Possible Causes of Swelling and Pain in the Right Ring Finger Joint
The possible causes of swelling and pain in the first joint of the right hand's ring finger may include: 1. **Osteoarthritis**: Degenerative joint disease that can cause pain and swelling in the joints. 2. **Rheumatoid Arthritis**: An autoimmune condition that leads to infl...
Dr. Gao Jiankai Reply:
Hello, thank you for your inquiry. Based on your symptoms, I suspect you may have trigger finger, and I recommend having another physician take a look. The occurrence of trigger finger is related to overuse of the fingers, but in some cases, the cause remains unclear. Additionall...[Read More] Possible Causes of Swelling and Pain in the Right Ring Finger Joint
Understanding Low Positive ANA Results: Concerns and Implications
Antinuclear antibody (ANA) titer 1:80 inquiry? Hello, Director. I apologize for bothering you, but I would like to ask you a few questions. In October of last year, I had a blood test at Taichung Veterans General Hospital that revealed an ANA titer of 1:80 (the hospital considers...
Dr. Gao Jiankai Reply:
Hello, thank you for your questions. Here are my responses: 1. Is it possible that the abnormal ANA antibodies in October are caused by thyroid antibodies? --> Yes, it is possible. Since ANA is a comprehensive screening antibody, when weakly positive or positive, it should be...[Read More] Understanding Low Positive ANA Results: Concerns and Implications
Understanding STD Risks from Kissing and Oral Contact in Massage Settings
Half-service establishments, French kissing, and wet kissing? Hello, doctor. Recently, I visited a massage parlor where I engaged in several minutes of French kissing, wet kissing, mutual nipple licking, fondling, finger stimulation, and manual stimulation with massage oil, but I...
Dr. Liao Zhongxin Reply:
1. According to data provided by the Centers for Disease Control, there are three main routes of HIV transmission: A. Sexual transmission: Engaging in oral, anal, or vaginal intercourse or other exchanges of bodily fluids with an HIV-infected individual carries a risk of infectio...[Read More] Understanding STD Risks from Kissing and Oral Contact in Massage Settings
Understanding Side Effects of Celecoxib: Gastrointestinal Concerns and More
Side effects of Xeljanz? Hello Doctor: I am a patient with ankylosing spondylitis, currently 20 years old. I started taking Celebrex a year ago, and recently, four days ago, I began experiencing bloody stools. The colorectal surgeon diagnosed it as hemorrhoids and has prescribed ...
Dr. Zeng Guosen Reply:
Hello, netizen. 1) Yes, but Celecoxib is one of the anti-inflammatory pain medications with relatively low bleeding side effects. 2) An ALT level of 34 is within the normal range, so there is no need to worry as long as it is within normal limits. 3) Generally, the CRP test can d...[Read More] Understanding Side Effects of Celecoxib: Gastrointestinal Concerns and More
How to Improve Fasting Blood Sugar After Gestational Diabetes
How to improve fasting blood glucose levels after gestational diabetes? Hello Doctor: During my pregnancy, I strictly controlled my diet due to gestational diabetes, and my blood sugar levels remained within the normal range. After giving birth, I continued to manage my diet, but...
Dr. Lin Jianliang Reply:
Hello Ms. Lin: It is recommended to continue dietary control and find time to exercise more to manage blood sugar levels. The likelihood of developing high blood sugar in the future due to gestational diabetes is slightly higher than average. Therefore, it is advised to maintain ...[Read More] How to Improve Fasting Blood Sugar After Gestational Diabetes
Understanding High ANA Levels: Implications for Fertility and Immune Health
Unexplained elevated immune issues? Hello, doctor. I am planning for pregnancy and underwent preconception screening, which revealed an ANA of 160+. I do not have any related symptoms (except for occasional knee pain, which the doctor said is not related to immunity). I later had...
Dr. Gao Jiankai Reply:
Hello, thank you for your question. Elevated levels of ANA and RF are not significantly related to difficulties in conception. It is recommended to first examine structural issues, including both male and female reproductive systems and sperm count. If no abnormalities are found,...[Read More] Understanding High ANA Levels: Implications for Fertility and Immune Health
Monitoring Acute Kidney Injury: When to Seek Specialist Care
Observation period for acute kidney injury? Hello Dr. Wu, My mother has been hospitalized for two months due to a bacterial infection. Initially, her kidney function was not very good, but prior to this hospitalization, her kidney function was normal. After more than a month, h...
Dr. Wu Jiyu Reply:
Based on your inquiry, you only mentioned a bacterial infection that required hospitalization for two months, without mentioning whether you have any underlying conditions such as hypertension, diabetes, or dyslipidemia. If you do have these conditions, they should be managed fir...[Read More] Monitoring Acute Kidney Injury: When to Seek Specialist Care
Should You Worry About Your Blood Sugar Levels? A Guide for Young Adults
Excessive worrying? Hello Doctor, my fasting blood glucose this year was 97 mg/dL (measured in the morning, last year it was 93 mg/dL). I usually control my intake of sugary drinks, having a hand-shaken beverage at most once a week. My BMI is 18. I went to the lab for an HbA1c te...
Dr. Li Jian Reply:
Current test results are all within normal ranges, and maintaining a healthy lifestyle does not warrant excessive concern.[Read More] Should You Worry About Your Blood Sugar Levels? A Guide for Young Adults
Understanding Dizziness and Headaches: Possible Causes and Concerns
Dizziness, headache? The initial symptoms were mild dizziness, which lasted for three days, followed by the onset of headaches and sore throat. Later, I started to feel short of breath, resembling palpitations, possibly due to wearing a mask while working. I experience episodes o...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, based on the current pandemic situation, the first consideration should be the possibility of a COVID-19 infection. It is advisable to perform a rapid test; if the result is negative, it could be due to orthostatic hypotension or anemia. I recommend measuring your blood pr...[Read More] Understanding Dizziness and Headaches: Possible Causes and Concerns
Managing Proteinuria in Diabetic Kidney Disease: When to Start Low-Protein Diet?
Proteinuria and Diabetic Kidney Disease (DKD) Hello, doctor. I have been diagnosed with diabetes for about ten years and have consistently had microalbuminuria. My eGFR has been around 105 ± 10 for several years. I had a UACR > 300 tested before surgery at National Taiwan Univ...
Dr. Wu Jiyu Reply:
According to your inquiry regarding the classification of UACR: UACR < 30 mg/g is considered normal range; UACR 30-300 mg/g is classified as microalbuminuria; and UACR > 300 mg/g is classified as macroalbuminuria. Since you only mentioned "UACR results < 300," ...[Read More] Managing Proteinuria in Diabetic Kidney Disease: When to Start Low-Protein Diet?
Is Drinking Licorice Juice Daily Harmful to My Mother's Health?
Is it harmful for my mom to drink licorice root juice as if it were water? Hello Dr. Wu, my mother was born in 1938 and underwent thyroid surgery thirty years ago. She received chemotherapy and radiation therapy for nasopharyngeal cancer over twenty years ago, which resulted in i...
Dr. Wu Jiyu Reply:
Based on your inquiry, excessive consumption of licorice juice may lead to hypokalemia. Additionally, considering the issue of edema, it is recommended to consult a nephrologist to clarify your condition. Thank you for your question; the Nephrology Department at Changhua Hospital...[Read More] Is Drinking Licorice Juice Daily Harmful to My Mother's Health?
Understanding Side Effects of Medication in Ankylosing Spondylitis Patients
Side effects of medication? Hello Doctor: I am a patient with ankylosing spondylitis, currently 20 years old. I started taking Celebrex a year ago. Recently, four days ago, I began experiencing blood in my stool (bright red, present with every bowel movement), without any blood c...
Dr. Gao Jiankai Reply:
Hello, thank you for your questions. Here are my responses: 1) Based on the described situation, is the likelihood of lower gastrointestinal bleeding high? --> I believe the probability of lower gastrointestinal bleeding is higher, especially due to hemorrhoids. 2) In the pa...[Read More] Understanding Side Effects of Medication in Ankylosing Spondylitis Patients
Understanding Kidney Function: Interpreting Your Blood Test Results
Kidney problems? Hello Doctor, I recently had a blood test and my kidney function indicators were slightly elevated: Blood Urea Nitrogen (BUN) was 17 (normal range is within 20), Creatinine was 1.16 (normal range is within 1.20), and Glomerular Filtration Rate (GFR) was 83 (norma...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, based on the slight changes in your blood test results, particularly in creatinine levels, it is suggested that this may be due to mild dehydration. It is recommended to maintain a regular habit of drinking water, engage in consistent exercise, and follow a regular daily r...[Read More] Understanding Kidney Function: Interpreting Your Blood Test Results
Understanding Bloating and Constipation: Causes and Treatments
Abdominal bloating and constipation? Doctor, I have a question. Recently, I went to see a doctor due to abdominal pain and changes in my bowel habits. The doctor only performed an X-ray, which showed significant gas in my stomach and severe gas in the right side of my intestines,...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, this X-ray shows a higher amount of fecal matter, but no other abnormalities are noted. Regarding concerns about tumors, X-rays cannot detect them. It is recommended to first perform a fecal occult blood test. If the results are abnormal, a colonoscopy will be necessary to...[Read More] Understanding Bloating and Constipation: Causes and Treatments
Understanding Elevated Urea Nitrogen Levels: Causes and Implications
Elevated blood urea nitrogen (BUN) levels? Hello Doctor: I recently had a blood test, and my blood urea nitrogen (BUN) level was 21.2, creatinine was 0.9, with the BUN highlighted in red (two months ago, it was 18.4 and creatinine was 0.95). About a week ago, I underwent dental i...
Dr. Li Jian Reply:
A hemoglobin A1c of 5.9 is consistent with a diagnosis of prediabetes, requiring regular follow-up every three months. Currently, kidney function is considered normal, but ongoing monitoring of future changes is necessary.[Read More] Understanding Elevated Urea Nitrogen Levels: Causes and Implications
How Long Does HIV Survive in Semen Outside the Body?
HIV infection 1. How long can the HIV virus survive in semen outside the body? 2. Is there a risk of HIV transmission from semen in a restroom if someone masturbates? It is known that the HIV virus in blood dies in about a few minutes; what about in semen?
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, 1. The survival time of the virus in semen depends on the viral load and the specific location, so it cannot be generalized. 2. HIV is primarily transmitted through sexual contact and needle sharing, and it is not spread through environmental exposure. Thank you for your q...[Read More] How Long Does HIV Survive in Semen Outside the Body?
Understanding Bloating and Constipation: Causes and Treatment Options
Abdominal bloating and constipation? Doctor, I have a question. Recently, I went to see a doctor due to abdominal pain and changes in my bowel habits. The doctor only performed an X-ray, which indicated severe gas in my stomach and right intestine, as well as fecal impaction in t...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, this X-ray shows a higher amount of fecal matter, but no other abnormalities are noted. Regarding concerns about tumors, X-rays cannot detect them. It is recommended to first perform a fecal occult blood test. If the results are abnormal, a colonoscopy will be necessary to...[Read More] Understanding Bloating and Constipation: Causes and Treatment Options
Understanding High Cholesterol: The Role of HDL and Health Risks
High cholesterol Hello, my mother is currently 61 years old and recently had a health check-up with the following results: height 167 cm, weight 51 kg, BMI 18.3, blood pressure 138/81, pulse 75, blood glucose 102 (slightly elevated), triglycerides 51, cholesterol 322 (severely el...
Dr. Lin Jianliang Reply:
Hello: High total cholesterol can be partly attributed to high-density lipoprotein (HDL), while low-density lipoprotein (LDL) is a significant factor contributing to cardiovascular disease. Whether or not to take medication depends on health insurance regulations, which consider ...[Read More] Understanding High Cholesterol: The Role of HDL and Health Risks
Understanding Creatinine Levels: Concerns About Kidney Health
Confusion Regarding Blood Test Report for Serum Creatinine Hello Doctor, I am 37 years old, weigh 75 kg, and am 167 cm tall. I have symptoms of gastroesophageal reflux disease and Barrett's esophagus, for which I have been taking proton pump inhibitors (such as Pantoprazole)...
Dr. Wu Jiyu Reply:
1. According to your inquiry, first, it is important to understand the definition of chronic kidney disease (CKD). It can be classified as stage 1 or stage 2 when the glomerular filtration rate (GFR) is greater than 60 mL/min/1.73 m² and there are abnormalities in urine or imagin...[Read More] Understanding Creatinine Levels: Concerns About Kidney Health
Understanding HIV Transmission Risks from Blood Glucose Devices
HIV infection 1. If a family member with HIV used a blood glucose meter with a lancet that was left in for about 12 hours, and you accidentally pricked yourself with the same lancet, the risk of HIV transmission is considered very low. HIV is primarily transmitted through direct ...
Dr. Lin Wufu Reply:
Hello, I'm not sure if your question is hypothetical. The transmissibility of HIV primarily depends on whether the patient is receiving antiretroviral therapy. I assume your family member has been on long-term antiretroviral medication. If the viral load has been suppressed ...[Read More] Understanding HIV Transmission Risks from Blood Glucose Devices