Managing Long-Term Low Potassium: Symptoms and Next Steps
Chronic hypokalemia Hello Doctor 👋 # I have been experiencing low potassium, proteinuria, mild anemia, and diarrhea for over a year! My body often feels unwell with symptoms such as fatigue, dizziness, numbness in my hands, nausea, palpitations, diarrhea, high blood pressure, and...
Dr. Wu Jiyu Reply:
Based on your inquiry, chronic hypokalemia primarily falls under the domain of nephrology, and it is advisable to consult a nephrologist for better coordination in managing your condition. Thank you for your question; the Nephrology Department at Changhua Hospital is here to supp...[Read More] Managing Long-Term Low Potassium: Symptoms and Next Steps
Risk of Syphilis Infection from Blood Contact: What You Need to Know
The probability of contracting syphilis? Hello doctor, I had direct contact with the blood of a person infected with syphilis. At the time, my hand had no open wounds, and I washed my hands a few minutes later. That person's blood test for TPPA was 1:640, and they have alrea...
Dr. Lin Wufu Reply:
Hello: 1. The patient has completed syphilis treatment and is essentially non-infectious. 2. If your hands do not have any open wounds, you will not be infected even if you come into contact with blood containing syphilis bacteria![Read More] Risk of Syphilis Infection from Blood Contact: What You Need to Know
Understanding Morning Blood Sugar Levels: Causes and Solutions
High morning blood sugar? My usual morning blood sugar levels are between 82-90 (I measure it regularly), but last night I went to bed late. This morning, my first reading was 91, and after taking a shower, my second reading was 106, which surprised me! After half an hour, my thi...
Dr. Lin Wufu Reply:
Hello: Blood sugar levels naturally fluctuate. A fasting blood sugar level below 126 mg/dL and a postprandial level below 200 mg/dL do not meet the criteria for diabetes. If you are concerned, you can check your HbA1c (glycated hemoglobin), which estimates the average blood sugar...[Read More] Understanding Morning Blood Sugar Levels: Causes and Solutions
Do Diabetic Patients with LDL Cholesterol of 113 Need Medication?
Should a diabetic patient with a low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol level of 113 be treated with medication? During my health check-up, I found that my glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c) was 6.7, total cholesterol was 185, and low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol was 123. Af...
Dr. Li Jian Reply:
If a diagnosis of diabetes is confirmed, according to international large-scale studies, lowering low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol to below 100 mg/dL can reduce the incidence of cardiovascular diseases. This is why the National Health Insurance Administration provides co...[Read More] Do Diabetic Patients with LDL Cholesterol of 113 Need Medication?
Understanding Prolonged Pain After BNT Vaccination: A Patient's Journey
Discomfort after receiving the BNT vaccine? Hello Dr. Hong, I received my first dose of the BNT vaccine on June 20 at 15:58, and I began experiencing pain under my left clavicle at 16:08. Twelve hours after the first dose, I developed a fever and redness and swelling at the injec...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, muscle and joint pain after vaccination is quite common. However, if you have been experiencing pain for two months and it is getting worse, it may be necessary to consider that it might not be solely caused by the vaccine and that other underlying conditions could be invo...[Read More] Understanding Prolonged Pain After BNT Vaccination: A Patient's Journey
Can Washing Blood-Stained Cotton Cause Infection in Children?
Does dried blood on cotton cause infection? Dear Doctor: If a cotton ball with dried blood (that has been stored for a long time) accidentally gets washed with clothes in the washing machine, could it cause an infection? I am concerned about the possibility of infection on my chi...
Dr. Lin Wufu Reply:
Hello, in principle, pathogens transmitted through blood typically die within a few hours outside the human body. Therefore, it is generally not possible for them to contaminate others' clothing through a washing machine and cause transmission.[Read More] Can Washing Blood-Stained Cotton Cause Infection in Children?
Understanding Hematospermia: Treatment Success and Ongoing Symptoms
The success of treatment for hematospermia (blood in semen) depends on the underlying cause. It is important to conduct a thorough evaluation, including a medical history, physical examination, and appropriate diagnostic tests? Hello Doctor, I discovered blood in my semen in mid-...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, 1. It is possible that the metabolites of hemoglobin may still appear reddish-brown, but the fecal occult blood test will be negative. 2. It is recommended to refrain from masturbation and observe the color of the urine; usually, bleeding should stop within 2-3 weeks. I...[Read More] Understanding Hematospermia: Treatment Success and Ongoing Symptoms
Understanding Rheumatoid Arthritis: Symptoms, Triggers, and Healing Insights
Rheumatoid Arthritis - Condition Monitoring and Questions Hello, Dr. Gao: I have been diagnosed with seronegative rheumatoid arthritis for one year and am currently taking pain relievers, corticosteroids, and immunomodulators (quinine/enteric-coated tablets). My main symptoms are...
Dr. Gao Jiankai Reply:
Hello, thank you for your question. I will assume that your condition is "seronegative rheumatoid arthritis" for my response. Here is my summary: 1. After dinner, your fingers swell (and the swelling subsides after digestion). 2. During exercise, your fingers swell (an...[Read More] Understanding Rheumatoid Arthritis: Symptoms, Triggers, and Healing Insights
Understanding Abnormal Autoimmune Test Results: Should You Seek a Second Opinion?
Examination report issues Hello, doctor. I previously inquired about my shoulder, neck, and arm pain that has lasted for three months. After examination, the report showed normal indices, except for two abnormal findings: Homogeneous 1/640 (Positive) and Speckled 1/640 (Positive)...
Dr. Gao Jiankai Reply:
Hello, thank you for your message. The physician's decision may be based on their considerations. If you have concerns, you can prepare your test results and seek a second opinion from another rheumatologist. The Allergy, Immunology, and Rheumatology Department of Changhua H...[Read More] Understanding Abnormal Autoimmune Test Results: Should You Seek a Second Opinion?
Understanding Prediabetes Diagnosis After Post-Meal Blood Sugar Test
Regarding the postprandial blood glucose test results in the United States indicating prediabetes? Hello Dr. Lee, I am approximately 169 cm tall and weighed 67.5 kg at the time of my examination on July 28. I have a history of ankylosing spondylitis (diagnosed in 2008) and am a ...
Dr. Li Jian Reply:
Glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c): A level of 5.8% is sufficient to diagnose prediabetes. HbA1c can be tested after meals, and a follow-up test can be conducted in three months.[Read More] Understanding Prediabetes Diagnosis After Post-Meal Blood Sugar Test
Understanding Antinuclear Antibodies and Lupus: A Patient's Guide
Antinuclear antibodies in systemic lupus erythematosus? ANA: Speckled 1:640 HLA-B27: Negative E.S.R: 61 Basophils: 1.0 Eosinophils: 1.0 Hemoglobin (Hb): 11.9 Hematocrit (Hct): 36.1 Lymphocytes: 28.2 Mean Corpuscular Hemoglobin (MCH): 25.3 Mean Corpuscular Hemogl...
Dr. Gao Jiankai Reply:
Hello, thank you for your inquiry. Your question regarding elevated ANA and ESR levels indicates that it is essential to further investigate the cause of the elevated ANA. Additional tests may be necessary to confirm your diagnosis, and I recommend consulting a rheumatologist for...[Read More] Understanding Antinuclear Antibodies and Lupus: A Patient's Guide
Understanding Chest Pain: Causes and When to Seek Help
Chest pain in the center? For the past 3.4 months, I have been experiencing sudden sharp pain in the center of my chest (the area where CPR compressions are performed). Sometimes the pain radiates to the back at the same point. During these episodes, I also feel a sensation of so...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Based on your description, there are two possible scenarios. If pressing down causes pain in the bony area, it may indicate inflammation of the costal cartilage. In this case, it is recommended to apply some anti-inflammatory ointment on the outer side of the pain, which may help...[Read More] Understanding Chest Pain: Causes and When to Seek Help
Understanding Throat Bleeding: Causes and Recovery Tips
The issue of having blood in the throat? Hello, Dr. Hong. Recently, I had a tonsil stone, and after using a cotton swab to try to remove it myself, it seemed to get inflamed and painful. I visited an otolaryngologist twice, and it eventually got better. The doctor advised me not ...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, based on your description, since the stone has already passed, it is indeed advisable to avoid using your tongue to poke at the area. The blood streaks should gradually resolve in a few days. As for staying up late, having an irregular schedule, and lack of exercise, these...[Read More] Understanding Throat Bleeding: Causes and Recovery Tips
Understanding Blood Sugar Levels: Am I Diabetic After One High Reading?
Diabetes issues In the past three weeks, my average blood glucose levels have been 80-90 in the morning, 80-90 before meals, 110-120 after meals, and over 90 before bed. However, one day I had dinner at 9 PM, and when I checked my blood sugar at 11 PM, it suddenly spiked to 148. ...
Dr. Lin Wufu Reply:
Hello, we define the standards for diabetes as a fasting blood glucose level of 126 mg/dL or a random blood glucose level exceeding 200 mg/dL. Therefore, a postprandial level of 148 mg/dL does not reach the threshold for diabetes, but it does indicate that you may be in the predi...[Read More] Understanding Blood Sugar Levels: Am I Diabetic After One High Reading?
Understanding Lymph Node Swelling and Elevated LDH Levels: What to Know
Lymphadenopathy / Elevated LDH levels Hello Doctor, my friend recently developed a sudden swelling in the neck, approximately 1.5 cm in size. Initially, it was painful when pressed, and they immediately went to an ENT specialist who recommended transferring to a larger hospital. ...
Dr. Lin Wufu Reply:
Hello! The enlargement of cervical lymph nodes combined with elevated LDH levels does warrant caution regarding the possibility of hematological disorders or malignancies. However, the most accurate method of diagnosis is through biopsy followed by pathological examination. Typic...[Read More] Understanding Lymph Node Swelling and Elevated LDH Levels: What to Know
Can Oral Medications for Weight Loss Trigger Diabetes After Pregnancy?
Oral Fosfomycin Hello doctor, I would like to ask about gestational diabetes during pregnancy. My blood sugar was well controlled throughout, and even a year after giving birth, my blood sugar remains well controlled. Recently, I have been taking Orlistat 10 mg for weight loss fo...
Dr. Li Jian Reply:
Currently, there are no reported blood sugar medications that cause diabetes.[Read More] Can Oral Medications for Weight Loss Trigger Diabetes After Pregnancy?
Understanding Rapid Heartbeat and Kidney Health: Do You Need Dialysis?
Sought medical attention due to rapid heartbeat? Due to experiencing a rapid heartbeat and occasional lower back pain, a series of tests were conducted. Initially, it was thought to be a heart issue, but later it was found that the blood CR(B) level is 1.04, uric acid is 7.8, cho...
Dr. Wu Jiyu Reply:
Based on the data you provided, a serum creatinine level of 1.04 corresponds to an estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) greater than 60, which falls within the normal range, and there is no need to worry about dialysis. As for your elevated uric acid and cholesterol levels...[Read More] Understanding Rapid Heartbeat and Kidney Health: Do You Need Dialysis?
Understanding Urination Issues: When to See a Doctor?
Urinary problems I would like to ask if it is necessary to see a doctor or to pay for an abdominal X-ray or ultrasound? Blood and urine tests have all come back normal, but I feel that there is a significant difference between the amount of water I drink and the amount I urinate....
Dr. Wu Jiyu Reply:
According to the data you provided, a serum creatinine level of 0.9 corresponds to an estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) greater than 60, which falls within the normal range. Regarding your input/output from 9/18 to 9/21, with an intake of 8700 cc and an output of 3750 c...[Read More] Understanding Urination Issues: When to See a Doctor?
Post-Exercise Dizziness: Causes and Solutions for Your Symptoms
Dizziness and discomfort after exercise? Hello Doctor, I exercise for at least 30 minutes to 1 hour every day. I usually go to bed before midnight and wake up at 7 AM. My exercise routine typically starts around 4 PM and mainly consists of aerobic exercises combined with simple b...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Based on your description, there are four possible conditions. First is orthostatic hypotension, which is characterized by a sudden drop in blood pressure when changing posture, leading to dizziness. This typically resolves with rest, and there is no specific treatment other than...[Read More] Post-Exercise Dizziness: Causes and Solutions for Your Symptoms
Understanding Your Immunology Blood Test Results: SSA and SSB Levels Explained
Examination Report The immune blood test report shows normal results, with SSA and SSB levels at 17.15. Are these considered positive? Are they normal?
Dr. Gao Jiankai Reply:
Hello, thank you for your message. The normal range values for SSA and SSB tests may vary slightly between hospitals, so it would be best to include the normal range from your test report for a more accurate assessment. Based on our hospital's reference normal range, your va...[Read More] Understanding Your Immunology Blood Test Results: SSA and SSB Levels Explained