Understanding Low Cholesterol Levels in Adolescents: Causes and Treatment
Low cholesterol Dear Doctor: A first-grade male student has a blood test report showing a cholesterol level of 103 mg/dL, which is below the normal range of 130-200 mg/dL. What could be the reason for this? How should it be treated?
Dr. Hou Angting Reply:
Hello, internet user: Low cholesterol can generally be managed by adjusting your diet and monitored by a family physician. Wishing you good health.[Read More] Understanding Low Cholesterol Levels in Adolescents: Causes and Treatment
Severe Back Pain During Deep Breathing: Causes and Solutions
Severe pain at the ends of the rib cage in the back during deep breathing? Hello, doctor. I am wondering if the changes in weather could be causing me to experience chest tightness and back pain while breathing. At times, when I lie down at night to sleep, I feel a pressure-like ...
Dr. Chen Bozhang Reply:
Hello! It is recommended to continue monitoring, or to transfer to a family medicine clinic for evaluation. Thank you![Read More] Severe Back Pain During Deep Breathing: Causes and Solutions
Persistent Cough, Fever, and Rapid Heartbeat: Seeking Medical Guidance
Fever, cough, rapid heartbeat, and a prominent swelling above the clavicle? Hello, Doctor. Initially, I had a persistent cough along with a fever that lasted for a month. I first visited a general clinic, but there was no improvement after medication. In addition to the cough and...
Dr. Hou Angting Reply:
Hello, online user: You can currently visit a family medicine physician for further evaluation. Wishing you good health.[Read More] Persistent Cough, Fever, and Rapid Heartbeat: Seeking Medical Guidance
Understanding Heart Palpitations After COVID-19 Vaccination: Causes and Solutions
Arrhythmia Since receiving my second dose of the BNT vaccine, I have started to experience occasional palpitations, arrhythmia, and general discomfort. The day after the vaccination, I felt significant discomfort in my heart, which, combined with anxiety, led to hyperventilation....
Dr. Liao Yaopan Reply:
Hello, based on your description, if all cardiac-related examinations have been completed and no significant abnormalities were found, the aforementioned subjective symptoms may not be of cardiac origin. However, it is still important to monitor the situation. If the symptoms per...[Read More] Understanding Heart Palpitations After COVID-19 Vaccination: Causes and Solutions
Understanding Bitter Taste in the Mouth: Causes and Concerns
Questions about a bitter taste in the mouth? Hello Doctor, recently I have been experiencing a bitter taste in my mouth that seems to rise from my throat. I searched online and found various opinions, some suggesting it could be related to acid reflux, others pointing to respirat...
Dr. Xiao Yongxun Reply:
Dear Mr. OO: 1. The sensation of a bitter taste rising from the throat that you mentioned can have many causes, including dental caries, periodontal disease, sialadenitis, oral cancer, various forms of rhinitis or sinusitis, pharyngitis, tumors in the throat, esophageal ulcers o...[Read More] Understanding Bitter Taste in the Mouth: Causes and Concerns
Understanding Your HIV Screening Test Results: What a Negative Value Means
I am very anxious about HIV? I checked the following item: HIV Ag/Ab Combo - for screening test. The test result is Negative with a reference value interpretation: Negative: S/CO < 1.00; Positive: S/CO ≥ 1.00. The result shows 0.33. What does this mean? Why is it not 0? Is the...
Dr. Ye Qianyu Reply:
Hello! The serological testing methods for HIV primarily involve initial screening through the particle agglutination method. The principle of the particle agglutination method utilizes artificial latex particles as carriers, which are coated with viral antigens. If antibodies of...[Read More] Understanding Your HIV Screening Test Results: What a Negative Value Means
Understanding Recent Ultrasound Findings: Spleen Tumor and Blood Abnormalities
Recent abdominal ultrasound showed a tumor in the spleen and abnormalities in the blood? Hello, doctor. In the past ten years of health check-ups, I have had low levels of red blood cells (including hematocrit and hemoglobin), which were evaluated as suspected thalassemia gene, a...
Dr. Ye Qianyu Reply:
Hello! Based on your description, it is recommended that you first visit a gastroenterologist for a follow-up. If the blood test results show that your hemoglobin levels are below 10 g/dL, please consult a hematologist.[Read More] Understanding Recent Ultrasound Findings: Spleen Tumor and Blood Abnormalities
Understanding Autonomic Nervous System Disorders: When to Seek Further Testing?
Is it necessary to undergo more detailed examinations to confirm autonomic nervous system dysfunction? Hello doctor, around the end of July this year, after having dinner and using my phone, I suddenly felt a brief disconnection in my mind for a second, followed by numbness in my...
Dr. Ye Qianyu Reply:
Hello! Based on your description, alcohol may lead to poor vitamin absorption, which can result in macrocytic anemia, alcoholic hepatitis, acute gastritis, and alcoholic encephalopathy, potentially causing autonomic nervous system dysfunction. It is recommended that you regularly...[Read More] Understanding Autonomic Nervous System Disorders: When to Seek Further Testing?
Does a Positive Urine Glucose Test Indicate Diabetes?
A urine glucose test result of trace positive (+) may indicate the presence of glucose in the urine, which can be associated with diabetes. However, it is not definitive for diagnosing diabetes. Further testing, such as blood glucose levels or an oral glucose tolerance test, is n...
Dr. Ye Qianyu Reply:
Hello! The diagnosis of diabetes must meet at least one of the following criteria: Hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c) ≥ 6.5%, fasting plasma glucose ≥ 126 mg/dL, classic symptoms of hyperglycemia (increased thirst, increased urination, increased hunger, and weight loss) with a random plasma ...[Read More] Does a Positive Urine Glucose Test Indicate Diabetes?
Post-Vaccine Symptoms: Understanding Chest Pain and Shortness of Breath
After receiving the COVID-19 vaccine Hello Dr. Hou, after receiving my first dose of the BNT vaccine on October 22, I experienced fever, followed by chest tightness, shortness of breath, rapid heartbeat, back pain (radiating from the inner side of my right shoulder blade to my ne...
Dr. Hou Angting Reply:
Hello, if you have already been examined by a cardiologist and no significant issues were found, I recommend that you consult with a pain specialist for further evaluation, treatment, and follow-up. Wishing you good health.[Read More] Post-Vaccine Symptoms: Understanding Chest Pain and Shortness of Breath
Understanding Blood Test Results and Spinal Issues: A Guide for Patients
Health check-up issues Hello, Dr. Liao. I would like to ask about my recent health check-up results, which show a red blood cell count of 3.68, hemoglobin level of 11.4, and a white blood cell count with 3+ esterase. Additionally, I have an issue with thoracic scoliosis. If I nee...
Dr. Liao Yaopan Reply:
Hello, you can first seek medical attention from your family physician who can evaluate your examination report results and determine if further related tests are necessary. Online consultations are not equivalent to in-person visits and cannot provide diagnoses or treatment reco...[Read More] Understanding Blood Test Results and Spinal Issues: A Guide for Patients
Understanding Persistent Low-Grade Fever: Causes and Next Steps
Recently, there has been an elevated body temperature for the past month? Hello Doctor: I discovered that I had recurrent low-grade fevers at the end of October, and subsequently visited a large hospital for evaluation. Blood and urine tests revealed a urinary tract infection. I ...
Dr. Ye Qianyu Reply:
Hello! Body temperature can also be influenced by the environment, clothing, and diet. Some viral infections may not show changes in blood tests. Please avoid spicy or warming foods and supplements that may increase body temperature or promote blood circulation. Additionally, be ...[Read More] Understanding Persistent Low-Grade Fever: Causes and Next Steps
Are High Lymphocyte Levels Linked to Recent Vaccination?
Is the increase in white blood cell lymphocytes related to vaccination? Hello Doctor, I recently received my routine health check-up report, and there are three abnormal results highlighted in red: "White Blood Cell Count (WBC): 22.91 (10^3/uL)." In the differential whi...
Dr. Liao Yaopan Reply:
Hello, based on your statement, it is still recommended to consult a hematologist for a comprehensive evaluation to determine if there is any relation to the vaccine. Online consultations do not equate to in-person medical visits and cannot provide a diagnosis or treatment recomm...[Read More] Are High Lymphocyte Levels Linked to Recent Vaccination?
Understanding Abnormal Blood Test Results: A Guide for Patients
Blood test examination The blood test results show atypical lymphocytes at 3.72 and nucleated red blood cells at 0.1. The report indicates that further examination by a hematologist is necessary. What do these two simultaneous abnormalities mean? Are these values considered high?...
Dr. Hou Angting Reply:
Hello, online user: It is difficult to assess a blood report based solely on a single abnormal value; it requires interpretation in conjunction with other factors. I recommend that you consult with a physician in the Family Medicine department for further advice. Wishing you good...[Read More] Understanding Abnormal Blood Test Results: A Guide for Patients
Understanding High Cholesterol and Low Triglycerides: A Health Inquiry
Total cholesterol is elevated, but triglycerides are low? Hello, doctor. Recently, I went to the hospital for a blood test and found that my total cholesterol is elevated while my triglycerides are low. I have a habit of working out at home (about 3-4 times a week, alternating tr...
Dr. Hou Angting Reply:
Hello, netizen: The cholesterol levels we commonly refer to are composed of triglycerides, high-density lipoprotein (HDL), and low-density lipoprotein (LDL). Therefore, if triglycerides are high, cholesterol levels will inevitably be high; however, high cholesterol does not neces...[Read More] Understanding High Cholesterol and Low Triglycerides: A Health Inquiry
Understanding High Neutrophils and Low Lymphocytes in Blood Tests
Elevated neutrophil count and decreased lymphocyte count? Hello, doctor. Since I am currently abroad and unable to return to Taiwan for timely examinations, I would like to inquire about my blood test results. I had a test on September 12, where my neutrophils were at 44% (slight...
Dr. Hou Angting Reply:
Hello, internet user: Since the test report is only one of the bases for assessing infection, it must be combined with clinical symptoms and physical examination. Therefore, it is not easy to determine whether there is an infection. I recommend that you visit a family medicine sp...[Read More] Understanding High Neutrophils and Low Lymphocytes in Blood Tests
Understanding Vaccine-Related Skin Spots: Thrombosis or Purpura?
Vaccine blood spots Hello, doctor. I would like to ask about the petechiae caused by the vaccine. Do these subcutaneous bleeding spots appear suddenly (overnight) with many spots, or do they gradually increase day by day? Before I received the COVID-19 vaccine, I had just visited...
Dr. Ye Qianyu Reply:
Hello! The causes of the two conditions are different. Please observe if you have any of the following symptoms: severe persistent headache accompanied by vision changes or seizures, severe and persistent abdominal pain lasting more than 24 hours, swelling or pain in the lower ex...[Read More] Understanding Vaccine-Related Skin Spots: Thrombosis or Purpura?
Understanding Low Lymphocyte Count: Causes and When to Seek Help
Low lymphocyte count? Hello, doctor. I would like to ask about my recent health issues. I have been experiencing discomfort and fever, and upon visiting the hospital, my blood tests showed lymphocytes at 3.7, neutrophils at 91.5, and a total white blood cell count of 12. Monocyte...
Dr. Xiao Yongxun Reply:
Dear Ms. Candy: The average white blood cell count ranges from 4,000 to 11,000/mm³, and most white blood cells can only survive for a few days; during an infection, their lifespan may be reduced to just a few hours. White blood cells can be classified into two categories based o...[Read More] Understanding Low Lymphocyte Count: Causes and When to Seek Help
Understanding Iron Deficiency Anemia: Severity, Risks, and Treatment Concerns
Iron deficiency anemia Hello, doctor. I would like to ask about my previous blood test results: Hb: 10.2, HCT: 32.6, MCV: 71.2, MCH: 22.3, PLT: 408, RDW-CV: 17.5, Ferritin: 4.5. Are these anemia values considered severe? What would happen if I don't address this? During my l...
Dr. Xiao Yongxun Reply:
Dear Miss Ruru, 1. The information you provided indicates that you have microcytic anemia; due to your Ferritin level of 4.5 ng/ml being low (normal values are 23.9-336.2 ng/mL for males and 11.0-306.8 ng/mL for females), this may suggest iron deficiency anemia. A definitive dia...[Read More] Understanding Iron Deficiency Anemia: Severity, Risks, and Treatment Concerns
Understanding Dizziness, Shortness of Breath, and Palpitations in Seniors
Dizziness, shortness of breath, and palpitations? Hello doctor, I am asking on behalf of my mother. She is 63 years old and has recently been experiencing frequent dizziness, which is often accompanied by shortness of breath and palpitations occurring 2 to 3 times a day, lasting ...
Dr. Liu Hongxiang Reply:
Hello, Xiao Mei: Your mother does not have a history of heart disease, but she has recently been experiencing frequent dizziness, along with shortness of breath and palpitations, occurring 2 to 3 times a day and lasting from half an hour to several hours. She also has unexplained...[Read More] Understanding Dizziness, Shortness of Breath, and Palpitations in Seniors