Understanding Tonsil Issues: When to Seek ENT Help and Infection Risks
Tonsil issues, may I ask? Hello, Doctor Hong. Previously, I visited an ENT specialist because I had tonsil stones. The doctor used a tool to press on it and later seemed to suction it out. After lunch today, while brushing my teeth, I noticed a white spot near my tonsils that loo...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, tonsil stones, as your doctor described, do not necessarily require any special treatment if there is no discomfort or inflammation. Regarding hepatitis B, it is primarily transmitted through vertical transmission and blood. The risk of infection from bleeding in the mouth...[Read More] Understanding Tonsil Issues: When to Seek ENT Help and Infection Risks
Post-Accident Health Concerns: Vaccine Eligibility and Recovery Insights
Post-accident condition and vaccine issues? I would like to ask about the injuries I sustained from a car accident two years ago, which resulted in liver and spleen lacerations. I did not undergo invasive treatment, but I fractured five ribs and my sternum. Occasionally, I still ...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, the process of healing at the fracture site and the wound around the knee may lead to fibrosis, which could result in the pulling sensation or pain you mentioned. Theoretically, this should gradually diminish. However, if the pain increases, it is advisable to consult your...[Read More] Post-Accident Health Concerns: Vaccine Eligibility and Recovery Insights
Understanding Elevated Creatinine Levels: Causes and Management Tips
Elevated creatinine levels? Hello Doctor: I had a blood test on July 6, and my creatinine level was 1.2. Prior to the blood draw, I was experiencing gastrointestinal discomfort, including bloating, gastroesophageal reflux, and irregular bowel movements. I had been taking medicati...
Dr. Wu Hongjie Reply:
A single creatinine report does not indicate chronic kidney dysfunction; it is recommended to drink more water and maintain a normal routine for a period of time before retesting. It is advisable to avoid any illnesses or discomfort before the test, as these factors may interfere...[Read More] Understanding Elevated Creatinine Levels: Causes and Management Tips
Do Steroids Affect Blood Test Results in Rheumatology Patients?
I would like to inquire if steroids can affect the results of blood tests in immunology and rheumatology? Hello Doctor: In recent months, the joints in my fingers have started to swell and hurt gradually, making it difficult to bend or extend them, and I cannot apply force. The b...
Dr. Gao Jiankai Reply:
Hello, thank you for your question. The administration of steroids may only affect certain laboratory results, including white blood cell counts, but it should have minimal impact on the indicators for rheumatic diseases or allergic conditions. I believe your symptoms include bot...[Read More] Do Steroids Affect Blood Test Results in Rheumatology Patients?
Risk of Bloodborne Infection from Accidental Needle Contact
Stabbed by a soft needle? Hello, I would like to inquire about an incident where I accidentally brushed against a wound while removing a patient's intravenous catheter. I applied pressure and did not see any blood, and I was wearing gloves at the time, so the contact was thr...
Dr. Lin Wufu Reply:
Hello: If there is a hole in the gloves, it indicates that the soft needle has directly punctured the skin, which poses a potential risk of infection even if there is no visible bleeding! Additionally, it is important to verify whether the patient has been tested for HIV, Hepatit...[Read More] Risk of Bloodborne Infection from Accidental Needle Contact
Understanding Unexplained Low-Grade Fever: Causes and Next Steps
Unexplained low-grade fever Hello doctor, I have been experiencing intermittent elevated body temperature above 37.3°C since the end of May, but it does not exceed 37.8°C (most often occurring in the evening). Although my temperature is not very high, when it rises to this range,...
Dr. Lin Wufu Reply:
Hello: There are many causes of low-grade fever, including underlying infections, autoimmune diseases, tumors, and endocrine issues. It is recommended that you visit an infectious disease clinic and bring your recent test reports to arrange for further relevant examinations (ther...[Read More] Understanding Unexplained Low-Grade Fever: Causes and Next Steps
Seeking Answers: Navigating Chronic Pain and Unexplained Symptoms
Hello, doctor? Hello Doctor, about four months ago, I started experiencing a feeling of discomfort and pain in my upper abdomen, and sometimes my stomach would suddenly spasm. I visited a gastroenterologist and underwent an endoscopy, which revealed only mild gastritis. I also ha...
Dr. Gao Jiankai Reply:
Hello, thank you for your inquiry. I noticed that you have experienced symptoms of dysphagia along with multiple areas of muscle pain, which may be related to rheumatology. If you have seen many specialists without a clear diagnosis, I recommend that you visit a rheumatologist fo...[Read More] Seeking Answers: Navigating Chronic Pain and Unexplained Symptoms
Should Patients with Congenital Hypothyroidism Get the AZ Vaccine?
It is recommended to administer vaccines for individuals with congenital hypothyroidism? Hello, doctor. I have congenital hypothyroidism and have been on medication for control. My blood tests have consistently shown normal results. Aside from gastritis and slightly elevated body...
Dr. Lin Jianliang Reply:
Hello, online user: For patients with well-controlled hypothyroidism, if there are no contraindications or precautions regarding the administration of the AZ vaccine, it is recommended that they receive the vaccine.[Read More] Should Patients with Congenital Hypothyroidism Get the AZ Vaccine?
Understanding Adult Still's Disease: Symptoms and Immune System Flare-Ups
Immune system dysfunction in adults with Still's disease? Hello Doctor: I have an immune system disorder (the doctor has diagnosed me with suspected "Adult Still's Disease" on the medical certificate). Due to the recent pandemic, I haven't been able to at...
Dr. Gao Jiankai Reply:
Hello, thank you for your message. The inflammation index you mentioned, which is over ten thousand, could possibly refer to the ferritin level, which is an indicator of adult Still's disease and also serves as a reference for disease stability. Given that your levels were o...[Read More] Understanding Adult Still's Disease: Symptoms and Immune System Flare-Ups
Understanding Heart Discomfort During Dialysis: Causes and Solutions
Discomfort in the heart during dialysis? Dear Dr. Wu, I have a family member, a 30-year-old female, who has been undergoing dialysis treatment for nearly two years. Recently, she experienced a sudden myocardial infarction and underwent cardiac catheterization and coronary artery...
Dr. Wu Jiyu Reply:
Based on your inquiry, the hemoglobin measurement is approximately 21-25, which is low. After blood transfusion, you may discuss with your physician whether erythropoietin (EPO) or iron supplements are adequate or if there are other bleeding issues (such as gastrointestinal bleed...[Read More] Understanding Heart Discomfort During Dialysis: Causes and Solutions
Understanding Proteinuria: Causes, Concerns, and Testing Accuracy
Regarding proteinuria? Hello Doctor: I have recently noticed that my urine has bubbles that slowly dissipate within 5-10 minutes, leaving a small amount that does not disperse. This condition is most pronounced in the first morning urine (the bubbles dissipate slowly, and there i...
Dr. Lin Wuxuan Reply:
Hello: Regarding the causes of foamy urine, in addition to proteinuria, the presence of glucose in the urine and inflammatory conditions can also lead to the production of foamy urine. If proteinuria is negative and other parameters in the routine urinalysis are within normal ran...[Read More] Understanding Proteinuria: Causes, Concerns, and Testing Accuracy
Understanding COVID-19 PCR Results and Symptoms: A Patient's Inquiry
Positive result on rapid test for COVID-19 (Continuation Four) Hello Dr. Hong, This week I underwent the fourth PCR screening, and the CT value has decreased again. The report is as follows: SARS-CoV-2 Gene E: 33.06 (previously, the tested item was SARS-CoV-2 Gene RdRp with res...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, 1. This refers to the detection of antigens at different locations of the virus. The CT values of different reagents cannot necessarily be compared with each other. 2. Since these are different reagents, this does not necessarily indicate a relapse. Additionally, during...[Read More] Understanding COVID-19 PCR Results and Symptoms: A Patient's Inquiry
Managing Thyroid Hormone Levels: From Hypothyroidism to Hyperthyroidism
Hypothyroidism to Hyperthyroidism Hello Doctor, I was diagnosed with anti-microsomal antibodies at a titer of 1:1600 in 2009, and my T4 and TSH levels were normal, indicating Hashimoto's thyroiditis (hypothyroidism). From 2009 to June 2021, I took Eltroxin 50 mcg daily, but ...
Dr. Lin Jianliang Reply:
Hello: Since everyone's situation is different, some people resume medication after stopping or reduce the dosage. It depends on individual circumstances for adjustments. Regarding the other issue, it requires an in-person evaluation to provide a response, so I cannot addres...[Read More] Managing Thyroid Hormone Levels: From Hypothyroidism to Hyperthyroidism
Understanding Recurrent Arthritis: Causes, Diagnosis, and Management
Recurrent arthritis (migratory arthritis) Hello, Doctor: For the past six months, I have been experiencing persistent pain in my shoulders and limbs. Initially, I consulted an orthopedic specialist who performed an X-ray but found no issues. The doctor prescribed pain relievers ...
Dr. Gao Jiankai Reply:
Hello, thank you for your question. Here are my responses: 1. Is recurrent arthritis considered an autoimmune disease? The joint pain and swelling that I experience intermittently—are they caused by my immune system attacking itself, or are there other factors involved? (The doc...[Read More] Understanding Recurrent Arthritis: Causes, Diagnosis, and Management
Understanding Fasting Blood Sugar Levels: What’s Normal?
Blood sugar issues? Hello Dr. Lin: I would like to ask a few questions. Is it accurate to measure blood glucose levels after fasting for more than 15 hours in a normal person? My son, who is slightly overweight but does not have diabetes, is currently practicing intermittent fast...
Dr. Lin Jianliang Reply:
Hello: Fasting blood glucose refers to the first blood glucose measurement taken immediately after waking up, with at least an 8-hour interval since the last meal. A normal fasting blood glucose level should be less than 100 mg/dL.[Read More] Understanding Fasting Blood Sugar Levels: What’s Normal?
Struggling with Hypothyroidism: Seeking Effective Treatment Solutions
Hypothyroidism Treatment Issues Hello Doctor, I am a patient with hypothyroidism. I have been undergoing treatment for about three years and have been taking thyroid hormone, but there has been little improvement in my lab values or physical condition. Dietary changes and exercis...
Dr. Lin Jianliang Reply:
Hello: Generally speaking, patients with hypothyroidism who regularly take their medication to keep thyroid hormone levels within the normal range are less likely to experience symptoms of hypothyroidism. Based on your description, it is recommended to first consult with an endoc...[Read More] Struggling with Hypothyroidism: Seeking Effective Treatment Solutions
Dietary Recommendations for Managing Elevated Creatinine and Low Kidney Function After Liver Transplant
Diet for Liver Disease (Elevated Creatinine + Low Glomerular Filtration Rate) After liver transplantation, I have been attending regular follow-up appointments. Each time, my lab results show low red blood cell count (2.4), low hemoglobin (11), elevated creatinine (1.3), and low ...
Dr. Wu Jiyu Reply:
According to your description, a glomerular filtration rate (GFR) of 43 is indeed low; however, we should not focus on a single data point but rather on the trend. It is important to determine whether 43 is lower than previous values or if it remains stable within a range (for ex...[Read More] Dietary Recommendations for Managing Elevated Creatinine and Low Kidney Function After Liver Transplant
Understanding Indirect Infection Risks of Bloodborne Viruses: B and C Hepatitis
Can bloodborne viruses such as hepatitis B and C be transmitted indirectly? Actually, this happened about four years ago when I took a part-time job as a dental assistant. One day, while waiting to clean instruments, I accidentally pricked my hand with a probe, causing some bleed...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, the possibility of infection depends on whether the probe is contaminated with the patient's blood and whether the patient has a bloodborne disease. Given the long time frame, it is indeed advisable to consider blood tests for Hepatitis B, Hepatitis C, and HIV. Howeve...[Read More] Understanding Indirect Infection Risks of Bloodborne Viruses: B and C Hepatitis
Can STDs Like Syphilis and Gonorrhea Spread Through Contaminated Food?
Questions about the transmission of sexually transmitted infections (STIs)? Infections such as syphilis, gonorrhea, and genital warts are primarily transmitted through sexual contact and are not typically spread through food. If bodily fluids from an infected person, such as bloo...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, sexually transmitted infections, including syphilis, are not transmitted through food. Please don't worry, and thank you for your question.[Read More] Can STDs Like Syphilis and Gonorrhea Spread Through Contaminated Food?
Understanding Low Platelet Counts: When to Seek Further Testing
Thrombocytopenia Hello Doctor, my mother has had a long-standing issue with low platelet counts. A few years ago, she visited a hematology-oncology specialist, and her platelet count (PL) was around 70,000 to 80,000. The specialist only recommended that she continue to monitor he...
Dr. Gao Jiankai Reply:
Hello, thank you for your message. Generally, before a hematologist recommends continued monitoring for an elderly woman, they will also evaluate the screening indicators for immune function. You may want to ask your physician whether there is a possibility of an immune issue for...[Read More] Understanding Low Platelet Counts: When to Seek Further Testing