Understanding High Platelet Count and Low MPV: What You Need to Know
Elevated platelet count with low mean platelet volume? Hello Doctor: I would like to ask about a high platelet count of 449 and a low mean platelet volume (MPV) of 6.9. What could be the issue with these abnormal platelet values? Is it serious? Could it be cancer? Which specialty...
Dr. Cai Dongqi Reply:
Hello, if the platelet count is elevated without any other symptoms, it may be due to unknown reasons or related to the hematologic or immune system. The possibility of cancer is more likely if there is a simultaneous decrease in platelets, white blood cells, and hemoglobin; othe...[Read More] Understanding High Platelet Count and Low MPV: What You Need to Know
Post-Swimming Discomfort: Understanding Back and Abdominal Pain
Discomfort in the back and abdomen after swimming? Hello, Doctor. After swimming, I always experience pain in my lower back and abdomen. When I press on my stomach, there is discomfort, and my lower back feels uncomfortable even when standing straight. However, resting for a whil...
Dr. Ye Qianyu Reply:
Hello! Based on your description, the tenderness in your lower back and abdomen after exercise may suggest a muscle strain. It is recommended that you consult a rehabilitation specialist. Be sure to warm up before exercising and perform cool-down exercises afterward. If it is ind...[Read More] Post-Swimming Discomfort: Understanding Back and Abdominal Pain
Unexplained Nipple Holes: What Could Be Causing This Pain?
The nipple has developed two unexplained large holes? Hello, a couple of days ago I went to a hot spring and used an oven (I had no issues while bathing). However, yesterday while showering, I noticed some pain in my nipples. Upon inspection, I found two large holes (considering ...
Dr. Liao Yaopan Reply:
Hello, you can consult a breast surgeon online to evaluate your symptoms. Please note that online consultations are not equivalent to in-person medical visits and cannot provide diagnoses or treatment recommendations. Changhua Hospital cares about you.[Read More] Unexplained Nipple Holes: What Could Be Causing This Pain?
Is Tetanus Infection a Concern After a Minor Cut?
Possible tetanus infection Hello, Doctor. About two weeks ago, I had a cut approximately 3 centimeters long and less than 2 millimeters deep. Recently, the wound has healed, and there are no visible signs of injury. However, the cutting instrument was not very clean (it had a bit...
Dr. Lin Zhebin Reply:
Hello: 1. Any wound has the potential to become infected with tetanus, but the likelihood varies. Since you were vaccinated against tetanus in childhood and considering the description of your wound, the risk of tetanus infection should be very low. 2. If the back muscle pain is ...[Read More] Is Tetanus Infection a Concern After a Minor Cut?
Understanding Hard Lumps After Groin Impact: Causes and Concerns
A lump or hard mass appears after an impact to the groin area? Last week, while riding my bicycle, the brakes failed, and I accelerated downhill, crashing into an iron gate. I experienced immediate and intense pain in my groin area, which made it nearly impossible to move. When t...
Dr. Ye Qianyu Reply:
Hello! Based on your description, it may be a soft tissue contusion, which could have caused a hematoma leading to localized swelling. It is recommended that you seek medical attention at a healthcare facility. If it is confirmed that there is no bleeding, you should be able to s...[Read More] Understanding Hard Lumps After Groin Impact: Causes and Concerns
Persistent Thirst and Unusual Belly Button Discharge: What to Know
Persistent thirst with discharge from the navel? Hello, Doctor. Recently, I've been feeling very thirsty often, and even after drinking a lot of water, it doesn't help. One day, I noticed a yellowish discharge around my navel (sometimes it appears reddish-brown). I visi...
Dr. Ye Qianyu Reply:
Hello! For skin issues, it is recommended that you visit a dermatologist. For problems related to thirst, it is advisable to consult with a metabolic specialist.[Read More] Persistent Thirst and Unusual Belly Button Discharge: What to Know
Rapid Fat Loss: When to Seek Medical Advice and Possible Causes
Rapid decrease in body fat? Doctor, I started working out a month ago and my body fat percentage decreased by 1% over that month. However, in the past week, it has dropped by nearly 3%. I've also noticed a significant weight loss recently. Which specialty should I consult, a...
Dr. Ye Qianyu Reply:
Hello! Please review and record the changes in your dietary intake structure and the calories burned through exercise. It is recommended that you consult with a metabolic specialist.[Read More] Rapid Fat Loss: When to Seek Medical Advice and Possible Causes
Understanding Eye Styes: When to Consult Family Medicine and Immunology
Inquiry about medical specialties? Hello Doctor: Since May of this year, I have been experiencing frequent styes, having developed about four of them in the past six months. Each time has been severe enough to require drainage surgery. I would like to know if, in addition to seei...
Dr. Liao Yaopan Reply:
Hello, you can first consult with your family physician regarding your condition. Depending on the situation, further referral for online consultation may be considered. Please note that online consultations are not equivalent to in-person visits and cannot provide diagnoses or t...[Read More] Understanding Eye Styes: When to Consult Family Medicine and Immunology
Understanding COVID-19 Vaccine Impact on Health and Long-Term Effects
Regarding COVID-19 vaccines? Hello, Doctor! I would like to ask: 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 March 1, 2022. I would like to know what the ou...
Dr. Ye Qianyu Reply:
Hello! The circulating strains of the COVID-19 virus are rapidly mutating. If you are concerned about contracting the virus and its complications, it is recommended that you receive the latest vaccine as advised by the Centers for Disease Control. Currently, there is no method to...[Read More] Understanding COVID-19 Vaccine Impact on Health and Long-Term Effects
Why Am I Experiencing Low Blood Sugar Symptoms Despite Regular Meals?
How can one still be anemic despite having regular three meals a day? Hello doctor, my weight is normal and I eat three meals a day, but why do I still frequently experience symptoms that feel like low blood sugar? In the past, I had episodes of low blood sugar due to skipping di...
Dr. Cai Dongqi Reply:
Hello, Xiao Guo: Hypoglycemia should be measured with a blood glucose meter. A value below 70, accompanied by cold sweats and pale complexion, indicates hypoglycemia; it should not be based on feelings. The symptoms you described may be indicative of orthostatic hypotension or ex...[Read More] Why Am I Experiencing Low Blood Sugar Symptoms Despite Regular Meals?
Understanding Your Health Check Report: Key Insights and Recommendations
Health Check Report Height: 173.1 cm, Weight: 73.2 kg. Below are the results from the company health check in September 2023, with red flags noted in the report provided in October. I would like to inquire about the doctor's recommendations and understand my health status. T...
Dr. Chen Bozhang Reply:
It is recommended to bring your health check-up report to the family medicine outpatient consultation. Thank you.[Read More] Understanding Your Health Check Report: Key Insights and Recommendations
Cholesterol Management: Diet vs. Medication for LDL Control
Cholesterol management: medication or dietary control? Hello, Doctor. During my health check-up at the end of June, my LDL cholesterol was 236. After three months of dietary and exercise control, my LDL cholesterol dropped to 205 in mid-October. I do not have any risk factors for...
Dr. Liu Hongxiang Reply:
Hello, Nock: The normal value for LDL (low-density lipoprotein) cholesterol is below 130 mg/dL. There are many ways to help lower low-density cholesterol. Here are some suggestions: 1. Dietary adjustments: Increase the intake of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean poultry ...[Read More] Cholesterol Management: Diet vs. Medication for LDL Control
How Long Can You Store Medications in Aluminum Foil Packaging?
How long can medication in aluminum foil packaging be stored? Hello, how long can medications in aluminum foil packaging be stored without going bad after being picked up from a clinic or hospital? Sometimes I don't take them on time, and they might be stored for a longer pe...
Dr. Ye Qianyu Reply:
Hello! Please take a close look; usually, there is a series of embossed numbers at the top edge of the individual packaging indicating the expiration date. However, if the medication you received is not a complete tablet, it may not be visible. I recommend asking the pharmacy whe...[Read More] How Long Can You Store Medications in Aluminum Foil Packaging?
Understanding Low Lymphocyte Percentage in Health Check Results
Lymphocyte percentage: 17.5% The health check results show a lymphocyte percentage of 17.5% (normal range: 18.4% to 45%), while the other results are normal. This means that your lymphocyte count is slightly below the normal range, which could indicate a mild decrease in your imm...
Dr. Chen Bozhang Reply:
Dear Mr. He, In your letter, you mentioned that your lymphocyte percentage from the health check blood test is slightly low (17.5%). This could be due to physical or psychological stress, a viral infection, or other infections, or it may simply be a normal physiological variatio...[Read More] Understanding Low Lymphocyte Percentage in Health Check Results
Essential Blood Tests for Long-Term Fish Oil Users: What You Need to Know
If you are taking fish oil supplements long-term, it is advisable to have regular blood tests to monitor certain parameters. Key tests may include: 1. **Lipid Profile**: To check cholesterol levels and triglycerides, as fish oil can affect lipid metabolism. 2. **Liver Function T...
Dr. Liu Hongxiang Reply:
Hello Mr. Zheng: The benefits of fish oil include anti-inflammatory effects, prevention of blood clots, lowering cholesterol, reducing triglycerides, and decreasing the risk of cardiovascular events. However, excessive intake of fish oil can lead to an increased tendency to bleed...[Read More] Essential Blood Tests for Long-Term Fish Oil Users: What You Need to Know
Understanding Unexplained Sweet Taste in the Mouth: A Guide for Seniors
Frequent unexplained sweet taste in the mouth? Dear Dr. Liao, Hello. My mother has been experiencing a sweet taste in her mouth frequently over the past month, and this occurs not only during or after meals. She is 83 years old and had a heart catheterization about ten years ago...
Dr. Liao Yaopan Reply:
Hello, regarding your concerns: 1. The sweet sensation in your mouth over the past month is a non-specific symptom and a subjective feeling, making it difficult to attribute to a specific disease. 2. The results of the kidney ultrasound show renal parenchymal disease, bilater...[Read More] Understanding Unexplained Sweet Taste in the Mouth: A Guide for Seniors
Should You See a Doctor for Jaw Pain After an Elbow Hit?
The chin was struck? I was hit in the chin by a classmate's elbow, and the joint near my ear is a bit painful. Should I see a doctor? Thank you.
Dr. Ye Qianyu Reply:
Hello! Since an in-person examination is not possible, it is difficult to confirm the condition. I recommend applying a cool compress. If there is no improvement and you still have concerns, I suggest visiting a medical facility for evaluation.[Read More] Should You See a Doctor for Jaw Pain After an Elbow Hit?
Unexplained Finger Pain: Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment Options
Unexplained finger pain? Hello, doctor. One day, I suddenly experienced pain in my left middle finger. When I lightly press on the nail bed, it feels like being pinched, and touching the tip of the nail gives me the sensation that the nail might flip open (though it doesn't ...
Dr. Chen Bozhang Reply:
Recommendation for evaluation at a family medicine outpatient clinic. Thank you.[Read More] Unexplained Finger Pain: Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment Options
Concerns After Massage: Joint Sounds, Skin Reactions, and Health Risks
Please ask your question? Hello doctor, I would like to ask about my first massage today. It was at a regular establishment, but I am currently in Vietnam. During the massage, I sometimes heard a cracking sound from my bones; does that indicate any joint issues? Additionally, for...
Dr. Xiao Yongxun Reply:
Dear Mr. Chen: [Feeling a popping sound in the bones during massage]: This may be the sound produced by the movement of ligaments colliding and rubbing against the bones. [What bloodborne diseases can be transmitted through massage?]: The premise for bloodborne diseases is the pr...[Read More] Concerns After Massage: Joint Sounds, Skin Reactions, and Health Risks
Is Annual Flu Vaccination Necessary for Your Health?
Is it necessary to get the flu vaccine every year? Hello Doctor: My boyfriend is 36 years old and works as an engineer in a tech company. The company offers a benefit where employees can register for a limited number of free flu vaccinations (Fluarix Tetra) each year. He has been...
Dr. Lin Zhebin Reply:
Hello: 1. Vaccines do not work by using the virus against itself; rather, they stimulate the body to develop immunity against pathogens, reducing the risk of infection and preventing severe illness following infection. 2. The influenza vaccine has been administered for over a dec...[Read More] Is Annual Flu Vaccination Necessary for Your Health?