Understanding Thyroid Blood Test Results: TSH, T4, and Autoantibodies Explained
Thyroid blood test report Hello Doctor, I would like to ask you about my blood test results: TSH 1.480 (normal range 0.27-4.20), T4 1.120 (normal range 0.89-1.8), ATA 53.9 (normal range <115), TPO Ab 247 (normal range <34). The doctor mentioned that I have chronic inflammat...
Dr. Li Jian Reply:
If antibody positive, monitor thyroid function at least once a year. If there are abnormalities in thyroid function, consider treatment. Avoid iodine-rich foods such as kelp, seaweed, and nori as much as possible.[Read More] Understanding Thyroid Blood Test Results: TSH, T4, and Autoantibodies Explained
Understanding the Connection Between Nasal Congestion and Rapid Heart Rate
Tachycardia and nasal congestion? Since I was diagnosed last year, I have been experiencing a profound sense of nasal congestion. There have been several instances where I felt close to suffocating and had to go to the emergency room. I have undergone numerous internal medicine e...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, regarding the issue of rapid heartbeat, most nasal decongestants, including some cold medications, can have the side effect of increased heart rate. This is something to be aware of. If drug side effects are ruled out, it may be necessary to check for arrhythmias. If arrhy...[Read More] Understanding the Connection Between Nasal Congestion and Rapid Heart Rate
Understanding Skin Changes Around the Mouth: What You Need to Know
Issues around the mouth? Hello, doctor. I would like to ask about something I noticed recently. While shaving in the morning, I suddenly realized that the skin on the area where my beard is seems to appear whiter. Is this normal? I previously saw on TV that some people suddenly b...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, based on your image, there doesn't appear to be any significant whiteness. If there are no notable protrusions or pain, it is advisable to simply monitor the situation. Thank you for your inquiry.[Read More] Understanding Skin Changes Around the Mouth: What You Need to Know
Understanding Raynaud's and Scleroderma: Challenges in Major Illness Claims
Raynaud's phenomenon and scleroderma are considered significant illnesses that are not eligible for disability claims? Hello, Doctor Gao. After being diagnosed with COVID-19 this year, I suddenly noticed abnormalities in my fingers. After researching online, I found informat...
Dr. Gao Jiankai Reply:
Hello, thank you for your question. The treatment for scleroderma is primarily based on the extent of its impact on vital organs. If you only have Raynaud's phenomenon with mild symptoms, you might want to discuss with your physician the necessity of using off-label medicati...[Read More] Understanding Raynaud's and Scleroderma: Challenges in Major Illness Claims
Can You Get Hepatitis B from Scratching Your Ear After Driving?
Possible infection Hello Doctor, I would like to ask a question. A relative of mine has hepatitis B, and after using his car and navigating for him, I scratched my ear with the same hand. Although my ear did not bleed, I accidentally scratched it a bit harder in the morning, and ...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, the ear pulling condition you mentioned will not lead to a hepatitis B infection. Thank you for your question.[Read More] Can You Get Hepatitis B from Scratching Your Ear After Driving?
Can Hemodialysis Treat High Cholesterol by Filtering Excess Fats?
Hemodialysis Can blood dialysis be used to treat conditions similar to hyperlipidemia, such as filtering excess fats from the blood?
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, currently some people are attempting to do this, but the disadvantages outweigh the benefits because hemodialysis can pose life-threatening risks, and most of the body's fat is located in the visceral area rather than in the blood, making it difficult to remove. Thank...[Read More] Can Hemodialysis Treat High Cholesterol by Filtering Excess Fats?
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
Understanding Venous Blood Gas Analysis: Key Insights for Respiratory Issues
Venous Blood Gas Analysis Report 112/01/25 ABE 7.61 112/01/25 HCO3 32.9 112/01/25 O2CT 17.2 112/01/25 PCO2 49.1 112/01/25 pH 7.430 112/01/25 PO2 41.3 112/01/25 SAT 77.0 112/01/25 SBC 30.8 112/01/25 SBE 8.4 112/01/25 TCO2 34.4 Doctor, this is my venous blood g...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, it is not possible to determine pulmonary obstruction or embolism solely based on venous blood oxygen levels. It is recommended to visit a pulmonology clinic for a chest X-ray, followed by further relevant tests such as pulmonary function tests or lung perfusion scans. Tha...[Read More] Understanding Venous Blood Gas Analysis: Key Insights for Respiratory Issues
Understanding Weight Loss: When to Seek Medical Advice for Anxiety-Related Changes
Weight loss Before graduating from junior high school, my weight was around 57 kilograms. By high school and college, I gradually gained weight, fluctuating between 65 and 66 kilograms. On January 20, I weighed approximately 66.2 kilograms. In the following two to three weeks, du...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, whether this weight change is normal depends on food intake and exercise levels. If the food intake is normal but weight decreases by more than 10%, it is advisable to consider a detailed examination at a family medicine clinic. Thank you for your question.[Read More] Understanding Weight Loss: When to Seek Medical Advice for Anxiety-Related Changes
Understanding Reactive Arthritis: Symptoms, Treatment, and Family Links
Leigh syndrome Hello Doctor, after a cold, I experienced pain at the insertion point of the Achilles tendon, which gradually developed into pain in the soles of my feet and in the joints of my hands. There is no redness or swelling in the joints. After an examination by the immun...
Dr. Gao Jiankai Reply:
Hello, thank you for your question. Here are my responses: 1. Many of my painful areas are symmetrical, but isn't reactive arthritis primarily asymmetrical? --> Yes, it is. However, whether arthritis is symmetrical or not is not a necessary criterion for diagnosing reac...[Read More] Understanding Reactive Arthritis: Symptoms, Treatment, and Family Links
Post-Surgery Complications: When to See a Gastroenterologist or Immunologist?
Please specify the medical specialty and medication you would like to inquire about? Two months ago, I underwent electrosurgical treatment for colon swelling, measuring 8 cm. The postoperative recovery was normal; however, one month after the surgery, I experienced intestinal dam...
Dr. Zeng Guosen Reply:
It is recommended that you first consult a gastroenterologist. If necessary, the gastroenterologist will advise whether to see a rheumatologist for further evaluation. Please do not self-medicate. Thank you for your question.[Read More] Post-Surgery Complications: When to See a Gastroenterologist or Immunologist?
Understanding Side Effects of Salazopyrin: Joint and Muscle Pain
Side effects of Salmeterol? Hello, doctor. Does Salmeterol have side effects related to joint or muscle pain? If so, how long does it typically take for this side effect to resolve after discontinuing the medication? Thank you, doctor.
Dr. Zeng Guosen Reply:
Some users have reported side effects related to joint or muscle pain, although these are rare. Symptoms should improve after discontinuing the medication for about two weeks. Thank you.[Read More] Understanding Side Effects of Salazopyrin: Joint and Muscle Pain
Understanding the Causes of Painless Red Spots on Skin
Small red spots appear on the skin? Since the beginning of the year, I have been experiencing painless and itchless small red spots under the skin (which disappear when pressed). Blood tests for platelet count and liver function (including tests for sexually transmitted diseases)...
Dr. Zeng Guosen Reply:
It is recommended to visit a dermatologist. If blood tests are normal and there is no diagnosis, a biopsy may be considered for further differential diagnosis. Thank you.[Read More] Understanding the Causes of Painless Red Spots on Skin
Medication vs. Biologics: Which is Better for Ankylosing Spondylitis?
Is it better to take medication or to receive a biologic treatment? Hello Doctor, my son is 20 years old and has been diagnosed with ankylosing spondylitis for 3.5 years. It took 1.5 years after the onset of symptoms to confirm the diagnosis and begin formal treatment. The overvi...
Dr. Zeng Guosen Reply:
The general principle is that traditional oral medications are the first-line treatment. If the condition is stable, the use of biologics is not recommended. It may be worth considering a reduction in medication and monitoring the situation. Biologics are also a type of medicatio...[Read More] Medication vs. Biologics: Which is Better for Ankylosing Spondylitis?
Understanding Gas Buildup and Skin Sensations in Dialysis Patients
Hemodialysis Hello, Dr. Lin! I am a dialysis patient and have been undergoing hemodialysis for nearly four years. In the past one to two years, I have been experiencing excessive flatulence during each dialysis session, and I also frequently pass gas during non-dialysis times. Is...
Dr. Lin Wuxuan Reply:
Hello: Gastrointestinal function issues are common among dialysis patients, primarily caused by renal toxins leading to gastrointestinal dysfunction. As for the skin tingling problem, it is advisable to first discuss with your nephrologist whether it is related to your dialysis c...[Read More] Understanding Gas Buildup and Skin Sensations in Dialysis Patients
Understanding Declining GFR: Is Your Kidney Health at Risk?
Health check for kidney issues? Hello, doctor. I would like to ask if a decrease in glomerular filtration rate (GFR) is concerning. Over the past few years, my GFR has been around 120, but in January of last year, it was 99, and after another test in August, it dropped to 94. Is ...
Dr. Lin Wuxuan Reply:
Hello: Generally speaking, if the glomerular filtration rate (GFR) is between 60 and 90, chronic kidney disease (CKD) should only be diagnosed if there is accompanying proteinuria or structural abnormalities of the kidneys. If neither is present, it is recommended to follow up wi...[Read More] Understanding Declining GFR: Is Your Kidney Health at Risk?
Impact of COVID-19 on Ankylosing Spondylitis: A Clinical Perspective
The relationship between COVID-19 infection and the progression of ankylosing spondylitis? Hello, doctor. I would like to ask: 1) Are there any relevant studies that confirm that a diagnosis of COVID-19 can worsen the condition of patients with ankylosing spondylitis who previous...
Dr. Zeng Guosen Reply:
There have indeed been reports that COVID-19 infection can lead to instability in autoimmune diseases. However, in most patients, this worsening condition tends to gradually resolve over time. There is no need to worry; you can seek medical advice and assistance from a physician....[Read More] Impact of COVID-19 on Ankylosing Spondylitis: A Clinical Perspective
Understanding Low Urinary Creatinine Levels: What It Means for Kidney Health
Questions about creatinine test values? Hello Doctor Wu: I recently received my test results. The microalbumin level is 1.7, the serum creatinine level is 0.71 [0.72-1.18], and the urinary creatinine level is 44.2 [60-250]. I would like to ask if the urinary creatinine level bein...
Dr. Wu Hongjie Reply:
The serum creatinine level is 0.71, while the standard range is 0.72-1.18, indicating it is not significantly low. Conditions such as insufficient muscle mass or inadequate protein intake may contribute to this situation. For urinary creatinine, a 24-hour collection is necessary ...[Read More] Understanding Low Urinary Creatinine Levels: What It Means for Kidney Health
Understanding the Link Between Proteinuria and Osteolytic Lesions
The relationship between proteinuria and osteolytic lesions? Hello, Doctor Wu. Happy Day Six of the Lunar New Year. Following up on my previous question, I will be undergoing a PET scan. I have been diagnosed with stage I papillary thyroid carcinoma (currently no longer classifie...
Dr. Wu Hongjie Reply:
Your question is too complex; please discuss it with your nephrologist. Thank you.[Read More] Understanding the Link Between Proteinuria and Osteolytic Lesions
Understanding Post-Dialysis Symptoms: Gas and Skin Sensations Explained
Post-hemodialysis condition Hello, Doctor Wu! I am a dialysis patient and have been on hemodialysis for nearly four years. In the past year or two, I have been experiencing excessive flatulence during each dialysis session, and I also frequently pass gas during non-dialysis times...
Dr. Wu Hongjie Reply:
It is not recommended to eat during dialysis sessions, as it can lead to digestive discomfort. Please discuss the issue of sweating with your dialysis physician, as it is not directly related to nephrology. You may want to follow up with a dermatologist. Wishing you good health.[Read More] Understanding Post-Dialysis Symptoms: Gas and Skin Sensations Explained