Managing Severe Tuberculosis: Treatment Strategies and Patient Care
After a critical stage of pulmonary tuberculosis, treatment directions and recommendations include the following: 1. **Continuation of Antitubercular Therapy**: Ensure adherence to a full course of antitubercular medications, typically including isoniazid, rifamp Hello Doctor, ...
Dr. Lin Wufu Reply:
Hello, the considerations for the above issues will vary based on the individual patient's condition. It is recommended to have a detailed discussion with your mother's current attending physician, as this type of online consultation cannot address such individual and c...[Read More] Managing Severe Tuberculosis: Treatment Strategies and Patient Care
Understanding Immune System Abnormalities: T Cells and B Cells Explained
Immune system Hello, Director. Recently, a chest CT scan suggested possible pulmonary tuberculosis, leading to blood tests and bronchoscopy: anaerobic bacteria (+), tuberculosis DNA test (-), T Cell (CD3): 93.0, B Cell (CD19): 2.6, T Cell (CD4+): 54.4. Could you please explain wh...
Dr. Lin Wufu Reply:
Hello, these questions may need to be directed to the physician who arranged your tests! The interpretation of these data requires a comprehensive evaluation, as the lymphocyte count must be compared with other white blood cell types; looking at the absolute value alone does not ...[Read More] Understanding Immune System Abnormalities: T Cells and B Cells Explained
Understanding the Connection Between Lung Nodules and Sputum Production
Pulmonary nodules and sputum? In early August of this year, a CT scan revealed a 1.5 cm ground-glass lung nodule in the right lung. Since early October, I have been experiencing a daily production of white phlegm from my throat, and now in late October, the amount of phlegm has i...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, could you please clarify what the possible causes of the nodules identified in your CT scan might be? Possible causes include previous pneumonia, tuberculosis, fibrosis, or tumors. Typically, a radiologist will provide a report with an initial assessment of the findings. I...[Read More] Understanding the Connection Between Lung Nodules and Sputum Production
Does Drinking Unsweetened Tea Affect the Efficacy of PEP Medication?
PEP guitar therapy administration Hello doctor, I am currently taking PEP (post-exposure prophylaxis) medication. However, I usually mix it with unsweetened beverages like green tea, black tea, and oolong tea. Will this affect the effectiveness of the medication? Thank you.
Dr. Liao Zhongxin Reply:
1. Please refer to the Chimei Medical Center's health education information regarding Biktarvy (https://www.chimei.org.tw/main/cmh_department/59012/info/5500/A5500547.html). <Precautions> A. If you have liver dysfunction, chronic kidney disease, hepatitis B, or other r...[Read More] Does Drinking Unsweetened Tea Affect the Efficacy of PEP Medication?
Assessing HIV Risk After Electrocautery Treatment for Penile Bumps
Risk of HIV Infection Due to having pimples on the penis, I underwent electrocautery. The procedure lasted about an hour, and during that time, someone assisted me. There was no bleeding at the moment, and I am unsure if the other person made any contact, but I noticed they had n...
Dr. Liao Zhongxin Reply:
According to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) in Taiwan, there are three main modes of transmission for the Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV): 1. **Sexual Transmission**: Engaging in oral, anal, or vaginal intercourse with an HIV-infected individual or exchanging other bod...[Read More] Assessing HIV Risk After Electrocautery Treatment for Penile Bumps
Understanding HIV Symptoms and Testing: What You Need to Know
HIV-related issues 1. Ten days ago, I had unprotected sexual intercourse, and three days after the encounter, I developed a fever of 38.5 degrees Celsius. After seeing a doctor and receiving an injection, my fever subsided, but I continued to experience diarrhea for the following...
Dr. Liao Zhongxin Reply:
According to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) data, the transmission routes of the Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) are as follows: 1. **Sexual Transmission**: Engaging in oral, anal, or vaginal intercourse with an HIV-infected individual or exchanging other bodily fluids...[Read More] Understanding HIV Symptoms and Testing: What You Need to Know
Understanding Chest Pain and Cough: Causes and Treatment Options
Chest pain and cough? Hello, doctor. Since March, I have been experiencing pain in the center of my chest. I have visited both pulmonology and cardiology several times, and after undergoing X-rays and heart-related tests, everything came back normal. The pain occurs mainly in the...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, based on your description and the fact that you have already had an X-ray, it does seem more like costochondritis. However, costochondritis typically does not present with a cough. I recommend that you first get tested for COVID-19. If the result is negative and you still ...[Read More] Understanding Chest Pain and Cough: Causes and Treatment Options
Understanding Atypical Infections and Blood Test Results: Key Insights
Follow-up on blood test results? Thank you for your response, Doctor. I'm not quite clear on what atypical infections are. Could it be related to my late sleeping habits after the New Year, or the fact that I had a wound when I had my blood drawn? Should I mention this to th...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, atypical infections refer to infections caused by less common bacteria, with the most notable examples being Mycobacterium tuberculosis and Rickettsia. Regarding the wound, you can discuss it with a hematologist, although it may not necessarily be related to your report. A...[Read More] Understanding Atypical Infections and Blood Test Results: Key Insights
Understanding Fever Symptoms: When to Seek Medical Attention
Fever symptoms Hello Dr. Hong: I started experiencing chills and high fever ranging from 38.5 to 40.1 degrees Celsius on February 14. Therefore, I went to the outpatient department for hospitalization on February 17, where I underwent the following tests: blood tests (including c...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, based on your description, it is indeed difficult to determine the cause of the fever of unknown origin. There are a few points to consider: First, rheumatological and immunological issues may be a concern, which is likely why your physician has suspected this and prescr...[Read More] Understanding Fever Symptoms: When to Seek Medical Attention
Understanding Yellow Phlegm: When to Worry and When to Relax
The issue of phlegm versus saliva? Hello, Doctor. I would like to ask you about something. Sometimes after staying up late for work or when I drink less water, I notice a slight yellow phlegm when I use my tongue to clear my throat right after waking up. However, it usually happe...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, when the body is relatively dehydrated, it is indeed common to have thicker mucus, which may also appear more yellow. This is a normal phenomenon. It is recommended that if there are no other discomforts, simply rest more and drink plenty of water. Thank you for your quest...[Read More] Understanding Yellow Phlegm: When to Worry and When to Relax
Addressing Concerns About Infectious Disease Exposure in Healthcare
Issues in Infectious Disease Prevention Hello Dr. Hong, today and tomorrow I have a day off and I'm accompanying my boyfriend to have dinner and go shopping with his mother for the first time. I graduated last year and am currently working in RCC at a hospital in Linkou, nor...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, regarding tuberculosis, it is primarily the open form of pulmonary tuberculosis that can cause airborne transmission in closed spaces. During caregiving, as long as proper N95 masks are worn and basic protective measures are taken, there should be no concern about contract...[Read More] Addressing Concerns About Infectious Disease Exposure in Healthcare
Is It a Cold or Tuberculosis? Understanding Your Symptoms
Symptoms of tuberculosis (TB) and the common cold may overlap? Hello Doctor, I usually don't catch colds often, but this time my family had a cold, and I accidentally used their utensils and ate food they had touched. Now my throat feels scratchy and phlegmy, and I've b...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, based on your symptoms, they are more indicative of an upper respiratory tract infection rather than tuberculosis. As for COVID-19, if you do not have a travel history or known exposure, the likelihood is quite low. Therefore, based on your description, it is most likely a...[Read More] Is It a Cold or Tuberculosis? Understanding Your Symptoms
Daily High Fever and Weight Loss in a 70-Year-Old with Lupus
Persistent high fever every morning accompanied by weight loss? Hello, Doctor. Thank you for taking the time to read this amidst your busy schedule. My father, who is 70 years old, has been diagnosed with systemic lupus erythematosus and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. He ...
Dr. Gao Jiankai Reply:
Hello, thank you for your inquiry. Here are my responses: 1. You can return for a follow-up appointment anytime you feel unwell, especially if you have a fever, without worrying about the physician's opinion. 2. If you have had a persistent fever for over a month, that is...[Read More] Daily High Fever and Weight Loss in a 70-Year-Old with Lupus
Managing Concurrent Tuberculosis and Stroke: Challenges and Solutions
The coexistence of pulmonary tuberculosis and cerebrovascular accident (stroke)? Hello, Director. A family member has a history of pulmonary tuberculosis, which was previously treated and resolved. However, they suddenly suffered a stroke, which has made it difficult for them to ...
Dr. Lin Wufu Reply:
Hello, I don't quite understand your question. In principle, the treatment for pulmonary tuberculosis does not conflict with the treatment for a stroke. Anticoagulants or platelet inhibitors do not affect pulmonary tuberculosis (unless the tuberculosis poses a risk of signif...[Read More] Managing Concurrent Tuberculosis and Stroke: Challenges and Solutions
Can Tuberculosis Patients Undergo Percutaneous Endoscopic Gastrostomy?
Can patients with pulmonary tuberculosis undergo percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy (PEG) placement? Hello Doctor, my mother is 67 years old and has been diagnosed with tuberculosis in the lungs for the past three months, which has subsequently led to meningitis and abnormal beh...
Dr. Liao Zhongxin Reply:
Dear readers: Regarding the inquiry about whether patients with tuberculosis can undergo percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy (PEG) surgery, the response is as follows: 1. Transmission of tuberculosis: (1) Historically, there have been theories regarding transmission through ...[Read More] Can Tuberculosis Patients Undergo Percutaneous Endoscopic Gastrostomy?
Managing Recurrence of Pleural Effusion: Insights on Immunity and Treatment
How to manage a recurrence of a chronic thoracic condition? Seven years ago, Xiao Min was hospitalized due to a persistent high fever, which led to the discovery of pleural effusion in the thoracic cavity, diagnosed as pulmonary tuberculosis. He was treated and prescribed medicat...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, the factors influencing the occurrence of diseases are numerous and typically involve a combination of constitution, environment, personal health care, genetics, and other factors. Not smoking or drinking alcohol, maintaining a regular lifestyle, and consistently engaging ...[Read More] Managing Recurrence of Pleural Effusion: Insights on Immunity and Treatment
Understanding Persistent Low-Grade Fever: Possible Causes and Concerns
Unexplained fever with persistent low-grade fever? Hello doctor, I had a herpes outbreak on my lips before December 2nd. On December 1st, I accidentally ingested water from a drainage ditch and kitchen waste. From December 2nd to December 14th, I started experiencing fever, with ...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, since I cannot see the condition of your blisters, I cannot make a clear assessment. However, based on your description, it is most likely a herpes infection. This is primarily transmitted through contact and should not be directly related to drinking contaminated water; i...[Read More] Understanding Persistent Low-Grade Fever: Possible Causes and Concerns
Can Normal Chest X-Ray Rule Out Tuberculosis?
If a chest X-ray is normal, does it necessarily mean that tuberculosis is not present? If a chest X-ray is normal, does it necessarily mean that there is no tuberculosis?
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello: It is not accurate to say that a normal X-ray definitively rules out tuberculosis, as the likelihood of tuberculosis is very low but still possible. For instance, when tuberculosis is not severe, the changes on the X-ray may be subtle. Additionally, a small number of indiv...[Read More] Can Normal Chest X-Ray Rule Out Tuberculosis?
Understanding Periodic Low Fever: Possible Causes and Next Steps
Periodic low-grade fever? Hello doctor, recently I've been experiencing slight weakness in my limbs, and my body temperature rises to 37.7 to 37.8 degrees Celsius in the afternoon, during which I feel a bit unwell. However, by the evening, my temperature returns to normal, a...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, the symptoms of tuberculosis are often very atypical, making it difficult to simply distinguish whether it is pulmonary tuberculosis based solely on symptoms. Conditions such as chronic allergies, rheumatic autoimmune diseases, and chronic bronchitis can present similar sy...[Read More] Understanding Periodic Low Fever: Possible Causes and Next Steps
Persistent Afternoon Fever: Understanding Chronic Symptoms and Causes
Fever every afternoon? Hello doctor, I have been experiencing a fever for over a month now, with temperatures gradually rising in the afternoon, ranging from 37.5 to 38.5 degrees Celsius. Two months ago, I had symptoms such as coughing and a runny nose, with occasional fevers aro...
Dr. Liao Zhongxin Reply:
Dear readers, regarding the above issue, here is my response. Hello, doctor. I have been experiencing a fever for over a month, with temperatures gradually rising in the afternoon, ranging between 37.5°C and 38.5°C. Two months ago, I had symptoms of cough and runny nose, with o...[Read More] Persistent Afternoon Fever: Understanding Chronic Symptoms and Causes