Concerns About Eating Snails in Salad: Parasite Infection Risks
Eating lettuce with snails? Hello, doctor. I just ate a large bowl of salad from a restaurant (which had been refrigerated for 3 hours) and only realized at the end that there was a live snail in the bowl. I'm very concerned about the risk of parasitic infection. It's b...
Dr. Lin Wufu Reply:
Hello, if it's just a one-time consumption, the chance of getting sick is quite low. The risk of eating raw snails is higher, but the risk of parasites from vegetables that snails have crawled over is much lower, as the vast majority would be killed by stomach acid. So, you ...[Read More] Concerns About Eating Snails in Salad: Parasite Infection Risks
Concerns About Dark Stools from Long-term Use of Medication for Ankylosing Spondylitis
Inquiry about medication for ankylosing spondylitis? Hello, doctor! My partner has ankylosing spondylitis and is currently taking one and a half tablets of Voltaren (diclofenac) per day. However, the color of their stool is dark (closer to black), and we are concerned whether thi...
Dr. Gao Jiankai Reply:
Hello, thank you for your question. Dark stools (such as dark green stools) can sometimes be difficult to distinguish from true melena caused by gastrointestinal bleeding. However, while Diclofenac is generally less irritating to the stomach and relatively safe, it is still an an...[Read More] Concerns About Dark Stools from Long-term Use of Medication for Ankylosing Spondylitis
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 Black Stool: Causes and Concerns About Stomach Issues
Bowel and gastric issues? Today, I noticed that my stool is black, but it doesn't happen every day; it occurs occasionally along with some mild nausea (not sure if it's psychological). I would like to know if this could be stomach cancer, or if infrequent fruit consumpt...
Dr. Gao Jiankai Reply:
Hello, thank you for your question. I believe the likelihood of gastric cancer is low, while the chances of gastrointestinal ulcers, such as gastric or duodenal ulcers, are higher. If there is bleeding from an ulcer in the stomach or duodenum, it can lead to black stools due to d...[Read More] Understanding Black Stool: Causes and Concerns About Stomach Issues
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
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?
Feeling Hungry Soon After Eating: Stress or Endocrine Issues?
Feeling hungry shortly after eating? About one to two weeks ago, I started feeling hungry again about 1-2 hours after eating, to the point where my stomach growls. However, sometimes I don't really feel like eating psychologically, even though physiologically I feel hungry. ...
Dr. Li Jian Reply:
We recommend that you visit the Metabolism Department. Thank you for your inquiry.[Read More] Feeling Hungry Soon After Eating: Stress or Endocrine Issues?
Understanding Autoimmune Hepatitis: Symptoms, Treatment, and Concerns
Autoimmune hepatitis Hello Doctor: At the end of March this year, I sought consultation in the hepatobiliary and gastroenterology department due to fatigue, jaundice, and tea-colored urine. Blood tests showed AST 675, ALT 1077, and total bilirubin 4.6. Subsequent tests for HBsAg ...
Dr. Zeng Guosen Reply:
It is highly recommended to seek medical attention as soon as possible, preferably by returning to your original treating physician's clinic. If the appointments are fully booked, you should be able to request an additional slot with your original doctor. To determine the si...[Read More] Understanding Autoimmune Hepatitis: Symptoms, Treatment, and Concerns
Managing Cough and Gastroesophageal Reflux: A Guide to Better Sleep
Cough accompanied by difficulty breathing, causing sleepless nights? Hello, I woke up suddenly around 3 AM with a headache, and then I started sweating profusely. After that, I vomited, possibly due to stomach acid irritating my throat, which now feels like there is something stu...
Dr. Wu Yuwei Reply:
It is recommended to follow up with a gastroenterologist, as gastroesophageal reflux can sometimes cause coughing symptoms.[Read More] Managing Cough and Gastroesophageal Reflux: A Guide to Better Sleep
Managing Autoimmune Disorders: Concerns About Long-Term Medication Use
Autoimmune disease issues Hello, doctor. I am a patient with Hashimoto's thyroiditis and have been taking thyroid medication for over 30 years. In recent years, I have been troubled by dry eye syndrome, which has affected my daily life. I underwent blood tests for rheumatic ...
Dr. Gao Jiankai Reply:
Hello, thank you for your question. Pilocarpine is a medication commonly used by patients with Sjögren's syndrome. If you have dry eyes, normal blood test results, and a good response to eye drops or ointments, along with experiencing side effects from the medication, it may...[Read More] Managing Autoimmune Disorders: Concerns About Long-Term Medication Use
Concerns About Parasite Infection After Eating Raw Fish Delivery
Sashimi rice bowl delivered on a hot summer day? Hello Doctor, due to my internship, I am currently in Shanghai. On May 17, 2024, during a hot day, I had delivery of chopped sashimi, which included fresh Norwegian salmon, Arctic sweet shrimp, and Arctic surf clams. In the afterno...
Dr. Lin Wufu Reply:
Hello, leaving raw food at higher temperatures significantly increases the risk of bacterial growth, which can lead to gastroenteritis. In contrast, the relationship between parasites and temperature is minimal (if food contains parasites, they do not proliferate within the food)...[Read More] Concerns About Parasite Infection After Eating Raw Fish Delivery
Concerns About Infection Risks: Understanding Transmission Routes
Infection risk inquiry? Hello Doctor, I would like to ask two questions. I came to Shanghai with my family, and today while eating, I accidentally drank from a cup that seemed to have some mucus or phlegm in it. I didn't swallow it, but it felt very unpleasant. I would like ...
Dr. Lin Wufu Reply:
1. Drinking mucus or saliva is generally destroyed by stomach acid, so it does not pose a significant risk of contracting any specific infectious disease. Of course, some viruses can be transmitted through saliva, so there is still a certain risk of infection. However, most virus...[Read More] Concerns About Infection Risks: Understanding Transmission Routes
Understanding Gastrointestinal Issues: Causes and Remedies for Stomach Pain
Gastrointestinal issues Hello, doctor. I went to the night market yesterday and ate a lot of food. Around 2 AM, I experienced about 20 minutes of abdominal cramping (some time had passed since I finished eating). I felt the urge to have a bowel movement but couldn't, and the...
Dr. Gao Jiankai Reply:
Hello, thank you for your inquiry. If you are not experiencing any further cramping, then there is no need for concern. Blood in the stool is more commonly associated with hemorrhoids or anal fissures. Anal fissures tend to be painful, whereas if there is no pain, it is more like...[Read More] Understanding Gastrointestinal Issues: Causes and Remedies for Stomach Pain
Understanding Subtle Body Tremors: Causes and Solutions
There is a slight tremor in the body that is not visible to the naked eye? Since early February, after eating something bad and thinking it was food poisoning, I experienced diarrhea and went to the emergency room. Since then, I have often felt my heart racing, and when I get anx...
Dr. Zhang Shixin Reply:
Hello: In addition to electrolyte abnormalities, endocrine dysfunctions such as hyperthyroidism can also lead to symptoms like tachycardia, elevated blood pressure, diarrhea, and tremors. If your symptoms are affecting your daily life, it is recommended that you follow up with an...[Read More] Understanding Subtle Body Tremors: Causes and Solutions
Struggling with Unexplained Health Issues: Seeking Effective Solutions
There are many health conditions? Hello, doctor. I have been experiencing many health issues, but I have encountered obstacles in seeking medical help and have not been able to find the cause of my problems or receive effective assistance. Therefore, I would like to seek your opi...
Dr. Lin Wufu Reply:
Hello, you may need to schedule a follow-up appointment with the Infectious Disease Department for further examination to determine if there are any physiological issues. Additionally, please measure your body temperature daily to check for fever after experiencing chills and shi...[Read More] Struggling with Unexplained Health Issues: Seeking Effective Solutions
Understanding Abdominal Heat: Symptoms, Causes, and Treatment Options
Abdominal heat flow Hello, Doctor. About a week ago, I experienced a warm sensation in the middle-left area of my abdomen (slight warmth and mild pain when pressed). I have noticed an increase in flatulence and burping. Four days ago, I visited a doctor who prescribed medication ...
Dr. Xie Rongyuan Reply:
Hello: The gastroscopy examination showed no issues, but taking stomach medication from the pharmacy has improved your condition. It is recommended that if symptoms persist, you should consult a gastroenterologist to identify the underlying problem. Thank you for your message![Read More] Understanding Abdominal Heat: Symptoms, Causes, and Treatment Options
Choking on Medication: Risks and Symptoms to Watch For
Medication stuck in the throat? About an hour ago, I accidentally swallowed a pill that got stuck on the right side of my throat. At that moment, I felt difficulty breathing along with coughing. Later, I drank water to push the pill down. Is it possible that I accidentally pushed...
Dr. Gao Jiankai Reply:
Hello, thank you for your question. The medication will not be pushed into the trachea; if it were to enter the trachea, your coughing would become more severe rather than alleviating. Therefore, the medication has already reached your stomach, so there is no need to worry. This ...[Read More] Choking on Medication: Risks and Symptoms to Watch For
Managing Drug Interactions in Bipolar Disorder and Thyroid Conditions
Drug interactions in bipolar disorder? TSH: 12.66. Hypothyroidism. Today, I saw a metabolic specialist who prescribed Eltroxin. I am currently using glaucoma eye drops: Tafluprost and Brimonidine, and I am taking medications for bipolar disorder: Divalproex Sodium and Lithium. Sh...
Dr. Li Jian Reply:
Please take the thyroid hormone on an empty stomach in the morning, and do not take it with other medications. Thank you for your inquiry.[Read More] Managing Drug Interactions in Bipolar Disorder and Thyroid Conditions
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
Understanding Nausea and Vomiting: Insights on Esophageal Ulcers and Treatment
Nausea and vomiting? Hello Doctor, I would like to inquire about my gastroscopy performed in April this year. Previous gastro-camera or fiberoptic findings: Premedication: Buscopan 20 mg intramuscularly and local use of 10% Xylocaine spray. Esophagus: 1. ONE CORD OF LINEAR ULCER....
Dr. Zheng Weijun Reply:
Hello, based on the results of your gastroscopy, you have a history of esophageal ulcers and mild gastritis. The symptoms of nausea and regurgitation you mentioned may indeed be related to autonomic nervous system dysfunction. Symptoms that can arise from autonomic nervous system...[Read More] Understanding Nausea and Vomiting: Insights on Esophageal Ulcers and Treatment