Impact of Blood Sample Timing on Cholesterol and Diabetes Tests
Blood test issues? Hello, doctor. I have high cholesterol and diabetes, and I have been regularly following up at a large hospital every three months. However, as I am getting older, the long journey is becoming a bit too much for me. I would like to switch to a small clinic near...
Dr. Chen Taicheng Reply:
● Lipid profile specimens: If whole blood is used, it can be stored at room temperature for 4 hours; however, clinics typically centrifuge whole blood to obtain serum/plasma, which can then be stored at room temperature (15-30°C) for 8 hours and at 2-8°C for 2-5 days. ● Fasting...[Read More] Impact of Blood Sample Timing on Cholesterol and Diabetes Tests
Managing Dizziness and Fainting: Understanding Symptoms and Seeking Help
Dizziness and syncope? Hello, Doctor. Since high school, I have experienced similar symptoms multiple times. The symptoms include weakness in my limbs, vision going black, cold sweats, and nausea, lasting about 5 to 10 minutes. If I do not sit or lie down immediately, I will lose...
Dr. Chen Taicheng Reply:
● There are many causes of syncope, and the first thing to rule out is cardiac-related issues, including arrhythmias and structural heart problems (including valve issues), which have already been evaluated by a cardiologist. Please pay attention to whether your pulse is too slow...[Read More] Managing Dizziness and Fainting: Understanding Symptoms and Seeking Help
Which Specialist to Consult for Persistent Shortness of Breath?
If you are experiencing difficulty breathing, you should see a pulmonologist? Hello, my mother is 73 years old. Six months ago, she started experiencing shortness of breath (even while walking on flat ground), but she does not cough. She underwent X-rays, a resting electrocardiog...
Dr. Chen Taicheng Reply:
There are many causes of shortness of breath, and it is important to prioritize the exclusion of heart and lung issues. Regarding the heart, conditions such as heart failure (common in the elderly), arrhythmias (such as atrial fibrillation, also common in older adults), myocardia...[Read More] Which Specialist to Consult for Persistent Shortness of Breath?
Understanding Cold Symptoms, Diarrhea, and Numbness: A Family Medicine Perspective
Cold, diarrhea, numbness in hands? Hello, Doctor. I would like to ask a couple of questions. Q1: I have had a cold for almost a week, with symptoms including nasal congestion, runny nose, cough, and phlegm in my throat (both the nasal discharge and phlegm are clear). I visited ...
Dr. Chen Taicheng Reply:
● Abdominal pain may be related to a first-time cold or could be a new symptom. It is advisable to visit a large hospital's family medicine or gastroenterology department for further evaluation and treatment. Generally, cold symptoms and gastrointestinal issues will graduall...[Read More] Understanding Cold Symptoms, Diarrhea, and Numbness: A Family Medicine Perspective
Managing Multiple Health Issues: A Guide for Patients with Complex Symptoms
Having many health issues can make it difficult to know what to do? Hello Doctor, I have symptoms of mitral valve prolapse, gastroesophageal reflux disease, being a carrier of thalassemia, and headaches. I have previously undergone surgery for bilateral tonsillectomy and a liposa...
Dr. Chen Taicheng Reply:
● There are many possible causes for chest tightness, including the issues you mentioned, such as bronchial problems or gastroesophageal reflux (you can refer to my other article at https://goo.gl/jkWwha). Generally, mild mitral valve prolapse is mostly asymptomatic and does not ...[Read More] Managing Multiple Health Issues: A Guide for Patients with Complex Symptoms
Understanding Chest Tightness: Causes and When to Seek Help
Chest tightness issue? Hello Doctor, I am a 22-year-old female. Last November, I contracted enterovirus, and my usual symptoms were diarrhea and cold-like symptoms. However, one night I suddenly felt unwell, experiencing chest tightness and a sensation that I could only breathe d...
Dr. Chen Taicheng Reply:
Premenstrual discomfort is referred to as premenstrual syndrome (PMS), with common symptoms including breast tenderness, abdominal bloating, diarrhea, mood changes, sleep disturbances, headaches, and acne, as you mentioned. Although you had a history of asthma in childhood, which...[Read More] Understanding Chest Tightness: Causes and When to Seek Help
Understanding Chronic Fatigue and Right-Side Discomfort: What to Do?
Fatigue on the right side of the body? Dear Dr. Chang, Hello! I have been feeling extremely fatigued for the past two and a half years, unable to get enough sleep, and struggling with concentration. Additionally, my right side feels particularly heavy, and my bones are very sore...
Dr. Zhang Hongwei Reply:
Hello: Due to the multiple symptoms you are experiencing, it is recommended that you visit a family medicine department at a hospital for a thorough examination. This may need to include blood tests and abdominal imaging studies. Additionally, these symptoms could also be influen...[Read More] Understanding Chronic Fatigue and Right-Side Discomfort: What to Do?
Understanding Pale Lips: Causes, Symptoms, and Remedies
Pale lips Hello Dr. Wu, I do not have any discomfort in my body, but I have been experiencing pale lips for a long time, which becomes more pronounced after intense exercise. In winter, I also have dry and cracked lips, which makes them even paler. My blood test results from a he...
Dr. Wu Fangcan Reply:
According to your description, this does not appear to be a manifestation of anemia. Please consult a traditional Chinese medicine practitioner or a family medicine physician for further examination and assessment.[Read More] Understanding Pale Lips: Causes, Symptoms, and Remedies
Understanding the Causes of Low Cholesterol Levels: A Guide for Patients
Please explain the causes of low cholesterol? Hello, doctor. I have undergone several tests in the urology department, and since the year before last, my blood tests have consistently shown low cholesterol levels. I heard that thyroid issues can be one of the causes of low choles...
Dr. Liao Yaopan Reply:
Hello, regarding low cholesterol levels, what is considered too low? It is recommended to visit the Metabolism Department for a comprehensive evaluation of endocrine conditions at Changhua Hospital. We care about you.[Read More] Understanding the Causes of Low Cholesterol Levels: A Guide for Patients
Understanding Sudden Dizziness and Nausea: Possible Causes and Solutions
Sudden dizziness, vision blackouts, nausea, diarrhea, cold sweats, and pale complexion? Doctor, I would like to inquire about my condition. I experience dizziness, blackouts, nausea, diarrhea, cold sweats, and pale complexion intermittently. The frequency varies; sometimes it occ...
Dr. Liao Yaopan Reply:
Hello, regarding your inquiry, we are currently unable to provide a diagnosis. It is still uncertain whether it is related to autonomic nervous system dysfunction or inner ear balance issues. If there are no abnormalities found in the relevant internal medicine evaluations, you m...[Read More] Understanding Sudden Dizziness and Nausea: Possible Causes and Solutions
Understanding Abnormal Blood Test Results: What You Need to Know
Abnormal blood test results? Hello Dr. Liao, I recently received my health check report, and there are three abnormal results highlighted in red in the blood test section. Two of these abnormalities were also present in last year's check but returned to normal after retestin...
Dr. Liao Yaopan Reply:
Hello, regarding your inquiry, your white blood cell count is slightly below the reference range, and the differential count shows no significant abnormalities. It is recommended that you consult a hematologist for further follow-up. Changhua Hospital cares about you.[Read More] Understanding Abnormal Blood Test Results: What You Need to Know
Understanding High Platelet Counts: What You Need to Know
Thrombocytosis Hello Doctor, my recent health check-up report shows that my platelet count is as high as 550,000, while it was around 200,000 for the past three years. I consulted a doctor, and he advised me to drink more water, donate blood, and have my blood tested again in a f...
Dr. Liao Yaopan Reply:
Hello, regarding this report, the platelet count should be slightly above the reference range (which may vary among different laboratories), but it does not necessarily indicate clinical symptoms. It is recommended to follow up with a hematology specialist at Changhua Hospital fo...[Read More] Understanding High Platelet Counts: What You Need to Know
Understanding Your Health Check Report: Key Blood and Urine Test Insights
Health Check Report Hello doctor, I would like to ask about my blood test results: - White blood cells: 9.8 - Red blood cells: 5.63 - Hemoglobin: 11.7 - Hematocrit: 36.3 - Mean corpuscular volume (MCV): 64.5 - Mean corpuscular hemoglobin (MCH): 20.8 - Mean corpuscular hem...
Dr. Wu Fangcan Reply:
According to your description, a blood test showing microcytic anemia (MCV < 80) may indicate iron deficiency anemia or thalassemia. An increased red blood cell distribution width suggests recent blood loss or increased production, such as after a gastrointestinal bleed or hem...[Read More] Understanding Your Health Check Report: Key Blood and Urine Test Insights
Understanding Blood Test Results: Anxiety and White Blood Cell Count Changes
Health Checkup Issues (Part Two) Hello, doctor. I apologize for not expressing myself clearly during my previous inquiry. I would like to ask again. The days of my school entrance health check coincided with my scheduled colonoscopy, and I have been feeling very anxious due to bl...
Dr. Liao Yaopan Reply:
Hello, there are no significant abnormalities in the data. The reference values are provided by the laboratory, and based on a comprehensive assessment, the current data shows no obvious abnormalities. If there are any other clinical changes, it cannot be determined solely based ...[Read More] Understanding Blood Test Results: Anxiety and White Blood Cell Count Changes
Understanding Mediterranean Anemia: Key Blood Test Insights
Is there Mediterranean anemia? My blood test results show white blood cells: 6.1, red blood cells: 6.48, hemoglobin: 14.3, platelets: 267, mean corpuscular volume (MCV): 68.4. Do I have thalassemia? What should I pay attention to regarding the mean corpuscular volume? Thank you.
Dr. Liao Yaopan Reply:
Hello, white blood cells: 6.1, red blood cells: 6.48, hemoglobin: 14.3, platelets: 267, mean corpuscular volume: 68.4. Hemoglobin is normal, but the mean corpuscular volume is slightly low. There may be a genetic abnormality associated with thalassemia, but it is not expressed. I...[Read More] Understanding Mediterranean Anemia: Key Blood Test Insights
Understanding Abnormal Health Check Results: WBC and Hemoglobin Levels Explained
Health check-up Hello, doctor. Recently, the school arranged for a health check before enrollment. Today, I received the report showing a white blood cell count (WBC) of 4110 and a mean corpuscular hemoglobin concentration (MCHC) of 31.7, both of which are abnormal. During the he...
Dr. Liao Yaopan Reply:
Hello, regarding the blood test report, there do not appear to be any significant abnormalities. Additionally, if the colonoscopy shows no abnormalities, it should indicate that there are no structural issues in the colon. Changhua Hospital cares about you.[Read More] Understanding Abnormal Health Check Results: WBC and Hemoglobin Levels Explained
Understanding Iron Deficiency Anemia and Splenomegaly: A Patient's Guide
Iron deficiency anemia and splenomegaly issues? Hello doctor, last November I was diagnosed with a hemoglobin level of 7.8. After taking iron supplements for four months, my hemoglobin increased to 12.9. However, I stopped the medication, and my recent blood test showed a hemoglo...
Dr. Liao Yaopan Reply:
Hello, based on your description, it is recommended to seek assistance from a hematologist and an obstetrician-gynecologist to evaluate and treat anemia. Identifying the underlying cause is essential for effective treatment. Changhua Hospital cares about you.[Read More] Understanding Iron Deficiency Anemia and Splenomegaly: A Patient's Guide
Understanding Non-Specific Dizziness: Causes and Management in Primary Care
Nonspecific dizziness Hello, doctor. Seven years ago, I weighed 109 kg and was diagnosed with severe obstructive sleep apnea. I used a ventilator for a month but stopped because it was uncomfortable. Over the past seven years, my weight increased to 116 kg. In early February of t...
Dr. Liao Yaopan Reply:
Hello, respiratory arrest may lead to hypoxia, which could be related to dizziness; this cannot be ruled out, so efforts should be made to maintain and improve the situation. As for the gastrointestinal symptoms that have not improved, it is still recommended to seek evaluation f...[Read More] Understanding Non-Specific Dizziness: Causes and Management in Primary Care
Understanding Elevated Body Temperature and Lymphocyte Levels in Family Medicine
Elevated body temperature and elevated lymphocyte count? Hello, doctor. Recently, I found two small lumps in my neck, approximately 0.5 cm in size, with a smooth surface, slightly firm, and movable, which are not painful. I initially thought they were swollen lymph nodes, so I we...
Dr. Liao Yaopan Reply:
Hello, based on your description, it is recommended to seek assistance from specialists in infectious diseases and hematology for evaluation at Changhua Hospital. We care about you.[Read More] Understanding Elevated Body Temperature and Lymphocyte Levels in Family Medicine
Understanding Abnormal Blood Test Results: What You Need to Know
Health checkup Recently, the company conducted a simple health check, and several values showed abnormal results. However, it is unclear what conditions these may represent and which items require further examination. The abnormal items are as follows: WBC (White Blood Cell Count...
Dr. Liao Yaopan Reply:
Hello, looking at the data alone is insufficient for explanation. We suggest that your company contact the hospital responsible for your health check services to assist in providing post-examination consultations for employees. We recommend Changhua Hospital. Take care.[Read More] Understanding Abnormal Blood Test Results: What You Need to Know