Understanding the Significance of Brown and Black Residue in Nasogastric Tube Aspirate
The color of the gastric aspirate from a nasogastric tube? Hello doctor, I would like to ask about the nasogastric tube aspirate that is brown in color and contains some black, viscous material. What could this indicate?
Dr. Zheng Weijun Reply:
Dear commenter, regarding your description of the nasogastric tube aspirating brown fluid with black viscous material, further examination and evaluation may be necessary. The contents aspirated from the nasogastric tube may be related to ingested foods, such as iron-rich foods l...[Read More] Understanding the Significance of Brown and Black Residue in Nasogastric Tube Aspirate
Understanding Abnormal Creatinine Levels: When to Seek Further Kidney Evaluation
Abnormal creatinine levels in health check-ups? Hello Doctor, during my health check last month, my creatinine level was abnormal (0.58), blood urea nitrogen was 11, and the urine test showed normal values except for urine ketones at 1+. I had a poor appetite that month due to st...
Dr. Lin Wuxuan Reply:
It is recommended to bring your health check report to a consultation with a family medicine or nephrology outpatient clinic. Thank you.[Read More] Understanding Abnormal Creatinine Levels: When to Seek Further Kidney Evaluation
Is Febuxostat a Better Alternative to Allopurinol for High Uric Acid?
Consultation on Uric Acid Lowering Medications Hello Doctor, I have been taking allopurinol for a long time due to high uric acid levels. Recently, during a company-mandated health check at a designated clinic, the physician there mentioned that allopurinol places a greater burde...
Dr. Zeng Guosen Reply:
As long as it can lower uric acid and has no side effects, it's considered a good medication. Currently, there is no research indicating that Febuxostat is better than Allopurinol. If uric acid levels are stable, it is advisable to continue the current medication without swi...[Read More] Is Febuxostat a Better Alternative to Allopurinol for High Uric Acid?
Understanding Lupus Symptoms: Differentiating Between Disease and Injury
Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) Hello Doctor, I was diagnosed with lupus at the age of 18, and until this year, I was taking two quinine tablets a day. However, this year my doctor informed me that my urine protein UPCR increased from below 200 to 500, and my CRP was 0.19. As ...
Dr. Gao Jiankai Reply:
Hello, thank you for your question. Most immune system issues, including lupus, often present with joint symptoms, which is why patients are monitored in rheumatology. For mild joint symptoms, we manage them with anti-inflammatory pain relievers, including Celecoxib. Celecoxib is...[Read More] Understanding Lupus Symptoms: Differentiating Between Disease and Injury
How to Properly Take Baraclude and Trexan for Arthritis Management
The administration methods for Baraclude and Trexan? Arthritis, Baraclude, and Trexan administration method, with folic acid supplementation, follow-up visit, received 7 tablets of Baraclude and 6 tablets of Trexan. Baraclude is taken every other day, and Trexan is taken three ti...
Dr. Gao Jiankai Reply:
Hello, thank you for your inquiry. I have a few suggestions: 1. I recommend discussing with your physician to confirm the administration method for Trexan. I would suggest taking Trexan on an empty stomach. 2. Baraclude can be taken two hours after a meal, so while Baraclude may ...[Read More] How to Properly Take Baraclude and Trexan for Arthritis Management
Understanding Medication Concerns for Ankylosing Spondylitis: Celebrex vs. Salazopyrine
Medication-related issues in ankylosing spondylitis? Hello, doctor. I am #191897. 1. During my previous visit, I asked the doctor about the medication Celebrex (celecoxib). The doctor believed that my condition was not severe enough to require the use of Salazopyrin (sulfasalaz...
Dr. Gao Jiankai Reply:
Hello, thank you for your inquiry. Here are my responses: 1. When I previously consulted with my doctor regarding the use of Salazopyrin (Salar), the doctor believed that my condition was not severe enough to warrant its use, so I was prescribed Celebrex instead. However, I am a...[Read More] Understanding Medication Concerns for Ankylosing Spondylitis: Celebrex vs. Salazopyrine
Feeling Pressure Near the Stomach: Could It Be a Spine Injury or Gastro Issue?
Recently, I have been feeling a pressure near my chest, close to my stomach? For the past few days, when I lie flat on my bed, I feel a sensation as if something is pressing against my chest near my stomach. I'm not sure if this is related to my spinal surgery after I fell f...
Dr. Li Yanquan Reply:
Please first consult the surgeon who performed your operation, and then see a gastroenterologist. Thank you.[Read More] Feeling Pressure Near the Stomach: Could It Be a Spine Injury or Gastro Issue?
Swallowed Half-Chewed Almond: Understanding Stomach Pain and Risks
Stomach pain after swallowing a half-chewed almond? Last night, while I was chewing almonds, I was urged by my family to quickly grab something, and in a rush, I swallowed a large piece of almond that I hadn't fully chewed. It was sharp and uncomfortable going down. After th...
Dr. Gao Jiankai Reply:
Hello, thank you for your question. Our bodies have the ability to digest most foods, including nuts. Swallowing them whole may cause some symptoms during the process, but if the symptoms disappear the next day, I think it would be reasonable to continue monitoring. If any discom...[Read More] Swallowed Half-Chewed Almond: Understanding Stomach Pain and Risks
Can Cooked Meatballs Be Contaminated by Raw Meat in Broth?
I'm sorry, but I cannot provide a translation without the specific content you would Hello Doctor, thank you for your response in <a href="https://adoctor.tw/article/194344">#194344</a>. I would like to ask you another question. Although the food I acci...
Dr. Lin Wufu Reply:
If the water in the pot is not boiling, bacteria can indeed be transferred from raw meat to the meatballs through the water. However, if the water is slightly heated, most common bacteria will die and transmission is not as easy. Consuming a small amount of bacteria is generally ...[Read More] Can Cooked Meatballs Be Contaminated by Raw Meat in Broth?
Understanding Upper Abdominal Cramping: Causes and Concerns
Upper abdominal cramping issues? Hello Doctor: For the past few days, I have been experiencing sudden cramping pain in the upper middle part of my abdomen. It occurs intermittently throughout the day (especially after meals), but it only lasts for about 3 to 4 seconds. I initiall...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, based on your description, it is possible that there is an issue with the stomach or duodenum. If the discomfort persists, I recommend visiting a gastroenterology clinic for evaluation, and you may need to consider undergoing an upper endoscopy. Thank you for your inquiry.[Read More] Understanding Upper Abdominal Cramping: Causes and Concerns
Understanding Upper Abdominal Cramping: Causes and Concerns
Upper abdominal cramping issues? Hello Doctor: I have been experiencing sudden cramping pain in the upper middle part of my abdomen over the past few days. It occurs intermittently throughout the day, especially after meals, but lasts only about 3 to 4 seconds each time. I initia...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, based on your description, it is possible that there is an issue with the stomach or duodenum. If the discomfort persists, I recommend visiting a gastroenterology clinic for evaluation, and you may need to consider undergoing an upper gastrointestinal endoscopy. Thank you ...[Read More] Understanding Upper Abdominal Cramping: Causes and Concerns
Concerns About Eating Undercooked Meat: Infection Risks Explained
Ingestion of raw food? Hello doctor, I usually cook braised pork at home, but today I got home late from work and saw a pot of what I thought was braised pork and fish balls in the refrigerator. Since it was late, I didn't heat it up properly and ate three fish balls floatin...
Dr. Lin Wufu Reply:
Hello, the chance of parasites is low because the meatballs are usually frozen, and parasites die when frozen. However, the bacteria in undercooked food can be higher, which may lead to some stomach discomfort or diarrhea, but it is unlikely to cause serious consequences, so ther...[Read More] Concerns About Eating Undercooked Meat: Infection Risks Explained
Understanding Reactive Arthritis: Symptoms, Diagnosis, and Treatment Options
Leigh syndrome Hello Doctor, I have normal blood test results, but my symptoms have led my physician to suspect reactive arthritis. I would like to ask you the following questions: 1. My first symptom was pain in the Achilles tendon at the heel, which appears normal externally. ...
Dr. Gao Jiankai Reply:
Hello, thank you for your inquiry. Here are my responses: 1. My first symptom is pain in the Achilles tendon at the calcaneus, which appears normal externally. However, after sitting for a long time, I experience brief pain when I stand up and walk, which subsides after walking ...[Read More] Understanding Reactive Arthritis: Symptoms, Diagnosis, and Treatment Options
Understanding Gastrointestinal Issues: Symptoms, Causes, and When to Seek Help
Gastrointestinal issues Hello Doctor, I would like to ask about something that happened to me yesterday. Before going to bed, I suddenly felt bloated in my stomach. I managed to fall asleep, but I woke up in the middle of the night feeling uncomfortable and had to have a bowel mo...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, based on your description, it seems to be acute gastroenteritis. As for whether it is caused by norovirus, testing may be needed to confirm. However, the management typically involves a bland diet, plenty of rest, and increased fluid intake, which should lead to gradual im...[Read More] Understanding Gastrointestinal Issues: Symptoms, Causes, and When to Seek Help
Concerns About Parasites and Bacteria in Contaminated Drinkware
Parasites - Bacteria Recently, I started using a long-unused insulated cup. Before using it, I did a simple rinse. After using it for 2-3 days, I discovered several small cockroaches inside the cup, which had also gotten into my drink, and I may have consumed it. I would like to ...
Dr. Lin Wufu Reply:
Hello: Cockroaches in Taiwan generally do not specifically transmit parasites. If you accidentally ingest a small cockroach or consume something contaminated by cockroaches, it is usually bacterial infections that are the main concern. However, the stomach's gastric acid kil...[Read More] Concerns About Parasites and Bacteria in Contaminated Drinkware
Risk of Hepatitis B Transmission After Accidental Blood Exposure
Hepatitis B transmission issues? Hello, doctor: I have received the hepatitis B vaccine and have tested positive for antibodies (surface antibody 81, core antibody 0.10). A few days ago, while changing the dressing for an uncle with liver cirrhosis at the hospital, I accidentally...
Dr. Liao Zhongxin Reply:
1. According to the data from the Centers for Disease Control (https://www.cdc.gov.tw/Category/Page/jlS2jBHpodI34ATlKUy3oQ): (1) Mode of Transmission: Hepatitis B surface antigen can be found in body fluids and secretions, but only blood, semen, and vaginal secretions are inf...[Read More] Risk of Hepatitis B Transmission After Accidental Blood Exposure
Managing Ankylosing Spondylitis: Medication and Pain Relief Tips
Medication-related issues in ankylosing spondylitis? Hello Doctor, I would like to ask you the following questions: 1. Between Salazine and Celebrex, which one has fewer side effects and is more suitable for long-term use? 2. I am currently taking two capsules of Celebrex a day...
Dr. Gao Jiankai Reply:
Hello, thank you for your question. Here are my responses: 1. Between Salazine and Celebrex, which has fewer side effects and is suitable for long-term use? Salazine needs to be taken long-term and consistently. This medication addresses the root cause of the disease rather than...[Read More] Managing Ankylosing Spondylitis: Medication and Pain Relief Tips
Understanding Abdominal Pain: Causes and When to Seek Help
Abdominal pain? Hello Dr. Hong, I would like to ask a question. When I was lying down watching a video, I suddenly felt a sharp pain just above my navel on the left side (below the rib cage), but when I stood up and rubbed the area, the pain subsided after about 5-10 seconds. Alt...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, the areas you mentioned are most commonly the stomach and intestines. Lying face down can indeed lead to indigestion, which may cause discomfort in these areas. Avoiding this position should help improve the situation. Thank you for your question.[Read More] Understanding Abdominal Pain: Causes and When to Seek Help
Inhalation of Smoke from Overcooked Microwave Food: Should You Worry?
Inhalation of smoke from microwave charring? Hello, Doctor: Today, while microwaving a convenience store meal at home, I accidentally overcooked it due to uncertain wattage settings, as the dial only indicated medium power. This caused the food to burn and smoke. When I came out ...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, currently most microwave-safe materials do not produce lethal gases, so if you are not experiencing any discomfort, you can just observe the situation for now and there is no need for any special treatment. Thank you for your inquiry.[Read More] Inhalation of Smoke from Overcooked Microwave Food: Should You Worry?
Concerns About Inhaling Smoke from Microwave Food: Health Risks and Advice
Inhalation of smoke from microwave charring? Hello Doctor: Today, while microwaving a convenience store meal at home, I accidentally overcooked it due to uncertain wattage settings, as the dial only indicates medium power. The food became completely burnt and started smoking. Whe...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, currently most microwave-safe materials do not produce lethal gases, so if you are not experiencing any discomfort, you can just monitor the situation for now and there is no need for any special treatment. Thank you for your inquiry.[Read More] Concerns About Inhaling Smoke from Microwave Food: Health Risks and Advice