Managing Thyroid-Related Eye Issues After Surgery: What You Need to Know
Thyroid eye disease? Hello: In 1997, I underwent surgery for hyperthyroidism at a women's and children's hospital in Kaohsiung. Prior to that, I had been on medication for a year to manage the condition. I have been undergoing follow-up checks every six months. In Febru...
Dr. Yang Hongzhi Reply:
Thyroid-related eye disease is not necessarily directly related to the status of hyperthyroidism. Mild eye changes do not require specific treatment, while more severe cases may consider corticosteroids or even radiation therapy. The impact of diet is minimal, but it is advisable...[Read More] Managing Thyroid-Related Eye Issues After Surgery: What You Need to Know
Managing Jaundice in Patients with Alpha-Thalassemia: Options and Insights
How to reduce jaundice in patients with type A thalassemia? Hello Doctor, I believe I have Alpha-thalassemia with Hemoglobin H disease! Since I was 20 years old, I have gradually experienced jaundice. I went to a hematology clinic for liver function tests and ultrasound, and all ...
Dr. Cai Zonglong Reply:
Hello: The jaundice caused by thalassemia is primarily due to increased destruction during the production of white blood cells, and it is less related to the spleen. Splenectomy or embolization may provide some benefit, but it can also weaken the immune system, so it is not advis...[Read More] Managing Jaundice in Patients with Alpha-Thalassemia: Options and Insights
Understanding Elevated Potassium Levels: Causes, Risks, and Management
Hyperkalemia Hello Dr. Yang, I was diagnosed with hyperthyroidism and went for an examination on January 12, 2006. The results showed TSH < 0.01, Free T4 > 6.00, K: 4.6. Consequently, the doctor prescribed METHIMAZOLE 2 tablets three times a day, PROPRANOLOL 10 mg 1 tablet ...
Dr. Yang Hongzhi Reply:
In males with hyperthyroidism, some individuals may experience hypokalemia. Other thyroid conditions have little relation to potassium levels. A potassium level of 5.5 is approximately at the upper limit of normal, and with normal renal function, it may not be significant. It can...[Read More] Understanding Elevated Potassium Levels: Causes, Risks, and Management
Understanding Your SLE Blood Test Results: What Does Equivocal Mean?
I would like to inquire about the blood test results related to SLE (Systemic Lupus Erythematosus)? Hello, doctor. I would like to ask you about the results of my blood test for SLE. My results are: ANA (BLOOD) ANA REPORT: ANA: EQUIVOCAL TITER: 1:40 FIX INDEX: ...... Could you pl...
Dr. Chen Baoli Reply:
Hello Tracy: Essentially, the diagnosis of a disease should primarily be based on symptoms, with laboratory values serving as supplementary information. Regarding the ANA report you provided, a titer of 1:40 is generally considered a negative reaction. However, there are SLE pati...[Read More] Understanding Your SLE Blood Test Results: What Does Equivocal Mean?
Understanding Cold Extremities and Heart Issues: A Guide for Friends
Cardiac Issues - 2 Hello Dr. Chen: Following up on my previous question, my friend tends to have cold hands and feet during cold weather and sometimes experiences heart discomfort that prevents her from sleeping. Additionally, during her school health check-up, her test results s...
Dr. Chen Qingbin Reply:
The issues you mentioned are related to heart disease, and you should consult a cardiologist for a thorough examination and treatment.[Read More] Understanding Cold Extremities and Heart Issues: A Guide for Friends
Understanding Abnormal Health Check Results: High Uric Acid and Cholesterol Levels
The health check data is as follows? The test results show several abnormalities. What could these indicate? Uric acid (UA) is 9.7 mg/dL and total cholesterol (T-CHOL) is 241 mg/dL.
Dr. Chen Qingbin Reply:
Your uric acid and total cholesterol levels are elevated. This may be due to excessive consumption of meat, fried foods, and organ meats. You should reduce your intake of fried foods, organ meats, egg yolks, and fatty meats, while increasing your consumption of fruits and vegetab...[Read More] Understanding Abnormal Health Check Results: High Uric Acid and Cholesterol Levels
Are My Lymphocyte Levels Normal? Understanding Blood Test Results
Is the lymphocyte count normal? A month ago, I had a CDC blood test. My white blood cell count was 8,100, with 3% band neutrophils, 70% segmented neutrophils, 21% lymphocytes, 1% eosinophils, 0% basophils, and 5% monocytes. I am a bit paranoid. Doctor, are these results normal fo...
Dr. Zheng Shuxing Reply:
Hello: The observed numbers follow a normal distribution; however, helper T cells require specialized detection methods that cannot be determined through standard classification. Zheng Shuxing.[Read More] Are My Lymphocyte Levels Normal? Understanding Blood Test Results
Understanding Alkaline Phosphatase Levels: What You Need to Know
Alkaline phosphatase in the blood Hello, doctor. I would like to ask you: I recently received the results of a health check-up conducted by my company, and yesterday I found that the blood test results included "alkaline phosphatase." Could you please explain what this ...
Dr. Yao Quan Reply:
Hello, alkaline phosphatase is an enzyme found in the body, primarily in the liver and biliary system, bones, small intestine, and placenta. If you are pregnant, elevated levels of alkaline phosphatase can occur due to liver and biliary system disorders (such as bile duct obstruc...[Read More] Understanding Alkaline Phosphatase Levels: What You Need to Know
Understanding Abnormal Urine and Blood Test Results: What You Need to Know
Examination report issues Hello, doctor. Recently, I noticed that my urine has been yellow for a while and hasn't improved. Additionally, I've been experiencing lower back pain, so I thought there might be an issue with my kidneys. I went to a laboratory to have my urin...
Dr. Yang Jun Reply:
Hello: In response to your question, I will address only the issues related to uric acid and blood lipids. A complete answer regarding other data requires a visit to an internist to review all reports (blood and urine). Elevated uric acid levels are a precursor to gout, and if it...[Read More] Understanding Abnormal Urine and Blood Test Results: What You Need to Know
Understanding Kidney Inflammation: Prevention and Care Tips
Kidney inflammation..? Hello Doctor: I would like to ask you about an issue I experienced 5-6 days ago. I felt slight pain in the lower left part of my back, and there was also mild discomfort when bending over. After visiting a gynecologist, I was diagnosed with kidney inflammat...
Dr. Huang Dayao Reply:
Hello, based on your description, it seems you may have a urinary tract infection (UTI). Typically, women are at a higher risk for UTIs than men due to the proximity of the urethra to the vagina and anal opening. However, if you experience recurrent infections, it is important to...[Read More] Understanding Kidney Inflammation: Prevention and Care Tips
Why Do Liver Enzyme Levels Vary Between Different Hospitals?
Liver function tests show two values in one day? I would like to ask about my uncle, who had liver issues and went to the hospital for tests. Initially, he had tests done at Hualien Tzu Chi Hospital, but later, feeling uneasy, he returned to Taipei and had another set of tests at...
Dr. Xiao Jingqin Reply:
The standard values for liver function tests (AST or ALT) vary between laboratories. Generally, the normal upper limit for these tests is around 40 IU/L, but this can differ from one lab to another; for instance, our hospital's upper limit is 37 IU/L. When considering the si...[Read More] Why Do Liver Enzyme Levels Vary Between Different Hospitals?
Is There Hope for Dialysis Patients to Stop Treatment?
Is it possible for patients on dialysis to no longer need dialysis? My mother went to the emergency room during this winter break, and the doctor diagnosed her with "uremia," stating that she would need lifelong dialysis. When she first arrived at the hospital, they dra...
Dr. Yang Jun Reply:
Hello: In response to your question, uremia refers to the condition where the kidneys are unable to eliminate toxins and excess fluids, thus failing to maintain normal metabolic functions in the body. This necessitates dialysis treatment (either hemodialysis or peritoneal dialysi...[Read More] Is There Hope for Dialysis Patients to Stop Treatment?
Frequent Urination with Low Volume: Understanding Possible Causes
Frequent urination with low urine volume? Hello, doctor. My mother was diagnosed with diabetes earlier this year. She exercises regularly, and her blood sugar levels are well-controlled, typically ranging from 80 to 120 mg/dL (she measures her blood sugar after exercising). Howev...
Dr. Shi Guangzhong Reply:
Your mother has recently been diagnosed with diabetes, and exercise can be very helpful in controlling blood sugar levels. If her fasting blood glucose level is between 80-120 mg/dL, that is acceptable; however, it is also recommended that she monitor her postprandial blood gluco...[Read More] Frequent Urination with Low Volume: Understanding Possible Causes
Understanding Fever: Could It Indicate a Different Illness?
Fever I have had a continuous fever for three days. I went to the hospital for an examination. I had blood and urine tests; the blood test results were normal, but they found an elevated white blood cell count in my urine, which suggests there might be some inflammation, leading ...
Dr. Lin Mingfeng Reply:
To identify the cause of fever, the easiest approach is to start with accompanying symptoms. Aside from pyuria (indicating an excess of white blood cells in the urine), no other accompanying symptoms were mentioned in the problem. However, statistically, a urinary tract infection...[Read More] Understanding Fever: Could It Indicate a Different Illness?
Understanding Your Hepatitis B Test Results: What It Means to Be a Carrier
Hepatitis B Test Report Hello, Dr. Tsai. Two years ago, I had a blood test for hepatitis B, and the report indicated that I had surface antibodies for hepatitis B. Recently, I had another blood test at a different hospital, and for hepatitis B, they only tested HBsAg (-), HBeAg (...
Dr. Cai Zonglong Reply:
Hello, generally speaking, a positive HBsAg indicates the presence of hepatitis B, while a negative result indicates the opposite. A positive HBsAb means that hepatitis B has resolved; however, in a small number of patients, both markers may be present, which could indicate a spe...[Read More] Understanding Your Hepatitis B Test Results: What It Means to Be a Carrier
Understanding Sjögren's Syndrome: Navigating Conflicting Diagnoses and Treatment Options
Regarding Shy-Drager syndrome? Hello Doctor: I have many questions that are troubling me, and I would like to ask for your help or suggestions. Last September, I was diagnosed with Sjögren's syndrome after visiting a rheumatology and immunology clinic. My blood test results ...
Dr. Zeng Guosen Reply:
Hello, the diagnosis of Guillain-Barré syndrome follows specific standard procedures and cannot be made solely based on a biopsy. The use of quinine in the treatment of Guillain-Barré syndrome is not essential and may not always be effective, so there is no need for concern. Init...[Read More] Understanding Sjögren's Syndrome: Navigating Conflicting Diagnoses and Treatment Options
Understanding Proteinuria: Should You See a Nephrologist?
Urinary protein Hello Doctor, during this year's employee health check, I found (+) urine protein and (+/-) occult blood. I have had similar test results in the past, but after several rechecks, they disappeared. However, I occasionally test positive again, and sometimes my ...
Dr. Yang Jun Reply:
Hello: In response to your question, the presence of proteinuria can be classified into functional proteinuria and pathological proteinuria. Functional proteinuria may occur due to urinary tract infections, fever, infections, or during a woman's menstrual period, and it typi...[Read More] Understanding Proteinuria: Should You See a Nephrologist?
Understanding Elevated Alkaline Phosphatase Levels: What You Need to Know
Elevated alkaline phosphatase levels? Hello Dr. Chen, I would like to ask you a question regarding my recent urine and blood test results. The liver function tests showed the following: - Total Protein: 7.5 g/dL (Reference range: 6.0-8.2 g/dL) - Albumin: 4.43 g/dL (Reference ...
Dr. Chen Jingwen Reply:
Hello, elevated alkaline phosphatase levels can have many causes, such as acute hepatitis, liver tumors, hemolytic anemia, bone disorders, and bile duct obstruction. Therefore, it is recommended to seek further evaluation at an internal medicine outpatient clinic.[Read More] Understanding Elevated Alkaline Phosphatase Levels: What You Need to Know
Why Does My Baby Keep Getting Oral Thrush? Understanding Recurrences
Why do babies experience recurrent thrush? Hello Doctor, I consulted you on February 25th regarding my concerns about my baby, who has just turned six months old. Since birth, my baby has experienced oral thrush six times. The attending physician recommended tests to check for an...
Dr. Zhao Chongliang Reply:
Oral thrush is a common condition in infants, partly due to their physiological leukopenia, which limits their ability to phagocytize fungi (Candida). Additionally, infants who rely solely on breast milk or formula may have lower levels of vitamin B2 and zinc, making them less ca...[Read More] Why Does My Baby Keep Getting Oral Thrush? Understanding Recurrences
Understanding High TSH Levels: Causes, Management, and Lifestyle Tips
Thyroid gland Hello, doctor. I just finished my appointment with the endocrinologist, and the doctor said that my test results show an issue with TSH, with a value of 5.26, while the reference range is 0.25-4.0 uIU/ml. What disease could this indicate? Besides medication, how can...
Dr. Yang Hongzhi Reply:
TSH is slightly above the normal upper limit, which suggests subclinical hypothyroidism. This typically does not produce any symptoms and usually does not require treatment; however, there is a significant chance of progressing to overt hypothyroidism. It is advisable to avoid hi...[Read More] Understanding High TSH Levels: Causes, Management, and Lifestyle Tips