Understanding Cholesterol Levels: Are You at Risk for Atherosclerosis?
Blood test Hello doctor, my health check report came out a few days ago. My total cholesterol is 170 and my triglycerides are 70. Are these values considered normal? I feel that 170 is a bit close to the borderline value of 200. Is there a risk of atherosclerosis? I would appreci...
Dr. Wu Zongying reply Family Medicine
Hello Fan: Your values are generally within the normal range. It's great that you prioritize health; long-term high cholesterol does indeed carry a risk of atherosclerosis. It is recommended to reduce the intake of animal fats, such as chicken skin, lard, fatty meats, braise...[Read More] Understanding Cholesterol Levels: Are You at Risk for Atherosclerosis?
How Long Can High Blood Sugar Last Before Affecting Health?
How long can persistent high blood sugar affect the body? Grandpa is a long-term diabetes patient. After being diagnosed with diabetes by a Western doctor, he continued to seek treatment at an unlicensed traditional Chinese medicine clinic for a year, believing that they could cu...
Dr. Wu Zongying reply Family Medicine
In patients with type 2 diabetes who have poorly controlled or elevated blood glucose levels, intracellular fluid shifts into the bloodstream, leading to hyperosmolarity, which can cause altered consciousness and dehydration. This condition is referred to as Hyperglycemic Hyperos...[Read More] How Long Can High Blood Sugar Last Before Affecting Health?
Optimal HbA1c Levels for Managing Prediabetes: What You Need to Know
Glycated hemoglobin control Hello, my older brother, who is currently 32 years old, has prediabetes and regularly follows up on his hemoglobin A1c levels. Initially, in 2017, his A1c level was 9.5%. After our mother purchased health supplements from Grape King, he managed to lowe...
Dr. Wu Zongying reply Family Medicine
If the glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c) level is 9.5%, it does not fall into the category of prediabetes. It is recommended to further test fasting blood glucose or postprandial blood glucose to assist in diagnosis. Blood sugar control must be consistent every day, with attention to d...[Read More] Optimal HbA1c Levels for Managing Prediabetes: What You Need to Know
Frequent Yawning: Should You Worry About Heart Disease?
Medical consultation Hello doctor, I have noticed that I yawn quite frequently, more than ten times a day. Is this a sign of heart disease? Should I see a doctor for frequent yawning?
Dr. Wu Zongying reply Family Medicine
Hello: When the body is fatigued or lacks rest, yawning is likely to occur. Yawning can facilitate the exchange of outside air with the internal environment, which helps to clear the mind. However, if one is in a location with poor air circulation, yawning may not provide these b...[Read More] Frequent Yawning: Should You Worry About Heart Disease?
Persistent Shoulder and Arm Pain: Which Specialist Should You See?
I have been troubled by shoulder, neck, and arm pain and numbness for a long time, and I don't know which specialty to consult for help? Since waking up around 6 AM on November 24th, I have experienced a loud "pop" in my left shoulder joint when I raised my arm. Fo...
Dr. Wu Zongying reply Family Medicine
Hello: It is recommended that you undergo further examination by a neurosurgeon to confirm whether there is cervical nerve compression causing the numbness and tingling in your upper limbs. Thank you.[Read More] Persistent Shoulder and Arm Pain: Which Specialist Should You See?
Unintentional Weight Loss: Should You Be Concerned?
Weight decreased by 5 kilograms within four months? Hello Doctor: I am 168 cm tall and four months ago I weighed around 78 kg. Today I weighed myself again and it is 73 kg. During these four months, my eating and drinking habits have been generally normal, but I do have a habit o...
Dr. Wu Zongying reply Family Medicine
Hello: As you mentioned in your letter, cancer can indeed cause weight loss. However, the likelihood of a twenty-year-old developing cancer is low. Other common conditions that can lead to weight loss include anxiety, depression, insomnia, loss of appetite, diabetes, and thyroid ...[Read More] Unintentional Weight Loss: Should You Be Concerned?
Which Specialist to Consult for Visible Veins and Swelling?
If the veins on the back of your hand are prominent, you should consult a vascular specialist or a dermatologist? Hello doctor, I started taking antihypertensive medication last month, and my blood pressure has decreased. However, I am not sure if it is due to my blood vessels be...
Dr. Wu Zongying reply Family Medicine
Hello: Diovan (valsartan) is a medication that inhibits angiotensin II receptors, leading to a reduction in vascular smooth muscle contraction and promoting moderate vasodilation, thereby achieving the goal of lowering blood pressure. If this medication is not suitable, it is adv...[Read More] Which Specialist to Consult for Visible Veins and Swelling?
Understanding Hepatitis B Vaccination and Infection Risks in Daily Life
Vaccine issues Dear Doctor, I received the hepatitis B vaccine as a child, but my health check reports as an adult have consistently shown no hepatitis B antibodies. Over four years ago, during a premarital health examination, I was tested and found to have no hepatitis B antib...
Dr. Wu Zongying reply Family Medicine
Hello: The hepatitis B vaccine generates higher and more durable antibody levels when administered in three doses, so it is recommended that you receive all three doses. You mentioned concerns about the possibility of infection from contact with a patient’s blood via an alcohol s...[Read More] Understanding Hepatitis B Vaccination and Infection Risks in Daily Life
Understanding Upper Abdominal Pain and Diarrhea After Drinking Green Tea
Dull pain in the upper middle abdomen and diarrhea issues? It all started on December 2nd when I drank a bottle of Morning Health Double Fiber Green Tea. After consuming two-thirds of the bottle, I began experiencing diarrhea in the afternoon. At first, I thought it was just that...
Dr. Wu Zongying reply Family Medicine
Tea and coffee can be irritating to the gastrointestinal tract, and individual reactions vary. Some people can tolerate high concentrations of tea or coffee, while others may experience stomach pain after consuming even small amounts, especially when taken on an empty stomach. It...[Read More] Understanding Upper Abdominal Pain and Diarrhea After Drinking Green Tea
Understanding Elevated Lymphocyte Levels: When to Seek Further Testing
LY lymphoid ball I have been monitoring my blood every three months and have found that my lymphocyte count has been consistently elevated, exceeding the standard range of 20-45 with a result of 48.5 for two consecutive tests (over six months). Should I seek further evaluation?
Dr. Wu Zongying reply Family Medicine
Hello: The letter did not mention why blood tests need to be conducted every three months and what specific items are being monitored. Generally, it is not necessary for the average person to have their lymphocyte levels checked every three months; however, it is possible that yo...[Read More] Understanding Elevated Lymphocyte Levels: When to Seek Further Testing
Understanding Abnormal Health Check Results: Urine Ketones and More
Health check-up issues At the end of September, I underwent a simple health check and found some abnormalities. I am puzzled by the result of "urine ketones 1+" while other routine urine tests seem to be within normal ranges. The health check was conducted after 6:30 PM...
Dr. Wu Zongying reply Family Medicine
Hello: A positive urine ketone test with a result of only 1+ is generally not a cause for concern. Some individuals may produce ketones in their urine after prolonged fasting or starvation, as the body metabolizes triglycerides into ketones. If you do not have a history of diabet...[Read More] Understanding Abnormal Health Check Results: Urine Ketones and More
Understanding Low-Grade Fever Before Menstruation: When to Seek Help
A low-grade fever before menstruation may persist for more than a week? Hello Doctor: Since around November 16, I have been feeling fatigued in the evenings and going to bed early. On November 19, I felt hot and measured an ear temperature of 37.8 degrees Celsius, while the foreh...
Dr. Wu Zongying reply Family Medicine
Hello: You have measured a temperature of 37.8 degrees Celsius with an ear thermometer, which indicates a fever, and it is advisable to seek medical treatment. Forehead temperature readings are generally less accurate. As for which department to visit, it depends on your symptoms...[Read More] Understanding Low-Grade Fever Before Menstruation: When to Seek Help
Understanding Abdominal Issues: When to Worry and When to Relax
Abdominal issues? Hello Dr. Wu, this is 163016 following up. The previous CT scan of the small intestine was due to a positive fecal occult blood test. After undergoing a gastroscopy, no obvious bleeding points were found, so my attending physician recommended a CT scan of the sm...
Dr. Wu Zongying reply Family Medicine
Hello: Fecal occult blood is generally first considered in relation to colorectal diseases or gastric and duodenal disorders, with less association to small intestine issues. Since you have already undergone a CT scan with no problems, you may consider undergoing a colonoscopy an...[Read More] Understanding Abdominal Issues: When to Worry and When to Relax
Understanding Low Blood Sugar: Do High School Students Need Further Testing?
Blood sugar issues? Hello! Regarding blood sugar issues, a fasting blood glucose level of 68 mg/dL in a high school student is considered on the lower end of the normal range. While the school may have flagged this as hypoglycemia, it is important to consider the context, such as...
Dr. Wu Zongying reply Family Medicine
Hello: A fasting blood glucose level of 68 mg/dL in a high school student during a school health check does not require much concern. Sometimes, prolonged fasting can lead to such a situation. If there is no family history of diabetes-related diseases, no further testing is neces...[Read More] Understanding Low Blood Sugar: Do High School Students Need Further Testing?
Understanding Low Blood Sugar in High School Students: When to Seek Further Testing
Blood sugar issues Hello! Regarding blood sugar issues, a fasting blood glucose level of 68 mg/dL in a high school student is considered on the lower end of the normal range, but it is not classified as hypoglycemia (which is typically defined as a blood glucose level below 70 mg...
Dr. Wu Zongying reply Family Medicine
I have already responded to the previous question.[Read More] Understanding Low Blood Sugar in High School Students: When to Seek Further Testing
Why Does My Heart Race and Vision Blur When Lying Down at Night?
At night, when lying down to sleep, I suddenly feel my heart rate increase, and when I open my eyes, I experience a sensation of fluctuation? Hello Doctor, I would like to ask about a recent experience where sometimes when I lie down at night, I suddenly feel my heart racing. Whe...
Dr. Wu Zongying reply Family Medicine
Hello: It is difficult to make an accurate diagnosis based solely on the description provided without medical examination or testing. Please avoid drinking coffee or tea after noon and observe for two to three days to see if these symptoms persist.[Read More] Why Does My Heart Race and Vision Blur When Lying Down at Night?
Understanding Abdominal CT Scans: What They Reveal and When to Worry
Abdominal issues? Hello Doctor, I underwent an abdominal CT scan in September this year to examine my small intestine. Recently, due to anxiety, I have developed some concerns about my abdomen, such as feeling an unfamiliar muscle on the left side of my abdomen or feeling confuse...
Dr. Wu Zongying reply Family Medicine
As your previous physician mentioned, a CT scan of the abdomen can reveal most structural abnormalities in the abdominal area, including those in the muscles. Your letter did not specify the reason for the initial small intestine examination, so I am unable to provide further ana...[Read More] Understanding Abdominal CT Scans: What They Reveal and When to Worry
Medication Consultation: Managing Antihistamines and Supplements Safely
Medication consultation Hello Doctor, I am currently taking the following medications: 1. Xyzal (levocetirizine dihydrochloride) 5mg, an antihistamine (*for the treatment of urticaria) → The doctor advised me to take one tablet after breakfast and one after dinner, totaling 2 t...
Dr. Wu Zongying reply Family Medicine
Hello: The first medication you are taking is an antihistamine, and it is recommended not to use it long-term once the urticaria subsides. You may also consider testing for allergens to identify what substances you are allergic to. The second medication is a female hormone therap...[Read More] Medication Consultation: Managing Antihistamines and Supplements Safely
Understanding Blood Test Results After Surgery: What Do They Mean?
Inquiry about blood test report results? I underwent a small intestine surgery, and the doctor ordered a blood test for me. The results for liver, kidney, and white blood cell counts were all within normal ranges. However, my red blood cell and hemoglobin levels did not meet the ...
Dr. Wu Zongying reply Family Medicine
Your values may indicate thalassemia, but further testing with hemoglobin electrophoresis is needed for confirmation. Your results are not significantly related to sleep deprivation.[Read More] Understanding Blood Test Results After Surgery: What Do They Mean?
Should I Worry About Brain Tumors? Understanding Headaches and Memory Issues
Worried about a brain tumor? Hello, doctor. I have been experiencing some headaches and a bit of forgetfulness. I'm worried that I might have a brain tumor, but after visiting two family medicine doctors, they both said it's a minor issue. However, I am still very conce...
Dr. Wu Zongying reply Family Medicine
There are many causes of headaches, and while cases of brain tumors are relatively rare, they cannot be completely ruled out. In the past, some patients with brain tumors only underwent further examination after experiencing additional symptoms beyond headaches, such as visual di...[Read More] Should I Worry About Brain Tumors? Understanding Headaches and Memory Issues