Can Ankylosing Spondylitis Cause Stomach Pain? Understanding the Connection
Does ankylosing spondylitis accompany stomach pain? During my military service, I tested positive for a blood test and was diagnosed, but I haven't seen a specialist in this area for the past ten years. The pain I experience is located in the center of my lower back, around ...
Dr. Zeng Guosen Reply:
Hello, having a positive HLA-B27 test does not necessarily mean you have ankylosing spondylitis. The most important factors for diagnosis are: 1. Do the symptoms match? 2. Is there evidence of sacroiliitis on X-ray? Ankylosing spondylitis is not directly related to stomach pain, ...[Read More] Can Ankylosing Spondylitis Cause Stomach Pain? Understanding the Connection
Assessing STD Risk After Protected Sex: What You Need to Know
Sexually Transmitted Infection (STI) Risk Assessment Hello doctor, I had sexual intercourse with a woman from a massage parlor. During the encounter, there was no kissing or oral sex, and we used a condom throughout the entire process. However, at the end, in the woman-on-top pos...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, the main focus is to confirm the condition of the condom to assess the risk. Based on your description, it is quite difficult to evaluate the risk. Typically, we would handle this by considering the highest risk scenario. I recommend that you follow up with a medical facil...[Read More] Assessing STD Risk After Protected Sex: What You Need to Know
Understanding Different Types of Anemia: What You Need to Know
What types of anemia are there? Hello, doctor: I recently had a health check-up, and many of my blood test results did not meet the standard values. I would like to ask which type of anemia this might indicate and whether further testing is necessary. My results are as follows: R...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, based on your condition, the most likely diagnosis is iron deficiency anemia. However, it is still difficult to confirm the diagnosis solely based on the current values. I recommend consulting a hematologist or a family medicine physician for further evaluation. Thank you ...[Read More] Understanding Different Types of Anemia: What You Need to Know
Understanding Your Blood Sugar Test Results: Are They Normal?
Blood glucose recheck results? Hello Dr. Lee! A few days ago, I consulted you about my blood sugar issues and followed your advice to do another blood test. I had dinner at 8 PM the night before the test and did not drink any water after midnight. The blood draw was done around 9...
Dr. Li Jian Reply:
The current test results are considered normal; however, if there is an issue with overweight or a family history of diabetes, it may be advisable to consider a follow-up in one year.[Read More] Understanding Your Blood Sugar Test Results: Are They Normal?
CT Scan with Non-Ionic Contrast: Risks for Diabetic Patients and Medication Guidelines
Recently, I need to undergo a CT scan of the brain with non-ionic contrast agent? I have a history of type 2 diabetes for 8 years, and my kidney function is currently normal based on blood tests. I am scheduled for a CT scan of the brain and will be receiving a non-ionic contrast...
Dr. Huang Yaoxuan Reply:
Please visit the nephrology outpatient clinic to discuss the effects of non-ionic contrast agents on renal function. According to the UpToDate database, specifically the section on "Prevention of contrast-induced acute kidney injury associated with computed tomography,"...[Read More] CT Scan with Non-Ionic Contrast: Risks for Diabetic Patients and Medication Guidelines
Understanding Unexplained Fever: Causes and When to Seek Help
Fever of unknown origin? Hello, doctor. Last October, I was hospitalized for a week due to a fever. At that time, I had no other symptoms, just persistent fever, chills, and muscle weakness in my limbs. My temperature was around 38 degrees Celsius, and despite undergoing rapid te...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, based on your description, it is indeed necessary to conduct a detailed examination regarding the fever. Routine health check-ups may not necessarily identify the cause. I recommend consulting an infectious disease specialist at a major hospital for a fever workup. If no c...[Read More] Understanding Unexplained Fever: Causes and When to Seek Help
Needle Stick Blood Infection: HIV Testing and Follow-Up Guidelines
Needle-associated bloodborne infection A few days ago, I was worried about accidentally getting pricked by a needle during a blood draw. If I were to get pricked, how long should I follow up for blood tests? For example, is the window period for HIV antibody testing three months ...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, 1. Generally, follow-up is done every three months unless there are special circumstances, such as ongoing concerns about infection or other sources of infection, which may extend the follow-up period. 2. It is recommended to use post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP) for HIV if ...[Read More] Needle Stick Blood Infection: HIV Testing and Follow-Up Guidelines
Understanding Hypothyroidism: Heart Palpitations and Treatment Insights
Hypothyroidism and Palpitations Hello Dr. Lee, I would like to ask you a question. Last year, I underwent an advanced health check-up and was diagnosed with hypothyroidism. I am currently taking one tablet of Eltroxin 50 mcg. I often experience severe palpitations and sometimes h...
Dr. Li Jian Reply:
Palpitations are often a symptom of hyperthyroidism. When taking thyroid hormone, thyroid function should be monitored every three months to determine if it is normal and whether lifelong medication is necessary. Regular blood tests are required to assess this.[Read More] Understanding Hypothyroidism: Heart Palpitations and Treatment Insights
Understanding Cauliflower Warts: Risks and Testing After Oral Sex
Regarding cauliflower infection? Hello doctor, I had anal intercourse with a friend on June 23 of this year, and we used a condom throughout the entire act, as I was the insertive partner. For oral sex, we did not use a condom; he performed oral sex on me, and my mouth did not co...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, 1. Oral sex without a condom theoretically does not lead to lesions in the anal area; however, due to the highly contagious nature of genital warts (condyloma acuminatum), transmission can occur through surrounding bedding, clothing, or inadvertent contact, making it dif...[Read More] Understanding Cauliflower Warts: Risks and Testing After Oral Sex
Understanding Diabetes Risk: Managing Family History and Lifestyle Choices
Diabetes issues Both parents have diabetes, and both sisters have also been diagnosed with diabetes. Therefore, there is a regular habit of exercising and maintaining a light diet. Recently, due to frequent feelings of hunger, a visit was made to the hospital's metabolic dep...
Dr. Li Jian Reply:
1. A hemoglobin A1c level of 5.8% can be diagnosed as prediabetes. 2. Taiwanese people often consume too much fruit, leading to elevated blood sugar levels; it is important to be cautious about excessive fruit intake. 3. Blood tests should be done after an absolute fasting pe...[Read More] Understanding Diabetes Risk: Managing Family History and Lifestyle Choices
Understanding Your Blood Test Results: What Elevated ALT and Lymphocytes Mean
Ask the doctor some questions? Hello doctor, my health check report shows an ALT level of 45, and it seems my lymphocytes are elevated at around 60, while other values are slightly low and abnormal, prompting the recommendation to see a hematologist. At that time, the doctor aske...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, 1. Based on your description of general discomfort along with elevated liver enzymes and increased lymphocytes, it is indeed more likely to be a viral infection. However, the viruses referred to here are common viruses, such as respiratory viruses, commonly known as &quo...[Read More] Understanding Your Blood Test Results: What Elevated ALT and Lymphocytes Mean
Managing Diabetes: Concerns About High Potassium and Urinary Protein
Diabetes mellitus with concerns of hyperkalemia and proteinuria? Hello Doctor, I have encountered some issues recently and would like to ask for your advice. Thank you for taking the time to read this. During my recent follow-up for diabetes, my blood test results showed a hemogl...
Dr. Lin Jianliang Reply:
First of all, I would like to tell you that proteinuria can be an early indicator of kidney disease, reflecting the severity of the current kidney condition and predicting the prognosis of kidney disease. However, there are many causes of proteinuria, such as infections, inflamma...[Read More] Managing Diabetes: Concerns About High Potassium and Urinary Protein
Understanding Blood Test Results: What Your Doctor Might Be Concerned About
Follow-up data and related issues? Hello, Doctor. I actually visited a family medicine clinic this morning because my liver enzyme levels were at 40 and my cholesterol was slightly over 200, so I have been following up every three months. However, this time the doctor suddenly su...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, as you mentioned, these values are all types of white blood cells, and they add up to 100%. Your main concern is that the lymphocyte ratio is too high, while the neutrophil/segment ratio is too low, along with the presence of atypical lymphocytes (a.lym). This situation ca...[Read More] Understanding Blood Test Results: What Your Doctor Might Be Concerned About
Managing Type 2 Diabetes: Key Insights from 8 Years of Diagnosis
Type 2 diabetes diagnosed for 8 years? Type 2 diabetes diagnosed for 8 years. Recent blood test results are as follows: - AC: 115 (Normal range: 70-100) - HbA1C: 6.3% (Normal range: 4-6%) - Triglycerides: 59 mg/dL (Normal range: <150 mg/dL) - Cholesterol: 170 mg/dL (Normal ra...
Dr. Chen Jianyu Reply:
Aside from elevated blood glucose levels and glycated hemoglobin, all other values are within normal range. Please continue to take your medication regularly, maintain dietary control, and engage in exercise. Regular follow-ups are recommended.[Read More] Managing Type 2 Diabetes: Key Insights from 8 Years of Diagnosis
Understanding Proteinuria and Hematuria in Kidney Health: Key Insights
Proteinuria Hematuria Question 1: I do not have diabetes, and my UACR results were normal according to my doctor, and my blood tests were also normal. However, shouldn't I undergo a UPCR test to definitively determine if there is proteinuria? Question 2: I do not have chron...
Dr. Chen Jianyu Reply:
Symptoms may vary for each individual during each episode. If there are any abnormal values, please consult a hospital for a follow-up examination.[Read More] Understanding Proteinuria and Hematuria in Kidney Health: Key Insights
Managing Kidney Medication Issues in Heart Failure Patients
Medication Issues in Renal Management for Heart Failure Patients Dear Doctor, My father is suffering from moderate to severe heart failure, and due to severe leg edema, he needs to limit his fluid intake. He has been on diuretics for 14 consecutive months, which has resulted in ...
Dr. Huang Yaoxuan Reply:
Dear Ms. Lin, Regarding your father's condition, it is recommended that you consult with a nephrologist to discuss his situation. Additionally, if you are concerned about kidney function, you may want to know about kidney care methods that are applicable regardless of wheth...[Read More] Managing Kidney Medication Issues in Heart Failure Patients
Fasting Blood Tests: Do You Really Need to Avoid Water?
Blood test? Hello, Dr. Hong. I apologize for bothering you. I would like to ask if, when doing a 12-hour fasting blood test that includes cholesterol testing, I should avoid drinking any water at all for the full 12 hours. Previously, there was a nurse who told me that because I ...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, 1. There are two situations regarding fasting. The first situation is when undergoing a CT scan or surgery, where fasting means that no food or even water can be consumed to prevent the risk of vomiting during the procedure. The second situation is for blood tests, such ...[Read More] Fasting Blood Tests: Do You Really Need to Avoid Water?
Understanding Abdominal Health: When Is a Bulging Belly a Concern?
Abdominal or lower abdominal issues? Dr. Hong, I apologize for bothering you. I would like to ask if a man's lower abdomen being this large is considered unhealthy or problematic. Although I noticed that my family members have similar body shapes, my brother told me that if ...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, it is not possible to determine if someone is ill solely based on the size of the abdomen; it mainly depends on the presence of other symptoms, such as fever or gastrointestinal symptoms like nausea, diarrhea, abdominal pain, or bloating. If none of these symptoms are pres...[Read More] Understanding Abdominal Health: When Is a Bulging Belly a Concern?
Unexplained Fever: A 4-Month Journey of Diagnosis and Frustration
Intermittent unexplained fever Hello doctor, my daughter has been experiencing a fever since the end of March, and it continues to this day. Her recorded temperatures have ranged from a low of 36.5°C to a high of 40.3°C, fluctuating back and forth, with an average temperature abo...
Dr. Lin Wufu Reply:
Hello: I'm not sure how old your daughter is, but I assume she is likely a child. In cases of unexplained fever, about 20% may persist without a known cause, and sometimes it can take one to two years for the actual diagnosis to emerge. Therefore, if she can maintain her nor...[Read More] Unexplained Fever: A 4-Month Journey of Diagnosis and Frustration
Could Minor Accidents Lead to Internal Injuries? A Medical Perspective
Is internal injury possible? Hello Doctor, about four or five years ago, shortly after I got my driver's license, I was riding my motorcycle when the car in front of me suddenly stopped at the roadside. Although the car wasn't going fast, I remember I had to brake sudde...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, based on your description, it seems that it is likely just a minor abrasion, which would result in some superficial injuries and should not cause any damage to internal organs. Therefore, if there are no symptoms, a full-body examination should not be necessary. Thank you ...[Read More] Could Minor Accidents Lead to Internal Injuries? A Medical Perspective