Consulting a Doctor: Understanding Your Blood Test Results
Consult a doctor regarding examination issues? Doctor, I would like to ask if this is really not a concern? Although the family medicine doctor told me today that it’s okay and not to worry too much. These two red numbers are Lymphocyte 54.7% and Neutrophil Seg. However, the doct...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, regarding the blood cell part, it is indeed as your physician mentioned. If the white blood cell count is normal, the neutrophils and lymphocytes are just a matter of ratio and usually do not require concern. As for the cholesterol levels, the elevation is likely due to a ...[Read More] Consulting a Doctor: Understanding Your Blood Test Results
Managing High Cholesterol: Tips for Balancing HDL and LDL Levels
High total cholesterol Hello, Doctor. During my health check-up, I found that my total cholesterol is above the normal range. I have noticed a trend of increasing total cholesterol in the past few years: total cholesterol (161→186→194→227), triglycerides (60→58→82→79). This time,...
Dr. Lin Jianliang Reply:
Hello: 1. Currently, there are no primary methods for treating elevated high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol; however, if HDL cholesterol levels are already high, it is advised not to supplement with related health products. 2. If HDL cholesterol is elevated, do not supplem...[Read More] Managing High Cholesterol: Tips for Balancing HDL and LDL Levels
Understanding C3 and C4 Levels: What to Do When Symptoms Persist?
Complement C3 & C4 Every morning when I wake up, my hands are swollen and stiff, and I experience pain in the joints when bending my fingers. Blood tests showed an erythrocyte sedimentation rate of 16, rheumatoid arthritis factor tests (immunoturbidimetry) were less than 20, ...
Dr. Gao Jiankai Reply:
Hello, thank you for your inquiry. Your C3 level is slightly low, but this may just be a variation due to your constitution, so there is no need to worry too much. Other tests are normal. I believe that if your morning stiffness lasts for a short duration, such as less than half ...[Read More] Understanding C3 and C4 Levels: What to Do When Symptoms Persist?
Understanding Unusual Breathing Sounds: When to Seek Medical Advice
Regarding respiratory issues? Hello, doctor. I have a question. Sometimes my breathing sounds very loud (not during sleep). It’s like after normal breathing, there’s a sudden loud exhale, and it feels like I have tightness in my chest and can’t breathe out properly. I’m not sure ...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, 1. Regarding the respiratory sounds, being overweight can cause airway compression, which may lead to wheezing or audible breathing. If you are feeling very uncomfortable, you can visit an outpatient clinic for an X-ray to ensure that your lungs are healthy. If it is alr...[Read More] Understanding Unusual Breathing Sounds: When to Seek Medical Advice
Understanding Loud Breathing: Causes and When to Seek Help
Regarding respiratory issues? Hello, doctor. I have a question. Sometimes my breathing sounds very loud (not during sleep). It's like after normal breathing, there will suddenly be a loud exhalation, and it feels like I have a tightness in my chest and can't breathe out...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, 1. Regarding respiratory sounds, being overweight can cause airway compression, which may lead to wheezing or audible breathing. If you are feeling very uncomfortable, you can visit an outpatient clinic for an X-ray to confirm that your lungs are in good condition. If it...[Read More] Understanding Loud Breathing: Causes and When to Seek Help
Understanding Complement Levels and Autoimmune Disease Risks: Key Insights
Follow-up questions regarding complement system? Hello, doctor. Thank you for your response. In your previous article, you mentioned that complement proteins are produced by the liver, so liver disease can lead to decreased complement levels. For normal individuals, it is related...
Dr. Gao Jiankai Reply:
Hello, thank you for your questions. Here are my responses: 1. Are you asking if low complement levels in healthy individuals could increase their likelihood of developing autoimmune diseases in the future, or if individuals who already have autoimmune diseases could have low co...[Read More] Understanding Complement Levels and Autoimmune Disease Risks: Key Insights
Understanding Slightly Low Complement C3 Levels in Healthy Individuals
The complement C3 level is slightly low in a normal individual? Hello Doctor, The results of my health check report show that both the anti-nuclear antibody and specific antibodies are negative. Complement C3: 86.8 (reference value 87-120), Complement C4: 19.1 (reference value ...
Dr. Gao Jiankai Reply:
Hello, thank you for your question. Here are my responses: 1. What could cause a slightly low complement level in a normal healthy person? --> Complement proteins are produced by the liver, so liver disease can lead to decreased complement levels. In a healthy individual, it ...[Read More] Understanding Slightly Low Complement C3 Levels in Healthy Individuals
Understanding Elevated RF Levels: Implications for Autoimmune Disorders
Rheumatoid factor (RF) is elevated in rheumatoid arthritis? Hello Doctor, I have had an allergic constitution since childhood and have been receiving treatment in the rheumatology and immunology department for long-term issues related to my nose and urticaria. During my last visi...
Dr. Gao Jiankai Reply:
Hello, thank you for your inquiry. If the test results mentioned above are all the examinations you have undergone, I believe there are additional tests that can be arranged. If you are very concerned and unsure about whether to take quinine, I suggest you consult another rheumat...[Read More] Understanding Elevated RF Levels: Implications for Autoimmune Disorders
Understanding Bitter Taste: Possible Causes and When to Seek Help
Bitter taste in the mouth issue? Hello doctor, for the past couple of days, every time I smell the scent of disinfectant alcohol, I experience a bitter taste coming from my throat. This never happened before when I was exposed to disinfectants. I would like to ask if this could i...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, based on your description of a bitter taste in your throat, it is more likely related to gastroesophageal reflux or the taste from your oral cavity. These are often related to individual constitution and should not be a cause for concern if there are no other symptoms. I r...[Read More] Understanding Bitter Taste: Possible Causes and When to Seek Help
Understanding ANA Levels: Key Insights for Autoimmune Concerns
Autoimmunity Hello Doctor, I went to see a dermatologist for hair loss and had a blood test, which showed an ANA value of 80, negative. The doctor told me to see a rheumatologist if I experience joint pain or related issues. I would like to ask: 1. Are there any methods to preven...
Dr. Gao Jiankai Reply:
Hello, thank you for your questions. Here are my responses: 1. Is there any way to prevent ANA levels from rising? --> A positive ANA is part of an individual's constitution and generally does not change significantly. However, slight variations may occur due to differen...[Read More] Understanding ANA Levels: Key Insights for Autoimmune Concerns
Understanding Sudden Food Allergies and Hives: Key Insights
Suspected food allergy? Hello Dr. Hong, over the past two nights, I have suddenly developed what appears to be hives, primarily on my right hand. My mother and sister are allergic to shrimp and crab, and on the night of September 22, I ate scallops and started experiencing some i...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, 1. Based on your description, it does seem like an allergic reaction. Since each individual's constitution is different, the symptoms may resolve quickly or persist for several days. 2. Even with the same food, such as shrimp or crab, the allergens can vary due to ...[Read More] Understanding Sudden Food Allergies and Hives: Key Insights
Understanding Fast Heart Rate: When to Seek Further Metabolic Testing
Tachycardia Hello doctor, I was previously informed that I have a fast heartbeat (for 2-3 years). Recently, I visited a cardiologist, and the test results were normal. The doctor also checked my thyroid and said the values were normal (TSH - 3.120, Free T4 - 1.36, T3 was not test...
Dr. Li Jian Reply:
If thyroid function is normal, there is no need to visit the endocrinology department for an examination.[Read More] Understanding Fast Heart Rate: When to Seek Further Metabolic Testing
Postpartum Weight Loss: Understanding Health Concerns After Pregnancy
Significant weight loss after childbirth? Hello Doctor, before my pregnancy, my weight was approximately 65 kg (height 159 cm, BMI was overweight). During my pregnancy, I had gestational diabetes and used short-acting insulin (once in the morning). At the time of delivery, I weig...
Dr. Li Jian Reply:
Postpartum weight loss can also be evaluated by checking thyroid function, as thyroid dysfunction can affect weight.[Read More] Postpartum Weight Loss: Understanding Health Concerns After Pregnancy
Choosing the Right COVID-19 Vaccine for Individuals with Antibody Issues
COVID-19 vaccine I have some questions regarding COVID-19 vaccination. In the past, when I was around 20 years old, I received the hepatitis B vaccine but did not develop antibodies. Last year, after a company health check, someone suggested that I get vaccinated again. At the ag...
Dr. Gao Jiankai Reply:
Hello, thank you for your message. The reasons for not producing antibodies after receiving the hepatitis B vaccine include whether the recipient has other chronic illnesses and factors related to individual constitution (gene expression). Research on the ability to produce effec...[Read More] Choosing the Right COVID-19 Vaccine for Individuals with Antibody Issues
Understanding Easy Bruising, Petechiae, and Frequent Nosebleeds in Children
Easy bruising, petechiae, and nosebleeds? Dear Director Gao, My daughter is currently 7 years old. Over a year ago, we noticed that she easily develops bruises on her body, although we are unsure if she has bumped into something. These bruises mostly occur around her knees and t...
Dr. Gao Jiankai Reply:
Hello, thank you for your message. Here are my thoughts: 1. The pediatric immunologist mentioned the possibility of thalassemia or iron deficiency anemia. Since many family members on my mother's side have thalassemia trait, does that mean my daughter is likely to have this...[Read More] Understanding Easy Bruising, Petechiae, and Frequent Nosebleeds in Children
Understanding Urticaria: Allergic Reactions or Medication Side Effects?
Is it simple urticaria, a drug allergy, or a side effect of antithyroid medication? I started experiencing hyperthyroidism on April 2nd and began taking Levothyroxine, one tablet twice a day, and Metoprolol, one to two tablets daily. On April 20th, a Bartholin gland cyst recurred...
Dr. Lin Wufu Reply:
Hello: Cephalosporins and penicillins have similar structures, and individuals who are allergic to one type have a 10-20% chance of being allergic to the other type of antibiotic. Therefore, it is indeed possible that you may also have an allergy to penicillin antibiotics. It is ...[Read More] Understanding Urticaria: Allergic Reactions or Medication Side Effects?
Impact of Toast and Jam on Digestion Time: What You Need to Know
Digestion time Hello, Doctor. 1. I would like to ask if eating just one or two slices of toast with strawberry jam will affect digestion time. I have consulted with doctors online who mentioned that consuming only toast may lead to gastric emptying starting about 15 minutes aft...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, the digestion of all foods is a continuous process, including the emptying of the stomach and the subsequent absorption in the duodenum. This is a dynamic process, and each individual may experience different digestive conditions due to physiological factors such as exerci...[Read More] Impact of Toast and Jam on Digestion Time: What You Need to Know
Is Your Immune System Weakening? Tips for Improvement
Is the immune system weakened? How can it be improved? Hello, Doctor Gao: Over the past six months, I have experienced occasional small cuts on my fingers that are difficult to heal, often taking 3-4 weeks (each time a small cut turns into a small area of skin ulceration, but th...
Dr. Gao Jiankai Reply:
Dear Mr. Chen, thank you for your message. Your symptoms are nonspecific, making it difficult to determine if there is an underlying immune dysfunction. I have a few suggestions as follows: 1. "Occasional small cuts on the fingers that are slow to heal, taking 3-4 weeks&qu...[Read More] Is Your Immune System Weakening? Tips for Improvement
Managing Recurring Health Issues: Insights for Chronic Conditions
What should I do? I often feel unwell and have been diagnosed with acute tonsillitis twice in the past two weeks. Prior to this, I was diagnosed with acute respiratory infection, sinusitis, bronchitis, gastroesophageal reflux disease, and so on. In previous inquiries, some sugges...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, based on your description, it is indeed most likely that you have an allergic constitution. Many people in Taiwan have this type of constitution, and with the recent severe air pollution, many individuals are experiencing similar symptoms to yours. I recommend that you eng...[Read More] Managing Recurring Health Issues: Insights for Chronic Conditions
Understanding Digestion Time: Rice vs. Toast and Noodles
Digestion time I would like to ask the doctor, for a person with a normal constitution, if eating only half a bowl of rice (100g) along with a small amount of easily digestible fish or meat can be mostly digested and emptied within an hour. Also, how does the digestion speed of f...
Dr. Li Jian Reply:
The stomach is responsible for grinding and sterilizing food, while complete digestion and absorption occur in the small intestine, with no fixed rate. In terms of gastric emptying time, carbohydrates and sugars are emptied the fastest, taking only about one hour.[Read More] Understanding Digestion Time: Rice vs. Toast and Noodles