Managing COVID-19 in Patients with Sjögren's Syndrome: Treatment Insights
After being diagnosed with COVID-19 three times, the patient has been unable to test negative for an extended period following the most recent diagnosis? Hello Doctor, my mother has been diagnosed with Sjögren's syndrome for over ten years. Currently, she is taking one pill ...
Dr. Gao Jiankai Reply:
Hello, thank you for your question. Here are my responses: 1. I would like to ask whether antiviral medication is necessary, or if there is a need for antiviral medication for patients with Sjögren's syndrome? (I am not opposed to taking it; if possible, I hope the physicia...[Read More] Managing COVID-19 in Patients with Sjögren's Syndrome: Treatment Insights
Understanding High Insulin Resistance and Blood Insulin Levels: A Guide
High blood insulin levels and high insulin resistance? Hello, doctor. I would like to ask about my recent self-paid blood tests. My insulin resistance index is 7.1 (normal range: 1.4-2.0), and my blood insulin concentration is 28.65 uU/mL (normal range: 2.6-24.9), which is higher...
Dr. Lin Jianliang Reply:
Hello, a fasting blood glucose level of 100 mg/dL is classified as impaired fasting glucose (IFG), which is a form of prediabetes. The diagnosis of prediabetes does not rely on the insulin resistance index or blood insulin levels. There are many reasons for a high insulin resista...[Read More] Understanding High Insulin Resistance and Blood Insulin Levels: A Guide
Understanding Inflammation Index and Its Impact on Adhesion in Ankylosing Spondylitis
The relationship between inflammatory indices and adhesions? Hello, Doctor. I have ankylosing spondylitis. Before treatment, I experienced pain in my buttocks and lower back. For the past year, I have been taking two tablets of Celebrex daily, and my CRP levels have been maintain...
Dr. Zeng Guosen Reply:
The likelihood of spinal adhesions is related to various factors, including inflammation levels, smoking, previous adhesions, obesity, and more. Of course, if there is no pain and inflammation levels are normal, the chances of developing adhesions in the lower back are reduced. E...[Read More] Understanding Inflammation Index and Its Impact on Adhesion in Ankylosing Spondylitis
Understanding Sexual Development Issues in Adolescents: A Guide
Sexual development issues Hello, doctor. I am currently 17 years old, weighing 105 pounds and standing 166 cm tall. My pubic hair has developed normally, but my penis is less than 4 cm when not erect, and when fully erect, it measures about 14 cm. Additionally, I have very little...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, based on your description, it seems that the appearance of a shorter penis may be due to excess fat around the base, which can obscure the penis. Additionally, being overweight can affect the secretion of sex hormones, which may also impact physical development. Therefore,...[Read More] Understanding Sexual Development Issues in Adolescents: A Guide
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
Managing Hypothyroidism: Weight Loss and Long-Term Health Strategies
Hypothyroidism Hello, my girlfriend has been diagnosed with hypothyroidism after gaining significant weight, which prompted her to seek medical attention. The doctor advised that she does not need medication. I would like to know if the weight gain is indeed caused by the thyroid...
Dr. Lin Jianliang Reply:
Hello: There are many causes of hypothyroidism. For obesity caused by hypothyroidism, it is advisable to first normalize thyroid hormone levels. Then, based on the underlying cause, treatment can be initiated to see if it is possible to prevent further hypothyroidism.[Read More] Managing Hypothyroidism: Weight Loss and Long-Term Health Strategies
Effective Strategies for Managing Abdominal Obesity: A Guide
How to manage obesity? I want to lose weight, especially abdominal fat. How does your department handle this? What is the difference between seeing a metabolic specialist and a family medicine physician?
Dr. Lin Jianliang Reply:
Hello: The metabolic department focuses on obesity issues primarily related to endocrine disorders, such as hypothyroidism, among others. The management approach includes correcting endocrine abnormalities, dietary control, and exercise management. I'm not very clear on the ...[Read More] Effective Strategies for Managing Abdominal Obesity: A Guide
Managing Hypothyroidism: Weight Loss and Long-Term Health Strategies
Hypothyroidism Hello, my girlfriend has been diagnosed with hypothyroidism after noticing significant weight gain, which prompted her to seek medical attention. The doctor mentioned that medication is not necessary. I would like to ask if the weight gain is indeed caused by the t...
Dr. Lin Jianliang Reply:
Hello: There are many causes of hypothyroidism. For obesity caused by hypothyroidism, it is advisable to first normalize thyroid hormone levels. Then, based on the underlying cause, treatment can be implemented to see if it is possible to prevent further hypothyroidism.[Read More] Managing Hypothyroidism: Weight Loss and Long-Term Health Strategies
Managing Hypothyroidism: Weight Loss and Long-Term Health Strategies
Hypothyroidism Hello, my girlfriend has been diagnosed with hypothyroidism after gaining significant weight, which prompted her to seek medical attention. The doctor advised that she does not need medication. I would like to know if the weight gain is indeed caused by the thyroid...
Dr. Lin Jianliang Reply:
Hello: There are many causes of hypothyroidism. For obesity caused by hypothyroidism, it is advisable to first normalize thyroid hormone levels. Then, treatment can be based on the underlying cause to see if it can be resolved.[Read More] Managing Hypothyroidism: Weight Loss and Long-Term Health Strategies
Managing Increased Appetite and Blood Sugar Concerns After Stress
Diabetes, excessive eating? Hello Doctor, I experienced autonomic nervous system dysfunction a while ago, which caused a loss of appetite. Now that my symptoms have improved, I find myself eating a lot. Today, I skipped breakfast, had a bowl of fried chicken rice for lunch, half ...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, diabetes is usually caused by a combination of long-term dietary habits, reduced physical activity, and genetics. It is not typically caused by short-term dietary changes. The main concern with short-term overeating is actually obesity. It is recommended to practice dietar...[Read More] Managing Increased Appetite and Blood Sugar Concerns After Stress
Understanding Steroid Side Effects and Sock Indentations: A Patient's Inquiry
Onset of steroid side effects / Sock indentation marks Hello, Doctor. I have lupus erythematosus and have been undergoing treatment since 2012. Initially, I was taking three steroid pills, but three years ago, the dosage increased to five pills. Over the past six months, my weigh...
Dr. Gao Jiankai Reply:
Hello, thank you for your question. Here are my responses: 1. How long does it take for steroid side effects to appear? Is my body change possibly related to medication use, or is it simply due to dietary or lifestyle changes? --> Side effects from steroids can begin to manif...[Read More] Understanding Steroid Side Effects and Sock Indentations: A Patient's Inquiry
Understanding Abdominal Obesity: Which Specialist to Consult?
Abdominal obesity I would like to address this issue and ask if I should consult a metabolic specialist, or how to proceed, as I am concerned about choosing the wrong department. Can a physician also explain how to eliminate abdominal obesity?
Dr. Li Jian Reply:
You can schedule a consultation with a metabolic specialist. To prevent an increase in abdominal fat, it is important to reduce carbohydrate intake. Intermittent fasting, such as the 16:8 method, can also help with fat burning.[Read More] Understanding Abdominal Obesity: Which Specialist to Consult?
Understanding Abdominal Obesity: Causes and Solutions for Men
Abdominal obesity I have been overweight since I was 23, often having a large belly that looks like I am pregnant, but I am a man. I am currently 41 years old, with my highest weight being 114 kg and my lowest being 93 kg, but that was two years ago. Could this be related to meta...
Dr. Li Jian Reply:
Hello: If you suspect a metabolic issue, you can have your thyroid function tested at the hospital. In daily life, you can practice the 16:8 intermittent fasting method to help burn fat. If you wish to lose weight through medication, you can seek assistance at a metabolic clinic.[Read More] Understanding Abdominal Obesity: Causes and Solutions for Men
Struggling with Hypothyroidism: Seeking Effective Treatment Solutions
Hypothyroidism Treatment Issues Hello Doctor, I am a patient with hypothyroidism. I have been undergoing treatment for about three years and have been taking thyroid hormone, but there has been little improvement in my lab values or physical condition. Dietary changes and exercis...
Dr. Lin Jianliang Reply:
Hello: Generally speaking, patients with hypothyroidism who regularly take their medication to keep thyroid hormone levels within the normal range are less likely to experience symptoms of hypothyroidism. Based on your description, it is recommended to first consult with an endoc...[Read More] Struggling with Hypothyroidism: Seeking Effective Treatment Solutions
Understanding Cholesterol and Triglyceride Changes in Health Checkups
Health check report: Elevated cholesterol levels, but decreased triglycerides? Hello, doctor. Three years ago, my health check report showed a height of 156 cm and weight of 48.3 kg, with total cholesterol at 202 mg/dL, HDL at 85 mg/dL, LDL at 107 mg/dL, and triglycerides at 50 m...
Dr. Lin Jianliang Reply:
Hello: The main factors affecting triglycerides include a high-fat, high-calorie diet, overweight and increased waist circumference, diabetes, alcohol consumption, and the use of female hormones. The sources of cholesterol come partly from synthesis and metabolism in the liver an...[Read More] Understanding Cholesterol and Triglyceride Changes in Health Checkups
Managing Frequent Doctor Visits: Understanding Your Health Concerns
Feeling troubled? I often visit the doctor, sometimes feeling very fatigued. I have mild thalassemia and a waist circumference of 97 cm, with abdominal obesity. My lifestyle is generally normal, but I have issues with nasal allergies. Recently, I visited an immunology specialist ...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, based on your description, it seems that your body is prone to minor issues in various organs, mostly related to allergies. The most effective recommendations are regular exercise and maintaining a consistent sleep schedule. Avoid staying up late and try to reduce stress; ...[Read More] Managing Frequent Doctor Visits: Understanding Your Health Concerns
Understanding Potential Diabetes and PCOS: Symptoms and Management
Suspected diabetes / polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) issues? Hello, Doctor. I apologize for the lengthy explanation, and I appreciate your patience. About mid-last year, I consulted an endocrinologist because I felt that my weight loss efforts were ineffective, and I suspected i...
Dr. Lin Jianliang Reply:
You can discuss your condition and how to monitor it with your physician. Most doctors are willing to engage in a collaborative discussion with you, but please clearly communicate your concerns. You may eat between meals, but it is important to avoid foods that could affect your ...[Read More] Understanding Potential Diabetes and PCOS: Symptoms and Management
Understanding Weight Loss Challenges: Insights on Mild Obesity and Health Metrics
Obesity issues Hello doctor, I am 160 cm tall and weigh 73-74 kg, which indicates mild obesity according to my BMI. I have been controlling my diet, but my weight hasn't changed much. I drink more than 2000 cc of water daily and have bowel movements 1-2 times a day. I had bl...
Dr. Li Jian Reply:
Obesity is related to both genetic factors and environmental influences. In addition to thyroid hormones, other hormonal abnormalities may also contribute to obesity. Currently, one of the weight loss methods highly endorsed by mainstream medicine is intermittent fasting. For mor...[Read More] Understanding Weight Loss Challenges: Insights on Mild Obesity and Health Metrics
Childhood Obesity and Its Impact on Sexual Development in Adolescents
Regarding overweight and obesity in children and adolescents and their impact on genital development? Hello, doctor. I have had issues with being overweight and obese since childhood. I later learned that fat can convert to estrogen, which affects development. Is there really a c...
Dr. Li Jian Reply:
Excess estrogen in adolescent males may lead to poor penile development, resulting in issues with penile size. It is advisable to discuss this with a urologist.[Read More] Childhood Obesity and Its Impact on Sexual Development in Adolescents
Understanding Elevated Creatinine Levels: Should You Worry?
Elevated creatinine levels? Hello Doctor, I am 30 years old. In recent years, my health check-ups have shown elevated creatinine levels twice, around 1.2 or 1.3. My glomerular filtration rate (GFR) has been in the 60s or 70s, but there is no protein or blood in my urine. I do not...
Dr. Wu Jiyu Reply:
Regarding your first question, a creatinine level of 1.2 or 1.3 roughly corresponds to a current estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) of about 75 or 68, which is slightly low for your age. However, you mentioned that you do not have proteinuria or hematuria, nor do you hav...[Read More] Understanding Elevated Creatinine Levels: Should You Worry?