Understanding Your Joint Pain: Gout, Arthritis, or Something Else?
Arthritis or gout or other conditions? I would like to ask the doctor, I have had symptoms similar to gout since high school. It started with the joints in my feet, then moved to my knees, and later to my index finger. Currently, the most common areas of attack are my fingers, kn...
Dr. Ke Zhengchang Reply:
In addition to gout, multiple joint swelling and pain can also be caused by rheumatic diseases, osteoarthritis, and crystalline arthritis. Generally, a comprehensive assessment based on clinical symptoms, blood test results, physical examination, and radiological studies is neces...[Read More] Understanding Your Joint Pain: Gout, Arthritis, or Something Else?
Managing Kidney Issues in Elderly Patients: Treatment Options and Considerations
Kidney problems Consulting a physician: My father is 80 years old and regularly takes medication for hypertension, diabetes, and gout. Recently, due to urine test results indicating an infection, a kidney ultrasound was performed, revealing deteriorating kidney function and a 0.6...
Dr. Yang Jun Reply:
Hello, in response to your inquiry: Your father is 80 years old and has a history of hypertension, diabetes, and gout. The urinalysis shows signs of infection, which may be caused by prostatitis or benign prostatic hyperplasia leading to urinary difficulties, and it is not necess...[Read More] Managing Kidney Issues in Elderly Patients: Treatment Options and Considerations
Understanding Urine Blood Test Results: Possible Causes and Concerns
Health check-up My health check indicated the presence of blood in my urine, but I was experiencing irregular menstrual cycles and hadn't had my period for 2-3 months. What could be the reason for this?
Dr. Yang Jun Reply:
Hello: In response to your inquiry regarding the presence of hematuria (blood in urine) found during a health check-up, it can be clinically classified into glomerular hematuria and non-glomerular hematuria. Glomerular hematuria originates from intrinsic renal parenchymal disease...[Read More] Understanding Urine Blood Test Results: Possible Causes and Concerns
Understanding the Implications of Borderline Lupus Erythematosus and Management Strategies
Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) I have been experiencing some discomfort in my lower back, and after a hospital examination, the doctor mentioned that there seems to be blood in my urine. Upon further review of the test results, the doctor indicated that the findings are on th...
Dr. Zheng Shuxing Reply:
Hello Miss Ya-Chi! Systemic lupus erythematosus is an autoimmune disease that commonly affects young women. There are 11 diagnostic criteria, and a diagnosis is confirmed if 4 or more criteria are met. If fewer than 4 criteria are met, it may be what your physician refers to as &...[Read More] Understanding the Implications of Borderline Lupus Erythematosus and Management Strategies
Understanding Urine Test Results: What Does ob+ Mean?
Regarding small questions about health check-ups? Recently, I had a general health check-up, and in the report, the urine section showed ob+. What does this mean?
Dr. Wang Fangli Reply:
Hello, Miss Cloud: OB refers to occult blood, which means there is blood in the urine that is not visible to the naked eye. The presence of occult blood may indicate kidney issues, urinary tract infections, or stones, or it could be due to your menstrual period not being complete...[Read More] Understanding Urine Test Results: What Does ob+ Mean?
Understanding Kidney Function and Cholesterol Levels in Patients
Kidney function and cholesterol? I have a history of hypertension and hyperglycemia for about three years and have been on medication. On April 5, 2002, my blood test results showed HDL-C 75, LDL-C 75, Total Cholesterol 163, Triglycerides 60, BUN 20, Creatinine 1.2, and Uric Acid...
Dr. Xiao Yongxun Reply:
Hello: In response to your questions: 1. BUN and Creatinine generally indicate kidney function. The differences in your two test results are within acceptable ranges, so it cannot be concluded that kidney function has deteriorated based on this. 2. Elevated LDL, decreased HDL, an...[Read More] Understanding Kidney Function and Cholesterol Levels in Patients
Is It Lupus? Understanding ANA and Blood Test Results
Is it systemic lupus erythematosus? ANA 640X, WBC 3300, Eosinophils 6%, Lymphocytes 45%, Hct 37.1%, Albumin 4.64 g/dL, Globulin 3.22 g/dL, A/G Ratio 1.44, GOT and GPT normal, total bilirubin 0.96 (slightly elevated). Is this indicative of systemic lupus erythematosus?
Dr. Zeng Guosen Reply:
ANA 1:640X, WBC: 3300, with other results within normal limits. Based on the information provided in your letter, it cannot be directly confirmed as systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). The diagnosis of SLE requires meeting at least four out of eleven clinical criteria for a defin...[Read More] Is It Lupus? Understanding ANA and Blood Test Results
Understanding Abnormal Blood Test Results: A Guide for Parents
Blood test results Hello: On March 9, 2002, my blood test results were as follows: Triglycerides: 221 mg/dL, Cholesterol: 259 mg/dL, Blood Glucose: 97 mg/dL, Total Protein (TP): 7.6 g/dL, Albumin (ALB): 4.5 g/dL, Gamma-Glutamyl Transferase (GGT): 86 U/L, Alkaline Phosphatase (ALK...
Dr. Li Huixiong Reply:
Hello Mr. Max: Please note that the standard values set for each testing instrument may vary slightly. I will explain your test results as follows: triglycerides 221, cholesterol 259, with other values normal. Both of these values should not exceed 200. I recommend starting with ...[Read More] Understanding Abnormal Blood Test Results: A Guide for Parents
Understanding Type 1 Diabetes: Symptoms, Biochemical Markers, and Management
Complicated diabetes 1. Why do individuals with insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus experience increased thirst, excessive urination, and increased appetite, yet also experience weight loss and fatigue? 2. A glucose level of 300 mg/dL, HbA1c of 8.8%, sodium of 133 mg/L, potassi...
Dr. Ke Zhengchang Reply:
Diabetes can cause the classic symptoms of polyphagia (increased eating), polydipsia (increased drinking), and polyuria (increased urination). When blood sugar levels rise, glucosuria (presence of glucose in urine) occurs, which has a diuretic effect, leading to polyuria. This in...[Read More] Understanding Type 1 Diabetes: Symptoms, Biochemical Markers, and Management
Understanding Pituitary Tumors: Symptoms, Diagnosis, and Treatment Options
Pituitary tumor Hello Doctor: Today I went to Kaohsiung Medical University to review my blood test results. I have gained 25 kg over the past year, going from 57 kg to 82 kg, and I eat very little, really very little... I consulted an endocrinologist, who suspects I might have a ...
Dr. Li Huixiong Reply:
Based on your description, the current condition is not clear or definitive, so there is no need to worry too much at this stage. Let's wait for things to become clearer. Endocrine disorders can only be confirmed through blood tests, so I recommend waiting for the results be...[Read More] Understanding Pituitary Tumors: Symptoms, Diagnosis, and Treatment Options
Understanding Right Ventricular Hypertrophy: Implications and Care Tips
Cardiology Doctor: Hello! Recently, my mother’s blood pressure suddenly rose above 100. She went to the hospital for blood tests and an electrocardiogram (ECG). The ECG report indicated right ventricular hypertrophy and damage to the heart membrane. Could you please explain what ...
Dr. Ke Zhengchang Reply:
I recommend visiting a hospital's cardiology department for a detailed examination, including an echocardiogram and an electrocardiogram (ECG), to better understand the severity of the condition. Generally, both regional hospitals and medical centers have cardiologists who c...[Read More] Understanding Right Ventricular Hypertrophy: Implications and Care Tips
Understanding Drug Tests: Can Allergy Medications Affect Results?
Hello, doctor? Hello Doctor, I was recently stopped by the police while dancing at a club, as they suspected I had taken ecstasy. I was taken in for a urine test, but I haven't used ecstasy in a long time. I regularly take medication for nasal allergies, and I'm conce...
Dr. Ke Zhengchang Reply:
Ecstasy is a type of sedative, while nasal allergy medications are antihistamines and vasoconstrictors. They contain different active ingredients and do not have any interactions.[Read More] Understanding Drug Tests: Can Allergy Medications Affect Results?
Understanding Blood Urea Nitrogen: Differences and Clinical Significance
Urea and Blood Urea Nitrogen (BUN) Dr. Ke: Hello. I would like to ask you about the renal function test items, specifically the definition of blood urea nitrogen (BUN). The name of the test is blood urea nitrogen, but in the explanation, it only mentions urea and not nitrogen. So...
Dr. Ke Zhengchang Reply:
Hello Ms. Hsiao-Fen: This question is answered by Dr. Yang Te-Cheng, a nephrologist. Clinically, blood urea nitrogen (BUN) and creatinine are commonly used as indicators of kidney function. When kidney function declines, the values of these two indicators will increase; however, ...[Read More] Understanding Blood Urea Nitrogen: Differences and Clinical Significance
Understanding Thyroid Function and Allergies: A Patient's Inquiry
Medical consultation Thank you, Dr. Ke, for your letter. I have visited the general surgery outpatient clinic and had a blood test to check my thyroid function. The test results were normal. The doctor prescribed antihistamines and some hormones. I also experience wheezing at tim...
Dr. Ke Zhengchang Reply:
Dear Ms. Lu, There are many reasons for experiencing shortness of breath while walking. Arranging for pulmonary function tests, exercise electrocardiograms, and chest X-rays can serve as initial screenings to identify the cause.[Read More] Understanding Thyroid Function and Allergies: A Patient's Inquiry
Understanding Gastrointestinal Discomfort: Insights for Office Workers
Gastrointestinal discomfort? Hello! I am an office worker and spend most of my time sitting in the office. I have low physical activity, and my Hepatitis B surface antigen is positive, while the e antigen is negative. My weight and height are 70 kg and 173 cm, respectively. I smo...
Dr. Yang Guojun Reply:
1. Your condition may involve hepatitis B, fatty liver, duodenal ulcer, and irritable bowel syndrome, along with renal insufficiency. Please start by losing weight, quitting smoking, and undergoing triple therapy for the treatment of the duodenal ulcer. 2. The presence of hepat...[Read More] Understanding Gastrointestinal Discomfort: Insights for Office Workers
Understanding Liver and Pancreas Issues: Interpreting Blood Test Results
Please ask questions related to the liver and pancreas? The individual has a relative with the following blood and biochemical reports: Biochemical tests: - G.O.T (AST): 444 - G.P.T (ALT): 533 - Total Protein: 7.4 - Albumin: 3.6 - Globulin: 3.8 - A/G Ratio: 0.9 - Alpha-Fetoprot...
Dr. Li Huixiong Reply:
The GOP and GPT (liver enzyme) levels are elevated above 400, and the hepatitis C virus antibody test is positive (Anti-HCV(+)). The alpha-fetoprotein (AFP) level is significantly above 40, and the A/G ratio is less than 1. These findings indicate that the patient is suffering fr...[Read More] Understanding Liver and Pancreas Issues: Interpreting Blood Test Results
Do I Have Thalassemia? Understanding Your Blood Test Results
Do I have thalassemia? Hello Doctor, Recently, I underwent a health examination for school admission, and the results of my blood tests were quite concerning (as follows): WBC: 5.91 RBC: 5.95 Hb: 11.4 Hct: 39.6 MCV: 66.55 MCH: 19.16 MCHC: 28.79 Platelet: 359.3 ...
Dr. Ke Zhengchang Reply:
Hello, little one: Your blood test report shows that your red blood cells are smaller than normal, indicating mild anemia. It is possible that you have either thalassemia or iron deficiency anemia. Further tests for serum iron levels and hemoglobin electrophoresis are necessary. ...[Read More] Do I Have Thalassemia? Understanding Your Blood Test Results
Understanding Duodenal Ulcers: Symptoms, Diagnosis, and Lifestyle Adjustments
Duodenal ulcer with bulb deformity? Hello! I am a working professional who spends most of my time sitting in the office. I have low physical activity, and my Hepatitis B surface antigen is positive, while the e antigen is negative. My weight and height are 70 kg and 173 cm, respe...
Dr. Chen Shidian Reply:
Hello: 1. Fatty liver can lead to a slight increase in liver function tests; please exercise more. 2. Chronic infection with Helicobacter pylori can cause gastritis and duodenal ulcers (recurrent ulcers may lead to deformation of the bulb). 3. Elevated atherosclerosis index; plea...[Read More] Understanding Duodenal Ulcers: Symptoms, Diagnosis, and Lifestyle Adjustments
Understanding Serious Lung Issues: What to Expect from Your Diagnosis
Pulmonary issues - urgent My boyfriend started undergoing tests two months ago due to persistent coughing, which began as a dry cough and then progressed to coughing up phlegm, eventually leading to blood-streaked sputum and blood clots. He was diagnosed with bronchitis at Linkou...
Dr. Ke Zhengchang Reply:
Based on Ms. CINDY's description, it is highly likely that your boyfriend has contracted tuberculosis. Therefore, please visit a pulmonologist for a consultation, and undergo a new chest X-ray and detailed examination, or bring copies of the X-ray and sputum test results for...[Read More] Understanding Serious Lung Issues: What to Expect from Your Diagnosis
Understanding High White Blood Cell Count: Causes and Concerns
White blood cells I have a friend who often experiences difficulty breathing and severe headaches. Blood test results show elevated white blood cell counts. We are unsure about the underlying issue. Could this be serious? I would appreciate any insights from doctors regarding thi...
Dr. Ke Zhengchang Reply:
Possible causes of leukocytosis include: 1. Infections that trigger an increase in white blood cell production, such as pneumonia. 2. Abnormal hematopoietic function in the bone marrow leading to elevated white blood cell counts. In the second case, the white blood cell count oft...[Read More] Understanding High White Blood Cell Count: Causes and Concerns