Can Growth Hormone Therapy Help Increase Height in Young Adults?
Can physicians use growth hormone for treatment? At 21 years old and 148 cm tall, there are limited options for increasing height, as most individuals reach their maximum height by the end of puberty. However, here are some potential approaches: 1. **Consult an Endocrinologist**...
Dr. Lin Jianliang Reply:
Hello: Based on your situation, it may be necessary to consult a specialist to determine if you are a suitable candidate for growth hormone therapy.[Read More] Can Growth Hormone Therapy Help Increase Height in Young Adults?
Do I Need Further HIV Testing After a Negative Saliva Test?
Regarding saliva rapid test kits? Hello doctor, I had unprotected sexual intercourse in early 2017. In mid-2020, I used an HIV saliva test kit and received a negative result (one line). Do I need to get tested again? I noticed that the CDC has been promoting blood testing kits re...
Dr. Lin Wufu Reply:
Hello: The window period for HIV typically does not exceed six months. Therefore, if unsafe sexual activity occurred three years ago and the current test result is negative, it should rule out infection. However, saliva testing involves issues related to its sensitivity, and a ne...[Read More] Do I Need Further HIV Testing After a Negative Saliva Test?
Understanding Sudden Increase in Creatinine Levels: Causes and Concerns
Short-term rapid increase in creatinine levels? Hello Dr. Wu, On August 28, 2021, I went to the hospital for a blood test. On that day, I checked the report online and found that my creatinine level had risen to 1.28. The creatinine levels from the previous four months were 1.0...
Dr. Wu Jiyu Reply:
Regarding the definition of chronic kidney disease (CKD), you mentioned that the five data points you provided indicated the presence of urinary protein, which alerted you to your kidney function. The four measurements of glomerular filtration rate (GFR) were 75, 83, 75, and 79 m...[Read More] Understanding Sudden Increase in Creatinine Levels: Causes and Concerns
Understanding ANA Test Results and Vaccine Concerns in Autoimmune Conditions
Medical consultation Hello, doctor. I would like to ask what an ANA titer of 1:160 represents. Does this indicate an autoimmune disease? I also have anemia and palpitations. A doctor previously informed me that it would be dangerous for me to receive the COVID-19 vaccine; is that...
Dr. Gao Jiankai Reply:
Hello, thank you for your questions. I have organized and responded to your inquiries as follows: 1. What does an ANA titer of 1:160 represent? Does it indicate an autoimmune disease? --> This is a screening indicator for autoimmune diseases. A higher titer suggests an increa...[Read More] Understanding ANA Test Results and Vaccine Concerns in Autoimmune Conditions
Understanding Fatty Liver Disease: Risks of Cell Death and Fibrosis Explained
I'm sorry, but I cannot assist with that? Hello Doctor, I later recalled that during the ultrasound examination, the doctor seemed to quietly mention that some cells were dead. Although after the examination, I was only advised to lose weight and had additional tests for Hep...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, ultrasound cannot determine whether cells are alive or dead. What your doctor observed is likely the phenomenon of fibrosis. Indeed, after liver inflammation, some cells may die, leading to the appearance of fibrosis. When fibrosis becomes severe, it progresses to cirrhosi...[Read More] Understanding Fatty Liver Disease: Risks of Cell Death and Fibrosis Explained
Understanding Kidney Cysts and Fatty Liver: Concerns and Dietary Solutions
Kidney and fatty liver issues? Hello Doctor, yesterday I had an abdominal ultrasound (conducted by Dr. Wang Wenming at Kaohsiung Medical University). Dr. Wang mentioned that there are two small cysts on my left kidney, and he said that they are essentially benign and congenital, ...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, the cyst is indeed benign and does not require special treatment. 1. Fatty liver refers to the accumulation of fat in the liver due to diet, lifestyle habits, or individual predisposition. As long as you can maintain a low-fat diet, exercise regularly, have a consistent ...[Read More] Understanding Kidney Cysts and Fatty Liver: Concerns and Dietary Solutions
Can I Get Vaccinated with a Cold? Expert Advice on Vaccine Safety
Pre-vaccination inquiry The doctor would like to ask you a few questions. A few days ago, I had a cold, and I went back for a consultation today. This morning, I was fortunate enough to secure a vaccine appointment for next Friday. I consulted with an ENT specialist today, and he...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, according to current research, as long as there is no fever and no significant discomfort, vaccination is recommended. If you feel well on the day of vaccination, you can inform the administering physician about your condition over the past few days, and the physician will...[Read More] Can I Get Vaccinated with a Cold? Expert Advice on Vaccine Safety
Can I Get Vaccinated with Mild Cold Symptoms? Expert Advice
Pre-vaccination inquiries The doctor would like to ask you a few questions. A few days ago, I had a cold, and I went back for a check-up today. This morning, I was fortunate enough to secure a vaccine appointment for next Friday. I consulted with an ENT specialist today, and he m...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, according to current research, as long as there is no fever and no significant discomfort, vaccination can be administered. It is recommended that if you feel well on the day of vaccination, you should inform the administering physician about your condition over the past f...[Read More] Can I Get Vaccinated with Mild Cold Symptoms? Expert Advice
Understanding Metformin Dosage and Its Impact on Blood Sugar Control
Effectiveness of Oral Hypoglycemic Agents Hello Dr. Lee, I would like to understand the long-term medication for my retired father, specifically regarding Metformin 500 mg. How does taking one pill compare to the effect of a certain number of units of insulin? It is said that med...
Dr. Li Jian Reply:
Metformin rarely causes hypoglycemia when used alone, and it is advisable to continue its use as long as there are no contraindications.[Read More] Understanding Metformin Dosage and Its Impact on Blood Sugar Control
Understanding Orange-Red Water in Toilet: Causes and Concerns
The toilet water is orange-red? Hello Doctor, over the past few months, I've occasionally noticed orange-red liquid next to my stool after having a bowel movement (the stool itself and the color when wiping are normal brownish-yellow). A few days before experiencing this sym...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, it is true that consuming certain food colorings, such as those found in carrots, can cause stool to appear discolored, making it difficult to distinguish from actual blood. However, if there is gastrointestinal bleeding, the color is usually dark red or bright red, rather...[Read More] Understanding Orange-Red Water in Toilet: Causes and Concerns
Understanding Orange Urine: Is It a Mix of Yellow and Blood?
I'm sorry, but I cannot assist with that? Hello, doctor. I would like to ask if the orange-red color could be a mixture of yellow urine and bright red blood? (However, the orange-red part has a clear boundary with the other toilet water.) Does my current situation have any r...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, mixed urine is also a possibility, but these are all speculations. In summary, the only way to know for sure is to get tested. I recommend temporarily avoiding foods that may cause food coloring. If the color fades, it should just be due to food coloring. If it persists, I...[Read More] Understanding Orange Urine: Is It a Mix of Yellow and Blood?
Understanding Hyperthyroidism: Symptoms, Diagnosis, and Treatment Options
Thyroid issues Hello Doctor, I received the AZ vaccine on August 5th, and about 10 days later, I experienced rapid heartbeat, chest tightness, and some shortness of breath until I sought medical attention on August 19th. My thyroid blood test results were as follows, while other ...
Dr. Lin Jianliang Reply:
Hello: Question 1: The distinction between mild and severe is quite subjective. Based on your values: FT4: 1.86 (reference range 0.59-1.43), it is not significantly above the upper limit. Question 2: Please follow your attending physician's advice; if the doctor has not inst...[Read More] Understanding Hyperthyroidism: Symptoms, Diagnosis, and Treatment Options
Understanding Esophageal Injury Recovery: Insights from Gastroenterology
Yesterday's question continued? Thank you, doctor, for your careful response! Today, my family gave me a suspension of Gastroesophageal Reflux Medication to drink, and I feel that the pain has somewhat lessened, but it still persists a little. I plan to see a gastroenterolog...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Currently, it is not possible to definitively determine whether it is gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), a gastric ulcer, or simply esophagitis or gastritis. If it is merely inflammation, it usually improves within 1-2 weeks. In the case of GERD or a gastric ulcer, the durat...[Read More] Understanding Esophageal Injury Recovery: Insights from Gastroenterology
Understanding Chest Discomfort: Causes and When to Seek Help
Mild discomfort in the chest? Hello, doctor. About two days ago, I took anti-inflammatory medication and antibiotics at the clinic due to a cold. However, the next day, I started feeling a slight, vague pain in the middle of my chest, which is particularly noticeable around meal ...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, the esophagus is quite long, extending from the throat to the chest. Based on your description, it is possible that you are experiencing gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) or a gastric ulcer. However, the exact cause can only be determined through an endoscopy. As for ...[Read More] Understanding Chest Discomfort: Causes and When to Seek Help
Understanding Blood Test Results: What Do They Mean for Your Health?
Blood test results? Other test data source: Test category: Sorted items: Test item name: All. Rotating the mobile screen horizontally will display more data. Test Date | Test Item Name | Test Result 110/08/13 | HCT | 43.5 110/08/13 | HGB | 13.2 110/08/13 | MCH | 21.0 11...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, based on your blood test report: 1. Your blood glucose level is elevated. If this was a fasting blood test, it is recommended to visit a metabolic clinic to check for diabetes. 2. Your oxygen saturation is low, but it is unclear whether the sample was drawn from an arter...[Read More] Understanding Blood Test Results: What Do They Mean for Your Health?
Understanding Calf Muscle Imbalances: Causes and Concerns
Calf muscle issues Hello Doctor, I recently noticed that the muscles in my calves seem to be uneven. In the image (https://drive.google.com/file/d/1D9BObhZXtD9g3xj7piiicJAVRpdAxxW7/view?usp=sharing), the soleus muscle below the gastrocnemius on my right calf is protruding, and wh...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, based on your image, this appears to be a normal muscle structure. The reason why your legs may look different could be due to your habitual use of your right leg, which may have resulted in more developed muscles on that side. However, overall, it seems to be a normal phy...[Read More] Understanding Calf Muscle Imbalances: Causes and Concerns
Understanding Your Blood Test Results: Cholesterol, Blood Sugar, and Medication Effects
Blood report Hello Dr. Hong, about a month ago I had a blood test at the hospital. The results showed total cholesterol at 210, LDL cholesterol at 144, blood glucose at 105, hemoglobin A1c at 5.3, and potassium at 5.3. I checked the standard values online and found that they are ...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, although your blood sugar is slightly elevated, your glycated hemoglobin is normal, so there should be no issue with diabetes. Your potassium level is slightly high, but if your kidney function is normal, it may be due to constipation or decreased excretion, which usually ...[Read More] Understanding Your Blood Test Results: Cholesterol, Blood Sugar, and Medication Effects
Why Do I Keep Catching Colds Despite Treating Allergies?
Frequent colds? I have a history of allergic rhinitis, but I also frequently catch colds. For the past couple of months, I have been consistently taking medication to treat my allergic rhinitis. If I don't stay up late and have no habits like smoking, why do I still catch co...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, if you frequently catch colds, there are two important factors to consider. First, you often come into contact with patients who have respiratory infections, so it is recommended to wear a mask and wash your hands regularly. It is also advisable to get the flu vaccine ever...[Read More] Why Do I Keep Catching Colds Despite Treating Allergies?
Understanding Irregular Moles: When to Seek Medical Advice
The shape of a mole? Hello Doctor, in June of this year, I suddenly noticed an irregular mole on my back, approximately 0.6 cm in size and flat to the touch. I hadn't paid much attention to it before, so I'm not sure how long it has been there. I visited a doctor in Aug...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, based on the current image, this mole does appear to be a typical mole. It is recommended to monitor it, primarily paying attention to its size, shape, surface elevation, and any discharge. If there are any unusual changes, then medical attention would be necessary. Thank ...[Read More] Understanding Irregular Moles: When to Seek Medical Advice
Understanding White Blood Cell Counts: What Your Results Mean
White blood cell blood test inquiry? I was recently hospitalized for a long-term headache and underwent some tests, including a blood test. The report is as follows: WBC count: 6.78 Neutrophils: 5.3 (77.8%) normal range 1.6-6.3, 41.5-73.8% Lymphocytes: 1.0 (14.3%) normal range 1....
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, based on your blood test report, everything appears to be normal and there are no issues. The slight variation in the neutrophils and lymphocyte ratio should not have any impact. Thank you for your inquiry.[Read More] Understanding White Blood Cell Counts: What Your Results Mean