Urgent Concerns About Low Hemoglobin Levels Before Medical Exam
I have a low hemoglobin level in my health check-up. I'm really anxious about it; please help me? On October 2nd, my blood test showed a hemoglobin level of 9.9, while the first test was 9.6. I need to pass a level of 11.6 before the end of October to qualify for my desired ...
Dr. Liao Yaopan Reply:
Hello, regarding anemia, it is important to identify the underlying cause. If necessary, a referral to a hematologist for further evaluation may be required. As for blood transfusions, it depends on whether there are life-threatening indications based on clinical assessment. Plea...[Read More] Urgent Concerns About Low Hemoglobin Levels Before Medical Exam
Understanding Persistent Dizziness: When to Seek Further Medical Help
Strange dizziness Hello Doctor, I have been experiencing dizziness for a year and a half. It started with a sensation similar to an earthquake and has now progressed to feeling like I'm on a boat swaying up and down. During this time, I have seen many doctors and undergone n...
Dr. Liao Yaopan Reply:
Hello, regarding your question, it is advisable to have a neurologist conduct further evaluation. However, sleep apnea, if left untreated, may lead to some nonspecific symptoms. Consulting with a psychiatrist could also be beneficial for your situation. Please note that online co...[Read More] Understanding Persistent Dizziness: When to Seek Further Medical Help
Understanding Your Blood Test Results: Cholesterol, Blood Sugar, and More
Blood test issues Hello Dr. Chen: I recently received my blood donation report, which shows total cholesterol at 188 mg/dL, LDL-C at 132 mg/dL, glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c) at 5.9%, blood pressure at 115/77 mmHg, and ALT at 13 U/L. I would like to ask: 1. Do these results indica...
Dr. Chen Taicheng Reply:
● Total cholesterol is generally considered normal if it is ≤200 mg/dL, and LDL-C is considered normal if it is ≤130 mg/dL, indicating only a slight increase. This is not classified as high lipid levels, and given your age, your cardiovascular risk is generally low. ● The norma...[Read More] Understanding Your Blood Test Results: Cholesterol, Blood Sugar, and More
Understanding Tongue Coating: What It Reveals About Your Health
Tongue coating concerns? Hello, I noticed that my tongue coating was thicker for a while, but recently it has decreased a bit. Today, I observed that the middle and back parts of my tongue have more coating again. When I scrape it off and smell it, there is a slight strange odor,...
Dr. Chen Taicheng Reply:
● The tongue coating may indeed change slightly over time, due to diet and individual health conditions. However, these changes are often not significant issues and may improve on their own. ● Generally, observation is sufficient; if discomfort occurs, it is advisable to seek fur...[Read More] Understanding Tongue Coating: What It Reveals About Your Health
Understanding Diabetes Medication: Is My Dosage Too Low?
Diabetes medication issues? Hello, Doctor. About a year ago, I was diagnosed with diabetes (pre-meal blood sugar 143, HbA1c 8.3). The doctor prescribed medication and advised me to lose weight (one Kuroda tablet in the morning and evening, and one Forxiga in the morning). After w...
Dr. Chen Taicheng Reply:
● It is indeed not significant; with your diet, exercise, weight loss, and medication assistance, your blood sugar is well controlled. ● However, with a hemoglobin A1c of 4.8, you should be cautious of the risk of hypoglycemia, although the risk is lower with Kuroda and Forxiga. ...[Read More] Understanding Diabetes Medication: Is My Dosage Too Low?
Understanding Oral Issues: Causes and Solutions for Bad Breath and Tongue Pain
Oral issues Hello, doctor. I would like to ask why I have been experiencing an unusual taste in my mouth for the past week (sometimes it feels sour, but it doesn't seem to be). My tongue occasionally feels prickly. How can I improve this condition?
Dr. Chen Taicheng Reply:
● If you have recently taken medication, such as antibiotics, it may sometimes cause changes in taste, which will gradually improve after discontinuation. ● Oral malodor should also consider the possibility of sinusitis, gastroesophageal reflux, excessive salivation, or oral hygi...[Read More] Understanding Oral Issues: Causes and Solutions for Bad Breath and Tongue Pain
Managing Hemorrhoids During Menstruation: What You Need to Know
Menstrual Period and Anal Issues I recently developed hemorrhoids and consulted a doctor. I've been applying medication for four days, but my menstrual period has started, and I'm unsure whether I should continue using the medication Yizhi Kang.
Dr. Chen Taicheng Reply:
If you have concerns about using medication during your menstrual period, you may pause its use and resume after your period ends. Hemorrhoids are a chronic issue, and it may take several weeks of using the medication to achieve complete healing, so a short-term discontinuation i...[Read More] Managing Hemorrhoids During Menstruation: What You Need to Know
Am I Anemic? Understanding Blood Test Results and Causes
Doctor, is this anemia? HCT (Hematocrit) value: 37.5% (Reference range: 37-47%) HGB (Hemoglobin) value: 12.8 g/dL (Reference range: 12-16 g/dL) MCH (Mean Corpuscular Hemoglobin) value: 30.7 pg (Reference range: 27-34 pg) MCHC (Mean Corpuscular Hemoglobin Concentration) valu...
Dr. Chen Taicheng Reply:
● Except for a slightly low red blood cell count (the normal range for most people is above 4.2 million; yours is 4.17 million, which is just a little below), all other values are within the normal range. ● At this time, hemoglobin levels are normal, and the only issue is the sli...[Read More] Am I Anemic? Understanding Blood Test Results and Causes
Understanding Hypertension: Managing Blood Pressure and Cholesterol Levels
Hypertension screening? Hello doctor, I'm 33 years old, 167 cm tall, and weigh 85 kg. Last year during my health check-up, my blood pressure was high at 145/92 and my heart rate was 88, which I think might have been due to nerves. Since I didn't feel any particular symp...
Dr. Chen Taicheng Reply:
● Normal blood pressure is defined as ≤120/80 mmHg; hypertension is defined as ≥140/90 mmHg. However, blood pressure can sometimes be elevated due to anxiety during a clinic visit, so it is best to measure blood pressure at home, which should be the primary reference. If home blo...[Read More] Understanding Hypertension: Managing Blood Pressure and Cholesterol Levels
Understanding Metabolism Changes and Dietary Concerns in Family Medicine
Metabolic changes and dietary concerns? Hello, doctor. Since 2015, I have gradually felt weaker than before, and I even experience a lack of libido. Recently, I discovered that I have been consistently under-consuming calories, often missing meals. My basal metabolic rate is appr...
Dr. Chen Taicheng Reply:
● For your daily caloric needs, please refer to https://goo.gl/rk2xTw, https://goo.gl/Vzaj8g, https://goo.gl/XW8g79. Your weight is slightly above normal (BMI: 24.2), and you should aim to consume approximately 30 calories per kilogram. ● If you find it difficult to eat that much...[Read More] Understanding Metabolism Changes and Dietary Concerns in Family Medicine
Understanding Weight Loss: Possible Causes and When to Seek Help
Weight loss Hello Doctor, I measured my weight on May 13 and it was 79.5 kg, but on June 23, it dropped to 74.5 kg, a loss of 5 kg. I often feel weakness in my left calf and a tight sensation after running. I am unsure if these two issues are related. My diet has been normal. Wha...
Dr. Chen Taicheng Reply:
● If you are eating and drinking normally but still experiencing weight loss, it is often indicative of issues such as high blood sugar or endocrine problems like hyperthyroidism. ● Similar personal responses can be referenced in <a href="https://adoctor.tw/article/117383...[Read More] Understanding Weight Loss: Possible Causes and When to Seek Help
Understanding Chronic Dizziness: When to Seek Medical Help
Chronic dizziness I have low blood pressure and anemia, which often causes me to feel dizzy. Although I usually don't have major issues in my daily life, recently I've experienced severe dizziness at times, and there have been a few occasions when I couldn't stand ...
Dr. Chen Taicheng Reply:
Anemia (iron deficiency anemia is common in women due to menstruation) and low blood pressure can both cause dizziness. If it is iron deficiency anemia, iron supplementation may help, or it is necessary to determine if menstrual flow is excessive (consult a gynecologist); low blo...[Read More] Understanding Chronic Dizziness: When to Seek Medical Help
Understanding Prediabetes: Do You Need Medication or Dietary Changes?
Is it prediabetes, and is there a need for medication management? Hello Doctor: I had a routine check-up last June, where my fasting blood glucose was 88, but my hemoglobin A1c spiked to 9.4. The doctor advised that the testing lab should recheck the results. Later, I was asked t...
Dr. Chen Taicheng Reply:
●Conclusion first: Not necessarily, but there is a high chance of not having diabetes, and medication is not required. ●The diagnostic criteria for diabetes include four criteria: (1) Fasting blood glucose ≥ 126 mg/dL (2) Two-hour blood glucose ≥ 200 mg/dL after a 75 g oral gluco...[Read More] Understanding Prediabetes: Do You Need Medication or Dietary Changes?
Unexplained Weight Loss Despite Normal Diet: Seeking Medical Guidance
Normal diet, but the body is becoming increasingly emaciated? Hello Dr. Chen, I am inquiring on behalf of my mother-in-law. Since after the Lunar New Year this year, she has been losing weight continuously. She originally weighed 48-49 kg, but now she is down to 43 kg. She eats a...
Dr. Chen Taicheng Reply:
The causes of involuntary weight loss in the elderly are numerous. For instance, 1. Side effects of medications. 2. Emotional issues, such as depression. 3. Poor appetite, which can occur with normal aging, such as diminished taste, delayed gastric emptying, and gastrointestinal ...[Read More] Unexplained Weight Loss Despite Normal Diet: Seeking Medical Guidance
Which Specialist to Consult for Suspected Chronic Fatigue Syndrome?
If you suspect you have symptoms of "Chronic Fatigue Syndrome," which specialist should you consult? Hello Doctor: My symptoms are as follows: I experience intermittent fatigue, lethargy, and weakness several times a day, along with occasional brief episodes of dizzines...
Dr. Chen Taicheng Reply:
Chronic Fatigue Syndrome is a diagnosis of exclusion; however, your own hyperlipidemia and long-term nasal congestion, post-nasal drip, allergic rhinitis, and gastroesophageal reflux could contribute to symptoms of chronic fatigue. Additionally, if there is a possibility of sleep...[Read More] Which Specialist to Consult for Suspected Chronic Fatigue Syndrome?
Understanding Low White Blood Cell Count: Causes, Treatments, and Dietary Tips
Causes of low white blood cell count and related lifestyle and dietary treatments? Hello Doctor, I would like to ask you about my father, who was born in 1954 and has a very slender build. Recently, he underwent a blood test, and his white blood cell count was low, at only 2800. ...
Dr. Zhang Hongwei Reply:
It is important to consult a hematologist as soon as possible to identify the underlying cause in order to receive appropriate treatment.[Read More] Understanding Low White Blood Cell Count: Causes, Treatments, and Dietary Tips
Health Concerns: Can Contaminated Money Affect Your Breakfast?
Health issues I would like to ask the doctor: If a breakfast shop collects money and does not wash their hands before preparing food, could the bacteria or viruses on the money cause discomfort after eating? Additionally, if the money comes into contact with cooked food, can the ...
Dr. Chen Taicheng Reply:
● Poor hand hygiene can transfer viruses and bacteria to food, causing gastrointestinal discomfort for consumers; however, the dietary habits and gastrointestinal health of Taiwanese people are generally well-trained in the current dining environment. ● Cooking food thoroughly ca...[Read More] Health Concerns: Can Contaminated Money Affect Your Breakfast?
Understanding Sore Throat Causes and Sleep Issues: A Patient's Journey
Causes of sore throat and issues related to insomnia? Hello Doctor: In February, I had a cold and felt unwell, so I went to a clinic to see a doctor and took some medication. My throat still felt a bit uncomfortable; initially, I thought it was due to a fishbone, but after examin...
Dr. Chen Taicheng Reply:
● There is a strict definition for contacts of tuberculosis: individuals who have been in contact with an index case (such as a colleague with pulmonary tuberculosis) for more than 8 hours in a single day, or a cumulative total of over 40 hours during the infectious period. If th...[Read More] Understanding Sore Throat Causes and Sleep Issues: A Patient's Journey
Understanding High White Blood Cell Count and Lipid Levels: Key Health Insights
Elevated white blood cell count, triglycerides, total cholesterol, and fasting blood glucose levels? Hello Doctor: I recently had blood tests done on March 6, which included urine, blood, liver, and kidney function tests. The results showed elevated white blood cells (17,140), tr...
Dr. Chen Taicheng Reply:
● There are many causes for elevated white blood cell counts, including inflammation, infection, or other diseases. It is advisable to monitor for symptoms such as fever, sore throat, diarrhea, or other recent significant physical discomfort. If none are present, it is still reco...[Read More] Understanding High White Blood Cell Count and Lipid Levels: Key Health Insights
Understanding Persistent Throat Clearing and Coughing in Active Individuals
Easily hungry and prone to coughing when fasting? Hello Doctor, my husband (non-smoker, non-drinker, loves to exercise) has been clearing his throat frequently for about three years. He underwent surgery for inferior turbinate reduction to alleviate nasal congestion, but the thro...
Dr. Chen Taicheng Reply:
● There are many reasons for throat clearing, which may be due to a sensation of something stuck in the throat. The most common causes include post-nasal drip, gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), asthma, or certain medications (such as antihypertensives). It is also important...[Read More] Understanding Persistent Throat Clearing and Coughing in Active Individuals