Concerns About Blood Infections from Acupuncture and Electrotherapy
Blood infection After acupuncture, if there are small wounds on the body, is there a concern for bloodborne infections when using electrodes for electrical stimulation and reusing cupping jars? Is there a risk of hepatitis B and HIV transmission?
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, as long as the acupuncture needles are not reused and other treatment methods are followed, there should not be a risk of bloodborne infections. Thank you for your question.[Read More] Concerns About Blood Infections from Acupuncture and Electrotherapy
Understanding High ESR Levels in Anemia and Ankylosing Spondylitis
Is it because I have anemia that my ESR is often elevated? Hello Doctor: I am a patient with ankylosing spondylitis, 20 years old, and I have been diagnosed for over 2 years. Recently, for the past 7 months, I have been taking Salazopyrin, and during my last two follow-up visits,...
Dr. Zeng Guosen Reply:
1. Hemoglobin (Hb) levels of 13.5 to 14.5 are not the cause of abnormal erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR), as ESR can be influenced by many factors in the body. 2. C-reactive protein (CRP) is more important than ESR for monitoring ankylosing spondylitis; symptoms and X-rays a...[Read More] Understanding High ESR Levels in Anemia and Ankylosing Spondylitis
New Treatment Options for MDS: Can Patients Access Insurance Coverage?
Are there new drugs available for the treatment of MDS (Myelodysplastic Syndromes)? Hello, doctor! My current white blood cell count is 1600, hemoglobin is between 6 and 7, and platelet count is 9000. I am a patient with MDS. For the past two to three months, platelet transfusion...
Dr. Zeng Guosen Reply:
It seems that MDS patients cannot apply for health insurance coverage for thrombopoietin. It is recommended to consult a hematology outpatient physician for further inquiries. Thank you for your question.[Read More] New Treatment Options for MDS: Can Patients Access Insurance Coverage?
Can Increasing Salazopyrin Dosage Improve ESR in Ankylosing Spondylitis?
Saleran significantly reduces CRP levels; can increasing the dosage also lead to a significant decrease in ESR? Hello Doctor: I am 20 years old and have been diagnosed with ankylosing spondylitis for 3 years, with the diagnosis confirmed 1 year after the onset. Initially, I was t...
Dr. Zeng Guosen Reply:
1. There are many bodily factors that can cause elevated ESR, and inflammation is just one of them. Increasing the dosage of Salazopyrin to 3 or 4 tablets per day may be worth trying, but it may not necessarily be effective. 2. Mild anemia is unlikely to cause such a high ESR. Th...[Read More] Can Increasing Salazopyrin Dosage Improve ESR in Ankylosing Spondylitis?
Does Allergies Affect Elevated ESR Levels in Young Adults?
Can allergies cause an increase in ESR? Hello Doctor: My son is 20 years old and has had allergies since childhood. Over two years ago, he was also diagnosed with ankylosing spondylitis. He is currently taking two capsules of Salazopyrin daily. In the early stages of the disease,...
Dr. Zeng Guosen Reply:
Hello, there are many reasons that can cause elevated ESR levels, and inflammation is just one of them. Allergies do not necessarily lead to increased ESR, especially if other values are normal. If you have any questions, you can consult your attending physician. Thank you for yo...[Read More] Does Allergies Affect Elevated ESR Levels in Young Adults?
Understanding Your Blood Test Results: High CPK and Eosinophil Levels Explained
Blood test Hello Doctor, I went to the emergency room yesterday and had a blood test done. My results are as follows: Hb 17.0, HCT 50.1, MCH 31.8, MCHC 34.0, MCV 94, MPV 9.0, Platelet count 156, RBC count 5.36, RDW 12.7, WBC count 45, Eosinophil 1.5, Lymphocyte 39.5, Monocyte 7.9...
Dr. Gao Jiankai Reply:
Hello, thank you for your question. Elevated CPK levels can indeed be related to vigorous exercise, and given your age, this is the most likely reason. Basophils are a type of white blood cell associated with allergies, and their proportion in the total white blood cell count is ...[Read More] Understanding Your Blood Test Results: High CPK and Eosinophil Levels Explained
Understanding False Positives in Syphilis Testing: A Case Study
Is it possible for a treponemal test to yield a false positive result? I am 36 years old. In August, I donated blood and received a notification that my TPHA was positive and RPR was negative. In January, my blood donation results were still normal, all negative. In November, I w...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, the two indices for syphilis, RPR and TPHA, show that RPR is more sensitive and can easily yield false positives, which may turn negative after syphilis treatment. On the other hand, the chance of false positives with TPHA is very low, and it typically remains positive eve...[Read More] Understanding False Positives in Syphilis Testing: A Case Study
Concerns About Needle Stick Injuries in the Operating Room
Stung by a thorn? Hello Doctor, I would like to inquire about an incident that occurred while I was working in the operating room. That day, a very small suture needle was left on the table, and while collecting instruments, I accidentally pressed on the needle. I was wearing glo...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, it is indeed difficult to determine the likelihood of infection based on your description. In clinical practice, if there is any suspicion of a needlestick injury similar to your situation, we typically follow the needlestick protocol to assess the risk of infection. Thank...[Read More] Concerns About Needle Stick Injuries in the Operating Room
Living with a Single Kidney: Health Tips and Life Expectancy Insights
What are the lifestyle and life expectancy considerations for individuals with congenital solitary kidney and hydronephrosis? Hello, doctor. Recently, my boyfriend and I are preparing to get married, and we did a premarital health checkup. My boyfriend has a congenital single kid...
Dr. Huang Yaoxuan Reply:
Dear Ms. Tianle, Regarding kidney health, it is recommended to measure your blood pressure daily. If your blood pressure is elevated, please consult a physician for evaluation. Additionally, pay attention to your dietary intake of salt and protein, ensuring it is within appropri...[Read More] Living with a Single Kidney: Health Tips and Life Expectancy Insights
Managing Chronic Fatigue and Immune Issues: A Comprehensive Guide
Feeling unwell? At the age of 41, my immune system seems to be particularly weak, and I have trouble sleeping. My gastrointestinal digestion has slowed down, and I feel that the nutrients from the food I eat are not being absorbed properly, leading to frequent vaginal infections ...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, 1. It is recommended to maintain a regular routine and engage in regular exercise to boost immunity and reduce the likelihood of infections. 2. Regarding blood pressure, it does not directly affect immunity; however, effectively managing blood pressure can reduce the ri...[Read More] Managing Chronic Fatigue and Immune Issues: A Comprehensive Guide
Managing Diabetes: Dietary Tips for Seniors with High Blood Sugar
Diabetes Recipe Hello Doctor, my grandmother is 148 cm tall and weighs 31 kg. She follows a lacto-vegetarian diet and has diabetes, hypertension, and hyperlipidemia, with blood sugar levels around 120-140 mg/dL. She takes oral medications for blood sugar and blood pressure in the...
Dr. Li Jian Reply:
The dietary principles for diabetes focus on a balanced diet, emphasizing the intake of foods rich in dietary fiber, such as whole grains, vegetables, and fruits. It is important to avoid refined carbohydrate foods, such as sugar, desserts, fruit juices, honey, and sugary beverag...[Read More] Managing Diabetes: Dietary Tips for Seniors with High Blood Sugar
Understanding Suppurative Tonsillitis: When to Seek Hospitalization
Tonsillitis with suppuration? Hello Doctor, I would like to inquire about my condition. On November 1st, I went to the emergency room due to a sore throat that made it difficult to swallow and a fever. The emergency diagnosis was purulent tonsillitis. I had blood tests done, and ...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, based on your description, it is recommended to have an otolaryngologist perform a laryngoscopy to examine the throat. If pus is found, consideration should be given to a minor surgical procedure for incision and drainage, and possibly hospitalization. If it is merely infl...[Read More] Understanding Suppurative Tonsillitis: When to Seek Hospitalization
Assessing HIV Infection Risk from Minor Injuries and Oral Symptoms
Risk of HIV Infection On October 1st, I noticed a small amount of unknown blood on my right big toe. I'm not sure if it was from someone who dripped it on the ground or if I stepped on it, as I didn't feel anything and didn't notice anyone nearby bleeding. However,...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, based on your description of the wound on your foot, it is unlikely that it has led to an HIV infection. The symptoms you described are not indicative of HIV, so there is no need for you to undergo specific testing at this time. Thank you for your inquiry.[Read More] Assessing HIV Infection Risk from Minor Injuries and Oral Symptoms
Understanding Back Pain Patterns in Ankylosing Spondylitis: Key Symptoms and Management
Experiencing pain when extending the lower back but not when bending forward is a typical symptom of ankylosing spondylitis? Dear Dr. Gao, I am a patient with ankylosing spondylitis and have been experiencing symptoms for over two years. Initially, I only had pain in my buttocks...
Dr. Gao Jiankai Reply:
Hello, thank you for your question. Here are my responses: 1) Are my symptoms (pain in the lower back when arching, no pain when bending forward) typical symptoms of ankylosing spondylitis? --> No. 2) If it is not a typical symptom, would Dr. Gao recommend that I see a reh...[Read More] Understanding Back Pain Patterns in Ankylosing Spondylitis: Key Symptoms and Management
Understanding the Kidney Risks of Long-Term NSAID Use: Dosage Matters
The dosage of NSAIDs that can cause kidney damage? Hello, doctor. I would like to ask about the issue of long-term NSAID use and its impact on kidney health. What dosage would be considered harmful to the kidneys? If someone takes 2-3 tablets of ibuprofen (200 mg each) during men...
Dr. Huang Yaoxuan Reply:
Dear Evonne: It is well known that long-term use of NSAIDs may harm the kidneys; however, there are no clinical studies indicating the dosage of NSAIDs that could cause kidney damage in young, healthy adults (such as yourself at 28 years old). It is recommended that you first und...[Read More] Understanding the Kidney Risks of Long-Term NSAID Use: Dosage Matters
Frequent Bloating and Diarrhea: What Could Be the Cause?
Frequent bloating and diarrhea? In recent months, I have frequently experienced bloating in the lower left abdomen and diarrhea, which improves for a few days only to return again. A few days ago, my urine appeared brownish, but it has not been brown in the last two days, althoug...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Based on your description, it is likely that your symptoms are not caused by the same disease. Blood tests, urine tests, and stool tests may be necessary to determine the underlying conditions. I recommend that you first schedule an appointment with a family medicine clinic for e...[Read More] Frequent Bloating and Diarrhea: What Could Be the Cause?
Can Increasing Salazopyrine Dosage Lower ESR in Ankylosing Spondylitis?
Can increasing the dosage of Salazopyrin further reduce ESR? Hello Doctor: I am 20 years old, and I have been diagnosed with ankylosing spondylitis for 3 years, with the diagnosis confirmed 1 year after the onset. Initially, I was treated with either Celebrex or Voltaren, but for...
Dr. Gao Jiankai Reply:
Hello, thank you for your question. Here are my responses: 1) I have been taking only 2 Salazopyrin daily, and my CRP has significantly decreased from around 0.7-0.9 (when I was only taking Celebrex or Voltaren) to now 0.2-0.4. However, my ESR has shown almost no improvement. In...[Read More] Can Increasing Salazopyrine Dosage Lower ESR in Ankylosing Spondylitis?
Understanding Parasite Concerns and Blood Test Results in Internal Medicine
Continuation #188061 Suspected Parasites and Blood Test Values Thank you, doctor, for your response. I have a few more questions. In your previous answer regarding point 2, you mentioned that "it could take months to years." Therefore, can we basically rule out that the...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, 1. Based on your description, the likelihood of a parasitic infection seems very low. 2. Yes, headaches can indeed be a post-acute sequela of SARS-CoV-2 infection (PASC), but they may also be caused by other factors such as high stress, insufficient sleep, or significan...[Read More] Understanding Parasite Concerns and Blood Test Results in Internal Medicine
Concerns About Parasites and Blood Test Results After Undercooked Meat
Suspected parasitic infection and blood test values? Hello, on October 1st, I consumed a steak that was not cooked to the required doneness (I requested medium, but some parts were rare to medium-rare). I am concerned about parasites (specifically, tapeworms) and have since been ...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, 1. The pork tapeworm can also be killed by freezing. 2. Each individual's condition varies significantly, ranging from a few months to several years. 3. Based on your clinical symptoms and blood test results, it currently does not appear to be a parasitic infection. T...[Read More] Concerns About Parasites and Blood Test Results After Undercooked Meat
Understanding Abnormal Urine Sediment Test Results: What You Need to Know
Abnormal urine sediment examination? Dear Doctor, Hello. I was hospitalized due to gastroenteritis and underwent an abdominal ultrasound. The gastroenterologist mentioned that I have chronic changes in my kidneys (irregular surface). I then scheduled an appointment with a nephro...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, chronic changes in the kidneys usually require accompanying blood tests to assess kidney function, such as BUN and creatinine levels, to check for abnormalities. If the blood tests are normal, observation is typically sufficient. As for urine sediment, it usually does not ...[Read More] Understanding Abnormal Urine Sediment Test Results: What You Need to Know