Understanding Proteinuria in Teenagers: Causes and Concerns
Dear Doctor, why do I easily have proteinuria? Hello, I am a 17-year-old male. I have been experiencing proteinuria (+~++) for about a year. During this time, I have visited three major hospitals for diagnosis. I have undergone blood tests to assess kidney function and a 24-hour ...
Dr. Huang Yaoxuan Reply:
Hello, I am a nephrologist who relies on "tests (blood and urine tests, X-rays)" and "machines (dialysis machines)" to make a living... This is purely a joke (any resemblance is coincidental), but it does highlight the concerns of nephrologists and patients wi...[Read More] Understanding Proteinuria in Teenagers: Causes and Concerns
Monitoring RA: The Role of Anti-CCP and RF in Disease Management
Monitoring of rheumatoid arthritis (RA) condition? Hello, Doctor Gao. When I was diagnosed with RA, in addition to multiple joints being inflamed and painful, my test results showed anti-CCP (>3+, strongly positive), RF (-), and ESR (+). After the diagnosis, the hospital infor...
Dr. Gao Jiankai Reply:
Hello, thank you for your question. In principle, for rheumatoid arthritis, blood tests are typically done every three months, unless there is a change in medication and there are concerns about potential side effects, in which case blood tests may be scheduled every two weeks to...[Read More] Monitoring RA: The Role of Anti-CCP and RF in Disease Management
Understanding Anemia: Is Pale Eyelids a Sign of Blood Issues?
About Anemia Hello, doctor. Five years ago, I had a physical examination, and my blood test results showed no anemia. However, recently I noticed that the inside of my lower eyelids looks pale and lacks color, although my lips and nails are quite pink. I haven't experienced ...
Dr. Zeng Guosen Reply:
Hello, Xiao Bu: Pale lower eyelids do not necessarily indicate anemia. It is recommended to visit a hospital or laboratory for a hemoglobin test. If anemia is confirmed, further investigation into the underlying cause of the anemia should be conducted. Remember! Do not take iron ...[Read More] Understanding Anemia: Is Pale Eyelids a Sign of Blood Issues?
Understanding Bruising on Limbs: Causes and When to Seek Help
Bruising on the limbs? Dear Dr. Chen, I have been taking medication for hypertension for a long time, but about two months ago, I started noticing bruises the size of a ten-dollar coin appearing on my limbs. They are not painful and disappear in about one to two weeks. However, ...
Dr. Chen Qingbin Reply:
Hello, Gui Xiang. Your bruising could have various causes, so it's best to consult a family physician for long-term follow-up and examination. Thank you for your message.[Read More] Understanding Bruising on Limbs: Causes and When to Seek Help
Understanding Diabetes: Concerns About Medication and Testing
Re-examination for Diabetes Mellitus Hello Dr. Chang, I would like to ask about diabetes. Two months ago, my father had a blood test at a general clinic, and the doctor informed him that he has diabetes (the blood test report indicated a fasting blood glucose level of 200). He im...
Dr. Zhang Guoji Reply:
1. Patients with diabetes who abruptly stop their medication are at risk of hyperglycemic complications, which can severely lead to hyperglycemic hyperosmolar state. Therefore, do not discontinue or adjust medications without medical advice. 2. HbA1c (glycated hemoglobin) testing...[Read More] Understanding Diabetes: Concerns About Medication and Testing
Understanding Dizziness and Fainting: Next Steps in Diagnosis
Dizziness and fainting? Three weeks ago, I experienced discomfort, dizziness, and nausea. I went to the hospital for a blood test, and I'm unsure which specialty I should see next to find the cause. The results showed a white blood cell count of 21.29 (elevated), red blood c...
Dr. Xie Rongyuan Reply:
Hello: You may proceed to the hematology or internal medicine department for further examination. Thank you for your message![Read More] Understanding Dizziness and Fainting: Next Steps in Diagnosis
Understanding Dry Eyes, Throat, and Tongue: Possible Causes and Solutions
Dry eyes, dry throat, and an unusual feeling in the tongue? Hello Doctor, I would like to ask you about my condition. Since February, I have been experiencing unusual sensations in my tongue, along with dry eyes and a dry throat. 1. I consulted a rheumatologist, and the tests sho...
Dr. Zeng Guosen Reply:
Hello, internet user: There are many causes of dry eye syndrome. In the case of autoimmune dry syndrome, in addition to testing for Anti-Ro and Anti-La antibodies through blood tests, if the blood tests are normal, a salivary gland biopsy can be performed. Other immunological tes...[Read More] Understanding Dry Eyes, Throat, and Tongue: Possible Causes and Solutions
Understanding Dryness Symptoms: Eye, Throat, and Neck Pain Connection
Dry eyes, dry throat, and an unusual sensation on the tongue? Doctor, I apologize for the previous message. I have another question. I am experiencing shoulder and neck pain, and I wonder if this could also be caused by Sjögren's syndrome. I have seen both traditional Chines...
Dr. Zeng Guosen Reply:
Hello, you can confirm that you have Sjögren's syndrome, but the cause may be due to an immune issue or other factors. The report is normal, and you can consider a salivary gland biopsy. Shoulder and neck pain is only caused by Sjögren's syndrome in a small number of ca...[Read More] Understanding Dryness Symptoms: Eye, Throat, and Neck Pain Connection
Understanding Recurrent Unilateral Parotitis: Causes and Next Steps
Parotitis In the past six months, there have been 5-6 episodes of recurrent unilateral parotitis. A CT scan has ruled out the possibility of salivary gland stones. Due to accompanying symptoms of dry eyes and dry mouth, a referral was made to the rheumatology department. Tear sec...
Dr. Gao Jiankai Reply:
Hello, there are many reasons for recurrent swelling of a unilateral parotid gland, such as chronic sialadenitis, obstruction of the salivary duct, recurrent bacterial infections, and it is also important to be cautious about the possibility of tumors. If the rheumatology departm...[Read More] Understanding Recurrent Unilateral Parotitis: Causes and Next Steps
Understanding Male Pear-Shaped Bodies: Causes and Solutions
male pear-shaped body Hello Dr. Tsai: As the title suggests, my upper body is slim, like my father; but my lower body is plump, like my mother (though my hands also resemble my mother's). I am currently a senior in high school, standing at 160 cm and weighing close to 60 kg....
Dr. Cai Zonglin Reply:
Body shape is partially influenced by genetics, and consuming two to three cups of soy milk per week should not significantly affect estrogen levels. In males, elevated estrogen levels combined with reduced testosterone may lead to gynecomastia. Certain genetic disorders may resu...[Read More] Understanding Male Pear-Shaped Bodies: Causes and Solutions
Can You Have Sjögren's Syndrome with Normal Blood Test Results?
Sjögren's syndrome I have dry eye syndrome and have tested it with strips. I also have splenomegaly, but it hasn't changed in size over the past three years. Recently, I experienced swelling and pain in my salivary glands, but drinking more water alleviated the pain aft...
Dr. Zeng Guosen Reply:
Hello, internet user: The two most important pieces of evidence for diagnosing Sjögren's syndrome are the presence of anti-SSA and anti-SSB antibodies. Additionally, a minor salivary gland biopsy of the oral mucosa can be considered. If either of these two pieces of evidence...[Read More] Can You Have Sjögren's Syndrome with Normal Blood Test Results?
Managing Diabetes in Elderly Patients After Pneumonia: Seeking Guidance
I would like to inquire about diabetes issues in elderly patients after illness? Hello, my grandmother is 85 years old and has a history of diabetes, hypertension, and heart disease. She was hospitalized for pneumonia at Kaohsiung Veterans General Hospital on March 19. On April 3...
Dr. Chen Qingbin Reply:
Hello, your grandmother is advanced in age and has experienced multiple organ failure. It is best to go to a treatment hospital for an evaluation of her condition before proceeding with further management and treatment.[Read More] Managing Diabetes in Elderly Patients After Pneumonia: Seeking Guidance
Persistent Fever for 12 Days: Causes, Treatment, and When to Seek Help
Persistent fever Fever that comes and goes for 12 days, with the doctor prescribing antibiotics and drawing blood? There are signs of inflammation, but otherwise, everything is fine (not sure about the purpose of the blood test). I haven't taken any medication, but I experie...
Dr. Liao Zhongxin Reply:
Dear readers: 1. First, the definition of fever is an ear temperature or axillary temperature above 37.3°C. Additionally, body temperature can fluctuate throughout the day; therefore, it is recommended to record your temperature daily (at least once in the morning and once in t...[Read More] Persistent Fever for 12 Days: Causes, Treatment, and When to Seek Help
Understanding Fluctuations in White Blood Cell Counts: Causes and Concerns
Blood test Hello, doctor. I recently had blood tests done on January 23 and January 26, with white blood cell counts of 6200 and 8800, respectively. My white blood cell count has typically been around 6000. Why is there such a significant difference in the results over just two t...
Dr. Gao Jiankai Reply:
Hello, it is possible for the total white blood cell count to fluctuate within a few days. This is because some white blood cells adhere to the blood vessel walls, and when the body experiences stress, a mild cold, or pain, these adhered white blood cells can detach and return to...[Read More] Understanding Fluctuations in White Blood Cell Counts: Causes and Concerns
Understanding Joint Pain: Insights on Juvenile Spondyloarthritis
Joint pain issues Hello, doctor. I just learned about this website today and looked into the content regarding juvenile ankylosing spondylitis. I feel that some aspects resonate with my experience, and I hope you can provide me with some guidance. When I was in the third year o...
Dr. Zeng Guosen Reply:
Hello, based on your description, if you are experiencing joint pain along with swelling in the affected joint, it indicates the presence of a rheumatic disease. Sciatica or bone spurs would not typically cause joint swelling and pain. I recommend that you visit a nearby rheumato...[Read More] Understanding Joint Pain: Insights on Juvenile Spondyloarthritis
Post-Surgery Kidney Function Concerns in Children with Urinary Reflux
Postoperative renal function issues after ureteral reflux surgery? My child is 8 years old and was diagnosed in 2009 with left-sided vesicoureteral reflux, which caused scarring in the left kidney, reducing its function to only 27%. The right kidney is normal. He underwent reflux...
Dr. Wu Jiyu Reply:
Q1: The doctor told me that my child's left kidney function is only 27%, but the normal right kidney will compensate, so overall, kidney function is similar to that of a healthy person. Is this true? Answer: This statement is correct. Q2: Should the diet be controlled like...[Read More] Post-Surgery Kidney Function Concerns in Children with Urinary Reflux
Understanding High Uric Acid: Gout, Genetics, and Long-Term Treatment
Uric acid and metabolism issues? Hello Dr. Hsiao, Question 1: Around the age of 20, I was diagnosed with high uric acid levels, approximately double the normal range, which led to gout (in my toe). The doctor mentioned it might be hereditary, but my family members do not exhibit...
Dr. Xiao Yongxun Reply:
Question 1: The definition of hyperuricemia is a serum uric acid concentration greater than 7.0 mg/dL in men and greater than 6.0 mg/dL in women. Uric acid is a risk factor for the development of gout; however, the relationship between hyperuricemia and acute gout remains unclear...[Read More] Understanding High Uric Acid: Gout, Genetics, and Long-Term Treatment
Joint Pain, Swelling, and Pityriasis Rosea: Understanding Your Symptoms
Joint pain, edema, pityriasis rosea? Hello Dr. Tseng, A while ago, I accidentally bumped my left middle finger joint lightly against a table, which started to hurt slightly. At first, I thought it was just a bruise, but it has been over two months now, and it has developed into ...
Dr. Zeng Guosen Reply:
Hello, based on the definition, symptoms such as pain in the joints, muscles, fascia, and bones can all be referred to as rheumatism. Some rheumatic conditions can be diagnosed as specific diseases through symptoms, blood tests, and X-rays, while others may still remain undiagnos...[Read More] Joint Pain, Swelling, and Pityriasis Rosea: Understanding Your Symptoms
Understanding Sudden Anuria and Swelling: Causes and Concerns
Sudden anuria? Hello, I usually exercise very little and spend most of my time indoors. Previously, when the temperature was high at 38 degrees Celsius, my feet suddenly swelled while walking outside. Both of my feet became edematous, and when I pressed on them, they would indent...
Dr. Wu Jiyu Reply:
Hello, Xiaoyu: Based on the information you provided, the acute kidney injury you experienced may be suspected to be caused by heat exhaustion or heat stroke due to walking outside in high temperatures of 38 degrees Celsius. However, since you adequately replenished fluids and re...[Read More] Understanding Sudden Anuria and Swelling: Causes and Concerns
Understanding Low Red Blood Cell Count and Its Implications for Health
Regarding issues with red blood cells? Hello, doctor. Since I was young, during every blood test for health check-ups, the doctors have always reminded me that my red blood cell volume is low and my hemoglobin levels are also low. I still remember a doctor from Changhua Christian...
Dr. Cai Zonglin Reply:
Low hemoglobin (Hb) levels may result in symptoms such as fatigue, dizziness, palpitations, and pallor. Low hemoglobin does not necessarily correlate with low hematocrit, as it depends on the type of anemia. Further evaluation may be required, including tests for serum iron level...[Read More] Understanding Low Red Blood Cell Count and Its Implications for Health