What to Do If You Accidentally Ingest Melted Plastic from Cooking?
What to do if you are concerned about food poisoning? While baking food in the oven, I accidentally left the plastic handle of a spatula inside, and both the spatula and the handle came into contact with the food. I know part of it is resin, but I'm unsure about the other ma...
Dr. Wu Hongjie reply Internal Medicine
Dear Correspondent, There are many types of plastic-related poisoning. Some can lead to the release of irritating gases (such as hydrogen cyanide), resulting in bronchitis, persistent coughing, and pulmonary edema. If you experience these symptoms, you may want to consult a pulm...[Read More] What to Do If You Accidentally Ingest Melted Plastic from Cooking?
Could Your Diet and Dehydration Be Causing Kidney Pain?
Drinking insufficient water and experiencing lower back pain after consuming certain foods may indicate a potential issue with the kidneys? Hello Doctor: I have noticed that whenever I eat certain specific foods (like Angelica duck noodles or braised dishes), I experience sorenes...
Dr. Wu Hongjie reply Internal Medicine
Dear Sir/Madam, Regarding your symptoms, there are several possible scenarios: 1. The pain in your elbows and knees may be related to gout. I recommend visiting a hospital for a blood test to check your uric acid levels. 2. A high-sodium diet can lead to increased fluid intake...[Read More] Could Your Diet and Dehydration Be Causing Kidney Pain?
Managing Bilateral Hydronephrosis: Insights on Treatment and Kidney Function
Bilateral hydronephrosis Hello Doctor: Due to endometriosis causing ureteral stricture and hydronephrosis, I have had three double-J stents placed in my right kidney over the past four years, with no significant improvement and persistent hydronephrosis. Recent examinations revea...
Dr. Wu Hongjie reply Internal Medicine
Dear Friend, 1. The decision regarding the first issue depends on the circumstances. In principle, severely reduced kidney function is not an indication for nephrectomy unless there are recurrent, persistent infections that have led to abscess formation, or the presence of malig...[Read More] Managing Bilateral Hydronephrosis: Insights on Treatment and Kidney Function
Understanding Post-Treatment Syphilis Issues: What to Expect
Issues After Syphilis Treatment Hello Doctor, It has been seven months since I was diagnosed with syphilis and treated. My titers have decreased from 1:128 to 1:8. I went for a follow-up blood test yesterday, and the results are still 1:8. It seems that the titers are not decre...
Dr. Wu Hongjie reply Internal Medicine
Dear Sir/Madam, Regarding early syphilis (infection within one year), treatment is considered successful if the RPR or VDRL titers decrease by fourfold within six months after treatment. Based on your titer reduction, if the entire treatment course is completed, it should be con...[Read More] Understanding Post-Treatment Syphilis Issues: What to Expect
Understanding Hepatitis B: Transmission, Symptoms, and Incubation Period
Hepatitis infection 1. Doctor, I would like to ask: If someone becomes infected with Hepatitis B due to certain reasons (such as acupuncture, blood transfusion, or tattoos), will they become a carrier? 2. If infected, how long does it typically take for symptoms to appear? I fou...
Dr. Wu Hongjie reply Internal Medicine
Hello: Regarding your inquiry related to the gastroenterology department under internal medicine, Dr. Chen Chi-Feng from the Gastroenterology Department at Taoyuan Hospital has provided the following response: 1. Modern blood banks conduct screening on all donated blood, so the...[Read More] Understanding Hepatitis B: Transmission, Symptoms, and Incubation Period
Understanding Left Kidney Pain: When to Seek Further Testing
Percussion of the left kidney causes pain? Hello Doctor: When I tap on the area of my left kidney, it hurts. This has been going on for a long time, so this year I went to the hospital for a kidney ultrasound, blood tests, and urinalysis, but the doctor said everything was fine. ...
Dr. Wu Hongjie reply Internal Medicine
Dear Sender, The issue of left-sided lower back pain has many potential causes. If the pain radiates down the back to the thighs and calves, it may indicate nerve pain or compression. If it is related to kidney problems, such as stones or infections, it typically remains localiz...[Read More] Understanding Left Kidney Pain: When to Seek Further Testing
Understanding Creatinine Levels: What Does a Positive Result Mean?
Is creatinine normal? A normal blood urea nitrogen (BUN) level and a positive result for creatinine indicate that the creatinine level is elevated. This suggests that there may be an issue with kidney function, as elevated creatinine levels can indicate impaired renal function. I...
Dr. Wu Hongjie reply Internal Medicine
Dear Correspondent, Creatinine is one of the commonly used indicators of kidney function, primarily related to body muscle mass (lean body mass). Due to variations in testing methods among different laboratories, reference values may differ. For example, our hospital's stan...[Read More] Understanding Creatinine Levels: What Does a Positive Result Mean?