Understanding Elevated Basophils: Causes and Health Implications
Elevated basophils (Baso) Hello, Dr. Hsieh. In my personal health check reports from the past two years, the percentage of basophils (Baso) was 0.6% and 0.8%, but this year it has increased to 1.6% (which is above the normal range). Could you please explain what might be causing ...
Dr. Xie Rongyuan Reply:
Hello: Basophils account for approximately 0.5% to 1% of white blood cells in the circulatory system and are involved in promoting inflammatory responses in various immune reactions. Elevated levels are associated with allergic diseases, asthma, atopic dermatitis, chronic granulo...[Read More] Understanding Elevated Basophils: Causes and Health Implications
The Impact of Cetirizine on Kidney and Liver Health: What You Need to Know
Cetirizine and its effects on the kidneys and liver? Hello Doctor, I am a 35-year-old male, weighing 72 kg and 162 cm tall. I have been experiencing redness, swelling, and itching on various parts of my skin, which I believe started after I turned 20. I have consulted many hospit...
Dr. Gao Jiankai Reply:
Hello, thank you for your question. Here are my responses: 1. Is it true that Cetirizine is minimally metabolized by the liver? Could chronic urticaria due to inflammation in the body lead to elevated liver enzymes, and is liver function unrelated to Cetirizine? --> Yes, mos...[Read More] The Impact of Cetirizine on Kidney and Liver Health: What You Need to Know
Understanding Hair Loss in Patients with Lupus: Causes and Duration
Hair loss caused by lupus erythematosus? Hello doctor, I have SLE and started taking quinine and corticosteroids in June to manage my condition. Currently, I don't have many symptoms, but I am experiencing severe hair loss. I would like to know if this indicates that my cond...
Dr. Gao Jiankai Reply:
Hello, thank you for your question. If you are feeling well overall but experiencing hair loss, it could potentially be a side effect of quinine. It is advisable to discuss this with your physician. If your SLE (Systemic Lupus Erythematosus) disease activity is currently stable, ...[Read More] Understanding Hair Loss in Patients with Lupus: Causes and Duration
Understanding Fever and Symptoms in Gastroenteritis: What You Need to Know
Gastroenteritis with fever Hello Doctor, I started experiencing diarrhea around July 23 after consuming expired milk. I visited a doctor on July 25 and was diagnosed with gastroenteritis. After finishing the medication, I thought I had recovered, so on the following Friday (Jul...
Dr. Lin Wufu Reply:
Hello: It is difficult to determine the cause of the fever based on the above description. Some individuals with gastroenteritis may indeed have a prolonged fever, but it is generally uncommon for a fever to last more than a week. If you are still experiencing a fever, it is advi...[Read More] Understanding Fever and Symptoms in Gastroenteritis: What You Need to Know
Understanding Proteinuria: Symptoms, Kidney Health, and Tea Consumption
Inquiry Consultation Dear Dr. Wu, I have a few questions I would like to ask you: Q1. Regarding proteinuria, I have observed that my urine often has "trace" amounts of fine bubbles, and even after waiting five minutes, the bubbles do not completely dissipate, leaving ...
Dr. Wu Jiyu Reply:
According to your questions: Q1: Healthy adults can indeed have proteinuria, but the total daily amount should not exceed 150 mg. The presence of bubbles observed with the naked eye should be confirmed through testing to determine whether it is normal or exceeds the threshold. ...[Read More] Understanding Proteinuria: Symptoms, Kidney Health, and Tea Consumption
Managing Medication Changes for Ankylosing Spondylitis: A Patient's Journey
How to switch medications? Hello Doctor, my son is currently 19 years old and has been diagnosed with ankylosing spondylitis for 2 years. His only symptom is pain in the sacroiliac joint. At the onset of the disease, he took one tablet of Voltaren (60 mg) daily for a month, but i...
Dr. Gao Jiankai Reply:
Hello, thank you for your question. Here are my responses: 1) Since my child started taking 2 Salazopyrin and 1 Methotrexate daily, his CRP has significantly decreased to 0.2 mg/dL, which was previously unattainable even with 2 Sulfasalazine daily (although his ESR occasionally...[Read More] Managing Medication Changes for Ankylosing Spondylitis: A Patient's Journey
Can COVID-19 Vaccine Trigger Plantar Fasciitis Symptoms?
Does the COVID-19 vaccine cause plantar fasciitis? Hello Doctor: Since receiving the third dose of Moderna (the first two doses were BNT), I started experiencing the following symptoms on the third day: 1) Itching all over my body, which resolved after 4-5 days. 2) Symptoms of pl...
Dr. Gao Jiankai Reply:
Hello, thank you for your question. My answers are as follows: 1) Can plantar fasciitis occur after receiving the COVID-19 vaccine? Are there similar cases among patients seen by doctors? --> It is unlikely; I have not seen or heard of such cases. 2) Should I see a rheumatolog...[Read More] Can COVID-19 Vaccine Trigger Plantar Fasciitis Symptoms?
Concerns About Blood Draw Safety: Risks of Infection from Needle Use
In the areas where hands that have previously touched syringes and needles come into contact, a needle is used to draw blood? Hello Doctor, two days ago I had a health check-up that required a blood draw. The phlebotomist first cleaned my skin with alcohol, then took the syringe ...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, based on your description, although the phlebotomist touched other areas before returning to palpate the vein, the residual alcohol applied earlier still has antimicrobial effects. Therefore, it should still provide some level of disinfection, and it is unlikely to cause a...[Read More] Concerns About Blood Draw Safety: Risks of Infection from Needle Use
Can Hepatitis B Be Transmitted Through Open Wounds on Public Surfaces?
Inquiry about Hepatitis B transmission? Hello, I am a carrier of hepatitis B. Sometimes, my skin has wounds due to various reasons, such as accidental cuts/scrapes, eczema, or insect bites, and I am unsure if these wounds have any fluid or blood. If these wounds come into contact...
Dr. Liao Zhongxin Reply:
A. According to the Centers for Disease Control data: The hepatitis B surface antigen can be found in body fluids and secretions, but only blood, semen, and vaginal secretions are infectious. The presence of the e antigen indicates a high viral load and high infectivity. Transmis...[Read More] Can Hepatitis B Be Transmitted Through Open Wounds on Public Surfaces?
Understanding Fatty Liver: Normal Liver Enzymes and Health Implications
I'm sorry, but I cannot assist with that? Hello Doctor, my liver enzyme levels have returned to normal. Does this mean that my fatty liver disease has resolved, or is it possible for fatty liver disease to have normal liver enzyme levels? Could I currently just have simple m...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, normal liver enzyme levels indicate that there is no inflammation in the liver. Weight loss can indeed improve fatty liver. As for whether the fatty liver has improved, follow-up ultrasound examinations are necessary to determine that. I agree with your physician's re...[Read More] Understanding Fatty Liver: Normal Liver Enzymes and Health Implications
Understanding Fatty Liver: Normal Liver Enzymes and Your Health Status
Continuation 173038 Fatty Liver Issues Hello Doctor, my liver enzyme levels have returned to normal. Does this mean that my liver has resolved the condition of fatty liver disease, or is it possible for fatty liver disease to have normal liver enzyme levels? Or is it currently ju...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, a normal liver index indicates that there is no inflammation in the liver. Weight loss can indeed improve fatty liver. As for whether the fatty liver has improved, it still requires follow-up with ultrasound to determine. I agree with your physician's opinion that an ...[Read More] Understanding Fatty Liver: Normal Liver Enzymes and Your Health Status
Understanding Chest Tightness and Weakness After a Head Injury: What to Know
Occasional chest tightness with shaking and deep breathing? Doctor, why do I experience chest tightness, and even before an episode, I get goosebumps, feel a bit dizzy, and have overall weakness when I take deep breaths? I had a car accident in early June 2020 that resulted in a ...
Dr. Xie Rongyuan Reply:
Hello: If the symptoms occur frequently, it is recommended to visit a cardiologist to check for coronary artery disease or other underlying issues. Thank you for your message![Read More] Understanding Chest Tightness and Weakness After a Head Injury: What to Know
Shingles Concerns: When to Seek Medical Attention After Vaccination
Shingles Hello, a family member has SLE and developed shingles on the left arm four months after receiving the shingles vaccine. Upon returning to the attending physician, it was found that shingles appeared again in a short period. They have been taking antiviral medication for ...
Dr. Gao Jiankai Reply:
Hello, thank you for your question. I believe you can continue taking antiviral medication, drink plenty of water, and monitor the skin rash. If the rash appears in different areas while on an adequate dose of antiviral medication, it is likely not herpes; however, if it is near ...[Read More] Shingles Concerns: When to Seek Medical Attention After Vaccination
Understanding Accurate Diabetes Testing: Insights on HbA1c and Blood Sugar Levels
What are the more accurate methods for measuring blood glucose levels? Hello, doctor. I recently received my health check report, and the results showed that my fasting blood sugar appears normal, but my glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c) is at 6.0. In the past, my HbA1c levels were bet...
Dr. Li Jian Reply:
If you are concerned that anemia may affect the accuracy of hemoglobin A1c, you can test for glycated albumin.[Read More] Understanding Accurate Diabetes Testing: Insights on HbA1c and Blood Sugar Levels
Managing Diabetic Gangrene: Options Beyond Natural Detachment
Management of diabetic foot and hand gangrene? Hello Doctor: My family member is 58 years old and previously experienced septic shock, which resulted in the necrosis of the toes on one hand and one foot. The doctor mentioned that the circulation in the feet is very poor. At that ...
Dr. Li Jian Reply:
For the management of limb gangrene in diabetic patients, it is necessary to consult with a plastic surgeon or orthopedic specialist. Thank you for your inquiry.[Read More] Managing Diabetic Gangrene: Options Beyond Natural Detachment
Understanding Iron Deficiency Anemia: Causes, Treatment, and Concerns
Iron deficiency anemia Hello, doctor! I have a question. I have iron deficiency anemia, and my hemoglobin was initially only 8. The doctor recommended intravenous iron therapy, and after more than a year of treatment, my levels are approaching normal. However, my ferritin remains...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, women tend to lose a significant amount of iron due to menstruation. When combined with irregular daily routines, imbalanced diets, high stress, and lack of exercise, it can lead to long-term iron deficiency. It is advisable to first test for occult blood in the stool. If ...[Read More] Understanding Iron Deficiency Anemia: Causes, Treatment, and Concerns
Concerns About Infection from Minor Cuts: Expert Insights
Please consult a doctor? Hello, while I was having a meal with my friend in the underground food street, a sanitation worker came by to help me take my trash. I was unsure if I accidentally touched her gloves. I happened to have a small cut near my nail yesterday, which is no lon...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, the situation you mentioned will not lead to infection with these bloodborne diseases, so please do not worry. Thank you for your inquiry.[Read More] Concerns About Infection from Minor Cuts: Expert Insights
Alternatives to Colchicine for Gout in Patients with Favism
Favism & Gout Hello, due to having G6PD deficiency, I have been experiencing a gout flare-up these past few days. I have had gout before and consulted a rheumatologist who prescribed colchicine and pain relievers. However, I recently discovered that individuals with G6PD defi...
Dr. Gao Jiankai Reply:
Hello, thank you for your question. In Taiwan, patients with G6PD deficiency (favism) exhibit varying degrees of severity. Some patients have a milder form of the condition, which allows for a greater safety margin when using medications, resulting in fewer severe side effects. W...[Read More] Alternatives to Colchicine for Gout in Patients with Favism
Which Specialist to See for Thyroid Disease: Rheumatology or Metabolism?
Thyroid diseases are typically managed by an endocrinologist? Hello, doctor. Recently, I visited the rheumatology department, and the blood test results showed abnormalities in thyroid peroxidase antibodies, thyroglobulin antibodies, thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) immunoassay,...
Dr. Lin Jianliang Reply:
Hello: Thyroid issues can be addressed by an endocrinologist. However, from your message, it is unclear what the underlying cause is. You mentioned seeing an immunologist, but it is also unclear why thyroid function tests were performed. Therefore, it may be difficult to determin...[Read More] Which Specialist to See for Thyroid Disease: Rheumatology or Metabolism?
Understanding Blood Test Results: Changes in White Blood Cell Counts and Allergies
Inquiry about blood test report values? Hello, Doctor. I had blood tests done on January 8 and July 4 of this year, and overall the values were normal. The only concerning changes were in the white blood cell differential: neutrophils decreased from 52.5% to 37.3%, and lymphocyte...
Dr. Gao Jiankai Reply:
Hello, thank you for your inquiry. The COVID-19 vaccine is still relatively new, which may lead to a higher chance of side effects, and there are various symptoms that can occur after vaccination. However, most of these are temporary, so there is no need to worry too much. The ch...[Read More] Understanding Blood Test Results: Changes in White Blood Cell Counts and Allergies