Is It a Kidney Issue? Understanding Bladder and Urinary Symptoms
Is it a kidney problem? Hello doctor, two months ago I experienced severe symptoms of cystitis, including fever, nausea, vomiting, chills, frequent urination, and painful urination. An ultrasound revealed a benign cyst on my kidney. A few weeks ago, I experienced frequent urinati...
Dr. Wu Jiyu Reply:
Based on your inquiry, it seems that you may have a urinary tract infection. If you have completed the necessary treatment but are still experiencing discomfort, it is advisable to follow up with a urologist or nephrologist. If necessary, consider undergoing a urine culture. Addi...[Read More] Is It a Kidney Issue? Understanding Bladder and Urinary Symptoms
Understanding Thyroid Tumors: Insights on Surgery and Follow-Up Care
Thyroid tumor Hello, doctor. I have a nodule on my right side that has been monitored and aspirated, both results indicating it is benign. I found it bothersome, so I opted for surgical intervention. The doctor performed a unilateral total thyroidectomy to remove the tumor (nodul...
Dr. Xiao Yongxun Reply:
Dear Ms. Shine: 1. If a thyroid nodule appears hard and is accompanied by cervical lymphadenopathy, malignant transformation should be considered. If a long-standing goiter suddenly enlarges rapidly, accompanied by localized skin redness and fever, differentiated thyroid carcino...[Read More] Understanding Thyroid Tumors: Insights on Surgery and Follow-Up Care
Managing Acid Reflux: Symptoms, Treatment, and Diabetes Concerns
Excess stomach acid Hello, doctor. I previously underwent an endoscopy which showed that my gastrointestinal tract is generally fine, but I have gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). I have been taking Pantoprazole for a month, but I occasionally experience acid reflux, a burni...
Dr. Xiao Yongxun Reply:
Dear Mr. Ellis: 1. Nexium® (generic name: Esomeprazole) is indicated for gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). Possible side effects include abdominal pain, constipation, diarrhea, bloating, nausea, dry mouth, headache, drowsiness, allergic reactions, fever, and others. Genera...[Read More] Managing Acid Reflux: Symptoms, Treatment, and Diabetes Concerns
Understanding HIV: How to Know Your Status and Risks in Relationships
HIV Issues If neither partner has been tested for HIV, how can one know if they have contracted it? Does the body gradually become weaker? If both partners are unaware of their HIV status but believe they are not infected, can they still contract the virus through anal intercours...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Due to the window period of HIV, the initial symptoms of infection can resemble those of a cold and may go unnoticed. In fact, many individuals may not experience any discomfort for several years after infection, making it impossible to determine infection based solely on symptom...[Read More] Understanding HIV: How to Know Your Status and Risks in Relationships
Concerns About Possible Animal Bites and Rabies Risk: What to Do?
Infection issues Hello, doctor. I would like to ask you about an incident that happened last Tuesday. While I was riding my motorcycle at a speed of about 30 km/h, I suddenly felt a sharp pain near my right knee. At that moment, I didn't notice anything hitting me, and I don...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Currently, urban areas, including Chiayi City, are not considered rabies-endemic regions, and there have been fewer cases of rabies reported in mountainous areas recently, so the risk is indeed very low. Moreover, without any obvious bite wounds, the likelihood of contracting rab...[Read More] Concerns About Possible Animal Bites and Rabies Risk: What to Do?
Is It Irritable Bowel Syndrome? Understanding Your Digestive Symptoms
Is it irritable bowel syndrome? Hello, Dr. Hsiao! I would like to ask you some questions... For the past few months (over 3 months), I have been experiencing some unusual bowel habits. I have been having bowel movements 4-5 times a day, and about 10 minutes after eating, I feel t...
Dr. Xiao Yongxun Reply:
Dear Ms. Chen: 1. The diagnosis of Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) lacks effective physical examination or biochemical blood markers. It is generally accepted that abdominal pain lasting more than three months, occurring more than three days per month, along with any two of the f...[Read More] Is It Irritable Bowel Syndrome? Understanding Your Digestive Symptoms
Concerns About HIV After Unprotected Sex: What You Need to Know
Fear of contracting HIV? Hello, doctor: I had sexual intercourse with a foreign girl the day before yesterday, and her vagina accidentally bled when I used my hand. I also had a wound on my hand. After that, we had protected vaginal intercourse, but afterward, I felt dizzy and we...
Dr. Liao Zhongxin Reply:
Dear readers: Regarding the situation where I had sexual intercourse with a foreign girl, and her vagina accidentally bled due to my hand, which also had a wound, I later engaged in protected intercourse but felt dizzy and weak afterward. The next day, I continued to experience d...[Read More] Concerns About HIV After Unprotected Sex: What You Need to Know
Chronic Headaches: Seeking Relief and Solutions for Persistent Pain
Persistent headache I have been experiencing headaches for over a week, from the moment I wake up until I go to sleep, and the pain is increasing throughout the day. The pain is mostly concentrated in the left temple, radiating to my eyes and the back of my head. A few years ago,...
Dr. Xiao Yongxun Reply:
Dear Ms. Evelyn: 1. Your condition may be classified as a tension-type headache, although there could be other causes as well. Common scenarios include migraines, cluster headaches, ophthalmic disorders, colds, and headaches induced by medications or foods. A physical examinatio...[Read More] Chronic Headaches: Seeking Relief and Solutions for Persistent Pain
Concerns About HIV Transmission from Contaminated Floors and Shoes
Floor and shoe sole Hello: I work in a pathology lab where specimens often result in blood or bodily fluids dripping onto the floor. After handling specimens, I walk back to the adjacent office and am concerned that HIV in the bodily fluids on the floor could be brought back to t...
Dr. Liao Zhongxin Reply:
Dear readers, 1. The following are legally mandated infectious diseases that can be transmitted through contact: Granulomatous amoebic encephalitis, rabies, anthrax, glanders, leptospirosis, tetanus, neonatal tetanus, scabies, pediculosis, leprosy, cat scratch fever, tularemia, ...[Read More] Concerns About HIV Transmission from Contaminated Floors and Shoes
Severe Headaches and Anemia: Understanding Your Symptoms
Headache and anemia? Recently, I've been experiencing sudden headaches at night along with anemia for about three days. The headaches are so intense that it feels like my head is about to explode. It seems to be affecting my eyes as well, as my eyeballs feel a bit painful. I...
Dr. Xiao Yongxun Reply:
Dear Ms. Linda: 1. There are many causes of headaches, including migraines, tension-type headaches, cluster headaches, headaches related to head trauma, vascular headaches, non-vascular intracranial headaches, headaches caused by medications or foods, headaches related to non-he...[Read More] Severe Headaches and Anemia: Understanding Your Symptoms
Understanding Rib and Abdominal Pain: Causes and When to Seek Help
Rib and abdominal pain? Coughing causes pain at the lower rib margin, and there is also pain above and below the navel. Gastrointestinal motility has been rapid recently, and there is tenderness upon palpation, which resolves when pressure is released. Certain positions exacerbat...
Dr. Chen Jianyu Reply:
Please go to the hospital's gastroenterology department for a detailed examination. If the pain is severe, please visit the emergency department.[Read More] Understanding Rib and Abdominal Pain: Causes and When to Seek Help
Chronic Kidney Disease (Membranous): Treatment, Management, and Concerns
Chronic Kidney Disease (Membranous) Is chronic glomerulonephritis (membranous) always destined to require dialysis in the end? If treatment and management are ongoing, what should be noted in daily life? Will conditions like cold, fever, blood tests for creatinine, and albuminuri...
Dr. Wang Weijie Reply:
Hello, for membranous nephropathy (chronic nephritis), it is recommended to identify the underlying causes, manage diet, proteinuria, and blood pressure. Dialysis may not be inevitable. It is advised to follow up at a nephrology clinic for further consultation. Wishing you peace ...[Read More] Chronic Kidney Disease (Membranous): Treatment, Management, and Concerns
Understanding Abdominal Distension: Causes and Concerns for Women
The abdomen feels bloated, and there is discomfort when pressure is applied? Recently, I have noticed a sudden increase in the size of my lower abdomen. As a naturally slim woman, my abdomen used to be completely flat, but now it appears more protruded than before. When I have a ...
Dr. Xiao Yongxun Reply:
Dear Lulu: 1. There are many causes of abdominal discomfort, which are often difficult to diagnose. However, symptoms that physicians tend to pay more attention to include fever and chills, nausea and vomiting, belching and bloating, dry mouth, diarrhea, hematemesis, melena, we...[Read More] Understanding Abdominal Distension: Causes and Concerns for Women
Understanding Body Immunity After Fever: What to Expect?
Body immunity after a fever? Hello Dr. Liao, I would like to ask you a question. Generally, when we get sick, it is due to a weakened immune system that allows viruses or bacteria to invade. After becoming ill, the antibodies in the body fight against the viruses or bacteria, whi...
Dr. Liao Zhongxin Reply:
Dear readers: Regarding <Body Resistance After Fever> A: 1. Generally, healthy individuals (aged over 15 and under 65) have a more mature immune system, making them less susceptible to infections from external pathogens. Other age groups may be more prone to illness if they...[Read More] Understanding Body Immunity After Fever: What to Expect?
Managing Recurrent Urinary Tract Infections in Elderly Patients: A Guide
Urinary tract infection (UTI) Dear Dr. Wu, my grandmother is 92 years old and frequently suffers from urinary tract infections. She was previously hospitalized due to an infection that caused a fever, and the bacteria entered her bloodstream (bacteremia). After being hospitalized...
Dr. Wu Jiyu Reply:
Based on your inquiry, theoretically, the bacteremia caused by the urinary tract infection should have been resolved; otherwise, your grandmother would continue to have a fever. Regarding the urine test results from the second hospital indicating an infection index of 26-50, ther...[Read More] Managing Recurrent Urinary Tract Infections in Elderly Patients: A Guide
Risk of HIV Transmission from Unprotected Anal Sex: What You Need to Know
Engaging in unprotected anal intercourse with a male partner can increase the risk of HIV transmission. It is important to get tested and consult a healthcare professional for advice on prevention and treatment options? Hello, doctor. I am a gay man. I had anal intercourse with a...
Dr. Liao Zhongxin Reply:
Dear reader, Regarding your question about having anal intercourse with a man in the Philippines without using a condom and having an internal ejaculation, is there a risk of contracting HIV? What is the likelihood? A: (1) The known high-risk groups for HIV infection include th...[Read More] Risk of HIV Transmission from Unprotected Anal Sex: What You Need to Know
Understanding Sepsis: Recovery Insights for Patients with Diabetes and Liver Cirrhosis
Sepsis Hello, Doctor: I would like to ask you about my father, who was hospitalized two days ago due to shortness of breath and fever. The doctor said it was a bacterial infection that led to sepsis. Yesterday afternoon, he was initially going to be intubated due to respiratory d...
Dr. Liao Zhongxin Reply:
Dear readers, Regarding the doctor's diagnosis of a bacterial infection leading to sepsis, I experienced difficulty breathing yesterday afternoon and was initially scheduled for intubation. However, after the doctor urgently changed the medication, my condition improved som...[Read More] Understanding Sepsis: Recovery Insights for Patients with Diabetes and Liver Cirrhosis
Should You Get Further Tests for High White Blood Cell Count and Inflammation?
Viral infection A viral infection can cause neutrophil levels in the blood to rise to 80%. Is further examination needed? Recently, there has been inflammation of a wound in the genital area.
Dr. Liao Zhongxin Reply:
Dear readers: 1. Regarding the question, "Does a viral infection causing neutrophils to rise to 80% require further examination?" A: Generally, in viral infections such as influenza or dengue fever, the white blood cell count tends to decrease. However, if the patien...[Read More] Should You Get Further Tests for High White Blood Cell Count and Inflammation?
Understanding Lymphadenitis: Symptoms, Diagnosis, and Concerns
Strange Lymph Nodes Hello Doctor, here is the situation regarding my girlfriend: Last week, she had a severe sore throat and was diagnosed with lymphadenitis after seeing a doctor. After taking medication for a week, although the pain has subsided, she still has some swelling. Sh...
Dr. Zeng Guosen Reply:
It is highly recommended to visit an otolaryngologist for differential diagnosis. Thank you for your question.[Read More] Understanding Lymphadenitis: Symptoms, Diagnosis, and Concerns
Understanding Discrepancies Between Ear and Axillary Temperatures
Ear temperature indicates fever, while axillary temperature is normal? Hello, Dr. Tseng. I have issues with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and asthma. A couple of months ago, I might have contracted a cold, which led to an acute asthma attack, productive cough, and a high fever of 39 ...
Dr. Zeng Guosen Reply:
Hello, users: A temperature difference of 0.8-1 degree Celsius between ear temperature and axillary temperature could indicate issues related to autoimmune disorders or infections that may cause fever. Please seek medical attention for diagnosis and treatment. Thank you for your ...[Read More] Understanding Discrepancies Between Ear and Axillary Temperatures