Understanding Chronic Low-Grade Fever and Elevated White Blood Cell Count
Regarding prolonged elevated body temperature? Hello Doctor: I would like to ask if having a slightly elevated white blood cell count and a long-term body temperature above 37.5 degrees Celsius is considered normal for an individual. Are there any methods to improve this conditio...
Dr. Guo Hanyue Reply:
It is recommended that you visit the infectious disease outpatient clinic for further evaluation.[Read More] Understanding Chronic Low-Grade Fever and Elevated White Blood Cell Count
Persistent Fever for 19 Days: Understanding Symptoms and Next Steps
Fever for 19 days? I have had a fever for 19 days, with intermittent spikes and drops in temperature. Seven days before the fever started, I underwent numerous tests, including WBC, CRP, platelet count, and other related blood tests in the infectious disease department, all of wh...
Dr. Qiu Zhengbin Reply:
Hello: Since your symptoms have not yet resolved and there are still reports pending from the rheumatology department, I recommend that you return to the rheumatology clinic to check for any issues. Wishing you a speedy recovery.[Read More] Persistent Fever for 19 Days: Understanding Symptoms and Next Steps
Understanding Prolonged Fever: When to Seek Medical Attention
Fever for one week? Fever for a week, with daily temperatures exceeding 38 degrees Celsius, except for one day. On the fourth day of the fever, I was examined in the infectious disease department of the hospital, where my WBC was 4400, CRP was 0.4, and platelet count was 298,000....
Dr. Qiu Zhengbin Reply:
Hello: Based on your description, there is a significant chance of a viral infection, and other possibilities such as tuberculosis or autoimmune diseases cannot be ruled out. If the fever persists, I recommend that you return to the hospital's infectious disease department f...[Read More] Understanding Prolonged Fever: When to Seek Medical Attention
Understanding Fluctuating ANA Results: Immune Issues Explained
The ANA (Antinuclear Antibody) test results can vary between different hospitals? Doctor, you mentioned that "some immune issues may cause fluctuations in ANA results." What specific immune problems are you referring to? I have lost about 9 kilograms in the past nine mo...
Dr. Gao Jiankai Reply:
Hello, thank you for your inquiry. Autoimmune diseases that can cause fluctuations in ANA levels include conditions such as Sjögren's syndrome. However, further diagnostic details must be evaluated and arranged by the attending clinician. For unexplained fevers, after being ...[Read More] Understanding Fluctuating ANA Results: Immune Issues Explained
Understanding Fluctuations in ANA Antibody Test Results: A Patient's Dilemma
excuse me? Hello, I received different results for the ANA (antinuclear antibody) test from Renai Hospital and National Taiwan University Hospital within the same week. One result was 1:320+ and the other was 1:40+. Three years ago, my result was also 1:320+. I consulted Dr. Wu Y...
Dr. Gao Jiankai Reply:
Hello, thank you for your question. ANA (Antinuclear Antibody) results can vary between different laboratories, which is related to the testing methods and the experience of the laboratory personnel. Generally, manual testing methods are considered the most accurate, but this als...[Read More] Understanding Fluctuations in ANA Antibody Test Results: A Patient's Dilemma
Which Medical Specialty Should You See for These Symptoms?
Which department should I visit? Hello, doctor. I would like to ask which department I should consult if I have the following symptoms: thick white tongue coating, sore throat, cough, noticeable skin indentations that are difficult to resolve, appearance of petechiae on the skin,...
Dr. Guo Hanyue Reply:
It is recommended that you first visit an outpatient clinic for a complete blood count and coagulation function tests. Generally speaking, if the above symptoms persist for more than two weeks, it is less likely to be a bacterial infection, and consideration should be given to th...[Read More] Which Medical Specialty Should You See for These Symptoms?
Understanding Chills and Night Sweats: A Guide for Seniors
Chills and night sweats? Hello Doctor: I am 70 years old and have had no significant health issues in the past, nor have I taken any traditional or Western medications. Three weeks ago, I started experiencing chills and excessive sweating every day around 2 to 3 PM, lasting for a...
Dr. Guo Hanyue Reply:
Hello! Due to Dr. Kuo Han-Yue from our Infectious Disease Department providing support at Taitung Hospital, we recommend that if you are feeling unwell, please seek medical attention at the hospital as soon as possible. Thank you![Read More] Understanding Chills and Night Sweats: A Guide for Seniors
Understanding Unexplained Fever: Causes and Solutions
Fever of unknown origin (FUO) I have been experiencing unexplained fevers every afternoon for the past six months, from November 1998 to May 1999. Despite undergoing various tests, no cause has been identified, and I have not had any relief from the fever during this time. I woul...
Dr. Guo Hanyue Reply:
Hello: There are many possible causes for fever of unknown origin, and if it lasts for six months, it is generally unlikely to be due to a bacterial or viral infection. It is advisable to consult a dedicated infectious disease specialist to discuss the situation and evaluate the ...[Read More] Understanding Unexplained Fever: Causes and Solutions
Understanding HIV Risks: What to Know After a Potential Exposure
I'm very scared. How long does it take to die from AIDS? Hello Dr. Lin, during a sexual encounter, the condom broke without my knowledge, and I continued for 3-4 minutes before realizing it. I am very scared... I would like to ask you a few questions, and I sincerely hope yo...
Dr. Lin Mingfeng Reply:
Question 1: Some laboratory reports use "non-reactive" to indicate negative results. So far, there is no evidence of HIV infection. Regarding your concerns: 1. Theoretically possible, but if the nurse follows standard procedures, she should not come into contact with yo...[Read More] Understanding HIV Risks: What to Know After a Potential Exposure
Persistent Throat Discomfort: When to Seek a Second Opinion?
Sore throat? I've been feeling something strange in my throat lately, as if I have phlegm. I initially just wanted to clear my throat a bit and cough, but it triggered severe coughing, making it hard to breathe. At night, I also feel like I'm producing saliva (or phlegm...
Dr. Liao Zhongxin Reply:
Dear readers: 1. A sensation of a foreign body in the throat often requires the exclusion of external causes, such as smoking, dust mites, dust, or other allergens. 2. Additionally, it is important to consider personal medical history, including any allergic predispositions, m...[Read More] Persistent Throat Discomfort: When to Seek a Second Opinion?
Persistent Low-Grade Fever and Back Lump: Possible Causes and Next Steps
Mild fever for a week, chills (sudden cold awakening at night), and a sudden hard lump on the back? Hello, I am currently working in mainland China and will need some time before I can return to Taiwan for medical treatment. Therefore, I would like to ask for a preliminary diagno...
Dr. Cai Yaozhou Reply:
Visit the medical center to see the Infectious Disease Department for fever and the Surgery Department for a hard lump on the back. For traditional Chinese medicine treatment, first go to the hospital's affiliated Traditional Chinese Medicine Department for consultation.[Read More] Persistent Low-Grade Fever and Back Lump: Possible Causes and Next Steps
Unexplained Aches and Fever: Seeking Medical Guidance
Unexplained muscle soreness? Hello, Dr. Lin. I have been experiencing acute pharyngitis since mid-April and saw an ENT specialist. After taking medication, my symptoms improved. However, I later developed a fever of 39.5 degrees Celsius and consulted an internist, which also led ...
Dr. Lin Mingfeng Reply:
Your description indicates that there was a preceding upper respiratory infection, followed by low-grade fever and an unexplained rash. Regarding the issue at hand, it is unclear whether you are still experiencing a fever. If you are still febrile (with an afternoon temperature a...[Read More] Unexplained Aches and Fever: Seeking Medical Guidance
Understanding Recurrent Inflammation in the Groin: Treatment Options
Recurrent inflammation in the groin area? My son was referred from the infectious disease department to surgery due to a wound in his groin. The diagnosis was a bacterial infection caused by follicular obstruction. The doctor has prescribed antibiotics and ointment for treatment....
Dr. Lin Mingfeng Reply:
The indications for surgery generally include the need for abscess drainage or the removal of structural abnormalities. If antibiotics can lead to complete healing, surgery may be avoided. The question did not specify why surgery is necessary. It is advisable to discuss this in d...[Read More] Understanding Recurrent Inflammation in the Groin: Treatment Options
Understanding Recurrent Inflammation in the Groin: Key Considerations
Recurrent inflammation in the groin area? The surgeon did not perform a culture for the drainage of pus and simply stated that there was no inflammation. During the consultation, there was a mention of whether there were any injections or adverse medication habits, but the patien...
Dr. Lin Mingfeng Reply:
Your son's condition is likely to continue progressing, and it is advisable to seek medical attention as soon as possible. During the diagnostic process, obtaining a thorough medical history is crucial. Details about daily life, including any history of animal contact, previ...[Read More] Understanding Recurrent Inflammation in the Groin: Key Considerations
Recurring Inflammation Under the Groin: Causes and Treatment Options
Recurrent inflammation of the groin? You have a 13-year-old son who is 177 cm tall and weighs 88 kg. He has been experiencing recurrent inflammation in his groin area. Three months ago, he had redness and swelling with a hard lump, accompanied by fever, and several punctate wound...
Dr. Lin Mingfeng Reply:
First, you can inquire with the original surgeon about the culture results from the last drainage of the abscess. If the infection is caused by Staphylococcus aureus, the patient may have a soft tissue infection or possibly acute lymphadenitis caused by this bacterium, which is n...[Read More] Recurring Inflammation Under the Groin: Causes and Treatment Options
Persistent Fever for a Week: Understanding Possible Causes and Concerns
Fever for nearly a week? About four days ago, I started feeling unwell. My ear thermometer recorded a temperature of around 37.7 to 38.3 degrees Celsius, along with some body aches. I thought it might just be a common viral infection, so I decided to rest. However, yesterday my t...
Dr. Lü Jing Reply:
This issue is not within the scope of metabolic disorders; it is recommended to schedule an appointment with the infectious disease department.[Read More] Persistent Fever for a Week: Understanding Possible Causes and Concerns
Understanding Your Symptoms: What Could Be Causing Your Illness?
What illness do my symptoms indicate? Hello, last night I went to the emergency room with symptoms of chills, a fever of 38.9 degrees Celsius, body aches, localized redness and swelling in one area of my foot, and tenderness in one spot on the inner thigh when pressed. I did not ...
Dr. Guo Hanyue Reply:
Based on the symptoms you described, it is very likely that you have cellulitis in your foot. Please visit the infectious disease clinic for further evaluation while taking your medication. Thank you![Read More] Understanding Your Symptoms: What Could Be Causing Your Illness?
Understanding Elevated Eosinophil Levels: Causes and Implications
Eosinophilia Dear Dr. Liao, I recently underwent a routine health check, and the results indicated that my eosinophil count was elevated (9.1 > 5). However, the physician did not provide any explanation, which left me quite puzzled. After researching, I found that excessive u...
Dr. Liao Zhongxin Reply:
Hello Mr. Yuan: 1. If elevated eosinophil levels are caused by diseases such as asthma or rheumatic autoimmune diseases due to steroid use, simply discontinuing the medication will allow for a gradual return to normal levels. 2. Elevated eosinophils can also occur in other con...[Read More] Understanding Elevated Eosinophil Levels: Causes and Implications
Understanding Prolonged Fever: When to Seek Further Medical Evaluation
Fever of unknown origin (FUO) Hello Doctor: I have been experiencing unexplained fever for two months, with temperatures ranging from around 37°C to 38°C. I have visited an infectious disease specialist, but no cause has been identified. My white blood cell count is approximately...
Dr. Lin Mingfeng Reply:
In clinical practice, if a patient's body temperature exceeds 38.3°C and persists for three weeks, and after one week of hospitalization with thorough examinations no cause for the fever is identified, it is termed fever of unknown origin (FUO). There are many potential caus...[Read More] Understanding Prolonged Fever: When to Seek Further Medical Evaluation
Can Drinking From Someone Else's Water Bottle Make You Sick?
Accidentally drank someone else's water? Doctor, if I accidentally drink water from someone else's mineral water bottle, will I get sick? Is there a risk of contracting infectious diseases like HIV or various types of hepatitis? Thank you!
Dr. Liao Zhongxin Reply:
Dear readers: 1. If you know that the water was just consumed by a family member or friend, you are unlikely to get sick; it would only be a psychological effect, as many parents and children experience this. 2. If the drink is from a stranger or not from the aforementioned membe...[Read More] Can Drinking From Someone Else's Water Bottle Make You Sick?