Can Mouse Droppings Cause Severe Infections and Sepsis?
Inquire about the authenticity of this medical news article? Dear Dr. Lin, A family friend recently passed away. The elder had diabetes and felt symptoms of a urinary tract infection, so they took over-the-counter medication. That night, they developed a fever, which subsided af...
Dr. Lin Wufu Reply:
Hello, mice and mouse droppings naturally carry many pathogens, and contact with them can indeed lead to severe bacterial infections. However, the progression of the condition you mentioned is not uncommon in diabetic patients and may not necessarily be related to mice. It is imp...[Read More] Can Mouse Droppings Cause Severe Infections and Sepsis?
Understanding Diabetic Peripheral Neuropathy Recovery Challenges
Diabetic peripheral neuropathy recovery issues? Hello Doctor, my father (59 years old) has been experiencing numbness in his legs since October of last year. By January, his condition deteriorated rapidly from being able to walk to having difficulty walking within just a few week...
Dr. Lin Jianliang Reply:
1. Seeking a second opinion, if necessary, is not a waste of time. 2. Some conditions can be cured, while others can only be managed. However, not treating them is not an option, and improvement may take time. 3. If leg swelling cannot be adequately controlled through diet al...[Read More] Understanding Diabetic Peripheral Neuropathy Recovery Challenges
Concerns About Infection After Blood Test and Allergic Reaction
Hello, I would like to inquire about infection issues? On the morning of September 3rd, around 10 AM, I had a blood test for a gynecological check-up. In the afternoon, I noticed itching on the back of my hand. I went to the pharmacy, explained the situation, and bought an ointme...
Dr. Liao Zhongxin Reply:
A. According to the data from the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), 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 infec...[Read More] Concerns About Infection After Blood Test and Allergic Reaction
Managing Fever and Central Temperature Regulation After Brain Injury
Fever of unknown origin, central fever? Hello, my father suffered a subarachnoid hemorrhage at the beginning of this year, which led to hydrocephalus. He immediately had an external ventricular drain placed to manage the cerebrospinal fluid. After a cerebral angiogram revealed an...
Dr. Lin Wufu Reply:
Hello! Your father's condition is quite complex, making it difficult to assess based solely on your brief description. The diagnosis of central fever is made only after excluding other infectious causes, and it can be established only when laboratory tests show no obvious si...[Read More] Managing Fever and Central Temperature Regulation After Brain Injury
Consequences of Delayed Dialysis in Acute Kidney Failure Patients
If acute renal failure is not treated with dialysis in a timely manner, it can lead to several serious complications, including: 1. Accumulation of waste products in the blood, leading to uremia. 2. Electrolyte imbalances, such as hyperkalemia, which can cause cardiac arrhythm P...
Dr. Wu Hongjie Reply:
Acute kidney failure, which is often more fatal or severe, primarily occurs in intensive care units. Among the common causes of acute kidney failure, sepsis is one of the most frequently reported. Studies indicate that even in cases of acute kidney failure not caused by infection...[Read More] Consequences of Delayed Dialysis in Acute Kidney Failure Patients
Understanding Kidney Issues: Insights on Recovery and Dietary Considerations
Kidney problems Hello, my sister is 29 years old and has a history of refractory epilepsy for 23 years, is a carrier of hepatitis B, and has been diagnosed with schizophrenia for 2 years. She was hospitalized on July 31 due to cellulitis and developed sepsis, requiring intubation...
Dr. Wu Jiyu Reply:
Based on the data you provided, this condition is classified as "acute kidney injury," which may be caused by cellulitis complicated by sepsis. The key point is that as the infection is brought under control, your kidney function will gradually improve. It is recommende...[Read More] Understanding Kidney Issues: Insights on Recovery and Dietary Considerations
Understanding Kidney Issues: A Comprehensive Guide for Patients and Families
Kidney problems Hello Doctor, My family member (female, 29 years old) has long-term chronic health issues. She has been diagnosed with refractory epilepsy for 23 years and is currently taking the following medications: Depakote 700mg, Vimpat 100mg, Keppra 1000mg, and Lamictal 30...
Dr. Wu Hongjie Reply:
Hello: Currently, your family member's creatinine levels have returned to normal range. The recent decline in kidney function is likely due to acute kidney injury, but regular monitoring is still necessary. Dietary restrictions are not required at this time. The exact causes...[Read More] Understanding Kidney Issues: A Comprehensive Guide for Patients and Families
Understanding Enterococcus Infections: Arthritis, Neuropathy, and More
Enterococcus arthritis neuropathy Hello Dr. Liao: I have seen many doctors without improvement in my condition, so I am here to seek your advice regarding my medical history: Last August, I was diagnosed with prostatitis and took broad-spectrum antibiotics, specifically tetracycl...
Dr. Liao Zhongxin Reply:
Dear readers, Recently, there have been reports of an increase in cases of vancomycin-resistant enterococci (VRE) infections in hospitals in Hong Kong. Once infected, treatment can be very challenging, with a mortality rate as high as 30%. This outbreak has quickly garnered publ...[Read More] Understanding Enterococcus Infections: Arthritis, Neuropathy, and More
Understanding Sepsis: Recovery Insights for Patients with Diabetes and Liver Cirrhosis
Sepsis Hello, Doctor: I would like to ask you about my father, who was hospitalized two days ago due to shortness of breath and fever. The doctor said it was a bacterial infection that led to sepsis. Yesterday afternoon, he was initially going to be intubated due to respiratory d...
Dr. Liao Zhongxin Reply:
Dear readers, Regarding the doctor's diagnosis of a bacterial infection leading to sepsis, I experienced difficulty breathing yesterday afternoon and was initially scheduled for intubation. However, after the doctor urgently changed the medication, my condition improved som...[Read More] Understanding Sepsis: Recovery Insights for Patients with Diabetes and Liver Cirrhosis
Understanding Diabetic Foot vs. Post-Thrombotic Syndrome: Key Differences
What is diabetic foot? Dear Doctor, I had a deep vein thrombosis in my calf two months ago. A month ago, an ultrasound showed no signs of a clot. However, every day after I wake up, my calf gradually becomes hard and swollen for about two hours. When I lie down for an hour in the...
Dr. Xiao Yongxun Reply:
1. Common clinical causes of edema include heart failure, cirrhosis, nephrotic syndrome, venous obstruction, lymphatic disorders, and medication side effects. Other causes may include hypoalbuminemia, parasitic infections, thyroid diseases, pregnancy, and venous insufficiency, am...[Read More] Understanding Diabetic Foot vs. Post-Thrombotic Syndrome: Key Differences
Understanding Low White Blood Cell Count in Lupus Patients: Causes and Solutions
Leukopenia My friend has lupus erythematosus and has been undergoing treatment for a long time, with regular check-ups at the hospital. However, this time he has been unable to be discharged due to persistent fever, alternating between high and low temperatures, and he has been h...
Dr. Zeng Guosen Reply:
Hello, online user: Low white blood cell count combined with fever in patients with systemic lupus erythematosus has two common causes: 1. Infection leading to sepsis, 2. Active disease of systemic lupus erythematosus with unstable control. Identifying the true cause can help res...[Read More] Understanding Low White Blood Cell Count in Lupus Patients: Causes and Solutions
Understanding Sepsis Risks in Elderly Patients with High White Blood Cell Count
The causes of sepsis? Hello, doctor: I would like to ask a question! A male patient in his seventies or eighties has a white blood cell count elevated to 17,501/cumm and a platelet count decreased to 67,000/cumm. Is it possible for him to develop sepsis and potentially die from i...
Dr. Cai Zonglin Reply:
Clinically, a systemic inflammatory response due to infection (characterized by elevated temperature, respiratory rate, heart rate, and white blood cell count) is referred to as sepsis. The prognosis may be influenced by factors such as the patient's age, nutritional status,...[Read More] Understanding Sepsis Risks in Elderly Patients with High White Blood Cell Count
Consulting a Doctor: Managing Blood Sugar and Leukocytosis in Patients
Consult a physician? Hello Dr. Ke: I have two questions to ask: 1. A patient without diabetes has elevated blood glucose levels due to intravenous administration of albumin and glucose because of inability to eat. Is it appropriate to administer insulin to suppress blood glucos...
Dr. Ke Zhengchang Reply:
1. In individuals without diabetes, even without food intake, intravenous glucose administration can lead to elevated blood sugar levels. Therefore, insulin can be added, provided the dosage is appropriate, as there will be no side effects as long as hypoglycemia (below 70 mg/dL)...[Read More] Consulting a Doctor: Managing Blood Sugar and Leukocytosis in Patients
Understanding Sepsis: Complications and Treatment Challenges in Elderly Patients
Sepsis My father underwent a lengthy surgery for bone spurs and received nearly 20,000 milliliters of blood transfusions. He developed sepsis, and despite more than two months of investigation, the source of the infection remains unidentified. He has been treated solely with anti...
Dr. Lin Mingfeng Reply:
The mortality rate for hospitalized patients with sepsis is generally around 35%. Only 30-50% of blood cultures are positive. Common sources include pneumonia or urinary tract infections. In postoperative patients, bacteria may also originate from surgical wounds. Additionally, i...[Read More] Understanding Sepsis: Complications and Treatment Challenges in Elderly Patients
Understanding Low Post-Meal Blood Sugar: Causes and Solutions
Blood glucose level is found to be low? Hello, doctor: I would like to ask you about my boyfriend's recent health check-up at his company. After a meal, his blood glucose level was 64, while the standard range is 65-110. Does this test result indicate a problem? Why is his b...
Dr. Xiao Yongxun Reply:
Hello: In response to your question. 1. Hypoglycemia generally refers to a plasma glucose level below 60 mg/dL, accompanied by clinical symptoms such as dizziness, cold sweats, tachycardia, anxiety, and altered consciousness. After excluding possible laboratory errors, hypoglycem...[Read More] Understanding Low Post-Meal Blood Sugar: Causes and Solutions
Understanding Favism and Blood Issues: Your Health Questions Answered
excuse me? Hello, Doctor: I have some questions I would like to ask, and I hope to gain some insights. Thank you. 1. I have a classmate who has mild hearing impairment, and I learned from a health survey that he has favism! I was really shocked. What is favism? Is it contagious...
Dr. Xie Yonghui Reply:
If you experience bleeding when brushing your teeth in a specific area, you should first consult a dentist. If dental diseases are ruled out as the cause of the bleeding, then consider the possibility of a coagulation disorder leading to a bleeding tendency. Based on the symptoms...[Read More] Understanding Favism and Blood Issues: Your Health Questions Answered
Understanding Acute Kidney Failure: Symptoms, Diagnosis, and Management
Kidney function Hello, Director Yang: 1. What is acute renal failure? 2. I was hospitalized on September 6 due to swelling in my left knee (I had been taking anti-inflammatory pain medication from Chang Gung Memorial Hospital for some time prior, and my kidney function was norma...
Dr. Yang Jun Reply:
Hello: In response to your question, acute renal failure refers to a rapid decline in kidney function due to factors such as medications, infections, urinary obstruction, sepsis, or other influences on renal function, resulting in elevated kidney function indices (BUN and creatin...[Read More] Understanding Acute Kidney Failure: Symptoms, Diagnosis, and Management
Understanding the Dangers of a Compromised Immune System
Autoimmune system (Forwarded from the Director's mailbox) Hello: The body's autoimmune system being compromised can lead to various conditions, such as the development of vitiligo on the skin. What are the potential drawbacks of having a weakened autoimmune system? Than...
Dr. Zeng Guosen Reply:
Hello: Abnormalities in the immune system can lead to dysfunction in every system of the body, such as an increased susceptibility to infections resulting in sepsis, as well as liver and kidney dysfunction, skin erythema, leukoderma, blisters, and itching, among other symptoms. S...[Read More] Understanding the Dangers of a Compromised Immune System
Managing Vascular Embolism in Elderly Patients: Alternatives to Surgery
Vascular embolism Hello, I would like to inquire about a 92-year-old elderly person at home who has experienced tissue necrosis in one leg due to vascular embolism. Besides surgical intervention, is hyperbaric oxygen therapy effective? Considering the age factor, if surgery is no...
Dr. Yang Hongzhi Reply:
Hyperbaric oxygen therapy may have some effects on tissues at the margins of necrosis, but it is not very helpful for tissues that are already necrotic. Not performing surgery carries the risk of sepsis; if surgery is not conducted, only supportive treatment should be provided. I...[Read More] Managing Vascular Embolism in Elderly Patients: Alternatives to Surgery
Is Dialysis Effective for Diabetes? Long-Term Effects and Risks Explained
Dialysis is effective for diabetes? Is dialysis beneficial for diabetes? Will there be any long-term side effects?
Dr. Chen Jingwen Reply:
Diabetes is classified into four main types, with only Type 1 diabetes being caused by an autoimmune response involving autoantibodies. Therefore, "plasmapheresis" can theoretically reduce the immune response by removing these antibodies, potentially alleviating the sym...[Read More] Is Dialysis Effective for Diabetes? Long-Term Effects and Risks Explained