Can Probiotics and Omega-3 Foods Help Manage Ankylosing Spondylitis?
Is taking probiotics or regularly consuming foods rich in omega-3 beneficial for ankylosing spondylitis? Hello Dr. Tseng, I am a patient with ankylosing spondylitis, and I have been experiencing symptoms for three and a half years. Currently, I take two tablets of Celebrex and on...
Dr. Zeng Guosen Reply:
Online users suggest that omega-3 can combat inflammation, but its effectiveness in improving the inflammatory condition of ankylosing spondylitis is limited; it should only be used as a supplement and cannot be used for treatment. Probiotics or omega-3 are not expected to have a...[Read More] Can Probiotics and Omega-3 Foods Help Manage Ankylosing Spondylitis?
Understanding the Efficacy of Anti-Inflammatory Pain Medications
The efficacy of anti-inflammatory and analgesic medications? Hello Dr. Tseng, I have ankylosing spondylitis, primarily experiencing pain in my buttocks (sacroiliac joint) and lower back (at the level of my navel). I have been taking Voltaren and Celebrex for three months each. Wh...
Dr. Zeng Guosen Reply:
Each medication has its own effects and can cause different reactions in individuals. It is not recommended to use different anti-inflammatory and analgesic medications simultaneously, as this may increase the risk of side effects. It is advisable to adjust other pain relievers t...[Read More] Understanding the Efficacy of Anti-Inflammatory Pain Medications
Managing Medication for Ankylosing Spondylitis: Key Considerations
Medication issues in ankylosing spondylitis? Hello Dr. Tseng, I am a patient with ankylosing spondylitis. For the past six months, I have been taking two Salazopyrin and one Voltaren daily for treatment. My CRP levels have been between 0.2 and 0.6, and my pain occurs approximatel...
Dr. Zeng Guosen Reply:
Whether or not to take medication depends on the condition of the disease, including an overall assessment of pain, inflammation, and spinal involvement. This determination must be made by your treating physician who understands your situation; it cannot be decided solely based o...[Read More] Managing Medication for Ankylosing Spondylitis: Key Considerations
Understanding Occipital Pain: Symptoms, Causes, and When to Seek Help
Pain in the back of the head? In the past two to three weeks, I've been feeling that my head is different from usual. Normally, it feels light, but recently it feels like there's something in my head, a sort of foggy sensation. When I'm focused on a task, it's...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, based on your description, the likelihood of a confirmed diagnosis is indeed higher. It is recommended that you first perform a rapid test. If the result is positive, make sure to rest adequately; you should gradually recover. If the result is negative, it may indicate ano...[Read More] Understanding Occipital Pain: Symptoms, Causes, and When to Seek Help
Managing Hyperthyroidism in Children: Concerns and Treatment Insights
Hyperthyroidism in children? Hello Doctor: My child, around 8 years old, started showing signs of hyperthyroidism. After treatment (taking antithyroid medication and medication to lower heart rate), the free T4 levels quickly returned to normal, but the TSH has remained consisten...
Dr. Li Jian Reply:
Pediatric thyroid issues should be consulted with a pediatric endocrinologist for more specialized care. Thank you for your inquiry.[Read More] Managing Hyperthyroidism in Children: Concerns and Treatment Insights
Can You Contract HIV from Contact with Semen During Masturbation?
HIV/AIDS is very frightening? Doctor, may I ask you something? If I come into contact with my own wound while masturbating and it touches semen, is there a risk of contracting HIV?
Dr. Liao Zhongxin Reply:
First, refer to the information from the Centers for Disease Control website: https://www.cdc.gov.tw/Category/Page/lehLY2EFku4q7Gqv4bql2w Second, there are three main routes of transmission for the Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV): 1. Sexual Transmission: Engaging in oral, an...[Read More] Can You Contract HIV from Contact with Semen During Masturbation?
How Long Do Hepatitis and Other Viruses Survive Outside the Body?
Survival time (continued inquiry) Hello, Doctor: This is my original question for you: "Could you please tell me how long the viruses or bacteria of Hepatitis B, Hepatitis C, Hepatitis D, HIV, syphilis, gonorrhea, warts, herpes, human papillomavirus, and Chlamydia can surviv...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, the bacteria or viruses you mentioned can survive for varying lengths of time depending on different environments, including the quantity present in bodily fluids, which can range from a few minutes to several weeks. It is difficult to generalize, and most do not have defi...[Read More] How Long Do Hepatitis and Other Viruses Survive Outside the Body?
Understanding Sexual Development Issues in Adolescents: A Guide
Sexual development issues Hello, doctor. I am currently 17 years old, weighing 105 pounds and standing 166 cm tall. My pubic hair has developed normally, but my penis is less than 4 cm when not erect, and when fully erect, it measures about 14 cm. Additionally, I have very little...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, based on your description, it seems that the appearance of a shorter penis may be due to excess fat around the base, which can obscure the penis. Additionally, being overweight can affect the secretion of sex hormones, which may also impact physical development. Therefore,...[Read More] Understanding Sexual Development Issues in Adolescents: A Guide
Managing Wounds for Sensitive Hands: Tips for Cold Weather Care
Management of wounds from rich hand injuries? Hello, doctor. I have sensitive hands and suffer from dishydrotic eczema and eczema. When I encounter cold weather, my hands crack and bleed. Should I bandage the wounds? (The wounds vary in size.) I'm concerned about the risk of...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, if you will be handling food, especially raw food, it is advisable to keep it covered. At other times, it may not be necessary. If there is bleeding or if the wound is very painful, then it should be covered. Thank you for your inquiry.[Read More] Managing Wounds for Sensitive Hands: Tips for Cold Weather Care
Can Cleaning Public Restrooms Spread Germs and Infections?
May I ask the doctor? Hello, Doctor: I have a couple of questions. 1. If I am cleaning a public restroom (like in an office) and come into contact with the sink, door handles, or other surfaces, is there a possibility of bacteria or viruses remaining that could infect other users...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, the two situations you mentioned can be managed by ensuring proper hand hygiene, which will prevent infections. Thank you for your question.[Read More] Can Cleaning Public Restrooms Spread Germs and Infections?
Understanding Bone Marrow Suppression Risks from Salazopyrin Use
Could I be experiencing bone marrow suppression as a side effect after taking Salazopyrin? Hello, Doctor Gao. I would like to ask you some additional questions. I am a patient with ankylosing spondylitis, and my main symptom is pain in my buttocks. Since my blood test on March 2n...
Dr. Gao Jiankai Reply:
Hello, thank you for your question. Here are my responses: 1) The package insert for Salazopyrin mentions rare side effects such as bone marrow suppression. My RBC, Hb, and PLT levels seem to have started declining after taking Salazopyrin (all have dropped to the lower limit of...[Read More] Understanding Bone Marrow Suppression Risks from Salazopyrin Use
Understanding the Importance of Follow-Up Testing After Negative Rapid Combo Tests
Rapid Test Combo Fourth Generation I went to the clinic for a rapid test using the Abbott fourth-generation combo antigen and antibody test. I have been in the window period for one month, and it has been six weeks since the incident. The result came back negative, but the nurse ...
Dr. Liao Zhongxin Reply:
1. The most important factor is whether there has been any unsafe sexual behavior or sharing of needles, rather than focusing on how long one should be monitored. 2. Of course, fourth-generation combination tests are quite accurate, and most results will be negative after six mon...[Read More] Understanding the Importance of Follow-Up Testing After Negative Rapid Combo Tests
Why Did the Effectiveness of Salazopyrine Diminish for My Ankylosing Spondylitis?
Why has the effect of Salbutamol diminished? Hello, Doctor Gao. I am a patient with ankylosing spondylitis, and my main symptom is pain in the buttocks. Since March 2 of last year, I have been taking two Salazopyrin daily and only taking Voltaren when I experience pain (the pain ...
Dr. Gao Jiankai Reply:
Hello, thank you for your inquiry. Here are my responses: 1) For patients with ankylosing spondylitis, in the absence of special circumstances and without interruption of medication, the use of Salazopyrin (sulfasalazine) generally maintains effective control over HSCRP levels....[Read More] Why Did the Effectiveness of Salazopyrine Diminish for My Ankylosing Spondylitis?
Understanding Gastrointestinal Issues: Symptoms, Causes, and When to Seek Help
Gastrointestinal issues Hello Doctor, I would like to ask about something that happened to me yesterday. Before going to bed, I suddenly felt bloated in my stomach. I managed to fall asleep, but I woke up in the middle of the night feeling uncomfortable and had to have a bowel mo...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, based on your description, it seems to be acute gastroenteritis. As for whether it is caused by norovirus, testing may be needed to confirm. However, the management typically involves a bland diet, plenty of rest, and increased fluid intake, which should lead to gradual im...[Read More] Understanding Gastrointestinal Issues: Symptoms, Causes, and When to Seek Help
Understanding Venous Blood Gas Analysis: Key Insights for Respiratory Issues
Venous Blood Gas Analysis Report 112/01/25 ABE 7.61 112/01/25 HCO3 32.9 112/01/25 O2CT 17.2 112/01/25 PCO2 49.1 112/01/25 pH 7.430 112/01/25 PO2 41.3 112/01/25 SAT 77.0 112/01/25 SBC 30.8 112/01/25 SBE 8.4 112/01/25 TCO2 34.4 Doctor, this is my venous blood g...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, it is not possible to determine pulmonary obstruction or embolism solely based on venous blood oxygen levels. It is recommended to visit a pulmonology clinic for a chest X-ray, followed by further relevant tests such as pulmonary function tests or lung perfusion scans. Tha...[Read More] Understanding Venous Blood Gas Analysis: Key Insights for Respiratory Issues
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:
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
Risk of Hepatitis B Transmission After Accidental Blood Exposure
Hepatitis B transmission issues? Hello, doctor: I have received the hepatitis B vaccine and have tested positive for antibodies (surface antibody 81, core antibody 0.10). A few days ago, while changing the dressing for an uncle with liver cirrhosis at the hospital, I accidentally...
Dr. Liao Zhongxin Reply:
1. According to the data from the Centers for Disease Control (https://www.cdc.gov.tw/Category/Page/jlS2jBHpodI34ATlKUy3oQ): (1) Mode of Transmission: Hepatitis B surface antigen can be found in body fluids and secretions, but only blood, semen, and vaginal secretions are inf...[Read More] Risk of Hepatitis B Transmission After Accidental Blood Exposure
Recovery from Marine Vibrio Infection After Fish Sting: A Patient's Journey
I am currently abroad and would like to inquire about the recovery situation for Vibrio parahaemolyticus infections? Hello Doctor, I am currently in Oman (as of February 15). On February 11 at 3 PM, while diving to catch fish, I accidentally got stung on the back of my hand by a ...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, the antibiotic you were prescribed is a first-generation antibiotic for general cellulitis. However, based on your images, it does appear to have improved. As for the pain or pigmentation changes, these are likely residual symptoms of cellulitis. Please be cautious and che...[Read More] Recovery from Marine Vibrio Infection After Fish Sting: A Patient's Journey
Can Gout Recur Days After First Attack in Patients with No History?
Is it possible for someone with no history of gout to experience a recurrence of symptoms just a few days after the first attack? Hello Doctor, thank you for taking the time to answer my questions. My mother, who is 72 years old, has high blood pressure and her height is 153 cm w...
Dr. Gao Jiankai Reply:
Hello, thank you for your question. Gout can indeed have recurrent attacks in a short period of time. Gout attacks typically present with redness and heat, so the absence of these symptoms does lower the likelihood. Eating shiitake mushrooms is fine, and consuming fish is also ac...[Read More] Can Gout Recur Days After First Attack in Patients with No History?
Understanding Autoimmune Diseases: Interpreting Your Blood Test Results
Autoimmune diseases Hello Doctor: I recently underwent blood tests for my immune system, and the results are as follows: IgE: 1075, C3: 111.6, C4: 30.9, Anti-dsDNA Ab: Interpretation: Negative, Anti-dsDNA Ab: Reactivity: 0.94, EJ: Negative, Jo-1: Negative, Ku: Negative, MDA5: Neg...
Dr. Gao Jiankai Reply:
Hello, thank you for your inquiry. Your dsDNA and SRP results are both positive, and it is important to discuss these findings with your physician to confirm the diagnosis. The diagnosis of autoimmune diseases requires not only blood test results but also consideration of clinica...[Read More] Understanding Autoimmune Diseases: Interpreting Your Blood Test Results