Shingles and Persistent Abdominal Swelling: When to Seek Further Evaluation
Abdominal swelling due to shingles? My mother has been experiencing shingles on her right abdomen for a week and is currently on medication for management. The blisters are nearly crusted over and falling off. However, prior to the appearance of the rash, the right side of her ab...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, after the shingles scab has formed, the swelling should gradually subside. If there is still significant abdominal swelling, it may indicate an issue that requires further evaluation through ultrasound or CT scan. It is advisable to consult a gastroenterologist. Thank you ...[Read More] Shingles and Persistent Abdominal Swelling: When to Seek Further Evaluation
Managing Diarrhea in Diabetic Patients: Causes and Solutions
Diarrhea in diabetic patients My father has been a diabetic patient for 30 years and is now 77 years old. He controls his blood sugar with insulin injections. His hemoglobin A1c levels have been normal during his quarterly check-ups. However, since the beginning of March, he has ...
Dr. Li Jian Reply:
If diarrhea persists, please visit the gastroenterology department at a medical center. Thank you.[Read More] Managing Diarrhea in Diabetic Patients: Causes and Solutions
Understanding Lung Cancer: Symptoms, Diagnosis, and Next Steps
Lung cancer issues? My husband was diagnosed with malignant liver cancer (stage II) last August. The tumor pressed against the diaphragm, so a small portion was surgically removed. Since March of this year, he has been experiencing persistent shortness of breath, occasional fever...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, based on your description, it is likely that a weakened immune system has led to a lung infection or inflammation. Whether there is emphysema or lung cancer requires further examination for confirmation. Typically, your condition is indeed managed by a pulmonologist; howev...[Read More] Understanding Lung Cancer: Symptoms, Diagnosis, and Next Steps
Managing Diarrhea in Long-Term Diabetes Patients: A Guide for Caregivers
Diarrhea in diabetic patients? My father has been a diabetes patient for 30 years and is now 77 years old. He controls his blood sugar with insulin injections, and his hemoglobin A1c levels have been normal during his quarterly check-ups. However, since the beginning of March, he...
Dr. Li Jian Reply:
The blood sugar medications that are more likely to cause diarrhea are metformin and acarbose. If the diarrhea is not caused by these medications, further follow-up with a gastroenterologist is still necessary.[Read More] Managing Diarrhea in Long-Term Diabetes Patients: A Guide for Caregivers
Understanding Kidney Issues: The Significance of Proteinuria and Creatinine Levels
Kidney issues (proteinuria) Urine Creatinine: 93.4 mg/dL Micro Albumin: 25.7 * mg/dL (Random Urine < 1.9 mg/dL) Urine Protein: 42.0 * mg/dL < 14 ACR: 275.16 * µg/mg Creatinine (<30) Protein/(Creatinine/1000): 449.68 mg/g Serum Creatinine: 1.07 Doctor, I have...
Dr. Huang Yaoxuan Reply:
Dear Mr. A-Mao, Regarding your concerns about proteinuria, kidney function, and kidney biopsy, here are some suggestions for your consideration: 1. You may want to discuss the benefits and drawbacks of a kidney biopsy with your physician. An excerpt from UpToDate states, "...[Read More] Understanding Kidney Issues: The Significance of Proteinuria and Creatinine Levels
Managing Hand Numbness in Fibromyalgia: Seeking the Right Specialist
Fibromyalgia and hand numbness? Hello, doctor. I have been suffering from hand pain and numbness for about three years. Initially, I was examined at two major hospitals in central Taiwan, and they both indicated issues related to autoimmune rheumatic arthritis. I was on medicatio...
Dr. Gao Jiankai Reply:
Hello, thank you for your question. The numbness you are experiencing is likely not related to fibromyalgia; it seems more probable that it is due to carpal tunnel syndrome. Carpal tunnel syndrome can be confirmed through neurological examinations while ruling out cervical spine ...[Read More] Managing Hand Numbness in Fibromyalgia: Seeking the Right Specialist
Managing Mild COVID-19 Symptoms: Treatment Options and Recovery Explained
Treatment for mild COVID-19? Hello: Recent news reports indicate that mild COVID-19 patients can take acetaminophen for treatment. I would like to ask: 1. Besides taking acetaminophen, do mild cases need to take antiviral medications or other drugs? 2. While acetaminophen can all...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, 1. For mild patients, if there are no significant underlying conditions such as diabetes, kidney failure, cancer, etc., only symptomatic treatment is needed, and there is no requirement for specific antiviral medications. 2. Acetaminophen can only alleviate symptoms; t...[Read More] Managing Mild COVID-19 Symptoms: Treatment Options and Recovery Explained
Understanding Kidney Issues: Ultrasound Findings and What They Mean
Kidney problems Kidney: mild bilateral cortical echogenicity increase and irregular contour. > Aorta: patent and normal size. > Inferior vena cava: patent and normal size. IMP: Fatty liver with focal sparing. Bilateral renal parenchymal disease. 1. This ultrasound indicate...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, 1. The main findings are fatty liver and renal parenchymal disease. Renal parenchymal disease refers to the observable damage to the kidneys that can occur with aging or disease; however, it should be evaluated alongside kidney function indices, specifically serum creati...[Read More] Understanding Kidney Issues: Ultrasound Findings and What They Mean
Understanding Ankylosing Spondylitis and Autoantibodies in Young Patients
Ankylosing spondylitis and autoantibodies? Hello Doctor, my son is currently over 18 years old and has ankylosing spondylitis. The notes below are from a previous examination report at Chang Gung Memorial Hospital. I would like to ask the doctor: 1) Although ankylosing spondyliti...
Dr. Gao Jiankai Reply:
Hello, thank you for your inquiry. Here are my responses: 1) Although ankylosing spondylitis is an autoimmune disease, it does not mean that patients with ankylosing spondylitis will necessarily have autoantibodies, correct? --> Yes. 2) According to the attached report, does m...[Read More] Understanding Ankylosing Spondylitis and Autoantibodies in Young Patients
Understanding Glucose Tolerance Test Results and Diabetes Risk
Glucose tolerance test Dear Doctor, I recently underwent a glucose tolerance test at the hospital, and the results are as follows: Hemoglobin A1c 5.5%, OGTT: Fasting—96 mg/dL; 30 minutes—167 mg/dL; 60 minutes—212 mg/dL; 90 minutes—174 mg/dL; 120 minutes—132 mg/dL. The outpatient...
Dr. Xie Rongyuan Reply:
Hello: Impaired glucose tolerance (IGT) is more closely associated with early and late insulin secretion deficiencies. If there are abnormalities in the oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT), it can be confirmed again the next day. The diagnostic criteria for diabetes are: (1) sympt...[Read More] Understanding Glucose Tolerance Test Results and Diabetes Risk
Does Salazopyrin Increase Risk of Severe COVID-19 in Patients?
Does the use of salmeterol increase the risk of developing moderate to severe illness after infection? Hello Doctor, I am a patient with ankylosing spondylitis, currently 18 years old. I am undergoing stable treatment with Wankesi (60 mg per day) and Salazopyrin (1000 mg per day)...
Dr. Gao Jiankai Reply:
Hello, thank you for your question. Here are my responses: 1) Are individuals receiving immunosuppressive therapy more likely to develop moderate to severe COVID-19 if they contract the virus? --> Generally, yes. However, Salazopyridine (Salsalate) has a relatively mild effect...[Read More] Does Salazopyrin Increase Risk of Severe COVID-19 in Patients?
Risks of Hair Salon Razors: Can You Contract HIV or STDs?
Razor used in hair salons? Hello, Director. When I went to the hair salon for a haircut, the stylist used a razor at the end to shape my face. The previous user had their service about 2-3 minutes before me, and the stylist did not disinfect the razor after use. After getting my ...
Dr. Liao Zhongxin Reply:
According to information from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, there are three main routes of HIV transmission: A. Sexual transmission: Engaging in oral, anal, or vaginal intercourse or other exchanges of bodily fluids with an HIV-infected individual carries a risk...[Read More] Risks of Hair Salon Razors: Can You Contract HIV or STDs?
Should You Get Tested for HIV After Potential Exposure? A Guide
HIV Infection Counseling - Exposure Hello, doctor. First of all, thank you for your attention. About a year ago, I masturbated in a public restroom and, in a moment of urgency, I couldn't find any toilet paper, so I used some tissue from the trash can to wipe my glans after ...
Dr. Liao Zhongxin Reply:
There are three main routes of transmission for the HIV virus: A. Sexual transmission: Engaging in oral, anal, or vaginal intercourse or other exchanges of bodily fluids with an HIV-infected individual carries a risk of infection. B. Blood transmission: (1) Receiving or coming in...[Read More] Should You Get Tested for HIV After Potential Exposure? A Guide
Should You Get Tested for HIV After Potential Exposure?
HIV Infection Counseling - Exposure Hello Doctor, first of all, thank you for your time. About a year ago, I masturbated in a public restroom and, in a moment of urgency, I couldn't find any toilet paper, so I used the tissue from the trash can to wipe my glans after ejacula...
Dr. Liao Zhongxin Reply:
There are three main routes of HIV transmission: A. Sexual transmission: Engaging in oral, anal, or vaginal intercourse or other exchanges of bodily fluids with an HIV-infected individual carries the risk of infection. B. Blood transmission: (1) Receiving or coming into contact w...[Read More] Should You Get Tested for HIV After Potential Exposure?
Understanding Gout Diagnosis: Symptoms, Treatment, and Management
Gout Diagnosis Thank you, doctor, for taking the time to respond to my questions. I really appreciate it! I am a 34-year-old male, 175 cm tall, weighing 93 kg. I do not drink alcohol but often stay up late. I have gastroesophageal reflux disease and a duodenal ulcer, for which I ...
Dr. Gao Jiankai Reply:
Hello, thank you for your question. Here are my responses: 1. Is swelling and redness always present in gout? I had pain in my knee at that time, but there was no swelling or redness; can that still be considered gout? --> Most of the time, yes, but some patients may not exhi...[Read More] Understanding Gout Diagnosis: Symptoms, Treatment, and Management
Understanding Antinuclear Antibodies: Concerns and Questions for Young Adults
Inquiry about blood test results? Dear Doctor, I currently have no immune-related symptoms, but I am concerned about the presence of antinuclear antibodies (ANA) in my blood test results. I would like to ask you some related questions. Recently, my blood test report showed an AN...
Dr. Gao Jiankai Reply:
Hello, thank you for your questions. Here are my responses: 1. Is there a possibility of developing systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) in the future? --> Currently, it seems unlikely. 2. An antinuclear antibody (ANA) titer of 1:80 was detected, but all specific antibodies rel...[Read More] Understanding Antinuclear Antibodies: Concerns and Questions for Young Adults
Signs and Solutions for Insects in the Ear: What to Know
Suspected insect intrusion in the ear? Hello, doctor. This morning I suddenly felt an itch in my ear and went to the bathroom to check. I found a black bug crawling near my ear canal. I was worried it might crawl into my ear, so I tried to get rid of it, but after a long time, I ...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, most insects exhibit positive phototaxis and are not likely to move inward. Even if they do, they will encounter the eardrum and remain in the middle ear, which usually leads to inflammation and causes mild ear pain or discomfort. Therefore, unless there are symptoms, it i...[Read More] Signs and Solutions for Insects in the Ear: What to Know
Understanding Ankylosing Spondylitis: Treatment Options and Patient Concerns
Ankylosing spondylitis Dear Doctor: I am a patient with ankylosing spondylitis, diagnosed for 2.5 years, and I am currently 18.8 years old. I have been managing my condition with NSAIDs and have been unable to discontinue them. I would like to ask the following questions: 1) Gen...
Dr. Zeng Guosen Reply:
1) Biological agents tend to be more effective and are easier to achieve stable drug withdrawal. 2) For a 19-year-old, there are no specific recommendations; a general chest X-ray and electrocardiogram are sufficient. 3) It does not necessarily increase. 4) A temporary paus...[Read More] Understanding Ankylosing Spondylitis: Treatment Options and Patient Concerns
Understanding HPV: Testing Options After Partner's Diagnosis
My boyfriend has genital warts? Hello, we are a same-sex couple. My boyfriend previously experienced gastrointestinal discomfort, which led to an examination where warts were found in the anal area, and surgery was arranged. We have had unprotected sexual intercourse, but both of...
Dr. Liao Zhongxin Reply:
1. The more accurate name for the cervical cancer vaccine is the Human Papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine. It not only prevents cervical cancer but also has been scientifically proven to prevent cancers related to the genital area, including effective protection against genital warts. ...[Read More] Understanding HPV: Testing Options After Partner's Diagnosis
Effectiveness of Sulfasalazine in Treating Sacroiliitis: A Doctor's Insight
Is the treatment effect of Salazopyrine for sacroiliac joint arthritis significant? Hello Doctor, I previously asked you about the treatment for my son's ankylosing spondylitis, and I would like to confirm one more thing. I found on the internet that most sources state, &quo...
Dr. Gao Jiankai Reply:
Hello, thank you for your question. Salazopyrin is indeed not very effective for sacroiliitis, but it does have a good effect on reducing inflammatory responses. Therefore, for patients with ankylosing spondylitis who only have axial spine inflammation, if there is also an increa...[Read More] Effectiveness of Sulfasalazine in Treating Sacroiliitis: A Doctor's Insight