Understanding Hepatitis B: Follow-Up Timing and Specialist Guidance
Hepatitis B If you were diagnosed with hepatitis B during a health check-up over six months ago, you should follow up every three to six months. You should see a specialist in either Hepatology or Gastroenterology. The recommended tests may include liver function tests, hepatitis...
Dr. Cai Mengru Reply:
Dear Mr. Wu, Generally speaking, if your previous liver function tests were normal and there are no abnormalities in the fetal protein levels and abdominal ultrasound, it is sufficient to have blood tests every six months and an abdominal ultrasound once a year. If any abnormali...[Read More] Understanding Hepatitis B: Follow-Up Timing and Specialist Guidance
Understanding Low Lymphocytes and High Eosinophils: What It Means for Your Health
Low lymphocyte count and high eosinophil count? Hello Dr. Wang, I have two questions I would like to ask you. I had a health check-up at my company in mid-October, and two of my results were abnormal. 1. My lymphocyte count is low. The normal range is 20-56%, and my result is 1...
Dr. Wang Zhengzhong Reply:
Hello, dear community member: Regarding your questions: 1. Your lymphocyte count is low. The normal range is 20-56%, and your value is 19.6%. This is slightly below normal but not significantly abnormal. 2. Your eosinophil count is elevated. The normal range is 0-5%, and your v...[Read More] Understanding Low Lymphocytes and High Eosinophils: What It Means for Your Health
Understanding Abnormal Blood Test Results: What You Need to Know
Health check-up Doctor: Hello, last month our company conducted a health check, and two items in my blood test showed abnormal results. I'm not sure if this indicates any disease, but I don't feel unwell; I just have been experiencing persistent acne lately. I recently ...
Dr. Chen Jianzhi Reply:
Mr. Xiao Jie: Your test results are normal. This test is called a Complete Blood Count (CBC), which primarily checks for abnormalities in the number of red blood cells (RBC), white blood cells (WBC), hemoglobin (HGB), and platelets (PLT). All your reported values are well within ...[Read More] Understanding Abnormal Blood Test Results: What You Need to Know
Neck Stiffness and Poor Concentration: Which Specialist to Consult?
If you frequently experience neck stiffness, you should consult a specialist in either orthopedics or neurology. Thank you? Hello: My neck often feels stiff (I don't know how to describe it), and it feels like blood isn't flowing properly, causing my chin to naturally l...
Dr. Cai Jueren Reply:
Hello: Your condition seems to indicate that if there are no issues with hypertension, it may be due to high lipid levels. I recommend that you visit the Family Medicine outpatient department at Hualien Hospital for a fasting blood test to check your cholesterol and triglycerides...[Read More] Neck Stiffness and Poor Concentration: Which Specialist to Consult?
Persistent Fever Without Other Symptoms: When to Seek Medical Help?
Persistent or intermittent fever without other symptoms for an extended period? Hello Dr. Tsai, 1. On May 24th, I experienced an unexplained high fever (38°C - 38.6°C). Aside from a headache, I had no other discomfort or symptoms such as soreness, pain, or cough, and my energy a...
Dr. Cai Jueren Reply:
Hello: Your issue should be addressed at a major hospital for blood tests and X-ray examinations. Persistent fever combined with respiratory symptoms may indicate pneumonia; however, since you also have gastrointestinal symptoms, it could be a viral infection such as enterovirus....[Read More] Persistent Fever Without Other Symptoms: When to Seek Medical Help?
Long-Term Use of Muscle Relaxants: Tips to Avoid Side Effects
Muscle relaxants Dear Doctor, due to my neuropathic pain condition, my doctor has prescribed muscle relaxants and analgesics. What should I be aware of regarding the long-term use of these medications to avoid side effects or burdening my body?
Dr. Lai Junlong Reply:
Hello: In response to your question, long-term use of muscle relaxants should be monitored for increased liver burden, and regular liver function blood tests are recommended. Additionally, central nervous system side effects may include drowsiness, dizziness, headaches, and incre...[Read More] Long-Term Use of Muscle Relaxants: Tips to Avoid Side Effects
Understanding Back Pain: When to See a Specialist for Your Symptoms
Low back pain I have a history of ankylosing spondylitis. Previously, I would wake up in the morning with pain in my lower back and back. However, in the past month, I have been waking up around 4-5 AM with pain in my left lower back and near the bladder, which improves somewhat ...
Dr. Lai Junlong Reply:
Hello: In response to your question regarding the patient's issue: Common causes of lower back pain include overuse or injury to muscles, ligaments, or joints. Additionally, conditions such as joint degeneration, herniated discs, joint subluxation, and spinal stenosis can le...[Read More] Understanding Back Pain: When to See a Specialist for Your Symptoms
Do I Need Hepatitis Vaccination? Understanding Blood Test Results
Hepatitis vaccine Hello Doctor, I have donated blood and I am wondering if the screening report will indicate whether I have antibodies for Hepatitis B virus (HBsAg) or Hepatitis C virus (Anti-HCV). Since I have not received the hepatitis vaccine, I am unsure if I already have an...
Dr. Cai Jueren Reply:
Hello: Your inquiry lacks sufficient detail for me to provide an accurate response. Could you please elaborate further? Generally, individuals who are carriers of Hepatitis B are unable to donate blood. If you have previously donated blood, it indicates that you are not a Hepatit...[Read More] Do I Need Hepatitis Vaccination? Understanding Blood Test Results
Understanding Alcohol Testing: Non-Alcoholic Causes of Blood Alcohol Levels
Alcohol testing I would like to ask what situations could lead to a blood test showing alcohol levels after consuming certain foods, even if one has not actually consumed alcohol or any food containing alcohol, such as yogurt. Is this possible?
Dr. Cai Jueren Reply:
Hello: I would like to respond to you using a report from Professor Chang Wei-tun of the Department of Forensic Science at Central Police University and Secretary-General of the Chinese Forensic Science Society. Alcohol suppresses the central nervous system, causing visual and au...[Read More] Understanding Alcohol Testing: Non-Alcoholic Causes of Blood Alcohol Levels
Understanding Persistent Dizziness: When to Seek Medical Help
Frequent dizziness and lightheadedness? Hello, doctor: I would like to ask a question. I have been experiencing intermittent dizziness for a long time, and recently it has become more frequent. I often need to apply something with menthol to feel a bit better. There was one time ...
Dr. Cai Jueren Reply:
Hello: There are many causes of dizziness, such as anemia, otitis media, inner ear imbalance, benign paroxysmal positional vertigo (BPPV), and cerebrovascular diseases, among others. If you have already visited a hospital and consulted an otolaryngologist to rule out ear-related ...[Read More] Understanding Persistent Dizziness: When to Seek Medical Help
Understanding Weight Loss Drug Side Effects: Low Blood Sugar Concerns
Drug side effects? I'm sorry to bother you, but I would like to ask a question. I have been working hard to lose weight! I have tried various weight loss medications, products, patches, etc. I have lost some weight, but I have a problem. Whenever I don't eat, I experien...
Dr. Cai Jueren Reply:
Hello: Based on your description, it does not seem to be hypoglycemia related to diabetes. Diabetic patients typically experience dizziness, weakness, and even fainting during hypoglycemic episodes, and diabetes often has a genetic component. I recommend that you stop all medicat...[Read More] Understanding Weight Loss Drug Side Effects: Low Blood Sugar Concerns
How Long Does It Take to Detect Hepatitis C After Exposure?
HCV (Hep I would like to ask how long it takes to test for Hepatitis C. Isn't there an incubation period? I accidentally got pricked by a needle from a patient with Hepatitis C while injecting insulin. How long will it take to test positive? Can I get a blood test done at a ...
Dr. Cai Jueren Reply:
Hello: It is indeed possible to contract hepatitis B or C from a needle stick injury. Please visit the family medicine outpatient clinic for an examination as you can receive results in just a few days. It is recommended that you have a follow-up test three months later. Thank yo...[Read More] How Long Does It Take to Detect Hepatitis C After Exposure?
Understanding Hepatitis Vaccination for Adults and Children: A Guide
Vaccine Hello, doctor. I would like to ask you about my blood test results. Both the Hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) and the Hepatitis C antibody (Anti-HCV) values are normal, but I am unclear if this indicates that I have antibodies, especially since I have never received th...
Dr. Cai Jueren Reply:
Hello: Hepatitis virus test reports are usually indicated as (positive) or (negative), and it is rare to use normal test values. If HBsAg is (negative), it is necessary to further test for Anti-HBsAg. If Anti-HBsAg is (positive), it indicates that antibodies are present. If Anti-...[Read More] Understanding Hepatitis Vaccination for Adults and Children: A Guide
Understanding the HIV Window Period: Do You Need Another Test?
HIV window period If I had a high-risk sexual encounter in September 2004 and then underwent anonymous testing in June 2005 with a negative result, the nurse who called me informed me that I did not need to get tested again (as there were no further high-risk encounters during th...
Dr. Cai Jueren Reply:
Hello: The process of AIDS development is described as follows: 1. Viral infection (through intimate contact with an AIDS patient or via blood transmission). 2. There is a window period of at least 6 to 12 weeks after HIV infection before antibodies can be detected through blood ...[Read More] Understanding the HIV Window Period: Do You Need Another Test?
Understanding Allergens: Which Specialist to Consult for Acne Issues?
Allergen Hello, Dr. Tsai. I have been troubled by acne for the past year and a half, primarily on my chin. When it first occurred, I visited a dermatologist and, after using some oral medications and fruit acid products, I recovered in about a month. However, a year later, it rec...
Dr. Cai Jueren Reply:
Hello Shuyi: The most common allergen tests are patch testing and blood tests. These two types of tests usually have only a few overlapping allergens. Most large hospitals have dermatology departments that offer these tests, and some family medicine departments may also conduct s...[Read More] Understanding Allergens: Which Specialist to Consult for Acne Issues?
Do You Need Treatment for Fatty Liver or Just Diet and Exercise?
Fatty liver disease Is treatment necessary for my 50-year-old family member who has been diagnosed with fatty liver disease, or is exercise and weight loss sufficient?
Dr. Xu Li'an Reply:
Hello, Lai. Blood tests alone cannot diagnose fatty liver; this diagnosis is usually made through abdominal ultrasound. Common causes include obesity, hyperlipidemia, and alcohol consumption. Treatment methods include abstaining from alcohol, managing hyperlipidemia, and engaging...[Read More] Do You Need Treatment for Fatty Liver or Just Diet and Exercise?
Understanding Low Potassium Levels: Causes and Health Risks for Busy Professionals
Hypokalemia Hello Dr. Tsai, may I ask you about the causes of hypokalemia? I am a busy office worker who relies on strong coffee and cola for energy, but my blood tests still show low potassium levels (aren't coffee and cola supposed to cause high potassium?). If this contin...
Dr. Cai Jueren Reply:
Hello, hypokalemia refers to poor absorption or excessive loss of potassium ions in the blood, or insufficient potassium ion concentration due to the use of certain medications. The causes are as follows: (1) Long-term use of corticosteroids, diuretics, and excessive laxative abu...[Read More] Understanding Low Potassium Levels: Causes and Health Risks for Busy Professionals
Understanding Low White Blood Cell Count: Causes and Health Implications
excuse me? Leukopenia, or a low white blood cell count, can lead to an increased risk of infections, as white blood cells are crucial for the immune response. It can be associated with various conditions, including bone marrow disorders, autoimmune diseases, certain infections, a...
Dr. Cai Jueren Reply:
Hello, in medical terms, a low white blood cell count is referred to as leukopenia, which is indicated by a white blood cell count of less than 4000/uL in blood test reports. This condition may occur in 1. immunocompromised patients 2. severe bacterial or viral infections (less c...[Read More] Understanding Low White Blood Cell Count: Causes and Health Implications
Understanding Hepatitis B Vaccination: Why Antibodies May Be Low
Vaccine I had a blood test in the fourth grade, and it indicated "please receive the hepatitis B vaccine." However, I had already received three doses as a child. Why is it that I still don't have antibodies? Do I need to get vaccinated again?
Dr. Cai Jueren Reply:
Hello, receiving the hepatitis B vaccine does not guarantee the presence of antibodies. Since there are over 3 million carriers of hepatitis B in Taiwan, it is recommended that you receive the vaccine as soon as possible. Thank you for your inquiry. Dr. Tsai Jue-ren, Hualien Hosp...[Read More] Understanding Hepatitis B Vaccination: Why Antibodies May Be Low
Understanding the Safety of Blood Tests: Addressing Patient Concerns
What is the safety of blood draw testing? Dear Doctor: I am not questioning the hard work and dedication of the nursing staff. However, I previously went to a sexually transmitted disease prevention clinic to get tested for HIV. At that time, it seemed that the nurse did not chan...
Dr. Cai Jueren Reply:
Hello, under normal circumstances, the action of drawing blood or administering an injection is preceded by disinfection with alcohol swabs before the needle is inserted. It is not only the general public who is concerned about the risk of infection; healthcare professionals, due...[Read More] Understanding the Safety of Blood Tests: Addressing Patient Concerns