Understanding the Significance of 1:80 Antinuclear Antibody Test Results
1:80X(-) Antinuclear antibodies (ANA) are a type of autoantibody that target substances within the nucleus of cells. The values obtained from the indirect immunofluorescence assay indicate the presence and concentration of these antibodies in the blood. A positive ANA test can su...
Dr. Gao Jiankai Reply:
Hello, thank you for your question. The antinuclear antibody (ANA) test starts with a dilution of 1:80. If the result is negative at this initial dilution, it will be reported as negative (-), indicating a normal result. If there is a positive reaction at 1:80, further dilutions ...[Read More] Understanding the Significance of 1:80 Antinuclear Antibody Test Results
Managing Anxiety and Health Concerns for HIV Positive Patients
The issue of experiencing anxiety and discomfort for an entire year? Hello, doctor. After many years of using Google for medical inquiries, this is my first time asking a question on this platform. I am HIV positive and have been on medication for five years, with my viral load c...
Dr. Lin Wufu Reply:
Hello: 1. If your HIV is well-controlled with medication (which should be the case, as your viral load remains undetectable), having a CD4 count of 500-700 means your immune system is not significantly worse than that of the general population. It is reasonable to seek medical ...[Read More] Managing Anxiety and Health Concerns for HIV Positive Patients
Understanding Infection Risks: Skin, Cysts, and HPV Transmission
Infection issues 1. Is it possible for water to enter the small opening of a pilonidal sinus while swimming, or for viruses and bacteria to enter the body through this opening due to the lack of skin protection? 2. Regarding an inflamed and swollen cyst located at the coccyx (w...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, 1. Pathogens can enter the body through any openings at any time and place, including the small openings you mentioned. However, the human body has an immune system that can eliminate most pathogens, preventing illness. 2. HPV can indeed be transmitted through contact ...[Read More] Understanding Infection Risks: Skin, Cysts, and HPV Transmission
Managing IBS and Varicocele: Is Combining Anticholinergics Safe?
Medication Consultation Irritable bowel syndrome with diarrhea: Trancolon 7.5 mg three times a day, Avertine 60 mg three times a day. Left varicocele: hyoscyamine 0.125 mg three times a day. I was once sent to the emergency room, underwent KUB imaging, and had ST segment elevatio...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, these two medications have similar mechanisms of action and may indeed have interactions. However, whether the dosage is appropriate should still be based on your clinical symptoms and assessed accordingly. It is advisable to consult your physician or clinical pharmacist f...[Read More] Managing IBS and Varicocele: Is Combining Anticholinergics Safe?
Understanding Elevated Anti-SMD Levels: Implications for Lupus and Other Conditions
ANTI SMD Hello doctor, I would like to ask about a single anti-Smith antibody (anti-Sm) level that was elevated at approximately 13, which later decreased to 8 after a year of medication. What does this signify clinically? Other lupus-related antibodies, such as anti-nuclear anti...
Dr. Gao Jiankai Reply:
Hello, thank you for your question. I have summarized your inquiries as follows: 1. What does it mean clinically if a single anti-SmD level was elevated at approximately 13 and later decreased to 8 after one year of medication? Anti-SmD is a specific antibody for Systemic Lupus ...[Read More] Understanding Elevated Anti-SMD Levels: Implications for Lupus and Other Conditions
Understanding HIV Infection Risks in Everyday Situations
HIV infection Hello, Doctor: I would like to ask about using a sit-down toilet in a public restroom. Before having a bowel movement, I forgot to check if the previous user had flushed the toilet, and when I used it, water splashed onto my anal area. Is there a possibility of infe...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, the three situations you described are not routes of HIV infection. Thank you for your question.[Read More] Understanding HIV Infection Risks in Everyday Situations
Understanding Mucus and Blood in Stool: When to Seek Medical Help
Mucous mixed with blood in stool? Hello Dr. Hong, I am currently abroad and it's not very suitable to go out due to COVID-19. I would like to ask about a concern I've been having. For the past few months, after having a bowel movement, I have noticed a mixture of clear ...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, based on your description of the mucus, I'm not sure if you've recently consumed foods that are higher in mucus content. If there are no other symptoms, it usually isn't a cause for concern. Regarding the blood streaks, I'm curious if you observed this ...[Read More] Understanding Mucus and Blood in Stool: When to Seek Medical Help
Understanding Common Concerns About Genital Health and Anatomy
Genital issues Hello, Doctor. A few days ago, I visited a urologist and discovered for the first time that the foreskin can be retracted for cleaning. After cleaning, I noticed a small, not very noticeable fold or a round spot on the glans. The doctor said it was normal sebaceous...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, whether there is a lump can only be determined through direct palpation. It is recommended to consult a urology clinic. Thank you for your inquiry.[Read More] Understanding Common Concerns About Genital Health and Anatomy
Managing Cellulitis Wounds: When to Apply Medication?
Cellulitis wound Doctor, after being discharged with cellulitis, I was instructed to keep the area dry and take medication. While keeping the wound dry, I noticed a small amount of yellow fluid, but there is no pain or redness. In this situation, do I need to apply any ointment? ...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, the yellow fluid you mentioned is likely tissue fluid. Based on your description of the wound, it should be sufficient to clean the wound with an antibiotic ointment or povidone-iodine. Thank you for your inquiry.[Read More] Managing Cellulitis Wounds: When to Apply Medication?
Understanding Blood Sugar and Kidney Health: Key Insights for Patients
Regarding blood sugar and the kidneys? Hello, doctor. At the end of last month, I visited a nearby clinic due to a urinary tract infection. My postprandial blood glucose was measured at 217 (more than one hour after eating). After a blood test, my hemoglobin A1c was found to be 5...
Dr. Chen Jianyu Reply:
Your situation is complex, and it is difficult to convey through text, which may lead to misunderstandings. It is recommended to seek assistance from a specialist in endocrinology, nephrology, or urology. Thank you. 109.12.24[Read More] Understanding Blood Sugar and Kidney Health: Key Insights for Patients
Understanding Mixed Connective Tissue Disease: Symptoms, Diagnosis, and Management
What is mixed connective tissue disease? Hello Doctor: I previously experienced an outbreak of urticaria and visited a nearby dermatologist two or three times without improvement. I read in magazines that I should see a rheumatologist, so I found the only clinic nearby that offer...
Dr. Gao Jiankai Reply:
Hello, thank you for your message. Mixed connective tissue disease is a type of rheumatic disease, which, as the name suggests, exhibits features of other rheumatic diseases, including scleroderma, systemic lupus erythematosus, and rheumatoid arthritis, but it is classified as an...[Read More] Understanding Mixed Connective Tissue Disease: Symptoms, Diagnosis, and Management
Understanding Oral Sex Risks: Symptoms and Concerns About HIV
Oral sex with mouth sores? On November 1, I had oral sex without any other sexual activity, but I developed a sore in the middle of my tongue, which did not bleed. On November 3, I experienced tonsillitis and saw a doctor. By November 5, I had recovered. On November 9, I had lary...
Dr. Lin Wufu Reply:
Hello: The risk of contracting HIV from a single oral sex encounter is approximately 1 in 10,000, which is generally a very low probability, but of course, it cannot be guaranteed that it is zero. The symptoms you mentioned can indeed be indicative of acute HIV infection, but sim...[Read More] Understanding Oral Sex Risks: Symptoms and Concerns About HIV
Concerns About Infection After Using Public Showers: What You Need to Know
Please ask about infection issues? Hello doctor, due to recent construction at home, I have been unable to use the bathroom to shower, so I went to the gym with my family to exercise and shower. However, yesterday my left finger got caught on some hair, and although I managed to ...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, the situation you described is not likely to result in a sexually transmitted infection, so please do not worry. Thank you for your question.[Read More] Concerns About Infection After Using Public Showers: What You Need to Know
Understanding Left Lower Abdominal Pain and Bowel Sounds: Causes and Solutions
Sharp pain in the lower left abdomen, accompanied by bowel sounds? Hello, recently I have been experiencing sharp and aching pain in my lower left abdomen, feeling like needles stabbing and knives cutting, occurring intermittently along with bowel sounds and a sensation of moveme...
Dr. Xie Rongyuan Reply:
Hello: Left lower abdominal pain and bowel sounds are generally related to dietary choices or gastrointestinal dysfunction. Since the colonoscopy showed no abnormalities, it is advisable to pay attention to the types of food consumed, as this may help alleviate the symptoms. Than...[Read More] Understanding Left Lower Abdominal Pain and Bowel Sounds: Causes and Solutions
Managing COVID-19 Anxiety: Tips for Staying Safe in Crowded Places
COVID-19 Hello doctor, I've been noticing an increasing number of infections from Indonesia appearing in Taiwan. Today, when I went to my aunt's house, I felt there were a lot of people when I transferred from the high-speed rail to the MRT. I encountered a foreign girl...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, according to government regulations, all incoming travelers must complete their quarantine period before being allowed to go out; otherwise, they will face penalties. Foreign migrant workers are also required to undergo testing before the end of their quarantine. With thes...[Read More] Managing COVID-19 Anxiety: Tips for Staying Safe in Crowded Places
Swallowed Something Hard: Understanding Fish Bones and Throat Discomfort
Swallowing something hard? Hello, Dr. Hong. Just now while I was having dinner, I ate some cod fish along with rice and possibly some sweet potato. After chewing and swallowing, I suddenly felt a sharp sensation near my esophagus, close to my tonsils. I'm not sure if it was ...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, usually most food will pass down to the esophagus after a while, unless there is a sharp fishbone that gets stuck in the throat. If there are no particular sensations in the throat afterward, you can just monitor the situation. As for the slight indentation you mentioned i...[Read More] Swallowed Something Hard: Understanding Fish Bones and Throat Discomfort
Am I at Risk for Diabetes? Understanding Symptoms and Dietary Habits
Am I at risk for diabetes? I am 179 cm tall and weigh 54 kg. Since I contracted pneumonia at the age of 12, I have been experiencing irritable bowel syndrome and fatigue. No matter what I eat, I can't gain weight. After a car accident at 14, I began to show symptoms of traum...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, the risk of diabetes is very complex and includes factors such as body composition and genetics, which cannot be generalized. However, it is recommended to reduce the intake of sugary beverages and increase physical activity, as these measures can indeed lower the risk. Ad...[Read More] Am I at Risk for Diabetes? Understanding Symptoms and Dietary Habits
Understanding HIV Testing: Common Questions and Concerns
HIV/AIDS? 1. Can a standard blood test determine if someone has HIV, or is a special test required? 2. If both parents are HIV-negative, can their child still contract HIV? (Without any sexual activity...) 3. Is there a risk of contracting HIV from oral sex if ejaculation doe...
Dr. Su Zhehong Reply:
Blood tests are the most definitive method for determining HIV infection, but it is important to specifically request an HIV test. The traditional HIV testing begins with an Enzyme Immunoassay (EIA). If the initial EIA result is positive, a second test is conducted. If both tests...[Read More] Understanding HIV Testing: Common Questions and Concerns
Understanding HIV Transmission Risks: Blood, Menstrual Cycle, and Clothing
Infectious Concerns If there is someone else's blood or bodily fluids, such as semen, on my clothing and my genital or anal area comes into contact with it, is there a risk of contracting HIV? Additionally, if I happen to be on my menstrual period, does this count as direct ...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, the conditions you described do not meet the criteria for HIV transmission, and you will not contract HIV from these situations. Please do not worry, and thank you for your question.[Read More] Understanding HIV Transmission Risks: Blood, Menstrual Cycle, and Clothing
Understanding Normal Variations in Male Anatomy and Back Pain Concerns
Please ask your two questions? Hello, doctor. I noticed a small spot on my glans that sometimes appears more pronounced when dry, but it’s almost unnoticeable when wet. I also suddenly have some pain in my back, so I decided to visit a urologist at a major hospital. The doctor ex...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, 1. The glans does indeed have sebaceous glands, and what you described is a normal phenomenon, so please don't worry. 2. Kidney pain usually tends to be persistent. If the pain you described changes with your posture, it is more likely caused by a muscle strain. I ...[Read More] Understanding Normal Variations in Male Anatomy and Back Pain Concerns