Understanding Right Side Lower Back Pain: Is It Kidney Stones?
Right-sided lower back pain? I would like to ask the doctor a question: Since last week, I have been experiencing pain on the right side of my lower back. It's not a very noticeable pain, but rather a subtle, intermittent ache that isn't too severe; I can often distract...
Dr. Liu Hongxiang Reply:
Hello Ashley, You have experienced right flank pain several times, and it has not improved over the past few months. There is a possibility of kidney stones. I recommend scheduling an appointment for a urinalysis or ultrasound examination to facilitate analysis and diagnosis. W...[Read More] Understanding Right Side Lower Back Pain: Is It Kidney Stones?
Understanding Blood Pressure: Is My Reading Considered Hypertension?
Blood pressure issues? Hello Doctor, I recently started monitoring my blood pressure. Previously, when I measured it at the hospital, I was unsure if it was due to anxiety, as it would often reach 140/79 or even above 150. After a few days of regular exercise, I measured it at ho...
Dr. Lin Zhebin Reply:
Hello: The definition of normal blood pressure is a systolic pressure of less than or equal to 120 and a diastolic pressure of less than or equal to 80. The definition of hypertension is a systolic pressure of greater than or equal to 140 or a diastolic pressure of greater than o...[Read More] Understanding Blood Pressure: Is My Reading Considered Hypertension?
Understanding Blood Pressure and Pulse Pressure Differences: A Guide
Issues related to blood pressure and pulse pressure? Hello Doctor, I have recently started to manage my blood pressure. My systolic pressure fluctuates between 121 and 136, rarely exceeding 140, but my diastolic pressure is often below 70. I frequently measure readings like 130/6...
Dr. Lin Zhebin Reply:
Hello: If your blood pressure is mostly 130/60, it indicates that your systolic and diastolic pressures have not yet reached the hypertension standard (140/90). The systolic pressure is at most in the prehypertension range (120-140), so you shouldn't be too concerned about t...[Read More] Understanding Blood Pressure and Pulse Pressure Differences: A Guide
Concerns About Blood Draw Cotton: Should You Worry About Contamination?
Regarding blood collection cotton? Hello, Doctor: I would like to ask, when I went to the hospital for a blood draw this morning, the person who drew my blood placed a cotton ball on the wound, and I applied pressure for 10 minutes. I only removed it in the afternoon, and when I ...
Dr. Lin Zhebin Reply:
Hello: The small black stain next to your wound is likely the result of blood from the wound oxidizing upon exposure to air. There's no need to worry; it is not from someone else's use.[Read More] Concerns About Blood Draw Cotton: Should You Worry About Contamination?
Understanding Blood Pressure: Is Your Reading a Cause for Concern?
Blood pressure issues? Hello Doctor, I recently started monitoring my blood pressure. Previously, when I measured it at the hospital, I was unsure if it was due to anxiety, as it would reach 140/79 or even above 150. After a few days of regular exercise, I measured it at home and...
Dr. Lin Zhebin Reply:
Hello: The definition of normal blood pressure is a systolic pressure of less than or equal to 120 and a diastolic pressure of less than or equal to 80. The definition of hypertension is a systolic pressure of greater than or equal to 140 or a diastolic pressure of greater than o...[Read More] Understanding Blood Pressure: Is Your Reading a Cause for Concern?
Understanding the Link Between Insulin Resistance and Glucose Intolerance
The correlation between insulin resistance and impaired glucose tolerance? Thank you, doctor, for taking the time to answer my questions amidst your busy schedule. Hello, doctor, I would like to ask: 1. Is the relationship between insulin resistance and impaired glucose tolerance...
Dr. Ye Qianyu Reply:
Hello! First, you should know that the insulin resistance index is calculated using fasting blood glucose levels and fasting insulin levels, with the formula being "(fasting blood glucose x fasting insulin) divided by 405." Impaired glucose tolerance is characterized by...[Read More] Understanding the Link Between Insulin Resistance and Glucose Intolerance
Understanding Fluctuations in HbA1c Levels: A Month of Concerns
There is significant fluctuation in glycated hemoglobin levels within a month? Hello Doctor: Thank you for taking the time to answer my questions despite your busy schedule. In my family, aside from my parents, my aunts, uncles, and both sets of grandparents have diabetes, so I a...
Dr. Ye Qianyu Reply:
Hello! First, you should understand that glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c) is an indicator of average blood glucose levels over the past three months, so testing on different dates reflects average blood glucose status during different periods. Any factors that affect calorie intake an...[Read More] Understanding Fluctuations in HbA1c Levels: A Month of Concerns
Should a 14-Year-Old Take Arginine Capsules for Fatigue?
A 14-year-old junior high school student? Hello doctor, my son is a 14-year-old in the ninth grade, weighing 46 kilograms. He sleeps until noon on weekends and seems very fatigued throughout the day. Is it safe for him to take over-the-counter arginine capsules?
Dr. Ye Qianyu Reply:
Hello! A 14-year-old male middle school student is still in the growth and development stage. If there is an unusual sense of fatigue, it is advisable to first visit a pediatrician to rule out any underlying medical conditions. Nutritional supplementation should primarily focus o...[Read More] Should a 14-Year-Old Take Arginine Capsules for Fatigue?
Understanding High Blood Pressure: Why Is Systolic High but Diastolic Normal?
Hypertension issues Hello doctor, I have had high blood pressure issues for about four years, starting when I was in high school, but I didn't pay much attention to it at that time. Recently, I have started to take it more seriously. Every time I go to the hospital, my blood...
Dr. Lin Zhebin Reply:
Hello: The definition of hypertension is a systolic blood pressure of 140 mmHg or higher, or a diastolic blood pressure of 90 mmHg or higher. If you only have elevated systolic blood pressure, it may be related to vascular stiffness. Additionally, blood pressure can be influenced...[Read More] Understanding High Blood Pressure: Why Is Systolic High but Diastolic Normal?
Understanding Mycoplasma Infection: Transmission Risks and Precautions
Mycoplasma infection Hello, doctor. My family members were recently diagnosed with a mycoplasma infection and have since recovered, but they are experiencing some related sequelae, such as coughing. I did not live with them during their illness, so I did not get infected. However...
Dr. Ye Qianyu Reply:
Hello! Mycoplasma is a type of bacteria that can cause atypical pneumonia. The transmission occurs through respiratory droplets and contact with nasal secretions, so preventive measures include wearing masks, proper hand hygiene, and using alcohol for simple environmental disinfe...[Read More] Understanding Mycoplasma Infection: Transmission Risks and Precautions
COVID-19 Vaccination and Safe Dining: Your Health Questions Answered
Regarding COVID-19 vaccines and food delivery? Hello, Doctor: I would like to ask the following questions: a. I received my first dose of the COVID-19 vaccine (AstraZeneca) on September 10, 2021, my second dose (BioNTech) on November 24, 2021, and my booster dose (BioNTech) on Ma...
Dr. Xiao Yongxun Reply:
Dear Anonymous Sir: 1) Which COVID-19 vaccine should I get (are there side effects)? Answer: According to the regulations of the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), starting from October 11, 2023, the XBB.1.5 COVID-19 vaccine is available for everyone aged 6 months and older. Af...[Read More] COVID-19 Vaccination and Safe Dining: Your Health Questions Answered
Understanding Diabetes Diagnosis: Is One Test Enough?
Diabetes Diagnosis Issues Hello, doctor. I would like to ask a question. Recently, I was diagnosed with high blood sugar during a health check-up. On November 9th, I went to the hospital for a blood test and found that my fasting blood glucose level was 142 mg/dL, and my hemoglob...
Dr. Xiao Yongxun Reply:
Dear Mr. Zhang: 1. According to the diagnostic criteria for diabetes set by the American Diabetes Association: a. Fasting plasma glucose level ≥ 126 mg/dL after fasting for more than 8 hours, b. Plasma glucose level ≥ 200 mg/dL during a 2-hour oral glucose tolerance test, c. HbA...[Read More] Understanding Diabetes Diagnosis: Is One Test Enough?
Persistent Low-Grade Fever After Kidney Infection: What to Know
The body temperature has been consistently around 37 degrees Celsius for several days? Hello, doctor. I was hospitalized for pyelonephritis two weeks ago and stayed for a week, followed by another week of antibiotics after discharge. My menstrual period started right after and la...
Dr. Xiao Yongxun Reply:
Dear Ms. Chen: 1. The diagnosis of acute pyelonephritis primarily presents with symptoms such as frequent urination, dysuria, flank pain, and may even include fever, chills, and headache. Laboratory tests typically show an increase in white blood cells with a rise in the proport...[Read More] Persistent Low-Grade Fever After Kidney Infection: What to Know
Understanding Elevated Homocysteine Levels and Cardiovascular Health
Cardiovascular examination and homocysteine levels? Dear Doctor, in my blood test report, there is an item: cardiovascular examination with homocysteine level at 17.53 (reference range 5.9–16 umol/L). This value exceeds the reference range. What should I be aware of, or which dep...
Dr. Ye Qianyu Reply:
Hello! If there are kidney diseases, medication-related issues, alcohol abuse, or a deficiency of sufficient vitamin B6, vitamin B12, and folate in the diet, the level of homocysteine in the blood may increase. If only one of these is elevated, it is recommended to supplement wit...[Read More] Understanding Elevated Homocysteine Levels and Cardiovascular Health
Understanding Low C3 Complement Levels and Lupus Diagnosis
C3 complement levels are below the standard range? Hello, I currently have symmetrical pain in my finger joints and went to the hospital for examination. The test results show: ANA 1:160, C3 79 (below normal), C4 17.6 (normal). Six months prior to the hospital visit, I was hospit...
Dr. Ye Qianyu Reply:
Hello! Based on the information you provided, a diagnosis cannot be made at this time. If you have concerns, you may consult a physician at a medical facility.[Read More] Understanding Low C3 Complement Levels and Lupus Diagnosis
Can UV Lights and Ozone Kill COVID-19? N95 Mask Reuse Tips
Regarding epidemic prevention? Hello, Doctor. I would like to ask you a couple of questions. 1. Can ultraviolet (UV) lamps and the ozone they produce eliminate the coronavirus? 2. I use an N95 mask in crowded places, but I would like to reuse it multiple times. When I get home...
Dr. Lin Zhebin Reply:
Hello: 1. Ultraviolet (UV) light can kill the SARS-CoV-2 virus. It has previously been used for air disinfection in large spaces such as schools, hospitals, and hotels. Ozone can also kill the SARS-CoV-2 virus, but the concentration needs to be sufficient. The ozone produced by t...[Read More] Can UV Lights and Ozone Kill COVID-19? N95 Mask Reuse Tips
Understanding Discrepancies in Blood Test Results for Cancer Patients
Questions about blood test results? Hello Doctor: I am a cancer patient and frequently undergo blood tests due to my treatment. The medical center currently schedules follow-up appointments every three months, but I also pay out of pocket for regular blood tests at a local clinic...
Dr. Ye Qianyu Reply:
Hello! White blood cells can be further classified into five types: neutrophils, eosinophils, basophils, monocytes, and lymphocytes. Therefore, the total count can indeed vary, and the interpretation of the report is quite important. It usually requires a series of values in conj...[Read More] Understanding Discrepancies in Blood Test Results for Cancer Patients
Comparing Fever Suppositories: Voren vs. Paracetamol for Kids
Medication Consultation Hello Dr. Yeh, I have two questions. First, which of the two antipyretic suppositories is more harmful to the body: Voren non-inflammatory suppository 12.5mg or Paracetamol suppository 125mg? I understand that Western medication suppositories can be more...
Dr. Ye Qianyu Reply:
Hello! Suppositories are absorbed through the rectal mucosa after melting, which is faster than oral absorption. Once the medication enters the body, it must undergo hepatic and renal metabolism. As long as the composition of the medication is the same and the mechanism of action...[Read More] Comparing Fever Suppositories: Voren vs. Paracetamol for Kids
Differentiating Iron Deficiency Anemia from Thalassemia: A Clinical Guide
Differentiation between Iron Deficiency Anemia and Thalassemia? White Blood Cell Count (WBC): 4.53 Red Blood Cell Count (RBC): 4.52 Hemoglobin (HB): 10.8 Hematocrit (HCT): 33.8 Mean Corpuscular Hemoglobin (MCH): 23.9 Mean Corpuscular Volume (MCV): 74.7 Mean Corpuscula...
Dr. Chen Bozhang Reply:
Iron deficiency anemia and thalassemia have different causes, treatments, and management strategies. It is recommended that you bring your reports (or data) to consult with a physician in the hematology department or family medicine clinic. Thank you.[Read More] Differentiating Iron Deficiency Anemia from Thalassemia: A Clinical Guide
Is 5 Hours of Sleep Enough? Understanding Sleep Needs and Health
The relationship between sleep deprivation and sleep duration? It is currently widely believed that a sleep duration of 7 to 8 hours at night is the healthiest; however, there is significant individual variation. Is it necessary to sleep a full 7 hours to be considered healthy? I...
Dr. Lin Zhebin Reply:
Hello: It is generally recommended that adults (18 years and older) get more than 7 hours of sleep at night. However, since you do not feel tired during the day, it indicates that your sleep quality is likely adequate. Additionally, your habit of taking a midday nap may also affe...[Read More] Is 5 Hours of Sleep Enough? Understanding Sleep Needs and Health