Year-Long Dizziness: Seeking Answers from Western and Traditional Medicine
Dizziness for over a year? Hello, doctor. Over the past year, I have seen many doctors and undergone numerous tests, both Western and traditional Chinese medicine. The Western doctors have suggested that I might be experiencing panic disorder or sleep apnea, while the traditional...
Dr. Chen Taicheng Reply:
● It sounds like you are experiencing a sensation of swaying and imbalance, which can be exacerbated by neck movement or exposure to hot water, leaning more towards a feeling of unsteadiness. If you also experience a spinning sensation, this is referred to as "vertigo" ...[Read More] Year-Long Dizziness: Seeking Answers from Western and Traditional Medicine
Understanding Anemia and Dizziness: When to Seek Medical Help
Anemia. Dizziness? Hello, I would like to ask the doctor that I went to the hospital for a blood test, and the results were normal. However, after the blood draw, I continued to feel dizzy and had difficulty breathing. Additionally, during my menstrual period, I often feel dizzy ...
Dr. Wu Fangcan Reply:
According to your description: the examination is normal, but you feel dizzy after blood tests, and the dizziness worsens during your menstrual period. It is recommended to consult a family medicine or gynecology physician for a comprehensive evaluation, and it is not advisable t...[Read More] Understanding Anemia and Dizziness: When to Seek Medical Help
Understanding Persistent Dizziness: Causes and Management Strategies
Dizziness for over a year? Hello Doctor, I have been experiencing dizziness for over a year. I have undergone numerous tests, which revealed severe obstructive sleep apnea and mild fatty liver. Since the onset of dizziness last year until January of this year, my dizziness has wo...
Dr. Chen Taicheng Reply:
● You have undergone a comprehensive evaluation for your dizziness, addressing common issues related to the heart, ears, head, or other medical concerns. ● Dizziness is an annoying symptom that may be slightly alleviated with medication; however, it is advisable to first address ...[Read More] Understanding Persistent Dizziness: Causes and Management Strategies
Risk of HIV Infection from Nail Cuts in Swimming Pools: What You Need to Know
What is the risk of HIV infection from a cut on the finger in water? A few days ago, while swimming in the pool, I was scratched on my left big toe by the toenail of a swimmer in the adjacent lane (the likelihood of being scratched by his toenail is highest because he was swimmin...
Dr. Chen Bozhang Reply:
Dear Mr. F, Thank you for your message. You mentioned that while swimming, you were possibly scratched on your left big toe by the toenail of another swimmer in the adjacent lane, and upon returning home, you noticed pain and bleeding in that toe. In general, swimming pools co...[Read More] Risk of HIV Infection from Nail Cuts in Swimming Pools: What You Need to Know
Understanding Unusual Skin Pain: Causes and Concerns
Unusual skin prickling sensation? I had a fever last night that reached 39.5°C. I saw a doctor yesterday, received an injection, and was prescribed medication. However, I'm not sure if it's an allergic reaction or something else, as I have developed small, bump-like les...
Dr. Chen Taicheng Reply:
● It is necessary to personally receive diagnosis and treatment to distinguish whether the rash is caused by an illness or medication. Please visit a family medicine or dermatology department for further evaluation. ● Sexually transmitted infections can be identified through appe...[Read More] Understanding Unusual Skin Pain: Causes and Concerns
Understanding Abnormal Blood Test Results: Causes of Fatigue and Anemia
Abnormal blood test results? Hello, I experienced quite severe insomnia two years ago, but my sleep quality has improved significantly over the past six months, allowing me to fall asleep in about 20 minutes. However, I still feel very fatigued and weak; even after sleeping 8-9 h...
Dr. Chen Bozhang Reply:
Dear Ms. CY, I understand from your letter that you have been experiencing persistent fatigue. Your health check report indicates mild anemia and a slightly elevated eosinophil count. Here’s an explanation: 1) The ideal hemoglobin (Hb) level for women is above 12.0 g/dL. You ha...[Read More] Understanding Abnormal Blood Test Results: Causes of Fatigue and Anemia
Understanding Persistent Health Issues: A Guide to Family Medicine Concerns
Frequent health issues? Since March, I have been feeling unwell and have seen eight doctors so far. It all started one afternoon when I suddenly experienced pain in my lower right abdomen near the groin, so severe that I couldn't stand up straight, along with gastrointestina...
Dr. Chen Taicheng Reply:
● The diagnostic criteria for diabetes include four standards: (1) Fasting blood glucose ≥ 126 mg/dL, (2) Two-hour blood glucose ≥ 200 mg/dL after a 75 g oral glucose tolerance test, (3) Random blood glucose ≥ 200 mg/dL with symptoms of hyperglycemia, (4) Hemoglobin A1c ≥ 6.5%. ...[Read More] Understanding Persistent Health Issues: A Guide to Family Medicine Concerns
Understanding Prediabetes: Do You Need Medication or Dietary Changes?
Is it prediabetes, and is there a need for medication management? Hello Doctor: I had a routine check-up last June, where my fasting blood glucose was 88, but my hemoglobin A1c spiked to 9.4. The doctor advised that the testing lab should recheck the results. Later, I was asked t...
Dr. Chen Taicheng Reply:
●Conclusion first: Not necessarily, but there is a high chance of not having diabetes, and medication is not required. ●The diagnostic criteria for diabetes include four criteria: (1) Fasting blood glucose ≥ 126 mg/dL (2) Two-hour blood glucose ≥ 200 mg/dL after a 75 g oral gluco...[Read More] Understanding Prediabetes: Do You Need Medication or Dietary Changes?
Managing Hyperthyroidism: Key Questions and Answers for Patients
Hyperthyroidism issues? Hello, doctor! I have some questions: 1. A family member has been on medication for hyperthyroidism for three months. T4 levels are now normal, but TSH remains low at 0.03. If they experience a fever or sore throat, should they temporarily stop the medic...
Dr. Chen Taicheng Reply:
● First, "Antithyroid medications suppress Free T4 levels quickly, but TSH may remain low for some time (even for several months)." Therefore, if TSH has not normalized, you can consult your physician to adjust the medication. Generally, after three months of treatment,...[Read More] Managing Hyperthyroidism: Key Questions and Answers for Patients
Right Lower Abdominal Pain: When to See a Doctor and Which Specialist?
Right lower abdominal pain? My menstrual cycle is regular, but I started experiencing pain in the lower right abdomen during the last two days of my period, which has persisted for four days. I had similar symptoms last year (2016), and at that time, I consulted a gynecologist wh...
Dr. Chen Taicheng Reply:
There are many causes of right lower abdominal pain, such as appendicitis, kidney or ureteral stones, and gynecological issues (such as ovarian cysts, corpus luteum cysts, uterine fibroids, adenomyosis, pelvic inflammatory disease, and even pregnancy). If you experience abdominal...[Read More] Right Lower Abdominal Pain: When to See a Doctor and Which Specialist?
Understanding Low Blood Test Results: What You Need to Know
Blood test issues? Hello, doctor. This is my blood test conducted on May 8th. Although all results are below the reference values, could they be too low and cause any issues? Thank you. Test Item Unit Result Value Reference Value Anti-Tg Thyr...
Dr. Chen Taicheng Reply:
●To conclude: No. ●The reason for drawing these tests is usually due to suspicion of thyroid enlargement, and the blood tests aim to determine whether there is an autoimmune thyroid disease. The two tests you had are both thyroid autoimmune antibodies (generally to rule out hypot...[Read More] Understanding Low Blood Test Results: What You Need to Know
Does Exercise or Fasting Affect Hemoglobin Levels in Blood Tests?
Anemia - Hemoglobin Hello, doctor: May I ask if exercising before a blood draw can cause a decrease in hemoglobin levels? Does fasting before a blood draw affect hemoglobin levels? At what time of day is hemoglobin typically at its lowest? Thank you, doctor.
Dr. Chen Taicheng Reply:
● Exercise does not significantly lower hemoglobin levels and may even increase them due to slight dehydration. ● Fasting or non-fasting does not affect hemoglobin levels. ● Hemoglobin levels are more likely to decrease after blood loss (such as during menstruation). Wishing you ...[Read More] Does Exercise or Fasting Affect Hemoglobin Levels in Blood Tests?
Understanding Low Vitamin B12: Anemia and Health Implications
Regarding low levels of vitamin B12? I would like to ask the doctor again: I usually do not experience dizziness when squatting; does this mean I do not have anemia? Additionally, my vitamin B12 levels are lower than average. Could this be due to a possible hematopoietic dysfunct...
Dr. Chen Taicheng Reply:
● Anemia should not be assessed solely based on whether one experiences dizziness; it is advisable to have a blood test, as women are prone to iron deficiency anemia due to menstrual cycles. ● Vitamin B12 deficiency may present with mild symptoms such as fatigue; however, severe ...[Read More] Understanding Low Vitamin B12: Anemia and Health Implications
Understanding Suspected Antiphospholipid Syndrome: Symptoms and Insights
Suspected Antiphospholipid Syndrome Hello, doctor. At the beginning of January this year, I suddenly experienced sharp chest pain, followed by numbness in my limbs. After that, I had many symptoms, such as sudden body jerks that would wake me up when I was about to fall asleep, i...
Dr. Chen Taicheng Reply:
● Antiphospholipid syndrome is typically diagnosed due to venous and arterial thrombosis or recurrent miscarriages in women of childbearing age. It is an autoimmune disease characterized by the presence of "antiphospholipid antibodies" in the blood, which cause blood to...[Read More] Understanding Suspected Antiphospholipid Syndrome: Symptoms and Insights
Understanding Low Blood Pressure in Hypertensive Patients: Causes and Solutions
Patients with hypertension experiencing persistently low blood pressure? About ten years ago, my father was diagnosed with metabolic syndrome, and since then, he has been regularly having blood tests and follow-up appointments. His blood pressure has generally been well-controlle...
Dr. Chen Taicheng Reply:
● Low blood pressure may be caused by the strong effects of antihypertensive medications, and it is recommended to adjust the medication. Other potential causes include dehydration (such as from diuretics for hypertension), low blood volume (possibly due to chronic blood loss), a...[Read More] Understanding Low Blood Pressure in Hypertensive Patients: Causes and Solutions
Understanding Weight Loss: Anxiety and Other Possible Causes
Weight loss Hello~ I have noticed a weight loss of 4 kilograms over the past two months. Last month, I underwent an endoscopy due to stomach discomfort, which revealed mild gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). At that time, I had lost one or two kilograms, but after taking med...
Dr. Chen Taicheng Reply:
The most common causes of weight loss are gastrointestinal issues, including gastritis, peptic ulcers, dyspepsia, and malabsorption due to insufficient secretion of digestive enzymes from the pancreas. Following that, endocrine problems (such as hyperthyroidism, which you have ru...[Read More] Understanding Weight Loss: Anxiety and Other Possible Causes
Understanding Low White Blood Cell Count: Causes, Treatments, and Dietary Tips
Causes of low white blood cell count and related lifestyle and dietary treatments? Hello Doctor, I would like to ask you about my father, who was born in 1954 and has a very slender build. Recently, he underwent a blood test, and his white blood cell count was low, at only 2800. ...
Dr. Zhang Hongwei Reply:
It is important to consult a hematologist as soon as possible to identify the underlying cause in order to receive appropriate treatment.[Read More] Understanding Low White Blood Cell Count: Causes, Treatments, and Dietary Tips
Understanding Your Anemia Diagnosis: Key Insights and Next Steps
I would like to know what type of anemia I have based on my health screening results? Hello, doctor. I have been working abroad for many years, and recently, at my company's request, I underwent a health check-up. My blood tests were conducted twice, and although the doctors...
Dr. Huang Xunying Reply:
Hello: If possible, it is recommended to recheck your white blood cell count. The mention of no blasts indicates a lower concern for cancerous changes, but if you are still worried, a retest can be done. Regarding the red blood cell count, you have microcytic anemia, which is mos...[Read More] Understanding Your Anemia Diagnosis: Key Insights and Next Steps
Understanding Immunity: Should You Get Tested After Shingles Recurrence?
Immune system assessment? Hello Doctor: I was diagnosed with shingles six years ago, and it seems to have recurred recently (mildly). I heard from a doctor that this condition typically does not recur unless there is an abnormality in the immune system. However, I am only 24 year...
Dr. Huang Xunying Reply:
Hello: The virus that causes shingles remains dormant in your nerve roots after healing. Therefore, whenever your immune system weakens, shingles can recur, and it is also possible for young people to develop shingles. Additionally, blood tests that are more related to immune fun...[Read More] Understanding Immunity: Should You Get Tested After Shingles Recurrence?
Understanding High White Blood Cell Count and Lipid Levels: Key Health Insights
Elevated white blood cell count, triglycerides, total cholesterol, and fasting blood glucose levels? Hello Doctor: I recently had blood tests done on March 6, which included urine, blood, liver, and kidney function tests. The results showed elevated white blood cells (17,140), tr...
Dr. Chen Taicheng Reply:
● There are many causes for elevated white blood cell counts, including inflammation, infection, or other diseases. It is advisable to monitor for symptoms such as fever, sore throat, diarrhea, or other recent significant physical discomfort. If none are present, it is still reco...[Read More] Understanding High White Blood Cell Count and Lipid Levels: Key Health Insights