Understanding Lupus Nephritis: Key Questions About Diagnosis and Recovery
Questions related to lupus erythematosus and kidney biopsy? Hello Dr. Gao, I was diagnosed with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) in 2012, and recently underwent a kidney biopsy that confirmed class III lupus nephritis. I have some questions related to lupus and the kidney bio...
Dr. Gao Jiankai Reply:
Hello, thank you for your questions. Here are my responses: 1. If the biopsy results indicate Class III lupus nephritis, is it possible for treatment to reduce it to Class I or II lupus nephritis, or even to have no nephritis at all? --> The classification may change, but the...[Read More] Understanding Lupus Nephritis: Key Questions About Diagnosis and Recovery
Can You Get Infected from Contact with Family Member's Blood?
Regarding contact with another person's blood? Hello Dr. Lin, my family member needs to check their blood sugar, but they cannot operate the device and cannot see, so I assist them. Today, my family member bled more than usual, and when I was about to discard the test strip,...
Dr. Lin Wufu Reply:
Hello, there are many diseases that can be transmitted through exposure to blood and bodily fluids. The ones that are usually of particular concern are HIV, syphilis, hepatitis B, and hepatitis C. It would be advisable to first check if any of your family members have a history o...[Read More] Can You Get Infected from Contact with Family Member's Blood?
Concerns About Parasite Infection After Eating Raw Fish Delivery
Sashimi rice bowl delivered on a hot summer day? Hello Doctor, due to my internship, I am currently in Shanghai. On May 17, 2024, during a hot day, I had delivery of chopped sashimi, which included fresh Norwegian salmon, Arctic sweet shrimp, and Arctic surf clams. In the afterno...
Dr. Lin Wufu Reply:
Hello, leaving raw food at higher temperatures significantly increases the risk of bacterial growth, which can lead to gastroenteritis. In contrast, the relationship between parasites and temperature is minimal (if food contains parasites, they do not proliferate within the food)...[Read More] Concerns About Parasite Infection After Eating Raw Fish Delivery
Understanding Fecal-Oral Infections: Parasites and Pathogenic Bacteria
Fecal-oral transmission of parasites or pathogenic bacteria? Hello Dr. Lin, I previously inquired about chronic diarrhea and suspect that it may be due to a parasitic or pathogenic bacterial infection from an incident over three years ago when I accidentally ingested toilet water...
Dr. Lin Wufu Reply:
1. There are many bacteria, predominantly Escherichia coli. 2. Parasites are typically present in individuals who have been recently infected; thus, the water in the toilet may contain parasites only if someone with a parasitic infection has used it (parasites cannot survive long...[Read More] Understanding Fecal-Oral Infections: Parasites and Pathogenic Bacteria
Could Bathing with Fig Leaves Lead to Parasitic Infections?
Parasitic infection Due to a visit to a temple for worship, the temple master advised washing the body with 49 leaves from a banyan tree. After returning home, I picked 49 leaves from a potted banyan tree at my doorstep, forgetting to wash the leaves first. I placed the leaves in...
Dr. Lin Wufu Reply:
Hello, the risk of parasitic infection is very low, as there are few known parasites that can harm the human body found on leaves. Additionally, washing with water will not allow parasites to enter the body. There's no need to worry.[Read More] Could Bathing with Fig Leaves Lead to Parasitic Infections?
Concerned About Cat Tapeworm Infection? What You Need to Know
I am very worried about getting infected with cat tapeworms? Today, I suddenly discovered that my pet cat has tapeworms. I often let him play on the bed and lick me, and today I kissed him and buried my face in him without washing my face. I read online that tapeworms are transmi...
Dr. Lin Wufu Reply:
Hello, it is recommended to take your pet cat to the veterinary clinic for screening. If the cat does not have tapeworms, the owner generally does not need to worry. However, if the cat does have them, the cat should receive treatment, and then we can discuss whether the owner ne...[Read More] Concerned About Cat Tapeworm Infection? What You Need to Know
Concerns About Parasite Infections for Immunocompromised Patients
Parasitic infection issues? I have an autoimmune disease and I'm currently taking immunosuppressive medication, which makes my immune system weaker. I just noticed some small worms in my drinking cup and I'm a bit worried about the risk of infections from parasites like...
Dr. Lin Wufu Reply:
The likelihood of a single event occurring is very low, so it is recommended to just observe. If there are no issues after one to two weeks, then there is likely no problem. Seek medical attention if you experience any discomfort![Read More] Concerns About Parasite Infections for Immunocompromised Patients
Concerns About Blood Exposure During Hospital IV Procedures
Issues related to bleeding during injections in the hospital? Hello Dr. Liao, today I went to the hospital for an MRI examination. The nurse placed an intravenous catheter in the inner side of my wrist, and halfway through the MRI, she administered a contrast agent. After the MRI...
Dr. Liao Zhongxin Reply:
First, let's take a look at the data from the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) regarding the three main transmission routes of the HIV virus: 1. Sexual transmission: Engaging in oral, anal, or vaginal intercourse without a condom with an HIV-infected individual or exchang...[Read More] Concerns About Blood Exposure During Hospital IV Procedures
Understanding ESR and IgG Fluctuations in Ankylosing Spondylitis Treatment
After one year of treatment with the biological agent Revlimid (lenalidomide), EXR71? Hello, I would like to ask about a personal case of ankylosing spondylitis. I was diagnosed at the age of 10, and I am now 28 years old. I have been taking Celebrex and Methotrexate. In 2023, I ...
Dr. Gao Jiankai Reply:
Hello, thank you for your question. The reasons for the increase in ESR and IgG after administering targeted therapy should be investigated, including the possibility of new inflammation or infection, or even changes in rheumatic disease. These factors involve the overall conditi...[Read More] Understanding ESR and IgG Fluctuations in Ankylosing Spondylitis Treatment
Concerns About Infection Risks from Hotel Showerheads in Taiwan
Infection issues Hello Dr. Lin, I would like to ask about an incident that happened while I was at a hotel in Taiwan with my family. I adjusted the showerhead and pressed on the area where the water sprays out. At that moment, I felt a sharp pain, but later I checked my finger an...
Dr. Lin Wufu Reply:
Hello, if there is no obvious bleeding or wound on the finger, there is basically little chance of transmitting any infectious disease. Please don't worry.[Read More] Concerns About Infection Risks from Hotel Showerheads in Taiwan
Concerns About HIV Infection from Contaminated Hair Removal Cream
HIV infection Hello, doctor. I would like to ask you some questions related to HIV. If you can help me with my concerns, I would greatly appreciate it. I purchased a depilatory cream online, and when I picked it up and opened it, I didn't pay special attention to whether it ...
Dr. Liao Zhongxin Reply:
First, according to the data from the Centers for Disease Control, there are three main routes of HIV transmission: 1. Sexual transmission: Engaging in oral, anal, or vaginal intercourse without a condom with an HIV-infected individual or exchanging other bodily fluids carries a ...[Read More] Concerns About HIV Infection from Contaminated Hair Removal Cream
Can You Get HIV from a Haircut Accident? Understanding the Risks
Cutting hair to the point of bleeding? Hello, on March 24, I got a haircut and accidentally got cut on my neck by the scissors, causing a small piece of skin to come off and some dried black blood around it. Am I at risk of contracting HIV? If the person who used the scissors bef...
Dr. Liao Zhongxin Reply:
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), there are three main modes of transmission for the Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV): 1. Sexual Transmission: Engaging in oral, anal, or vaginal intercourse without a condom with an HIV-infected individual or e...[Read More] Can You Get HIV from a Haircut Accident? Understanding the Risks
Challenging Cases of Severe Hypokalemia: When Potassium Supplements Fail
Severe hypokalemia that cannot be corrected? My mother suffers from severe hypokalemia, with potassium levels ranging from about 1.7 to 1.9 when stable, and dropping to as low as 1.4 during severe episodes. She takes potassium tablets daily, with the hospital prescribing up to 60...
Dr. Huang Yaoxuan Reply:
You can visit the outpatient clinic for a detailed assessment and examination.[Read More] Challenging Cases of Severe Hypokalemia: When Potassium Supplements Fail
Can Urinal Splashing Transmit STDs? Understanding Your Health Concerns
Urinary issues? Hello doctor, I would like to ask if getting splashed by the water from a urinal on my genital area while using the restroom can transmit sexually transmitted infections or HIV? Additionally, I have been feeling warm at times when lying on the bed, but I don'...
Dr. Liao Zhongxin Reply:
1. First, the definition of fever is a temperature greater than 37.5°C, and high fever is defined as greater than 38.3°C; however, it often varies from person to person, so comparing to one's own baseline is more accurate. 2. Generally, the water used to flush a urinal is n...[Read More] Can Urinal Splashing Transmit STDs? Understanding Your Health Concerns
Accidental Contact with Dried Blood: Safety Measures and Concerns
The lips came into contact with what appeared to be dried blood or other substances on the glove? During work, if you accidentally touched your lower lip with fingers that had dried red blood or other substances on your gloves, and you immediately wiped it with alcohol upon reali...
Dr. Liao Zhongxin Reply:
First, according to the data from the Centers for Disease Control, there are three main routes of HIV transmission: 1. Sexual transmission: Engaging in oral, anal, or vaginal intercourse without a condom with an HIV-infected individual or exchanging other bodily fluids poses a ri...[Read More] Accidental Contact with Dried Blood: Safety Measures and Concerns
Risk of HIV Transmission from Contaminated Toilet Paper: What You Need to Know
Blood-stained toilet paper in public restrooms? Hello doctor, after using the restroom in a public toilet, I noticed that the nearby roll of toilet paper had quite a bit of fresh blood on it, which appeared to be bright red and likely not dried yet. When I removed the toilet pape...
Dr. Liao Zhongxin Reply:
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) data, there are three main transmission routes for the Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV): 1. Sexual transmission: Engaging in oral, anal, or vaginal intercourse without a condom with an HIV-infected individual or ...[Read More] Risk of HIV Transmission from Contaminated Toilet Paper: What You Need to Know
Understanding CRP Levels: What High Readings Could Indicate
The CRP test results may indicate the following meanings? Hello: Recently, due to the need for spinal surgery, a blood test was conducted, revealing a CRP level of 10.62 mg/L. The doctor recommended resting for two weeks and then rechecking the CRP, which remained elevated at 8.9...
Dr. Gao Jiankai Reply:
Hello, thank you for your questions. Here are my responses: 1. Regarding whether these numbers indicate a serious infection: I believe they do not. 2. Concerning the pain in the dental root due to the presence of a screw in the denture, could this cause the CRP to rise to 10.62 ...[Read More] Understanding CRP Levels: What High Readings Could Indicate
Understanding Soft Stool: Parasite Infection or Medication Side Effects?
Parasitic infection Hello Dr. Lin, I experienced a mental health crisis in April 2021. To avoid being forcibly taken to a hospital by my family, I hid in a public restroom at a temple. During that time, I completely lost my rationality and felt excessively thirsty. Believing I ha...
Dr. Lin Wufu Reply:
Hello: Theoretically, for the toilet water in a public restroom to contain parasites, it would require that a person who had feces with parasites used the toilet just before. Additionally, parasites cannot survive outside the human body for an extended period, so the likelihood o...[Read More] Understanding Soft Stool: Parasite Infection or Medication Side Effects?
Essential Care Tips for Living with One Kidney
Precautions for Having One Kidney Hello Dr. Huang, I was born with only one kidney on the left side (the right kidney was absent at birth). Recently, my routine blood tests have been normal, but an ultrasound revealed that my remaining kidney has enlarged slightly due to compen...
Dr. Huang Yaoxuan Reply:
Hello Mr. Lun: "Having only one kidney" means that you need to pay attention to certain aspects of daily life, which are similar to those of individuals with two kidneys. However, the situation may differ in cases of acute kidney injury, such as acute pyelonephritis, wh...[Read More] Essential Care Tips for Living with One Kidney
Understanding Abnormal Complement Tests and Their Link to Immune Disorders
Complement test abnormalities in autoimmune diseases? Hello Doctor: Recently, I have been experiencing symptoms resembling urticaria, and I underwent an examination at the rheumatology and immunology department. The test results showed abnormalities: CH50 Assay: 40.7, C3: 74.3, C...
Dr. Gao Jiankai Reply:
Hello, thank you for your inquiry. Here are my responses: 1. Is there a possibility of SLE (Systemic Lupus Erythematosus)? --> Based on the information currently provided, the likelihood remains low. 2. Is there a possibility that the immune system is already compromised? -...[Read More] Understanding Abnormal Complement Tests and Their Link to Immune Disorders