Infectious disease, Internal Medicine FAQ - Page 14

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Understanding Unilateral Leg Edema: Next Steps for Diagnosis

Unilateral edema Hello, doctor! My grandmother, who is currently 87 years old, has been experiencing severe unilateral leg edema for the past two to three weeks. She recently visited the hospital and consulted a nephrologist, and her kidney function tests came back normal. Due to...


Dr. Xiao Yongxun Reply:
Dear Miss Quiet: 1. Common causes of unilateral leg edema include cellulitis, chronic venous insufficiency, compartment syndrome, complex regional pain syndrome, deep vein thrombosis, venous obstruction (e.g., from a bone tumor), lipedema, lymphedema, and right arterial compres...

[Read More] Understanding Unilateral Leg Edema: Next Steps for Diagnosis


Persistent Swelling in One Leg: What Specialist to Consult?

Swelling won't go down?! Hello Doctor: My father has diabetes and has recently experienced swelling in his foot, which extends beyond the sole to the ankle, but it is only affecting one foot. He has seen a metabolic specialist who found no issues. Which department should he ...


Dr. Xiao Yongxun Reply:
Dear Ms. Emily: 1. There are many causes of lower extremity edema. Generally speaking, if the edema is bilateral, one should consider heart failure, nephrotic syndrome, hypoalbuminemia, cirrhosis, medication side effects, pregnancy, hypothyroidism, and other potential causes. I...

[Read More] Persistent Swelling in One Leg: What Specialist to Consult?


Needle Injury from Broken Chest Drain: Infection Risk and Testing Guide

Injury caused by a chest drainage tube? Today, I accidentally got stabbed by a broken glass tube while cleaning the chest drainage bottle. Should I see an infectious disease specialist for blood tests? The drainage bottle has already been rinsed with clean water and has been left...


Dr. Liao Zhongxin Reply:
Dear readers: Regarding the incident of accidentally being punctured by a broken glass tube while cleaning a chest drainage bottle today, is it necessary to consult an infectious disease specialist for blood tests? The chest drainage bottle has already been rinsed with clean wate...

[Read More] Needle Injury from Broken Chest Drain: Infection Risk and Testing Guide


Understanding Sarcoidosis: Symptoms, Diagnosis, and Treatment Options

Chest pain associated with sarcoma? Hello Doctor: Last October, I experienced prolonged unexplained fever (38 degrees Celsius) and visited the infectious disease department multiple times for examinations. During this period, I also had night sweats, weight loss (3 kg in one mont...


Dr. Zeng Guosen Reply:
1. Sarcomatoid carcinoma is not a common disease, and it is recommended to seek medical attention at a medical center. 2. Bringing all relevant medical records can help the physician quickly understand your condition. Thank you for your inquiry.

[Read More] Understanding Sarcoidosis: Symptoms, Diagnosis, and Treatment Options


Understanding Unexplained Fever: When to Seek Medical Attention

Fever of unknown origin (FUO) Hello, since I caught a cold at the end of September, I have been experiencing recurrent fevers. I also suddenly feel very cold, and when I have a fever, I experience palpitations, chest tightness, muscle aches, and weakness. I constantly feel fatigu...


Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, I suggest that you take your temperature to see if you actually have a fever, especially when you feel warm or very cold, as this is when the measurement is most accurate. However, given your overall discomfort, it is advisable to visit a hospital for a check-up. You may c...

[Read More] Understanding Unexplained Fever: When to Seek Medical Attention


Understanding Symptoms After Intimate Encounters: When to Seek Medical Help

This symptom is somewhat severe..? Hello Dr. Liao, on October 10th, I went to a hotel with my girlfriend for the first time. The bathroom was dry, and we took about 40 minutes before using the toilet. That day, I did not have an erection or penetration, but I did use my tongue to...


Dr. Liao Zhongxin Reply:
Dear readers: 1. Regarding the question, "I have two areas of broken skin on my foot; could the hotel be the source of infection?" A: If it was oral sex, the wounds on your foot are not related to sexually transmitted infections. Just ensure proper wound care. 2. Con...

[Read More] Understanding Symptoms After Intimate Encounters: When to Seek Medical Help


Understanding Acute Kidney Failure Recovery: Key Insights and Timeline

Recovery from renal failure Hello Dr. Wu, in May of this year, I underwent blood tests due to feeling unwell. The first test results showed BUN: in the 120s and Cr: around 5.5 (with no proteinuria present). Two days later, I had another blood test, and the results were BUN: in th...


Dr. Wu Jiyu Reply:
Hello: Based on the information you provided, if kidney function was normal during the previous year's health check and has suddenly deteriorated this year, the clinical course should primarily be considered as acute kidney injury. However, acute kidney injury can lead to va...

[Read More] Understanding Acute Kidney Failure Recovery: Key Insights and Timeline


Is Gonorrhea a Common Cause of Tendonitis?

Can gonorrhea cause tendonitis? Hello, doctor. Is it common for tendonitis in the fingers to be caused by gonorrhea? In addition to the hands, I also feel pain and inflammation in the joints of my lower limbs. I have seen a doctor who said there was nothing serious, but the anti-...


Dr. Liao Zhongxin Reply:
Dear readers, 1. Is it common for tendonitis in the fingers to be caused by gonorrhea? Besides the hands, there is also a sensation of pain and inflammation in the lower limb joints. A: Generally, it is not common. If there is arthritis in a specific joint along with skin symp...

[Read More] Is Gonorrhea a Common Cause of Tendonitis?


How to Address Multiple Symptoms After Urological Issues?

How should a series of symptoms be evaluated? Today, I have been experiencing a series of symptoms that started after I developed a urological condition. Initially, I had testicular pain due to frequent erections without proper relief during that time. After consulting a urologis...


Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
1 & 2: Based on your symptom description, it is indeed most likely chronic prostatitis. However, there is concern about the possibility of complications such as prostatic abscess or urinary tract infection. You may want to consult an infectious disease specialist, urologist, ...

[Read More] How to Address Multiple Symptoms After Urological Issues?


Understanding Post-Treatment Syphilis Issues: What to Expect

Issues After Syphilis Treatment Hello Doctor, It has been seven months since I was diagnosed with syphilis and treated. My titers have decreased from 1:128 to 1:8. I went for a follow-up blood test yesterday, and the results are still 1:8. It seems that the titers are not decre...


Dr. Wu Hongjie Reply:
Dear Sir/Madam, Regarding early syphilis (infection within one year), treatment is considered successful if the RPR or VDRL titers decrease by fourfold within six months after treatment. Based on your titer reduction, if the entire treatment course is completed, it should be con...

[Read More] Understanding Post-Treatment Syphilis Issues: What to Expect


Concerns About HIV Transmission from Contaminated Floors and Shoes

Floor and shoe sole Hello: I work in a pathology lab where specimens often result in blood or bodily fluids dripping onto the floor. After handling specimens, I walk back to the adjacent office and am concerned that HIV in the bodily fluids on the floor could be brought back to t...


Dr. Liao Zhongxin Reply:
Dear readers, 1. The following are legally mandated infectious diseases that can be transmitted through contact: Granulomatous amoebic encephalitis, rabies, anthrax, glanders, leptospirosis, tetanus, neonatal tetanus, scabies, pediculosis, leprosy, cat scratch fever, tularemia, ...

[Read More] Concerns About HIV Transmission from Contaminated Floors and Shoes


Understanding Cellulitis: Tests to Assess Your Immune Health

Cellulitis Doctor, I have had two to three bacterial infections leading to cellulitis from January to April. What tests can I undergo to determine if my condition is due to low immunity? Thank you.


Dr. Li Zhiyao Reply:
Hello: It is recommended that you consult an infectious disease specialist for evaluation.

[Read More] Understanding Cellulitis: Tests to Assess Your Immune Health


Essential STD Tests for Safe Sexual Practices: What You Need to Know

Sexually Transmitted Infection (STI) Testing Hello doctor, I have been sexually active since January of this year. I always use condoms for vaginal intercourse, but I have had oral sex without protection and have also performed oral sex on females. What sexually transmitted infec...


Dr. Liao Zhongxin Reply:
Dear readers: Regarding your inquiries, it is recommended to visit a nearby hospital that offers anonymous screening and register for the relevant departments, such as Family Medicine, Infectious Diseases, or Urology. Thank you!

[Read More] Essential STD Tests for Safe Sexual Practices: What You Need to Know


Understanding the Link Between Skin Infections and HIV Concerns

HIV issues Hello, doctor. I would like to ask if my recurrent back fungal infection or nummular eczema (since I have received differing opinions from two dermatologists) is related to HIV (because HIV causes persistent illnesses). I have had this condition since middle school, an...


Dr. Li Zhiyao Reply:
Hello: If you have questions about HIV infection, you can consult an infectious disease specialist. Additionally, some hospitals offer anonymous free HIV testing services, which you can inquire about on your own.

[Read More] Understanding the Link Between Skin Infections and HIV Concerns


Understanding Fatigue: Causes and Solutions for Persistent Weakness

Generalized weakness? Hello, Dr. Hsiao! I am 19 years old and have a normal sleep schedule of about 8 hours. I wake up feeling well-rested, but after a while, I start to feel fatigued again. Taking a nap in the afternoon helps somewhat, but I still feel tired shortly after. Recen...


Dr. Xiao Yongxun Reply:
Dear Ms. Anonymous: 1. Fatigue is something that almost everyone experiences at some point in their lives, and most diseases can cause fatigue. Typically, fatigue is temporary, self-limiting, and the primary cause can often be identified. Based on the nature of the causes, fati...

[Read More] Understanding Fatigue: Causes and Solutions for Persistent Weakness


Understanding Elevated White Blood Cell Count: When to Seek Treatment

Elevated white blood cell count? During middle school, a blood test revealed elevated white blood cell counts. Now, in my senior year of high school, a physical examination showed a white blood cell count as high as 18,000. After a follow-up blood test, the count decreased to 10,...


Dr. Xiao Yongxun Reply:
1. Leukocytosis generally refers to a total white blood cell count exceeding 10,000/mm³. Most cases are due to inflammatory responses, while a smaller portion is caused by leukemia. 2. The clinical steps to diagnose leukocytosis begin with a blood test to examine peripheral blo...

[Read More] Understanding Elevated White Blood Cell Count: When to Seek Treatment


Should You Get Further Tests for High White Blood Cell Count and Inflammation?

Viral infection A viral infection can cause neutrophil levels in the blood to rise to 80%. Is further examination needed? Recently, there has been inflammation of a wound in the genital area.


Dr. Liao Zhongxin Reply:
Dear readers: 1. Regarding the question, "Does a viral infection causing neutrophils to rise to 80% require further examination?" A: Generally, in viral infections such as influenza or dengue fever, the white blood cell count tends to decrease. However, if the patien...

[Read More] Should You Get Further Tests for High White Blood Cell Count and Inflammation?


Understanding HIV Transmission: Debunking Myths About White Blood Cells

Regarding white blood cells? Hello, doctor. I would like to ask you about the information I found online regarding HIV infection. It states that the virus can directly invade human cells, which significantly increases the risk of infection. However, when I asked the school doctor...


Dr. Zeng Guosen Reply:
Hello, internet user: HIV is transmitted through intimate contact with bodily fluids or blood. The main routes of transmission are sexual intercourse, blood transfusions, and sharing drug injection needles. The risk of infection from folliculitis fluid on a shaved head is relativ...

[Read More] Understanding HIV Transmission: Debunking Myths About White Blood Cells


Understanding the Risks of Oral Sex: HIV and Other Concerns

Hello, I would like to inquire about the risks associated with oral sex? Hello, about 5-6 weeks ago I had unprotected oral sex. I would like to know if the risk of contracting HIV is high because I have had a fever (38 degrees Celsius) for about 5-6 days. After visiting the hospi...


Dr. Liao Zhongxin Reply:
Dear reader, 1. Regarding the incident about 5-6 weeks ago when I performed oral sex without a condom, I would like to ask if the risk of contracting HIV is high. I have been experiencing a fever (38 degrees Celsius) for about 5-6 days. After visiting the hospital and seeing an ...

[Read More] Understanding the Risks of Oral Sex: HIV and Other Concerns


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


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