Understanding Iron Deficiency Anemia: Slow Hemoglobin Recovery and Treatment Duration
Anemia and Iron Supplement Issues On August 23, the blood test report showed Hb: 9.9, MCV: 68.9, serum iron: 14, and ferritin: 1.21, indicating iron deficiency anemia. After taking iron supplements (ferrous gluconate) for about one and a half months, the blood test on October 15 ...
Dr. Lin Zhebin Reply:
Hello: In addition to iron supplementation for iron deficiency anemia, it is important to identify the underlying causes of chronic blood loss that may be contributing to the anemia. Given your age, a common cause could be heavy menstrual bleeding. Generally, iron supplementation...[Read More] Understanding Iron Deficiency Anemia: Slow Hemoglobin Recovery and Treatment Duration
Understanding Persistent Coughing in Seniors: When to Seek Further Medical Help
Chronic cough with choking sensation Hello doctor, my father (70 years old) has been experiencing a persistent cough for the past two months. He has visited an ENT clinic multiple times without any improvement. Could this be due to a decline in swallowing function or another cond...
Dr. Liao Yaopan Reply:
Hello, it is necessary to first confirm whether there are any diseases affecting swallowing function. You may want to have a neurologist evaluate you, and a rehabilitation specialist can also assess your swallowing function and provide subsequent training. Online consultations ar...[Read More] Understanding Persistent Coughing in Seniors: When to Seek Further Medical Help
Understanding Joint Pain After COVID-19 Vaccination: A Patient's Journey
After receiving the COVID-19 vaccine Since receiving the COVID-19 vaccines, my reactions have varied with each dose. Last year, after the first dose of AstraZeneca (AZ), I experienced swollen tonsils (commonly referred to in Taiwanese as "柱仔") and visited an ENT special...
Dr. Lin Zhebin Reply:
Hello: It is difficult to determine whether your knee pain is related to the COVID-19 vaccine. You mentioned visiting a rheumatology clinic, where objective examinations revealed synovitis and mild degenerative arthritis. However, the presence of synovitis and mild degenerative a...[Read More] Understanding Joint Pain After COVID-19 Vaccination: A Patient's Journey
Understanding Saliva Transmission Risks: Health Concerns and Precautions
Saliva issues Hello, doctor. 1. I would like to ask if, after someone speaks and saliva lands on my belongings, wiping it off with a dry tissue and then rinsing my hands with water for about 2 seconds is sufficient for cleanliness. After that, if I rinse my mouth with water, I ...
Dr. Lin Zhebin Reply:
Hello: 1. For cleaning items, in addition to using dry paper towels, it is recommended to use alcohol or bleach solution if possible. For hand hygiene, besides rinsing with water, it is advisable to use soap and water or alcohol-based hand sanitizer. 2. Diseases transmitted throu...[Read More] Understanding Saliva Transmission Risks: Health Concerns and Precautions
Understanding Sleep Mechanisms: The Impact of Sleeping Pills vs. Natural Sleep
Sleeping pills and sleep? Recently, I have been experiencing insomnia along with slight muscle soreness, which has affected my sleep quality. I would like to know if there is a difference in the body's mechanisms between falling asleep with sleeping pills and naturally falli...
Dr. Lin Zhebin Reply:
Hello: Sleep can generally be divided into two cycles: Rapid Eye Movement (REM) sleep and Non-Rapid Eye Movement (NREM) sleep. REM sleep is associated with information integration and dreaming, while NREM sleep is related to deep sleep and bodily repair. There are many types of s...[Read More] Understanding Sleep Mechanisms: The Impact of Sleeping Pills vs. Natural Sleep
Chronic Bad Breath: Seeking Solutions After Decades of Discomfort
Chronic halitosis that has been a concern for several decades? Hello, doctor. I have been told that I have bad breath since the Chinese middle period, and I have been seeking the cause and solution for many years. Currently, I do not have any periodontal diseases or related oral ...
Dr. Lin Zhebin Reply:
Hello: Common causes of halitosis include oral diseases (including tonsillitis), respiratory diseases (including nasopharyngitis), gastrointestinal diseases, kidney diseases, and liver diseases. Based on your description, the examinations of the aforementioned organs seem to be n...[Read More] Chronic Bad Breath: Seeking Solutions After Decades of Discomfort
Understanding Blood Test Results: Diabetes and Anemia Concerns Explained
Inquiry Regarding Blood Test Report Hello, doctor. I went to a laboratory for blood tests and would like to ask you a few questions. I have issues with gastroesophageal reflux, insomnia, and anxiety, and my blood pressure is around 105-120/78-90. Recently, I've been feeling ...
Dr. Hou Angting Reply:
Hello: Based on your blood glucose report, you are currently in a prediabetic state. It is recommended that you follow up with a family medicine clinic in three months. IgE levels tend to be elevated in cases of allergies or parasitic infections, so it is advisable for you to see...[Read More] Understanding Blood Test Results: Diabetes and Anemia Concerns Explained
Is Your Dizziness a Sign of Orthostatic Hypotension?
Suspected orthostatic hypotension? I experience dizziness, headaches, nausea, loss of appetite, and overall weakness regardless of whether I am standing, leaning, walking, or lying down. However, if I lie down for several minutes, the dizziness, headache, and overall weakness gra...
Dr. Ye Qianyu Reply:
Hello! Based on your description, it does appear to be a case of orthostatic hypotension; however, the underlying cause needs to be further investigated. I recommend that you visit a medical facility for evaluation.[Read More] Is Your Dizziness a Sign of Orthostatic Hypotension?
Concerns About Saliva Exposure While Riding a Motorcycle
Saliva issues and obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD)? 1. There are many people riding bikes without masks on the road now. When I pass by them, I often worry that they might suddenly spit on me, my hair, or my helmet because I am shorter. However, while riding, I can't chec...
Dr. Lin Zhebin Reply:
Hello: 1. The main concern about coming into contact with someone else's saliva is the potential transmission of diseases through respiratory droplets, such as COVID-19, influenza, etc. 2. People who spit while riding a bike are likely to be a minority with poor hygiene habi...[Read More] Concerns About Saliva Exposure While Riding a Motorcycle
Can I Get My Chronic Prescription from a Different Doctor?
Slow signing issues Hello Doctor, I would like to ask a question. I have a history of hypertension and have been on a continuous prescription for over a year. I visit every three months to get my medication from my family medicine doctor, Dr. A, on my regular day off, which is Su...
Dr. Lin Zhebin Reply:
Hello: Whether to continue the medication prescribed by Dr. A or to have Dr. B make the determination depends on the situation. However, if you are not experiencing any significant discomfort from the medication or if there are no notable abnormalities in your tests, most physici...[Read More] Can I Get My Chronic Prescription from a Different Doctor?
Understanding Blood Test Results: What Do Abnormal Values Mean?
Blood test report Hello, doctor. Last month, I had a check-up for urinary stones and had a blood test done. The report showed several values highlighted in red. I have been sleeping around midnight for over two years, and in the past few months, I have noticed that using a fan at...
Dr. Liao Yaopan Reply:
Hello, based on the data, there is mild anemia. Further evaluation is necessary to determine if it is related to your discomfort. If you have any concerns, it is advisable to seek medical attention. Please note: online consultations are not equivalent to in-person visits and cann...[Read More] Understanding Blood Test Results: What Do Abnormal Values Mean?
Is It Safe to Dine Out After Recovering from a Cold?
Is it okay to go out to eat right after recovering from a cold? Hello, doctor. I recently recovered from a cold and no longer have symptoms like coughing or a sore throat. However, my throat still feels a bit scratchy at times. Is it safe for me to go out for a facial (without we...
Dr. Liao Yaopan Reply:
Hello, if you still have symptoms, it is advisable to take proper protective measures. It is indeed difficult to determine whether you can go outside. Please note that online consultations are not equivalent to in-person visits and cannot provide diagnoses or treatment recommenda...[Read More] Is It Safe to Dine Out After Recovering from a Cold?
Understanding Sudden Left Upper Back Pain: When to Seek Medical Advice
Pain in the upper left back? Last night, while lying down, I suddenly experienced an unexplained soreness in the left side of my back, which felt similar to the soreness after running three kilometers. The discomfort was so intense that I could hardly sleep through the night. It ...
Dr. Liao Yaopan Reply:
Hello, please consult your family physician for an initial assessment. If necessary, they may refer you to the appropriate subspecialty. Please note that online consultations are not equivalent to in-person visits and cannot provide diagnoses or treatment recommendations. Changhu...[Read More] Understanding Sudden Left Upper Back Pain: When to Seek Medical Advice
Comprehensive Blood Tests for Multiple Health Concerns in Family Medicine
Blood test? Hello, doctor. I have some symptoms such as irritability, fatigue, hair loss, blurred vision, iritis, excessive sweating in the chest, and slow wound healing. I suspect that these may be related to anemia, diabetes, thyroid issues, or ankylosing spondylitis. If I visi...
Dr. Hou Angting Reply:
Hello: It is recommended that you visit the Rheumatology or Family Medicine outpatient clinic for evaluation and follow-up by a physician. Wishing you good health.[Read More] Comprehensive Blood Tests for Multiple Health Concerns in Family Medicine
Does Iron Infusion Affect Blood Test Results for Anemia?
Regarding blood tests for iron supplements? Hello, Dr. Yeh. I usually have iron deficiency anemia, so I receive intravenous iron injections. If I have a blood test immediately after receiving the iron injection, will it affect the iron test results? I need the results for other t...
Dr. Ye Qianyu Reply:
Hello! In cases of iron deficiency anemia, the body's iron stores are significantly insufficient. When supplementing iron, serum ferritin is usually monitored to avoid issues related to excessive iron accumulation. A slightly elevated level right after iron supplementation i...[Read More] Does Iron Infusion Affect Blood Test Results for Anemia?
Improving Microcytic Anemia: Tips for Blood Donation Eligibility
Methods for Improving Microcytic Anemia Hello Doctor: To provide you with sufficient information for your assessment, I am sharing my recent blood test report. I have included the entire report, so it is a bit lengthy. Thank you for taking the time to review it. I have a habit of...
Dr. Ye Qianyu Reply:
Hello! Based on the information you provided, it is suspected that you may have mild thalassemia. Since women experience monthly menstrual blood loss, if there is insufficient recovery time between blood donations, it can lead to situations that do not meet blood donation standar...[Read More] Improving Microcytic Anemia: Tips for Blood Donation Eligibility
Understanding Chest Discomfort: When to Seek Medical Attention
Chest discomfort? Hello, doctor. About a month ago, I suddenly felt a tightness in my chest as if my heart was being compressed, which lasted for about ten seconds. I was quite worried, so I went to the hospital to see a cardiologist, but the doctor said there was nothing serious...
Dr. Ye Qianyu Reply:
Hello! You can choose the medical specialty based on your symptoms.[Read More] Understanding Chest Discomfort: When to Seek Medical Attention
Can You Get the HPV Vaccine After Recovering from COVID-19?
Consultation on administering the HPV vaccine after a confirmed COVID-19 infection? Hello, doctor. I would like to inquire about the HPV vaccination. I was recently diagnosed with COVID-19, but I have completed my isolation. I have not received the HPV vaccine before. Q1: Can I...
Dr. Lin Zhebin Reply:
Hello: There is no conflict between being diagnosed with COVID-19 and receiving the HPV vaccine. As long as you have completed your isolation and are not experiencing any significant discomfort, you can receive the HPV vaccine at any time. Additionally, there are no time interval...[Read More] Can You Get the HPV Vaccine After Recovering from COVID-19?
Understanding Sudden Body Tingling: Causes and Concerns
Tingling sensation in the body? Hello Doctor: Recently, one night after eating, I suddenly experienced numbness in my face, chest, and waist. The numbness in my waist was so severe that I had to lie down to rest, and after about ten minutes, it returned to normal. I had similar e...
Dr. Cai Dongqi Reply:
Hello, Hsiao-Fen: First, you should undergo an examination by a neurologist to check for facial nerve paralysis. If there is none, it may be a case of autonomic nervous system dysfunction.[Read More] Understanding Sudden Body Tingling: Causes and Concerns
Understanding Unexplained Fever: When to Seek Medical Advice
Unexplained fever? Hello Doctor: Recently, I have been experiencing sudden increases in body temperature, around 37-37.4 degrees Celsius when measured in the ear. Is this considered a fever? It is also accompanied by fatigue and headaches, but this occurs while I am indoors and a...
Dr. Hou Angting Reply:
Hello: It is recommended that you visit the Family Medicine outpatient clinic for evaluation and follow-up. Wishing you good health.[Read More] Understanding Unexplained Fever: When to Seek Medical Advice