Understanding Atypical Symptoms of Ankylosing Spondylitis in Young Adults
I am not sure if it is truly ankylosing spondylitis? Hello Doctor, my son is currently 19 years old and has been diagnosed with ankylosing spondylitis at Chang Gung Memorial Hospital for over two years. Initially, he only experienced pain in the sacroiliac joint in his buttocks, ...
Dr. Zeng Guosen Reply:
The symptoms described by the user, such as experiencing pain in the lower back when leaning backward (but not when bending forward), are not typical of ankylosing spondylitis. There is no morning stiffness, no increased pain upon waking, and no relief after daytime activities, w...[Read More] Understanding Atypical Symptoms of Ankylosing Spondylitis in Young Adults
Should My Son Continue Taking Pain Relievers for Ankylosing Spondylitis?
I'm not sure whether to continue taking anti-inflammatory pain relievers? Hello Doctor, my son is currently 19 years old and has been diagnosed with ankylosing spondylitis for over two years. His only symptom has been pain in the sacroiliac joint in his buttocks. At the onse...
Dr. Zeng Guosen Reply:
1) If ESR/CRP levels are normal and symptoms are stable, pain medication may not be necessary, but regular monitoring of ESR/CRP and X-rays is required. 2) Ankylosing spondylitis typically begins by affecting the sacroiliac joints, and approximately half of the patients will expe...[Read More] Should My Son Continue Taking Pain Relievers for Ankylosing Spondylitis?
Understanding HIV Symptoms and Testing: What You Need to Know
HIV-related issues 1. Ten days ago, I had unprotected sexual intercourse, and three days after the encounter, I developed a fever of 38.5 degrees Celsius. After seeing a doctor and receiving an injection, my fever subsided, but I continued to experience diarrhea for the following...
Dr. Liao Zhongxin Reply:
According to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) data, the transmission routes of the Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) are as follows: 1. **Sexual Transmission**: Engaging in oral, anal, or vaginal intercourse with an HIV-infected individual or exchanging other bodily fluids...[Read More] Understanding HIV Symptoms and Testing: What You Need to Know
Post-Appendectomy: Persistent Low-Grade Fever, Dizziness, and Appetite Loss
After appendectomy, the body often experiences elevated temperature, dizziness, and decreased appetite? Hello Doctor, in mid-July, I had a continuous high fever of 39 degrees Celsius for two days. I was taken to the emergency room and found out that my appendix had ruptured. The ...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, based on your description, the main issues seem to be elevated body temperature and poor appetite. I'm not sure if there are any other discomforts, including those related to the surgical area or other parts of the body. If there are, it may be necessary to conduct ex...[Read More] Post-Appendectomy: Persistent Low-Grade Fever, Dizziness, and Appetite Loss
Understanding the Impact of Stress on Immune System Health
Immune system Hello, doctor. I am the patient who asked questions today regarding the many positive results. Thank you for your answers. What I fear the most is the HIV test, but fortunately, it came back negative. However, I am still very worried about the numerous abnormal resu...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, indeed, aside from HIV, other positive results do not necessarily indicate an acute infection. Wishing you all the best and good health.[Read More] Understanding the Impact of Stress on Immune System Health
Concerns About Tongue Issues: Healing, Pain, and Cancer Risks
Tongue issues? Doctor, I apologize for bothering you again. You mentioned last time that the healing of my tongue would take several weeks, and it has now been three weeks. Here is a photo of the indentation on my tongue: https://imgur.com/a/w9898Lt. I have consulted many doctors...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, due to the presence of glands on the tongue and its naturally uneven structure, this small indentation is likely not a sign of disease. As for tongue pain, it is usually less likely to be caused by an injury and is more often related to fatigue or stress. I recommend getti...[Read More] Concerns About Tongue Issues: Healing, Pain, and Cancer Risks
Understanding Syphilis Treatment Options for LGBTQ+ Patients
Syphilis Diagnosis and Treatment I am gay and I was first diagnosed with syphilis two years ago (I was also diagnosed with HIV at the same time). I have received treatment (three injections for syphilis) and I was cured. Last year, I contracted syphilis again, but I was afraid to...
Dr. Liao Zhongxin Reply:
1. Yes, because the health insurance card will be annotated. For example, HIV and syphilis are both legally mandated reportable infectious diseases. If a clinic or physician diagnoses a legally reportable infectious disease but fails to report it within the specified time frame, ...[Read More] Understanding Syphilis Treatment Options for LGBTQ+ Patients
Understanding Safe Needle Use in HIV Screening: Your Concerns Addressed
Regarding screening needles? I previously went for an HIV test, and the person said they used safe needles for blood collection, similar to those at the Red House testing station. However, I have a concern: is it possible that I accidentally received a needle that was used by som...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, the so-called safety needles refer to those that retract the needle back into the syringe after a single use, making them completely unusable afterward. Therefore, there is no need to worry about the issue of reuse. Thank you for your question.[Read More] Understanding Safe Needle Use in HIV Screening: Your Concerns Addressed
Understanding Abnormal RF and ESR Results: What You Need to Know
Abnormal RF and ESR? Hello Doctor, I had a CRP test on April 21st which was 0.1 (normal range 0-1 mg/dL), and on July 19th, my comprehensive health check showed an abnormal RF of 242 (<15 IU/mL). On August 7th, I visited the immunology department, and during a brief consultati...
Dr. Gao Jiankai Reply:
Hello, thank you for your inquiry. A high RF (Rheumatoid Factor) may be associated with other conditions, including viral hepatitis, particularly hepatitis C, Sjögren's syndrome, and other rheumatic diseases. It is advisable to consult your physician for more detailed examin...[Read More] Understanding Abnormal RF and ESR Results: What You Need to Know
Understanding HIV Rapid Testing: Clarifying Window Period and Results
HIV rapid test Hello Dr. Hong, I asked you about the HIV rapid test yesterday, but later I realized that the test I took was not the 4th generation ELISA but rather the Abbott rapid test for HIV Ag/Ab p24 Ag (Combo) during the window period of 4 to 5 weeks. Therefore, I am asking...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, the Combo test will not affect the results, so you only need to confirm if there was an infection during the 10-day period. Thank you for your question.[Read More] Understanding HIV Rapid Testing: Clarifying Window Period and Results
Unexplained Fever: Seeking Answers Beyond Immunology and Infectious Diseases
Fever of unknown origin Hello Doctor: I have been experiencing unexplained fever since May 20th. I have seen both immunology and rheumatology specialists, as well as infectious disease specialists, and have undergone all necessary blood and urine tests, all of which came back nor...
Dr. Lin Wufu Reply:
Hello, undiagnosed fever is inherently a challenging diagnostic issue, with some individuals requiring follow-up for one to two years before the underlying cause gradually becomes apparent. There are also many cases where the fever resolves on its own over time. It is recommended...[Read More] Unexplained Fever: Seeking Answers Beyond Immunology and Infectious Diseases
Managing Medication Changes for Ankylosing Spondylitis: A Patient's Journey
How to switch medications? Hello Doctor, my son is currently 19 years old and has been diagnosed with ankylosing spondylitis for 2 years. His only symptom is pain in the sacroiliac joint. At the onset of the disease, he took one tablet of Voltaren (60 mg) daily for a month, but i...
Dr. Gao Jiankai Reply:
Hello, thank you for your question. Here are my responses: 1) Since my child started taking 2 Salazopyrin and 1 Methotrexate daily, his CRP has significantly decreased to 0.2 mg/dL, which was previously unattainable even with 2 Sulfasalazine daily (although his ESR occasionally...[Read More] Managing Medication Changes for Ankylosing Spondylitis: A Patient's Journey
Understanding Fatty Liver: Normal Liver Enzymes and Health Implications
I'm sorry, but I cannot assist with that? Hello Doctor, my liver enzyme levels have returned to normal. Does this mean that my fatty liver disease has resolved, or is it possible for fatty liver disease to have normal liver enzyme levels? Could I currently just have simple m...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, normal liver enzyme levels indicate that there is no inflammation in the liver. Weight loss can indeed improve fatty liver. As for whether the fatty liver has improved, follow-up ultrasound examinations are necessary to determine that. I agree with your physician's re...[Read More] Understanding Fatty Liver: Normal Liver Enzymes and Health Implications
Shingles Concerns: When to Seek Medical Attention After Vaccination
Shingles Hello, a family member has SLE and developed shingles on the left arm four months after receiving the shingles vaccine. Upon returning to the attending physician, it was found that shingles appeared again in a short period. They have been taking antiviral medication for ...
Dr. Gao Jiankai Reply:
Hello, thank you for your question. I believe you can continue taking antiviral medication, drink plenty of water, and monitor the skin rash. If the rash appears in different areas while on an adequate dose of antiviral medication, it is likely not herpes; however, if it is near ...[Read More] Shingles Concerns: When to Seek Medical Attention After Vaccination
Sudden Rapid Heartbeat and Low Oxygen: Understanding Your Symptoms
Sudden increase in heart rate while sitting, decreased blood oxygen levels, and hand tremors? Hello doctor, after taking a shower tonight, I sat down and suddenly experienced a rapid heartbeat that shot up to over 120 beats per minute. My blood oxygen level dropped from 99 to 93,...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Based on your description, it is likely that the significant temperature changes have activated the sympathetic nervous system, leading to your symptoms. It is advisable to avoid drastic temperature fluctuations and to take care to keep warm after bathing. The rapid heartbeat may...[Read More] Sudden Rapid Heartbeat and Low Oxygen: Understanding Your Symptoms
Understanding Sleep Issues in Teen Athletes: A Guide to Common Concerns
Sleep issues Hello, doctor. I have some questions I would like to ask you. As a teenager, I'm not sure if what I'm experiencing is normal. I am an athlete and I start training at 7 AM and also have practice in the afternoon. Recently, I've been sleeping with the ai...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, 1. It is normal to experience a dry throat when sleeping in an air-conditioned room, as air conditioning has a dehumidifying function. 2. Whether you snore may require the assistance of those around you to observe. As for sleep apnea, a sleep study at a sleep clinic is ...[Read More] Understanding Sleep Issues in Teen Athletes: A Guide to Common Concerns
Understanding Moles on the Back of Your Hand: What You Need to Know
Mole on the back of the hand? Hello Doctor, I noticed a sudden appearance of a black mole on the back of my hand about three years ago. I consulted a dermatologist who said it was nothing to worry about and advised me to just monitor it. Since it has been a long time and it doesn...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, moles can appear on any part of the body. Based on your description, it seems to be a normal mole. If there are no significant changes, there is no need to worry. Thank you for your question.[Read More] Understanding Moles on the Back of Your Hand: What You Need to Know
Understanding Sudden Fainting: Causes and Concerns for Your Health
Sudden fainting? Around 12:20 AM today, my mother (52 years old) was talking before going to the bathroom when she suddenly fainted just as she was about to enter. I heard a noise and rushed to check, finding her collapsed at the doorway. She regained consciousness after about 30...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Based on your description, it is likely that the alcohol caused vasodilation, leading to a sudden drop in blood pressure, combined with urine production activating the sympathetic nervous system, resulting in a temporary fainting episode. It is recommended that if she drinks alco...[Read More] Understanding Sudden Fainting: Causes and Concerns for Your Health
Understanding Muscle Indentation Above the Tibia: Kidney Health Insights
Depression upon palpation of the muscles above the tibia in the lower leg? Hello Dr. Wu, I apologize for bothering you, but I would like to ask you a question. Recently, I suddenly noticed that when I press on the muscles around my tibia in both calves, they indent and do not bou...
Dr. Wu Jiyu Reply:
According to your inquiry, the report you provided shows that urine protein levels are at 568 mg/g, which exceeds the normal value (<150 mg/g). This may require a discussion with a nephrologist regarding treatment options and adherence to a low-protein diet. Regarding the inde...[Read More] Understanding Muscle Indentation Above the Tibia: Kidney Health Insights
Understanding Chest Pain and Cough: Causes and Treatment Options
Chest pain and cough? Hello, doctor. Since March, I have been experiencing pain in the center of my chest. I have visited both pulmonology and cardiology several times, and after undergoing X-rays and heart-related tests, everything came back normal. The pain occurs mainly in the...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, based on your description and the fact that you have already had an X-ray, it does seem more like costochondritis. However, costochondritis typically does not present with a cough. I recommend that you first get tested for COVID-19. If the result is negative and you still ...[Read More] Understanding Chest Pain and Cough: Causes and Treatment Options