Understanding Low Insulin Levels in Your Health Check Report
Health Examination Report Hello doctor, I would like to ask about my health check report. My insulin level is 1.9 u/ml, and the report states that the normal range is 2.6 to 24.9. Is this low level of concern?
Dr. Li Jian Reply:
Glycated hemoglobin and fasting blood glucose are important reference indicators. Thank you for your inquiry.[Read More] Understanding Low Insulin Levels in Your Health Check Report
Understanding Blood Test Results: Interpreting Anti-HBc and HCV Ab Findings
Blood Test Report Doctor, I have a question. Because a family member has herpes zoster and needs to get an injection, I had blood drawn at National Cheng Kung University. Is it normal for the blood test report to show the following results? Anti-HBc test result: Repeatedly reacti...
Dr. Zhang Shixin Reply:
Hello: A negative HBsAg combined with a positive Anti-HBc may indicate a past infection with the hepatitis B virus; a positive HCV Ab indicates a hepatitis C infection. This preliminary interpretation of the blood test results regarding hepatitis B and C is suggested to be discus...[Read More] Understanding Blood Test Results: Interpreting Anti-HBc and HCV Ab Findings
Understanding Side Effects of Levothyroxine in Hypothyroidism Treatment
Thyroid medication consultation I have hypothyroidism (Hashimoto's disease) and have been under follow-up for over two years with no significant symptoms. During my last follow-up in March, my levels worsened slightly, and my doctor prescribed Eltroxin 50, instructing me to ...
Dr. Li Jian Reply:
The dosage of Antithyroid medication needs to be monitored by blood tests for TSH and free T4 levels in order to determine the appropriate dosage. Thank you for your inquiry.[Read More] Understanding Side Effects of Levothyroxine in Hypothyroidism Treatment
Understanding Hepatitis B and C: Symptoms, Risks, and Diagnosis
Report issues? If someone has never had hepatitis B, does that mean they have definitely not been infected? What are the symptoms of hepatitis C, how can one contract it, and how can it be confirmed as hepatitis C? What should one pay attention to? Thank you.
Dr. Zhang Shixin Reply:
Hello: For issues related to hepatitis, please consult the outpatient clinic that ordered the tests or the gastroenterology and hepatology department. Thank you![Read More] Understanding Hepatitis B and C: Symptoms, Risks, and Diagnosis
Can Ankylosing Spondylitis Patients Benefit from Physical Therapy?
Ankylosing Spondylitis Hello, Doctor Gao. Recently, I have experienced some nerve compression in my spine. I would like to ask if patients with ankylosing spondylitis can undergo rehabilitation treatments such as lumbar traction and heat therapy with electrical stimulation. Thank...
Dr. Gao Jiankai Reply:
Hello, thank you for your inquiry. We need to assess the severity of your spinal stiffness. If there is already adhesion in the spine, lumbar traction may pose risks, and you should consult a rehabilitation physician first; however, heat therapy and electrical stimulation are saf...[Read More] Can Ankylosing Spondylitis Patients Benefit from Physical Therapy?
From Sprained Ankle to High Uric Acid: Understanding Your Symptoms
Visiting an orthopedic specialist for a sprain turned out to be primarily due to high uric acid levels? Hello, Doctor. I am 175 cm tall and weigh 99 kg, with a history of hypertension but no other health issues. I am currently on a weight loss program and have lost 5 kg in the fi...
Dr. Gao Jiankai Reply:
Hello, thank you for your inquiry. For now, I recommend applying ice for one day and suggest that you consult a rheumatologist. The Allergy, Immunology, and Rheumatology Department at Changhua Hospital, Ministry of Health and Welfare, is here to assist you.[Read More] From Sprained Ankle to High Uric Acid: Understanding Your Symptoms
Understanding Blood Sugar Levels: Should You Worry About Your Readings?
Blood sugar issues? Hello Doctor, I am 22 years old, and my height, weight, and BMI are all normal. I do not have hypertension, hyperlipidemia, or any other unhealthy values. On March 1st of this year, my fasting blood glucose was 89, and today, March 20th, my fasting blood gluco...
Dr. Li Jian Reply:
The current blood test results are normal, so please do not worry excessively. Thank you for your inquiry.[Read More] Understanding Blood Sugar Levels: Should You Worry About Your Readings?
Understanding Thyroid Cancer Treatment: Managing Side Effects and Health Concerns
Thyroid cancer My mother is 55 years old and has been monitored for nodules for several years. She was recently informed of malignant changes and was subsequently diagnosed with thyroid cancer at a larger hospital. Initially, when it was uncertain whether the cancer was malignant...
Dr. Li Jian Reply:
Thyroid dysfunction can also lead to abnormal cholesterol levels, and diet has a significant impact as well. Thank you for your inquiry.[Read More] Understanding Thyroid Cancer Treatment: Managing Side Effects and Health Concerns
Is Smoking in Intervals Worse for Diabetics? Understanding the Risks
Smoking and then relighting (more than once)? Hello doctor, my family member has diabetes and wants to smoke but doesn't want to smoke too much. They take a few puffs, extinguish the cigarette, then smoke again after a while... Is this more harmful to the body compared to sm...
Dr. Li Jian Reply:
Smoking and diabetes can both lead to vascular stiffness. It is recommended to quit smoking as much as possible. Thank you for your inquiry.[Read More] Is Smoking in Intervals Worse for Diabetics? Understanding the Risks
Do Antibiotics and Anti-Inflammatories Affect Stable Stiffness Conditions?
Subject: Do antibiotics and anti-inflammatory medications cause stable stiffness conditions to become unstable? Dear Dr. Gao, I am a patient with ankylosing spondylitis, diagnosed three years ago. My condition has been stable, so I have temporarily stopped taking Celecoxib for s...
Dr. Gao Jiankai Reply:
Hello, thank you for your question. Here are my responses: 1. Will the aforementioned two medications cause stable stiffness to become unstable? --> I don't believe so. 2. If they do induce instability, are there alternative medications? --> If pain recurs, it may be r...[Read More] Do Antibiotics and Anti-Inflammatories Affect Stable Stiffness Conditions?
Can Intestinal Fluids and Mucus Transmit HIV Through Feces?
Transmission route: intestinal fluid? Feces from individuals infected with HIV may contain intestinal fluids and mucosa. Can these intestinal fluids and mucosa transmit the HIV virus?
Dr. Liao Zhongxin Reply:
Although the viral load in the gastrointestinal tract is not as high as in blood or genital organs, it still possesses a certain level of infectivity.[Read More] Can Intestinal Fluids and Mucus Transmit HIV Through Feces?
Could Oral Contact with a Massage Therapist Lead to Infection?
Infection concerns? Hello doctor, I visited a massage parlor on March 1st and licked the massage therapist's nipple. I know this is very unhygienic, but at that moment, due to some issues, I was emotionally unstable and acted foolishly. Starting on the night of March 3rd, I ...
Dr. Liao Zhongxin Reply:
In addition to HIV, there are other sexually transmitted infections (STIs) or skin diseases that can be transmitted through contact. HIV is primarily spread through unprotected sexual intercourse, sharing of drug injection needles, and vertical transmission from mother to child, ...[Read More] Could Oral Contact with a Massage Therapist Lead to Infection?
Understanding HIV Testing and Symptoms: What You Need to Know
HIV testing issues? On March 3rd, I engaged in high-risk sexual behavior. On March 12th, I began experiencing symptoms similar to the early stages of an acute infection, with a rash resembling herpes appearing on my temples. By March 13th, I also developed rashes on my body, and ...
Dr. Liao Zhongxin Reply:
Please refer to the information from the Centers for Disease Control (CDC). If you encounter any of the above high-risk situations, you can visit a nearby medical facility for consultation and testing, or you may also perform a rapid test on your own.[Read More] Understanding HIV Testing and Symptoms: What You Need to Know
Can Wearing Contaminated Underwear Lead to HIV Infection?
Transmission route (wound) If underwear contaminated with HIV-infected bodily fluids is worn unknowingly, and there is an open wound on the male genitalia, there is a potential risk of HIV transmission if the contaminated underwear comes into contact with the wound.
Dr. Liao Zhongxin Reply:
If exposed for more than 10 minutes, the HIV virus will die, so it is important to take good care of wounds and maintain personal hygiene to prevent the transmission of sexually transmitted infections.[Read More] Can Wearing Contaminated Underwear Lead to HIV Infection?
Understanding Thyroid Nodules: Treatment, Diet, and Long-Term Care
Could you please clarify your question? Dear Doctor, I underwent a thyroid ultrasound and a fine needle aspiration biopsy, which revealed nodules measuring 1.1 cm and 1.4 cm on each side of the thyroid, and the biopsy results were benign. I was prescribed two medications: 1. Prop...
Dr. Li Jian Reply:
If thyroid function is normal, it may be considered unnecessary to take thyroid hormones or to avoid iodine. Thank you for your inquiry.[Read More] Understanding Thyroid Nodules: Treatment, Diet, and Long-Term Care
Understanding Chronic Pyelonephritis: Causes, Symptoms, and Risks
Chronic pyelonephritis Hello, Doctor: Three years ago, I had acute pyelonephritis (with high fever and severe pain) but did not get hospitalized for intravenous antibiotics; I only took the oral antibiotics prescribed by my doctor for 7 days. During that time, I had irregular fol...
Dr. Zhang Shixin Reply:
Hello Ms. Chen: 1. Chronic pyelonephritis is usually caused by recurrent acute infections. If a child has repeated urinary tract infections along with congenital issues (such as vesicoureteral reflux or renal hypoplasia), they are more likely to develop this condition. 2. A uri...[Read More] Understanding Chronic Pyelonephritis: Causes, Symptoms, and Risks
Understanding Skin Rashes and Positive ANA: What You Need to Know
Rash and ANA positive at 1:80? Hello Doctor, I would like to ask about some recent developments. I have noticed three new red spots on the skin of my right cheek. Upon closer inspection, they seem to resemble either subcutaneous bleeding or pigmentation, but they are neither pain...
Dr. Gao Jiankai Reply:
Hello, thank you for your questions. Here are my responses: 1. Should I be concerned about my ANA test results? Does a change from negative to positive indicate that my health is deteriorating? --> Since the value is still quite low (80) and within an acceptable range, I reco...[Read More] Understanding Skin Rashes and Positive ANA: What You Need to Know
Can Drinking Fish Tank Water Cause Parasite Infections in Toddlers?
Can a one-year-old child get a parasitic infection from drinking aquarium water? Hello, doctor. My child accidentally drank water from an outdoor fish tank. Although I pulled her away from the water's surface immediately and rinsed her mouth with tap water, today is the thir...
Dr. Lin Wufu Reply:
Hello, the likelihood of contracting parasites from a single exposure to contaminated or dirty water is quite low, and most parasites cannot reproduce within the human body. Therefore, even if one ingests one or two parasites, it is unlikely to cause any significant health effect...[Read More] Can Drinking Fish Tank Water Cause Parasite Infections in Toddlers?
Concerns About Potential HIV Exposure During Sleep: What You Need to Know
You may experience pinprick sensations while sleeping? A few days ago, I took a short nap (about 10 minutes) in the library, and there was a strange person sitting next to me. I was worried that he might be an HIV-positive patient and could stab me with a needle, and that I might...
Dr. Zeng Guosen Reply:
If you have any questions, it is recommended to visit an infectious disease clinic for expert evaluation. Thank you for your inquiry.[Read More] Concerns About Potential HIV Exposure During Sleep: What You Need to Know
Understanding Persistent Skin Rashes: Possible Immune System Disorders
Red rashes on the back, posterior legs, arms, and anterior chest, with itching at night that makes it impossible to sleep, and some areas of skin peeling? Since January 2024, the patient has been experiencing symptoms and has visited three clinics where eczema or urticaria was su...
Dr. Zeng Guosen Reply:
The skin condition described by the netizen seems to be unrelated to the positive antinuclear antibody (ANA) titer of 1:5120. There may be other autoimmune diseases involved, and it is advisable to seek further medical evaluation. It is recommended to first visit a dermatology de...[Read More] Understanding Persistent Skin Rashes: Possible Immune System Disorders