Is Your Medication Routine Straining Your Kidneys? Expert Insights
Will this cause any issues with the kidneys? Dear Dr. Chen, I have recently felt that I am taking quite a few medications and would like to ask if this could put a burden on my kidneys. My daily medication schedule is as follows: 1. Upon waking up, I take 6 capsules of Jin Yong...
Dr. Chen Zonglin Reply:
1. The impact of Western medicine on kidney function is minimal. 2. After taking the medication, the blood pressure is 134/87; however, it may rise above 140/90 after discontinuation. Currently, it is not recommended to stop the medication, and blood pressure should continue to b...[Read More] Is Your Medication Routine Straining Your Kidneys? Expert Insights
Persistent Right Lower Abdomen Lump: Seeking Medical Guidance and Non-Radiation Tests
There is a palpable mass in the right lower abdomen? Hello Doctor, my question is about a lump I can feel in my lower right abdomen (approximately 6-7 cm to the right of the navel and 5-6 cm down). I experience dull pain when I have the urge to defecate or urinate, and there is a...
Dr. Gao Qingyun Reply:
Dear Alen, I generally agree with the assessment made by the previous physician regarding your symptoms; however, a physical examination is necessary for a detailed evaluation. The medical examination process involves taking a comprehensive medical history and conducting a thoro...[Read More] Persistent Right Lower Abdomen Lump: Seeking Medical Guidance and Non-Radiation Tests
Understanding Foot Pain: Causes and When to Seek Medical Help
Painful tingling in the toes? Hello Doctor: Recently, I've been experiencing some issues with my feet. There is a slight tingling sensation in my toes, and my calves feel swollen. Additionally, I occasionally have a feeling of poor blood circulation in my thighs, but these s...
Dr. Hou Angting Reply:
Hello Ms. Chen: Diabetes itself rarely progresses from normal blood sugar levels to the point where medication is needed to control blood sugar within two months, unless there are acute complications. If you have other symptoms of discomfort, you may visit a family medicine clini...[Read More] Understanding Foot Pain: Causes and When to Seek Medical Help
Understanding Male Menopause: Symptoms, Care, and Treatment Options
Male menopause What are the symptoms of male menopause, how can it be managed or treated, and which medical specialty should be consulted?
Dr. Chen Bozhang Reply:
Hello, netizen: Male menopause is a broad health issue that encompasses physiological, psychological, and social aspects. Common symptoms include several categories: 1) Psychological: mood instability, anxiety, depression, difficulty concentrating, insomnia, etc. 2) Sexual dysfun...[Read More] Understanding Male Menopause: Symptoms, Care, and Treatment Options
Unsure Which Specialist to See for Unusual Symptoms? Here's Guidance
I am feeling unwell and I'm not sure which department to consult. I would like to inquire about referral options? Hello Doctor: Recently, I have been experiencing the following symptoms and would like to know which specialty I should consult for an examination. 1. Smelling...
Dr. Gao Qingyun Reply:
Dear Wei Wei, Hello, I recommend that you first visit a family medicine department for diagnosis and discussion with a physician, and I suggest a referral to other specialty care. Wishing you safety and health. Sincerely, Dr. Gao Qingyun Attending Physician, Family Medici...[Read More] Unsure Which Specialist to See for Unusual Symptoms? Here's Guidance
Understanding Recent Symptoms: Palpitations, Weight Loss, and More
I have been experiencing some symptoms recently? I have recently experienced some symptoms including occasional palpitations, rapid heartbeat after work or jogging that persists even after resting, chest tightness, tinnitus, and difficulty with bowel movements (even with soft sto...
Dr. Liao Yaopan Reply:
Hello, based on your description, many of the symptoms are quite non-specific, and indeed some symptoms require clarification of their causes. It is still recommended to visit a hospital for further evaluation by a physician, or you may consider arranging a self-paid comprehensiv...[Read More] Understanding Recent Symptoms: Palpitations, Weight Loss, and More
Will Drinking Whiskey Before Health Check Affect Test Results?
Health Checkup Items I apologize, but I would like to ask if this afternoon I had a liver and gallbladder blood test, urine test, and a general blood health check. I just remembered that I had two or three small glasses of whiskey at a wedding banquet yesterday afternoon. Will th...
Dr. Chen Bozhang Reply:
Dear User, In your message, you mentioned that you consumed two to three small glasses of whiskey before your blood and urine tests during your health check-up. Generally speaking, the consumption of alcoholic beverages can slightly affect the liver and biliary system blood test...[Read More] Will Drinking Whiskey Before Health Check Affect Test Results?
Understanding Weight Loss: Is It Physical or Mental Health Issues?
I can't distinguish whether it's a physiological issue or depression-related anxiety? Hello, doctor. I am an 18-year-old college student. Over the past two years, I have lost about 10 kilograms, but I did not intentionally lose weight; I just feel that my appetite is no...
Dr. Chen Zonglin Reply:
There are many reasons for weight loss. You may start by keeping a food diary for a period of time and then bring your previous medical reports to the school health office to consult with the school physician. If there is no school physician available, you can also visit a nearby...[Read More] Understanding Weight Loss: Is It Physical or Mental Health Issues?
Understanding Medical Test Results: Reference Values and Hemolysis Explained
Some questions? Hello, doctor: We often undergo various health check-ups. For example, if a report shows a value of 47 and the reference range is >50, what does this reference value mean? Does it mean that only values greater than 50 are considered abnormal? Also, I have G6PD ...
Dr. Gao Qingyun Reply:
Dear Zhengyi, Hello, the reference values refer to the average concentration of liver enzymes in the blood of healthy adults without disease, which is normal for 95% of the population. Values exceeding this range may indicate hepatitis or other causes of elevated enzyme levels. ...[Read More] Understanding Medical Test Results: Reference Values and Hemolysis Explained
Bruising After Blood Test: Is It Normal or Cause for Concern?
Four days after the blood test? I went to the hospital for a blood test on December 5th, and today, December 9th, I noticed an approximately 2 cm long bruise at the blood draw site. I also have small red spots on both arms and my neck, but they are not itchy. Could this be relate...
Dr. Gao Qingyun Reply:
Dear Dr. Gao Qingyun, Hello, the venipuncture site often experiences localized bruising due to insufficient pressure applied for hemostasis after blood draw. However, it is important to be cautious and consider whether this may be related to a hematological disorder. As for the ...[Read More] Bruising After Blood Test: Is It Normal or Cause for Concern?
Seeking Medical Advice: Which Specialty to Consult for Unexplained Symptoms?
If you're feeling unwell and are unsure which department to visit, I recommend starting with a general practitioner or family medicine physician. They can assess your symptoms and refer you to the appropriate specialist if necessary. Thank you? Hello: My mother, Chen Li-Man ...
Dr. Liao Yaopan Reply:
Hello, based on the information in your letter, it is currently not possible to determine the cause of the symptoms presented or to make a diagnosis. You should have already arranged for several basic blood tests, and no specific abnormalities were found. As for the saliva analys...[Read More] Seeking Medical Advice: Which Specialty to Consult for Unexplained Symptoms?
Understanding Urine Test Results: Blood and Protein in Young Adults
Urine test strips for detecting urinary occult blood? Today at school, I conducted a urine test using urine test strips. The results indicated that there seems to be hematuria (blood in urine) and proteinuria (protein in urine). Is this normal? Why is there blood? I'm only 2...
Dr. Chen Bozhang Reply:
Hello: The interpretation of hematuria in a health check refers to the presence of blood in the urine. Generally, in severe cases, the urine may appear red, which can be visually identified (known as gross hematuria). If there is a small amount of bleeding, the urine may not show...[Read More] Understanding Urine Test Results: Blood and Protein in Young Adults
Understanding False Positives in Alcohol Testing After Severe Accidents
Please provide the content you would like me to translate into English? Hello Doctor: My friend was involved in a serious car accident and unfortunately succumbed to his injuries at the scene. When he was taken to the hospital, a blood test was conducted to check for alcohol leve...
Dr. Liao Yaopan Reply:
Hello, regarding your inquiry, it is unlikely for there to be a situation of "creating something out of nothing" concerning blood alcohol concentration. The impact of alcohol swabs should also be minimal. Thank you for your message, and we appreciate your concern. Chang...[Read More] Understanding False Positives in Alcohol Testing After Severe Accidents
Understanding Low Urine Specific Gravity: Causes and Concerns
Low urine specific gravity? Hello, the urinalysis report shows that all results are normal, but the urine specific gravity is low (1.003). What could be the reason for this? I had a concussion from a car accident three months ago (which has since healed); could this be related? T...
Dr. Chen Bozhang Reply:
Hello, internet user: The normal reference range for urine specific gravity in a urinalysis is 1.005 to 1.030. A low urine specific gravity indicates that there may be excess fluid in the body, the use of diuretics, or specific kidney/endocrine issues. To determine the underlying...[Read More] Understanding Low Urine Specific Gravity: Causes and Concerns
Understanding Your Hepatitis B and C Test Results: What They Mean for You
Hepatitis B and Hepatitis C? Hello, doctor. I would like to ask about my recent blood test results for hepatitis B and C. The results are as follows: HBsAg (Hepatitis B Surface Antigen) - Negative (0.790), HBsAb (Hepatitis B Surface Antibody) - Positive (132.3), and HCV-Ab (Hepat...
Dr. Chen Bozhang Reply:
Hello, In response to your question, your blood test results indicate that you are not a carrier of Hepatitis B (a carrier is defined as someone who tests positive for Hepatitis B surface antigen) and that you have developed antibodies (positive for Hepatitis B surface antibodi...[Read More] Understanding Your Hepatitis B and C Test Results: What They Mean for You
Understanding Hepatitis B Vaccination: Dosage, Timing, and Antibody Levels
Hepatitis B vaccination administration Recently, I had a self-paid blood test for hepatitis B antibody levels, and the report indicated that a level of 10 or above is required to have antibodies. My level is only 9, so I would like to know if I need to receive the vaccine. Do cur...
Dr. Chen Bozhang Reply:
Hello: The protective effect of the hepatitis B vaccine does indeed diminish over time. In the case of newborns who receive three doses of the vaccine, some children may test negative for hepatitis B surface antibodies around the age of ten and will require a booster shot. If you...[Read More] Understanding Hepatitis B Vaccination: Dosage, Timing, and Antibody Levels
Understanding Subcutaneous Hemorrhage: Causes and Concerns
Petechiae Hello, doctor. Today I woke up and suddenly noticed dark red or coffee-colored petechiae (like needle pricks) under the skin of my left arm. The day before, I had a Thai oil massage that involved my arms, and later that night I ate a drunken chicken hot pot. Could this ...
Dr. Chen Bozhang Reply:
Hello: The letter mentions that your platelet counts from the past few years of health check-ups have been within the normal range (normal platelet count is 150,000-400,000/μL). Additionally, small subcutaneous hemorrhages are usually caused by bleeding from the skin's micro...[Read More] Understanding Subcutaneous Hemorrhage: Causes and Concerns
Understanding Weight Fluctuations and Health Concerns in Family Medicine
Weight issues? Recently, I have been concerned about my health due to several issues that make me suspect I might have a serious illness. Here are my concerns: 1. I have had swollen lymph nodes in my neck for over a year, but their size has not changed significantly; they someti...
Dr. Liao Yaopan Reply:
Hello, regarding your concerns: 1. It is recommended to have a further evaluation of the neck lymph nodes by an otolaryngologist. 2. Issues related to the testicles should be followed up with a urologist. 3. The differential white blood cell count appears to be within normal limi...[Read More] Understanding Weight Fluctuations and Health Concerns in Family Medicine
Understanding Low Red Blood Cell Count and Abnormal Lymphocytes in Blood Tests
Complete Blood Count (CBC) Hello, Doctor: I would like to ask about low red blood cell count and abnormal atypical lymphocytes. What could be the issue, and what should I do? These two items were highlighted in red only in this year's health check, and I have not had these i...
Dr. Gao Qingyun Reply:
Dear Huang, Hello, the interpretation of any medical test results must be accompanied by a complete and detailed medical history and physical examination. I recommend that you bring the relevant reports and discuss them in person with your physician. Thank you! Wishing you safe...[Read More] Understanding Low Red Blood Cell Count and Abnormal Lymphocytes in Blood Tests
Impact of Eating Before Blood Tests: Understanding Glucose and eGFR Results
Eating 1.5 hours before a blood draw can affect the test results? Hello Doctor, I had a blood test for biochemistry at 4 PM, and I ate something 1.5 hours prior (a meat floss rice ball and oat milk). The results showed two abnormal values that made me very anxious: 1. Glucose lev...
Dr. Gao Qingyun Reply:
Dear Sasa, Hello, the eGFR data is not affected by food intake prior to blood draw. Whether there is renal dysfunction is determined based on a detailed medical history and physical examination, supplemented by appropriate laboratory test results, rather than solely relying on t...[Read More] Impact of Eating Before Blood Tests: Understanding Glucose and eGFR Results