Do Low Platelets and White Blood Cells Require Ongoing Monitoring?
Thrombocytopenia and leukopenia? Dr. Chen: Hello, ten years ago during a health check-up, it was found that my platelet count was 66,000/CUMM, white blood cell count was 2,700/CUMM, segmented neutrophils were 41%, mixed cells were 18%, and lymphocytes were 41%. I was hospitalized...
Dr. Chen Pengsheng reply Family Medicine
Dear Mr. Lin: Regarding the issue you raised, regular follow-up and consulting with a hematology-oncology specialist on how to proceed would be a better strategy. Hualien Hospital, Ministry of Health and Welfare, cares about you.[Read More] Do Low Platelets and White Blood Cells Require Ongoing Monitoring?
Understanding Splenomegaly in Iron Deficiency Anemia: When to Seek Help
Iron deficiency anemia with splenomegaly? Hello Doctor, I was informed during a recent company health check that I have splenomegaly measuring 9 centimeters. I had a medical history of iron deficiency anemia four years ago, for which I received iron supplements until my levels re...
Dr. Chen Pengsheng reply Family Medicine
Dear Ms. Wei, The symptoms you described could have many possible causes, and iron deficiency anemia is one of them. I recommend that you bring your test results to see a physician for a detailed discussion. If it is iron deficiency anemia, effective treatment should be availab...[Read More] Understanding Splenomegaly in Iron Deficiency Anemia: When to Seek Help
Differentiating Between Iron Deficiency Anemia and Thalassemia
Mediterranean anemia (also known as thalassemia) Hello, Doctor! The recent complete blood count results are as follows: WBC 5.9 (x10^9/L), RBC 6.96 (x10^12/L), HB 14.8 (g/dL), HCT 48.9 (%), MCV 70.3 (fL), MCH 21.3 (pg), MCHC 30.3 (g/dL), PLT 219 (x10^9/L), RDW 16.6 (%), MPV 12.2 ...
Dr. Chen Pengsheng reply Family Medicine
Hello, Zhi-Hua: Your red blood cells are indeed smaller than normal. In addition to understanding whether your parents have a similar condition, you can visit a family medicine or hematology department for further testing, including serum ferritin and hemoglobin electrophoresis. ...[Read More] Differentiating Between Iron Deficiency Anemia and Thalassemia
Understanding Mediterranean Anemia: Symptoms, Diagnosis, and Management
Mediterranean anemia Hello Doctor: My white blood cell count is 6.6, red blood cell count is 5.8, hemoglobin is 12.1, hematocrit is 37.4, mean corpuscular volume is 64.5, mean corpuscular hemoglobin is 20.9, mean corpuscular hemoglobin concentration is 32.4, red cell distribution...
Dr. Chen Pengsheng reply Family Medicine
Hello: This is a case of beta-thalassemia carrier. Mr. A is a healthy carrier, but when getting married and having children, it is important to check if his wife is also a carrier of the same type. If she is a carrier of beta-thalassemia, prenatal diagnosis is necessary to avoid ...[Read More] Understanding Mediterranean Anemia: Symptoms, Diagnosis, and Management
Experiencing Sharp Pain in Right Big Toe: Which Specialist to See?
Pain in the pad of the right big toe? You can consult a podiatrist for the occasional tingling pain in the pad of your right big toe.
Dr. Chen Pengsheng reply Family Medicine
If persistent pain occurs in the right thumb pad, it is recommended to consult a family medicine physician or a neurologist.[Read More] Experiencing Sharp Pain in Right Big Toe: Which Specialist to See?
Understanding Nail Separation: Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment Options
Nail separation I previously injured my hand, and now the area behind my nail is starting to separate and is swollen and hard. Will the swelling go down, and what should I do about the nail?
Dr. Chen Pengsheng reply Family Medicine
Hello: Since I cannot see the condition of your nails in person, I recommend that you visit a clinic for a physician to examine and assess your medical situation.[Read More] Understanding Nail Separation: Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment Options
Can Diabetes Cause Neck and Shoulder Pain in Seniors?
I would like to ask questions regarding diabetes? Hello Doctor: I would like to ask if diabetes can cause shoulder and neck pain? My father is in his 80s, and during winter he doesn't feel cold, often wearing shorts and short-sleeved shirts, and sometimes he even feels hot. ...
Dr. Chen Pengsheng reply Family Medicine
Hello: This issue should not be related to diabetes. If the father has other physical problems, please consult the physician at the regular diabetes clinic. Thank you.[Read More] Can Diabetes Cause Neck and Shoulder Pain in Seniors?
Does Metformin Help with Weight Loss? Insights from Family Medicine
Is there weight loss? Does taking the blood sugar-lowering medication Metformin lead to weight loss in the general population?
Dr. Chen Pengsheng reply Family Medicine
Hello: Normal individuals without blood sugar issues do not need to take Metformin.[Read More] Does Metformin Help with Weight Loss? Insights from Family Medicine
Understanding Heart Fatigue: Symptoms, Causes, and Treatment Options
Cardiac fatigue Hello doctor, my usual heart rate is between 60 to 70 beats per minute, but I often feel a tightness in my chest and have very shallow, short breaths. I find myself needing to take deep breaths occasionally to feel more comfortable. These symptoms tend to occur af...
Dr. Chen Pengsheng reply Family Medicine
Hello, Ms. Chuang: There are many questions that may not be easy to answer one by one, so it might be best to start with the psychiatric outpatient clinic.[Read More] Understanding Heart Fatigue: Symptoms, Causes, and Treatment Options
Understanding Swelling Near the Ear: When to Seek Further Medical Help
There is a swelling in the area below the right cheek, near the ear? Hello doctor, I recently noticed a lump on the right side of my cheek near my ear. It feels hard to the touch but is not painful. I visited a dermatologist, who referred me to an otolaryngologist. The ENT specia...
Dr. Chen Pengsheng reply Family Medicine
Hello, I suggest that you consult a surgeon for a preliminary diagnosis. Thank you.[Read More] Understanding Swelling Near the Ear: When to Seek Further Medical Help
Understanding Sudden Muscle Pain: When to Seek Medical Help
Sudden muscle nerve pain Recently, I have been experiencing sudden pain around my chest that feels similar to a muscle strain, but it can be so severe that it makes it hard to breathe, even though I haven't engaged in any intense physical activity. Which specialty should I c...
Dr. Chen Pengsheng reply Family Medicine
Dear Mr. Li, chest pain is most concerning when it is related to heart conditions. It is advisable to consult a cardiologist for a thorough evaluation.[Read More] Understanding Sudden Muscle Pain: When to Seek Medical Help
Understanding Headaches and Swollen Big Toe: Possible Causes and Solutions
Headache and swelling of the big toe joint? Hello doctor, since last Monday, I've been experiencing unexplained headaches every evening, and over the next few days, they started occurring during the day as well. When I massage my shoulders, it hurts a lot. Today at work, I n...
Dr. Chen Pengsheng reply Family Medicine
Dear Mrs. Peng, the swelling in your joints may indicate the presence of arthritis. It is advisable for you to consult a specialist in rheumatology and immunology for a proper evaluation.[Read More] Understanding Headaches and Swollen Big Toe: Possible Causes and Solutions
Understanding Abnormal White Blood Cells in Urine: When to See a Family Doctor
Abnormal white blood cells in urine? I have had 1+ (70) white blood cells in my urine for the past three years, and it has remained consistent, while other urine tests are normal. My menstrual cycle has also been irregular, sometimes prolonged and sometimes short, but I am curren...
Dr. Chen Pengsheng reply Family Medicine
Dear Miss Lin, I recommend that you first visit the obstetrics and gynecology outpatient clinic to discuss with a physician and undergo an examination for a more thorough evaluation.[Read More] Understanding Abnormal White Blood Cells in Urine: When to See a Family Doctor
Understanding Skin Swelling: Causes and Treatment Options
Skin swelling Hello Dr. Chen! In January of this year, I became seriously ill, experiencing tightness throughout my body and abdominal bloating. After treating my gastrointestinal issues and undergoing spinal rehabilitation in May, my upper body has shown some improvement. Howeve...
Dr. Chen Pengsheng reply Family Medicine
Hello, it seems that your issue has been ongoing for quite some time. I'm not sure what kind of illness has been causing you trouble since January. I believe it is important to understand the original source of the disease, how to treat it, and the pros and cons of the treat...[Read More] Understanding Skin Swelling: Causes and Treatment Options
Understanding Chest Tightness and Breathing Difficulties: When to Seek Help
Experiencing chest tightness and difficulty breathing? Hello, Doctor: In March of this year, I suddenly experienced chest tightness and difficulty breathing, feeling as if I couldn't get enough air, so I went to the hospital's cardiology department for an examination. A...
Dr. Chen Pengsheng reply Family Medicine
Dear Johnny, After reading your description, I understand that you have undergone many examinations and learned about hyperventilation syndrome. I want to emphasize that the physicians you have encountered are very dedicated and excellent. The real issue seems to stem from diff...[Read More] Understanding Chest Tightness and Breathing Difficulties: When to Seek Help
Why Exercise Reduces Appetite: Understanding Your Body's Response
Lack of appetite after exercise? I often hear people say that their appetite increases after exercising, but I find that I have no appetite after working out, especially when I see meat or dairy products, which even make me feel nauseous. I prefer to eat lighter foods. On days wh...
Dr. Chen Pengsheng reply Family Medicine
There is no doubt that exercise is beneficial for health; however, the relationship between exercise and appetite is a topic we will not discuss here. It is important to consider whether there is an issue with weight loss. If there has been a noticeable decrease in appetite and s...[Read More] Why Exercise Reduces Appetite: Understanding Your Body's Response
Is Dizziness a Sign of Anemia? Understanding Symptoms and Concerns
It seems like anemia? A few days ago, I started feeling dizzy after getting up. Could it be anemia? I looked it up online and found that anemia in men is often associated with cancer, which makes me really scared. My lower eyelids are red in the front and somewhat pale in the bac...
Dr. Chen Pengsheng reply Family Medicine
Hello: After seeing your question, I believe you should discuss your previous surgery and dietary conditions with a physician at the hospital, and then have the doctor assess and conduct appropriate examinations. Thank you for your message.[Read More] Is Dizziness a Sign of Anemia? Understanding Symptoms and Concerns
Understanding Low White Blood Cell and Platelet Counts: What You Need to Know
Regarding white blood cells and platelets? Hello Doctor, I recently had a routine health check and found that my white blood cell count is low, approximately 2600, and my platelet count is also low at 127. Additionally, my eosinophil count is elevated at 10.4. Should I be concern...
Dr. Chen Pengsheng reply Family Medicine
Hello, Ms. Shi. Regarding the issue you mentioned, it may be caused by an infection or other reasons. I recommend that you return for a follow-up appointment to undergo a more detailed examination.[Read More] Understanding Low White Blood Cell and Platelet Counts: What You Need to Know