Understanding Uric Acid Levels: Insights on Gout and Health Management
Interpretation of Uric Acid Levels Hello, Doctor. I am 175 cm tall and weigh 97 kg. I have had high blood pressure since I was 16 years old. I do not drink alcohol but often stay up late. On March 15, I sprained my left ankle; at the time, there was no pain or swelling. However, ...
Dr. Gao Jiankai Reply:
Hello, thank you for your question. Here are my responses: 1. I have been losing weight for over a month, with my weight dropping from 104 kg to 97 kg. I would like to know if my lowest uric acid level in my life, which is 5.6 mg/dL, is due to dietary control or because I previ...[Read More] Understanding Uric Acid Levels: Insights on Gout and Health Management
Can Eating Expired Food Damage Your Liver and Kidneys?
Food issues Hello doctor, I would like to ask if food poisoning can lead to liver and kidney damage, or if it can cause the function of previously healthy liver and kidneys (with normal blood test results) to deteriorate. I accidentally ate an expired Shaqima and experienced gast...
Dr. Zhang Shixin Reply:
Hello Kiki: Bacterial or viral gastroenteritis, when occurring in healthy adults, typically does not have a significant impact on liver or kidney function unless there is a state of shock due to severe dehydration from persistent vomiting and diarrhea, or if a serious infection l...[Read More] Can Eating Expired Food Damage Your Liver and Kidneys?
Understanding Glomerular Filtration Rate: What High Levels Mean for Diabetics
Glomerular filtration rate (GFR) Hello Dr. Chang, I am a diabetes patient. Recently, my blood test report showed the following: estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR): 143, creatinine: 0.65, urine microalbumin-to-creatinine ratio: 84, urine occult blood: 1+. Is a higher glom...
Dr. Zhang Shixin Reply:
Hello: 1. Regarding the glomerular filtration rate, if your blood pressure and blood sugar are well-controlled, it is recommended to monitor the trends. 2. Diabetic nephropathy is usually accompanied by proteinuria; therefore, maintaining stable blood sugar and blood pressure is ...[Read More] Understanding Glomerular Filtration Rate: What High Levels Mean for Diabetics
Understanding Antithyroid Medication: Nodules, Hashimoto's, and Dietary Considerations
Antenatal medication Thyroid ultrasound revealed four nodules, each less than 1 cm, which the doctor indicated are benign and require regular monitoring. Blood tests showed Hashimoto's thyroiditis, and I have started taking Euthyrox (levothyroxine) 50 mcg, one tablet daily. ...
Dr. Li Jian Reply:
If there is hypothyroidism and one takes Antithyroid medication, long-term use of thyroid hormone to suppress the growth of nodules may also lead to bone loss or arrhythmias. Thank you for your inquiry.[Read More] Understanding Antithyroid Medication: Nodules, Hashimoto's, and Dietary Considerations
Understanding Subtle Body Tremors: Causes and Solutions
There is a slight tremor in the body that is not visible to the naked eye? Since early February, after eating something bad and thinking it was food poisoning, I experienced diarrhea and went to the emergency room. Since then, I have often felt my heart racing, and when I get anx...
Dr. Zhang Shixin Reply:
Hello: In addition to electrolyte abnormalities, endocrine dysfunctions such as hyperthyroidism can also lead to symptoms like tachycardia, elevated blood pressure, diarrhea, and tremors. If your symptoms are affecting your daily life, it is recommended that you follow up with an...[Read More] Understanding Subtle Body Tremors: Causes and Solutions
Understanding Low Insulin Levels in Your Health Check Report
Health Examination Report Hello doctor, I would like to ask about my health check report. My insulin level is 1.9 u/ml, and the report states that the normal range is 2.6 to 24.9. Is this low level of concern?
Dr. Li Jian Reply:
Glycated hemoglobin and fasting blood glucose are important reference indicators. Thank you for your inquiry.[Read More] Understanding Low Insulin Levels in Your Health Check Report
Understanding Blood Test Results: Interpreting Anti-HBc and HCV Ab Findings
Blood Test Report Doctor, I have a question. Because a family member has herpes zoster and needs to get an injection, I had blood drawn at National Cheng Kung University. Is it normal for the blood test report to show the following results? Anti-HBc test result: Repeatedly reacti...
Dr. Zhang Shixin Reply:
Hello: A negative HBsAg combined with a positive Anti-HBc may indicate a past infection with the hepatitis B virus; a positive HCV Ab indicates a hepatitis C infection. This preliminary interpretation of the blood test results regarding hepatitis B and C is suggested to be discus...[Read More] Understanding Blood Test Results: Interpreting Anti-HBc and HCV Ab Findings
Understanding Side Effects of Levothyroxine in Hypothyroidism Treatment
Thyroid medication consultation I have hypothyroidism (Hashimoto's disease) and have been under follow-up for over two years with no significant symptoms. During my last follow-up in March, my levels worsened slightly, and my doctor prescribed Eltroxin 50, instructing me to ...
Dr. Li Jian Reply:
The dosage of Antithyroid medication needs to be monitored by blood tests for TSH and free T4 levels in order to determine the appropriate dosage. Thank you for your inquiry.[Read More] Understanding Side Effects of Levothyroxine in Hypothyroidism Treatment
Understanding Blood Sugar Levels: Should You Worry About Your Readings?
Blood sugar issues? Hello Doctor, I am 22 years old, and my height, weight, and BMI are all normal. I do not have hypertension, hyperlipidemia, or any other unhealthy values. On March 1st of this year, my fasting blood glucose was 89, and today, March 20th, my fasting blood gluco...
Dr. Li Jian Reply:
The current blood test results are normal, so please do not worry excessively. Thank you for your inquiry.[Read More] Understanding Blood Sugar Levels: Should You Worry About Your Readings?
Understanding Thyroid Cancer Treatment: Managing Side Effects and Health Concerns
Thyroid cancer My mother is 55 years old and has been monitored for nodules for several years. She was recently informed of malignant changes and was subsequently diagnosed with thyroid cancer at a larger hospital. Initially, when it was uncertain whether the cancer was malignant...
Dr. Li Jian Reply:
Thyroid dysfunction can also lead to abnormal cholesterol levels, and diet has a significant impact as well. Thank you for your inquiry.[Read More] Understanding Thyroid Cancer Treatment: Managing Side Effects and Health Concerns
Can Intestinal Fluids and Mucus Transmit HIV Through Feces?
Transmission route: intestinal fluid? Feces from individuals infected with HIV may contain intestinal fluids and mucosa. Can these intestinal fluids and mucosa transmit the HIV virus?
Dr. Liao Zhongxin Reply:
Although the viral load in the gastrointestinal tract is not as high as in blood or genital organs, it still possesses a certain level of infectivity.[Read More] Can Intestinal Fluids and Mucus Transmit HIV Through Feces?
Could Oral Contact with a Massage Therapist Lead to Infection?
Infection concerns? Hello doctor, I visited a massage parlor on March 1st and licked the massage therapist's nipple. I know this is very unhygienic, but at that moment, due to some issues, I was emotionally unstable and acted foolishly. Starting on the night of March 3rd, I ...
Dr. Liao Zhongxin Reply:
In addition to HIV, there are other sexually transmitted infections (STIs) or skin diseases that can be transmitted through contact. HIV is primarily spread through unprotected sexual intercourse, sharing of drug injection needles, and vertical transmission from mother to child, ...[Read More] Could Oral Contact with a Massage Therapist Lead to Infection?
Understanding HIV Testing and Symptoms: What You Need to Know
HIV testing issues? On March 3rd, I engaged in high-risk sexual behavior. On March 12th, I began experiencing symptoms similar to the early stages of an acute infection, with a rash resembling herpes appearing on my temples. By March 13th, I also developed rashes on my body, and ...
Dr. Liao Zhongxin Reply:
Please refer to the information from the Centers for Disease Control (CDC). If you encounter any of the above high-risk situations, you can visit a nearby medical facility for consultation and testing, or you may also perform a rapid test on your own.[Read More] Understanding HIV Testing and Symptoms: What You Need to Know
Understanding Chronic Pyelonephritis: Causes, Symptoms, and Risks
Chronic pyelonephritis Hello, Doctor: Three years ago, I had acute pyelonephritis (with high fever and severe pain) but did not get hospitalized for intravenous antibiotics; I only took the oral antibiotics prescribed by my doctor for 7 days. During that time, I had irregular fol...
Dr. Zhang Shixin Reply:
Hello Ms. Chen: 1. Chronic pyelonephritis is usually caused by recurrent acute infections. If a child has repeated urinary tract infections along with congenital issues (such as vesicoureteral reflux or renal hypoplasia), they are more likely to develop this condition. 2. A uri...[Read More] Understanding Chronic Pyelonephritis: Causes, Symptoms, and Risks
Understanding Skin Rashes and Positive ANA: What You Need to Know
Rash and ANA positive at 1:80? Hello Doctor, I would like to ask about some recent developments. I have noticed three new red spots on the skin of my right cheek. Upon closer inspection, they seem to resemble either subcutaneous bleeding or pigmentation, but they are neither pain...
Dr. Gao Jiankai Reply:
Hello, thank you for your questions. Here are my responses: 1. Should I be concerned about my ANA test results? Does a change from negative to positive indicate that my health is deteriorating? --> Since the value is still quite low (80) and within an acceptable range, I reco...[Read More] Understanding Skin Rashes and Positive ANA: What You Need to Know
Understanding Persistent Skin Rashes: Possible Immune System Disorders
Red rashes on the back, posterior legs, arms, and anterior chest, with itching at night that makes it impossible to sleep, and some areas of skin peeling? Since January 2024, the patient has been experiencing symptoms and has visited three clinics where eczema or urticaria was su...
Dr. Zeng Guosen Reply:
The skin condition described by the netizen seems to be unrelated to the positive antinuclear antibody (ANA) titer of 1:5120. There may be other autoimmune diseases involved, and it is advisable to seek further medical evaluation. It is recommended to first visit a dermatology de...[Read More] Understanding Persistent Skin Rashes: Possible Immune System Disorders
Understanding Elevated White Blood Cell Counts: When to Seek Further Evaluation
Elevated white blood cell count? Hello Doctor, I would like to ask about my condition. I have mild thalassemia and iron deficiency anemia. Recently, my blood tests have shown elevated white blood cell counts, sometimes over 100,000 and at times 110,000, but the differential white...
Dr. Zeng Guosen Reply:
The user's white blood cell count is between 10,000 and 11,000 (normal is ≤10,000), which is within a reasonable range and should not be a concern. If there are any doubts, it is advisable to consult a hematologist for further evaluation. Thank you.[Read More] Understanding Elevated White Blood Cell Counts: When to Seek Further Evaluation
Understanding the Link Between Cholesterol Levels and Thyroid Function
Cholesterol and Thyroid? Hello, doctor. I would like to ask about my recent health check-up. After receiving the report, I found that my white blood cell count is 3200, eosinophils are 1.2, cholesterol is 256, low-density lipoprotein (LDL) is 133, high-density lipoprotein (HDL) i...
Dr. Li Jian Reply:
To determine if the thyroid is underactive, TSH levels must be assessed. High-density lipoprotein (HDL) is considered good cholesterol and cannot be lowered. Thank you for your inquiry.[Read More] Understanding the Link Between Cholesterol Levels and Thyroid Function
Does Wisdom Tooth Extraction Affect Inflammation Levels in Ankylosing Spondylitis?
Does having wisdom teeth removed surgically affect inflammation levels? Hello Dr. Tseng, I am 20 years old and a patient with ankylosing spondylitis. I had my wisdom teeth removed on February 22, and my cheeks were swollen and painful afterward. It has been 11 days since the proc...
Dr. Zeng Guosen Reply:
After surgery, swelling and pain may affect ESR/CRP levels, but unless it's severe, the impact is limited. Just inform your physician, and they will make the assessment. 2. In the case of sports injuries, such as sprains, muscle strains, or joint injuries, generally, they do...[Read More] Does Wisdom Tooth Extraction Affect Inflammation Levels in Ankylosing Spondylitis?
Understanding Blood in Stool: Causes and Solutions for IBS Symptoms
Rectal bleeding Recently, I seem to have developed irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). I often go to the bathroom two to three times a day; sometimes I have diarrhea, and other times I just pass gas without having a bowel movement. Most of the time, my stools are somewhat constipated...
Dr. Zhang Shixin Reply:
Hello: If there is bleeding when wiping the anus but no blood is found in the stool, it may be due to hemorrhoids. Contributing factors include a diet low in fiber, frequent diarrhea or constipation, prolonged sitting or standing, and irregular lifestyle habits. If there is persi...[Read More] Understanding Blood in Stool: Causes and Solutions for IBS Symptoms