Should Asthma Patients Consider L-Arginine Supplementation?
Asthma patients taking L-arginine? Hello Doctor, I am a 23-year-old asthma patient who has been experiencing episodes for about ten years. Recently, I have had a higher demand for exercise, working out at least three times a week for two to three hours each session, with a ratio ...
Dr. Gao Jiankai Reply:
Hello, thank you for your question. Currently, there are no studies in the literature indicating that L-arginine may worsen asthma. In fact, supplementation with L-arginine may help with asthma control, although more research is needed to confirm this. I believe that some studies...[Read More] Should Asthma Patients Consider L-Arginine Supplementation?
Chronic Lower Back Pain Without Diagnosis: What Are Your Options?
If you have been experiencing lower back pain for more than three months without a clear diagnosis, what should you do? Hello, Doctor Wu! I am here to inquire about a family member who is a 47-year-old male, working as a night shift operator for 25 years (his job does not require...
Dr. Wu Hongjie Reply:
It is recommended to see a large hospital's Immunology and Rheumatology department or Orthopedics. Wishing you well.[Read More] Chronic Lower Back Pain Without Diagnosis: What Are Your Options?
Understanding SLE: Symptoms, Diagnosis, and Treatment Options
SLE (Systemic Lupus Erythematosus) Hello, Director Gao. I am 33 years old and have been experiencing various illnesses and unexplained pains over the past few years, but no cause has been identified. I have also consulted a psychiatrist and taken medication without improvement (s...
Dr. Gao Jiankai Reply:
Hello, thank you for your inquiry. A slight fever can still be concerning, and I recommend visiting a rheumatologist. Based on the information you provided, it is not possible to confirm whether there is an issue with your immune system, so it would be best for a physician to exa...[Read More] Understanding SLE: Symptoms, Diagnosis, and Treatment Options
How to Alleviate Tinnitus Caused by Volleyball Injury After 37 Years
37 years ago, I was hit by a volleyball while passing by the school gymnasium, which resulted in tinnitus? Dr. Tseng, I have been troubled by tinnitus in my left ear for a long time. Thirty-seven years ago, I was hit in the left ear by a volleyball in the school gym, which caused...
Dr. Zeng Guosen Reply:
I apologize, as I am an internist and not specialized in tinnitus. I recommend consulting an otolaryngologist to investigate whether it is a neurological issue, a traumatic problem, or another concern. Thank you for your question.[Read More] How to Alleviate Tinnitus Caused by Volleyball Injury After 37 Years
Understanding Fluctuations in Glycated Hemoglobin Over One Month
Fluctuations in glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c) levels within one month? Hello Doctor: Thank you for taking the time to answer my questions despite your busy schedule. In my family, besides my parents, my aunts, uncles, and both sets of grandparents have diabetes, so I am particularl...
Dr. Li Jian Reply:
Weight loss can also be evaluated by testing thyroid function. Currently, there are no significant abnormalities in blood glucose levels, so testing once every 1-2 years is sufficient. Thank you for your inquiry.[Read More] Understanding Fluctuations in Glycated Hemoglobin Over One Month
Understanding PEP for HIV: Protection During Treatment and Beyond
Regarding HIV PEP (Post-Exposure Prophylaxis) Hello doctor, I have been experiencing some issues recently, so I am currently taking PEP. I would like to ask if engaging in sexual intercourse during the PEP treatment period with a partner who is a carrier would provide protection,...
Dr. Liao Zhongxin Reply:
1. The difference between PrEP and PEP lies in their use for pre-exposure or post-exposure prophylaxis. 2. Additionally, I provide the 2-1-1 prevention method for your reference.[Read More] Understanding PEP for HIV: Protection During Treatment and Beyond
Understanding Skin Wounds: Care Tips and Healing Time
Please consult a doctor regarding the wound? Hello Doctor, I am currently abroad with my family for a week. Two days ago, I noticed some itching on the side of my left foot. After rubbing it, some skin flakes came off, and it seems like there was already a small area of broken sk...
Dr. Lin Wufu Reply:
Hello, the image link cannot be opened! Additionally, online consultations are not available here. Based on your description, I recommend continuing with your current care methods and seeking medical attention as soon as possible.[Read More] Understanding Skin Wounds: Care Tips and Healing Time
Can Acetazolamide Be Safely Taken with Heart and Cholesterol Medications?
Medication-related issues? Hello, doctor. This New Year's Day, I plan to take my two elderly family members to Wuling to enjoy the scenery. We intend to prepare Acetazolamide for them to prevent symptoms of altitude sickness. Currently, I know that my mother is taking medica...
Dr. Li Jian Reply:
A single dose of Dantrolene has little impact on the cardiovascular system. Thank you for your inquiry.[Read More] Can Acetazolamide Be Safely Taken with Heart and Cholesterol Medications?
Concerns About HIV Infection from Contaminated Toilet Encounter
Concerns about HIV infection? Hello doctor, earlier at school when I went to the restroom, I saw that the toilet had someone else's stool that seemed to be unflushed and had some blood in it. I thought they might have just finished using the toilet and left, so I didn't...
Dr. Liao Zhongxin Reply:
The HIV virus can survive outside the human body for more than ten minutes, so there is no need to worry about that; instead, attention should be paid to fecal-oral transmission, such as certain intestinal bacteria or viruses. Therefore, it is important to wash hands thoroughly b...[Read More] Concerns About HIV Infection from Contaminated Toilet Encounter
Am I at Risk for HIV After Unprotected Sex? Understanding Symptoms and Testing
Am I infected with HIV? Hello doctor, I have a question: On October 28, 2023, I went for a massage and had unprotected sexual intercourse with the attendant, although it was only for 5 thrusts. After that, I used a condom. However, I had a fever for one day from November 26 to 27...
Dr. Liao Zhongxin Reply:
1. The transmission routes of HIV include sexual intercourse, sharing needles for drug use, and improper blood transfusions, among others. 2. As for the symptoms of acute HIV syndrome, they can vary widely; if you have engaged in any of the aforementioned high-risk behaviors, pl...[Read More] Am I at Risk for HIV After Unprotected Sex? Understanding Symptoms and Testing
Understanding HIV Testing Accuracy After Hepatitis C Exposure
HIV testing issues? Hello, doctor. I would like to ask, if I was at high risk and then contracted Hepatitis C but did not take any medication, and after a 3-month window period my HIV test result was negative, is this result still accurate? This is a hypothetical question, as I h...
Dr. Liao Zhongxin Reply:
1. The window periods for HIV and Hepatitis C are 3-12 weeks and 4-10 weeks, respectively. 2. Regarding the frequency of HIV screening for the public, the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) recommends the following: Individuals who are sexually active should undergo at least one H...[Read More] Understanding HIV Testing Accuracy After Hepatitis C Exposure
Can You Get HIV from Contact with Infected Blood During Masturbation?
Transmission routes of HIV If a person has contact with the blood or semen of an HIV-infected individual on their hands, and then engages in masturbation without washing their hands, while having a small open wound on their genitals, is there a risk of HIV transmission?
Dr. Liao Zhongxin Reply:
1. The transmission routes of HIV include sexual intercourse, sharing needles for drug use, blood transfusions, and improper wound management. 2. Therefore, if you have engaged in any of these high-risk behaviors with an infected individual, you should consider self-testing or ...[Read More] Can You Get HIV from Contact with Infected Blood During Masturbation?
Understanding Syphilis Testing: Interpreting RPR and TPLA Results
Regarding the laboratory report? Is it possible for someone to have a syphilis infection with an initial RPR titer of only 1:2 or 1:4? If the TPLA is over 500, does that mean that early-stage infections typically have high RPR titers? If the initial serum RPR is 1:2 or 1:4, what ...
Dr. Liao Zhongxin Reply:
1. The RPR value indicates the intensity of infectivity, while TPHA/TPLA represents whether there has been a past infection. 2. Generally, first-time infected individuals have higher RPR and TPHA values, which may become negative or decrease after treatment; however, if someone h...[Read More] Understanding Syphilis Testing: Interpreting RPR and TPLA Results
Understanding Syphilis Testing: RPR Levels and Treatment Goals
Regarding the laboratory report? Is it possible for someone to have an initial syphilis infection with an RPR titer of only 1:2 or 1:4? If the TPLA is over 500, does that mean that early-stage infections typically have high RPR titers? If the initial serum RPR is 1:2 or 1:4, what...
Dr. Liao Zhongxin Reply:
1. The RPR value indicates the intensity of infectiousness, while TPHA/TPLA indicates whether there has been a past infection. 2. Generally, first-time infected individuals have higher RPR and TPHA values, which may become negative or decrease after treatment; however, if a perso...[Read More] Understanding Syphilis Testing: RPR Levels and Treatment Goals
Risk of HIV Infection from IV Nurse's Glove-Free Blood Exposure
The risk of HIV infection for a nurse administering an IV drip without wearing gloves? Hello, doctor. Recently at the clinic, after the nurse inserted the IV, some blood spilled out and got on the nurse's finger. The nurse was not wearing gloves, and I'm not sure if the...
Dr. Liao Zhongxin Reply:
1. The transmission routes of HIV include sexual intercourse, sharing needles for drug use, and improper handling of wounds. 2. The HIV virus dies within ten minutes outside the human body. After coming into contact with the bodily fluids of an infected person (who has not rece...[Read More] Risk of HIV Infection from IV Nurse's Glove-Free Blood Exposure
Understanding RPR Results in Early Syphilis Infection: What to Expect
Regarding the laboratory report? Is it possible for someone to have an initial syphilis infection with an RPR titer of only 1:2 or 1:4? If the TPLA is over 500, does that mean that early-stage infections always have a high RPR? If the initial serum RPR is 1:2 or 1:4, what should ...
Dr. Liao Zhongxin Reply:
1. The RPR value indicates the intensity of infectiousness, while TPHA/TPLA represents whether there has been a past infection. 2. Generally, first-time infected individuals tend to have higher RPR and TPHA values, which may become negative or decrease after treatment; however, i...[Read More] Understanding RPR Results in Early Syphilis Infection: What to Expect
Risk of Infection from Hair Removal Without Gloves: What You Need to Know
The risk of infection when hair removal technicians do not wear gloves? Hello, the beautician did not wear gloves while using a disposable razor for hair removal and used their hands to remove the shaved hair from the area. I did not see any blood on my skin and did not feel any ...
Dr. Liao Zhongxin Reply:
1. The transmission routes of HIV include sexual intercourse, sharing needles for drug use, and improper wound care. 2. In addition to beauticians, barbers also face similar concerns; if there are no large wounds after hair removal, the risk of infection is generally low. Howev...[Read More] Risk of Infection from Hair Removal Without Gloves: What You Need to Know
Post-Hernia Surgery: Is Running and Weight Training Safe?
Hernia surgery and running? I would like to ask if, after hernia surgery, it is not recommended to run or do weight training, even after many years? I am concerned about the risk of re-injury.
Dr. Lin Wuxuan Reply:
After hernia surgery, it is generally recommended to avoid lifting heavy objects, forceful coughing, or bending over for 2 to 3 weeks. Strenuous activities, such as running, should be avoided for 4 to 6 weeks. However, recovery varies for each individual, so it is advisable to fo...[Read More] Post-Hernia Surgery: Is Running and Weight Training Safe?
Understanding Gout Symptoms: Is Morning Discomfort a Sign of Flare-Up?
Regarding the recent cold weather, I have been experiencing a dull sensation in my big toe, which has a history of gout, upon waking up in the morning. However, after urinating, the discomfort significantly decreases? Hello, Director Gao! I apologize for bothering you, but I have...
Dr. Gao Jiankai Reply:
Hello, this question has been asked before, so I will repost my response. If your uric acid levels remain consistently normal, I don't believe it is a gout attack. Previously affected joints from arthritis may leave some residual effects, making them more sensitive to change...[Read More] Understanding Gout Symptoms: Is Morning Discomfort a Sign of Flare-Up?
Understanding SSA Antibodies: Implications for Pregnancy and Lupus Risk
Detection of SSA antibodies? Hello, Doctor. I would like to ask about experiencing unexplained pain and swelling in 1-2 joints of my fingers and toes this year, which disappears after a few days, only to reappear in other areas with tenderness upon pressure. I visited the rheumat...
Dr. Gao Jiankai Reply:
Hello, thank you for your question. The presence of SSA antibodies is not related to the ability to conceive; however, there is still a possibility that Sjögren's syndrome may evolve into lupus erythematosus in the future, although the likelihood is unclear. Therefore, when ...[Read More] Understanding SSA Antibodies: Implications for Pregnancy and Lupus Risk