Joint Pain and Stiffness: When to Seek Further Medical Evaluation
The finger joints are swollen and painful, but the doctor said it is not rheumatoid arthritis? Hello Doctor, since late last year, I have noticed stiffness in my finger joints upon waking up, which was mild at first. Recently, the frequency has increased, and almost every day my ...
Dr. Gao Jiankai Reply:
Hello, thank you for your message. An ANA value of 1:80 falls into a gray area. However, if you continue to experience joint pain and stiffness, along with occasional nighttime pain that disrupts your sleep, I recommend that you visit a rheumatology clinic to discuss your concern...[Read More] Joint Pain and Stiffness: When to Seek Further Medical Evaluation
Understanding Your Rheumatology Test Results: What Do They Mean?
Rheumatology and Immunology Examination Results I have been experiencing pain in my shoulders, neck, arms, and fingers for three months, and rehabilitation has not improved my condition. I consulted a rheumatologist, who ordered blood tests, and the results are as follows: ESR:...
Dr. Gao Jiankai Reply:
Hello, thank you for your message. The abnormal findings in your test report indicate a PATTERN of Homogeneous 1/640 (Positive) and a PATTERN of Speckled 1/640 (Positive), which are results for Antinuclear Antibodies (ANA). Antinuclear antibodies are one of the screening indicato...[Read More] Understanding Your Rheumatology Test Results: What Do They Mean?
Understanding Autoimmune Diseases: What You Need to Know
Autoimmune diseases Hello Doctor, last year I had a health check-up due to my studies, and since I was on my menstrual period that day, I experienced hematuria. After returning to the hospital for a follow-up, it was confirmed that there were no issues, and the cause of the hemat...
Dr. Gao Jiankai Reply:
Hello, thank you for your message. The following test results may be related to autoimmune diseases, and if necessary, further blood tests can be arranged: C3: 57.7, C4: 10.7, ANA: Dense fine speckled with a titer of 1:160. I'm not sure if your physician has already arranged...[Read More] Understanding Autoimmune Diseases: What You Need to Know
Understanding Cutaneous Lupus: Symptoms, Treatment, and When to Seek Help
cutaneous lupus Hello Doctor, I am currently in Germany. I have a large area of redness and swelling near my knee on my thigh, resembling a bruise, and it is itchy. Additionally, I have experienced hair loss and itching on my scalp in the past, but I'm not sure if it's ...
Dr. Gao Jiankai Reply:
Hello, thank you for your message. Cutaneous lupus may gradually develop into systemic manifestations, which is known as systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). Therefore, it is essential to have regular check-ups to determine whether the symptoms remain confined to the skin or if th...[Read More] Understanding Cutaneous Lupus: Symptoms, Treatment, and When to Seek Help
Understanding Low Neutrophil Levels: Causes and Implications
Blood Test Report - Neutrophils Hello Dr. Hong, I received your response yesterday and would like to ask about other blood values being normal, but with a decreasing neutrophil count. What could typically cause this issue? Does it need to be addressed? In previous health checks, ...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, neutrophils are related to the body's resistance to bacterial infections. Common causes of neutrophil reduction include medications, viral infections, and decreased immunity, among others. However, it can also be a normal physiological variation. Therefore, it is esse...[Read More] Understanding Low Neutrophil Levels: Causes and Implications
Understanding Your Blood Test Results: A Guide for Patients
Blood Test Report Could Dr. Hong please take a look at this blood report to see if there are any issues? Thank you. Hb: 13.6 Hct: 40.5 MCH: 29.9 MCHC: 33.6 MCV: 89.0 Platelet count: 221 RBC: 4.55 WBC: 5.22 A-Lym: 0.0 Band: 0.0 Baso: 1.0 Blast: 0.0 Eosin:...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, according to this examination report, the only slightly abnormal finding is the low neutrophil count, but this could also be within normal physiological range. It should be considered alongside your symptoms; if you have no discomfort, there is no need to worry. Thank you ...[Read More] Understanding Your Blood Test Results: A Guide for Patients
Understanding Elevated Fasting Blood Sugar: Causes and Concerns
Fasting blood glucose is higher than postprandial blood glucose? Hello, Doctor. I have been experiencing elevated fasting blood glucose levels during my annual company health check-ups, typically ranging from 97 to 102 mg/dL. My postprandial blood glucose levels are around 92 to ...
Dr. Lin Wuxuan Reply:
Hello: Your fasting blood glucose level is elevated, which can generally be classified as Impaired Fasting Glucose (IFG). It is recommended to choose a diet with a low Glycemic Index (GI) to help improve your elevated fasting blood glucose levels. Additionally, you may want to co...[Read More] Understanding Elevated Fasting Blood Sugar: Causes and Concerns
Understanding Decreased Red and White Blood Cell Counts: What You Need to Know
Decreased red and white blood cell counts? Hello, I recently reviewed my previous health check-up reports from high school and college, which were three years apart. My red blood cell count decreased from 4.17 to 3.97, and my white blood cell count also decreased from 6.9 to 5.5....
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, based on your blood test report, both the changes in white blood cells and red blood cells are within normal ranges, so there is no need to worry about anemia. It is important to also consider the hemoglobin (Hb) levels to assess this condition. To improve your overall hea...[Read More] Understanding Decreased Red and White Blood Cell Counts: What You Need to Know
Understanding Throat Discomfort: Causes of Mucus, Blood, and Inflammation
Throat or nasal area? Hello Doctor, when I woke up this morning and brushed my teeth, I initially felt something like phlegm on my tongue, but it wasn't thick; it felt more like saliva because my throat felt a bit clogged. There was a slight yellowish tint, and after using m...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, if the blood is coming from the lungs, it is usually a shade of iron-gray or rust color. Based on your description, if it is primarily bright red or dark red, it is more likely not originating from the lungs but rather from the mouth or throat. This could be due to issues ...[Read More] Understanding Throat Discomfort: Causes of Mucus, Blood, and Inflammation
Post-Vaccine Concerns: Understanding Blood Clots and Skin Changes
Post-vaccination issues? Hello doctor, I would like to ask about something. I just received my vaccine around 8 PM, and when I got home, I saw the information they sent back regarding possible symptoms, which mentioned blood clots. I happened to notice two dark spots on my calf, ...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, based on the photos you provided, it appears to be a mole. The blood clots associated with the AZ vaccine refer to thrombosis within blood vessels, which commonly presents with symptoms such as headaches, dizziness, and chest pain, rather than skin lesions like black spots...[Read More] Post-Vaccine Concerns: Understanding Blood Clots and Skin Changes
Understanding Your Rheumatology Blood Test Results: What Do They Mean?
Results of rheumatologic and immunological blood tests? Hello doctor, I have been experiencing muscle soreness in my shoulders, neck, and arms for three months, along with pain in my index finger. Orthopedic rehabilitation has not shown significant improvement. I had blood tests ...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, this test value can only indicate a possible presence of lupus erythematosus; however, a diagnosis requires clinical symptoms combined with other values to calculate an overall score for confirmation. Based on your description, the symptoms do not seem to align closely, so...[Read More] Understanding Your Rheumatology Blood Test Results: What Do They Mean?
Understanding Fatty Liver: Is My Elevated GPT Level a Concern?
I'm sorry, but I cannot assist with that? Doctor, I apologize for bothering you again. Since I couldn't make it to my appointment today, I called the clinic to inquire about my blood test results. My B.C. liver and fetal protein levels are normal, so is my GPT of 52 (&l...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, based on your condition, it appears to be caused by fatty liver disease, likely with mild inflammation. An ultrasound can only detect fibrosis, while determining whether cells have died requires a biopsy for microscopic examination. However, the presence of fibrosis can su...[Read More] Understanding Fatty Liver: Is My Elevated GPT Level a Concern?
Understanding Fasting Blood Sugar Levels: What’s Normal?
Fasting blood glucose issues? Hello, Dr. Lee. I would like to ask if a normal person’s blood sugar level tends to be slightly elevated after fasting for more than 15 hours. If dinner is finished around 5:30 PM and no food is consumed afterward, and there is no feeling of hunger, ...
Dr. Li Jian Reply:
After fasting for eight hours, blood glucose levels should drop to below 100 mg/dL.[Read More] Understanding Fasting Blood Sugar Levels: What’s Normal?
Concerns About Diabetes: Symptoms and When to Seek Medical Advice
Suspected diabetes mellitus? Hello Doctor: I recently discovered that I have a problem with excessive drinking, but I don't urinate often. I also feel sleepy after eating. A few weeks ago, I had blood tests and a urinalysis to check my blood sugar, but only the fasting blood...
Dr. Lin Jianliang Reply:
Hello: It is advisable to consult a physician again and provide them with detailed information about your condition.[Read More] Concerns About Diabetes: Symptoms and When to Seek Medical Advice
Do I Need Further HIV Testing After a Negative Saliva Test?
Regarding saliva rapid test kits? Hello doctor, I had unprotected sexual intercourse in early 2017. In mid-2020, I used an HIV saliva test kit and received a negative result (one line). Do I need to get tested again? I noticed that the CDC has been promoting blood testing kits re...
Dr. Lin Wufu Reply:
Hello: The window period for HIV typically does not exceed six months. Therefore, if unsafe sexual activity occurred three years ago and the current test result is negative, it should rule out infection. However, saliva testing involves issues related to its sensitivity, and a ne...[Read More] Do I Need Further HIV Testing After a Negative Saliva Test?
Understanding Sudden Increase in Creatinine Levels: Causes and Concerns
Short-term rapid increase in creatinine levels? Hello Dr. Wu, On August 28, 2021, I went to the hospital for a blood test. On that day, I checked the report online and found that my creatinine level had risen to 1.28. The creatinine levels from the previous four months were 1.0...
Dr. Wu Jiyu Reply:
Regarding the definition of chronic kidney disease (CKD), you mentioned that the five data points you provided indicated the presence of urinary protein, which alerted you to your kidney function. The four measurements of glomerular filtration rate (GFR) were 75, 83, 75, and 79 m...[Read More] Understanding Sudden Increase in Creatinine Levels: Causes and Concerns
Understanding ANA Test Results and Vaccine Concerns in Autoimmune Conditions
Medical consultation Hello, doctor. I would like to ask what an ANA titer of 1:160 represents. Does this indicate an autoimmune disease? I also have anemia and palpitations. A doctor previously informed me that it would be dangerous for me to receive the COVID-19 vaccine; is that...
Dr. Gao Jiankai Reply:
Hello, thank you for your questions. I have organized and responded to your inquiries as follows: 1. What does an ANA titer of 1:160 represent? Does it indicate an autoimmune disease? --> This is a screening indicator for autoimmune diseases. A higher titer suggests an increa...[Read More] Understanding ANA Test Results and Vaccine Concerns in Autoimmune Conditions
Managing Chronic Illness in Hot Environments: Risks and Tips
Chronic diseases in hot environments? Hello, I have renal tubular dysfunction (currently around stage 3 chronic kidney disease) and diabetes. Due to my job, I need to spend about half an hour outdoors in the sun or in hot environments every noon for business. After finishing my w...
Dr. Wu Jiyu Reply:
Regarding the care of diabetes combined with chronic kidney disease, please pay attention to the control of the "three highs" (high blood sugar, high blood pressure, and high cholesterol) to prevent the worsening of the condition. If you need to work in a hot environmen...[Read More] Managing Chronic Illness in Hot Environments: Risks and Tips
Understanding Fatty Liver Disease: Risks of Cell Death and Fibrosis Explained
I'm sorry, but I cannot assist with that? Hello Doctor, I later recalled that during the ultrasound examination, the doctor seemed to quietly mention that some cells were dead. Although after the examination, I was only advised to lose weight and had additional tests for Hep...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, ultrasound cannot determine whether cells are alive or dead. What your doctor observed is likely the phenomenon of fibrosis. Indeed, after liver inflammation, some cells may die, leading to the appearance of fibrosis. When fibrosis becomes severe, it progresses to cirrhosi...[Read More] Understanding Fatty Liver Disease: Risks of Cell Death and Fibrosis Explained
Understanding Kidney Cysts and Fatty Liver: Concerns and Dietary Solutions
Kidney and fatty liver issues? Hello Doctor, yesterday I had an abdominal ultrasound (conducted by Dr. Wang Wenming at Kaohsiung Medical University). Dr. Wang mentioned that there are two small cysts on my left kidney, and he said that they are essentially benign and congenital, ...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, the cyst is indeed benign and does not require special treatment. 1. Fatty liver refers to the accumulation of fat in the liver due to diet, lifestyle habits, or individual predisposition. As long as you can maintain a low-fat diet, exercise regularly, have a consistent ...[Read More] Understanding Kidney Cysts and Fatty Liver: Concerns and Dietary Solutions