Understanding Fasting Insulin Levels: What Do They Mean for Your Health?
Fasting insulin Hello Doctor, thank you for taking the time to respond to my questions! I previously went to the hospital (Metabolism Department) to check for any diabetes-related issues. At that time, my diet remained unchanged, my exercise was moderate, and my stress levels wer...
Dr. Liao Yaopan Reply:
Hello, regarding the aforementioned report, the opinion of the endocrinologist is similar, and there is no diabetes. Type 1 diabetes is characterized by a lifelong deficiency in insulin production from the pancreas, which is different from insulin resistance, which is more common...[Read More] Understanding Fasting Insulin Levels: What Do They Mean for Your Health?
Which Specialist Should You See for Breathing and Menstrual Issues?
Which specialty should I consult first for these symptoms? Experiencing shortness of breath and fatigue after minimal exertion, such as walking from the first to the second floor, is concerning. You may notice an increased heart rate and louder heartbeat during these episodes. Ad...
Dr. Lin Zhebin Reply:
Hello: Your symptoms of shortness of breath, dizziness, and rapid heartbeat, along with the mention of prolonged menstrual periods, may indicate that increased menstrual flow could be causing anemia, which in turn leads to your discomfort. It is recommended that you first consult...[Read More] Which Specialist Should You See for Breathing and Menstrual Issues?
Understanding Blood Test Results for Mediterranean Anemia Screening
Blood Test Report Recently, due to company requirements for a health check, I also had a blood test to check for thalassemia. I would like to ask the doctor if this is normal. Thank you. Blood test report: Serum iron: 98.7 µg/dL, TIBC: 399 µg/dL, Ferritin: 99.8 µg/L, Hb-A1: 95.5%...
Dr. Ye Qianyu Reply:
Hello! Based on the information you provided, the report appears to be normal. If you have any concerns, please consult a medical institution.[Read More] Understanding Blood Test Results for Mediterranean Anemia Screening
Understanding Red Flags in Blood Test Results: What You Need to Know
Red text on blood test results? Hello, doctor. Recently, I went to the emergency room due to back pain, chest tightness, and shortness of breath. I had blood tests and a chest X-ray done. The emergency physician diagnosed me with muscle inflammation, and the X-ray of my heart and...
Dr. Lin Zhebin Reply:
Hello: Your blood test report indicates microcytic anemia and elevated platelet count, which may be related to iron deficiency anemia. In women, iron deficiency anemia is more commonly caused by chronic bleeding due to heavy menstrual flow. Additionally, gastrointestinal bleeding...[Read More] Understanding Red Flags in Blood Test Results: What You Need to Know
Understanding Chronic Nausea and Dry Heaving: Seeking Solutions
Easily feels nauseous and experiences dry heaving? Hello, doctor. I have been experiencing a symptom since elementary school where I often feel nauseous and have the urge to vomit. I have seen doctors, but no diagnosis was made. Throughout my growth, this symptom has not been con...
Dr. Liao Yaopan Reply:
Hello, it is essential to first rule out whether physiological factors are the cause. Of course, psychosomatic factors may also play a role, and the low potassium levels in your blood test could be related to unstable intake or absorption. It is advisable to consult your family p...[Read More] Understanding Chronic Nausea and Dry Heaving: Seeking Solutions
Understanding Platelet Distribution Width and Its Implications for Health
Platelet distribution width (PDW) Hello, Doctor. I have a few questions I would like to ask you: A few days ago, I went to the hospital to check my blood test results. The doctor mentioned that overall, the values suggest iron deficiency anemia (microcytic), but my hemoglobin lev...
Dr. Liao Yaopan Reply:
Hello, 1. It is recommended to clarify the causes of anemia before reassessing the need for immediate treatment. 2. The width of platelet distribution may be related to the differences in the size of blood cells. It is advised to consult a hematology outpatient clinic regardin...[Read More] Understanding Platelet Distribution Width and Its Implications for Health
Understanding Anemia: Iron Deficiency vs. Thalassemia in Blood Tests
Blood test for anemia? Hello, doctor. I would like to ask whether my anemia is due to iron deficiency anemia or thalassemia, and if the values are considered severe. Below are my blood test results. Are there any abnormalities? LDL-C 129 NT-proBNP 27.07 UIBC 394 TIBC (UIBC...
Dr. Cai Dongqi Reply:
Hello: Mild anemia, unlike thalassemia, may be due to iron deficiency anemia, but it is not severe. If there is heavy menstrual bleeding recently, it is necessary to go to the hospital for further examination. If iron deficiency is confirmed, iron supplements will be required.[Read More] Understanding Anemia: Iron Deficiency vs. Thalassemia in Blood Tests
Understanding Anemia: Blood Test Results and PPI Impact on Iron Absorption
Anemia issues Hello, Doctor. This is my blood test report for this year: RBC 4.93 [4.26–5.56], Hb 12.9 [13.5–17.5], Hct 39.3 [40–49], MCV 79.7 [80–100], MCH 26.2 [26–34], MCHC 32.8 [31–37], RDW 13.2 [11.5–14.5]. Does this indicate anemia? This is my report from June of last year:...
Dr. Lin Zhebin Reply:
Hello: Your blood test report indicates microcytic anemia, with the more common causes being thalassemia and iron deficiency anemia. Since your previous blood test did not show any signs of anemia, it is more likely to be iron deficiency anemia. The causes of iron deficiency anem...[Read More] Understanding Anemia: Blood Test Results and PPI Impact on Iron Absorption
Why Am I Sleeping 15 Hours and Still Feeling Tired?
Recently, even after sleeping for over ten hours, I still feel easily fatigued? Hello, doctor. I have been sleeping for about fourteen to fifteen hours a day for the past few days, and after waking up for more than an hour, I start to feel sleepy again. I haven't taken any m...
Dr. Lin Zhebin Reply:
Hello: The reasons for your fatigue, aside from medication effects or physical exhaustion, may also include considerations such as anemia, infections, sleep apnea, abnormalities in heart/liver/kidney function, blood sugar/electrolyte imbalances, endocrine disorders, and other iss...[Read More] Why Am I Sleeping 15 Hours and Still Feeling Tired?
Understanding Chronic Fatigue: Causes, Tests, and Treatment Options
The reasons for fatigue and the desire to sleep can vary widely. To investigate these symptoms, several tests can be conducted, including: 1. Complete Blood Count (CBC) - to check for anemia or infection. 2. Thyroid Function Tests - to assess for hypothyroidism or hyperthyroidis...
Dr. Lin Zhebin Reply:
Hello: Your issue of fatigue and drowsiness may be related to mental health problems or medication side effects, but it is also important to consider the possibility of physiological diseases, such as anemia, electrolyte and blood sugar imbalances, liver and kidney dysfunction, o...[Read More] Understanding Chronic Fatigue: Causes, Tests, and Treatment Options
Understanding Persistent Fatigue: Causes, Tests, and Treatment Options
The reasons for fatigue and the desire to sleep can vary widely. To investigate these symptoms, several tests can be conducted, including: 1. Complete Blood Count (CBC) - to check for anemia or infection. 2. Thyroid Function Tests - to assess for hypothyroidism or hyperthyroidis...
Dr. Lin Zhebin Reply:
Hello: Your issue of fatigue and drowsiness may be related not only to mental health problems and medication side effects but also to the possibility of underlying physiological conditions, such as anemia, electrolyte and blood sugar imbalances, liver and kidney dysfunction, or h...[Read More] Understanding Persistent Fatigue: Causes, Tests, and Treatment Options
Understanding Blood Test Results: What Your Doctor Wants You to Know
Blood disorders Hello, Doctor: Last week, I visited the hospital due to feeling unwell, and the doctor conducted a blood test. The report is as follows: Lymphocyte 22% [19][48], MCH (Mean Corpuscular Hemoglobin) 31.4 g/dL [33][37], MCH 29.0 pg [27][31], MCHC (Mean Corpuscular Hem...
Dr. Lin Zhebin Reply:
Hello: Based on your blood test report, although the RBC is low, the Hemoglobin is within the normal range, so the anemia is likely not severe. Further analysis of the low MCH and low MCHC suggests that it may be microcytic anemia, with the most common cause being iron deficiency...[Read More] Understanding Blood Test Results: What Your Doctor Wants You to Know
Why Do I Feel Dizzy and Lightheaded After Blood Tests?
After drawing blood, my vision goes completely white? Hello, doctor. I would like to ask if the dizziness and temporary whiteout I experience for about 15 to 20 minutes after each blood draw during my health check-up is a case of vasovagal syncope?
Dr. Lin Zhebin Reply:
Hello: The situation you described is indeed very likely to be a case of vasovagal syncope. Additionally, it is important to consider other issues such as cardiovascular diseases, blood sugar abnormalities, blood pressure irregularities, anemia, and anxiety. If dizziness occurs f...[Read More] Why Do I Feel Dizzy and Lightheaded After Blood Tests?
Understanding the Connection Between Microcytic Anemia and Thrombocytosis
Iron deficiency anemia Hello, doctor. Thank you for taking the time to respond. I would like to ask if my direct relative has "iron deficiency anemia." My personal mean corpuscular volume (MCV) is low, and my platelet count is around 425,000. Are these two values relate...
Dr. Lin Zhebin Reply:
Hello: Iron deficiency anemia is classified as microcytic anemia, so the mean corpuscular volume (MCV) will be low. Additionally, iron deficiency anemia often coexists with thrombocytosis, which means your test results are indeed related to iron deficiency anemia.[Read More] Understanding the Connection Between Microcytic Anemia and Thrombocytosis
Understanding Breathing Issues and Fatigue in Elderly Patients
Wheezing, forceful exhalation? My father is 84 years old and has dementia, hypertension, diabetes, and anemia. Recently, he received a blood transfusion due to low hemoglobin levels. After returning home, he has been experiencing excessive sleepiness, and we are unsure of the cau...
Dr. Cai Dongqi Reply:
Hello, Zhang: 1. First, visit an otolaryngologist to check for any issues in the nasal cavity that may be causing respiratory obstruction or sleep apnea. 2. Experiencing shortness of breath during activity and chest pain may indicate heart failure or angina; please consult a card...[Read More] Understanding Breathing Issues and Fatigue in Elderly Patients
Understanding Fluctuations in HbA1c Levels: A Month of Concerns
There is significant fluctuation in glycated hemoglobin levels within a month? Hello Doctor: Thank you for taking the time to answer my questions despite your busy schedule. In my family, aside from my parents, my aunts, uncles, and both sets of grandparents have diabetes, so I a...
Dr. Ye Qianyu Reply:
Hello! First, you should understand that glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c) is an indicator of average blood glucose levels over the past three months, so testing on different dates reflects average blood glucose status during different periods. Any factors that affect calorie intake an...[Read More] Understanding Fluctuations in HbA1c Levels: A Month of Concerns
Differentiating Iron Deficiency Anemia from Thalassemia: A Clinical Guide
Differentiation between Iron Deficiency Anemia and Thalassemia? White Blood Cell Count (WBC): 4.53 Red Blood Cell Count (RBC): 4.52 Hemoglobin (HB): 10.8 Hematocrit (HCT): 33.8 Mean Corpuscular Hemoglobin (MCH): 23.9 Mean Corpuscular Volume (MCV): 74.7 Mean Corpuscula...
Dr. Chen Bozhang Reply:
Iron deficiency anemia and thalassemia have different causes, treatments, and management strategies. It is recommended that you bring your reports (or data) to consult with a physician in the hematology department or family medicine clinic. Thank you.[Read More] Differentiating Iron Deficiency Anemia from Thalassemia: A Clinical Guide
Understanding Anemia: Iron Deficiency vs. Thalassemia in Blood Tests
Anemia issues Hello, Doctor. Here are my routine blood test results from my health check-up. I would like to ask whether I have iron deficiency anemia or thalassemia. Additionally, if it is iron deficiency anemia, would you recommend intravenous iron supplementation? Would there ...
Dr. Ye Qianyu Reply:
Hello! Based on the information you provided, it is indeed possible that you have iron deficiency anemia. Supplementing with iron is not an issue; however, iron injections may raise concerns about allergic reactions. Given your recent test results, oral supplementation should suf...[Read More] Understanding Anemia: Iron Deficiency vs. Thalassemia in Blood Tests
Understanding B12 Deficiency Testing: Key Considerations and Recommendations
Testing for Vitamin B12 Deficiency Hello Doctor: My sisters and I have Mediterranean anemia, and one of them has been a patient with SLE for over twenty years. Some of us have started to experience symptoms and have been informed that there may be a possibility of B12 deficiency....
Dr. Chen Bozhang Reply:
Vitamin B12 is related to the metabolism of homocysteine, and these two values are usually assessed together. It is recommended to visit a family medicine clinic for evaluation by a physician, who can arrange further medical services based on the test results. Please note that th...[Read More] Understanding B12 Deficiency Testing: Key Considerations and Recommendations
Understanding Elevated Red Blood Cell Count: Causes and Concerns
Red blood cell count: 5.75 million cells per microliter? I have thalassemia. Three months ago, I had a blood test and was diagnosed with iron deficiency anemia. After taking iron supplements for three months, I had another blood test and no longer have iron deficiency anemia. How...
Dr. Xiao Yongxun Reply:
Dear Ms. Anonymous: 1. You have a personal history of carrying the thalassemia trait, which would show a low MCV (mean corpuscular volume) and an increased total red blood cell count in hematological tests. To determine whether it is alpha or beta thalassemia, hemoglobin electr...[Read More] Understanding Elevated Red Blood Cell Count: Causes and Concerns