Understanding Dark Green Stool: Causes and Concerns After Iron Supplementation
The stool appears dark green? Hello Doctor: I started taking iron supplements in February of last year, and after stopping the medication in December, I noticed that my stool has consistently been dark green to blackish green until now. During this time, I had a positive fecal oc...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, taking iron supplements can cause the stool to become darker, resembling a dark green color. Additionally, certain foods, such as matcha, can also result in green-colored stool. Furthermore, taking iron supplements may lead to a positive result for occult blood in the stoo...[Read More] Understanding Dark Green Stool: Causes and Concerns After Iron Supplementation
Understanding Your Glucose Tolerance Test Results: Are You Prediabetic?
Fasting blood glucose is 105 mg/dL, and the oral glucose tolerance test (75g) results are: fasting blood glucose 92 mg/dL, 2-hour blood glucose 89 mg/dL? On March 25, my fasting blood glucose was 105. On April 10, I went to a large hospital for an oral glucose tolerance test (75g...
Dr. Li Jian Reply:
An oral glucose tolerance test is normal; however, if one is in a high-risk group, such as being overweight or having a family history of diabetes, it is recommended to follow up annually.[Read More] Understanding Your Glucose Tolerance Test Results: Are You Prediabetic?
Understanding Urticarial Vasculitis: Symptoms, Causes, and Treatment Options
Urticarial vasculitis? Hello, doctor. I have a tendency to be allergic and sneeze (which started about nine years ago). I have also experienced mild urticaria intermittently. However, starting in April of this year, I suddenly developed widespread urticaria. I went to a dermatolo...
Dr. Gao Jiankai Reply:
Hello, thank you for your inquiry. Here are my responses: 1. How is anaphylactic shock determined? Although I was experiencing stomach pain, I was still responsive at the time... --> Perhaps "shock" is a bit severe, but you did have swelling of the lips and eyelids,...[Read More] Understanding Urticarial Vasculitis: Symptoms, Causes, and Treatment Options
Understanding Rheumatoid Arthritis: Diagnosis, Treatment, and Concerns
Regarding the diagnosis and medication use for rheumatoid arthritis? Dear Director Gao, I apologize for the length of my inquiry and hope you can take the time to clarify my doubts. Thank you! About a year and a half ago, blood tests revealed that my rheumatoid factor (RF) was...
Dr. Gao Jiankai Reply:
Hello, thank you for your questions. Here are my consolidated responses: 1. Can anti-CCP antibodies be present intermittently? (There was a significant difference in test results just five days apart.) Could differences in testing methods cause varying results? Are there differe...[Read More] Understanding Rheumatoid Arthritis: Diagnosis, Treatment, and Concerns
Understanding Autoimmune Thyroiditis: Medication Effects and Specialist Care
Autoimmune diseases Hello, Doctor. I have autoimmune thyroiditis and have been taking Methimazole and Levothyroxine for over a year. I also have a history of hyperthyroidism, but I have not taken medication for over 15 years. My thyroid-related indices have been regularly monitor...
Dr. Gao Jiankai Reply:
Hello, thank you for your message. Here is my response: 1. There should be no correlation between the use of Dexamethasone, Bilastine, and thyroid dysfunction. 2. If there have been recent abnormalities in thyroid function but no symptoms are present, you may consider asking your...[Read More] Understanding Autoimmune Thyroiditis: Medication Effects and Specialist Care
Can Zinc Deficiency Cause Atrophic Glossitis and Oral Candidiasis?
The issue of zinc? I have been experiencing intermittent pain in my tongue and have consulted both an otolaryngologist and an oral surgeon, but they could not determine the cause. The pain has been fluctuating, and recently the affected area has started to resemble the image at t...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, zinc deficiency can indeed cause the symptoms you described. However, it is still uncertain whether your symptoms are truly due to zinc deficiency. It may be advisable to go to a larger hospital to test your blood zinc levels for confirmation. In Taiwan, the likelihood of ...[Read More] Can Zinc Deficiency Cause Atrophic Glossitis and Oral Candidiasis?
Understanding Atypia in Thyroid Nodules: Inflammation and Concerns
Thyroid nodule inflammation Hello Doctor: I recently had an ultrasound that revealed a 1.2 cm nodule. After a biopsy, the report indicated atypia. When I heard this, my mind went blank. The doctor mentioned that the ultrasound suggested the nodule appeared to be inflamed with ble...
Dr. Lin Jianliang Reply:
Hello: The interpretation of thyroid nodule biopsy results needs to be combined with ultrasound imaging findings, medical history, family history, physical examination, blood reports, etc., for a comprehensive assessment. Based on your letter, it is difficult to provide an answer...[Read More] Understanding Atypia in Thyroid Nodules: Inflammation and Concerns
Understanding Eye Symptoms After Late Nights: What You Need to Know
Questions about issues after staying up late? Hello, Doctor. I would like to ask you two questions. The first one is that when I looked in the mirror while showering this morning, I noticed some red streaks and a slight yellow tint around the edges of my eyes. I'm concerned ...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, based on your photo, your sclera primarily shows blood vessels and is not indicative of jaundice, although it appears slightly cloudy. However, this is not jaundice. Considering the situation you described, it is likely a physiological change caused by staying up late. The...[Read More] Understanding Eye Symptoms After Late Nights: What You Need to Know
Understanding Recurring Red Spots on Ankles: Possible Causes and Insights
Red spots on the feet? Hello Doctor: I have multiple sclerosis (MS), and for the past two months, I have been experiencing red spots on the inner sides of my ankles. They are not painful or itchy, but they recur and tend to spread upward. Sometimes, red spots also appear on the d...
Dr. Gao Jiankai Reply:
Hello, thank you for your message. The small red spots on your skin may also be due to ruptured blood vessels or vasculitis. A dermatologist should provide you with their preliminary suspected diagnosis. As for the ANA of 160 and RF of 32.8, these are just initial screening indic...[Read More] Understanding Recurring Red Spots on Ankles: Possible Causes and Insights
Understanding Chest Tightness in Hyperthyroidism and Heart Valve Issues
Chest tightness issue? Hello, doctor. I am a patient with hyperthyroidism, and my only symptom is a slightly elevated heart rate. I also have a problem with mitral valve insufficiency. Currently, I am controlling my hyperthyroidism with medication, taking two tablets of methimazo...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, based on your description, there could indeed be many causes for your breathing difficulties. It may be necessary to check your blood oxygen levels; if they are abnormal, you should be cautious about potential lung or heart issues. However, since you have already undergone...[Read More] Understanding Chest Tightness in Hyperthyroidism and Heart Valve Issues
Understanding COVID-19 PCR Results and Managing Symptoms at Home
Positive Rapid Test for COVID-19 (Continuation 2) Hello Dr. Hong, I am a patient who tested positive for COVID-19 through a rapid test and PCR a few days ago. Since my diagnosis on June 14, I have experienced some changes in my health. Yesterday, June 19, I retested for PCR, and ...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, 1. The value you mentioned should refer to the CT value of the PCR test. A higher CT value indicates a lower viral load, and values above 30 suggest that there is almost no transmissibility. Therefore, based on your values, it seems you are gradually recovering. 2. If ...[Read More] Understanding COVID-19 PCR Results and Managing Symptoms at Home
Persistent Fever for Four Weeks: Unraveling the Mystery of Undiagnosed Infection
Fever has persisted for nearly four weeks, and no definitive source of infection has been identified? In the first week, there was a persistent elevated body temperature at night, with an ear temperature above 37.5°C. In the second week, after four to five days, the body temperat...
Dr. Lin Wufu Reply:
Hello: Based on the symptoms and test results you described, the most likely diagnosis is infectious mononucleosis caused by CMV infection. To confirm the diagnosis, a measurement of the viral load of CMV in the blood can be performed. Generally, the condition tends to resolve on...[Read More] Persistent Fever for Four Weeks: Unraveling the Mystery of Undiagnosed Infection
Understanding Pre-Meal Blood Sugar Levels: Should You Worry?
Fasting blood glucose is 105 mg/dL, and glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c) is 5.3%? Hello Doctor, I measured my fasting blood sugar at 105 today. Although many sources say that a level below 100 is considered normal, the laboratory report states that the standard range is 70-110. Should...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, based on your test results, your fasting blood glucose is 105 mg/dL and your hemoglobin A1c is 5.3%. Currently, these values do not meet the criteria for a diabetes diagnosis. It is recommended to follow up later. Thank you for your inquiry.[Read More] Understanding Pre-Meal Blood Sugar Levels: Should You Worry?
Understanding Pre-Meal Blood Sugar Levels: What Do 105 and HbA1c 5.3 Mean?
Fasting blood glucose is 105 mg/dL and HbA1c is 5.3%? I apologize for the inconvenience. Your fasting blood glucose level is 105 mg/dL, while the laboratory standard range is 70-110 mg/dL. This means that your result falls within the laboratory's normal range, so there is no...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, based on your test results, your fasting blood glucose is 105 mg/dL and your hemoglobin A1c is 5.3%. Currently, these values do not meet the criteria for a diabetes diagnosis. It is recommended to follow up later. Thank you for your inquiry.[Read More] Understanding Pre-Meal Blood Sugar Levels: What Do 105 and HbA1c 5.3 Mean?
Understanding Pre-Meal Blood Sugar Levels: What Does 105 Mean?
Fasting blood glucose is 105 mg/dL and HbA1c is 5.3%? I apologize for the inconvenience. Your fasting blood glucose level of 105 mg/dL falls within the laboratory's reference range of 70-110 mg/dL, which indicates that it is considered normal according to their standards. Wh...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, based on your test results, your fasting blood glucose is 105 mg/dL and your hemoglobin A1c is 5.3%. Currently, these values do not meet the criteria for a diabetes diagnosis. It is recommended to follow up later. Thank you for your inquiry.[Read More] Understanding Pre-Meal Blood Sugar Levels: What Does 105 Mean?
Understanding Positive COVID-19 Rapid Test Results: A Patient's Journey
Positive result on COVID-19 rapid test? Hello Dr. Hong, I hope you are well. I am currently in Indonesia and am using online consultation services, so I hope to gain a deeper understanding. I apologize for the lengthy description. Starting on the evening of June 12, I experienc...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, based on the symptoms you described, they do resemble a COVID-19 infection; however, we still need to wait for the PCR test for confirmation. The medications you mentioned are all for relieving cold symptoms. If you have cold symptoms, they can be taken to alleviate discom...[Read More] Understanding Positive COVID-19 Rapid Test Results: A Patient's Journey
Persistent Breathing Difficulty and Chest Pain: When to Seek Medical Help
Shortness of breath lasting for one week + occasional chest pain? On the night of the 7th, I woke up feeling somewhat short of breath for no apparent reason. I hadn't turned on the air conditioning, and it didn't feel like my usual nasal congestion, but it felt very obs...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, based on your description, it seems that the main issue is subjective discomfort. I recommend measuring your body temperature and blood oxygen levels. If both are normal, you may consider an outpatient consultation. It could be caused by anemia or hyperthyroidism. However,...[Read More] Persistent Breathing Difficulty and Chest Pain: When to Seek Medical Help
Persistent Symptoms After Negative COVID-19 Tests: What to Do?
Negative rapid test for COVID-19 and normal test results, yet persistent illness? Hello Dr. Hong, First of all, I do not have any chronic illnesses, a travel history, or overlapping exposure to confirmed cases. I live in Taichung City, which is not a hot zone, and I was in good ...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, I'm not sure if the two tests you received were rapid antigen tests (ELISA) or PCR tests. If they were antigen tests, there is indeed a high chance of false negatives, and you may need to consider getting an RT-PCR test for confirmation. If both tests were PCR, the ch...[Read More] Persistent Symptoms After Negative COVID-19 Tests: What to Do?
Could My Breathing Issues Be Symptoms of Autonomic Nervous System Disorder?
Could you please tell me if this is a symptom of autonomic nervous system dysfunction? Hello doctor, recently I don't know if it's because I've been watching too much news, but after seeing the news about happy hypoxia yesterday, I suddenly feel like my breathing i...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, what you refer to as autonomic nervous system dysregulation is usually a chronic condition. Based on your description, most of the symptoms have occurred recently, which suggests that stress may be a significant factor. As for whether there is a lack of oxygen, that would ...[Read More] Could My Breathing Issues Be Symptoms of Autonomic Nervous System Disorder?
Could My Breathing Issues Be Symptoms of Autonomic Nervous System Disorder?
Could you please tell me if this is a symptom of autonomic nervous system dysfunction? Hello, doctor. Recently, I don't know if it's because I've been watching too much news, but after seeing the news about happy hypoxia yesterday, I suddenly feel like my breathing...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, what you refer to as autonomic nervous system dysregulation is usually a chronic condition. Based on your description, most symptoms have occurred recently, which may be largely due to stress. As for whether there is a lack of oxygen, it would require measuring blood oxyge...[Read More] Could My Breathing Issues Be Symptoms of Autonomic Nervous System Disorder?