Is There a Risk of Tuberculosis Recurrence After Many Years?
Can pulmonary tuberculosis recur? Hello, doctor. I would like to ask about an 83-year-old uncle who reported that he contracted tuberculosis (TB) at around the age of 19. He underwent standard treatment and was isolated for three years. Given that so much time has passed, is ther...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, targeted therapy usually refers to cancer treatment. It is estimated that this gentleman is receiving the standard 6-9 months of treatment for tuberculosis. In Taiwan, health authorities typically monitor patients until they complete their treatment. As long as there is su...[Read More] Is There a Risk of Tuberculosis Recurrence After Many Years?
Understanding Sarcoidosis: Symptoms, Diagnosis, and Treatment Options
Chest pain associated with sarcoma? Hello Doctor: Last October, I experienced prolonged unexplained fever (38 degrees Celsius) and visited the infectious disease department multiple times for examinations. During this period, I also had night sweats, weight loss (3 kg in one mont...
Dr. Zeng Guosen Reply:
1. Sarcomatoid carcinoma is not a common disease, and it is recommended to seek medical attention at a medical center. 2. Bringing all relevant medical records can help the physician quickly understand your condition. Thank you for your inquiry.[Read More] Understanding Sarcoidosis: Symptoms, Diagnosis, and Treatment Options
Could Joint Pain Indicate Bone Tuberculosis After TB Exposure?
Suspecting that you have bone tuberculosis? Hello, doctor. I am 19 years old and had contact with a confirmed tuberculosis patient about two years ago. I underwent blood tests and regular chest X-rays, with the most recent check-up in November 2016 showing no issues. Recently, I ...
Dr. Liao Zhongxin Reply:
Dear readers, I. The transmission routes of tuberculosis are as follows:[Read More] Could Joint Pain Indicate Bone Tuberculosis After TB Exposure?
Persistent Cough After Thyroid Tumor Surgery: Possible Causes Explained
Thyroid tumor has been removed, but persistent cough continues? My mother underwent thyroid tumor removal surgery on Monday. She had been experiencing severe coughing for a week prior to the surgery. The day after the surgery, Tuesday, she did not cough before noon, but after noo...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Coughing can have many causes. Based on the clinical description, the possible reasons for the patient's condition include: 1. A thyroid tumor itself or the damage it causes, as the thyroid can trigger coughing. Even after surgery, it is necessary to monitor the surgical s...[Read More] Persistent Cough After Thyroid Tumor Surgery: Possible Causes Explained
Persistent Cough and Itchy Airways: Seeking Answers for Unresolved Symptoms
Chronic bronchial itching and cough that cannot be resolved? Hello, doctor. I had a cold at the beginning of April, and after recovering, I started experiencing intense itching from my throat to my chest (likely in the trachea). Pressing firmly on my chest or the area between my ...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Based on the medical condition, it is important to clarify whether everything was normal before the cold in April, whether there are any underlying diseases, and if there are any other illnesses in the family to determine the relationship with the cold in April. Therefore: Situa...[Read More] Persistent Cough and Itchy Airways: Seeking Answers for Unresolved Symptoms
Understanding Blood Sugar Management: Key Indicators and Medication Options
Blood sugar issues Dear Dr. Hsiao, I have been concerned about my blood sugar levels since my health check in 2004, when my fasting blood glucose was 100. I only started medication in 2015, but my weight has decreased from my usual 38 kg to the current 34 kg. For the past ten ye...
Dr. Xiao Yongxun Reply:
1. For a 65-year-old diabetic patient, a fasting blood glucose level of 155 mg/dL, a postprandial blood glucose level of 169 mg/dL two hours after eating, and a hemoglobin A1c level of 6.6% indicate relatively good control. Each of these values carries individual significance, an...[Read More] Understanding Blood Sugar Management: Key Indicators and Medication Options
Understanding Blood Sugar Changes After Tuberculosis Treatment
Please ask your questions regarding blood sugar? Hello Doctor, my mother has been taking anti-tuberculosis medication (Rifampicin + EMB + PZA + INH) for a month, and her fasting blood glucose has increased from the 90s to 105. She has a history of gestational diabetes and has bee...
Dr. Li Zhiyao Reply:
Hello: Antituberculosis medications do not cause diabetes; elevated blood sugar levels may be due to increased food intake. During tuberculosis treatment, regular blood tests will be conducted. Please monitor your blood sugar levels regularly and discuss them with your attending ...[Read More] Understanding Blood Sugar Changes After Tuberculosis Treatment
Kidney Donation Eligibility for Relatives with Drug History: What to Know
Kidney transplantation The likelihood of being able to use a kidney from a relative with a history of drug abuse (who has been sober for a year) depends on several factors, including the individual's overall health, kidney function, and any potential complications related to...
Dr. Wu Jiyu Reply:
First, your relative must be a blood relative or spouse within the fifth degree of kinship (a spouse is defined as someone who has been married to the organ donor for at least two years or has children with the donor), and must not have any other legally defined infectious diseas...[Read More] Kidney Donation Eligibility for Relatives with Drug History: What to Know
Can Diabetic Patients Donate Blood While on Medication?
Diabetes mellitus Can a person with diabetes who is on medication donate blood?
Dr. Zhang Guoji Reply:
According to the "Health Standards for Blood Donors" published by the Department of Health: Article 4: Blood donors who have any of the following conditions should postpone their donation: 5. Currently suffering from syphilis, active tuberculosis, diabetes, heart diseas...[Read More] Can Diabetic Patients Donate Blood While on Medication?
Can Oral Sex Transmit Chlamydia? Weight Loss Concerns Explained
Sexually transmitted infections (STIs) Hello Dr. Liao, 1. Can chlamydia be transmitted through oral sex? 2. What tests should be conducted if there is a sudden and significant weight loss?
Dr. Liao Zhongxin Reply:
Dear readers: 1. There is a wide variety of sexually transmitted infections (STIs), with syphilis and HIV being the most notable. 2. The method of sexual activity can lead to STIs in different areas; typically, these infections are located in the perineal region (both anterior a...[Read More] Can Oral Sex Transmit Chlamydia? Weight Loss Concerns Explained
Why Can't I Gain Weight? Understanding Unexplained Weight Loss
It's strange, I can't gain weight? No matter how I eat, it seems like I can't gain weight. My height is 173 cm and my weight is 52 kg.
Dr. Cai Zonglin Reply:
There are many reasons for weight loss, including hyperthyroidism, diabetes, tuberculosis, and cancer. Patients should seek consultation at a specialty clinic or general internal medicine or family medicine outpatient department.[Read More] Why Can't I Gain Weight? Understanding Unexplained Weight Loss
Is Your Fever Response Mechanism Compromised After Tuberculosis?
Can the mechanism of fever be disrupted? A year ago, I was infected with extrapulmonary tuberculosis and have been on medication for 270 days. However, when I first became ill, I experienced significant fluctuations in body temperature, alternating between chills and fever, but I...
Dr. Liao Zhongxin Reply:
Hello: 1. Extrapulmonary tuberculosis may or may not present with fever; the only necessity is to take antitubercular medication for nine months. 2. Fever (>37.3°C) can have many causes, so it is recommended to seek medical attention from an infectious disease specialist. Than...[Read More] Is Your Fever Response Mechanism Compromised After Tuberculosis?
Understanding Prolonged Fever: When to Seek Medical Attention
Fever for one week? Fever for a week, with daily temperatures exceeding 38 degrees Celsius, except for one day. On the fourth day of the fever, I was examined in the infectious disease department of the hospital, where my WBC was 4400, CRP was 0.4, and platelet count was 298,000....
Dr. Qiu Zhengbin Reply:
Hello: Based on your description, there is a significant chance of a viral infection, and other possibilities such as tuberculosis or autoimmune diseases cannot be ruled out. If the fever persists, I recommend that you return to the hospital's infectious disease department f...[Read More] Understanding Prolonged Fever: When to Seek Medical Attention
Managing Blood Sugar Levels: A Guide for Seniors with Medication Changes
High blood sugar? Hello, my grandfather is 83 years old and has recently experienced a significant decrease in appetite due to tuberculosis medication, almost not eating breakfast. His fasting blood sugar levels are often around 40-50, which is very low. As a result, he was advis...
Dr. Xiao Yongxun Reply:
Hello: In response to your question, various anti-tuberculosis medications can cause side effects such as hepatotoxicity, gastrointestinal reactions, nausea, vomiting, peripheral neuropathy, visual changes, hearing impairment, and hyperuricemia, among others. While not every pati...[Read More] Managing Blood Sugar Levels: A Guide for Seniors with Medication Changes
Managing Peritoneal Dialysis-Related Peritonitis: A Patient's Journey
Peritoneal dialysis-associated peritonitis Hello Dr. Yang, About six years ago, I started peritoneal dialysis due to chronic kidney failure. The past six years have gone quite smoothly, and I have been very attentive to cleanliness and hygiene. However, at the end of last year,...
Dr. Yang Zhongwei Reply:
Hello: The biggest enemy of peritoneal dialysis (PD) is peritonitis. Generally, it can be resolved with antibiotic infusion treatment; however, there are certain situations where catheter removal and conversion to hemodialysis (HD) are necessary. For instance, in cases of fungal ...[Read More] Managing Peritoneal Dialysis-Related Peritonitis: A Patient's Journey
Persistent Cough After Cold: Understanding Allergic Cough and Treatment Options
Persistent cough that does not improve? I have been experiencing a persistent cough since catching a cold last year. I consulted a doctor and took medication, but there has been no improvement (I had an X-ray, and my lungs showed no phlegm or abnormalities). The traditional Chine...
Dr. Zhong Weisheng Reply:
Dear Miss Bao Bei, Thank you for your letter. If a persistent cough lasts for more than three weeks, a chest X-ray and sputum test should be performed to rule out tuberculosis and tumors. Next, it is important to check for the possibility of post-nasal drip or gastroesophageal r...[Read More] Persistent Cough After Cold: Understanding Allergic Cough and Treatment Options
Managing Diabetes Complications: Addressing Appetite Loss and Care Strategies
How to manage and care for diabetes? Dear Dr. Shih, My brother, who is approximately 165 cm tall, has been suffering from diabetes for over ten years and currently has tuberculosis. He is receiving treatment at Chiayi Christian Hospital in the Family Medicine department. He used...
Dr. Shi Guangzhong Reply:
Your brother currently weighs 48 kilograms, which is indeed underweight. However, it is difficult to understand the true reason behind his inability to eat and subsequent vomiting from your letter. It is possible that this could be due to diabetes with neuropathy. Your brother ha...[Read More] Managing Diabetes Complications: Addressing Appetite Loss and Care Strategies
Cost and Preparation for Tuberculosis, Hepatitis A, and HIV Tests
Regarding health check-ups? I would like to inquire about the costs for a tuberculosis chest X-ray, hepatitis A immunoglobulin M antibody test, and HIV antibody test. Are there any precautions I need to take before these tests? Additionally, how are these tests conducted?
Dr. Cai Yaozhou Reply:
If deemed necessary for the patient's condition, a physician may determine that chest X-ray and blood tests for Hepatitis A Immunoglobulin M antibodies and HIV antibodies are covered by health insurance. There are no specific precautions to take prior to the X-ray and blood ...[Read More] Cost and Preparation for Tuberculosis, Hepatitis A, and HIV Tests
Understanding Persistent Fever and Back Pain: A Guide for Busy Professionals
Fever Hello Dr. Liao, I apologize for taking up your time. I am a working individual, 155 cm tall and weighing 43 kg, and I have been troubled by back pain for a long time. Over the past year, the pain has worsened, radiating from my spine to a deep point in my epigastric area. D...
Dr. Liao Zhongxin Reply:
Dear readers: 1. If you experience chronic back pain, general fatigue, and low-grade fever, you should first consult a neurosurgeon or orthopedic specialist to determine if it is due to poor posture, scoliosis, or spinal issues. 2. Taiwan is considered a high-prevalence area for ...[Read More] Understanding Persistent Fever and Back Pain: A Guide for Busy Professionals
Effective Treatments for Persistent Cough: Relief Strategies Explained
How can cough be treated? Why have I been coughing continuously? I've been treating it for a long time, and the cough is very severe. I'm in a lot of pain!
Dr. Yao Quan Reply:
Dear Miss Yu-Juan, There are many reasons for a persistent cough. According to statistics, common causes include side effects from medications, post-nasal drip, gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), and asthma. For example, angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors (ACEIs), whi...[Read More] Effective Treatments for Persistent Cough: Relief Strategies Explained