Blood test, Internal Medicine FAQ

Assessing Severity: Understanding Your Joint Pain and Treatment Options

Mild or severe? Mild or severe? Celebrex (celecoxib) 200 mg, taken once in the morning and once in the evening, has become ineffective. Currently, I am experiencing pain in my knee joints, temporomandibular joints, finger joints, and both shoulder joints. I have difficulty squatt...

Dr. Zeng Guosen Reply:
There are many differential diagnoses for joint pain. If the symptoms persist and the response to medication is poor, it is advisable to return for a follow-up appointment sooner rather than waiting for 28 days. Thank you.

Thyroid Index and Hair Loss: Understanding the Connection

Thyroid levels and hair loss issues? Hello, doctor. I previously consulted a dermatologist regarding my hair loss issue and had blood tests done, which showed no abnormalities. The dermatologist thought my hair loss condition was not severe. Later, during a health check-up, I vis...

Dr. Lin Jianliang Reply:
Hello: It is recommended to have a blood test to check thyroid function. If hypothyroidism is present, it is more likely to cause hair loss.

Unexplained High CRP Levels: Seeking Answers for Persistent Pain

Elevated CRP levels with no identifiable cause? Hello, doctor. Since the end of March, I have been experiencing generalized stiffness and pain. I have seen specialists in family medicine, rehabilitation, orthopedics, rheumatology and immunology, infectious diseases, pain manageme...

Dr. Gao Jiankai Reply:
Hello, thank you for your question. The unit for CRP can be either mg/dL or mg/L in our country, so the significance of the number 9 will differ accordingly. Additionally, I recommend that you continue to follow up with the rheumatology department, as your physician will monitor ...

Understanding the Sudden Spike in Syphilis Levels: Causes and Concerns

Elevated syphilis titers? Hello doctor, I had a blood test for syphilis at the end of March, which showed a titer of 1:2. I was hospitalized and received penicillin treatment for 14 days. In early May, my blood test showed a syphilis titer of 1:256. Could you please explain why t...

Dr. Liao Zhongxin Reply:
1. The syphilis index includes RPR (infectivity) and TPHA (past infection) categories; therefore, a result of 1:2X may indicate RPR, while 1:256X may indicate TPHA. 2. It is recommended to obtain information and consult with the medical facility to clarify the current situation.

Understanding Joint Discomfort at Night: Causes and Solutions

Experiencing joint stiffness when going to sleep (but not pain)? I have a long-term symptom where, every time I go to sleep, the inner sides of my left elbow and left knee joints feel very sore. Interestingly, the joints on the right side of my body do not exhibit any such sympto...

Dr. Gao Jiankai Reply:
Hello, thank you for your inquiry. Your symptoms may require a clinical physical examination along with blood tests to more easily identify potential causes. It is recommended that you seek evaluation from the Department of Allergy, Immunology, and Rheumatology or the Department ...

Understanding Leg Swelling and Muscle Twitches: When to Seek Medical Help

Twitching and pain in the thigh area? The doctor would like to ask you: Last year, after injuring the bottom of my left foot, I experienced swelling in both legs up to my thighs. A subsequent CT scan revealed that I have narrowing of the lymphatic vessels in my legs, but the doct...

Dr. Li Jian Reply:
Please schedule an appointment with the neurology department for an examination. Thank you for your inquiry.

Understanding Fever and Immune Disorders: Insights on Symptoms and Blood Tests

Immune diseases and related issues of fever? Hello, Doctor Gao. I would like to ask you a few questions: Recently (I'm not sure for how long), almost every night when I feel more fatigued, my body temperature rises slightly (around 36.7°C to 37.0°C or 37.1°C). If I rest for ...

Dr. Gao Jiankai Reply:
Hello, thank you for your inquiry. Here are my responses: 1. Recently, I have been experiencing slight increases in body temperature (around 36.7°C to 37.0-37.1°C) almost every evening when I feel more fatigued. If I rest or wake up from sleep, my temperature returns to normal. ...

Understanding Dry Mouth: Salivary Gland Function and Reactive Arthritis

Sjögren's syndrome and sialography? Hello Doctor, (I forgot to attach the data and there were some missing words, so I am asking again.) My immunologist diagnosed me with possible reactive arthritis. Recently, after hearing that I have dry eye syndrome, the doctor arranged f...

Dr. Gao Jiankai Reply:
Hello, thank you for your question. Here are my responses: 1. My doctor told me that my salivary gland function is impaired, likely due to arthritis-related xerostomia, which is different from typical dry mouth. Can reactive arthritis also lead to symptoms of dry mouth? Is it po...

Understanding HIV Test Results: What Do Changes in Numbers Mean?

HIV testing issues Hello Doctor: In May 2022, I had high-risk sexual behavior, but I did not engage in any sexual activity for the following seven months. In December 2022, feeling anxious, I went for an HIV blood test, and the result was 0.19. I had sexual activity again in Janu...

Dr. Liao Zhongxin Reply:
1. A general positive result is greater than 1, so values less than 1 do not need to be overly concerned. 2. If six months have passed, there is no need for further follow-up; however, if there are still risky behaviors, recalculation is necessary.

Understanding Medication Concerns for Ankylosing Spondylitis: Celebrex vs. Salazopyrine

Medication-related issues in ankylosing spondylitis? Hello, doctor. I am #191897. 1. During my previous visit, I asked the doctor about the medication Celebrex (celecoxib). The doctor believed that my condition was not severe enough to require the use of Salazopyrin (sulfasalaz...

Dr. Gao Jiankai Reply:
Hello, thank you for your inquiry. Here are my responses: 1. When I previously consulted with my doctor regarding the use of Salazopyrin (Salar), the doctor believed that my condition was not severe enough to warrant its use, so I was prescribed Celebrex instead. However, I am a...

Does Ankylosing Spondylitis Increase Risk of Low White or Red Blood Cells?

Does ankylosing spondylitis lead to a decrease in white blood cells or red blood cells? Hello, Doctor Gao. I am a 20-year-old patient with ankylosing spondylitis, diagnosed 3.5 years ago and currently undergoing stable treatment. I would like to ask you, excluding the effects of ...

Dr. Gao Jiankai Reply:
Hello, thank you for your question. Ankylosing spondylitis does not cause leukopenia; however, untreated long-term ankylosing spondylitis may lead to mild anemia due to chronic inflammation suppressing bone marrow hematopoiesis. Additionally, if severe pain or poor control necess...

Understanding Urticaria and Thyroid Test Results: Key Insights

Urticaria and Thyroid Testing After catching a cold at the end of February (with symptoms of sore throat and general weakness), I began to develop hives all over my body, particularly around my eyes and neck. I visited a clinic where I was prescribed steroids and received an inje...

Dr. Gao Jiankai Reply:
Hello, thank you for your question. Here are my responses: 1. Is there a connection between urticaria and slightly elevated TSH levels? Do I need to see a rheumatologist for an examination? --> In cases of long-term urticaria, we sometimes check thyroid function. Your TSH is ...

Managing Weight Gain with Hypothyroidism: Tips and Advice

Hypothyroidism and weight gain? Hello Doctor, I just learned that I have hypothyroidism and have gained 25 kilograms over the past year. I am currently on medication, and my thyroid levels are normal, but I am still unable to lose weight. I have significant gray hair, often feel ...

Dr. Lin Wufu Reply:
Hello, please consult with the physician who is currently monitoring your condition and prescribing medication. I'm not sure if the symptoms you mentioned are directly related to hypothyroidism; additional endocrine and internal medicine blood tests may be necessary.

Interpreting Blood Test Results for Acute Myeloid Leukemia Risk

Blood test report Based on the provided data, it is challenging to definitively diagnose acute myeloid leukemia (AML) without further clinical context and additional tests. However, several key laboratory findings may raise suspicion for hematological disorders, including AML: 1...

Dr. Li Yanquan Reply:
Please consult a specialized hematologist. Diagnosing a condition cannot rely solely on blood tests, as it can be very dangerous. Thank you.

Understanding the Link Between EB Virus, CMV, and White Blood Cell Counts

The relationship between Epstein-Barr virus (EBV), cytomegalovirus (CMV), and leukocytes? Hello Doctor, I experienced fever along with swollen and painful bilateral inguinal lymph nodes at the beginning of February. I went for a urology examination, and the blood test was done ap...

Dr. Gao Jiankai Reply:
Hello, thank you for your inquiry. It is recommended to include the reference ranges for the test results to facilitate interpretation, as different hospitals may use different laboratory equipment, which can lead to variations in normal values. Additionally, although the total w...

Dietary Recommendations for Elderly Patients with Diabetes, Hypertension, and Kidney Issues

For patients with chronic kidney dysfunction, diabetes, and hypertension, it is important to follow a diet that helps manage these conditions. Here are some dietary recommendations: 1. **Limit Sodium Intake**: Reduce salt consumption to help control blood pressure. Aim for less ...

Dr. Lin Wuxuan Reply:
Hello, it is recommended to first take the elderly person to an outpatient clinic for examination and evaluation, and then consult a nutritionist for dietary advice. Thank you.

Understanding Your Immune Report: What Do the Results Mean?

Immunology Report Issues Dear Dr. Gao, I recently received the following immunology report from my blood test: - Ro-52: (+) - OJ: (-) - EJ: (-) - PL-12: (-) - PL-7: (++) - SRP: (-) - Jo-1: (-) - PM-Scl75: (-) - PM-Scl100: (-) - Ku: (-) - SAE1: (-) - NXP2: (-) - MDA5: (-) - TIF1...

Dr. Gao Jiankai Reply:
Hello, thank you for your inquiry. Some of the results do not have reference values, as different hospitals may use different testing machines and reference values, making interpretation difficult. The other results that can be somewhat assessed are as follows: Anti-dsDNA 30.8 WH...

Assessing Bone Marrow Suppression Risks from Salazopyrin Use

Have I already experienced bone marrow suppression as a side effect from taking Salazopyrin? Hello Dr. Tseng, I would like to ask you another question. I am a patient with ankylosing spondylitis, and my main symptom is pain in the buttocks. Since my blood test on March 2 of last ...

Dr. Zeng Guosen Reply:
The user's PLT and WBC are within normal ranges, but Hb is slightly low. Drug-induced bone marrow suppression typically affects WBC and PLT, so it is okay to continue the medication. Follow up with the attending physician for further discussion. There is no need to take iron...

Understanding Undiagnosed Systemic Involvement in Connective Tissue Disorders

Regarding systemic invasion of connective tissue and (invasion, involvement), not explicitly stated? Recently, I frequently experienced mouth ulcers and visited the rheumatology department. Blood tests showed normal immune indices, but the doctor prescribed colchicine and iron su...

Dr. Zeng Guosen Reply:
Colchicine has anti-inflammatory properties and is commonly used for the prevention and acute treatment of gout. Clinically, it can be used for the preventive treatment of chronic idiopathic oral ulcers. The physician's diagnosis refers to the meaning of idiopathic diseases.

Understanding Kidney Function Tests and Chronic Kidney Disease in Seniors

Kidney function tests Hello Doctor: I would like to ask about a 90-year-old patient whose glomerular filtration rate (GFR) was found to be in the range of stage 2 during a blood test in early March. Does this indicate chronic kidney disease (CKD), or should we wait for the next b...

Dr. Huang Yaoxuan Reply:
Hello Matza: 1. "Chronic" kidney disease refers to a condition where kidney function abnormalities persist for a duration of 3 to 6 months with minimal variation. 2. Regarding the 90-year-old elder you mentioned, the glomerular filtration rate (GFR) falls within stag...

Previous｜Page ｜Next