Understanding Elevated Eosinophils: Causes and Next Steps
Eosinophilia Hello Doctor, I had a health check-up in April 2022, which showed that my eosinophil count was elevated at 11.1%, while other white blood cell counts were normal. At that time, I also had a high bacterial count in my urinary tract, and I was thinking that this infect...
Dr. Gao Jiankai Reply:
Hello, thank you for your question. Here is my response summarized as follows: 1. The assessment of whether eosinophils are elevated should primarily focus on the total count rather than just the percentage (%). 2. If eosinophils are indeed elevated, potential causes include alle...[Read More] Understanding Elevated Eosinophils: Causes and Next Steps
Chronic Nasopharyngeal Inflammation: When to Seek Further Medical Advice?
Chronic nasopharyngitis Hello, Doctor Gao: For a long time (10 years), I have occasionally noticed blood in my saliva. In early June, I visited an ENT specialist, and the biopsy results indicated benign chronic nasopharyngitis. However, the doctor did not recommend any further tr...
Dr. Gao Jiankai Reply:
Hello, thank you for your inquiry. Chronic nasal bleeding indeed requires regular follow-up appointments. As for whether you need to see a rheumatologist, I believe it could be beneficial. Some rheumatic conditions can affect the nasopharynx, leading to bleeding and inflammation....[Read More] Chronic Nasopharyngeal Inflammation: When to Seek Further Medical Advice?
Understanding Abnormal Creatinine Levels: When to Seek Further Kidney Evaluation
Abnormal creatinine levels in health check-ups? Hello Doctor, during my health check last month, my creatinine level was abnormal (0.58), blood urea nitrogen was 11, and the urine test showed normal values except for urine ketones at 1+. I had a poor appetite that month due to st...
Dr. Lin Wuxuan Reply:
It is recommended to bring your health check report to a consultation with a family medicine or nephrology outpatient clinic. Thank you.[Read More] Understanding Abnormal Creatinine Levels: When to Seek Further Kidney Evaluation
Are Blood Draw Assist Devices Safe for Reuse? Understanding Infection Risks
Questions about blood collection assistive devices? Hello, doctor! Today I took my wife for a prenatal check-up and noticed that the staff used a blood draw assist device. Upon inquiry, I learned that the device is reusable. Although the needle and the tubing are new, I am concer...
Dr. Lin Wufu Reply:
Hello, assistive devices should not come into contact with the needle and should not have any blood residue on them. Therefore, the infection risk they pose should be similar to that of the rubber band tied above the injection site. If there is noticeable blood contamination, the...[Read More] Are Blood Draw Assist Devices Safe for Reuse? Understanding Infection Risks
Understanding Vasculitis: Post-COVID Immune Response and Concerns
Vasculitis issues I was diagnosed with COVID-19 on June 11, and around June 24, I noticed purpura and petechiae on my calves. On June 26, I visited a dermatologist who ordered blood tests including CBC, ESR, creatinine, AST, ALT, and CRP. The urine test results were all normal. A...
Dr. Gao Jiankai Reply:
Hello, thank you for your inquiry. The ANCA test performed at a general laboratory can initially determine the presence of ANCA, and there is usually no need to specifically test for c-ANCA and p-ANCA unless the ANCA result is positive, at which point differentiation is necessary...[Read More] Understanding Vasculitis: Post-COVID Immune Response and Concerns
Scleroderma and Microalbuminuria: Understanding the Connection and Next Steps
Scleroderma and Urinary Microalbumin Hello, in April of this year, I went to the rheumatology and immunology department due to hand pain and found the following abnormalities: ANA 1:160 (AC-10) Nucleolar punctate, Anti-Scl-70 16 (-) reference value (120 au/ml), Anti-Sm 9 (-), Ant...
Dr. Gao Jiankai Reply:
Hello, thank you for your inquiry. The results from your rheumatology examination are mostly negative, with some results falling into a gray area, making it indeed difficult to draw conclusions based on the current test results. The diagnosis of scleroderma can sometimes be confi...[Read More] Scleroderma and Microalbuminuria: Understanding the Connection and Next Steps
Understanding the Risk of HIV: Should You Get Tested After Years?
Is there a chance of contracting HIV? Hello doctor, I recently went to the hospital for a check-up in the hepatobiliary and gastroenterology department due to weight loss and pain in the upper right abdomen. After a blood test, my Neutrophil count was 75.4 and Lymphocyte count wa...
Dr. Li Jian Reply:
We recommend that you consult an infectious disease specialist. Thank you for your inquiry.[Read More] Understanding the Risk of HIV: Should You Get Tested After Years?
Understanding Kidney Issues: Insights on Proteinuria and Cysts
Kidney problems Hello, Doctor! Last year, I visited the hospital due to a urinary tract infection. After reviewing my urinalysis report, the urologist indicated that my proteinuria was elevated and recommended follow-up with a nephrologist. Since then, I have had five urinalysis ...
Dr. Wu Hongjie Reply:
Question 1: With normal urine and blood reports but abnormal ultrasound indicating bilateral parenchymal kidney disease, does this indicate Stage 1 CKD or has kidney function already been gradually impaired? (The physician only mentioned to return in six months for urine testing ...[Read More] Understanding Kidney Issues: Insights on Proteinuria and Cysts
Understanding Subcutaneous Hemorrhages in the Context of COVID-19
Subcutaneous ecchymosis of the calf? Hello, I was diagnosed with COVID-19 on June 11, and around June 24, I noticed purpura and petechiae on my calves. I visited a dermatologist on June 26, where the doctor ordered blood tests including CBC, ESR, Creatinine, AST, ALT, and CRP. Th...
Dr. Gao Jiankai Reply:
Hello, thank you for your question. Here are my responses: 1. I have researched that one type of vasculitis is classified as ANCA-associated, which can present with symptoms such as sinusitis. I have been diagnosed recently and occasionally experience yellow nasal discharge tha...[Read More] Understanding Subcutaneous Hemorrhages in the Context of COVID-19
Understanding HIV Transmission: Risks of Contact with Infected Fluids
HIV exposure and infection? 1. In normal, unbroken skin, contact with the saliva, sweat, urine, or blood of an HIV-infected individual does not pose a risk of infection. 2. If there is a wound present, there is a potential risk of infection from contact with the blood of an HIV...
Dr. Liao Zhongxin Reply:
1. First, the HIV virus dies outside the human body after more than ten minutes and becomes non-infectious. 2. Therefore, unless the patient is irregularly taking their medication and we come into contact with them while having an open bleeding wound, there is a chance of infecti...[Read More] Understanding HIV Transmission: Risks of Contact with Infected Fluids
Can You Get HIV from Contact with Infected Blood or Semen?
Exposure to HIV infection If intact skin (without any wounds) comes into contact with the blood or semen of an HIV-infected individual, is there a risk of HIV infection?
Dr. Liao Zhongxin Reply:
1. First, the HIV virus dies outside the human body after more than ten minutes and is no longer infectious. 2. Therefore, unless the patient is irregular with their medication and we come into contact with them while having an open bleeding wound, there is a chance of infection.[Read More] Can You Get HIV from Contact with Infected Blood or Semen?
Can You Get HIV from Indirect Contact with Infected Bodily Fluids?
Indirect contact with HIV If your hands have come into contact with the blood or semen of an HIV-infected individual and you did not wash your hands before touching your own male genitalia, is there a risk of infection?
Dr. Liao Zhongxin Reply:
1. First, the HIV virus dies outside the human body after more than ten minutes and is no longer infectious. 2. Therefore, unless the patient is irregular with their medication and we come into contact with them while having an open bleeding wound, there is a chance of infection.[Read More] Can You Get HIV from Indirect Contact with Infected Bodily Fluids?
Can You Get HIV from Indirect Contact in the Restroom?
Indirect contact with HIV in restrooms? If a person's hand has come into contact with the blood or semen of an HIV-infected individual and they did not wash their hands before touching their own male genitalia while urinating, is there a risk of infection?
Dr. Lin Wufu Reply:
Theoretically, there is a risk, but the chance of contracting the disease from a single exposure is low. It is still advisable to avoid unnecessary contact with others involving blood or bodily fluids.[Read More] Can You Get HIV from Indirect Contact in the Restroom?
Why Is My Blood Draw Site Itchy? Understanding Possible Causes
Itching at the site of a blood draw? Hello, doctor. I had blood drawn at the hospital yesterday, and since last night, the site of the blood draw has been very itchy. I noticed that before my blood draw, the nurse directly touched the urine collection containers of other patients...
Dr. Lin Wufu Reply:
No, it shouldn't be! It is likely due to the healing of the blood draw site causing itching, or it could be an allergic reaction to the cotton or adhesive tape used.[Read More] Why Is My Blood Draw Site Itchy? Understanding Possible Causes
Understanding Finger Joint Pain: Causes, Diagnosis, and Treatment Options
Finger joint pain This year, I suddenly experienced pain in the second joint of my right middle finger, so I went to the hospital to see an orthopedic doctor. After an X-ray, the doctor said there was no issue and prescribed anti-inflammatory medication, but there was no improvem...
Dr. Gao Jiankai Reply:
Hello, thank you for your inquiry. It is recommended to follow up with the rheumatology outpatient clinic. Some types of arthritis cannot be diagnosed with just one visit; they require observation over a period of time, and blood tests may need to be repeated if necessary. Additi...[Read More] Understanding Finger Joint Pain: Causes, Diagnosis, and Treatment Options
Understanding Persistent Oral Mucosa Pain: Causes and Treatment Options
Pain in the buccal mucosa? Hello doctor, in early April, I experienced pain in the left buccal mucosa, which has persisted with some discomfort until now. Over the past two months, I have seen 7 to 8 doctors, including specialists in otolaryngology and oral surgery, but none have...
Dr. Gao Jiankai Reply:
Hello, thank you for your question. Monocytes are a type of white blood cell, and their levels can fluctuate naturally, which should not be related to your oral mucosa pain. If you have already consulted with an otolaryngologist and an oral surgeon without reaching a conclusion, ...[Read More] Understanding Persistent Oral Mucosa Pain: Causes and Treatment Options
Can You Contract HIV from Shared Bowling Balls and Open Wounds?
HIV can be transmitted through direct contact with the blood of an infected person, especially if there are open wounds? On June 13, I went bowling with friends, and the balls were shared. There were many people using the same lane, including strangers, and there were very few ba...
Dr. Liao Zhongxin Reply:
1. The HIV virus generally dies outside the human body within ten minutes and no longer poses a risk of transmission. 2. If you have further questions, you can visit a nearby medical facility for additional consultation and testing.[Read More] Can You Contract HIV from Shared Bowling Balls and Open Wounds?
Needle Stick Injuries and Infection Risks in Healthcare Settings
Issues related to needlestick injuries and environmental infections? Because there are HIV-positive individuals in my work environment, and I sometimes come into contact with substances that may contain their bodily fluids, I would like to know if there is a risk of infection if ...
Dr. Liao Zhongxin Reply:
1. The HIV virus dies within ten minutes outside the human body and is not infectious. 2. The transmission routes of HIV are through unprotected sexual intercourse and sharing needles.[Read More] Needle Stick Injuries and Infection Risks in Healthcare Settings
Understanding STD Testing and Risks After Unprotected Oral Sex
Sexually Transmitted Infection (STI) Testing Hello, doctor. 1. After engaging in high-risk behavior, I went to the hospital for an HIV PCR test and a syphilis test 10 days later, and both results were negative. I only engaged in [unprotected oral sex from a male to a female]. I...
Dr. Lin Wufu Reply:
1. It is recommended to monitor for at least 3 months to definitively rule out infection. Each individual's constitution varies, so there is no exact timeframe; however, in rare cases, the window period for the virus can extend up to 3 months. 2. Typically, infectiousness is...[Read More] Understanding STD Testing and Risks After Unprotected Oral Sex
Can You Contract HIV or Other Bloodborne Diseases Through Oral Wounds?
Medical issues Hello, doctor. I would like to ask about the risk of contracting HIV or other bloodborne pathogens through food that may have come into contact with the bodily fluids or blood of an infected person. Specifically, if I have cuts or sores inside or outside my mouth (...
Dr. Lin Wufu Reply:
Hello, the HIV virus has a very short survival time outside the body, so transmission is usually more likely to occur through direct oral contact with bodily fluids containing the virus during sexual activity. Currently, there have been no reported cases worldwide of contracting ...[Read More] Can You Contract HIV or Other Bloodborne Diseases Through Oral Wounds?