Which Specialist Should I See for My Chest and Back Pain?
Which specialty should I see? Hello doctor, I am a 21-year-old female. Recently, I have been experiencing pain in the center of my chest and below my left breast, as well as pain in my upper back near the shoulder blades. My hands feel numb at times, and I occasionally notice my ...
Dr. Liao Yaopan Reply:
Hello, based on your description, it is still recommended to consult a relevant subspecialist to assess for any physiological abnormalities. If no related issues are found, it is possible that the physical discomfort may be due to psychological factors. Please note: online consul...[Read More] Which Specialist Should I See for My Chest and Back Pain?
Are My Blood Test Results Normal? A Guide for Women
I would like to inquire if this value is normal? Hello, doctor. I recently had some tests done and would like to inquire if the following values are considered normal. I am a 26-year-old female. Thank you! 🙏 Red Blood Cells (RBC): 5.61 million/uL Hemoglobin (Hb): 14.4 g/dL H...
Dr. Chen Bozhang Reply:
Dear Ms. Yumei, Your complete blood count shows that your hemoglobin level is normal, but your mean corpuscular volume (MCV) is at the lower end of the normal range. Additionally, your red blood cell count (RBC) is elevated, which may indicate a predisposition to thalassemia or ...[Read More] Are My Blood Test Results Normal? A Guide for Women
Understanding Blood Test Results: Clinical Significance of Lymphocytes and Basophils
Blood test? Today's blood test report is as follows: 1. W.B.C - White Blood Cell Count: 5,740.000 /µL (Normal range: 4,000-11,000) 2. RBC - Red Blood Cell Count: 5.280 million/µL (Male: 4.5-6.0, Female: 4.0-5.5) 3. HgB - Hemoglobin: 15.200 g/dL (Male: 14-18, Female: 12-16) ...
Dr. Liao Yaopan Reply:
Hello, it is recommended to return to the original medical institution for a complete evaluation by the treating physician, taking into account your clinical condition and test results. Please note that online consultations are not equivalent to in-person visits and cannot provid...[Read More] Understanding Blood Test Results: Clinical Significance of Lymphocytes and Basophils
Understanding Recurrent Unexplained Fever in Older Adults
Recurrent unexplained fever Hello, Dr. Liao. My mother is 64 years old. Initially, she often felt fatigued and would become short of breath when climbing stairs, but she was fine walking on flat ground (even for 1-2 kilometers). Initially, the local clinic suspected a heart issue...
Dr. Liao Yaopan Reply:
Hello, regarding your question, the most common cause of fever is still infection. Other causes need to be investigated, such as autoimmune diseases and tumors. Please note: online consultations are not equivalent to in-person medical visits and cannot provide diagnoses or treatm...[Read More] Understanding Recurrent Unexplained Fever in Older Adults
Which Medical Specialty Should I Consult for My Symptoms?
Which specialty should I see? Hello, since January, I have been experiencing numerous health issues, particularly discomfort in my eyes and head/neck area. I have undergone OCT, dilation, and fundus photography, which showed a red area in the right eye on the OCT, but my vision i...
Dr. Chen Bozhang Reply:
Hello Ms. Wang: The symptoms you mentioned are diverse, primarily including pain around the eyes, tightness and numbness in the head and neck, muscle twitching, tinnitus, shoulder pain, and dizziness. First, we need to check if your blood pressure is within the normal range (100-...[Read More] Which Medical Specialty Should I Consult for My Symptoms?
Understanding Anemia: Can Irregular Periods Affect Your Blood Health?
Is it anemia? Hello, doctor. Last week, I went to the hospital for a routine labor health check, and today I received the report. I found that my blood test results show a red blood cell count of 4.94, hemoglobin of 12.7, hematocrit of 38.6, mean corpuscular volume (MCV) of 78.1,...
Dr. Huang Xunying Reply:
Microcytic anemia is divided into two types: iron deficiency anemia and thalassemia. It is possible for iron deficiency anemia to occur due to menstruation, but both types may also coexist. Therefore, follow-up testing is still recommended.[Read More] Understanding Anemia: Can Irregular Periods Affect Your Blood Health?
Understanding Afternoon Fever: Is It Normal or a Cause for Concern?
Elevated body temperature in the afternoon? Hello, doctor. Since mid-January, I have noticed that my ear temperature upon waking up is around 36.5-36.8°C, and from noon to around 10 PM, it ranges from 37-37.3°C. After 10 PM, it drops to about 36.4-36.6°C. My afternoon temperature...
Dr. Huang Xunying Reply:
The body's temperature is inherently variable and tends to be higher in the afternoon. Therefore, we usually recommend that individuals drink more water during that time. Your blood tests have already been conducted and show no abnormalities, and your temperature has not rea...[Read More] Understanding Afternoon Fever: Is It Normal or a Cause for Concern?
Which Specialist to See for Stress-Related Appetite Loss?
Which specialty should I see? Hello Doctor: I have been under a lot of stress lately and have suddenly lost my appetite and do not feel hungry. My weight has been dropping continuously. I don't have any discomfort in my abdomen, but I just can't eat. I'm feeling qu...
Dr. Huang Xunying Reply:
If there is weight loss, decreased appetite, and insomnia, it is recommended to visit a family medicine clinic for an evaluation. Blood tests may be necessary to determine the underlying causes of the weight loss. Thank you.[Read More] Which Specialist to See for Stress-Related Appetite Loss?
Understanding Blood Test Results: What Elevated WBC and NRBC Levels Mean
Blood test Hello Doctor: Recently, I went to the hospital due to blood in my stool. The doctor performed a physical examination and arranged for blood and stool tests. The results of the stool occult blood immunoassay showed a value of <7 with a reference value of <30 ng/mL...
Dr. Huang Xunying Reply:
Sometimes, asymptomatic infections or colds can lead to elevated white blood cell counts. As for red blood cells, if hemoglobin levels are normal, a higher red blood cell count is generally not concerning. A follow-up can be done in three months. Regarding the presence of blood i...[Read More] Understanding Blood Test Results: What Elevated WBC and NRBC Levels Mean
Understanding Your Blood Test: What Does a NEUT Level of 49.6% Mean?
Hello Dr. Huang, I would like to inquire about the results of the health check-up report? As mentioned, I noticed a red highlight in my medical examination report regarding the neutrophil percentage (NEUT) at 49.6%. I haven't seen this before and I'm not quite sure what...
Dr. Huang Xunying Reply:
Hello, what you pointed out refers to neutrophils in the white blood cell differential count. Typically, the normal values may vary slightly between different hospitals or laboratories, which could be the source of your confusion. If your overall white blood cell count is normal,...[Read More] Understanding Your Blood Test: What Does a NEUT Level of 49.6% Mean?
Understanding Persistent Dizziness: Causes and Connections to Eye Discomfort
I have been experiencing frequent dizziness lately? Hello, doctor. I have been experiencing dizziness for a while now. About a month ago, during an exam, I sat for a long time and when I stood up, I suddenly felt lightheaded and could barely stand, but it improved in about 10 sec...
Dr. Huang Xunying Reply:
If you experience discomfort in your eyes, it is recommended to visit an ophthalmologist to check for any abnormalities. If dizziness worsens, further blood tests may be considered, and you might want to consult a family medicine physician or a neurologist.[Read More] Understanding Persistent Dizziness: Causes and Connections to Eye Discomfort
Understanding Decreased Hemoglobin and Hematocrit Levels: Causes and Solutions
Decreased hemoglobin and hematocrit levels? Hello, doctor. Last week, I underwent an adult health check and blood tests, and compared to two years ago, my hemoglobin, hematocrit, mean corpuscular volume, and mean corpuscular hemoglobin have all decreased significantly. In 2015 ...
Dr. Huang Xunying Reply:
In addition to Mediterranean anemia, you may also have concurrent iron deficiency anemia. If you are experiencing symptoms, it is advisable to consume other iron-rich foods in addition to apples. Regarding the white blood cells, if there are only abnormalities in the differential...[Read More] Understanding Decreased Hemoglobin and Hematocrit Levels: Causes and Solutions
Understanding Mediterranean Anemia: Diagnosis and Symptoms Explained
Mediterranean anemia Hello Doctor, I am 36 years old and have given birth to three children. I had surgery for an inguinal hernia at the age of 16 (at a medical center in Taipei). I have a few questions: 1. I was diagnosed with thalassemia in 2017, but I have had blood tests in t...
Dr. Liao Yaopan Reply:
Mediterranean anemia, also known as thalassemia, is a congenital blood disorder characterized by abnormal blood cells that do not appear suddenly and are not related to diet. It is recommended to visit a hematology clinic or consult your family physician for further evaluation of...[Read More] Understanding Mediterranean Anemia: Diagnosis and Symptoms Explained
Understanding Upper Left Back Pain: When to Seek Medical Help
Left upper back pain? The pain is centered around the left upper back, approximately the size of two palms, with the scapula as the focal point. It started suddenly at 6 AM, and any movement or vibration of the body causes pain, which feels like tearing. In November, I underwent ...
Dr. Ye Qianyu Reply:
Hello, since you have previously undergone an electrocardiogram, it is recommended that you first visit the rehabilitation department for consultation. Thank you for your inquiry, and I wish you a speedy recovery![Read More] Understanding Upper Left Back Pain: When to Seek Medical Help
Understanding Left Neck Issues: Symptoms, Diagnosis, and Next Steps
Left neck issues? Hello, doctor! I have some questions that need answers. I visited an ENT specialist and had an ultrasound done, but the issue still hasn't been resolved. I sometimes feel a sensation of something getting stuck when swallowing saliva (but not when eating). C...
Dr. Liao Yaopan Reply:
Thyroid function abnormalities can be assessed through blood tests, while the structure or size of the thyroid gland should be evaluated using imaging techniques. It is recommended to consult an endocrinologist for further assessment. Please note that online consultations do not ...[Read More] Understanding Left Neck Issues: Symptoms, Diagnosis, and Next Steps
Understanding Decreased Hemoglobin and Hematocrit Levels: Causes and Solutions
Hemoglobin/Hematocrit Average Hemoglobin/Hematocrit Ratio Decrease Hello doctor, two years ago my blood test showed only a slightly low hemoglobin level of 11.5 g/dL, with a hematocrit of 35.1%, mean corpuscular volume (MCV) of 84.2 fL, and mean corpuscular hemoglobin (MCH) of 27...
Dr. Liao Yaopan Reply:
It is recommended to consult a hematologist for a comprehensive evaluation of the causes of anemia. Please note that online consultations do not equate to in-person medical visits and cannot provide accurate diagnoses or treatment recommendations. Changhua Hospital cares about yo...[Read More] Understanding Decreased Hemoglobin and Hematocrit Levels: Causes and Solutions
Understanding Unexplained Leg Swelling: Seeking Medical Guidance
Swelling of both feet? Hello Dr. Liao: I am Mr. Sun, living in Taitung. My mother is experiencing unexplained swelling in both feet, accompanied by severe pain upon touch (without any visible wounds)! The hospital in Taitung was unable to determine the cause, and blood tests show...
Dr. Liao Yaopan Reply:
Hello, there are many reasons for swelling in both legs, which could be due to edema, inflammation, or infection, and a differential diagnosis is necessary. It is still recommended to consult your family physician for an initial evaluation, and based on the situation, a referral ...[Read More] Understanding Unexplained Leg Swelling: Seeking Medical Guidance
Understanding Low White Blood Cell Count in Adolescents: When to Seek Help
Leukopenia Hello, doctor. My child is currently in the first year of junior high school. They had a blood test done at school, and the report we received today shows a white blood cell (W.B.C.) count of 3.4 K/µL. Should we go back to the hospital for a follow-up? Additionally, wh...
Dr. Liao Yaopan Reply:
Regarding this concern, the reference range for white blood cell count may vary slightly between laboratories. Additionally, it is important to consider the classification of white blood cells to determine if there are any hematological disorders, which may warrant a follow-up wi...[Read More] Understanding Low White Blood Cell Count in Adolescents: When to Seek Help
Understanding Respiratory Issues After Pesticide Inhalation: When to Seek Help
Inhalation of pesticides Hello Doctor, yesterday morning I helped spray pesticides, and that evening I felt a tightness in my throat, chest discomfort, and difficulty breathing. I went to the hospital's emergency department. The emergency physician arranged for an X-ray, an ...
Dr. Liao Yaopan Reply:
Hello, if you still experience difficulty breathing or discomfort in your chest, you can return to the chest medicine department or family medicine clinic for evaluation. Please note that online consultations are not equivalent to in-person visits and cannot provide a diagnosis o...[Read More] Understanding Respiratory Issues After Pesticide Inhalation: When to Seek Help
Understanding Kidney Function and Foamy Urine: Key Questions Answered
I would like to inquire about the relationship between kidney function and foamy urine? Hello Doctor: Three months ago, I underwent a routine blood test and urinalysis. Most of the indices were normal, with blood sugar and blood pressure also within normal ranges. However, my kid...
Dr. Liao Jiasheng Reply:
The presence of bubbles in urine is related to the acidity or alkalinity of the urine. Hematuria indicates the presence of red blood cells, so a referral to a urologist for further examination is appropriate.[Read More] Understanding Kidney Function and Foamy Urine: Key Questions Answered