Understanding RA Factor Changes and Related Health Concerns
Rheumatoid Arthritis - Inquiry about Rheumatoid Factor and Other Related Data? Hello, Doctor Gao. I apologize for the lengthy message. Here are my health examination data from three tests conducted at the same laboratory: - Date: 2023/11/11, 2024/6/15, (2024/4/30) - ALT/SGPT (L...
Dr. Gao Jiankai Reply:
Hello, thank you for your inquiry. Here are my responses: 1. I underwent tests related to immune system diseases at a regional hospital in December 2023, and my rheumatoid arthritis (RA) factor was less than 5 at that time. Additionally, the measurement taken on April 30, 2024,...[Read More] Understanding RA Factor Changes and Related Health Concerns
Understanding HIV Testing and Symptoms: What You Need to Know
HIV testing issues? On March 3rd, I engaged in high-risk sexual behavior. On March 12th, I began experiencing symptoms similar to the early stages of an acute infection, with a rash resembling herpes appearing on my temples. By March 13th, I also developed rashes on my body, and ...
Dr. Liao Zhongxin Reply:
Please refer to the information from the Centers for Disease Control (CDC). If you encounter any of the above high-risk situations, you can visit a nearby medical facility for consultation and testing, or you may also perform a rapid test on your own.[Read More] Understanding HIV Testing and Symptoms: What You Need to Know
Persistent Low-Grade Fever: Symptoms, Concerns, and Next Steps
Persistent low-grade fever Hello Doctor, I have been experiencing recurrent low-grade fevers since last Friday afternoon, and it has now been a week with no improvement. I visited a clinic where the doctor prescribed Tamiflu, but it has not been effective. My symptoms include per...
Dr. Li Jian Reply:
It is recommended that you go to the infectious disease department for further blood tests. Thank you for your inquiry.[Read More] Persistent Low-Grade Fever: Symptoms, Concerns, and Next Steps
Understanding Right Groin Lymphadenopathy: Causes and Next Steps
Right inguinal lymphadenopathy? Hello, doctor. For the past month, I have been experiencing a feeling of heaviness and discomfort in my groin and lower right abdomen, accompanied by lower back pain. I can feel small lymph nodes on the inner side of my right thigh. Three weeks ago...
Dr. Huang Yaoxuan Reply:
You can go for an outpatient evaluation and examination.[Read More] Understanding Right Groin Lymphadenopathy: Causes and Next Steps
Is Syphilis Invisible? Understanding Symptoms and Recurrences
Is syphilis invisible? Last February, I suddenly woke up with a fever, a type of fever I had never experienced before. A few days later, I discovered a half-spherical mass the size of a ping pong ball on my cervix. Initially, I thought I had cancer. After a month, the ulcerous sm...
Dr. Liao Zhongxin Reply:
A. Your description is quite vivid; however, the Treponema pallidum is not that miraculous. It can be cured with a course of penicillin. B. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the modes of transmission are as follows: 1. Close contact during sexual ...[Read More] Is Syphilis Invisible? Understanding Symptoms and Recurrences
Understanding Elevated IgG4 Levels: Causes and Treatment Options
Elevated IgG4 levels? Hello, doctor. For over a year, I have been experiencing unexplained dull pain in my back, and rehabilitation has not shown significant improvement. I have undergone X-rays and tests related to ankylosing spondylitis, all of which returned normal results. Oc...
Dr. Zeng Guosen Reply:
Hello, the IgG4-related disease can cause lymphadenopathy and pancreatitis. It is generally not possible to diagnose solely based on IgG4 levels; lymph node or organ biopsies can provide further assistance in diagnosing the disease. It is recommended to consult a rheumatologist f...[Read More] Understanding Elevated IgG4 Levels: Causes and Treatment Options
Could It Be HIV? Understanding Symptoms After Unprotected Sex
Could it be HIV? Hello doctor, I had unprotected sexual intercourse with a woman yesterday. I have had a cold for three days, and the day after the unprotected intercourse, I noticed that I have swollen lymph nodes. Could this be HIV? I have never had unprotected sex before.
Dr. Liao Zhongxin Reply:
According to the data from the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) in Taiwan, there are three main routes of HIV transmission: 1. Sexual transmission: Engaging in oral, anal, or vaginal intercourse or any exchange of bodily fluids with an HIV-infected individual carries the risk of...[Read More] Could It Be HIV? Understanding Symptoms After Unprotected Sex
Understanding Low White Blood Cell Count and Elevated LDH Levels
Low white blood cell count, elevated LDH? Hello, doctor. Recently, I had a check-up at the clinic in June, where my white blood cell count was 4,200, with neutrophils at 46% (highlighted in red), lymphocytes at 42.6% (highlighted in red), monocytes at 7.4%, eosinophils at 2.8%, a...
Dr. Gao Jiankai Reply:
Hello, thank you for your question. Looking solely at the blood cell count from a blood test is not very accurate. I would recommend that a hematologist examine your lymph nodes, as the diagnosis of lymphoma requires at least a physical examination of the lymph nodes. Additionall...[Read More] Understanding Low White Blood Cell Count and Elevated LDH Levels
Do Metal Braces Affect Saliva Rapid Testing Results?
Saliva rapid test Will metal braces affect the results of a saliva rapid test? Recently, I had redness and peeling under my left armpit, but it disappeared on its own after two days. Could this be a symptom of HIV?
Dr. Liao Zhongxin Reply:
1. Braces will not affect the screening results, as rapid tests have a certain specificity. 2. If there is oral inflammation or infection, it should be associated with swollen cervical lymph nodes, rather than axillary ones.[Read More] Do Metal Braces Affect Saliva Rapid Testing Results?
Understanding Enlarged Lymph Nodes: Causes and When to Seek Help
Lymphadenopathy Infection Issues Hello Doctor, I would like to ask you some questions: About six months ago, I noticed swelling in the lymph nodes on both sides of my groin. Almost every node in that area has enlarged, with a few becoming elongated, measuring approximately 1 to 2...
Dr. Lin Wufu Reply:
Hello, multiple enlarged lymph nodes usually indicate that there is some condition in the body, ranging from systemic infections, rheumatologic and autoimmune diseases, to hematologic malignancies. Therefore, it is recommended to visit an infectious disease clinic as soon as poss...[Read More] Understanding Enlarged Lymph Nodes: Causes and When to Seek Help
Understanding Oral Symptoms and HIV Concerns After Unprotected Sex
Oral symptoms raising suspicion for HIV? Hello Doctor: Nine weeks ago, I had unprotected sexual intercourse with a sex worker (two minutes of unprotected vaginal intercourse and three minutes of oral sex performed on her). About three weeks later, I experienced unexplained nasal ...
Dr. Liao Zhongxin Reply:
According to the Centers for Disease Control data, there are three main transmission routes for HIV: (A) Sexual transmission: Engaging in oral, anal, or vaginal intercourse or other exchanges of bodily fluids with an HIV-infected individual carries a risk of infection. (B) Bl...[Read More] Understanding Oral Symptoms and HIV Concerns After Unprotected Sex
Understanding the Link Between EB Virus, CMV, and White Blood Cell Counts
The relationship between Epstein-Barr virus (EBV), cytomegalovirus (CMV), and leukocytes? Hello Doctor, I experienced fever along with swollen and painful bilateral inguinal lymph nodes at the beginning of February. I went for a urology examination, and the blood test was done ap...
Dr. Gao Jiankai Reply:
Hello, thank you for your inquiry. It is recommended to include the reference ranges for the test results to facilitate interpretation, as different hospitals may use different laboratory equipment, which can lead to variations in normal values. Additionally, although the total w...[Read More] Understanding the Link Between EB Virus, CMV, and White Blood Cell Counts
Understanding Elevated Mono Levels and Lymph Node Swelling: What to Know
Infection-related issues? Hello Doctor, I have some questions I would like to ask you: Current situation: 1) During a recent blood test, it was found that my monocyte count was above the normal range (normal is under 10, and my count was around 11; all other blood cell values wer...
Dr. Lin Wufu Reply:
Hello: 1. The total count of monocytes is typically assessed based on the total white blood cell count and the percentage they represent, as looking at the percentage alone may not provide an accurate assessment. 2. If there is only swelling in the groin area, it is important to ...[Read More] Understanding Elevated Mono Levels and Lymph Node Swelling: What to Know
Understanding the Link Between Proteinuria and Osteolytic Lesions
The relationship between proteinuria and osteolytic lesions? Hello, Doctor Wu. Happy Day Six of the Lunar New Year. Following up on my previous question, I will be undergoing a PET scan. I have been diagnosed with stage I papillary thyroid carcinoma (currently no longer classifie...
Dr. Wu Hongjie Reply:
Your question is too complex; please discuss it with your nephrologist. Thank you.[Read More] Understanding the Link Between Proteinuria and Osteolytic Lesions
Understanding Elevated Mono Levels: When to Seek Medical Advice
Abnormal blood test results? Hello Doctor, I had a blood test a few days ago and found that my Mono level is 11.4, which is above the normal range, while other parameters are normal. I would like to ask what this might indicate and which specialty I should consult? Background: ...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, MONO (mononuclear cells) levels may fluctuate due to physical conditions, disease factors, or medications. However, since subsequent values are gradually returning to normal, it is likely in the recovery phase. It is recommended to continue monitoring the indices, and if a...[Read More] Understanding Elevated Mono Levels: When to Seek Medical Advice
Understanding Enlarged Lymph Nodes: When to Seek Medical Advice
Lymphadenopathy-related issues? Hello Doctor, I noticed that the lymph nodes in both groin areas have been swollen for over a week. Each side has multiple nodes, approximately 1 cm or slightly more, with a round or oval shape. However, I don't feel any significant discomfort...
Dr. Gao Jiankai Reply:
Hello, thank you for your inquiry. The presence of multiple enlarged lymph nodes in the groin area should be evaluated by a physician. Generally, ankylosing spondylitis does not cause lymphadenopathy, so it is advisable to consult a doctor who can assess other parts of your body....[Read More] Understanding Enlarged Lymph Nodes: When to Seek Medical Advice
Understanding Rheumatoid Arthritis: Symptoms, Diagnosis, and Treatment Options
Rheumatoid Arthritis Hello Doctor, I would like to inquire whether my symptoms could be diagnosed as arthritis. At the end of October: I felt an unusual sensation when bending my hands. At the beginning of November: I experienced an unusual sensation in my big toe, and my knees h...
Dr. Gao Jiankai Reply:
Hello, thank you for your question. I believe further monitoring is appropriate. Although the RF value is abnormal, it is not significantly elevated, and with normal CCP levels, I think tracking is sufficient. If ANA, CRP, and ESR are also normal, the likelihood of severe rheumat...[Read More] Understanding Rheumatoid Arthritis: Symptoms, Diagnosis, and Treatment Options
Understanding HIV Transmission Risks from Contaminated Toilet Paper
Transmission of HIV/AIDS Hello doctor, at the end of July this year, I used a public restroom and found that the toilet paper was wet when I wiped my intimate area. I'm not sure what liquid the toilet paper was contaminated with, but at the end of August, I experienced a fev...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, urine does not transmit HIV, but semen can indeed transmit HIV, although the risk of infection is very low. Thank you for your question.[Read More] Understanding HIV Transmission Risks from Contaminated Toilet Paper
Concerns About PEP Use: Symptoms, Timing, and Alcohol Interaction
Issues Related to PEP Administration Hello doctor, I would like to ask about my situation. I have been taking PEP medication for about a week now, within 48 hours of potential exposure. During this period, I have experienced symptoms similar to acute HIV infection, such as swolle...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, 1. Symptoms can be difficult to determine. It is recommended to get an HIV test if there are any concerns. 2. To confirm a diagnosis, it is advisable to undergo testing. 3. It is recommended to avoid alcohol as much as possible. If you really want to drink, wait 2-3 da...[Read More] Concerns About PEP Use: Symptoms, Timing, and Alcohol Interaction
Understanding Post-Treatment Reactions to Syphilis: What to Expect
Reactions after syphilis treatment? Hello, Doctor Liao. I went for an anonymous rapid syphilis test on August 13, and on August 18, I was informed that the result was positive for syphilis. On August 19, I made an appointment at the Infectious Disease Department of Pingtung Hospi...
Dr. Liao Zhongxin Reply:
Transmission Methods: 1. Close contact during sexual intercourse and other sexual activities is the primary route of transmission. Direct contact of wounds with secretions, bodily fluids, and other excretions (such as semen, blood, and vaginal secretions) from skin or mucosal les...[Read More] Understanding Post-Treatment Reactions to Syphilis: What to Expect