Is Folic Acid Safe for Patients with Kidney Disease? A Doctor's Insight
Concerns about folic acid intake in kidney disease? Hello Doctor, I am a physician with renal tubular dysfunction, and my attending physician mentioned that I have a condition called Fanconi syndrome. Recently, I experienced headaches and discomfort in my legs, so I consulted a n...
Dr. Wu Jiyu Reply:
Based on your inquiry, if your folate level is only 2.5, it is indeed insufficient. Therefore, supplementing with 5 mg of folic acid once a day is just adequate and will not harm the kidneys or increase their burden. Thank you for your question. The Nephrology Department at Chang...[Read More] Is Folic Acid Safe for Patients with Kidney Disease? A Doctor's Insight
How Long Does It Take for Medications to Relieve Ankylosing Spondylitis Pain?
How long does it take for medication to be effective in treating ankylosing spondylitis? Hello Doctor: 1) For patients with ankylosing spondylitis experiencing sacroiliac joint pain, if they find relief with Celebrex (celecoxib), how long should they take it to achieve complete...
Dr. Gao Jiankai Reply:
Hello, thank you for your question. Here are my responses: 1) For patients with ankylosing spondylitis experiencing sacroiliac joint pain, if they find relief with Celebrex (celecoxib), it typically takes a few days (usually less than a week) to notice an effect. We usually mon...[Read More] How Long Does It Take for Medications to Relieve Ankylosing Spondylitis Pain?
Can I Get Vaccinated with a Sore Throat and Mild Symptoms?
Vaccine-related matters? Hello, doctor. I would like to ask about my condition. For the past few days, I have had phlegm in my throat, some mild pain, and my throat feels very dry. I also have a slight headache and chills, although my temperature has not shown a fever. Since I am...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, it is recommended to check your temperature before departure. If your temperature is normal and you do not have any specific discomfort, there should not be any significant side effects. Thank you for your inquiry.[Read More] Can I Get Vaccinated with a Sore Throat and Mild Symptoms?
Concerns About Undercooked Pork: Symptoms and Parasitic Infection Risks
Undercooked pork consumption issues? Hello, doctor. Before the Qingming Festival, I dined at a Japanese pork cutlet chain restaurant and noticed that some pieces of meat seemed undercooked. The symptoms I experienced are as follows: 1. After returning home, I did not have any sig...
Dr. Lin Wufu Reply:
Hello: Parasites in raw pork typically die after freezing, so unless you are consuming freshly slaughtered and cooked pork chops, the likelihood of contracting parasites from undercooked pork in Taiwan is quite low. Given the current COVID-19 pandemic, it is more appropriate to f...[Read More] Concerns About Undercooked Pork: Symptoms and Parasitic Infection Risks
Understanding Persistent Low-Grade Fever: When to Seek Medical Advice
Temperature issues Hello Doctor, I am currently on day four of quarantine. Since the first night of quarantine, I have felt an increase in body temperature and warmth. (In previous years, I occasionally felt feverish, with temperatures around the mid-36s, sometimes reaching 37.3,...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, 1. It can be difficult to distinguish between the symptoms of a common cold and COVID-19, so it may still be necessary to perform a PCR test or a rapid test for confirmation. 2. There are many possible causes of fever, and a detailed examination may be required to deter...[Read More] Understanding Persistent Low-Grade Fever: When to Seek Medical Advice
Understanding Severe Head Pain: Is It Related to Encephalitis?
Severe headache? Sometimes I experience severe and tight headaches that are unbearable, but they are not constant. The pain is not something that can be described as a typical headache; it comes in intense bursts. When I was in elementary school, I saw my name followed by the ter...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, regarding your headache, based on your description, it seems more like a tension-type headache, which typically worsens during specific physiological conditions such as the menstrual cycle, lack of sleep, or high stress. Maintaining a regular routine and consistent exercis...[Read More] Understanding Severe Head Pain: Is It Related to Encephalitis?
Consulting Your Doctor: Blood Tests and Quinine Treatment Insights
Medication consultation, laboratory consultation? Thank you for your response, Doctor. I would like to ask, in addition to the blood tests I previously underwent, what other tests would you recommend to confirm whether I need to start treatment with quinine? By the way, I have be...
Dr. Gao Jiankai Reply:
Hello, thank you for your inquiry. You might want to ask your physician whether you need to test for SSA/SSB, CCP or ACPA, ESR, etc. Quinine can be discontinued at any time. Quinine may cause headaches as a side effect, while dizziness is rare, and visual disturbances are a "...[Read More] Consulting Your Doctor: Blood Tests and Quinine Treatment Insights
Understanding Ear Pain and COVID-19 Exposure: Your Health Questions Answered
Question inquiry? Hello, I have two questions to ask. Yesterday, I experienced pain when pressing on the scalp area above my right ear near the temple while washing my face, and I'm worried about what disease it could be. However, I remembered that a couple of days ago, I ad...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, 1. Regarding the headache, it is suspected to be either localized myofascial inflammation or tension-type headache based on your description. Since it has improved, there should be no need for special treatment at this time; observation is sufficient. 2. If everyone is...[Read More] Understanding Ear Pain and COVID-19 Exposure: Your Health Questions Answered
Understanding Dizziness and Headaches: Possible Causes and Concerns
Dizziness, headache? The initial symptoms were mild dizziness, which lasted for three days, followed by the onset of headaches and sore throat. Later, I started to feel short of breath, resembling palpitations, possibly due to wearing a mask while working. I experience episodes o...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, based on the current pandemic situation, the first consideration should be the possibility of a COVID-19 infection. It is advisable to perform a rapid test; if the result is negative, it could be due to orthostatic hypotension or anemia. I recommend measuring your blood pr...[Read More] Understanding Dizziness and Headaches: Possible Causes and Concerns
Assessing Long-Term Risks of Biologics vs. Traditional Treatments
Biologics (Follow-up Question) Dear Dr. Gao, Below the asterisks is the question I raised on January 17. I appreciate your detailed response, and I would like to ask a few more questions: 1) I want to focus on the long-term severe (or life-threatening) side effects. The long-te...
Dr. Gao Jiankai Reply:
Hello, thank you for your inquiry. Here is my consolidated response: 1) I would like to focus on the long-term severe (or fatal) side effects. The long-term severe (or fatal) side effects of Celebrex (celecoxib) include cardiovascular, renal, and gastrointestinal issues. The lon...[Read More] Assessing Long-Term Risks of Biologics vs. Traditional Treatments
Managing Chronic Health Issues Before Military Service: A Guide
Pre-enlistment Consultation Hello, doctor. I have been seeing various doctors since middle school. My symptoms include pain around the joints at night, sometimes accompanied by redness and swelling, headaches, dizziness, and low-grade fevers (around 37 to 37.9 degrees Celsius, wh...
Dr. Gao Jiankai Reply:
Hello, thank you for your inquiry. I recommend discussing your situation with your attending physician to assess whether you meet the criteria for a change in position. If you do, please ask them to issue a medical certificate, which you can then use to apply for a military re-ex...[Read More] Managing Chronic Health Issues Before Military Service: A Guide
Head Injury from Basketball: What to Watch For After a Hit
Head injury? Hello, Director Gao: Today while playing basketball, I was hit on the upper right forehead by the ball. Initially, it was painful, but the pain subsided later. I would like to ask you: 1. Will there be any indentation in my skull? 2. Is there anything I need to pay a...
Dr. Gao Jiankai Reply:
Hello, thank you for your message. My response is as follows: 1. At your age, skull growth has stabilized, and playing basketball, which is a flexible sport, will not affect the appearance of your head. 2. If you are still concerned, please monitor for any nausea, vomiting, or se...[Read More] Head Injury from Basketball: What to Watch For After a Hit
Post-Vaccine Concerns: Understanding Blood Clots and Skin Changes
Post-vaccination issues? Hello doctor, I would like to ask about something. I just received my vaccine around 8 PM, and when I got home, I saw the information they sent back regarding possible symptoms, which mentioned blood clots. I happened to notice two dark spots on my calf, ...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, based on the photos you provided, it appears to be a mole. The blood clots associated with the AZ vaccine refer to thrombosis within blood vessels, which commonly presents with symptoms such as headaches, dizziness, and chest pain, rather than skin lesions like black spots...[Read More] Post-Vaccine Concerns: Understanding Blood Clots and Skin Changes
Managing Chronic Illness in Hot Environments: Risks and Tips
Chronic diseases in hot environments? Hello, I have renal tubular dysfunction (currently around stage 3 chronic kidney disease) and diabetes. Due to my job, I need to spend about half an hour outdoors in the sun or in hot environments every noon for business. After finishing my w...
Dr. Wu Jiyu Reply:
Regarding the care of diabetes combined with chronic kidney disease, please pay attention to the control of the "three highs" (high blood sugar, high blood pressure, and high cholesterol) to prevent the worsening of the condition. If you need to work in a hot environmen...[Read More] Managing Chronic Illness in Hot Environments: Risks and Tips
Understanding White Blood Cell Counts: What Your Results Mean
White blood cell count I was recently hospitalized for a long-term headache and underwent tests, including a blood test. The report is as follows: WBC count: 6.78 Neutrophils: 5.3 (77.8%) normal range 1.6-6.3, 41.5-73.8% Lymphocytes: 1.0 (14.3%) normal range 1.1-3.2 Monocytes: 0....
Dr. Xie Rongyuan Reply:
Hello: Leukemia can cause the presence of immature or abnormal white blood cells in the blood. Your neutrophil count is slightly elevated, but this does not indicate an increase in immature white blood cells, so it is not leukemia. Perhaps a follow-up test will show normal result...[Read More] Understanding White Blood Cell Counts: What Your Results Mean
Understanding White Blood Cell Counts: What Your Results Mean
White blood cell blood test inquiry? I was recently hospitalized for a long-term headache and underwent some tests, including a blood test. The report is as follows: WBC count: 6.78 Neutrophils: 5.3 (77.8%) normal range 1.6-6.3, 41.5-73.8% Lymphocytes: 1.0 (14.3%) normal range 1....
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, based on your blood test report, everything appears to be normal and there are no issues. The slight variation in the neutrophils and lymphocyte ratio should not have any impact. Thank you for your inquiry.[Read More] Understanding White Blood Cell Counts: What Your Results Mean
Understanding Low-Grade Fever, Chills, Fatigue, and Headache Symptoms
Low-grade fever, chills, weakness, headache? Hello, I have been experiencing a low-grade fever for three to four days (body temperature around 37.3-37.5°C). I also have a headache, fatigue, and slight chills. I took a home rapid test for COVID-19 yesterday, which came back negati...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, other viral infections, urinary tract infections, irregular lifestyle, high stress, and menstrual periods can all contribute to the symptoms mentioned above. It is recommended to maintain a regular schedule, exercise, and have a balanced diet, as well as to drink plenty of...[Read More] Understanding Low-Grade Fever, Chills, Fatigue, and Headache Symptoms
Unexplained Bruising on Lower Legs After AZ Vaccine: What to Know
After receiving the AZ vaccine, there is unexplained bruising on the calf? Hello doctor, I have Sjögren's syndrome and iron deficiency anemia. After receiving my first dose of the AZ vaccine on July 29 (Thursday), I noticed seven unexplained bruises on my tibia and knee on J...
Dr. Zeng Guosen Reply:
Hello, the blood test did not show any abnormalities in your platelets. Blood abnormalities related to the AZ vaccine typically occur 10 days to two weeks after vaccination. Currently, your situation cannot be explained, and it is recommended that you consult a hematologist for f...[Read More] Unexplained Bruising on Lower Legs After AZ Vaccine: What to Know
Understanding Symptoms After Toenail Injury: Fever, Dizziness, and More
After injuring the toenail, a series of symptoms began, primarily persistent low-grade fever and dizziness? Hello, Doctor. At the beginning of last month, while on a business trip and staying at a hotel, I accidentally injured my right big toe by pinching it in the door. There wa...
Dr. Lin Wufu Reply:
Hello! Generally, a nail injury is unlikely to cause a systemic infection (unless the local wound condition is very poor). Your initial symptoms resemble those of a systemic inflammatory response or infection, but typical infections do not usually last for a month. It would be ad...[Read More] Understanding Symptoms After Toenail Injury: Fever, Dizziness, and More
Evening Headaches: Understanding Nighttime Pain and Its Causes
I experience headaches every evening? Hello doctor, my partner has been experiencing headaches that start after 10 PM for the past two to three nights. Sometimes, there is also a tingling sensation in the face. However, after getting some sleep, there are no symptoms during the d...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, the causes of headaches are often multifactorial, including medication, irregular sleep patterns, lack of exercise, stress, and coffee consumption habits, among others. Based on the situation you mentioned, the potential contributing factors could be: 1. Irregular sleep pa...[Read More] Evening Headaches: Understanding Nighttime Pain and Its Causes