Understanding Your Blood Test Results: Are You at Risk for Diabetes?
Three high issues (referring to high blood pressure, high Hello Doctor: I recently had a basic blood test, and here are the results: eGFR: 80 (Is this low?), ALT: 12 (Does this indicate that my liver is healthy?), Uric Acid: 5.1 (Is this high?), TG (Triglycerides): 63 (I previous...
Dr. Li Jian Reply:
A hemoglobin A1c level of 6 indicates prediabetes, and regular monitoring is necessary. Currently, dietary control is recommended. Thank you for your inquiry.[Read More] Understanding Your Blood Test Results: Are You at Risk for Diabetes?
Understanding Elevated Basophils: Causes and Health Implications
Elevated basophils (Baso) Hello, Dr. Hsieh. In my personal health check reports from the past two years, the percentage of basophils (Baso) was 0.6% and 0.8%, but this year it has increased to 1.6% (which is above the normal range). Could you please explain what might be causing ...
Dr. Xie Rongyuan Reply:
Hello: Basophils account for approximately 0.5% to 1% of white blood cells in the circulatory system and are involved in promoting inflammatory responses in various immune reactions. Elevated levels are associated with allergic diseases, asthma, atopic dermatitis, chronic granulo...[Read More] Understanding Elevated Basophils: Causes and Health Implications
Which Specialist to See for Thyroid Disease: Rheumatology or Metabolism?
Thyroid diseases are typically managed by an endocrinologist? Hello, doctor. Recently, I visited the rheumatology department, and the blood test results showed abnormalities in thyroid peroxidase antibodies, thyroglobulin antibodies, thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) immunoassay,...
Dr. Lin Jianliang Reply:
Hello: Thyroid issues can be addressed by an endocrinologist. However, from your message, it is unclear what the underlying cause is. You mentioned seeing an immunologist, but it is also unclear why thyroid function tests were performed. Therefore, it may be difficult to determin...[Read More] Which Specialist to See for Thyroid Disease: Rheumatology or Metabolism?
Understanding Blood Test Results: Changes in White Blood Cell Counts and Allergies
Inquiry about blood test report values? Hello, Doctor. I had blood tests done on January 8 and July 4 of this year, and overall the values were normal. The only concerning changes were in the white blood cell differential: neutrophils decreased from 52.5% to 37.3%, and lymphocyte...
Dr. Gao Jiankai Reply:
Hello, thank you for your inquiry. The COVID-19 vaccine is still relatively new, which may lead to a higher chance of side effects, and there are various symptoms that can occur after vaccination. However, most of these are temporary, so there is no need to worry too much. The ch...[Read More] Understanding Blood Test Results: Changes in White Blood Cell Counts and Allergies
Understanding Mucus and Blood in Stool: Is It a Sign of Colon Cancer?
Stool with mucus and blood? Hello Doctor, my gastrointestinal health has not been good for the past two months (slow gastrointestinal motility after a viral infection). Two months ago, when my stomach issues were not as severe, I had an endoscopy. Recently, I still feel short of ...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, I would like to know if you are seeing fresh blood or black stools? If it is fresh blood, it may be due to hemorrhoidal bleeding caused by constipation. If there is a large amount of fresh blood, a colonoscopy is recommended. If it is black stools, it could indicate gastro...[Read More] Understanding Mucus and Blood in Stool: Is It a Sign of Colon Cancer?
Navigating Conflicting Medical Opinions: Lymphadenopathy vs. Cellulitis
The initial orthopedic consultation indicated lymphadenopathy, and the follow-up visit diagnosed cellulitis? Hello Doctor, my ex-husband was diagnosed with COVID-19 on June 26. During this time, several areas became swollen and formed hard lumps. The swollen areas initially inclu...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, based on your description, the main issue is the enlargement of the lymph nodes. One aspect that needs clarification is whether this lymphadenopathy occurred suddenly after a COVID-19 infection or if it has been present for some time. If it occurred suddenly, theoretically...[Read More] Navigating Conflicting Medical Opinions: Lymphadenopathy vs. Cellulitis
Can Abnormal Thyroid Antibodies Trigger Urticaria? Exploring the Connection
The possibility of thyroid antibody abnormalities triggering urticaria? Hello, Doctor. I have been suffering from severe urticaria since the end of March, and it has not improved as of now (July). After blood tests, all thyroid-related examination reports were abnormal. TSH < ...
Dr. Gao Jiankai Reply:
Hello, thank you for your question. From the perspective of a rheumatologist, some causes of chronic urticaria may be related to thyroid dysfunction. Although the viewpoints of the two specialties may differ, the treatment for urticaria falls under rheumatology. Therefore, I beli...[Read More] Can Abnormal Thyroid Antibodies Trigger Urticaria? Exploring the Connection
Understanding HIV Rapid Test Results: What a Faint Line Means
HIV rapid test Hello Dr. Hong, I purchased the Milan HIV rapid blood test and after waiting 15 minutes, the result was negative (the instructions state to read the result after 15 minutes). However, after waiting more than 20 minutes, I noticed a faint second line appeared after ...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, almost all rapid test kits will show two lines even for individuals who do not have HIV if they are left for too long. This is the most common reason for false positives. Therefore, the test kits recommend using the time specified in the instructions as the standard for in...[Read More] Understanding HIV Rapid Test Results: What a Faint Line Means
Understanding Elevated Creatinine Levels: When to See a Nephrologist
Creatinine levels exceed the standard? Hello Doctor: In my blood test report, my creatinine level is 1.21 and my glomerular filtration rate (GFR) is 71.7. Should I urgently see a nephrologist? What advice would you give me? My triglycerides are 160, total cholesterol is 210, high...
Dr. Wu Jiyu Reply:
For chronic kidney disease, a glomerular filtration rate (GFR) greater than 60, combined with proteinuria, hematuria, or renal parenchymal damage (such as stones, edema, or cysts), is required for a diagnosis of chronic kidney disease. Based on the report you provided, while your...[Read More] Understanding Elevated Creatinine Levels: When to See a Nephrologist
Understanding Anti-SSA and Anti-SSB Antibodies: Implications and Insights
Anti-SSA and Anti-SSB 1. The incidental finding of abnormal levels of these two antibodies during a blood test, without any signs of Sjögren's syndrome or physical discomfort, does not necessarily confirm a diagnosis of Sjögren's syndrome. It may indicate a potential ri...
Dr. Gao Jiankai Reply:
Hello, thank you for your question. Here are my responses: 1. The abnormal levels of these two antibodies were discovered incidentally during a blood test, but there are no signs of Sjögren's syndrome and no physical discomfort. Does this indicate a diagnosis or a possibili...[Read More] Understanding Anti-SSA and Anti-SSB Antibodies: Implications and Insights
Assessing Risks of Blood Draw Wound and Mucosal Contact During Intimacy
Blood draw needle injury and glans mucosa? I would like to ask the doctor to assess the risk in a busy schedule. The other person had a blood test for blood sugar at 18:00 using a blood draw needle, and four hours later at 22:00, he performed manual stimulation (masturbation and ...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, 1. The blood glucose lancet is very fine and will heal quickly, so there should be no bleeding after four hours. 2. Based on your description, there is no risk of infection. Thank you for your inquiry.[Read More] Assessing Risks of Blood Draw Wound and Mucosal Contact During Intimacy
Understanding Thyroid Function and Hair Loss: Key Insights for Patients
Thyroid blood test value consultation? In recent years, I have been troubled by hair loss and have noticed that the new hair growth is finer and not as strong as my original hair. Despite visiting several dermatologists, I have not been able to find the cause of my hair loss (all...
Dr. Li Jian Reply:
Short-term use of high doses of steroids may affect thyroid function. Currently, your blood test results do not indicate any significant thyroid dysfunction. If you believe that steroids are contributing to hair loss, it is advisable to discuss this with your rheumatologist.[Read More] Understanding Thyroid Function and Hair Loss: Key Insights for Patients
Can Chronic Urticaria Cause Abnormal White Blood Cell Distribution?
Does chronic urticaria cause abnormal distribution of white blood cells? I recently started experiencing urticaria, usually with two lesions around the eyes (accompanied by itching), four to six on the face, five to eight on the body, and occasional itching on the palms. This has...
Dr. Gao Jiankai Reply:
Hello, thank you for your question. Here are my responses: 1. Can chronic urticaria cause abnormal distribution of white blood cells? Should I be concerned? WBC: 6640, Neutrophils: 32.8% (normal: 40%-70%), Lymphocytes: 59.5% (normal: 18%-45%) --> This kind of presentation can...[Read More] Can Chronic Urticaria Cause Abnormal White Blood Cell Distribution?
Understanding Bowel Issues: Signs of Colon Cancer and When to Seek Help
Issues related to bowel movements? Hello, doctor. Thank you for taking the time to respond despite your busy schedule. Since my mother is a colorectal cancer patient, I have been particularly attentive to related issues. Recently, I experienced constipation for a while, but after...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, in addition to the appearance of stool, you can also check for any recent unusual weight loss or abdominal pain. If there are none, the likelihood is low. Another simple screening tool is the fecal occult blood test, which can be performed at most laboratories. If the test...[Read More] Understanding Bowel Issues: Signs of Colon Cancer and When to Seek Help
Understanding Elevated Blood Test Results During Oocyte Freezing Process
Blood test values Hello doctor, I would like to ask about my blood test results on the second day of my menstrual period due to my egg freezing treatment. My hemoglobin (HB) is 13.5, with a reference range of [10.1][12.7]. My mean corpuscular hemoglobin (MCH) is 31, with a refere...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, usually a decrease in these values can be concerning. For example, an increase in anemia is often due to blood becoming too concentrated, which can happen if you have been drinking very little water or losing too much water through sweating, among other rare conditions. Ce...[Read More] Understanding Elevated Blood Test Results During Oocyte Freezing Process
Understanding Elevated Fasting Blood Sugar with Normal HbA1c Levels
Elevated fasting blood glucose with normal glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c)? Hello, doctor. I usually have a blood test every month to check my fasting blood glucose levels. In the past few tests, my levels were around 80 to 90, but in the last two months, they were 101 and 124. I als...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, fasting blood sugar reflects the current blood sugar level, while glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c) indicates the average blood sugar over the past three months. Based on your values, it suggests that your average blood sugar is good; however, there may be occasional spikes in b...[Read More] Understanding Elevated Fasting Blood Sugar with Normal HbA1c Levels
Understanding Blood Pressure Drops and Nausea During Dialysis
Dialysis issues The links provided lead to recent blood test reports. I would like to ask the doctor why my grandmother often experiences a drop in blood pressure, confusion, and nausea during the dialysis process. When we asked her attending physician, the doctor only advised us...
Dr. Wu Hongjie Reply:
Hello: There are many causes of intradialytic hypotension (IDH) during dialysis: excessive weight gain between dialysis sessions (> 5%), heart failure, malnutrition, female gender, autonomic nervous system dysfunction, etc., are common causes. 1. If there is excessive weight...[Read More] Understanding Blood Pressure Drops and Nausea During Dialysis
Understanding Your Thyroid Levels: TSH Results and Breastfeeding Concerns
Thyroid values Hello: Due to adenomyosis, my obstetrician arranged for a blood test and also conducted a thyroid examination. Today, I checked my health record and found my TSH level is 0.0234 uIU/mL. What does this mean? Additionally, if I require medication, can I still breastf...
Dr. Li Jian Reply:
Please visit the Metabolism Department for further examination to determine whether medication treatment is necessary. The main tests include TSH receptor antibody and free T4.[Read More] Understanding Your Thyroid Levels: TSH Results and Breastfeeding Concerns
Is Low Hemoglobin Linked to Chronic Mouth Ulcers? Insights and Solutions
Is there a relationship between low hemoglobin levels and oral ulcers? Hello Doctor: I have been suffering from chronic oral ulcers for 28 years (since elementary school), with almost daily occurrences of 3 to 6 ulcers at a time. I previously consulted a rheumatologist, and blood...
Dr. Gao Jiankai Reply:
Hello, thank you for your question. If you have multiple oral ulcers that are recurrent and have persisted for a long time, I recommend that you consult a rheumatologist nearby, as there are methods to address this issue. The underlying causes of oral ulcers, depending on their s...[Read More] Is Low Hemoglobin Linked to Chronic Mouth Ulcers? Insights and Solutions
Understanding Your Phadiatop Result: Is 0.35 Positive or Negative?
A Phadiatop value of 0.35 (0) indicates a negative result for specific IgE antibodies related to common inhalant allergens. This suggests that there is no significant sensitization to the allergens tested in the Phadiatop panel? Hello doctor, in my blood test results, there is an...
Dr. Gao Jiankai Reply:
Hello, thank you for your inquiry. Phadiatop is a "qualitative" test for allergic reactions. Unlike "quantitative" tests, which measure the levels of IgE and specific allergens to calculate the intensity of the allergy, qualitative tests only detect the presen...[Read More] Understanding Your Phadiatop Result: Is 0.35 Positive or Negative?