Is Long-Term Benzbromarone Use Safe for Kidney Health?
Hello, doctor. I would like to inquire about kidney issues? I would like to consult a physician. My height is 160 cm and my weight is 75 kg, with a uric acid level of approximately 8 or higher. If I take benzbromarone long-term to control my uric acid levels, will it cause any ha...
Dr. Lin Wufu reply Internal Medicine
Hello, basically it shouldn't be a problem! However, be cautious about the possibility of developing uric acid stones. It's recommended to have regular follow-up visits at the outpatient clinic.[Read More] Is Long-Term Benzbromarone Use Safe for Kidney Health?
Understanding Disease Risks from Oral Contact: A Medical Perspective
Will I contract any diseases? Hello, doctor. I would like to ask a question: Over three years ago, I engaged in sexual activities with a sex worker and kissed a girl. Because I was inexperienced, my teeth accidentally poked her mouth (I am not sure if it was her lips or the insid...
Dr. Lin Wufu reply Internal Medicine
Hello, there is always a certain risk of disease transmission with exposure to blood and bodily fluids. However, unless there is significant bleeding, the risk of transmission for HIV, Hepatitis B, Hepatitis C, and syphilis is quite low. On the other hand, viruses such as cytomeg...[Read More] Understanding Disease Risks from Oral Contact: A Medical Perspective
Preventing Parasite and Infection Risks from Snails: Expert Advice
Parasitic and Infectious Issues Hello, Doctor. 1. If I pick up a snail (likely an African giant snail) from a pile of grass by hand and then wash my hands with soap, will that prevent parasites and bacteria? What is the proper way to handle this situation? 2. If I touch a snai...
Dr. Lin Wufu reply Internal Medicine
1. Yes. Parasites and bacteria primarily invade through the gastrointestinal tract. If you wash your hands promptly after touching something, you can effectively remove parasites and bacteria, which generally minimizes the risk of infection. 2. If handwashing is thorough, there...[Read More] Preventing Parasite and Infection Risks from Snails: Expert Advice
Can HPV Vaccine Prevent Transmission and Progression After Infection?
HPV vaccine questions Hello, doctor. I would like to ask, if someone is infected with HPV but immediately receives the HPV vaccine, although it won't cure the infection, can it prevent the progression of the disease or reduce the transmissibility? (I do not want to risk infe...
Dr. Lin Wufu reply Internal Medicine
Yes, current research shows that individuals infected with HPV can still benefit from vaccination, as it can reduce the risk of developing related diseases such as genital warts, anal cancer, and other HPV-related conditions. Therefore, vaccination is still recommended![Read More] Can HPV Vaccine Prevent Transmission and Progression After Infection?
Timing for STD Testing: Understanding Risks and When to Get Checked
Timing for STI Screening Hello, Doctor: 1. I had sexual intercourse with an online acquaintance on May 27. The partner has multiple sexual partners. During our encounter, we took a bath together, and during oral sex, the male performed oral sex on the female without a condom, w...
Dr. Lin Wufu reply Internal Medicine
Hello, 1. Individual intimate contacts have been studied regarding their transmission risks, but it is quite difficult to assess the overall risk of sexual intercourse. Essentially, HIV transmission requires contact between mucous membranes or broken skin and infected bodily fl...[Read More] Timing for STD Testing: Understanding Risks and When to Get Checked
Concerns About Cockroach Contact: Risks and Precautions for Foot Wounds
A person with a wound on their athlete's foot stepped barefoot on a cockroach? 1. Given your situation, the likelihood of contracting a cockroach-related disease from stepping on a cockroach is low, especially since the cockroach did not come into direct contact with your ex...
Dr. Lin Wufu reply Internal Medicine
Hello: 1. The chances are very low, as it is merely encountering a cockroach and not being bitten by one. 2. Typically, the risk is higher when consuming food or water contaminated by cockroaches; similar cases are rarely encountered in Taiwan. 3. Different types of parasites or ...[Read More] Concerns About Cockroach Contact: Risks and Precautions for Foot Wounds
Understanding the Risk of HIV Infection in Unsanitary Environments
Risk of HIV Infection Hello, doctor: I have a concern that I would like to ask you about. During my middle school years, the tutoring center environment was quite poor; there were very few restrooms, and the design might have been problematic, as there was often a puddle of urine...
Dr. Lin Wufu reply Internal Medicine
Hello, there is basically no risk! HIV is primarily transmitted through contact with blood, bodily fluids, and mucous membranes, mainly through sexual intercourse. The viral load in urine is very low, and splashes that come into contact with the skin typically do not pose a trans...[Read More] Understanding the Risk of HIV Infection in Unsanitary Environments
Understanding Gonorrhea and Chlamydia: When to See a Urologist or Infectious Disease Specialist
For issues related to gonorrhea, chlamydia, and sexually transmitted infections (STIs), you should consult a urologist or an infectious disease specialist? Hello, Doctor! I apologize for bothering you, but I would like to ask you some questions regarding gonorrhea and chlamydia. ...
Dr. Lin Wufu reply Internal Medicine
1. Both types can have asymptomatic infections, and even if there are no symptoms, there is still a possibility of being infectious. 2. Asymptomatic infections are rare in males, but more common in females. If there are no symptoms, unless your intimate partner has been diagnosed...[Read More] Understanding Gonorrhea and Chlamydia: When to See a Urologist or Infectious Disease Specialist
Concerns Over Mysterious Particles on Cooked Squid Rings: Health Risks?
The cooked squid rings are covered with unidentified granular substances? Recently, I dined at a Vietnamese restaurant and noticed that the squid rings in the rice noodles had a dense layer of greenish-yellow granular substances. When I inquired with the staff, they claimed it wa...
Dr. Lin Wufu reply Internal Medicine
Hello! I understand your concerns, but to be honest, based on your description, I cannot confirm what exactly it is, making it difficult to assess its potential impact on the human body. Generally, parasites or their eggs are very sensitive to high temperatures; a slight exposure...[Read More] Concerns Over Mysterious Particles on Cooked Squid Rings: Health Risks?
Understanding Cellulitis: Long-Term Recovery and Ongoing Symptoms
Cellulitis I was admitted to the emergency room on February 28 due to swelling in my left hand. I was diagnosed with cellulitis despite having no external injuries. After 11 days of antibiotic treatment, the swelling finally decreased, and my CRP levels returned to normal. Howeve...
Dr. Lin Wufu reply Internal Medicine
Severe cellulitis may lead to localized tissue thickening or persistent swelling for some time after infection control, and it may take longer to gradually recover. Another possibility is that if the infection has invaded deeper tissues such as joints or bones, the recovery time ...[Read More] Understanding Cellulitis: Long-Term Recovery and Ongoing Symptoms
Dog Bite Concerns: Do You Need Rabies and Tetanus Vaccines?
Bitten by my own dog? Hello Doctor, I would like to ask four questions: 1. I was bitten on my finger by my dog around midnight on April 13. The bite site is shown in the photos linked here. There was no bleeding, and I'm not sure if there are other bite marks. My dog is tw...
Dr. Lin Wufu reply Internal Medicine
Hello, it is recommended to go to the hospital for wound treatment and evaluation if bitten! Online consultations cannot replace in-person examinations and assessments. 1. No, if bitten by a domestic dog, rabies vaccination is not necessary. 2. Any deep wound carries a risk; i...[Read More] Dog Bite Concerns: Do You Need Rabies and Tetanus Vaccines?
Managing Weight Gain with Hypothyroidism: Tips and Advice
Hypothyroidism and weight gain? Hello Doctor, I just learned that I have hypothyroidism and have gained 25 kilograms over the past year. I am currently on medication, and my thyroid levels are normal, but I am still unable to lose weight. I have significant gray hair, often feel ...
Dr. Lin Wufu reply Internal Medicine
Hello, please consult with the physician who is currently monitoring your condition and prescribing medication. I'm not sure if the symptoms you mentioned are directly related to hypothyroidism; additional endocrine and internal medicine blood tests may be necessary.[Read More] Managing Weight Gain with Hypothyroidism: Tips and Advice
Can Cooked Meatballs Be Contaminated by Raw Meat in Broth?
I'm sorry, but I cannot provide a translation without the specific content you would Hello Doctor, thank you for your response in <a href="https://adoctor.tw/article/194344">#194344</a>. I would like to ask you another question. Although the food I acci...
Dr. Lin Wufu reply Internal Medicine
If the water in the pot is not boiling, bacteria can indeed be transferred from raw meat to the meatballs through the water. However, if the water is slightly heated, most common bacteria will die and transmission is not as easy. Consuming a small amount of bacteria is generally ...[Read More] Can Cooked Meatballs Be Contaminated by Raw Meat in Broth?
Concerns About Eating Undercooked Meat: Infection Risks Explained
Ingestion of raw food? Hello doctor, I usually cook braised pork at home, but today I got home late from work and saw a pot of what I thought was braised pork and fish balls in the refrigerator. Since it was late, I didn't heat it up properly and ate three fish balls floatin...
Dr. Lin Wufu reply Internal Medicine
Hello, the chance of parasites is low because the meatballs are usually frozen, and parasites die when frozen. However, the bacteria in undercooked food can be higher, which may lead to some stomach discomfort or diarrhea, but it is unlikely to cause serious consequences, so ther...[Read More] Concerns About Eating Undercooked Meat: Infection Risks Explained
Understanding Lower Back Pain and Related Symptoms: A Comprehensive Guide
Lower back pain? Lower back pain, numbness in hands, slight pinkish blood when wiping after urination, sometimes present and sometimes absent, generalized abdominal pain without a specific location, occasional decreased urine output which may be due to hot weather and sweating, d...
Dr. Lin Wufu reply Internal Medicine
Hello, urinary tract infection should be ruled out first, as it can cause hematuria and abdominal pain. If there is also kidney inflammation, it may lead to lower back pain. It is recommended to consult an infectious disease specialist or a urologist for a urine test and further ...[Read More] Understanding Lower Back Pain and Related Symptoms: A Comprehensive Guide
Understanding Low Hemoglobin Levels: Symptoms, Treatment, and Next Steps
Understanding the Health Check Report dated February 27, 2023? I would like to understand how to treat my current hemoglobin level of 8.2. My lab results show RBC 4.18, Hgb 8.2, Hct 29.6, MCV 70.8, MCH 19.6, and MCHC 27.7. I often experience dizziness, lightheadedness, fatigue, l...
Dr. Lin Wufu reply Internal Medicine
Hello, the issues you mentioned involve several different specialties. For anemia, please continue taking iron supplements. Heavy menstrual flow may be a cause of iron deficiency anemia, so please consult with an obstetrician-gynecologist to see if medication adjustments can help...[Read More] Understanding Low Hemoglobin Levels: Symptoms, Treatment, and Next Steps
Understanding Elevated Mono Levels and Lymph Node Swelling: What to Know
Infection-related issues? Hello Doctor, I have some questions I would like to ask you: Current situation: 1) During a recent blood test, it was found that my monocyte count was above the normal range (normal is under 10, and my count was around 11; all other blood cell values wer...
Dr. Lin Wufu reply Internal Medicine
Hello: 1. The total count of monocytes is typically assessed based on the total white blood cell count and the percentage they represent, as looking at the percentage alone may not provide an accurate assessment. 2. If there is only swelling in the groin area, it is important to ...[Read More] Understanding Elevated Mono Levels and Lymph Node Swelling: What to Know
Understanding Immune System Abnormalities: T Cells and B Cells Explained
Immune system Hello, Director. Recently, a chest CT scan suggested possible pulmonary tuberculosis, leading to blood tests and bronchoscopy: anaerobic bacteria (+), tuberculosis DNA test (-), T Cell (CD3): 93.0, B Cell (CD19): 2.6, T Cell (CD4+): 54.4. Could you please explain wh...
Dr. Lin Wufu reply Internal Medicine
Hello, these questions may need to be directed to the physician who arranged your tests! The interpretation of these data requires a comprehensive evaluation, as the lymphocyte count must be compared with other white blood cell types; looking at the absolute value alone does not ...[Read More] Understanding Immune System Abnormalities: T Cells and B Cells Explained
Concerns About Parasites and Bacteria in Contaminated Drinkware
Parasites - Bacteria Recently, I started using a long-unused insulated cup. Before using it, I did a simple rinse. After using it for 2-3 days, I discovered several small cockroaches inside the cup, which had also gotten into my drink, and I may have consumed it. I would like to ...
Dr. Lin Wufu reply Internal Medicine
Hello: Cockroaches in Taiwan generally do not specifically transmit parasites. If you accidentally ingest a small cockroach or consume something contaminated by cockroaches, it is usually bacterial infections that are the main concern. However, the stomach's gastric acid kil...[Read More] Concerns About Parasites and Bacteria in Contaminated Drinkware
Risk of HIV Infection from Patient's Sputum Exposure: What You Need to Know
HIV infection Hello Doctor, the day before yesterday while I was performing suctioning on a patient, it seems that the patient's sputum splashed into my eyes. However, since I was wearing large-frame prescription glasses and the sensation was not very noticeable, I am not su...
Dr. Lin Wufu reply Internal Medicine
Hello, I apologize for the late response. For transmission to occur through this route, the patient must be an HIV-positive individual who is not on antiretroviral therapy, resulting in a high viral load. Theoretically, the risk of transmission from respiratory secretions splashi...[Read More] Risk of HIV Infection from Patient's Sputum Exposure: What You Need to Know