Can Short-Term High Protein Diet Raise Cholesterol Levels?
High cholesterol Hello Doctor, I had a health check in early December, and my cholesterol was 200 with high-density lipoprotein (HDL) around 55. Recently, in early April, my test results showed cholesterol at 244 with HDL around 75. My body fat and weight have not changed. I woul...
Dr. Lin Jianliang Reply:
Hello: Cholesterol levels can be influenced by diet, which may include short-term high-fat diets.[Read More] Can Short-Term High Protein Diet Raise Cholesterol Levels?
Understanding CRP Levels: What High Readings Could Indicate
The CRP test results may indicate the following meanings? Hello: Recently, due to the need for spinal surgery, a blood test was conducted, revealing a CRP level of 10.62 mg/L. The doctor recommended resting for two weeks and then rechecking the CRP, which remained elevated at 8.9...
Dr. Gao Jiankai Reply:
Hello, thank you for your questions. Here are my responses: 1. Regarding whether these numbers indicate a serious infection: I believe they do not. 2. Concerning the pain in the dental root due to the presence of a screw in the denture, could this cause the CRP to rise to 10.62 ...[Read More] Understanding CRP Levels: What High Readings Could Indicate
Understanding Your First Gout Attack: Symptoms, Treatment, and Management
First gout attack? Hello Doctor, I visited the clinic at the beginning of April due to ankle pain. At that time, I had been lifting heavy objects for half a day due to work. The next day, my ankle became red, swollen, hot, and painful, so I went back to the clinic where the docto...
Dr. Gao Jiankai Reply:
Hello, thank you for your question. If I understand correctly, both (Probenecid and Allopurinol) are medications used to lower uric acid levels. Generally, we prescribe only one uric acid-lowering medication, and we only consider combining them in patients who are more difficult ...[Read More] Understanding Your First Gout Attack: Symptoms, Treatment, and Management
Understanding Test Results: Concerns About Tumor Risk and Further Examinations
Please inquire about the test results? Hello, doctor. Recently, my father experienced swelling in his throat and left hand due to stress, prompting him to visit a rheumatology and immunology specialist. Based on his condition, the doctor ordered the following tests (the items lis...
Dr. Gao Jiankai Reply:
Hello, thank you for your inquiry. Here are my responses: 1. The attending physician did not inform us about the location of the tumor, nor did they provide a detailed explanation to my father regarding which specific values were problematic for the diagnosis. Could you please ...[Read More] Understanding Test Results: Concerns About Tumor Risk and Further Examinations
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 ANA Test Results: What Does a 1:80 Titer Mean?
Antinuclear antibodies (ANA) 1. The ANA (antinuclear antibody) test result of 1:80 indicates a low level of antibodies present in your system. While your previous result was negative, the current result suggests that there may be some level of antibodies, but it is still consider...
Dr. Gao Jiankai Reply:
Hello, thank you for your inquiry. Here are my responses: 1. If two years ago the result was NEGATIVE and now it is 1:80X(-), does this indicate that there are some antibodies present in the body? --> Yes, it indicates that there has been an increase in antibodies. 2. Previ...[Read More] Understanding ANA Test Results: What Does a 1:80 Titer Mean?
Understanding Eosinophils and RDW-CV: What Your Blood Test Results Mean
Eosinophils Hello, doctor. During this health check, there were two abnormal blood indices: 1. Red Blood Cell Distribution Width Coefficient of Variation (RDW-CV): 11.4% (normal range is 11.5% to 14.5%) 2. Eosinophils: 6.9% (normal range is 0% to 6%). The other indices are normal...
Dr. Gao Jiankai Reply:
Hello, thank you for your question. Here are my responses: 1. Red Cell Distribution Width - Coefficient of Variation (RDW-CV): 11.4% (normal range is 11.5% to 14.5%) --> This indicates that there is little variation in red blood cell size. However, as long as hemoglobin leve...[Read More] Understanding Eosinophils and RDW-CV: What Your Blood Test Results Mean
Can Eating Expired Food Damage Your Liver and Kidneys?
Food issues Hello doctor, I would like to ask if food poisoning can lead to liver and kidney damage, or if it can cause the function of previously healthy liver and kidneys (with normal blood test results) to deteriorate. I accidentally ate an expired Shaqima and experienced gast...
Dr. Zhang Shixin Reply:
Hello Kiki: Bacterial or viral gastroenteritis, when occurring in healthy adults, typically does not have a significant impact on liver or kidney function unless there is a state of shock due to severe dehydration from persistent vomiting and diarrhea, or if a serious infection l...[Read More] Can Eating Expired Food Damage Your Liver and Kidneys?
Understanding Blood Test Results: Interpreting Anti-HBc and HCV Ab Findings
Blood Test Report Doctor, I have a question. Because a family member has herpes zoster and needs to get an injection, I had blood drawn at National Cheng Kung University. Is it normal for the blood test report to show the following results? Anti-HBc test result: Repeatedly reacti...
Dr. Zhang Shixin Reply:
Hello: A negative HBsAg combined with a positive Anti-HBc may indicate a past infection with the hepatitis B virus; a positive HCV Ab indicates a hepatitis C infection. This preliminary interpretation of the blood test results regarding hepatitis B and C is suggested to be discus...[Read More] Understanding Blood Test Results: Interpreting Anti-HBc and HCV Ab Findings
Understanding Blood Sugar Levels: Should You Worry About Your Readings?
Blood sugar issues? Hello Doctor, I am 22 years old, and my height, weight, and BMI are all normal. I do not have hypertension, hyperlipidemia, or any other unhealthy values. On March 1st of this year, my fasting blood glucose was 89, and today, March 20th, my fasting blood gluco...
Dr. Li Jian Reply:
The current blood test results are normal, so please do not worry excessively. Thank you for your inquiry.[Read More] Understanding Blood Sugar Levels: Should You Worry About Your Readings?
Understanding Thyroid Cancer Treatment: Managing Side Effects and Health Concerns
Thyroid cancer My mother is 55 years old and has been monitored for nodules for several years. She was recently informed of malignant changes and was subsequently diagnosed with thyroid cancer at a larger hospital. Initially, when it was uncertain whether the cancer was malignant...
Dr. Li Jian Reply:
Thyroid dysfunction can also lead to abnormal cholesterol levels, and diet has a significant impact as well. Thank you for your inquiry.[Read More] Understanding Thyroid Cancer Treatment: Managing Side Effects and Health Concerns
Understanding Skin Rashes and Positive ANA: What You Need to Know
Rash and ANA positive at 1:80? Hello Doctor, I would like to ask about some recent developments. I have noticed three new red spots on the skin of my right cheek. Upon closer inspection, they seem to resemble either subcutaneous bleeding or pigmentation, but they are neither pain...
Dr. Gao Jiankai Reply:
Hello, thank you for your questions. Here are my responses: 1. Should I be concerned about my ANA test results? Does a change from negative to positive indicate that my health is deteriorating? --> Since the value is still quite low (80) and within an acceptable range, I reco...[Read More] Understanding Skin Rashes and Positive ANA: What You Need to Know
Understanding ANA Test Results: Eczema and Lupus Family History
Inquiry about ANA report? Hello, doctor. Three months ago, I started experiencing a significant rash on my lower back and abdomen. I have seen dermatologists at three different hospitals, and it was ultimately diagnosed as eczema due to a family history of lupus erythematosus on ...
Dr. Zeng Guosen Reply:
After obtaining a result of 1:80(+) from the test, a direct follow-up test at 1:160 will be conducted. If the 1:160 result is negative, the report will be issued as 1:80. Generally, a result of 1:80 is not considered problematic. It is recommended to consult a rheumatologist for ...[Read More] Understanding ANA Test Results: Eczema and Lupus Family History
Understanding Eosinophil and Lymphocyte Abnormalities in Blood Tests
Examination Report I have been experiencing hand pain for four months and have seen many specialists without improvement. I had multiple blood tests, and the only abnormalities found were an Eosinophil count of 13.1% and a Lymphocyte count of 13.5%. I am unsure what these two abn...
Dr. Gao Jiankai Reply:
Hello, thank you for your question. The value of eosinophils is more meaningful when converted to a total count. A high total eosinophil count is more associated with allergic diseases or parasitic infections. The proportion of lymphocytes can fluctuate based on the body's c...[Read More] Understanding Eosinophil and Lymphocyte Abnormalities in Blood Tests
Understanding Chronic Kidney Disease: Conflicting Medical Opinions Explained
Renal dysfunction Hello Doctor: I would like to ask about my recent health check report. My serum creatinine is 1.35, urine creatinine is 110.76, glomerular filtration rate (GFR) is 62.53, hemoglobin A1c is 5.4, fasting blood glucose is 90, uric acid is 7.2, urine protein is 9, a...
Dr. Lin Wuxuan Reply:
Urine or blood tests can determine the presence of hematuria, proteinuria, or any abnormalities in kidney function, which is typically assessed using the glomerular filtration rate (GFR). It is recommended that you bring your test results to a nephrology outpatient clinic at a re...[Read More] Understanding Chronic Kidney Disease: Conflicting Medical Opinions Explained
Understanding Abnormal Blood Test Results: What Do Red Flags Mean?
The blood test report shows results in red? Due to symptoms of immunodeficiency, I undergo blood tests at the hospital every six months. This time, I had a regular check-up at the hospital before the Lunar New Year, and the next day I checked the results on the National Health In...
Dr. Liao Zhongxin Reply:
1. First, it is important to identify the type of immune deficiency in order to make an accurate assessment. 2. If last year's tests were normal and this year's results are abnormal, please seek care at a nearby medical facility as soon as possible for confirmation and...[Read More] Understanding Abnormal Blood Test Results: What Do Red Flags Mean?
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
Unexplained Hand Swelling: Seeking Answers for Persistent Symptoms
I would like to inquire about unexplained swelling on the back of the hand? Hello Doctor: I would like to inquire about my father (in his 60s). He previously went to the emergency room and was diagnosed with cellulitis. His symptoms included swelling and pain in his hand without ...
Dr. Li Jian Reply:
If your hand is swollen and you are unable to exert strength, you can consult either an orthopedic specialist or a neurologist. Thank you for your inquiry.[Read More] Unexplained Hand Swelling: Seeking Answers for Persistent Symptoms
Unexplained Hand Swelling: Seeking Answers for Persistent Symptoms
I would like to inquire about unexplained swelling on the back of the hand? Hello Doctor, I would like to inquire about my father, who is in his 60s. He previously went to the emergency room and was diagnosed with cellulitis. His symptoms included swelling and pain in his hand ...
Dr. Li Jian Reply:
If your hand is swollen and you are unable to exert strength, you can consult either an orthopedic specialist or a neurologist. Thank you for your inquiry.[Read More] Unexplained Hand Swelling: Seeking Answers for Persistent Symptoms
Managing Slightly Elevated Cholesterol: Medication or Lifestyle Changes?
Slightly elevated total cholesterol? Hello doctor, I recently received my cholesterol test results as follows: Total cholesterol 228, triglycerides 155, high-density lipoprotein (HDL) 102.3, low-density lipoprotein (LDL) 107.8, and atherosclerosis risk index 2.23. Should I take m...
Dr. Xie Rongyuan Reply:
Hello: If there is no diabetes or cardiovascular disease, improvements can be made through diet and exercise. However, if such conditions are present, medication may be necessary for management. Thank you for your message![Read More] Managing Slightly Elevated Cholesterol: Medication or Lifestyle Changes?