Managing COVID-19 in Patients with Sjögren's Syndrome: Treatment Insights
After being diagnosed with COVID-19 three times, the patient has been unable to test negative for an extended period following the most recent diagnosis? Hello Doctor, my mother has been diagnosed with Sjögren's syndrome for over ten years. Currently, she is taking one pill ...
Dr. Gao Jiankai Reply:
Hello, thank you for your question. Here are my responses: 1. I would like to ask whether antiviral medication is necessary, or if there is a need for antiviral medication for patients with Sjögren's syndrome? (I am not opposed to taking it; if possible, I hope the physicia...[Read More] Managing COVID-19 in Patients with Sjögren's Syndrome: Treatment Insights
Understanding Test Results: Concerns About Tumor Risk and Further Examinations
Please inquire about the test results? Hello, doctor. Recently, my father experienced swelling in his throat and left hand due to stress, prompting him to visit a rheumatology and immunology specialist. Based on his condition, the doctor ordered the following tests (the items lis...
Dr. Gao Jiankai Reply:
Hello, thank you for your inquiry. Here are my responses: 1. The attending physician did not inform us about the location of the tumor, nor did they provide a detailed explanation to my father regarding which specific values were problematic for the diagnosis. Could you please ...[Read More] Understanding Test Results: Concerns About Tumor Risk and Further Examinations
Understanding Hypoglycemia: Causes, Diagnosis, and Treatment Options
Hypoglycemia Report [Radioimmunoassay Nuclear Medicine Test] Hypoglycemia Report Date: 01/08/2021 [Thyroglobulin] 25.51 ng/ml [hGH] 11.13 ng/ml [C-Peptide] 1.01 ng/ml [Insulin] 2.52 uIU/ml [Cortisol] 15.35 (17:39) µg/dl [Free T4] 1.06 ng/ml [TSH] 2.44 uIU/ml [Ab-T...
Dr. Lin Jianliang Reply:
Hello: 1. The above report cannot determine whether it is hypoglycemia or type 1 diabetes; it seems to be looking for causes of hypoglycemia. 2. In the early or pre-stage of diabetes, due to abnormal insulin secretion in the body, postprandial hypoglycemia may occur. The assessme...[Read More] Understanding Hypoglycemia: Causes, Diagnosis, and Treatment Options
Understanding T3, T4, TSH Tests and Thyroid Ultrasound Results
T3, T4, and TSH tests along with thyroid ultrasound? Hello Doctor, The results of the T3, T4, and TSH tests are as follows: TSH (Thyroid Stimulating Hormone): 7.4, T3 (Triiodothyronine): 101, Free T4: 0.88. The thyroid ultrasound results are as follows: Examination Report: F...
Dr. Lin Jianliang Reply:
Hello Eason: The current report indicates two main issues: 1. Thyroid disease caused by immune factors: further blood tests, physical examinations, and medical history inquiries are required in the outpatient clinic. 2. Thyroid nodules: a follow-up visit is needed to assess the c...[Read More] Understanding T3, T4, TSH Tests and Thyroid Ultrasound Results
Can You Get HIV from Using a Thermometer After an Infected Patient?
Transmission routes of HIV (ear thermometer) If the previous patient was an HIV-positive individual and used an ear thermometer that came into contact with a wound or blood, and then I subsequently used the same ear thermometer on myself while having a wound in the same area, wou...
Dr. Liao Zhongxin Reply:
1. Theoretically, it should not be transmitted; the transmission routes for HIV include unprotected sexual intercourse, improper blood transfusions, and transmission from an HIV-positive mother during regular prenatal check-ups. 2. Generally, routine physical examinations and c...[Read More] Can You Get HIV from Using a Thermometer After an Infected Patient?
Hip and Thigh Muscle Pain: Understanding Post-Hospitalization Discomfort
Hip bone pain, soreness in the outer thigh muscles, and leg twitching when falling asleep? Last Sunday, I was hospitalized due to lower abdominal pain, which was diagnosed as mild appendicitis. I received antibiotic treatment through an IV, and after that, I no longer experienced...
Dr. Gao Jiankai Reply:
Hello, thank you for your inquiry. If you are experiencing pain or cramping at night that interferes with your sleep, it is advisable to schedule an earlier follow-up appointment with your attending physician for evaluation. Some differential diagnoses require a physical examinat...[Read More] Hip and Thigh Muscle Pain: Understanding Post-Hospitalization Discomfort
Should You Remove a 3.6 cm Thyroid Nodule? Understanding Your Options
Thyroid nodule Hello, during a recent physical examination, a 3.6 cm nodule was found on the left side of my thyroid. A fine needle aspiration biopsy was performed, and it was determined to be benign. However, I have recently been experiencing some discomfort in my throat, occasi...
Dr. Li Jian Reply:
If the thyroid nodule is larger than 3 centimeters and there are uncomfortable symptoms, you can consult a thyroid surgeon to discuss how to manage it. Thank you for your inquiry.[Read More] Should You Remove a 3.6 cm Thyroid Nodule? Understanding Your Options
Understanding Atypical Ankylosing Spondylitis: Symptoms and Diagnosis
Autoimmune diseases Doctor, I am currently 30 years old, have not given birth, HLA-B27 negative, with inflammatory markers CRP: 0.02 and ESR: 3. Since June, I have been experiencing pain in my buttocks, and an MRI report shows sacroiliac joint sclerosis. The doctor prescribed Cel...
Dr. Gao Jiankai Reply:
Hello, thank you for your inquiry. Diagnosing ankylosing spondylitis requires a comprehensive evaluation that includes imaging studies, blood tests, clinical symptoms, and physical examination findings, and it heavily relies on the experience of the treating physician. The inform...[Read More] Understanding Atypical Ankylosing Spondylitis: Symptoms and Diagnosis
Concerns About Bloodborne Diseases During Pediatric Urology Visits
Concerns and anxiety about medical consultations, worrying about blood and infectious diseases? Hello Doctor: Yesterday, I took my child to a pediatric clinic for a urology consultation. During the consultation, I noticed that the physician had a noticeable laceration at the base...
Dr. Lin Wufu Reply:
1. Direct contact of wounds or blood with mucous membranes or broken skin may pose a risk of transmitting bloodborne diseases. However, if there is blood at the base of the fingernail and the finger touches intact skin, theoretically, there is a risk of transmission. 2. The surf...[Read More] Concerns About Bloodborne Diseases During Pediatric Urology Visits
Understanding the Risk of HIV Infection After Sexual Encounter
What is the likelihood of contracting the HIV virus? Hello Doctor: - I had contact with a sex worker on August 16: unprotected oral sex and protected vaginal intercourse. - About 3 to 4 days after the incident, I felt a slight tingling sensation on the glans and noticed white or...
Dr. Liao Zhongxin Reply:
According to data from the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) in Taiwan, there are three main transmission routes for the Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV): 1. Sexual transmission: Engaging in oral, anal, or vaginal intercourse or other exchanges of bodily fluids with an HIV-in...[Read More] Understanding the Risk of HIV Infection After Sexual Encounter
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
Concerns About Blood Draw Infections: Risks and Recommendations
Blood draw infection issues? Hello, Doctor. I recently visited a medical facility's health check center for a physical examination. During the blood draw, the nurse used an alcohol swab for disinfection and then placed the swab on the table. After completing the blood draw, ...
Dr. Li Jian Reply:
We recommend that you consult an infectious disease specialist. Thank you for your inquiry.[Read More] Concerns About Blood Draw Infections: Risks and Recommendations
Is an EF of 65% Normal After a Heart Ultrasound at Age 23?
Echocardiogram I am 23 years old and had an echocardiogram last week. I would like to ask if an ejection fraction (EF) of 65% is considered normal?
Dr. Yu Liying Reply:
Hello, Xiao Yao. EF in echocardiography refers to ejection fraction, which describes the function of the left ventricle, although it can occasionally refer to the right ventricle as well. While this number appears to be within the normal range, I must remind you that echocardiogr...[Read More] Is an EF of 65% Normal After a Heart Ultrasound at Age 23?
Can You Contract Gonorrhea Without Symptoms? Key Insights and FAQs
Can one contract gonorrhea without any apparent reason? 1. Can gonorrhea be contracted without any apparent reason? 2. What is the incubation period for gonorrhea? 3. What are the common symptoms of gonorrhea in women? 4. If I had unprotected sexual intercourse with my regular pa...
Dr. Liao Zhongxin Reply:
Gonorrhea is a sexually transmitted infection caused by the bacterium Neisseria gonorrhoeae, which is also known as gonococcus. It is a common issue among young populations, alongside genital warts (commonly referred to as "cauliflower") and syphilis. According to the W...[Read More] Can You Contract Gonorrhea Without Symptoms? Key Insights and FAQs
Can You Get Gonorrhea Without Symptoms? Key Facts and Insights
Can one contract gonorrhea without any apparent reason? 1. Can gonorrhea be contracted without any apparent reason? 2. What is the incubation period for gonorrhea? 3. What are the typical symptoms of gonorrhea in women? 4. If I had unprotected sexual intercourse with my ste...
Dr. Liao Zhongxin Reply:
Gonorrhea is a sexually transmitted infection caused by the bacterium Neisseria gonorrhoeae, which is also known as gonococcus. It is a common issue among young populations, along with genital warts (commonly referred to as "cauliflower") and syphilis. According to the ...[Read More] Can You Get Gonorrhea Without Symptoms? Key Facts and Insights
Understanding Abnormal Blood Test Results: Neutrophils, Monocytes, and Lymphocytes
Abnormal lymphocytes and leukocytes in blood test report? Hello, I went to the emergency room last November due to abdominal pain. I just checked my health records and saw the blood test report from that time, which showed three values highlighted in red: Neutrophil - 90.0%, Mono...
Dr. Zheng Weijun Reply:
Dear commenter, based on the information you provided, the proportions of neutrophils, monocytes, and lymphocytes in your blood report are 90.0%, 2.0%, and 7.5%, respectively. These values are slightly abnormal, as neutrophils typically range from 50-70%, monocytes from 2-10%, an...[Read More] Understanding Abnormal Blood Test Results: Neutrophils, Monocytes, and Lymphocytes
Understanding Rheumatoid Arthritis Symptoms: A Patient's Journey
Rheumatoid Arthritis Hello, doctor. I would like to inquire about the symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis. At the beginning of this year, I started experiencing pain in my knee joint and consulted a rheumatologist who performed a physical examination and said everything was fine. La...
Dr. Gao Jiankai Reply:
Hello, thank you for your question. I believe that after the onset of joint symptoms followed by neurological symptoms, it is advisable to: 1. Return to the rheumatology department for a reevaluation by the physician. Rheumatic diseases can present with both joint and neurologica...[Read More] Understanding Rheumatoid Arthritis Symptoms: A Patient's Journey
Alternatives to Carvedilol for Managing Hypertension and Gum Issues
Antihypertensive medication If you are currently taking carvedilol (a beta-blocker) for hypertension but are experiencing issues with gum swelling and abscesses, there are alternative classes of antihypertensive medications that you could consider. For example, you might discuss ...
Dr. Lin Wuxuan Reply:
Hello: Regarding your question about antihypertensive medications, if there are adverse drug reactions that require adjustments, we will need your past medical history, medication history, and responses to the medications. Additionally, we will need to consider your physical exam...[Read More] Alternatives to Carvedilol for Managing Hypertension and Gum Issues
Understanding Urine Changes: When to Seek Medical Advice
Urinary issues and proteinuria? Hello, doctor. On the evening of May 2nd, I visited a traditional Chinese medicine practitioner and explained that my urine in the morning was darker yellow, with a lot of bubbles that lasted longer than ten minutes. Aside from the first morning ur...
Dr. Lin Wuxuan Reply:
Hello: There are many causes of foamy urine, including disease-related factors (such as proteinuria) and general physiological states (such as higher urea concentration in the first morning urine). This phenomenon serves as a preliminary assessment tool for individuals to evaluat...[Read More] Understanding Urine Changes: When to Seek Medical Advice
Understanding Joint Discomfort at Night: Causes and Solutions
Experiencing joint stiffness when going to sleep (but not pain)? I have a long-term symptom where, every time I go to sleep, the inner sides of my left elbow and left knee joints feel very sore. Interestingly, the joints on the right side of my body do not exhibit any such sympto...
Dr. Gao Jiankai Reply:
Hello, thank you for your inquiry. Your symptoms may require a clinical physical examination along with blood tests to more easily identify potential causes. It is recommended that you seek evaluation from the Department of Allergy, Immunology, and Rheumatology or the Department ...[Read More] Understanding Joint Discomfort at Night: Causes and Solutions