Managing Complications of Hypothyroidism: A Case Study
Complications of Hypothyroidism Dear Dr. Li, My mother is 73 years old. Six years ago, she was diagnosed with hyperthyroidism, which caused severe allergic rashes and itching due to medication. After a year of changing medications without success, she was evaluated by a metaboli...
Dr. Li Jian Reply:
Skin rashes and itching can also be evaluated by a rheumatologist. Thank you for your inquiry.[Read More] Managing Complications of Hypothyroidism: A Case Study
Understanding Your Heart Report: Insights on CAD Severity and Next Steps
Could you please help me review the report and let me know if it is serious? Thank you? Clinical history: Rule out coronary artery disease (CAD) Procedures: Following the intravenous injection of 2 mCi of Thallium-201 chloride under stress conditions induced by Dipyridamole 0.5...
Dr. Yu Liying Reply:
You may have coronary artery disease, and it is recommended that you seek medical treatment. Treatment may include advanced imaging studies, lifestyle modifications, and medication therapy. In some cases, interventional procedures such as stent placement or coronary artery bypass...[Read More] Understanding Your Heart Report: Insights on CAD Severity and Next Steps
Is Meibomian Gland Dysfunction Linked to Autoimmune Diseases?
Is dry eye syndrome related to autoimmune diseases? The symptoms of dry eye syndrome have persisted for more than a year, and recently, the symptoms of dry mouth have become increasingly noticeable. I went to the hospital for an examination, and the only abnormal result was an AN...
Dr. Gao Jiankai Reply:
Hello, thank you for your inquiry. You may want to collaborate with an ophthalmologist to see if treatment for your eyes improves your symptoms of dry mouth and dry tongue; if so, you might be able to discontinue the medication. The Allergy, Immunology, and Rheumatology Departmen...[Read More] Is Meibomian Gland Dysfunction Linked to Autoimmune Diseases?
Understanding RA Factor Changes and Related Health Concerns
Rheumatoid Arthritis - Inquiry about Rheumatoid Factor and Other Related Data? Hello, Doctor Gao. I apologize for the lengthy message. Here are my health examination data from three tests conducted at the same laboratory: - Date: 2023/11/11, 2024/6/15, (2024/4/30) - ALT/SGPT (L...
Dr. Gao Jiankai Reply:
Hello, thank you for your inquiry. Here are my responses: 1. I underwent tests related to immune system diseases at a regional hospital in December 2023, and my rheumatoid arthritis (RA) factor was less than 5 at that time. Additionally, the measurement taken on April 30, 2024,...[Read More] Understanding RA Factor Changes and Related Health Concerns
Understanding HIV Transmission Risks and Acute Infection Symptoms
Questions related to HIV transmission? Hello Doctor, I had sexual intercourse with a woman on May 18. Subsequently, on the evening of May 26, I experienced symptoms of fever, nausea, and vomiting. By May 27, only the fever remained, and after taking antipyretics, I no longer ha...
Dr. Gao Jiankai Reply:
Hello, thank you for your inquiry. Although HIV primarily affects immune function after infection, currently, issues related to HIV, including diagnosis, treatment, and risk, are managed by infectious disease specialists. Therefore, I recommend that you consult an infectious dise...[Read More] Understanding HIV Transmission Risks and Acute Infection Symptoms
Understanding Right Arm Pain: Possible Causes and Solutions
Right lower arm pain and joint pain? On May 9th, I ate a lemon tart containing almond flour, and immediately felt pain in my lower right arm. This pain has now persisted as joint pain in my right arm, making it difficult to open a water bottle cap and my motorcycle key lock. I ha...
Dr. Gao Jiankai Reply:
Hello, thank you for your inquiry. If the pain has persisted since May 9, it is advisable to have a physician evaluate the situation. We need to properly assess the condition of the joint pain. Vitamin B12 does not have analgesic effects, and high cholesterol is less likely to ca...[Read More] Understanding Right Arm Pain: Possible Causes and Solutions
Managing Thyroid Medication: From Hyperthyroidism to Hypothyroidism Concerns
The treatment for hyperthyroidism has been reduced, but the medication is still being taken? Hello Doctor: I have been experiencing a rapid heartbeat, and blood tests revealed hyperthyroidism with TSH < 0.005 and Free T4 > 7.7. The doctor prescribed: for the first and secon...
Dr. Li Jian Reply:
During the treatment process for hyperthyroidism, fluctuations may occur. Please ensure regular blood tests are conducted to facilitate dosage adjustments. Thank you for your inquiry.[Read More] Managing Thyroid Medication: From Hyperthyroidism to Hypothyroidism Concerns
Understanding Blood Sugar Fluctuations: Insights from Continuous Glucose Monitoring
I have some questions regarding the use of continuous glucose monitoring devices? Hello Doctor, I am 42 years old. Last August, my health check revealed a fasting blood glucose level of 115 mg/dL and a hemoglobin A1c of 5.8%. Since then, my fasting blood glucose has remained elev...
Dr. Lin Wufu Reply:
Hello, your question falls within the specialty of endocrinology, and the physician may need to ask you additional questions related to your diet and exercise in order to have a discussion. Therefore, it is recommended that you visit the hospital to consult with the endocrinology...[Read More] Understanding Blood Sugar Fluctuations: Insights from Continuous Glucose Monitoring
Can X-rays or CT Scans Differentiate Causes of Sacroiliitis?
Can X-rays or CT scans differentiate the causes of sacroiliac joint arthritis? What are the treatment options for enthesitis? Hello Doctor, I have been experiencing chronic lower back pain that alleviates with activity. X-rays from last year show bilateral grade II sacroiliitis, ...
Dr. Gao Jiankai Reply:
Hello, thank you for your inquiry. Here are my responses: (1) I have been experiencing intermittent sharp pain in my right ankle since last year, as if it is being bitten, with the pain intensifying at night. Additionally, I have long-term soreness on the outer side of my right...[Read More] Can X-rays or CT Scans Differentiate Causes of Sacroiliitis?
Managing Cough and Gastroesophageal Reflux: A Guide to Better Sleep
Cough accompanied by difficulty breathing, causing sleepless nights? Hello, I woke up suddenly around 3 AM with a headache, and then I started sweating profusely. After that, I vomited, possibly due to stomach acid irritating my throat, which now feels like there is something stu...
Dr. Wu Yuwei Reply:
It is recommended to follow up with a gastroenterologist, as gastroesophageal reflux can sometimes cause coughing symptoms.[Read More] Managing Cough and Gastroesophageal Reflux: A Guide to Better Sleep
Managing Lupus: Weight Loss, Muscle Cramps, and Tattoo Safety
Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) Hello Doctor: 1. I am a patient with Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (SLE). I would like to ask if it is normal for me to feel very hungry and eat four to five meals a day, despite having a light diet, while still losing weight after being diagnos...
Dr. Gao Jiankai Reply:
Hello, thank you for your questions. Here are my responses: 1. I am an SLE (Systemic Lupus Erythematosus) patient. I would like to ask if it is normal for me to feel very hungry and eat four to five meals a day, even though I have been eating a light diet and have been on medica...[Read More] Managing Lupus: Weight Loss, Muscle Cramps, and Tattoo Safety
Managing Autoimmune Disorders: Concerns About Long-Term Medication Use
Autoimmune disease issues Hello, doctor. I am a patient with Hashimoto's thyroiditis and have been taking thyroid medication for over 30 years. In recent years, I have been troubled by dry eye syndrome, which has affected my daily life. I underwent blood tests for rheumatic ...
Dr. Gao Jiankai Reply:
Hello, thank you for your question. Pilocarpine is a medication commonly used by patients with Sjögren's syndrome. If you have dry eyes, normal blood test results, and a good response to eye drops or ointments, along with experiencing side effects from the medication, it may...[Read More] Managing Autoimmune Disorders: Concerns About Long-Term Medication Use
Concerns About Blood Exposure During Hospital IV Procedures
Issues related to bleeding during injections in the hospital? Hello Dr. Liao, today I went to the hospital for an MRI examination. The nurse placed an intravenous catheter in the inner side of my wrist, and halfway through the MRI, she administered a contrast agent. After the MRI...
Dr. Liao Zhongxin Reply:
First, let's take a look at the data from the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) regarding the three main transmission routes of the HIV virus: 1. Sexual transmission: Engaging in oral, anal, or vaginal intercourse without a condom with an HIV-infected individual or exchang...[Read More] Concerns About Blood Exposure During Hospital IV Procedures
Concerns About HIV Infection from Contaminated Hair Removal Cream
HIV infection Hello, doctor. I would like to ask you some questions related to HIV. If you can help me with my concerns, I would greatly appreciate it. I purchased a depilatory cream online, and when I picked it up and opened it, I didn't pay special attention to whether it ...
Dr. Liao Zhongxin Reply:
First, according to the data from the Centers for Disease Control, there are three main routes of HIV transmission: 1. Sexual transmission: Engaging in oral, anal, or vaginal intercourse without a condom with an HIV-infected individual or exchanging other bodily fluids carries a ...[Read More] Concerns About HIV Infection from Contaminated Hair Removal Cream
Can You Get HIV from a Haircut Accident? Understanding the Risks
Cutting hair to the point of bleeding? Hello, on March 24, I got a haircut and accidentally got cut on my neck by the scissors, causing a small piece of skin to come off and some dried black blood around it. Am I at risk of contracting HIV? If the person who used the scissors bef...
Dr. Liao Zhongxin Reply:
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), there are three main modes of transmission for the Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV): 1. Sexual Transmission: Engaging in oral, anal, or vaginal intercourse without a condom with an HIV-infected individual or e...[Read More] Can You Get HIV from a Haircut Accident? Understanding the Risks
Accidental Contact with Dried Blood: Safety Measures and Concerns
The lips came into contact with what appeared to be dried blood or other substances on the glove? During work, if you accidentally touched your lower lip with fingers that had dried red blood or other substances on your gloves, and you immediately wiped it with alcohol upon reali...
Dr. Liao Zhongxin Reply:
First, according to the data from the Centers for Disease Control, there are three main routes of HIV transmission: 1. Sexual transmission: Engaging in oral, anal, or vaginal intercourse without a condom with an HIV-infected individual or exchanging other bodily fluids poses a ri...[Read More] Accidental Contact with Dried Blood: Safety Measures and Concerns
How to Properly Take Euthyrox for Hypothyroidism Management?
How should Sotalol be taken correctly? Hello Dr. Lin, TSH (Thyroid Stimulating Hormone): 6.6 T3 (Triiodothyronine): 101 Free T4 (Free Thyroxine): 1.03 Thyroglobulin Antibody (Anti-Thyroglobulin Ab) level: 145 [<40.00] Thyroid Peroxidase Antibody (Anti-TPO) level: 710 ...
Dr. Lin Jianliang Reply:
Hello: 1. Dizziness caused by Staletrex is not common. Other potential causes should be ruled out first. 2. You can give it a try and then follow up.[Read More] How to Properly Take Euthyrox for Hypothyroidism Management?
Risk of HIV Transmission from Contaminated Toilet Paper: What You Need to Know
Blood-stained toilet paper in public restrooms? Hello doctor, after using the restroom in a public toilet, I noticed that the nearby roll of toilet paper had quite a bit of fresh blood on it, which appeared to be bright red and likely not dried yet. When I removed the toilet pape...
Dr. Liao Zhongxin Reply:
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) data, there are three main transmission routes for the Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV): 1. Sexual transmission: Engaging in oral, anal, or vaginal intercourse without a condom with an HIV-infected individual or ...[Read More] Risk of HIV Transmission from Contaminated Toilet Paper: What You Need to Know
Understanding Immune System Disorders: Insights for Patients and Families
Inquiry about the immune system? Hello, Doctor Gao. I am a family member of patient #207861. Thank you very much for your response. I apologize for wanting to follow up with a question regarding the immune system. Based on the following lab results: An: 86, RPR: Non-reactive, RF:...
Dr. Gao Jiankai Reply:
Hello, thank you for your inquiry. I believe there is no autoimmune disease present. Although your ANA is slightly elevated, an ANA titer of 1:160 or higher is more significant. Additionally, your physician has arranged for a very detailed immunological assessment, so an ANA tite...[Read More] Understanding Immune System Disorders: Insights for Patients and Families
Understanding Your First Gout Attack: Symptoms, Treatment, and Management
First gout attack? Hello Doctor, I visited the clinic at the beginning of April due to ankle pain. At that time, I had been lifting heavy objects for half a day due to work. The next day, my ankle became red, swollen, hot, and painful, so I went back to the clinic where the docto...
Dr. Gao Jiankai Reply:
Hello, thank you for your question. If I understand correctly, both (Probenecid and Allopurinol) are medications used to lower uric acid levels. Generally, we prescribe only one uric acid-lowering medication, and we only consider combining them in patients who are more difficult ...[Read More] Understanding Your First Gout Attack: Symptoms, Treatment, and Management