Understanding Elevated White Blood Cell Count: When to Seek Medical Attention
White blood cell count above 10,000? Hello Doctor: I underwent a health check-up at school on September 12th of this year. The results showed a white blood cell count of 10,190, a pulse rate of 96, and I have issues with being overweight and atopic dermatitis, but I do not have a...
Dr. Liao Zhongxin Reply:
1. The normal range for white blood cell counts in the general population at our hospital is between 3,500 and 11,000, which means that 5% of individuals may have counts below 3,500 or above 11,000, so there is no need to panic at this time. 2. However, it is important to compare...[Read More] Understanding Elevated White Blood Cell Count: When to Seek Medical Attention
How Long Does It Take for Kidney Stones to Shrink and Pass?
How long does it take for kidney stones to shrink and be expelled? In August of this year, I underwent a renal ultrasound at Taipei Shin Kong Hospital, which revealed two kidney stones measuring 0.7 cm each (asymptomatic). There was no proteinuria and no signs of chronic kidney a...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, what you have done is already the basic necessary steps. However, kidney stones may not pass out due to individual differences in body constitution and location. Since your stone is small and you do not have any specific symptoms, it can indeed be monitored long-term. Emer...[Read More] How Long Does It Take for Kidney Stones to Shrink and Pass?
How to Assess Throat Discomfort After Possible Chemical Ingestion
How to assess throat discomfort? After drinking a beverage in the afternoon, I have been experiencing a slight burning sensation in the area just above my clavicle and throat. I would like to ask a physician if, in the case of accidental ingestion or if someone intentionally adde...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, if it is corrosive esophagitis, the pain should be very pronounced, and you would likely be unable to drink water or eat anything. Based on your description, it does not seem to be corrosive esophagitis unless you are feeling very uncomfortable. If that is the case, you ca...[Read More] How to Assess Throat Discomfort After Possible Chemical Ingestion
Understanding HPV, HIV Risks, and Vaccination for Gay Men
Cauliflower/HIV/AIDS Hello, doctor. I am a member of the LGBTQ+ community. Eight years ago, I had genital warts, which were treated over six months, and I received three doses of the nine-valent HPV vaccine. It has been eight years without a recurrence. I would like to know what ...
Dr. Liao Zhongxin Reply:
A. According to the data from the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), 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 infec...[Read More] Understanding HPV, HIV Risks, and Vaccination for Gay Men
Understanding Elevated White Blood Cell Count: Causes and Next Steps
Elevated white blood cell count? Hello, doctor. First, I would like to inform you that I am a patient with myasthenia gravis. I am currently taking four tablets of Mestinon daily and one tablet of Anspine weekly. Here are my questions: Since mid-September, I have been infected wi...
Dr. Liao Zhongxin Reply:
1. First, we are currently in the era of COVID-19, so it is essential to rule out this possibility by conducting a self-administered rapid test and receiving the COVID-19 vaccine (at least four doses are recommended). 2. Secondly, the side effects of medications should also be c...[Read More] Understanding Elevated White Blood Cell Count: Causes and Next Steps
Risk of Infection from Needle Stick in the Operating Room
Possibility of infection Hello, I would like to inquire about a situation in the operating room. There was a small suture needle left on the table after closing a patient's wound. While collecting instruments, I accidentally pressed down on the needle with my hand. At that t...
Dr. Liao Zhongxin Reply:
According to the Centers for Disease Control 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. Blood tra...[Read More] Risk of Infection from Needle Stick in the Operating Room
Understanding Enlarged Fingers in Teens: Causes and When to Seek Help
Swelling of the fingers? Hello, Doctor Hsieh. I would like to ask about my 16-year-old daughter. The joints at the base of her four fingers, except for the thumb, are noticeably swollen compared to the other two segments, resembling a bottle shape. However, she has normal movemen...
Dr. Xie Rongyuan Reply:
Hello: If your fingers on both hands have recently become swollen, it is advisable to visit a hospital for an examination to determine the cause. It is recommended to first consult a family medicine physician. Thank you for your message![Read More] Understanding Enlarged Fingers in Teens: Causes and When to Seek Help
Understanding Elevated Basophil Levels: Allergies and Blood Health in Young Adults
Eosinophils Hello Doctor, I am Enen from the article #188677. Thank you for your prompt response, but I still have some doubts that I would like to ask you again: 1. You mentioned that elevated basophil levels are related to allergies. Given that I recently had a cold and have ...
Dr. Gao Jiankai Reply:
Hello, thank you for your question. Here are my responses: 1. You mentioned that elevated basophil levels are related to allergies. Given that I recently had a cold and have a history of allergies, could this cause my basophil levels to be elevated? In 2020, my basophil count wa...[Read More] Understanding Elevated Basophil Levels: Allergies and Blood Health in Young Adults
Do Rheumatologists and Orthopedists Interpret X-rays Differently?
Is there a difference between a rheumatologist and an orthopedic surgeon when interpreting bone X-rays? Dear Dr. Gao, I am a patient with ankylosing spondylitis. Recently, I have developed pain in my lower back when leaning backward, but I do not experience pain when bending for...
Dr. Gao Jiankai Reply:
Hello, thank you for your question. Here are my responses: 1) Can a general rheumatologist identify signs of a mild spinal arch fracture on an X-ray? (Isn't it more likely for an orthopedic surgeon to interpret bone X-rays?) --> I believe both specialties can, as well a...[Read More] Do Rheumatologists and Orthopedists Interpret X-rays Differently?
Does Frequent Masturbation Affect Facial Appearance?
Does masturbation affect facial structure? Hello, doctor. Would frequent masturbation starting from elementary school (about once a day from middle school) have an impact on facial appearance (causing disfigurement)? Thank you, doctor.
Dr. Li Jian Reply:
No, there is no research indicating a relationship between masturbation and facial appearance.[Read More] Does Frequent Masturbation Affect Facial Appearance?
Risk of Infection from Needle Prick: Do You Need Testing?
Infection concerns? Hello doctor, I would like to inquire about a situation where my foot was punctured by an unknown needle on the street. The wound did not bleed, but there were small red dots resembling mosquito bites. These small red dots disappeared after 3 to 4 days. In thi...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, if you are certain that you were pricked by a needle, although the risk is low, there is still a possibility of bloodborne infection. It is recommended to visit an infectious disease specialist or a family medicine clinic to follow the appropriate procedures for needle sti...[Read More] Risk of Infection from Needle Prick: Do You Need Testing?
Understanding Platelet Count Fluctuations in Patients on Warfarin Therapy
Rate of platelet decline Hello Dr. Gao, My family member has been taking Warfarin and had a blood test around November 10th, where the platelet count dropped to 61,000. Earlier this year, when they were hospitalized, the doctor mentioned that the platelet count was low, around ...
Dr. Gao Jiankai Reply:
Hello, thank you for your questions. Here are my responses: 1. I understand that some values can fluctuate. Is this range of variation still acceptable? --> I believe it should be monitored further. 2. Can an overdose of the anticoagulant Warfarin that my mother is taking ...[Read More] Understanding Platelet Count Fluctuations in Patients on Warfarin Therapy
Understanding High ESR Levels in Anemia and Ankylosing Spondylitis
Is it because I have anemia that my ESR is often elevated? Hello Doctor: I am a patient with ankylosing spondylitis, 20 years old, and I have been diagnosed for over 2 years. Recently, for the past 7 months, I have been taking Salazopyrin, and during my last two follow-up visits,...
Dr. Zeng Guosen Reply:
1. Hemoglobin (Hb) levels of 13.5 to 14.5 are not the cause of abnormal erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR), as ESR can be influenced by many factors in the body. 2. C-reactive protein (CRP) is more important than ESR for monitoring ankylosing spondylitis; symptoms and X-rays a...[Read More] Understanding High ESR Levels in Anemia and Ankylosing Spondylitis
Can Increasing Salazopyrin Dosage Improve ESR in Ankylosing Spondylitis?
Saleran significantly reduces CRP levels; can increasing the dosage also lead to a significant decrease in ESR? Hello Doctor: I am 20 years old and have been diagnosed with ankylosing spondylitis for 3 years, with the diagnosis confirmed 1 year after the onset. Initially, I was t...
Dr. Zeng Guosen Reply:
1. There are many bodily factors that can cause elevated ESR, and inflammation is just one of them. Increasing the dosage of Salazopyrin to 3 or 4 tablets per day may be worth trying, but it may not necessarily be effective. 2. Mild anemia is unlikely to cause such a high ESR. Th...[Read More] Can Increasing Salazopyrin Dosage Improve ESR in Ankylosing Spondylitis?
Does Allergies Affect Elevated ESR Levels in Young Adults?
Can allergies cause an increase in ESR? Hello Doctor: My son is 20 years old and has had allergies since childhood. Over two years ago, he was also diagnosed with ankylosing spondylitis. He is currently taking two capsules of Salazopyrin daily. In the early stages of the disease,...
Dr. Zeng Guosen Reply:
Hello, there are many reasons that can cause elevated ESR levels, and inflammation is just one of them. Allergies do not necessarily lead to increased ESR, especially if other values are normal. If you have any questions, you can consult your attending physician. Thank you for yo...[Read More] Does Allergies Affect Elevated ESR Levels in Young Adults?
Understanding False Positives in Syphilis Testing: A Case Study
Is it possible for a treponemal test to yield a false positive result? I am 36 years old. In August, I donated blood and received a notification that my TPHA was positive and RPR was negative. In January, my blood donation results were still normal, all negative. In November, I w...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, the two indices for syphilis, RPR and TPHA, show that RPR is more sensitive and can easily yield false positives, which may turn negative after syphilis treatment. On the other hand, the chance of false positives with TPHA is very low, and it typically remains positive eve...[Read More] Understanding False Positives in Syphilis Testing: A Case Study
Does Ankylosing Spondylitis Lead to Rapid Osteoporosis in Young Patients?
Will ankylosing spondylitis quickly lead to osteoporosis? Hello Dr. Gao: 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 spo...
Dr. Gao Jiankai Reply:
Hello, thank you for your question. Patients with ankylosing spondylitis are more prone to osteoporosis, which is why we recommend regular exercise. In addition to alleviating pain and preventing adhesions, another reason is to avoid osteoporosis. Therefore, in addition to taking...[Read More] Does Ankylosing Spondylitis Lead to Rapid Osteoporosis in Young Patients?
Concerns About Needle Stick Injuries in the Operating Room
Stung by a thorn? Hello Doctor, I would like to inquire about an incident that occurred while I was working in the operating room. That day, a very small suture needle was left on the table, and while collecting instruments, I accidentally pressed on the needle. I was wearing glo...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, it is indeed difficult to determine the likelihood of infection based on your description. In clinical practice, if there is any suspicion of a needlestick injury similar to your situation, we typically follow the needlestick protocol to assess the risk of infection. Thank...[Read More] Concerns About Needle Stick Injuries in the Operating Room
Understanding Abdominal Pain: When to Seek Medical Help for Your Loved One
Abdominal bloating and pain? My father is 58 years old. He usually smokes and drinks alcohol, and often doesn't finish his meals, eating in several portions. Since I started visiting him last year, I've noticed he has been gradually losing weight because he feels full a...
Dr. Lin Wuxuan Reply:
Hello! It is recommended to first visit the family medicine department or the gastroenterology and hepatology outpatient clinic at the hospital. After evaluation by a physician, further examinations and treatments can be arranged. Thank you.[Read More] Understanding Abdominal Pain: When to Seek Medical Help for Your Loved One
Understanding Abnormal eGFR: Insights into Kidney Function Issues
Experience reports indicate abnormal glomerular filtration rate? Hello Doctor, the results of my recent tests show a creatinine level of 0.84, BUN of 13, and eGFR of 86.4 (indicating a significant abnormality). My albumin level is 4.3, and I weigh 48 kg. I have a low skeletal mus...
Dr. Lin Wuxuan Reply:
Hello! It is recommended that you bring your health check-up report to a family medicine or nephrology clinic for evaluation by a physician. Thank you.[Read More] Understanding Abnormal eGFR: Insights into Kidney Function Issues