Understanding Elevated IgG and IgG-4 Levels: Causes and Solutions
Elevated levels of IgG and IgG4 immunoglobulins? Hello Doctor: My father had blood tests in the pancreatic department showing elevated levels of IgG: 1910 and IgG-4: 238. The pancreatic specialist advised us to consult a rheumatologist to determine the cause of the elevated globu...
Dr. Gao Jiankai Reply:
Hello, thank you for your message. The diagnosis of IgG4-related disease cannot rely solely on the concentrations of IgG and IgG4 in the blood. Since the elevation of IgG and IgG4 can be due to various reasons beyond pancreatitis, it is essential to consider the overall clinical ...[Read More] Understanding Elevated IgG and IgG-4 Levels: Causes and Solutions
Understanding Elevated Creatinine Levels: Kidney Health Concerns Explained
This morning, I went for a fasting blood draw, and after receiving the report, I found that my creatinine level is slightly elevated? Hello Doctor, I submitted a question on October 12 (you replied on October 14). This morning, I went to the lab on an empty stomach to have blood ...
Dr. Huang Yaoxuan Reply:
Hello: Creatinine: 1.24, GFR 81.64, which is not far from the normal value of 90. This could be due to fluctuations in test results or may indicate a mild issue. It is recommended to have regular blood tests for monitoring (every six months or annually). Additionally, regarding y...[Read More] Understanding Elevated Creatinine Levels: Kidney Health Concerns Explained
Monitoring RA: The Role of Anti-CCP and RF in Disease Management
Monitoring of rheumatoid arthritis (RA) condition? Hello, Doctor Gao. When I was diagnosed with RA, in addition to multiple joints being inflamed and painful, my test results showed anti-CCP (>3+, strongly positive), RF (-), and ESR (+). After the diagnosis, the hospital infor...
Dr. Gao Jiankai Reply:
Hello, thank you for your question. In principle, for rheumatoid arthritis, blood tests are typically done every three months, unless there is a change in medication and there are concerns about potential side effects, in which case blood tests may be scheduled every two weeks to...[Read More] Monitoring RA: The Role of Anti-CCP and RF in Disease Management
Understanding Anemia: Is Pale Eyelids a Sign of Blood Issues?
About Anemia Hello, doctor. Five years ago, I had a physical examination, and my blood test results showed no anemia. However, recently I noticed that the inside of my lower eyelids looks pale and lacks color, although my lips and nails are quite pink. I haven't experienced ...
Dr. Zeng Guosen Reply:
Hello, Xiao Bu: Pale lower eyelids do not necessarily indicate anemia. It is recommended to visit a hospital or laboratory for a hemoglobin test. If anemia is confirmed, further investigation into the underlying cause of the anemia should be conducted. Remember! Do not take iron ...[Read More] Understanding Anemia: Is Pale Eyelids a Sign of Blood Issues?
Managing Elevated Fasting Blood Sugar: Next Steps and Dietary Tips
Fasting blood glucose levels are elevated during health check-up? Hello Dr. Lee, I had a health check-up last month and my fasting blood sugar was 101, as the standard value is 100. What further tests should I undergo? Also, what dietary precautions should I take since my grandfa...
Dr. Li Zhiyao Reply:
Hello: A single pre-meal blood glucose level can be influenced by many factors, such as the duration of fasting, among others. Since you only had one pre-meal blood glucose reading of 101, there is no need to be overly concerned at this time. I recommend that you focus on dietary...[Read More] Managing Elevated Fasting Blood Sugar: Next Steps and Dietary Tips
Understanding Overlap Syndrome and Exogenous Asthma in Clinical Practice
Regarding overlap syndrome and exogenous asthma? Hello, Doctor Gao. I have been experiencing joint pain and low white blood cell counts for a long time. However, since these symptoms fluctuate between severe and mild, and I usually feel better after taking painkillers and resting...
Dr. Gao Jiankai Reply:
Hello, in clinical practice, it is quite rare for patients to meet the diagnostic criteria for both rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), especially since the pathogenic mechanisms of RA and SLE differ significantly. Therefore, co-occurrence of these t...[Read More] Understanding Overlap Syndrome and Exogenous Asthma in Clinical Practice
Understanding HLA-ABC Typing Results: Significance of A2, A24, B38, B46
HLA-ABC report? The HLA-ABC typing serologic results indicate the specific human leukocyte antigen (HLA) alleles present in the individual. In this case, the results show A2, A24 for the A locus and B38, B46 for the B locus. This information is significant for several reasons: ...
Dr. Gao Jiankai Reply:
Hello, HLA stands for Human Leukocyte Antigen, which is an abbreviation for the last word in the phrase. HLA molecules are extracellular characteristics, and all cells within the same individual express the same HLA profile, serving as a cellular identification similar to a finge...[Read More] Understanding HLA-ABC Typing Results: Significance of A2, A24, B38, B46
Understanding Edema and Weight Gain: Seeking Solutions for Persistent Issues
Edema & Obesity Hello, doctor. I would like to ask about my long-term edema (most noticeable in my ankles). I have visited both a nephrologist and an endocrinologist, and they both said my test results are normal. I am unsure where the problem lies and what I should do. My we...
Dr. Chen Qingbin Reply:
Hello Kanlin, I recommend that you exercise more, reduce salt, oil, and sugar intake, and eat more fruits and vegetables to maintain a regular lifestyle and promote both physical and mental health.[Read More] Understanding Edema and Weight Gain: Seeking Solutions for Persistent Issues
Understanding Your Urine Test Results: Kidney Health Insights
Consult a physician? Hello Dr. Wu, I have received my health check report, and the urine biochemical analysis shows the following results: urine protein: 56.9, urine creatinine: 412.2, and urine protein/creatinine ratio: 138. Could this indicate a kidney issue? What treatment o...
Dr. Wu Jiyu Reply:
Ms. Wang: Hello, based on the situation you described, the urine protein level is 56.9 and the urine creatinine level is 412.2. Therefore, the urine protein/creatinine ratio is 56.9/412.2 = 138 mg/g, which indicates that the urine protein level is 138 mg/g, which is less than the...[Read More] Understanding Your Urine Test Results: Kidney Health Insights
Can You Have Sjögren's Syndrome with Normal Blood Test Results?
Sjögren's syndrome I have dry eye syndrome and have tested it with strips. I also have splenomegaly, but it hasn't changed in size over the past three years. Recently, I experienced swelling and pain in my salivary glands, but drinking more water alleviated the pain aft...
Dr. Zeng Guosen Reply:
Hello, internet user: The two most important pieces of evidence for diagnosing Sjögren's syndrome are the presence of anti-SSA and anti-SSB antibodies. Additionally, a minor salivary gland biopsy of the oral mucosa can be considered. If either of these two pieces of evidence...[Read More] Can You Have Sjögren's Syndrome with Normal Blood Test Results?
Understanding Hypertension Management: Questions About Diagnosis and Treatment
Hypertension screening I started experiencing daily blood pressure readings around 140/98 and symptoms of dizziness and headaches at the end of February, so I went to see a cardiologist. The doctor prescribed antihypertensive medication before waiting for the test results. A week...
Dr. Zhang Guoji Reply:
1. If you have concerns about the original physician's management, you should discuss it with the physician during the outpatient visit to understand their perspective and resolve your issues, as each physician may have different thoughts and approaches. Asking other physici...[Read More] Understanding Hypertension Management: Questions About Diagnosis and Treatment
Understanding Foamy Urine: Kidney Issues and High Blood Pressure Explained
Foamy urine and kidney issues? Hello Dr. Lee, I have high blood pressure (stopped medication for 3 months, currently 135/82 mmHg). Over the past few months, I have experienced increased urination with foamy urine. I underwent a physical examination, and the results showed no pro...
Dr. Li Zhiyao Reply:
Hello: The normal value for 24-hour urine epinephrine is < 22.4 µg/24hrs; please confirm the test results. As for the foamy urine, the test results showed no proteinuria, but you may consider performing a microalbuminuria quantitative test to confirm the absence of proteinuria...[Read More] Understanding Foamy Urine: Kidney Issues and High Blood Pressure Explained
Does Not Fasting Affect the Accuracy of Health Checkup Results?
Does undergoing a health check-up without fasting affect the interpretation of test results? Thank you? Hello Director Li, I would like to ask you some questions regarding the health check report. Our company is organizing a health check tour, but the hospital has scheduled the h...
Dr. Li Huixiong Reply:
Hello: Some laboratory test results can indeed be influenced by diet. Below, I will list the tests and examinations that are recommended to be fasting for at least eight hours due to dietary effects, for your reference: urine glucose (GLU), pH, total cholesterol (CHOL), triglycer...[Read More] Does Not Fasting Affect the Accuracy of Health Checkup Results?
Understanding Blood Sugar Monitoring: Accuracy and Common Concerns
About diabetes? First of all, I would like to thank Dr. Lee for the previous response. I do have hyperlipidemia and hypertension, which I am currently managing with medication. My average blood pressure is (systolic) 110-120 and (diastolic) 65-75. In my last inquiry, my fasting b...
Dr. Li Zhiyao Reply:
Hello: The blood glucose levels obtained from a standard blood draw are typically about 15% higher than those measured by a glucose meter, which may raise some questions for you. Since you are at high risk for diabetes, it is recommended that you continue to manage your diet and ...[Read More] Understanding Blood Sugar Monitoring: Accuracy and Common Concerns
Impact of Diet on Blood Test Results for Prediabetes
Prediabetes Hello Dr. Lee: Today, the hospital's blood test report shows fasting blood glucose: 117, glycated hemoglobin: 5.8, triglycerides: 193, cholesterol: normal, and uric acid: normal. I consumed a large amount of soda (5 bottles) and ate fried chicken nuggets (4 piece...
Dr. Li Zhiyao Reply:
Hello: Based on what you mentioned, I recommend that you pay attention to the following three points: 1. Correct your dietary habits. 2. You are at high risk for diabetes: as your glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c) is greater than 5.7; please note that glycated hemoglobin is not affecte...[Read More] Impact of Diet on Blood Test Results for Prediabetes
High White Blood Cell Count: When to See a Specialist?
Leukocytosis Hello Doctor, after my IVF implantation, my blood test showed a white blood cell count exceeding 16,000. Two weeks later, I confirmed that I was not pregnant, but my white blood cell count is still above 11,000. Should I see a hematologist or an infectious disease sp...
Dr. Liao Zhongxin Reply:
Dear readers: Patients with chronic diseases, such as kidney disease and liver disease, may have certain test results that differ from the normal range due to multiple conditions, drug interactions, infections, or tumors. Therefore, infection may not be the only factor to conside...[Read More] High White Blood Cell Count: When to See a Specialist?
Understanding Hepatitis B Carriers: Concerns and Health Management
Questions about Hepatitis B carriers? Hello, I would like to ask some questions about hepatitis B. My spouse is a carrier of hepatitis B, which makes me very sad and worried. I heard a long time ago that hepatitis B carriers are infectious but may not develop the disease themselv...
Dr. Li Huixiong Reply:
It is recommended that you visit a large hospital with a hepatobiliary department near your residence for further examination and consultation.[Read More] Understanding Hepatitis B Carriers: Concerns and Health Management
Managing Diabetes: Key Questions on Health, Exercise, and Supplements
Diabetes-related issues Hello Doctor: I have had diabetes since the first year of junior high school, primarily due to being overweight and consuming a lot of junk food from a young age (with a family history of diabetes). I have previously struggled with blood sugar control, but...
Dr. Cai Zonglin Reply:
When muscles are not contracted, they remain in a softer state. It is advisable to consult a sports medicine specialist or a rehabilitation physician regarding diabetes, which primarily involves issues with the pancreatic islet cells. Poor blood sugar control can lead to complica...[Read More] Managing Diabetes: Key Questions on Health, Exercise, and Supplements
Understanding Blood Test Results: Anemia and High Platelet Count Explained
Blood report, please help me interpret it? White blood cell count: 4.7, red blood cell count: 4.73, hemoglobin: 6.5, MCV: <50, MCH: 13.7, MCHC: 27.7, platelet count: 481, neutrophil percentage: 60.0, lymphocyte percentage: 32.8. Is this indicative of anemia? Could continuous...
Dr. Wang Fangli Reply:
Hello, Xiao-Wen: An MCV of less than 50 indicates two possible conditions: iron deficiency anemia or thalassemia. In iron deficiency anemia, platelet counts tend to increase; however, in thalassemia, they do not. To determine whether it is iron deficiency anemia or thalassemia, f...[Read More] Understanding Blood Test Results: Anemia and High Platelet Count Explained
Understanding RPR and TPHA Test Results: What You Need to Know
I am troubled and upset about the issues related to RPR and TPHA! Hello, Dr. Chen! I have been a user of intravenous drugs and have been on methadone for several years. I undergo regular RPR blood tests every six months, and while I have had abnormal results at times, they have r...
Dr. Chen Jianyu Reply:
The text does not mention the RPR value or a series of reports. Since the interpretation of syphilis indices may result in false-positive reports, please consult a specialized infectious disease physician. Thank you![Read More] Understanding RPR and TPHA Test Results: What You Need to Know