Understanding Adult Still's Disease: Symptoms and Immune System Flare-Ups
Immune system dysfunction in adults with Still's disease? Hello Doctor: I have an immune system disorder (the doctor has diagnosed me with suspected "Adult Still's Disease" on the medical certificate). Due to the recent pandemic, I haven't been able to at...
Dr. Gao Jiankai Reply:
Hello, thank you for your message. The inflammation index you mentioned, which is over ten thousand, could possibly refer to the ferritin level, which is an indicator of adult Still's disease and also serves as a reference for disease stability. Given that your levels were o...[Read More] Understanding Adult Still's Disease: Symptoms and Immune System Flare-Ups
Managing Lower Back Pain: Tips Beyond Exercise for Relief
Back problems I have been experiencing soreness in my lower back, which I believe is related to not exercising my back muscles and spending long periods lying in bed. 1. Could it be that the prolonged bed rest and lack of back exercises have led to muscle weakening, resulting in ...
Dr. Zeng Guosen Reply:
Hello, there are many reasons for back pain. It's important to identify the underlying issue before addressing it. I recommend visiting a rehabilitation or orthopedic specialist for an evaluation. After the assessment, further steps can be determined. Thank you for your ques...[Read More] Managing Lower Back Pain: Tips Beyond Exercise for Relief
Managing Thyroid Hormone Levels: From Hypothyroidism to Hyperthyroidism
Hypothyroidism to Hyperthyroidism Hello Doctor, I was diagnosed with anti-microsomal antibodies at a titer of 1:1600 in 2009, and my T4 and TSH levels were normal, indicating Hashimoto's thyroiditis (hypothyroidism). From 2009 to June 2021, I took Eltroxin 50 mcg daily, but ...
Dr. Lin Jianliang Reply:
Hello: Since everyone's situation is different, some people resume medication after stopping or reduce the dosage. It depends on individual circumstances for adjustments. Regarding the other issue, it requires an in-person evaluation to provide a response, so I cannot addres...[Read More] Managing Thyroid Hormone Levels: From Hypothyroidism to Hyperthyroidism
Understanding Recurrent Arthritis: Causes, Diagnosis, and Management
Recurrent arthritis (migratory arthritis) Hello, Doctor: For the past six months, I have been experiencing persistent pain in my shoulders and limbs. Initially, I consulted an orthopedic specialist who performed an X-ray but found no issues. The doctor prescribed pain relievers ...
Dr. Gao Jiankai Reply:
Hello, thank you for your question. Here are my responses: 1. Is recurrent arthritis considered an autoimmune disease? The joint pain and swelling that I experience intermittently—are they caused by my immune system attacking itself, or are there other factors involved? (The doc...[Read More] Understanding Recurrent Arthritis: Causes, Diagnosis, and Management
Health Concerns After Prolonged Exposure to Industrial Hexane
Medical Consultation: Exposure to n-Hexane Hello Doctor, I would like to ask about my recent work experience. My boss required us to use industrial heptane for product cleaning for about 8 hours. During this time, I wore latex gloves, but they kept becoming brittle and tearing, s...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, long-term exposure to heptane can indeed cause skin irritation and inflammation, leading to redness, swelling, and warmth. However, other environmental factors, including contact with skincare products, pollen, and dust mites, can also trigger similar inflammatory response...[Read More] Health Concerns After Prolonged Exposure to Industrial Hexane
Managing VPC: Understanding Ventricular Premature Contractions and Anxiety
Ventricular Premature Contractions (VPC) Hello Dr. Hong, thank you for your previous response. You are correct that my VPC (ventricular premature contractions) were discovered through a 24-hour Holter monitor. I have paid out of pocket for this test five times, with occurrences r...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, VPC (ventricular premature contractions) is currently considered a "benign" arrhythmia, meaning it does not pose a life-threatening risk and is unlikely to have long-term adverse effects. However, it may still cause symptoms such as palpitations during episodes. ...[Read More] Managing VPC: Understanding Ventricular Premature Contractions and Anxiety
Dietary Recommendations for Managing Elevated Creatinine and Low Kidney Function After Liver Transplant
Diet for Liver Disease (Elevated Creatinine + Low Glomerular Filtration Rate) After liver transplantation, I have been attending regular follow-up appointments. Each time, my lab results show low red blood cell count (2.4), low hemoglobin (11), elevated creatinine (1.3), and low ...
Dr. Wu Jiyu Reply:
According to your description, a glomerular filtration rate (GFR) of 43 is indeed low; however, we should not focus on a single data point but rather on the trend. It is important to determine whether 43 is lower than previous values or if it remains stable within a range (for ex...[Read More] Dietary Recommendations for Managing Elevated Creatinine and Low Kidney Function After Liver Transplant
Sudden Spike in Syphilis Titer: Causes and Treatment Insights
The syphilis index has suddenly increased? Hello, I was previously diagnosed with syphilis and after treatment, my PRP was maintained at 1:1. Recently (about six months later), I returned for a follow-up and it suddenly increased to 1:4. I am very certain that I have had no sexua...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, although PRP is the "syphilis index," it can fluctuate due to many factors, including the body's immune status. Therefore, we can only say that it may indicate syphilis reactivation, or it could be a distortion of the test values. Unfortunately, there is cur...[Read More] Sudden Spike in Syphilis Titer: Causes and Treatment Insights
Managing Arrhythmias in Dialysis Patients: Beyond Medication Solutions
Dialysis-related arrhythmias Hello Doctor, my father has been on dialysis for about two years. Before receiving the vaccine, he experienced arrhythmia, but it was managed with medication. However, after getting vaccinated, he has experienced arrhythmia again during dialysis, and ...
Dr. Wu Jiyu Reply:
Due to the various forms of arrhythmias, some present as tachycardia, others as bradycardia, some exhibit irregularity within a regular rhythm, and others are completely irregular. Each type has different management strategies; some may be monitored, some require medication, and ...[Read More] Managing Arrhythmias in Dialysis Patients: Beyond Medication Solutions
Understanding Urticarial Vasculitis: Symptoms, Causes, and Treatment Options
Urticarial vasculitis? Hello, doctor. I have a tendency to be allergic and sneeze (which started about nine years ago). I have also experienced mild urticaria intermittently. However, starting in April of this year, I suddenly developed widespread urticaria. I went to a dermatolo...
Dr. Gao Jiankai Reply:
Hello, thank you for your inquiry. Here are my responses: 1. How is anaphylactic shock determined? Although I was experiencing stomach pain, I was still responsive at the time... --> Perhaps "shock" is a bit severe, but you did have swelling of the lips and eyelids,...[Read More] Understanding Urticarial Vasculitis: Symptoms, Causes, and Treatment Options
Can Zinc Deficiency Cause Atrophic Glossitis and Oral Candidiasis?
The issue of zinc? I have been experiencing intermittent pain in my tongue and have consulted both an otolaryngologist and an oral surgeon, but they could not determine the cause. The pain has been fluctuating, and recently the affected area has started to resemble the image at t...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, zinc deficiency can indeed cause the symptoms you described. However, it is still uncertain whether your symptoms are truly due to zinc deficiency. It may be advisable to go to a larger hospital to test your blood zinc levels for confirmation. In Taiwan, the likelihood of ...[Read More] Can Zinc Deficiency Cause Atrophic Glossitis and Oral Candidiasis?
Understanding Congenital Adrenal Hyperplasia: Risks and Management Insights
Rare disease questions, please help me answer, doctor! Hello Dr. Hong, I apologize for bothering you. Since there is no endocrinology department, I am inquiring about your expertise in internal medicine. My girlfriend was diagnosed during kindergarten with a condition noted in he...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, "Congenital adrenal hyperplasia (CAH) related to enzyme deficiency" is a general term that encompasses many related conditions, rather than being a specific disease name. Therefore, the life-threatening risks or fertility issues you mentioned need to be assessed ...[Read More] Understanding Congenital Adrenal Hyperplasia: Risks and Management Insights
Understanding Recurring Red Spots on Ankles: Possible Causes and Insights
Red spots on the feet? Hello Doctor: I have multiple sclerosis (MS), and for the past two months, I have been experiencing red spots on the inner sides of my ankles. They are not painful or itchy, but they recur and tend to spread upward. Sometimes, red spots also appear on the d...
Dr. Gao Jiankai Reply:
Hello, thank you for your message. The small red spots on your skin may also be due to ruptured blood vessels or vasculitis. A dermatologist should provide you with their preliminary suspected diagnosis. As for the ANA of 160 and RF of 32.8, these are just initial screening indic...[Read More] Understanding Recurring Red Spots on Ankles: Possible Causes and Insights
Understanding COVID-19 PCR Results and Managing Symptoms at Home
Positive Rapid Test for COVID-19 (Continuation 2) Hello Dr. Hong, I am a patient who tested positive for COVID-19 through a rapid test and PCR a few days ago. Since my diagnosis on June 14, I have experienced some changes in my health. Yesterday, June 19, I retested for PCR, and ...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, 1. The value you mentioned should refer to the CT value of the PCR test. A higher CT value indicates a lower viral load, and values above 30 suggest that there is almost no transmissibility. Therefore, based on your values, it seems you are gradually recovering. 2. If ...[Read More] Understanding COVID-19 PCR Results and Managing Symptoms at Home
Understanding Pain from Submandibular Lymphadenitis: Duration and Relief
Severe pain in the submandibular lymph nodes? Hello, I have been experiencing pain only in the area below my ear, and it has gotten so severe that I was awakened by the pain the night after it started, making it difficult to sleep. The day before, I visited a clinic, and they dia...
Dr. Lin Wufu Reply:
Hello: Lymphangitis often takes nearly a week to show significant improvement! Additionally, be cautious about the possibility of a bacterial infection or mumps, among other conditions. Medication can help alleviate pain, but it may not provide immediate relief. It is recommended...[Read More] Understanding Pain from Submandibular Lymphadenitis: Duration and Relief
Understanding Pre-Meal Blood Sugar Levels: What Do 105 and HbA1c 5.3 Mean?
Fasting blood glucose is 105 mg/dL and HbA1c is 5.3%? I apologize for the inconvenience. Your fasting blood glucose level is 105 mg/dL, while the laboratory standard range is 70-110 mg/dL. This means that your result falls within the laboratory's normal range, so there is no...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, based on your test results, your fasting blood glucose is 105 mg/dL and your hemoglobin A1c is 5.3%. Currently, these values do not meet the criteria for a diabetes diagnosis. It is recommended to follow up later. Thank you for your inquiry.[Read More] Understanding Pre-Meal Blood Sugar Levels: What Do 105 and HbA1c 5.3 Mean?
Understanding Candida Infections: Persistent Anal Itching Solutions
Candida parapsilosis Hello, doctor. I have been troubled by this issue for several months. The symptom is "anal itching." I have seen several proctologists who prescribed various topical medications, but the itching persists. Eventually, after consulting all the doctors...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, based on your description, you have already used topical ointments but are still experiencing significant itching. At this point, you may consider using oral antihistamines for relief. Regarding the diagnosis, theoretically, given your age, it shouldn't be that diffic...[Read More] Understanding Candida Infections: Persistent Anal Itching Solutions
Managing Kidney Health: Concerns About Sports Drinks and Weight Loss
Kidney issues, diabetes, and constitutional problems? Hello Dr. Lee, I would like to ask you: 1. For the past two years, I have been drinking sports drinks mixed with some water from morning till night. I have developed a habit of drinking sports drinks, and drinking plain water ...
Dr. Li Jian Reply:
Drinking plain water may cause nausea; it is advisable to consult a gastroenterologist. Long-term consumption of sugary beverages can increase the risk of developing fatty liver disease, diabetes, and other chronic conditions. If there has been a significant recent weight loss, i...[Read More] Managing Kidney Health: Concerns About Sports Drinks and Weight Loss
Painful Urination and White Discharge: Understanding Your Symptoms
Experiencing pain during urination and the secretion of a white fluid from the glans may indicate a possible infection or inflammation, such as urethritis or balanitis. It is advisable to consult a healthcare professional for a proper diagnosis and treatment? If you experience su...
Dr. Lin Wuxuan Reply:
Hello: Based on your description, if the symptoms include painful urination along with discharge, it is more likely to be a urinary tract infection. It is recommended to see a urologist for examination and treatment as soon as possible.[Read More] Painful Urination and White Discharge: Understanding Your Symptoms
Understanding Positive COVID-19 Rapid Test Results: A Patient's Journey
Positive result on COVID-19 rapid test? Hello Dr. Hong, I hope you are well. I am currently in Indonesia and am using online consultation services, so I hope to gain a deeper understanding. I apologize for the lengthy description. Starting on the evening of June 12, I experienc...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, based on the symptoms you described, they do resemble a COVID-19 infection; however, we still need to wait for the PCR test for confirmation. The medications you mentioned are all for relieving cold symptoms. If you have cold symptoms, they can be taken to alleviate discom...[Read More] Understanding Positive COVID-19 Rapid Test Results: A Patient's Journey