Understanding Night Sweats: When to Seek Medical Help for Fatigue
Night sweats? Since this summer, my physical condition has noticeably worsened. I have to wear long sleeves and long pants to sleep even with the air conditioning set at 27°C. About two months ago, I occasionally woke up at night sweating from my shoulders, neck, chest, and back....
Dr. Cai Dongqi Reply:
Hello, I hope you are well. It is important to adjust your lifestyle (which is currently not normal) by avoiding staying up late and the habit of eating late-night snacks. The causes of night sweats may include menopause, hyperthyroidism, diabetes, and autonomic nervous system di...[Read More] Understanding Night Sweats: When to Seek Medical Help for Fatigue
Understanding Low MPV Results: Causes and Next Steps for Patients
Mean Platelet Volume (MPV) Hello Doctor, due to a recent health check-up, the reference range for Mean Platelet Volume (MPV) in the complete blood count is 9.10 to 11.90 fL, but my result is slightly low at 8.60. However, all other indices are normal. I would like to inquire what...
Dr. Liao Yaopan Reply:
Hello, MPV refers to Mean Platelet Volume. The reference values provided by different laboratories may vary slightly, but the range differences are not significant. A notably low MPV may be associated with conditions such as acute leukemia during chemotherapy, aplastic anemia, or...[Read More] Understanding Low MPV Results: Causes and Next Steps for Patients
Which Specialist to See for Simultaneous Gastrointestinal and Pain Issues?
When multiple conditions occur simultaneously, it's unclear which specialty to consult? Hello, doctor: I have a history of constipation, but I usually have a bowel movement at least once a week. Recently, I underwent surgery for poorly differentiated uterine cancer, and I&#x...
Dr. Liao Yaopan Reply:
Hello, if you are experiencing persistent discomfort, it is recommended that you return for a follow-up consultation with your physician to assess whether there are any underlying issues. Do not wait until your scheduled appointment to seek medical attention. Online consultations...[Read More] Which Specialist to See for Simultaneous Gastrointestinal and Pain Issues?
Do You Need Approval for Paying Out-of-Pocket Rabies Vaccination?
Is it necessary to submit an application for receiving a rabies vaccine at one's own expense? Hello, Doctor. I was bitten by my neighbor's dog on the evening of July 12. Since I was wearing long pants, I only had a small bruise and a minor abrasion. The next day, I went...
Dr. Xiao Yongxun Reply:
Dear Mr. Hsiao: 1. The risk of rabies in Taiwan is currently limited to wild animals in the central, southern, and eastern mountainous regions, primarily involving the badger as the main infected species, with a few cases in the white-nosed coati. The current regulation states t...[Read More] Do You Need Approval for Paying Out-of-Pocket Rabies Vaccination?
Understanding Left Lower Back Pain, Frequent Urination, and Bloating
Left lower back pain, frequent urination, and bloating? A few days ago, I experienced a dull pain in my lower left back during the night, which affected my sleep. The pain is near the kidney area, and I also noticed a frequent urge to urinate. I went to see a doctor, but the urin...
Dr. Xiao Yongxun Reply:
Dear Miss Xiao Gao: 1. When experiencing back pain, it is important to consider conditions such as lumbar strain, degenerative disc disease, herniated discs, osteoporotic compression fractures, spinal stenosis, spondylolisthesis, tumors, inflammatory arthritis, infections, pelv...[Read More] Understanding Left Lower Back Pain, Frequent Urination, and Bloating
Understanding Pain at the Back of the Head While Sleeping
Headache when lying on the pillow while sleeping? There is a spot on the upper back of my head that hurts every time I press on it while sleeping. I also feel pain when I apply pressure with my fingers. This has been going on for a while, located about 3 centimeters above the nap...
Dr. Lin Zhebin Reply:
Hello: The localized pain and tenderness in your head may be due to a skin or scalp lesion. However, since it has persisted for a while, I recommend that you visit a family medicine physician for an examination to determine the cause of the pain.[Read More] Understanding Pain at the Back of the Head While Sleeping
Understanding Upper Left Back Pain: When to Seek Medical Advice
Dull and distended pain above the left kidney? The left upper back near the spine is experiencing dull and pressure-like pain. I can feel it when lying down or bending over, and sometimes there is pain in the side ribs as well. I am concerned it might be a pancreatic issue. I hav...
Dr. Lin Zhebin Reply:
Hello: The pain in the upper left area of your back could potentially be related to various issues, ranging from the skin, muscles, tendons, ligaments, bones, diaphragm, pleura, lungs, heart, stomach, spleen, kidneys, small intestine, to large intestine, among others. Since you h...[Read More] Understanding Upper Left Back Pain: When to Seek Medical Advice
Is Gear Oil Toxic? Health Risks from Indoor Exercise Equipment
Is gear oil toxic? Hello, the gentleman has a habit of using a stair climber at home, but the machine is lubricated with gear oil, which causes a strong, unpleasant odor of gear oil to fill the indoor space after each workout (a foul smell resulting from the oil's friction w...
Dr. Chen Bozhang Reply:
Hello! It is recommended to open doors and windows during use to maintain good indoor air circulation, and to monitor for any symptoms of discomfort. If necessary, seek medical evaluation. Thank you.[Read More] Is Gear Oil Toxic? Health Risks from Indoor Exercise Equipment
Understanding Occipital Headaches: Causes and Remedies
Occipital headache issues? Hello! Last night around 9 PM, I had instant noodles for dinner and stayed up late working on a report. At that time, I started to feel a slight throbbing pain at the back of my head, which felt cool and pulsating but was bearable. I thought it might be...
Dr. Lin Zhebin Reply:
Hello: Your headache may be caused by fatigue or a viral infection. Additionally, it could be a side effect of B vitamins. However, if this is your first experience with such severe headaches accompanied by vomiting, it is advisable to go to the emergency department for further e...[Read More] Understanding Occipital Headaches: Causes and Remedies
Understanding Hand and Neck Pain: Causes and Treatment Options
Hand pain and neck pain? Hello, Doctor. My arm experiences soreness and numbness whenever I stretch it straight; after raising my hand for a while, it easily becomes numb, accompanied by a sensation similar to water flowing over it. This condition has persisted for over a year. A...
Dr. Lin Zhebin Reply:
Hello: The symptoms of arm pain, numbness, and abnormal sensations, along with discomfort in the back of the neck, may suggest a potential issue with the cervical spine nerves. It would be advisable to consult with a neurologist, orthopedic specialist, neurosurgeon, or rehabilita...[Read More] Understanding Hand and Neck Pain: Causes and Treatment Options
Understanding Normal Blood Count Values for High School Boys
Complete Blood Count (CBC) What are the normal blood count values for high school boys? Is a hematocrit level of 48.0 considered high? How can it be improved? Thank you.
Dr. Liu Hongxiang Reply:
Hello Jane, The normal ranges for male blood tests are as follows: hemoglobin is 13-17.5 g/dL, MCV (mean corpuscular volume) is 80-100 fL, and hematocrit is 39-48%. While there may be slight variations in the normal ranges among different medical institutions, they generally do...[Read More] Understanding Normal Blood Count Values for High School Boys
Managing Osteoarthritis in Elderly: Hyaluronic Acid Injections for Pain Relief
My father is experiencing pain in both his ankle and shoulder joints, diagnosed with osteoarthritis. He also has weakness in his legs and is considering receiving hyaluronic acid injections? Hello Doctor: I found a similar article on your website <a href="https://adoctor....
Dr. Chen Bozhang Reply:
Dear Wesley online user, In your message, you mentioned that your 93-year-old father is experiencing degenerative arthritis in multiple joints. Regarding treatment options beyond medication, I recommend taking your father to an orthopedic or rehabilitation clinic (preferably one...[Read More] Managing Osteoarthritis in Elderly: Hyaluronic Acid Injections for Pain Relief
Understanding Swallowing Difficulties: Is It Related to GERD?
Swallowing difficulties Hello, doctor. I've been having difficulty swallowing my medication over the past couple of days, and I'm not sure what the issue is. Could this be related to gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD)? I also often choke when drinking water.
Dr. Cai Dongqi Reply:
It is possible to examine the area around the larynx (otolaryngology) or the esophagus (gastroenterology with an endoscopy).[Read More] Understanding Swallowing Difficulties: Is It Related to GERD?
Understanding Abnormal Blood Test Results: Neutrophils and Monocytes Explained
Blood test report - Abnormal values of neutrophil Seg and monocyte Mono? Hello, doctor. Recently, my blood test results showed two abnormal values: Neutrophils Seg at 38.9% (reference range: 41.2-74.7%) and Monocytes Mono at 21.1% (reference range: 2.0-10.0%). I would like to ask...
Dr. Liao Yaopan Reply:
Hello, these are the proportions of white blood cell classifications. A comprehensive assessment is needed, rather than just looking at the numbers. If there are significant differences, you should return to the hematology department for further evaluation. Online consultations a...[Read More] Understanding Abnormal Blood Test Results: Neutrophils and Monocytes Explained
Understanding Elevated Red Blood Cell and Platelet Counts: Causes and Solutions
Elevated red blood cells and platelets? Hello Dr. Lin, I would like to inquire about the reasons for my elevated red blood cell (RBC) and platelet counts over the past three years. Can these values be improved on my own? Here are my annual test results: —2022 RBC 5.58 (10^6/uL) P...
Dr. Lin Zhebin Reply:
Hello: 1. In the case of red blood cells, we typically also assess hemoglobin (Hb) and mean corpuscular volume (MCV) for a comprehensive evaluation. An elevated red blood cell count may be due to conditions such as thalassemia or polycythemia. 2. If platelet counts are elevated a...[Read More] Understanding Elevated Red Blood Cell and Platelet Counts: Causes and Solutions
Understanding Memory Issues in Seniors: When to Seek Medical Help
Could you please clarify if the elderly person is experiencing memory loss, suspected dementia, and has a history of head lacerations? Hello Dr. Tsai, I would like to ask about some memory issues concerning my father. He is over 65 years old and is retired. My mother has been exp...
Dr. Cai Dongqi Reply:
Hello: In the early stages of dementia, it is important to first rule out other brain issues or interfering factors. You can visit our hospital's Geriatric Dementia Clinic for evaluation and treatment.[Read More] Understanding Memory Issues in Seniors: When to Seek Medical Help
Choosing the Right COVID Vaccine Booster: BNT vs. Moderna for Adults
COVID-19 vaccine Hello, doctor. Today the news reported that individuals aged 18 and older who meet the criteria can choose any next-generation vaccine for their booster shot. I have already received three doses: AZ, BNT, and BNT. After seeing this news, I am considering choosing...
Dr. Lin Zhebin Reply:
Hello: The BNT vaccine contains only the "prototype strain mRNA" of the COVID-19 virus, while the Moderna next-generation bivalent vaccine contains both the "prototype strain mRNA" and the "Omicron BA.1 variant RNA." Given the current prevalence of t...[Read More] Choosing the Right COVID Vaccine Booster: BNT vs. Moderna for Adults
Understanding Abnormal WBC Levels in Children's Health Check Reports
Health Check Report <Abnormalities in Blood> Hello Doctor: I recently received my son's health check report, and there is a highlighted WBC count of 3.3. Should I consult a family medicine physician or a hematologist?
Dr. Chen Bozhang Reply:
Hello Xiao Wu: Your white blood cell count is low. It is recommended that you visit a family medicine or general internal medicine clinic for further monitoring and evaluation. If there are any issues, the physician can refer you to a hematology specialist. This response is from ...[Read More] Understanding Abnormal WBC Levels in Children's Health Check Reports
Understanding High Red Blood Cell Distribution Width (PDW) and Its Implications
Red blood cell distribution width (RDW) The platelet distribution width (PDW) test result shows 15.3. Is this considered high? How can it be improved? What does the platelet distribution width mean?
Dr. Liao Yaopan Reply:
Hello, PDW refers to Platelet Distribution Width, which is used to determine platelet size and can provide information about the distribution of platelet sizes. It can also detect conditions related to varying platelet sizes. Different laboratories may have slightly different ref...[Read More] Understanding High Red Blood Cell Distribution Width (PDW) and Its Implications
Understanding Finger Joint Issues: When to See a Doctor
Finger issues Hello doctor, in the past couple of days, I noticed a greenish growth near the middle joint of my left index finger. It is only visible when I bend my finger, and pressing on it causes pain. When not pressed, there is a slight discomfort in that area. Which specialt...
Dr. Xiao Yongxun Reply:
Please consult an orthopedic specialist to discuss potential issues.[Read More] Understanding Finger Joint Issues: When to See a Doctor