Concerns About HIV Infection Risks After Encountering Blood in Elevator
Infection concerns? Hello, Doctor Hong. Yesterday, while I was in the elevator, I noticed a large pool of red liquid flowing from the buttons to the floor. I later heard that someone had vomited blood inside the elevator (I did not see it happen). I was told that the floor was co...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, based on the situation you mentioned, you are concerned about the risk of contracting HIV from contact with blood in an elevator. However, since you did not have mucous membrane exposure or direct contact with fresh blood through an open wound, it currently appears that th...[Read More] Concerns About HIV Infection Risks After Encountering Blood in Elevator
Understanding Loud Breathing: Causes and When to Seek Help
Regarding respiratory issues? Hello, doctor. I have a question. Sometimes my breathing sounds very loud (not during sleep). It's like after normal breathing, there will suddenly be a loud exhalation, and it feels like I have a tightness in my chest and can't breathe out...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, 1. Regarding respiratory sounds, being overweight can cause airway compression, which may lead to wheezing or audible breathing. If you are feeling very uncomfortable, you can visit an outpatient clinic for an X-ray to confirm that your lungs are in good condition. If it...[Read More] Understanding Loud Breathing: Causes and When to Seek Help
Understanding Low Potassium Symptoms and When to Seek Medical Help
Symptoms of hypokalemia? Recently, I had a blood test that showed my potassium level was only 3, and I have been experiencing some muscle weakness. I noticed in the report that I have been eating foods high in potassium, but my symptoms have not improved significantly. I would li...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, the most common causes of low potassium levels are diarrhea or an imbalanced diet. Typically, it takes about 1-2 weeks of dietary potassium supplementation to see gradual increases. It is recommended to consume high-potassium foods for 1-2 weeks before retesting. If potass...[Read More] Understanding Low Potassium Symptoms and When to Seek Medical Help
Can Forxiga Be Used for Chronic Kidney Disease Not Caused by Diabetes?
Medication Issues in Kidney Disease Hello Dr. Huang, can the SGLT2 inhibitor Forxiga be used to treat chronic kidney disease (stage 3) not caused by type 2 diabetes? My blood sugar is relatively high, with a hemoglobin A1c of about 6.0.
Dr. Huang Yaoxuan Reply:
Hello: Farxiga is an SGLT2 inhibitor. You may discuss with your nephrologist whether this type of medication is suitable for your condition. Thank you![Read More] Can Forxiga Be Used for Chronic Kidney Disease Not Caused by Diabetes?
Exploring the Link Between Low Albumin in Lupus and Pregnancy Outcomes
The correlation between low albumin levels in systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) and pregnancy/abortion, along with proteinuria and the calculation method? Dear Dr. Gao, Thank you for your prompt response to my inquiry regarding #186219. I have another question related to lupus...
Dr. Gao Jiankai Reply:
Hello, thank you for your inquiry. Here are my responses: 1) In 2017, starting from June, my proteinuria fluctuated between negative and positive, eventually showing ++ and +++. However, at that time, my albumin level was still at 4.2. There was a year when I did not undergo uri...[Read More] Exploring the Link Between Low Albumin in Lupus and Pregnancy Outcomes
Does Rheumatoid Arthritis Affect CEA Levels in Blood Tests?
Does rheumatoid arthritis affect CEA? Hello, my mother experienced lower back pain and underwent an ultrasound in the nephrology department, which revealed a shadow on her liver. A blood test was then arranged, and her CEA level was found to be 1119, which is extremely high. Howe...
Dr. Gao Jiankai Reply:
Hello, thank you for your inquiry. Psoriatic arthritis should not affect CEA levels. It is recommended to investigate the reasons for the elevated levels, particularly concerning the gastrointestinal tract. This is from the Department of Allergy, Immunology, and Rheumatology at C...[Read More] Does Rheumatoid Arthritis Affect CEA Levels in Blood Tests?
Understanding HIV Exposure Risks After Intimate Contact with PEP Users
Having sexual relations with someone who is on PrEP? Hello, doctor. I had close contact with someone who may be an HIV patient. On that day, I had a deep kiss with him (he has bleeding symptoms when brushing his gums or sucking hard, and I also experience bleeding when I brush my...
Dr. Lin Wufu Reply:
Hello: First, it is important to clarify that PEP (Post-Exposure Prophylaxis) is used to prevent HIV transmission after potential exposure. Therefore, if your partner is currently taking PEP, the likelihood of them having HIV at that moment is very low. Assuming they are indeed a...[Read More] Understanding HIV Exposure Risks After Intimate Contact with PEP Users
Understanding Steroid Side Effects and Sock Indentations: A Patient's Inquiry
Onset of steroid side effects / Sock indentation marks Hello, Doctor. I have lupus erythematosus and have been undergoing treatment since 2012. Initially, I was taking three steroid pills, but three years ago, the dosage increased to five pills. Over the past six months, my weigh...
Dr. Gao Jiankai Reply:
Hello, thank you for your question. Here are my responses: 1. How long does it take for steroid side effects to appear? Is my body change possibly related to medication use, or is it simply due to dietary or lifestyle changes? --> Side effects from steroids can begin to manif...[Read More] Understanding Steroid Side Effects and Sock Indentations: A Patient's Inquiry
Can High Rheumatoid Factor Levels Return to Normal? Insights and Advice
Is it possible for a high rheumatoid factor to decrease to normal levels? Hello Doctor, I would like to ask you a question. I have recently measured my rheumatoid factor twice, and both times it was very high, around 200. The second measurement was even higher than the first. My...
Dr. Gao Jiankai Reply:
Hello, thank you for your question. A high rheumatoid factor is an indication of immune dysfunction and, in principle, will not return to normal solely due to strict lifestyle adjustments. A higher rheumatoid factor simply suggests that you have a greater likelihood of having a r...[Read More] Can High Rheumatoid Factor Levels Return to Normal? Insights and Advice
Understanding Nail Color Changes: What Purple Nails Could Indicate
Nail color consultation? Hello, doctor. I would like to ask about something I noticed this morning when I looked at my nails, particularly the area near the lunula on my thumb, which appears to have a deeper, slightly purplish color. It's most noticeable when viewed from the...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, if you do not experience shortness of breath while walking, the likelihood of hypoxia is low. As for the color of your nails appearing darker, it should still be within the normal color range. A small number of people may have darker nail coloration due to temperature chan...[Read More] Understanding Nail Color Changes: What Purple Nails Could Indicate
Understanding Antinuclear Antibody (ANA) Test Results: What 1:80 Means
Antinuclear antibodies (ANA) My blood test result is 1:80. I would like to know if this is normal or if further testing is needed.
Dr. Zeng Guosen Reply:
AANA titer of 1:80 is considered weakly positive, which may be normal, but a small number of cases could indicate an issue that requires further differential diagnosis. There are many specific tests that need to be conducted, which I won't detail here. Please consult a rheum...[Read More] Understanding Antinuclear Antibody (ANA) Test Results: What 1:80 Means
Am I at Risk for Hepatitis B, C, Syphilis, or Tetanus?
Can this lead to hepatitis B, hepatitis C, syphilis, or tetanus? Hello, Doctor. A few days ago, while I was browsing a kitchenware store in a department store, I accidentally scraped my hand on a product displayed by the store (a metal stirring stick with a gear-shaped end). At t...
Dr. Lin Wufu Reply:
Hello: While I cannot say that the situation you mentioned is impossible, the probability is extremely low (you can think of it as being even less likely than being struck by lightning). The reason is that bacteria or viruses such as hepatitis B and syphilis can survive outside t...[Read More] Am I at Risk for Hepatitis B, C, Syphilis, or Tetanus?
Managing High Uric Acid and Liver Function: Best Specialist Options
What is the best way to manage high uric acid levels and elevated liver function tests? Thank you, doctor, for taking the time to address my concerns. I have recently received blood test results showing the following: height 165 cm, weight 70 kg. 1. Uric acid level: 8.9 mg/dL. 2....
Dr. Li Jian Reply:
High uric acid and fatty liver can benefit from consulting a nutritionist for education and guidance. Weight loss is essential; if dietary control is insufficient, consider seeking treatment from a metabolic specialist for medication.[Read More] Managing High Uric Acid and Liver Function: Best Specialist Options
Managing High Uric Acid and Liver Function: Best Specialist Options
What is the best way to manage high uric acid levels and elevated liver function tests? Thank you, doctor, for taking the time to address my concerns. I have recently received blood test results showing the following: height 165 cm, weight 70 kg. 1. Uric acid level is 8.9 mg/dL. ...
Dr. Li Jian Reply:
High uric acid levels and fatty liver can benefit from consultation with a nutritionist for education and guidance. Weight loss is essential; if dietary control is insufficient, consider seeking treatment from a metabolic specialist for medication management.[Read More] Managing High Uric Acid and Liver Function: Best Specialist Options
Managing High Uric Acid and Liver Function: Best Specialist Options
What is the best way to manage elevated uric acid levels and slightly elevated liver function indices? Thank you, doctor, for taking the time to address my concerns. I have recently received blood test results showing the following: height 165 cm, weight 70 kg. 1. Uric acid level...
Dr. Li Jian Reply:
High uric acid and fatty liver can benefit from consulting a nutritionist for education and guidance. Weight loss is essential; if dietary control is insufficient, consider seeking medication treatment from a metabolic specialist.[Read More] Managing High Uric Acid and Liver Function: Best Specialist Options
Can Cooked Food Contaminated with Fish Blood Transmit Parasites?
Parasitic Infections Inquiry If cooked food comes into contact with a small amount of fish blood, and I am unsure whether the fish is from saltwater or freshwater, is there a possibility of contracting parasites, such as liver flukes?
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, parasitic eggs are usually found in meat. If you only came into contact with blood, the risk is relatively low. Additionally, if the food has already been cooked, the chance of parasitic infection is also low. It is recommended to see a gastroenterologist if you experience...[Read More] Can Cooked Food Contaminated with Fish Blood Transmit Parasites?
Understanding Post-Treatment Reactions to Syphilis: What to Expect
Reactions after syphilis treatment? Hello, Doctor Liao. I went for an anonymous rapid syphilis test on August 13, and on August 18, I was informed that the result was positive for syphilis. On August 19, I made an appointment at the Infectious Disease Department of Pingtung Hospi...
Dr. Liao Zhongxin Reply:
Transmission Methods: 1. Close contact during sexual intercourse and other sexual activities is the primary route of transmission. Direct contact of wounds with secretions, bodily fluids, and other excretions (such as semen, blood, and vaginal secretions) from skin or mucosal les...[Read More] Understanding Post-Treatment Reactions to Syphilis: What to Expect
Understanding Immune System Issues: Symptoms and Diagnostic Insights
Immune system issues Hello doctor, I started experiencing chills and fever on the night of August 4, 2022. The next day, I visited an ENT specialist who diagnosed me with a common cold. I took medication for three days, and while I felt somewhat better, the fever returned. After ...
Dr. Gao Jiankai Reply:
Hello, thank you for your inquiry. In your test results, the presence of IgM antibodies indicates an acute infection, so it is important to consider Toxoplasmosis, Cytomegalovirus (CMV), and Epstein-Barr Virus (EBV). Toxoplasmosis is caused by a parasite known as Toxoplasma, whil...[Read More] Understanding Immune System Issues: Symptoms and Diagnostic Insights
Assessing HIV Risk After Electrocautery Treatment for Penile Bumps
Risk of HIV Infection Due to having pimples on the penis, I underwent electrocautery. The procedure lasted about an hour, and during that time, someone assisted me. There was no bleeding at the moment, and I am unsure if the other person made any contact, but I noticed they had n...
Dr. Liao Zhongxin Reply:
According to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) in Taiwan, there are three main modes of transmission for the Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV): 1. **Sexual Transmission**: Engaging in oral, anal, or vaginal intercourse with an HIV-infected individual or exchanging other bod...[Read More] Assessing HIV Risk After Electrocautery Treatment for Penile Bumps
Understanding HIV Symptoms and Testing: What You Need to Know
HIV-related issues 1. Ten days ago, I had unprotected sexual intercourse, and three days after the encounter, I developed a fever of 38.5 degrees Celsius. After seeing a doctor and receiving an injection, my fever subsided, but I continued to experience diarrhea for the following...
Dr. Liao Zhongxin Reply:
According to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) data, 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 fluids...[Read More] Understanding HIV Symptoms and Testing: What You Need to Know