Understanding Urinary Hematuria and Glomerular Filtration Rate Changes
Urinary occult blood. Glomerular filtration rate? Hello Dr. Lin, I would like to ask about the significance of my urine occult blood test results. Initially, it was 4+, and after 4 months, it changed to 5. Is this an improvement or a worsening for my kidneys? I have a history of ...
Dr. Lin Wuxuan Reply:
Please take the medication as prescribed and follow up regularly. If you have any concerns, please return to the clinic to discuss them with your attending physician. Thank you.[Read More] Understanding Urinary Hematuria and Glomerular Filtration Rate Changes
Managing Chronic Urticaria: Medication, Allergies, and Health Concerns
Chronic urticaria Hello, doctor. I would like to ask if chronic urticaria can only be managed with medication. I have been taking antihistamines for over two months, and during that time, I felt fine without itching, although sometimes my skin would be a bit red. A few years ago,...
Dr. Gao Jiankai Reply:
Hello, thank you for your question. The result of the antinuclear antibody (ANA) test is acceptable; although it is marked as positive, the value is still within an acceptable range according to rheumatology standards, so there is no need to worry too much. Regarding chronic urti...[Read More] Managing Chronic Urticaria: Medication, Allergies, and Health Concerns
Can You Get the Flu Vaccine with an Autoimmune Disease?
Influenza vaccine Hello doctor, I had blood tests this week in the rheumatology and immunology department to check for issues related to my immune system, but the results are not out yet. My symptoms are suggestive of reactive arthritis. I would like to ask if it turns out to be ...
Dr. Gao Jiankai Reply:
Hello, thank you for your question. I believe it is advisable. Individuals with immune system disorders should also receive the influenza vaccine, and the likelihood of experiencing side effects is not higher. This is a message from the Allergy, Immunology, and Rheumatology Depar...[Read More] Can You Get the Flu Vaccine with an Autoimmune Disease?
Do Antibiotics Affect Blood Test Results for Arthritis?
Does taking antibiotics affect blood test results? Hello, Doctor Gao. I am the questioner with ID 201193. I would like to ask if taking Cephalon capsules (antibiotic), Decan tablets (antihistamine for itching), Acemet capsules (anti-inflammatory pain relief), and Solaxin will aff...
Dr. Gao Jiankai Reply:
Hello, thank you for your inquiry. It will not have any impact. The Allergy, Immunology, and Rheumatology Department of Changhua Hospital, Ministry of Health and Welfare, is here to support you.[Read More] Do Antibiotics Affect Blood Test Results for Arthritis?
Understanding High Insulin Resistance and Blood Insulin Levels: A Guide
High blood insulin levels and high insulin resistance? Hello, doctor. I would like to ask about my recent self-paid blood tests. My insulin resistance index is 7.1 (normal range: 1.4-2.0), and my blood insulin concentration is 28.65 uU/mL (normal range: 2.6-24.9), which is higher...
Dr. Lin Jianliang Reply:
Hello, a fasting blood glucose level of 100 mg/dL is classified as impaired fasting glucose (IFG), which is a form of prediabetes. The diagnosis of prediabetes does not rely on the insulin resistance index or blood insulin levels. There are many reasons for a high insulin resista...[Read More] Understanding High Insulin Resistance and Blood Insulin Levels: A Guide
Understanding Immune System Issues: Symptoms and Concerns Explained
Immune system issues Hello, Doctor Gao. I have a few questions to ask you, and I appreciate your help. 1. At the beginning of August, I developed a urinary tract infection and took antibiotics for two weeks. The symptoms disappeared, and I thought I was cured, so I didn't ...
Dr. Gao Jiankai Reply:
Hello, thank you for your inquiry. I believe there is a high possibility of reactive arthritis, especially considering your age and the occurrence of acute prostatitis along with unexplained joint effusion and swelling. I recommend that you consult a rheumatologist nearby. The Al...[Read More] Understanding Immune System Issues: Symptoms and Concerns Explained
Understanding the Risk of HIV Infection After Sexual Encounter
What is the likelihood of contracting the HIV virus? Hello Doctor: - I had contact with a sex worker on August 16: unprotected oral sex and protected vaginal intercourse. - About 3 to 4 days after the incident, I felt a slight tingling sensation on the glans and noticed white or...
Dr. Liao Zhongxin Reply:
According to data from the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) in Taiwan, there are three main transmission routes for the Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV): 1. Sexual transmission: Engaging in oral, anal, or vaginal intercourse or other exchanges of bodily fluids with an HIV-in...[Read More] Understanding the Risk of HIV Infection After Sexual Encounter
Exploring Additional Tests for Persistent Low Hemoglobin in Diabetic Patients
Are there any other recommended tests to be done? Hello, my grandfather is a diabetes patient and was previously diagnosed with rectal cancer. Over the past two years, his regular diabetes monitoring tests have shown that his hemoglobin (Hb) levels have consistently been low (aro...
Dr. Gao Jiankai Reply:
Hello, thank you for your inquiry. I recommend arranging a hematology outpatient appointment for the elderly gentleman to discuss with the physician the management of iron supplementation that has not been effective. Autoimmunity, bone marrow hematopoietic function, and tumors ma...[Read More] Exploring Additional Tests for Persistent Low Hemoglobin in Diabetic Patients
Understanding Ankylosing Spondylitis Diagnosis and Treatment Options
Diagnosis of Ankylosing Spondylitis Hello, doctor. I am 42 years old and have been experiencing occasional dull pain in my sacroiliac joint for the past six months. I have seen both orthopedic and rehabilitation specialists without any improvement. One day, I woke up at 4 AM due ...
Dr. Gao Jiankai Reply:
Hello, thank you for your question. Here are my responses: 1. Am I certain that I have ankylosing spondylitis? --> Currently, the diagnosis of ankylosing spondylitis requires not only blood tests but also clinical symptoms. The absence of nighttime back pain is somewhat unusu...[Read More] Understanding Ankylosing Spondylitis Diagnosis and Treatment Options
Understanding Autoimmune Diseases: What Does a Positive ANA Test Mean?
Autoimmune diseases Hello, Director Gao. I would like to ask you a question. Previously, I experienced full-body itching and developed hives whenever I returned home. After seeing a doctor, I took antihistamines for over a month, and now I no longer itch, but I still occasionally...
Dr. Gao Jiankai Reply:
Hello, thank you for your question. Here are my responses: 1. An ANA titer of 1:80 is considered low, and if there are no symptoms, we usually recommend monitoring. 2. In cases of chronic urticaria, we sometimes test for syphilis, as untreated syphilis infection can lead to prolo...[Read More] Understanding Autoimmune Diseases: What Does a Positive ANA Test Mean?
Understanding Early Rheumatoid Arthritis: Blood Tests and Symptoms Explained
Rheumatoid-related inquiries? Hello, Dr. Gao. I previously asked you about rheumatoid-related issues (pain in both wrists) on September 11. The blood test results are out, and I also had an X-ray of my hands. The rheumatologist said there were no issues. I would like to ask you a...
Dr. Gao Jiankai Reply:
Hello, thank you for your questions. Here are my responses: Question 1: In the case of early rheumatoid arthritis, is it possible for blood test results to be normal and X-rays to show no signs? --> Yes, that can happen. Question 2: What does the quantitative result in the b...[Read More] Understanding Early Rheumatoid Arthritis: Blood Tests and Symptoms Explained
Low C3 Levels and Edema: Exploring Potential Causes and Next Steps
Edema examination shows low C3 levels? Stage I thyroid cancer, right thyroidectomy medication: OncoTect 50mg/day. Received one dose of the AZ vaccine, experienced adverse effects after a full meal, and has not been diagnosed since May due to lower limb edema. Consulted at the Int...
Dr. Gao Jiankai Reply:
Hello, thank you for your inquiry. There are no specific issues with immune function, and a decrease in C3 does not have particular significance. It is recommended to continue monitoring with the Metabolism Department. The Allergy, Immunology, and Rheumatology Department at Chang...[Read More] Low C3 Levels and Edema: Exploring Potential Causes and Next Steps
Impact of Delayed Testing After Insulin Injection: What to Expect
Needle stick injury without testing for more than six months? Hello Doctor: I would like to ask if, after more than six months since the injection, a recent blood test can show negative or positive results without prior testing. The injection was done with an insulin needle, and ...
Dr. Liao Zhongxin Reply:
1. First, it is essential to identify which patient the needle belongs to and whether they have any bloodborne infectious diseases, such as HBV, HCV, HIV, or syphilis. 2. Since the window period has already passed, testing at this point can determine if there is an infection. 3. ...[Read More] Impact of Delayed Testing After Insulin Injection: What to Expect
Managing Autoimmune Disorders: Medication Concerns and Heart Health
Medication issues I would like to ask about my situation. After abnormal ANA antibody results from a blood test, I underwent several examinations. Initially, I tested positive for Sjögren's syndrome antibodies, and recently, due to severe Raynaud's phenomenon, I also te...
Dr. Gao Jiankai Reply:
Hello, thank you for your question. I believe that Puda tablets are quite safe medications. Although there is a very small chance of cardiac side effects, they should not affect heart rhythm. If it is just early contractions, I think it is not a concern. However, if there are ind...[Read More] Managing Autoimmune Disorders: Medication Concerns and Heart Health
Is a Fasting Blood Sugar of 90 mg/dL Considered High?
A fasting blood glucose level of 90 mg/dL is generally considered to be within the normal range. However, it is important to interpret this value in the context of individual health conditions and risk factors for diabetes? Hello doctor, is a fasting blood sugar level of 90 consi...
Dr. Li Jian Reply:
A level below 100 is considered normal. If there is a family history of diabetes or issues with being overweight, it is advisable to test for glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c). Thank you for your inquiry.[Read More] Is a Fasting Blood Sugar of 90 mg/dL Considered High?
Understanding Suspected Ankylosing Spondylitis: Symptoms and Next Steps
Suspected ankylosing spondylitis? Hello Doctor, I am 28 years old. Initially, six months ago, after a full-body adjustment, I started experiencing stiffness and pain in my back upon waking up, particularly in the upper back (with no issues in the lower back). After stretching in...
Dr. Gao Jiankai Reply:
Hello, thank you for your inquiry. Here are my responses: 1. Do I have ankylosing spondylitis? --> It would be helpful to check for HLA-B27. Your symptoms have persisted for a while, and chronic lower back pain in young individuals warrants caution regarding ankylosing spondy...[Read More] Understanding Suspected Ankylosing Spondylitis: Symptoms and Next Steps
Understanding Low White Blood Cell Count and Elevated LDH Levels
Low white blood cell count, elevated LDH? Hello, doctor. Recently, I had a check-up at the clinic in June, where my white blood cell count was 4,200, with neutrophils at 46% (highlighted in red), lymphocytes at 42.6% (highlighted in red), monocytes at 7.4%, eosinophils at 2.8%, a...
Dr. Gao Jiankai Reply:
Hello, thank you for your question. Looking solely at the blood cell count from a blood test is not very accurate. I would recommend that a hematologist examine your lymph nodes, as the diagnosis of lymphoma requires at least a physical examination of the lymph nodes. Additionall...[Read More] Understanding Low White Blood Cell Count and Elevated LDH Levels
Understanding Allergies and Joint Pain: Insights on Rheumatoid Arthritis
Inquiry about Rheumatoid Arthritis Hello, Doctor. Over the past two to three years, I have frequently experienced skin allergies (rashes). When I am back in my hometown (Miaoli), my condition improves significantly during my vacation, but it immediately relapses when I return to ...
Dr. Gao Jiankai Reply:
Hello, thank you for your question. Here are my responses: 1. For someone like me who experiences long-term allergies that recur, could it be due to environmental factors, stress, or irregular lifestyle? What should I pay attention to or how can I improve? --> All three fact...[Read More] Understanding Allergies and Joint Pain: Insights on Rheumatoid Arthritis
Cholesterol Levels: Understanding Medication Impact and Testing Accuracy
Cholesterol levels were high before medication, but normalized after treatment? Hello Doctor, last month I had a non-fasting blood test at a general clinic, and the results showed total cholesterol 395, low-density lipoprotein (LDL) 312, and high-density lipoprotein (HDL) 70. Lat...
Dr. Lin Jianliang Reply:
Hello, a total cholesterol level of 395 and low-density lipoprotein (LDL) of 312 is quite uncommon. After three weeks of medication, your total cholesterol dropped to 185, LDL to 112, and high-density lipoprotein (HDL) to 64, which is also an unusual decrease. Other values are no...[Read More] Cholesterol Levels: Understanding Medication Impact and Testing Accuracy
Understanding the Link Between Anxiety and Rheumatoid Arthritis Risk
The likelihood of anxiety-induced rheumatoid arthritis? Hello Doctor, I previously asked you questions related to rheumatoid issues. I have health anxiety and had blood tests for rheumatoid-related checks last November. At that time, the doctor said the results were normal and ad...
Dr. Gao Jiankai Reply:
Hello, thank you for your question. First of all, I'm not sure where you saw that "people who are under long-term stress have a 176 times higher chance of developing rheumatoid arthritis compared to normal individuals." In my knowledge and the relevant literature, ...[Read More] Understanding the Link Between Anxiety and Rheumatoid Arthritis Risk