Understanding Hepatic Calcification: Causes, Concerns, and Follow-Up
Calcification in the right liver lobe? Hello Dr. Chen, I underwent a health check at the joint outpatient center of the National Health Insurance Administration. An abdominal ultrasound revealed a 0.55 cm calcification in the right liver lobe. My AST is 23, ALT is 20, and other l...
Dr. Chen Jingwen Reply:
Hello! Right hepatic calcification is generally caused by obstruction of the intrahepatic bile ducts or localized inflammation leading to fibrosis, which gradually calcifies. It may also be due to a previous parasitic infection, where the source of infection (the parasite) dies a...[Read More] Understanding Hepatic Calcification: Causes, Concerns, and Follow-Up
Understanding Simultaneous Positive Results for HBsAg and Anti-HBs in Hepatitis B
Confusion??? Dear Dr. Lee, I recently received my blood test results, which indicated that I am positive for Hepatitis B: HBsAg positive, anti-HBs positive, and e-antigen positive. I was informed that I have high infectiousness due to being e-antigen positive. However, I am conf...
Dr. Li Huixiong Reply:
Your test report is as follows: HBsAg(+) Anti-HBs(+) HBeAg(+). The interpretation of this report is as follows: A positive HBsAg indicates that you are infected with the hepatitis B virus, and since HBeAg is also positive, you have a high level of infectivity. The presence of Ant...[Read More] Understanding Simultaneous Positive Results for HBsAg and Anti-HBs in Hepatitis B
Understanding Post-Meal Back Pain: Causes and Solutions
Postprandial back pain? Dr. Chen: Over two years ago, I started experiencing back pain (located in the middle of the spine, behind the stomach) about 1-2 hours after eating fatty foods (such as chips and fries) before dinner. The pain lasts for several hours and sometimes is seve...
Dr. Chen Jingwen Reply:
Hello, your symptoms resemble a gastric ulcer. Please visit the internal medicine or gastroenterology outpatient clinic for an examination. Amylase refers to starch enzyme, not pancreatic enzyme. Normal blood test results can only rule out acute pancreatitis. Thank you! Chen Jing...[Read More] Understanding Post-Meal Back Pain: Causes and Solutions
Understanding Kidney Function Tests: Interpreting Abnormal Results
Kidney function tests I recently received my health check report. Kidney examination: BUN=13 is normal, but creatinine=2.4 indicates an abnormal condition. Gallbladder examination: total bilirubin (T-bil)=1.6 is abnormal, while direct bilirubin (d-bil)=0.3 is normal. Urinalysis: ...
Dr. Cai Zonglong Reply:
Hello, a creatinine level of 2.4 indicates abnormal kidney function. There are many causes for kidney dysfunction, but your normal urine test results help rule out glomerulonephritis and interstitial nephritis. The remaining differential diagnoses primarily include: 1. Residual r...[Read More] Understanding Kidney Function Tests: Interpreting Abnormal Results
Understanding Rheumatoid Arthritis: Symptoms, Diagnosis, and Next Steps
Pain in the four limbs? I have severe pain in my left hand and stiffness, and my toes and the area where my toes connect to my feet are very painful. This has been going on for two months. My mother has rheumatoid arthritis, and I am currently taking pain medication for it, but i...
Dr. Zeng Guosen Reply:
Hello, 1. The diagnosis of rheumatoid arthritis is not solely based on blood tests (rheumatoid factor). About 20-25% of patients with rheumatoid arthritis may have normal blood test results. It is recommended to consult a rheumatologist for evaluation. 2. Rheumatoid arthritis...[Read More] Understanding Rheumatoid Arthritis: Symptoms, Diagnosis, and Next Steps
Understanding Hepatitis B and Allergic Reactions: What You Need to Know
Hepatitis B and Allergies Hello, my hepatitis B test shows positive for surface antigen and negative for surface antibodies. What does this mean? Additionally, since the beginning of this year, I have suddenly developed allergic reactions to many foods, especially alcoholic bever...
Dr. Zhao Chongliang Reply:
Hello! Your hepatitis B test results indicate that you are a carrier of the hepatitis B virus, which means your body is unable to completely eliminate the virus. As a result, you may spread hepatitis B, especially to close family members living with you. Please consult a gastroen...[Read More] Understanding Hepatitis B and Allergic Reactions: What You Need to Know
Understanding Chronic Back Pain: Key Medical Insights and Tests Explained
Unresolved issues? Hello Doctor: I have been experiencing chronic lower back pain and have a history of injury. Recent test results show the following (urinalysis): hematuria reaction is +/- (normal reference is negative), urinary tract inflammation indicator is 1+ (normal refere...
Dr. Tang Jieru Reply:
Hello Ah-Gui: A urine test must be conducted using midstream urine for the results to be of reference value. The determination of whether it is midstream urine is based on the number of epithelial cells present. Your report shows a count of 10-15, which is considered too high, in...[Read More] Understanding Chronic Back Pain: Key Medical Insights and Tests Explained
Understanding Urine Test Results: Hematuria and Bacteria Levels Explained
Urinalysis shows hematuria +2 and bacteriuria +2? In a health check-up, if the urine test shows blood +2 and bacteria +2, what precautions should be taken, and which specialty should be consulted?
Dr. Zhao Chongliang Reply:
You should consult a nephrologist or a urologist. The urine analysis in a health check should only include qualitative tests using dipsticks. If there are issues, it is necessary to follow up with these specialists to evaluate the quantitative results of the urine sediment. Regar...[Read More] Understanding Urine Test Results: Hematuria and Bacteria Levels Explained
Understanding Kidney Health: Interpreting Abnormal Urine Test Results
Renal pathology Hello Dr. Yang, I have been undergoing health check-ups for many years and frequently have abnormal results for urine occult blood (++) and urine protein (++). I have previously consulted a urologist, but there hasn't been much improvement. My blood urea nitr...
Dr. Yang Jun Reply:
Hello: In response to your question, the urine test shows the presence of proteinuria and hematuria, along with elevated kidney function indices (blood urea nitrogen and creatinine), indicating chronic renal failure. It is essential to consult a nephrologist for further evaluatio...[Read More] Understanding Kidney Health: Interpreting Abnormal Urine Test Results
Understanding Abnormal Blood Test Results: Key Indicators Explained
Abnormal blood test results? 1. Globulin - <3.6> 2. Total Cholesterol - <208>, HDL Cholesterol - <63.7>, LDL Cholesterol - <130> 3. Segmented Neutrophils - <32.5> 4. Lymphocytes - <58.8> What could be the potential issues?
Dr. Zhao Chongliang Reply:
The globulin value is calculated by subtracting albumin from total protein, and both values should be provided together for interpretation. The values for neutrophils (Segment) and lymphocytes are expressed as ratios, and the total white blood cell (WBC) count is necessary to cal...[Read More] Understanding Abnormal Blood Test Results: Key Indicators Explained
Understanding Hyperthyroidism: Key Questions and Dietary Restrictions
Could you please provide more details about your question regarding hyperthyroidism? Dr. Lin, I went to the Tri-Service General Hospital this year and was diagnosed with hyperthyroidism. My blood test results show TSH < 0.03 and FT4 = 4.32. I have a few questions: 1. Are my ...
Dr. Lin Benpei Reply:
1. Thank you for your hard work. 2. Please go to the Metabolism Department for a detailed evaluation and further treatment, which would be more appropriate. 3. There are educational resources or pamphlets available from relevant health education units that can provide detaile...[Read More] Understanding Hyperthyroidism: Key Questions and Dietary Restrictions
Understanding Chest Pain and Swallowing Difficulties in Kidney Patients
Chest tightness/pain and abnormal swallowing sensation? 1. I am a patient with horseshoe kidney, where my left kidney is connected to the right kidney. The symptoms I experience include hematuria, proteinuria, and stabbing pain in the left abdomen. After examination, I was diagno...
Dr. Yang Jun Reply:
Hello: In response to your question, the text describes that since last winter solstice, there have been three episodes of fainting accompanied by convulsions, which may indicate symptoms of epilepsy. It is essential to have a neurologist arrange for an electroencephalogram (EEG)...[Read More] Understanding Chest Pain and Swallowing Difficulties in Kidney Patients
Understanding Unclear Medical Test Results: A Patient's Concern
Are there any test results that cannot be interpreted? Hello, Dr. Hsieh: About three to four months ago, after I had a bowel movement, I was shocked to find that the toilet paper was covered in blood, which was quite a significant amount and bright red in color. I was somewhat wo...
Dr. Xie Rongyuan Reply:
1. A colonoscopy revealed the presence of polyps, and upon biopsy, one of them appeared somewhat abnormal. The physician advised a follow-up examination in three months, and it is recommended to return to the hospital for further evaluation. 2. The report on the polyp condition ...[Read More] Understanding Unclear Medical Test Results: A Patient's Concern
Understanding Thyroid Function Issues: Seeking Answers After Normal Test Results
Thyroid dysfunction issues? Hello: Previously, I had a cold and visited a small clinic where the doctor suspected I might have a thyroid issue. I then went to a larger hospital for testing, but when the blood test results came back, the doctor said everything was normal. However,...
Dr. Yang Hongzhi Reply:
Thyroid diseases have a hereditary tendency. When you visit a clinic, the physician may suspect a thyroid issue, which could indicate thyroid enlargement. Individuals with an enlarged thyroid may have normal thyroid function tests. If you experience symptoms such as palpitations,...[Read More] Understanding Thyroid Function Issues: Seeking Answers After Normal Test Results
Understanding Positive Amorphous Urates: Implications and Lifestyle Tips
Non-crystalline urate Hello Dr. Yang: During a recent health check-up, one of the tests for amorphous urates returned a positive result (+), while the normal reference value is negative (-). What does this mean? Is there any issue that requires further treatment? Additionally, ar...
Dr. Yang Jun Reply:
Hello: In response to your question, the urine test results show a positive reaction for non-crystalline uric acid, indicating that there is an elevated level of uric acid in the urine. This may suggest hyperuricemia, which increases the likelihood of developing uric acid stones ...[Read More] Understanding Positive Amorphous Urates: Implications and Lifestyle Tips
Understanding Thyroid Issues: Symptoms, Diagnosis, and Stress Management
Is there a problem with the thyroid? I was previously diagnosed with hyperthyroidism at a general clinic, but after taking medication for a while at the China Medical University, my test results returned to normal. Recently, I've been feeling very irritable, and my eyes seem...
Dr. Yu Xianneng Reply:
Please come for a follow-up examination at the outpatient clinic or on Tuesday afternoon at the Metabolism Department.[Read More] Understanding Thyroid Issues: Symptoms, Diagnosis, and Stress Management
Understanding Hepatitis B: Risks, Prevention, and Family Considerations
Hepatitis B Hello Doctor: I would like to ask some questions regarding hepatitis B. About a year ago, I had a check-up at the hospital to see if I had antibodies for hepatitis B. Since I was vaccinated as a child (I am now 20 years old), the results showed that I had both surface...
Dr. Chen Jingwen Reply:
If you have both Hepatitis B surface antigen and antibodies, there may be a testing error or an acute infection, and you should retest to confirm the diagnosis. 1. If the Hepatitis B surface antigen is positive and your boyfriend has the same condition, then there is no risk of m...[Read More] Understanding Hepatitis B: Risks, Prevention, and Family Considerations
What to Do If Your Urinalysis Shows Abnormal Results?
What should I do if the results of my urine test report are abnormal? In the health check report, the urine test results show the following abnormalities highlighted in red for the first time: PRO (protein) is +, OB (urine occult blood) is 3+, BIL (urine bilirubin) is +, and WBC ...
Dr. Yang Jun Reply:
Hello: In response to your question, the urinalysis indicated the presence of proteinuria, hematuria, and pyuria, which may be caused by hemorrhagic cystitis due to a lower urinary tract infection. If there are no symptoms of fever or flank pain, it suggests that the infection ha...[Read More] What to Do If Your Urinalysis Shows Abnormal Results?
Understanding Neck Pain: Causes, Symptoms, and When to Seek Help
Neck problems? Hello Dr. Yu: In the past month or two, I've been experiencing frequent neck soreness and sometimes a feeling of tightness (like a muscle being pulled). My blood test results are normal, and I have had a neck X-ray that also came back normal. This issue is qui...
Dr. Yu Xianneng Reply:
I am not sure if I can come back to the outpatient clinic for an X-ray and blood tests to check if everything is normal before seeing a psychiatrist. Hyperthyroidism often presents with symptoms such as palpitations and excessive sweating, but there can also be cases without any ...[Read More] Understanding Neck Pain: Causes, Symptoms, and When to Seek Help
Understanding Human T-Lymphotropic Virus Antibodies: What You Need to Know
I'm sorry, but I need more context or specific information to provide an accurate translation or Dr. Cheng: Hello, I went to donate blood at the end of last year, but the nurse informed me that I could not donate because I had previously donated blood while I was still a stu...
Dr. Zheng Shuxing Reply:
You should go to a major hospital for confirmation tests for HTLV (Human T-cell Lymphotropic Virus), which is a retrovirus that can cause immunodeficiency, lymphomas, and neurological disorders. It is estimated that there are one to two million infected individuals worldwide, pri...[Read More] Understanding Human T-Lymphotropic Virus Antibodies: What You Need to Know