Understanding Eosinophilia After Hodgkin's Lymphoma Treatment: What to Know
Hodgkin's lymphoma Dear Doctor, I just completed 12 sessions of chemotherapy for lymphoma on April 19, and I have a follow-up appointment on May 23 for blood tests. My eosinophil count is 6.6%. Is it possible that this indicates a relapse, or could it simply be elevated due ...
Dr. Cai Dongqi Reply:
Hello: This question should be directed to an oncologist for clarification, as it is not within the expertise of the physician themselves.[Read More] Understanding Eosinophilia After Hodgkin's Lymphoma Treatment: What to Know
Understanding High WBC and Ketone Levels: What Your Test Results Mean
Ketones and elevated white blood cell (WBC) count? Hello Doctor, here are the results from my blood and urine tests conducted yesterday: - WBC esterase: Trace - Ketone: 4+ (160) - Protein: Trace (15) - Segment: 76 - Creatinine: 0.53 - Lymphocyte: 17.9 - Eosinophil: 0.6 - Basophi...
Dr. Lin Zhebin Reply:
Hello: An elevated white blood cell count typically indicates an infection or inflammation in the body. Given your symptoms of abdominal pain and diarrhea, there may be a concern for gastrointestinal infection or inflammation, as well as potential issues with other intra-abdomina...[Read More] Understanding High WBC and Ketone Levels: What Your Test Results Mean
Understanding Anemia: Should You Take Iron Supplements or Seek Further Testing?
Anemia-related Hello Doctor, I recently underwent a pre-pregnancy health check, and my complete blood count showed several abnormal results highlighted in red. The relevant values are as follows: WBC 5.9, RBC 4.22, Hemoglobin 9.0, Hematocrit 31.2, MCV 73.9, MCH 21.3, MCHC 28.8, P...
Dr. Xiao Yongxun Reply:
Dear Ms. Orange Cat: 1. Since you have questions regarding prenatal examinations, it is advisable to discuss them directly with your obstetrician-gynecologist. 2. Thalassemia, also known as Mediterranean anemia, is caused by a defect in the synthesis of globin chains in hemoglo...[Read More] Understanding Anemia: Should You Take Iron Supplements or Seek Further Testing?
Understanding Drug Allergy Testing: A Guide for Patients in Taiwan
Drug allergy blood testing Hello Dr. Lin: As mentioned, a family member (31 years old) wants to undergo blood tests for drug allergy testing. He has previously experienced drug allergies after visiting a doctor for a cold and also had an allergic reaction to painkillers. Addition...
Dr. Lin Zhebin Reply:
Hello: Based on the information you provided, the medications that your family member may be allergic to include the following: 1. Cold medications: These may contain multiple ingredients, making it uncertain which specific component is causing the allergy. 2. Pain relievers: Thi...[Read More] Understanding Drug Allergy Testing: A Guide for Patients in Taiwan
Understanding Hepatitis B and COVID-19 Vaccination Options
Hepatitis B and Vaccination Hello, doctor. I remember that I had a health check during college and tested positive for Hepatitis B, but I'm not sure if that's accurate. Which clinic should I visit for testing? Also, if I do have Hepatitis B, can I receive the first dose...
Dr. Lin Zhebin Reply:
Hello: Hepatitis B can be diagnosed with a simple blood test. It is recommended that you schedule an appointment with a family medicine clinic for the examination. If you are diagnosed with Hepatitis B, it is important to have regular blood tests to monitor liver function and to ...[Read More] Understanding Hepatitis B and COVID-19 Vaccination Options
Understanding Redness and Symptoms in the Calf After Vaccination
Regarding the redness observed in the calf area? Hello Doctor, since receiving the AZ vaccine last year, I have been constantly visiting doctors. Later, the doctors determined that I might have autonomic nervous system dysfunction. About a month after the vaccination, I noticed t...
Dr. Lin Zhebin Reply:
Hello: Regarding the discomfort in your calf, since thrombosis has been ruled out, I would personally consider the possibility of vasculitis. As for the condition you mentioned, Marshall-Smith syndrome, it is a rare disease caused by a congenital genetic mutation. In addition to ...[Read More] Understanding Redness and Symptoms in the Calf After Vaccination
Understanding Low-Grade Fever: Causes and Concerns in Family Medicine
Temperature issues Hello Doctor: My condition started on the 7th of this month, when I felt a sensation of body heat for about four days (I didn't take my temperature, as I have experienced this occasionally before, and it has never been a real fever; just a warm neck, along...
Dr. Xiao Yongxun Reply:
Dear Ms. Amy: 1. Humans possess physiological mechanisms to regulate and maintain core body temperature. When there is a need to release excess heat, the body cools down by increasing blood circulation to the skin and sweating. Conversely, to conserve internal heat, the body red...[Read More] Understanding Low-Grade Fever: Causes and Concerns in Family Medicine
Understanding Blood Test Results: Do You Need Further Testing for Thalassemia?
Blood Test Consultation Hello Doctor, thank you for taking the time to answer my questions. I have mild mitral valve prolapse and my usual heart rate is around 100 beats per minute. I have been taking Concor 5mg for the past two years, but I stopped the medication last year. On t...
Dr. Hou Angting Reply:
Hello Karen: It is generally recommended to identify the underlying cause of anemia. You may consult with a physician at a family medicine clinic. Wishing you good health.[Read More] Understanding Blood Test Results: Do You Need Further Testing for Thalassemia?
Understanding Elevated White Blood Cell Count: What Your Blood Test Results Mean
Hello: Please determine if the following data indicates leukocytosis? Hello Doctor: May I ask if the following data indicates leukocytosis? I have blood tests every three to four months. When reviewing the report, the doctor mentioned that this data is similar to the data from th...
Dr. Lin Zhebin Reply:
Hello: Regarding the abnormal results from your blood test, you indeed have an issue with elevated white blood cell counts. Additionally, upon closer examination of your white blood cell differential, there is a suspicion of eosinophilia, which may be associated with allergies, i...[Read More] Understanding Elevated White Blood Cell Count: What Your Blood Test Results Mean
Low Neutrophils and High Lymphocytes: What Does It Mean for Your Health?
Low neutrophil count / High lymphocyte count Hello, doctor. Since I started working at the company in 2016 and began regular health check-ups, I have noticed that the values for neutrophils and lymphocytes in my white blood cell count have been flagged. In 2017, my WBC was 5.5 (n...
Dr. Liao Yaopan Reply:
Hello, based on the data presented, there are no significant abnormalities in the white blood cell count. Typically, a white blood cell differential analysis is performed to examine the proportions of different types of white blood cells and to check for any abnormal forms. Overa...[Read More] Low Neutrophils and High Lymphocytes: What Does It Mean for Your Health?
Understanding Elevated White Blood Cells and Low Lymphocytes: Causes and Implications
Low lymphocyte count, elevated neutrophil count, and elevated white blood cell count? Hello doctor, I found out during my health check-up that my white blood cell count is 11,790, with neutrophils at 83.30% and lymphocytes at 10.60%. Could you please explain what might cause this...
Dr. Chen Bozhang Reply:
Hello! If you have any concerns, it is recommended that you bring your health check-up report to a family medicine clinic for consultation. Thank you![Read More] Understanding Elevated White Blood Cells and Low Lymphocytes: Causes and Implications
High Glycated Hemoglobin with Normal Blood Sugar: Is It Prediabetes?
Is a high level of glycosylated hemoglobin (HbA1c) with normal blood glucose levels indicative of prediabetes? I have been taking antihypertensive and lipid-lowering medications for many years, and I have blood tests every three months. In January, the abnormal results included t...
Dr. Hou Angting Reply:
Hello, dear mother: A glycated hemoglobin level between 5.8 and 6.4 can be classified as prediabetes. Please continue to maintain a healthy diet and engage in moderate exercise, and make sure to have regular follow-ups at the outpatient clinic. Additionally, the presence of abnor...[Read More] High Glycated Hemoglobin with Normal Blood Sugar: Is It Prediabetes?
Understanding Unexplained Chest and Back Pain: A Family Medicine Perspective
Physical discomfort? This year, I have occasionally experienced issues with arrhythmia, where my heart suddenly pauses. I have undergone blood tests and various examinations, all of which came back normal. However, today I experienced it again, but this time it occurred more freq...
Dr. Lin Zhebin Reply:
Hello: Although your discomfort is primarily concentrated above the waist, from my perspective, it is still important to address each issue separately. I have broadly categorized your concerns into the following three items: 1. Arrhythmia: Given your age, it is necessary to che...[Read More] Understanding Unexplained Chest and Back Pain: A Family Medicine Perspective
Understanding Muscle Pain: When to Seek Medical Advice and Treatment
Muscle pain Last night, I suddenly experienced muscle cramps in my groin area. Prior to this, I had several episodes of thigh muscle cramps, occurring quite frequently, about every two to three minutes, but they resolved on their own afterward. I'm unsure of the cause; could...
Dr. Lin Zhebin Reply:
Hello: Regarding your issue of muscle cramps in the groin and thigh, it may be related to some electrolyte imbalances (sodium, potassium, calcium, magnesium) or endocrine disorders (such as diabetes or thyroid issues). If you are looking for a specialty to consult, family medicin...[Read More] Understanding Muscle Pain: When to Seek Medical Advice and Treatment
Can Blood Tests Detect Formaldehyde Poisoning? Health Check Insights
Formaldehyde issues Can blood tests check for formaldehyde poisoning or elevated levels? Are there other health checks available for this? The office has recently been renovated, but as an employee, I don't have the authority to decide when to move in. However, I feel strang...
Dr. Liao Yaopan Reply:
Hello, currently there is no ideal biological monitoring method for formaldehyde available for clinical use. Significant acute exposure to formaldehyde may lead to metabolic acidosis. Ensuring proper ventilation to reduce environmental exposure is still the fundamental approach. ...[Read More] Can Blood Tests Detect Formaldehyde Poisoning? Health Check Insights
Understanding Aspirin Use: Concerns and Alternatives for Blood Clot Management
Hello, doctor, regarding the use of aspirin? Recently, I experienced some discomfort in my chest due to pain in my upper left back, which prompted me to see a doctor. After the examination, the doctor performed a blood test and found that my thrombus value was 0.55 (the physician...
Dr. Liao Yaopan Reply:
Hello, I'm not sure what you mean by "thrombus value." Are you referring to D-Dimer (D-Dimer test)? If so, a value of 0.55 should be considered borderline. As for aspirin, it has antiplatelet aggregation effects, and its impact on D-Dimer levels is subjective. If y...[Read More] Understanding Aspirin Use: Concerns and Alternatives for Blood Clot Management
Unexplained Fever for Over a Year: Seeking Answers and Next Steps
Fever of unknown origin for over a year? Hello Doctor, my condition started two years ago with unexplained fevers (ear temperature around 37.5 to 38.3 degrees Celsius). I consulted an infectious disease specialist at the hospital and underwent various tests (including blood tests...
Dr. Lin Zhebin Reply:
Hello, I will address your questions one by one: 1. If traditional Chinese medicine is ineffective in reducing your fever, should you continue seeking medical attention, and what direction should that take? From a Western medicine perspective, I personally believe that you shou...[Read More] Unexplained Fever for Over a Year: Seeking Answers and Next Steps
Understanding White Blood Cell Differential Counts: What Do Red Dots Mean?
White blood cell differential count Hello Doctor, I recently had a blood test, and the total white blood cell count was normal. Other differential counts such as Lymphocytes (LYM), Monocytes (MON), Eosinophils (EOS), and Basophils (BASO) were also within the normal range. However...
Dr. Liao Yaopan Reply:
Hello, regarding the interpretation of your test results, it is advisable to have a comprehensive and holistic assessment. We recommend that you return to the outpatient clinic and discuss further with your original treating physician, as well as confirm your complete test report...[Read More] Understanding White Blood Cell Differential Counts: What Do Red Dots Mean?
Should Stable Type 2 Diabetes Patients Transition from Medical Centers?
Regarding whether patients with stable type 2 diabetes still need to visit a medical center? Hello, Doctor. I apologize for bothering you. I would like to ask about my situation. I have had type 2 diabetes for over seven years. After discovering this issue during a health check, ...
Dr. Hou Angting Reply:
Hello, internet user: Currently, the treatment for diabetes in clinics in Taiwan has a comprehensive system. In addition to medication therapy, there are diabetes educators for follow-up, and regular blood tests and related medical referrals are arranged. It is recommended that y...[Read More] Should Stable Type 2 Diabetes Patients Transition from Medical Centers?
Understanding Low Eosinophil Levels: What Your Blood Test Results Mean
Blood test result issues? Hello, doctor. I recently had a blood test, and the result for eosinophil percentage was 0.5%. I believe the normal range is 1-6%. All other blood tests and white blood cell counts were normal. I would like to know if this indicates any issues with my bo...
Dr. Xiao Yongxun Reply:
Dear Miss Gao: 1. Since you have undergone a blood test, you should discuss the results with the physician who ordered the test. A proper diagnosis or identification of the issue can only be made based on clinical physical examination and relevant symptoms. 2. White blood cells...[Read More] Understanding Low Eosinophil Levels: What Your Blood Test Results Mean