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 Your Blood Test Results: Key Insights and Implications
Blood Test Report Hello Doctor, I am the person who asked question 210066. The ANA Pattern 1 is Dense Fine Speckled (AC-2), the ANA Titer 1 is 1:80, the Anti-RNP Antibody is 0.6 U/ml (reference value [<10.0]), the Anti-La and Anti-Ro are both <0.3 (both reference values: Ne...
Dr. Gao Jiankai Reply:
Hello, thank you for your inquiry. My opinion remains the same as before. In the information you provided, the abnormal result is ANA, while other tests such as anti-RNP, anti-LA, anti-Ro, anti-Sm, anti-ds DNA, and anti-Cardiolipin IgG are normal. The latter tests are conducted t...[Read More] Understanding Your Blood Test Results: Key Insights and Implications
Can You Drink Alcohol While Taking BikTarVy for PEP Treatment?
Post-Exposure Prophylaxis (PEP) Hello doctor, today I went to Mackay Memorial Hospital for PEP treatment, and the doctor prescribed me BikTarVy (bictegravir/emtricitabine/tenofovir alafenamide). Can I drink alcohol while taking this medication? If so, how long should I wait after...
Dr. Liao Zhongxin Reply:
1. First, regarding the precautions for using Loxone (Tadalafil): When using Loxone film-coated tablets, please adhere to the following precautions and medication recommendations: - Follow the physician's prescription: Before using Loxone film-coated tablets, obtain an ...[Read More] Can You Drink Alcohol While Taking BikTarVy for PEP Treatment?
Managing Complications of Hypothyroidism: A Case Study
Complications of Hypothyroidism Dear Dr. Li, My mother is 73 years old. Six years ago, she was diagnosed with hyperthyroidism, which caused severe allergic rashes and itching due to medication. After a year of changing medications without success, she was evaluated by a metaboli...
Dr. Li Jian Reply:
Skin rashes and itching can also be evaluated by a rheumatologist. Thank you for your inquiry.[Read More] Managing Complications of Hypothyroidism: A Case Study
Understanding Syphilis Infection: Key Questions and Insights for Patients
Issues related to syphilis infection? Hello Doctor, I was recently screened and found to have a syphilis infection (I have never been infected before). I usually do rapid tests, and my last rapid test was negative over six months ago. Since then, I have not experienced any sympto...
Dr. Liao Zhongxin Reply:
First, you need to confirm whether it is a first-time infection, and if treatment was received within a year, only then is it possible to achieve a dual negative result, i.e., RPR/TPHA (-/-); otherwise, it often remains positive. 2. The level of the index indicates the strength o...[Read More] Understanding Syphilis Infection: Key Questions and Insights for Patients
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 Skin Reactions and Infection Risks: Common Concerns
Please ask your question? Hello, doctor. I have two questions I'd like to ask. The first one is that a few days ago, the outer side of my thigh felt itchy and looked like it was bitten by an insect, with a little swelling. I didn't pay much attention to it and didn'...
Dr. Lin Wufu Reply:
Hello, it's difficult to determine the exact condition just from the pictures, but insect bites combined with scratching can indeed lead to similar wounds. Lyme disease is almost non-existent in Taiwan, and most cases are contracted while traveling to Europe or America. The ...[Read More] Understanding Skin Reactions and Infection Risks: Common Concerns
Understanding Skin Bumps: Are They a Sign of Infection?
Inquiry about arm issues? Hello Doctor: I noticed three small bumps on my arms while showering in the past couple of days. They are a bit itchy, and I scratched the skin on my right arm, while the left arm looks somewhat like acne. I would like to ask if it is possible to contrac...
Dr. Liao Zhongxin Reply:
In public restrooms, it is advisable to use your own bathroom facilities to avoid skin diseases or other infectious diseases. If skin symptoms persist for an extended period or worsen, it is recommended to visit a nearby medical facility for evaluation.[Read More] Understanding Skin Bumps: Are They a Sign of Infection?
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
Understanding Skin Rashes and Positive ANA: What You Need to Know
Rash and ANA positive at 1:80? Hello Doctor, I would like to ask about some recent developments. I have noticed three new red spots on the skin of my right cheek. Upon closer inspection, they seem to resemble either subcutaneous bleeding or pigmentation, but they are neither pain...
Dr. Gao Jiankai Reply:
Hello, thank you for your questions. Here are my responses: 1. Should I be concerned about my ANA test results? Does a change from negative to positive indicate that my health is deteriorating? --> Since the value is still quite low (80) and within an acceptable range, I reco...[Read More] Understanding Skin Rashes and Positive ANA: What You Need to Know
Understanding Persistent Skin Rashes: Possible Immune System Disorders
Red rashes on the back, posterior legs, arms, and anterior chest, with itching at night that makes it impossible to sleep, and some areas of skin peeling? Since January 2024, the patient has been experiencing symptoms and has visited three clinics where eczema or urticaria was su...
Dr. Zeng Guosen Reply:
The skin condition described by the netizen seems to be unrelated to the positive antinuclear antibody (ANA) titer of 1:5120. There may be other autoimmune diseases involved, and it is advisable to seek further medical evaluation. It is recommended to first visit a dermatology de...[Read More] Understanding Persistent Skin Rashes: Possible Immune System Disorders
Understanding ANA Test Results: Eczema and Lupus Family History
Inquiry about ANA report? Hello, doctor. Three months ago, I started experiencing a significant rash on my lower back and abdomen. I have seen dermatologists at three different hospitals, and it was ultimately diagnosed as eczema due to a family history of lupus erythematosus on ...
Dr. Zeng Guosen Reply:
After obtaining a result of 1:80(+) from the test, a direct follow-up test at 1:160 will be conducted. If the 1:160 result is negative, the report will be issued as 1:80. Generally, a result of 1:80 is not considered problematic. It is recommended to consult a rheumatologist for ...[Read More] Understanding ANA Test Results: Eczema and Lupus Family History
Can Oral Sex Lead to Syphilis Infection? Understanding the Risks
Can a person who performs oral sex on another be at risk of contracting syphilis? On January 25, 2024, I visited a brothel and had oral sex with a sex worker. She mentioned that she uses an alcohol-based mouthwash before each oral encounter. I am very concerned because I have hea...
Dr. Li Jian Reply:
If you have related symptoms, it is recommended that you see an infectious disease specialist for an examination. Thank you for your inquiry.[Read More] Can Oral Sex Lead to Syphilis Infection? Understanding the Risks
Consulting a Doctor: COVID-19 Symptoms and Concerns Explained
Consult a doctor? Hello Doctor, I tested positive for COVID-19 a few days ago and have a few questions. I am currently taking Qingguo No. 1 and have also visited an ENT specialist for medication to treat my sore throat and runny nose. I noticed that my phlegm has been yellow and ...
Dr. Liao Zhongxin Reply:
1. After several days of forceful coughing, it is normal to have some blood-tinged sputum due to the rupture of small blood vessels in the trachea. However, if there is a significant amount of fresh blood, it is different, and you should seek medical attention. 2. Whether it...[Read More] Consulting a Doctor: COVID-19 Symptoms and Concerns Explained
Managing Lupus-Related Kidney Disease: Symptoms, Treatments, and Lifestyle Tips
Systemic lupus erythematosus complicated by class IV lupus nephritis? My husband was diagnosed with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) and developed class IV lupus nephritis after a biopsy last October. The rheumatologist recommended hospitalization for treatment. Initially, he h...
Dr. Lin Wuxuan Reply:
Please follow the medical advice provided. If new symptoms or other concerns arise, please return for consultation with the attending physician in the Rheumatology and Immunology department. Thank you.[Read More] Managing Lupus-Related Kidney Disease: Symptoms, Treatments, and Lifestyle Tips
Understanding Sudden Decrease in Complement C3 Levels: What to Do?
Decreased complement C3? Last year on October 21, a complement C3 test was performed in the emergency department, with a value of 104.4, C4 at 21.7, and an ANA titer of 1:80, which was negative. Four days later, on October 25, the C3 value was 85.4 and C4 was 19.5. This year, on ...
Dr. Gao Jiankai Reply:
Hello, thank you for your question. Complement proteins C3 and C4 are produced by the liver, and the liver tends to produce more complement in response to various bodily stresses, which is why complement levels often rise. A decrease in complement levels is often associated with ...[Read More] Understanding Sudden Decrease in Complement C3 Levels: What to Do?
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
Risk of Infection from Toilet Cleaning: What You Need to Know
Regarding infections? Hello Doctor: I would like to ask if there is a possibility of infection if my mouth came into contact with a toilet trash picker while cleaning the restroom. Thank you for your assistance.
Dr. Liao Zhongxin Reply:
First, let's review the transmission routes of HIV: There are three main modes of transmission for the HIV virus: 1. Sexual transmission: Engaging in unprotected oral, anal, or vaginal intercourse with an HIV-infected individual or exchanging other bodily fluids carries a ri...[Read More] Risk of Infection from Toilet Cleaning: What You Need to Know
Understanding Complement Levels and Autoimmune Disease Concerns Post-COVID
Complement inquiry? Hello Doctor, I previously asked a question and now I would like to follow up. After being diagnosed with COVID-19 on November 11, I experienced joint swelling, stiffness, discomfort, as well as dry, red, swollen eyes, rashes, and hair loss. After researching ...
Dr. Gao Jiankai Reply:
Hello, thank you for your question. Here are my responses: 1. I would like to ask if a decrease of 20 and 10 in the values of two complement components over a two-week period is normal. The doctor mentioned that different hospitals may report different values, but I am unsure i...[Read More] Understanding Complement Levels and Autoimmune Disease Concerns Post-COVID
Understanding Complement Levels and Autoimmune Disease Concerns Post-COVID
Complement inquiry? Hello Doctor, I have previously asked a question and now I would like to follow up. After being diagnosed with COVID-19 on November 11, I experienced joint swelling, stiffness, discomfort, as well as dry, red, swollen eyes, rashes, and hair loss. After researc...
Dr. Gao Jiankai Reply:
Hello, thank you for your question. Here are my responses: 1. I would like to ask if a decrease of 20 and 10 in two complement values over a two-week period is normal. The doctor mentioned that different hospitals may have varying values, but I am unsure if this drop is signifi...[Read More] Understanding Complement Levels and Autoimmune Disease Concerns Post-COVID