Understanding Fluctuating Urine Sugar Levels: What Do They Mean?
Inquiry Consultation Dear Dr. Lee, I would like to ask you a question. When I was 18 years old, I underwent a health check-up. The urine test (dipstick test) showed an abnormal glucose (Glu) level of ++. However, being young at the time, I did not pay much attention to the resul...
Dr. Li Jian Reply:
If fasting is not observed before the health check, it may lead to the presence of glucose in the urine. Fasting blood tests are more accurate. Thank you for your inquiry.[Read More] Understanding Fluctuating Urine Sugar Levels: What Do They Mean?
Understanding Eczema: Causes, Treatments, and Concerns About Skin Changes
Elbow issues? Hello, I would like to ask the doctor about a condition I've been experiencing. I previously visited a dermatologist and an internist because occasionally I have sudden itching on my elbow. I'm not sure if I've scratched the skin, but it appears to ha...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, it does appear to be chronic eczema, which is often caused by frequent rubbing or scratching. The darkening is due to post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation. As long as you avoid continuous rubbing or scratching, the color will gradually return to normal. Regarding the rash a...[Read More] Understanding Eczema: Causes, Treatments, and Concerns About Skin Changes
Understanding Lower Back Pain and Related Symptoms: A Comprehensive Guide
Lower back pain? Lower back pain, numbness in hands, slight pinkish blood when wiping after urination, sometimes present and sometimes absent, generalized abdominal pain without a specific location, occasional decreased urine output which may be due to hot weather and sweating, d...
Dr. Lin Wufu Reply:
Hello, urinary tract infection should be ruled out first, as it can cause hematuria and abdominal pain. If there is also kidney inflammation, it may lead to lower back pain. It is recommended to consult an infectious disease specialist or a urologist for a urine test and further ...[Read More] Understanding Lower Back Pain and Related Symptoms: A Comprehensive Guide
Understanding Rheumatoid Arthritis and Its Connection to Autoimmune Antibodies
Rheumatoid Arthritis and Antinuclear Antibodies Hello Doctor, I would like to ask you: 1. I have been experiencing knee joint pain for a while (but there is no redness or swelling). It hurts when I am at rest, and sometimes other bones in my lower body also ache slightly. I am ...
Dr. Gao Jiankai Reply:
Hello, thank you for your questions. Here are my responses: 1. I have been experiencing knee joint pain for a while (but without redness or swelling). It hurts when I am not moving, and sometimes other bones in my lower body also ache slightly. I am unsure if this is an early sy...[Read More] Understanding Rheumatoid Arthritis and Its Connection to Autoimmune Antibodies
Understanding Reactive Arthritis: Symptoms, Diagnosis, and Treatment Options
Leigh syndrome Hello Doctor, I have normal blood test results, but my symptoms have led my physician to suspect reactive arthritis. I would like to ask you the following questions: 1. My first symptom was pain in the Achilles tendon at the heel, which appears normal externally. ...
Dr. Gao Jiankai Reply:
Hello, thank you for your inquiry. Here are my responses: 1. My first symptom is pain in the Achilles tendon at the calcaneus, which appears normal externally. However, after sitting for a long time, I experience brief pain when I stand up and walk, which subsides after walking ...[Read More] Understanding Reactive Arthritis: Symptoms, Diagnosis, and Treatment Options
Understanding Exercise Fatigue and Heart Issues: A Patient's Journey
Exercise, fatigue, heart problems? Dear Doctor, For the past few months, I have been feeling more fatigued than usual. I feel weak when standing and cannot walk for long periods. Additionally, my exercise capacity has decreased significantly; I often experience an inexplicable ...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Based on your description, it is possible that the issue may be due to physiological or psychological factors. I recommend starting with a visit to a family medicine specialist to check your basic health status, such as whether you have anemia or if your endocrine system is funct...[Read More] Understanding Exercise Fatigue and Heart Issues: A Patient's Journey
Can You Contract HIV from Contact with Semen During Masturbation?
HIV/AIDS is very frightening? Doctor, may I ask you something? If I come into contact with my own wound while masturbating and it touches semen, is there a risk of contracting HIV?
Dr. Liao Zhongxin Reply:
First, refer to the information from the Centers for Disease Control website: https://www.cdc.gov.tw/Category/Page/lehLY2EFku4q7Gqv4bql2w Second, there are three main routes of transmission for the Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV): 1. Sexual Transmission: Engaging in oral, an...[Read More] Can You Contract HIV from Contact with Semen During Masturbation?
How Long Can Hepatitis and HIV Survive Outside the Body?
Survival time Hello, doctor: I would like to ask how long the viruses or bacteria of Hepatitis B, Hepatitis C, Hepatitis D, HIV, syphilis, and gonorrhea can survive in the general environment outside the human body. Thank you.
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, these pathogens die quickly after leaving a living host, so they are not transmitted through contact but rather through sexual activity and blood transmission. Thank you for your question.[Read More] How Long Can Hepatitis and HIV Survive Outside the Body?
How Long Should You Wait to Take Antibiotics After Drinking Beer?
After consuming a bottle of beer, it is generally recommended to wait at least 48 hours before taking the antibiotic Norfloxacin. Alcohol can interfere with the effectiveness of antibiotics and may increase the risk of side effects. Always consult your healthcare provider for per...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, it is recommended to avoid alcohol consumption during the medication period. However, if you do drink alcohol, it is theoretically acceptable to take the medication after more than two hours. It is advised not to interrupt the treatment course, as it can indeed lead to bac...[Read More] How Long Should You Wait to Take Antibiotics After Drinking Beer?
Understanding HIV Test Results: What to Do After a Positive Screening
HIV testing issues? Hello, Doctor. I went to a military hospital for a physical examination because I wanted to apply to a military academy, and I tested positive for HIV. Two days later, I returned for a retest, which also showed a positive result. However, I purchased a SURE CH...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, theoretically, anonymous rapid testing at large hospitals is more accurate. Additionally, if you have no sexual experience, you are unlikely to be infected with HIV. However, this does need to be confirmed with a Western blot test. If the Western blot test result is also p...[Read More] Understanding HIV Test Results: What to Do After a Positive Screening
Can Undetectable HIV Viral Load Result in Negative Test Results?
Viral load is undetectable? If the HIV viral load is undetectable, will an HIV test during a routine blood check at a regular company show a negative result?
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, theoretically it should present as negative. Thank you for your question.[Read More] Can Undetectable HIV Viral Load Result in Negative Test Results?
Understanding Dizziness and Body Sensations While Using Your Phone
Dizziness with slight swaying of the body? Hello, Doctor. I would like to ask about a situation I experience when lying on my side with a pillow while using my phone, or when lying face down on the bed. Sometimes, I feel a slight swaying sensation in my body, which makes me think...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, the most common causes of dizziness are inner ear imbalance and brain issues. Compression of the sympathetic and parasympathetic nerves in the neck may also lead to dizziness. To determine the specific cause, it is necessary to consult a neurologist or an otolaryngologist ...[Read More] Understanding Dizziness and Body Sensations While Using Your Phone
Exploring Combined T4 and T3 Therapy Post-Thyroidectomy in Taiwan
Total thyroidectomy for papillary thyroid carcinoma, with a new medication option combining LT4 (Levothyroxine) and LT3 (Liothyronine)? Hello Doctor, I underwent a thyroidectomy in July 2022 and have been taking Levothyroxine Sodium at a total dosage of 100 mcg per day. I current...
Dr. Li Jian Reply:
Currently, in Taiwan, only thyroxine supplementation is available, and thyroid function is adjusted by modifying the dosage of thyroxine. Thank you for your inquiry.[Read More] Exploring Combined T4 and T3 Therapy Post-Thyroidectomy in Taiwan
Understanding Bone Marrow Suppression Risks from Salazopyrin Use
Could I be experiencing bone marrow suppression as a side effect after taking Salazopyrin? Hello, Doctor Gao. I would like to ask you some additional questions. I am a patient with ankylosing spondylitis, and my main symptom is pain in my buttocks. Since my blood test on March 2n...
Dr. Gao Jiankai Reply:
Hello, thank you for your question. Here are my responses: 1) The package insert for Salazopyrin mentions rare side effects such as bone marrow suppression. My RBC, Hb, and PLT levels seem to have started declining after taking Salazopyrin (all have dropped to the lower limit of...[Read More] Understanding Bone Marrow Suppression Risks from Salazopyrin Use
Understanding Blood Test Results in Rheumatoid Arthritis Patients
Rheumatoid arthritis blood test values I have had rheumatoid arthritis (RA) for three years and have been on biologic therapy for about two years. Since the onset of the disease, my blood test results have shown an ESR between 15-40. Recently, during a follow-up visit, my blood r...
Dr. Gao Jiankai Reply:
Hello, thank you for your inquiry. Your abnormal blood test results seem to be more related to the biologic therapy, but generally, they are not a major concern. However, if you are still experiencing multiple joint pains despite receiving biologic treatment, it is important to d...[Read More] Understanding Blood Test Results in Rheumatoid Arthritis Patients
Understanding Fluctuations in Hs-CRP Levels for Ankylosing Spondylitis Patients
Does eating salad cause fluctuations in hs-CRP levels? Hello Doctor, I am a patient with ankylosing spondylitis, and my main symptom is pain in the buttocks. Since March 2nd of last year, I have been taking two Salazopyrin daily and only taking Voltaren when I experience pain (th...
Dr. Zeng Guosen Reply:
1) The activity of ankylosing spondylitis naturally fluctuates and is not ineffective. 2) It is possible that medication was not taken, or the disease itself may be changing. 3) There are reports indicating that COVID-19 infection can lead to increased instability in autoimmune d...[Read More] Understanding Fluctuations in Hs-CRP Levels for Ankylosing Spondylitis Patients
Should You Adjust Your Diet for Slightly Elevated Fasting Glucose?
Pre-meal elevated glucose levels issue? I would like to ask the doctor, during a recent blood test, my fasting glucose level was 96. Although it is still within the normal range of 70-100, should I make adjustments to my diet based on this value, or do glucose levels vary with ea...
Dr. Lin Jianliang Reply:
Hello: The blood sugar levels measured before meals may not always be the same. There can be fluctuations, but as long as they are within the normal range, they can be considered normal values. It is recommended to adjust your diet to avoid abnormalities.[Read More] Should You Adjust Your Diet for Slightly Elevated Fasting Glucose?
Understanding the Importance of Follow-Up Testing After Negative Rapid Combo Tests
Rapid Test Combo Fourth Generation I went to the clinic for a rapid test using the Abbott fourth-generation combo antigen and antibody test. I have been in the window period for one month, and it has been six weeks since the incident. The result came back negative, but the nurse ...
Dr. Liao Zhongxin Reply:
1. The most important factor is whether there has been any unsafe sexual behavior or sharing of needles, rather than focusing on how long one should be monitored. 2. Of course, fourth-generation combination tests are quite accurate, and most results will be negative after six mon...[Read More] Understanding the Importance of Follow-Up Testing After Negative Rapid Combo Tests
Understanding Elevated Mono Levels and Lymph Node Swelling: What to Know
Infection-related issues? Hello Doctor, I have some questions I would like to ask you: Current situation: 1) During a recent blood test, it was found that my monocyte count was above the normal range (normal is under 10, and my count was around 11; all other blood cell values wer...
Dr. Lin Wufu Reply:
Hello: 1. The total count of monocytes is typically assessed based on the total white blood cell count and the percentage they represent, as looking at the percentage alone may not provide an accurate assessment. 2. If there is only swelling in the groin area, it is important to ...[Read More] Understanding Elevated Mono Levels and Lymph Node Swelling: What to Know
Why Did the Effectiveness of Salazopyrine Diminish for My Ankylosing Spondylitis?
Why has the effect of Salbutamol diminished? Hello, Doctor Gao. I am a patient with ankylosing spondylitis, and my main symptom is pain in the buttocks. Since March 2 of last year, I have been taking two Salazopyrin daily and only taking Voltaren when I experience pain (the pain ...
Dr. Gao Jiankai Reply:
Hello, thank you for your inquiry. Here are my responses: 1) For patients with ankylosing spondylitis, in the absence of special circumstances and without interruption of medication, the use of Salazopyrin (sulfasalazine) generally maintains effective control over HSCRP levels....[Read More] Why Did the Effectiveness of Salazopyrine Diminish for My Ankylosing Spondylitis?