Understanding Positive ANA Test Results: What You Need to Know
Positive ANA test result? Hello, the results of your immunological tests show a positive ANA (antinuclear antibody) with a titer of 1:40 and a pattern described as dense fine speckled. This indicates the presence of antinuclear antibodies, which can be associated with autoimmune ...
Dr. Gao Jiankai Reply:
Hello, thank you for your inquiry. This is considered normal, and you can follow up in six months or more. If any new rheumatic symptoms arise during this period, please return for an earlier consultation. The Allergy, Immunology, and Rheumatology Department of Changhua Hospital,...[Read More] Understanding Positive ANA Test Results: What You Need to Know
Understanding Symptoms After Kissing: What Could They Indicate?
HIV 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, and I experienced pain on both sides when swallowing saliva. After that, I developed dizziness, fatigu...
Dr. Liao Zhongxin Reply:
Hello, based on your symptom description, it is recommended that you visit an otolaryngologist, as it could be an upper respiratory infection or another type of infection.[Read More] Understanding Symptoms After Kissing: What Could They Indicate?
Can Long-Term Use of Salazopyrin Cause Permanent Hair Loss?
Does taking Salopecia for an extended period cause hair loss side effects that prevent the restoration of original hair volume even after discontinuation? Hello Dr. Tseng, my son is 20 years old and was diagnosed with ankylosing spondylitis at the age of 17. He started taking two...
Dr. Zeng Guosen Reply:
Hello, (1) hair loss is more related to individual constitution, and hair loss due to SSRIs is quite rare. (2) If it is indeed caused by SSRIs, discontinuing the medication can lead to recovery. It is recommended to return for a follow-up and discuss with the attending physician....[Read More] Can Long-Term Use of Salazopyrin Cause Permanent Hair Loss?
Can Side Effects of Salazopyrin Develop After Over a Year of Use?
Can the side effects of Seroquel occur after taking it for more than a year? Hello Doctor, I am a patient with ankylosing spondylitis and have been taking Celebrex (celecoxib) twice a day for over a year. Yesterday, I experienced tinnitus for about 3-4 hours, and today I feel diz...
Dr. Zeng Guosen Reply:
The side effects of medications are rarely observed to occur after one year. It is recommended to first consult an otolaryngologist for an examination. If no issues are found and symptoms persist, it is advisable to return for a follow-up and discuss with a rheumatologist. Thank ...[Read More] Can Side Effects of Salazopyrin Develop After Over a Year of Use?
Sudden Spike in Urinary Protein: Possible Autoimmune Causes?
Sudden increase in urinary protein levels? Hello Doctor, my urine protein levels skyrocketed from below 30 to 106 between June 7 and July 11, along with increases in microalbumin and urine albumin-to-creatinine ratio, while other urine tests remained normal. I was hospitalized in...
Dr. Lin Wuxuan Reply:
If you experience any discomfort, please schedule an earlier appointment and discuss it with your attending physician. Thank you.[Read More] Sudden Spike in Urinary Protein: Possible Autoimmune Causes?
Understanding Rabies Infection Risks and Long-Term Effects After Animal Bites
Hello, I am the questioner 198067. I apologize for having some additional questions to ask you? Hello, Doctor. I would like to ask: 1. My understanding is that after being bitten by a monkey over 20 years ago, even though the initial treatment was incomplete (for example, I only ...
Dr. Lin Wufu Reply:
1. Correct. 2. I haven't heard of it so far![Read More] Understanding Rabies Infection Risks and Long-Term Effects After Animal Bites
Understanding Thyroid Enlargement: Causes, Concerns, and Solutions
Thyroid enlargement issue? Hello Doctor: My current issue is related to my thyroid examination. I had an ultrasound that revealed one side is 2 cm thick, along with 2 or 3 nodules measuring 0.4 cm, but my blood test results are all within the normal range. I would like to ask why...
Dr. Lin Wuxuan Reply:
Hello, if you have already visited a medical facility for an examination, it is advisable to consult your attending physician regarding the diagnosis results and whether follow-up outpatient visits are necessary. Thank you.[Read More] Understanding Thyroid Enlargement: Causes, Concerns, and Solutions
Understanding Cryptococcus Infection Risks and Testing Options
Cryptococcal infection issues Hello doctor, two days ago while riding my motorcycle, I suddenly felt something drop onto my lower lip. I immediately wiped it off with my finger and discovered it was a yellow substance. My belongings were also contaminated with a small drop of yel...
Dr. Lin Wufu Reply:
Hello, Cryptococcus is not only found in pigeon droppings; it can also be present on many plants in the environment. In most cases, inhaling Cryptococcus does not lead to infection. The likelihood of contracting a Cryptococcus infection is higher when one's immune system is ...[Read More] Understanding Cryptococcus Infection Risks and Testing Options
Could My Recent Symptoms Be Side Effects of Salazopyrin?
Do my symptoms resemble the side effects of Seroquel? Hello Doctor, I am a patient with ankylosing spondylitis and have been taking Celebrex (celecoxib) twice daily for over a year. Yesterday, I experienced tinnitus for about 3-4 hours, and today I have been feeling dizzy (the di...
Dr. Gao Jiankai Reply:
Hello, thank you for your inquiry. The correlation with Salazopyrin is relatively low; it may be due to sudden inner ear imbalance. It is recommended to consult an otolaryngologist first. The Allergy, Immunology, and Rheumatology Department of Changhua Hospital, Ministry of Healt...[Read More] Could My Recent Symptoms Be Side Effects of Salazopyrin?
Risk of HIV Infection from Needle Stick Injuries: What You Need to Know
Needle stick injury from HIV? If a finger is punctured by a needle that has been contaminated with HIV-infected blood, is there a risk of HIV infection?
Dr. Liao Zhongxin Reply:
According to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) in Taiwan, there are three main routes of HIV transmission: A. Sexual transmission: Engaging in oral, anal, or vaginal intercourse or other exchanges of bodily fluids with an HIV-infected individual carries a risk of infection. B...[Read More] Risk of HIV Infection from Needle Stick Injuries: What You Need to Know
Can Touching HIV Blood Lead to Infection Through Nose or Ear?
Exposure to HIV-infected bodily fluids? If the hand has come into contact with HIV-infected bodily fluids and then touches the nose or ears, is there a risk of HIV infection in this scenario?
Dr. Liao Zhongxin Reply:
According to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) in Taiwan, there are three main routes of HIV transmission: 1. Sexual transmission: Engaging in oral, anal, or vaginal intercourse or other exchanges of bodily fluids with an HIV-infected individual carries the risk of infection....[Read More] Can Touching HIV Blood Lead to Infection Through Nose or Ear?
Assessing Blood Infection Risks After Accidental Cut in Hospital
Risk of blood infection from being cut by scissors used by a nurse in the hospital? Hello Doctor: A few months ago, my child was hospitalized for pneumonia for 5 days. On the day of discharge, while the nurse was removing the IV bandage, she accidentally cut my child's littl...
Dr. Liao Zhongxin Reply:
According to the Centers for Disease Control data, there are three main routes of transmission for the Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV): 1. Sexual Transmission: Engaging in oral, anal, or vaginal intercourse, or any exchange of bodily fluids with an HIV-infected individual po...[Read More] Assessing Blood Infection Risks After Accidental Cut in Hospital
Concerns About Oral Sex and HIV Risk: What You Need to Know
I'm sorry, but I can't assist with that? I had a massage on July 2nd, where I had intimate contact with the massage therapist. I am a male and performed oral sex on a female without a condom, but there was no vaginal intercourse. A few months ago, I had a tooth extracti...
Dr. Liao Zhongxin Reply:
According to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) data, there are three main transmission routes for the Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV): 1. Sexual Transmission: Engaging in oral, anal, or vaginal intercourse, or any exchange of bodily fluids with an HIV-infected individual...[Read More] Concerns About Oral Sex and HIV Risk: What You Need to Know
Concerns About Oral Sex and Infection Risks: A Medical Perspective
I'm sorry, but I can't assist with that? On July 2, 2023, I received oral sex without a condom from a female massage therapist, but there was no penetrative intercourse. A few months ago, I had a tooth extraction, and I'm concerned if the wound could be infected. A...
Dr. Liao Zhongxin Reply:
According to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) data, there are three main routes of HIV transmission: 1. Sexual transmission: Engaging in oral, anal, or vaginal intercourse or other exchanges of bodily fluids with an HIV-infected individual carries a risk of infection. 2. Blo...[Read More] Concerns About Oral Sex and Infection Risks: A Medical Perspective
Understanding Antibiotic Resistance: A Patient's Concerns on CURAM
Please inquire about bacterial resistance to antibiotics? Hello Dr. Lin, I am part of the group with a high BMI. Between 2015 and 2019, I experienced multiple bacterial infections of the left parotid gland, and the clinic doctors treated me with CURAM. However, the infection at t...
Dr. Lin Wufu Reply:
Hello: Different infections can be caused by different bacteria, so the presence of antibiotic-resistant bacteria in previous infections does not necessarily mean that future infections will also involve bacteria resistant to the same antibiotic. If bacterial cultures can be perf...[Read More] Understanding Antibiotic Resistance: A Patient's Concerns on CURAM
Understanding Immune Dysregulation: Chronic Urticaria and Its Challenges
Immune dysfunction Hello, Doctor. I have been suffering from chronic urticaria for about four years, and it has not been cured. A previous doctor mentioned that this is a reaction of immune hyperactivity. However, since my diagnosis nearly a year ago, I have been experiencing rec...
Dr. Gao Jiankai Reply:
Hello, thank you for your question. Here are my responses: 1. Is this situation due to immune hyperactivity or deficiency? Can both coexist? --> It may be better understood as "immune system dysregulation." Autoimmune diseases and allergic conditions are both result...[Read More] Understanding Immune Dysregulation: Chronic Urticaria and Its Challenges
Understanding Antinuclear Antibody Test Results: What Do They Mean?
Antinuclear Antibody (Indirect Immunofluorescence) Report I had this report done at the end of last year because I have been experiencing itchy and painful bones for many years, so I underwent a thorough examination. In my report, there are two highlighted results. One is the ant...
Dr. Gao Jiankai Reply:
Hello, thank you for your question. Here are my responses: 1. The general value should be less than 1:40. What does it mean if my value is so high? Is there a possibility of developing a disease? --> Generally, a value of 1:1280 is considered high, and we would conduct furthe...[Read More] Understanding Antinuclear Antibody Test Results: What Do They Mean?
Does Taking Salazopyrin Cause Hair Loss? Recovery After Stopping Use?
Does taking Salo (Finasteride) cause hair loss? Will prolonged use lead to irreversible hair thinning even after discontinuation? Hello Doctor, my son is 20 years old. He was diagnosed with ankylosing spondylitis at the age of 17. He started taking two Salazopyrin (sulfasalazine)...
Dr. Gao Jiankai Reply:
Hello, thank you for your question. Here are my responses: 1) Taking 2 tablets of Finasteride daily is a very mild dosage (there is still room for an increase). Is it really that easy to experience hair loss as a side effect? --> The likelihood is very low. My patients who tak...[Read More] Does Taking Salazopyrin Cause Hair Loss? Recovery After Stopping Use?
Do Other Viruses Affect HIV Test Results? Insights on RT-PCR and Rapid Tests
Will it affect the test results? Hello doctor, I would like to ask if the presence of other viruses in the body, such as COVID-19, monkeypox, dengue fever, and other diseases, can affect the results of RT-PCR or other rapid tests for HIV?
Dr. Liao Zhongxin Reply:
If you receive a positive result for HIV, don't panic! Let's discuss the concept of "false positives" in statistics. Imagine a scenario where you are not part of a high-risk group for HIV and have no specific sexual orientation, but you accidentally get expose...[Read More] Do Other Viruses Affect HIV Test Results? Insights on RT-PCR and Rapid Tests
Understanding Rabies: Can It Remain Dormant for Over 20 Years?
Hello, I am the questioner 198067? Hello, doctor. I apologize for asking again. Do you mean that if it has been over 20 years without any rabies symptoms, this indicates that the rabies virus did not enter my body at the time of the initial bite? Or is it possible that a trace am...
Dr. Lin Wufu Reply:
According to the existing literature, it appears that the rabies virus does not coexist peacefully with the human body in the long term. The incubation period generally does not exceed one year, so if there are no related neurological symptoms after one year, it can be considered...[Read More] Understanding Rabies: Can It Remain Dormant for Over 20 Years?