Understanding HIV Risks from Finger Pricks During Blood Donation
Finger puncture? Hello, doctor. 1. When donating blood, they first test hemoglobin, which involves a finger prick. Is there a risk of HIV infection if the puncture wound comes into contact with blood? 2. If I shake hands with someone who is also donating blood and both of us h...
Dr. Liao Zhongxin Reply:
According to the data from the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) in Taiwan, there are three main transmission routes for the Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV): A. Sexual transmission: There is a risk of infection when engaging in oral, anal, or vaginal intercourse or other excha...[Read More] Understanding HIV Risks from Finger Pricks During Blood Donation
Do Allergies Affect Symptoms of Ankylosing Spondylitis?
Can allergies affect the symptoms of stiffness? Hello Dr. Tseng, my son is 20 years old and has both ankylosing spondylitis and allergy issues. He is currently taking two tablets of Celebrex daily for ankylosing spondylitis, but he still experiences morning stiffness for about an...
Dr. Zeng Guosen Reply:
If a person has severe allergies that lead to irregular daily routines, it may affect the stability of autoimmune diseases. Mild symptoms typically do not have such an impact. Based on your description (morning stiffness lasting about 1 hour and an ESR frequently elevated to 40-5...[Read More] Do Allergies Affect Symptoms of Ankylosing Spondylitis?
Understanding Fasting vs. Postprandial Blood Sugar Levels: A Patient's Concern
Is it considered preprandial blood glucose or postprandial blood glucose? I have a history of hypertension and take my medication every morning before meals. My blood pressure is currently well-controlled. I am 158 cm tall, weigh 55 kg, and am 44 years old. On the evening of Augu...
Dr. Lin Jianliang Reply:
Hello: I had milk tea around 3-4 PM. I tested my blood sugar at 6 PM, which is considered postprandial blood sugar (2 hours after eating), not fasting blood sugar.[Read More] Understanding Fasting vs. Postprandial Blood Sugar Levels: A Patient's Concern
Concerns About Parasite Infection from Contact with Stray Cat Waste
Parasitic infection Hello, doctor. I accidentally came into contact with the vomit of a stray cat I care for, and then I unintentionally ingested some food that had touched it. Could this lead to an infection with the pork tapeworm? I have seen this stray cat eating raw pork, so ...
Dr. Lin Wufu Reply:
No, pork tapeworms generally do not appear in cat vomit. The likelihood of a cat acquiring parasites from a single ingestion of something from its gastrointestinal tract is also very low. Preventive medication or special monitoring is not recommended.[Read More] Concerns About Parasite Infection from Contact with Stray Cat Waste
Risk of HIV Infection from Blood Splashing in the Eye: What You Need to Know
Blood splattered into the eyes? Hello doctor, my colleague has a tattoo on his hand, and after getting it done, the tattooed area has been bleeding. Today, while I was crouching to pick something up, my colleague was standing in front of me and something splashed into my eye. If ...
Dr. Lin Wufu Reply:
I can't say there are no risks, but the overall risk should be lower than being struck by lightning while walking on the street (probably less than one in ten thousand). It can only be said that professional assessments do not consider such a negligible risk worth the expens...[Read More] Risk of HIV Infection from Blood Splashing in the Eye: What You Need to Know
Understanding Unexplained Bruising on the Palm: Causes and Concerns
Bruising of the palm? Hello doctor, this morning I suddenly felt a swelling sensation in my right palm. In the afternoon, I noticed bruising and swelling below my thumb (as indicated in the image in the following link). However, there was no impact, sports injury, or anything sim...
Dr. Yu Liying Reply:
Hello, Miss Xiao Zhang. In fact, the area around the palm is particularly susceptible to pressure or impact when we least expect it! If there is localized swelling or bruising that shows signs of spreading, or if unexplained bruising and swelling appear in other areas, it is advi...[Read More] Understanding Unexplained Bruising on the Palm: Causes and Concerns
Understanding Nausea and Vomiting: Insights on Esophageal Ulcers and Treatment
Nausea and vomiting? Hello Doctor, I would like to inquire about my gastroscopy performed in April this year. Previous gastro-camera or fiberoptic findings: Premedication: Buscopan 20 mg intramuscularly and local use of 10% Xylocaine spray. Esophagus: 1. ONE CORD OF LINEAR ULCER....
Dr. Zheng Weijun Reply:
Hello, based on the results of your gastroscopy, you have a history of esophageal ulcers and mild gastritis. The symptoms of nausea and regurgitation you mentioned may indeed be related to autonomic nervous system dysfunction. Symptoms that can arise from autonomic nervous system...[Read More] Understanding Nausea and Vomiting: Insights on Esophageal Ulcers and Treatment
Understanding Abdominal Pain: Causes and When to Seek Help
Abnormal abdominal pain Hello, doctor. I am 29 years old and I have ankylosing spondylitis and chronic anemia (with an average hemoglobin level of about 20). I'm not sure if this is related to the events I've experienced. The first incident occurred when I was around 20...
Dr. Zheng Weijun Reply:
Hello, thank you for your detailed description. First, regarding your mention that "the average hemoglobin does not exceed 20," this value is within the normal range; the normal hemoglobin level for women is 12–16 g/dL, so your current hemoglobin level may not be abnorm...[Read More] Understanding Abdominal Pain: Causes and When to Seek Help
Understanding Minimal Change Disease in Nephrotic Syndrome and Military Exemption
Minimal Change Disease in Nephrotic Syndrome Conditions for various types of nephritis include one of the following: 1. Chronic renal impairment confirmed by examination, with serum creatinine greater than 2 mg/dL and creatinine clearance less than 50 mL/min. 2. Histopathological...
Dr. Lin Wuxuan Reply:
Please proactively inform the examining physician and provide your medical history during the military conscription examination, in accordance with the regulations set by the Ministry of National Defense and the Military Service Agency of the Ministry of the Interior. Thank you.[Read More] Understanding Minimal Change Disease in Nephrotic Syndrome and Military Exemption
The Connection Between Allergies and Ankylosing Spondylitis Symptoms
The relationship between allergies and stiffness symptoms? Hello, Doctor Gao. My son is 20 years old and has both ankylosing spondylitis and allergy issues. He is currently taking four Sulfasalazine tablets daily for ankylosing spondylitis, but he still experiences morning stiffn...
Dr. Gao Jiankai Reply:
Hello, thank you for your question. I believe that allergy symptoms are unrelated to stiffness symptoms. An elevated ESR may be associated with inadequate control of ankylosing spondylitis. If you are already taking four Salazopyrin tablets daily and continuously using anti-infla...[Read More] The Connection Between Allergies and Ankylosing Spondylitis Symptoms
Managing Excessive Sweating and Heat Sensation in Diabetes Patients
Chest heat or chest discomfort? Hello doctor, I have type 2 diabetes, and about three years ago, I started experiencing night sweats while covered with a blanket during winter (mostly concentrated in the chest and back). In recent months, I have been able to clearly feel a wave o...
Dr. Lin Jianliang Reply:
Hello, since the symptoms you described are non-specific, it is recommended to consult a family medicine physician first.[Read More] Managing Excessive Sweating and Heat Sensation in Diabetes Patients
Understanding Elevated Thyroid-Stimulating Hormone Levels: Causes and Treatment
Elevated Thyroid-Stimulating Hormone (TSH) Levels Hello, doctor. This year's health check report shows Thyroid Stimulating Hormone (TSH) at 7.739 IU/ml (abnormal) and Free Thyroxine (Free T4) at 0.86 ng/dl (normal). What could be the cause of this? Do I need further treatmen...
Dr. Gao Jiankai Reply:
Hello, thank you for your question. This is a normal result. Thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) levels can vary due to the body's condition; for example, if you were feeling unwell or had mild respiratory symptoms at the time of testing, it could affect the results. Free thyr...[Read More] Understanding Elevated Thyroid-Stimulating Hormone Levels: Causes and Treatment
Understanding Easy Bruising After COVID-19: Causes and Concerns
The skin bruises easily upon impact? Hello, doctor. I previously recovered from COVID-19 and noticed red spots (petechiae) on my calves. Later, my doctor diagnosed it as vasculitis. After a series of immunological tests, the main abnormalities found were cold agglutinins IgM (1+)...
Dr. Gao Jiankai Reply:
Hello, thank you for your inquiry. Cryoglobulinemia can also cause petechiae, but it is better to confirm this in conjunction with other clinical symptoms and examinations. I recommend that you have regular follow-ups with a specialist in immunology or hematology for a comprehens...[Read More] Understanding Easy Bruising After COVID-19: Causes and Concerns
Understanding HIV Symptoms: What to Know After Exposure
HIV/AIDS issues Hello Doctor: I kissed my boyfriend, including French kissing. On the first to third day, I felt fine, but by the fourth day, my throat started to feel uncomfortable. I experienced pain on both sides of my throat when swallowing saliva. I also felt weak, had some ...
Dr. Xie Rongyuan Reply:
Hello: These upper respiratory symptoms require testing to determine if a diagnosis can be confirmed, and whether there is an HIV infection, which can only be confirmed through a visit to a hospital. Thank you for your message![Read More] Understanding HIV Symptoms: What to Know After Exposure
Do Metal Braces Affect Saliva Rapid Testing Results?
Saliva rapid test Will metal braces affect the results of a saliva rapid test? Recently, I had redness and peeling under my left armpit, but it disappeared on its own after two days. Could this be a symptom of HIV?
Dr. Liao Zhongxin Reply:
1. Braces will not affect the screening results, as rapid tests have a certain specificity. 2. If there is oral inflammation or infection, it should be associated with swollen cervical lymph nodes, rather than axillary ones.[Read More] Do Metal Braces Affect Saliva Rapid Testing Results?
Understanding Positive Saliva HIV Test Results: What You Need to Know
Saliva rapid test positive? Hello, I previously engaged in high-risk behavior, but in mid-July, I suddenly experienced redness, swelling, and peeling under my left armpit, which resolved in about three to four days. Later, I developed a lot of acne on my chin, and I also had some...
Dr. Liao Zhongxin Reply:
1. The presence of acne does not necessarily indicate an HIV infection. 2. Rapid HIV tests have certain sensitivity but lack specificity; if the result is positive, it is essential to consult a healthcare facility for confirmation and further evaluation.[Read More] Understanding Positive Saliva HIV Test Results: What You Need to Know
Understanding Recurrent Fever: Immune System Challenges and Solutions
Repeated fever over the past two months? Hello, since May, I have noticed that my immune system has been getting weaker. I used to rarely get sick, but on May 8, I discovered I had shingles (the doctor said it was due to stress and a decline in immunity, and prescribed zinc for m...
Dr. Liao Zhongxin Reply:
1. Since you have been diagnosed with influenza type A and are receiving treatment with oseltamivir, it is important to rest well and allow your immune system to recover to eliminate the virus from your body. 2. As for persistent symptoms after infection, this is common with COV...[Read More] Understanding Recurrent Fever: Immune System Challenges and Solutions
Understanding Early Symptoms of Lupus: Normal Tests but Facial Rash?
The tests for lupus erythematosus are normal, but there are erythematous lesions around the face and eyes. Is this also an early stage of the disease? I have been tested at two hospitals, and the results were normal. However, I have red spots on my face and around my eyes, which ...
Dr. Gao Jiankai Reply:
Hello, thank you for your inquiry. I recommend that you consult a rheumatologist at a large hospital. The presence of erythema around the eyes, along with sensitivity to sunlight and difficulty opening bottle caps, may suggest dermatomyositis. The Allergy, Immunology, and Rheumat...[Read More] Understanding Early Symptoms of Lupus: Normal Tests but Facial Rash?
Understanding Drug-Resistant Bacteria: Key Questions and Concerns
Further inquiries regarding antibiotic-resistant bacteria in the human body (continuation of question number 199206)? Thank you for your previous response, Doctor. I have some additional questions I would like to understand: 1. If the test results continue to be positive accordin...
Dr. Lin Wufu Reply:
1. Yes. The human body naturally hosts many bacteria that coexist with it; antibiotic-resistant bacteria are simply more resistant to antibiotics, but otherwise, they are not significantly different from regular bacteria. 2. It may be worth considering the use of probiotics to se...[Read More] Understanding Drug-Resistant Bacteria: Key Questions and Concerns
Managing Severe Tuberculosis: Treatment Strategies and Patient Care
After a critical stage of pulmonary tuberculosis, treatment directions and recommendations include the following: 1. **Continuation of Antitubercular Therapy**: Ensure adherence to a full course of antitubercular medications, typically including isoniazid, rifamp Hello Doctor, ...
Dr. Lin Wufu Reply:
Hello, the considerations for the above issues will vary based on the individual patient's condition. It is recommended to have a detailed discussion with your mother's current attending physician, as this type of online consultation cannot address such individual and c...[Read More] Managing Severe Tuberculosis: Treatment Strategies and Patient Care