Does Ankylosing Spondylitis Increase Severe COVID-19 Risk?
Do patients with ankylosing spondylitis have a higher risk of developing severe COVID-19? Hello doctor, may I ask if patients with ankylosing spondylitis are more likely to develop moderate to severe symptoms after contracting COVID-19? Thank you, doctor.
Dr. Gao Jiankai Reply:
Hello, thank you for your question. Whether patients with rheumatic diseases develop severe illness after infection is related to their overall health status at the time of infection. Factors such as whether the rheumatic disease is well-controlled, the current condition of the d...[Read More] Does Ankylosing Spondylitis Increase Severe COVID-19 Risk?
Understanding Ankylosing Spondylitis and Autoantibodies in Young Patients
Ankylosing spondylitis and autoantibodies? Hello Doctor, my son is currently over 18 years old and has ankylosing spondylitis. The notes below are from a previous examination report at Chang Gung Memorial Hospital. I would like to ask the doctor: 1) Although ankylosing spondyliti...
Dr. Gao Jiankai Reply:
Hello, thank you for your inquiry. Here are my responses: 1) Although ankylosing spondylitis is an autoimmune disease, it does not mean that patients with ankylosing spondylitis will necessarily have autoantibodies, correct? --> Yes. 2) According to the attached report, does m...[Read More] Understanding Ankylosing Spondylitis and Autoantibodies in Young Patients
Understanding HIV Testing: Safety Concerns and Antibody Detection
HIV infection 1. Hello, doctor: I recently purchased an HIV test kit (Kenvair) from the pharmacy, which is currently offered by the Centers for Disease Control. I would like to ask if this test kit detects antibodies, does it contain any components of the HIV virus itself? After ...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, 1. The reagent contains artificially synthesized compounds similar to HIV antigens, which have no infectious capability and are not HIV viruses. 2. Hello, there have been no reported cases of infection under the conditions you described, so it is unlikely that infection wo...[Read More] Understanding HIV Testing: Safety Concerns and Antibody Detection
Understanding Glucose Tolerance Test Results and Diabetes Risk
Glucose tolerance test Dear Doctor, I recently underwent a glucose tolerance test at the hospital, and the results are as follows: Hemoglobin A1c 5.5%, OGTT: Fasting—96 mg/dL; 30 minutes—167 mg/dL; 60 minutes—212 mg/dL; 90 minutes—174 mg/dL; 120 minutes—132 mg/dL. The outpatient...
Dr. Xie Rongyuan Reply:
Hello: Impaired glucose tolerance (IGT) is more closely associated with early and late insulin secretion deficiencies. If there are abnormalities in the oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT), it can be confirmed again the next day. The diagnostic criteria for diabetes are: (1) sympt...[Read More] Understanding Glucose Tolerance Test Results and Diabetes Risk
Understanding Blood Sugar, HbA1c, and Their Impact on Thalassemia
Blood glucose, glycated hemoglobin, and Mediterranean anemia? Hello, I had a company health check before the New Year, and my hemoglobin A1c was 5.6 and my blood glucose was 86. At the end of March, due to feeling unwell, I tested my postprandial blood glucose and it was 155. The...
Dr. Li Jian Reply:
If there are concerns that hemoglobin A1c levels may be affected by anemia, glycated albumin can be tested; the impact of anemia on hemoglobin A1c levels is difficult to estimate.[Read More] Understanding Blood Sugar, HbA1c, and Their Impact on Thalassemia
Does Salazopyrin Increase Risk of Severe COVID-19 in Patients?
Does the use of salmeterol increase the risk of developing moderate to severe illness after infection? Hello Doctor, I am a patient with ankylosing spondylitis, currently 18 years old. I am undergoing stable treatment with Wankesi (60 mg per day) and Salazopyrin (1000 mg per day)...
Dr. Gao Jiankai Reply:
Hello, thank you for your question. Here are my responses: 1) Are individuals receiving immunosuppressive therapy more likely to develop moderate to severe COVID-19 if they contract the virus? --> Generally, yes. However, Salazopyridine (Salsalate) has a relatively mild effect...[Read More] Does Salazopyrin Increase Risk of Severe COVID-19 in Patients?
Understanding HIV and STI Testing: Timing and Concerns After Unprotected Sex
HIV and various sexually transmitted infection (STI) testing issues? Hello doctor, I had unprotected intercourse for the first time on April 5th, and prior to that, I had no other sexual activities. I regret it and am worried. I would like to ask if I can feel reassured if I take...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, it is indeed possible to be within the incubation period for 10 days. If there are no symptoms, it is recommended to follow up for HIV and syphilis testing at three months and six months. If any symptoms arise, please consult an infectious disease specialist. Thank you for...[Read More] Understanding HIV and STI Testing: Timing and Concerns After Unprotected Sex
Understanding Left Lower Abdominal Pain: When to Seek Medical Attention
Left lower abdominal pain? Recently, I have been experiencing occasional abdominal pain, located approximately in the lower left quadrant near the navel and above the left reproductive area. The pain has persisted for some time and is not very severe, but it is noticeable. My bow...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, I'm not sure if your pain worsens with running or walking. If it does, it could be due to an abdominal muscle strain, which usually improves with rest. However, if the pain persists despite resting, you should consider various factors, including hernia, constipation, ...[Read More] Understanding Left Lower Abdominal Pain: When to Seek Medical Attention
Understanding Elevated Liver Enzymes: Should You Worry?
Liver enzyme levels are normal but higher than the values from three years ago? Hello, doctor: I am 40 years old and a carrier of hepatitis B. I have been undergoing regular abdominal ultrasounds and blood tests every six months at Renai Hospital in Taipei. Each time, the results...
Dr. Zeng Guosen Reply:
Hello, the AFP level is 2.42, ALT is 35, and AST is 27, all of which are within the normal range, indicating no inflammation. You may consider testing for hepatitis B viral load for a comprehensive assessment. You can compare all the series of follow-up data; they should remain w...[Read More] Understanding Elevated Liver Enzymes: Should You Worry?
Understanding Rising Urine Protein Levels: What You Need to Know
The urinary protein index has surged? Hello, Doctor. Below are the results from my visit to Hospital B on the evening of March 14 this year. The random urine test results were as follows: Urine Creatinine: 93.4 mg/dL; Micro Albumin: 25.7 * mg/dL (Random Urine < 1.9 mg/dL); Uri...
Dr. Wu Hongjie Reply:
The presence of bubbles in urine does not necessarily indicate proteinuria; factors such as fever, excessive exercise, consumption of high animal protein, hormonal influences, or other diseases causing abnormal protein production can also be responsible. Even if tests do not show...[Read More] Understanding Rising Urine Protein Levels: What You Need to Know
Should You Get Tested for HIV After Potential Exposure? A Guide
HIV Infection Counseling - Exposure Hello, doctor. First of all, thank you for your attention. About a year ago, I masturbated in a public restroom and, in a moment of urgency, I couldn't find any toilet paper, so I used some tissue from the trash can to wipe my glans after ...
Dr. Liao Zhongxin Reply:
There are three main routes of transmission for the HIV virus: 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. Blood transmission: (1) Receiving or coming in...[Read More] Should You Get Tested for HIV After Potential Exposure? A Guide
Should You Get Tested for HIV After Potential Exposure?
HIV Infection Counseling - Exposure Hello Doctor, first of all, thank you for your time. About a year ago, I masturbated in a public restroom and, in a moment of urgency, I couldn't find any toilet paper, so I used the tissue from the trash can to wipe my glans after ejacula...
Dr. Liao Zhongxin Reply:
There are three main routes of HIV transmission: A. Sexual transmission: Engaging in oral, anal, or vaginal intercourse or other exchanges of bodily fluids with an HIV-infected individual carries the risk of infection. B. Blood transmission: (1) Receiving or coming into contact w...[Read More] Should You Get Tested for HIV After Potential Exposure?
Understanding Gout Diagnosis: Symptoms, Treatment, and Management
Gout Diagnosis Thank you, doctor, for taking the time to respond to my questions. I really appreciate it! I am a 34-year-old male, 175 cm tall, weighing 93 kg. I do not drink alcohol but often stay up late. I have gastroesophageal reflux disease and a duodenal ulcer, for which I ...
Dr. Gao Jiankai Reply:
Hello, thank you for your question. Here are my responses: 1. Is swelling and redness always present in gout? I had pain in my knee at that time, but there was no swelling or redness; can that still be considered gout? --> Most of the time, yes, but some patients may not exhi...[Read More] Understanding Gout Diagnosis: Symptoms, Treatment, and Management
Unexplained Blisters and Weakness in Legs: Possible Causes and Solutions
Weakness in the feet accompanied by unexplained blisters? Dear Dr. Lin, My mother is 58 years old. Over the past six months, she has experienced weakness in her legs (mainly feeling unsteady while walking, as if she is walking on cotton). In the last three months, she has develo...
Dr. Lin Wufu Reply:
Hello: It is difficult to determine the issue based solely on this information. I recommend separating the concerns of foot weakness and blisters. For foot weakness, it is indeed advisable to consult a neurologist, preferably at a regional hospital or higher, as they can arrange ...[Read More] Unexplained Blisters and Weakness in Legs: Possible Causes and Solutions
Understanding Antinuclear Antibodies: Concerns and Questions for Young Adults
Inquiry about blood test results? Dear Doctor, I currently have no immune-related symptoms, but I am concerned about the presence of antinuclear antibodies (ANA) in my blood test results. I would like to ask you some related questions. Recently, my blood test report showed an AN...
Dr. Gao Jiankai Reply:
Hello, thank you for your questions. Here are my responses: 1. Is there a possibility of developing systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) in the future? --> Currently, it seems unlikely. 2. An antinuclear antibody (ANA) titer of 1:80 was detected, but all specific antibodies rel...[Read More] Understanding Antinuclear Antibodies: Concerns and Questions for Young Adults
Understanding Thyroid Issues: Low Free T4 and TSH Levels Explained
Thyroid issues Hello, doctor. I am 20 years old, with a height of 160 cm and a weight of about 48 kg. I have lost 10 kg in just one year. Recently, I had a blood test for my thyroid, and my Free T4 level was 0.76 and my TSH level was 0.695, both of which appear to be low. I did s...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, if you have hyperthyroidism, free T4 levels would be elevated and TSH levels would be decreased. Conversely, if you have hypothyroidism, the opposite would be true. Your blood test results suggest that your significant weight loss may not be due to a thyroid issue. I would...[Read More] Understanding Thyroid Issues: Low Free T4 and TSH Levels Explained
Understanding Slightly Low Complement C3 Levels in Healthy Individuals
The complement C3 level is slightly low in a normal individual? Hello Doctor, The results of my health check report show that both the anti-nuclear antibody and specific antibodies are negative. Complement C3: 86.8 (reference value 87-120), Complement C4: 19.1 (reference value ...
Dr. Gao Jiankai Reply:
Hello, thank you for your question. Here are my responses: 1. What could cause a slightly low complement level in a normal healthy person? --> Complement proteins are produced by the liver, so liver disease can lead to decreased complement levels. In a healthy individual, it ...[Read More] Understanding Slightly Low Complement C3 Levels in Healthy Individuals
Understanding Throat Discomfort After Deep Kissing: Causes and Concerns
Throat infection issues related to deep kissing? Hello Doctor: About a month ago, I had a brief deep kissing encounter with a sex worker. The next day, I felt a dryness in my throat, and on the following day, I noticed a slight phlegm when swallowing. By the third day, the drynes...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, based on your description, it is unlikely that you have a sexually transmitted infection. As for COVID-19, I recommend purchasing a rapid test kit to confirm your status; if the result is negative, the likelihood of infection is low. Thank you for your inquiry.[Read More] Understanding Throat Discomfort After Deep Kissing: Causes and Concerns
Signs and Solutions for Insects in the Ear: What to Know
Suspected insect intrusion in the ear? Hello, doctor. This morning I suddenly felt an itch in my ear and went to the bathroom to check. I found a black bug crawling near my ear canal. I was worried it might crawl into my ear, so I tried to get rid of it, but after a long time, I ...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, most insects exhibit positive phototaxis and are not likely to move inward. Even if they do, they will encounter the eardrum and remain in the middle ear, which usually leads to inflammation and causes mild ear pain or discomfort. Therefore, unless there are symptoms, it i...[Read More] Signs and Solutions for Insects in the Ear: What to Know
Understanding Jaw Pain: When to See a Doctor for Ear and Jaw Discomfort
Please ask your question? Hello, I would like to ask the doctor about something. After waking up today, I noticed that after having breakfast, there is a slight pain when I press on the area below my right ear where it connects to my jaw. I also feel a bit of discomfort when yawn...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, the area you mentioned is where the fascia and nerves are located without the protection of bones, so it is normal to feel some pain when pressure is applied. This is a normal phenomenon. Just keep in mind a few points: 1. Have you had any fever recently? 2. Have you exper...[Read More] Understanding Jaw Pain: When to See a Doctor for Ear and Jaw Discomfort