Understanding Digital Rectal Exams: Safety Concerns and What to Expect
Regarding digital examination? I have to see a colorectal surgeon because of hemorrhoids, but I feel a bit scared and worried about the digital examination. I'm concerned that if the previous patient had bleeding, the next patient undergoing a digital exam could be at risk o...
Dr. Liao Zhongxin Reply:
Dear readers: 1. Is it possible to contract infectious diseases through digital examination? A. 1. If the physician changes gloves for each patient, there is no need for concern. 2. Will gloves tear? => Physicians/nurses are more concerned about this than you are. Unless l...[Read More] Understanding Digital Rectal Exams: Safety Concerns and What to Expect
Assessing HIV Infection Risk and Symptoms After Protected Intercourse
HIV Infection Risks and Symptoms Hello Doctor: I had vaginal intercourse with a condom the entire time, but after ejaculation in the female-on-top position, my penis became flaccid while still inside the vagina. When I withdrew, the condom was caught by the muscles at the vaginal...
Dr. Liao Zhongxin Reply:
Dear readers: 1. What is the probability of me contracting HIV given my situation? A. If you consistently use condoms and perform post-coital cleaning, the risk is low. 2. Do my symptoms resemble those of acute HIV infection? A. Skin symptoms and fever can be concerning, but...[Read More] Assessing HIV Infection Risk and Symptoms After Protected Intercourse
Understanding Unexplained Fever: Next Steps for Diagnosis and Treatment
Fever of unknown origin (FUO) - please advise on the next steps for medical evaluation? Hello, Doctor. Last winter, I occasionally experienced low-grade fever, chills, and muscle aches in the evenings (after 10 PM, with an ear temperature of 37.4 to 38°C). I had these symptoms ab...
Dr. Liao Zhongxin Reply:
Dear readers, 1. The significance of a CRP level of 2.3: An elevated CRP may indicate infection (bacterial/viral/fungal) or inflammation; both conditions can potentially cause fever. The former requires antibiotic treatment for bacterial infections, while the latter can be impr...[Read More] Understanding Unexplained Fever: Next Steps for Diagnosis and Treatment
Understanding HIV Risks and Testing After Condom Failure
HIV infection Hello, Dr. Hsiao. I have some questions that I hope you can answer. Here’s what happened: I had sexual relations with a sex worker in the past couple of days, and during the encounter, the condom broke without us realizing it. It was only after ejaculation that we d...
Dr. Xiao Yongxun Reply:
Response 1: This incident is similar to engaging in unsafe sexual behavior without using a condom. The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) recommends that individuals seek post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP) for HIV within 72 hours at one of the 42 designated hospitals nationwide. Afte...[Read More] Understanding HIV Risks and Testing After Condom Failure
How to Test for Tick-Borne Disease: A Guide for Patients
How to submit samples for Chagas disease testing? How should suspected cases of tick-borne encephalitis be sent for testing, and which institutions can perform tests for tick-borne encephalitis? Since there have been no reported human infection cases, the information available is...
Dr. Liao Zhongxin Reply:
Dear readers: Regarding the aforementioned condition, it seems that the diagnosis may not be accurate, and the patient is becoming increasingly weak. The following recommendations are suggested: 1. If there has been a tick bite => It is advisable to visit a larger hospital to ...[Read More] How to Test for Tick-Borne Disease: A Guide for Patients
Understanding Fluctuating Hematuria and Proteinuria in Young Adults
Hello, why is it that urine tests sometimes detect hematuria and proteinuria, and at other times do not? I am currently an 18-year-old male with intermittent proteinuria, which has been monitored for three years. My nephrologist has advised to continue monitoring. In early Februa...
Dr. Wu Jiyu Reply:
1. There are many causes of occult blood, and orchitis can be one of them; further follow-up may be needed. 2. As for the multiple inflammatory conditions (otitis media, orchitis, and paronychia), they are likely not related. If inflammation occurs frequently in the future, it i...[Read More] Understanding Fluctuating Hematuria and Proteinuria in Young Adults
Chronic Pain in Groin and Thigh: Unraveling Possible Infections
Regarding infections? Hello Doctor, I previously had a risky encounter, and afterwards I experienced painful urination, which has since resolved. However, I have been suffering from persistent pain in my inner thighs and groin area, as well as a sore throat, for the past six mont...
Dr. Liao Zhongxin Reply:
Dear readers: 1. After experiencing abnormal sexual behavior, it is natural to worry and magnify existing symptoms, leading to doubts and suspicions about the possible motives and implications of all events. 2. Since you have already undergone screening for sexually transmitte...[Read More] Chronic Pain in Groin and Thigh: Unraveling Possible Infections
Understanding Gonorrhea: Symptoms, Diagnosis, and Treatment Options
About Gonorrhea Hello Doctor, I accidentally encountered a risky situation before, and afterwards I experienced painful urination. The pain during urination has resolved, but I have been experiencing persistent pain in my inner thigh and groin area for two months, and I have not ...
Dr. Liao Zhongxin Reply:
Dear readers, 1. First, let’s introduce gonorrhea based on information from the Centers for Disease Control: (A) Transmission: The primary mode of transmission for gonorrhea is through sexual intercourse. It can also be transmitted if an open wound comes into direct contact wi...[Read More] Understanding Gonorrhea: Symptoms, Diagnosis, and Treatment Options
Kidney Donation Eligibility for Relatives with Drug History: What to Know
Kidney transplantation The likelihood of being able to use a kidney from a relative with a history of drug abuse (who has been sober for a year) depends on several factors, including the individual's overall health, kidney function, and any potential complications related to...
Dr. Wu Jiyu Reply:
First, your relative must be a blood relative or spouse within the fifth degree of kinship (a spouse is defined as someone who has been married to the organ donor for at least two years or has children with the donor), and must not have any other legally defined infectious diseas...[Read More] Kidney Donation Eligibility for Relatives with Drug History: What to Know
Understanding Cellulitis: A Patient's 21-Day Struggle with Infection
Cellulitis, hospitalized for 11 days... on the 21st day... still suffering? Dear Dr. Liao, The patient does not have liver disease or diabetes and has sinusitis. The bacteria causing the infection and the substances they have been exposed to cannot be determined. The patient is ...
Dr. Liao Zhongxin Reply:
Dear readers: 1. If the knee is still swollen and round, rehabilitation exercises can be performed at the bedside or on a chair to improve circulation and reduce edema. 2. The goal is to keep the C-reactive protein (CRP) level below 1. Sometimes it may take a bit longer to gra...[Read More] Understanding Cellulitis: A Patient's 21-Day Struggle with Infection
Managing Cellulitis: A 11-Day Hospital Journey and Ongoing Challenges
Cellulitis, hospitalized for 11 days, currently still unable to achieve complete control? On October 11, the patient experienced foot pain and sought medical attention at a general orthopedic clinic. The doctor prescribed anti-inflammatory and pain relief medication for three day...
Dr. Liao Zhongxin Reply:
Dear readers, 1. I have a general understanding of your (or your family member's) condition; it may be necrotizing fasciitis or severe soft tissue inflammation. This is inherently a serious and challenging condition to manage. 2. First, it is important to assess whether...[Read More] Managing Cellulitis: A 11-Day Hospital Journey and Ongoing Challenges
Can Hepatitis B Carriers Use Their Breast Milk to Make Soap Safely?
Can a hepatitis B carrier use her breast milk to make soap? If the mother is a carrier of hepatitis B, can her breast milk be used to make soap? If the soap made from breast milk is used for bathing or handwashing, and there happens to be a cut on the skin or hands, could this le...
Dr. Liao Zhongxin Reply:
Dear readers: 1. Theoretically, the transmission routes of Hepatitis B are through blood and sexual contact. 2. If you have further questions about Hepatitis B, you may consult a hepatologist or an infectious disease specialist. Thank you![Read More] Can Hepatitis B Carriers Use Their Breast Milk to Make Soap Safely?
Can Diabetic Patients Donate Blood While on Medication?
Diabetes mellitus Can a person with diabetes who is on medication donate blood?
Dr. Zhang Guoji Reply:
According to the "Health Standards for Blood Donors" published by the Department of Health: Article 4: Blood donors who have any of the following conditions should postpone their donation: 5. Currently suffering from syphilis, active tuberculosis, diabetes, heart diseas...[Read More] Can Diabetic Patients Donate Blood While on Medication?
Understanding HIV Transmission Risks in Non-Sexual Encounters
HIV transmission probability Hello, doctor. I would like to ask you about a situation. I met with a female sex worker, but I did not engage in sexual intercourse or oral sex. She was masturbating and applying soap while I watched. At that time, I touched her breasts with my hand,...
Dr. Liao Zhongxin Reply:
Hello readers: 1. First, it is important to confirm whether the other person has any infectious diseases, including HIV. 2. If the person is HIV positive, you should inquire whether they have developed symptoms or are undergoing treatment. 3. If the person has no such issues, we ...[Read More] Understanding HIV Transmission Risks in Non-Sexual Encounters
High White Blood Cell Count: When to See a Specialist?
Leukocytosis Hello Doctor, after my IVF implantation, my blood test showed a white blood cell count exceeding 16,000. Two weeks later, I confirmed that I was not pregnant, but my white blood cell count is still above 11,000. Should I see a hematologist or an infectious disease sp...
Dr. Liao Zhongxin Reply:
Dear readers: Patients with chronic diseases, such as kidney disease and liver disease, may have certain test results that differ from the normal range due to multiple conditions, drug interactions, infections, or tumors. Therefore, infection may not be the only factor to conside...[Read More] High White Blood Cell Count: When to See a Specialist?
Understanding HIV Symptoms: What to Look For
Sexually transmitted infections (STIs) Hello, Dr. Liao. What are the symptoms of HIV infection?
Dr. Liao Zhongxin Reply:
Dear readers: 1. Regarding the sources of sexually transmitted infections (STIs), they may arise from sexual activities (such as syphilis and gonorrhea) or other means (such as hepatitis B/C and HIV); in total, there may be 20 to 30 different pathogens involved. 2. Due to the...[Read More] Understanding HIV Symptoms: What to Look For
Is 28 Days of HIV Medication Necessary? Understanding Treatment Duration and Effectiveness
Is it necessary to take HIV medication for a full 28 days? If taking the medication for only 7 or 14 days will be effective due to financial constraints... why is HIV post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP) effective? Is it because the virus is killed before it has a chance to spread? If...
Dr. Liao Zhongxin Reply:
Dear Readers: 1. Antiretroviral therapy for HIV is a long-term treatment, not just for 7, 14, or 28 days. 2. If you are an HIV-positive individual and have a national health insurance card, the cost of antiretroviral medication at our hospital is only 50 NTD per visit, with no...[Read More] Is 28 Days of HIV Medication Necessary? Understanding Treatment Duration and Effectiveness
Understanding RPR and TPHA Test Results: What You Need to Know
I am troubled and upset about the issues related to RPR and TPHA! Hello, Dr. Chen! I have been a user of intravenous drugs and have been on methadone for several years. I undergo regular RPR blood tests every six months, and while I have had abnormal results at times, they have r...
Dr. Chen Jianyu Reply:
The text does not mention the RPR value or a series of reports. Since the interpretation of syphilis indices may result in false-positive reports, please consult a specialized infectious disease physician. Thank you![Read More] Understanding RPR and TPHA Test Results: What You Need to Know
Understanding Lymphadenopathy and Rash: Possible Causes and Insights
Lymphoma rash Hello Doctor: Recently, I've been feeling somewhat unwell, and I'm not sure if it qualifies as an illness. I kindly ask for your preliminary assessment. Around the end of April this year, I noticed a swollen lymph node in my neck, which was accompanied by ...
Dr. Liao Zhongxin Reply:
Hello: 1. If you have a fever along with a rash and have recently visited the beach or mountains, it is possible that you may have contracted scrub typhus. 2. It is recommended that you check for rashes or insect bite marks in areas such as the armpits, around the navel, the groi...[Read More] Understanding Lymphadenopathy and Rash: Possible Causes and Insights
Is Your Fever Response Mechanism Compromised After Tuberculosis?
Can the mechanism of fever be disrupted? A year ago, I was infected with extrapulmonary tuberculosis and have been on medication for 270 days. However, when I first became ill, I experienced significant fluctuations in body temperature, alternating between chills and fever, but I...
Dr. Liao Zhongxin Reply:
Hello: 1. Extrapulmonary tuberculosis may or may not present with fever; the only necessity is to take antitubercular medication for nine months. 2. Fever (>37.3°C) can have many causes, so it is recommended to seek medical attention from an infectious disease specialist. Than...[Read More] Is Your Fever Response Mechanism Compromised After Tuberculosis?