Understanding Autoimmune Arthritis: Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment Options
Polyarthritis 1. I have an ASLO index of 247 (or 274?). Is this caused by genetics or an infection? My family has a history of almost all hereditary diseases, including lupus erythematosus, ankylosing spondylitis, gout, rheumatoid arthritis, kidney stones, kidney disease, stroke,...
Dr. Gao Jiankai Reply:
Hello Ms. Yang, I hope this message finds you well. Your questions are somewhat complex, and since I haven't actually seen you, many of my thoughts are merely speculation. It is best for you to discuss these matters with a physician who has examined you in person. Here are m...[Read More] Understanding Autoimmune Arthritis: Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment Options
Alternative Treatments for Chronic Urticaria: Beyond Antihistamines and Steroids
Other treatment medications or methods for urticaria? Allergic reactions to medications (such as pain relievers) causing urticaria that remain unresolved can be quite challenging. Despite ongoing medical consultations and continuous medication, the condition has persisted for ove...
Dr. Gao Jiankai Reply:
Hello, thank you for your question. The duration of an allergic reaction to painkillers can vary, but lasting more than three months is indeed quite long. It would be advisable to discuss the possibility of further immunological testing with your physician to rule out any immune ...[Read More] Alternative Treatments for Chronic Urticaria: Beyond Antihistamines and Steroids
Understanding Hormonal Development Issues: A Guide for Young Adults
Hormones (previous question inquiry) Last time I had a question... Since I am 20 years old, my voice hasn't changed like a girl's, and I feel that my genitalia hasn't developed. Yesterday, I visited a urologist and initially asked the doctor about my "voice&qu...
Dr. Wu Jiyu Reply:
1. Regarding your inquiry, it is recommended to consult a urologist or an endocrinologist. Since you have already seen a urologist, please wait for the blood test results and listen to the explanation from your physician. 2. If your questions remain unanswered at that time, reque...[Read More] Understanding Hormonal Development Issues: A Guide for Young Adults
Understanding Blood Sugar Levels: Interpreting Your Test Results
Inquiry about blood sugar issues? Hello, Doctor: I would like to ask you a question. During my company's health check-up this year, the HR department informed me that fasting was not required. Therefore, I had breakfast on the day of the check-up and had my blood drawn about...
Dr. Zeng Guosen Reply:
Hello, if any of the following three criteria are met (at least twice), a diagnosis of diabetes can be made: a. Fasting plasma glucose level equal to or greater than 126 mg/dL. b. Presence of classic diabetes symptoms (such as excessive thirst, frequent urination, increased h...[Read More] Understanding Blood Sugar Levels: Interpreting Your Test Results
Understanding Low Platelet Counts: When to Seek Further Testing
Thrombocytopenia Hello, last year during my health check-up, my platelet count was 29,000, and this year it has decreased to 20,000. Although it is still within the normal range, should I undergo further testing? Thank you.
Dr. Gao Jiankai Reply:
Hello, thank you for your question. According to our hospital's standard values, the platelet count should be between 160,000 and 400,000/uL. I'm not sure if there was a mistake in your platelet count; should it be 200,000/uL instead? If it has decreased from 290,000/uL...[Read More] Understanding Low Platelet Counts: When to Seek Further Testing
Understanding the 2-Hour Oral Glucose Tolerance Test and Diabetes Screening
Oral glucose tolerance test at the 2-hour mark and others? Hello, doctor. I would like to ask a few questions: 1. To check for diabetes, should I perform the 2-hour blood glucose test after a 75g oral glucose tolerance test, or should I do a 2-hour postprandial blood glucose te...
Dr. Chen Qingbin Reply:
The diagnostic criteria for diabetes mellitus are as follows: 1. Fasting blood glucose (after fasting for more than 8 hours) > 126 mg/dL 2. Postprandial blood glucose (2 hours after a meal) > 200 mg/dL 3. Hemoglobin A1c > 6.5% 4. Glucose tolerance test: blood glucose >...[Read More] Understanding the 2-Hour Oral Glucose Tolerance Test and Diabetes Screening
Understanding Fasting Blood Sugar Testing: Common Questions Answered
Please ask again about the timing for blood glucose testing and any other related questions? Hello, Dr. Hsiao! I have read your previous response regarding my question about blood sugar testing times and other related issues, but I still have some confusion. I would like to ask a...
Dr. Xiao Yongxun Reply:
Question 1: The diagnostic criteria for diabetes published by the American Diabetes Association in 2010 are as follows: a. Fasting plasma glucose level ≥ 126 mg/dl after at least 8 hours of fasting. b. Plasma glucose level ≥ 200 mg/dl during a 2-hour oral glucose tolerance test. ...[Read More] Understanding Fasting Blood Sugar Testing: Common Questions Answered
Understanding Fasting and Postprandial Blood Sugar Testing Guidelines
Questions related to blood glucose testing times and others? Hello Dr. Hsiao! I have a few questions I would like to ask... 1. For fasting blood glucose testing, is it necessary to fast for 8 hours? For example, if I am to test fasting blood glucose today, does that mean I must...
Dr. Xiao Yongxun Reply:
In healthy individuals, approximately 5 to 15 minutes after eating, glucose absorbed through digestion stimulates the beta cells of the pancreas to release stored insulin granules directly into the bloodstream. Between 20 minutes and 2 hours after eating, insulin is subsequently ...[Read More] Understanding Fasting and Postprandial Blood Sugar Testing Guidelines
Managing High Nighttime Blood Sugar with Normal Morning Levels
High blood sugar before bedtime and normal blood sugar upon waking? Hello Dr. Hsiao, my mother is seventy years old. She takes insulin during the day and controls her diet for three meals, but her blood sugar levels are consistently over 300 before bedtime. In the morning, her le...
Dr. Xiao Yongxun Reply:
1. There are many types of insulin, primarily including ultra-rapid acting, rapid acting, intermediate acting, and long acting. The timing of their peak effect and duration of action varies. Clinically, it is possible to mix rapid acting and intermediate acting insulins for injec...[Read More] Managing High Nighttime Blood Sugar with Normal Morning Levels
Understanding Stage 1 Chronic Kidney Disease: Symptoms and Concerns
Chronic Kidney Disease Stage 1 Hello, doctor... I have had mild proteinuria since high school. During a company health check, the urine test showed proteinuria intermittently (+/-). About six years ago, I underwent a 24-hour urine test, and the results were within the normal rang...
Dr. Wu Jiyu Reply:
1. Chronic Kidney Disease Stage 1 is defined as a glomerular filtration rate (GFR) of 90 mL/min/1.73 m² or higher, accompanied by proteinuria, hematuria, or abnormal kidney morphology. Based on your description of "24-hour urine test results within normal range," this d...[Read More] Understanding Stage 1 Chronic Kidney Disease: Symptoms and Concerns
Managing Diabetes: Key Questions on Blood Sugar and Diet
Revisiting Diabetes Mellitus? Hello Dr. Hsiao, First of all, thank you for your response last time. Yesterday, I visited the cardiology department to review my blood test results. My fasting blood glucose was 96 mg/dL and my HbA1c was 5.5% (three months ago, my fasting blood glu...
Dr. Xiao Yongxun Reply:
Question 1: Should I still strictly control my intake of starches and sugars? Answer: Strictly controlling the intake of starches and sugars can indeed lower blood glucose and glycated hemoglobin levels, thereby improving conditions such as diabetes or glucose intolerance. In f...[Read More] Managing Diabetes: Key Questions on Blood Sugar and Diet
Understanding Blood Sugar Fluctuations in Diabetes Management
About diabetes? Hello Director Hsiao, Over two months ago, I had a blood test at the hospital, and my fasting blood glucose was 130 mg/dL, with a hemoglobin A1c of 6.4%. The doctor did not prescribe medication and advised dietary control instead. I purchased a blood glucose mete...
Dr. Xiao Yongxun Reply:
1. Generally, a fasting blood glucose level of 126 mg/dL corresponds to a glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c) level of approximately 6.5%. Therefore, the test results from two months ago should be reliable. 2. In the classification of diabetes, type 2 diabetes accounts for about 92-95%...[Read More] Understanding Blood Sugar Fluctuations in Diabetes Management
Understanding Hyperthyroidism Treatment: Concerns About Medication Effects
Thyroid medication issues? Hello Doctor: I would like to ask about my recent diagnosis. I was referred to an endocrinologist for thyroid function tests due to keratitis. My blood test results showed TSH: 0.011 and Free T4: 1.47 (at the normal borderline), leading the doctor to be...
Dr. Gao Jiankai Reply:
Hello Amy, thank you for your message. I am not an endocrinologist, so I only have knowledge of some medication side effects and monitoring methods. For more detailed monitoring strategies or when to discontinue medication, it might be helpful to compile your questions and discus...[Read More] Understanding Hyperthyroidism Treatment: Concerns About Medication Effects
Understanding Thyroid Function in Patients with Atrial Fibrillation and Stroke
Thyroid-related issues? Hello, Director Hsiao. My mother is 64 years old and experienced a mild stroke in early March 2014. She is currently showing stable and improving recovery. Due to her atrial fibrillation, her attending physician prescribed Dronedarone for treatment, and sh...
Dr. Xiao Yongxun Reply:
1. Amiodarone is a commonly used medication for the treatment of arrhythmias, and it is quite effective. However, it can affect iodine metabolism, leading to either hyperthyroidism or hypothyroidism; therefore, regular monitoring of thyroid function is necessary. If such conditio...[Read More] Understanding Thyroid Function in Patients with Atrial Fibrillation and Stroke
Understanding Acute Pyelonephritis: Risks, Recovery, and Monitoring
Urinary tract infection (pyelonephritis) Hello Director Wu, my mother is 64 years old and experienced a mild stroke in early March 2014. She is currently making stable progress in her recovery. In March of this year, during her hospitalization for stroke treatment, she had a urin...
Dr. Wu Jiyu Reply:
Hello KK: First, let me explain some medical terms; "urinary tract infection" refers to an infection of the urinary tract system caused by pathogens (usually bacteria). The urinary tract system includes the kidneys, ureters, bladder, urethra, and in males, the prostate....[Read More] Understanding Acute Pyelonephritis: Risks, Recovery, and Monitoring
Understanding Urine Test Results: RBC, WBC, and Epithelial Cells Explained
Urine (red blood cells, white blood cells, epithelial cells) related issues? Hello Director Hsiao, my mother is 64 years old. Recently, she underwent blood and urine health examinations. Among the urine test results, three items were noted: red blood cells (RBC) were 0-1, white b...
Dr. Xiao Yongxun Reply:
Urinalysis specimen collection is typically performed by the patient, who collects urine in a test tube. After centrifugation, the laboratory technician extracts the sediment and examines it under high power field (HPF, approximately 400X) microscopy. Red blood cells (RBC) 0-1:...[Read More] Understanding Urine Test Results: RBC, WBC, and Epithelial Cells Explained
Understanding Basophil Counts: What Do Your Blood Test Results Mean?
Eosinophilia typically indicates? (The first part was sent prematurely and is incomplete.) Hello, Doctor. I apologize for sending the previous message before I finished typing. I would like to ask: The results of my health check-up at Taichung City Hospital at the end of 2012 sho...
Dr. Xiao Yongxun Reply:
1. Regarding your white blood cell differential count, the total white blood cell count is normal, with a slightly elevated percentage of basophils and a slightly decreased hemoglobin level in red blood cells, which should be considered normal variations. There is no evidence of ...[Read More] Understanding Basophil Counts: What Do Your Blood Test Results Mean?
Understanding Reiter's Syndrome: Prognosis, Treatment, and Dietary Considerations
Regarding Reiter's syndrome (reactive arthritis) I was recently diagnosed with Wright's syndrome, and looking back, I realize that I have had symptoms for over six months. I am currently taking antibiotics, immunomodulatory drugs, and pain medications. I would like to a...
Dr. Gao Jiankai Reply:
Hello, thank you for your question. The prognosis for this condition is quite good. If inflammation and joint pain improve with ongoing treatment, it is possible to gradually reduce or even discontinue medication, which can be discussed with your physician. There are no specific ...[Read More] Understanding Reiter's Syndrome: Prognosis, Treatment, and Dietary Considerations
Understanding Diabetes Risk: Home Testing vs. Professional Evaluation
Concerns about diabetes? I have a family history of diabetes; my father and grandmother have it, while my mother's side only has my grandmother. When I was a freshman in college, I had a health check-up, and my fasting blood glucose level was 105 mg/dL, with no glucose in my...
Dr. Cai Zonglin Reply:
Fasting blood glucose levels between 100 and 126 mg/dL indicate impaired fasting glucose, while levels above 126 mg/dL are diagnostic for diabetes. Blood test results are generally more accurate. Capillary blood glucose readings can also be referenced. Individuals with impaired f...[Read More] Understanding Diabetes Risk: Home Testing vs. Professional Evaluation
Understanding the Connection Between Kidney Calcification, Tubular Acidosis, and Hypokalemia
The relationship between renal calcification, renal tubular acidosis, and hypokalemia? Two to three years ago, I underwent an ultrasound at Chang Gung Memorial Hospital in Keelung, which diagnosed me with numerous kidney stones (calcifications) in both kidneys. I have a history o...
Dr. Huang Yaoxuan Reply:
Hello Yao: Nephrocalcinosis, renal tubular acidosis, and hypokalemia are three distinct conditions. Nephrocalcinosis, which is different from renal stones, is usually caused by hypercalcemia. It involves calcium deposits in the renal parenchyma, whereas renal stones are concentra...[Read More] Understanding the Connection Between Kidney Calcification, Tubular Acidosis, and Hypokalemia