Understanding Prediabetes: Should You Retest Blood Sugar Levels?
Prediabetes Hello doctor, my most recent health check showed a fasting blood glucose level of 104 mg/dL, glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c) of 5.7%, red blood cell count of 4.56 million cells/µL, hemoglobin of 14 g/dL, MCV of 88.6 fL, and hematocrit of 40.4%. Prior to the health check, ...
Dr. Li Jian Reply:
The current report indicates prediabetes. Please start with dietary control and follow up in three months.[Read More] Understanding Prediabetes: Should You Retest Blood Sugar Levels?
Understanding Dry Eye Syndrome: Blood Test Results and Treatment Insights
Sjögren's Syndrome Index Thank you, doctor! First question: I was diagnosed with Sjögren's syndrome on August 19 this year, with an index of 280. Starting from the 20th, I took one quinine daily. On September 21, I had a second blood test, and the index was 334. During ...
Dr. Gao Jiankai Reply:
Hello, thank you for your questions. Here are my responses: First question: I was diagnosed with Sjögren's syndrome on August 19 of this year, with a score of 280. I started taking one quinine tablet daily from the 20th, and on September 21, my blood was drawn again, showin...[Read More] Understanding Dry Eye Syndrome: Blood Test Results and Treatment Insights
Does Diarrhea Affect Creatinine Levels in Chronic Kidney Disease?
Elevated creatinine levels? Hello, doctor. My mother has chronic kidney disease, so I had my creatinine level tested at the end of May, which was 0.65. After a health check at the end of August, I found that my creatinine level had risen to 0.85. However, I had been experiencing ...
Dr. Huang Yaoxuan Reply:
Hello, Ms. Ge: The creatinine levels of 0.65 and 0.85 are both within the normal range, so I believe there is no need to worry about (or consider) whether the changes in creatinine levels are related to gastroenteritis. Thank you![Read More] Does Diarrhea Affect Creatinine Levels in Chronic Kidney Disease?
Understanding Your HIV Viral Load: What to Do Next?
HIV Viral Load has a numerical value? Hello Dr. Hong, I am an HIV-positive patient. I have been adhering to my medication regimen daily to control the virus. However, after my routine blood test this month, I saw in the National Health Insurance Quick Translation system that my H...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, your viral load does appear to have increased. However, whether a change in medication is necessary or if we should just monitor the situation requires evaluation by your attending physician. Therefore, I recommend that you schedule an appointment with your doctor for conf...[Read More] Understanding Your HIV Viral Load: What to Do Next?
Can High Rheumatoid Factor Levels Return to Normal? Insights and Advice
Is it possible for a high rheumatoid factor to decrease to normal levels? Hello Doctor, I would like to ask you a question. I have recently measured my rheumatoid factor twice, and both times it was very high, around 200. The second measurement was even higher than the first. My...
Dr. Gao Jiankai Reply:
Hello, thank you for your question. A high rheumatoid factor is an indication of immune dysfunction and, in principle, will not return to normal solely due to strict lifestyle adjustments. A higher rheumatoid factor simply suggests that you have a greater likelihood of having a r...[Read More] Can High Rheumatoid Factor Levels Return to Normal? Insights and Advice
Understanding Antinuclear Antibody (ANA) Test Results: What 1:80 Means
Antinuclear antibodies (ANA) My blood test result is 1:80. I would like to know if this is normal or if further testing is needed.
Dr. Zeng Guosen Reply:
AANA titer of 1:80 is considered weakly positive, which may be normal, but a small number of cases could indicate an issue that requires further differential diagnosis. There are many specific tests that need to be conducted, which I won't detail here. Please consult a rheum...[Read More] Understanding Antinuclear Antibody (ANA) Test Results: What 1:80 Means
Understanding Elevated Rheumatoid Factor: Concerns and Implications
Elevated rheumatoid factor in health check-ups? Hello Doctor, I underwent a full body health check in August and unexpectedly found my RF to be 240 (normal <15), while other results were normal. I went to the immunology department for a re-examination. I have no discomfort, an...
Dr. Zeng Guosen Reply:
A netizen discovered an RF level of 240 during a comprehensive health check-up. RF is not exclusively associated with rheumatoid arthritis; it is commonly found in carriers of hepatitis B, chronic infections, inflammation, and autoimmune diseases. RF does not have predictive valu...[Read More] Understanding Elevated Rheumatoid Factor: Concerns and Implications
Am I at Risk for Hepatitis B, C, Syphilis, or Tetanus?
Can this lead to hepatitis B, hepatitis C, syphilis, or tetanus? Hello, Doctor. A few days ago, while I was browsing a kitchenware store in a department store, I accidentally scraped my hand on a product displayed by the store (a metal stirring stick with a gear-shaped end). At t...
Dr. Lin Wufu Reply:
Hello: While I cannot say that the situation you mentioned is impossible, the probability is extremely low (you can think of it as being even less likely than being struck by lightning). The reason is that bacteria or viruses such as hepatitis B and syphilis can survive outside t...[Read More] Am I at Risk for Hepatitis B, C, Syphilis, or Tetanus?
Managing High Uric Acid and Liver Function: Best Specialist Options
What is the best way to manage high uric acid levels and elevated liver function tests? Thank you, doctor, for taking the time to address my concerns. I have recently received blood test results showing the following: height 165 cm, weight 70 kg. 1. Uric acid level: 8.9 mg/dL. 2....
Dr. Li Jian Reply:
High uric acid and fatty liver can benefit from consulting a nutritionist for education and guidance. Weight loss is essential; if dietary control is insufficient, consider seeking treatment from a metabolic specialist for medication.[Read More] Managing High Uric Acid and Liver Function: Best Specialist Options
Managing High Uric Acid and Liver Function: Best Specialist Options
What is the best way to manage high uric acid levels and elevated liver function tests? Thank you, doctor, for taking the time to address my concerns. I have recently received blood test results showing the following: height 165 cm, weight 70 kg. 1. Uric acid level is 8.9 mg/dL. ...
Dr. Li Jian Reply:
High uric acid levels and fatty liver can benefit from consultation with a nutritionist for education and guidance. Weight loss is essential; if dietary control is insufficient, consider seeking treatment from a metabolic specialist for medication management.[Read More] Managing High Uric Acid and Liver Function: Best Specialist Options
Managing High Uric Acid and Liver Function: Best Specialist Options
What is the best way to manage elevated uric acid levels and slightly elevated liver function indices? Thank you, doctor, for taking the time to address my concerns. I have recently received blood test results showing the following: height 165 cm, weight 70 kg. 1. Uric acid level...
Dr. Li Jian Reply:
High uric acid and fatty liver can benefit from consulting a nutritionist for education and guidance. Weight loss is essential; if dietary control is insufficient, consider seeking medication treatment from a metabolic specialist.[Read More] Managing High Uric Acid and Liver Function: Best Specialist Options
Understanding Immune System Issues: Symptoms and Diagnostic Insights
Immune system issues Hello doctor, I started experiencing chills and fever on the night of August 4, 2022. The next day, I visited an ENT specialist who diagnosed me with a common cold. I took medication for three days, and while I felt somewhat better, the fever returned. After ...
Dr. Gao Jiankai Reply:
Hello, thank you for your inquiry. In your test results, the presence of IgM antibodies indicates an acute infection, so it is important to consider Toxoplasmosis, Cytomegalovirus (CMV), and Epstein-Barr Virus (EBV). Toxoplasmosis is caused by a parasite known as Toxoplasma, whil...[Read More] Understanding Immune System Issues: Symptoms and Diagnostic Insights
Assessing HIV Infection Risks in Male-to-Male Sexual Activities
Concerns about HIV infection? Hello, doctor. I would like to inquire about the risk of infection during male-to-male sexual activity involving mutual masturbation. During the process, I experienced minor fresh cuts due to dry foreskin. A small amount of my partner's semen dr...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, there is no clear definition of what constitutes a large area wound. Based on your description, the situation is indeed very complex. It is advisable to first confirm with the individual if there are any recent test results. If there are results and they are negative, ther...[Read More] Assessing HIV Infection Risks in Male-to-Male Sexual Activities
Understanding HIV Testing: Is a Negative RT PCR Result Reliable?
HIV testing issues? I have undergone an RT-PCR test, and the result was negative. It has been 32 days since I was exposed on the day of the blood draw. Can I feel reassured now?
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, based on your current condition and test results, the chance of HIV infection is very low. Thank you for your inquiry.[Read More] Understanding HIV Testing: Is a Negative RT PCR Result Reliable?
Understanding Elevated White Blood Cells and Platelets: What You Need to Know
Elevated white blood cell and platelet counts? Dear Doctor: Three years ago, my blood test showed a white blood cell count of 12,400 and a platelet count of 500,000. Recently, my test results indicated a white blood cell count of 13,900 and a platelet count of 550,000, but I do n...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, an elevated white blood cell count typically indicates that the body is in an inflammatory state, which may be due to infection, injury, medication (such as steroids), or other factors causing inflammation. It is advisable to first examine the areas of the body that are un...[Read More] Understanding Elevated White Blood Cells and Platelets: What You Need to Know
Post-Appendectomy: Persistent Low-Grade Fever, Dizziness, and Appetite Loss
After appendectomy, the body often experiences elevated temperature, dizziness, and decreased appetite? Hello Doctor, in mid-July, I had a continuous high fever of 39 degrees Celsius for two days. I was taken to the emergency room and found out that my appendix had ruptured. The ...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, based on your description, the main issues seem to be elevated body temperature and poor appetite. I'm not sure if there are any other discomforts, including those related to the surgical area or other parts of the body. If there are, it may be necessary to conduct ex...[Read More] Post-Appendectomy: Persistent Low-Grade Fever, Dizziness, and Appetite Loss
Understanding Viral Infections: Insights from Recent Blood Test Results
Viral infection Hello doctor, on the night of August 4th, I experienced fever and chills. The next day, I had a loss of appetite and nausea. After visiting an ENT specialist and taking medication, I felt somewhat better, but the fever returned quickly. Eventually, on August 18th,...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, most of these results are "reactive," meaning they show a response but may not have significant implications. 1. TOXO, or Toxoplasma gondii, antibody reactions are for reference and must be interpreted in conjunction with clinical symptoms to make a diagnosis. ...[Read More] Understanding Viral Infections: Insights from Recent Blood Test Results
Understanding the Impact of Stress on Immune System Health
Immune system Hello, doctor. I am the patient who asked questions today regarding the many positive results. Thank you for your answers. What I fear the most is the HIV test, but fortunately, it came back negative. However, I am still very worried about the numerous abnormal resu...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, indeed, aside from HIV, other positive results do not necessarily indicate an acute infection. Wishing you all the best and good health.[Read More] Understanding the Impact of Stress on Immune System Health
Understanding Syphilis Treatment Options for LGBTQ+ Patients
Syphilis Diagnosis and Treatment I am gay and I was first diagnosed with syphilis two years ago (I was also diagnosed with HIV at the same time). I have received treatment (three injections for syphilis) and I was cured. Last year, I contracted syphilis again, but I was afraid to...
Dr. Liao Zhongxin Reply:
1. Yes, because the health insurance card will be annotated. For example, HIV and syphilis are both legally mandated reportable infectious diseases. If a clinic or physician diagnoses a legally reportable infectious disease but fails to report it within the specified time frame, ...[Read More] Understanding Syphilis Treatment Options for LGBTQ+ Patients
Understanding HIV Rapid Testing: Clarifying Window Period and Results
HIV rapid test Hello Dr. Hong, I asked you about the HIV rapid test yesterday, but later I realized that the test I took was not the 4th generation ELISA but rather the Abbott rapid test for HIV Ag/Ab p24 Ag (Combo) during the window period of 4 to 5 weeks. Therefore, I am asking...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, the Combo test will not affect the results, so you only need to confirm if there was an infection during the 10-day period. Thank you for your question.[Read More] Understanding HIV Rapid Testing: Clarifying Window Period and Results