Managing Oral Health Concerns Amid Uncertain Dryness Diagnosis
Immune system In the past year, I have noticed that my body gets tired easily, and during late-night work, I often experience tears and a runny nose to the point that I need to keep tissues handy to wipe my tears. Additionally, my tongue has a whitish coating with cracks, and I f...
Dr. Gao Jiankai Reply:
Hello, thank you for your question. The results of a general salivary gland scintigraphy can be obtained quite quickly, so it should be fine to wait a bit before proceeding with periodontal disease treatment. However, only your physician is aware of the severity of your periodont...[Read More] Managing Oral Health Concerns Amid Uncertain Dryness Diagnosis
Understanding Antiphospholipid Syndrome: Misdiagnosis and Treatment Insights
Antiphospholipid Syndrome About five years ago, I was diagnosed with antiphospholipid syndrome (ANA positive, anticardiolipin antibody positive, elevated inflammatory markers, and significant abnormalities in cerebral blood flow on one side). Since then, I have been continuously ...
Dr. Gao Jiankai Reply:
Hello, thank you for your inquiry. Here are the responses: 1. The use of medication will not affect the test results. 2. The results of antiphospholipid antibody tests can fluctuate, and if tested at different hospitals or laboratories, interpretation should be done with caution....[Read More] Understanding Antiphospholipid Syndrome: Misdiagnosis and Treatment Insights
Understanding Proteinuria: What Does a 0.15g/l Urine Test Result Mean?
Proteinuria test Hello, staff of Taiwan e-Hospital. I am resending this content due to the need for additional test values from October 2, 2016. I hope this will not be deleted for being a repeated inquiry. Thank you for your hard work. Dear Dr. Wu, during a health check last y...
Dr. Wu Hongjie Reply:
Dear Sir/Madam, Proteinuria is one of the indicators of renal function deterioration leading to kidney disease. However, the actual measurement of proteinuria requires a 24-hour urine collection, which can be inconvenient. Therefore, an estimation method has been developed, usin...[Read More] Understanding Proteinuria: What Does a 0.15g/l Urine Test Result Mean?
Understanding Hepatitis Window Periods: Should You Worry After Blood Donation?
Screening issues I am worried about being accidentally pricked by a needle from a passerby, but I didn't feel anything and I'm still scared. Although various associations say that even if it happens, it's unlikely to lead to an infection, I still went for testing a...
Dr. Liao Zhongxin Reply:
Dear readers: A: Regarding the issue of the window period for post-exposure recall of hepatitis B and C, I checked with the blood donation center, and the window period for hepatitis B is 30 days and for hepatitis C is 23 days. Should I still be concerned about this? 1. The risk ...[Read More] Understanding Hepatitis Window Periods: Should You Worry After Blood Donation?
Understanding Acute Kidney Failure Recovery: Key Insights and Timeline
Recovery from renal failure Hello Dr. Wu, in May of this year, I underwent blood tests due to feeling unwell. The first test results showed BUN: in the 120s and Cr: around 5.5 (with no proteinuria present). Two days later, I had another blood test, and the results were BUN: in th...
Dr. Wu Jiyu Reply:
Hello: Based on the information you provided, if kidney function was normal during the previous year's health check and has suddenly deteriorated this year, the clinical course should primarily be considered as acute kidney injury. However, acute kidney injury can lead to va...[Read More] Understanding Acute Kidney Failure Recovery: Key Insights and Timeline
Understanding Frequent Urination: Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment Options
Frequent urination issues? Hello, Doctor. About a month ago, I was diagnosed with gastritis at a clinic and took medication for two weeks without improvement. I then went to Tzu Chi Hospital for an endoscopy, where the physician confirmed that I only had inflammation and no signi...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, based on your description, it seems that you don't have much trouble during the day, although you do wake up several times at night to urinate, and each time the volume is quite large. The most common reason for this could be that you are drinking too much water in th...[Read More] Understanding Frequent Urination: Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment Options
Understanding Cholesterol Levels: Total, LDL, HDL, and Ratios Explained
Cholesterol levels vs. ratios? My cholesterol results are as follows: Total cholesterol 270, Low-Density Lipoprotein (LDL) 190, High-Density Lipoprotein (HDL) 80, and the ratio is 3.38 (270/80). Are these numbers severely elevated? I did some research on Google, and some sources ...
Dr. Li Zhiyao Reply:
Hello: There are various standards for the treatment of hyperlipidemia. Currently, in Taiwan, physicians must adhere to the National Health Insurance (NHI) standards. The decision on whether medication is needed is not based solely on laboratory test results; it also depends on t...[Read More] Understanding Cholesterol Levels: Total, LDL, HDL, and Ratios Explained
Managing Acid Reflux: Symptoms, Treatment, and Diabetes Concerns
Excess stomach acid Hello, doctor. I previously underwent an endoscopy which showed that my gastrointestinal tract is generally fine, but I have gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). I have been taking Pantoprazole for a month, but I occasionally experience acid reflux, a burni...
Dr. Xiao Yongxun Reply:
Dear Mr. Ellis: 1. Nexium® (generic name: Esomeprazole) is indicated for gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). Possible side effects include abdominal pain, constipation, diarrhea, bloating, nausea, dry mouth, headache, drowsiness, allergic reactions, fever, and others. Genera...[Read More] Managing Acid Reflux: Symptoms, Treatment, and Diabetes Concerns
Managing Diabetes: Weight Loss, Cholesterol Levels, and Health Concerns
Regarding issues related to diabetes..? Hello, Director. I would like to ask about my health situation. I was diagnosed with diabetes on April 27. My blood test results on that date showed: fasting blood glucose 204 mg/dL, postprandial blood glucose 250 mg/dL, HbA1c 8.3%, total c...
Dr. Xiao Yongxun Reply:
Dear Mr. Ah-Chiang: 1. Your original weight was 108 kg, height 180 cm, resulting in a body mass index (BMI) of 33.3 kg/m², which classifies you as obese. Due to insulin resistance, you are at an increased risk for type 2 diabetes. Non-pharmacological treatments for weight loss i...[Read More] Managing Diabetes: Weight Loss, Cholesterol Levels, and Health Concerns
Understanding Your 75g Glucose Tolerance Test Results: What They Mean
75 grams oral glucose tolerance test? Hello, I recently underwent a 75-gram oral glucose tolerance test after fasting for eight hours, and the results were as follows: Fasting: 75 mg/dL, 1 hour after drinking the glucose solution: 88 mg/dL, and 2 hours after drinking the glucose ...
Dr. Xiao Yongxun Reply:
Dear Ms. Huihui: 1. According to the American Diabetes Association's diagnostic criteria for diabetes: a. Fasting plasma glucose level ≥126 mg/dl after fasting for more than 8 hours. b. Plasma glucose level ≥200 mg/dl during a 2-hour oral glucose tolerance test. c. HbA1c (g...[Read More] Understanding Your 75g Glucose Tolerance Test Results: What They Mean
Understanding Thyroid Antibodies: What Your Test Results Mean
Thyroid antibodies Hello Dr. Gao: I noticed a lump in the front of my neck, and after a blood test, the doctor said my thyroid function is normal. However, after testing for thyroid antibodies, the report showed: Anti-TPO 14.45 (normal range: less than 34) and Anti-TG 3807 (norma...
Dr. Gao Jiankai Reply:
Hello, thank you for your question. Although your inquiry is related to antibodies and immune function, thyroid issues fall under the specialty of endocrinology, and I recommend visiting an endocrinologist in the future. I can provide a brief explanation of the significance of th...[Read More] Understanding Thyroid Antibodies: What Your Test Results Mean
Understanding Persistent Foamy Urine: Is It a Sign of Proteinuria?
The first urine in the morning shows a slight foam that has not dissipated for a long time? Hello Doctor: Recently, I have started to pay attention to the issue of foamy urine, so I have been carefully observing the characteristics of each urination daily. Since I am currently wa...
Dr. Huang Yaoxuan Reply:
Hello Mr. Wang: The presence of bubbles in your urine may indicate proteinuria, but it could also be caused by other substances. Clinically, only proteinuria is known to affect health, so when we encounter bubbly urine, we typically conduct a test for urine protein. Urine protein...[Read More] Understanding Persistent Foamy Urine: Is It a Sign of Proteinuria?
Post-Thyroid Cancer Surgery: Fertility Plans and Considerations
Post-thyroid cancer surgery considerations for fertility planning? Dear Dr. Hsiao, I underwent thyroid cancer surgery in early October 2015, which involved a total thyroidectomy and partial lymphadenectomy. I received radioactive iodine (I-131) treatment in early November 2015, ...
Dr. Xiao Yongxun Reply:
Dear Ms. H: 1. The half-life of iodine-131 is approximately 8 days. You may want to consult your attending physician regarding the dosage at that time to estimate the current residual amount in your body. Logically, from November 2015 to the present, it should theoretically have...[Read More] Post-Thyroid Cancer Surgery: Fertility Plans and Considerations
Understanding Creatinine Levels: What Does a Positive Result Mean?
Is creatinine normal? A normal blood urea nitrogen (BUN) level and a positive result for creatinine indicate that the creatinine level is elevated. This suggests that there may be an issue with kidney function, as elevated creatinine levels can indicate impaired renal function. I...
Dr. Wu Hongjie Reply:
Dear Correspondent, Creatinine is one of the commonly used indicators of kidney function, primarily related to body muscle mass (lean body mass). Due to variations in testing methods among different laboratories, reference values may differ. For example, our hospital's stan...[Read More] Understanding Creatinine Levels: What Does a Positive Result Mean?
Understanding Low CCR Levels: Do You Need a Low-Protein Diet?
Regarding the CCR (Creatinine Clearance Rate) renal function index? Hello, doctor. I would like to ask why my creatinine clearance (CCR) is low, even though my other test results are mostly normal. I have had several tests, and my CCR has consistently been between the low 50s and...
Dr. Wu Jiyu Reply:
Hello: The 24-hour creatinine clearance rate is clinically used as an indirect indicator of glomerular filtration rate. While its accuracy is relatively high, it can still be affected by urine collection methods, medication use, and testing errors, which may influence the results...[Read More] Understanding Low CCR Levels: Do You Need a Low-Protein Diet?
Understanding the Significance of RA and Abnormal Test Results in Internal Medicine
Inquiry about the significance of the test? Hello, doctor. In the past, I tested positive for rheumatoid arthritis (RA) during a health check, so my company has been adding this test to my annual examinations. About 6-7 years ago, I consulted a rheumatologist who mentioned that s...
Dr. Gao Jiankai Reply:
Hello, thank you for your inquiry. Here are my responses: 1. Albumin is naturally more abundant than globulin, so a slight increase is not a concern. 2. An ANA titer of 1:80 (+) is within the normal range, so there is no need to worry. 3. For a positive rheumatoid arthritis (...[Read More] Understanding the Significance of RA and Abnormal Test Results in Internal Medicine
Understanding Glomerular Filtration Rate and Proteinuria: A Patient's Concerns
Hello, Dr. Wu. Could you please explain the relationship between glomerular filtration rate and proteinuria? Hello Dr. Wu, in my last hospital check-up report, my glomerular filtration rate (GFR) was highlighted in red at 83 mL/min/1.73 m², with a reference value of greater than ...
Dr. Wu Jiyu Reply:
Hello, the glomerular filtration rate (GFR) used by hospitals is estimated based on formulas derived from past research statistics on patients with chronic kidney disease. Factors such as age, weight, body composition, gender, and ethnicity can all influence the calculation of th...[Read More] Understanding Glomerular Filtration Rate and Proteinuria: A Patient's Concerns
Understanding Foamy Urine: Causes and Concerns After Rapid Weight Loss
My urinary issues? Hello Dr. Wu, I previously experienced rapid weight loss due to taking Forxiga, dropping from 116 kg to 109 kg between March 30 and April 11. I stopped the medication on April 8. I was concerned about potential kidney issues, so I had blood tests done on April ...
Dr. Wu Jiyu Reply:
Hello, 1. First, it is essential to understand the dosage of Forxiga you are using and whether you are combining it with other weight loss medications or treatments. A weight loss of nearly seven kilograms in less than two weeks is considered too rapid and may pose potential ha...[Read More] Understanding Foamy Urine: Causes and Concerns After Rapid Weight Loss
Understanding Blood Sugar Issues: When to Seek Medical Advice
Blood sugar issues? The hospital's blood test report shows an AC of 89 and an HbA1c of 5.3. Although these values are within the normal range and the lab technician mentioned that a single test may not be conclusive, during the Lunar New Year period, I experienced intermitte...
Dr. Xiao Yongxun Reply:
Dear Ms. Alice: 1. According to the diagnostic criteria for diabetes set by the American Diabetes Association: a. Fasting plasma glucose level ≥ 126 mg/dL after 8 hours of fasting, b. Plasma glucose level ≥ 200 mg/dL during a 2-hour oral glucose tolerance test, c. HbA1c (glycate...[Read More] Understanding Blood Sugar Issues: When to Seek Medical Advice
Understanding Immunological Factors in Miscarriage and Thyroid Issues
Immunological Issues in Miscarriage Hello, Doctor: I would like to ask about pregnancy issues. I have hyperthyroidism and have been on medication for a long time; my T3 and T4 levels are normal. Since I had surgery to remove an empty follicle, I have not been able to conceive, an...
Dr. Gao Jiankai Reply:
Hello, thank you for your question. Regarding your inquiry, I will respond as follows: 1. If you have already consulted with an obstetrician-gynecologist and ruled out issues related to reproductive anatomy and hormones, I believe it would be worthwhile to investigate potential...[Read More] Understanding Immunological Factors in Miscarriage and Thyroid Issues