Understanding HIV Test Results: What Does a Reactive EIA Mean?
HIV testing issues I previously underwent a military physical examination, and the HIV test was conducted using the EIA (Enzyme Immunoassay) method, with a result of 370.40, which indicates a reactive result. Does this mean it is positive? If it is positive, should I get tested a...
Dr. Liao Zhongxin Reply:
1. The general testing for HIV is divided into two categories: the Enzyme Immunoassay (EIA) and the Western Blot test. The former is considered a screening method with a threshold of 1, which can result in a small number of false positives; typically, a result greater than 20 is ...[Read More] Understanding HIV Test Results: What Does a Reactive EIA Mean?
Should I See a Rehabilitation or Rheumatology Specialist for My Symptoms?
Should I see a rehabilitation specialist or a rheumatologist for my plantar fasciitis and tennis elbow symptoms? Hello Doctor: Since receiving the third dose of Moderna (the first two doses were BNT) three months ago, I have experienced the following symptoms starting on the thir...
Dr. Zeng Guosen Reply:
Users with symptoms of plantar fasciitis, tennis elbow, and tenderness in the left thumb joint may have a potential connection to ankylosing spondylitis. CRP/ESR tests can be referenced, but they cannot definitively rule in or out the association. Treatment can be pursued through...[Read More] Should I See a Rehabilitation or Rheumatology Specialist for My Symptoms?
Understanding Lip Bumps: Causes and When to Seek Medical Help
Lip issues Hello, after having a meal today, I suddenly noticed a small bump under my lower lip that feels like a little blister when I touch it with my tongue. After looking in the mirror, I saw that it is quite small. I would like to ask the doctor what might be the cause of th...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, based on your description and the images, it appears to be a herpes virus infection, which typically resolves on its own but is very prone to recurrence. You may consider using acyclovir ointment within three days to reduce the likelihood of recurrence. It is advisable to ...[Read More] Understanding Lip Bumps: Causes and When to Seek Medical Help
Post-Surgery Concerns After Gastric Perforation: Your Questions Answered
Postoperative issues following gastric perforation surgery? Hello Dr. Hong, I would like to consult you on the following issues. Thank you. Summary of the condition: I maintain a normal lifestyle, do not smoke or drink, and do not stay up late. However, recently I took medicatio...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, 1. Due to endocrine factors, along with the fact that it is quieter at night, most pain tends to be more pronounced during the night; this is a physiological phenomenon. If there is a sudden severe pain, then it is necessary to seek medical attention. 2. Yes, surgery c...[Read More] Post-Surgery Concerns After Gastric Perforation: Your Questions Answered
Risk of HIV Infection from Patient's Sputum Exposure: What You Need to Know
HIV infection Hello Doctor, the day before yesterday while I was performing suctioning on a patient, it seems that the patient's sputum splashed into my eyes. However, since I was wearing large-frame prescription glasses and the sensation was not very noticeable, I am not su...
Dr. Lin Wufu Reply:
Hello, I apologize for the late response. For transmission to occur through this route, the patient must be an HIV-positive individual who is not on antiretroviral therapy, resulting in a high viral load. Theoretically, the risk of transmission from respiratory secretions splashi...[Read More] Risk of HIV Infection from Patient's Sputum Exposure: What You Need to Know
Thyroid Issues: Dietary Considerations for TPO Antibody Positivity
Thyroid issues, dietary considerations? The free T4, TSH, and T3 levels are within normal ranges, while Anti-Thyroglobulin (Tg) is negative and Anti-Thyroid Peroxidase (TPO) is positive. This indicates the presence of autoimmune thyroiditis, but thyroid function appears to be nor...
Dr. Li Jian Reply:
Thyroid function is normal, so there is no need to restrict iodine intake; however, it is recommended to monitor thyroid function annually. Thank you for your inquiry.[Read More] Thyroid Issues: Dietary Considerations for TPO Antibody Positivity
Sudden Side Foot Pain: Possible Causes and When to Seek Help
Sudden pain on the side of the foot? Hello Doctor, after taking a shower, I suddenly felt pain on the side of my right foot while walking. After resting for a bit, it got better, but then it hurt again after a while. However, sitting down and resting helped again. I haven't ...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, based on your description and the provided images, it does not appear to be a fracture or gout. It seems more like inflammation caused by friction or injury, which could result from excessive walking, intense exercise, or wearing new shoes. Typically, resting for a while w...[Read More] Sudden Side Foot Pain: Possible Causes and When to Seek Help
Understanding Wrist Bumps: Possible Causes and Concerns
There is a bump on the wrist? Hello Doctor, I have noticed that the area just below my thumb on my wrist has been occasionally painful and feels a bit swollen. At first, I thought it might be a bone protrusion, but it doesn't quite feel like that. After researching online, i...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, this does appear to be a ganglion cyst, which is usually caused by accidental friction or injury. It is benign and typically does not cause significant issues. Some may gradually resolve on their own. If it persists and you are concerned, you can consult a plastic surgeon&...[Read More] Understanding Wrist Bumps: Possible Causes and Concerns
Understanding the Impact of Anemia and Spinal Issues on White Blood Cell Count
White blood cell count Hello Doctor, my father has thalassemia. In last year's health check report, his hemoglobin was 12.8, mean corpuscular volume was 67.2, and mean corpuscular hemoglobin was 21.8. The physician mentioned that these values were low due to anemia. However,...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, a white blood cell count of 3380 is still within the normal range. It is normal for blood cell counts to fluctuate somewhat; as long as they remain within the normal range, there is no cause for concern. Spondylolisthesis itself should not lead to a decrease in blood cell ...[Read More] Understanding the Impact of Anemia and Spinal Issues on White Blood Cell Count
Understanding Arthritis and Gout: Symptoms and Concerns for Young Adults
Arthritis or gout issues? Hello, Doctor. I apologize in advance for the lengthy message. For the past three weeks, I have been experiencing pain in the tips of my fingers and toes (specifically, the soft tissue at the very ends). This week, the frequency of the episodes has incre...
Dr. Gao Jiankai Reply:
Hello, thank you for your questions. Here are my responses: 1. The symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis typically involve pain, swelling, and warmth in the joints, particularly in the small joints. However, redness is less common. If you are experiencing pain without swelling or red...[Read More] Understanding Arthritis and Gout: Symptoms and Concerns for Young Adults
Could Fluctuating ESR Levels Indicate Cancer in Ankylosing Spondylitis?
Could my ESR condition be caused by cancer? Hello Doctor, I am a patient with ankylosing spondylitis, 22 years old, and I have been diagnosed for 2 years and 3 months. About 2 years ago, blood tests and MRI confirmed my diagnosis of ankylosing spondylitis. During my first blood t...
Dr. Gao Jiankai Reply:
Hello, thank you for your question. Indeed, there are other reasons that can cause an elevated ESR, including cancer. However, the diagnosis of cancer is not based solely on ESR; it should be considered alongside other related symptoms and regular health check-ups. You are still ...[Read More] Could Fluctuating ESR Levels Indicate Cancer in Ankylosing Spondylitis?
Can You Get Hepatitis B from Using a Family Member's Glucometer?
Blood glucose meter and hepatitis B? My mother is around 58 years old and has diabetes, so she purchased a blood glucose meter. She also has hepatitis B. I used the blood glucose meter once after she bought it, and I remember it wasn't long after her last use. At that time, ...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, the only risk of infection is from the repeated use of needles that prick the finger. However, currently, disposable needles are commonly used, which reduces this concern. Therefore, based on your description, it should not lead to a hepatitis B infection. Thank you for yo...[Read More] Can You Get Hepatitis B from Using a Family Member's Glucometer?
Can NSAIDs Alone Relieve Back Pain in Ankylosing Spondylitis?
Does taking NSAIDs always relieve back pain in ankylosing spondylitis? Hello, Dr. Gao. My son is 19 years old and has been diagnosed with ankylosing spondylitis for three years. He has undergone relevant blood tests and MRI scans, and the rheumatologist confirmed the diagnosis. I...
Dr. Gao Jiankai Reply:
Hello, thank you for your question. Here are my responses: 1) Regarding the back pain from ankylosing spondylitis, is it true that taking NSAIDs combined with appropriate exercise will definitely relieve the pain? Are there cases of more severe ankylosing spondylitis where pain...[Read More] Can NSAIDs Alone Relieve Back Pain in Ankylosing Spondylitis?
Understanding the Risks of Hepatitis B and C Transmission at Home
Hepatitis B and Hepatitis C Issues Hello, Doctor! I would like to ask you about the transmission of Hepatitis B and C viruses through contact with infected blood. If a family member gets injured and bleeds on indoor shoes, and I have a cut on the sole of my foot, could I get infe...
Dr. Liao Zhongxin Reply:
1. First, the hepatitis B vaccine should have been administered during childhood; however, over time, antibody levels may decline, leading to decreased protection. It is advisable to check with a nearby healthcare facility to see if protection is still present. 2. As for the hepa...[Read More] Understanding the Risks of Hepatitis B and C Transmission at Home
Can Biologics for Psoriasis Be Used After Prostate Cancer Radiation Therapy?
Can biologic agents for psoriasis be used after radiation therapy for prostate cancer? Hello, my father has been diagnosed with stage II prostate cancer and has undergone radiation therapy. He has been monitored for two years, and his PSA levels are normal. However, due to the im...
Dr. Gao Jiankai Reply:
Hello, thank you for your question. Currently, the use of biologics should be avoided in patients who have been diagnosed with cancer for less than ten years. Different biologics may have varying effects on cancer treatment and recurrence, ranging from significant to minimal impa...[Read More] Can Biologics for Psoriasis Be Used After Prostate Cancer Radiation Therapy?
Understanding Limb Pain: Causes and When to Seek Medical Advice
Pain and discomfort in the limbs? Hello, Doctor. For the past few weeks, I have been experiencing alternating pain in my hands and feet (most commonly in my fingers and toes). I'm wondering if this could be caused by excessive humidity or a lack of exercise (I recently start...
Dr. Gao Jiankai Reply:
Hello, thank you for your inquiry. Your symptoms have been present for a relatively short time. If you do not have any other chronic illnesses, it is recommended to start with anti-inflammatory pain relievers and increase your water intake to manage your symptoms. If there is no ...[Read More] Understanding Limb Pain: Causes and When to Seek Medical Advice
Understanding Health Insurance Subsidies for Lupus Patients in Taiwan
System for Health Insurance Subsidies for Lupus Erythematosus / Major Illness / Specific Illness / Special Program Hello, Dr. Gao. I would like to inquire whether patients with systemic lupus erythematosus can apply for major illness or specific illness certification to receive h...
Dr. Gao Jiankai Reply:
Hello, thank you for your inquiry. Here are my responses: 1. I would like to ask if patients with systemic lupus erythematosus can apply for catastrophic illness or specific illness certification to receive medication subsidies from health insurance? Or can they apply for a heal...[Read More] Understanding Health Insurance Subsidies for Lupus Patients in Taiwan
Effective Strategies for Managing Abdominal Obesity: A Guide
How to manage obesity? I want to lose weight, especially abdominal fat. How does your department handle this? What is the difference between seeing a metabolic specialist and a family medicine physician?
Dr. Lin Jianliang Reply:
Hello: The metabolic department focuses on obesity issues primarily related to endocrine disorders, such as hypothyroidism, among others. The management approach includes correcting endocrine abnormalities, dietary control, and exercise management. I'm not very clear on the ...[Read More] Effective Strategies for Managing Abdominal Obesity: A Guide
Understanding HIV Transmission Risks from Contaminated Toilet Paper
Transmission of HIV/AIDS Hello doctor, at the end of July this year, I used a public restroom and found that the toilet paper was wet when I wiped my intimate area. I'm not sure what liquid the toilet paper was contaminated with, but at the end of August, I experienced a fev...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, urine does not transmit HIV, but semen can indeed transmit HIV, although the risk of infection is very low. Thank you for your question.[Read More] Understanding HIV Transmission Risks from Contaminated Toilet Paper
Thyroid Nodule Surgery: Is Ablation an Option for Benign Cases?
Thyroid nodule surgery? I recently had a thyroid ultrasound and found that two nodules on the right side have each grown by 1 cm over the past three years (from 1.3 cm to 2.3 cm). I underwent a fine needle aspiration biopsy, which showed the nodules to be benign. However, my doct...
Dr. Li Jian Reply:
Your condition is suitable for ablation (radiofrequency ablation), but it is recommended to undergo a fine needle aspiration biopsy again to confirm benignity, in order to avoid missing a potential malignant tumor. Additionally, the ablation procedure is out-of-pocket, and our ho...[Read More] Thyroid Nodule Surgery: Is Ablation an Option for Benign Cases?