Understanding Low White Blood Cell Count and Elevated LDH Levels
Low white blood cell count, elevated LDH? Hello, doctor. Recently, I had a check-up at the clinic in June, where my white blood cell count was 4,200, with neutrophils at 46% (highlighted in red), lymphocytes at 42.6% (highlighted in red), monocytes at 7.4%, eosinophils at 2.8%, a...
Dr. Gao Jiankai Reply:
Hello, thank you for your question. Looking solely at the blood cell count from a blood test is not very accurate. I would recommend that a hematologist examine your lymph nodes, as the diagnosis of lymphoma requires at least a physical examination of the lymph nodes. Additionall...[Read More] Understanding Low White Blood Cell Count and Elevated LDH Levels
Understanding RA Diagnosis: Interpreting Joint Ultrasound Results
Is it confirmed? I started seeing a rheumatologist at the end of last year (2022) due to morning stiffness in my fingers. My rheumatoid factor test results have been inconsistent, showing both positive and negative results. The only relatively consistent finding is from the ultra...
Dr. Gao Jiankai Reply:
Hello, thank you for your inquiry. Currently, the diagnosis of rheumatoid arthritis (RA) still requires a comprehensive evaluation based on multiple test results, as relying on a single data point has lower accuracy. However, given the number of inflamed and painful joints you ha...[Read More] Understanding RA Diagnosis: Interpreting Joint Ultrasound Results
Understanding Hypothyroidism Risks in Late Pregnancy: Key Insights
Suspected hypothyroidism detected in late pregnancy? Hello Doctor, I have not undergone any thyroid examinations prior to pregnancy, so I am unaware of my pre-pregnancy condition, and there is no family history of such diseases. During a company health check-up at over eight mont...
Dr. Li Jian Reply:
Hello, if you have thyroid dysfunction during pregnancy, please visit a large hospital's Endocrinology and Metabolism department. Thank you for your inquiry.[Read More] Understanding Hypothyroidism Risks in Late Pregnancy: Key Insights
Cholesterol Levels: Understanding Medication Impact and Testing Accuracy
Cholesterol levels were high before medication, but normalized after treatment? Hello Doctor, last month I had a non-fasting blood test at a general clinic, and the results showed total cholesterol 395, low-density lipoprotein (LDL) 312, and high-density lipoprotein (HDL) 70. Lat...
Dr. Lin Jianliang Reply:
Hello, a total cholesterol level of 395 and low-density lipoprotein (LDL) of 312 is quite uncommon. After three weeks of medication, your total cholesterol dropped to 185, LDL to 112, and high-density lipoprotein (HDL) to 64, which is also an unusual decrease. Other values are no...[Read More] Cholesterol Levels: Understanding Medication Impact and Testing Accuracy
Understanding Your ANA Test Results: What Does a 1:40 Titer Mean?
Antinuclear antibody (ANA) blood test results? Hello Doctor: My ANA (antinuclear antibody) test result is 1:40, but the report notes that there are speckles in the blood. Does this indicate that I have a rheumatic-related disease? I have been having sleep issues for over three mo...
Dr. Gao Jiankai Reply:
Hello, thank you for your question. An ANA antibody result below 1:80 is generally considered normal. However, during the interpretation of the test, abnormalities can be observed at a dilution of 1:40, which is why some laboratories may report 1:40 as abnormal. We typically cons...[Read More] Understanding Your ANA Test Results: What Does a 1:40 Titer Mean?
Do Allergies Affect Symptoms of Ankylosing Spondylitis?
Can allergies affect the symptoms of stiffness? Hello Dr. Tseng, my son is 20 years old and has both ankylosing spondylitis and allergy issues. He is currently taking two tablets of Celebrex daily for ankylosing spondylitis, but he still experiences morning stiffness for about an...
Dr. Zeng Guosen Reply:
If a person has severe allergies that lead to irregular daily routines, it may affect the stability of autoimmune diseases. Mild symptoms typically do not have such an impact. Based on your description (morning stiffness lasting about 1 hour and an ESR frequently elevated to 40-5...[Read More] Do Allergies Affect Symptoms of Ankylosing Spondylitis?
The Connection Between Allergies and Ankylosing Spondylitis Symptoms
The relationship between allergies and stiffness symptoms? Hello, Doctor Gao. My son is 20 years old and has both ankylosing spondylitis and allergy issues. He is currently taking four Sulfasalazine tablets daily for ankylosing spondylitis, but he still experiences morning stiffn...
Dr. Gao Jiankai Reply:
Hello, thank you for your question. I believe that allergy symptoms are unrelated to stiffness symptoms. An elevated ESR may be associated with inadequate control of ankylosing spondylitis. If you are already taking four Salazopyrin tablets daily and continuously using anti-infla...[Read More] The Connection Between Allergies and Ankylosing Spondylitis Symptoms
Understanding Positive Saliva HIV Test Results: What You Need to Know
Saliva rapid test positive? Hello, I previously engaged in high-risk behavior, but in mid-July, I suddenly experienced redness, swelling, and peeling under my left armpit, which resolved in about three to four days. Later, I developed a lot of acne on my chin, and I also had some...
Dr. Liao Zhongxin Reply:
1. The presence of acne does not necessarily indicate an HIV infection. 2. Rapid HIV tests have certain sensitivity but lack specificity; if the result is positive, it is essential to consult a healthcare facility for confirmation and further evaluation.[Read More] Understanding Positive Saliva HIV Test Results: What You Need to Know
Understanding Drug-Resistant Bacteria: Key Questions and Concerns
Further inquiries regarding antibiotic-resistant bacteria in the human body (continuation of question number 199206)? Thank you for your previous response, Doctor. I have some additional questions I would like to understand: 1. If the test results continue to be positive accordin...
Dr. Lin Wufu Reply:
1. Yes. The human body naturally hosts many bacteria that coexist with it; antibiotic-resistant bacteria are simply more resistant to antibiotics, but otherwise, they are not significantly different from regular bacteria. 2. It may be worth considering the use of probiotics to se...[Read More] Understanding Drug-Resistant Bacteria: Key Questions and Concerns
Can Elevated Liver Enzymes Affect Sexual Function?
Can elevated liver enzymes affect sexual function? A few days ago, I visited a urologist due to issues related to sexual function and had blood tests done. Upon returning for a follow-up, the test results showed that all values were within normal ranges except for GOT and GPT, wh...
Dr. Xie Rongyuan Reply:
Hello: Generally, mild liver function abnormalities do not cause sexual dysfunction. It is recommended to consult a urologist to determine the cause. Thank you for your message![Read More] Can Elevated Liver Enzymes Affect Sexual Function?
Understanding Antibody Results in Dermatomyositis: Implications for Disease Progression
Antibody Issues in Dermatomyositis I was diagnosed with dermatomyositis on November 20, 2023, with a positive result for PL-7 (++) and negative results for all others. At that time, I only experienced muscle weakness, mechanic's hands, and joint rashes, with no other symptom...
Dr. Gao Jiankai Reply:
Hello, thank you for your inquiry. The blood test results you received are qualitative tests, which do not provide actual numerical values, so they are not very precise and do not necessarily indicate changes in disease status or worsening of your condition. I suggest not to worr...[Read More] Understanding Antibody Results in Dermatomyositis: Implications for Disease Progression
Understanding Uric Acid Levels and Their Impact on Knee Pain
Regarding uric acid and knee problems? Hello, doctor: I would like to ask about my knee pain issue that hasn't improved. The orthopedic doctor suggested I test my uric acid levels, and the result was 5 (tested after dinner). The doctor said that 5 is considered slightly high...
Dr. Gao Jiankai Reply:
Hello, thank you for your question. Different hospitals or clinics may have varying normal ranges for test results due to the different testing machines or units of measurement they use. Generally, most hospitals will use testing machines that establish the normal range for uric ...[Read More] Understanding Uric Acid Levels and Their Impact on Knee Pain
Understanding Low C3 Levels During Early Pregnancy: What You Need to Know
Low C3 complement levels? Due to being in the early stages of pregnancy (5 weeks), my doctor had me undergo multiple blood tests, and I just saw the results in my health record. My C3 level is only 87 mg/dL (the normal range is above 90). I already have Sjögren's syndrome, b...
Dr. Gao Jiankai Reply:
Hello, thank you for your question. There are many reasons for a decrease in complement C3 levels. If it was previously normal and has now decreased, it may be related to immune system activation. If you have Sjögren's syndrome, it is indeed possible to have lower complement...[Read More] Understanding Low C3 Levels During Early Pregnancy: What You Need to Know
Chronic Dry Mouth and Tongue Pain: Unraveling the Mystery of Symptoms
Dry mouth and tongue pain for many years without a definitive diagnosis? Hello Doctor, my mother has been experiencing symptoms of reduced saliva for about 30 years. She has seen dentists, rheumatologists, and family medicine doctors, and underwent a sublingual gauze test which c...
Dr. Gao Jiankai Reply:
Hello, thank you for your inquiry. My suggestions are as follows: 1. You may consider returning to a rheumatology clinic for evaluation. If necessary, a salivary gland biopsy may indeed be required, as sometimes the diagnosis of Sjögren's syndrome necessitates this examina...[Read More] Chronic Dry Mouth and Tongue Pain: Unraveling the Mystery of Symptoms
Understanding Abnormal Blood Test Results: Neutrophils, Monocytes, and Lymphocytes
Abnormal lymphocytes and leukocytes in blood test report? Hello, I went to the emergency room last November due to abdominal pain. I just checked my health records and saw the blood test report from that time, which showed three values highlighted in red: Neutrophil - 90.0%, Mono...
Dr. Zheng Weijun Reply:
Dear commenter, based on the information you provided, the proportions of neutrophils, monocytes, and lymphocytes in your blood report are 90.0%, 2.0%, and 7.5%, respectively. These values are slightly abnormal, as neutrophils typically range from 50-70%, monocytes from 2-10%, an...[Read More] Understanding Abnormal Blood Test Results: Neutrophils, Monocytes, and Lymphocytes
Understanding Elevated Gamma-Globulin Levels: Potential Causes and Implications
Elevated γ-globulin levels? Hello, doctor. Previously, I was concerned about the possibility of having multiple myeloma. Later, I received some blood test results: FLC Lambda 11.89 (5.71-26.3) / FLC Kappa 14.45 (3.3-19.4) / FLC K/L 1.22 (0.25-1.65). The Kappa level of 14.45 (3.3-...
Dr. Gao Jiankai Reply:
Hello, thank you for your question. Here are my responses: 1. It appears that your γ-globulin levels are elevated. Does this mean I have multiple myeloma? --> No. Infections or autoimmune diseases can also cause a slight increase. The manifestations of multiple myeloma are d...[Read More] Understanding Elevated Gamma-Globulin Levels: Potential Causes and Implications
Understanding Rheumatoid Arthritis: Anxiety and Joint Pain Connection
Rheumatoid Arthritis Hello, Doctor. I have a tendency towards anxiety and hypochondria. Last October, I visited a doctor because my fingers would stiffen when I was nervous, and I often experienced joint pain. Initially, I consulted a neurosurgeon who examined me and suggested th...
Dr. Gao Jiankai Reply:
Hello, thank you for your inquiry. Here are my responses: 1. Can the test results change from normal to abnormal after six months? --> Yes, changes may occur. 2. Does the doctor think it's necessary for me to see a rheumatologist again? --> Your symptoms are mild, s...[Read More] Understanding Rheumatoid Arthritis: Anxiety and Joint Pain Connection
Understanding Positive ANA Test Results: What You Need to Know
Positive ANA test result? Hello, the results of your immunological tests show a positive ANA (antinuclear antibody) with a titer of 1:40 and a pattern described as dense fine speckled. This indicates the presence of antinuclear antibodies, which can be associated with autoimmune ...
Dr. Gao Jiankai Reply:
Hello, thank you for your inquiry. This is considered normal, and you can follow up in six months or more. If any new rheumatic symptoms arise during this period, please return for an earlier consultation. The Allergy, Immunology, and Rheumatology Department of Changhua Hospital,...[Read More] Understanding Positive ANA Test Results: What You Need to Know
Understanding Thyroid Enlargement: Causes, Concerns, and Solutions
Thyroid enlargement issue? Hello Doctor: My current issue is related to my thyroid examination. I had an ultrasound that revealed one side is 2 cm thick, along with 2 or 3 nodules measuring 0.4 cm, but my blood test results are all within the normal range. I would like to ask why...
Dr. Lin Wuxuan Reply:
Hello, if you have already visited a medical facility for an examination, it is advisable to consult your attending physician regarding the diagnosis results and whether follow-up outpatient visits are necessary. Thank you.[Read More] Understanding Thyroid Enlargement: Causes, Concerns, and Solutions
Does Ulcerative Colitis Affect Immunoglobulin Levels and Cancer Risk?
Does ulcerative colitis have an impact? Hello Doctor, I am a patient with ulcerative colitis, which is currently under control. A colonoscopy in May showed that my mucosa has almost healed. Recently, due to immune-related issues, my blood test showed positive cold agglutinins wit...
Dr. Gao Jiankai Reply:
Hello, thank you for your question. The likelihood of ulcerative colitis being associated with cryoglobulinemia is quite low. Although there are sporadic case reports, I am somewhat skeptical about the correlation between these two conditions; generally, the chances are minimal, ...[Read More] Does Ulcerative Colitis Affect Immunoglobulin Levels and Cancer Risk?