Understanding Autoimmune Conditions: Dry Eye Syndrome and Vascular Concerns
Autoimmune disease Sjögren's syndrome Hello Doctor: My mother is 72 years old and has hepatitis C, Sjögren's syndrome, and severe dry eye syndrome, all of which are being treated. As she has aged, her blood pressure has been elevated, and she is currently taking antihyp...
Dr. Gao Jiankai Reply:
Hello Ms. Lee, thank you for your inquiry. Here are the answers to your questions: 1. Both Sjögren's syndrome and hepatitis C can potentially cause microvascular bleeding as a side effect if not continuously treated, which may appear as small petechiae. To determine if thi...[Read More] Understanding Autoimmune Conditions: Dry Eye Syndrome and Vascular Concerns
Understanding Nausea, Appetite Loss, and Weight Changes in Hepatitis B Patients
Loss of appetite, gastrointestinal discomfort, weight changes, Hepatitis B? Hello Dr. Hong, I weigh 59 kg and am 173 cm tall, and I am 17 years old. I experience nausea before lunch and after dinner. I have little appetite when I see food and rarely feel hungry, but I haven'...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, regarding hepatitis B, the main focus is on monitoring liver function tests. Based on your description, I would infer that your liver function tests should be normal. If they are normal, regular monitoring is sufficient. However, if you have irregular habits such as drinki...[Read More] Understanding Nausea, Appetite Loss, and Weight Changes in Hepatitis B Patients
Accidental Needle Stick from Diabetic Insulin: Should I Get Tested?
Accidentally pricked by an insulin needle used by a family member with diabetes? Hello Doctor, my mother has diabetes and needs someone to help her with daily insulin injections. However, I have had an experience where I accidentally pricked myself with a used needle, causing it ...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, we are usually mainly concerned about the transmission of Hepatitis B, Hepatitis C, syphilis, and HIV. If your mother does not have any of these four diseases, there should be no need for concern. However, if you are unable to confirm whether your mother has any of these c...[Read More] Accidental Needle Stick from Diabetic Insulin: Should I Get Tested?
Can Hepatitis B Antibodies Protect Against Different Virus Subtypes?
Subtypes of Hepatitis B Virus (HBV) Hello, I was born in 1977 and have never received the hepatitis B vaccine. I have hepatitis B surface antibodies. If I were to be exposed to different subtypes of the hepatitis B virus, would the antibodies I previously produced be able to prot...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
The surface antibodies for hepatitis B provide protection against different subtypes. Therefore, if your surface antibodies are positive, you will still have protection against various subtypes. Thank you for your question.[Read More] Can Hepatitis B Antibodies Protect Against Different Virus Subtypes?
Can You Contract Hepatitis B or C from an Eye Exam?
Will this lead to a Hepatitis B infection or something similar? Today I went to see an ophthalmologist. After examining the previous patient, the doctor flipped their eyelid without washing their hands and then continued to examine me. At first, they used a cotton swab, but later...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, Hepatitis B and C are primarily transmitted through blood, while HIV is mainly transmitted through sexual contact. Generally, transmission through touching the eyes is unlikely unless the other person's eyes have secretions or blood; otherwise, the risk of transmissio...[Read More] Can You Contract Hepatitis B or C from an Eye Exam?
Understanding Hepatitis B: Interferon Treatment Options and Effectiveness
Hepatitis B Interferon Hello, doctor: My mother is a carrier of hepatitis B, but I was vaccinated at birth and have consistently tested positive for antibodies while being a carrier myself, so I haven't paid much attention to it. Recently, when I tried to donate blood, I tes...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, currently hepatitis B cannot be cured; however, hepatitis C can be cured. Many medications for hepatitis B are under development, and it is believed that in the foreseeable future, hepatitis B may also be curable. Currently, treatment for hepatitis B is typically offered t...[Read More] Understanding Hepatitis B: Interferon Treatment Options and Effectiveness
Concerns About HIV and Hepatitis B After Unsafe Sexual Encounters
Concerns regarding HIV and Hepatitis B? I have been staying up late until 3 AM since the beginning of the year. Between late February and mid-April, I had several instances of unprotected sexual intercourse with the same person (I am unaware of his medical history; I only know th...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, theoretically, the average window period for HIV is 3 months. If you have not engaged in sexual activity since April, then you should have surpassed the window period. Testing in August would likely yield a negative result, and the chances of infection should be very low. ...[Read More] Concerns About HIV and Hepatitis B After Unsafe Sexual Encounters
Understanding HBsAg and Anti-HBs: Do You Need Anti-HBc Testing?
anti-HBc If HBsAg is negative and Anti-HBs antibody is positive, there is generally no need to test for Anti-HBc antibody, as this combination typically indicates that the individual has either been vaccinated against hepatitis B or has cleared a past infection. Therefore, it can...
Dr. Lin Wuxuan Reply:
Hello: Your blood test report shows that HBsAg is negative, while Anti-HBs antibodies are positive. This suggests that you may have previously received the hepatitis B vaccine, or you may have had a recent hepatitis B infection that is currently in the early recovery phase. It wo...[Read More] Understanding HBsAg and Anti-HBs: Do You Need Anti-HBc Testing?
Understanding Bloodborne Infection Risks in Acupuncture Practices
Hepatitis B/C, HIV, syphilis, bloodborne infections from acupuncture? Hello, doctor. I have a question regarding an incident at an acupuncture clinic. After the acupuncture needles were removed, there was some bleeding. The physician mistakenly used a cotton ball that had been us...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, regarding your questions: First, if your wound has come into contact with another person's blood, there is indeed a risk of bloodborne infection. Second, if the other person is confirmed to be negative for Hepatitis B/C and HIV, then you would not be at risk of in...[Read More] Understanding Bloodborne Infection Risks in Acupuncture Practices
Understanding Your Health Check Report: Kidney and Liver Concerns Explained
Medical Examination Report Today I received my health check report, which indicates that I have vasculitis. My blood test shows a white blood cell count of 10.4, with the rest being normal. My liver and gallbladder function tests show GGT at 104 and triglycerides at 205, with the...
Dr. Chen Jianyu Reply:
Please make an appointment for an outpatient consultation.[Read More] Understanding Your Health Check Report: Kidney and Liver Concerns Explained
Understanding Proteinuria: What Your Health Check Results Mean
Health check-up: Proteinuria I have vasculitis and mild arrhythmia, and I am taking immunosuppressive medication, anti-inflammatory drugs, and anti-arrhythmic medication. I recently had a check-up, but I couldn't understand the report as the doctor was in a hurry and told me...
Dr. Wu Hongjie Reply:
If there are concerns about liver function, please consult a gastroenterologist. Urine protein is 1+, and it is recommended to visit a nephrologist for further testing. Wishing you good health and safety.[Read More] Understanding Proteinuria: What Your Health Check Results Mean
Is Vasculitis Serious? Understanding Risks and Implications for Young Patients
Is vasculitis serious? I previously experienced frequent lower back pain and visited a rheumatologist who mentioned it was similar to ankylosing spondylitis. Later, due to other health issues, I underwent blood tests again, and the doctor diagnosed me with vasculitis. He mentione...
Dr. Zeng Guosen Reply:
Hello, it seems that you have a positive result for cold agglutinin IgM (1+), which is abnormal. There are many types of vasculitis, and the severity depends on the symptoms and the extent of organ involvement. It is advisable to seek medical attention for a comprehensive underst...[Read More] Is Vasculitis Serious? Understanding Risks and Implications for Young Patients
Can You Get Hepatitis B from Using Someone Else's Pimple Extractor?
Hepatitis B infection If someone accidentally uses a comedone extractor that was previously used by a person with hepatitis B, but it was not used immediately after them, is there still a risk of infection?
Dr. Xiao Yongxun Reply:
Dear Mr. Apple: 1. The hepatitis B virus is primarily transmitted through serum. Therefore, sharing needles, razors, and other items that come into contact with blood or serum can potentially lead to infection. 2. Since nearly all citizens born in our country after 1985 have ...[Read More] Can You Get Hepatitis B from Using Someone Else's Pimple Extractor?
Do Hepatitis B Carriers Still Need the Vaccine?
Carriers of Hepatitis B virus? Do carriers of hepatitis B still need to receive the hepatitis B vaccine?
Dr. Xiao Yongxun Reply:
Dear Ms. Chi: 1. Hepatitis B carriers are identified by the presence of Hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) in their bodies, without the production of antibodies against the surface antigen. Therefore, they do not need to receive the Hepatitis B vaccine. 2. Hepatitis B carrie...[Read More] Do Hepatitis B Carriers Still Need the Vaccine?
Understanding HIV Window Period in the Context of Hepatitis C Exposure
Please inquire about the HIV window period issue? Hello Dr. Liao, I would like to ask you the following questions: 1. In the context of having hepatitis C, if I have been exposed to a potential risk of HIV infection due to three factors: needlestick injury, skin break with blee...
Dr. Liao Zhongxin Reply:
Dear readers: Regarding the question of whether there is a premise of hepatitis C, the response is as follows: I. Referencing the information from the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) website http://www.cdc.gov.tw/professional/info.aspx? (1) Hepatitis C occurs globally. In th...[Read More] Understanding HIV Window Period in the Context of Hepatitis C Exposure
Understanding Kidney Issues: Insights on Recovery and Dietary Considerations
Kidney problems Hello, my sister is 29 years old and has a history of refractory epilepsy for 23 years, is a carrier of hepatitis B, and has been diagnosed with schizophrenia for 2 years. She was hospitalized on July 31 due to cellulitis and developed sepsis, requiring intubation...
Dr. Wu Jiyu Reply:
Based on the data you provided, this condition is classified as "acute kidney injury," which may be caused by cellulitis complicated by sepsis. The key point is that as the infection is brought under control, your kidney function will gradually improve. It is recommende...[Read More] Understanding Kidney Issues: Insights on Recovery and Dietary Considerations
Understanding Kidney Issues: A Comprehensive Guide for Patients and Families
Kidney problems Hello Doctor, My family member (female, 29 years old) has long-term chronic health issues. She has been diagnosed with refractory epilepsy for 23 years and is currently taking the following medications: Depakote 700mg, Vimpat 100mg, Keppra 1000mg, and Lamictal 30...
Dr. Wu Hongjie Reply:
Hello: Currently, your family member's creatinine levels have returned to normal range. The recent decline in kidney function is likely due to acute kidney injury, but regular monitoring is still necessary. Dietary restrictions are not required at this time. The exact causes...[Read More] Understanding Kidney Issues: A Comprehensive Guide for Patients and Families
Should I Start Medication for High Hepatitis B Viral Load Despite Normal Liver Function?
Liver function and liver ultrasound are normal, but the viral load exceeds 100 million copies. Should medication be taken? Hello Doctor: I am a carrier of hepatitis B, 42 years old, and I have regular follow-up examinations every three months for liver function, fetal protein, an...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, in cases where liver function is normal, the treatment effect of hepatitis B medications is indeed not very effective. Therefore, it is still recommended in clinical practice to use them when liver function is abnormal, as the results are better. Regarding concerns about t...[Read More] Should I Start Medication for High Hepatitis B Viral Load Despite Normal Liver Function?
Understanding the Connection Between ANA Levels and HIV Risk
ANA index and HIV I had an ANA test at the Rheumatology and Immunology Department of Taoyuan Hospital, Ministry of Health and Welfare, with a result of 1:1280. All detailed examinations were normal, but I am experiencing pain in my left knee and finger joints, as well as dry mout...
Dr. Liao Zhongxin Reply:
Dear readers: Regarding the question of whether a high ANA index is related to HIV, the response is as follows. [Interferents and Unrelated Health Conditions] An assessment of the impact of interferents and unrelated health conditions on the specificity of this assay was cond...[Read More] Understanding the Connection Between ANA Levels and HIV Risk
Is Abnormal Blood Sugar with Normal HbA1c a Sign of Diabetes?
Abnormal blood glucose levels with consistently normal glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c) may not necessarily indicate diabetes. It is important to consider other factors and conduct further testing to determine the underlying cause of the abnormal blood glucose levels? Hello Doctor, fo...
Dr. Xiao Yongxun Reply:
Dear Mr. Huang: 1. According to the diagnostic criteria for diabetes set by the American Diabetes Association: a. A fasting plasma glucose level of ≥126 mg/dL after fasting for more than 8 hours; b. A 2-hour plasma glucose level of ≥200 mg/dL during an oral glucose tolerance tes...[Read More] Is Abnormal Blood Sugar with Normal HbA1c a Sign of Diabetes?