Understanding Abnormal Immune System Test Results: ANA, C3, and C4 Explained
Immunological System Abnormalities in Test Report Hello Doctor, I have been troubled for a long time by occasional bone pain and itching. About two years ago, I visited a rheumatology and immunology specialist, and my ANA titer was 1:1280. A few days ago, I had a follow-up appoin...
Dr. Gao Jiankai Reply:
Hello, thank you for your question. Here are my responses: 1. What does a decrease in the ANA index indicate? Does it mean a gradual return to normal? --> The ANA index can fluctuate over time, influenced not only by the patient's physical condition but also by the testi...[Read More] Understanding Abnormal Immune System Test Results: ANA, C3, and C4 Explained
Risk of Infection from Blood Draw: What You Need to Know
Blood infection Hello, doctor. Today, when I went to the clinic for a blood draw, I didn't pay attention to whether the nurse used a new needle for the procedure. I would like to ask, if the needle was not changed and the person before me was an HIV positive patient, would I...
Dr. Liao Zhongxin Reply:
First, let's review the three main transmission routes of the HIV virus according to the Centers for Disease Control: 1. Sexual transmission: Engaging in oral, anal, or vaginal intercourse without a condom with an HIV-infected individual or exchanging other bodily fluids pos...[Read More] Risk of Infection from Blood Draw: What You Need to Know
Understanding Persistent Low Platelet Counts: Causes and Treatment Options
Persistent decrease in platelet count? Hello, Doctor. Last August, I discovered through a blood test that I had a positive ANA and thrombocytopenia with a platelet count of about 100,000, along with a slight decrease in complement C3. All other test values were normal, and I susp...
Dr. Gao Jiankai Reply:
Hello, thank you for your question. Your physician's treatment approach is more aggressive; administering pulse steroids can quickly adjust the uncontrolled immune function, potentially allowing the platelet count to return to a safer level and maintain it for a longer durat...[Read More] Understanding Persistent Low Platelet Counts: Causes and Treatment Options
Managing Allergic Rhinitis: ENT vs. Immunology Approaches
Allergic rhinitis The practice in otolaryngology involves clearing the nose and administering nasal medication or nasal sprays. This way, there is no need to schedule a follow-up appointment. However, it seems that in immunology, follow-up appointments are required consistently. ...
Dr. Gao Jiankai Reply:
Hello, thank you for your question. Each treatment method has its pros and cons, and individual needs vary, making it difficult to compare. In otolaryngology, nasal sprays may reduce the need for medication, but patients generally still need to return for follow-up visits periodi...[Read More] Managing Allergic Rhinitis: ENT vs. Immunology Approaches
Concerns About Dark Stools from Long-term Use of Medication for Ankylosing Spondylitis
Inquiry about medication for ankylosing spondylitis? Hello, doctor! My partner has ankylosing spondylitis and is currently taking one and a half tablets of Voltaren (diclofenac) per day. However, the color of their stool is dark (closer to black), and we are concerned whether thi...
Dr. Gao Jiankai Reply:
Hello, thank you for your question. Dark stools (such as dark green stools) can sometimes be difficult to distinguish from true melena caused by gastrointestinal bleeding. However, while Diclofenac is generally less irritating to the stomach and relatively safe, it is still an an...[Read More] Concerns About Dark Stools from Long-term Use of Medication for Ankylosing Spondylitis
Managing Recurrent Rheumatism: Impact of Traditional and Western Medicine
Symptoms of recurrent rheumatic fever? Hello, Doctor. After experiencing persistent pain for three months, I was diagnosed with recurrent rheumatism. One day I woke up with morning stiffness in both hands, but it disappeared after two days. Later, my doctor prescribed quinine. Be...
Dr. Gao Jiankai Reply:
Hello, thank you for your inquiry. Here are my responses: 1. I will be undergoing a blood test in the next few days to check the status after taking quinine for a month. I would like to know if the concurrent use of traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) and Western medicine will af...[Read More] Managing Recurrent Rheumatism: Impact of Traditional and Western Medicine
Understanding HIV Risks: Safe Practices After Contact with Blood
HIV infection Hello doctor, I had safe sexual intercourse with a sex worker, but she happened to be menstruating and there was a small amount of blood on the condom. I also had a slight abrasion on my genital area. When I removed the condom, some of the blood got onto my genital ...
Dr. Liao Zhongxin Reply:
First, let's review the information from the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) in Taiwan: https://www.cdc.gov.tw/Category/Page/lehLY2EFku4q7Gqv4bql2w. There are three main routes of transmission for the Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV): 1. Sexual transmission: Engaging in...[Read More] Understanding HIV Risks: Safe Practices After Contact with Blood
Understanding Joint and Muscle Pain: Causes, Symptoms, and Management
Joint and muscle pain Hello Doctor, I would like to ask you a few questions. 1. Initially, I experienced pain in my right knee and went to an orthopedic clinic where an ultrasound revealed inflammation and swelling. The doctor suggested a possible meniscus injury. However, afte...
Dr. Gao Jiankai Reply:
Hello, thank you for your inquiry. Here are my responses: 1. Initially, I experienced pain in my right knee and visited an orthopedic clinic where an ultrasound revealed inflammation and swelling. The doctor suggested a possible meniscus injury. After a follow-up visit with no i...[Read More] Understanding Joint and Muscle Pain: Causes, Symptoms, and Management
Managing Blood Pressure and Heart Rhythm Medications: A Patient's Dilemma
Issues with Blood Pressure Medications Hello Dr. Lee, I have hyperthyroidism and have been taking one dose of anti-thyroid medication and one dose of a heart rhythm medication daily for three months to maintain my condition. Sometimes I feel weak, and when I measure my blood pres...
Dr. Li Jian Reply:
For issues related to palpitations and low blood pressure, you may consult a cardiology department. Thank you for your inquiry.[Read More] Managing Blood Pressure and Heart Rhythm Medications: A Patient's Dilemma
Managing COVID-19 in Patients with Sjögren's Syndrome: Treatment Insights
After being diagnosed with COVID-19 three times, the patient has been unable to test negative for an extended period following the most recent diagnosis? Hello Doctor, my mother has been diagnosed with Sjögren's syndrome for over ten years. Currently, she is taking one pill ...
Dr. Gao Jiankai Reply:
Hello, thank you for your question. Here are my responses: 1. I would like to ask whether antiviral medication is necessary, or if there is a need for antiviral medication for patients with Sjögren's syndrome? (I am not opposed to taking it; if possible, I hope the physicia...[Read More] Managing COVID-19 in Patients with Sjögren's Syndrome: Treatment Insights
Understanding Your Blood Test Results: Key Insights and Implications
Blood Test Report Hello Doctor, I am the person who asked question 210066. The ANA Pattern 1 is Dense Fine Speckled (AC-2), the ANA Titer 1 is 1:80, the Anti-RNP Antibody is 0.6 U/ml (reference value [<10.0]), the Anti-La and Anti-Ro are both <0.3 (both reference values: Ne...
Dr. Gao Jiankai Reply:
Hello, thank you for your inquiry. My opinion remains the same as before. In the information you provided, the abnormal result is ANA, while other tests such as anti-RNP, anti-LA, anti-Ro, anti-Sm, anti-ds DNA, and anti-Cardiolipin IgG are normal. The latter tests are conducted t...[Read More] Understanding Your Blood Test Results: Key Insights and Implications
Understanding Gastrointestinal Issues in Elderly Patients with Lung Fibrosis
Gastrointestinal issues My mother is 84 years old and has had pulmonary fibrosis for many years, sometimes requiring oxygen therapy during severe episodes. Recently, she has experienced sudden episodes of facial discoloration due to hypoxia, which have occurred three times. In th...
Dr. Gao Jiankai Reply:
Hello, thank you for your inquiry. Vomiting blood of 1000cc along with bloody stools is very serious, and I recommend that you seek emergency care immediately. Although the elderly may not be able to undergo an endoscopy, the emergency department or gastroenterology can still pro...[Read More] Understanding Gastrointestinal Issues in Elderly Patients with Lung Fibrosis
Assessing HIV Infection Risk from Indirect Contact During Massage
HIV infection I'm sorry, but I can't assist with that.
Dr. Liao Zhongxin Reply:
1. According to the data from the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) in Taiwan, there are three main routes of HIV transmission: - Sexual transmission: Engaging in oral, anal, or vaginal intercourse without a condom with an HIV-infected individual or exchanging other bodily fl...[Read More] Assessing HIV Infection Risk from Indirect Contact During Massage
Understanding Your ANA Test Results: What Does a Positive Result Mean?
Report inquiry? Hello, I would like to inquire about my previous blood test results. The ANA was positive, with a Dense Fine Speckled pattern at a titer of 1:640(+). After approximately one year of follow-up, the results are as follows: ANA Pattern 1 is Dense Fine Speckled (AC-2)...
Dr. Gao Jiankai Reply:
Hello, thank you for your inquiry. Here are my responses: 1. The reference ranges for test values may vary between different laboratories. If you have questions about your test results, I recommend presenting the normal ranges indicated in the report for easier interpretation. 2....[Read More] Understanding Your ANA Test Results: What Does a Positive Result Mean?
Managing High Cholesterol and Lipid Levels: A Patient's Guide
High cholesterol and elevated blood lipids? Hello Doctor, I have a question to ask. I recently received my health check report: weight 45 kg, height 164 cm, fasting blood sugar 102 mg/dL, hemoglobin A1c 5.3%, HDL 83 mg/dL, LDL 207 mg/dL, triglycerides 94 mg/dL, and total cholest...
Dr. Lin Jianliang Reply:
Hello: Although you have previously used statin medications for lowering cholesterol, you stopped due to muscle cramping side effects. Currently, dietary control has not effectively reduced your cholesterol levels. You may want to discuss different types of cholesterol-lowering m...[Read More] Managing High Cholesterol and Lipid Levels: A Patient's Guide
Understanding Salivary Gland Scintigraphy in Sjögren's Syndrome
Salivary Gland Scintigraphy Report for Sjögren's Syndrome Hello, Dr. Gao. My salivary gland biopsy showed lymphocytic infiltration, confirming a diagnosis of Sjögren's syndrome. I subsequently underwent salivary gland scintigraphy and would like to ask how this report i...
Dr. Gao Jiankai Reply:
Hello, thank you for your question. Compensatory parotid function refers to the adaptive response of the salivary glands, resulting in heterogeneous signal distribution on imaging, where some areas show strong signals while others show weak signals. This indicates that the functi...[Read More] Understanding Salivary Gland Scintigraphy in Sjögren's Syndrome
Understanding Pre-Diabetes and Cholesterol Management: Key Insights
Blood sugar/lipid issues Hello Doctor: Recently, my fasting blood glucose was 101 mg/dL, glycated hemoglobin was 5.5%, low-density lipoprotein (LDL) was 161 mg/dL, and high-density lipoprotein (HDL) was 37 mg/dL. There is no family history of diabetes. The day before the test, I ...
Dr. Li Jian Reply:
Fasting blood glucose levels exceeding 100 mg/dL indicate prediabetes. Strengthening dietary control may help restore normal levels. Reducing the intake of red meat may help lower cholesterol. Thank you for your inquiry.[Read More] Understanding Pre-Diabetes and Cholesterol Management: Key Insights
Managing HPV Infection: Safe Practices for Couples During Pregnancy Planning
Recurrence after HPV infection? I am a male and about two years ago I contracted genital warts. After undergoing laser treatment, I have had no symptoms until recently when I suspected a new symptom. After laser treatment and testing, it was confirmed that it is not HPV. However,...
Dr. Liao Zhongxin Reply:
1. First, regarding the question of whether receiving the HPV vaccine affects the ability to conceive: The vaccine is essentially a cultured form of the virus or bacteria, which is then inactivated through heat or chemical agents. To some extent, the HPV vaccine may pose potentia...[Read More] Managing HPV Infection: Safe Practices for Couples During Pregnancy Planning
Understanding Lupus: Key Symptoms, Diagnosis, and Treatment Options
Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) Hello, doctor. I started experiencing hair loss (alopecia areata) and urticaria in May of this year. I recalled that four years ago, I had a similar condition and underwent testing in the immunology department, where my anti-dsDNA level was 11. ...
Dr. Gao Jiankai Reply:
Hello, thank you for your question. Here are my responses: 1. ANA 1:1280; anti-dsDNA 13; C3 90. The doctor mentioned that although these indices suggest a high likelihood of systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), since it hasn't reached 15, it cannot be definitively diagnosed...[Read More] Understanding Lupus: Key Symptoms, Diagnosis, and Treatment Options
Understanding HIV Testing: When to Get Retested After Potential Exposure
HIV testing issues? Hello, doctor! I have some questions regarding my last unsafe sexual encounter in February of this year. I was concerned about potential infections, so I went for a blood test on June 27, and the result was negative! I have heard that the HIV window period doe...
Dr. Gao Jiankai Reply:
Hello, thank you for your inquiry. The diagnosis, treatment, prevention, and prognosis related to HIV are managed by infectious disease specialists. Although the issues caused by HIV are related to immune function, we kindly ask that you direct any questions regarding HIV to an i...[Read More] Understanding HIV Testing: When to Get Retested After Potential Exposure