Concerns About Infection Risks from Playing Volleyball with Open Wounds
Regarding infections caused by viruses or bacteria (I may not have explained it clearly)? Doctor, I apologize for any misunderstanding due to my poor expression. My concern is whether it is possible to get an infection from a volleyball that might be dirty (potentially with blood...
Dr. Cai Ruiyuan Reply:
Hello: Your expression is very good, and I can understand your concerns. In my previous response, I explained that the likelihood of your wound being infected by bacteria or viruses is very low. However, it seems that my explanation was not clear enough, which has caused you to c...[Read More] Concerns About Infection Risks from Playing Volleyball with Open Wounds
Concerns About Toxic Gas Exposure: Symptoms and Medical Guidance
Smelling toxic gases? Dear Doctor: While I was at work, I detected what seemed to be toxic gas (coming in from outside). Due to my busy schedule, I did not close the window or leave the area and stayed for about half an hour. After that, I started feeling a bit dizzy and had diff...
Dr. Cai Ruiyuan Reply:
Hello Ms. Chen: Gas hazards can be categorized into localized hazards and systemic hazards. Localized hazards refer to the damage caused by direct contact, such as mucosal irritation or chemical burns resulting from exposure of the skin, respiratory tract (nasal cavity, trachea),...[Read More] Concerns About Toxic Gas Exposure: Symptoms and Medical Guidance
Understanding Yellow Eyes: Causes, Concerns, and Treatment Options
Could you please provide more details about your eye condition? Since elementary school, my eyes have been yellowish, and I also have nasal allergies. Every morning when I wake up, my eyes are very red, making them look quite alarming. This summer, I went to a large hospital for ...
Dr. Lai Junlong Reply:
Hello: I would like to respond as follows: The yellowing of the eyes may need to be differentiated between conjunctival hyperemia (the so-called "whites of the eyes") due to vascular dilation and true jaundice. As we are of Asian descent, the deposition of pigment cells...[Read More] Understanding Yellow Eyes: Causes, Concerns, and Treatment Options
Unexplained Left Chest Pain: Seeking Guidance for Further Evaluation
Left anterior chest pain with no identifiable cause? Hello, doctor: I would like to ask you a question. A few days ago, I experienced pain in my left chest and went to the emergency department at Mackay Memorial Hospital in Hsinchu. Due to my hypertension, I had blood tests and a...
Dr. Wang Zhengzhong Reply:
Hello, I would like to ask a question: "A few days ago, I experienced severe pain in my left chest and went to the emergency department at Mackay Memorial Hospital in Hsinchu. Due to my hypertension, I had blood tests and an electrocardiogram, but no cause was found. After m...[Read More] Unexplained Left Chest Pain: Seeking Guidance for Further Evaluation
Understanding Your Health Check Results: Common Concerns Explained
Inquiry about health check-up concerns? Hello Dr. Tsai, I have a few questions regarding my health check report: 1. My total red blood cell count is low (RBC=3.73, HCT=35.8, MCH=32.2, MONO%=8.7, EO%=4.4). 2. My granulocyte count is elevated (PDW=9.9). 3. My total cholestero...
Dr. Cai Jueren Reply:
Hello: A low total red blood cell count may indicate anemia, but it could also be a temporary condition due to the faster metabolism of red blood cells, which typically lasts about 7 to 10 days. The blood test only reflects a small portion, and the total value can be estimated us...[Read More] Understanding Your Health Check Results: Common Concerns Explained
Understanding Morning Stiffness and Pain in Fingers: Causes and Solutions
soreness Hello, doctor. I would like to ask about my fingers. At first, when I wake up in the morning, they feel stiff. After two weeks, the stiffness turned into pain, particularly around the nails and the first joints of my fingers. However, once I move them, the discomfort imp...
Dr. Lai Junlong Reply:
Hello: In response to your inquiry, your symptoms can be evaluated by a rheumatologist. Normal test results do not necessarily mean there are no issues, as certain rheumatologic and immunologic diseases are diagnosed based on clinical symptoms. Alternatively, you may first seek a...[Read More] Understanding Morning Stiffness and Pain in Fingers: Causes and Solutions
Understanding Unexplained Fatigue: A Guide for Patients
Intractable Somnolence Disorder Hello, doctor. I would like to ask about a problem that has been bothering me for a long time: for the past two to three months, I often feel a sense of brain fog. This fatigue doesn't go away with sleep; I frequently experience a feeling of w...
Dr. Cai Mengru Reply:
Dear Student Chen, Do you have emotional issues (such as fluctuations or persistent low mood)? Do you find it difficult to sleep well (including waking up feeling unrefreshed)? Have activities that used to bring you joy become uninteresting? Do you feel worthless, believing that...[Read More] Understanding Unexplained Fatigue: A Guide for Patients
Is Daily Consumption of Deep Sea Fish Oil Safe Amid Mercury Concerns?
Deep sea fish oil Hello Dr. Wang: Recently, there have been news reports about deep-sea fish and the mercury issue, so I’m wondering if I should avoid taking deep-sea fish oil every day since I have a habit of consuming it.
Dr. Wang Zhengzhong Reply:
Hello: Recently, there have been reports in the news advising against the frequent consumption of deep-sea fish due to mercury concerns. I have compiled related issues regarding fish consumption and potential poisoning, although this does not pertain to deep-sea fish oil. However...[Read More] Is Daily Consumption of Deep Sea Fish Oil Safe Amid Mercury Concerns?
Understanding Recurring Leg Swelling: Causes and Concerns for Your Health
Leg edema I would like to inquire about my mother. Her feet swell approximately every month, and we are unsure of the cause. The swelling lasts for about a week and then subsides, only to return a month later. This has been happening for six months. She has hepatitis B but does n...
Dr. Chen Bozhang Reply:
Hello: In response to your questions. 1. The causes of edema can be classified into localized and systemic. The former includes venous obstruction or lymphedema; the latter includes heart failure, nephrotic syndrome, cirrhosis, medication effects, pregnancy, and unknown causes, a...[Read More] Understanding Recurring Leg Swelling: Causes and Concerns for Your Health
How to Determine the Presence of Blood-Sucking Parasites in Your Body?
Question Hello, doctor. How can I determine if there are blood-sucking worms or other parasites present in the body? Thank you.
Dr. Cai Mengru Reply:
Dear Ms. Ching, I would like to know if you have any specific symptoms that might suggest a parasitic infection. Due to the wide variety of parasites, there are several different methods for diagnosis. Generally, the most common methods include the following: 1. Stool examinati...[Read More] How to Determine the Presence of Blood-Sucking Parasites in Your Body?
Understanding Heart Issues: Symptoms, Causes, and Recommended Tests
Cardiac issues? Hello doctor, I have often felt drowsy during the day, with a heavy head and difficulty concentrating since high school. When I stand in crowded places for too long, I experience symptoms similar to anemia (such as blackouts, chest tightness, and difficulty breath...
Dr. Cai Jueren Reply:
Hello: If anemia has been ruled out as a cause of your symptoms, you might want to consider postural hypotension. I recommend that you visit a cardiology clinic for an examination, or if you have a blood pressure monitor at home, you can measure the blood pressure in your limbs w...[Read More] Understanding Heart Issues: Symptoms, Causes, and Recommended Tests
Understanding Your Blood Test Results: What Do Eosinophils, PDW, and P-LCR Mean?
Health check-up Consulting a physician: Recently, my blood test results showed three abnormal findings: 1. Eosinophils (EOSINOPHILS) percentage is 3.7 (normal range: 1-3) 2. Platelet Distribution Width (PDW) FL is 9.9 (normal range: 10-16) 3. Platelet-Large Cell Ratio (P-LCR) per...
Dr. Lai Junlong Reply:
Hello, in response to your questions: 1. Before examining the white blood cell differential, one should first look at the total white blood cell count (which typically ranges from 4,000/µL to 11,000/µL). An abnormal white blood cell differential only has clinical significance i...[Read More] Understanding Your Blood Test Results: What Do Eosinophils, PDW, and P-LCR Mean?
How to Lower Elevated Neutrophil Percentage in Blood Tests?
Blood test issues? To restore the percentage of neutrophils to normal levels, which in your case is above the standard value (70.4% compared to the normal range of 65%), it is important to identify and address the underlying cause. Here are some general steps that may help: 1. *...
Dr. Cai Jueren Reply:
Hello: An elevated neutrophil count may indicate a recent infection or inflammation in some area (it is best to correlate with other data). The underlying cause should be identified; if no cause is found and there are no physical symptoms, a follow-up appointment can be scheduled...[Read More] How to Lower Elevated Neutrophil Percentage in Blood Tests?
Understanding Persistent Itching: Possible Causes and Concerns After Sexual Activity
It is unclear what illness it is? Hello Dr. Lai: My penis has been itching at the base since the day after I had protected sexual intercourse with a stranger. The itching is more pronounced when I walk, and it is less severe when I am sitting. When I check the itchy area, it appe...
Dr. Lai Junlong Reply:
Hello: In response to your question, it is possible that you may be experiencing an allergy to condoms, or that vigorous sexual activity has caused localized friction dermatitis. If you are concerned about syphilis or other sexually transmitted infections, in addition to clinical...[Read More] Understanding Persistent Itching: Possible Causes and Concerns After Sexual Activity
Understanding Abnormal Blood Test Results: Mediterranean Anemia Concerns
Abnormal blood test results? Hello, doctor! Last month, I went to the health center for a health check-up, and my blood test results were as follows: white blood cells 5.40, red blood cells 4.49, hemoglobin 8.60 (low), and platelets 708 (high). The health check physician told me ...
Dr. Cai Dongqi Reply:
There are many causes of anemia, and the provided information is insufficient for a diagnosis. Please consult a hematologist for further evaluation.[Read More] Understanding Abnormal Blood Test Results: Mediterranean Anemia Concerns
Understanding Health Check Reports: When to Consult a Family Physician
Health Check Report If I have undergone a health check at your hospital, should I pursue further examinations for the sections highlighted in red on the health report? Would it be more appropriate to schedule an appointment with a family medicine physician, or should I see a spec...
Dr. Cai Mengru Reply:
Dear Ms. Angel, Your health examination report shows some abnormalities. It is recommended that you return to a primary care clinic to recheck the low white blood cell count to confirm whether it is a persistent issue. Regarding the left ventricular hypertrophy, you can either c...[Read More] Understanding Health Check Reports: When to Consult a Family Physician
Understanding Serum Reactants: Do Alcohol and Health Issues Matter?
Serum reactant Hello Dr. Tsai, may I ask if the serum reaction test results from a blood test require further examination to determine if they are related to the consumption of medicinal alcohol, or could they indicate an underlying health issue? Thank you.
Dr. Cai Dongqi Reply:
The term you mentioned, "血清反應素," refers to "serum reactants." Please provide the specific test name for further clarification.[Read More] Understanding Serum Reactants: Do Alcohol and Health Issues Matter?
Understanding High Triglycerides: How to Lower Your Levels Effectively
Blood draw A blood test shows that your triglyceride level is 175 mg/dL. Is this high? How can I lower it? Thank you.
Dr. Chen Mengkan Reply:
Hello: According to the current standards announced by the National Health Bureau for metabolic syndrome, a triglyceride level greater than 150 mg/dL indicates hyperlipidemia. If the level exceeds 500 mg/dL, immediate pharmacological intervention is required to prevent acute panc...[Read More] Understanding High Triglycerides: How to Lower Your Levels Effectively
Understanding Hepatitis B Vaccination: Do You Need More Doses?
Hepatitis B vaccine If I have only received the hepatitis B vaccine once, will I produce antibodies, or do I need to have a blood test, or should I continue with the vaccinations? I received my first dose in December.
Dr. Cai Mengru Reply:
Dear Ms. Jing, Hello. Generally speaking, after receiving the first dose of the hepatitis B vaccine, it is possible to develop antibodies, but these can only be maintained for a short period. Therefore, it is recommended to complete the full series of three vaccine doses to achi...[Read More] Understanding Hepatitis B Vaccination: Do You Need More Doses?
Understanding Blood Test Results: Is It Thalassemia?
Blood test I previously underwent a health check, and some results were not within the ideal range: mean corpuscular volume (MCV) 72 fL, mean corpuscular hemoglobin (MCH) 22.3 pg, mean corpuscular hemoglobin concentration (MCHC) 30.9 g/dL, and red blood cell (RBC) count 6.41 mill...
Dr. Lai Junlong Reply:
Hello: In response to your question, it is not possible to definitively determine if there is thalassemia based solely on the values you provided. It is advisable to first consult with a family medicine clinic or a hematology clinic.[Read More] Understanding Blood Test Results: Is It Thalassemia?