Differentiating Diabetic Foot from Cellulitis: Key Insights
The difference between diabetic foot and cellulitis? How can we differentiate between diabetic foot and cellulitis in the early stages? Thank you, doctor.
Dr. Liao Zhongxin Reply:
Dear readers: Regarding the differentiation between diabetic foot and cellulitis, here are the responses: 1. Patient history: The former is typically seen in individuals with a history of diabetes or a family history of diabetes, while the latter is not limited to such backgro...[Read More] Differentiating Diabetic Foot from Cellulitis: Key Insights
Understanding Early Symptoms of HIV: What You Need to Know
What are the early symptoms? On May 20th, I had sexual intercourse and oral sex with an online acquaintance (both with a condom, but it seems the condom had a little baby oil on it, although I am sure it didn't break). I already had some folliculitis, and recently (about a m...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, folliculitis is not a typical symptom of HIV. As long as safe sex practices are followed, the risk of contracting HIV is very low. Based on your description, it should not be HIV. Thank you for your question.[Read More] Understanding Early Symptoms of HIV: What You Need to Know
Understanding RT-PCR Results and HIV Concerns After Low-Risk Sexual Activity
RT-PCR issues Hello, doctor. I had low-risk sexual activity 16 days ago, and after receiving oral sex, I experienced slight weakness in my legs two days later. Therefore, I went for an RT-PCR test ten days later, and the report came back negative yesterday. The acute symptoms I e...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, based on your description, the likelihood of contracting HIV is very low. If you are concerned, you can take another test in 1-2 months or consider anonymous screening; however, it is likely to still be negative. Therefore, it can be inferred that your symptoms are probabl...[Read More] Understanding RT-PCR Results and HIV Concerns After Low-Risk Sexual Activity
Chest Tightness and Mid-Back Pain: Understanding Symptoms and Causes
Chest tightness and mid-back pain? Symptoms: Chest tightness and pain, mid-back pain, which is relieved for about 2 hours after running, but then the pain returns. Duration: Six months or even longer. Examination: 1. Chest X-ray normal, compared with last year's film from Au...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Based on your description, it seems less likely to be caused by a tumor. If the rheumatology and immunology department has already evaluated you, there is a higher chance of inflammation in the bones or muscles. It is recommended that you consult an orthopedic specialist or a fam...[Read More] Chest Tightness and Mid-Back Pain: Understanding Symptoms and Causes
Understanding Dizziness and Discomfort: When to Seek Medical Advice
Dizziness, body heat, discomfort, and dry heaving? Hello, Doctor! Recently, I've been experiencing dizziness and a feeling of warmth in my body after walking or standing for about a minute. My walking becomes unstable, especially during exercise, and I feel a pressure in my ...
Dr. Liao Zhongxin Reply:
Dear readers: "I have been experiencing dizziness when walking or standing for about a minute." Here are some responses: 1. Consider two aspects: (1) Orthostatic hypotension: This occurs when standing up suddenly after prolonged sitting or lying down, leading to ...[Read More] Understanding Dizziness and Discomfort: When to Seek Medical Advice
Understanding Kidney Pain vs. Back Pain: What You Need to Know
Kidney pain or lower back pain? I have a habit of jogging, but recently I have experienced pain on the left side of my abdomen, near the waist (slightly in front of the left kidney) after running just a few laps. It takes about 10 minutes of deep breathing for the pain to subside...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Based on your description, the most likely diagnosis is an abdominal muscle strain. With appropriate rest for the abdominal muscles, recovery should be possible. If you are concerned about kidney issues, another possibility is kidney stones; however, kidney stones are typically a...[Read More] Understanding Kidney Pain vs. Back Pain: What You Need to Know
Understanding Left-Sided Back Pain: When to See a Specialist
Back pain Hello doctor, I have pain on the left side of my spine in the back, which occurs when I do a bow stretch. It has been several months and feels like a continuous pain. I visited a traditional Chinese medicine practitioner who diagnosed me with myofascial pain syndrome. F...
Dr. Xiao Yongxun Reply:
Dear Mr. Hsiao-An: 1. There are many causes of back pain, including degenerative, neoplastic, inflammatory, infectious, radiculopathy, metabolic, traumatic, and referred pain, among others. Therefore, a wide range of specialties may be involved, and sometimes diagnosis is not st...[Read More] Understanding Left-Sided Back Pain: When to See a Specialist
Persistent Afternoon Fever: Understanding Chronic Symptoms and Causes
Fever every afternoon? Hello doctor, I have been experiencing a fever for over a month now, with temperatures gradually rising in the afternoon, ranging from 37.5 to 38.5 degrees Celsius. Two months ago, I had symptoms such as coughing and a runny nose, with occasional fevers aro...
Dr. Liao Zhongxin Reply:
Dear readers, regarding the above issue, here is my response. Hello, doctor. I have been experiencing a fever for over a month, with temperatures gradually rising in the afternoon, ranging between 37.5°C and 38.5°C. Two months ago, I had symptoms of cough and runny nose, with o...[Read More] Persistent Afternoon Fever: Understanding Chronic Symptoms and Causes
Understanding Chronic Lower Abdominal Pain: Causes and Insights
Lower abdominal pain? I have had this issue for about 5 to 6 years. When I was younger, I had a habit of holding in my urine, but I have changed that now. However, about 5 to 6 years ago, I started experiencing occasional pain just below the navel. This pain is particularly inten...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Based on your description, it seems that there is a higher likelihood of an abdominal muscle strain. I wonder if you often engage in activities that utilize your abdominal muscles, such as sit-ups, or if you experience constipation that requires straining. Typically, issues like ...[Read More] Understanding Chronic Lower Abdominal Pain: Causes and Insights
Understanding Ankylosing Spondylitis: Diagnosis and Treatment Options
Medications for Ankylosing Spondylitis Currently, I have pain in the middle back extending to the chest (not lower back pain), which is localized to the left side and has not improved for several months. I went to a large hospital for an examination, and the X-ray results indicat...
Dr. Gao Jiankai Reply:
Hello, thank you for your question. 1. Being gene-negative does not rule out ankylosing spondylitis. The diagnosis of ankylosing spondylitis relies heavily on clinical symptoms and X-ray findings; the presence or absence of the gene is only an auxiliary diagnostic tool. Proper ...[Read More] Understanding Ankylosing Spondylitis: Diagnosis and Treatment Options
Understanding Increased Urination: Is It Normal After Hydration?
Experiencing a quick urge to urinate after drinking water, along with a total urine output that exceeds the amount of water consumed, can indicate a condition known as polyuria. This may be associated with various factors, including diabetes mellitus, excessive fluid intake, or c...
Dr. Wang Weijie Reply:
Hello, 1. Fluid intake includes both the water content in food and the amount of water consumed. Relying solely on water intake can lead to inaccuracies; it is advisable to check the specific gravity of urine and the presence of proteinuria to assess hydration status. 2. What...[Read More] Understanding Increased Urination: Is It Normal After Hydration?
Understanding Unilateral Leg Edema: Next Steps for Diagnosis
Unilateral edema Hello, doctor! My grandmother, who is currently 87 years old, has been experiencing severe unilateral leg edema for the past two to three weeks. She recently visited the hospital and consulted a nephrologist, and her kidney function tests came back normal. Due to...
Dr. Xiao Yongxun Reply:
Dear Miss Quiet: 1. Common causes of unilateral leg edema include cellulitis, chronic venous insufficiency, compartment syndrome, complex regional pain syndrome, deep vein thrombosis, venous obstruction (e.g., from a bone tumor), lipedema, lymphedema, and right arterial compres...[Read More] Understanding Unilateral Leg Edema: Next Steps for Diagnosis
Understanding Abdominal and Lower Back Pain: Kidney Health Concerns
Pain around the abdomen and waist? Hello doctor, I have been experiencing a dull pain in my abdomen lately, which has affected my sleep quality. I also feel a lot of stress, and occasionally I experience soreness in my lower back. The first urine in the morning is foamy, with som...
Dr. Lin Peifeng Reply:
Dear Mr. Avi: Hello, regarding the issue you raised, we recommend that you visit the outpatient clinic for an examination. Hualien Hospital, Ministry of Health and Welfare, cares about you.[Read More] Understanding Abdominal and Lower Back Pain: Kidney Health Concerns
Understanding Right Kidney Pain: Causes and Concerns for Patients
Kidney problems Hello, Doctor Wu. I would like to ask, around noon today, I experienced pain in my right kidney. It hurts when I squat down and when I get back up. My job involves standing and squatting to pick things up. In mid-February of this year, the clinic conducted blood a...
Dr. Wu Hongjie Reply:
Hello: There are many issues related to lower back pain that can be referenced in the attached document or addressed at a hospital. Wishing you safety from bothersome back pain. In the United States, back pain is the second most common reason for seeking medical attention in inte...[Read More] Understanding Right Kidney Pain: Causes and Concerns for Patients
Understanding Left-Sided Lower Back Pain: Causes and Remedies
Left-sided lower back pain? Hello doctor, recently when I wake up and get out of bed, I notice that my lower back is very sore and feels warm. The pain is on one side, and I've been rubbing it to try to relieve the soreness, which has caused a slight swelling. I usually work...
Dr. Zeng Guosen Reply:
A netizen has experienced acute back pain for two days. Possible issues could stem from the internal organs, kidneys, urinary system, spine, or soft tissues in the back. Simply sitting for too long should not cause swelling or warmth. It is recommended to seek medical attention f...[Read More] Understanding Left-Sided Lower Back Pain: Causes and Remedies
Low Lymphocyte Count: Could It Indicate HIV Infection?
A low lymphocyte count and a neutrophil count near the upper limit of normal could potentially indicate various conditions, including HIV. However, these findings alone are not definitive for an HIV diagnosis. It is important to consult a healthcare professional for further evalu...
Dr. Liao Zhongxin Reply:
Regarding <My Story>, the response is as follows: 1. I discovered painful urination and purulent discharge in mid-December last year and immediately sought medical attention at a clinic. However, there was no discharge during the examination. The doctor administered an in...[Read More] Low Lymphocyte Count: Could It Indicate HIV Infection?
Persistent Left Back Itching and Numbness: Seeking Answers in Medical Care
Numbness and itching deep in the left back? About five months ago, I started feeling a tingling and itchy sensation deep in my left back, near the scapula. Scratching the skin is completely ineffective, and pressing hard provides only slight relief. Since the itchy sensation is a...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, I understand you have been feeling unwell and it has not improved. Based on your description, there are indeed many conditions that could cause such symptoms, including left arm injuries (such as strains or poor posture), heart issues, or problems with the stomach or pancr...[Read More] Persistent Left Back Itching and Numbness: Seeking Answers in Medical Care
Assessing HIV Risk: Symptoms and Concerns After Multiple Encounters
Symptoms related to HIV/AIDS? Hello, doctor. Since around September of last year, I have had sexual encounters with over ten sex workers. Among these encounters, there were a few instances of unprotected oral sex, but all vaginal intercourse was protected, and there was no anal i...
Dr. Liao Zhongxin Reply:
Dear readers: According to the information from the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) website: http://www.cdc.gov.tw/professional/list.aspx?treeid=7B56E6F932B49B90&nowtreeid=8CFCD9975BC5720FA. The transmission routes of the Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) are as follows: 1...[Read More] Assessing HIV Risk: Symptoms and Concerns After Multiple Encounters
Understanding Inflammatory Back Pain: Is It Ankylosing Spondylitis?
Ankylosing Spondylitis Hello doctor, about a week ago I suddenly experienced a sharp pain in my lower back, similar to a strain. Moving my back causes pain, but after a day or two, the pain only occurs at night when I get up to use the bathroom and in the morning when I wake up. ...
Dr. Zeng Guosen Reply:
Hello, the condition you mentioned, ankylosing spondylitis, is classified as chronic inflammatory back pain. Since it has only been occurring for about a week, I recommend monitoring the situation. If the symptoms do not improve or worsen, it would be advisable to see a doctor. A...[Read More] Understanding Inflammatory Back Pain: Is It Ankylosing Spondylitis?
Understanding Yellow and Black Stool: Is It Irritable Bowel Syndrome?
Occasional diarrhea with stool that is yellowish-black? Hello doctor, for the past few months, my bowel movements have been alternating between ribbon-like, scattered, and loose forms. For instance, I might have ribbon-like stools for two days, followed by scattered or loose stoo...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, indeed, the actual food we consume can affect the color of our stool, making it difficult to determine the presence of disease based solely on color. However, concerning problematic stools, we typically refer to "melena," which is characterized by a black, tarry ...[Read More] Understanding Yellow and Black Stool: Is It Irritable Bowel Syndrome?