Essential Health Tips for Dialysis Patients: Supplements and Care Guidance
Which department should I consult for diseases related to dialysis patients regarding dietary supplements? 1. Is it appropriate for dialysis patients to supplement with free lutein and sphingolipids? My mother is currently 67 years old. Last week, she was discharged from National...
Dr. Lin Wuxuan Reply:
It is recommended that you take your elder to the outpatient clinic of the Department of Nephrology at National Taiwan University to discuss your concerns and any issues encountered with the original attending physician. Thank you.[Read More] Essential Health Tips for Dialysis Patients: Supplements and Care Guidance
Managing Hypocomplement Urticarial Vasculitis: Treatment Options and Guidance
Hypocomplementemic urticarial vasculitis syndrome (HUVS) I have been diagnosed with low complement urticarial vasculitis for about six months. My symptoms include skin rashes, weight loss, lower extremity vascular pain, and gum pain, along with peripheral neuropathy and dizziness...
Dr. Gao Jiankai Reply:
Hello, thank you for your question. Here are my responses: 1. How to treat hypocomplementemic urticarial vasculitis? --> Treatment will be arranged based on the severity of the condition. If you only have skin manifestations, antihistamines may be effective; if there is asso...[Read More] Managing Hypocomplement Urticarial Vasculitis: Treatment Options and Guidance
Can Elevated Liver Enzymes Affect Sexual Function?
Can elevated liver enzymes affect sexual function? A few days ago, I visited a urologist due to issues related to sexual function and had blood tests done. Upon returning for a follow-up, the test results showed that all values were within normal ranges except for GOT and GPT, wh...
Dr. Xie Rongyuan Reply:
Hello: Generally, mild liver function abnormalities do not cause sexual dysfunction. It is recommended to consult a urologist to determine the cause. Thank you for your message![Read More] Can Elevated Liver Enzymes Affect Sexual Function?
Late Night Study Habits: Impact on Liver Health and Sleep
Sleeping at three in the morning? Hello Doctor, I am a college student. I often stay up late writing assignments and studying, and I have a habit of using my phone before bed, which means I usually go to sleep around 3 AM. This has been my routine for almost two years. Recently, ...
Dr. Gao Jiankai Reply:
Hello, thank you for your question. There is no definitive conclusion regarding the correlation between late sleeping and liver enzyme levels; however, late sleeping can indeed affect immune function and blood glucose levels, which are serious issues. There is also no consensus i...[Read More] Late Night Study Habits: Impact on Liver Health and Sleep
Impact of Late Sleep on Liver Function: A College Student's Concern
I go to sleep at 3 AM every day? Hello Doctor, I am a university student and I have been going to bed around 3 AM for the past two years. On one hand, it is due to academic pressure, and on the other hand, I have developed a habit of using my phone before sleep. I usually wake up...
Dr. Li Jian Reply:
If you suspect liver dysfunction, you can consult a hepatobiliary and gastroenterology specialist. Try to go to bed before 11:00 PM. Thank you for your inquiry.[Read More] Impact of Late Sleep on Liver Function: A College Student's Concern
Understanding Urticaria and Thyroid Test Results: Key Insights
Urticaria and Thyroid Testing After catching a cold at the end of February (with symptoms of sore throat and general weakness), I began to develop hives all over my body, particularly around my eyes and neck. I visited a clinic where I was prescribed steroids and received an inje...
Dr. Gao Jiankai Reply:
Hello, thank you for your question. Here are my responses: 1. Is there a connection between urticaria and slightly elevated TSH levels? Do I need to see a rheumatologist for an examination? --> In cases of long-term urticaria, we sometimes check thyroid function. Your TSH is ...[Read More] Understanding Urticaria and Thyroid Test Results: Key Insights
Understanding the Causes of Painless Red Spots on Skin
Small red spots appear on the skin? Since the beginning of the year, I have been experiencing painless and itchless small red spots under the skin (which disappear when pressed). Blood tests for platelet count and liver function (including tests for sexually transmitted diseases)...
Dr. Zeng Guosen Reply:
It is recommended to visit a dermatologist. If blood tests are normal and there is no diagnosis, a biopsy may be considered for further differential diagnosis. Thank you.[Read More] Understanding the Causes of Painless Red Spots on Skin
Managing Ankylosing Spondylitis: Medication and Pain Relief Tips
Medication-related issues in ankylosing spondylitis? Hello Doctor, I would like to ask you the following questions: 1. Between Salazine and Celebrex, which one has fewer side effects and is more suitable for long-term use? 2. I am currently taking two capsules of Celebrex a day...
Dr. Gao Jiankai Reply:
Hello, thank you for your question. Here are my responses: 1. Between Salazine and Celebrex, which has fewer side effects and is suitable for long-term use? Salazine needs to be taken long-term and consistently. This medication addresses the root cause of the disease rather than...[Read More] Managing Ankylosing Spondylitis: Medication and Pain Relief Tips
Managing High Uric Acid and Liver Function: Best Specialist Options
What is the best way to manage high uric acid levels and elevated liver function tests? Thank you, doctor, for taking the time to address my concerns. I have recently received blood test results showing the following: height 165 cm, weight 70 kg. 1. Uric acid level: 8.9 mg/dL. 2....
Dr. Li Jian Reply:
High uric acid and fatty liver can benefit from consulting a nutritionist for education and guidance. Weight loss is essential; if dietary control is insufficient, consider seeking treatment from a metabolic specialist for medication.[Read More] Managing High Uric Acid and Liver Function: Best Specialist Options
Managing High Uric Acid and Liver Function: Best Specialist Options
What is the best way to manage high uric acid levels and elevated liver function tests? Thank you, doctor, for taking the time to address my concerns. I have recently received blood test results showing the following: height 165 cm, weight 70 kg. 1. Uric acid level is 8.9 mg/dL. ...
Dr. Li Jian Reply:
High uric acid levels and fatty liver can benefit from consultation with a nutritionist for education and guidance. Weight loss is essential; if dietary control is insufficient, consider seeking treatment from a metabolic specialist for medication management.[Read More] Managing High Uric Acid and Liver Function: Best Specialist Options
Managing High Uric Acid and Liver Function: Best Specialist Options
What is the best way to manage elevated uric acid levels and slightly elevated liver function indices? Thank you, doctor, for taking the time to address my concerns. I have recently received blood test results showing the following: height 165 cm, weight 70 kg. 1. Uric acid level...
Dr. Li Jian Reply:
High uric acid and fatty liver can benefit from consulting a nutritionist for education and guidance. Weight loss is essential; if dietary control is insufficient, consider seeking medication treatment from a metabolic specialist.[Read More] Managing High Uric Acid and Liver Function: Best Specialist Options
The Impact of Cetirizine on Kidney and Liver Health: What You Need to Know
Cetirizine and its effects on the kidneys and liver? Hello Doctor, I am a 35-year-old male, weighing 72 kg and 162 cm tall. I have been experiencing redness, swelling, and itching on various parts of my skin, which I believe started after I turned 20. I have consulted many hospit...
Dr. Gao Jiankai Reply:
Hello, thank you for your question. Here are my responses: 1. Is it true that Cetirizine is minimally metabolized by the liver? Could chronic urticaria due to inflammation in the body lead to elevated liver enzymes, and is liver function unrelated to Cetirizine? --> Yes, mos...[Read More] The Impact of Cetirizine on Kidney and Liver Health: What You Need to Know
Understanding C1q-CIC Levels: Implications for Autoimmune Diseases
Inquiry about complement C1Q? The C1q-CIC value is 8.2, which is considered equivocal based on the reference values (Negative: < 4.4 μg Eq/ml; Equivocal: 4.4 - <10.8 μg Eq/ml; Positive: >= 10.8 μg Eq/ml). Currently, there are no autoimmune diseases, with negative antinuc...
Dr. Gao Jiankai Reply:
Hello, thank you for your question. C1q is a protein related to immune function in the body, while CIC (Circulating Immune Complex) refers to immune complexes circulating in the blood, which are protein aggregates formed by antibodies and antigens. In principle, the body normally...[Read More] Understanding C1q-CIC Levels: Implications for Autoimmune Diseases
Chronic Cough and Fever: Could It Indicate Liver Issues?
Persistent cough and fever? Hello, my mother has been coughing since the beginning of this year. In February, she had a fever and went to the hospital where she underwent X-rays, a CT scan, and a bronchoscopy. The X-ray only showed slight fluid accumulation below the ribs. Her sp...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, based on your description, viral infections, bacterial infections, and medication factors can all affect liver function and lead to elevated liver enzyme levels. In a CT scan, the liver typically appears normal despite these three factors. If you are currently hospitalized...[Read More] Chronic Cough and Fever: Could It Indicate Liver Issues?
Unexplained Blisters and Weakness in Legs: Possible Causes and Solutions
Weakness in the feet accompanied by unexplained blisters? Dear Dr. Lin, My mother is 58 years old. Over the past six months, she has experienced weakness in her legs (mainly feeling unsteady while walking, as if she is walking on cotton). In the last three months, she has develo...
Dr. Lin Wufu Reply:
Hello: It is difficult to determine the issue based solely on this information. I recommend separating the concerns of foot weakness and blisters. For foot weakness, it is indeed advisable to consult a neurologist, preferably at a regional hospital or higher, as they can arrange ...[Read More] Unexplained Blisters and Weakness in Legs: Possible Causes and Solutions
Understanding Slightly Low Complement C3 Levels in Healthy Individuals
The complement C3 level is slightly low in a normal individual? Hello Doctor, The results of my health check report show that both the anti-nuclear antibody and specific antibodies are negative. Complement C3: 86.8 (reference value 87-120), Complement C4: 19.1 (reference value ...
Dr. Gao Jiankai Reply:
Hello, thank you for your question. Here are my responses: 1. What could cause a slightly low complement level in a normal healthy person? --> Complement proteins are produced by the liver, so liver disease can lead to decreased complement levels. In a healthy individual, it ...[Read More] Understanding Slightly Low Complement C3 Levels in Healthy Individuals
Understanding Elevated Total Protein and Globulin Levels in Blood Tests
Blood Test Report Recently, during a health check-up, I had two elevated values: total protein (TP) and globulin (GLO). All other blood counts, as well as urine kidney function and liver function tests, were normal. The serum total protein (TP) was 8.7 g/dL, albumin (ALB) was 4.8...
Dr. Gao Jiankai Reply:
Hello, thank you for your inquiry. I think it's okay. In addition to looking at the values, we also consider the albumin/globulin ratio, so there shouldn't be any issues. If you're still concerned, you can visit the Allergy, Immunology, and Rheumatology Department....[Read More] Understanding Elevated Total Protein and Globulin Levels in Blood Tests
Can You Contract Hepatitis B from a Needle Stick During Pregnancy?
Needle stick injury from a hepatitis B carrier? I am currently 11 weeks pregnant and have antibodies for Hepatitis B. My mother is a carrier of Hepatitis B. After taking my mother's blood sugar test, I was accidentally pricked by the needle used for blood collection. Is ther...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, based on your description, the risk of contracting hepatitis B is low. However, it is still recommended to follow the vaccination schedule and check the hepatitis B markers and liver function at approximately 3, 6, and 12 months. If both are normal, there should be less ca...[Read More] Can You Contract Hepatitis B from a Needle Stick During Pregnancy?
Understanding ANA Levels: Key Insights for Autoimmune Concerns
Autoimmunity Hello Doctor, I went to see a dermatologist for hair loss and had a blood test, which showed an ANA value of 80, negative. The doctor told me to see a rheumatologist if I experience joint pain or related issues. I would like to ask: 1. Are there any methods to preven...
Dr. Gao Jiankai Reply:
Hello, thank you for your questions. Here are my responses: 1. Is there any way to prevent ANA levels from rising? --> A positive ANA is part of an individual's constitution and generally does not change significantly. However, slight variations may occur due to differen...[Read More] Understanding ANA Levels: Key Insights for Autoimmune Concerns
Managing Long-Term Low Potassium: Symptoms and Next Steps
Chronic hypokalemia Hello Doctor 👋 # I have been experiencing low potassium, proteinuria, mild anemia, and diarrhea for over a year! My body often feels unwell with symptoms such as fatigue, dizziness, numbness in my hands, nausea, palpitations, diarrhea, high blood pressure, and...
Dr. Wu Jiyu Reply:
Based on your inquiry, chronic hypokalemia primarily falls under the domain of nephrology, and it is advisable to consult a nephrologist for better coordination in managing your condition. Thank you for your question; the Nephrology Department at Changhua Hospital is here to supp...[Read More] Managing Long-Term Low Potassium: Symptoms and Next Steps