Can You Drink Alcohol While Taking BikTarVy for PEP Treatment?
Post-Exposure Prophylaxis (PEP) Hello doctor, today I went to Mackay Memorial Hospital for PEP treatment, and the doctor prescribed me BikTarVy (bictegravir/emtricitabine/tenofovir alafenamide). Can I drink alcohol while taking this medication? If so, how long should I wait after...
Dr. Liao Zhongxin Reply:
1. First, regarding the precautions for using Loxone (Tadalafil): When using Loxone film-coated tablets, please adhere to the following precautions and medication recommendations: - Follow the physician's prescription: Before using Loxone film-coated tablets, obtain an ...[Read More] Can You Drink Alcohol While Taking BikTarVy for PEP Treatment?
Concerns About Parasite Infection from Undercooked Pork Liver
Parasitic questions? Hello Dr. Lin, I would like to inquire about a situation where my family and I consumed pig liver soup tonight, and we ate undercooked pig liver that was even oozing blood. Each person had about six pieces of pig liver. I would like to ask the following quest...
Dr. Lin Wufu Reply:
1. There is not much risk; parasites will die if they are slightly heated, and tapeworms are not typically found in pig liver. 2. The same applies here. The main risk comes from consuming raw pork; even if parasites are frozen, they will die, so it is not that easy to get infec...[Read More] Concerns About Parasite Infection from Undercooked Pork Liver
Understanding Lower Abdominal Pain: When to See a Urologist?
Lower abdominal tenderness inquiry? Hello Doctor, in the past week, I have experienced localized tenderness in my lower abdomen. Initially, it was located about one centimeter to the right of my navel, but later it appeared about eight centimeters to the left of my navel, while t...
Dr. Lin Wufu Reply:
Hello, bladder inflammation typically presents with urinary tract symptoms. Your tenderness may also be related to the abdominal wall muscle layer. It is advisable to observe for two to three days, as it often improves on its own. When visiting a urologist, a urinalysis will like...[Read More] Understanding Lower Abdominal Pain: When to See a Urologist?
Concerns About Parasite Infection After Eating Raw Fish Delivery
Sashimi rice bowl delivered on a hot summer day? Hello Doctor, due to my internship, I am currently in Shanghai. On May 17, 2024, during a hot day, I had delivery of chopped sashimi, which included fresh Norwegian salmon, Arctic sweet shrimp, and Arctic surf clams. In the afterno...
Dr. Lin Wufu Reply:
Hello, leaving raw food at higher temperatures significantly increases the risk of bacterial growth, which can lead to gastroenteritis. In contrast, the relationship between parasites and temperature is minimal (if food contains parasites, they do not proliferate within the food)...[Read More] Concerns About Parasite Infection After Eating Raw Fish Delivery
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?
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?
Can SLE Patients Safely Take Probiotics for Digestive Issues?
Can individuals with SLE take probiotics? Hello Doctor, I am a patient with SLE. Recently, I have been experiencing some digestive issues, including bloating and gastrointestinal discomfort (without abdominal pain, constipation, and with a normal appetite). I have seen a gastroen...
Dr. Gao Jiankai Reply:
Hello, thank you for your inquiry. I believe it is possible. The Allergy, Immunology, and Rheumatology Department of Changhua Hospital, Ministry of Health and Welfare, is here to assist you.[Read More] Can SLE Patients Safely Take Probiotics for Digestive Issues?
Understanding Low-Grade Dysplasia: What It Means for Your Health
Low-grade dysplasia refers to a condition where there are abnormal changes in the cells of a tissue, but these changes are not severe enough to be classified as cancer. It is Hello Dr. Cheng: During the Lunar New Year, I suddenly experienced abdominal pain (just above the navel),...
Dr. Zhang Shixin Reply:
Hello Mr. Hsieh: Low-grade dysplasia refers to a stage where cells exhibit abnormal proliferation but have not yet transformed into cancer cells. The causes of abnormal proliferation may be related to environmental factors (such as Helicobacter pylori, high salt or pickled diets,...[Read More] Understanding Low-Grade Dysplasia: What It Means for Your Health
Understanding Afternoon Abdominal Pain and Diarrhea: Causes and Solutions
I have a question I would like to ask? Hello Doctor, I am asking on behalf of my mother. For the past two months, she has been experiencing abdominal pain and diarrhea around noon. Sometimes, she even feels the urge to go to the bathroom without having eaten anything. As a result...
Dr. Li Jian Reply:
If you continue to experience gastrointestinal symptoms, it is recommended that you see a gastroenterologist. Thank you for your inquiry.[Read More] Understanding Afternoon Abdominal Pain and Diarrhea: Causes and Solutions
Understanding Abdominal Heat: Symptoms, Causes, and Treatment Options
Abdominal heat flow Hello, Doctor. About a week ago, I experienced a warm sensation in the middle-left area of my abdomen (slight warmth and mild pain when pressed). I have noticed an increase in flatulence and burping. Four days ago, I visited a doctor who prescribed medication ...
Dr. Xie Rongyuan Reply:
Hello: The gastroscopy examination showed no issues, but taking stomach medication from the pharmacy has improved your condition. It is recommended that if symptoms persist, you should consult a gastroenterologist to identify the underlying problem. Thank you for your message![Read More] Understanding Abdominal Heat: Symptoms, Causes, and Treatment Options
Understanding Symptoms: Could It Be Acid Reflux After Overeating?
Suspected gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD)? Last night, I had a very filling dinner, and while sitting, I felt uncomfortable and had to sit up to burp for relief. I also did not have a bowel movement all day yesterday. During the night, I slept for about four hours but woke...
Dr. Li Jian Reply:
If symptoms persist, it is recommended to consult a gastroenterologist for further evaluation. Thank you for your inquiry.[Read More] Understanding Symptoms: Could It Be Acid Reflux After Overeating?
Hip and Thigh Muscle Pain: Understanding Post-Hospitalization Discomfort
Hip bone pain, soreness in the outer thigh muscles, and leg twitching when falling asleep? Last Sunday, I was hospitalized due to lower abdominal pain, which was diagnosed as mild appendicitis. I received antibiotic treatment through an IV, and after that, I no longer experienced...
Dr. Gao Jiankai Reply:
Hello, thank you for your inquiry. If you are experiencing pain or cramping at night that interferes with your sleep, it is advisable to schedule an earlier follow-up appointment with your attending physician for evaluation. Some differential diagnoses require a physical examinat...[Read More] Hip and Thigh Muscle Pain: Understanding Post-Hospitalization Discomfort
Understanding Systemic Pain and Itching: A Comprehensive Guide
Generalized tingling, itching, and numbness? Hello Doctor: I have been experiencing sneezing, runny nose, and constipation for the past year. I consulted a gastroenterologist and underwent a colonoscopy and endoscopy, which revealed colon polyps, gastric polyps, and gastroesophag...
Dr. Gao Jiankai Reply:
Hello, thank you for your inquiry. I recommend starting with a visit to a family medicine physician. Since you are experiencing some allergy symptoms, if you are truly concerned about potential issues with your immune function, you may also consider seeing an allergist or immunol...[Read More] Understanding Systemic Pain and Itching: A Comprehensive Guide
Understanding Blood in Stool: Causes and When to Seek Help
Rectal bleeding Hello Doctor: I was shocked to find blood in my stool tonight. There was about 2cc of blood mixed with the stool in the water. At first, I thought it might be my menstrual period or that I had eaten dragon fruit, but then I realized my period just ended yesterday ...
Dr. Lin Wufu Reply:
Hello: If there is blood covering normal stool, and the bleeding is mostly near the anal opening, the most common cause is a rupture of internal hemorrhoids (which are usually painless), possibly due to a harder stool during a bowel movement. It is advisable to observe if it happ...[Read More] Understanding Blood in Stool: Causes and When to Seek Help
Understanding Abdominal Pain: Causes and Solutions for Young Adults
Abdominal cramping? I am 20 years old and usually have a bowel movement once a day, but I only eat one or two meals daily (I've been doing this for a year). However, something strange has happened recently: on the first day of my menstrual period (October 31), I experienced ...
Dr. Xie Rongyuan Reply:
Hello: Please visit the hospital for a medical examination and undergo an abdominal X-ray to investigate the cause. Thank you for your message![Read More] Understanding Abdominal Pain: Causes and Solutions for Young Adults
Concerns About Undercooked Pork: When to See a Doctor?
Consumption of suspected undercooked pork? Hello doctor, I went out for barbecue with friends during the Double Ten holiday and ate one or two pieces of pork that seemed undercooked. I read online that there is a chance of parasites. Currently, I have slight abdominal pain and ha...
Dr. Qiu Junwei Reply:
It is recommended to monitor your stool for the presence of any eggs or worms this week. If there are none, it is likely that there is no issue.[Read More] Concerns About Undercooked Pork: When to See a Doctor?
Understanding Immune System Issues: Symptoms and Concerns Explained
Immune system issues Hello, Doctor Gao. I have a few questions to ask you, and I appreciate your help. 1. At the beginning of August, I developed a urinary tract infection and took antibiotics for two weeks. The symptoms disappeared, and I thought I was cured, so I didn't ...
Dr. Gao Jiankai Reply:
Hello, thank you for your inquiry. I believe there is a high possibility of reactive arthritis, especially considering your age and the occurrence of acute prostatitis along with unexplained joint effusion and swelling. I recommend that you consult a rheumatologist nearby. The Al...[Read More] Understanding Immune System Issues: Symptoms and Concerns Explained
Understanding Abdominal Pain: Causes and When to Seek Help
Abnormal abdominal pain Hello, doctor. I am 29 years old and I have ankylosing spondylitis and chronic anemia (with an average hemoglobin level of about 20). I'm not sure if this is related to the events I've experienced. The first incident occurred when I was around 20...
Dr. Zheng Weijun Reply:
Hello, thank you for your detailed description. First, regarding your mention that "the average hemoglobin does not exceed 20," this value is within the normal range; the normal hemoglobin level for women is 12–16 g/dL, so your current hemoglobin level may not be abnorm...[Read More] Understanding Abdominal Pain: Causes and When to Seek Help
Accidentally Ingesting Louisa's Sandwich Wrapper: What to Do?
Accidental ingestion of Louisa's paper? If you accidentally swallowed a piece of paper while eating a sandwich, it is generally not harmful, as paper is mostly made of cellulose, which is not digestible but is non-toxic. However, you should monitor for any unusual symptoms s...
Dr. Gao Jiankai Reply:
Hello, thank you for your inquiry. The piece of paper is very small, and it should not pose any issues. I believe there is no need for concern. The Allergy, Immunology, and Rheumatology Department of Changhua Hospital, Ministry of Health and Welfare, is here to support you.[Read More] Accidentally Ingesting Louisa's Sandwich Wrapper: What to Do?
Understanding Abnormal Blood Test Results: Neutrophils, Monocytes, and Lymphocytes
Abnormal lymphocytes and leukocytes in blood test report? Hello, I went to the emergency room last November due to abdominal pain. I just checked my health records and saw the blood test report from that time, which showed three values highlighted in red: Neutrophil - 90.0%, Mono...
Dr. Zheng Weijun Reply:
Dear commenter, based on the information you provided, the proportions of neutrophils, monocytes, and lymphocytes in your blood report are 90.0%, 2.0%, and 7.5%, respectively. These values are slightly abnormal, as neutrophils typically range from 50-70%, monocytes from 2-10%, an...[Read More] Understanding Abnormal Blood Test Results: Neutrophils, Monocytes, and Lymphocytes