Understanding Finger Joint Pain: Causes, Diagnosis, and Treatment Options
Finger joint pain This year, I suddenly experienced pain in the second joint of my right middle finger, so I went to the hospital to see an orthopedic doctor. After an X-ray, the doctor said there was no issue and prescribed anti-inflammatory medication, but there was no improvem...
Dr. Gao Jiankai Reply:
Hello, thank you for your inquiry. It is recommended to follow up with the rheumatology outpatient clinic. Some types of arthritis cannot be diagnosed with just one visit; they require observation over a period of time, and blood tests may need to be repeated if necessary. Additi...[Read More] Understanding Finger Joint Pain: Causes, Diagnosis, and Treatment Options
Understanding Persistent Oral Mucosa Pain: Causes and Treatment Options
Pain in the buccal mucosa? Hello doctor, in early April, I experienced pain in the left buccal mucosa, which has persisted with some discomfort until now. Over the past two months, I have seen 7 to 8 doctors, including specialists in otolaryngology and oral surgery, but none have...
Dr. Gao Jiankai Reply:
Hello, thank you for your question. Monocytes are a type of white blood cell, and their levels can fluctuate naturally, which should not be related to your oral mucosa pain. If you have already consulted with an otolaryngologist and an oral surgeon without reaching a conclusion, ...[Read More] Understanding Persistent Oral Mucosa Pain: Causes and Treatment Options
Managing Ankylosing Spondylitis: Effective Relief Strategies and Treatments
Ankylosing Spondylitis Hello Doctor, I have been diagnosed with spondylitis. Currently, I experience soreness and occasional sharp pain around my left and right scapula in the morning, and I also have some discomfort in my ribs. Recently, I have been undergoing acupuncture and sw...
Dr. Gao Jiankai Reply:
Hello, thank you for your question. In the case of early-stage ankylosing spondylitis, there typically won't be any joint adhesions yet. Therefore, in addition to exercise, manual therapy should be acceptable. However, it is best to have your physician review your X-rays and...[Read More] Managing Ankylosing Spondylitis: Effective Relief Strategies and Treatments
Can You Contract HIV from Shared Bowling Balls and Open Wounds?
HIV can be transmitted through direct contact with the blood of an infected person, especially if there are open wounds? On June 13, I went bowling with friends, and the balls were shared. There were many people using the same lane, including strangers, and there were very few ba...
Dr. Liao Zhongxin Reply:
1. The HIV virus generally dies outside the human body within ten minutes and no longer poses a risk of transmission. 2. If you have further questions, you can visit a nearby medical facility for additional consultation and testing.[Read More] Can You Contract HIV from Shared Bowling Balls and Open Wounds?
Understanding STD Risks and Prevention After Potential Exposure
Sexually transmitted infections (STIs), risks? Hello Dr. Liao, on June 11th, I had sexual intercourse with a sex worker. Initially, there was unprotected manual stimulation, followed by protected intercourse (but due to insufficient rigidity, the condom slipped halfway down, expo...
Dr. Liao Zhongxin Reply:
1. The HIV virus is transmitted only through sexual intercourse and sharing needles. 2. You can get tested at any time, but the general result is usually negative; regular testing and safe sexual practices are the most reliable. 3. For general sexually transmitted infections,...[Read More] Understanding STD Risks and Prevention After Potential Exposure
Understanding STD Testing and Risks After Unprotected Oral Sex
Sexually Transmitted Infection (STI) Testing Hello, doctor. 1. After engaging in high-risk behavior, I went to the hospital for an HIV PCR test and a syphilis test 10 days later, and both results were negative. I only engaged in [unprotected oral sex from a male to a female]. I...
Dr. Lin Wufu Reply:
1. It is recommended to monitor for at least 3 months to definitively rule out infection. Each individual's constitution varies, so there is no exact timeframe; however, in rare cases, the window period for the virus can extend up to 3 months. 2. Typically, infectiousness is...[Read More] Understanding STD Testing and Risks After Unprotected Oral Sex
Understanding Your Diabetes Risk: Key Health Check Insights
Questions related to diabetes? Every year, I participate in my company's health check-up. I am 35 years old, 179 cm tall, and weigh between 55 to 56 kg. I have always been slim and unable to gain weight since childhood, and I maintain a regular exercise routine. I have mild ...
Dr. Li Jian Reply:
You can undergo an oral glucose tolerance test at the Metabolism Clinic. Thank you for your inquiry.[Read More] Understanding Your Diabetes Risk: Key Health Check Insights
Understanding Screening Questions in Internal Medicine: Key Insights
Screening-related issues? Hello, doctor! Thank you for your patient response. I am #197315. I would like to ask about the response in this article https://adoctor.tw/article/183997. I'm not sure if it applies to me... or if it's different because I took PEP for a longer...
Dr. Lin Wufu Reply:
It is possible for the virus to be suppressed by antiviral medication. It is recommended that you focus on completing the PEP regimen, and then follow up with blood tests at the sixth week and the third month as scheduled. If you are really concerned, you can consider getting a P...[Read More] Understanding Screening Questions in Internal Medicine: Key Insights
Concerns Over Raw Okinawan Sausage: Risks of Parasites and Symptoms
Accidental ingestion of "Ryukyu" raw sausage? I ate raw Okinawan sausage and fresh pork while barbecuing in the Ryukyu Islands. It was left at room temperature and labeled as raw food. After doing some research, I found out that Okinawan sausage does not use nitrates fo...
Dr. Lin Wufu Reply:
The chance of contracting pork tapeworm from a single consumption of raw pork is very low. The pork tapeworm does not reproduce in the human body, so unless there is repeated exposure, the likelihood of experiencing symptoms due to the parasite is relatively low. In fact, there a...[Read More] Concerns Over Raw Okinawan Sausage: Risks of Parasites and Symptoms
Understanding Oral Symptoms and HIV Concerns After Unprotected Sex
Oral symptoms raising suspicion for HIV? Hello Doctor: Nine weeks ago, I had unprotected sexual intercourse with a sex worker (two minutes of unprotected vaginal intercourse and three minutes of oral sex performed on her). About three weeks later, I experienced unexplained nasal ...
Dr. Liao Zhongxin Reply:
According to the Centers for Disease Control data, there are three main transmission routes for HIV: (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) Bl...[Read More] Understanding Oral Symptoms and HIV Concerns After Unprotected Sex
Understanding HIV Testing: Is There Still a Risk After a Year?
HIV testing issues? Hello doctor, if the blood test is negative three months after the window period, and remains negative after a year, is there still a possibility of a latent period?
Dr. Liao Zhongxin Reply:
First, referring to the data from the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) in Taiwan, the window period is the time after infection with the Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) during which the virus's antigens or antibodies are not yet detectable in the blood or bodily fluids. ...[Read More] Understanding HIV Testing: Is There Still a Risk After a Year?
Understanding Abdominal Pain: Is It Appendicitis or Just Muscle Strain?
Please ask your question? Hello, Doctor. I am currently studying high school abroad and would like to ask you a question. After eating today, I lay on my bed and suddenly felt a sharp pain on the right side of my abdomen near the navel. I don't feel it anymore, but I recentl...
Dr. Liao Zhongxin Reply:
A. What is appendicitis? Appendicitis, medically referred to as acute appendicitis, is an inflammation of the appendix, located in the lower right abdomen. When appendicitis occurs, patients may experience abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting, fever, and loss of appetite. Common caus...[Read More] Understanding Abdominal Pain: Is It Appendicitis or Just Muscle Strain?
Morning Pain in the Liver and Rib Area: When to Seek Medical Advice?
Medical consultation (upon waking up in the morning) Hello Doctor, I am Xiao Wu. My height is 179 cm and my weight is 93 kg. On the morning of June 7th, I woke up at 6 AM and began to feel pain in the liver area (mild pain with breathing and more intense pain when pressed). Howev...
Dr. Xie Rongyuan Reply:
Hello: It is recommended to visit the hospital for an X-ray or abdominal ultrasound examination. Thank you for your message![Read More] Morning Pain in the Liver and Rib Area: When to Seek Medical Advice?
Understanding Postprandial Blood Sugar Fluctuations and Fatigue Symptoms
Previously measured elevated postprandial blood glucose levels using a glucometer? Hello, doctor. I would like to ask you a few questions. Last August, during a hot weather, I had a sweet smoothie, and shortly after, I experienced dizziness and fatigue, feeling sleepy. This fatig...
Dr. Lin Jianliang Reply:
Hello, there are many conditions that could cause the situation you described. Regarding blood sugar levels, since they can sometimes be elevated, it is advisable to consult a physician for an evaluation and to have a blood test to check your hemoglobin A1c levels.[Read More] Understanding Postprandial Blood Sugar Fluctuations and Fatigue Symptoms
Can Switching to Insulin Help Manage Post-Meal Blood Sugar Levels?
If the effect of using metformin after meals is not satisfactory, can insulin therapy be considered? Hello, Doctor. Thank you very much for your response. I have had diabetes for 2 years, with an initial HbA1c of 6.6 and a fasting blood glucose of 142. I have been using Metformin...
Dr. Lin Jianliang Reply:
Hello: 1. There are many factors that contribute to postprandial hyperglycemia, and there are various ways to manage it. Insulin is one of the methods. I am not aware of the specific regulations regarding insulin under the health insurance system. 2. Your physician will likely co...[Read More] Can Switching to Insulin Help Manage Post-Meal Blood Sugar Levels?
Understanding HIV: Symptoms, Treatment Duration, and Male Health Concerns
I would like to inquire about HIV/AIDS? What changes can occur in the genital organs of men with HIV? How long does HIV treatment typically take?
Dr. Liao Zhongxin Reply:
1. If there are no signs of cancer or sexually transmitted infections, the appearance is similar to that of the general population. 2. Current medical advancements allow for coexistence with the HIV virus, but lifelong medication is required, and one cannot stop taking the medica...[Read More] Understanding HIV: Symptoms, Treatment Duration, and Male Health Concerns
Understanding Parasite Risks and Health Concerns in Contaminated Water
Regarding parasitic issues? Hello Doctor, my name is Yang, and I am a female. I would like to ask about a parasitic issue. Around 2014, about eight years ago, I operated a clothing store in a wet market, which had a rather dirty environment. I used water that was offered to the E...
Dr. Lin Wufu Reply:
It has been too long since 2014, and even if there was a single exposure to bacteria or parasites at that time, it cannot explain the subsequent symptoms you mentioned. I recommend seeing a nephrologist to investigate the cause of the proteinuria. If you are experiencing recurren...[Read More] Understanding Parasite Risks and Health Concerns in Contaminated Water
Can You Contract HIV from Haircuts? Understanding Risks and Concerns
Medical issues Hello Doctor: I am a male and I would like to ask a question. Some time ago (I can't remember exactly when), I went to a barbershop that specializes in men's haircuts. This barbershop supports diverse sexual orientations, as evidenced by the rainbow flag ...
Dr. Lin Wufu Reply:
The HIV virus has a very short survival time outside the body, so unless the clipper has just come into contact with the blood of an HIV-infected person and is immediately used on you, causing a wound or bleeding, there is theoretically a minimal risk of transmission. However, in...[Read More] Can You Contract HIV from Haircuts? Understanding Risks and Concerns
Understanding Abnormal White Blood Cell Counts: Is It Leukemia?
White blood cell count is approaching abnormal levels? Hello, doctor. Recently, my lab report showed a white blood cell count of approximately 4250. The neutrophil and lymphocyte classifications are normal, but other types show fluctuations of 1-2%. I have recently experienced fo...
Dr. Gao Jiankai Reply:
Hello, thank you for your inquiry. This white blood cell count is not a concern. The white blood cell count can fluctuate based on the body's condition, and this value is still within an acceptable range, so there is no need for you to worry. The Allergy, Immunology, and Rhe...[Read More] Understanding Abnormal White Blood Cell Counts: Is It Leukemia?
Understanding Parasite and Infection Risks from Snail Contact
Parasitic and Infectious Issues Hello Doctor, I am the questioner from <a href="https://adoctor.tw/article/197160">#197160</a>. I tend to feel anxious and nervous, so I would like to confirm the following questions with you: 1. If I handle a snail while we...
Dr. Lin Wufu Reply:
1. The risk is very low. 2. The risk of transmission from a single contact is actually very minimal; it is advised that if you feel fine, there is no need for special concern. 3. The risk from occasional touching is also low, but it is still recommended to wash your hands aft...[Read More] Understanding Parasite and Infection Risks from Snail Contact