Ear, Internal Medicine FAQ - Page 5

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Challenging Cases of Severe Hypokalemia: When Potassium Supplements Fail

Severe hypokalemia that cannot be corrected? My mother suffers from severe hypokalemia, with potassium levels ranging from about 1.7 to 1.9 when stable, and dropping to as low as 1.4 during severe episodes. She takes potassium tablets daily, with the hospital prescribing up to 60...


Dr. Huang Yaoxuan Reply:
You can visit the outpatient clinic for a detailed assessment and examination.

[Read More] Challenging Cases of Severe Hypokalemia: When Potassium Supplements Fail


Severe Mosquito Bites: Swelling, Numbness, and Seeking Solutions

Outdoor mosquito bites causing significant swelling and limb numbness? Hello, since I was 23 years old, I have been experiencing a problem for five years where mosquito bites in outdoor areas (such as parks or campuses with plants or ponds) cause intense itching and significant s...


Dr. Gao Jiankai Reply:
Hello, thank you for your inquiry. You may first consult the Department of Allergy and Immunology. If you are seeking assistance specifically for excessive allergic reactions to insects, including mosquitoes, you can visit the Allergy and Immunology Department at Taichung Veteran...

[Read More] Severe Mosquito Bites: Swelling, Numbness, and Seeking Solutions


Does Ankylosing Spondylitis Slow Down Recovery from Injuries?

Does ankylosing spondylitis cause slower resolution of swelling from injuries? Hello Doctor: Last year, I had a minor motorcycle accident and developed a lump on my calf. I applied ice and then heat to the area. A classmate who was riding with me also sustained an injury, and his...


Dr. Zeng Guosen Reply:
Individuals with ankylosing spondylitis do not experience slower resolution of swelling from injuries or surgeries, unless they are taking certain medications or have personal factors involved. Thank you for your question.

[Read More] Does Ankylosing Spondylitis Slow Down Recovery from Injuries?


Persistent Dizziness: Understanding Causes and Seeking Solutions

Dizziness and lightheadedness? I have been experiencing dizziness for some reason lately, and it has persisted for a week. I visited an otolaryngologist last week and took medication, but the issue has not improved. It doesn't seem to be a cold. I have a habit of practicing ...


Dr. Xie Rongyuan Reply:
Hello: If the dizziness does not improve, further examination is necessary to determine the cause. It could be an issue with the vestibular system of the inner ear, or it may be due to conditions such as benign paroxysmal positional vertigo (BPPV), Meniere's disease, brain t...

[Read More] Persistent Dizziness: Understanding Causes and Seeking Solutions


Accidental Contact with Dried Blood: Safety Measures and Concerns

The lips came into contact with what appeared to be dried blood or other substances on the glove? During work, if you accidentally touched your lower lip with fingers that had dried red blood or other substances on your gloves, and you immediately wiped it with alcohol upon reali...


Dr. Liao Zhongxin Reply:
First, according to the data from the Centers for Disease Control, there are three main routes of HIV transmission: 1. Sexual transmission: Engaging in oral, anal, or vaginal intercourse without a condom with an HIV-infected individual or exchanging other bodily fluids poses a ri...

[Read More] Accidental Contact with Dried Blood: Safety Measures and Concerns


Risk of HIV Transmission from Contaminated Toilet Paper: What You Need to Know

Blood-stained toilet paper in public restrooms? Hello doctor, after using the restroom in a public toilet, I noticed that the nearby roll of toilet paper had quite a bit of fresh blood on it, which appeared to be bright red and likely not dried yet. When I removed the toilet pape...


Dr. Liao Zhongxin Reply:
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) data, there are three main transmission routes for the Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV): 1. Sexual transmission: Engaging in oral, anal, or vaginal intercourse without a condom with an HIV-infected individual or ...

[Read More] Risk of HIV Transmission from Contaminated Toilet Paper: What You Need to Know


Understanding Soft Stool: Parasite Infection or Medication Side Effects?

Parasitic infection Hello Dr. Lin, I experienced a mental health crisis in April 2021. To avoid being forcibly taken to a hospital by my family, I hid in a public restroom at a temple. During that time, I completely lost my rationality and felt excessively thirsty. Believing I ha...


Dr. Lin Wufu Reply:
Hello: Theoretically, for the toilet water in a public restroom to contain parasites, it would require that a person who had feces with parasites used the toilet just before. Additionally, parasites cannot survive outside the human body for an extended period, so the likelihood o...

[Read More] Understanding Soft Stool: Parasite Infection or Medication Side Effects?


Understanding HIV Testing: Reliability of Oral Swab Results After High-Risk Behavior

HIV testing issues Hello Doctor, I had a high-risk sexual encounter on October 16, and I used the OraQuick saliva rapid test on April 1 of the following year (about five and a half months later), with a negative result. I would like to know if I can trust this result and if I can...


Dr. Gao Jiankai Reply:
Hello, thank you for your inquiry. Currently, questions related to HIV/AIDS fall under the specialty of infectious diseases, so please consult an infectious disease physician. The Allergy, Immunology, and Rheumatology Department of Changhua Hospital, Ministry of Health and Welfar...

[Read More] Understanding HIV Testing: Reliability of Oral Swab Results After High-Risk Behavior


Understanding Abnormal Complement Tests and Their Link to Immune Disorders

Complement test abnormalities in autoimmune diseases? Hello Doctor: Recently, I have been experiencing symptoms resembling urticaria, and I underwent an examination at the rheumatology and immunology department. The test results showed abnormalities: CH50 Assay: 40.7, C3: 74.3, C...


Dr. Gao Jiankai Reply:
Hello, thank you for your inquiry. Here are my responses: 1. Is there a possibility of SLE (Systemic Lupus Erythematosus)? --> Based on the information currently provided, the likelihood remains low. 2. Is there a possibility that the immune system is already compromised? -...

[Read More] Understanding Abnormal Complement Tests and Their Link to Immune Disorders


Concerns About Infection Risks: Understanding Transmission Routes

Infection risk inquiry? Hello Doctor, I would like to ask two questions. I came to Shanghai with my family, and today while eating, I accidentally drank from a cup that seemed to have some mucus or phlegm in it. I didn't swallow it, but it felt very unpleasant. I would like ...


Dr. Lin Wufu Reply:
1. Drinking mucus or saliva is generally destroyed by stomach acid, so it does not pose a significant risk of contracting any specific infectious disease. Of course, some viruses can be transmitted through saliva, so there is still a certain risk of infection. However, most virus...

[Read More] Concerns About Infection Risks: Understanding Transmission Routes


Understanding Mitral Valve Prolapse: Symptoms and Diagnosis Explained

Mitral valve prolapse Doctor, is my report normal? Is the difficulty in breathing, chest tightness, and dizziness caused by mitral valve prolapse? AO 27 mm (normal range 20-37) IVS 7 mm (normal range 7-10) LVEF M 70.8% AV 16 mm (normal range 16-26) LVPW 7 mm (normal ran...


Dr. Xie Rongyuan Reply:
Hello: Mild mitral regurgitation (MR) and tricuspid regurgitation (TR) are abnormal findings. If there are any concerns, you should consult a cardiologist. Thank you for your message!

[Read More] Understanding Mitral Valve Prolapse: Symptoms and Diagnosis Explained


Concerns About Parasite Infection After Stepping on a Snail

Stepping on a snail raises concerns about parasitic infections? Hello, Doctor. I accidentally stepped on a snail at my doorstep and only realized it after entering the house. I wiped my shoes and the entrance area that day, and I disposed of the shoes two days later. What additio...


Dr. Liao Zhongxin Reply:
The parasitic infection in snails, particularly caused by Angiostrongylus cantonensis, is noteworthy; however, it typically leads to eosinophilic meningitis only when consumed raw and in large quantities. Generally, cooking the snails thoroughly and avoiding raw consumption makes...

[Read More] Concerns About Parasite Infection After Stepping on a Snail


Understanding Autoimmune Thyroid Disease: Key Questions and Insights

Please provide guidance on the administration method for Suotexin? Hello Doctor: The results of the thyroid ultrasound are as follows: Examination report: Findings: The thyroid measures 5.29 x 1.69 x 1.98 cm in the right lobe and 3.09 x 1.43 x 1.91 cm in the left lobe. The overal...


Dr. Lin Jianliang Reply:
Hello Eason: 1. The antibodies representing the thyroid are the cause of your autoimmune thyroid disease; there are many causes of cancer, and one cannot rely solely on certain data. 2. The ultrasound images of the thyroid are consistent with autoimmune thyroid disease. 3. The ca...

[Read More] Understanding Autoimmune Thyroid Disease: Key Questions and Insights


Understanding ANA Test Results: What Does a 1:80 Titer Mean?

Antinuclear antibodies (ANA) 1. The ANA (antinuclear antibody) test result of 1:80 indicates a low level of antibodies present in your system. While your previous result was negative, the current result suggests that there may be some level of antibodies, but it is still consider...


Dr. Gao Jiankai Reply:
Hello, thank you for your inquiry. Here are my responses: 1. If two years ago the result was NEGATIVE and now it is 1:80X(-), does this indicate that there are some antibodies present in the body? --> Yes, it indicates that there has been an increase in antibodies. 2. Previ...

[Read More] Understanding ANA Test Results: What Does a 1:80 Titer Mean?


Understanding Your Blood Sugar Levels: Do You Have Diabetic Dermopathy?

Is it a diabetic spot? Hello Doctor, my BMI is 21. I have been consistently engaging in aerobic exercise and maintaining a healthy diet, but I have been troubled by diabetes issues recently. At the end of February this year, my fasting blood glucose was 89, but by the end of Marc...


Dr. Li Jian Reply:
Currently, blood sugar levels are normal. Regarding skin lesions, you can consult a dermatologist. Thank you for your inquiry.

[Read More] Understanding Your Blood Sugar Levels: Do You Have Diabetic Dermopathy?


Understanding the Diagnostic Process for Arthritis: Key Considerations and Timeline

What should be noted and considered during the diagnostic process? How long does the diagnostic process typically take? Is it possible that it could be another non-autoimmune disease? Hello, Doctor Gao. I have been experiencing symptoms of arthritis for the past three weeks, incl...


Dr. Gao Jiankai Reply:
Hello, thank you for your question. I believe you can undergo an anti-CCP test, which you can discuss with your physician, as it relates to prognosis and future changes in your condition. If these tests return normal results, although you still experience joint pain, the severity...

[Read More] Understanding the Diagnostic Process for Arthritis: Key Considerations and Timeline


Understanding Medications for Ankylosing Spondylitis and Related Symptoms

Regarding medications for ankylosing spondylitis? Hello, doctor. I have been experiencing geographic tongue for over three years now. I have been taking two Sertraline tablets in the morning and evening, and one Pantoprazole tablet in the morning, along with medications for gastr...


Dr. Gao Jiankai Reply:
Hello, thank you for your question. Here are my responses: 1. I have noticed that many patients with ankylosing spondylitis (AS) experience issues with tongue ulcers. Is this related to salazopyridine (Salsalate)? (Because when I first developed geographic tongue over three year...

[Read More] Understanding Medications for Ankylosing Spondylitis and Related Symptoms


Managing Mycoplasma Infection: Treatment Duration and Medication Guidance

Medication issues related to suspected Mycoplasma infections? Hello Dr. Liao, I started experiencing symptoms of a sore throat, itching, and coughing on March 19 while in mainland China. Due to potential exposure to a Mycoplasma infection, I sought medical attention after retur...


Dr. Liao Zhongxin Reply:
According to the recommendations from the Centers for Disease Control in Taiwan: 1. The drug of choice for Mycoplasma pneumoniae is not erythromycin, but rather macrolide antibiotics. Alternative medications include fluoroquinolone antibiotics or tetracycline antibiotics. Gener...

[Read More] Managing Mycoplasma Infection: Treatment Duration and Medication Guidance


Understanding HIV and HPV Risks: PEP Efficacy and Autoimmune Concerns

HIV infection HPV infection Hello, Doctor. I have a question. After performing oral sex on a woman, I noticed small red spots on my abdomen two days later, which made me very anxious. I quickly went to a clinic and had a blood test for HIV, which came back negative. I started tak...


Dr. Liao Zhongxin Reply:
First, let's look at the information about HIV: The HIV virus has three main transmission routes: 1. Sexual transmission: Engaging in oral, anal, or vaginal intercourse without a condom with an HIV-infected individual or exchanging other bodily fluids carries a risk of infec...

[Read More] Understanding HIV and HPV Risks: PEP Efficacy and Autoimmune Concerns


Understanding Hypoglycemia: Causes, Diagnosis, and Treatment Options

Hypoglycemia Report [Radioimmunoassay Nuclear Medicine Test] Hypoglycemia Report Date: 01/08/2021 [Thyroglobulin] 25.51 ng/ml [hGH] 11.13 ng/ml [C-Peptide] 1.01 ng/ml [Insulin] 2.52 uIU/ml [Cortisol] 15.35 (17:39) µg/dl [Free T4] 1.06 ng/ml [TSH] 2.44 uIU/ml [Ab-T...


Dr. Lin Jianliang Reply:
Hello: 1. The above report cannot determine whether it is hypoglycemia or type 1 diabetes; it seems to be looking for causes of hypoglycemia. 2. In the early or pre-stage of diabetes, due to abnormal insulin secretion in the body, postprandial hypoglycemia may occur. The assessme...

[Read More] Understanding Hypoglycemia: Causes, Diagnosis, and Treatment Options


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