Understanding Abdominal Pain: Causes and When to Seek Help
Abnormal abdominal pain Hello, doctor. I am 29 years old and I have ankylosing spondylitis and chronic anemia (with an average hemoglobin level of about 20). I'm not sure if this is related to the events I've experienced. The first incident occurred when I was around 20...
Dr. Zheng Weijun Reply:
Hello, thank you for your detailed description. First, regarding your mention that "the average hemoglobin does not exceed 20," this value is within the normal range; the normal hemoglobin level for women is 12–16 g/dL, so your current hemoglobin level may not be abnorm...[Read More] Understanding Abdominal Pain: Causes and When to Seek Help
Understanding Rheumatoid Arthritis: Anxiety and Joint Pain Connection
Rheumatoid Arthritis Hello, Doctor. I have a tendency towards anxiety and hypochondria. Last October, I visited a doctor because my fingers would stiffen when I was nervous, and I often experienced joint pain. Initially, I consulted a neurosurgeon who examined me and suggested th...
Dr. Gao Jiankai Reply:
Hello, thank you for your inquiry. Here are my responses: 1. Can the test results change from normal to abnormal after six months? --> Yes, changes may occur. 2. Does the doctor think it's necessary for me to see a rheumatologist again? --> Your symptoms are mild, s...[Read More] Understanding Rheumatoid Arthritis: Anxiety and Joint Pain Connection
Can My Son Continue Taking Salazopyrin for Ankylosing Spondylitis?
Can I continue taking Salazopyrin? Hello Doctor, my son is 20 years old and has been diagnosed with ankylosing spondylitis for 3 years. For the past year and 4 months, he has been taking 2 tablets of Salazopyrin daily (without NSAIDs). Previously, he was on NSAIDs (without Salazo...
Dr. Gao Jiankai Reply:
Hello, thank you for your question. Here is my response: 1) If my son experiences dizziness when getting up from a lying position due to mild anemia caused by the use of Salazopyrin, and no other causes for the dizziness can be identified, then we must weigh the two harms and c...[Read More] Can My Son Continue Taking Salazopyrin for Ankylosing Spondylitis?
Sudden Spike in Urinary Protein: Possible Autoimmune Causes?
Sudden increase in urinary protein levels? Hello Doctor, my urine protein levels skyrocketed from below 30 to 106 between June 7 and July 11, along with increases in microalbumin and urine albumin-to-creatinine ratio, while other urine tests remained normal. I was hospitalized in...
Dr. Lin Wuxuan Reply:
If you experience any discomfort, please schedule an earlier appointment and discuss it with your attending physician. Thank you.[Read More] Sudden Spike in Urinary Protein: Possible Autoimmune Causes?
Understanding Low Hemoglobin and Cholesterol Levels in Health Reports
The health check report has red text? Based on your health check report, your hemoglobin (Hb) level is 11.2 g/dL, hematocrit (Ht) is 35.4%, and low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol is 62 mg/dL, all of which are below the standard values. You should pay attention to the follo...
Dr. Lin Jianliang Reply:
Hello: Please transfer to the hematology department. A low-density lipoprotein (LDL) level of 62 is still within an acceptable range for most individuals.[Read More] Understanding Low Hemoglobin and Cholesterol Levels in Health Reports
Understanding Your Diabetes Risk: Key Health Check Insights
Questions related to diabetes? Every year, I participate in my company's health check-up. I am 35 years old, 179 cm tall, and weigh between 55 to 56 kg. I have always been slim and unable to gain weight since childhood, and I maintain a regular exercise routine. I have mild ...
Dr. Li Jian Reply:
You can undergo an oral glucose tolerance test at the Metabolism Clinic. Thank you for your inquiry.[Read More] Understanding Your Diabetes Risk: Key Health Check Insights
Understanding Postprandial Blood Sugar Fluctuations and Fatigue Symptoms
Previously measured elevated postprandial blood glucose levels using a glucometer? Hello, doctor. I would like to ask you a few questions. Last August, during a hot weather, I had a sweet smoothie, and shortly after, I experienced dizziness and fatigue, feeling sleepy. This fatig...
Dr. Lin Jianliang Reply:
Hello, there are many conditions that could cause the situation you described. Regarding blood sugar levels, since they can sometimes be elevated, it is advisable to consult a physician for an evaluation and to have a blood test to check your hemoglobin A1c levels.[Read More] Understanding Postprandial Blood Sugar Fluctuations and Fatigue Symptoms
Understanding High Urinary Glucose Levels: Is It Prediabetes?
Urine glucose 3+ issue? My 23-year-old son underwent a military service examination at the National Taiwan University Hospital in Hsinchu. His height is 178 cm, weight is 64.2 kg, and BMI is 20.1. During the examination, he had a urine glucose level of 500 (3+). He returned to th...
Dr. Li Jian Reply:
If fasting is not observed, glycosuria may occur. You can retest the hemoglobin A1c in three months. Thank you for your inquiry.[Read More] Understanding High Urinary Glucose Levels: Is It Prediabetes?
Post-Meal Blood Sugar Concerns: Understanding Abnormal Readings
Postprandial hyperglycemia Hello Dr. Li: During my previous visit to the hospital, I found that my blood sugar levels were somewhat abnormal, with a fasting blood sugar of 102 and a hemoglobin A1c of 5.1. However, I recently noticed some unusual changes in my postprandial blood s...
Dr. Li Jian Reply:
It is recommended that you visit the Metabolism Clinic for an oral glucose tolerance test. Thank you for your inquiry.[Read More] Post-Meal Blood Sugar Concerns: Understanding Abnormal Readings
Does Hyperthyroidism Affect Fasting Blood Sugar Levels?
Does hyperthyroidism affect fasting blood glucose levels? Hello, doctor! Four years ago, I had my first adult health check-up, and my fasting blood glucose was slightly elevated at 106. Four years later, I had my second check-up, and my fasting blood glucose is still 106. Could t...
Dr. Li Jian Reply:
Thyroid antibody tests should ideally be monitored once a year. If fasting blood glucose levels are elevated, it is advisable to check glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c) to assess average blood sugar levels. Thank you for your inquiry.[Read More] Does Hyperthyroidism Affect Fasting Blood Sugar Levels?
Understanding Leg Swelling and Muscle Twitches: When to Seek Medical Help
Twitching and pain in the thigh area? The doctor would like to ask you: Last year, after injuring the bottom of my left foot, I experienced swelling in both legs up to my thighs. A subsequent CT scan revealed that I have narrowing of the lymphatic vessels in my legs, but the doct...
Dr. Li Jian Reply:
Please schedule an appointment with the neurology department for an examination. Thank you for your inquiry.[Read More] Understanding Leg Swelling and Muscle Twitches: When to Seek Medical Help
Interpreting Blood Test Results for Acute Myeloid Leukemia Risk
Blood test report Based on the provided data, it is challenging to definitively diagnose acute myeloid leukemia (AML) without further clinical context and additional tests. However, several key laboratory findings may raise suspicion for hematological disorders, including AML: 1...
Dr. Li Yanquan Reply:
Please consult a specialized hematologist. Diagnosing a condition cannot rely solely on blood tests, as it can be very dangerous. Thank you.[Read More] Interpreting Blood Test Results for Acute Myeloid Leukemia Risk
Understanding the Link Between EB Virus, CMV, and White Blood Cell Counts
The relationship between Epstein-Barr virus (EBV), cytomegalovirus (CMV), and leukocytes? Hello Doctor, I experienced fever along with swollen and painful bilateral inguinal lymph nodes at the beginning of February. I went for a urology examination, and the blood test was done ap...
Dr. Gao Jiankai Reply:
Hello, thank you for your inquiry. It is recommended to include the reference ranges for the test results to facilitate interpretation, as different hospitals may use different laboratory equipment, which can lead to variations in normal values. Additionally, although the total w...[Read More] Understanding the Link Between EB Virus, CMV, and White Blood Cell Counts
Understanding Pre-Diabetes: Does It Affect Future Pancreatic Function?
Diabetes mellitus Previously, during a check-up for glycated hemoglobin, the doctor mentioned that some indices were slightly elevated, indicating prediabetes. After a period of self-management, my blood sugar levels are now normal. Given this medical history, will the pancreatic...
Dr. Li Jian Reply:
Typically, young individuals have a fast recovery of bodily functions. As long as there is no history of heavy drinking, pancreatic function is unlikely to be affected. However, regular monitoring of blood glucose levels is necessary. Thank you for your inquiry.[Read More] Understanding Pre-Diabetes: Does It Affect Future Pancreatic Function?
Understanding Your Immune Report: What Do the Results Mean?
Immunology Report Issues Dear Dr. Gao, I recently received the following immunology report from my blood test: - Ro-52: (+) - OJ: (-) - EJ: (-) - PL-12: (-) - PL-7: (++) - SRP: (-) - Jo-1: (-) - PM-Scl75: (-) - PM-Scl100: (-) - Ku: (-) - SAE1: (-) - NXP2: (-) - MDA5: (-) - TIF1...
Dr. Gao Jiankai Reply:
Hello, thank you for your inquiry. Some of the results do not have reference values, as different hospitals may use different testing machines and reference values, making interpretation difficult. The other results that can be somewhat assessed are as follows: Anti-dsDNA 30.8 WH...[Read More] Understanding Your Immune Report: What Do the Results Mean?
Understanding Low Hemoglobin Levels: Symptoms, Treatment, and Next Steps
Understanding the Health Check Report dated February 27, 2023? I would like to understand how to treat my current hemoglobin level of 8.2. My lab results show RBC 4.18, Hgb 8.2, Hct 29.6, MCV 70.8, MCH 19.6, and MCHC 27.7. I often experience dizziness, lightheadedness, fatigue, l...
Dr. Lin Wufu Reply:
Hello, the issues you mentioned involve several different specialties. For anemia, please continue taking iron supplements. Heavy menstrual flow may be a cause of iron deficiency anemia, so please consult with an obstetrician-gynecologist to see if medication adjustments can help...[Read More] Understanding Low Hemoglobin Levels: Symptoms, Treatment, and Next Steps
Understanding Glucose Tolerance Tests: Can You Safely Eat Carbs?
Glucose tolerance test Hello doctor, a year ago I had a hemoglobin A1c test that showed 5.8, and the doctor said I was in the prediabetes stage. Since then, I have been cautious about eating carbohydrates, and when I retested my hemoglobin A1c, it was 5.4, with normal insulin res...
Dr. Li Jian Reply:
Staple foods can include whole grain rice or brown rice, and it is advisable to choose high-fiber or whole foods while minimizing refined carbohydrates. Patients with prediabetes can undergo an oral glucose tolerance test; however, currently, the focus is primarily on hemoglobin ...[Read More] Understanding Glucose Tolerance Tests: Can You Safely Eat Carbs?
Key Health Concerns and Obesity: Understanding Your Test Results
Issues I should be aware of regarding obesity? Examination Date Examination Item Result 01/13/112 Creatinine (U) 22.70 01/13/112 Urine Protein 4.00 01/13/112 Glucose (B) 98.00 01/13/112 HbA1c 6.20 01/13/112 GPT 64 01/13/112 HDL-C 45 01/13/112 LDL-C 82.00 01/13/112...
Dr. Li Jian Reply:
A hemoglobin A1c level of 6.2 indicates prediabetes, and it is important to implement dietary control and exercise to prevent the progression to diabetes in the future.[Read More] Key Health Concerns and Obesity: Understanding Your Test Results
Understanding Abnormal Blood Test Results: Which Specialist to Consult?
Blood report Due to work requirements, I underwent a health check, and the report indicates abnormalities in the blood test results! White blood cells: 10.53, Red blood cells: 5.22, Hemoglobin: 11.6, Platelets: 414. Which specialty should I consult for these abnormal indicators? ...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, you are likely referring to a slightly elevated white blood cell count and a slightly low hemoglobin level, correct? For the white blood cell count, the normal range for healthy individuals is approximately 3.0-10.0. Your level is only slightly elevated, which could be due...[Read More] Understanding Abnormal Blood Test Results: Which Specialist to Consult?
Managing Glucose Intolerance: Dietary Adjustments and Lifestyle Changes
Glucose Tolerance Abnormality and Dietary Adjustments Hello, doctor. I am the person who asked about the elevated fasting blood glucose level (#189944). Recently, my OGTT results came back with fasting: 911, 1-hour: 1822, 2-hour: 1263, and 3-hour: 61, indicating impaired glucose ...
Dr. Li Jian Reply:
1. Clinical diagnostic criteria for diabetes: Hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c) ≥ 6.5%, fasting plasma glucose ≥ 126 mg/dL, 2-hour plasma glucose ≥ 200 mg/dL during an oral glucose tolerance test, or symptoms of hyperglycemia (including polyuria, polydipsia, and weight loss) with a random p...[Read More] Managing Glucose Intolerance: Dietary Adjustments and Lifestyle Changes