Understanding Indirect Infection Risks of Bloodborne Viruses: B and C Hepatitis
Can bloodborne viruses such as hepatitis B and C be transmitted indirectly? Actually, this happened about four years ago when I took a part-time job as a dental assistant. One day, while waiting to clean instruments, I accidentally pricked my hand with a probe, causing some bleed...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, the possibility of infection depends on whether the probe is contaminated with the patient's blood and whether the patient has a bloodborne disease. Given the long time frame, it is indeed advisable to consider blood tests for Hepatitis B, Hepatitis C, and HIV. Howeve...[Read More] Understanding Indirect Infection Risks of Bloodborne Viruses: B and C Hepatitis
Understanding Low Platelet Counts: When to Seek Further Testing
Thrombocytopenia Hello Doctor, my mother has had a long-standing issue with low platelet counts. A few years ago, she visited a hematology-oncology specialist, and her platelet count (PL) was around 70,000 to 80,000. The specialist only recommended that she continue to monitor he...
Dr. Gao Jiankai Reply:
Hello, thank you for your message. Generally, before a hematologist recommends continued monitoring for an elderly woman, they will also evaluate the screening indicators for immune function. You may want to ask your physician whether there is a possibility of an immune issue for...[Read More] Understanding Low Platelet Counts: When to Seek Further Testing
Understanding Dark Green Stool: Causes and Concerns After Iron Supplementation
The stool appears dark green? Hello Doctor: I started taking iron supplements in February of last year, and after stopping the medication in December, I noticed that my stool has consistently been dark green to blackish green until now. During this time, I had a positive fecal oc...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, taking iron supplements can cause the stool to become darker, resembling a dark green color. Additionally, certain foods, such as matcha, can also result in green-colored stool. Furthermore, taking iron supplements may lead to a positive result for occult blood in the stoo...[Read More] Understanding Dark Green Stool: Causes and Concerns After Iron Supplementation
Understanding Rheumatoid Arthritis: Diagnosis, Treatment, and Concerns
Regarding the diagnosis and medication use for rheumatoid arthritis? Dear Director Gao, I apologize for the length of my inquiry and hope you can take the time to clarify my doubts. Thank you! About a year and a half ago, blood tests revealed that my rheumatoid factor (RF) was...
Dr. Gao Jiankai Reply:
Hello, thank you for your questions. Here are my consolidated responses: 1. Can anti-CCP antibodies be present intermittently? (There was a significant difference in test results just five days apart.) Could differences in testing methods cause varying results? Are there differe...[Read More] Understanding Rheumatoid Arthritis: Diagnosis, Treatment, and Concerns
Understanding Autoimmune Thyroiditis: Medication Effects and Specialist Care
Autoimmune diseases Hello, Doctor. I have autoimmune thyroiditis and have been taking Methimazole and Levothyroxine for over a year. I also have a history of hyperthyroidism, but I have not taken medication for over 15 years. My thyroid-related indices have been regularly monitor...
Dr. Gao Jiankai Reply:
Hello, thank you for your message. Here is my response: 1. There should be no correlation between the use of Dexamethasone, Bilastine, and thyroid dysfunction. 2. If there have been recent abnormalities in thyroid function but no symptoms are present, you may consider asking your...[Read More] Understanding Autoimmune Thyroiditis: Medication Effects and Specialist Care
Understanding Recurring Red Spots on Ankles: Possible Causes and Insights
Red spots on the feet? Hello Doctor: I have multiple sclerosis (MS), and for the past two months, I have been experiencing red spots on the inner sides of my ankles. They are not painful or itchy, but they recur and tend to spread upward. Sometimes, red spots also appear on the d...
Dr. Gao Jiankai Reply:
Hello, thank you for your message. The small red spots on your skin may also be due to ruptured blood vessels or vasculitis. A dermatologist should provide you with their preliminary suspected diagnosis. As for the ANA of 160 and RF of 32.8, these are just initial screening indic...[Read More] Understanding Recurring Red Spots on Ankles: Possible Causes and Insights
Persistent Symptoms After Negative COVID-19 Tests: What to Do?
Negative rapid test for COVID-19 and normal test results, yet persistent illness? Hello Dr. Hong, First of all, I do not have any chronic illnesses, a travel history, or overlapping exposure to confirmed cases. I live in Taichung City, which is not a hot zone, and I was in good ...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, I'm not sure if the two tests you received were rapid antigen tests (ELISA) or PCR tests. If they were antigen tests, there is indeed a high chance of false negatives, and you may need to consider getting an RT-PCR test for confirmation. If both tests were PCR, the ch...[Read More] Persistent Symptoms After Negative COVID-19 Tests: What to Do?
Is It Safe for Hashimoto's Thyroiditis Patients to Get the AZ COVID Vaccine?
Hashimoto's thyroiditis Is it suitable for patients with Hashimoto's thyroiditis to receive the AZ COVID-19 vaccine? Currently, there is no treatment, and blood tests are only conducted every six months to monitor values.
Dr. Gao Jiankai Reply:
Hello, thank you for your message. Individuals with Hashimoto's thyroiditis can still receive the COVID-19 vaccine, so there is no need for concern. This is a message from the Allergy, Immunology, and Rheumatology Department of Changhua Hospital, Ministry of Health and Welfa...[Read More] Is It Safe for Hashimoto's Thyroiditis Patients to Get the AZ COVID Vaccine?
Understanding Mild Throat Pain: Tonsil Stones or Something More?
Slight pain in the tonsils? Hello, Doctor. I would like to ask you about some symptoms I've been experiencing. A few days ago, I felt a slight discomfort on the right side of my throat or tonsil, and later I expelled a yellowish substance, which seemed to relieve the discomf...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, the condition you described is likely caused by tonsillitis, which is usually triggered by a cold. The chance of cancer is very low. Additionally, some individuals may experience tonsillitis due to factors such as lack of sleep, stress leading to a weakened immune system, ...[Read More] Understanding Mild Throat Pain: Tonsil Stones or Something More?
Understanding Lung Infiltration: When to Seek Further Medical Evaluation
Lung issues Doctor, I have a question. I went to see a family physician because I had a cold, and I underwent an X-ray, blood tests, and sputum analysis (my sputum has always been white, without any yellow or blood-tinged coloration). Later, my cough symptoms improved, and during...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, based on the current pandemic situation, it is recommended to first undergo COVID-19 testing. If the result is negative and symptoms persist, further evaluation by a pulmonologist at a major hospital may be necessary. As for pulmonary infiltrates, it is essentially inflamm...[Read More] Understanding Lung Infiltration: When to Seek Further Medical Evaluation
Understanding Foot Edema: Causes, Concerns, and Solutions
Foot edema Hello Doctor, I have been experiencing swelling in my feet for the past six months. Sometimes my feet feel sore before bed or upon waking up. However, I had a blood test in February, and all basic parameters, including liver and kidney functions, were normal. The only ...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, a glomerular filtration rate (GFR) of 91.7 is within the normal physiological range and should not be directly related to edema. Based on your description, it is likely due to poor vascular elasticity, which can lead to inadequate blood circulation and subsequent edema. Va...[Read More] Understanding Foot Edema: Causes, Concerns, and Solutions
Understanding Blood Test Results: Concerns About Lymphocyte Levels and Health
Blood Test Report I would like to consult a doctor about my recent blood test results. I found some information online that sounds quite alarming, and I'm worried I might have leukemia. My monocyte count is 41%, and I also have eosinophils at 3%. Could this be related to my ...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, your monocyte count is indeed abnormal. Common reasons for this include hematologic disorders or some atypical infections. However, you have previously been evaluated for hematologic disorders in the hematology department. As for atypical infections, they typically recover...[Read More] Understanding Blood Test Results: Concerns About Lymphocyte Levels and Health
Understanding Atypical Infections and Blood Test Results: Key Insights
Follow-up on blood test results? Thank you for your response, Doctor. I'm not quite clear on what atypical infections are. Could it be related to my late sleeping habits after the New Year, or the fact that I had a wound when I had my blood drawn? Should I mention this to th...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, atypical infections refer to infections caused by less common bacteria, with the most notable examples being Mycobacterium tuberculosis and Rickettsia. Regarding the wound, you can discuss it with a hematologist, although it may not necessarily be related to your report. A...[Read More] Understanding Atypical Infections and Blood Test Results: Key Insights
Understanding Easy Bruising, Petechiae, and Frequent Nosebleeds in Children
Easy bruising, petechiae, and nosebleeds? Dear Director Gao, My daughter is currently 7 years old. Over a year ago, we noticed that she easily develops bruises on her body, although we are unsure if she has bumped into something. These bruises mostly occur around her knees and t...
Dr. Gao Jiankai Reply:
Hello, thank you for your message. Here are my thoughts: 1. The pediatric immunologist mentioned the possibility of thalassemia or iron deficiency anemia. Since many family members on my mother's side have thalassemia trait, does that mean my daughter is likely to have this...[Read More] Understanding Easy Bruising, Petechiae, and Frequent Nosebleeds in Children
Unraveling Mysterious Immune Reactions: Antibiotic Allergies or Autoimmune Disorders?
Is the strange illness experienced personally due to a drug allergy or an autoimmune disorder? Hello, doctor. I have encountered a strange immune reaction while taking medication and would like to ask for your advice. Earlier this year, I was on long-term antibiotics due to a pro...
Dr. Gao Jiankai Reply:
Hello, thank you for your message. I suspect that you may have Reiter's syndrome, also known as reactive arthritis, and I recommend that you consult a rheumatologist at a major hospital. There are several reasons for my suspicion related to this condition, including chronic ...[Read More] Unraveling Mysterious Immune Reactions: Antibiotic Allergies or Autoimmune Disorders?
Can People with High IgE Levels Get the Covid-19 Vaccine Safely?
If the IgE levels in a blood test are elevated, is it safe to receive the Covid-19 vaccine? If a person has a history of allergic conditions, frequently experiences eczema, and has elevated IgE levels in blood tests, can they receive the COVID-19 vaccine? Will the side effects be...
Dr. Gao Jiankai Reply:
Hello, thank you for your message. I believe that getting vaccinated is a good option, and the likelihood of experiencing side effects is not higher than that of others. Although your IgE allergy levels are elevated, the literature does not suggest that patients with such conditi...[Read More] Can People with High IgE Levels Get the Covid-19 Vaccine Safely?
Understanding Finger and Wrist Pain: Is It Rheumatoid Arthritis?
Regarding finger and wrist pain associated with rheumatoid arthritis? Dear Dr. Gao, Hello. Last June, during a routine check-up, I unexpectedly found out that my RF factor was positive. Subsequently, I visited the hospital, where the doctor arranged for additional blood tests. T...
Dr. Gao Jiankai Reply:
Hello, thank you for your message. Here are the responses to your questions: 1. Regarding the fluctuations in your Anti-CCP test results: On March 7, the hospital test was normal; on April 20, your self-test showed a significantly elevated level; however, on April 24, another fa...[Read More] Understanding Finger and Wrist Pain: Is It Rheumatoid Arthritis?
Understanding Mediterranean Anemia: Key Blood Test Indicators
Mediterranean anemia (also known as thalassemia) Hello doctor, I received my military service medical examination report. The white blood cell count (WBC) is 6.6 x 10^3/µL, red blood cell count (RBC) is 6.51 x 10^6/µL, hemoglobin (Hb) is 13.4 g/dL, hematocrit (Hct) is 43.0%, and ...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, it is indeed possible, but Mediterranean anemia can only be confirmed through further testing. Thank you for your inquiry.[Read More] Understanding Mediterranean Anemia: Key Blood Test Indicators
Persistent Fever for Three Weeks: What Specialist Should You Consult?
Recurrent fever for three weeks? My sister, who is 25 years old, developed a fever at the end of April and sought medical attention. Initially, she had a sore throat, and the ENT doctor diagnosed her with a cold. After taking medication for three days, her fever did not subside, ...
Dr. Lin Wufu Reply:
It sounds most like an autoimmune issue. I recommend consulting a rheumatologist, but many details still need to be assessed in person by your sister. You might also consider seeing an infectious disease specialist for further evaluation regarding the unexplained fever. If it is ...[Read More] Persistent Fever for Three Weeks: What Specialist Should You Consult?
Are Undercooked Shrimp Safe? Understanding Risks and Health Concerns
Concerns about Undercooked Food Several years ago, my family became fascinated with a cooking method they saw on a culinary show, which has led to multiple arguments due to the occasional fishy taste in the dishes. I am particularly concerned about shrimp, such as shrimp omelets....
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, it is not always possible to determine the presence of parasites solely based on appearance. Currently, medical practice primarily focuses on patients with gastrointestinal symptoms, who can have their stool tested for parasite eggs. As for blood tests, theoretically, eosi...[Read More] Are Undercooked Shrimp Safe? Understanding Risks and Health Concerns