Understanding Blood Sugar, HbA1c, and Their Impact on Thalassemia
Blood glucose, glycated hemoglobin, and Mediterranean anemia? Hello, I had a company health check before the New Year, and my hemoglobin A1c was 5.6 and my blood glucose was 86. At the end of March, due to feeling unwell, I tested my postprandial blood glucose and it was 155. The...
Dr. Li Jian Reply:
If there are concerns that hemoglobin A1c levels may be affected by anemia, glycated albumin can be tested; the impact of anemia on hemoglobin A1c levels is difficult to estimate.[Read More] Understanding Blood Sugar, HbA1c, and Their Impact on Thalassemia
Understanding Elevated Liver Enzymes: Should You Worry?
Liver enzyme levels are normal but higher than the values from three years ago? Hello, doctor: I am 40 years old and a carrier of hepatitis B. I have been undergoing regular abdominal ultrasounds and blood tests every six months at Renai Hospital in Taipei. Each time, the results...
Dr. Zeng Guosen Reply:
Hello, the AFP level is 2.42, ALT is 35, and AST is 27, all of which are within the normal range, indicating no inflammation. You may consider testing for hepatitis B viral load for a comprehensive assessment. You can compare all the series of follow-up data; they should remain w...[Read More] Understanding Elevated Liver Enzymes: Should You Worry?
Understanding Rising Urine Protein Levels: What You Need to Know
The urinary protein index has surged? Hello, Doctor. Below are the results from my visit to Hospital B on the evening of March 14 this year. The random urine test results were as follows: Urine Creatinine: 93.4 mg/dL; Micro Albumin: 25.7 * mg/dL (Random Urine < 1.9 mg/dL); Uri...
Dr. Wu Hongjie Reply:
The presence of bubbles in urine does not necessarily indicate proteinuria; factors such as fever, excessive exercise, consumption of high animal protein, hormonal influences, or other diseases causing abnormal protein production can also be responsible. Even if tests do not show...[Read More] Understanding Rising Urine Protein Levels: What You Need to Know
Understanding Gout Diagnosis: Symptoms, Treatment, and Management
Gout Diagnosis Thank you, doctor, for taking the time to respond to my questions. I really appreciate it! I am a 34-year-old male, 175 cm tall, weighing 93 kg. I do not drink alcohol but often stay up late. I have gastroesophageal reflux disease and a duodenal ulcer, for which I ...
Dr. Gao Jiankai Reply:
Hello, thank you for your question. Here are my responses: 1. Is swelling and redness always present in gout? I had pain in my knee at that time, but there was no swelling or redness; can that still be considered gout? --> Most of the time, yes, but some patients may not exhi...[Read More] Understanding Gout Diagnosis: Symptoms, Treatment, and Management
Understanding Antinuclear Antibodies: Concerns and Questions for Young Adults
Inquiry about blood test results? Dear Doctor, I currently have no immune-related symptoms, but I am concerned about the presence of antinuclear antibodies (ANA) in my blood test results. I would like to ask you some related questions. Recently, my blood test report showed an AN...
Dr. Gao Jiankai Reply:
Hello, thank you for your questions. Here are my responses: 1. Is there a possibility of developing systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) in the future? --> Currently, it seems unlikely. 2. An antinuclear antibody (ANA) titer of 1:80 was detected, but all specific antibodies rel...[Read More] Understanding Antinuclear Antibodies: Concerns and Questions for Young Adults
Understanding Thyroid Issues: Low Free T4 and TSH Levels Explained
Thyroid issues Hello, doctor. I am 20 years old, with a height of 160 cm and a weight of about 48 kg. I have lost 10 kg in just one year. Recently, I had a blood test for my thyroid, and my Free T4 level was 0.76 and my TSH level was 0.695, both of which appear to be low. I did s...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, if you have hyperthyroidism, free T4 levels would be elevated and TSH levels would be decreased. Conversely, if you have hypothyroidism, the opposite would be true. Your blood test results suggest that your significant weight loss may not be due to a thyroid issue. I would...[Read More] Understanding Thyroid Issues: Low Free T4 and TSH Levels Explained
Understanding Ankylosing Spondylitis: Treatment Options and Patient Concerns
Ankylosing spondylitis Dear Doctor: I am a patient with ankylosing spondylitis, diagnosed for 2.5 years, and I am currently 18.8 years old. I have been managing my condition with NSAIDs and have been unable to discontinue them. I would like to ask the following questions: 1) Gen...
Dr. Zeng Guosen Reply:
1) Biological agents tend to be more effective and are easier to achieve stable drug withdrawal. 2) For a 19-year-old, there are no specific recommendations; a general chest X-ray and electrocardiogram are sufficient. 3) It does not necessarily increase. 4) A temporary paus...[Read More] Understanding Ankylosing Spondylitis: Treatment Options and Patient Concerns
Understanding Elevated White Blood Cell Count: Causes and Next Steps
A white blood cell count of 12.7 is considered elevated. It is important to consult with a healthcare professional to determine the underlying cause of the increased white blood cell count. Possible causes may include infections, inflammation, stress Hello Doctor, I have iron def...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, the gingival inflammation you mentioned can lead to an increase in white blood cell count. If the teeth have already been extracted, the white blood cell count should decrease. Regarding the DC you mentioned, it refers to the differential count of white blood cells, which ...[Read More] Understanding Elevated White Blood Cell Count: Causes and Next Steps
Does Acne Affect ESR Levels in Young Patients?
Can acne cause an increase in ESR (erythrocyte sedimentation rate)? Hello Doctor: I am a patient with ankylosing spondylitis, and I am 19 years old. Although I take my medication regularly, during my follow-up blood tests, I notice that my CRP levels are relatively stable and wel...
Dr. Gao Jiankai Reply:
Hello, thank you for your question. ESR and CRP are different; they are indirect markers of inflammation and can be influenced by many factors. In principle, your physician will evaluate whether an elevated ESR is truly related to disease activity. Severe acne can also be complic...[Read More] Does Acne Affect ESR Levels in Young Patients?
Understanding Elevated RF Levels: Implications for Autoimmune Disorders
Rheumatoid factor (RF) is elevated in rheumatoid arthritis? Hello Doctor, I have had an allergic constitution since childhood and have been receiving treatment in the rheumatology and immunology department for long-term issues related to my nose and urticaria. During my last visi...
Dr. Gao Jiankai Reply:
Hello, thank you for your inquiry. If the test results mentioned above are all the examinations you have undergone, I believe there are additional tests that can be arranged. If you are very concerned and unsure about whether to take quinine, I suggest you consult another rheumat...[Read More] Understanding Elevated RF Levels: Implications for Autoimmune Disorders
Understanding Rising Cholesterol Levels: Key Factors and Next Steps
Elevated total cholesterol? Hello, doctor. Recently, during my follow-up visit for my thyroid condition, the hospital conducted blood tests that included cholesterol and triglyceride levels. I have previously done blood tests myself and noticed that my total cholesterol has been ...
Dr. Li Jian Reply:
Currently, the levels do not appear to be high, so there is no need for excessive concern. Triglycerides may be influenced by recent dietary intake, leading to fluctuations. Some medicinal fish oils can help lower triglyceride levels.[Read More] Understanding Rising Cholesterol Levels: Key Factors and Next Steps
Consulting Your Doctor: Blood Tests and Quinine Treatment Insights
Medication consultation, laboratory consultation? Thank you for your response, Doctor. I would like to ask, in addition to the blood tests I previously underwent, what other tests would you recommend to confirm whether I need to start treatment with quinine? By the way, I have be...
Dr. Gao Jiankai Reply:
Hello, thank you for your inquiry. You might want to ask your physician whether you need to test for SSA/SSB, CCP or ACPA, ESR, etc. Quinine can be discontinued at any time. Quinine may cause headaches as a side effect, while dizziness is rare, and visual disturbances are a "...[Read More] Consulting Your Doctor: Blood Tests and Quinine Treatment Insights
Understanding Your HIV Test Results: What Does a 0.184 Value Mean?
HIV testing issues Hello doctor, I went to the hospital for a blood test to check for HIV using the ELISA method due to some issues (definitely not related to casual encounters or needle exposure). My test result was 0.184. I would like to know if this indicates a possible infect...
Dr. Liao Zhongxin Reply:
The methods for HIV testing are as follows: (I) Preliminary Screening Tests 1. Prior to screening, health education should be provided, including: reasons for screening, assessment of infection risk, explanation of transmission routes, clarification of confidentiality regarding ...[Read More] Understanding Your HIV Test Results: What Does a 0.184 Value Mean?
Should Stable Type 2 Diabetes Patients Continue Visiting Medical Centers?
Do patients with stable type 2 diabetes still need to continue follow-up visits at a medical center? Hello Doctor, I apologize for the interruption! I would like to ask you a question. I have been living with type 2 diabetes for over seven years. After discovering this issue duri...
Dr. Li Jian Reply:
If blood sugar levels can be consistently controlled, it is recommended that you transfer to a primary care medical facility for management. It is best to choose a facility that has a physician specializing in metabolic disorders or one that is part of a diabetes collaborative ca...[Read More] Should Stable Type 2 Diabetes Patients Continue Visiting Medical Centers?
Understanding Anti-TPO Antibodies: Impact on Fertility and Thyroid Health
Thyroid Anti-TPO antibodies Hello Doctor, I would like to ask you about my report which shows a positive result for anti-TPO antibodies (348 IU/mL), but both TSH and T4 levels are normal. The rheumatologist mentioned that I currently do not have thyroid disease. Since I am prepar...
Dr. Li Jian Reply:
The prevalence of TPO antibodies is approximately 11%, which may be related to genetics. Women who test positive for these antibodies may have a higher likelihood of experiencing infertility or preterm birth; however, current research findings are inconsistent. It is recommended ...[Read More] Understanding Anti-TPO Antibodies: Impact on Fertility and Thyroid Health
Can Allergies Affect Inflammatory Markers Like CRP and ESR?
Does allergies affect inflammation levels? Hello Doctor: My son is 19 years old and has had allergies since childhood. Over a year ago, he was diagnosed with ankylosing spondylitis. He is currently being treated with Wankesit and Celebrex. In his most recent follow-up appointment...
Dr. Gao Jiankai Reply:
Hello, thank you for your question. Here are my responses: 1) Can allergies cause an increase in CRP and ESR? --> Not necessarily. Most of the time, they do not, but severe allergies may cause an increase. 2) My child currently has a CRP of 0.5 and an ESR of 20. Could part ...[Read More] Can Allergies Affect Inflammatory Markers Like CRP and ESR?
Understanding Persistent Upper Right Abdominal Discomfort: Possible Causes
The body has been experiencing issues for a long time? For the past two to three months, I have been experiencing a sensation of heat and swelling in the upper right abdomen, near the lower edge of the ribs (specifically in the area just above the navel and slightly below the rig...
Dr. Gao Jiankai Reply:
Hello, thank you for your inquiry. The likelihood of multiple myeloma is low, as the levels of immunoglobulins (such as IgG, IgA, and IgM) are within normal ranges, and the albumin/globulin ratio is also normal, so there is no need to worry about myeloma. As for the pain below th...[Read More] Understanding Persistent Upper Right Abdominal Discomfort: Possible Causes
Managing High Fasting Blood Sugar and Cholesterol Levels: A Guide
Health check-up shows elevated fasting blood glucose levels? Hello Doctor, I had a health check-up in 2021 with a fasting blood glucose level of 100 mg/dL and low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol of 139 mg/dL. On January 15, 2022, my fasting blood glucose was 112 mg/dL and t...
Dr. Lin Jianliang Reply:
Hello: It is recommended to avoid foods and beverages that contain alcohol. Fruits and carbohydrate-rich foods, such as desserts, can also lead to issues with blood sugar and blood lipids. It is advised to have a controlled diet for breakfast, and to exercise regularly and consis...[Read More] Managing High Fasting Blood Sugar and Cholesterol Levels: A Guide
Understanding ANA Test Results: What Do They Mean for Your Health?
Antinuclear antibody (ANA) issues? Hello Doctor, my blood test report shows an ANA antibody titer of 1:80 with Pattern 1: homogeneous and Pattern 2: fine speckled. In a second test at a different hospital, the ANA was 40 (-). The doctor said there are no antibodies, and the anti-...
Dr. Gao Jiankai Reply:
Hello, thank you for your questions. Here are my responses: 1. The first test showed an ANA titer of 1:80, but the second test showed none at all. Does this mean there is a higher chance of being negative and healthy? --> I believe the antibody levels may be low, which can le...[Read More] Understanding ANA Test Results: What Do They Mean for Your Health?
Understanding Elevated Total Protein and Globulin Levels in Blood Tests
Blood Test Report Recently, during a health check-up, I had two elevated values: total protein (TP) and globulin (GLO). All other blood counts, as well as urine kidney function and liver function tests, were normal. The serum total protein (TP) was 8.7 g/dL, albumin (ALB) was 4.8...
Dr. Gao Jiankai Reply:
Hello, thank you for your inquiry. I think it's okay. In addition to looking at the values, we also consider the albumin/globulin ratio, so there shouldn't be any issues. If you're still concerned, you can visit the Allergy, Immunology, and Rheumatology Department....[Read More] Understanding Elevated Total Protein and Globulin Levels in Blood Tests