Dietary Concerns for Patients with Hereditary Polycystic Kidney Disease
Genetic polycystic kidney disease raises concerns regarding dietary supplements such as protein powder? Hello Doctor, I would like to inquire about my situation. I have a family history of polycystic kidney disease, and my recent health check results are as follows: Blood Urea Ni...
Dr. Wu Hongjie Reply:
A low-protein diet is defined as 0.6-0.8 grams of protein per kilogram of body weight. Currently, it has shown benefits only for patients with a glomerular filtration rate (GFR) below 60; the effects for those with a GFR above 60 are unclear. Unless there are special requirements...[Read More] Dietary Concerns for Patients with Hereditary Polycystic Kidney Disease
Understanding Psoriatic Arthritis: Treatment Options and Concerns
Hello, doctor. I would like to inquire about psoriatic arthritis. Thank you? Hello Doctor, last year I experienced pain in my right wrist and consulted a physician at Kaohsiung Medical University Hospital. The doctor informed me that it might be psoriatic arthritis. I have been t...
Dr. Gao Jiankai Reply:
Hello, thank you for your question. Here are my responses: 1. I researched online and feel that my symptoms are very similar to rheumatoid arthritis, but during my initial consultation, the anti-citrullinated protein antibody test came back normal. The doctor said it is not rhe...[Read More] Understanding Psoriatic Arthritis: Treatment Options and Concerns
High Cholesterol and Heart Murmurs: Which Specialist to See First?
High cholesterol levels in the heart, heart murmurs? Hello, doctor. My mother recently had a blood test arranged by the rheumatology and immunology department, followed by a scheduled echocardiogram and CT scan (which has not yet been completed). After the echocardiogram, it was ...
Dr. Cai Mingsong Reply:
If possible, you may consult your original physician to review the report earlier. You can also consider an outpatient consultation with a cardiologist to evaluate whether treatment or further testing is necessary. If you experience any discomfort, please return to the hospital f...[Read More] High Cholesterol and Heart Murmurs: Which Specialist to See First?
Common Questions About HIV Saliva Rapid Testing Explained
Questions about HIV rapid testing? Hello Doctor, I purchased an HIV saliva rapid test two days ago, and the result was negative. I have a few questions about the process, and I would appreciate your help. If there is insufficient sample collection on the test stick, will the C li...
Dr. Liao Zhongxin Reply:
The accuracy of the HIV saliva screening test is as high as 99%. The sample is collected by gently scraping the gums with a collection swab, and results can be interpreted in about 20 to 30 minutes, making it both convenient and quick. However, saliva testing still has a window p...[Read More] Common Questions About HIV Saliva Rapid Testing Explained
Understanding HIV Testing Results: A Journey Through Two Pregnancies
I tested positive for HIV three years ago when I had my first child (my second child). The first test was positive, while the second test was negative? Three years ago, I had two children. The first pregnancy tested positive in March 2019, and the second in October 2020, both bei...
Dr. Liao Zhongxin Reply:
1. The first question is whether an HIV-positive baby has been born. If so, at least one parent must be an HIV-infected individual, and regardless of whether the initial test result is negative or positive, a confirmatory test must be conducted at a hospital. 2. What is the pur...[Read More] Understanding HIV Testing Results: A Journey Through Two Pregnancies
Understanding Cold Agglutinin Disease: Symptoms and Connections to Neuropathy
Numbness and tingling in the hands and feet associated with cryoglobulinemia? Hello, doctor. I was diagnosed with COVID-19 for the first time in early June this year and recovered. At the end of June, I noticed similar bleeding spots on both feet and visited the hospital, where t...
Dr. Gao Jiankai Reply:
Hello, thank you for your inquiry. To determine whether it is a neurological issue, including polyneuropathy, you can consult a neurologist. They will assess whether further nerve conduction studies are necessary. This test can help initially differentiate between polyneuropathy,...[Read More] Understanding Cold Agglutinin Disease: Symptoms and Connections to Neuropathy
Experiencing Sudden Foot Pain: When to See a Doctor?
Suspected needle stick injury? Two days ago, while walking on the street, I felt a sudden pain in my foot, as if I had been pricked by a needle. Which type of doctor should I see for this, and what should I do to address it?
Dr. Liao Zhongxin Reply:
1. You can first check what was collected by yourself or ask a family member to do so, remove any foreign objects, and then perform wound care. 2. If the wound does not improve, you may go to a nearby medical facility for a dressing change or further treatment.[Read More] Experiencing Sudden Foot Pain: When to See a Doctor?
Experiencing Sudden Foot Pain: When to See a Doctor?
Suspected needle stick injury? Two days ago, while walking on the road, I felt a sudden pain in my foot, as if I had been pricked by a needle. Which type of doctor should I see for this, and what should I do to manage it?
Dr. Liao Zhongxin Reply:
1. You can first check what was collected by yourself or ask a family member to help, remove any foreign objects, and then perform wound care. 2. If the wound does not improve, you may visit a nearby medical facility for dressing changes or further treatment.[Read More] Experiencing Sudden Foot Pain: When to See a Doctor?
Understanding Atypical Ankylosing Spondylitis: Symptoms and Diagnosis
Autoimmune diseases Doctor, I am currently 30 years old, have not given birth, HLA-B27 negative, with inflammatory markers CRP: 0.02 and ESR: 3. Since June, I have been experiencing pain in my buttocks, and an MRI report shows sacroiliac joint sclerosis. The doctor prescribed Cel...
Dr. Gao Jiankai Reply:
Hello, thank you for your inquiry. Diagnosing ankylosing spondylitis requires a comprehensive evaluation that includes imaging studies, blood tests, clinical symptoms, and physical examination findings, and it heavily relies on the experience of the treating physician. The inform...[Read More] Understanding Atypical Ankylosing Spondylitis: Symptoms and Diagnosis
Understanding Elbow Issues: Potential Causes and When to See a Doctor
Elbow issues Hello doctor, a few days ago I noticed some raised bumps on my elbow that feel itchy but are not red. I scratched and rubbed them, and yesterday the skin broke a little but it seems to have scabbed over. Now it looks a bit red in that area, but I don’t feel any open ...
Dr. Gao Jiankai Reply:
Hello, thank you for your question. Just by looking at the pictures, it is difficult to determine; it resembles common eczema or contact dermatitis. I recommend seeing a dermatologist first. We do not solely rely on the rash to diagnose autoimmune diseases or HIV, so please do no...[Read More] Understanding Elbow Issues: Potential Causes and When to See a Doctor
Understanding Abdominal Pain: Causes and Solutions for Young Adults
Abdominal cramping? I am 20 years old and usually have a bowel movement once a day, but I only eat one or two meals daily (I've been doing this for a year). However, something strange has happened recently: on the first day of my menstrual period (October 31), I experienced ...
Dr. Xie Rongyuan Reply:
Hello: Please visit the hospital for a medical examination and undergo an abdominal X-ray to investigate the cause. Thank you for your message![Read More] Understanding Abdominal Pain: Causes and Solutions for Young Adults
Frequent Styes: Understanding Causes and Seeking Medical Advice
Frequent occurrence of styes? Hello Doctor: Since last year, I have been preparing for the national exam, and starting in May of this year, I have been experiencing frequent styes, approximately once a month. Recently, just last week, I had a stye on my left eye, and today I have...
Dr. Gao Jiankai Reply:
Hello, thank you for your inquiry. Since the symptoms are mostly non-specific, it is difficult to pinpoint where the issue lies. If you are very concerned, you may consider undergoing a comprehensive health check-up. If the results are normal but you continue to experience recurr...[Read More] Frequent Styes: Understanding Causes and Seeking Medical Advice
Frequent Styes: Understanding Causes and When to Seek Help
Frequent occurrence of styes? Hello Doctor: Since last year, I have been preparing for the national exam, and starting in May of this year, I have been experiencing frequent styes, approximately once a month. Recently, just last week, I had a stye on my left eye, and today I deve...
Dr. Gao Jiankai Reply:
Hello, thank you for your inquiry. Since the symptoms are mostly non-specific, it is difficult to pinpoint the exact issue. If you are very concerned, you may start with a comprehensive health check-up. If the results are normal but you continue to experience recurrent styes or c...[Read More] Frequent Styes: Understanding Causes and When to Seek Help
Understanding Abnormal ANA and Complement Levels: Causes and Next Steps
Antinuclear antibodies and abnormalities in complement levels C3 and C4? Hello Doctor, my wife has had abnormal antinuclear antibody (ANA) levels in her blood tests over the past few years (both AC-1 and AC-4 are affected), with titers fluctuating between a maximum of 1:320 and a...
Dr. Gao Jiankai Reply:
Hello, thank you for your question. The presence of abnormal ANA along with decreased C3 and C4 levels suggests a higher likelihood of an autoimmune disease. C3 and C4 are produced by the liver, and generally, they increase in response to stress or infection. However, in cases of...[Read More] Understanding Abnormal ANA and Complement Levels: Causes and Next Steps
Understanding Medication Resistance in Ankylosing Spondylitis Treatment
Medications for Ankylosing Spondylitis Hello Doctor, I have been controlling my condition well with the medication Sulfasalazine, taking one pill a day. My blood tests showed CRP levels around 0.3 mg/dL and ESR around 5. However, in the past month, I started experiencing pain, an...
Dr. Gao Jiankai Reply:
Hello, thank you for your question. The condition of ankylosing spondylitis can fluctuate. If other causes of elevated CRP have been ruled out, it is important to suspect a worsening of ankylosing spondylitis, and immunomodulatory medications may be necessary. I recommend having ...[Read More] Understanding Medication Resistance in Ankylosing Spondylitis Treatment
Understanding Occult Blood in Urine: Implications for Kidney Health
Occult blood? Hello, Doctor Wu. I would like to ask if there is a relationship between occult blood and the kidneys. My occult blood level increased from 4+ to 5+. Will this affect my kidneys? What does an occult blood level of 4+ indicate? My urine protein and other indices are ...
Dr. Wu Hongjie Reply:
Hematuria and occult blood are different. It is important to first confirm the presence of red blood cells in the urine. If red blood cells are present, renal issues such as renal cysts, kidney lesions, stones, or tumors may need to be ruled out. If there is only occult blood wit...[Read More] Understanding Occult Blood in Urine: Implications for Kidney Health
Understanding Low Sodium Levels: Causes and Connections to Heart Rate
Causes of Hyponatremia Hello Doctor, my 87-year-old grandmother has a long history of hypertension (she is on diuretics) and bradycardia. Over the past two months, she has been undergoing chemotherapy and radiation for cervical cancer. In her weekly blood tests, we have observed ...
Dr. Lin Wuxuan Reply:
Grandma's condition requires a comprehensive and thorough evaluation. It is advisable to consult her attending physician during the routine follow-up visit. If Grandma experiences symptoms such as fatigue, weakness, nausea, headache, or drowsiness, she should seek medical at...[Read More] Understanding Low Sodium Levels: Causes and Connections to Heart Rate
Managing Edema: Concerns About Diuretics and Rising Uric Acid Levels
Discontinuation of diuretics can lead to edema? Hello, Doctor. About a month ago, I visited a clinic due to lower limb edema, and the doctor prescribed Rasitol 40 mg, one tablet daily. After taking it, the diuretic effect was quite good, and the edema improved. However, once I st...
Dr. Wu Hongjie Reply:
There are many causes of edema. Please visit the relevant specialty clinic to identify the underlying cause. Self-medicating with diuretics will not address the root issue. There are various types of diuretics; for example, thiazide diuretics can lead to elevated uric acid levels...[Read More] Managing Edema: Concerns About Diuretics and Rising Uric Acid Levels
Risk of Infection from Plastic Fork Injury: What You Need to Know
Possibility of infection Hello Dr. Lin, today while traveling by air, I accidentally pricked myself with a plastic fork when I opened it. Although there was no bleeding, it looks a little white, and I'm not sure if the skin is broken. Even though the fork appears to be dispo...
Dr. Lin Wufu Reply:
Unless there is reasonable suspicion that the fork has come into contact with another person's blood or bodily fluids, there is minimal risk of infectious disease. It is advisable not to worry too much.[Read More] Risk of Infection from Plastic Fork Injury: What You Need to Know
Understanding HIV Symptoms After Unprotected Sex: What You Need to Know
HIV infection Hello doctor, I had unprotected sex with a sex worker on October 16th, and I had already been experiencing cold symptoms, including a runny nose, since October 15th. Today, October 19th, my cold has progressed from just a runny nose to coughing and a scratchy throat...
Dr. Lin Wufu Reply:
Hello, the incubation period for HIV is at least one week, so if symptoms appear within two to three days, they are likely unrelated. However, if you have engaged in high-risk behaviors, it is still advisable to get tested.[Read More] Understanding HIV Symptoms After Unprotected Sex: What You Need to Know