Understanding Test Results: Concerns About Tumor Risk and Further Examinations
Please inquire about the test results? Hello, doctor. Recently, my father experienced swelling in his throat and left hand due to stress, prompting him to visit a rheumatology and immunology specialist. Based on his condition, the doctor ordered the following tests (the items lis...
Dr. Gao Jiankai Reply:
Hello, thank you for your inquiry. Here are my responses: 1. The attending physician did not inform us about the location of the tumor, nor did they provide a detailed explanation to my father regarding which specific values were problematic for the diagnosis. Could you please ...[Read More] Understanding Test Results: Concerns About Tumor Risk and Further Examinations
Understanding ANA Test Results: What Does a 1:80 Titer Mean?
Antinuclear antibodies (ANA) 1. The ANA (antinuclear antibody) test result of 1:80 indicates a low level of antibodies present in your system. While your previous result was negative, the current result suggests that there may be some level of antibodies, but it is still consider...
Dr. Gao Jiankai Reply:
Hello, thank you for your inquiry. Here are my responses: 1. If two years ago the result was NEGATIVE and now it is 1:80X(-), does this indicate that there are some antibodies present in the body? --> Yes, it indicates that there has been an increase in antibodies. 2. Previ...[Read More] Understanding ANA Test Results: What Does a 1:80 Titer Mean?
Understanding the Diagnostic Process for Arthritis: Key Considerations and Timeline
What should be noted and considered during the diagnostic process? How long does the diagnostic process typically take? Is it possible that it could be another non-autoimmune disease? Hello, Doctor Gao. I have been experiencing symptoms of arthritis for the past three weeks, incl...
Dr. Gao Jiankai Reply:
Hello, thank you for your question. I believe you can undergo an anti-CCP test, which you can discuss with your physician, as it relates to prognosis and future changes in your condition. If these tests return normal results, although you still experience joint pain, the severity...[Read More] Understanding the Diagnostic Process for Arthritis: Key Considerations and Timeline
Managing Mycoplasma Infection: Treatment Duration and Medication Guidance
Medication issues related to suspected Mycoplasma infections? Hello Dr. Liao, I started experiencing symptoms of a sore throat, itching, and coughing on March 19 while in mainland China. Due to potential exposure to a Mycoplasma infection, I sought medical attention after retur...
Dr. Liao Zhongxin Reply:
According to the recommendations from the Centers for Disease Control in Taiwan: 1. The drug of choice for Mycoplasma pneumoniae is not erythromycin, but rather macrolide antibiotics. Alternative medications include fluoroquinolone antibiotics or tetracycline antibiotics. Gener...[Read More] Managing Mycoplasma Infection: Treatment Duration and Medication Guidance
Understanding HIV and HPV Risks: PEP Efficacy and Autoimmune Concerns
HIV infection HPV infection Hello, Doctor. I have a question. After performing oral sex on a woman, I noticed small red spots on my abdomen two days later, which made me very anxious. I quickly went to a clinic and had a blood test for HIV, which came back negative. I started tak...
Dr. Liao Zhongxin Reply:
First, let's look at the information about HIV: The HIV virus has three main transmission routes: 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 risk of infec...[Read More] Understanding HIV and HPV Risks: PEP Efficacy and Autoimmune Concerns
Can You Contract HIV Through Masturbation After Contact with Infected Fluids?
Transmission route - masturbation If a person has contact with the blood or semen of an HIV-infected individual on their hands, does not wash their hands, and then engages in masturbation with broken skin on their genitals, is there a risk of HIV infection?
Dr. Liao Zhongxin Reply:
First, let's review the transmission routes of HIV. There are three main transmission routes for the HIV virus: 1. Sexual transmission: Engaging in oral, anal, or vaginal intercourse without a condom with an HIV-infected individual, or exchanging other bodily fluids, carri...[Read More] Can You Contract HIV Through Masturbation After Contact with Infected Fluids?
Understanding Gastrointestinal Issues: Causes and Remedies for Stomach Pain
Gastrointestinal issues Hello, doctor. I went to the night market yesterday and ate a lot of food. Around 2 AM, I experienced about 20 minutes of abdominal cramping (some time had passed since I finished eating). I felt the urge to have a bowel movement but couldn't, and the...
Dr. Gao Jiankai Reply:
Hello, thank you for your inquiry. If you are not experiencing any further cramping, then there is no need for concern. Blood in the stool is more commonly associated with hemorrhoids or anal fissures. Anal fissures tend to be painful, whereas if there is no pain, it is more like...[Read More] Understanding Gastrointestinal Issues: Causes and Remedies for Stomach Pain
Understanding Allergic Rhinitis: Immunology vs. ENT Treatment Approaches
Allergic rhinitis Can I also see the immunology department? May I ask if your treatment methods in immunology involve regular appointments for medication management? What is the difference between immunology and otolaryngology?
Dr. Gao Jiankai Reply:
Hello, thank you for your question. Personally, I believe the differences between our department and the otolaryngology department are as follows: 1. We primarily focus on medication, while otolaryngologists can use endoscopy to observe changes in the nasal cavity, throat, and ea...[Read More] Understanding Allergic Rhinitis: Immunology vs. ENT Treatment Approaches
Understanding HPV: Can Cervical and Anal Infections Affect Each Other?
Cervical HPV virus and anal HPV virus? Background: There was a previous incident of unprotected anal intercourse. Later, a cervical HPV test showed an infection with HPV type 58, but it has since been treated and resolved. I would like to ask: Can cervical HPV and anal HPV infect...
Dr. Lin Wufu Reply:
Hello, the HPV virus is a systemic infection that can cross-infect different areas of the body. Additionally, there is currently no cure for HPV once contracted; treatment typically focuses on visible manifestations such as warts and condylomas. However, the virus can still remai...[Read More] Understanding HPV: Can Cervical and Anal Infections Affect Each Other?
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?
Managing Viral Warts and Hemorrhoids: Key Questions Answered
Having viral warts and hemorrhoids? Hello Doctor, about one or two weeks ago, I noticed something on my buttocks and went to see a dermatologist. The doctor said it was a viral wart, which I believe is genital warts. I have undergone one session of cryotherapy and have some quest...
Dr. Liao Zhongxin Reply:
To encourage men to receive the HPV vaccine, it has been renamed the Papillomavirus vaccine. Generally, adults carry the papillomavirus, but certain strains can lead to cancer or sexually transmitted infections. Therefore, the government encourages both young men and women to get...[Read More] Managing Viral Warts and Hemorrhoids: Key Questions Answered
Can Weight Training Cause Gynecomastia in Young Men?
Can weight training cause gynecomastia in women? Hello, doctor. I started weight training at the age of 19, and after six months of training, I began to notice a lump-like formation in my breast at the age of 20, which was painful to touch. I went to a local clinic, where the doc...
Dr. Lin Jianliang Reply:
Hello, it's rare to hear that weight training can cause gynecomastia in men. At least in my understanding, I haven't seen it. I suggest consulting a breast surgeon.[Read More] Can Weight Training Cause Gynecomastia in Young Men?
Understanding Uric Acid Levels: Insights on Gout and Health Management
Interpretation of Uric Acid Levels Hello, Doctor. I am 175 cm tall and weigh 97 kg. I have had high blood pressure since I was 16 years old. I do not drink alcohol but often stay up late. On March 15, I sprained my left ankle; at the time, there was no pain or swelling. However, ...
Dr. Gao Jiankai Reply:
Hello, thank you for your question. Here are my responses: 1. I have been losing weight for over a month, with my weight dropping from 104 kg to 97 kg. I would like to know if my lowest uric acid level in my life, which is 5.6 mg/dL, is due to dietary control or because I previ...[Read More] Understanding Uric Acid Levels: Insights on Gout and Health Management
Managing Mood Swings and Infections in SLE Patients: A Guide
The SLE patient became manic and developed an abscess on the buttocks after changing medication? Hello Doctor: I am a patient with Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (SLE), currently experiencing stage three nephritis and recurrent vasculitis of the skin. My current medications include...
Dr. Gao Jiankai Reply:
Hello, thank you for your inquiry. The susceptibility to skin infections is indeed related to the current use of immunosuppressants. You may ask your physician to gradually taper your medication based on your condition. Additionally, it is important to protect your skin from inju...[Read More] Managing Mood Swings and Infections in SLE Patients: A Guide
Understanding Glomerular Filtration Rate: What High Levels Mean for Diabetics
Glomerular filtration rate (GFR) Hello Dr. Chang, I am a diabetes patient. Recently, my blood test report showed the following: estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR): 143, creatinine: 0.65, urine microalbumin-to-creatinine ratio: 84, urine occult blood: 1+. Is a higher glom...
Dr. Zhang Shixin Reply:
Hello: 1. Regarding the glomerular filtration rate, if your blood pressure and blood sugar are well-controlled, it is recommended to monitor the trends. 2. Diabetic nephropathy is usually accompanied by proteinuria; therefore, maintaining stable blood sugar and blood pressure is ...[Read More] Understanding Glomerular Filtration Rate: What High Levels Mean for Diabetics
Understanding Thyroid Cancer Treatment: Managing Side Effects and Health Concerns
Thyroid cancer My mother is 55 years old and has been monitored for nodules for several years. She was recently informed of malignant changes and was subsequently diagnosed with thyroid cancer at a larger hospital. Initially, when it was uncertain whether the cancer was malignant...
Dr. Li Jian Reply:
Thyroid dysfunction can also lead to abnormal cholesterol levels, and diet has a significant impact as well. Thank you for your inquiry.[Read More] Understanding Thyroid Cancer Treatment: Managing Side Effects and Health Concerns
Do Antibiotics and Anti-Inflammatories Affect Stable Stiffness Conditions?
Subject: Do antibiotics and anti-inflammatory medications cause stable stiffness conditions to become unstable? Dear Dr. Gao, I am a patient with ankylosing spondylitis, diagnosed three years ago. My condition has been stable, so I have temporarily stopped taking Celecoxib for s...
Dr. Gao Jiankai Reply:
Hello, thank you for your question. Here are my responses: 1. Will the aforementioned two medications cause stable stiffness to become unstable? --> I don't believe so. 2. If they do induce instability, are there alternative medications? --> If pain recurs, it may be r...[Read More] Do Antibiotics and Anti-Inflammatories Affect Stable Stiffness Conditions?
Understanding Skin Rashes and Positive ANA: What You Need to Know
Rash and ANA positive at 1:80? Hello Doctor, I would like to ask about some recent developments. I have noticed three new red spots on the skin of my right cheek. Upon closer inspection, they seem to resemble either subcutaneous bleeding or pigmentation, but they are neither pain...
Dr. Gao Jiankai Reply:
Hello, thank you for your questions. Here are my responses: 1. Should I be concerned about my ANA test results? Does a change from negative to positive indicate that my health is deteriorating? --> Since the value is still quite low (80) and within an acceptable range, I reco...[Read More] Understanding Skin Rashes and Positive ANA: What You Need to Know
Understanding Persistent Skin Rashes: Possible Immune System Disorders
Red rashes on the back, posterior legs, arms, and anterior chest, with itching at night that makes it impossible to sleep, and some areas of skin peeling? Since January 2024, the patient has been experiencing symptoms and has visited three clinics where eczema or urticaria was su...
Dr. Zeng Guosen Reply:
The skin condition described by the netizen seems to be unrelated to the positive antinuclear antibody (ANA) titer of 1:5120. There may be other autoimmune diseases involved, and it is advisable to seek further medical evaluation. It is recommended to first visit a dermatology de...[Read More] Understanding Persistent Skin Rashes: Possible Immune System Disorders
Understanding ANA Test Results: Eczema and Lupus Family History
Inquiry about ANA report? Hello, doctor. Three months ago, I started experiencing a significant rash on my lower back and abdomen. I have seen dermatologists at three different hospitals, and it was ultimately diagnosed as eczema due to a family history of lupus erythematosus on ...
Dr. Zeng Guosen Reply:
After obtaining a result of 1:80(+) from the test, a direct follow-up test at 1:160 will be conducted. If the 1:160 result is negative, the report will be issued as 1:80. Generally, a result of 1:80 is not considered problematic. It is recommended to consult a rheumatologist for ...[Read More] Understanding ANA Test Results: Eczema and Lupus Family History