Understanding Your ANA Test Results: What Does a Positive Result Mean?
Report inquiry? Hello, I would like to inquire about my previous blood test results. The ANA was positive, with a Dense Fine Speckled pattern at a titer of 1:640(+). After approximately one year of follow-up, the results are as follows: ANA Pattern 1 is Dense Fine Speckled (AC-2)...
Dr. Gao Jiankai Reply:
Hello, thank you for your inquiry. Here are my responses: 1. The reference ranges for test values may vary between different laboratories. If you have questions about your test results, I recommend presenting the normal ranges indicated in the report for easier interpretation. 2....[Read More] Understanding Your ANA Test Results: What Does a Positive Result Mean?
Can You Get HIV from Sharing Nasal Devices and Blood Contact?
Can this lead to an HIV infection? I would like to inquire whether sharing a water pipe for nasal inhalation and using a mouthpiece for smoking between my ex-girlfriend and her sister could transmit HIV. Additionally, since her sister is unaware that she is infected with HIV, and...
Dr. Liao Zhongxin Reply:
1. Does my girlfriend's sister really have HIV? 2. HIV is transmitted through blood and sexual contact, as the virus dies within ten minutes outside the human body. 3. Therefore, there is no need to worry about contracting HIV. 4. If you still have questions, you can consult...[Read More] Can You Get HIV from Sharing Nasal Devices and Blood Contact?
Understanding Syphilis Testing: What Does a Negative Result Mean?
Syphilis Issues Hello Doctor: In mid-May of this year, I underwent a rapid screening test that showed a faint line, but it was uncertain whether it was two lines. The physician administered a single dose of treatment, and the subsequent blood test results were RPR: Reactive 1:4, ...
Dr. Liao Zhongxin Reply:
1. First, there are two methods for syphilis testing: one is the RPR or VDRL test, which indicates whether there is current infectiousness, and the other is the TPHA or TPPA test, which indicates whether there has been a past infection with syphilis. Both tests should be interpre...[Read More] Understanding Syphilis Testing: What Does a Negative Result Mean?
Can Tiny Jumping Bugs Enter Your Lungs and Cause Harm?
Jumping worms are very small and can jump in the air; can they be inhaled into the lungs? Hello, doctor. Due to previous flooding of the wooden floor in my home, there has been a presence of damp insects. I hired a pest control company to address the issue, but I later noticed th...
Dr. Lin Wufu Reply:
Hello! No, that's not possible! Our trachea has many cilia, and when foreign objects enter the trachea, it triggers a strong cough reflex to expel the foreign material. It also produces secretions to prevent foreign objects from continuing to enter the lungs. So under normal...[Read More] Can Tiny Jumping Bugs Enter Your Lungs and Cause Harm?
Managing HPV Infection: Safe Practices for Couples During Pregnancy Planning
Recurrence after HPV infection? I am a male and about two years ago I contracted genital warts. After undergoing laser treatment, I have had no symptoms until recently when I suspected a new symptom. After laser treatment and testing, it was confirmed that it is not HPV. However,...
Dr. Liao Zhongxin Reply:
1. First, regarding the question of whether receiving the HPV vaccine affects the ability to conceive: The vaccine is essentially a cultured form of the virus or bacteria, which is then inactivated through heat or chemical agents. To some extent, the HPV vaccine may pose potentia...[Read More] Managing HPV Infection: Safe Practices for Couples During Pregnancy Planning
Understanding Immune Disorders and Allergies: A Patient's Guide
Autoimmune diseases and allergic issues? Hello, Doctor. I would like to ask you a few questions: 1. I was diagnosed with ankylosing spondylitis over two years ago and started taking Celebrex, usually once a day, and sometimes twice when my back pain is worse. I would like to kn...
Dr. Gao Jiankai Reply:
Hello, thank you for your inquiry. Here are my responses: 1. You were diagnosed with ankylosing spondylitis over two years ago and started taking Celebrex, typically once a day, and sometimes twice when your back pain is more severe. You are wondering if it is normal to feel tha...[Read More] Understanding Immune Disorders and Allergies: A Patient's Guide
Can You Drink Alcohol While Taking BikTarVy for PEP Treatment?
Post-Exposure Prophylaxis (PEP) Hello doctor, today I went to Mackay Memorial Hospital for PEP treatment, and the doctor prescribed me BikTarVy (bictegravir/emtricitabine/tenofovir alafenamide). Can I drink alcohol while taking this medication? If so, how long should I wait after...
Dr. Liao Zhongxin Reply:
1. First, regarding the precautions for using Loxone (Tadalafil): When using Loxone film-coated tablets, please adhere to the following precautions and medication recommendations: - Follow the physician's prescription: Before using Loxone film-coated tablets, obtain an ...[Read More] Can You Drink Alcohol While Taking BikTarVy for PEP Treatment?
Understanding Lupus: Key Symptoms, Diagnosis, and Treatment Options
Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) Hello, doctor. I started experiencing hair loss (alopecia areata) and urticaria in May of this year. I recalled that four years ago, I had a similar condition and underwent testing in the immunology department, where my anti-dsDNA level was 11. ...
Dr. Gao Jiankai Reply:
Hello, thank you for your question. Here are my responses: 1. ANA 1:1280; anti-dsDNA 13; C3 90. The doctor mentioned that although these indices suggest a high likelihood of systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), since it hasn't reached 15, it cannot be definitively diagnosed...[Read More] Understanding Lupus: Key Symptoms, Diagnosis, and Treatment Options
Understanding HIV Testing: When to Get Retested After Potential Exposure
HIV testing issues? Hello, doctor! I have some questions regarding my last unsafe sexual encounter in February of this year. I was concerned about potential infections, so I went for a blood test on June 27, and the result was negative! I have heard that the HIV window period doe...
Dr. Gao Jiankai Reply:
Hello, thank you for your inquiry. The diagnosis, treatment, prevention, and prognosis related to HIV are managed by infectious disease specialists. Although the issues caused by HIV are related to immune function, we kindly ask that you direct any questions regarding HIV to an i...[Read More] Understanding HIV Testing: When to Get Retested After Potential Exposure
Mercury Poisoning Risks from Broken Light Bulbs: What You Need to Know
Breaking a light bulb can lead to mercury poisoning? After I removed the bulb from the lamp, it accidentally fell and broke on the table while I was putting it in a bag. During the cleanup, my hand came into contact with the glass shards. Could this cause mercury poisoning? What ...
Dr. Gao Jiankai Reply:
Hello, thank you for your question. The mercury content in regular light bulbs is very low, and contact with broken glass should not cause poisoning. However, the mercury vapor inside the bulb can potentially lead to inhalation mercury poisoning after the bulb breaks. Therefore, ...[Read More] Mercury Poisoning Risks from Broken Light Bulbs: What You Need to Know
Understanding Kidney Function: GFR, Proteinuria, and Health Concerns
Glomerular filtration rate and urinary protein issues? I am currently 42 years old and would like to inquire about some health concerns. I had a health check-up last October, and during this year's company health screening, I noticed that some values have significantly dropp...
Dr. Li Jian Reply:
Regarding the issues of proteinuria and glomerular filtration rate, please consult a nephrologist for further evaluation. Thank you for your inquiry.[Read More] Understanding Kidney Function: GFR, Proteinuria, and Health Concerns
Persistent Foamy Urine and Nausea: Understanding Possible Causes
For a year, I've been experiencing foamy urine and nausea, and this has been ongoing for three to four years? A year ago, I experienced a panic attack and took a lot of pain relief and psychiatric medications for a month or two. After stopping the medication, I started notic...
Dr. Li Jian Reply:
If you notice bubbles in your urine, please follow up with a nephrologist. Nausea and vomiting are likely not related to the bubbly urine. Thank you for your inquiry.[Read More] Persistent Foamy Urine and Nausea: Understanding Possible Causes
Understanding Prolonged Fever: Blood Test Insights and Concerns
Blood tests for fever lasting more than 6 days? Hello Doctor, I have been experiencing a fever for over 6 days (around 38 degrees Celsius). I visited the clinic twice (COVID-19 and influenza tests were negative). The clinic doctor recommended that I go to a large hospital for blo...
Dr. Li Jian Reply:
The inflammatory index is slightly elevated, and the glomerular filtration rate can be monitored by a nephrologist. Thank you for your inquiry.[Read More] Understanding Prolonged Fever: Blood Test Insights and Concerns
Food Safety in Your Fridge: Risks of Storing Leftovers and Meals
Food in the refrigerator Hello, doctor. I have been storing food scraps in the refrigerator (in the cold storage) and also keeping prepared dinners in the refrigerator. The next day, I microwave the dinner, which is placed on a plate and covered with plastic wrap. I would like to...
Dr. Lin Wufu Reply:
Hello, theoretically, a refrigerator operates on a closed-loop system. If food scraps are not covered, the bacteria inside can indeed contaminate other foods through the airflow. If they are properly covered, the risk is reduced; however, the exterior of the food scrap container ...[Read More] Food Safety in Your Fridge: Risks of Storing Leftovers and Meals
Inverted P Waves and Irregular Heartbeat: What You Need to Know
Inverted P waves and irregular heartbeat? Hello, I have been experiencing frequent palpitations and feel that my breathing efficiency is poor. I went to the hospital for an examination, and the doctor mentioned the sinoatrial node, noting that the P waves on my electrocardiogram ...
Dr. Yu Liying Reply:
In this situation, it is recommended that you seek medical attention and discuss with your physician whether further examinations are necessary. As for whether you can engage in exercise, it is advisable to avoid vigorous activities until a diagnosis and treatment plan are establ...[Read More] Inverted P Waves and Irregular Heartbeat: What You Need to Know
Should Your 9-Year-Old Return for a Check-Up After Flu Treatment?
Does a 9-year-old child need a follow-up appointment after recovering from the flu? Hello, my child is in the third grade and has been diagnosed with influenza A. They have been taking antiviral medication for five days and their fever has subsided, but they are experiencing extr...
Dr. Zeng Guosen Reply:
After recovering from the flu and even if you have taken antiviral medication like Tamiflu, you should return for a follow-up evaluation if you experience any discomfort, to prevent complications or sequelae. Thank you.[Read More] Should Your 9-Year-Old Return for a Check-Up After Flu Treatment?
Understanding Your Kidney Function Test Results: When to Seek Further Care
Questions about kidney function test report? Hello Dr. Huang, I am a 29-year-old male. In my previous health check-ups, my creatinine levels have always been slightly elevated (around 1.1). In my latest health check-up report from last week, my creatinine was 1.17 mg/dL and my eG...
Dr. Huang Yaoxuan Reply:
You can visit the outpatient clinic for consultation.[Read More] Understanding Your Kidney Function Test Results: When to Seek Further Care
Managing Complications of Hypothyroidism: A Case Study
Complications of Hypothyroidism Dear Dr. Li, My mother is 73 years old. Six years ago, she was diagnosed with hyperthyroidism, which caused severe allergic rashes and itching due to medication. After a year of changing medications without success, she was evaluated by a metaboli...
Dr. Li Jian Reply:
Skin rashes and itching can also be evaluated by a rheumatologist. Thank you for your inquiry.[Read More] Managing Complications of Hypothyroidism: A Case Study
Understanding Your Heart Report: Insights on CAD Severity and Next Steps
Could you please help me review the report and let me know if it is serious? Thank you? Clinical history: Rule out coronary artery disease (CAD) Procedures: Following the intravenous injection of 2 mCi of Thallium-201 chloride under stress conditions induced by Dipyridamole 0.5...
Dr. Yu Liying Reply:
You may have coronary artery disease, and it is recommended that you seek medical treatment. Treatment may include advanced imaging studies, lifestyle modifications, and medication therapy. In some cases, interventional procedures such as stent placement or coronary artery bypass...[Read More] Understanding Your Heart Report: Insights on CAD Severity and Next Steps
Understanding Arm Vascular Hardening: Causes and Remedies
Arterial sclerosis in the arm? I experienced hypocalcemia due to thyroid gland removal and was hospitalized for 24 days. My left forearm became hardened from IV insertion, and the nurse said it would improve with ice packs. After four weeks, they couldn't draw blood, and the...
Dr. Li Jian Reply:
For vascular issues, you can consult a vascular surgeon. Thank you for your inquiry.[Read More] Understanding Arm Vascular Hardening: Causes and Remedies