Is It Safe to Skip Blood Tests for Stage 3 Kidney Disease?
Testing issues Dear Doctor Wu: A family member has stage 3 kidney disease and has been monitored for the past year with a serum creatinine level of 1.4, while other values are slightly elevated but stable. During the recent follow-up visit, the doctor mentioned that next time onl...
Dr. Wu Hongjie Reply:
In principle, patients with stage 3 chronic kidney disease should be monitored every three months. For stages 4 and 5, especially stage 5, it may be considered to monitor once a month. Regarding the monitoring items, the chronic kidney disease improvement plan includes specific p...[Read More] Is It Safe to Skip Blood Tests for Stage 3 Kidney Disease?
Persistent Swelling in One Leg: What Specialist to Consult?
Swelling won't go down?! Hello Doctor: My father has diabetes and has recently experienced swelling in his foot, which extends beyond the sole to the ankle, but it is only affecting one foot. He has seen a metabolic specialist who found no issues. Which department should he ...
Dr. Xiao Yongxun Reply:
Dear Ms. Emily: 1. There are many causes of lower extremity edema. Generally speaking, if the edema is bilateral, one should consider heart failure, nephrotic syndrome, hypoalbuminemia, cirrhosis, medication side effects, pregnancy, hypothyroidism, and other potential causes. I...[Read More] Persistent Swelling in One Leg: What Specialist to Consult?
Needle Injury from Broken Chest Drain: Infection Risk and Testing Guide
Injury caused by a chest drainage tube? Today, I accidentally got stabbed by a broken glass tube while cleaning the chest drainage bottle. Should I see an infectious disease specialist for blood tests? The drainage bottle has already been rinsed with clean water and has been left...
Dr. Liao Zhongxin Reply:
Dear readers: Regarding the incident of accidentally being punctured by a broken glass tube while cleaning a chest drainage bottle today, is it necessary to consult an infectious disease specialist for blood tests? The chest drainage bottle has already been rinsed with clean wate...[Read More] Needle Injury from Broken Chest Drain: Infection Risk and Testing Guide
Do I Need Further HIV Testing After Negative Elisa Results at 4 Weeks?
If the fourth-generation ELISA test results are negative at three, four, five, and six weeks after potential exposure, is further testing necessary? Hello, I had unprotected sex with a sex worker. Although I haven't experienced any physical discomfort afterward, I feel psych...
Dr. Liao Zhongxin Reply:
Dear readers: 1. Many medical institutions currently offer free anonymous screening, which can be found on the CDC website, and you can consult and get tested nearby. 2. Since you have tested negative for six consecutive weeks, the likelihood of infection is low. However, to ensu...[Read More] Do I Need Further HIV Testing After Negative Elisa Results at 4 Weeks?
Understanding Gradual Hemoglobin Decline: Causes and Concerns
Slow decrease in hemoglobin? Hello Doctor: Two years ago, my hemoglobin was 14.8, and today it is 12.4. Two months ago, during a routine health check, my hemoglobin was 12.6. I have been eating less for lunch, and I wonder if this could be related to the decrease in hemoglobin. A...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, a decrease in hemoglobin can be attributed to two possibilities: blood loss or reduced production. Regarding blood loss, common sources include gastrointestinal bleeding or menstrual loss. Therefore, I would like to ask if you have noticed any changes in your stool color r...[Read More] Understanding Gradual Hemoglobin Decline: Causes and Concerns
Understanding c-ANCA Positivity: Implications for Your Health and Vision
c-ANCA positive Hello, Doctor. Since April of this year, I have experienced two episodes of transient visual disturbances resembling a TIA, where my vision became blurry for a few seconds and then returned to normal, usually around mealtime. Sometimes I also feel dizzy, so I cons...
Dr. Zeng Guosen Reply:
1. C-ANCA positivity is less likely to cause eye problems. 2. C-ANCA positivity is associated with Wegener's granulomatosis (now known as granulomatosis with polyangiitis, GPA), and a series of tests must be conducted for a definitive diagnosis. 3. Whether to initiate me...[Read More] Understanding c-ANCA Positivity: Implications for Your Health and Vision
Understanding Sarcoidosis: Symptoms, Diagnosis, and Treatment Options
Chest pain associated with sarcoma? Hello Doctor: Last October, I experienced prolonged unexplained fever (38 degrees Celsius) and visited the infectious disease department multiple times for examinations. During this period, I also had night sweats, weight loss (3 kg in one mont...
Dr. Zeng Guosen Reply:
1. Sarcomatoid carcinoma is not a common disease, and it is recommended to seek medical attention at a medical center. 2. Bringing all relevant medical records can help the physician quickly understand your condition. Thank you for your inquiry.[Read More] Understanding Sarcoidosis: Symptoms, Diagnosis, and Treatment Options
Understanding Blood in Stool: Causes and When to Seek Help
Rectal bleeding Hello Doctor: Last night I suddenly had diarrhea, but at the end of the stool, there was a mucus-like substance resembling snot, with some blood streaks. This morning, when I woke up and had a bowel movement, there was no diarrhea, but I noticed bright red blood a...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, based on your description, it is likely that you have hemorrhoids. I would like to know if you are experiencing constipation or if your stools are often hard. However, to rule out other colorectal diseases, I recommend starting with a stool examination, especially for occu...[Read More] Understanding Blood in Stool: Causes and When to Seek Help
Understanding Elevated CEA Levels: Should You Be Concerned?
The CEA level is 17.78? Hello Doctor, five years ago I was hospitalized due to duodenal obstruction and was found to have a 4.5 cm benign cyst in the tail of the pancreas. I underwent surgery to remove the affected part of the pancreas that same year, and I was hospitalized for 3...
Dr. Xie Rongyuan Reply:
Hello: An elevated CEA (Carcinoembryonic Antigen) level can occur in various malignancies such as colorectal cancer, lung adenocarcinoma, breast cancer, cervical cancer, ovarian cancer, gastric cancer, and pancreatic cancer. Additionally, other non-malignant conditions like chron...[Read More] Understanding Elevated CEA Levels: Should You Be Concerned?
Understanding the Link Between Acute Tonsillitis and Worsening Hyperthyroidism
Symptoms of hyperthyroidism significantly worsened after acute tonsillitis? Hello, Doctor Gao. I have a few questions to ask you. Last week, I visited a large hospital due to acute tonsillitis. While examining my neck, I noticed some swelling, so I asked the doctor to order a blo...
Dr. Gao Jiankai Reply:
Hello, thank you for your question. I am an allergist and immunologist, so my experience with thyroid dysfunction (endocrinology) is limited. I recommend that you consult with an endocrinologist regarding your concerns. As for traditional Chinese medicine, it is advisable to see ...[Read More] Understanding the Link Between Acute Tonsillitis and Worsening Hyperthyroidism
Understanding Chest Pain: Causes, Concerns, and Connections to Back Pain
Chest tightness or chest discomfort? Hello, doctor. Recently, I've suddenly experienced chest tightness and pain over the past few weeks. Sometimes it’s on the left side, sometimes on the right, and the location of the pain varies. It seems to move around. I went to the hosp...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, chest pain is often most concerning for heart disease. The heart is located on the left side of the body, and based on your description, it occasionally radiates to the right side. The symptoms you describe do not strongly resemble typical heart disease, which usually show...[Read More] Understanding Chest Pain: Causes, Concerns, and Connections to Back Pain
Understanding Blood Sugar Levels: Are You at Risk for Diabetes?
Blood sugar issues? Hello Doctor, I am 168 cm tall and weigh 57 kg. I had a health check-up at a major hospital in early October this year, where my fasting blood glucose level was 95 mg/dL. Since this value is close to the upper limit of the normal range, I was quite worried abo...
Dr. Xiao Yongxun Reply:
Dear Mr. Alex: 1. A fasting blood glucose level of 95 mg/dL or 96 mg/dL shows no significant change clinically; in other words, it lacks significant meaning. Based solely on this value, no physician would suggest that it will soon exceed 100 mg/dL. Generally, blood glucose level...[Read More] Understanding Blood Sugar Levels: Are You at Risk for Diabetes?
Should a Middle Schooler with High Uric Acid Levels Take Medication?
A middle school student with a uric acid level of 8 mg/dL, should medication be considered? Doctor, in my lifetime, during a school health check, my uric acid level was found to be elevated at 8. I went to see a doctor, who advised me to take medication to lower uric acid for one...
Dr. Wu Jiyu Reply:
Based on your inquiry, if your uric acid level is 8 and you have no history of gout attacks, you can start with dietary control, increase your fluid intake, and reduce consumption of sugary beverages. After making these adjustments, you should have a follow-up test and then discu...[Read More] Should a Middle Schooler with High Uric Acid Levels Take Medication?
Could Joint Pain Indicate Bone Tuberculosis After TB Exposure?
Suspecting that you have bone tuberculosis? Hello, doctor. I am 19 years old and had contact with a confirmed tuberculosis patient about two years ago. I underwent blood tests and regular chest X-rays, with the most recent check-up in November 2016 showing no issues. Recently, I ...
Dr. Liao Zhongxin Reply:
Dear readers, I. The transmission routes of tuberculosis are as follows:[Read More] Could Joint Pain Indicate Bone Tuberculosis After TB Exposure?
Understanding Symptoms During HIV Window Period: What You Need to Know
Regarding some questions? Doctor, I would like to ask if diarrhea, chest pain, or increased heart rate can occur during the window period of HIV. Sometimes I feel a dull discomfort in my penis, and I visited a urologist who said there were no visible abnormalities. I still experi...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello: When HIV is first contracted, it may present with symptoms similar to those of a cold. However, during the window period, there are usually no specific symptoms. The symptoms you described are generally not indicative of HIV. To confirm whether one has HIV, it is recommend...[Read More] Understanding Symptoms During HIV Window Period: What You Need to Know
Dietary Guidelines for Children with Hyperthyroidism: What to Avoid
Thyroid issues in children Hello Doctor, my 10-year-old son was diagnosed with hyperthyroidism after a blood test yesterday. He started taking Methimazole 5mg/tablet and Propranolol 10mg/tablet, one tablet after breakfast and dinner. I would like to know what dietary restrictions...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello: There are two main types of foods to avoid. First, foods high in iodine, such as kelp, kombu, and nori. Second, stimulating foods, such as caffeinated beverages like coffee and tea. When eating out, it's important to also avoid these two types of foods. Legumes genera...[Read More] Dietary Guidelines for Children with Hyperthyroidism: What to Avoid
Understanding Diagnosis: Hair Loss and Autoimmune Concerns
Regarding the diagnosis of the condition? Hello, Doctor. I recently visited a major hospital's dermatology department due to severe hair loss and underwent blood tests. The results were somewhat ambiguous; the physician mentioned both Sjögren's syndrome and systemic lup...
Dr. Gao Jiankai Reply:
Hello, Student Zhang. Thank you for your question. If your physician has mentioned Sjögren's syndrome or systemic lupus erythematosus, you may want to visit the rheumatology clinic for further evaluation. In addition to tests, we will also inquire about other symptoms relate...[Read More] Understanding Diagnosis: Hair Loss and Autoimmune Concerns
Understanding Elevated White Blood Cell Count and Its Health Implications
Increasing white blood cell count, hypertension, anemia..? I have been diagnosed with hypertension and frequently experience palpitations, anemia, shortness of breath, chest tightness, chest pain, headaches, and hypoglycemia. Additionally, I experience left shoulder pain during e...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, it is important to first understand if you have been ill a few days prior to the blood test, with the most common illnesses being a cold or gastroenteritis. If so, it is likely due to an acute infection, and usually, your results will return to normal after a few days. If ...[Read More] Understanding Elevated White Blood Cell Count and Its Health Implications
How to Manage a Low-Protein Diet While Eating Out for Kidney Health
How can individuals who eat out achieve a low-protein diet? Hello Doctor: At the beginning of the month, I had a blood test that showed my kidney creatinine level at 2.5, which has increased to 2.62 as of October 27. Although my attending physician referred me to the nutrition de...
Dr. Wu Jiyu Reply:
Based on the information you provided (Cr=2.5), the estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) is 28 mL/min/1.73 m², which indicates stage 4 chronic kidney disease. It is advisable that you are currently seeing a nephrologist and have been referred to a dietitian for consultatio...[Read More] How to Manage a Low-Protein Diet While Eating Out for Kidney Health
Managing Kidney Health: Dietary Tips for Creatinine and Uric Acid Control
Kidney problems Hello, doctor. In 2014, I had abnormal creatinine levels and elevated uric acid, which led me to seek consultation in the nephrology department of a major hospital for examinations (ultrasound and CT scan) and continuous monitoring. About six months later, my leve...
Dr. Wu Jiyu Reply:
According to the information you provided, a cholesterol level of 130 is considered normal. However, excessive intake of cholesterol from meat can increase the burden on the kidneys, which may lead to adverse effects. Regarding your concerns about sexual function, there are many ...[Read More] Managing Kidney Health: Dietary Tips for Creatinine and Uric Acid Control