When to Start Medication for Sjögren's Syndrome: A Patient's Dilemma
When is the appropriate time to initiate medication treatment for Sjögren's syndrome? Hello, Doctor Gao: Two years ago, a family member was diagnosed with Sjögren's syndrome. At that time, the only symptom was mild dry mouth, so no medication was prescribed. However, in...
Dr. Gao Jiankai Reply:
Hello, thank you for your question. If there are signs of disease activity in Sjögren's syndrome, including abnormal blood test results and associated clinical symptoms such as skin petechiae and pulmonary symptoms, the risk of developing related complications, including lym...[Read More] When to Start Medication for Sjögren's Syndrome: A Patient's Dilemma
Can You Contract HIV from Shaving Cuts? Understanding the Risks
HIV transmission routes (abrasions) 1. If you accidentally cut the skin around your eyebrows while using an eyebrow razor that has been contaminated with HIV-infected blood, there is a potential risk of HIV transmission. However, the risk is considered to be very low, as HIV does...
Dr. Liao Zhongxin Reply:
1. If it is a personal item, there is a potential risk of HIV infection. 2. If it is a shared item, there is still a possibility of contracting HIV, so it is recommended to consult and get tested at a nearby medical facility.[Read More] Can You Contract HIV from Shaving Cuts? Understanding the Risks
Do ESR Test Results Vary Significantly Between Different Hospitals?
Will the ESR test values vary significantly between different hospitals? Hello Dr. Tseng, I am a patient with ankylosing spondylitis. Since I need to have ESR and CRP tests done periodically, I would like to ask you: Can the results of the ESR test vary significantly due to diffe...
Dr. Zeng Guosen Reply:
The same individual may have varying ESR values on different days due to different physical conditions. However, if the same blood sample is tested using the same testing equipment at different hospitals, the values should be similar. Unless different testing tools are used or th...[Read More] Do ESR Test Results Vary Significantly Between Different Hospitals?
Understanding Recurring Ankle Swelling: Possible Causes and Solutions
Repeated mild swelling and subsiding of the ankle in a short period of time? Hello, Doctor. Let me summarize my condition. On the evening of October 18, I experienced pain in the left heel while walking, and my ankle was slightly swollen that night. On October 19, I felt a sharp ...
Dr. Gao Jiankai Reply:
Hello, thank you for your question. Here are my responses: 2. Recently, I have also noticed that after experiencing coldness in my hands and feet, I feel a sharp pain on the inner side of my left ankle. Is this related to gout or other diseases? --> It should not be related....[Read More] Understanding Recurring Ankle Swelling: Possible Causes and Solutions
Can Handling Snails Lead to Guangdong Blood Fluke Infection?
Touching a snail that is eating does not directly lead to a risk of parasitic infection. However, snails can carry parasites, such as those that cause schistosomiasis, which can be transmitted to humans through contact with contaminated water or soil. It is important to practice ...
Dr. Liao Zhongxin Reply:
1. Infection with Angiostrongylus cantonensis is unlikely; it typically requires the consumption of raw snails and occurs in individuals with compromised immune systems. 2. If experiencing symptoms such as fever, headache, or diarrhea, seek medical consultation and testing at a...[Read More] Can Handling Snails Lead to Guangdong Blood Fluke Infection?
Understanding High MPV and Low Platelet Count: Causes and Concerns
A high mean platelet volume (MPV) combined with a low platelet count (PLT) can indicate several underlying conditions. This combination may suggest that the bone marrow is producing platelets in response to a low Hello, doctor. In my recent blood test, my platelet count was 5.8, ...
Dr. Gao Jiankai Reply:
Hello, thank you for your question. MPV stands for Mean Platelet Volume, and a higher value indicates that your platelets are relatively younger. This is due to your underlying immune disease, which causes faster consumption of platelets, prompting the bone marrow to rapidly prod...[Read More] Understanding High MPV and Low Platelet Count: Causes and Concerns
Post-COVID Joint Pain: Understanding Symptoms and Seeking Early Diagnosis
Joint pain after a confirmed COVID-19 infection? Hello Doctor, I apologize for the lengthy message. I started feeling unwell on November 11th (muscle aches, fever, fatigue, red rashes on limbs, dry eyes, dry mouth). I was diagnosed with COVID-19 on November 13th. On November 16th...
Dr. Gao Jiankai Reply:
Hello, thank you for your inquiry. Here are my responses: 1. Since the joint discomfort clearly occurred after the blood draw, could it be that the inflammatory markers, ANA, and other indices had not yet shown abnormal trends at that time, and only now can we detect abnormaliti...[Read More] Post-COVID Joint Pain: Understanding Symptoms and Seeking Early Diagnosis
Do ESR Test Results Vary Significantly Between Different Hospitals?
Is it possible for the ESR values to vary significantly when the same blood sample is tested at different hospitals? Hello, Dr. Gao. I am a patient with ankylosing spondylitis. Since I need to have ESR and CRP tests done periodically, I would like to ask you: Can the results of t...
Dr. Gao Jiankai Reply:
Hello, thank you for your inquiry. Each hospital has slightly different testing methods and standard values, so the results may indeed vary. Please pay attention to the normal reference ranges for the tests; if your results fall within the normal range, there is no need for exces...[Read More] Do ESR Test Results Vary Significantly Between Different Hospitals?
Understanding Blood Donation and HIV Testing: What You Need to Know
Blood Donation and HIV Issues Hello, my girlfriend has had unprotected sexual intercourse in the past but did not get tested. Later, she donated blood and received a report stating that her blood was suitable for use (multiplex NAT negative). However, I saw that the blood donatio...
Dr. Gao Jiankai Reply:
Hello, thank you for your inquiry. Although AIDS can cause immune dysfunction, AIDS-related diseases are classified as infectious diseases. Therefore, questions related to AIDS should be directed to the Infectious Disease Department. Please consult with them. Thank you! The Aller...[Read More] Understanding Blood Donation and HIV Testing: What You Need to Know
Risk of HIV Transmission from Sharing Ice Cream with an Infected Person
The risk of transmission when sharing a bowl of ice with a person living with HIV? Hello doctor, I would like to ask if there is a risk of infection if I shared a bowl of ice with someone who is HIV positive. They had their wisdom teeth removed two days ago, and I am not sure if ...
Dr. Liao Zhongxin Reply:
According to the disease control tree data, there are three main routes of HIV transmission: 1. Sexual transmission: Engaging in oral, anal, or vaginal intercourse or other exchanges of bodily fluids with an HIV-infected individual carries a risk of infection. 2. Blood transmissi...[Read More] Risk of HIV Transmission from Sharing Ice Cream with an Infected Person
Risk of HIV Infection from Contact with Dried Blood: What You Need to Know
HIV infection Hello, Doctor: If there is a scratch on my leg (suspected to be bleeding) that comes into contact with a blood stain on a bedsheet (approximately within a small square area of 1cm x 1cm) and the affected area (the scratched area) is in contact with the blood stain w...
Dr. Liao Zhongxin Reply:
According to the Centers for Disease Control data, there are three main routes of HIV transmission: 1. Sexual transmission: Engaging in oral, anal, or vaginal intercourse or other exchanges of bodily fluids with an HIV-infected individual carries the risk of infection. 2. Blood t...[Read More] Risk of HIV Infection from Contact with Dried Blood: What You Need to Know
Understanding Pre-meal Blood Sugar and HbA1c Levels: A Patient's Inquiry
Questions about pre-meal blood glucose and glycated hemoglobin? Hello Doctor, during my health check in 2018, my fasting blood sugar was 105, and in 2022, it was 113, with other results normal. After undergoing an endoscopy on September 1st this year, I noticed my previous blood ...
Dr. Li Jian Reply:
Elevated fasting blood glucose is also a risk factor for diabetes. It is recommended that you lose weight and continue to follow up at the metabolic clinic. Thank you for your inquiry.[Read More] Understanding Pre-meal Blood Sugar and HbA1c Levels: A Patient's Inquiry
Understanding Hashimoto's Thyroiditis: Weight Loss and Treatment Insights
Hashimoto's thyroiditis In April of this year, when I had my cholesterol checked, my doctor also tested my thyroid function. The results showed T4 at 1.15, TSH at 1.554, and anti-TPO at 5.57, indicating the presence of antibodies consistent with Hashimoto's thyroiditis....
Dr. Li Jian Reply:
You may consider discontinuing the medication, and at least monitor thyroid function annually. Thank you for your inquiry.[Read More] Understanding Hashimoto's Thyroiditis: Weight Loss and Treatment Insights
Understanding Urinalysis Results: What Your Doctor Didn't Explain
Urinalysis Hello Doctor: I recently went to the clinic for a health check-up, and the test results are as follows: 1. Albumin (urine protein) (semi-quantitative) 10 mg/dl 2. Creatinine (urine creatinine) (semi-quantitative) 10 mg/dl (reference range 10-300 mg/dl) 3. Protein (urin...
Dr. Wu Hongjie Reply:
UACR = 10/10 = 1 The report result is still normal.[Read More] Understanding Urinalysis Results: What Your Doctor Didn't Explain
Dietary Concerns for Patients with Hereditary Polycystic Kidney Disease
Genetic polycystic kidney disease raises concerns regarding dietary supplements such as protein powder? Hello Doctor, I would like to inquire about my situation. I have a family history of polycystic kidney disease, and my recent health check results are as follows: Blood Urea Ni...
Dr. Wu Hongjie Reply:
A low-protein diet is defined as 0.6-0.8 grams of protein per kilogram of body weight. Currently, it has shown benefits only for patients with a glomerular filtration rate (GFR) below 60; the effects for those with a GFR above 60 are unclear. Unless there are special requirements...[Read More] Dietary Concerns for Patients with Hereditary Polycystic Kidney Disease
Understanding Psoriatic Arthritis: Treatment Options and Concerns
Hello, doctor. I would like to inquire about psoriatic arthritis. Thank you? Hello Doctor, last year I experienced pain in my right wrist and consulted a physician at Kaohsiung Medical University Hospital. The doctor informed me that it might be psoriatic arthritis. I have been t...
Dr. Gao Jiankai Reply:
Hello, thank you for your question. Here are my responses: 1. I researched online and feel that my symptoms are very similar to rheumatoid arthritis, but during my initial consultation, the anti-citrullinated protein antibody test came back normal. The doctor said it is not rhe...[Read More] Understanding Psoriatic Arthritis: Treatment Options and Concerns
Understanding Lung Shadows on X-rays: What You Need to Know
The chest X-ray shows shadows in the lungs? Last week, I received a notice for military service medical examination. After undergoing a physical check-up and an X-ray, I was informed today that there is a shadow in the lower left lung. Since I have to wait until next week for a f...
Dr. Cai Mingsong Reply:
Lung X-ray shadows may be due to pulmonary nodules, vascular issues, lung infections, or other multiple causes. It is advisable to return to the original hospital for a chest CT scan to determine the underlying cause. Follow-up with a pulmonology outpatient clinic is recommended.[Read More] Understanding Lung Shadows on X-rays: What You Need to Know
High Cholesterol and Heart Murmurs: Which Specialist to See First?
High cholesterol levels in the heart, heart murmurs? Hello, doctor. My mother recently had a blood test arranged by the rheumatology and immunology department, followed by a scheduled echocardiogram and CT scan (which has not yet been completed). After the echocardiogram, it was ...
Dr. Cai Mingsong Reply:
If possible, you may consult your original physician to review the report earlier. You can also consider an outpatient consultation with a cardiologist to evaluate whether treatment or further testing is necessary. If you experience any discomfort, please return to the hospital f...[Read More] High Cholesterol and Heart Murmurs: Which Specialist to See First?
Understanding HIV Testing Results: A Journey Through Two Pregnancies
I tested positive for HIV three years ago when I had my first child (my second child). The first test was positive, while the second test was negative? Three years ago, I had two children. The first pregnancy tested positive in March 2019, and the second in October 2020, both bei...
Dr. Liao Zhongxin Reply:
1. The first question is whether an HIV-positive baby has been born. If so, at least one parent must be an HIV-infected individual, and regardless of whether the initial test result is negative or positive, a confirmatory test must be conducted at a hospital. 2. What is the pur...[Read More] Understanding HIV Testing Results: A Journey Through Two Pregnancies
Understanding Discomfort and Urgency in the Genital Area: Causes and Solutions
Perineal tightness Sometimes I experience discomfort in my lower abdomen (during non-menstrual periods), accompanied by frequent urination, but only a small amount each time. It feels particularly uncomfortable and tense when I urinate. This morning, I had the same situation, but...
Dr. Lin Wufu Reply:
Hello, it is recommended to schedule an appointment with the obstetrics and gynecology department for diagnosis and treatment. The symptoms sound very much like a urinary tract infection, but during menstruation, it is common to experience discomfort similar to that of a urinary ...[Read More] Understanding Discomfort and Urgency in the Genital Area: Causes and Solutions