Can Allergies Affect Inflammatory Markers Like CRP and ESR?
Does allergies affect inflammation levels? Hello Doctor: My son is 19 years old and has had allergies since childhood. Over a year ago, he was diagnosed with ankylosing spondylitis. He is currently being treated with Wankesit and Celebrex. In his most recent follow-up appointment...
Dr. Gao Jiankai Reply:
Hello, thank you for your question. Here are my responses: 1) Can allergies cause an increase in CRP and ESR? --> Not necessarily. Most of the time, they do not, but severe allergies may cause an increase. 2) My child currently has a CRP of 0.5 and an ESR of 20. Could part ...[Read More] Can Allergies Affect Inflammatory Markers Like CRP and ESR?
Understanding Persistent Upper Right Abdominal Discomfort: Possible Causes
The body has been experiencing issues for a long time? For the past two to three months, I have been experiencing a sensation of heat and swelling in the upper right abdomen, near the lower edge of the ribs (specifically in the area just above the navel and slightly below the rig...
Dr. Gao Jiankai Reply:
Hello, thank you for your inquiry. The likelihood of multiple myeloma is low, as the levels of immunoglobulins (such as IgG, IgA, and IgM) are within normal ranges, and the albumin/globulin ratio is also normal, so there is no need to worry about myeloma. As for the pain below th...[Read More] Understanding Persistent Upper Right Abdominal Discomfort: Possible Causes
Understanding U-PCR and Urinary Protein: Implications for Kidney Health
The relationship between U-PCR (Urine Protein-to-Creatinine Ratio) and kidney function? Hello, doctor. I would like to ask about a recent health check-up for a 72-year-old male. The U-PCR result is 1336.47, indicating significant proteinuria (+++). Is this indicative of a problem...
Dr. Lin Wufu Reply:
Hello, U-PCR 1336.47 or urine bag protein 3+ are both indicators of proteinuria, which is most commonly associated with diabetes, but may also indicate other intrinsic kidney issues. Your overall kidney function is currently normal, but it is still recommended to schedule an appo...[Read More] Understanding U-PCR and Urinary Protein: Implications for Kidney Health
Managing High Fasting Blood Sugar and Cholesterol Levels: A Guide
Health check-up shows elevated fasting blood glucose levels? Hello Doctor, I had a health check-up in 2021 with a fasting blood glucose level of 100 mg/dL and low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol of 139 mg/dL. On January 15, 2022, my fasting blood glucose was 112 mg/dL and t...
Dr. Lin Jianliang Reply:
Hello: It is recommended to avoid foods and beverages that contain alcohol. Fruits and carbohydrate-rich foods, such as desserts, can also lead to issues with blood sugar and blood lipids. It is advised to have a controlled diet for breakfast, and to exercise regularly and consis...[Read More] Managing High Fasting Blood Sugar and Cholesterol Levels: A Guide
Understanding Blood Abnormalities: Treatment Options and Guidance
Blood disorders Dear Doctor, regarding the following lab results, there are multiple abnormalities in the blood. How should they be treated? Thank you! WBC (White Blood Cell Count): 8590 /μL RBC (Red Blood Cell Count): 5.32 x 10^6 /μL Hgb (Hemoglobin): 10.5 g/dL Hct (Hemat...
Dr. Lin Jianliang Reply:
Hello, please refer to the Hematology department. Thank you.[Read More] Understanding Blood Abnormalities: Treatment Options and Guidance
Understanding Your HIV Test Results: What You Need to Know
HIV testing issues Hello, doctor. I apologize for bothering you, but I would like to ask you a few questions. Recently, I underwent testing for sexually transmitted infections, including syphilis, gonorrhea, and HIV, and all results were negative. However, I have some concerns re...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, the main concern is the potential for a window period and sensitivity issues with the tests. The HIV Ag/Ab Combo has a higher sensitivity, but the HIV I/II O/p24Ag test is also quite reliable. Overall, your chances of being negative are very high. However, if you truly bel...[Read More] Understanding Your HIV Test Results: What You Need to Know
Understanding ANA Test Results: What Do They Mean for Your Health?
Antinuclear antibody (ANA) issues? Hello Doctor, my blood test report shows an ANA antibody titer of 1:80 with Pattern 1: homogeneous and Pattern 2: fine speckled. In a second test at a different hospital, the ANA was 40 (-). The doctor said there are no antibodies, and the anti-...
Dr. Gao Jiankai Reply:
Hello, thank you for your questions. Here are my responses: 1. The first test showed an ANA titer of 1:80, but the second test showed none at all. Does this mean there is a higher chance of being negative and healthy? --> I believe the antibody levels may be low, which can le...[Read More] Understanding ANA Test Results: What Do They Mean for Your Health?
Understanding Renal Vascular Compression and Stent Surgery Risks
Renal blood vessels Renal vascular compression due to the position of the abdominal aorta and mesenteric veins. After undergoing stent placement surgery in July last year, a follow-up CT scan in December revealed stent displacement causing renal vascular compression again. The do...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, based on your description, the stent procedure is likely intended to address concerns regarding the renal and mesenteric blood vessels, as there may be worries about the impact on the kidneys and intestines. It is advisable to follow your physician's recommendation to...[Read More] Understanding Renal Vascular Compression and Stent Surgery Risks
Can I Take Salazopyrin and Wanket After Dinner Instead?
Seroquel medication schedule? Dear Doctor: I am a patient with ankylosing spondylitis. Currently, I am taking Celebrex (two capsules, each 500 mg) and Voltaren (one capsule, 60 mg). The prescription states to take them once a day after breakfast, but since my breakfast time is qu...
Dr. Gao Jiankai Reply:
Hello, thank you for your inquiry. Yes, the Allergy, Immunology, and Rheumatology Department of Changhua Hospital, Ministry of Health and Welfare, is here to assist you.[Read More] Can I Take Salazopyrin and Wanket After Dinner Instead?
Understanding Ear Pain and COVID-19 Exposure: Your Health Questions Answered
Question inquiry? Hello, I have two questions to ask. Yesterday, I experienced pain when pressing on the scalp area above my right ear near the temple while washing my face, and I'm worried about what disease it could be. However, I remembered that a couple of days ago, I ad...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, 1. Regarding the headache, it is suspected to be either localized myofascial inflammation or tension-type headache based on your description. Since it has improved, there should be no need for special treatment at this time; observation is sufficient. 2. If everyone is...[Read More] Understanding Ear Pain and COVID-19 Exposure: Your Health Questions Answered
Should I Consider Rehabilitation for Ankylosing Spondylitis Pain?
Should I go to a rehabilitation department for stiffness? Hello Doctor: I am a 20-year-old patient with ankylosing spondylitis. I would like to ask you a few questions: 1) Initially, I only experienced pain in my left buttock (no pain in other areas). After taking Celebrex, the...
Dr. Gao Jiankai Reply:
Hello, thank you for your inquiry. Here are my responses: 1) Initially, I only experienced pain in my left buttock (no pain in other areas). After taking Celecoxib, the pain subsided. However, after stopping the medication for 1.5 months, I began to experience pain only in my ri...[Read More] Should I Consider Rehabilitation for Ankylosing Spondylitis Pain?
Understanding Infection Risks from Injections: Subcutaneous vs. Intramuscular
Infection issues? When receiving an injection, if I did not pay attention to whether the needle was new, and considering that I am not in Taiwan where the equipment is reusable, the injection was administered subcutaneously or intramuscularly. 1. What is the risk of infection for...
Dr. Liao Zhongxin Reply:
1. According to data from the Centers for Disease Control, 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 of infection. B. B...[Read More] Understanding Infection Risks from Injections: Subcutaneous vs. Intramuscular
Understanding Blood Sugar Fluctuations: Dawn Phenomenon or Poor Sleep?
Diabetes issues Hello Doctor, I was diagnosed with diabetes in early February. I would like to ask you about my blood sugar levels. On the evening of February 23rd, after taking my blood sugar medication following dinner, my blood sugar was 94 two hours post-meal. However, my fas...
Dr. Li Jian Reply:
This is typically referred to as the dawn phenomenon, which is commonly observed in patients with diabetes.[Read More] Understanding Blood Sugar Fluctuations: Dawn Phenomenon or Poor Sleep?
Understanding eGFR and Creatinine Levels: Should You Be Concerned?
eGFR, creatinine Hello doctor, I would like to ask about my situation. In September 2021, my blood test showed an eGFR of 67.06 and a creatinine level of 1. After seeing these values outside the normal range, I consulted my doctor, who suggested that if I was concerned, I could h...
Dr. Huang Yaoxuan Reply:
Hello Ms. Chi, you mentioned that you have had two blood creatinine tests in the past six months, with results of 1 and 1.1, and eGFR values of 67.06 and 60.08, respectively. The urine test report indicated no issues. Here is some information for your reference: 1. eGFR stands f...[Read More] Understanding eGFR and Creatinine Levels: Should You Be Concerned?
Possible Causes of Swelling and Pain in the Right Ring Finger Joint
The possible causes of swelling and pain in the first joint of the right hand's ring finger may include: 1. **Osteoarthritis**: Degenerative joint disease that can cause pain and swelling in the joints. 2. **Rheumatoid Arthritis**: An autoimmune condition that leads to infl...
Dr. Gao Jiankai Reply:
Hello, thank you for your inquiry. Based on your symptoms, I suspect you may have trigger finger, and I recommend having another physician take a look. The occurrence of trigger finger is related to overuse of the fingers, but in some cases, the cause remains unclear. Additionall...[Read More] Possible Causes of Swelling and Pain in the Right Ring Finger Joint
Understanding Low Positive ANA Results: Concerns and Implications
Antinuclear antibody (ANA) titer 1:80 inquiry? Hello, Director. I apologize for bothering you, but I would like to ask you a few questions. In October of last year, I had a blood test at Taichung Veterans General Hospital that revealed an ANA titer of 1:80 (the hospital considers...
Dr. Gao Jiankai Reply:
Hello, thank you for your questions. Here are my responses: 1. Is it possible that the abnormal ANA antibodies in October are caused by thyroid antibodies? --> Yes, it is possible. Since ANA is a comprehensive screening antibody, when weakly positive or positive, it should be...[Read More] Understanding Low Positive ANA Results: Concerns and Implications
Understanding Nausea and Discomfort: Common Gastrointestinal Issues
Nausea and discomfort? In the past few days, I have been experiencing a nauseating sensation in my throat. It's not painful, but it feels like something is there, and I can't seem to burp it out. Additionally, I occasionally feel mild discomfort in my upper left abdomen...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, what you mentioned seems to be different conditions. Nausea and upper abdominal pain may suggest gastritis, and a light diet is recommended, which should help improve the skin condition on your hands. Since I haven't seen it directly, I cannot make a definitive diagno...[Read More] Understanding Nausea and Discomfort: Common Gastrointestinal Issues
Understanding Injection Risks: HIV and Hepatitis Concerns Explained
Injection issues? Hello, I have a follow-up question for the doctor. Previously, I mentioned that I was unsure whether the injection equipment was new, as I am not getting vaccinated in Taiwan. The injection equipment should be reusable. If the injection is administered subcutane...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, in most advanced countries, needles are typically disposable, so such situations are rare. In the unfortunate event of being pricked by a contaminated needle, if there is no protection, previous large-scale studies indicate that the risk of Hepatitis B is approximately 3-5...[Read More] Understanding Injection Risks: HIV and Hepatitis Concerns Explained
Understanding STD Risks from Kissing and Oral Contact in Massage Settings
Half-service establishments, French kissing, and wet kissing? Hello, doctor. Recently, I visited a massage parlor where I engaged in several minutes of French kissing, wet kissing, mutual nipple licking, fondling, finger stimulation, and manual stimulation with massage oil, but I...
Dr. Liao Zhongxin Reply:
1. According to data provided by the Centers for Disease Control, 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 of infectio...[Read More] Understanding STD Risks from Kissing and Oral Contact in Massage Settings
Understanding Ankylosing Spondylitis and Its Impact on Immunity
Ankylosing spondylitis and immunity? Hello Doctor, I am currently 18.7 years old. I have already received the first dose of the BNT vaccine and am considering self-paying for the first dose of a biologic agent and the second dose of the BNT vaccine. I would like to ask you: 1) Ho...
Dr. Zeng Guosen Reply:
1) Some biologic agents have effects, while others do not; please consult the attending physician. 2) Autoimmune diseases can have fluctuating conditions, and vaccines may also have an impact, so it is important to consider the actual situation. 3) Generally, in ankylosing spondy...[Read More] Understanding Ankylosing Spondylitis and Its Impact on Immunity