Understanding HIV Testing and Symptoms: What You Need to Know
HIV testing issues? On March 3rd, I engaged in high-risk sexual behavior. On March 12th, I began experiencing symptoms similar to the early stages of an acute infection, with a rash resembling herpes appearing on my temples. By March 13th, I also developed rashes on my body, and ...
Dr. Liao Zhongxin Reply:
Please refer to the information from the Centers for Disease Control (CDC). If you encounter any of the above high-risk situations, you can visit a nearby medical facility for consultation and testing, or you may also perform a rapid test on your own.[Read More] Understanding HIV Testing and Symptoms: What You Need to Know
Can Wearing Contaminated Underwear Lead to HIV Infection?
Transmission route (wound) If underwear contaminated with HIV-infected bodily fluids is worn unknowingly, and there is an open wound on the male genitalia, there is a potential risk of HIV transmission if the contaminated underwear comes into contact with the wound.
Dr. Liao Zhongxin Reply:
If exposed for more than 10 minutes, the HIV virus will die, so it is important to take good care of wounds and maintain personal hygiene to prevent the transmission of sexually transmitted infections.[Read More] Can Wearing Contaminated Underwear Lead to HIV Infection?
Understanding Thyroid Nodules: Treatment, Diet, and Long-Term Care
Could you please clarify your question? Dear Doctor, I underwent a thyroid ultrasound and a fine needle aspiration biopsy, which revealed nodules measuring 1.1 cm and 1.4 cm on each side of the thyroid, and the biopsy results were benign. I was prescribed two medications: 1. Prop...
Dr. Li Jian Reply:
If thyroid function is normal, it may be considered unnecessary to take thyroid hormones or to avoid iodine. Thank you for your inquiry.[Read More] Understanding Thyroid Nodules: Treatment, Diet, and Long-Term Care
Understanding Chronic Pyelonephritis: Causes, Symptoms, and Risks
Chronic pyelonephritis Hello, Doctor: Three years ago, I had acute pyelonephritis (with high fever and severe pain) but did not get hospitalized for intravenous antibiotics; I only took the oral antibiotics prescribed by my doctor for 7 days. During that time, I had irregular fol...
Dr. Zhang Shixin Reply:
Hello Ms. Chen: 1. Chronic pyelonephritis is usually caused by recurrent acute infections. If a child has repeated urinary tract infections along with congenital issues (such as vesicoureteral reflux or renal hypoplasia), they are more likely to develop this condition. 2. A uri...[Read More] Understanding Chronic Pyelonephritis: Causes, Symptoms, and Risks
Understanding Skin Rashes and Positive ANA: What You Need to Know
Rash and ANA positive at 1:80? Hello Doctor, I would like to ask about some recent developments. I have noticed three new red spots on the skin of my right cheek. Upon closer inspection, they seem to resemble either subcutaneous bleeding or pigmentation, but they are neither pain...
Dr. Gao Jiankai Reply:
Hello, thank you for your questions. Here are my responses: 1. Should I be concerned about my ANA test results? Does a change from negative to positive indicate that my health is deteriorating? --> Since the value is still quite low (80) and within an acceptable range, I reco...[Read More] Understanding Skin Rashes and Positive ANA: What You Need to Know
Can Drinking Fish Tank Water Cause Parasite Infections in Toddlers?
Can a one-year-old child get a parasitic infection from drinking aquarium water? Hello, doctor. My child accidentally drank water from an outdoor fish tank. Although I pulled her away from the water's surface immediately and rinsed her mouth with tap water, today is the thir...
Dr. Lin Wufu Reply:
Hello, the likelihood of contracting parasites from a single exposure to contaminated or dirty water is quite low, and most parasites cannot reproduce within the human body. Therefore, even if one ingests one or two parasites, it is unlikely to cause any significant health effect...[Read More] Can Drinking Fish Tank Water Cause Parasite Infections in Toddlers?
Understanding Persistent Skin Rashes: Possible Immune System Disorders
Red rashes on the back, posterior legs, arms, and anterior chest, with itching at night that makes it impossible to sleep, and some areas of skin peeling? Since January 2024, the patient has been experiencing symptoms and has visited three clinics where eczema or urticaria was su...
Dr. Zeng Guosen Reply:
The skin condition described by the netizen seems to be unrelated to the positive antinuclear antibody (ANA) titer of 1:5120. There may be other autoimmune diseases involved, and it is advisable to seek further medical evaluation. It is recommended to first visit a dermatology de...[Read More] Understanding Persistent Skin Rashes: Possible Immune System Disorders
Understanding Elevated White Blood Cell Counts: When to Seek Further Evaluation
Elevated white blood cell count? Hello Doctor, I would like to ask about my condition. I have mild thalassemia and iron deficiency anemia. Recently, my blood tests have shown elevated white blood cell counts, sometimes over 100,000 and at times 110,000, but the differential white...
Dr. Zeng Guosen Reply:
The user's white blood cell count is between 10,000 and 11,000 (normal is ≤10,000), which is within a reasonable range and should not be a concern. If there are any doubts, it is advisable to consult a hematologist for further evaluation. Thank you.[Read More] Understanding Elevated White Blood Cell Counts: When to Seek Further Evaluation
Understanding Sudden Chest Pain: Causes and When to Seek Help
Chest pain? This morning, while trying to go back to sleep, I suddenly experienced a sharp pain in my heart for just a few seconds. This is the first time it has happened. However, I have been experiencing more frequent sharp pains in my right chest. Since it seems to be a chest ...
Dr. Lin Wufu Reply:
Hello, the description seems more related to muscle or nerve issues rather than the heart itself. Further evaluation is needed to determine the exact problem. It is recommended to consult with a family medicine physician, general internist, or neurologist for assessment.[Read More] Understanding Sudden Chest Pain: Causes and When to Seek Help
Does Wisdom Tooth Extraction Affect Inflammation Levels in Ankylosing Spondylitis?
Does having wisdom teeth removed surgically affect inflammation levels? Hello Dr. Tseng, I am 20 years old and a patient with ankylosing spondylitis. I had my wisdom teeth removed on February 22, and my cheeks were swollen and painful afterward. It has been 11 days since the proc...
Dr. Zeng Guosen Reply:
After surgery, swelling and pain may affect ESR/CRP levels, but unless it's severe, the impact is limited. Just inform your physician, and they will make the assessment. 2. In the case of sports injuries, such as sprains, muscle strains, or joint injuries, generally, they do...[Read More] Does Wisdom Tooth Extraction Affect Inflammation Levels in Ankylosing Spondylitis?
Understanding Blood in Stool: Causes and Solutions for IBS Symptoms
Rectal bleeding Recently, I seem to have developed irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). I often go to the bathroom two to three times a day; sometimes I have diarrhea, and other times I just pass gas without having a bowel movement. Most of the time, my stools are somewhat constipated...
Dr. Zhang Shixin Reply:
Hello: If there is bleeding when wiping the anus but no blood is found in the stool, it may be due to hemorrhoids. Contributing factors include a diet low in fiber, frequent diarrhea or constipation, prolonged sitting or standing, and irregular lifestyle habits. If there is persi...[Read More] Understanding Blood in Stool: Causes and Solutions for IBS Symptoms
Understanding ANA Test Results: Eczema and Lupus Family History
Inquiry about ANA report? Hello, doctor. Three months ago, I started experiencing a significant rash on my lower back and abdomen. I have seen dermatologists at three different hospitals, and it was ultimately diagnosed as eczema due to a family history of lupus erythematosus on ...
Dr. Zeng Guosen Reply:
After obtaining a result of 1:80(+) from the test, a direct follow-up test at 1:160 will be conducted. If the 1:160 result is negative, the report will be issued as 1:80. Generally, a result of 1:80 is not considered problematic. It is recommended to consult a rheumatologist for ...[Read More] Understanding ANA Test Results: Eczema and Lupus Family History
Understanding Proteinuria: What Your Kidney Health Tests Mean
Proteinuria testing Hello Doctor, I am 22 years old. Recently, I underwent a health check-up, and the report indicated that my glomerular filtration rate (GFR) is around 83. Is this a bit low for my age? Can drinking more water and exercising help restore it to above 100? I also ...
Dr. Zhang Shixin Reply:
Good morning! The definition of chronic kidney disease (CKD) is a glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) of less than 60 mL/min for more than three months, or the presence of proteinuria, hematuria, or structural abnormalities of the kidneys. Your eGFR is greater than 60, and there is...[Read More] Understanding Proteinuria: What Your Kidney Health Tests Mean
Does Wisdom Tooth Extraction Affect Inflammation Markers in Ankylosing Spondylitis?
Does having wisdom teeth removed through surgery affect inflammation levels? Hello, Director Gao. I am 20 years old and a patient with ankylosing spondylitis. I had my wisdom teeth extracted on February 22. After the extraction, my cheek was swollen and painful. It has been 10 da...
Dr. Gao Jiankai Reply:
Hello, thank you for your question. Here are my responses: 1) My appointment on March 8th is for a quarterly follow-up with the rheumatology department, where I will have blood drawn for monitoring. Should I wait until the swelling and pain in my mouth completely subside before ...[Read More] Does Wisdom Tooth Extraction Affect Inflammation Markers in Ankylosing Spondylitis?
Understanding Low-Grade Dysplasia: What It Means for Your Health
Low-grade dysplasia refers to a condition where there are abnormal changes in the cells of a tissue, but these changes are not severe enough to be classified as cancer. It is Hello Dr. Cheng: During the Lunar New Year, I suddenly experienced abdominal pain (just above the navel),...
Dr. Zhang Shixin Reply:
Hello Mr. Hsieh: Low-grade dysplasia refers to a stage where cells exhibit abnormal proliferation but have not yet transformed into cancer cells. The causes of abnormal proliferation may be related to environmental factors (such as Helicobacter pylori, high salt or pickled diets,...[Read More] Understanding Low-Grade Dysplasia: What It Means for Your Health
Understanding Urticaria Linked to Thyroid Hormone Medications
Thyroid hormone medication can cause urticaria? Hello, doctor! I had my thyroid removed many years ago, so I have been taking thyroid hormone for years. My current dosage is one Eltroxin 100 mcg tablet per day. In recent years, I have frequently experienced hives, and I am unsure...
Dr. Li Jian Reply:
There are other thyroid hormones available, but if thyroid function is normal, urticaria caused by thyroid hormones is rare. Thank you for your inquiry.[Read More] Understanding Urticaria Linked to Thyroid Hormone Medications
Probiotics for Dialysis Patients: Benefits and Considerations
Patients on dialysis taking kidney-protective probiotics? My father has been a dialysis patient for many years due to uremia. He has always enjoyed various health supplements, and he continues to do so after starting dialysis. Recently, he has seen advertisements for kidney-prote...
Dr. Li Jian Reply:
Patients on dialysis who take probiotics may not see significant effects; it is sufficient to follow a diet plan provided by a nutritionist. Thank you for your inquiry.[Read More] Probiotics for Dialysis Patients: Benefits and Considerations
Do You Need to Fast for Uric Acid Tests? Understanding Urine Odor Changes
Is fasting required for uric acid testing? Hello, Doctor Gao: I have the following questions: 1. For a simple uric acid test without any other tests, is fasting required? 2. Over the past year, I have noticed that my urine has a different smell, resembling onion water, every time...
Dr. Gao Jiankai Reply:
Hello, thank you for your question. Here are my responses: 1. Is fasting required for a simple uric acid test without any other tests? --> Fasting is not necessary for measuring uric acid levels in the blood. 2. Over the past year, I have noticed that my urine has a differe...[Read More] Do You Need to Fast for Uric Acid Tests? Understanding Urine Odor Changes
Can You Get HIV from Using a Thermometer After an Infected Patient?
Transmission routes of HIV (ear thermometer) If the previous patient was an HIV-positive individual and used an ear thermometer that came into contact with a wound or blood, and then I subsequently used the same ear thermometer on myself while having a wound in the same area, wou...
Dr. Liao Zhongxin Reply:
1. Theoretically, it should not be transmitted; the transmission routes for HIV include unprotected sexual intercourse, improper blood transfusions, and transmission from an HIV-positive mother during regular prenatal check-ups. 2. Generally, routine physical examinations and c...[Read More] Can You Get HIV from Using a Thermometer After an Infected Patient?
Can Sneezing Too Hard Cause Chest Pain After COVID-19?
Sneezing after diagnosis? Hello, I would like to consult a doctor. I was diagnosed with COVID-19 for the second time during the New Year. I took cold medicine and traditional Chinese medicine, and I no longer have yellow phlegm or a sore throat. However, after sneezing quite forc...
Dr. Liao Zhongxin Reply:
1. After a typical COVID-19 infection, a dry cough and decreased appetite may persist for one to two weeks, gradually improving over time. 2. If the cough and chest pain continue, or if there is hemoptysis, it is advisable to visit a healthcare facility to check for possible se...[Read More] Can Sneezing Too Hard Cause Chest Pain After COVID-19?