Understanding Foot Pain: Is It Just a Bug Bite or Something More Serious?
Please ask your question? Hello, doctor. Recently, I've been experiencing some sleep disturbances. Today, after putting on my shoes and returning home, I noticed that my toe is painful and appears to have a bit of redness. When I touch the swollen area, it feels slightly rai...
Dr. Gao Jiankai Reply:
Hello, thank you for your inquiry. Regarding joint swelling and pain, it is recommended to first consult a rheumatologist to determine the underlying cause. Generally, rheumatoid arthritis presents with polyarticular swelling and pain, while the occurrence of a single joint flare...[Read More] Understanding Foot Pain: Is It Just a Bug Bite or Something More Serious?
Understanding Foot Pain: Causes and When to Seek Medical Advice
Please consult regarding toe issues? Hello, doctor. Yesterday, I stayed up late working on a report and only fell asleep around dawn, waking up after 10 AM. Later, I went out to buy something to eat, and when I returned home, I noticed that my right little toe was painful when I ...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, 1. Regarding the condition of your foot, based on the photos you provided, it appears to be folliculitis accompanied by cellulitis, which is usually caused by follicular obstruction. It is recommended to maintain cleanliness, and it should gradually improve over time. If...[Read More] Understanding Foot Pain: Causes and When to Seek Medical Advice
Understanding Blood Test Results: Concerns About Leukemia and Cholesterol Levels
Follow-up examination? Hello, I have a follow-up appointment to discuss my blood test results and I would like to take some of your time to ask the doctor some questions. On August 5, 2020, my lab results showed ALT 40, AST 22, Cholesterol 224, LDL 150, Neutrophils 26%, Lymphocyt...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, 1. Based on your previous reports, the likelihood of a viral infection causing your cold is high. Most colds are caused by viral infections, and a key characteristic of viral infections is an increase in lymphocytes and a decrease in neutrophils. It is recommended to ret...[Read More] Understanding Blood Test Results: Concerns About Leukemia and Cholesterol Levels
Understanding Blood Test Results: What Your Doctor Might Be Concerned About
Follow-up data and related issues? Hello, Doctor. I actually visited a family medicine clinic this morning because my liver enzyme levels were at 40 and my cholesterol was slightly over 200, so I have been following up every three months. However, this time the doctor suddenly su...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, as you mentioned, these values are all types of white blood cells, and they add up to 100%. Your main concern is that the lymphocyte ratio is too high, while the neutrophil/segment ratio is too low, along with the presence of atypical lymphocytes (a.lym). This situation ca...[Read More] Understanding Blood Test Results: What Your Doctor Might Be Concerned About
Understanding High hs-CRP Levels: What SLE Patients Should Know
Elevated hs-CRP!?? Hello, doctor. I am a patient with SLE, and during my recent follow-up visit, my blood test showed a high hs-CRP level of 40. However, the doctor did not mention it specifically, and I am a bit concerned. What does this value indicate? Is it related to cardiova...
Dr. Gao Jiankai Reply:
Hello, thank you for your question. hs-CRP does have units, and I believe the value of 40 is in mg/L, which is still considered elevated. There are many reasons that can cause hs-CRP to be elevated, including infections such as dental pain, diarrhea, colds, or recent surgery. The...[Read More] Understanding High hs-CRP Levels: What SLE Patients Should Know
Unexplained Fever: Navigating Persistent High Temperatures and Symptoms
Fever of unknown origin? Hello doctor, since July until now (August 26), my body temperature has been consistently elevated. The lowest temperature in July was 37.2°C, and it intermittently rose to 38°C. After a while, I started experiencing gastrointestinal discomfort, vomiting ...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, based on your description, it is possible that the fever is caused by some atypical infections or non-infectious conditions. There are indeed many potential reasons for this, and a detailed examination is necessary. If the fever persists, I recommend visiting an infectious...[Read More] Unexplained Fever: Navigating Persistent High Temperatures and Symptoms
Could Your Symptoms Indicate Ankylosing Spondylitis?
What is the likelihood of ankylosing spondylitis? Hello, Doctor Gao. At the beginning of April this year, I woke up one day with pain and stiffness in my shoulders and neck, making it almost impossible to turn my head normally. This lasted for more than a week, but then it gradua...
Dr. Gao Jiankai Reply:
Hello, thank you for your question. Based on your symptoms, the likelihood of you having ankylosing spondylitis is very low, so there is no need to worry; I believe your travel plans should not be affected. However, the issue of night sweats and fever still needs to be addressed....[Read More] Could Your Symptoms Indicate Ankylosing Spondylitis?
Is Vasculitis Serious? Understanding Risks and Implications for Young Patients
Is vasculitis serious? I previously experienced frequent lower back pain and visited a rheumatologist who mentioned it was similar to ankylosing spondylitis. Later, due to other health issues, I underwent blood tests again, and the doctor diagnosed me with vasculitis. He mentione...
Dr. Zeng Guosen Reply:
Hello, it seems that you have a positive result for cold agglutinin IgM (1+), which is abnormal. There are many types of vasculitis, and the severity depends on the symptoms and the extent of organ involvement. It is advisable to seek medical attention for a comprehensive underst...[Read More] Is Vasculitis Serious? Understanding Risks and Implications for Young Patients
Understanding Acute HIV Infection: Symptoms and Diagnosis
Acute HIV infection phase? Hello Doctor, I started feeling unwell around August 29, experiencing fever and fatigue. On August 30, I had blood tests showing a CRP of 7.490 (all other biochemical parameters were normal), WBC of 12,870, Neutrophils 70.8%, Lymphocytes 19.9%, and Mono...
Dr. Liao Zhongxin Reply:
Dear readers: According to the Centers for Disease Control website (http://www.cdc.gov.tw), there are three main routes of HIV transmission: 1. Sexual transmission: Engaging in oral, anal, or vaginal intercourse or other exchanges of bodily fluids with an HIV-infected individual ...[Read More] Understanding Acute HIV Infection: Symptoms and Diagnosis
Persistent Afternoon Fever: Understanding Chronic Symptoms and Causes
Fever every afternoon? Hello doctor, I have been experiencing a fever for over a month now, with temperatures gradually rising in the afternoon, ranging from 37.5 to 38.5 degrees Celsius. Two months ago, I had symptoms such as coughing and a runny nose, with occasional fevers aro...
Dr. Liao Zhongxin Reply:
Dear readers, regarding the above issue, here is my response. Hello, doctor. I have been experiencing a fever for over a month, with temperatures gradually rising in the afternoon, ranging between 37.5°C and 38.5°C. Two months ago, I had symptoms of cough and runny nose, with o...[Read More] Persistent Afternoon Fever: Understanding Chronic Symptoms and Causes
Understanding Chest Discomfort and Digestive Issues After Exercise
Left chest tightness, frequent belching after meals, and feeling the heartbeat while walking? Hello Doctor, at the beginning of April, I developed tendonitis in the ligaments of my right foot. Since I was going to Japan, I visited a clinic to obtain muscle relaxants and other com...
Dr. Li Zhiyao Reply:
Hello: 1. Considering your physical condition, I personally recommend that you consult a cardiologist at a major hospital for a more thorough evaluation. 2. Exercise should be based on the principle of avoiding injuries; the situation you described is indeed insufficient. It is n...[Read More] Understanding Chest Discomfort and Digestive Issues After Exercise
Understanding Blood Test Results: Assessing Chest Pain and Heart Attack Risk
Symbolic significance of specimens 1. The laboratory results you provided show the following values: - White blood cell count: 10,000 cells/µL (normal range is typically 4,000 to 11,000 cells/µL) - Neutrophils: 76.1% (normal range is usually around 40-70%) - Lymphocytes: 15.3% ...
Dr. Zeng Guosen Reply:
Hello, the only test result showing is a slightly elevated CRP at 0.8 (normal <0.5), while all other results are normal. Based on your tests and symptoms, a diagnosis of myocardial infarction cannot be made. If you have concerns, it is recommended that you consult a cardiologi...[Read More] Understanding Blood Test Results: Assessing Chest Pain and Heart Attack Risk
Understanding Diabetes Risk: Interpreting Your Blood Test Results
What is the likelihood of developing diabetes? Hello Doctor, Happy New Year! I would like to ask about my fasting blood test results after 12 hours: Mean Corpuscular Volume (MCV) 78.5, Hemoglobin 24.6, High-Sensitivity C-Reactive Protein (hs-CRP) 10.58, Glycated Hemoglobin (HbA1c...
Dr. Xiao Yongxun Reply:
1. Your fasting blood test report shows an average red blood cell volume of 78.5, hemoglobin of 24.6, high-sensitivity C-reactive protein of 10.58, glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c) of 7.7, GOT (AST) of 86, GPT (ALT) of 172, alkaline phosphatase of 110, total iron binding capacity of 5...[Read More] Understanding Diabetes Risk: Interpreting Your Blood Test Results
Understanding Unexplained Fever: Next Steps for Diagnosis and Treatment
Fever of unknown origin (FUO) - please advise on the next steps for medical evaluation? Hello, Doctor. Last winter, I occasionally experienced low-grade fever, chills, and muscle aches in the evenings (after 10 PM, with an ear temperature of 37.4 to 38°C). I had these symptoms ab...
Dr. Liao Zhongxin Reply:
Dear readers, 1. The significance of a CRP level of 2.3: An elevated CRP may indicate infection (bacterial/viral/fungal) or inflammation; both conditions can potentially cause fever. The former requires antibiotic treatment for bacterial infections, while the latter can be impr...[Read More] Understanding Unexplained Fever: Next Steps for Diagnosis and Treatment
Understanding RA Symptoms: Are They Related to Vasculitis?
Vasculitis? Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA)? Hello, doctor. I have been diagnosed with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) at a medical center due to polyarticular pain and a strongly positive anti-CCP test. I have been on medication for quite some time. Recently, I have been experiencing recurr...
Dr. Gao Jiankai Reply:
Hello, thank you for your message. Based on the symptoms you described, vasculitis is a possibility, and rheumatoid arthritis (RA) can also lead to vasculitis. However, vasculitis associated with RA typically occurs when medication control is inadequate or treatment is irregular....[Read More] Understanding RA Symptoms: Are They Related to Vasculitis?
Understanding Cellulitis: A Patient's 21-Day Struggle with Infection
Cellulitis, hospitalized for 11 days... on the 21st day... still suffering? Dear Dr. Liao, The patient does not have liver disease or diabetes and has sinusitis. The bacteria causing the infection and the substances they have been exposed to cannot be determined. The patient is ...
Dr. Liao Zhongxin Reply:
Dear readers: 1. If the knee is still swollen and round, rehabilitation exercises can be performed at the bedside or on a chair to improve circulation and reduce edema. 2. The goal is to keep the C-reactive protein (CRP) level below 1. Sometimes it may take a bit longer to gra...[Read More] Understanding Cellulitis: A Patient's 21-Day Struggle with Infection
Monitoring RA: The Role of Anti-CCP and RF in Disease Management
Monitoring of rheumatoid arthritis (RA) condition? Hello, Doctor Gao. When I was diagnosed with RA, in addition to multiple joints being inflamed and painful, my test results showed anti-CCP (>3+, strongly positive), RF (-), and ESR (+). After the diagnosis, the hospital infor...
Dr. Gao Jiankai Reply:
Hello, thank you for your question. In principle, for rheumatoid arthritis, blood tests are typically done every three months, unless there is a change in medication and there are concerns about potential side effects, in which case blood tests may be scheduled every two weeks to...[Read More] Monitoring RA: The Role of Anti-CCP and RF in Disease Management
Understanding Methylprednisolone: Effects on Liver Enzymes and Potassium Levels
Regarding steroids? Currently, due to vasculitis, I have been using methylprednisolone for three weeks. The initial dosage was an injection twice a day (30 mg each time), administered for three consecutive days, then reduced to half the dosage for another three days, followed by ...
Dr. Ke Zhengchang Reply:
Hello: Long-term use of steroids can lead to obesity and fatty liver, which may result in a mild increase in GOT (AST) and GPT (ALT) levels. However, it is essential to rule out the possibility of hepatitis B and C. Additionally, this may cause mild hypokalemia and an increase in...[Read More] Understanding Methylprednisolone: Effects on Liver Enzymes and Potassium Levels
Persistent Fever for 19 Days: Understanding Symptoms and Next Steps
Fever for 19 days? I have had a fever for 19 days, with intermittent spikes and drops in temperature. Seven days before the fever started, I underwent numerous tests, including WBC, CRP, platelet count, and other related blood tests in the infectious disease department, all of wh...
Dr. Qiu Zhengbin Reply:
Hello: Since your symptoms have not yet resolved and there are still reports pending from the rheumatology department, I recommend that you return to the rheumatology clinic to check for any issues. Wishing you a speedy recovery.[Read More] Persistent Fever for 19 Days: Understanding Symptoms and Next Steps
Understanding Prolonged Fever: When to Seek Medical Attention
Fever for one week? Fever for a week, with daily temperatures exceeding 38 degrees Celsius, except for one day. On the fourth day of the fever, I was examined in the infectious disease department of the hospital, where my WBC was 4400, CRP was 0.4, and platelet count was 298,000....
Dr. Qiu Zhengbin Reply:
Hello: Based on your description, there is a significant chance of a viral infection, and other possibilities such as tuberculosis or autoimmune diseases cannot be ruled out. If the fever persists, I recommend that you return to the hospital's infectious disease department f...[Read More] Understanding Prolonged Fever: When to Seek Medical Attention