Understanding Abnormal Immune System Test Results: ANA, C3, and C4 Explained
Immunological System Abnormalities in Test Report Hello Doctor, I have been troubled for a long time by occasional bone pain and itching. About two years ago, I visited a rheumatology and immunology specialist, and my ANA titer was 1:1280. A few days ago, I had a follow-up appoin...
Dr. Gao Jiankai Reply:
Hello, thank you for your question. Here are my responses: 1. What does a decrease in the ANA index indicate? Does it mean a gradual return to normal? --> The ANA index can fluctuate over time, influenced not only by the patient's physical condition but also by the testi...[Read More] Understanding Abnormal Immune System Test Results: ANA, C3, and C4 Explained
Understanding Joint and Muscle Pain: Causes, Symptoms, and Management
Joint and muscle pain Hello Doctor, I would like to ask you a few questions. 1. Initially, I experienced pain in my right knee and went to an orthopedic clinic where an ultrasound revealed inflammation and swelling. The doctor suggested a possible meniscus injury. However, afte...
Dr. Gao Jiankai Reply:
Hello, thank you for your inquiry. Here are my responses: 1. Initially, I experienced pain in my right knee and visited an orthopedic clinic where an ultrasound revealed inflammation and swelling. The doctor suggested a possible meniscus injury. After a follow-up visit with no i...[Read More] Understanding Joint and Muscle Pain: Causes, Symptoms, and Management
Understanding RA Factor Changes and Related Health Concerns
Rheumatoid Arthritis - Inquiry about Rheumatoid Factor and Other Related Data? Hello, Doctor Gao. I apologize for the lengthy message. Here are my health examination data from three tests conducted at the same laboratory: - Date: 2023/11/11, 2024/6/15, (2024/4/30) - ALT/SGPT (L...
Dr. Gao Jiankai Reply:
Hello, thank you for your inquiry. Here are my responses: 1. I underwent tests related to immune system diseases at a regional hospital in December 2023, and my rheumatoid arthritis (RA) factor was less than 5 at that time. Additionally, the measurement taken on April 30, 2024,...[Read More] Understanding RA Factor Changes and Related Health Concerns
Understanding Lupus Nephritis: Key Questions About Diagnosis and Recovery
Questions related to lupus erythematosus and kidney biopsy? Hello Dr. Gao, I was diagnosed with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) in 2012, and recently underwent a kidney biopsy that confirmed class III lupus nephritis. I have some questions related to lupus and the kidney bio...
Dr. Gao Jiankai Reply:
Hello, thank you for your questions. Here are my responses: 1. If the biopsy results indicate Class III lupus nephritis, is it possible for treatment to reduce it to Class I or II lupus nephritis, or even to have no nephritis at all? --> The classification may change, but the...[Read More] Understanding Lupus Nephritis: Key Questions About Diagnosis and Recovery
Concerns About Parasite Infections for Immunocompromised Patients
Parasitic infection issues? I have an autoimmune disease and I'm currently taking immunosuppressive medication, which makes my immune system weaker. I just noticed some small worms in my drinking cup and I'm a bit worried about the risk of infections from parasites like...
Dr. Lin Wufu Reply:
The likelihood of a single event occurring is very low, so it is recommended to just observe. If there are no issues after one to two weeks, then there is likely no problem. Seek medical attention if you experience any discomfort![Read More] Concerns About Parasite Infections for Immunocompromised Patients
Understanding Immune System Disorders: Insights for Patients and Families
Inquiry about the immune system? Hello, Doctor Gao. I am a family member of patient #207861. Thank you very much for your response. I apologize for wanting to follow up with a question regarding the immune system. Based on the following lab results: An: 86, RPR: Non-reactive, RF:...
Dr. Gao Jiankai Reply:
Hello, thank you for your inquiry. I believe there is no autoimmune disease present. Although your ANA is slightly elevated, an ANA titer of 1:160 or higher is more significant. Additionally, your physician has arranged for a very detailed immunological assessment, so an ANA tite...[Read More] Understanding Immune System Disorders: Insights for Patients and Families
Understanding Abnormal Complement Tests and Their Link to Immune Disorders
Complement test abnormalities in autoimmune diseases? Hello Doctor: Recently, I have been experiencing symptoms resembling urticaria, and I underwent an examination at the rheumatology and immunology department. The test results showed abnormalities: CH50 Assay: 40.7, C3: 74.3, C...
Dr. Gao Jiankai Reply:
Hello, thank you for your inquiry. Here are my responses: 1. Is there a possibility of SLE (Systemic Lupus Erythematosus)? --> Based on the information currently provided, the likelihood remains low. 2. Is there a possibility that the immune system is already compromised? -...[Read More] Understanding Abnormal Complement Tests and Their Link to Immune Disorders
Understanding Medications for Ankylosing Spondylitis and Related Symptoms
Regarding medications for ankylosing spondylitis? Hello, doctor. I have been experiencing geographic tongue for over three years now. I have been taking two Sertraline tablets in the morning and evening, and one Pantoprazole tablet in the morning, along with medications for gastr...
Dr. Gao Jiankai Reply:
Hello, thank you for your question. Here are my responses: 1. I have noticed that many patients with ankylosing spondylitis (AS) experience issues with tongue ulcers. Is this related to salazopyridine (Salsalate)? (Because when I first developed geographic tongue over three year...[Read More] Understanding Medications for Ankylosing Spondylitis and Related Symptoms
Health Risks of Mold Exposure in Humid Environments
Does extensive mold growth on walls pose health risks? I live in Keelung, where the humid climate has caused extensive mold growth on the walls of my room. I would like to know if living in such an environment for an extended period and inhaling a large amount of mold spores coul...
Dr. Lin Wufu Reply:
Hello, theoretically yes, because inhaling a large amount of mold can indeed lead to allergies, and there is even a risk of infection in individuals with weakened immune systems. It is advisable to address moldy environments.[Read More] Health Risks of Mold Exposure in Humid Environments
Understanding Persistent Skin Rashes: Possible Immune System Disorders
Red rashes on the back, posterior legs, arms, and anterior chest, with itching at night that makes it impossible to sleep, and some areas of skin peeling? Since January 2024, the patient has been experiencing symptoms and has visited three clinics where eczema or urticaria was su...
Dr. Zeng Guosen Reply:
The skin condition described by the netizen seems to be unrelated to the positive antinuclear antibody (ANA) titer of 1:5120. There may be other autoimmune diseases involved, and it is advisable to seek further medical evaluation. It is recommended to first visit a dermatology de...[Read More] Understanding Persistent Skin Rashes: Possible Immune System Disorders
Consulting a Doctor: COVID-19 Symptoms and Concerns Explained
Consult a doctor? Hello Doctor, I tested positive for COVID-19 a few days ago and have a few questions. I am currently taking Qingguo No. 1 and have also visited an ENT specialist for medication to treat my sore throat and runny nose. I noticed that my phlegm has been yellow and ...
Dr. Liao Zhongxin Reply:
1. After several days of forceful coughing, it is normal to have some blood-tinged sputum due to the rupture of small blood vessels in the trachea. However, if there is a significant amount of fresh blood, it is different, and you should seek medical attention. 2. Whether it...[Read More] Consulting a Doctor: COVID-19 Symptoms and Concerns Explained
Managing Lupus-Related Kidney Disease: Symptoms, Treatments, and Lifestyle Tips
Systemic lupus erythematosus complicated by class IV lupus nephritis? My husband was diagnosed with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) and developed class IV lupus nephritis after a biopsy last October. The rheumatologist recommended hospitalization for treatment. Initially, he h...
Dr. Lin Wuxuan Reply:
Please follow the medical advice provided. If new symptoms or other concerns arise, please return for consultation with the attending physician in the Rheumatology and Immunology department. Thank you.[Read More] Managing Lupus-Related Kidney Disease: Symptoms, Treatments, and Lifestyle Tips
Understanding Immune System Tests: What Your Results Mean for You
Immune system Anti-Thyroglobulin Antibody (TA) = 13.87 Anti-Nuclear Antibody = Negative at 1:80 C4 Quantitation = 58.46 C3 Quantitation = 137.97 Anti-Thyroid Peroxidase Antibody (AMA) = <3.00 High-Sensitivity C-Reactive Protein (hsCRP) = 0.16 Rheumatoid Factor = 12...
Dr. Gao Jiankai Reply:
Hello, thank you for your inquiry. Your report shows that only your IgE level is elevated, which is indicative of an allergic condition. If your C4 level is slightly elevated, it is not a concern; C4 can increase when the body is unwell and does not have special significance. I r...[Read More] Understanding Immune System Tests: What Your Results Mean for You
Recurring Monthly Fevers: Unraveling the Mystery Beyond Flu and COVID
Recurring fever every month that is neither influenza nor COVID-19? Since changing jobs in the second half of last year, I've been experiencing a lot of health issues (previously, I would only catch a cold once every six months). In May, I developed numerous unexplained red ...
Dr. Gao Jiankai Reply:
Hello, thank you for your inquiry. Recurrent fever is still a concern, and I recommend that you see a rheumatologist for further evaluation and testing. The Allergy, Immunology, and Rheumatology Department at Changhua Hospital of the Ministry of Health and Welfare is here to assi...[Read More] Recurring Monthly Fevers: Unraveling the Mystery Beyond Flu and COVID
Understanding SLE: Symptoms, Diagnosis, and Treatment Options
SLE (Systemic Lupus Erythematosus) Hello, Director Gao. I am 33 years old and have been experiencing various illnesses and unexplained pains over the past few years, but no cause has been identified. I have also consulted a psychiatrist and taken medication without improvement (s...
Dr. Gao Jiankai Reply:
Hello, thank you for your inquiry. A slight fever can still be concerning, and I recommend visiting a rheumatologist. Based on the information you provided, it is not possible to confirm whether there is an issue with your immune system, so it would be best for a physician to exa...[Read More] Understanding SLE: Symptoms, Diagnosis, and Treatment Options
Understanding Complement Levels and Autoimmune Disease Concerns Post-COVID
Complement inquiry? Hello Doctor, I previously asked a question and now I would like to follow up. After being diagnosed with COVID-19 on November 11, I experienced joint swelling, stiffness, discomfort, as well as dry, red, swollen eyes, rashes, and hair loss. After researching ...
Dr. Gao Jiankai Reply:
Hello, thank you for your question. Here are my responses: 1. I would like to ask if a decrease of 20 and 10 in the values of two complement components over a two-week period is normal. The doctor mentioned that different hospitals may report different values, but I am unsure i...[Read More] Understanding Complement Levels and Autoimmune Disease Concerns Post-COVID
Understanding Complement Levels and Autoimmune Disease Concerns Post-COVID
Complement inquiry? Hello Doctor, I have previously asked a question and now I would like to follow up. After being diagnosed with COVID-19 on November 11, I experienced joint swelling, stiffness, discomfort, as well as dry, red, swollen eyes, rashes, and hair loss. After researc...
Dr. Gao Jiankai Reply:
Hello, thank you for your question. Here are my responses: 1. I would like to ask if a decrease of 20 and 10 in two complement values over a two-week period is normal. The doctor mentioned that different hospitals may have varying values, but I am unsure if this drop is signifi...[Read More] Understanding Complement Levels and Autoimmune Disease Concerns Post-COVID
Can Handling Snails Lead to Guangdong Blood Fluke Infection?
Touching a snail that is eating does not directly lead to a risk of parasitic infection. However, snails can carry parasites, such as those that cause schistosomiasis, which can be transmitted to humans through contact with contaminated water or soil. It is important to practice ...
Dr. Liao Zhongxin Reply:
1. Infection with Angiostrongylus cantonensis is unlikely; it typically requires the consumption of raw snails and occurs in individuals with compromised immune systems. 2. If experiencing symptoms such as fever, headache, or diarrhea, seek medical consultation and testing at a...[Read More] Can Handling Snails Lead to Guangdong Blood Fluke Infection?
Understanding High MPV and Low Platelet Count: Causes and Concerns
A high mean platelet volume (MPV) combined with a low platelet count (PLT) can indicate several underlying conditions. This combination may suggest that the bone marrow is producing platelets in response to a low Hello, doctor. In my recent blood test, my platelet count was 5.8, ...
Dr. Gao Jiankai Reply:
Hello, thank you for your question. MPV stands for Mean Platelet Volume, and a higher value indicates that your platelets are relatively younger. This is due to your underlying immune disease, which causes faster consumption of platelets, prompting the bone marrow to rapidly prod...[Read More] Understanding High MPV and Low Platelet Count: Causes and Concerns
Understanding Cryptococcus Infection Risks from Bird Droppings
Concerns about the risk of cryptococcal infection? Hello Dr. Lin, I would like to ask about the risk of cryptococcal infection: There is a floor-to-ceiling window next to my bedroom that opens to a balcony. I have found 5 or 6 clumps of bird droppings on the balcony railing and f...
Dr. Lin Wufu Reply:
Hello, Cryptococcus is actually a type of fungus found in the environment, and it is present in the air, so we encounter it in our daily lives. Generally, individuals with normal immune systems are unlikely to develop diseases caused by Cryptococcus. However, the concentration of...[Read More] Understanding Cryptococcus Infection Risks from Bird Droppings