Understanding Leg Numbness and Weakness: Common Causes and Solutions
Numbness in the legs? I have two questions to ask: Recently, I have been experiencing pain in my heels and numbness in my thighs when standing, which has been ongoing for about 11 days. I have not had any sports injuries prior to this. Additionally, when I sit on the toilet, I of...
Dr. Hong Shouhong Reply:
1. There are many causes of anemia, with the most common being iron deficiency anemia and thalassemia. Iron deficiency anemia can result from bleeding or poor iron absorption after gastric surgery, and it can be treated with iron supplementation. However, if there is ongoing blee...[Read More] Understanding Leg Numbness and Weakness: Common Causes and Solutions
Managing Persistent Dizziness and Insomnia: A Comprehensive Guide
Insomnia, dizziness Hello, doctor: Six months ago, I had hemorrhoid surgery, and after the hemorrhoids healed, I have been troubled by dizziness for the past four months (feeling dizzy all day, especially worse in the morning). Recently, I have also been experiencing severe insom...
Dr. Hong Chuanqi Reply:
Hello Melody, dizziness and insomnia are common issues among the elderly, but you are not that old yet, so try not to think of yourself as old. Dizziness and insomnia often go hand in hand; they are like good friends that usually visit together. Therefore, addressing one can effe...[Read More] Managing Persistent Dizziness and Insomnia: A Comprehensive Guide
Understanding Anemia and Myelodysplastic Syndromes in Family Medicine
Anemia and myelodysplastic syndromes? I am not sure what disease this is; I would like to ask the doctor.
Dr. Huang Mingde Reply:
1. Anemia is primarily caused by inadequate hemoglobin or blood volume, often resulting from abnormal hematopoietic function or insufficient dietary intake. 2. As for myelodysplastic syndromes, I have not heard of such diseases; please discuss whether the terminology is being use...[Read More] Understanding Anemia and Myelodysplastic Syndromes in Family Medicine
Understanding Pre-Marital Health Checkups: Costs, Duration, and Tests
Health Checkup Fees and Items What items are included in a premarital health check-up? How much does it cost? How much time does it take? Can it detect if someone has thalassemia? Thank you.
Dr. Huang Jianxun Reply:
I. The pre-marital health check-up items for males and females are as follows: (a) For males: 1. Blood test - Hepatitis B surface antigen - Hepatitis B e antigen - Hepatitis B surface antibody - HIV test - Complete blood count - Blood type -...[Read More] Understanding Pre-Marital Health Checkups: Costs, Duration, and Tests
Understanding Your Symptoms: A Guide to Lymph Node Swelling and More
Doctor, what exactly is wrong with me? Hello, doctor. Since early December last year, I suddenly noticed a swollen lymph node in my neck (painless and over about one centimeter). I have been experiencing nausea and gas (later, a doctor said it might be due to duodenitis and gastr...
Dr. Huang Jianling Reply:
Hello, Xiao Dai: Your symptoms may be caused by scrub typhus. The primary vector in Taiwan is the Leptotrombidium deliensis mite. The animal hosts for the mite mainly include rodents, mammals (such as sheep, pigs, dogs, and cats), and birds (such as chickens). The main clinical s...[Read More] Understanding Your Symptoms: A Guide to Lymph Node Swelling and More
Is Your Memory Failing? Understanding Cognitive Issues in Middle Age
Is there a problem with memory? Hello Dr. Huang: My mother is in her fifties and has recently been complaining that when she goes to the market, she feels disoriented for a minute or two, not knowing how to get out or where to go. Although this has only happened once or twice, I ...
Dr. Huang Jianling Reply:
Hello Peter: The momentary confusion you experienced in the market could be due to several reasons that are not clear from the brief description provided. If the situation is severe, it is advisable to seek evaluation from a family medicine or internal medicine specialist. Here a...[Read More] Is Your Memory Failing? Understanding Cognitive Issues in Middle Age
Which Specialist Should I See for My Breathing and Vision Issues?
I'm not sure which specialty to see? Hello Doctor: At first, I experienced a feeling of tightness in my chest, followed by difficulty breathing. When I was working on the computer, if I used it for too long, I would feel dizzy and my eyes would become uncomfortable. I felt l...
Dr. Huang Jianling Reply:
Hello Emily: Your symptoms include chest tightness, difficulty breathing, dizziness, discomfort in your eyes, and even sudden blurred vision. These symptoms are related to overwork. It is recommended to take a break for five to ten minutes every hour, move your eyes up and down, ...[Read More] Which Specialist Should I See for My Breathing and Vision Issues?
Understanding Cold Sensitivity and Dizziness: A Guide for Patients
I'm sorry Hello, doctor! I don't know why every time the weather gets colder, I feel nauseous. I previously consulted a traditional Chinese medicine practitioner who said that it's because my body is "cold-natured." Is that true? Also, sometimes if I stan...
Dr. Cai Jueren Reply:
Regarding the issue you raised, it can be discussed from two aspects: First, "anemia." Patients with anemia typically do not exhibit symptoms. Only in cases of severe anemia do they experience dizziness, instability, or even fainting. It is recommended that you undergo ...[Read More] Understanding Cold Sensitivity and Dizziness: A Guide for Patients
Understanding Alpha Thalassemia: Diagnosis, Risks, and Pregnancy Concerns
Alpha-thalassemia Hello Dr. Huang: I previously asked you about the issue of elevated TIBC... I had a hemoglobinopathy test done, and the results were as follows: HbA: 97.9; HbF: 0; HbA2: 2.1; HbH: (-); Iron (Fe): 131; TIBC: 487; UIBC: 356! Recently, I had another pre-marital hea...
Dr. Huang Jianling Reply:
Hello, Yun-Jie: The information provided by the user is insufficient for further evaluation. Generally, a Ferritin level <12 is diagnostic for iron deficiency anemia. Additionally, using MCV/RBC <13.5 can estimate thalassemia (you can calculate it yourself). If MCV/RBC <...[Read More] Understanding Alpha Thalassemia: Diagnosis, Risks, and Pregnancy Concerns
Understanding High TIBC: Causes, Concerns, and Next Steps for Patients
What should I do if my TIBC is elevated? Hello, Doctor Huang. A few days ago, I had a health check-up and found my HB: 9.8, MCV: 76, HT: 34, MCH: 24.9! Later, I also tested for thalassemia and iron deficiency anemia, but the results showed no thalassemia. However, the data regard...
Dr. Huang Jianling Reply:
Hello, Yun-Jie: 1. Serum iron (SI) and Total Iron Binding Capacity (TIBC) values can fluctuate significantly and are influenced by various clinical conditions, making them less reliable than ferritin. Additionally, Transferrin saturation (Fe/TIBC, normal range: 20-45%) is more ...[Read More] Understanding High TIBC: Causes, Concerns, and Next Steps for Patients
Struggling with Unexplained Health Issues: Seeking Answers
I have been suffering for a long time? I have been experiencing poor mental health for about 4.5 years. I feel particularly uncomfortable when I wake up in the morning and am almost lethargic throughout the entire morning. I have undergone blood and urine tests, but it’s strange ...
Dr. Huang Jianling Reply:
Hello Wei, Your concern mainly revolves around the uncertainty of whether you have thalassemia (commonly referred to as Mediterranean anemia) and liver function abnormalities, compounded by symptoms of morning fatigue. It is advisable to visit a family medicine specialist for f...[Read More] Struggling with Unexplained Health Issues: Seeking Answers
Understanding Unexplained Anemia Symptoms: Causes and Solutions
Anemia Hello Dr. Huang: I have unexplained anemia symptoms. Recently, I underwent several tests at St. Paul’s Hospital in Taoyuan, including blood draws and urinalysis. The doctor concluded that "everything is normal." Typically, a person might feel dizzy after squattin...
Dr. Huang Mingde Reply:
1. Blood pressure generally consists of systolic and diastolic readings. A systolic blood pressure below 70 mmHg may lead to shock. 2. Your symptoms are indicative of orthostatic hypotension. It is recommended to be cautious with medications and to slow down your movements to avo...[Read More] Understanding Unexplained Anemia Symptoms: Causes and Solutions
Will My Baby Inherit Genetic Disorders? Essential Insights for Expecting Parents
Is it hereditary? Dr. Huang: Hello! I am about to welcome a newborn, and all prenatal checks have been normal. However, both my husband and I have congenital hereditary diseases. I have thalassemia, and my husband has chronic hemolytic anemia, which has caused jaundice and spleno...
Dr. Huang Mingde Reply:
1. It is possible. It is recommended to follow up with a pediatrician after birth, preferably at a large medical center such as National Taiwan University Hospital or Veterans General Hospital. 2. Regarding the storage of umbilical cord blood, it may be advisable to consult a hem...[Read More] Will My Baby Inherit Genetic Disorders? Essential Insights for Expecting Parents
Is It Anemia? Understanding Blood Test Results and Their Implications
Is it anemia? Hello Dr. Lin: My husband works as an environmental officer at a chemical plant, and the company conducts annual health check-ups for employees. His blood test results show the following issues: Red Blood Cells (RBC): 3.94; Mean Corpuscular Volume (MCV): 103.4; Mean...
Dr. Lin Mingxing Reply:
Director Lin Ming-hsing of the Department of Family Medicine at Tainan Hospital, Ministry of Health and Welfare, responded that one criterion for determining anemia that you did not include is hemoglobin (Hb) levels (approximately 13-15 g/dL for males). As for the RBC count, MCV,...[Read More] Is It Anemia? Understanding Blood Test Results and Their Implications
Understanding Health Check Results: Analyzing Anemia and Antibody Testing
Health Checkup Contents Hello, doctor. I have a female friend who just completed a health check-up, and the report is as follows: 31-year-old female, 172 cm, 66 kg; heart rate 53 beats per minute; Mean Corpuscular Volume (MCV) --> 73.7%; Mean Corpuscular Hemoglobin (MCH) -->...
Dr. Xie Wenjie Reply:
1. The normal hemoglobin (HB) levels vary between genders, with a general reference value of HB:12 being sufficient for females. However, the size of red blood cells affects their function; typically, an MCV (mean corpuscular volume) of less than 80 indicates that the cell volume...[Read More] Understanding Health Check Results: Analyzing Anemia and Antibody Testing
Understanding Microcytic Anemia: Is It Hereditary and How to Improve It?
What is the definition of microcytic anemia? Is it a hereditary disease? Dr. Sang: Hello! In my health check-ups over the past five years, I have consistently found issues with hemoglobin, blood concentration, and hematocrit levels (hematocrit 32.3%, hemoglobin 9.3 g/dL, white bl...
Dr. Sang Shude Reply:
Dr. Sang Shur-Te has left, and Director Jan Te-Chin is responding. Microcytic anemia refers to anemia caused by a low mean corpuscular volume (MCV less than 80 fL). Common causes include iron deficiency anemia, thalassemia, chronic disease, and poisoning. Given your situation wit...[Read More] Understanding Microcytic Anemia: Is It Hereditary and How to Improve It?
Heart Palpitations or Anemia? Understanding Your Symptoms
Heart disease or anemia? Doctor, recently whenever I sit for a while and then stand up quickly, my heart starts to pound heavily or I experience palpitations, and sometimes it feels like my heart is twisting forcefully. This lasts for about five to ten minutes before returning to...
Dr. Lin Mingxing Reply:
Dr. Lin Ming-Hsing from the Tainan Hospital of the Department of Health responds that palpitations may be triggered by the following conditions: 1. Chronic anemia, especially in women of reproductive age; if it is pathological anemia (such as aplastic anemia or malignancy), it sh...[Read More] Heart Palpitations or Anemia? Understanding Your Symptoms
Understanding Your Health Check Report: What High RBC and Hematocrit Levels Mean
Health Check Report Hello, doctor. Regarding the health check results: red blood cell count is 555, and hematocrit is 49.7. What do these values signify? Are they indicative of any symptoms or diseases? Thank you!
Dr. Sun Weixu Reply:
Red blood cell count (RBC) for males is 3.8 million to 6 million cells/mm³, and for females, it is 3.8 million to 5.5 million cells/mm³. The majority of blood's composition consists of red blood cells, which are produced in the bone marrow and then released into the bloodstr...[Read More] Understanding Your Health Check Report: What High RBC and Hematocrit Levels Mean
Understanding Low White Blood Cell Count: Causes and Next Steps
Leukopenia After the health check, it was found that the white blood cell count is only 3900. Is this too low? Should further tests be conducted? What could be the possible causes of this?
Dr. Huang Mingde Reply:
1. Slightly low white blood cell count: Clinically, this may suggest infection, decreased immunity, viral infection, hypersplenism, drug effects, heavy metal poisoning (such as benzene and arsenic), post-radiation therapy, agranulocytosis, aplastic anemia, alcoholism, or diabetes...[Read More] Understanding Low White Blood Cell Count: Causes and Next Steps
When to Avoid Alcohol: Health Indicators and Medical Conditions Explained
Under what symptoms should one avoid drinking alcohol? Dear Sir/Madam, 1. In general health check-ups, if certain values are elevated, it is advisable to limit alcohol consumption. Typically, if liver enzymes such as AST (aspartate aminotransferase) or ALT (alanine aminotransfer...
Dr. Lin Mingxing Reply:
In general, almost all health check items that show abnormalities require restrictions on alcohol consumption, such as liver function tests (GOT, GPT, rGT), blood sugar (sugar), cholesterol, triglycerides, and uric acid. Abnormalities in these parameters can have direct negative ...[Read More] When to Avoid Alcohol: Health Indicators and Medical Conditions Explained