Understanding Elevated Red Blood Cell Count: Causes and Concerns
Red blood cell count: 5.75 million cells per microliter? I have thalassemia. Three months ago, I had a blood test and was diagnosed with iron deficiency anemia. After taking iron supplements for three months, I had another blood test and no longer have iron deficiency anemia. How...
Dr. Xiao Yongxun Reply:
Dear Ms. Anonymous: 1. You have a personal history of carrying the thalassemia trait, which would show a low MCV (mean corpuscular volume) and an increased total red blood cell count in hematological tests. To determine whether it is alpha or beta thalassemia, hemoglobin electr...[Read More] Understanding Elevated Red Blood Cell Count: Causes and Concerns
Understanding Low Lymphocyte Percentage in Health Check Results
Lymphocyte percentage: 17.5% The health check results show a lymphocyte percentage of 17.5% (normal range: 18.4% to 45%), while the other results are normal. This means that your lymphocyte count is slightly below the normal range, which could indicate a mild decrease in your imm...
Dr. Chen Bozhang Reply:
Dear Mr. He, In your letter, you mentioned that your lymphocyte percentage from the health check blood test is slightly low (17.5%). This could be due to physical or psychological stress, a viral infection, or other infections, or it may simply be a normal physiological variatio...[Read More] Understanding Low Lymphocyte Percentage in Health Check Results
Essential Blood Tests for Long-Term Fish Oil Users: What You Need to Know
If you are taking fish oil supplements long-term, it is advisable to have regular blood tests to monitor certain parameters. Key tests may include: 1. **Lipid Profile**: To check cholesterol levels and triglycerides, as fish oil can affect lipid metabolism. 2. **Liver Function T...
Dr. Liu Hongxiang Reply:
Hello Mr. Zheng: The benefits of fish oil include anti-inflammatory effects, prevention of blood clots, lowering cholesterol, reducing triglycerides, and decreasing the risk of cardiovascular events. However, excessive intake of fish oil can lead to an increased tendency to bleed...[Read More] Essential Blood Tests for Long-Term Fish Oil Users: What You Need to Know
Understanding Unexplained Symptoms: A Guide to Chronic Discomfort
I feel unwell all over my body? Hello, doctor. I have undergone many tests, including blood tests, abdominal ultrasound, electrocardiogram (ECG), exercise ECG, echocardiogram, gastroscopy, and thyroid function tests, all of which returned normal results. However, I still experien...
Dr. Liao Yaopan Reply:
Hello, regarding your concerns, if all system checks show no significant abnormalities, it is indeed possible that psychological factors may be the cause of your physical discomfort. It is recommended to maintain a regular routine, have a balanced diet, and engage in regular exer...[Read More] Understanding Unexplained Symptoms: A Guide to Chronic Discomfort
Understanding Bowel Issues: Anxiety and Gastrointestinal Health
Bowel movement issues Hello Doctor: I have been experiencing intermittent bowel issues for quite some time. I wonder if this is related to the anxiety I developed while caring for my father, who had esophageal cancer, about 4 to 5 years ago. I'm not sure what to do... Around...
Dr. Chen Bozhang Reply:
Hello, it is recommended to seek medical attention at a regional or higher-level hospital for a comprehensive evaluation. You may visit the Department of Family Medicine, Hepatobiliary and Gastroenterology, or the Department of Colorectal Surgery. Thank you.[Read More] Understanding Bowel Issues: Anxiety and Gastrointestinal Health
Understanding Persistent Leg Swelling: Causes and Solutions
Bilateral lower extremity edema? My mother has been experiencing swelling in both legs for the past year, sometimes to the point of discomfort. She has consulted with cardiologists, orthopedic specialists, family medicine doctors, obstetricians, nephrologists, and urologists, and...
Dr. Chen Bozhang Reply:
If the elderly person has already consulted multiple specialists and all tests have confirmed no abnormalities, in addition to continuing regular medication and outpatient follow-ups, it may be beneficial to consult a nutritionist for advice. Trying adjustments in diet or daily r...[Read More] Understanding Persistent Leg Swelling: Causes and Solutions
Understanding Blood Test Results: When to Follow Up with Your Doctor
Blood disorders Hello Dr. Hsiao, I previously visited the clinic due to allergic cough, which showed slight improvement. Later, I went to a large hospital's pulmonology department, where the doctor indicated that it was triggered by allergies. Blood tests were conducted, an...
Dr. Xiao Yongxun Reply:
Ms. Emily: Your concerns are valid; please return to your primary physician's clinic for inquiries! Essentially, the diagnosis of diseases is primarily clinical, with laboratory tests serving as supplementary. I believe the diagnosis and management by your pulmonologist are ...[Read More] Understanding Blood Test Results: When to Follow Up with Your Doctor
Understanding Blood Test Results: What Elevated Calcium Levels Mean
Regarding blood test reports? Hello doctor, I recently had a routine health check-up that included a blood test, and the calcium level in my electrolyte analysis was reported as 10.4, which is highlighted in red. When I asked the doctor, they mentioned it was not a major concern ...
Dr. Liu Hongxiang Reply:
Hello Mr. Hsu: The normal range for serum calcium ions in our hospital is 8.9-10.3 mg/dL, but there may be slight variations depending on the laboratory equipment used. A level of 10.4 mg/dL is only 0.1 mg/dL above the normal range; however, as long as serum calcium is below 12-1...[Read More] Understanding Blood Test Results: What Elevated Calcium Levels Mean
Persistent Low-Grade Fever: When to Seek Medical Advice?
Persistent low-grade fever that won't subside? I have been experiencing a low-grade fever for a week now. My temperature in the morning before work is 37.2°C, but it rises to 37.7°C after I start working, with a maximum recorded temperature of 37.9°C. In the evening, it drop...
Dr. Lin Zhebin Reply:
Hello: If you have a persistent low-grade fever for a week, it is advisable to seek medical evaluation to determine the cause. Based on the symptoms you described, it is more likely to be an infection (such as viral or bacterial). Psychogenic issues are generally considered only ...[Read More] Persistent Low-Grade Fever: When to Seek Medical Advice?
Understanding Your Teen's Health: Urine Changes and Skin Yellowing Concerns
Which direction should be examined? My son is 17 years old and is currently working part-time as an electrical and plumbing apprentice. Recently, he asked me to take him for a check-up due to the following concerns: 1. His urine has a stronger odor (ammonia-like), but it is still...
Dr. Liu Hongxiang Reply:
Dear Mr. Rui, Hello. The four data points in your letter did not include the normal reference ranges, but they are within the normal range compared to general laboratory standards. Given the concerns about dehydration and the suspicion of jaundice, you may want to visit a family...[Read More] Understanding Your Teen's Health: Urine Changes and Skin Yellowing Concerns
Understanding Shingles: Symptoms, Triggers, and Arginine Intake
Shingles Previously, I was physically exhausted and underwent a blood test, which revealed that I had shingles. Later, I learned that I had chickenpox as a child; however, I have never experienced symptoms related to shingles, such as a rash. I do occasionally have brief episodes...
Dr. Ye Qianyu Reply:
Hello! A blood test can only confirm if you have had chickenpox. Chickenpox and shingles are diseases caused by the same virus; the initial infection is called chickenpox, and after that, the virus remains dormant in the body. When the immune system is compromised, it can reactiv...[Read More] Understanding Shingles: Symptoms, Triggers, and Arginine Intake
Understanding Anemia: How Blood Tests Reveal Iron Deficiency vs. Thalassemia
How to assess anemia status through blood tests? Hello, Dr. Yeh. I would like to know if I can determine whether my anemia is due to iron deficiency, thalassemia, or another type based on the following blood test results before my surgery: Hb: 9.9 (g/dL) Hct: 33.2 (%) MCH: ...
Dr. Ye Qianyu Reply:
Hello! The Mentzer index can be used for a simple differentiation: MCV/RBC < 13 suggests thalassemia (Mediterranean anemia), while MCV/RBC > 13 indicates iron deficiency anemia. Your Mentzer index: MCV/RBC = 76.9/4.32 = 17.8 ==> indicates a higher likelihood of iron defi...[Read More] Understanding Anemia: How Blood Tests Reveal Iron Deficiency vs. Thalassemia
Combining Care: Managing Urticaria and Hepatitis B in One Clinic
Regular check-ups for urticaria and hepatitis B with abdominal ultrasound in the same department? I have been taking medication for urticaria regularly for 3-4 years and visit the clinic every three months to obtain a chronic prescription. During consultations with the rheumatolo...
Dr. Chen Bozhang Reply:
It is advisable to consult your attending physician for their opinion. Thank you.[Read More] Combining Care: Managing Urticaria and Hepatitis B in One Clinic
Understanding Urinalysis Results: When to Consult a Specialist
Urinalysis Hello, during a recent routine check-up, several urine test results were found to be above the normal range: - Leukocytes: (++), 100/uL - Occult Blood: (++), 50/uL - RBC: 6-9 HPF (reference value: 0-5) - WBC: 20-29 HPF (reference value: 0-5) - Crystals: Ammonium urat...
Dr. Lin Zhebin Reply:
Hello: The results of your urine test do suggest a possible urinary tract infection; however, since you do not have symptoms such as fever, painful urination, lower abdominal pain, or back pain, it is advisable to increase your fluid intake rather than immediately resorting to an...[Read More] Understanding Urinalysis Results: When to Consult a Specialist
Does Weight Loss Affect Platelet Count and Hemoglobin Levels?
Does weight loss lead to a decrease in platelet count (PLT) and hemoglobin (Hb) levels? Hello Dr. Chen, I am 20 years old and 172 cm tall. Six months ago, I weighed about 79 kg. Over the past six months, I have been working hard to lose weight (mainly through exercise and diet, w...
Dr. Chen Bozhang Reply:
Online consultations cannot provide a diagnosis. Please bring your reports for a follow-up appointment to discuss with your attending physician, or you may consult at health management or weight loss clinics. Thank you.[Read More] Does Weight Loss Affect Platelet Count and Hemoglobin Levels?
Persistent Bruising: Understanding Causes and Treatment Options
Bruises that do not fade? Hello, Dr. Yeh. I have difficulty with bruises healing. In March 2023, I underwent massage therapy, and a small bruise that had been present for over a year (which was not painful or swollen) became larger and swollen after the treatment. I have been int...
Dr. Ye Qianyu Reply:
Hello! It is recommended that you visit a dermatologist. Additionally, you can discuss the target value for glycated hemoglobin with your primary physician to achieve it together.[Read More] Persistent Bruising: Understanding Causes and Treatment Options
Does Weight Loss Affect Platelet Count and Hemoglobin Levels?
Does weight loss cause a decrease in PLT (platelet count) and Hb (hemoglobin) levels? Hello, Dr. Liao. I am 20 years old and 172 cm tall. Six months ago, I weighed approximately 79 kg. Over the past six months, I have been working hard to lose weight (mainly through exercise and ...
Dr. Liao Yaopan Reply:
Hello, regarding your concerns, it is advisable to return for a follow-up appointment for an in-person evaluation by a physician. Online consultations are not equivalent to an in-person visit and cannot provide a diagnosis or treatment recommendations. Changhua Hospital cares abo...[Read More] Does Weight Loss Affect Platelet Count and Hemoglobin Levels?
Does Weight Loss Affect PLT and Hb Levels in Young Adults?
Does weight loss lead to a decrease in platelet count (PLT) and hemoglobin (Hb) levels? Hello Dr. Liu, I am 20 years old and 172 cm tall. Six months ago, I weighed about 79 kg. Over the past six months, I have worked hard to lose weight (mainly through exercise and diet, without ...
Dr. Liu Hongxiang Reply:
Hello Mr. Hao: Weight loss can affect hemoglobin and platelet levels, but this varies from person to person. A decrease in platelets may be caused by a reduction in adipose tissue and changes in certain internal factors. A decrease in hemoglobin may result from nutritional defici...[Read More] Does Weight Loss Affect PLT and Hb Levels in Young Adults?
Understanding Weight and Gastrointestinal Issues in Young Adults
Weight issues, gastrointestinal problems? I am 156 cm tall and underweight, and I don't know why my weight has not been increasing. My appetite hasn't changed; in February, I weighed between 46-47 kg, and at the beginning of March, I was still around 46-47 kg. However, ...
Dr. Chen Bozhang Reply:
Hello, if you feel unwell, please visit a family medicine or gastroenterology clinic for evaluation. For dietary management, you can consult a nutritionist at the nutrition counseling clinic. Thank you.[Read More] Understanding Weight and Gastrointestinal Issues in Young Adults
Sudden Spike in Blood Sugar: Possible Causes and Concerns
Sudden increase in blood sugar levels? On the afternoon of June 11, I experienced urethral pain and went to the hospital's emergency department. The doctor arranged for blood tests and urinalysis, which generally showed no significant issues, but my blood glucose level was m...
Dr. Chen Bozhang Reply:
There are many reasons that can cause elevated blood sugar levels, including diet, lifestyle habits, stress, inflammation, infections, and medications. It is recommended to continue monitoring and follow up at the outpatient clinic. Thank you.[Read More] Sudden Spike in Blood Sugar: Possible Causes and Concerns