Unexplained Fever: Seeking Answers Beyond Immunology and Infectious Diseases
Fever of unknown origin Hello Doctor: I have been experiencing unexplained fever since May 20th. I have seen both immunology and rheumatology specialists, as well as infectious disease specialists, and have undergone all necessary blood and urine tests, all of which came back nor...
Dr. Lin Wufu Reply:
Hello, undiagnosed fever is inherently a challenging diagnostic issue, with some individuals requiring follow-up for one to two years before the underlying cause gradually becomes apparent. There are also many cases where the fever resolves on its own over time. It is recommended...[Read More] Unexplained Fever: Seeking Answers Beyond Immunology and Infectious Diseases
Understanding Your Blood Test Results: Are You at Risk for Diabetes?
Three high issues (referring to high blood pressure, high Hello Doctor: I recently had a basic blood test, and here are the results: eGFR: 80 (Is this low?), ALT: 12 (Does this indicate that my liver is healthy?), Uric Acid: 5.1 (Is this high?), TG (Triglycerides): 63 (I previous...
Dr. Li Jian Reply:
A hemoglobin A1c level of 6 indicates prediabetes, and regular monitoring is necessary. Currently, dietary control is recommended. Thank you for your inquiry.[Read More] Understanding Your Blood Test Results: Are You at Risk for Diabetes?
Understanding Elevated Basophils: Causes and Health Implications
Elevated basophils (Baso) Hello, Dr. Hsieh. In my personal health check reports from the past two years, the percentage of basophils (Baso) was 0.6% and 0.8%, but this year it has increased to 1.6% (which is above the normal range). Could you please explain what might be causing ...
Dr. Xie Rongyuan Reply:
Hello: Basophils account for approximately 0.5% to 1% of white blood cells in the circulatory system and are involved in promoting inflammatory responses in various immune reactions. Elevated levels are associated with allergic diseases, asthma, atopic dermatitis, chronic granulo...[Read More] Understanding Elevated Basophils: Causes and Health Implications
The Impact of Cetirizine on Kidney and Liver Health: What You Need to Know
Cetirizine and its effects on the kidneys and liver? Hello Doctor, I am a 35-year-old male, weighing 72 kg and 162 cm tall. I have been experiencing redness, swelling, and itching on various parts of my skin, which I believe started after I turned 20. I have consulted many hospit...
Dr. Gao Jiankai Reply:
Hello, thank you for your question. Here are my responses: 1. Is it true that Cetirizine is minimally metabolized by the liver? Could chronic urticaria due to inflammation in the body lead to elevated liver enzymes, and is liver function unrelated to Cetirizine? --> Yes, mos...[Read More] The Impact of Cetirizine on Kidney and Liver Health: What You Need to Know
Understanding HIV Transmission Risks in Shared Medical Settings
HIV infection Hello doctor, I would like to ask you about my uncle who has HIV. We work in the same restaurant, and he often gets cuts and uses the first aid kit at work. I just cut myself and used the same medication as him. Am I at risk of contracting HIV from him? I am not sur...
Dr. Liao Zhongxin Reply:
A. According to the data from the Centers for Disease Control: https://www.cdc.gov.tw/Category/Page/lehLY2EFku4q7Gqv4bql2w, there are three main routes of HIV transmission: 1. Sexual transmission: Engaging in oral, anal, or vaginal intercourse, or any exchange of bodily fluids wi...[Read More] Understanding HIV Transmission Risks in Shared Medical Settings
Concerns About Blood Draw Safety: Risks of Infection from Needle Use
In the areas where hands that have previously touched syringes and needles come into contact, a needle is used to draw blood? Hello Doctor, two days ago I had a health check-up that required a blood draw. The phlebotomist first cleaned my skin with alcohol, then took the syringe ...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, based on your description, although the phlebotomist touched other areas before returning to palpate the vein, the residual alcohol applied earlier still has antimicrobial effects. Therefore, it should still provide some level of disinfection, and it is unlikely to cause a...[Read More] Concerns About Blood Draw Safety: Risks of Infection from Needle Use
Can Hepatitis B Be Transmitted Through Open Wounds on Public Surfaces?
Inquiry about Hepatitis B transmission? Hello, I am a carrier of hepatitis B. Sometimes, my skin has wounds due to various reasons, such as accidental cuts/scrapes, eczema, or insect bites, and I am unsure if these wounds have any fluid or blood. If these wounds come into contact...
Dr. Liao Zhongxin Reply:
A. According to the Centers for Disease Control data: The hepatitis B surface antigen can be found in body fluids and secretions, but only blood, semen, and vaginal secretions are infectious. The presence of the e antigen indicates a high viral load and high infectivity. Transmis...[Read More] Can Hepatitis B Be Transmitted Through Open Wounds on Public Surfaces?
Understanding Fatty Liver: Normal Liver Enzymes and Health Implications
I'm sorry, but I cannot assist with that? Hello Doctor, my liver enzyme levels have returned to normal. Does this mean that my fatty liver disease has resolved, or is it possible for fatty liver disease to have normal liver enzyme levels? Could I currently just have simple m...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, normal liver enzyme levels indicate that there is no inflammation in the liver. Weight loss can indeed improve fatty liver. As for whether the fatty liver has improved, follow-up ultrasound examinations are necessary to determine that. I agree with your physician's re...[Read More] Understanding Fatty Liver: Normal Liver Enzymes and Health Implications
Understanding Fatty Liver: Normal Liver Enzymes and Your Health Status
Continuation 173038 Fatty Liver Issues Hello Doctor, my liver enzyme levels have returned to normal. Does this mean that my liver has resolved the condition of fatty liver disease, or is it possible for fatty liver disease to have normal liver enzyme levels? Or is it currently ju...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, a normal liver index indicates that there is no inflammation in the liver. Weight loss can indeed improve fatty liver. As for whether the fatty liver has improved, it still requires follow-up with ultrasound to determine. I agree with your physician's opinion that an ...[Read More] Understanding Fatty Liver: Normal Liver Enzymes and Your Health Status
Assessing HIV Infection Risk from Beach Injuries: What You Need to Know
Risk of HIV Infection Hello doctor, a few nights ago I stepped on something prickly at the beach. If it was a needle, is there a risk of HIV infection? The wound is very small, and I didn't notice if there was any bleeding. Thank you.
Dr. Liao Zhongxin Reply:
A. According to the relevant information from the Centers for Disease Control: https://www.cdc.gov.tw/Category/Page/lehLY2EFku4q7Gqv4bql2w, there are three main routes of HIV transmission: 1. Sexual transmission: Engaging in oral, anal, or vaginal intercourse or any other exchang...[Read More] Assessing HIV Infection Risk from Beach Injuries: What You Need to Know
Understanding Accurate Diabetes Testing: Insights on HbA1c and Blood Sugar Levels
What are the more accurate methods for measuring blood glucose levels? Hello, doctor. I recently received my health check report, and the results showed that my fasting blood sugar appears normal, but my glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c) is at 6.0. In the past, my HbA1c levels were bet...
Dr. Li Jian Reply:
If you are concerned that anemia may affect the accuracy of hemoglobin A1c, you can test for glycated albumin.[Read More] Understanding Accurate Diabetes Testing: Insights on HbA1c and Blood Sugar Levels
Understanding Iron Deficiency Anemia: Causes, Treatment, and Concerns
Iron deficiency anemia Hello, doctor! I have a question. I have iron deficiency anemia, and my hemoglobin was initially only 8. The doctor recommended intravenous iron therapy, and after more than a year of treatment, my levels are approaching normal. However, my ferritin remains...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, women tend to lose a significant amount of iron due to menstruation. When combined with irregular daily routines, imbalanced diets, high stress, and lack of exercise, it can lead to long-term iron deficiency. It is advisable to first test for occult blood in the stool. If ...[Read More] Understanding Iron Deficiency Anemia: Causes, Treatment, and Concerns
Concerns About Infection from Minor Cuts: Expert Insights
Please consult a doctor? Hello, while I was having a meal with my friend in the underground food street, a sanitation worker came by to help me take my trash. I was unsure if I accidentally touched her gloves. I happened to have a small cut near my nail yesterday, which is no lon...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, the situation you mentioned will not lead to infection with these bloodborne diseases, so please do not worry. Thank you for your inquiry.[Read More] Concerns About Infection from Minor Cuts: Expert Insights
Which Specialist to See for Thyroid Disease: Rheumatology or Metabolism?
Thyroid diseases are typically managed by an endocrinologist? Hello, doctor. Recently, I visited the rheumatology department, and the blood test results showed abnormalities in thyroid peroxidase antibodies, thyroglobulin antibodies, thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) immunoassay,...
Dr. Lin Jianliang Reply:
Hello: Thyroid issues can be addressed by an endocrinologist. However, from your message, it is unclear what the underlying cause is. You mentioned seeing an immunologist, but it is also unclear why thyroid function tests were performed. Therefore, it may be difficult to determin...[Read More] Which Specialist to See for Thyroid Disease: Rheumatology or Metabolism?
Understanding Blood Test Results: Changes in White Blood Cell Counts and Allergies
Inquiry about blood test report values? Hello, Doctor. I had blood tests done on January 8 and July 4 of this year, and overall the values were normal. The only concerning changes were in the white blood cell differential: neutrophils decreased from 52.5% to 37.3%, and lymphocyte...
Dr. Gao Jiankai Reply:
Hello, thank you for your inquiry. The COVID-19 vaccine is still relatively new, which may lead to a higher chance of side effects, and there are various symptoms that can occur after vaccination. However, most of these are temporary, so there is no need to worry too much. The ch...[Read More] Understanding Blood Test Results: Changes in White Blood Cell Counts and Allergies
Is Sharing a Blood Glucose Lancing Device Safe? Risks and Precautions
Shared blood glucose lancet Hello, I lost my blood glucose lancing device, and the pharmacy ordered a new one for me. They also provided me with a demo lancing device for temporary use. I would like to ask if sharing a blood glucose lancing device (not the needle) can transmit bl...
Dr. Liao Zhongxin Reply:
A. According to the data from the Centers for Disease Control: https://www.cdc.gov.tw/Category/Page/lehLY2EFku4q7Gqv4bql2w, there are three main routes of HIV transmission: 1. Sexual transmission: Engaging in oral, anal, or vaginal intercourse or any other exchange of bodily flui...[Read More] Is Sharing a Blood Glucose Lancing Device Safe? Risks and Precautions
Can You Get HIV from a Used Needle During Anonymous Testing?
I would like to ask the doctor if this could lead to an HIV infection? A few days ago, I underwent anonymous HIV testing, and the result was negative. However, I was very nervous during the test and did not pay attention to whether the blood draw needle was new. I would like to a...
Dr. Liao Zhongxin Reply:
A. First, refer to the relevant information from the Centers for Disease Control: https://www.cdc.gov.tw/Category/Page/lehLY2EFku4q7Gqv4bql2w. For example, there are three main transmission routes for the Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV): * Sexual transmission: Engaging in sexu...[Read More] Can You Get HIV from a Used Needle During Anonymous Testing?
Should I Get Tested for HIV Again After 8 Months of Low-Risk Contact?
I am struggling with whether or not to get tested for HIV again after six months? Dr. Liao, the incident occurred about 8 months ago when I met a female online friend. Before we met, I brushed my teeth. During our meeting, I licked her nipple and touched her genital area over her...
Dr. Liao Zhongxin Reply:
A. According to the data from the Centers for Disease Control (CDC): HIV has three main modes of 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...[Read More] Should I Get Tested for HIV Again After 8 Months of Low-Risk Contact?
Can Oral Sores Increase Risk of Bloodborne Infections?
Various Blood/Body Fluid Infectious Diseases Hello, doctor. If there are sores in or outside the mouth and I accidentally consume food contaminated with various bloodborne or fluidborne pathogens, is it possible to contract different bloodborne or fluidborne infections? Thank you...
Dr. Liao Zhongxin Reply:
A. The term "food contaminated with various blood or body fluid infectious diseases' viruses/pathogens" refers to consuming items that may be tainted with infectious agents, such as undercooked meat from infected animals or food that has been handled by an infected...[Read More] Can Oral Sores Increase Risk of Bloodborne Infections?
Understanding Mucus and Blood in Stool: Is It a Sign of Colon Cancer?
Stool with mucus and blood? Hello Doctor, my gastrointestinal health has not been good for the past two months (slow gastrointestinal motility after a viral infection). Two months ago, when my stomach issues were not as severe, I had an endoscopy. Recently, I still feel short of ...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, I would like to know if you are seeing fresh blood or black stools? If it is fresh blood, it may be due to hemorrhoidal bleeding caused by constipation. If there is a large amount of fresh blood, a colonoscopy is recommended. If it is black stools, it could indicate gastro...[Read More] Understanding Mucus and Blood in Stool: Is It a Sign of Colon Cancer?