Understanding Gonorrhea and Chlamydia: When to See a Urologist or Infectious Disease Specialist
For issues related to gonorrhea, chlamydia, and sexually transmitted infections (STIs), you should consult a urologist or an infectious disease specialist? Hello, Doctor! I apologize for bothering you, but I would like to ask you some questions regarding gonorrhea and chlamydia. ...
Dr. Lin Wufu Reply:
1. Both types can have asymptomatic infections, and even if there are no symptoms, there is still a possibility of being infectious. 2. Asymptomatic infections are rare in males, but more common in females. If there are no symptoms, unless your intimate partner has been diagnosed...[Read More] Understanding Gonorrhea and Chlamydia: When to See a Urologist or Infectious Disease Specialist
Understanding HIV Test Results: What to Do After a Positive Screening
HIV testing issues? Hello, Doctor. I went to a military hospital for a physical examination because I wanted to apply to a military academy, and I tested positive for HIV. Two days later, I returned for a retest, which also showed a positive result. However, I purchased a SURE CH...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, theoretically, anonymous rapid testing at large hospitals is more accurate. Additionally, if you have no sexual experience, you are unlikely to be infected with HIV. However, this does need to be confirmed with a Western blot test. If the Western blot test result is also p...[Read More] Understanding HIV Test Results: What to Do After a Positive Screening
Understanding False Positives in Military HIV Testing: Key Insights
Military service medical examination issues? Hello doctor, I underwent a military physical examination in December, and a month later I was informed that I tested positive for HIV. In January, I immediately purchased an at-home rapid HIV test, which returned a negative result. I ...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, it is recommended to visit the infectious disease outpatient department at a medical center for a Combo test or Western blot test to confirm whether there is an actual infection. As for your daily routine, it should not significantly affect the test results. Thank you for ...[Read More] Understanding False Positives in Military HIV Testing: Key Insights
Understanding HIV Test Results: What Does a Reactive EIA Mean?
HIV testing issues I previously underwent a military physical examination, and the HIV test was conducted using the EIA (Enzyme Immunoassay) method, with a result of 370.40, which indicates a reactive result. Does this mean it is positive? If it is positive, should I get tested a...
Dr. Liao Zhongxin Reply:
1. The general testing for HIV is divided into two categories: the Enzyme Immunoassay (EIA) and the Western Blot test. The former is considered a screening method with a threshold of 1, which can result in a small number of false positives; typically, a result greater than 20 is ...[Read More] Understanding HIV Test Results: What Does a Reactive EIA Mean?
Understanding Urine Test Results: What Do Your Numbers Mean?
Urine test inquiry? Hello Doctor, I recently had a physical examination and I don't quite understand the following test results, so I would like to ask you: 1. Test Name: Creatinine (CRE) Result: 203.1 mg/dL 2. Microalbumin (Immunoturbidimetric Method) Result: 203.1 mg/dL...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, these three values should be from a urinalysis, right? The presence of these three values suggests that you may have had proteinuria previously. The normal ranges for these values can vary depending on the testing methods used by different hospitals, so your report should ...[Read More] Understanding Urine Test Results: What Do Your Numbers Mean?
Understanding Elevated Rheumatoid Factor: What You Need to Know
Elevated rheumatoid factor issue? Hello, Doctor. Last month, at the end of July, I underwent a comprehensive health check-up and unexpectedly found that my rheumatoid factor was elevated (242 IU/ml, with a reference range of below 20 IU/ml). All other health check items were almo...
Dr. Gao Jiankai Reply:
Hello, thank you for your question. Here are my responses: 1. The health check report indicates that a small number of healthy individuals may also have elevated RF factors—if I have no symptoms, should I not worry too much? --> Some symptoms can be very mild and may go unno...[Read More] Understanding Elevated Rheumatoid Factor: What You Need to Know
Understanding Gout Symptoms: Normal Uric Acid Levels and Foot Discomfort
Regarding normal uric acid levels but slight discomfort in the big toe? Hello Director Gao, I apologize for disturbing you, but I would like to consult you regarding a patient. About ten years ago, the patient experienced sudden severe pain in the foot and was diagnosed with gou...
Dr. Gao Jiankai Reply:
Hello, thank you for your question. Here are my responses: 1. Can gout occur even with normal uric acid levels? For example, if someone suddenly consumes a large amount of seafood or red meat, or if they haven't been drinking enough water recently, could this trigger a mild...[Read More] Understanding Gout Symptoms: Normal Uric Acid Levels and Foot Discomfort
Understanding Abnormal Blood Test Results: Possible Immune System Disorders
Health Examination Report Hello doctor, last month I visited a rheumatology and immunology specialist due to an unexplained rash on my skin (similar to petechiae). Initially, the doctor suspected it might be an allergy, but they still conducted blood tests. The results showed abn...
Dr. Gao Jiankai Reply:
Hello, thank you for your inquiry. Among the antibodies you tested, some are related to Sjögren's syndrome (Ro/La, C3/C4), some are associated with myositis (Jo-1, Ku), and others are more related to lupus erythematosus (ANA, C3/C4). However, we will consider clinical sympto...[Read More] Understanding Abnormal Blood Test Results: Possible Immune System Disorders
Understanding Abnormal Urinalysis: Protein and Leukocytes Explained
The health examination report shows issues with urinary protein and urinary white blood cells? Hello, currently my urine protein is protein*15(+/-)(mg/dL) and leukocyte*70(1+)(cell/uL), while all other urine tests are within normal ranges. Only the two items above are highlighted...
Dr. Wu Jiyu Reply:
If the physical examination shows urine protein at protein*15(+/-)(mg/dL), it cannot be definitively determined that there is proteinuria. It is recommended to consult a nephrologist for further evaluation to clarify the condition. Regarding leukocyte esterase at leukocyte*70(1+)...[Read More] Understanding Abnormal Urinalysis: Protein and Leukocytes Explained
Understanding Persistent Throat Discomfort: Causes and Solutions
Oral issues Hello Doctor, I would like to consult you. I have had a sensation of a foreign body and severe pain in my throat for over three months (it was slightly milder three months ago). Currently, the symptoms are located at the left base of my tongue and deep in my throat, w...
Dr. Li Jian Reply:
For issues related to deep throat, abnormalities in the pharyngeal wall, or oral problems, it is important to follow up with an otolaryngology department at a medical center for further evaluation.[Read More] Understanding Persistent Throat Discomfort: Causes and Solutions
Understanding Atypia in Thyroid Nodules: Inflammation and Concerns
Thyroid nodule inflammation Hello Doctor: I recently had an ultrasound that revealed a 1.2 cm nodule. After a biopsy, the report indicated atypia. When I heard this, my mind went blank. The doctor mentioned that the ultrasound suggested the nodule appeared to be inflamed with ble...
Dr. Lin Jianliang Reply:
Hello: The interpretation of thyroid nodule biopsy results needs to be combined with ultrasound imaging findings, medical history, family history, physical examination, blood reports, etc., for a comprehensive assessment. Based on your letter, it is difficult to provide an answer...[Read More] Understanding Atypia in Thyroid Nodules: Inflammation and Concerns
Managing Thyroid Nodules: When to Pause Medication for Gastrointestinal Issues
Thyroid nodule During a physical examination, a thyroid ultrasound revealed a 1.8 cm nodule on the right side and a 0.4 cm nodule on the left side. A fine needle aspiration biopsy indicated that the nodules are cysts (fluid-filled). The physician has prescribed Eltroxin (levothyr...
Dr. Li Jian Reply:
You may consider having a blood test in advance to check for thyroid antibodies. If thyroid antibodies are present, it is advisable to discontinue medication. As for whether the use of thyroid hormone can inhibit the enlargement of thyroid cysts/nodules, this remains uncertain.[Read More] Managing Thyroid Nodules: When to Pause Medication for Gastrointestinal Issues
Understanding Testicular Pain: Diagnosis and Treatment Options
Abdominal issues? On December 8, I visited a clinic in Tainan due to left testicular pain. The doctor prescribed medication, but after three days of taking it, there was no improvement. On December 12, during a follow-up visit, I asked the doctor if it could be a varicocele. The ...
Dr. Lin Wuxuan Reply:
Hello: Based on your description, your abdominal symptoms seem to be more indicative of gastrointestinal motility disorders. It is recommended that you visit a gastroenterology specialist for further evaluation. Additionally, regarding your inquiry about whether surgery for varic...[Read More] Understanding Testicular Pain: Diagnosis and Treatment Options
Recurring Left Upper Abdominal Pain and Associated Symptoms: What to Do?
Abdominal pain lasting over three months, accompanied by swelling and pain in the left upper chest and axilla, as well as soreness in the middle and ring fingers of the hands? Hello, doctor. About four months ago, I started experiencing pain in my left upper abdomen, which feels ...
Dr. Zeng Guosen Reply:
Hello, based on your description of left upper abdominal pain that feels like pressure when eating, along with swelling and pain under the left chest and armpit, it is advisable to consult a gastroenterologist. Currently, you are experiencing soreness in your hands, specifically ...[Read More] Recurring Left Upper Abdominal Pain and Associated Symptoms: What to Do?
Understanding Your Symptoms: Fatigue, Cramps, and More Health Concerns
Recently, I have been experiencing various health issues? Recently, I have been experiencing excessive sleepiness, waking up still feeling fatigued, recurrent mouth ulcers, dizziness, weakness in my limbs, sore feet, elevated body temperature, frequent colds, phlegm, runny nose, ...
Dr. Gao Jiankai Reply:
Hello, thank you for your message. The recurring mouth ulcers and blisters in the perineal area, along with elevated body temperature, may be related to rheumatic diseases. It would be advisable to visit a rheumatology clinic nearby for a physical examination and to arrange for t...[Read More] Understanding Your Symptoms: Fatigue, Cramps, and More Health Concerns
Understanding Sudden Breast Pain: Strain or Sprain?
Is it a strain or a sprain? Hello Doctor: I would like to ask about occasional sharp pain under my breast, near the side. A few days ago, it was on the left side, and now it has switched to the right side. I also feel some discomfort near my armpit when I deliberately raise my ar...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, based on your description, it is indeed most likely a strain. The symptoms of a strain are typically localized to one side and can worsen with changes in hand position. Generally, for a strain, it is recommended to rest and allow the affected area to heal. If the pain pers...[Read More] Understanding Sudden Breast Pain: Strain or Sprain?
High White Blood Cell Count: Should You Be Concerned?
Last October, during the school health check-up, my white blood cell count was elevated? Hello Doctor, during my health check-up last October, my white blood cell count was elevated to 18,000. I had a fever and cold in September but did not seek medical attention and just rested....
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, white blood cells are an indicator of inflammation, and they will increase whenever there is inflammation in the body. The most common cause is infection, such as a cold, which can lead to an elevation in white blood cell count. Other common causes include dehydration, hea...[Read More] High White Blood Cell Count: Should You Be Concerned?
Understanding the Disappearance of Thalassemia in Recent Blood Tests
I had thalassemia in middle school, but recent tests did not show any signs of it? Hello Doctor: I recently underwent a physical examination for military service, and I have some questions. In the past, I was diagnosed with thalassemia minor, but my recent tests did not indicate ...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, 1. Mediterranean anemia requires further genetic testing to determine. The data you have is from a basic blood test, which can only indicate whether there is currently anemia. Based on this value, we can only say that there is no anemia at this moment; it does not rule o...[Read More] Understanding the Disappearance of Thalassemia in Recent Blood Tests
Understanding Pre-Diabetes: Is a Fasting Blood Sugar of 106 Concerning?
Blood sugar issues? Hello Doctor, I would like to ask about my situation. Last year, I had several blood tests for other issues, and my blood sugar levels were normal. However, during my physical examination last month, my fasting blood sugar was measured at 106. Does this indica...
Dr. Chen Jianyu Reply:
1. Not counted. 2. Exercise control. 3. Yes.[Read More] Understanding Pre-Diabetes: Is a Fasting Blood Sugar of 106 Concerning?
Understanding Thyroid Enlargement: Symptoms, Diagnosis, and Treatment Options
Goiter Hello Dr. Lin, I recently visited an endocrinologist after my physical therapist mentioned that my thyroid might be enlarged. The doctor performed a physical examination and noted a thyroid enlargement of grade I-II. My blood test results were Free T4 (1.32), TSH (1.31), a...
Dr. Lin Jianliang Reply:
1. The symptoms mentioned above are similar to those of hyperthyroidism. The dosage of Eltroxin can also affect the severity of symptoms; some doses may exacerbate symptoms while others may not. 2. There are several different types of thyroid enlargement, so it is advisable to ...[Read More] Understanding Thyroid Enlargement: Symptoms, Diagnosis, and Treatment Options