Injury from Ampoule Breakage: Assessing Infection Risks for Pharmacists
Injury from an ampoule breakage? I am a pharmacist responsible for collecting used controlled substance vials from the wards. Today, I noticed that the bag used for collection was damaged, and an ampoule broke, causing a cut on my finger. I immediately squeezed the wound to expel...
Dr. Lin Wufu Reply:
If the medication bottle has not come into contact with anyone else's blood or bodily fluids, theoretically, it should not transmit any infectious diseases (since there is no source of infection). However, bacteria can still be present on the bottle, so caution is still need...[Read More] Injury from Ampoule Breakage: Assessing Infection Risks for Pharmacists
Understanding Rheumatoid Arthritis: Symptoms and Diagnostic Insights
Rheumatoid Arthritis? Hello, doctor. I tend to worry a lot about my health. Following my last examination, the results showed positive cryoglobulin test IgM (1+), positive fibrinogen RF 13.92 (normal range 0-6), Anti-CCP <4.6 (normal range 0-20), and E.C.P 38.8 (normal range 0...
Dr. Gao Jiankai Reply:
Hello, thank you for your question. Based on your symptoms, I don't believe it resembles rheumatoid arthritis. Firstly, your rheumatoid factor (RF) is not significantly elevated, and your anti-cyclic citrullinated peptide (anti-CCP) levels are normal. Additionally, your symp...[Read More] Understanding Rheumatoid Arthritis: Symptoms and Diagnostic Insights
Understanding Rheumatoid Arthritis: Anxiety and Joint Pain Connection
Rheumatoid Arthritis Hello, Doctor. I have a tendency towards anxiety and hypochondria. Last October, I visited a doctor because my fingers would stiffen when I was nervous, and I often experienced joint pain. Initially, I consulted a neurosurgeon who examined me and suggested th...
Dr. Gao Jiankai Reply:
Hello, thank you for your inquiry. Here are my responses: 1. Can the test results change from normal to abnormal after six months? --> Yes, changes may occur. 2. Does the doctor think it's necessary for me to see a rheumatologist again? --> Your symptoms are mild, s...[Read More] Understanding Rheumatoid Arthritis: Anxiety and Joint Pain Connection
Understanding Positive Cold Agglutinins and Fibrinogen in Immune Disorders
Autoimmune diseases Hello, doctor. Recently, blood tests revealed cold agglutinin IgM (1+) and another positive result for cold fibrinogen. I do not have hepatitis B or C, and my ALT and AST levels are normal. An abdominal MRI last June was normal, and an abdominal ultrasound in ...
Dr. Gao Jiankai Reply:
Hello, thank you for your inquiry. Nasal mucosal bleeding is likely unrelated to cryoglobulinemia, so there is no need to worry. I still recommend regular follow-ups with a gastroenterologist, including monitoring for fatty liver and viral hepatitis. The Allergy, Immunology, and ...[Read More] Understanding Positive Cold Agglutinins and Fibrinogen in Immune Disorders
Understanding Cryptococcus Infection Risks and Testing Options
Cryptococcal infection issues Hello doctor, two days ago while riding my motorcycle, I suddenly felt something drop onto my lower lip. I immediately wiped it off with my finger and discovered it was a yellow substance. My belongings were also contaminated with a small drop of yel...
Dr. Lin Wufu Reply:
Hello, Cryptococcus is not only found in pigeon droppings; it can also be present on many plants in the environment. In most cases, inhaling Cryptococcus does not lead to infection. The likelihood of contracting a Cryptococcus infection is higher when one's immune system is ...[Read More] Understanding Cryptococcus Infection Risks and Testing Options
Risk of HIV Infection from Needle Stick Injuries: What You Need to Know
Needle stick injury from HIV? If a finger is punctured by a needle that has been contaminated with HIV-infected blood, is there a risk of HIV infection?
Dr. Liao Zhongxin Reply:
According to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) in Taiwan, 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 a risk of infection. B...[Read More] Risk of HIV Infection from Needle Stick Injuries: What You Need to Know
Assessing Blood Infection Risks After Accidental Cut in Hospital
Risk of blood infection from being cut by scissors used by a nurse in the hospital? Hello Doctor: A few months ago, my child was hospitalized for pneumonia for 5 days. On the day of discharge, while the nurse was removing the IV bandage, she accidentally cut my child's littl...
Dr. Liao Zhongxin Reply:
According to the Centers for Disease Control data, there are three main routes of transmission for the Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV): 1. Sexual Transmission: Engaging in oral, anal, or vaginal intercourse, or any exchange of bodily fluids with an HIV-infected individual po...[Read More] Assessing Blood Infection Risks After Accidental Cut in Hospital
Understanding Rheumatoid Factor: Implications for Your Health
Rheumatoid arthritis factor Hello, doctor. I am a patient with ulcerative colitis, and my intestinal mucosa has recovered. Recently, after being diagnosed with COVID-19, I developed skin vasculitis on my calves. I went to the hospital for examination and blood tests, and the vasc...
Dr. Gao Jiankai Reply:
Hello, thank you for your inquiry. Although the RF-IgM value is somewhat elevated, it is not significantly high. We generally consider values exceeding four times the upper limit of normal to be more meaningful. Therefore, if you only have the symptoms mentioned in your text, I r...[Read More] Understanding Rheumatoid Factor: Implications for Your Health
Understanding Rheumatoid Arthritis Symptoms: A Patient's Journey
Rheumatoid Arthritis Hello, doctor. I would like to inquire about the symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis. At the beginning of this year, I started experiencing pain in my knee joint and consulted a rheumatologist who performed a physical examination and said everything was fine. La...
Dr. Gao Jiankai Reply:
Hello, thank you for your question. I believe that after the onset of joint symptoms followed by neurological symptoms, it is advisable to: 1. Return to the rheumatology department for a reevaluation by the physician. Rheumatic diseases can present with both joint and neurologica...[Read More] Understanding Rheumatoid Arthritis Symptoms: A Patient's Journey
Understanding Finger Joint Pain: Causes, Diagnosis, and Treatment Options
Finger joint pain This year, I suddenly experienced pain in the second joint of my right middle finger, so I went to the hospital to see an orthopedic doctor. After an X-ray, the doctor said there was no issue and prescribed anti-inflammatory medication, but there was no improvem...
Dr. Gao Jiankai Reply:
Hello, thank you for your inquiry. It is recommended to follow up with the rheumatology outpatient clinic. Some types of arthritis cannot be diagnosed with just one visit; they require observation over a period of time, and blood tests may need to be repeated if necessary. Additi...[Read More] Understanding Finger Joint Pain: Causes, Diagnosis, and Treatment Options
Can You Contract HIV from Shared Bowling Balls and Open Wounds?
HIV can be transmitted through direct contact with the blood of an infected person, especially if there are open wounds? On June 13, I went bowling with friends, and the balls were shared. There were many people using the same lane, including strangers, and there were very few ba...
Dr. Liao Zhongxin Reply:
1. The HIV virus generally dies outside the human body within ten minutes and no longer poses a risk of transmission. 2. If you have further questions, you can visit a nearby medical facility for additional consultation and testing.[Read More] Can You Contract HIV from Shared Bowling Balls and Open Wounds?
Understanding Hand Rash: Possible Causes and Concerns for Travelers
Inquire about hand issues? Hello Doctor, I am currently on a business trip in Indonesia. Three days ago, I suddenly noticed a rash on the palm of my right hand, but it diminished by the evening and was gone the next day. I recall that during those three days, I was frequently usi...
Dr. Liao Zhongxin Reply:
1. First, consider whether there have been any heavy objects or sharp items that may have left marks. 2. Additionally, assess whether the environment is clean and well-ventilated, or if it has not been cleaned for a long time, which could lead to bites from rodents or insects. 3....[Read More] Understanding Hand Rash: Possible Causes and Concerns for Travelers
Medication Consultation for Persistent Skin Allergies and Joint Concerns
Rheumatoid Arthritis Medication Consultation I have been suffering from skin allergies for over six months, with daily recurrences upon waking up. I believe it is dyshidrotic eczema, but it is very deep and extremely itchy. The outer layer has scabbed over while the inside contin...
Dr. Gao Jiankai Reply:
Hello, thank you for your question. We often use chloroquine in patients with early immune dysfunction or rheumatic diseases. Although you only have allergic symptoms, the elevated ANA antibody levels may lead your physician to be concerned that the cause of your dyshidrosis is n...[Read More] Medication Consultation for Persistent Skin Allergies and Joint Concerns
Understanding Lupus Symptoms: Differentiating Between Disease and Injury
Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) Hello Doctor, I was diagnosed with lupus at the age of 18, and until this year, I was taking two quinine tablets a day. However, this year my doctor informed me that my urine protein UPCR increased from below 200 to 500, and my CRP was 0.19. As ...
Dr. Gao Jiankai Reply:
Hello, thank you for your question. Most immune system issues, including lupus, often present with joint symptoms, which is why patients are monitored in rheumatology. For mild joint symptoms, we manage them with anti-inflammatory pain relievers, including Celecoxib. Celecoxib is...[Read More] Understanding Lupus Symptoms: Differentiating Between Disease and Injury
Assessing Severity: Understanding Your Joint Pain and Treatment Options
Mild or severe? Mild or severe? Celebrex (celecoxib) 200 mg, taken once in the morning and once in the evening, has become ineffective. Currently, I am experiencing pain in my knee joints, temporomandibular joints, finger joints, and both shoulder joints. I have difficulty squatt...
Dr. Zeng Guosen Reply:
There are many differential diagnoses for joint pain. If the symptoms persist and the response to medication is poor, it is advisable to return for a follow-up appointment sooner rather than waiting for 28 days. Thank you.[Read More] Assessing Severity: Understanding Your Joint Pain and Treatment Options
Assessing HIV Infection Risks After Contact with a Sex Worker
Concerned about the risk of HIV infection? On April 29, I had contact with a sex worker, and there was no unsafe sexual behavior throughout the encounter. 1. The other party performed manual stimulation on me (using lubricant), and after ejaculation, they wiped with tissue. Is th...
Dr. Liao Zhongxin Reply:
1. It is not considered a high-risk behavior; simply consult and follow up with a nearby medical facility. 2. If you still have concerns, please adhere to safe sexual practices and avoid sharing drugs.[Read More] Assessing HIV Infection Risks After Contact with a Sex Worker
Understanding Medication Concerns for Ankylosing Spondylitis: Celebrex vs. Salazopyrine
Medication-related issues in ankylosing spondylitis? Hello, doctor. I am #191897. 1. During my previous visit, I asked the doctor about the medication Celebrex (celecoxib). The doctor believed that my condition was not severe enough to require the use of Salazopyrin (sulfasalaz...
Dr. Gao Jiankai Reply:
Hello, thank you for your inquiry. Here are my responses: 1. When I previously consulted with my doctor regarding the use of Salazopyrin (Salar), the doctor believed that my condition was not severe enough to warrant its use, so I was prescribed Celebrex instead. However, I am a...[Read More] Understanding Medication Concerns for Ankylosing Spondylitis: Celebrex vs. Salazopyrine
Understanding HPV Recurrence: Concerns and Vaccination Benefits
Regarding the recurrence rate of HPV? Hello, Doctor. About six years ago, I had genital warts in my anal area due to my reckless youth. At that time, I underwent treatment with electrocautery and topical medications. I experienced severe itching at night, but over the years, alth...
Dr. Liao Zhongxin Reply:
1. First of all, it is not easy to completely cure genital warts; safe sexual practices and contact isolation are necessary. 2. The optimal timing for administering the HPV vaccine is before the onset of sexual activity; however, young men and women who are currently sexually act...[Read More] Understanding HPV Recurrence: Concerns and Vaccination Benefits
Dog Bite Concerns: Do You Need Rabies and Tetanus Vaccines?
Bitten by my own dog? Hello Doctor, I would like to ask four questions: 1. I was bitten on my finger by my dog around midnight on April 13. The bite site is shown in the photos linked here. There was no bleeding, and I'm not sure if there are other bite marks. My dog is tw...
Dr. Lin Wufu Reply:
Hello, it is recommended to go to the hospital for wound treatment and evaluation if bitten! Online consultations cannot replace in-person examinations and assessments. 1. No, if bitten by a domestic dog, rabies vaccination is not necessary. 2. Any deep wound carries a risk; i...[Read More] Dog Bite Concerns: Do You Need Rabies and Tetanus Vaccines?
Assessing Infection Risks from Handling Contaminated Clothing
Is there a risk of infection? On April 6, I helped a patient wash underwear stained with menstrual blood. I had several small wounds on my hands (including cuts from finger flesh and mosquito bites). The patient has a history of genital warts, so I am uncertain about their health...
Dr. Liao Zhongxin Reply:
1. In principle, healthcare personnel should not have direct contact with patients' blood, body fluids, or wounds without gloves; they should wear gloves while performing procedures. 2. If there is accidental contact with an infectious wound, remember to first wash it thor...[Read More] Assessing Infection Risks from Handling Contaminated Clothing