Blood, Internal Medicine FAQ

Can Slug Mucus Spread Parasites in Your Home? Health Risks Explained

Slugs are crawling all over the house? Hello, doctor. I have seen reports that the mucus secreted by mollusks such as snails, slugs, and other soft-bodied animals can contain the parasitic worm Angiostrongylus cantonensis. A few days ago, a large slug about 10 centimeters long cr...

Dr. Liao Zhongxin Reply:
The pathogen of Guangdong blood fluke infection is the Guangdong blood fluke. In 1933, Mr. Chen Xintao first discovered this parasite in the lungs (pulmonary arteries) of rats while investigating parasites in the black rat and brown rat in Guangdong Province, China. In 1937, a Ja...

Understanding HIV Transmission Risks and Skin Care for Psoriasis

HIV transmission issues Dear Dr. Liao, I do not engage in any high-risk behaviors, but I have psoriasis that causes redness and peeling of the skin on my limbs (sometimes I scratch until I break the skin or cause cracks due to itching). Does this condition increase my risk of in...

Dr. Liao Zhongxin Reply:
According to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) in Taiwan, 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 fluid...

Does Ankylosing Spondylitis Increase Risk of Low White or Red Blood Cells?

Does ankylosing spondylitis lead to low white blood cell or red blood cell counts? Hello Dr. Tseng, I am a patient with ankylosing spondylitis, 20 years old, and I have been diagnosed with ankylosing spondylitis for 3.5 years. I am currently undergoing stable treatment. I would l...

Dr. Zeng Guosen Reply:
Ankylosing spondylitis is not a common disease, and leukopenia or anemia may occur in some patients. Chronic inflammation over time can potentially lead to anemia. It is recommended to follow up with your physician for differential diagnosis. Thank you.

Assessing Severity: Understanding Your Joint Pain and Treatment Options

Mild or severe? Mild or severe? Celebrex (celecoxib) 200 mg, taken once in the morning and once in the evening, has become ineffective. Currently, I am experiencing pain in my knee joints, temporomandibular joints, finger joints, and both shoulder joints. I have difficulty squatt...

Dr. Zeng Guosen Reply:
There are many differential diagnoses for joint pain. If the symptoms persist and the response to medication is poor, it is advisable to return for a follow-up appointment sooner rather than waiting for 28 days. Thank you.

Managing Dizziness and Appetite Loss After Mild Stroke in Seniors

Consultation for family members? Hello, doctor. My father is 61 years old. Recently, he has been feeling dizzy every day. He was hospitalized in the neurology department, and the examination results showed a mild cerebral infarction, carotid artery atherosclerosis, and elevated b...

Dr. Zeng Guosen Reply:
The user has reported that their blood pressure and blood sugar levels are well controlled after taking medication, but they still feel dizzy, indicating that there may be other unresolved issues. It is recommended to return for a follow-up appointment with a neurologist, who wil...

Thyroid Index and Hair Loss: Understanding the Connection

Thyroid levels and hair loss issues? Hello, doctor. I previously consulted a dermatologist regarding my hair loss issue and had blood tests done, which showed no abnormalities. The dermatologist thought my hair loss condition was not severe. Later, during a health check-up, I vis...

Dr. Lin Jianliang Reply:
Hello: It is recommended to have a blood test to check thyroid function. If hypothyroidism is present, it is more likely to cause hair loss.

Unexplained High CRP Levels: Seeking Answers for Persistent Pain

Elevated CRP levels with no identifiable cause? Hello, doctor. Since the end of March, I have been experiencing generalized stiffness and pain. I have seen specialists in family medicine, rehabilitation, orthopedics, rheumatology and immunology, infectious diseases, pain manageme...

Dr. Gao Jiankai Reply:
Hello, thank you for your question. The unit for CRP can be either mg/dL or mg/L in our country, so the significance of the number 9 will differ accordingly. Additionally, I recommend that you continue to follow up with the rheumatology department, as your physician will monitor ...

Does Hyperthyroidism Affect Fasting Blood Sugar Levels?

Does hyperthyroidism affect fasting blood glucose levels? Hello, doctor! Four years ago, I had my first adult health check-up, and my fasting blood glucose was slightly elevated at 106. Four years later, I had my second check-up, and my fasting blood glucose is still 106. Could t...

Dr. Li Jian Reply:
Thyroid antibody tests should ideally be monitored once a year. If fasting blood glucose levels are elevated, it is advisable to check glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c) to assess average blood sugar levels. Thank you for your inquiry.

Understanding the Sudden Spike in Syphilis Levels: Causes and Concerns

Elevated syphilis titers? Hello doctor, I had a blood test for syphilis at the end of March, which showed a titer of 1:2. I was hospitalized and received penicillin treatment for 14 days. In early May, my blood test showed a syphilis titer of 1:256. Could you please explain why t...

Dr. Liao Zhongxin Reply:
1. The syphilis index includes RPR (infectivity) and TPHA (past infection) categories; therefore, a result of 1:2X may indicate RPR, while 1:256X may indicate TPHA. 2. It is recommended to obtain information and consult with the medical facility to clarify the current situation.

Understanding Joint Discomfort at Night: Causes and Solutions

Experiencing joint stiffness when going to sleep (but not pain)? I have a long-term symptom where, every time I go to sleep, the inner sides of my left elbow and left knee joints feel very sore. Interestingly, the joints on the right side of my body do not exhibit any such sympto...

Dr. Gao Jiankai Reply:
Hello, thank you for your inquiry. Your symptoms may require a clinical physical examination along with blood tests to more easily identify potential causes. It is recommended that you seek evaluation from the Department of Allergy, Immunology, and Rheumatology or the Department ...

Understanding Leg Swelling and Muscle Twitches: When to Seek Medical Help

Twitching and pain in the thigh area? The doctor would like to ask you: Last year, after injuring the bottom of my left foot, I experienced swelling in both legs up to my thighs. A subsequent CT scan revealed that I have narrowing of the lymphatic vessels in my legs, but the doct...

Dr. Li Jian Reply:
Please schedule an appointment with the neurology department for an examination. Thank you for your inquiry.

Understanding the Risk of HIV Infection in Unsanitary Environments

Risk of HIV Infection Hello, doctor: I have a concern that I would like to ask you about. During my middle school years, the tutoring center environment was quite poor; there were very few restrooms, and the design might have been problematic, as there was often a puddle of urine...

Dr. Lin Wufu Reply:
Hello, there is basically no risk! HIV is primarily transmitted through contact with blood, bodily fluids, and mucous membranes, mainly through sexual intercourse. The viral load in urine is very low, and splashes that come into contact with the skin typically do not pose a trans...

Understanding Fever and Immune Disorders: Insights on Symptoms and Blood Tests

Immune diseases and related issues of fever? Hello, Doctor Gao. I would like to ask you a few questions: Recently (I'm not sure for how long), almost every night when I feel more fatigued, my body temperature rises slightly (around 36.7°C to 37.0°C or 37.1°C). If I rest for ...

Dr. Gao Jiankai Reply:
Hello, thank you for your inquiry. Here are my responses: 1. Recently, I have been experiencing slight increases in body temperature (around 36.7°C to 37.0-37.1°C) almost every evening when I feel more fatigued. If I rest or wake up from sleep, my temperature returns to normal. ...

Managing High Creatinine Levels: Hydration and Dietary Choices

Elevated creatinine levels? A month ago, I visited a doctor due to gout, and after blood and urine tests, I was found to have a high uric acid level of 9.9 and a creatinine level of 1.2. The doctor advised me to drink more water. After increasing my water intake, I started drinki...

Dr. Li Jian Reply:
In addition to excessive meat intake, consuming beverages high in fructose can also lead to elevated uric acid levels, so it is advisable to limit the intake of sugary drinks.

Should You Seek Medical Help for High Insulin Resistance?

Is it necessary to seek further medical attention for high insulin resistance? Hello Dr. Li, I recently had a health check-up and my results are as follows: Fasting Glucose: 93 mg/dL, HbA1c: 5.4% of Hb, Insulin: 23.4 mU/L, and Insulin Resistance (HOMA): 5.4. Both my blood glucose...

Dr. Li Jian Reply:
Currently, blood glucose levels are still normal. It is advisable to focus on lifestyle modifications and weight loss, while regularly monitoring blood glucose levels.

Understanding Kidney Function Tests: When to Consult a Nephrologist

Please inquire about renal function data? Hello, Doctor Wu. I recently had a health check at a laboratory, and several kidney function-related parameters were reported within the normal range. However, my urine albumin showed an abnormal result. Here are the details: B.U.N. (Bloo...

Dr. Wu Hongjie Reply:
ACR = 0.015 does not require nephrology follow-up; annual health check-ups as originally scheduled are sufficient.

Concerns About IV Flushes in Pediatric Patients: Risks and Precautions

Intravenous injection issues When a child is hospitalized and receiving intravenous fluids, if the IV line becomes obstructed, a nurse may flush it with saline to restore patency. Is there a risk of blood clots being pushed into the bloodstream? What precautions should be taken?

Dr. Xie Rongyuan Reply:
Hello: In this situation, I am unable to respond as I was not present at the time and do not know the circumstances. Thank you for your message!

Understanding Dry Mouth: Salivary Gland Function and Reactive Arthritis

Sjögren's syndrome and sialography? Hello Doctor, (I forgot to attach the data and there were some missing words, so I am asking again.) My immunologist diagnosed me with possible reactive arthritis. Recently, after hearing that I have dry eye syndrome, the doctor arranged f...

Dr. Gao Jiankai Reply:
Hello, thank you for your question. Here are my responses: 1. My doctor told me that my salivary gland function is impaired, likely due to arthritis-related xerostomia, which is different from typical dry mouth. Can reactive arthritis also lead to symptoms of dry mouth? Is it po...

Food Contamination Risks: Understanding Infection from Blood on Toast

Foodborne infection issues Hello, doctor! One day while I was having breakfast, I noticed some blood spots on my toast, approximately 0.3 centimeters in size, around two or three spots. I discovered the blood after I had already eaten part of the toast, and I'm uncertain whe...

Dr. Liao Zhongxin Reply:
1. If you are a healthy individual, there is certainly no issue; however, if you share the same piece of bread with someone else, you need to inquire about their health status. 2. The situation is as described in point 1.

Understanding HIV Test Results: What Do Changes in Numbers Mean?

HIV testing issues Hello Doctor: In May 2022, I had high-risk sexual behavior, but I did not engage in any sexual activity for the following seven months. In December 2022, feeling anxious, I went for an HIV blood test, and the result was 0.19. I had sexual activity again in Janu...

Dr. Liao Zhongxin Reply:
1. A general positive result is greater than 1, so values less than 1 do not need to be overly concerned. 2. If six months have passed, there is no need for further follow-up; however, if there are still risky behaviors, recalculation is necessary.

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