Understanding Abnormal Immune System Test Results: ANA, C3, and C4 Explained
Immunological System Abnormalities in Test Report Hello Doctor, I have been troubled for a long time by occasional bone pain and itching. About two years ago, I visited a rheumatology and immunology specialist, and my ANA titer was 1:1280. A few days ago, I had a follow-up appoin...
Dr. Gao Jiankai Reply:
Hello, thank you for your question. Here are my responses: 1. What does a decrease in the ANA index indicate? Does it mean a gradual return to normal? --> The ANA index can fluctuate over time, influenced not only by the patient's physical condition but also by the testi...[Read More] Understanding Abnormal Immune System Test Results: ANA, C3, and C4 Explained
Managing Recurrent Rheumatism: Impact of Traditional and Western Medicine
Symptoms of recurrent rheumatic fever? Hello, Doctor. After experiencing persistent pain for three months, I was diagnosed with recurrent rheumatism. One day I woke up with morning stiffness in both hands, but it disappeared after two days. Later, my doctor prescribed quinine. Be...
Dr. Gao Jiankai Reply:
Hello, thank you for your inquiry. Here are my responses: 1. I will be undergoing a blood test in the next few days to check the status after taking quinine for a month. I would like to know if the concurrent use of traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) and Western medicine will af...[Read More] Managing Recurrent Rheumatism: Impact of Traditional and Western Medicine
Understanding Your Blood Test Results: Key Insights and Implications
Blood Test Report Hello Doctor, I am the person who asked question 210066. The ANA Pattern 1 is Dense Fine Speckled (AC-2), the ANA Titer 1 is 1:80, the Anti-RNP Antibody is 0.6 U/ml (reference value [<10.0]), the Anti-La and Anti-Ro are both <0.3 (both reference values: Ne...
Dr. Gao Jiankai Reply:
Hello, thank you for your inquiry. My opinion remains the same as before. In the information you provided, the abnormal result is ANA, while other tests such as anti-RNP, anti-LA, anti-Ro, anti-Sm, anti-ds DNA, and anti-Cardiolipin IgG are normal. The latter tests are conducted t...[Read More] Understanding Your Blood Test Results: Key Insights and Implications
Understanding Oral Ulcers: Causes, Treatment, and Risks of Transmission
Oral ulcer Hello, I have a few questions for the doctor. 1. I have been experiencing recurrent oral ulcers for 2 to 3 years. I have undergone blood tests at a major hospital, and everything came back normal. I have been taking colchicine, 2 tablets a day, which has improved my ...
Dr. Gao Jiankai Reply:
Hello, thank you for your question. Here are my responses: 1. I have been experiencing recurrent oral ulcers for 2 to 3 years. Blood tests at a major hospital showed no issues. Taking colchicine, 2 tablets a day, has improved my symptoms, but they recur after reducing the dosage...[Read More] Understanding Oral Ulcers: Causes, Treatment, and Risks of Transmission
Understanding Lupus Nephritis: Key Questions About Diagnosis and Recovery
Questions related to lupus erythematosus and kidney biopsy? Hello Dr. Gao, I was diagnosed with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) in 2012, and recently underwent a kidney biopsy that confirmed class III lupus nephritis. I have some questions related to lupus and the kidney bio...
Dr. Gao Jiankai Reply:
Hello, thank you for your questions. Here are my responses: 1. If the biopsy results indicate Class III lupus nephritis, is it possible for treatment to reduce it to Class I or II lupus nephritis, or even to have no nephritis at all? --> The classification may change, but the...[Read More] Understanding Lupus Nephritis: Key Questions About Diagnosis and Recovery
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
Frequent Styes: Understanding Causes and Seeking Medical Advice
Frequent occurrence of styes? Hello Doctor: Since last year, I have been preparing for the national exam, and starting in May of this year, I have been experiencing frequent styes, approximately once a month. Recently, just last week, I had a stye on my left eye, and today I have...
Dr. Gao Jiankai Reply:
Hello, thank you for your inquiry. Since the symptoms are mostly non-specific, it is difficult to pinpoint where the issue lies. If you are very concerned, you may consider undergoing a comprehensive health check-up. If the results are normal but you continue to experience recurr...[Read More] Frequent Styes: Understanding Causes and Seeking Medical Advice
Frequent Styes: Understanding Causes and When to Seek Help
Frequent occurrence of styes? Hello Doctor: Since last year, I have been preparing for the national exam, and starting in May of this year, I have been experiencing frequent styes, approximately once a month. Recently, just last week, I had a stye on my left eye, and today I deve...
Dr. Gao Jiankai Reply:
Hello, thank you for your inquiry. Since the symptoms are mostly non-specific, it is difficult to pinpoint the exact issue. If you are very concerned, you may start with a comprehensive health check-up. If the results are normal but you continue to experience recurrent styes or c...[Read More] Frequent Styes: Understanding Causes and When to Seek Help
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
Can Allergic Reactions Increase HIV Infection Risk Through Mucous Membranes?
HIV Transmission Routes (Allergy) I have an allergic constitution, so my eyes, nose, and ears are easily itchy. To relieve the itching, I often use my hands to touch the mucous membranes of my eyes, ears, and nose. If my hands have HIV-infected bodily fluids and I continuously to...
Dr. Liao Zhongxin Reply:
According to the data from the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) in Taiwan, there are three main routes of HIV transmission: A. Sexual transmission: Engaging in oral, anal, or vaginal intercourse or other exchanges of bodily fluids with an HIV-infected individual carries a risk o...[Read More] Can Allergic Reactions Increase HIV Infection Risk Through Mucous Membranes?
Can Long-Term Use of Salazopyrin Cause Permanent Hair Loss?
Does taking Salopecia for an extended period cause hair loss side effects that prevent the restoration of original hair volume even after discontinuation? Hello Dr. Tseng, my son is 20 years old and was diagnosed with ankylosing spondylitis at the age of 17. He started taking two...
Dr. Zeng Guosen Reply:
Hello, (1) hair loss is more related to individual constitution, and hair loss due to SSRIs is quite rare. (2) If it is indeed caused by SSRIs, discontinuing the medication can lead to recovery. It is recommended to return for a follow-up and discuss with the attending physician....[Read More] Can Long-Term Use of Salazopyrin Cause Permanent Hair Loss?
Understanding STD Testing and Risks After Unprotected Oral Sex
Sexually Transmitted Infection (STI) Testing Hello, doctor. 1. After engaging in high-risk behavior, I went to the hospital for an HIV PCR test and a syphilis test 10 days later, and both results were negative. I only engaged in [unprotected oral sex from a male to a female]. I...
Dr. Lin Wufu Reply:
1. It is recommended to monitor for at least 3 months to definitively rule out infection. Each individual's constitution varies, so there is no exact timeframe; however, in rare cases, the window period for the virus can extend up to 3 months. 2. Typically, infectiousness is...[Read More] Understanding STD Testing and Risks After Unprotected Oral Sex
Should You Repeat Allergy Testing After 5 Years? Understanding Changes in Allergens
Is it necessary to repeat the allergen testing for the same allergens that were tested five years ago? Hello Dr. Tseng: I am 21 years old and have had an allergic constitution since childhood. When I was 16, I underwent an allergen test (M25-130-Z MAST ALLERGY) at Chang Gung Memo...
Dr. Zeng Guosen Reply:
Over 90% of individuals with chronic allergies cannot identify the cause. Even though allergens may change over a span of five years, MAST ALLERGY testing for 36 allergens still does not alter the treatment strategy. Thank you.[Read More] Should You Repeat Allergy Testing After 5 Years? Understanding Changes in Allergens
Do You Need to Repeat Allergy Testing After Five Years?
Do allergens need to be tested repeatedly? Hello, Doctor Gao: I am 21 years old this year and have had an allergic constitution since childhood. When I was 16, I underwent allergen testing (M25-130-Z MAST ALLERGY) at Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, which tested 36 allergens, all of...
Dr. Gao Jiankai Reply:
Hello, thank you for your question. Here are my responses: 1) I still have some allergic symptoms, but I'm not sure what the allergens are. Is it necessary for me to undergo the 36-item allergen test again? Generally speaking, is there a high probability that something tha...[Read More] Do You Need to Repeat Allergy Testing After Five Years?
Understanding Rheumatoid Arthritis and Its Connection to Autoimmune Antibodies
Rheumatoid Arthritis and Antinuclear Antibodies Hello Doctor, I would like to ask you: 1. I have been experiencing knee joint pain for a while (but there is no redness or swelling). It hurts when I am at rest, and sometimes other bones in my lower body also ache slightly. I am ...
Dr. Gao Jiankai Reply:
Hello, thank you for your questions. Here are my responses: 1. I have been experiencing knee joint pain for a while (but without redness or swelling). It hurts when I am not moving, and sometimes other bones in my lower body also ache slightly. I am unsure if this is an early sy...[Read More] Understanding Rheumatoid Arthritis and Its Connection to Autoimmune Antibodies
Common Health Concerns: Food Safety, Skin Issues, and Child Hygiene
Please consult a doctor? Hello, Doctor. 1. If a bag containing food is placed on the footrest of a motorcycle, will the food inside the bag be contaminated with bacteria or be unclean? I'm concerned because shoes are often placed on the footrest, so I'm worried about ...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, 1. The main concern is the spoilage of food that has been stored for too long. As long as it is sealed properly, the location should not significantly affect it. 2. Hello, this is likely due to low temperatures causing skin cracking. I recommend applying some moisturiz...[Read More] Common Health Concerns: Food Safety, Skin Issues, and Child Hygiene
Common Health Concerns: Allergies, Hygiene, and Urinary Tract Infections
May I ask the doctor? Hello, Doctor. I would like to ask you a few questions: 1. Are individuals with allergic constitutions more prone to bloating? I often need to walk after meals to aid digestion, and I wonder if this is due to my constitution or a problem with my digestive ...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, 1. Some people have slower gastrointestinal motility, and taking a short walk after eating foods that are prone to causing bloating can indeed help alleviate bloating issues. 2. Unless exposed to contaminated water, it is unlikely to cause an infection. 3. Yes, holding...[Read More] Common Health Concerns: Allergies, Hygiene, and Urinary Tract Infections
Understanding COVID-19: Addressing Taste and Smell Issues
COVID-19 Hello doctor, I was diagnosed with COVID-19 and started experiencing severe nasal congestion three days after testing positive. I still have taste (I can distinguish different foods), but I need to be very close to objects to smell them (though my sense of smell is not c...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, 1. Yes. 2. Most people will gradually recover; it just takes some time. 3. This is not certain; each individual's constitution is different. However, after more than a week, most symptoms should gradually improve. Thank you for your question.[Read More] Understanding COVID-19: Addressing Taste and Smell Issues
How Long Does It Take for Kidney Stones to Shrink and Pass?
How long does it take for kidney stones to shrink and be expelled? In August of this year, I underwent a renal ultrasound at Taipei Shin Kong Hospital, which revealed two kidney stones measuring 0.7 cm each (asymptomatic). There was no proteinuria and no signs of chronic kidney a...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, what you have done is already the basic necessary steps. However, kidney stones may not pass out due to individual differences in body constitution and location. Since your stone is small and you do not have any specific symptoms, it can indeed be monitored long-term. Emer...[Read More] How Long Does It Take for Kidney Stones to Shrink and Pass?
Understanding False Positives in Syphilis Testing: A Case Study
Is it possible for a treponemal test to yield a false positive result? I am 36 years old. In August, I donated blood and received a notification that my TPHA was positive and RPR was negative. In January, my blood donation results were still normal, all negative. In November, I w...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, the two indices for syphilis, RPR and TPHA, show that RPR is more sensitive and can easily yield false positives, which may turn negative after syphilis treatment. On the other hand, the chance of false positives with TPHA is very low, and it typically remains positive eve...[Read More] Understanding False Positives in Syphilis Testing: A Case Study