Understanding Parasite Concerns and Blood Test Results in Internal Medicine
Continuation #188061 Suspected Parasites and Blood Test Values Thank you, doctor, for your response. I have a few more questions. In your previous answer regarding point 2, you mentioned that "it could take months to years." Therefore, can we basically rule out that the...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, 1. Based on your description, the likelihood of a parasitic infection seems very low. 2. Yes, headaches can indeed be a post-acute sequela of SARS-CoV-2 infection (PASC), but they may also be caused by other factors such as high stress, insufficient sleep, or significan...[Read More] Understanding Parasite Concerns and Blood Test Results in Internal Medicine
Concerns About Parasites and Blood Test Results After Undercooked Meat
Suspected parasitic infection and blood test values? Hello, on October 1st, I consumed a steak that was not cooked to the required doneness (I requested medium, but some parts were rare to medium-rare). I am concerned about parasites (specifically, tapeworms) and have since been ...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, 1. The pork tapeworm can also be killed by freezing. 2. Each individual's condition varies significantly, ranging from a few months to several years. 3. Based on your clinical symptoms and blood test results, it currently does not appear to be a parasitic infection. T...[Read More] Concerns About Parasites and Blood Test Results After Undercooked Meat
Understanding Abnormal Urine Sediment Test Results: What You Need to Know
Abnormal urine sediment examination? Dear Doctor, Hello. I was hospitalized due to gastroenteritis and underwent an abdominal ultrasound. The gastroenterologist mentioned that I have chronic changes in my kidneys (irregular surface). I then scheduled an appointment with a nephro...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, chronic changes in the kidneys usually require accompanying blood tests to assess kidney function, such as BUN and creatinine levels, to check for abnormalities. If the blood tests are normal, observation is typically sufficient. As for urine sediment, it usually does not ...[Read More] Understanding Abnormal Urine Sediment Test Results: What You Need to Know
Consulting a Doctor: Understanding Your Blood Test Results
Consult a doctor regarding examination issues? Doctor, I would like to ask if this is really not a concern? Although the family medicine doctor told me today that it’s okay and not to worry too much. These two red numbers are Lymphocyte 54.7% and Neutrophil Seg. However, the doct...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, regarding the blood cell part, it is indeed as your physician mentioned. If the white blood cell count is normal, the neutrophils and lymphocytes are just a matter of ratio and usually do not require concern. As for the cholesterol levels, the elevation is likely due to a ...[Read More] Consulting a Doctor: Understanding Your Blood Test Results
Understanding Antibiotic Dosage: Managing Overuse and Side Effects
Antibiotic dosage Hello, doctor. I was hospitalized for 4 days due to a peritonsillar abscess. During my hospital stay, I received antibiotic injections, and I felt much better upon discharge. The doctor prescribed oral Curran 1000 mg for 7 days, to be taken twice a day, with 2 t...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, whether a medication overdose requires a blood test to check drug levels is indeed a consideration. However, the nausea you mentioned is a common side effect of this antibiotic and can occur even at normal dosages. Experiencing nausea does not necessarily indicate an overd...[Read More] Understanding Antibiotic Dosage: Managing Overuse and Side Effects
Understanding Anemia in Ankylosing Spondylitis: Causes and Insights
Ankylosing Spondylitis Anemia Hello doctor, I have ankylosing spondylitis and recently had blood tests that showed some abnormal results: WBC: 7.15 (3.6-11.2) normal, RBC: 3.87 (4.5-5.7) abnormal, HB: 12.5 (13.7-17) abnormal, HCT: 37.0 (40.5-50) abnormal, MCV: 95.6 (80-100) norma...
Dr. Gao Jiankai Reply:
Hello, thank you for your inquiry. If ankylosing spondylitis is poorly controlled, it may lead to anemia. Your inflammatory markers are normal, indicating that your ankylosing spondylitis is relatively stable, and the anemia may not be caused by a rheumatic disease. I recommend t...[Read More] Understanding Anemia in Ankylosing Spondylitis: Causes and Insights
Understanding Steroid Dosage and Side Effects in Myositis Treatment
Steroid dosage usage Hello Dr. Gao, my mother is 68 years old. She was diagnosed with COVID-19 in May of this year. During the infection, she did not experience any severe symptoms. However, one month after testing negative, she developed unexplained muscle pain in both legs, whi...
Dr. Gao Jiankai Reply:
Hello, thank you for your question. Steroids can be taken on an alternating schedule, which is a method we use to gradually taper the dosage when there isn't a lower dose formulation available for adjustment. Steroids may cause edema and can also affect sleep, so it is advis...[Read More] Understanding Steroid Dosage and Side Effects in Myositis Treatment
Understanding C3 and C4 Levels: What to Do When Symptoms Persist?
Complement C3 & C4 Every morning when I wake up, my hands are swollen and stiff, and I experience pain in the joints when bending my fingers. Blood tests showed an erythrocyte sedimentation rate of 16, rheumatoid arthritis factor tests (immunoturbidimetry) were less than 20, ...
Dr. Gao Jiankai Reply:
Hello, thank you for your inquiry. Your C3 level is slightly low, but this may just be a variation due to your constitution, so there is no need to worry too much. Other tests are normal. I believe that if your morning stiffness lasts for a short duration, such as less than half ...[Read More] Understanding C3 and C4 Levels: What to Do When Symptoms Persist?
Understanding Blood Test Results and Ear Pain: When to Seek Medical Advice
Please consult the doctor regarding blood draw and related issues? I apologize for the interruption. I was diagnosed about 3-4 months ago, and sometimes I feel like I have some lingering symptoms, so I thought I should get a check-up. Last week, I made an appointment with a famil...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, regarding the lymphocyte count, as your physician mentioned, it is true that various conditions can cause fluctuations in individual values. Your results are within the normal range, so there is no need to worry. As for the outer part of your ear, based on your description...[Read More] Understanding Blood Test Results and Ear Pain: When to Seek Medical Advice
Concerns About Infection After Blood Test and Allergic Reaction
Hello, I would like to inquire about infection issues? On the morning of September 3rd, around 10 AM, I had a blood test for a gynecological check-up. In the afternoon, I noticed itching on the back of my hand. I went to the pharmacy, explained the situation, and bought an ointme...
Dr. Liao Zhongxin Reply:
A. According to the data from the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), 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 carries a risk of infec...[Read More] Concerns About Infection After Blood Test and Allergic Reaction
Understanding Autoimmune Disorders: Questions to Ask Your Doctor
Immune system? Hello, Doctor: I previously asked you about issues related to rheumatology and immunology, specifically about skin pain and itching. I believe I may have lupus erythematosus, and the doctors have suggested further monitoring. The patient has been experiencing persi...
Dr. Gao Jiankai Reply:
Hello, thank you for your question. Here are my responses: 1. Is autonomic nervous system dysfunction included in immune system diseases, or should I consult another specialty? --> Autonomic nervous system dysfunction is not related to the immune system, but immune system di...[Read More] Understanding Autoimmune Disorders: Questions to Ask Your Doctor
Understanding Thyroid Function: Interpreting Your Blood Test Results
Hyperthyroidism issues? Hello, doctor. Last week, my blood test results came back as follows: Ant-TPO: greater than 600, Ant-Tg: 351.6, Thyroglobulin: 0.34, TSH: 4.18, T4: 0.69. I would like to inquire what these values indicate regarding whether the medication is effectively con...
Dr. Li Jian Reply:
The normal ranges for thyroid function tests may vary slightly among different testing laboratories, so it is necessary to return to the original healthcare facility to confirm the interpretation.[Read More] Understanding Thyroid Function: Interpreting Your Blood Test Results
Understanding Dry Eye Syndrome: Blood Test Results and Treatment Insights
Sjögren's Syndrome Index Thank you, doctor! First question: I was diagnosed with Sjögren's syndrome on August 19 this year, with an index of 280. Starting from the 20th, I took one quinine daily. On September 21, I had a second blood test, and the index was 334. During ...
Dr. Gao Jiankai Reply:
Hello, thank you for your questions. Here are my responses: First question: I was diagnosed with Sjögren's syndrome on August 19 of this year, with a score of 280. I started taking one quinine tablet daily from the 20th, and on September 21, my blood was drawn again, showin...[Read More] Understanding Dry Eye Syndrome: Blood Test Results and Treatment Insights
Understanding Autoimmune Disorders: Symptoms, Diagnosis, and Treatment
Immune system diseases Hello Doctor, I apologize for the lengthy message. This past March, I experienced a persistent low-grade fever for a month and had blood tests done, which indicated elevated immune system markers suggesting rheumatoid arthritis. I was then referred to a r...
Dr. Gao Jiankai Reply:
Hello, thank you for your questions. Here are my responses: 1. Should taking quinine prevent fever? I informed you that I had a fever for a while that day! But if I haven't been examined, which department should I consult to find out where the inflammation is? --> Fever ...[Read More] Understanding Autoimmune Disorders: Symptoms, Diagnosis, and Treatment
Understanding Your Symptoms: When to Seek Medical Attention
Medical issues? Hello Doctor, I have been experiencing persistent dull pain in my lower right abdomen for two weeks, which is why I consulted a gastroenterologist this week. I have undergone eight blood tests, a fecal occult blood test, and an abdominal X-ray, and I am currently ...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, your previous abdominal pain was indeed evaluated by a gastroenterologist. However, the subsequent dizziness and shortness of breath may not necessarily be related to the abdominal pain. It might be necessary to check for issues in other systems. I recommend scheduling an ...[Read More] Understanding Your Symptoms: When to Seek Medical Attention
Understanding Fluctuations in Glomerular Filtration Rate: What You Need to Know
Glomerular filtration rate (GFR) issues? Hello Doctor: I would like to inquire about my glomerular filtration rate (GFR) results from my blood tests. In December 2020, my GFR was 100.6, in May 2021 it was 119.6, and in November 2021 it was 85.3. My concern is why today's GFR...
Dr. Lin Wuxuan Reply:
Hello Ms. Chen, the glomerular filtration rate (GFR) only reflects kidney function, so there is no need to worry too much. If there are additional concerns such as proteinuria, hematuria, abnormalities in ultrasound examinations, or other chronic conditions, please consult a neph...[Read More] Understanding Fluctuations in Glomerular Filtration Rate: What You Need to Know
Understanding Your HIV Viral Load: What to Do Next?
HIV Viral Load has a numerical value? Hello Dr. Hong, I am an HIV-positive patient. I have been adhering to my medication regimen daily to control the virus. However, after my routine blood test this month, I saw in the National Health Insurance Quick Translation system that my H...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, your viral load does appear to have increased. However, whether a change in medication is necessary or if we should just monitor the situation requires evaluation by your attending physician. Therefore, I recommend that you schedule an appointment with your doctor for conf...[Read More] Understanding Your HIV Viral Load: What to Do Next?
Understanding Unexplained Body Heat: When to Seek Medical Help
There is always a sense of heat within the body? Hello, doctor. For the past ten days, I have been feeling a constant sensation of heat in my body, although my temperature readings are normal. I often feel a wave of heat throughout the day, and my toes and the soles of my feet fe...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, it is recommended to first consult a Western medicine physician to check for any endocrine issues, such as thyroid or adrenal gland problems. You can make an appointment with the Family Medicine or Metabolism department. If these tests are normal, then you can consider con...[Read More] Understanding Unexplained Body Heat: When to Seek Medical Help
Understanding Low Potassium Symptoms and When to Seek Medical Help
Symptoms of hypokalemia? Recently, I had a blood test that showed my potassium level was only 3, and I have been experiencing some muscle weakness. I noticed in the report that I have been eating foods high in potassium, but my symptoms have not improved significantly. I would li...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, the most common causes of low potassium levels are diarrhea or an imbalanced diet. Typically, it takes about 1-2 weeks of dietary potassium supplementation to see gradual increases. It is recommended to consume high-potassium foods for 1-2 weeks before retesting. If potass...[Read More] Understanding Low Potassium Symptoms and When to Seek Medical Help
Exploring the Link Between Low Albumin in Lupus and Pregnancy Outcomes
The correlation between low albumin levels in systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) and pregnancy/abortion, along with proteinuria and the calculation method? Dear Dr. Gao, Thank you for your prompt response to my inquiry regarding #186219. I have another question related to lupus...
Dr. Gao Jiankai Reply:
Hello, thank you for your inquiry. Here are my responses: 1) In 2017, starting from June, my proteinuria fluctuated between negative and positive, eventually showing ++ and +++. However, at that time, my albumin level was still at 4.2. There was a year when I did not undergo uri...[Read More] Exploring the Link Between Low Albumin in Lupus and Pregnancy Outcomes