Concerns About Blood Exposure and HIV Infection Risks
I'm sorry, but I need more context or specific content to provide a translation. Could 1. I was concerned during my last visit to the hospital when I saw someone who had just had their blood drawn and had not applied pressure to the site. Blood was oozing from their puncture...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, 1. Given the current layout of the blood draw station, the blood is relatively heavy and will not splatter into your eyes, so there is no need to worry about HIV infection. 2. The window period mainly depends on individual constitution and immune factors; however, with...[Read More] Concerns About Blood Exposure and HIV Infection Risks
Understanding Temporary Tinnitus: When to Seek Medical Attention
Sudden transient tinnitus in the ear? Hello, Doctor Hong. Earlier, I suddenly experienced a brief buzzing sound in my right ear for about 10 seconds. Although it disappeared shortly after, it felt like my ear was suddenly blocked. This morning, I had severe nasal congestion due t...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, some individuals may experience temporary tinnitus due to their physical constitution, excessive fatigue, or various other factors. Others may develop tinnitus as a result of a cold. If the tinnitus is only temporary and later improves, no special treatment is necessary. H...[Read More] Understanding Temporary Tinnitus: When to Seek Medical Attention
Understanding Persistent Calf Edema: Causes, Symptoms, and Solutions
Lower leg edema I'm not sure if it's a problem with my body constitution or if I have some illness, but my calves are prone to swelling. They are slim in the morning when I wake up, but they start to swell more as I walk. This symptom has been ongoing for quite a while....
Dr. Chen Jianyu Reply:
Your issue requires a detailed medical history, and it is recommended to visit a hospital for consultation.[Read More] Understanding Persistent Calf Edema: Causes, Symptoms, and Solutions
Understanding Balanitis: Symptoms, Causes, and Concerns Explained
Balanitis issues? 1. Indirect transmission means that the wound must come into direct contact with the virus left on the doorknob. If the virus is first touched by the hand and then the hand touches the wound, it does not transmit HIV, syphilis, or gonorrhea, correct? 2. Doctor...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
1. It is not contagious. 2. This requires a direct consultation to determine; it is recommended to consult a urologist. 3. This requires a direct consultation to determine; it is recommended to consult a urologist. 4. Not necessarily; each individual's constitution is ...[Read More] Understanding Balanitis: Symptoms, Causes, and Concerns Explained
Understanding Flu and Cold Symptoms: Insights from Taiwan's Experience
Influenza Issues Hello, I would like to ask you about the issues related to influenza and the common cold. I am from Taichung and have just moved to Keelung two months ago, working in Taipei. I don't know if I was just lucky before, but I have never had influenza and only ca...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, the symptoms you described, such as body aches, weakness, sore throat, nasal congestion, and diarrhea, are all indicative of cold symptoms. There are many causes for these symptoms, including influenza virus, parainfluenza virus, adenovirus, and various other types. Accord...[Read More] Understanding Flu and Cold Symptoms: Insights from Taiwan's Experience
Understanding Itchy Throat Near the Clavicle: When to Seek Help
Itchy throat near the clavicle? Sometimes I experience a slight itch in my throat near the clavicle (just below the Adam's apple). I'm not sure if it's related to a cold I had a long time ago in September. Although I recovered from that cold, I occasionally still f...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, based on your description, the most likely cause is chronic inflammation resulting from a previous cold or your own chronic allergic constitution leading to chronic inflammation. It is recommended to observe for a period of time; if there is improvement, no special treatme...[Read More] Understanding Itchy Throat Near the Clavicle: When to Seek Help
Managing Recurrence of Pleural Effusion: Insights on Immunity and Treatment
How to manage a recurrence of a chronic thoracic condition? Seven years ago, Xiao Min was hospitalized due to a persistent high fever, which led to the discovery of pleural effusion in the thoracic cavity, diagnosed as pulmonary tuberculosis. He was treated and prescribed medicat...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, the factors influencing the occurrence of diseases are numerous and typically involve a combination of constitution, environment, personal health care, genetics, and other factors. Not smoking or drinking alcohol, maintaining a regular lifestyle, and consistently engaging ...[Read More] Managing Recurrence of Pleural Effusion: Insights on Immunity and Treatment
Understanding Hip Bone Issues: Steroid Use and Osteonecrosis Risks
Hip bone issues? Hello, doctor. I would like to ask if long-term use of corticosteroids will definitely lead to avascular necrosis of the hip, or does it depend on individual constitution? Is it only possible to prevent avascular necrosis of the hip by discontinuing corticosteroi...
Dr. Gao Jiankai Reply:
Hello, Xiao Qiao, thank you for your question. Long-term use of corticosteroids does indeed increase the risk of complications such as avascular necrosis of the femoral head compared to individuals who do not use corticosteroids. We will strive to minimize the dosage of corticost...[Read More] Understanding Hip Bone Issues: Steroid Use and Osteonecrosis Risks
Understanding Urticaria and Thyroid Medication: Key Insights for Patients
Urticaria and Thyroid Medications Hello Doctor: At the end of March, I was diagnosed with hyperthyroidism and started taking methimazole in early April. However, about three weeks into the treatment, I began experiencing widespread itching and hives. The doctor prescribed one ant...
Dr. Xiao Yongxun Reply:
Dear Ms. Lin, Please read the following explanation, primarily based on the recommendations from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration for healthcare professionals in January 2016: Procil® (Propylthiouracil, PTU; 50mg/tablet) primarily works by inhibiting the production of thyro...[Read More] Understanding Urticaria and Thyroid Medication: Key Insights for Patients
Understanding Injection Allergies: Symptoms and What to Do Next
Injection allergy Hello Doctor: Two days ago, I strained my neck and it became swollen and painful, so yesterday I went to a clinic to receive anti-inflammatory injections (one clear and one yellow, administered in the back of my right hand). Shortly after the first injection, I ...
Dr. Xiao Yongxun Reply:
Dear Miss Wang: 1. During a single intravenous injection, it is almost always possible to see some degree of blood return; generally, it is not excessive, and you can simply push the blood back into the syringe. 2. Intravenous injections circulate throughout the body quickly und...[Read More] Understanding Injection Allergies: Symptoms and What to Do Next
Understanding Persistent Dizziness and Body Heat: Causes and Solutions
Dizziness and a feeling of warmth in the body? Hello, Doctor. I often experience dizziness and have undergone numerous examinations at major hospitals, but nothing has been found. Recently, the frequency of my dizziness has increased, occurring 3-4 days a week, and I also feel a ...
Dr. Xiao Yongxun Reply:
Dear Ms. Lin: 1. The differential diagnosis of dizziness generally begins with distinguishing between central and peripheral causes. If the dizziness is due to a central lesion, it is often associated with more serious issues such as tumors, strokes, epilepsy, meningitis, or enc...[Read More] Understanding Persistent Dizziness and Body Heat: Causes and Solutions
Understanding STD Risks: HIV Transmission, Testing, and Symptoms Explained
Regarding sexually transmitted diseases (STDs)? Hello, doctor: 1. Aside from high-risk behaviors and drug use, is there a chance of contracting HIV from normal contact if my fingers are prone to dryness and cracking? 2. What is the window period for HIV testing? Most sources ...
Dr. Liao Zhongxin Reply:
Dear readers: 1. Regarding the question, "Aside from risky behaviors and drug use, is there a chance of contracting HIV from normal contact, especially if my fingers are prone to dryness and cracking?" The answer is: The risk is very low. 2. Concerning the question, ...[Read More] Understanding STD Risks: HIV Transmission, Testing, and Symptoms Explained
Dietary Considerations for Patients with Sjögren's Syndrome and Allergies
Diet for Patients with Sjögren's Syndrome I have an allergic constitution and have been suffering from urticaria for a long time, so I continuously take a quarter of an antihistamine daily. I also follow my doctor's advice to consume LP33 yogurt and Ambifly powder, and ...
Dr. Gao Jiankai Reply:
Hello, thank you for your message. Currently, the supplements you are taking should not affect your dry syndrome. Antihistamines, however, may exacerbate dry symptoms, especially traditional antihistamines. Therefore, you may want to consult your physician to determine whether th...[Read More] Dietary Considerations for Patients with Sjögren's Syndrome and Allergies
Understanding Anti-Citrullinated Antibodies: What You Need to Know
Anti-citrullinated protein antibodies (ACPA) Hello, doctor. Last year, I tested strongly positive for anti-citrullinated protein antibodies (ACPA). I would like to ask you: Will this antibody turn negative after treatment? How long should I wait before testing again? Thank you.
Dr. Gao Jiankai Reply:
Dear Ms. Pan, Thank you for your message. In principle, this antibody is equivalent to your constitution and will not disappear after treatment; it will only fluctuate in levels. Some treatment methods may reduce the antibody levels, but the activity of the disease is not deter...[Read More] Understanding Anti-Citrullinated Antibodies: What You Need to Know
Does Hyperthyroidism Increase Your Risk of Severe Colds?
Is it easy for individuals with thyroid antibodies to become ill? Doctor, I would like to ask, I have hyperthyroidism and am currently undergoing treatment, but I get colds very easily, and each time they are quite severe. Is this related to my hyperthyroidism? I couldn't fi...
Dr. Cai Zonglin Reply:
Hyperthyroidism generally does not cause immune system issues; however, medications for hyperthyroidism may lead to leukopenia as a side effect (which varies depending on individual constitution). This is more likely to occur during the initial phase of treatment. Please consult ...[Read More] Does Hyperthyroidism Increase Your Risk of Severe Colds?
Understanding Reiter's Syndrome: Prognosis, Treatment, and Dietary Considerations
Regarding Reiter's syndrome (reactive arthritis) I was recently diagnosed with Wright's syndrome, and looking back, I realize that I have had symptoms for over six months. I am currently taking antibiotics, immunomodulatory drugs, and pain medications. I would like to a...
Dr. Gao Jiankai Reply:
Hello, thank you for your question. The prognosis for this condition is quite good. If inflammation and joint pain improve with ongoing treatment, it is possible to gradually reduce or even discontinue medication, which can be discussed with your physician. There are no specific ...[Read More] Understanding Reiter's Syndrome: Prognosis, Treatment, and Dietary Considerations
Understanding Kidney Cysts: Symptoms and When to Seek Help
Renal cysts I have a 1.3 cm cyst on my right kidney as shown by an ultrasound. The doctor said it is due to my constitution and advised me to return for a consultation when I experience kidney pain. However, I have been experiencing brief sharp pains under my right rib cage for t...
Dr. Wang Weijie Reply:
Dear Ms. Huihui: Hello, the kidneys are located on either side of the spine in the lower back. Generally, the symptoms of renal cysts depend on their size (>4 cm) and location. If you have any concerns, I recommend that you follow up with an outpatient examination. Wishing you...[Read More] Understanding Kidney Cysts: Symptoms and When to Seek Help
Understanding High Uric Acid: Gout, Genetics, and Long-Term Treatment
Uric acid and metabolism issues? Hello Dr. Hsiao, Question 1: Around the age of 20, I was diagnosed with high uric acid levels, approximately double the normal range, which led to gout (in my toe). The doctor mentioned it might be hereditary, but my family members do not exhibit...
Dr. Xiao Yongxun Reply:
Question 1: The definition of hyperuricemia is a serum uric acid concentration greater than 7.0 mg/dL in men and greater than 6.0 mg/dL in women. Uric acid is a risk factor for the development of gout; however, the relationship between hyperuricemia and acute gout remains unclear...[Read More] Understanding High Uric Acid: Gout, Genetics, and Long-Term Treatment
Struggling with Severe Constipation: Seeking Solutions and Dietary Tips
Hello, doctor. I am experiencing severe constipation? Three years ago, I experienced autonomic nervous system dysfunction, which led to rapid heartbeat and severe constipation. I relied on laxatives and enemas until the laxatives became ineffective! Even the doctors are unsure of...
Dr. Li Huixiong Reply:
Chronic constipation is indeed a very frustrating issue. Based on your age, it is less likely to be caused by a disease and is more likely related to individual constitution. I recommend that you eat fruit on an empty stomach before breakfast every day, such as bananas or apples ...[Read More] Struggling with Severe Constipation: Seeking Solutions and Dietary Tips
Excess Male Hormones in Women: Symptoms and Treatment Options
Excessive male hormones? Hello, Doctor: It seems that my girlfriend may have an issue with excess male hormones. She has a lot of body hair, numerous acne on her face and body, and well-developed muscles. Could you please tell me if she has excess male hormones and if it can be t...
Dr. Chen Qingbin Reply:
Hello Jerry: Excessive body hair and well-developed muscles may be related to your constitution, but they could also indicate an endocrine issue. It is best to consult an endocrinologist at a major hospital for examination.[Read More] Excess Male Hormones in Women: Symptoms and Treatment Options