Concerns About Infection Risks from Minor Blood Sampling Injuries
Infection issues Hello, doctor. Recently, I've been feeling anxious about an issue. I used a safety lancet (one touch) for blood sampling, and I have a small wound. After about 10 hours, the next day when I went to work, I forgot about the blood sampling wound and accidental...
Dr. Xiao Yongxun Reply:
Dear Sir, According to the announcement from the Centers for Disease Control, the Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) is transmitted through contact with blood or bodily fluids (semen, vaginal secretions, breast milk) that come into contact with mucous membranes or open skin woun...[Read More] Concerns About Infection Risks from Minor Blood Sampling Injuries
Safety of X-rays and Medications During Pregnancy: A Guide for Expecting Mothers
Poston and Pregnancy Hello, Doctor: I am currently 17 weeks pregnant. Yesterday, I had a dental appointment where a localized oral X-ray was taken. After the examination, the dentist prescribed me the antibiotic amoxicillin and the pain reliever poston, which I have taken twice f...
Dr. Xiao Yongxun Reply:
Dear Miss Hsiao-Ting: 1. Ponston (generic name: Mefenamic acid) is generally classified as a Category C medication for pregnancy; this means that animal studies have shown harmful effects on the fetus, but there is a lack of well-controlled studies in pregnant women, or there is...[Read More] Safety of X-rays and Medications During Pregnancy: A Guide for Expecting Mothers
Is There a Link Between Proteinuria and Birth Control Pills?
Is there a relationship between proteinuria and medication? Recently, a routine check-up showed 1+ protein in my urine. I started taking pre-exposure prophylaxis two months ago. Is there a connection?
Dr. Xiao Yongxun Reply:
Dear Ms. Rona: 1. There are various pharmacological mechanisms available to reduce the chances of conception, such as preventing ovulation, interfering with egg development or maturation, or disrupting pregnancy. Currently, the most commonly used pharmacological method to preven...[Read More] Is There a Link Between Proteinuria and Birth Control Pills?
Understanding Hepatitis Transmission Risks in Home Care Situations
Infectious disease inquiries? Hello, Dr. Hsiao. Due to my father-in-law being hospitalized recently, we hired a caregiver from the hospital to take care of him. Now that he has been discharged, she has come to live with us. My mother-in-law is also here, but the previous caregive...
Dr. Xiao Yongxun Reply:
Dear Ms. Min: 1. The hepatitis C virus primarily transmits through blood entering the body via skin or mucous membranes. Therefore, sharing contaminated needles, syringes, or receiving contaminated blood, blood products, or using inadequately sterilized instruments can lead to i...[Read More] Understanding Hepatitis Transmission Risks in Home Care Situations
Understanding Abnormal Blood Test Results During Pregnancy: What You Need to Know
Pregnancy Blood Test Report Hello, doctor. I would like to ask about the following results in red from my prenatal blood test report. Are there any issues? Will it affect the fetus? Do I need to have further tests? - Protein: +/- - Ketone bodies: 3+ - Leukocyte esterase: 2+ ...
Dr. Cai Dongqi Reply:
Hello, based on the values you provided, you may have a urinary tract infection. If you do not have symptoms (such as fever, nausea, vomiting, or frequent painful urination), it is recommended to drink plenty of water and urinate frequently. Regarding thalassemia, it is advisable...[Read More] Understanding Abnormal Blood Test Results During Pregnancy: What You Need to Know
Understanding Chronic Glossitis: Causes and Treatment Options
Questions about the causes of chronic glossitis? Hello Doctor, since I changed my air conditioner around April, I haven't been sleeping well. Later, I developed a condition of glossitis that initially affected the tip of my tongue and lasted for a month without improvement (...
Dr. Xiao Yongxun Reply:
Dear Sir/Madam, 1. Formaldehyde is a colorless gas that can cause irritation to the eyes, nose, and respiratory tract at low concentrations; exposure to high concentrations can lead to bronchopneumonia and pulmonary edema. Long-term exposure or inhalation of formaldehyde solutio...[Read More] Understanding Chronic Glossitis: Causes and Treatment Options
Can I Schedule a Hemoglobin A1c Test During Pregnancy?
Glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c) Hello, may I directly make an appointment for a hemoglobin A1c test at the outpatient clinic? I am currently pregnant (I was diagnosed with stage 2 diabetes before pregnancy, and I am taking half a pill for my meals), and my blood sugar levels are with...
Dr. Huang Xunying Reply:
If you want to test HbA1c, you can directly visit a family medicine clinic or an endocrinology clinic. However, if it is during pregnancy and involves gestational diabetes, it is usually managed by an obstetric specialist. Maintaining a good diet and exercise during pregnancy can...[Read More] Can I Schedule a Hemoglobin A1c Test During Pregnancy?
Safe Cooking Practices During Pregnancy: Avoiding Toxoplasmosis Risks
Health issues Hello, doctor. I am currently pregnant and would like to ask about washing dishes at home. I wash raw meat, raw vegetables, and dishes in the same sink, but I use running water. Will the dishes washed this way be contaminated with Toxoplasma? Is Toxoplasma easy to w...
Dr. Liao Yaopan Reply:
Hello, regarding the trematode, please refer to the health education information provided by the Centers for Disease Control. Here is the link: http://www.cdc.gov.tw/diseaseinfo.aspx?treeid=8d54c504e820735b&nowtreeid=ffebdec784b25eb8&tid=16533556D6300F4F. Changhua Hospita...[Read More] Safe Cooking Practices During Pregnancy: Avoiding Toxoplasmosis Risks
Understanding Sudden Drops in Hemoglobin Levels: Causes and Solutions
Hemoglobin levels can drop suddenly due to several reasons, including: 1. Acute blood loss: This can occur from trauma, surgery, or gastrointestinal bleeding. 2. Hemolysis: Conditions that cause the destruction of red blood cells, such as autoimmune hemolytic anemia or certain i...
Dr. Chen Bozhang Reply:
Dear Ms. Jean, Regarding your recent blood test indicating anemia, here is the analysis: The mean corpuscular volume (MCV) of your red blood cells is 70.40 fL, which is low (normal range is 80-100 fL). Your red blood cell count is 5.10 x 10^6, which is high (normal range is 3.5-...[Read More] Understanding Sudden Drops in Hemoglobin Levels: Causes and Solutions
Concerns About STIs During Pregnancy: Testing and Health Implications
I am very anxious about the possibility of a sexually transmitted infection (STI)? The other party has herpes and hepatitis B, which I was unaware of. During my pregnancy, I tested positive for Group B Streptococcus: leukocyte esterase 2+; I had a very painful blister above my la...
Dr. Wu Fangcan Reply:
According to your description, it is possible to have contracted herpes. However, saliva does not transmit the virus. You have antibodies for hepatitis B, which theoretically makes you less susceptible to infection, unless it is a different subtype. You may consider consulting a ...[Read More] Concerns About STIs During Pregnancy: Testing and Health Implications
Impact of Not Receiving BCG Vaccine on Pregnancy and Baby's Health
What will happen if I get pregnant before receiving the BCG vaccine? Hello Dr. Liao: I am preparing to marry my wife and we are considering having a baby. However, my wife told me that she does not have a scar on her arm from the BCG vaccine, which means she has not received the ...
Dr. Ye Qianyu Reply:
Hello! The BCG vaccine is used to prevent tuberculosis. In countries where tuberculosis is common, it is often recommended that healthy infants receive a dose of the BCG vaccine as soon as possible after birth. In Taiwan, newborns can be vaccinated within 5 to 8 months after birt...[Read More] Impact of Not Receiving BCG Vaccine on Pregnancy and Baby's Health
Pre-Marital Health Check: Understanding Results and Risks
Pre-marital health checkup I have two questions regarding the results of a pre-marital health check report, thank you! 1. Varicella antibody: 1315, does this indicate a negative result? If pregnant, what risks would this pose? What precautions should be taken? 2. Toxoplasma: ...
Dr. Liao Yaopan Reply:
Hello, regarding your questions: 1. For varicella antibody testing, the results should be interpreted based on the reference ranges provided by the respective laboratory. If a pregnant woman is infected with the varicella virus, it can affect the fetus; having antibodies certai...[Read More] Pre-Marital Health Check: Understanding Results and Risks
Understanding Uterine Health: Key Questions on Fertility and Wellness
Uterine diseases Hello, Doctor: 1. If a woman's uterus is diseased or infected, can it lead to infertility? 2. Does having a menstrual period indicate that one has the ability to conceive? 3. After the age of thirty-two, if menstrual cycles become irregular, can it lead ...
Dr. Zhan Deqin Reply:
Hello, Miss: Thank you for your inquiry. Here are my responses and suggestions regarding your questions: 1. If a woman's uterus is affected by a severe infection, it can lead to infertility. 2. Menstruation does not necessarily indicate the ability to conceive. 3. Irregula...[Read More] Understanding Uterine Health: Key Questions on Fertility and Wellness
Impact of Male Medication on Fetal Health During Pregnancy
The relationship between male medication use and fetal conception? The individual has been diagnosed with chronic Hepatitis B for three months and has been continuously taking Baraclude (entecavir) 0.5 mg due to viral infection. They also have diabetes and have been administering...
Dr. Lai Hexian Reply:
Hello: If diabetes patients can maintain stable control, the process and outcomes of their offspring will be similar to those of the general population (as there is a certain rate of congenital anomalies in the general population). Regarding the use of Belaric, data from Micromed...[Read More] Impact of Male Medication on Fetal Health During Pregnancy
Jaw and Neck Pain During Pregnancy: Causes and Solutions
Pain in the jaw and neck/shoulder region? I am experiencing soreness in my jaw and neck, and the symptoms worsen when I lie down to sleep, especially under the molars on both sides of my jaw. I even feel chest tightness... My hands and feet are involuntarily twitching to the poin...
Dr. Chen Yuchao Reply:
The pain in the jaw and neck, which worsens when lying down to sleep, particularly around the mandible below the molars, may be accompanied by chest tightness. Additionally, there are involuntary movements in the hands and feet that have reached a point where sleep is impossible....[Read More] Jaw and Neck Pain During Pregnancy: Causes and Solutions
Which Specialist Should I See for My Health Concerns?
Which department should I consult? Hello Dr. Chen! I have three symptoms: 1. About a year ago, after giving birth to my second child and completing my postpartum confinement, I started experiencing stiffness in the joints near my heels every morning upon waking, along with heel p...
Dr. Chen Yuchao Reply:
1. About a year ago, I gave birth to my second child. After completing my postpartum confinement, I started experiencing stiffness in the joints near my heels and pain in my heels every morning about six months after delivery, making it difficult to walk normally. However, after ...[Read More] Which Specialist Should I See for My Health Concerns?
Understanding Chickenpox Antibody Levels: Is 1175 mlU/ml Sufficient?
Is there an antibody for chickenpox? I had a test to check for varicella antibodies, and my result was 1175, with the normal range being less than 200 mIU/ml. Does this indicate that I have antibodies? The lab technician said I have antibodies, but I want to confirm this again as...
Dr. Cai Jueren Reply:
Hello: Generally speaking, if you were infected with chickenpox during childhood, your body will automatically produce antibodies. Your test results indicate that you have antibodies, so there is no need to worry. Additionally, there is no direct relationship between pregnancy an...[Read More] Understanding Chickenpox Antibody Levels: Is 1175 mlU/ml Sufficient?
Can Deafness Be Inherited? Understanding Genetic Risks for Future Children
Can deafness and mutism be inherited? If both of my parents are deaf-mute, will I have a chance of having a deaf child in the future if I get married and have children? If so, is there a way to know during pregnancy? I don't want to have a deaf child.
Dr. Cai Jueren Reply:
Hello, regarding your question, it is difficult to provide a detailed explanation here. Generally, the probability should not exceed 25%. However, it is still recommended that you and your spouse go to the hospital for pre-marital or pre-pregnancy screening. This will give you mo...[Read More] Can Deafness Be Inherited? Understanding Genetic Risks for Future Children
Pre-Marital Health Check: Key Questions for Future Pregnancies
I have some questions after completing the premarital health checkup! Hello Doctor: I am planning to get pregnant soon, but I have a few questions from my premarital health check-up that the doctor did not explain clearly. I hope you can help me with these questions, thank you! ...
Dr. Cai Jueren Reply:
Hello Yuan Yuan: The levels of thyroid hormones are not related to pregnancy, so please rest assured. As for the values mentioned above, they do not require medication treatment. "Counterclockwise deviation of the heart axis" is a finding from the computer report; it is...[Read More] Pre-Marital Health Check: Key Questions for Future Pregnancies
Understanding Urinalysis Results and Hepatitis B Risks During Pregnancy
Urinalysis 1) The health check report indicates "presence of bacteria in urine, slightly elevated epithelial cells and white blood cells, suggesting a urinary tract infection," but since there are no symptoms, what does this mean? 2) Additionally, having no antibodies...
Dr. Zhan Deqin Reply:
1. This is quite common; what is referred to as asymptomatic bacteriuria can sometimes result from contamination during sampling. 2. If there are no hepatitis B antibodies, it is advisable to receive the vaccine first.[Read More] Understanding Urinalysis Results and Hepatitis B Risks During Pregnancy