lin Wufu Reply:
Hello, the HPV virus is a systemic infection that can cross-infect different areas of the body. Additionally, there is currently no cure for HPV once contracted; treatment typically focuses on visible manifestations such as warts and condylomas. However, the virus can still remai...[Read More] Understanding HPV: Can Cervical and Anal Infections Affect Each Other?
Can I Transmit STDs to My Partner After Unprotected Sex?
Sexually transmitted infections (STIs) transmission Hello, doctor. I would like to ask, if I had unprotected sex with a sex worker and it has been over two months since then, but I have no symptoms of any sexually transmitted infections (STIs), could I still transmit an STI to my...
Dr. Liao Zhongxin Reply:
Of course, there is still a chance. Safe sexual practices include consistently using condoms, not sharing needles or drugs, and avoiding promiscuity. If you still have questions, you can consult with a nearby medical facility for advice and testing.[Read More] Can I Transmit STDs to My Partner After Unprotected Sex?
Concerns About Undercooked Dumplings: Should You Get Tested?
After eating dumplings, I found a small red piece in the center and I'm worried that I might have swallowed a piece of pork tapeworm tissue? Hello, Doctor. On March 16, 2024, while eating dumplings, I suddenly thought to check if they were fully cooked. I found that one dump...
Dr. Liao Zhongxin Reply:
In principle, as long as one does not consume undercooked pork, beef, or chicken, the risk of contracting animal parasites is generally low. The cases presented in textbooks are more extreme; therefore, prioritizing safety over taste by consuming properly cooked food is the corre...[Read More] Concerns About Undercooked Dumplings: Should You Get Tested?