Managing Slightly Elevated Cholesterol: Medication or Lifestyle Changes?
Slightly elevated total cholesterol? Hello doctor, I recently received my cholesterol test results as follows: Total cholesterol 228, triglycerides 155, high-density lipoprotein (HDL) 102.3, low-density lipoprotein (LDL) 107.8, and atherosclerosis risk index 2.23. Should I take m...
Dr. Xie Rongyuan Reply:
Hello: If there is no diabetes or cardiovascular disease, improvements can be made through diet and exercise. However, if such conditions are present, medication may be necessary for management. Thank you for your message![Read More] Managing Slightly Elevated Cholesterol: Medication or Lifestyle Changes?
Unsteady and Dizzy: Understanding Balance Issues in Autoimmune Conditions
Feeling unsteady and unable to maintain balance at all times? Hello, doctor. I have rheumatoid arthritis, and one day after sitting in the same position for too long, I suddenly felt dizzy, weak, and cold, almost fainting. After seeking medical attention, I have been experiencing...
Dr. Gao Jiankai Reply:
Hello, thank you for your inquiry. If you are continuously undergoing medication management and follow-up treatment, it is advisable to return to your rheumatologist. This visit can help assess for any potential medication side effects and evaluate for cervical spine compression ...[Read More] Unsteady and Dizzy: Understanding Balance Issues in Autoimmune Conditions
Managing a 10cm Kidney Cyst with Tissue: Expert Advice
Renal cysts Hello Dr. Wu, I recently had a CT scan and found that there is a 10 cm cyst on my right kidney that contains fine tissue. How should I proceed with this? What recommendations do you have?
Dr. Lin Wuxuan Reply:
We recommend that you bring the report to the nephrology outpatient clinic for evaluation. Thank you.[Read More] Managing a 10cm Kidney Cyst with Tissue: Expert Advice
Should Asthma Patients Consider L-Arginine Supplementation?
Asthma patients taking L-arginine? Hello Doctor, I am a 23-year-old asthma patient who has been experiencing episodes for about ten years. Recently, I have had a higher demand for exercise, working out at least three times a week for two to three hours each session, with a ratio ...
Dr. Gao Jiankai Reply:
Hello, thank you for your question. Currently, there are no studies in the literature indicating that L-arginine may worsen asthma. In fact, supplementation with L-arginine may help with asthma control, although more research is needed to confirm this. I believe that some studies...[Read More] Should Asthma Patients Consider L-Arginine Supplementation?
Understanding SLE: Symptoms, Diagnosis, and Treatment Options
SLE (Systemic Lupus Erythematosus) Hello, Director Gao. I am 33 years old and have been experiencing various illnesses and unexplained pains over the past few years, but no cause has been identified. I have also consulted a psychiatrist and taken medication without improvement (s...
Dr. Gao Jiankai Reply:
Hello, thank you for your inquiry. A slight fever can still be concerning, and I recommend visiting a rheumatologist. Based on the information you provided, it is not possible to confirm whether there is an issue with your immune system, so it would be best for a physician to exa...[Read More] Understanding SLE: Symptoms, Diagnosis, and Treatment Options
Can You Get HIV from Contact with Infected Blood During Masturbation?
Transmission routes of HIV If a person has contact with the blood or semen of an HIV-infected individual on their hands, and then engages in masturbation without washing their hands, while having a small open wound on their genitals, is there a risk of HIV transmission?
Dr. Liao Zhongxin Reply:
1. The transmission routes of HIV include sexual intercourse, sharing needles for drug use, blood transfusions, and improper wound management. 2. Therefore, if you have engaged in any of these high-risk behaviors with an infected individual, you should consider self-testing or ...[Read More] Can You Get HIV from Contact with Infected Blood During Masturbation?
Understanding SSA Antibodies: Implications for Pregnancy and Lupus Risk
Detection of SSA antibodies? Hello, Doctor. I would like to ask about experiencing unexplained pain and swelling in 1-2 joints of my fingers and toes this year, which disappears after a few days, only to reappear in other areas with tenderness upon pressure. I visited the rheumat...
Dr. Gao Jiankai Reply:
Hello, thank you for your question. The presence of SSA antibodies is not related to the ability to conceive; however, there is still a possibility that Sjögren's syndrome may evolve into lupus erythematosus in the future, although the likelihood is unclear. Therefore, when ...[Read More] Understanding SSA Antibodies: Implications for Pregnancy and Lupus Risk
Does Chronic Inflammation from Ankylosing Spondylitis Raise LDL and Heart Disease Risk?
Does chronic inflammation from ankylosing spondylitis lead to elevated LDL (low-density lipoprotein) levels, increasing the risk of cardiovascular disease? 1. I am 55 years old and a patient with ankylosing spondylitis. About 4 to 5 years ago, I was effectively managing my condit...
Dr. Gao Jiankai Reply:
Hello, thank you for your question. Here are my responses: 1. I am 55 years old and a patient with ankylosing spondylitis. About 4 to 5 years ago, I was effectively managing my condition with Salazopyrin and Celebrex, which normalized my pain and inflammatory markers, so I stopp...[Read More] Does Chronic Inflammation from Ankylosing Spondylitis Raise LDL and Heart Disease Risk?
Understanding Elevated IgG4 Levels: Causes and Treatment Options
Elevated IgG4 levels? Hello, doctor. For over a year, I have been experiencing unexplained dull pain in my back, and rehabilitation has not shown significant improvement. I have undergone X-rays and tests related to ankylosing spondylitis, all of which returned normal results. Oc...
Dr. Zeng Guosen Reply:
Hello, the IgG4-related disease can cause lymphadenopathy and pancreatitis. It is generally not possible to diagnose solely based on IgG4 levels; lymph node or organ biopsies can provide further assistance in diagnosing the disease. It is recommended to consult a rheumatologist f...[Read More] Understanding Elevated IgG4 Levels: Causes and Treatment Options
Managing Sacroiliac Joint Pain During Cold Weather: A Patient's Guide
The cold wave has caused a recurrence of pain in the sacroiliac joint? Hello Dr. Tseng, I am a patient with ankylosing spondylitis (21 years old), and I have been experiencing symptoms for 3.5 years. Currently, under the treatment of a rheumatologist, I have achieved good control...
Dr. Zeng Guosen Reply:
Some online users have noted that patients with rheumatic and autoimmune diseases may experience joint pain during changes in weather. It is recommended to seek medical evaluation to assess the condition of the disease. Physicians will provide treatment recommendations or adjustm...[Read More] Managing Sacroiliac Joint Pain During Cold Weather: A Patient's Guide
Managing Blood Pressure and Heart Rate Drops During Dialysis: A Patient's Guide
When blood pressure drops during dialysis and heart rate also decreases, how should it be managed? Hello, Doctor Wu: I have been a dialysis patient for over a year and have hypertension, hyperlipidemia, and diabetes. I also have coronary artery disease and mild arrhythmia. Last y...
Dr. Wu Hongjie Reply:
For heart-related issues, please consult a cardiologist. In cases of hypotension during dialysis, the on-site nephrologist should provide immediate feedback. Each situation is different, so please respond according to the circumstances at that time. Common management strategies i...[Read More] Managing Blood Pressure and Heart Rate Drops During Dialysis: A Patient's Guide
Managing Hypocomplement Urticarial Vasculitis: Treatment Options and Guidance
Hypocomplementemic urticarial vasculitis syndrome (HUVS) I have been diagnosed with low complement urticarial vasculitis for about six months. My symptoms include skin rashes, weight loss, lower extremity vascular pain, and gum pain, along with peripheral neuropathy and dizziness...
Dr. Gao Jiankai Reply:
Hello, thank you for your question. Here are my responses: 1. How to treat hypocomplementemic urticarial vasculitis? --> Treatment will be arranged based on the severity of the condition. If you only have skin manifestations, antihistamines may be effective; if there is asso...[Read More] Managing Hypocomplement Urticarial Vasculitis: Treatment Options and Guidance
Understanding HIV Transmission Risks: Your Concerns Addressed
HIV transmission issues Hello Doctor: I am very afraid of HIV. I get scared when I see blood and worry that I might accidentally get infected. Today, while drinking water at home, I noticed a small red mark on my water bottle that looked like dried blood. I had to scrape hard to ...
Dr. Liao Zhongxin Reply:
HIV has three main routes of transmission: 1. Sexual transmission: Engaging in oral, anal, or vaginal intercourse without a condom with an HIV-infected individual or exchanging other bodily fluids carries a risk of infection. 2. Blood transmission: (1) Receiving or coming into co...[Read More] Understanding HIV Transmission Risks: Your Concerns Addressed
Can You Get HIV from Blood Tests? Understanding the Risks Involved
Is it possible to contract HIV during the blood draw process? Hello, doctor. Thank you for taking the time to answer my question despite your busy schedule. Yesterday morning, I went to a nearby medical laboratory to have my blood tested because I was concerned about my blood sug...
Dr. Liao Zhongxin Reply:
HIV has three main routes of transmission: 1. Sexual transmission: Engaging in oral, anal, or vaginal intercourse without a condom with an HIV-infected individual or exchanging other bodily fluids carries a risk of infection. 2. Blood transmission: (1) Receiving or coming into co...[Read More] Can You Get HIV from Blood Tests? Understanding the Risks Involved
Effective Pain Relief Strategies for Sacroiliac Joint Pain in Cold Weather
When a cold front arrives, the sacroiliac joint may experience pain. Are there effective pain relief methods? Hello Dr. Gao, I am a patient with ankylosing spondylitis (21 years old), and I have been experiencing symptoms for 3.5 years. Currently, under treatment from the rheumat...
Dr. Gao Jiankai Reply:
Hello, thank you for your question. Here are my responses: 1) I have observed that the pain in my sacroiliac joint does not improve with either Voltaren or Celebrex; it only worsens when a cold front arrives. It takes more than two weeks of taking Voltaren or Celebrex for any r...[Read More] Effective Pain Relief Strategies for Sacroiliac Joint Pain in Cold Weather
Understanding Blood Sugar Spikes After Pain Management in Diabetics
Factors Affecting Blood Glucose Levels I would like to consult a doctor. My mother has been experiencing lower back pain and has seen an orthopedic doctor. She received an injection and is taking muscle relaxants. Since my mother has diabetes, her blood sugar levels are regularly...
Dr. Li Jian Reply:
Pain can cause an increase in blood sugar levels, and certain injections, such as steroids, can also raise blood sugar levels. Thank you for your inquiry.[Read More] Understanding Blood Sugar Spikes After Pain Management in Diabetics
Understanding Blood in Stool: Causes and When to Seek Help
Rectal bleeding Hello Doctor: I was shocked to find blood in my stool tonight. There was about 2cc of blood mixed with the stool in the water. At first, I thought it might be my menstrual period or that I had eaten dragon fruit, but then I realized my period just ended yesterday ...
Dr. Lin Wufu Reply:
Hello: If there is blood covering normal stool, and the bleeding is mostly near the anal opening, the most common cause is a rupture of internal hemorrhoids (which are usually painless), possibly due to a harder stool during a bowel movement. It is advisable to observe if it happ...[Read More] Understanding Blood in Stool: Causes and When to Seek Help
When to Start Medication for Sjögren's Syndrome: A Patient's Dilemma
When is the appropriate time to initiate medication treatment for Sjögren's syndrome? Hello, Doctor Gao: Two years ago, a family member was diagnosed with Sjögren's syndrome. At that time, the only symptom was mild dry mouth, so no medication was prescribed. However, in...
Dr. Gao Jiankai Reply:
Hello, thank you for your question. If there are signs of disease activity in Sjögren's syndrome, including abnormal blood test results and associated clinical symptoms such as skin petechiae and pulmonary symptoms, the risk of developing related complications, including lym...[Read More] When to Start Medication for Sjögren's Syndrome: A Patient's Dilemma
Persistent Symptoms: Constipation and Discomfort for Three Days
Hello, this symptom has been persistent for three days? On the first day, I suddenly experienced constipation along with difficulty in bowel movements; sitting down was very uncomfortable. The next day, I used a mentholated oil to relieve the bloating, which helped me pass gas, b...
Dr. Zeng Guosen Reply:
A user is experiencing anal pain with a sensation of a foreign body, making it difficult to sit down. After defecation, an unknown fluid is being discharged. Based on your description, it is not possible to determine the condition. It is recommended to consult a colorectal surgeo...[Read More] Persistent Symptoms: Constipation and Discomfort for Three Days
Understanding Recurring Ankle Swelling: Possible Causes and Solutions
Repeated mild swelling and subsiding of the ankle in a short period of time? Hello, Doctor. Let me summarize my condition. On the evening of October 18, I experienced pain in the left heel while walking, and my ankle was slightly swollen that night. On October 19, I felt a sharp ...
Dr. Gao Jiankai Reply:
Hello, thank you for your question. Here are my responses: 2. Recently, I have also noticed that after experiencing coldness in my hands and feet, I feel a sharp pain on the inner side of my left ankle. Is this related to gout or other diseases? --> It should not be related....[Read More] Understanding Recurring Ankle Swelling: Possible Causes and Solutions