Understanding Rheumatoid Arthritis: Symptoms, Triggers, and Healing Insights
Rheumatoid Arthritis - Condition Monitoring and Questions Hello, Dr. Gao: I have been diagnosed with seronegative rheumatoid arthritis for one year and am currently taking pain relievers, corticosteroids, and immunomodulators (quinine/enteric-coated tablets). My main symptoms are...
Dr. Gao Jiankai Reply:
Hello, thank you for your question. I will assume that your condition is "seronegative rheumatoid arthritis" for my response. Here is my summary: 1. After dinner, your fingers swell (and the swelling subsides after digestion). 2. During exercise, your fingers swell (an...[Read More] Understanding Rheumatoid Arthritis: Symptoms, Triggers, and Healing Insights
Understanding Prediabetes Diagnosis After Post-Meal Blood Sugar Test
Regarding the postprandial blood glucose test results in the United States indicating prediabetes? Hello Dr. Lee, I am approximately 169 cm tall and weighed 67.5 kg at the time of my examination on July 28. I have a history of ankylosing spondylitis (diagnosed in 2008) and am a ...
Dr. Li Jian Reply:
Glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c): A level of 5.8% is sufficient to diagnose prediabetes. HbA1c can be tested after meals, and a follow-up test can be conducted in three months.[Read More] Understanding Prediabetes Diagnosis After Post-Meal Blood Sugar Test
Understanding Antinuclear Antibodies and Lupus: A Patient's Guide
Antinuclear antibodies in systemic lupus erythematosus? ANA: Speckled 1:640 HLA-B27: Negative E.S.R: 61 Basophils: 1.0 Eosinophils: 1.0 Hemoglobin (Hb): 11.9 Hematocrit (Hct): 36.1 Lymphocytes: 28.2 Mean Corpuscular Hemoglobin (MCH): 25.3 Mean Corpuscular Hemogl...
Dr. Gao Jiankai Reply:
Hello, thank you for your inquiry. Your question regarding elevated ANA and ESR levels indicates that it is essential to further investigate the cause of the elevated ANA. Additional tests may be necessary to confirm your diagnosis, and I recommend consulting a rheumatologist for...[Read More] Understanding Antinuclear Antibodies and Lupus: A Patient's Guide
Understanding Throat Bleeding: Causes and Recovery Tips
The issue of having blood in the throat? Hello, Dr. Hong. Recently, I had a tonsil stone, and after using a cotton swab to try to remove it myself, it seemed to get inflamed and painful. I visited an otolaryngologist twice, and it eventually got better. The doctor advised me not ...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, based on your description, since the stone has already passed, it is indeed advisable to avoid using your tongue to poke at the area. The blood streaks should gradually resolve in a few days. As for staying up late, having an irregular schedule, and lack of exercise, these...[Read More] Understanding Throat Bleeding: Causes and Recovery Tips
Is Early Masturbation in Middle School Harmful to Development?
Masturbation during middle school? Doctor, may I ask if masturbating in the first year of junior high school is considered early? Will it affect the development of secondary sexual characteristics later on? How often should one masturbate to avoid any harm to the body? Lastly, th...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, 1. Masturbation at the age of 13 is not considered early. 2. It will not affect the development of secondary sexual characteristics later on. 3. There is no definitive answer to "how long should one wait between sessions of masturbation to avoid harm"; as lon...[Read More] Is Early Masturbation in Middle School Harmful to Development?
Can Oral Medications for Weight Loss Trigger Diabetes After Pregnancy?
Oral Fosfomycin Hello doctor, I would like to ask about gestational diabetes during pregnancy. My blood sugar was well controlled throughout, and even a year after giving birth, my blood sugar remains well controlled. Recently, I have been taking Orlistat 10 mg for weight loss fo...
Dr. Li Jian Reply:
Currently, there are no reported blood sugar medications that cause diabetes.[Read More] Can Oral Medications for Weight Loss Trigger Diabetes After Pregnancy?
Understanding Unusual Lip Color Changes: Causes and Solutions
The color of the lips is different from others? Hello Doctor: My lips, as shown in the linked photo (https://img.onl/el2H6z), are usually a purplish-black color, similar to the character Fujiki from "Chibi Maruko-chan." I didn't have this discoloration during infan...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, based on your photo, the color of your lips is only slightly darker but still within the normal range. Mitral valve prolapse and tricuspid regurgitation can indeed cause hypoxia, which may lead to darker lip color; however, if you do not experience shortness of breath, it ...[Read More] Understanding Unusual Lip Color Changes: Causes and Solutions
Understanding the Causes of Ankylosing Spondylitis: Is It Genetic or Lifestyle?
I would like to inquire about the causes of ankylosing spondylitis? Dear Doctor, Three years ago, I experienced tightness and discomfort in my upper back, and after being evaluated by two physicians, I was diagnosed with ankylosing spondylitis (AS). X-rays were taken, and I test...
Dr. Gao Jiankai Reply:
Hello, thank you for your message. Here are my responses to your questions: 1. Could multiple sexual partners and risky behaviors be the main causes of ankylosing spondylitis? --> I believe the physician who is concerned about your private life may suspect that your symptoms...[Read More] Understanding the Causes of Ankylosing Spondylitis: Is It Genetic or Lifestyle?
Missed the Golden Treatment Window for Rheumatoid Arthritis?
Did rheumatoid arthritis miss the golden period for treatment? Hello, doctor. For the past two to three years, I thought my joint pain was due to aging, but I only learned over a year ago that I have rheumatoid arthritis. Unfortunately, it has already caused damage to my foot joi...
Dr. Zeng Guosen Reply:
Hello, regarding the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis, the earlier the better. The first year after onset, or even the six months prior to the onset, is considered the golden period for treatment. However, as long as a diagnosis is confirmed, it is never too late to pursue aggre...[Read More] Missed the Golden Treatment Window for Rheumatoid Arthritis?
Understanding Sleep Duration and Quality: Is Timing Really Important?
Sleep duration and sleep length? It is commonly heard from doctors or elders that one should go to bed early and wake up early, with the advice to be in bed before 11 PM, otherwise it is considered staying up late. However, modern lifestyles have significantly changed compared to...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, according to the current state of modern individuals, sufficient sleep quality is indeed the most important factor, and most people need a regular routine to maintain sleep quality. Therefore, a regular schedule is recommended. As for whether going to bed early and waking ...[Read More] Understanding Sleep Duration and Quality: Is Timing Really Important?
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 Rapid Heartbeat and Kidney Health: Do You Need Dialysis?
Sought medical attention due to rapid heartbeat? Due to experiencing a rapid heartbeat and occasional lower back pain, a series of tests were conducted. Initially, it was thought to be a heart issue, but later it was found that the blood CR(B) level is 1.04, uric acid is 7.8, cho...
Dr. Wu Jiyu Reply:
Based on the data you provided, a serum creatinine level of 1.04 corresponds to an estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) greater than 60, which falls within the normal range, and there is no need to worry about dialysis. As for your elevated uric acid and cholesterol levels...[Read More] Understanding Rapid Heartbeat and Kidney Health: Do You Need Dialysis?
Understanding Swollen Ankles and Feet in Elderly Patients
Swelling of the ankle and dorsum of the foot in the elderly? Dear Doctor, My mother is 72 years old and has a history of hypertension, gastrointestinal issues, and chronic severe constipation. Recently, she has been experiencing swelling in her right ankle and the top of her fo...
Dr. Wu Hongjie Reply:
Hello: It is difficult to determine a definitive diagnosis from your description; I recommend following up with a nephrologist to identify the correct underlying cause.[Read More] Understanding Swollen Ankles and Feet in Elderly Patients
Understanding Tongue Pain: Is Your Foliate Papillae Normal or Not?
Issues with the tongue? I have been experiencing tongue pain that comes and goes for over three years. I have seen doctors multiple times, and they only noted that it appears red without any sores. After doing some research, it seems that I might be dealing with pain in the folia...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, 1. The foliate papillae are asymmetrical in all individuals, so there should not be any pathological changes in this area. 2. Regarding the pain in the tongue, the most common cause is accidentally biting it. If there are no other factors, typically staying up late, hi...[Read More] Understanding Tongue Pain: Is Your Foliate Papillae Normal or Not?
Understanding Hair Growth on Moles: Should You Be Concerned?
Hair growth on a mole? Hello Dr. Hong, I have a mole on my right arm that has been there for several years. It is about 0.3 mm in size, slightly raised, and has a fairly regular shape. It hasn't changed much over the years, but it has grown some hair. I would like to ask you...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, based on the photos you provided, it appears to be a typical mole. Even if it is prone to friction, it should not lead to any pathological changes. I recommend continuing to monitor its shape, size, and whether there are any secretions. If there are no significant changes,...[Read More] Understanding Hair Growth on Moles: Should You Be Concerned?
Understanding Your Immunology Blood Test Results: SSA and SSB Levels Explained
Examination Report The immune blood test report shows normal results, with SSA and SSB levels at 17.15. Are these considered positive? Are they normal?
Dr. Gao Jiankai Reply:
Hello, thank you for your message. The normal range values for SSA and SSB tests may vary slightly between hospitals, so it would be best to include the normal range from your test report for a more accurate assessment. Based on our hospital's reference normal range, your va...[Read More] Understanding Your Immunology Blood Test Results: SSA and SSB Levels Explained
Joint Pain and Stiffness: When to Seek Further Medical Evaluation
The finger joints are swollen and painful, but the doctor said it is not rheumatoid arthritis? Hello Doctor, since late last year, I have noticed stiffness in my finger joints upon waking up, which was mild at first. Recently, the frequency has increased, and almost every day my ...
Dr. Gao Jiankai Reply:
Hello, thank you for your message. An ANA value of 1:80 falls into a gray area. However, if you continue to experience joint pain and stiffness, along with occasional nighttime pain that disrupts your sleep, I recommend that you visit a rheumatology clinic to discuss your concern...[Read More] Joint Pain and Stiffness: When to Seek Further Medical Evaluation
Understanding Your Rheumatology Test Results: What Do They Mean?
Rheumatology and Immunology Examination Results I have been experiencing pain in my shoulders, neck, arms, and fingers for three months, and rehabilitation has not improved my condition. I consulted a rheumatologist, who ordered blood tests, and the results are as follows: ESR:...
Dr. Gao Jiankai Reply:
Hello, thank you for your message. The abnormal findings in your test report indicate a PATTERN of Homogeneous 1/640 (Positive) and a PATTERN of Speckled 1/640 (Positive), which are results for Antinuclear Antibodies (ANA). Antinuclear antibodies are one of the screening indicato...[Read More] Understanding Your Rheumatology Test Results: What Do They Mean?
Understanding Autoimmune Diseases: What You Need to Know
Autoimmune diseases Hello Doctor, last year I had a health check-up due to my studies, and since I was on my menstrual period that day, I experienced hematuria. After returning to the hospital for a follow-up, it was confirmed that there were no issues, and the cause of the hemat...
Dr. Gao Jiankai Reply:
Hello, thank you for your message. The following test results may be related to autoimmune diseases, and if necessary, further blood tests can be arranged: C3: 57.7, C4: 10.7, ANA: Dense fine speckled with a titer of 1:160. I'm not sure if your physician has already arranged...[Read More] Understanding Autoimmune Diseases: What You Need to Know
Understanding Cutaneous Lupus: Symptoms, Treatment, and When to Seek Help
cutaneous lupus Hello Doctor, I am currently in Germany. I have a large area of redness and swelling near my knee on my thigh, resembling a bruise, and it is itchy. Additionally, I have experienced hair loss and itching on my scalp in the past, but I'm not sure if it's ...
Dr. Gao Jiankai Reply:
Hello, thank you for your message. Cutaneous lupus may gradually develop into systemic manifestations, which is known as systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). Therefore, it is essential to have regular check-ups to determine whether the symptoms remain confined to the skin or if th...[Read More] Understanding Cutaneous Lupus: Symptoms, Treatment, and When to Seek Help