Understanding HIV Testing: Rapid Tests vs. Blood Draws Explained
HIV rapid test and blood draw? Hello, doctor. I had unprotected sexual intercourse at the beginning of September last year. Although I know there is a low risk of transmission, I still felt very anxious and had trouble sleeping. Around late December, I went to a health center for...
Dr. Liao Zhongxin Reply:
Dear readers: If you are still concerned, you may consider having another check-up around six months later; if everything is still normal at that time, you can feel reassured. Thank you![Read More] Understanding HIV Testing: Rapid Tests vs. Blood Draws Explained
Understanding Aldosterone Testing for Hypertension: Is Hospitalization Necessary?
Hypertension and aldosterone issues? Hello Doctor: I have been dealing with high blood pressure and have visited both nephrology and endocrinology departments. Blood tests conducted at both places, approximately a month apart, showed normal aldosterone levels, around 4. The endoc...
Dr. Xiao Yongxun Reply:
Dear Ms. Anonymous: 1. The nephrologists or endocrinologists you encounter are very competent; please cooperate as soon as possible. 2. Hypertension is generally classified into primary hypertension and secondary hypertension. The former primarily occurs in middle-aged and eld...[Read More] Understanding Aldosterone Testing for Hypertension: Is Hospitalization Necessary?
Is Vasculitis Serious? Understanding Risks and Implications for Young Patients
Is vasculitis serious? I previously experienced frequent lower back pain and visited a rheumatologist who mentioned it was similar to ankylosing spondylitis. Later, due to other health issues, I underwent blood tests again, and the doctor diagnosed me with vasculitis. He mentione...
Dr. Zeng Guosen Reply:
Hello, it seems that you have a positive result for cold agglutinin IgM (1+), which is abnormal. There are many types of vasculitis, and the severity depends on the symptoms and the extent of organ involvement. It is advisable to seek medical attention for a comprehensive underst...[Read More] Is Vasculitis Serious? Understanding Risks and Implications for Young Patients
Chronic Illness: Recurring Colds and High Chickenpox Antibody Levels
Repeated colds for three years and varicella antibody levels? Since 2015, I have been experiencing recurrent colds, chronic acute sinusitis, tonsillar enlargement/abscess, mycoplasma pneumonia, asthma, influenza, and dizziness. On average, I visit the doctor about three times a m...
Dr. Liao Zhongxin Reply:
Dear readers: Regarding the questions, here are the responses. Q1: I would like to ask the physician... Is the varicella antibody index a point of concern? A: Reference material: http://www.ucl.com.tw/webshop/shop/ServiceQueryInfo.asp?GoodsID=D0109032&GoodstypeID=D0&Midd...[Read More] Chronic Illness: Recurring Colds and High Chickenpox Antibody Levels
Should You Continue Anti-Inflammatory Meds for Joint Pain? When to Get Blood Tests
Should I continue taking anti-inflammatory medication? How much should the joint pain improve before I go to the hospital for blood tests? This past Monday, I visited an orthopedic doctor due to pain in the joint of my big toe near the foot. The doctor suspected it might be gout ...
Dr. Xiao Yongxun Reply:
Dear Miss Xiao Hong: 1. The pain in the joint of your big toe near the foot can commonly be diagnosed as gout, bunions, toenail ingrowth, toe fracture, calluses, cellulitis, or paronychia, among others. 2. Since you mentioned a history of hallux valgus, it is particularly impor...[Read More] Should You Continue Anti-Inflammatory Meds for Joint Pain? When to Get Blood Tests
Understanding Bubbles in Urine: Causes and Concerns Explained
Bubbles in urine? Hello doctor, since mid-February, I have noticed that my urine has been consistently producing small clusters of dense bubbles. I visited the urology department at Taoyuan Hospital, where I underwent an X-ray and urinalysis. The doctor said everything was fine, ...
Dr. Wu Hongjie Reply:
The presence of bubbles in urine does not necessarily indicate proteinuria. Conditions such as fever, excessive exercise, consumption of high amounts of animal protein, hormonal influences, or other diseases causing abnormal protein production can also be contributing factors. Pr...[Read More] Understanding Bubbles in Urine: Causes and Concerns Explained
Does Syphilis Affect HIV Testing Window Period?
Factors Affecting the Detection Window Period Hello, if someone is infected with syphilis, will it affect the window period for HIV testing? Can a negative result from an HIV combo blood test at 84 days rule out HIV infection? Thank you.
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, being infected with syphilis does not significantly affect the window period for HIV testing. As for the HIV combo blood test at 84 days, the chance of being infected with HIV is relatively very low, but it cannot completely rule out the possibility of HIV infection. Thank...[Read More] Does Syphilis Affect HIV Testing Window Period?
High Kappa Immunoglobulin Levels: Understanding Potential Health Risks
Elevated levels of immunoglobulin Kappa? Hello, I am a 48-year-old male, 166 cm tall and weighing 66 kg, with hereditary Mediterranean anemia. I had a urinary stone in 2012, but it passed naturally. I do not have hypertension (January 2018 readings: 122 mmHg systolic, 77 mmHg dia...
Dr. Wu Jiyu Reply:
Based on your inquiry, I can provide you with some recommendations: 1. The eGFR of 55 is slightly low, and the urine microalbumin/creatinine ratio of 303.4 mg/g is elevated; it is advisable to have long-term follow-up with a nephrologist. 2. Regarding the immunoglobulin levels, K...[Read More] High Kappa Immunoglobulin Levels: Understanding Potential Health Risks
Long-Term Use of Sinzac and Mocalm: Risks to Kidney and Liver Health?
Long-term use of Sinzac 20mg (one tablet in the morning) and Mocalm S.C. tablet (one tablet in the morning) may pose risks to kidney or liver health. It is important to monitor liver and kidney function regularly while on these medications. Please consult your healthcare provider...
Dr. Wu Hongjie Reply:
These two types of medications are primarily metabolized by the liver. When combined with other liver-metabolized drugs or in cases of liver dysfunction, dosage adjustments are necessary. The impact on renal function is mostly due to interstitial nephritis, while electrolyte imba...[Read More] Long-Term Use of Sinzac and Mocalm: Risks to Kidney and Liver Health?
Understanding Facial Swelling After Facial Nerve Paralysis: What to Do Next?
During the recovery phase of facial nerve paralysis, swelling of the eyes and face may occur? Hello Doctor, I experienced facial nerve paralysis on the right side of my face on August 3, 2017. At that time, my right eye's vision, hearing, and taste were all affected. Althoug...
Dr. Gao Jiankai Reply:
Hello, thank you for your question. Here are my responses: 1. The unilateral lower limb swelling and pain (right leg) should not be related to the facial nerve paralysis on the same side, nor should it be associated with renal dysfunction (as renal dysfunction typically leads to...[Read More] Understanding Facial Swelling After Facial Nerve Paralysis: What to Do Next?
Can You Have Ankylosing Spondylitis Without Genetic Markers?
Ankylosing Spondylitis Today, I went to see a doctor who said I have a condition similar to ankylosing spondylitis. However, my blood tests did not show the HLA-B27 gene, but there is indeed inflammation, and my X-rays are normal. I would like to ask if it is possible to have thi...
Dr. Gao Jiankai Reply:
Hello, thank you for your message. More than 90% of patients with ankylosing spondylitis carry a specific gene, but this also means that a small percentage of patients (less than 10%) may not have this gene. Therefore, our diagnosis of ankylosing spondylitis is not solely based o...[Read More] Can You Have Ankylosing Spondylitis Without Genetic Markers?
Understanding Low Blood Sugar and Seizures in Teenagers: A Case Study
High school student with hypoglycemic coma? Hello Doctor, my daughter, who is in her first year of high school, suddenly reported feeling dizzy and weak while studying at home in mid-December. I intended to check her blood pressure (her school health check and regular measurement...
Dr. Xiao Yongxun Reply:
Dear Mr. Zhang: 1. There are many causes of hypoglycemia; among them, iatrogenic hypoglycemia is the most common, primarily caused by oral hypoglycemic agents or insulin. If this is not the case, a thorough consideration of other factors is necessary. Generally, hypoglycemia can...[Read More] Understanding Low Blood Sugar and Seizures in Teenagers: A Case Study
Managing Recurrence of Pleural Effusion: Insights on Immunity and Treatment
How to manage a recurrence of a chronic thoracic condition? Seven years ago, Xiao Min was hospitalized due to a persistent high fever, which led to the discovery of pleural effusion in the thoracic cavity, diagnosed as pulmonary tuberculosis. He was treated and prescribed medicat...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, the factors influencing the occurrence of diseases are numerous and typically involve a combination of constitution, environment, personal health care, genetics, and other factors. Not smoking or drinking alcohol, maintaining a regular lifestyle, and consistently engaging ...[Read More] Managing Recurrence of Pleural Effusion: Insights on Immunity and Treatment
Understanding Elevated White Blood Cell Counts: What You Need to Know
Leukocytosis Hello Doctor, my girlfriend recently went to the hospital for a blood test and found that her white blood cell count is elevated. Is there anything I should be aware of? Her father passed away from blood cancer and bone cancer, which was attributed to an overdose of ...
Dr. Xiao Yongxun Reply:
Dear Mr. You: Certain types of breast cancer, blood cancer, and bone cancer may be related to genetics or family history; however, the evidence is not always definitive. Nonetheless, physicians will still take this into consideration during medical history inquiries. Many cases ...[Read More] Understanding Elevated White Blood Cell Counts: What You Need to Know
Understanding Heart Palpitations: Tests and Treatment Options
Cardiac issues and diagnostic concerns? Recently, my heart has been racing, reaching a maximum of 136 beats per minute, and my hands also tremble. I underwent a resting electrocardiogram and a chest X-ray, and the doctor said everything was normal, only prescribing me antiarrhyth...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, heart rhythm medications primarily control heart rate and should not have a significant impact on thyroid function. As for the reason behind your increased heart rate, it may be necessary to visit a family medicine or cardiology specialist for a 24-hour Holter monitor to c...[Read More] Understanding Heart Palpitations: Tests and Treatment Options
Unexplained Redness and Swelling in the Foot: Seeking Answers
Unexplained redness and swelling of the foot? At the end of the text, there are images. Since there is a lot of text, I will summarize the key points first: From this past Monday (12/18) to yesterday (12/23), I have been taking antibiotics for five days. The wound does not feel s...
Dr. Liao Zhongxin Reply:
Dear readers: Regarding the issue of "unexplained redness and swelling in the foot," here is the response: A: 1. You are a very attentive and patient person; it is rare for someone to keep such detailed records of their medical history. 2. The progression of the wound ...[Read More] Unexplained Redness and Swelling in the Foot: Seeking Answers
Can Taking Baktar Tab 400 MG Cause Long-Term Effects in Favism Patients?
Consumption of Baktar Tab 400 mg in individuals with G6PD deficiency can lead to hemolysis. The potential for long-term sequelae depends on the severity of the hemolytic episode. In most cases, if the hemolysis is mild and managed appropriately, there may be no lasting effects. H...
Dr. Wu Hongjie Reply:
Hello: Individuals with favism (G6PD deficiency) may experience hemolysis and a decrease in hemoglobin levels when exposed to oxidizing agents. The increase in bilirubin levels is indicative of hemolytic anemia, which can last approximately 8 to 14 days, depending on the oxidativ...[Read More] Can Taking Baktar Tab 400 MG Cause Long-Term Effects in Favism Patients?
Can I Rule Out Infection After Multiple Negative Tests?
Will there be a turnaround? Doctor, I had a high-risk exposure on October 7th. I took an RTPCR test on October 18th and November 9th, and I also had P24 antigen and antibody tests done at 10 days, 33 days, 4 weeks, 6 weeks, 8 weeks, and 10 weeks, all of which were negative. I hav...
Dr. Xiao Yongxun Reply:
Dear Mr. Akai: 1. Your question was already addressed on December 4, 2017. In addition to considering HIV, there are many other potential diagnoses that need to be clarified regarding your symptoms of fever, lymphadenopathy, and diarrhea in order to provide appropriate treatmen...[Read More] Can I Rule Out Infection After Multiple Negative Tests?
Understanding Persistent Low-Grade Fever: Possible Causes and Concerns
Unexplained fever with persistent low-grade fever? Hello doctor, I had a herpes outbreak on my lips before December 2nd. On December 1st, I accidentally ingested water from a drainage ditch and kitchen waste. From December 2nd to December 14th, I started experiencing fever, with ...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, since I cannot see the condition of your blisters, I cannot make a clear assessment. However, based on your description, it is most likely a herpes infection. This is primarily transmitted through contact and should not be directly related to drinking contaminated water; i...[Read More] Understanding Persistent Low-Grade Fever: Possible Causes and Concerns
Understanding IgG and IgG4 Abnormalities: Lifelong Medication and Health Implications
IgG: 1750 and IgG4: 208? Hello Doctor, I apologize for bothering you, but I have some questions. Recently, after several days of staying up late, I have been feeling very fatigued, experiencing dry mouth and reduced saliva. Therefore, I visited an oral surgeon, but they did not ...
Dr. Gao Jiankai Reply:
Hello, thank you for your inquiry. I will address your questions as follows: 1. You may have IgG4-related disease, which has symptoms similar to Sjögren's syndrome. It may require long-term medication, but there might be possibilities for dose reduction or discontinuation. ...[Read More] Understanding IgG and IgG4 Abnormalities: Lifelong Medication and Health Implications