Understanding Rabies Transmission Risks and Vaccination Concerns
Transmission routes of rabies? Hello Doctor, on April 1st, I went to Xitou with a friend. On the way, I felt like something dripped on my hand, but I didn't think much of it at the time. After about an hour, while having a meal, I remembered that this area might be a rabies-...
Dr. Liao Zhongxin Reply:
Dear readers, 1. First, refer to the explanation from the Centers for Disease Control: Transmission methods: (1) Animals infected with rabies have the virus in their saliva, which can enter the human body through bites or scratches (occasionally through skin wounds or mucous mem...[Read More] Understanding Rabies Transmission Risks and Vaccination Concerns
Understanding Pain in Vasculitis: Insights for Lupus Patients
Vasculitis pain sensation Dear Dr. Tseng, I am a patient with systemic lupus erythematosus, and I have vasculitis in my fingers and toes. Initially, the vasculitis on my fingers appeared red and slightly raised, and it was usually not painful, only causing a tingling sensation w...
Dr. Zeng Guosen Reply:
Hello, it is possible that vasculitis is causing your sensory abnormalities. Whether to adjust your medication should be determined after a follow-up visit with your physician. Thank you for your question.[Read More] Understanding Pain in Vasculitis: Insights for Lupus Patients
Understanding Chest Pain: When to Seek Medical Attention
Muscle pain Hello, doctor: Three days ago, I suddenly experienced pain in my right chest. It hurts when I speak forcefully, cough, and my right fingers are numb. I also have pain in my right upper arm, and bending my body forward causes more pain in my right chest. The pain worse...
Dr. Zeng Guosen Reply:
Hello, it's recommended to visit a pulmonologist for an examination. Thanks.[Read More] Understanding Chest Pain: When to Seek Medical Attention
Managing Hypothyroidism: When to Seek Medical Attention and Dietary Guidelines
Hypothyroidism I have hypothyroidism and secretly stopped taking my medication for a year. A few days ago, I visited an endocrinologist, and my thyroid levels were within the normal range. The doctor said that since I am not taking medication, I should at least return for a follo...
Dr. Li Zhiyao Reply:
Hello: 1. Symptoms of hypothyroidism include fatigue, bradycardia, weight gain, cold and swollen extremities, rough and dry skin, brittle nails, numbness in fingers, absence of sweating, hoarseness, snoring, hair loss, anemia, heavy menstrual bleeding, and loss of libido, among o...[Read More] Managing Hypothyroidism: When to Seek Medical Attention and Dietary Guidelines
Is Numbness in Your Fingers a Sign of Stroke? Understanding the Symptoms
Numbness in the fingertips? There have been several instances where I woke up in the morning with a tingling sensation in my fingertips. Could this be a symptom of a stroke?
Dr. Li Zhiyao Reply:
Hello: This is not a symptom of a stroke.[Read More] Is Numbness in Your Fingers a Sign of Stroke? Understanding the Symptoms
Can Rheumatoid Arthritis Go Undetected? Understanding the Challenges
Is it possible for rheumatoid arthritis to go undetected in tests? Hello, earlier this year my mother (born in 1971, 52 years old) has been experiencing unbearable pain in both hands, especially at night when the pain is particularly severe in her finger joints. Additionally, her...
Dr. Zeng Guosen Reply:
Hello, Ping Ping; the diagnosis of rheumatoid arthritis must consider 1. clinical joint symptoms 2. rheumatoid factor and anti-CCP antibody tests 3. inflammatory markers 4. duration of symptoms 5. imaging studies such as X-rays and ultrasound for evaluation. Joint discomfort can ...[Read More] Can Rheumatoid Arthritis Go Undetected? Understanding the Challenges
Understanding ANA 1:160 Homogeneous Pattern and Its Implications
ANA 1:160 homogeneous type Hello, Doctor Gao. My mother has a family history of immune dysfunction, and she herself has experienced immune system irregularities. Eight years ago, she began to notice unexplained joint pain, primarily affecting her right ankle and the joints of her...
Dr. Gao Jiankai Reply:
Hello, Xiao Yuan. The ANA value of 160 is slightly elevated, which requires further examination. Additionally, since you are experiencing some joint pain symptoms and lymphadenopathy, it is indeed advisable to conduct further tests on your immune function. Please prepare your lab...[Read More] Understanding ANA 1:160 Homogeneous Pattern and Its Implications
Understanding Yellowing of Hands and Fingers: When to See a Doctor
Regarding yellowing of the palms, with a single finger turning particularly yellow and experiencing numbness when exposed to cold? Hello Doctor, I am concerned about my mother's health condition, but I am unsure which medical specialty is appropriate for her symptoms. I apol...
Dr. Li Zhiyao Reply:
Hello: 1. If there are no liver or gallbladder issues and you frequently consume foods rich in carotenoids, such as papaya and carrots, then carotenoids may be the reason for the yellowing of your hands. 2. Cold weather can cause finger numbness, which may be related to blood cir...[Read More] Understanding Yellowing of Hands and Fingers: When to See a Doctor
Understanding Right Upper Abdomen Pain: Causes and Concerns
There is localized pain in the right upper abdomen that sometimes hurts when pressed with a finger? Hello, I have pain in my upper right abdomen, specifically in the area near my heart on the right side, about four fingerbreadths below my right chest. It hurts when I press with o...
Dr. Li Zhiyao Reply:
Hello Ms. Hsiao: Based on your description, it is difficult to provide any speculation or diagnosis. I recommend that you consult a hepatobiliary and gastroenterology specialist, as the right upper abdomen corresponds to the liver and gallbladder area, for a proper physical exami...[Read More] Understanding Right Upper Abdomen Pain: Causes and Concerns
Understanding Autoimmune Arthritis: Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment Options
Polyarthritis 1. I have an ASLO index of 247 (or 274?). Is this caused by genetics or an infection? My family has a history of almost all hereditary diseases, including lupus erythematosus, ankylosing spondylitis, gout, rheumatoid arthritis, kidney stones, kidney disease, stroke,...
Dr. Gao Jiankai Reply:
Hello Ms. Yang, I hope this message finds you well. Your questions are somewhat complex, and since I haven't actually seen you, many of my thoughts are merely speculation. It is best for you to discuss these matters with a physician who has examined you in person. Here are m...[Read More] Understanding Autoimmune Arthritis: Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment Options
Understanding Lower Abdominal Pain Below the Navel: Possible Causes
Just below the navel? Hello doctor, sometimes I experience pulling pain just below my navel (about four fingerbreadths down) when I exert myself, especially noticeable and painful when using the restroom. In everyday positions, if I stretch my abdominal muscles, it also hurts. Ta...
Dr. Xiao Yongxun Reply:
Common causes of lower abdominal pain: 1. Gastrointestinal system: acute gastroenteritis, appendicitis, bowel obstruction, diverticulitis, intestinal perforation, constipation, etc. 2. Urinary system: renal colic, urinary tract infection, acute urinary retention, etc. 3. Reproduc...[Read More] Understanding Lower Abdominal Pain Below the Navel: Possible Causes
Concerns About Infection Risks After Blood Draw: What You Need to Know
The phlebotomist touches the puncture site? Hello Doctor, today during the employee health check, I had a blood draw. During the process, the nurse touched the insertion site with her left index finger (while the needle was still in place), and she also used her left index finger...
Dr. Gao Jiankai Reply:
Hello, thank you for your inquiry. Since I did not witness the actual procedure, I cannot make a definitive judgment. However, I will report your concern to the hospital so that the responsible department can investigate whether there was indeed a situation where gloves were not ...[Read More] Concerns About Infection Risks After Blood Draw: What You Need to Know
Understanding Digital Rectal Exams: Safety Concerns and What to Expect
Regarding digital examination? I have to see a colorectal surgeon because of hemorrhoids, but I feel a bit scared and worried about the digital examination. I'm concerned that if the previous patient had bleeding, the next patient undergoing a digital exam could be at risk o...
Dr. Liao Zhongxin Reply:
Dear readers: 1. Is it possible to contract infectious diseases through digital examination? A. 1. If the physician changes gloves for each patient, there is no need for concern. 2. Will gloves tear? => Physicians/nurses are more concerned about this than you are. Unless l...[Read More] Understanding Digital Rectal Exams: Safety Concerns and What to Expect
Risk of Infection After Blood Draw: Should You Get Tested?
The blood draw resulted in a bruise at the puncture site? Hello doctor, during the blood draw, the nurse accidentally touched the puncture site with her index finger, and also touched it when removing the needle. She applied the cotton ball only after the needle was removed. Is t...
Dr. Liao Zhongxin Reply:
Dear readers: 1. Testing may not be necessary. 2. If you have any other questions, you can call 1922 for inquiries. by Dr. Liao[Read More] Risk of Infection After Blood Draw: Should You Get Tested?
Understanding Thumb Joint Bumps: Symptoms and Possible Causes
Thumb joint Hello Doctor: I have a small hard bump on the right side of the joint of my left thumb (near the nail), which becomes more noticeable when I bend my finger. It hurts when I press on it firmly. Is this what is referred to as gout? I have a tall and slim physique, and I...
Dr. Gao Jiankai Reply:
Dear Miss Lin, I hope this message finds you well. The protrusion at the distal interphalangeal joint may be an early sign of joint degeneration or a ganglion cyst of the finger joint, and it is unlikely to be gout. Regardless of the cause, it should not lead to significant func...[Read More] Understanding Thumb Joint Bumps: Symptoms and Possible Causes
Understanding the Link Between Injuries and Rheumatoid Arthritis Symptoms
Sprains and Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA) Hello, Doctor Gao. A while ago, I sustained an injury that resulted in some bruising on my body, and I have small hematomas at the metacarpophalangeal joints of my thumb and little finger. Since the injury was not severe, I thought that resti...
Dr. Gao Jiankai Reply:
Hello, thank you for your message. Among the possible pathogenic causes of rheumatoid arthritis (RA), there is currently no mention of trauma as a triggering factor, so there is no need to be overly concerned about this correlation. However, if the bruising has not improved after...[Read More] Understanding the Link Between Injuries and Rheumatoid Arthritis Symptoms
Understanding Neurological Imbalance: Symptoms and Next Steps
Regarding neuro imbalance? Hello Doctor: My father is 62 years old and has a history of diabetes for about 6 years, which has been well controlled. This morning (October 14), he suddenly experienced dizziness, blurred vision (only in the left eye, with double vision), nausea, and...
Dr. Cai Zonglin Reply:
Sudden onset of dizziness, blurred vision, nausea, and cold sweats may indicate hypoglycemia. If possible, checking fingertip blood glucose levels can provide confirmation; if immediate testing is not feasible, consuming sugar cubes or juice can be helpful. If there is uncontroll...[Read More] Understanding Neurological Imbalance: Symptoms and Next Steps
Chronic Abdominal Pain: Seeking Answers Beyond Gastrointestinal Issues
I'm not sure where the problem is? Hello Doctor: I have been suffering from prolonged abdominal pain for many years. Especially in the past year, I have been experiencing pain around my navel! Every morning when I wake up, it feels like a pain from coughing for a long time! ...
Dr. Lin Shunfa Reply:
Dear Butterfly, regarding your abdominal pain and bowel movement issues, you may want to consult a gastroenterologist for further evaluation and treatment.[Read More] Chronic Abdominal Pain: Seeking Answers Beyond Gastrointestinal Issues
Understanding Anti-CCP: What a Weak Positive Result Means for You
Anti-CCP, or anti-cyclic citrullinated peptide antibodies, are autoantib Hello Dr. Gao, Since the beginning of this year, I have been experiencing difficulty gripping with both hands upon waking up in the morning. My fingers, wrists, and shoulder joints are painful, and sometim...
Dr. Gao Jiankai Reply:
Hello, thank you for your question. A weakly positive anti-CCP refers to a value that is below three times the normal range, while a strongly positive result is above that threshold. In the diagnosis of rheumatoid arthritis, the confirmation relies on the total score from various...[Read More] Understanding Anti-CCP: What a Weak Positive Result Means for You
Understanding HLA-ABC Typing Results: Significance of A2, A24, B38, B46
HLA-ABC report? The HLA-ABC typing serologic results indicate the specific human leukocyte antigen (HLA) alleles present in the individual. In this case, the results show A2, A24 for the A locus and B38, B46 for the B locus. This information is significant for several reasons: ...
Dr. Gao Jiankai Reply:
Hello, HLA stands for Human Leukocyte Antigen, which is an abbreviation for the last word in the phrase. HLA molecules are extracellular characteristics, and all cells within the same individual express the same HLA profile, serving as a cellular identification similar to a finge...[Read More] Understanding HLA-ABC Typing Results: Significance of A2, A24, B38, B46