Concerns About Eating Snails in Salad: Parasite Infection Risks
Eating lettuce with snails? Hello, doctor. I just ate a large bowl of salad from a restaurant (which had been refrigerated for 3 hours) and only realized at the end that there was a live snail in the bowl. I'm very concerned about the risk of parasitic infection. It's b...
Dr. Lin Wufu Reply:
Hello, if it's just a one-time consumption, the chance of getting sick is quite low. The risk of eating raw snails is higher, but the risk of parasites from vegetables that snails have crawled over is much lower, as the vast majority would be killed by stomach acid. So, you ...[Read More] Concerns About Eating Snails in Salad: Parasite Infection Risks
Understanding STD Transmission: Direct vs. Indirect Infection Risks
Questions about sexually transmitted infections (STIs) transmission? Hello doctor, I have some questions regarding sexually transmitted infections (STIs). I understand that STIs are primarily transmitted through sexual intercourse and mucosal contact. However, I am curious about ...
Dr. Liao Zhongxin Reply:
1. Sexually transmitted infections (STIs) can be classified as either direct or indirect transmission; direct transmission occurs through close contact between individuals, particularly through sexual intercourse, as seen with diseases such as HIV and syphilis. 2. Indirect transm...[Read More] Understanding STD Transmission: Direct vs. Indirect Infection Risks
Understanding Abnormal Urine Protein Levels: Kidney Health Insights
Abnormal urine protein test? Hello, doctor. Three months ago, an ultrasound examination revealed that I have kidney stones, all measuring less than 0.5 cm. At that time, the doctor prescribed potassium citrate (K citrate), with a dosage of two tablets in the morning and two in th...
Dr. Lin Wuxuan Reply:
Chronic kidney disease (CKD) is defined as kidney damage lasting for more than three months, resulting in structural or functional abnormalities that cannot return to normal. Whether a condition qualifies as CKD must be determined by a specialist based on your glomerular filtrati...[Read More] Understanding Abnormal Urine Protein Levels: Kidney Health Insights
Can Ankylosing Spondylitis Cause Recurring Boils?
Will ankylosing spondylitis continuously cause boils? Hello Doctor, I was diagnosed with ankylosing spondylitis in April this year. After taking medication for half a month, I suddenly developed a boil in the groin area, which required surgical intervention. I took antibiotics fo...
Dr. Gao Jiankai Reply:
Hello, thank you for your question. I believe the relationship with medication is relatively low; it may be more related to ankylosing spondylitis or related rheumatic diseases. I suggest discussing this with your physician and paying attention to whether you have recurrent oral ...[Read More] Can Ankylosing Spondylitis Cause Recurring Boils?
Understanding Abnormal Immune System Test Results: ANA, C3, and C4 Explained
Immunological System Abnormalities in Test Report Hello Doctor, I have been troubled for a long time by occasional bone pain and itching. About two years ago, I visited a rheumatology and immunology specialist, and my ANA titer was 1:1280. A few days ago, I had a follow-up appoin...
Dr. Gao Jiankai Reply:
Hello, thank you for your question. Here are my responses: 1. What does a decrease in the ANA index indicate? Does it mean a gradual return to normal? --> The ANA index can fluctuate over time, influenced not only by the patient's physical condition but also by the testi...[Read More] Understanding Abnormal Immune System Test Results: ANA, C3, and C4 Explained
Understanding Symptoms Similar to Hypoglycemia with Normal Blood Sugar Levels
Normal blood sugar levels but occasionally experiencing symptoms similar to hypoglycemia? Hello Doctor: In the past two to three years, I have occasionally experienced symptoms similar to hypoglycemia, such as sudden cold sweats, anxiety, and hunger pangs, which are relieved afte...
Dr. Li Jian Reply:
You can visit the Metabolism Clinic for further examination. Thank you for your inquiry.[Read More] Understanding Symptoms Similar to Hypoglycemia with Normal Blood Sugar Levels
Understanding Diabetes Test Results: A Guide for Patients
Diabetes test results inquiry? When I was 23 or 24 years old, during a company health check, I was found to have elevated fasting blood glucose levels. I then went to a large hospital where my postprandial blood glucose reached 395 mg/dL, and my HbA1c was 9.1, which led to a diag...
Dr. Li Jian Reply:
The normal ranges for test values may vary slightly between different testing laboratories. Please return to the original testing hospital for follow-up consultations. Thank you for your inquiry.[Read More] Understanding Diabetes Test Results: A Guide for Patients
Understanding Persistent Low Platelet Counts: Causes and Treatment Options
Persistent decrease in platelet count? Hello, Doctor. Last August, I discovered through a blood test that I had a positive ANA and thrombocytopenia with a platelet count of about 100,000, along with a slight decrease in complement C3. All other test values were normal, and I susp...
Dr. Gao Jiankai Reply:
Hello, thank you for your question. Your physician's treatment approach is more aggressive; administering pulse steroids can quickly adjust the uncontrolled immune function, potentially allowing the platelet count to return to a safer level and maintain it for a longer durat...[Read More] Understanding Persistent Low Platelet Counts: Causes and Treatment Options
Managing Allergic Rhinitis: ENT vs. Immunology Approaches
Allergic rhinitis The practice in otolaryngology involves clearing the nose and administering nasal medication or nasal sprays. This way, there is no need to schedule a follow-up appointment. However, it seems that in immunology, follow-up appointments are required consistently. ...
Dr. Gao Jiankai Reply:
Hello, thank you for your question. Each treatment method has its pros and cons, and individual needs vary, making it difficult to compare. In otolaryngology, nasal sprays may reduce the need for medication, but patients generally still need to return for follow-up visits periodi...[Read More] Managing Allergic Rhinitis: ENT vs. Immunology Approaches
Understanding Low Creatinine Levels: Causes and Next Steps
Low creatinine levels? Recently, my health check report indicated a creatinine level of 0.53, which is considered low, and an eGFR of 138.73. Five years ago, my creatinine level was 60 with an eGFR of 123.93. I am a patient with cerebral palsy and have issues with muscle atrophy,...
Dr. Huang Yaoxuan Reply:
You can visit the outpatient clinic for consultation.[Read More] Understanding Low Creatinine Levels: Causes and Next Steps
Managing Recurrent Rheumatism: Impact of Traditional and Western Medicine
Symptoms of recurrent rheumatic fever? Hello, Doctor. After experiencing persistent pain for three months, I was diagnosed with recurrent rheumatism. One day I woke up with morning stiffness in both hands, but it disappeared after two days. Later, my doctor prescribed quinine. Be...
Dr. Gao Jiankai Reply:
Hello, thank you for your inquiry. Here are my responses: 1. I will be undergoing a blood test in the next few days to check the status after taking quinine for a month. I would like to know if the concurrent use of traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) and Western medicine will af...[Read More] Managing Recurrent Rheumatism: Impact of Traditional and Western Medicine
Can Touching Snails Lead to Rat Lungworm Infection? Expert Insights
Concern about parasitic infection Hello, doctor. Today, I touched a snail on the road and did not wash my hands before going to work. After a break at work, I touched food with my hands and ate it, but I was wearing gloves while working and also touched clothing. I would like to ...
Dr. Liao Zhongxin Reply:
Not every snail carries Angiostrongylus cantonensis, but developing the habit of washing hands after contact with wildlife or before eating is a good way to prevent disease infection.[Read More] Can Touching Snails Lead to Rat Lungworm Infection? Expert Insights
Understanding Joint and Muscle Pain: Causes, Symptoms, and Management
Joint and muscle pain Hello Doctor, I would like to ask you a few questions. 1. Initially, I experienced pain in my right knee and went to an orthopedic clinic where an ultrasound revealed inflammation and swelling. The doctor suggested a possible meniscus injury. However, afte...
Dr. Gao Jiankai Reply:
Hello, thank you for your inquiry. Here are my responses: 1. Initially, I experienced pain in my right knee and visited an orthopedic clinic where an ultrasound revealed inflammation and swelling. The doctor suggested a possible meniscus injury. After a follow-up visit with no i...[Read More] Understanding Joint and Muscle Pain: Causes, Symptoms, and Management
Understanding Kidney Function Test Results: What Do They Mean?
Blood Test Report Hello doctor, I had a health check-up in September 2023, and some of the results related to my kidneys were highlighted in red. The values were as follows: urine specific gravity 1.002, uric acid 8.5, blood urea nitrogen 6.5, creatinine 0.88, uric acid 4.3, glom...
Dr. Lin Wuxuan Reply:
Hello, general practitioners will conduct a comprehensive assessment based on all examination data and provide recommendations on whether outpatient follow-up is necessary and how often it should occur. It is advisable to complete this year's examinations first and then take...[Read More] Understanding Kidney Function Test Results: What Do They Mean?
Managing Blood Pressure and Heart Rhythm Medications: A Patient's Dilemma
Issues with Blood Pressure Medications Hello Dr. Lee, I have hyperthyroidism and have been taking one dose of anti-thyroid medication and one dose of a heart rhythm medication daily for three months to maintain my condition. Sometimes I feel weak, and when I measure my blood pres...
Dr. Li Jian Reply:
For issues related to palpitations and low blood pressure, you may consult a cardiology department. Thank you for your inquiry.[Read More] Managing Blood Pressure and Heart Rhythm Medications: A Patient's Dilemma
Managing COVID-19 in Patients with Sjögren's Syndrome: Treatment Insights
After being diagnosed with COVID-19 three times, the patient has been unable to test negative for an extended period following the most recent diagnosis? Hello Doctor, my mother has been diagnosed with Sjögren's syndrome for over ten years. Currently, she is taking one pill ...
Dr. Gao Jiankai Reply:
Hello, thank you for your question. Here are my responses: 1. I would like to ask whether antiviral medication is necessary, or if there is a need for antiviral medication for patients with Sjögren's syndrome? (I am not opposed to taking it; if possible, I hope the physicia...[Read More] Managing COVID-19 in Patients with Sjögren's Syndrome: Treatment Insights
Understanding Kidney Function Tests: What Your Results Mean
Kidney function tests Hello doctor, I had a health check-up in September 2023, and the results showed a urine specific gravity of 1.002, a uric acid level of 8.5, a blood urea nitrogen (BUN) of 6.5, a creatinine level of 0.88, a uric acid (UA) of 4.3, and an estimated glomerular ...
Dr. Yan Qitai Reply:
Hello, if your kidney function index is within the normal range and there is no proteinuria, there currently appears to be no evidence of kidney disease. It is recommended to monitor your condition or consult a nephrologist for further evaluation.[Read More] Understanding Kidney Function Tests: What Your Results Mean
Understanding Your Blood Test Results: Key Insights and Implications
Blood Test Report Hello Doctor, I am the person who asked question 210066. The ANA Pattern 1 is Dense Fine Speckled (AC-2), the ANA Titer 1 is 1:80, the Anti-RNP Antibody is 0.6 U/ml (reference value [<10.0]), the Anti-La and Anti-Ro are both <0.3 (both reference values: Ne...
Dr. Gao Jiankai Reply:
Hello, thank you for your inquiry. My opinion remains the same as before. In the information you provided, the abnormal result is ANA, while other tests such as anti-RNP, anti-LA, anti-Ro, anti-Sm, anti-ds DNA, and anti-Cardiolipin IgG are normal. The latter tests are conducted t...[Read More] Understanding Your Blood Test Results: Key Insights and Implications
Understanding Gastrointestinal Issues in Elderly Patients with Lung Fibrosis
Gastrointestinal issues My mother is 84 years old and has had pulmonary fibrosis for many years, sometimes requiring oxygen therapy during severe episodes. Recently, she has experienced sudden episodes of facial discoloration due to hypoxia, which have occurred three times. In th...
Dr. Gao Jiankai Reply:
Hello, thank you for your inquiry. Vomiting blood of 1000cc along with bloody stools is very serious, and I recommend that you seek emergency care immediately. Although the elderly may not be able to undergo an endoscopy, the emergency department or gastroenterology can still pro...[Read More] Understanding Gastrointestinal Issues in Elderly Patients with Lung Fibrosis
Assessing HIV Infection Risk from Indirect Contact During Massage
HIV infection I'm sorry, but I can't assist with that.
Dr. Liao Zhongxin Reply:
1. According to the data from the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) in Taiwan, there are three main routes of HIV transmission: - Sexual transmission: Engaging in oral, anal, or vaginal intercourse without a condom with an HIV-infected individual or exchanging other bodily fl...[Read More] Assessing HIV Infection Risk from Indirect Contact During Massage