Managing High Uric Acid and Cholesterol Levels: Dietary Tips and Concerns
Health check shows elevated uric acid and cholesterol levels? Hello Doctor: I recently had a health check, and my uric acid level is 7.1, which is above the normal range. Isn't the normal value for women supposed to be less than 6.6? I currently do not have any symptoms of g...
Dr. Xiao Yongxun Reply:
Dear Ms. Kiki: 1. Elevated uric acid levels primarily refer to high concentrations of uric acid in the blood. When uric acid precipitates in joint tissues (such as the big toe joint, the back of the foot, or finger joints), it can trigger an inflammatory response, leading to go...[Read More] Managing High Uric Acid and Cholesterol Levels: Dietary Tips and Concerns
Managing High Uric Acid and Cholesterol Levels: Dietary Tips and Concerns
Health check shows elevated uric acid and cholesterol levels? Hello Doctor: I recently had a health check-up, and my uric acid level is 7.1, which is above the normal range. Isn't the normal value for women supposed to be less than 6.6? I currently do not have any symptoms o...
Dr. Xiao Yongxun Reply:
Dear Ms. KiKi: 1. Elevated uric acid levels primarily refer to high concentrations of uric acid in the blood. If uric acid precipitates in joint tissues (such as the big toe joint, the back of the foot, or finger joints), it can trigger an inflammatory response, leading to gout....[Read More] Managing High Uric Acid and Cholesterol Levels: Dietary Tips and Concerns
Understanding Sacroiliitis: Symptoms, Diagnosis, and Management Options
Sacroiliitis Hello Dr. Tseng, I have been experiencing symptoms for about three to four years now. I have loved playing basketball since elementary school, and I still do. I had grade II vesicoureteral reflux around the fourth grade, so I thought my lower back pain was due to spo...
Dr. Zeng Guosen Reply:
There are many reasons for back pain. A CT scan shows sacroiliitis and elevated inflammatory markers, so it is recommended to consult a rheumatologist for differential diagnosis. The physician should provide further recommendations. Thank you for your question.[Read More] Understanding Sacroiliitis: Symptoms, Diagnosis, and Management Options
Can Chlamydia Infection Cause High Uric Acid Levels in Arthritis?
Clostridium infection Hello doctor, does Chlamydia infection-related arthritis lead to high uric acid levels?
Dr. Liao Zhongxin Reply:
Dear readers: Regarding Chlamydia arthritis, the response is as follows, referencing http://blog.xuite.net/apex0818/twblog/121592288-%E6%8A%AB%E8%A1%A3%E8%8F%8C%E9%97%9C%E7%AF%80%E7%82%8EI. I. Cause: Infection with Chlamydia trachomatis after sexual contact is a common cause ...[Read More] Can Chlamydia Infection Cause High Uric Acid Levels in Arthritis?
Understanding Unexplained Body Sensations: Which Specialist to Consult?
Health issues. Which department should I consult? Hello Dr. Hong, I would like to consult about some unusual symptoms I'm experiencing and which specialty I should see to determine what illness I might have. My symptoms include experiencing internal pulsations after a night...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, based on your description, there are two possible causes for the palpitations. First, there may be a temporary episode of tachycardia. Since you mentioned that you have previously undergone an exercise electrocardiogram that showed tachycardia, I recommend a 24-hour Holter...[Read More] Understanding Unexplained Body Sensations: Which Specialist to Consult?
Do You Really Need Medication for Sjögren's Syndrome?
Do patients with Sjögren's syndrome always need to take medication? I have been experiencing dry eyes for 15 years, long-term hair loss for the past 10 years, and have developed vitiligo in the last 6 years, with my hair turning white quickly. I have thyroiditis that only re...
Dr. Gao Jiankai Reply:
Hello, thank you for your question. The symptoms of Sjögren's syndrome can vary in severity, which will determine whether the physician prescribes medication. In addition to your subjective experience of symptoms, regular blood test results should also be evaluated. Some pat...[Read More] Do You Really Need Medication for Sjögren's Syndrome?
Understanding Enterococcus Infections: Arthritis, Neuropathy, and More
Enterococcus arthritis neuropathy Hello Dr. Liao: I have seen many doctors without improvement in my condition, so I am here to seek your advice regarding my medical history: Last August, I was diagnosed with prostatitis and took broad-spectrum antibiotics, specifically tetracycl...
Dr. Liao Zhongxin Reply:
Dear readers, Recently, there have been reports of an increase in cases of vancomycin-resistant enterococci (VRE) infections in hospitals in Hong Kong. Once infected, treatment can be very challenging, with a mortality rate as high as 30%. This outbreak has quickly garnered publ...[Read More] Understanding Enterococcus Infections: Arthritis, Neuropathy, and More
Understanding Abdominal Pain and Lower Back Discomfort: Causes and Solutions
Abdominal pain and lower back pain? Hello, doctor! Recently, I have been experiencing abdominal pain that feels like nerve pain for two consecutive weeks, and my lower back is extremely sore. At first, during the first week, I thought it was a strain from exercising and stretchin...
Dr. Xiao Yongxun Reply:
Dear Miss Troubles: There are many common causes of lower abdominal pain, including acute appendicitis, ectopic pregnancy, hernia, hip joint diseases, inflammatory bowel disease, ischemic bowel disease, mesenteric lymphadenitis, terminal ileitis, ovarian torsion, diverticulitis,...[Read More] Understanding Abdominal Pain and Lower Back Discomfort: Causes and Solutions
Understanding Reactive Arthritis: The Link Between Enterococcus and Joint Pain
Reiter's reactive arthritis Dear Dr. Gao, Thank you very much for your response. It seems that the cause of my condition is becoming clearer! About a year ago, I had bacterial prostatitis, which has not been completely resolved to this day. I have undergone multiple tests f...
Dr. Gao Jiankai Reply:
Hello Mr. Zhang, thank you for your question. Here are my responses: 1. Among the intestinal bacteria that can easily trigger Reiter's syndrome, enterococci are not included. However, I remain cautious about whether enterococci can induce Reiter's syndrome, as there are...[Read More] Understanding Reactive Arthritis: The Link Between Enterococcus and Joint Pain
Understanding Temporary Swelling and Pain in Fingers and Toes
Swelling, pain, and itching in the fingers and toes? Hello doctor, recently I have been experiencing intermittent swelling, pain, and itching in my fingers and toes, which occurs in various locations. Sometimes there is slight swelling, but usually, the symptoms subside or improv...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, based on your symptoms, it may be related to growth and development or trauma. However, it is important to monitor for any accompanying symptoms, such as joint pain or skin rashes. If these related phenomena persist, it is advisable to consult a family medicine specialist....[Read More] Understanding Temporary Swelling and Pain in Fingers and Toes
Understanding Treatment Options for Reiter's Syndrome: Common Concerns and Questions
Treatment for Listeriosis Dear Dr. Gao, I previously consulted with you, and I appreciate your professionalism! I have been seeing a specialist (who answered my questions vaguely), and I have been taking Celebrex for almost three months, one capsule in the morning and one in the...
Dr. Gao Jiankai Reply:
Dear Mr. Chang, Thank you for your email. I would like to respond to your questions as follows: 1. If your attending physician believes you have Reiter's syndrome and your condition does not improve after a period of medication, I think it would be appropriate to adjust yo...[Read More] Understanding Treatment Options for Reiter's Syndrome: Common Concerns and Questions
Am I at Risk for HIV After Unprotected Sex? Understanding Symptoms
Is this an HIV infection? On the third day of my period, I had intercourse with my boyfriend (who frequents nightclubs) without using a condom, and there was no ejaculation inside. That night and the next day, my knees were a bit sore, but then it went away. The following day, I ...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, based on your description, the symptoms and incubation period do not strongly resemble HIV. However, it is advisable to consider a urinary tract infection. I recommend increasing your water intake and urinating frequently to alleviate the symptoms. If you continue to feel ...[Read More] Am I at Risk for HIV After Unprotected Sex? Understanding Symptoms
Understanding Chronic Joint Discomfort: Possible Causes and Solutions
Limb joints Hello Doctor, I have had joint discomfort since I was young. Whenever the weather changes, I feel soreness, primarily in my upper limbs—elbows, wrists, and fingers—and in my lower limbs—hip joints (less frequently), knees, ankles, and toes. Now at 30 years old, this c...
Dr. Zeng Guosen Reply:
Netizens often complain about feeling sore when the weather changes, but if there is no redness, swelling, or pain, based on your description, it may not even be arthritis. Western medicine typically focuses on symptomatic treatment rather than curative approaches. I suggest cons...[Read More] Understanding Chronic Joint Discomfort: Possible Causes and Solutions
Managing Ankylosing Spondylitis Pain: Ice or Heat Therapy?
Ankylosing Spondylitis: Ice or Heat Therapy? Hello, Doctor. Recently, I have experienced a relapse of ankylosing spondylitis (which has been symptom-free for over three years). Since entering the workforce, I have also been exercising very little. I am experiencing severe pain in...
Dr. Gao Jiankai Reply:
Hello Mr. Hsu, thank you for your question. The location of the sacroiliac joint is relatively deep, so the effectiveness of ice therapy may be limited; heat therapy might be more beneficial. Regarding the choice between heat and cold therapy, I believe that during the acute phas...[Read More] Managing Ankylosing Spondylitis Pain: Ice or Heat Therapy?
Can Steroids Cause Dizziness? Understanding Side Effects and Concerns
Can steroids cause dizziness? Hello, Doctor. I have had SLE for 15 years, and I was recently discharged from the hospital due to vasculitis. I have been resting at home for ten days now and am currently taking eight corticosteroids. I feel about 90% recovered, but I am troubled b...
Dr. Gao Jiankai Reply:
Hello Julia, thank you for your question. Here is my response summarized as follows: 1. The dosage of 8 steroid pills is not considered high, and it should not be used for a long duration; you can always consult your physician about this. 2. Steroids are unlikely to cause dizz...[Read More] Can Steroids Cause Dizziness? Understanding Side Effects and Concerns
Can Syphilis Test Results Ever Be Zero? Understanding Transmission Risks
Can the syphilis index be zero? I would like to ask, if I only have a positive TPHA and negative RPR or VDRL, can I still transmit the infection to others? The test was conducted two years ago, and I received treatment at that time. This year, during follow-up, my titers have dec...
Dr. Liao Zhongxin Reply:
Dear readers: <Can the index for syphilis be zero?> The response is as follows: According to the data from the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) (see attachment) on page 5, the case definition for reporting conditions is as follows: 1. Clinical conditions: (1) The pre...[Read More] Can Syphilis Test Results Ever Be Zero? Understanding Transmission Risks
Understanding the Connection Between ANA Levels and HIV Risk
ANA index and HIV I had an ANA test at the Rheumatology and Immunology Department of Taoyuan Hospital, Ministry of Health and Welfare, with a result of 1:1280. All detailed examinations were normal, but I am experiencing pain in my left knee and finger joints, as well as dry mout...
Dr. Liao Zhongxin Reply:
Dear readers: Regarding the question of whether a high ANA index is related to HIV, the response is as follows. [Interferents and Unrelated Health Conditions] An assessment of the impact of interferents and unrelated health conditions on the specificity of this assay was cond...[Read More] Understanding the Connection Between ANA Levels and HIV Risk
Understanding Left-Sided Back Pain: When to See a Specialist
Back pain Hello doctor, I have pain on the left side of my spine in the back, which occurs when I do a bow stretch. It has been several months and feels like a continuous pain. I visited a traditional Chinese medicine practitioner who diagnosed me with myofascial pain syndrome. F...
Dr. Xiao Yongxun Reply:
Dear Mr. Hsiao-An: 1. There are many causes of back pain, including degenerative, neoplastic, inflammatory, infectious, radiculopathy, metabolic, traumatic, and referred pain, among others. Therefore, a wide range of specialties may be involved, and sometimes diagnosis is not st...[Read More] Understanding Left-Sided Back Pain: When to See a Specialist
Understanding Ankylosing Spondylitis: Diagnosis and Treatment Options
Medications for Ankylosing Spondylitis Currently, I have pain in the middle back extending to the chest (not lower back pain), which is localized to the left side and has not improved for several months. I went to a large hospital for an examination, and the X-ray results indicat...
Dr. Gao Jiankai Reply:
Hello, thank you for your question. 1. Being gene-negative does not rule out ankylosing spondylitis. The diagnosis of ankylosing spondylitis relies heavily on clinical symptoms and X-ray findings; the presence or absence of the gene is only an auxiliary diagnostic tool. Proper ...[Read More] Understanding Ankylosing Spondylitis: Diagnosis and Treatment Options
Does Lichen Sclerosus Increase the Risk of STIs and Urological Diseases?
Does Listeriosis increase the risk of sexually transmitted infections? Hello, doctor. I've heard that Lichen Sclerosus often co-occurs with sexually transmitted infections (STIs) and urinary diseases. Does this mean that patients with Lichen Sclerosus are particularly suscep...
Dr. Liao Zhongxin Reply:
Dear readers: Regarding whether reactive arthritis increases the risk of sexually transmitted infections, the response is as follows: 1. Refer to information related to reactive arthritis. 2. It is usually observed following gastrointestinal infections (such as diarrhea, dysen...[Read More] Does Lichen Sclerosus Increase the Risk of STIs and Urological Diseases?