Can I Get a Public Flu Vaccine After NSAID Allergy?
If you have a history of allergy to NSAIDs, can you receive the publicly funded influenza vaccine? Last May, I experienced a drug allergy after taking two doses of a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) called Bone Agile, which resulted in a severe systemic urticaria that...
Dr. Gao Jiankai Reply:
Hello, thank you for your question. Patients with chronic urticaria do not have a higher risk of developing allergic reactions to injections or medications, including publicly funded influenza vaccines. Therefore, as long as you have not had an allergic reaction to the influenza ...[Read More] Can I Get a Public Flu Vaccine After NSAID Allergy?
Managing Poor Blood Sugar Control in Type 2 Diabetes: Is Insulin Necessary?
Poor blood sugar control? Hello Doctor, I was diagnosed with type 2 diabetes in 2010. Over the years, my blood sugar levels have remained consistently high due to poor management and adherence to medication. In July of this year, I underwent tests at China Medical University, whe...
Dr. Xiao Yongxun Reply:
Dear Ms. Deep White: 1. Currently, the common treatment for type 2 diabetes includes dietary control, regular exercise, and medication. Regardless of whether insulin is injected, dietary management and consistent physical activity must be diligently practiced, which means making...[Read More] Managing Poor Blood Sugar Control in Type 2 Diabetes: Is Insulin Necessary?
Understanding Injection Allergies: Symptoms and What to Do Next
Injection allergy Hello Doctor: Two days ago, I strained my neck and it became swollen and painful, so yesterday I went to a clinic to receive anti-inflammatory injections (one clear and one yellow, administered in the back of my right hand). Shortly after the first injection, I ...
Dr. Xiao Yongxun Reply:
Dear Miss Wang: 1. During a single intravenous injection, it is almost always possible to see some degree of blood return; generally, it is not excessive, and you can simply push the blood back into the syringe. 2. Intravenous injections circulate throughout the body quickly und...[Read More] Understanding Injection Allergies: Symptoms and What to Do Next
Which Specialist to Consult for Low Alkaline Phosphatase and Anemia?
Which specialty should I see? Hello: Problem description: I have been on dialysis for five and a half years, and my alkaline phosphatase levels have consistently been below 30, which is quite low. Online searches suggest a connection with anemia, and it is recommended to consul...
Dr. Wang Weijie Reply:
Hello, thank you for your message. Regarding your question, laboratory medicine primarily utilizes various tools in the laboratory to assist in the assessment of health status and physiological functions in preventive medicine, as well as in the diagnosis, evaluation, treatment, ...[Read More] Which Specialist to Consult for Low Alkaline Phosphatase and Anemia?
Understanding Normal Blood Sugar Levels for Gestational Diabetes
Reference values for gestational diabetes mellitus? Hello, Director Hsiao: Could you please tell me what the reference values for "fasting" and "postprandial 2 hours" blood glucose levels are for gestational diabetes? I would like to monitor my blood sugar lev...
Dr. Xiao Yongxun Reply:
Dear Ms. JJ: 1. According to the diagnostic criteria for diabetes set by the American Diabetes Association: a. Fasting plasma glucose level ≥126 mg/dl after fasting for more than 8 hours. b. Plasma glucose level ≥200 mg/dl during a 2-hour oral glucose tolerance test. c. HbA1c (g...[Read More] Understanding Normal Blood Sugar Levels for Gestational Diabetes
Understanding Blood Sugar Variations Before and After Meals During Pregnancy
The differences between before and after meals? Hello, Doctor! I have been diagnosed with high blood sugar issues for 12 years and have been under medical follow-up. Recently, due to my pregnancy, I have been monitoring my blood sugar levels before and after meals. My fasting blo...
Dr. Xiao Yongxun Reply:
Dear Ms. Wang: 1. Although pregnancy is a joyful event, it can cause significant changes in the body, particularly in the endocrine system. Consequently, fluctuations in blood sugar levels and hyperglycemia may become more pronounced. Generally speaking, if a person without diab...[Read More] Understanding Blood Sugar Variations Before and After Meals During Pregnancy
Do I Have GERD? Understanding Symptoms and When to Seek Help
Is it gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), and is there a need for a medical consultation? I am not sure if I have gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) because I do not experience any burning sensation. Since elementary school, I have had episodes where, about half an hour a...
Dr. Xiao Yongxun Reply:
Dear Miss Ganzi: 1. The symptoms of gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) include a burning sensation in the epigastric area, chest pain, upper abdominal discomfort, a feeling of a lump in the throat, regurgitation of stomach contents, acid reflux, frequent belching, vomiting,...[Read More] Do I Have GERD? Understanding Symptoms and When to Seek Help
Understanding the Gap Between Fasting and Post-Meal Blood Sugar Levels
The difference between fasting blood glucose and postprandial blood glucose after breakfast? Hello Doctor, during my first pregnancy, I had gestational diabetes, and I did not follow up or manage it after giving birth. During the early stages of my second pregnancy, I underwent t...
Dr. Xiao Yongxun Reply:
Dear Ms. Anna: 1. According to the American Diabetes Association's diagnostic criteria for diabetes: a. Fasting plasma glucose level ≥126 mg/dL after fasting for more than 8 hours, b. Plasma glucose level ≥200 mg/dL during a 2-hour oral glucose tolerance test, c. HbA1c (gly...[Read More] Understanding the Gap Between Fasting and Post-Meal Blood Sugar Levels
Risks of Reusing Needles in Medical Injections: What You Should Know
Infection issues related to the reuse of needles? Hello, Doctor: I would like to ask you a question regarding an infection. Today, I went to the clinic for a cold, and while the nurse was administering an injection, she missed the vein on the first attempt and directly placed the...
Dr. Liao Zhongxin Reply:
Dear readers, 1. Regarding whether the second injection can be reused without disinfection, you can request the healthcare staff to use new equipment. 2. If you are concerned about infection, you can practice self-health management, such as: taking your temperature (which shou...[Read More] Risks of Reusing Needles in Medical Injections: What You Should Know
Understanding Hair Loss, Irregular Periods, Weight Gain, and Fatigue
Hair loss, irregular menstruation, weight gain, and easy fatigue? Hello, Doctor: I would like to ask you about my condition. I started experiencing hair loss around July of last year and have visited 3-4 clinics and one large hospital for examinations. The diagnosis from each pla...
Dr. Li Zhiyao Reply:
Hello: It is recommended that you consult the "Endocrinology and Metabolism Department" as misdiagnosis can occur if the wrong specialty is chosen.[Read More] Understanding Hair Loss, Irregular Periods, Weight Gain, and Fatigue
Post-Meal Blood Sugar: Walking Benefits and Glucose Fluctuations Explained
Measuring postprandial blood glucose? Hello Doctor, I have been controlling my diet. If I eat at 12 PM and measure my postprandial blood glucose at 2 PM, I usually start walking around 1:30 PM, which means I will be slightly active for about half an hour before the measurement. I...
Dr. Xiao Yongxun Reply:
Dear Mr. Gao: 1. A moderate walk after meals can effectively lower postprandial blood glucose levels; there should not be any major issues. In fact, individuals with regular exercise habits tend to have increased sensitivity of insulin receptors, which helps maintain stable bloo...[Read More] Post-Meal Blood Sugar: Walking Benefits and Glucose Fluctuations Explained
Concerns About HIV Transmission After Dental Visit: What You Need to Know
Transmission of HIV/AIDS Today I went to the dentist, and after the doctor administered anesthesia, I rinsed my mouth. After rinsing, I put the cup back in its place by the faucet and noticed there were bloodstains on the faucet (I’m not sure if they were dry or not). This could ...
Dr. Liao Zhongxin Reply:
Dear readers: Regarding the question, "If I rinse my mouth with blood from someone with HIV and I have small needle punctures in my mouth from anesthesia (4 injections), am I at risk of infection? Do I need to get tested?" A: (1) The transmission routes for HIV are thro...[Read More] Concerns About HIV Transmission After Dental Visit: What You Need to Know
Managing High Nighttime Blood Sugar with Normal Morning Levels
High blood sugar before bedtime and normal blood sugar upon waking? Hello Dr. Hsiao, my mother is seventy years old. She takes insulin during the day and controls her diet for three meals, but her blood sugar levels are consistently over 300 before bedtime. In the morning, her le...
Dr. Xiao Yongxun Reply:
1. There are many types of insulin, primarily including ultra-rapid acting, rapid acting, intermediate acting, and long acting. The timing of their peak effect and duration of action varies. Clinically, it is possible to mix rapid acting and intermediate acting insulins for injec...[Read More] Managing High Nighttime Blood Sugar with Normal Morning Levels
Understanding Anemia: Causes of Dizziness and Treatment Options
Questions related to anemia? Hello: I have a history of anemia and previously received treatment with iron injections. Recently, I have been experiencing frequent dizziness. I went for an examination, and my blood count is better than before (not as low as it used to be). The doc...
Dr. Xie Rongyuan Reply:
Hello: (1) Oral iron supplements can treat iron deficiency anemia, but they are ineffective for thalassemia. (2) There are many causes of dizziness, not just anemia; for example, issues with the inner ear balance system or problems in the brain can also cause dizziness. It is bes...[Read More] Understanding Anemia: Causes of Dizziness and Treatment Options
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
Understanding Syphilis: Long-term Effects and Risks of Recurrent Infections
Syphilis infection Hello Doctor, I have some questions to ask you. 1. A year and a half ago, I was infected with syphilis and received treatment (antibiotic injections). My RPR value has decreased by more than fourfold and is currently at 1:16, but my TPHA remains around 1:5120...
Dr. Liao Zhongxin Reply:
Dear readers: 1. No, please continue to avoid dangerous behaviors (substance abuse and unsafe sexual practices). 2. No, thank you![Read More] Understanding Syphilis: Long-term Effects and Risks of Recurrent Infections
Understanding Black Blisters on Heels: Diabetes and Vascular Issues
There is a black lump in the blister on the heel? My father has undergone coronary angioplasty and has poorly controlled diabetes, with pre-meal blood sugar levels ranging from 250 to 350. Currently, he is taking insulin injections in the morning and evening. Two days ago, he dev...
Dr. Chen Qingbin Reply:
Hello, diabetes patients are prone to vascular sclerosis and obstruction, and taking anticoagulants can easily lead to subcutaneous bruising. It is best to return to the original hospital for a consultation, where a physician can conduct a detailed examination to determine if a r...[Read More] Understanding Black Blisters on Heels: Diabetes and Vascular Issues
Understanding Diabetes: Concerns About Medication and Testing
Re-examination for Diabetes Mellitus Hello Dr. Chang, I would like to ask about diabetes. Two months ago, my father had a blood test at a general clinic, and the doctor informed him that he has diabetes (the blood test report indicated a fasting blood glucose level of 200). He im...
Dr. Zhang Guoji Reply:
1. Patients with diabetes who abruptly stop their medication are at risk of hyperglycemic complications, which can severely lead to hyperglycemic hyperosmolar state. Therefore, do not discontinue or adjust medications without medical advice. 2. HbA1c (glycated hemoglobin) testing...[Read More] Understanding Diabetes: Concerns About Medication and Testing
Comparing Kidney Risks: Oral Diabetes Medications vs. Insulin Injections
Drug side effects Hello, Dr. Chen. Which is more harmful to the kidneys, taking oral hypoglycemic agents or administering insulin?
Dr. Chen Jianyu Reply:
Both of these diabetes medications do not harm the kidneys. Although some oral hypoglycemic agents require dosage adjustments for patients with impaired renal function, the reason for kidney damage is likely due to poor blood sugar control rather than the method of glucose-loweri...[Read More] Comparing Kidney Risks: Oral Diabetes Medications vs. Insulin Injections