Understanding Joint and Muscle Pain: Causes, Symptoms, and Management
Joint and muscle pain Hello Doctor, I would like to ask you a few questions. 1. Initially, I experienced pain in my right knee and went to an orthopedic clinic where an ultrasound revealed inflammation and swelling. The doctor suggested a possible meniscus injury. However, afte...
Dr. Gao Jiankai Reply:
Hello, thank you for your inquiry. Here are my responses: 1. Initially, I experienced pain in my right knee and visited an orthopedic clinic where an ultrasound revealed inflammation and swelling. The doctor suggested a possible meniscus injury. After a follow-up visit with no i...[Read More] Understanding Joint and Muscle Pain: Causes, Symptoms, and Management
Understanding Salivary Gland Scintigraphy in Sjögren's Syndrome
Salivary Gland Scintigraphy Report for Sjögren's Syndrome Hello, Dr. Gao. My salivary gland biopsy showed lymphocytic infiltration, confirming a diagnosis of Sjögren's syndrome. I subsequently underwent salivary gland scintigraphy and would like to ask how this report i...
Dr. Gao Jiankai Reply:
Hello, thank you for your question. Compensatory parotid function refers to the adaptive response of the salivary glands, resulting in heterogeneous signal distribution on imaging, where some areas show strong signals while others show weak signals. This indicates that the functi...[Read More] Understanding Salivary Gland Scintigraphy in Sjögren's Syndrome
Understanding Prolonged Fever: Blood Test Insights and Concerns
Blood tests for fever lasting more than 6 days? Hello Doctor, I have been experiencing a fever for over 6 days (around 38 degrees Celsius). I visited the clinic twice (COVID-19 and influenza tests were negative). The clinic doctor recommended that I go to a large hospital for blo...
Dr. Li Jian Reply:
The inflammatory index is slightly elevated, and the glomerular filtration rate can be monitored by a nephrologist. Thank you for your inquiry.[Read More] Understanding Prolonged Fever: Blood Test Insights and Concerns
Persistent Dizziness: Understanding Causes and Seeking Solutions
Dizziness and lightheadedness? I have been experiencing dizziness for some reason lately, and it has persisted for a week. I visited an otolaryngologist last week and took medication, but the issue has not improved. It doesn't seem to be a cold. I have a habit of practicing ...
Dr. Xie Rongyuan Reply:
Hello: If the dizziness does not improve, further examination is necessary to determine the cause. It could be an issue with the vestibular system of the inner ear, or it may be due to conditions such as benign paroxysmal positional vertigo (BPPV), Meniere's disease, brain t...[Read More] Persistent Dizziness: Understanding Causes and Seeking Solutions
Understanding Muscle Weakness and Pain: Causes and Solutions
Muscle soreness and weakness? Doctor, I often wake up in the morning feeling completely weak in my arms and legs, and even my toes are unable to move. Standing up is difficult, as if I have become a robot. This condition is temporary, but afterward, the areas that were weak becom...
Dr. Li Jian Reply:
You can first consult a neurologist. Thank you for your inquiry.[Read More] Understanding Muscle Weakness and Pain: Causes and Solutions
Understanding HIV and HPV Risks: PEP Efficacy and Autoimmune Concerns
HIV infection HPV infection Hello, Doctor. I have a question. After performing oral sex on a woman, I noticed small red spots on my abdomen two days later, which made me very anxious. I quickly went to a clinic and had a blood test for HIV, which came back negative. I started tak...
Dr. Liao Zhongxin Reply:
First, let's look at the information about HIV: The HIV virus has three main transmission routes: 1. Sexual transmission: Engaging in oral, anal, or vaginal intercourse without a condom with an HIV-infected individual or exchanging other bodily fluids carries a risk of infec...[Read More] Understanding HIV and HPV Risks: PEP Efficacy and Autoimmune Concerns
Understanding Abnormal Blood Test Results: What Do Red Flags Mean?
The blood test report shows results in red? Due to symptoms of immunodeficiency, I undergo blood tests at the hospital every six months. This time, I had a regular check-up at the hospital before the Lunar New Year, and the next day I checked the results on the National Health In...
Dr. Liao Zhongxin Reply:
1. First, it is important to identify the type of immune deficiency in order to make an accurate assessment. 2. If last year's tests were normal and this year's results are abnormal, please seek care at a nearby medical facility as soon as possible for confirmation and...[Read More] Understanding Abnormal Blood Test Results: What Do Red Flags Mean?
Can You Contract HIV from Masturbation After Contact with Infected Fluids?
Masturbation-related infection If a person has contact with the blood or semen of an HIV-infected individual on their hands, does not wash their hands, and then engages in masturbation with broken skin on their genitals, is there a risk of HIV infection?
Dr. Liao Zhongxin Reply:
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) data, there are three main routes of HIV transmission: 1. Sexual transmission: Engaging in oral, anal, or vaginal intercourse without a condom with an HIV-infected individual or exchanging other bodily fluids poses...[Read More] Can You Contract HIV from Masturbation After Contact with Infected Fluids?
Can You Get HIV from Touching with Lubricated Hands?
Will this lead to an HIV infection? I touched the inside of a girl's vagina with my hand that had lubricant on it, and then immediately touched my own glans. I am not circumcised, and I was wearing a condom the entire time. Is there a risk of transmitting HIV in this situati...
Dr. Liao Zhongxin Reply:
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), there are three main routes of transmission for the Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV): 1. Sexual transmission: Engaging in oral, anal, or vaginal intercourse without a condom with an HIV-infected individual or ...[Read More] Can You Get HIV from Touching with Lubricated Hands?
Am I at Risk for HIV After Unprotected Sex? Understanding Symptoms and Testing
Am I infected with HIV? Hello doctor, I have a question: On October 28, 2023, I went for a massage and had unprotected sexual intercourse with the attendant, although it was only for 5 thrusts. After that, I used a condom. However, I had a fever for one day from November 26 to 27...
Dr. Liao Zhongxin Reply:
1. The transmission routes of HIV include sexual intercourse, sharing needles for drug use, and improper blood transfusions, among others. 2. As for the symptoms of acute HIV syndrome, they can vary widely; if you have engaged in any of the aforementioned high-risk behaviors, pl...[Read More] Am I at Risk for HIV After Unprotected Sex? Understanding Symptoms and Testing
Managing Blood Pressure and Heart Rate Drops During Dialysis: A Patient's Guide
When blood pressure drops during dialysis and heart rate also decreases, how should it be managed? Hello, Doctor Wu: I have been a dialysis patient for over a year and have hypertension, hyperlipidemia, and diabetes. I also have coronary artery disease and mild arrhythmia. Last y...
Dr. Wu Hongjie Reply:
For heart-related issues, please consult a cardiologist. In cases of hypotension during dialysis, the on-site nephrologist should provide immediate feedback. Each situation is different, so please respond according to the circumstances at that time. Common management strategies i...[Read More] Managing Blood Pressure and Heart Rate Drops During Dialysis: A Patient's Guide
Understanding Human T-Lymphotropic Virus: What Your Positive Test Means
Human T-lymphotropic virus (HTLV) Hello doctor, I have been consistently donating blood and have done so 12 times. The reports for the first 11 times were normal, but this time the blood donation report tested positive for Human T-Lymphotropic Virus (HTLV). My 11th donation was i...
Dr. Liao Zhongxin Reply:
1. What is a "Human T-lymphotropic virus" (HTLV) carrier? Human T-lymphotropic virus (HTLV), primarily classified into HTLV-I and HTLV-II, is screened for antibodies at blood donation centers using enzyme immunoassays. Individuals who test positive for HTLV antibodies t...[Read More] Understanding Human T-Lymphotropic Virus: What Your Positive Test Means
Understanding Urinary Albumin Levels: What Does a 30 Mean for Your Health?
Urinary albumin Hello Doctor: This morning I went to the medical laboratory for a simple health check, and I just received the report showing a highlighted value of "urine albumin at 30," with a normal range of 10. This has made me very anxious, and I would like to ask ...
Dr. Wu Hongjie Reply:
It is recommended to go to the hospital for another test to determine the need for dialysis based on blood toxins, such as creatinine. Simply looking at urine cannot guarantee health and safety.[Read More] Understanding Urinary Albumin Levels: What Does a 30 Mean for Your Health?
Risk of HIV Transmission from Sharing Ice Cream with an Infected Person
The risk of transmission when sharing a bowl of ice with a person living with HIV? Hello doctor, I would like to ask if there is a risk of infection if I shared a bowl of ice with someone who is HIV positive. They had their wisdom teeth removed two days ago, and I am not sure if ...
Dr. Liao Zhongxin Reply:
According to the disease control tree data, there are three main routes of HIV transmission: 1. 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. 2. Blood transmissi...[Read More] Risk of HIV Transmission from Sharing Ice Cream with an Infected Person
Risk of HIV Infection from Contact with Dried Blood: What You Need to Know
HIV infection Hello, Doctor: If there is a scratch on my leg (suspected to be bleeding) that comes into contact with a blood stain on a bedsheet (approximately within a small square area of 1cm x 1cm) and the affected area (the scratched area) is in contact with the blood stain w...
Dr. Liao Zhongxin Reply:
According to the Centers for Disease Control data, there are three main routes of HIV transmission: 1. Sexual transmission: Engaging in oral, anal, or vaginal intercourse or other exchanges of bodily fluids with an HIV-infected individual carries the risk of infection. 2. Blood t...[Read More] Risk of HIV Infection from Contact with Dried Blood: What You Need to Know
Understanding Ankylosing Spondylitis: Severity and Progression in Young Adults
Ankylosing Spondylitis Hello Doctor: 1. Will the degree of spinal and cervical stiffness in patients with juvenile ankylosing spondylitis be more severe compared to those who develop the condition in adulthood? (Since the onset occurs earlier.) 2. Will every patient experience sp...
Dr. Gao Jiankai Reply:
Hello, thank you for your question. Here are my responses: 1. Will the stiffness of the spine and cervical spine in patients with juvenile ankylosing spondylitis be more severe compared to adults who develop the condition later? (Since the duration of the disease is longer.) --&...[Read More] Understanding Ankylosing Spondylitis: Severity and Progression in Young Adults
Do I Need Surgery for Gallstones? Understanding Symptoms and Treatment
Is surgery necessary for gallstones? Hello Doctor, I often experience abdominal bloating and discomfort after meals, and this year it has been particularly bothersome. I have been taking medications for my stomach and to relieve bloating. A few months ago, I had severe bloating t...
Dr. Qiu Junwei Reply:
This should be considered symptomatic, and it is advisable to discuss the feasibility of surgery or endoscopic stone removal with your gastroenterologist.[Read More] Do I Need Surgery for Gallstones? Understanding Symptoms and Treatment
Can You Contract HIV from Contaminated Alcohol Swabs?
HIV transmission routes (injection) If the alcohol swab was placed on the table and potentially contaminated with HIV-infected blood or bodily fluids, the risk of HIV transmission through that swab is extremely low. HIV does not survive long outside the human body, and it is part...
Dr. Liao Zhongxin Reply:
According to 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 other exchanges of bodily fluids with an HIV-infected individual carries the risk of infection....[Read More] Can You Contract HIV from Contaminated Alcohol Swabs?
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 High Insulin Resistance and Blood Insulin Levels: A Guide
High blood insulin levels and high insulin resistance? Hello, doctor. I would like to ask about my recent self-paid blood tests. My insulin resistance index is 7.1 (normal range: 1.4-2.0), and my blood insulin concentration is 28.65 uU/mL (normal range: 2.6-24.9), which is higher...
Dr. Lin Jianliang Reply:
Hello, a fasting blood glucose level of 100 mg/dL is classified as impaired fasting glucose (IFG), which is a form of prediabetes. The diagnosis of prediabetes does not rely on the insulin resistance index or blood insulin levels. There are many reasons for a high insulin resista...[Read More] Understanding High Insulin Resistance and Blood Insulin Levels: A Guide