Understanding Arthritis Medications: Managing Symptoms and Side Effects
Arthritis medications I have been under follow-up in the rheumatology and immunology department for a year and a half. Previously, I was not on any medication, but my erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR) for 2 hours and 1 hour has consistently been elevated, with values ranging f...
Dr. Gao Jiankai Reply:
Hello, thank you for your inquiry. Based on your question, my response is as follows: 1. Your symptoms resemble urticaria, which may be a side effect of medication; both the anti-inflammatory or pain relief medications could be potential culprits. Urticaria is generally a mild ...[Read More] Understanding Arthritis Medications: Managing Symptoms and Side Effects
Managing Long-Term Low Potassium: Symptoms and Next Steps
Chronic hypokalemia Hello Doctor 👋 # I have been experiencing low potassium, proteinuria, mild anemia, and diarrhea for over a year! My body often feels unwell with symptoms such as fatigue, dizziness, numbness in my hands, nausea, palpitations, diarrhea, high blood pressure, and...
Dr. Wu Jiyu Reply:
Based on your inquiry, chronic hypokalemia primarily falls under the domain of nephrology, and it is advisable to consult a nephrologist for better coordination in managing your condition. Thank you for your question; the Nephrology Department at Changhua Hospital is here to supp...[Read More] Managing Long-Term Low Potassium: Symptoms and Next Steps
Can Washing Blood-Stained Cotton Cause Infection in Children?
Does dried blood on cotton cause infection? Dear Doctor: If a cotton ball with dried blood (that has been stored for a long time) accidentally gets washed with clothes in the washing machine, could it cause an infection? I am concerned about the possibility of infection on my chi...
Dr. Lin Wufu Reply:
Hello, in principle, pathogens transmitted through blood typically die within a few hours outside the human body. Therefore, it is generally not possible for them to contaminate others' clothing through a washing machine and cause transmission.[Read More] Can Washing Blood-Stained Cotton Cause Infection in Children?
Understanding Low Neutrophil Levels: Causes and Implications
Blood Test Report - Neutrophils Hello Dr. Hong, I received your response yesterday and would like to ask about other blood values being normal, but with a decreasing neutrophil count. What could typically cause this issue? Does it need to be addressed? In previous health checks, ...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, neutrophils are related to the body's resistance to bacterial infections. Common causes of neutrophil reduction include medications, viral infections, and decreased immunity, among others. However, it can also be a normal physiological variation. Therefore, it is esse...[Read More] Understanding Low Neutrophil Levels: Causes and Implications
Understanding Oral Candidiasis: Risks and Precautions During Pregnancy
Oral candidiasis Hello, doctor. I noticed some mold spots in the sink while rinsing my mouth tonight. If some of it splashed into my mouth and I only spit it out, then rinsed my mouth after a few minutes, is there a risk of developing a Candida infection? I read online that adult...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, there are many molds in the environment, including the presence of Candida. Most molds coexist peacefully with humans and do not cause infections. For example, Candida infections typically occur when the body's immune system is compromised, such as in cases of diabete...[Read More] Understanding Oral Candidiasis: Risks and Precautions During Pregnancy
Can Taking Fever Reducers Affect Vaccine Efficacy? A Patient's Concern
Took antipyretics? Hello doctor, last night I received the AZ vaccine and took a Tylenol beforehand. After taking a shower and doing some work, I went to bed around midnight. Suddenly, around 4 AM, I felt very cold and started shivering. Not long after, at 5 AM, I developed a fev...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, some studies abroad have indeed shown that using antipyretics, such as acetaminophen (Tylenol), may slightly reduce the effectiveness of vaccines, but it does not render the vaccine ineffective. It is recommended that if you have a mild fever or are only slightly uncomfort...[Read More] Can Taking Fever Reducers Affect Vaccine Efficacy? A Patient's Concern
Concerns About COVID-19 Transmission After a Medical Visit
Transmission of COVID-19 Hello, I had dinner around 5:30 PM after class, and it seems that I got a fishbone stuck in my throat from eating tilapia. My family took me to an ENT clinic, and after the examination, the doctor said he couldn't see anything, suggesting that I migh...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, after a COVID-19 infection, there is typically an incubation period of about 2 to 7 days, so it is unlikely for symptoms to appear that quickly. In the clinic, if everyone is wearing masks and there is no direct contact, the risk of transmission should be very low. It is r...[Read More] Concerns About COVID-19 Transmission After a Medical Visit
Understanding Your Blood Test Results: Cholesterol, Blood Sugar, and Medication Effects
Blood report Hello Dr. Hong, about a month ago I had a blood test at the hospital. The results showed total cholesterol at 210, LDL cholesterol at 144, blood glucose at 105, hemoglobin A1c at 5.3, and potassium at 5.3. I checked the standard values online and found that they are ...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, although your blood sugar is slightly elevated, your glycated hemoglobin is normal, so there should be no issue with diabetes. Your potassium level is slightly high, but if your kidney function is normal, it may be due to constipation or decreased excretion, which usually ...[Read More] Understanding Your Blood Test Results: Cholesterol, Blood Sugar, and Medication Effects
Understanding Symptoms After Toenail Injury: Fever, Dizziness, and More
After injuring the toenail, a series of symptoms began, primarily persistent low-grade fever and dizziness? Hello, Doctor. At the beginning of last month, while on a business trip and staying at a hotel, I accidentally injured my right big toe by pinching it in the door. There wa...
Dr. Lin Wufu Reply:
Hello! Generally, a nail injury is unlikely to cause a systemic infection (unless the local wound condition is very poor). Your initial symptoms resemble those of a systemic inflammatory response or infection, but typical infections do not usually last for a month. It would be ad...[Read More] Understanding Symptoms After Toenail Injury: Fever, Dizziness, and More
Understanding Dizziness After Masturbation: Causes and Solutions
Males may experience dizziness after masturbation? I am a male student, and I have had a habit of masturbation since middle school, although I am not sure when it started. I have noticed that after masturbating, my thinking becomes very sluggish, my memory worsens, and I often fe...
Dr. Li Jian Reply:
Hello: Currently, there is no research indicating that masturbation affects memory. However, based on your personal experience, you mentioned a temporary change in memory. If there is a long-term decline in memory, it may be due to structural changes in the brain, but short-term ...[Read More] Understanding Dizziness After Masturbation: Causes and Solutions
Evening Headaches: Understanding Nighttime Pain and Its Causes
I experience headaches every evening? Hello doctor, my partner has been experiencing headaches that start after 10 PM for the past two to three nights. Sometimes, there is also a tingling sensation in the face. However, after getting some sleep, there are no symptoms during the d...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, the causes of headaches are often multifactorial, including medication, irregular sleep patterns, lack of exercise, stress, and coffee consumption habits, among others. Based on the situation you mentioned, the potential contributing factors could be: 1. Irregular sleep pa...[Read More] Evening Headaches: Understanding Nighttime Pain and Its Causes
Managing Arrhythmias in Dialysis Patients: Beyond Medication Solutions
Dialysis-related arrhythmias Hello Doctor, my father has been on dialysis for about two years. Before receiving the vaccine, he experienced arrhythmia, but it was managed with medication. However, after getting vaccinated, he has experienced arrhythmia again during dialysis, and ...
Dr. Wu Jiyu Reply:
Due to the various forms of arrhythmias, some present as tachycardia, others as bradycardia, some exhibit irregularity within a regular rhythm, and others are completely irregular. Each type has different management strategies; some may be monitored, some require medication, and ...[Read More] Managing Arrhythmias in Dialysis Patients: Beyond Medication Solutions
Understanding Urticarial Vasculitis: Symptoms, Causes, and Treatment Options
Urticarial vasculitis? Hello, doctor. I have a tendency to be allergic and sneeze (which started about nine years ago). I have also experienced mild urticaria intermittently. However, starting in April of this year, I suddenly developed widespread urticaria. I went to a dermatolo...
Dr. Gao Jiankai Reply:
Hello, thank you for your inquiry. Here are my responses: 1. How is anaphylactic shock determined? Although I was experiencing stomach pain, I was still responsive at the time... --> Perhaps "shock" is a bit severe, but you did have swelling of the lips and eyelids,...[Read More] Understanding Urticarial Vasculitis: Symptoms, Causes, and Treatment Options
Understanding Rheumatoid Arthritis: Diagnosis, Treatment, and Concerns
Regarding the diagnosis and medication use for rheumatoid arthritis? Dear Director Gao, I apologize for the length of my inquiry and hope you can take the time to clarify my doubts. Thank you! About a year and a half ago, blood tests revealed that my rheumatoid factor (RF) was...
Dr. Gao Jiankai Reply:
Hello, thank you for your questions. Here are my consolidated responses: 1. Can anti-CCP antibodies be present intermittently? (There was a significant difference in test results just five days apart.) Could differences in testing methods cause varying results? Are there differe...[Read More] Understanding Rheumatoid Arthritis: Diagnosis, Treatment, and Concerns
Managing COVID-19 Symptoms: Insights on Treatment and Recovery
Positive rapid test for COVID-19 (continued) Hello Dr. Hong, I am the patient who asked a question yesterday. The PCR results just came out... it is positive for SARS-CoV-2 with RdRp gene: 23.25 and SARS-CoV-2 ORF 1ab: 21.26. Today is the second day, and I continue to take "...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Currently, there are indeed several medications available for use, including for mild cases. However, for high-risk patients, such as those over 65 years of age, monoclonal antibodies can be used for patients with declining oxygen levels. For more severe cases, remdesivir can be ...[Read More] Managing COVID-19 Symptoms: Insights on Treatment and Recovery
Understanding Post-Pandemic Erectile Dysfunction: When to Seek Help
Pandemic-induced erectile dysfunction I believe I may have been diagnosed, but my symptoms are not very pronounced. I have slight difficulty breathing, a mild fever, muscle weakness, abdominal pain, and incomplete penile engorgement, but I do not have a cough or throat discomfort...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, 1. It is recommended to contact the health department or call 1922 to arrange for testing to confirm whether it is a COVID-19 infection, as this is essential for appropriate treatment of the disease. 2. In the event of a positive COVID-19 result, there have indeed been...[Read More] Understanding Post-Pandemic Erectile Dysfunction: When to Seek Help
Understanding Easy Bruising, Petechiae, and Frequent Nosebleeds in Children
Easy bruising, petechiae, and nosebleeds? Dear Director Gao, My daughter is currently 7 years old. Over a year ago, we noticed that she easily develops bruises on her body, although we are unsure if she has bumped into something. These bruises mostly occur around her knees and t...
Dr. Gao Jiankai Reply:
Hello, thank you for your message. Here are my thoughts: 1. The pediatric immunologist mentioned the possibility of thalassemia or iron deficiency anemia. Since many family members on my mother's side have thalassemia trait, does that mean my daughter is likely to have this...[Read More] Understanding Easy Bruising, Petechiae, and Frequent Nosebleeds in Children
Understanding Unexplained Elevated Body Temperature: Is It a Fever?
Unexplained elevated body temperature? Hello doctor, my body temperature has been unusually high in the past few days, measuring around 37.8 to 38.0 degrees Celsius with a forehead thermometer. However, I have no symptoms; I am not coughing, I don't have a headache, and impo...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, this temperature is indeed on the higher side. It is recommended to measure with another thermometer. If the reading is still the same, it is advisable to visit an infectious disease clinic for further evaluation. Thank you for your inquiry.[Read More] Understanding Unexplained Elevated Body Temperature: Is It a Fever?
Can People with High IgE Levels Get the Covid-19 Vaccine Safely?
If the IgE levels in a blood test are elevated, is it safe to receive the Covid-19 vaccine? If a person has a history of allergic conditions, frequently experiences eczema, and has elevated IgE levels in blood tests, can they receive the COVID-19 vaccine? Will the side effects be...
Dr. Gao Jiankai Reply:
Hello, thank you for your message. I believe that getting vaccinated is a good option, and the likelihood of experiencing side effects is not higher than that of others. Although your IgE allergy levels are elevated, the literature does not suggest that patients with such conditi...[Read More] Can People with High IgE Levels Get the Covid-19 Vaccine Safely?
Assessing Outdoor Activities for Children During Ongoing Pandemic Restrictions
Epidemic prevention issues Hello Doctor, I am a social worker at a children's home with about 30 residents. Due to the pandemic, classes have been extended until June 14, and we have been hesitant to let the children go outside before May 28 due to concerns about the spread ...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, the current recommendation regarding the pandemic is still to prioritize indoor activities. The risk outdoors mainly depends on the likelihood of coming into contact with others throughout the process, especially since children tend to interact with various surfaces and pe...[Read More] Assessing Outdoor Activities for Children During Ongoing Pandemic Restrictions