Understanding Thyroid Nodules: What You Need to Know
Thyroid enlargement (goiter) related issues? Hello Doctor, I am #191626: During the last examination, two thyroid nodules were detected, one measuring 0.3 x 0.3 x 0.3 cm and the other 0.2 x 0.2 x 0.1 cm. I would like to ask if there is anything I need to pay attention to? (Becaus...
Dr. Li Jian Reply:
If you have a thyroid nodule, it is recommended to undergo ultrasound monitoring once every one to two years.[Read More] Understanding Thyroid Nodules: What You Need to Know
Can I Take These Medications Together? A Doctor's Advice on Drug Interactions
Medication Consultation Hello Dr. Hong, Happy New Year! I apologize for the interruption. May I ask if it is safe to take the following medications together: Losartan Potassium 50 mg extended-release film-coated tablets, Pentoxifylline 400 mg film-coated tablets, Empagliflozin 25...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, the medications you mentioned should be able to be used together; however, there may be some drug interactions between them. It may be necessary to adjust the dosages, so please consult your attending physician or clinical pharmacist. Thank you for your question.[Read More] Can I Take These Medications Together? A Doctor's Advice on Drug Interactions
Managing Ankylosing Spondylitis Pain During Cold Weather: Tips and Insights
When a cold front arrives, the symptoms of ankylosing spondylitis tend to flare up? Dear Doctor, Happy New Year! I am a 20-year-old patient with ankylosing spondylitis, and I have been experiencing symptoms for 3.5 years. Currently, I am managing my condition with two Sulfasalaz...
Dr. Gao Jiankai Reply:
Hello, thank you for your question. Here are my responses: 1) Regarding the acute pain caused by the cold front, can I stop taking Celebrex (but continue with Salazopyrin), and switch to a more immediate but not suitable for long-term use strong analgesic (non-NSAIDs), and then...[Read More] Managing Ankylosing Spondylitis Pain During Cold Weather: Tips and Insights
Understanding Muscle Pain and Nail Changes: When to Seek Medical Advice
Please ask your two questions? Hello doctor, I would like to ask about an issue I experienced. I was lying in bed in a poor position and suddenly tried to sit up like doing a sit-up. In that moment, I felt a sudden pulling or cramping sensation near my buttocks, close to the anus...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, 1. What you mentioned is likely due to muscle strain caused by poor posture. If there are no specific discomforts afterward, it should be fine to just monitor it. 2. Regarding the nails, it appears that the variation in color is simply due to changes in blood flow and d...[Read More] Understanding Muscle Pain and Nail Changes: When to Seek Medical Advice
The Relationship Between Proteinuria and Osteolytic Lesions: A Clinical Inquiry
The relationship between proteinuria and osteolytic lesions? Hello, Doctor Wu. Happy New Year. I have a question. At the end of April last year, I underwent a PET scan, which revealed two osteolytic lesions in my body. Here are the excerpts from the report: 1. There are two osteo...
Dr. Wu Hongjie Reply:
Hello: 1. I am curious about the reason for your positron emission tomography (PET) scan. If it is due to cancer with suspected bone metastasis, certain cancers can secrete various proteins, which may lead to increased urinary protein levels even in the absence of bone metastas...[Read More] The Relationship Between Proteinuria and Osteolytic Lesions: A Clinical Inquiry
Managing Ankylosing Spondylitis: Medication and Pain Relief Tips
Medication-related issues in ankylosing spondylitis? Hello Doctor, I would like to ask you the following questions: 1. Between Salazine and Celebrex, which one has fewer side effects and is more suitable for long-term use? 2. I am currently taking two capsules of Celebrex a day...
Dr. Gao Jiankai Reply:
Hello, thank you for your question. Here are my responses: 1. Between Salazine and Celebrex, which has fewer side effects and is suitable for long-term use? Salazine needs to be taken long-term and consistently. This medication addresses the root cause of the disease rather than...[Read More] Managing Ankylosing Spondylitis: Medication and Pain Relief Tips
Understanding ANA Testing in Relation to Lupus and Allergies
Regarding ANA testing in systemic lupus erythematosus? Hello, around September 2022, I experienced redness and itching on my face and scalp, along with peeling skin and increased hair loss. I also felt fatigued and had difficulty concentrating. However, I did not have joint pain ...
Dr. Gao Jiankai Reply:
Hello, thank you for your question. Here are my responses: 1. Although the ANA test result is negative, considering that the butterfly rash appeared in September, which was four months ago, how accurate is this blood test? Can systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) have a negative ...[Read More] Understanding ANA Testing in Relation to Lupus and Allergies
Understanding Positive ANA and Normal Complement Levels in SLE Concerns
ANA positive homogeneous 1:160+ with normal C3 and C4 complement levels? Hello Doctor: Recently, I developed hives and visited the rheumatology and immunology department. After blood tests, it was found that my ANA was positive with a homogeneous pattern at 1:160. Other tests for...
Dr. Gao Jiankai Reply:
Hello, thank you for your inquiry. A positive ANA (antinuclear antibody) test can occur in healthy individuals as well. To confirm this possibility, we will investigate the reasons for a positive ANA, including the series of tests you mentioned. If these tests return negative res...[Read More] Understanding Positive ANA and Normal Complement Levels in SLE Concerns
Concerns About Ants in My Cup: Diabetes Worries Explained
About ants? Hello doctor, I recently noticed that sometimes there are ants in my water cup, and I'm worried that I might have diabetes. (My situation: I have no family history of the disease, I'm currently 23 years old, and I usually go to bed late and wake up late, aro...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, the presence of ants cannot indicate whether someone has diabetes. It is recommended to purchase or borrow a simple blood glucose meter to test fasting blood glucose levels. A fasting blood glucose level below 100 mg/dL is considered normal. Thank you for your inquiry.[Read More] Concerns About Ants in My Cup: Diabetes Worries Explained
Understanding HIV Testing: Key Questions and Answers for Patients
HIV testing issues? Hello Dr. Hong, thank you for your response. I would like to clarify a few points based on our previous discussion: 1. Is it correct to understand that as long as there is HIV virus present in the body, new antibodies will continuously be produced, maintaini...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, 1. Theoretically, the human body will produce corresponding antibodies; however, the quantity and types of antibodies may vary due to the functionality of the immune system and the progression of the disease. 2. If previous tests have been negative but there is a concer...[Read More] Understanding HIV Testing: Key Questions and Answers for Patients
Post-COVID Coughing: When to Seek Chest X-Ray for Blood-Streaked Phlegm?
What is the appropriate timing for a chest examination after being diagnosed with a condition and still experiencing hemoptysis? Hello doctor, I was diagnosed at the end of last year and completed isolation in early January. I continued to self-isolate until I tested negative on ...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, if you cough forcefully, it can easily cause microvascular rupture in the throat, leading to blood-tinged sputum. This should gradually improve as the cough resolves. Whether a follow-up chest X-ray is necessary mainly depends on whether you experience shortness of breath ...[Read More] Post-COVID Coughing: When to Seek Chest X-Ray for Blood-Streaked Phlegm?
Understanding HIV Antibody Testing: Common Concerns and Clarifications
HIV Antibody Testing Issues Hello, I am someone who has been panicking about HIV testing recently. 1. So even though HIV antibodies may decrease over time, they will not decrease to the point of being undetectable, right? I am mainly worried about a potential missed diagnosis f...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, 1. Currently, most hospitals use a combined test for antigens and antibodies, so it can still be detected. 2. If tests are negative after three months of unsafe sexual behavior, the chance of infection is very low. 3. This depends on the sensitivity of each test. 4. C...[Read More] Understanding HIV Antibody Testing: Common Concerns and Clarifications
Preparing for Stool Tests: Dietary Guidelines and Allergies Explained
Examination issues Hello Doctor, today I visited a gastroenterologist because I was experiencing abdominal pain and was a bit worried. There is currently no family history of gastrointestinal issues, although my grandfather had some, but my parents do not. They only arranged for ...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, your stool test should be a fecal occult blood test. It is indeed recommended to avoid red meat or blood products, such as pig's blood cake or rice blood cake, the night before. As for medications and vitamins, they should not have an impact. Thank you for your inquir...[Read More] Preparing for Stool Tests: Dietary Guidelines and Allergies Explained
Understanding Thyroid Health: Key Questions and Concerns
Thyroid-related issues Hello Dr. Lee, I would like to ask you some questions. Here are my questions: I recently had a thyroid ultrasound, and the thickness was measured at 1.9 cm on the right and 1.4 cm on the left. I was told that a thickness of 2.0 cm is the limit. (Thyroid fun...
Dr. Li Jian Reply:
Thyroid function is normal, and the ultrasound did not reveal any tumors or nodules. The cough is likely unrelated to the thyroid, and there is currently no need for regular monitoring.[Read More] Understanding Thyroid Health: Key Questions and Concerns
Understanding HIV Testing: Common Concerns and Answers
HIV testing issues Hello Doctor, I would like to ask a few questions. 1. Four years ago, I underwent HIV antibody testing and RT-PCR testing due to a high-risk behavior, both of which were negative. I had slowly forgotten about this, but recently I have suddenly become fearful ...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, 1. If only antibodies are present, they may indeed decrease over time; however, RT-PCR tests for viral load, which will not decrease over time, so you should not miss a diagnosis. 2. Typically, instrument-based tests are more accurate. 3. Almost everyone will have anti...[Read More] Understanding HIV Testing: Common Concerns and Answers
Can Ankylosing Spondylitis Lead to Rapid Osteoporosis in Young Patients?
Can ankylosing spondylitis lead to osteoporosis so quickly? Dear Dr. Tseng, I am currently 19 years old and have been diagnosed with ankylosing spondylitis for 2.8 years, with symptoms limited to pain in the buttocks. For the first 1.5 years, I was unaware that it was ankylosing...
Dr. Zeng Guosen Reply:
1. Ankylosing spondylitis is not a significant factor leading to osteoporosis; as long as it is well-controlled and stable, it generally does not cause bone loss. 2. If you are taking Salazopyrin, you can take two tablets at once after dinner if you are only taking one tablet in ...[Read More] Can Ankylosing Spondylitis Lead to Rapid Osteoporosis in Young Patients?
Understanding Skin Irritations and Vaccine Mixing: Your Health Questions Answered
Please ask your question? Hello, I would like to ask the doctor about a slight itch on my elbow, where I have two or three small bumps. I'm wondering if this is due to an insect bite or some unusual disease. I happened to come across information about HIV, but I have not eng...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, 1. Based on your images, it is likely folliculitis or eczema; however, it should not be caused by HIV. A definitive diagnosis may require evaluation by a dermatologist. 2. Hello, I recommend receiving the Moderna next-generation vaccine, as there are no concerns regard...[Read More] Understanding Skin Irritations and Vaccine Mixing: Your Health Questions Answered
Can You Catch STDs or HIV from Microphones and Acne?
Infectious disease inquiries? Hello Doctor, today after lunch with my department, my supervisor invited us to go karaoke, which was a place similar to the one in "Light the Night." I touched the microphone while singing and drinking. I have some acne on my face, and alt...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, the situation you mentioned will not lead to an infection of sexually transmitted diseases or HIV, so there is no need to worry. Thank you.[Read More] Can You Catch STDs or HIV from Microphones and Acne?
Concerns About Bird-Borne Diseases: Do You Need to Worry?
May I ask the doctor? Hello doctor, may I ask if there is a concern about the transmission of infectious diseases when encountering birds flying by or taking off nearby while walking or riding a bike? Additionally, can bacteria or viruses carried by birds be transmitted through t...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, the pathogens in these birds are primarily transmitted through respiratory droplets. As you mentioned, simply flying by does not cause infection unless there is prolonged close contact, such as feeding them. Thank you for your question.[Read More] Concerns About Bird-Borne Diseases: Do You Need to Worry?
Understanding Rapid Test Results: What to Do When You Get No Clear Outcome
The rapid test takes more than 15 minutes to yield results? Hello Dr. Hong, I would like to ask you a question. My last high-risk behavior (unprotected intercourse) was on September 27, 2022. I conducted a rapid test on January 10, 2023, and after waiting 15 minutes, there were n...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, all rapid test kits have their own interpretation time points. Once that time point is exceeded, there is a higher likelihood of false positives. It is recommended to carefully read the instructions provided with the test kit, as there will be suggested interpretation time...[Read More] Understanding Rapid Test Results: What to Do When You Get No Clear Outcome