Understanding Blood Sugar Levels: Do I Need Diabetes Medication?
Blood sugar issues Hello, Director Hsiao. A week ago, I had a fasting blood test at the hospital to check my blood sugar levels. Today, the outpatient physician informed me that my fasting blood sugar of 70 is a precursor to diabetes and that I need to take medication. This has l...
Dr. Xiao Yongxun Reply:
Dear Mr. Gao Xing, 1. The treatment of diabetes primarily involves dietary control, regular exercise, and medication. Unless dietary control and regular exercise can completely manage the progression of diabetes, continuing medication is necessary. Do not discontinue medication ...[Read More] Understanding Blood Sugar Levels: Do I Need Diabetes Medication?
Understanding Hyperthyroidism: Test Results and Treatment Options
Hyperthyroidism At the Taipei Hospital of the Ministry of Health and Welfare, the thyroid examination results are as follows: 1. Test Name Test Value Reference Range Result Anti-TPO Ab 1.450 0~5.61 IU/mL Nor...
Dr. Xiao Yongxun Reply:
Dear Mr. A-Kuo: Based on the values you provided: - Anti-TPO Ab: 1.450 (Reference range: 0–5.61 IU/mL) - Anti-Tg Ab (ATA): 4.380 (Reference range: 0–4.11 IU/mL) - Free T4: 1.520 (Reference range: 0.7–1.48 ng/dL) - TSH: <0.0025 (Reference range: 0.35–4.94 µIU/mL) - T3: 2....[Read More] Understanding Hyperthyroidism: Test Results and Treatment Options
Should Diabetic Patients Supplement Lutein for Eye Health?
Supplementing with lutein for diabetes? My mother is currently in the prediabetic stage and is taking prescribed medication to lower her blood sugar. Recently, I heard that supplementing with lutein can help prevent eye diseases, so I went to the pharmacy and bought lutein. I wou...
Dr. Xiao Yongxun Reply:
Dear Ms. Wang: 1. In terms of biological knowledge, lutein is primarily found in the chloroplasts of plants and is one of the main pigments in plants. It is also one of the primary pigments that make up the macula of the human retina. Sometimes it is used by humans as an antiox...[Read More] Should Diabetic Patients Supplement Lutein for Eye Health?
Understanding Abdominal Pain and Lower Back Discomfort: Causes and Solutions
Abdominal pain and lower back pain? Hello, doctor! Recently, I have been experiencing abdominal pain that feels like nerve pain for two consecutive weeks, and my lower back is extremely sore. At first, during the first week, I thought it was a strain from exercising and stretchin...
Dr. Xiao Yongxun Reply:
Dear Miss Troubles: There are many common causes of lower abdominal pain, including acute appendicitis, ectopic pregnancy, hernia, hip joint diseases, inflammatory bowel disease, ischemic bowel disease, mesenteric lymphadenitis, terminal ileitis, ovarian torsion, diverticulitis,...[Read More] Understanding Abdominal Pain and Lower Back Discomfort: Causes and Solutions
Can Eltroxin Medication Cause Hyperthyroidism After Thyroid Surgery?
After taking ELTROXIN, blood tests indicated that the patient has hyperthyroidism? Hello doctor, I had thyroid nodule surgery 10 years ago, and since then, I have undergone annual ultrasound examinations to monitor for any new nodules. In June of this year, an ultrasound revealed...
Dr. Gao Jiankai Reply:
Hello Ms. Chang, thank you for your question. I am a rheumatologist, so I can only provide a general response. For a more precise explanation and treatment, please consult an endocrinologist. Eltroxin is a synthetic thyroid hormone, so taking this medication can indeed result in ...[Read More] Can Eltroxin Medication Cause Hyperthyroidism After Thyroid Surgery?
Understanding Acute HIV Infection: Symptoms and Diagnosis
Acute HIV infection phase? Hello Doctor, I started feeling unwell around August 29, experiencing fever and fatigue. On August 30, I had blood tests showing a CRP of 7.490 (all other biochemical parameters were normal), WBC of 12,870, Neutrophils 70.8%, Lymphocytes 19.9%, and Mono...
Dr. Liao Zhongxin Reply:
Dear readers: According to the Centers for Disease Control website (http://www.cdc.gov.tw), there are three main routes of HIV transmission: 1. Sexual transmission: Engaging in oral, anal, or vaginal intercourse or other exchanges of bodily fluids with an HIV-infected individual ...[Read More] Understanding Acute HIV Infection: Symptoms and Diagnosis
Understanding the Discrepancy Between Blood Glucose Meter and Lab Results
Questions about blood glucose meters? Hello Doctor: Recently, a family member noticed that urination attracted ants, so they went to the clinic for a blood test. On the same day, after the nurse drew blood, she used the venous blood to measure fasting blood glucose with a Roche A...
Dr. Xiao Yongxun Reply:
Dear Ms. Wang Su-Chen: 1. According to the diagnostic criteria for diabetes set by the American Diabetes Association, a. a fasting plasma glucose level of ≥126 mg/dL after fasting for more than 8 hours, b. a 2-hour plasma glucose level of ≥200 mg/dL during an oral glucose tolera...[Read More] Understanding the Discrepancy Between Blood Glucose Meter and Lab Results
Understanding Treatment Options for Reiter's Syndrome: Common Concerns and Questions
Treatment for Listeriosis Dear Dr. Gao, I previously consulted with you, and I appreciate your professionalism! I have been seeing a specialist (who answered my questions vaguely), and I have been taking Celebrex for almost three months, one capsule in the morning and one in the...
Dr. Gao Jiankai Reply:
Dear Mr. Chang, Thank you for your email. I would like to respond to your questions as follows: 1. If your attending physician believes you have Reiter's syndrome and your condition does not improve after a period of medication, I think it would be appropriate to adjust yo...[Read More] Understanding Treatment Options for Reiter's Syndrome: Common Concerns and Questions
Can Chronic Kidney Disease Be Treated with Medications?
Is there medication available to treat chronic kidney disease? Hello Doctor: My mother previously suffered from a myocardial infarction, which has affected her kidney function. Her current creatinine level is 2.23, and the doctor has indicated that she is in stage 4 chronic kidne...
Dr. Wu Jiyu Reply:
Based on your description, your aunt has a history of myocardial infarction and may also have issues related to the "three highs" (hypertension, hyperglycemia, and hyperlipidemia). From the perspective of chronic kidney disease management, controlling these conditions i...[Read More] Can Chronic Kidney Disease Be Treated with Medications?
Understanding HIV Symptoms: What to Know After Potential Exposure
About HIV/AIDS Hello, doctor. I had sexual intercourse with a mature sex worker on August 22. Initially, she gave me a full-body massage with lotion, and later we engaged in protected sex. However, about 20 minutes after I got home, I started feeling itchy all over, and a red spo...
Dr. Liao Zhongxin Reply:
Dear readers: Regarding the question about the causes of HIV/AIDS, the response is as follows: A: You can refer to the information provided by the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) at http://www.cdc.gov.tw. (I) There are three main transmission routes for the Human Immunodefici...[Read More] Understanding HIV Symptoms: What to Know After Potential Exposure
Managing Diabetes: Should My Father Be Hospitalized or Treated at Home?
Diabetes issues My father, 46 years old, male, has no family history of diabetes. He was recently diagnosed with diabetes and diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA) after a hospital visit where his blood glucose level was measured at 486 mg/dl. Due to a lack of available beds in the hospita...
Dr. Xiao Yongxun Reply:
Dear Ms. Chen, Diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA) is classified as a hyperglycemic emergency. Key diagnostic points include hyperglycemia, the presence of ketones in urine or blood, and a significant acidotic blood pH. The symptoms can vary widely and may include dehydration, abdominal...[Read More] Managing Diabetes: Should My Father Be Hospitalized or Treated at Home?
Understanding Unusual Head Sensations: When to Seek Medical Advice
I feel something strange in my head? Hello Dr. Hong: Since early August, I have been feeling a slight aching sensation in my head, although it is very mild and only occurs momentarily a few times. However, afterwards, I feel a heaviness in my head and an overall discomfort, lacki...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, based on your description, it is indeed difficult to determine the exact cause of your headache. The most likely possibility is a migraine; however, other causes cannot be ruled out. Therefore, I recommend that you consult a neurologist or a family medicine physician for f...[Read More] Understanding Unusual Head Sensations: When to Seek Medical Advice
Frequent Bacterial Infections: Is It a Sign of Immune System Issues?
Repeated bacterial infections – is it a problem with the immune system? Hello, doctor. In mid-May of this year, I had an acne wound infection that spread inflammation to half of my face within a week. After taking antibiotics for three weeks, I recovered. Shortly after, at the en...
Dr. Gao Jiankai Reply:
Hello, thank you for your inquiry. The frequent infections during this period are indeed unusual. It is recommended to consult with an immunologist or a hematologist. The Changhua Hospital of the Ministry of Health and Welfare has an Allergy, Immunology, and Rheumatology Departme...[Read More] Frequent Bacterial Infections: Is It a Sign of Immune System Issues?
Managing Throat Issues with Hypothyroidism and Goiter
Throat issues I have hypothyroidism and also an issue with thyroid enlargement. Currently, my thyroid levels are normal, but I often choke when drinking water. I would like to know how to improve this issue.
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, if you have thyroid issues and are regularly taking medication or undergoing check-ups, it should not affect your ability to drink water. It is recommended to consult an otolaryngologist or a family medicine specialist to assess your swallowing function. You may consider c...[Read More] Managing Throat Issues with Hypothyroidism and Goiter
Should I Be Concerned About Potential STD Risks from Shared Computer Use?
Should I be concerned about this? Hello, doctor. Here's the situation: Before 8:00 PM, a dorm neighbor borrowed my computer (this neighbor is known to visit red-light districts). After 8:00 PM, I was the only one using the computer. At 8:08 PM, I impulsively watched adult co...
Dr. Liao Zhongxin Reply:
Dear readers: You can refer to the information from the Centers for Disease Control. A. There are three main routes of HIV transmission: 1. Sexual transmission: Engaging in oral, anal, or vaginal intercourse or other exchanges of bodily fluids with an HIV-infected person carries ...[Read More] Should I Be Concerned About Potential STD Risks from Shared Computer Use?
Managing Persistent Lung Inflammation: Tips for Care Before Hospital Visits
Pneumonia Hello, doctor... My mother is 60 years old! She initially sought treatment at a clinic for a urinary tract infection but only received injections and medication without improvement for about ten days. She then started experiencing high fevers around 39 to 40 degrees Cel...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, based on your description, it seems that your mother's condition may have worsened. If she is feeling very unwell, it is advisable to seek emergency care. Regarding her lung condition, it appears to be quite complex and may involve atypical pathogens or inflammation c...[Read More] Managing Persistent Lung Inflammation: Tips for Care Before Hospital Visits
Understanding Diabetes: Key Questions About Diagnosis and Management
Diabetes concerns? Hello Doctor: My son is 26 years old and has been attracting ants with his urine. He went to the clinic for a blood test, which showed a fasting blood glucose level of 266 mg/dL and a hemoglobin A1c of 10.58%. There is a family history of diabetes (both of my p...
Dr. Xiao Yongxun Reply:
Dear Miss Wang Su-Chen: 1. According to the diagnostic criteria for diabetes set by the American Diabetes Association, a. a fasting plasma glucose level ≥126 mg/dL after fasting for more than 8 hours, b. a 2-hour plasma glucose level ≥200 mg/dL during an oral glucose tolerance t...[Read More] Understanding Diabetes: Key Questions About Diagnosis and Management
Risk of HIV Infection from Non-Disposable Anoscopy: What You Need to Know
Questions about the probability of HIV infection? I would like to ask the doctor if there have been any cases of infection from using a non-disposable anoscope for examination of an anal fissure at a teaching hospital. Am I just overthinking this?
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, the endoscopes used in the hospital undergo cleaning and disinfection according to standard operating procedures, so there is no concern about infections, and no one has become ill as a result. Thank you for your inquiry.[Read More] Risk of HIV Infection from Non-Disposable Anoscopy: What You Need to Know
Managing Ankylosing Spondylitis: Exercise, Medication, and Diet Tips
Ankylosing Spondylitis Exercise Hello Doctor, I was recently diagnosed with ankylosing spondylitis (positive HLA-B27 and evidence of fusion on X-ray). I understand that I need to exercise to maintain my condition, but I have a few questions: 1. Besides swimming and stretching exe...
Dr. Zeng Guosen Reply:
1. Swimming and stretching exercises are fundamental; hiking (with a heavy backpack) and jogging are permissible as long as the condition is stable. 2. In addition to alleviating pain, the considerations and choices for medication include delaying disease progression, spinal fu...[Read More] Managing Ankylosing Spondylitis: Exercise, Medication, and Diet Tips
Understanding Anal Lumps: Symptoms, Causes, and Treatment Options
There is a lump near the anus? Doctor, I have a lump near my anus that sometimes I can squeeze and it breaks, releasing what seems to be pus, and afterwards there is sometimes blood. At times, I only get blood when I squeeze. I remember when I was younger, after using the toilet,...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, based on your symptom description, it seems to be a benign cyst rather than a hemorrhoid. This type of cyst typically ruptures and heals on its own. It's important to keep the wound dry and clean it with warm water after each bowel movement. However, it can easily rec...[Read More] Understanding Anal Lumps: Symptoms, Causes, and Treatment Options