Understanding Cellulitis Treatment: Addressing Ongoing Pain and Swelling
Questions about the treatment of cellulitis? Hello Doctor: My mother experienced redness, swelling, and pain in her foot dorsum at night in late November, accompanied by fever. Therefore, she went to the emergency department for evaluation. Although there were no wounds, the doct...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, in patients with compromised immunity or poor blood circulation, cellulitis can indeed be difficult to resolve. It is usually necessary to confirm whether there is pus formation or bone infection. Based on your description, a CT scan has already been performed, which shoul...[Read More] Understanding Cellulitis Treatment: Addressing Ongoing Pain and Swelling
Is the Effect of Celecoxib on ESR Less Noticeable Than on CRP?
Is the effect of Xeljanz on lowering ESR less pronounced? Hello Doctor, I am a patient with ankylosing spondylitis and have been diagnosed for 3 years. For the past year, I have been undergoing treatment with Celecoxib. Although my buttock pain symptoms have significantly improve...
Dr. Zeng Guosen Reply:
The ESR (erythrocyte sedimentation rate) can be influenced by many factors aside from inflammation, so it is primarily recommended to refer to CRP (C-reactive protein) levels. You can try substituting different anti-inflammatory and analgesic medications. The results from the WBC...[Read More] Is the Effect of Celecoxib on ESR Less Noticeable Than on CRP?
Risk of HIV Infection from Sputum Splash in Eyewear: What You Need to Know
HIV infection Hello Doctor, I would like to inquire about the risk of infection if a patient with HIV accidentally splashes sputum into my eyes while assisting with sputum suction. I usually wear prescription glasses, and today while helping the patient, I felt that some sputum m...
Dr. Liao Zhongxin Reply:
First, let's review the information from the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) regarding HIV transmission routes: 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 infe...[Read More] Risk of HIV Infection from Sputum Splash in Eyewear: What You Need to Know
Managing Ankylosing Spondylitis Back Pain: Do NSAIDs and Exercise Always Help?
Can back pain from ankylosing spondylitis be alleviated by taking NSAIDs? Hello Doctor, my son is 19 years old and has been diagnosed with ankylosing spondylitis for three years. He has undergone relevant blood tests and MRI scans, and the rheumatologist confirmed the diagnosis. ...
Dr. Zeng Guosen Reply:
For individuals with ankylosing spondylitis experiencing back pain, simply taking NSAIDs along with appropriate exercise may not completely alleviate the pain. It is important to conduct a differential diagnosis to rule out other possibilities. If it is confirmed that the pain is...[Read More] Managing Ankylosing Spondylitis Back Pain: Do NSAIDs and Exercise Always Help?
Understanding the Impact of Anemia and Spinal Issues on White Blood Cell Count
White blood cell count Hello Doctor, my father has thalassemia. In last year's health check report, his hemoglobin was 12.8, mean corpuscular volume was 67.2, and mean corpuscular hemoglobin was 21.8. The physician mentioned that these values were low due to anemia. However,...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, a white blood cell count of 3380 is still within the normal range. It is normal for blood cell counts to fluctuate somewhat; as long as they remain within the normal range, there is no cause for concern. Spondylolisthesis itself should not lead to a decrease in blood cell ...[Read More] Understanding the Impact of Anemia and Spinal Issues on White Blood Cell Count
Could Fluctuating ESR Levels Indicate Cancer in Ankylosing Spondylitis?
Could my ESR condition be caused by cancer? Hello Doctor, I am a patient with ankylosing spondylitis, 22 years old, and I have been diagnosed for 2 years and 3 months. About 2 years ago, blood tests and MRI confirmed my diagnosis of ankylosing spondylitis. During my first blood t...
Dr. Gao Jiankai Reply:
Hello, thank you for your question. Indeed, there are other reasons that can cause an elevated ESR, including cancer. However, the diagnosis of cancer is not based solely on ESR; it should be considered alongside other related symptoms and regular health check-ups. You are still ...[Read More] Could Fluctuating ESR Levels Indicate Cancer in Ankylosing Spondylitis?
Can You Get Hepatitis B from Using a Family Member's Glucometer?
Blood glucose meter and hepatitis B? My mother is around 58 years old and has diabetes, so she purchased a blood glucose meter. She also has hepatitis B. I used the blood glucose meter once after she bought it, and I remember it wasn't long after her last use. At that time, ...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, the only risk of infection is from the repeated use of needles that prick the finger. However, currently, disposable needles are commonly used, which reduces this concern. Therefore, based on your description, it should not lead to a hepatitis B infection. Thank you for yo...[Read More] Can You Get Hepatitis B from Using a Family Member's Glucometer?
Can NSAIDs Alone Relieve Back Pain in Ankylosing Spondylitis?
Does taking NSAIDs always relieve back pain in ankylosing spondylitis? Hello, Dr. Gao. My son is 19 years old and has been diagnosed with ankylosing spondylitis for three years. He has undergone relevant blood tests and MRI scans, and the rheumatologist confirmed the diagnosis. I...
Dr. Gao Jiankai Reply:
Hello, thank you for your question. Here are my responses: 1) Regarding the back pain from ankylosing spondylitis, is it true that taking NSAIDs combined with appropriate exercise will definitely relieve the pain? Are there cases of more severe ankylosing spondylitis where pain...[Read More] Can NSAIDs Alone Relieve Back Pain in Ankylosing Spondylitis?
Understanding the Risks of Hepatitis B and C Transmission at Home
Hepatitis B and Hepatitis C Issues Hello, Doctor! I would like to ask you about the transmission of Hepatitis B and C viruses through contact with infected blood. If a family member gets injured and bleeds on indoor shoes, and I have a cut on the sole of my foot, could I get infe...
Dr. Liao Zhongxin Reply:
1. First, the hepatitis B vaccine should have been administered during childhood; however, over time, antibody levels may decline, leading to decreased protection. It is advisable to check with a nearby healthcare facility to see if protection is still present. 2. As for the hepa...[Read More] Understanding the Risks of Hepatitis B and C Transmission at Home
Understanding Hypothyroidism During Pregnancy: Key Hormone Levels Explained
Hypothyroidism If one side of the thyroid has been removed and you are taking 50 mcg of Levothyroxine (Enthexin) daily, currently at six weeks of pregnancy, and after increasing the dosage to two tablets, your blood test results show T3: 84 (64-152), T4: 0.94 (0.7-1.48), and TSH:...
Dr. Lin Jianliang Reply:
Hello: T3: 84 (64-152) T4: 0.94 (0.7-1.48) TSH: 23.3 (0.35-4.94) This indicates hypothyroidism. It is recommended to return to the original clinic for evaluation by a physician to determine if any adjustments are necessary.[Read More] Understanding Hypothyroidism During Pregnancy: Key Hormone Levels Explained
Understanding Elevated White Blood Cell Count: When to Seek Medical Attention
White blood cell count above 10,000? Hello Doctor: I underwent a health check-up at school on September 12th of this year. The results showed a white blood cell count of 10,190, a pulse rate of 96, and I have issues with being overweight and atopic dermatitis, but I do not have a...
Dr. Liao Zhongxin Reply:
1. The normal range for white blood cell counts in the general population at our hospital is between 3,500 and 11,000, which means that 5% of individuals may have counts below 3,500 or above 11,000, so there is no need to panic at this time. 2. However, it is important to compare...[Read More] Understanding Elevated White Blood Cell Count: When to Seek Medical Attention
Why Do Blood Genetic Test Results Take Almost a Month?
Blood genetic testing Hello, doctor. Why does it take almost a month to receive the test results?
Dr. Lin Wuxuan Reply:
Hello, could you please provide detailed information about the examination items? Generally, genetic-related tests may take approximately 7 to 14 business days, depending on the specific tests required. The exact testing timeline can only be determined based on the specific items...[Read More] Why Do Blood Genetic Test Results Take Almost a Month?
Understanding HPV, HIV Risks, and Vaccination for Gay Men
Cauliflower/HIV/AIDS Hello, doctor. I am a member of the LGBTQ+ community. Eight years ago, I had genital warts, which were treated over six months, and I received three doses of the nine-valent HPV vaccine. It has been eight years without a recurrence. I would like to know what ...
Dr. Liao Zhongxin Reply:
A. According to the data from the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), 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 infec...[Read More] Understanding HPV, HIV Risks, and Vaccination for Gay Men
Understanding Elevated White Blood Cell Count: Causes and Next Steps
Elevated white blood cell count? Hello, doctor. First, I would like to inform you that I am a patient with myasthenia gravis. I am currently taking four tablets of Mestinon daily and one tablet of Anspine weekly. Here are my questions: Since mid-September, I have been infected wi...
Dr. Liao Zhongxin Reply:
1. First, we are currently in the era of COVID-19, so it is essential to rule out this possibility by conducting a self-administered rapid test and receiving the COVID-19 vaccine (at least four doses are recommended). 2. Secondly, the side effects of medications should also be c...[Read More] Understanding Elevated White Blood Cell Count: Causes and Next Steps
Risk of Infection from Needle Stick in the Operating Room
Possibility of infection Hello, I would like to inquire about a situation in the operating room. There was a small suture needle left on the table after closing a patient's wound. While collecting instruments, I accidentally pressed down on the needle with my hand. At that t...
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 a risk of infection. 2. Blood tra...[Read More] Risk of Infection from Needle Stick in the Operating Room
Understanding Elevated Basophil Levels: Allergies and Blood Health in Young Adults
Eosinophils Hello Doctor, I am Enen from the article #188677. Thank you for your prompt response, but I still have some doubts that I would like to ask you again: 1. You mentioned that elevated basophil levels are related to allergies. Given that I recently had a cold and have ...
Dr. Gao Jiankai Reply:
Hello, thank you for your question. Here are my responses: 1. You mentioned that elevated basophil levels are related to allergies. Given that I recently had a cold and have a history of allergies, could this cause my basophil levels to be elevated? In 2020, my basophil count wa...[Read More] Understanding Elevated Basophil Levels: Allergies and Blood Health in Young Adults
Understanding the Clinical Significance of PL-7 and MDA5 Antibodies
Antibody positivity concerns? The recent blood test report is as follows: RF IgM, Ro-52 (-), SAE1 (-), SRP (-), TIF1γ (-), EJ (-), Jo-1 (-), Ku (-), MDA5 (+-), Mi-2α (-), Mi-2β (-), NXP2 (-), OJ (-), PL-12 (-), PL-7 (++), PM-Scl100 (-), PM-Scl75 (-). Could you please explain th...
Dr. Gao Jiankai Reply:
Hello, thank you for your inquiry. This is a testing kit designed to conduct more tests at a lower cost, so the results are qualitative in nature. The aim is to provide your physician with guidance for further testing, so the results may not be entirely accurate. PL-7 and MDA5 ar...[Read More] Understanding the Clinical Significance of PL-7 and MDA5 Antibodies
Risk of Infection from Needle Prick: Do You Need Testing?
Infection concerns? Hello doctor, I would like to inquire about a situation where my foot was punctured by an unknown needle on the street. The wound did not bleed, but there were small red dots resembling mosquito bites. These small red dots disappeared after 3 to 4 days. In thi...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, if you are certain that you were pricked by a needle, although the risk is low, there is still a possibility of bloodborne infection. It is recommended to visit an infectious disease specialist or a family medicine clinic to follow the appropriate procedures for needle sti...[Read More] Risk of Infection from Needle Prick: Do You Need Testing?
Risk of Blood Exposure: What to Know After a Pet Store Incident
Contact with another person's blood? I work at a pet store, and today a customer was bitten by a guinea pig and started bleeding profusely. In an effort to help the customer, I went to grab the guinea pig, but it immediately bit my finger instead. The situation was chaotic, ...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, the situation you mentioned does have a very low probability of bloodborne transmission. It is recommended to visit an infectious disease specialist and a family medicine clinic to inform them of your condition. They may need to follow the standard protocol for managing in...[Read More] Risk of Blood Exposure: What to Know After a Pet Store Incident
Understanding Platelet Count Fluctuations in Patients on Warfarin Therapy
Rate of platelet decline Hello Dr. Gao, My family member has been taking Warfarin and had a blood test around November 10th, where the platelet count dropped to 61,000. Earlier this year, when they were hospitalized, the doctor mentioned that the platelet count was low, around ...
Dr. Gao Jiankai Reply:
Hello, thank you for your questions. Here are my responses: 1. I understand that some values can fluctuate. Is this range of variation still acceptable? --> I believe it should be monitored further. 2. Can an overdose of the anticoagulant Warfarin that my mother is taking ...[Read More] Understanding Platelet Count Fluctuations in Patients on Warfarin Therapy