Understanding STD Transmission Risks When Caring for Children
Sexually transmitted infection (STI) transmission issues? Hello, Doctor: 1. I would like to ask if it is possible to transmit a sexually transmitted infection (STI) to my child if I accidentally become infected but have to take care of them at home. 2. For example, if I am in...
Dr. Lin Wufu Reply:
1. Sexually transmitted infections (STIs) are typically transmitted through sexual contact, and the risk of transmission through general contact is low (though it depends on the specific STI in question). 2. No, unless the lesions of the STI come into direct contact with the ch...[Read More] Understanding STD Transmission Risks When Caring for Children
Medication Consultation for Persistent Skin Allergies and Joint Concerns
Rheumatoid Arthritis Medication Consultation I have been suffering from skin allergies for over six months, with daily recurrences upon waking up. I believe it is dyshidrotic eczema, but it is very deep and extremely itchy. The outer layer has scabbed over while the inside contin...
Dr. Gao Jiankai Reply:
Hello, thank you for your question. We often use chloroquine in patients with early immune dysfunction or rheumatic diseases. Although you only have allergic symptoms, the elevated ANA antibody levels may lead your physician to be concerned that the cause of your dyshidrosis is n...[Read More] Medication Consultation for Persistent Skin Allergies and Joint Concerns
Exercise Guidelines for Patients with Stage 2 Chronic Kidney Disease
Exercise for Kidney Disease Hello, Doctor Wu. I have stage 2 chronic kidney disease (with a glomerular filtration rate fluctuating between 70 and 80) and a urine protein-to-creatinine ratio (UPCR) below 600. Can I engage in jogging as a form of exercise? I plan to run about 2 kil...
Dr. Wu Hongjie Reply:
There are no specific exercise recommendations for kidney disease; it is advisable to consult a rehabilitation physician. In general, aerobic exercise is preferable to anaerobic exercise. Wishing you health and safety.[Read More] Exercise Guidelines for Patients with Stage 2 Chronic Kidney Disease
Understanding Lupus Symptoms: Differentiating Between Disease and Injury
Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) Hello Doctor, I was diagnosed with lupus at the age of 18, and until this year, I was taking two quinine tablets a day. However, this year my doctor informed me that my urine protein UPCR increased from below 200 to 500, and my CRP was 0.19. As ...
Dr. Gao Jiankai Reply:
Hello, thank you for your question. Most immune system issues, including lupus, often present with joint symptoms, which is why patients are monitored in rheumatology. For mild joint symptoms, we manage them with anti-inflammatory pain relievers, including Celecoxib. Celecoxib is...[Read More] Understanding Lupus Symptoms: Differentiating Between Disease and Injury
Understanding High Urinary Glucose Levels: Is It Prediabetes?
Urine glucose 3+ issue? My 23-year-old son underwent a military service examination at the National Taiwan University Hospital in Hsinchu. His height is 178 cm, weight is 64.2 kg, and BMI is 20.1. During the examination, he had a urine glucose level of 500 (3+). He returned to th...
Dr. Li Jian Reply:
If fasting is not observed, glycosuria may occur. You can retest the hemoglobin A1c in three months. Thank you for your inquiry.[Read More] Understanding High Urinary Glucose Levels: Is It Prediabetes?
Understanding Joint Pain and Itching: Possible Causes and Solutions
Generalized joint pain and bone itching? Hello Doctor: I have been experiencing joint pain and itching for about ten years. The itching sensation in my bones makes me feel restless, constantly wanting to move or twist them. The joint pain can come on suddenly and last for quite a...
Dr. Gao Jiankai Reply:
Hello, thank you for your question. Here is my response: Question: I would like to ask if this situation is similar to rheumatoid arthritis? Is it possible for my values to decrease? Is the frequent pain in my joints and itching in my bones due to an issue with my immune system...[Read More] Understanding Joint Pain and Itching: Possible Causes and Solutions
Understanding Diabetic Peripheral Neuropathy Recovery Challenges
Diabetic peripheral neuropathy recovery issues? Hello Doctor, my father (59 years old) has been experiencing numbness in his legs since October of last year. By January, his condition deteriorated rapidly from being able to walk to having difficulty walking within just a few week...
Dr. Lin Jianliang Reply:
1. Seeking a second opinion, if necessary, is not a waste of time. 2. Some conditions can be cured, while others can only be managed. However, not treating them is not an option, and improvement may take time. 3. If leg swelling cannot be adequately controlled through diet al...[Read More] Understanding Diabetic Peripheral Neuropathy Recovery Challenges
Understanding Disease Risks from Oral Contact: A Medical Perspective
Will I contract any diseases? Hello, doctor. I would like to ask a question: Over three years ago, I engaged in sexual activities with a sex worker and kissed a girl. Because I was inexperienced, my teeth accidentally poked her mouth (I am not sure if it was her lips or the insid...
Dr. Lin Wufu Reply:
Hello, there is always a certain risk of disease transmission with exposure to blood and bodily fluids. However, unless there is significant bleeding, the risk of transmission for HIV, Hepatitis B, Hepatitis C, and syphilis is quite low. On the other hand, viruses such as cytomeg...[Read More] Understanding Disease Risks from Oral Contact: A Medical Perspective
Late Night Study Habits: Impact on Liver Health and Sleep
Sleeping at three in the morning? Hello Doctor, I am a college student. I often stay up late writing assignments and studying, and I have a habit of using my phone before bed, which means I usually go to sleep around 3 AM. This has been my routine for almost two years. Recently, ...
Dr. Gao Jiankai Reply:
Hello, thank you for your question. There is no definitive conclusion regarding the correlation between late sleeping and liver enzyme levels; however, late sleeping can indeed affect immune function and blood glucose levels, which are serious issues. There is also no consensus i...[Read More] Late Night Study Habits: Impact on Liver Health and Sleep
Impact of Late Sleep on Liver Function: A College Student's Concern
I go to sleep at 3 AM every day? Hello Doctor, I am a university student and I have been going to bed around 3 AM for the past two years. On one hand, it is due to academic pressure, and on the other hand, I have developed a habit of using my phone before sleep. I usually wake up...
Dr. Li Jian Reply:
If you suspect liver dysfunction, you can consult a hepatobiliary and gastroenterology specialist. Try to go to bed before 11:00 PM. Thank you for your inquiry.[Read More] Impact of Late Sleep on Liver Function: A College Student's Concern
Understanding STD Risks After Intimate Encounters: What You Need to Know
Sexually transmitted infections (STIs) transmission Hello Doctor: Recently, I engaged in sexual activities with a sex worker, where we bathed and had intimate contact. We both shaved beforehand, but I am unsure if there were any cuts. During the encounter, the following occurred:...
Dr. Liao Zhongxin Reply:
According to the data from the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) in Taiwan (https://www.cdc.gov.tw/Disease/Index), 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 a...[Read More] Understanding STD Risks After Intimate Encounters: What You Need to Know
Can HPV Vaccine Prevent Transmission and Progression After Infection?
HPV vaccine questions Hello, doctor. I would like to ask, if someone is infected with HPV but immediately receives the HPV vaccine, although it won't cure the infection, can it prevent the progression of the disease or reduce the transmissibility? (I do not want to risk infe...
Dr. Lin Wufu Reply:
Yes, current research shows that individuals infected with HPV can still benefit from vaccination, as it can reduce the risk of developing related diseases such as genital warts, anal cancer, and other HPV-related conditions. Therefore, vaccination is still recommended![Read More] Can HPV Vaccine Prevent Transmission and Progression After Infection?
Can Slug Mucus Spread Parasites in Your Home? Health Risks Explained
Slugs are crawling all over the house? Hello, doctor. I have seen reports that the mucus secreted by mollusks such as snails, slugs, and other soft-bodied animals can contain the parasitic worm Angiostrongylus cantonensis. A few days ago, a large slug about 10 centimeters long cr...
Dr. Liao Zhongxin Reply:
The pathogen of Guangdong blood fluke infection is the Guangdong blood fluke. In 1933, Mr. Chen Xintao first discovered this parasite in the lungs (pulmonary arteries) of rats while investigating parasites in the black rat and brown rat in Guangdong Province, China. In 1937, a Ja...[Read More] Can Slug Mucus Spread Parasites in Your Home? Health Risks Explained
Understanding HIV Transmission Risks and Skin Care for Psoriasis
HIV transmission issues Dear Dr. Liao, I do not engage in any high-risk behaviors, but I have psoriasis that causes redness and peeling of the skin on my limbs (sometimes I scratch until I break the skin or cause cracks due to itching). Does this condition increase my risk of in...
Dr. Liao Zhongxin Reply:
According to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) in Taiwan, the transmission routes of the Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) are as follows: 1. Sexual Transmission: Engaging in oral, anal, or vaginal intercourse with an HIV-infected individual or exchanging other bodily fluid...[Read More] Understanding HIV Transmission Risks and Skin Care for Psoriasis
Head Injury After Falling from Height: When to Seek Medical Attention
Fell from a height and struck the head? This morning, while engaging in high-altitude sports, I lost my grip due to fatigue and fell from a height. Although there was a soft mat below, I hit the lower right side of my head near my ear upon landing. There were no external injuries...
Dr. Zeng Guosen Reply:
Head trauma should be classified under neurosurgery. If there are symptoms or concerns, it is advisable to seek medical attention. Thank you.[Read More] Head Injury After Falling from Height: When to Seek Medical Attention
Does Ankylosing Spondylitis Increase Risk of Low White or Red Blood Cells?
Does ankylosing spondylitis lead to low white blood cell or red blood cell counts? Hello Dr. Tseng, I am a patient with ankylosing spondylitis, 20 years old, and I have been diagnosed with ankylosing spondylitis for 3.5 years. I am currently undergoing stable treatment. I would l...
Dr. Zeng Guosen Reply:
Ankylosing spondylitis is not a common disease, and leukopenia or anemia may occur in some patients. Chronic inflammation over time can potentially lead to anemia. It is recommended to follow up with your physician for differential diagnosis. Thank you.[Read More] Does Ankylosing Spondylitis Increase Risk of Low White or Red Blood Cells?
Managing Dizziness and Appetite Loss After Mild Stroke in Seniors
Consultation for family members? Hello, doctor. My father is 61 years old. Recently, he has been feeling dizzy every day. He was hospitalized in the neurology department, and the examination results showed a mild cerebral infarction, carotid artery atherosclerosis, and elevated b...
Dr. Zeng Guosen Reply:
The user has reported that their blood pressure and blood sugar levels are well controlled after taking medication, but they still feel dizzy, indicating that there may be other unresolved issues. It is recommended to return for a follow-up appointment with a neurologist, who wil...[Read More] Managing Dizziness and Appetite Loss After Mild Stroke in Seniors
Should You Repeat Allergy Testing After 5 Years? Understanding Changes in Allergens
Is it necessary to repeat the allergen testing for the same allergens that were tested five years ago? Hello Dr. Tseng: I am 21 years old and have had an allergic constitution since childhood. When I was 16, I underwent an allergen test (M25-130-Z MAST ALLERGY) at Chang Gung Memo...
Dr. Zeng Guosen Reply:
Over 90% of individuals with chronic allergies cannot identify the cause. Even though allergens may change over a span of five years, MAST ALLERGY testing for 36 allergens still does not alter the treatment strategy. Thank you.[Read More] Should You Repeat Allergy Testing After 5 Years? Understanding Changes in Allergens
Does Weather Influence CRP Levels in Ankylosing Spondylitis Patients?
Does weather affect CRP levels? Hello Doctor, my son is 20 years old and has been diagnosed with ankylosing spondylitis for 3.5 years. He has been undergoing regular medication treatment for the past 2.5 years and is currently stable. However, I have noticed a peculiar phenomenon...
Dr. Zeng Guosen Reply:
Patients with rheumatic diseases often experience more discomfort during damp and cold seasons, but weather does not affect the CRP (C-reactive protein) levels reported. Medication adjustments can only be made based on symptoms and the levels of CRP. Thank you.[Read More] Does Weather Influence CRP Levels in Ankylosing Spondylitis Patients?
Understanding the Risks of Expired Propylthiouracil: What You Need to Know
Propylthiouracil has expired? Hello Dr. Li, I just organized some medications for my family and found that the Propylthiouracil tablets for hyperthyroidism seem to be expired. The label indicates an expiration date of 2304, which should be April 30, 2023. We have taken about 20 t...
Dr. Li Jian Reply:
Expired medications should generally not be used, as their side effects are difficult to assess. Thank you for your inquiry.[Read More] Understanding the Risks of Expired Propylthiouracil: What You Need to Know