Why Am I Experiencing Low Blood Sugar Symptoms Despite Regular Meals?
How can one still be anemic despite having regular three meals a day? Hello doctor, my weight is normal and I eat three meals a day, but why do I still frequently experience symptoms that feel like low blood sugar? In the past, I had episodes of low blood sugar due to skipping di...
Dr. Cai Dongqi Reply:
Hello, Xiao Guo: Hypoglycemia should be measured with a blood glucose meter. A value below 70, accompanied by cold sweats and pale complexion, indicates hypoglycemia; it should not be based on feelings. The symptoms you described may be indicative of orthostatic hypotension or ex...[Read More] Why Am I Experiencing Low Blood Sugar Symptoms Despite Regular Meals?
Understanding Anemia: How Blood Tests Reveal Iron Deficiency vs. Thalassemia
How to assess anemia status through blood tests? Hello, Dr. Yeh. I would like to know if I can determine whether my anemia is due to iron deficiency, thalassemia, or another type based on the following blood test results before my surgery: Hb: 9.9 (g/dL) Hct: 33.2 (%) MCH: ...
Dr. Ye Qianyu Reply:
Hello! The Mentzer index can be used for a simple differentiation: MCV/RBC < 13 suggests thalassemia (Mediterranean anemia), while MCV/RBC > 13 indicates iron deficiency anemia. Your Mentzer index: MCV/RBC = 76.9/4.32 = 17.8 ==> indicates a higher likelihood of iron defi...[Read More] Understanding Anemia: How Blood Tests Reveal Iron Deficiency vs. Thalassemia
Could Anemia Be Causing My Son's Dizziness When Standing Up?
Could such blood values cause dizziness when getting up from a lying position? Hello Doctor, my son is 20 years old. Over the past year, he has had his blood drawn four times, with the following values: Hemoglobin (Hb) 12.6-13.6 g/dL, Red Blood Cell count (RBC) 4.5-4.7 million ce...
Dr. Cai Dongqi Reply:
Hello, Hao: For mild anemia, you can consult a hematologist. Based on the numbers, it may be necessary to diagnose whether there is thalassemia.[Read More] Could Anemia Be Causing My Son's Dizziness When Standing Up?
Understanding Frequent Dizziness: Causes and Connections to Diet and Hydration
Frequent dizziness? What could be the reason for my frequent dizziness? Is it low blood pressure or autonomic nervous system dysfunction? Sometimes I feel dizzy after eating a full meal; could this be related to my low water intake? Can drinking very little water cause dizziness?...
Dr. Liu Hongxiang Reply:
Hello Mr. Xiaohua: Common causes of dizziness in males include: 1. Hypotension: This refers to blood pressure that is lower than normal levels. 2. Anemia: Acute or chronic anemia can lead to fatigue and dizziness. 3. Prolonged standing: Blood may pool in the lower extremities, re...[Read More] Understanding Frequent Dizziness: Causes and Connections to Diet and Hydration
Understanding Persistent Dizziness: When to Seek Medical Help
Dizziness and a feeling of heaviness in the head? Hello! I have been experiencing dizziness frequently for over a week. The sensation feels like a heavy head and light legs, with scattered attention and fatigue, somewhat similar to motion sickness, but not the spinning sensation ...
Dr. Lin Zhebin Reply:
Hello: Your dizziness is likely due to anemia. If the cause of your previous iron deficiency anemia, such as chronic blood loss, was not identified (common causes at your age include heavy menstrual bleeding and gastrointestinal bleeding), it is easy for the anemia to recur after...[Read More] Understanding Persistent Dizziness: When to Seek Medical Help
Understanding Anemia: Insights from Recent Health Check Results
Anemia issues Hello Doctor, recently in March 2023, my health check showed hemoglobin at 12.6, hematocrit at 37.4, MCV at 85.4, MCH at 28.8, MCHC at 33.7, and RDW at 12.8. However, in June 2021, my hemoglobin was 14.4. Before the health check, my HbA1c was 5.6, and I have been co...
Dr. Lin Zhebin Reply:
Hello: Based on your blood test results, you have a condition of normocytic anemia, and there is a significant decrease compared to your values from two years ago. It is usually important to investigate whether there is any internal bleeding, with gastrointestinal bleeding being ...[Read More] Understanding Anemia: Insights from Recent Health Check Results
Understanding Your Blood Test Results: Is It Iron Deficiency Anemia?
Blood report (Hemoglobin 8.5, Serum Iron 14) Hello Doctor, I went for a blood test yesterday afternoon, and I checked the health insurance app in the evening to see that the report is out. However, since my follow-up appointment is not until the 26th, I would like to ask you firs...
Dr. Lin Zhebin Reply:
Hello: Based on the results of your two blood tests, it is concluded that you likely have iron deficiency anemia. However, in addition to taking iron supplements, it is important to check if there is any source of blood loss in your body. Common causes include heavy menstrual ble...[Read More] Understanding Your Blood Test Results: Is It Iron Deficiency Anemia?
Understanding Low Hemoglobin: Which Specialist Should You See?
Blood report (Hemoglobin 6.8) Hello, doctor. Here is my health check report, and I would like to ask which specialty I should consult. Could the thyroid cyst or uterine fibroid be causing my anemia? (I have no bleeding or pain, and my menstrual flow is normal.) Which department s...
Dr. Lin Zhebin Reply:
Hello: Your blood test report indicates that you have microcytic anemia, which is commonly caused by the following: 1. Thalassemia 2. Iron deficiency anemia. Thalassemia is genetically inherited, while iron deficiency anemia is usually due to blood loss. Common causes of bleeding...[Read More] Understanding Low Hemoglobin: Which Specialist Should You See?
Can Frequent Blood Donation Cause Anemia Recurrence?
Can blood donation lead to recurrent anemia? I have been experiencing anemia with a hemoglobin level of 9.6 until last February when I started taking iron supplements. After three months, my hemoglobin level rose to 12.5. Once it returned to normal, I donated blood three times (o...
Dr. Lin Zhebin Reply:
Hello: The two most common causes of iron deficiency anemia are: 1. Chronic blood loss, which, given your age, is often due to heavy menstrual bleeding; gastrointestinal bleeding should also be considered. 2. Nutritional deficiency, which is more common among vegetarians or picky...[Read More] Can Frequent Blood Donation Cause Anemia Recurrence?
Understanding Chest Tightness: Causes, Symptoms, and Solutions
Chest tightness issue? Hello doctor, I am 27 years old. Since last year, I have been experiencing intermittent chest tightness, shortness of breath (feeling like I can't get enough air and needing to take deep breaths), and dizziness. I underwent examinations last year for m...
Dr. Cai Dongqi Reply:
Hello: Autonomic nervous system dysfunction is a combination of various symptoms that may not always be detectable through tests. It often requires empirical treatment. It may be advisable to first consult a psychiatrist to assess for any anxiety or excessive stress that could be...[Read More] Understanding Chest Tightness: Causes, Symptoms, and Solutions
Understanding Abnormal Platelet Volume: What Your MPV and PCT Results Mean
Platelet volume Hello Doctor, I recently had a check-up at a medical center and two indicators were abnormal. The mean platelet volume (MPV) is 9.10 fL (normal range: 9.30–12.10 fL) and the plateletcrit (PCT) is 0.34% (normal range: 0.17–0.32%). All other general blood tests were...
Dr. Lin Zhebin Reply:
Hello: 1. Mean Platelet Volume (MPV) is associated with platelet function and activation. Some conditions such as anemia or autoimmune diseases may lead to a decrease in MPV. However, since your value is only 0.2 lower and all other blood tests are normal, there is no need for si...[Read More] Understanding Abnormal Platelet Volume: What Your MPV and PCT Results Mean
Understanding Your Blood Test Results: Do You Have Anemia?
Blood test report Hello Doctor, I donated blood three times a few years ago. When I tried to donate again, the nurse checked my hemoglobin and said it was insufficient. Even though I have been eating iron-rich foods like pork liver and spinach, and exercising, my hemoglobin level...
Dr. Liao Yaopan Reply:
Hello, regarding your question, only some data cannot be determined. It is recommended to return to the original arrangement for a blood test and a complete evaluation by your physician. Online consultations are not equivalent to in-person medical visits and cannot provide diagno...[Read More] Understanding Your Blood Test Results: Do You Have Anemia?
Exploring the Link Between Fatigue and Vitamin D Deficiency
The association between fatigue and vitamin D deficiency? I have been experiencing fatigue and excessive sleepiness for about 6 to 7 years. I have seen various internal medicine specialists and undergone tests for thyroid function, hormones, etc. I even visited a sleep clinic, an...
Dr. Lin Zhebin Reply:
Hello: Vitamin D deficiency may have the following effects: decreased immune function, anxiety, muscle weakness, osteoporosis, dry skin, cardiovascular diseases, etc. Based on your description of physical discomfort, some of it may indeed be related to vitamin D deficiency. Since...[Read More] Exploring the Link Between Fatigue and Vitamin D Deficiency
Understanding Dizziness, Nausea, and Chest Discomfort: A Family Medicine Perspective
Dizziness, blurred vision, nausea? Today, while I was taking the MRT, I suddenly felt unwell. It started with a cool sensation in my left chest, followed by dizziness, and my vision gradually blurred to the point where I could barely see. However, my breathing was relatively smoo...
Dr. Lin Zhebin Reply:
Hello: 1. Your chest discomfort accompanied by dizziness and vomiting may indicate the possibility of an acute arrhythmia; additionally, it is important to consider whether there is a condition of anemia. 2. Your abdominal discomfort may be related to your menstrual cycle; howeve...[Read More] Understanding Dizziness, Nausea, and Chest Discomfort: A Family Medicine Perspective
Understanding Occasional Visual Disturbances: When to Seek Medical Help
Occasionally experiencing flashes of light in the vision, but the ophthalmologist cannot identify the cause? Hello Dr. Lin, recently I've been experiencing a sensation in my left eye near the outer corner that feels like seeing stars (this seems to occur more often when sitt...
Dr. Lin Zhebin Reply:
Hello: The discomfort in your left eye may require consideration of a retinal issue. However, since you have already consulted an ophthalmologist without any specific findings, the next step would be to consider a possible neurological problem. You have also seen a neurologist, a...[Read More] Understanding Occasional Visual Disturbances: When to Seek Medical Help
Understanding Blood Test Results: What Do They Mean for Your Health?
Blood test report I often experience dizziness, chest tightness, palpitations, fatigue, and excessive sleepiness, so I had a blood test done today. Could you please tell me if there are any issues with the lab report? Lab report: - White Blood Cell Count: 12,410 - Red Blood C...
Dr. Lin Zhebin Reply:
Hello: Your blood test report shows two main issues: 1. Severe microcytic anemia, which may require consideration of iron deficiency anemia and thalassemia. 2. Elevated white blood cell count with increased neutrophils and decreased lymphocytes, which may raise concerns about pos...[Read More] Understanding Blood Test Results: What Do They Mean for Your Health?
Understanding Abnormal Blood Test Results: Do You Have Anemia?
Abnormalities in the blood test section of the health examination report? Hello Doctor, I had a health check-up this month and found that my blood test results showed several abnormalities. My white blood cell count is 11.43, red blood cell count is 4.62, hemoglobin is 10.8 g/dL,...
Dr. Ye Qianyu Reply:
Hello! Based on the data you provided, it appears to be microcytic anemia, which can be re-evaluated and monitored in general internal medicine, family medicine, or hematology.[Read More] Understanding Abnormal Blood Test Results: Do You Have Anemia?
Understanding Iron Supplement Side Effects: When to Worry About Blood in Stool
Side effects of iron supplements? Hello, I have iron deficiency anemia and have been taking iron supplements for two months after visiting my family doctor. I noticed that sometimes my stool is black, which I know is normal. However, the first time I wipe after a bowel movement, ...
Dr. Lin Zhebin Reply:
Hello: Taking iron supplements can indeed cause the stool to appear black and dark. However, if you notice blood when wiping after a bowel movement, it is more likely related to hemorrhoids or other issues in the colon, and should not be associated with taking iron supplements. I...[Read More] Understanding Iron Supplement Side Effects: When to Worry About Blood in Stool
Impact of Recent Blood Donation on HbA1c Test Accuracy
Glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c) Is it accurate to test glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c) less than two weeks after donating 500 cc of blood?
Dr. Liu Hongxiang Reply:
Hello Mr. Louis: Glycated hemoglobin is a compound formed by the binding of hemoglobin in red blood cells to glucose, serving as a reference standard for the average plasma glucose concentration over a period of time (approximately 3 months). Therefore, conditions such as anemia ...[Read More] Impact of Recent Blood Donation on HbA1c Test Accuracy
Unexplained Chest and Abdominal Pain: Causes and Solutions
Unexplained pain Hello, doctor. I have unexplained pain that occurs whenever I squat for too long and then stand up. The pain is located between my chest and stomach, as well as in the upper part of my stomach, and it lasts for two to three days. When I press on the muscles, I fe...
Dr. Lin Zhebin Reply:
Hello: 1. The cause of your chest and abdominal pain, based on your description, is likely related to the diaphragm or muscle, such as muscle spasms, since it occurs when you squat and pressing on the muscles causes pain. Additionally, it could be due to gastroesophageal reflux, ...[Read More] Unexplained Chest and Abdominal Pain: Causes and Solutions