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 High Total Cholesterol with Low Triglycerides: Causes and Concerns
High total cholesterol and low triglycerides? Hello Doctor: Recently, my health check report revealed that my total cholesterol level is as high as 252 mg/dL, while my triglycerides are only 38 mg/dL. I am 148 cm tall and weigh 39 kg. I usually have a light diet, enjoy eating fru...
Dr. Hou Angting Reply:
Hello, triglycerides are one of the components of cholesterol. Therefore, when triglyceride levels are high, cholesterol levels are also likely to be high; however, when triglyceride levels are low, cholesterol levels may not necessarily be low. The levels of total cholesterol ar...[Read More] Understanding High Total Cholesterol with Low Triglycerides: Causes and Concerns
Understanding Red Flags in Health Check Reports: What to Do Next
Red text in health check reports can be quite alarming? What should I do if my health check report has these red flags? Is it serious? Please advise, thank you! I thought I was healthy~~ Pulse rate 110, urine occult blood 3+, GOT 39, GPT 91.
Dr. Cai Dongqi Reply:
Hello! A urine test showing 3+ hematuria may indicate the possibility of urinary stones (symptoms include back pain, lower abdominal pain, nausea, and abnormal urination) or a urinary tract infection (symptoms include fever, nausea, and loss of appetite). Other causes may exist, ...[Read More] Understanding Red Flags in Health Check Reports: What to Do Next
Understanding Sudden Nighttime Blood Sugar Spikes: Causes and Concerns
Sudden increase in blood sugar levels at night? 1. Based on your blood sugar readings, you do not appear to have diabetes. Your fasting blood sugar levels and post-meal levels are generally within the normal range, although the reading of 148 mg/dL after dinner is slightly elevat...
Dr. Liao Yaopan Reply:
Hello, based on the records from that day, the criteria for a diabetes diagnosis were not met. When fasting for an extended period, the body converts stored macromolecules, such as glycogen, into glucose for cellular use. Under normal physiological mechanisms, fluctuations in blo...[Read More] Understanding Sudden Nighttime Blood Sugar Spikes: Causes and Concerns
Chest Pain and Pressing Sensations: Is It Related to Adenomyosis?
Sternal compression pain Hello Doctor: I have adenomyosis, and I experience pain when pressing on the bones around my chest, especially in the center of my chest near the xiphoid process, which is the most painful area. Generally, I feel pain with pressure, but it becomes more in...
Dr. Ye Qianyu Reply:
Hello, based on your description, the pain in this area is classified as breast pain. If it is cyclical and hormone-related, it is also important to examine any musculoskeletal issues, such as pectoralis major strain or pain caused by scoliosis. I recommend you visit a breast sur...[Read More] Chest Pain and Pressing Sensations: Is It Related to Adenomyosis?
Understanding Tongue Pain: Causes and Solutions for Redness and Swelling
Tongue issues? Recently, I've been experiencing a slight stinging sensation on the tip of my tongue when it is touched. Upon observation, I noticed that the tip of my tongue is somewhat red and swollen, and there is a thickening of the white patches on my tongue. I'm no...
Dr. Ye Qianyu Reply:
Hello, based on your description, it may be a tongue ulcer. I recommend a light diet and to avoid irritants. If there is no improvement after a week, please consult an otolaryngologist or oral surgeon.[Read More] Understanding Tongue Pain: Causes and Solutions for Redness and Swelling
Post-AZ Vaccine Symptoms: When to Seek Medical Attention?
Questions about the AZ vaccine? Doctor, I would like to ask for your advice. After receiving the vaccine on September 19, I started experiencing body aches, high fever, and diarrhea (I did not have diarrhea before the vaccination). Now all the symptoms have resolved except for th...
Dr. Ye Qianyu Reply:
Hello! It is recommended that you start with a light diet and monitor your diarrhea symptoms. If you experience dehydration or if there is no improvement after several days, please seek medical attention at a healthcare facility.[Read More] Post-AZ Vaccine Symptoms: When to Seek Medical Attention?
Understanding Weight Fluctuations: Is Your Daily Routine Affecting It?
Regarding weight loss? Hello, yesterday morning my weight was 63.3 kg. I didn't eat much throughout the day, only a breakfast sandwich and milk tea. By the evening, before dinner, my weight was 63.5 kg. However, this morning after using the restroom, my weight was 62.2 kg. I...
Dr. Xiao Yongxun Reply:
1. The water content in the human body accounts for 45-60% of body weight. Two-thirds of this water is located within the cells, referred to as intracellular fluid. One-third is found outside the cells, known as extracellular fluid. It is crucial for the body to maintain the home...[Read More] Understanding Weight Fluctuations: Is Your Daily Routine Affecting It?
Understanding Swallowing Difficulties: A Comprehensive Guide for Patients
Swallowing difficulties Hello, I would like to ask the doctor about my condition. Five months ago, I underwent an upper endoscopy due to abdominal pain, and it was noted that I had polyps and mild gastritis. However, two to three weeks later, I suddenly experienced chest pain, ne...
Dr. Ye Qianyu Reply:
Hello! Your chest pain and difficulty swallowing may indeed be related to gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). In addition to medication, dietary and lifestyle adjustments are necessary for improvement, such as avoiding spicy and greasy foods, caffeine, sweets, hard-to-chew fo...[Read More] Understanding Swallowing Difficulties: A Comprehensive Guide for Patients
Understanding Anal Bumps: Hemorrhoids or Fissures?
A small lump has developed at the anal opening? Hello, doctor. I noticed a small raised bump near my anus while taking a shower. It was fine the first day, but over the next few days, I experienced a slight stinging pain when I touched it or when it was pressed against (for examp...
Dr. Cai Dongqi Reply:
Hello DITH! Please visit the colorectal surgery clinic.[Read More] Understanding Anal Bumps: Hemorrhoids or Fissures?
Understanding Your Health Concerns While Living Abroad: A Guide
Recent discomforts in the body? Hello, doctor! I have been working in Japan for a long time and, due to the pandemic, I have been unable to return to Taiwan. Recently, I have been experiencing various discomforts and I am unsure whether they are psychological or physical issues. ...
Dr. Liu Hongxiang Reply:
Hello Mr. Shang-Chuan, Based on your height and weight, your BMI is 31.4, which falls into the category of moderate obesity. Your systolic blood pressure readings of 133 or 120 are within the normal range. It is recommended that in addition to dietary control, you incorporate e...[Read More] Understanding Your Health Concerns While Living Abroad: A Guide
Managing Weight Loss and Dizziness After Blood Pressure Medication
Weight is gradually decreasing? Hello Dr. Liu, about two years ago, my blood pressure suddenly spiked to nearly 200. Since then, I have started taking antihypertensive medications to control my blood pressure. Currently, I take one pill of Amlodipine and half a pill of Candesarta...
Dr. Liu Hongxiang Reply:
Hello A-Rong, According to your letter, avoiding high-calorie foods and not overeating during meals will help you approach your ideal weight after a period of persistence. Considering the average height of Taiwanese men is 173.5 cm, a weight of 78 kg results in a BMI of 25.9, wh...[Read More] Managing Weight Loss and Dizziness After Blood Pressure Medication
Understanding High Cholesterol: What Your Test Results Mean and Next Steps
Regarding high cholesterol? Hello Doctor, I recently had a health check-up, and my cholesterol levels are as follows: total cholesterol 231 mg/dL; HDL (high-density lipoprotein) 70 mg/dL; LDL (low-density lipoprotein) 134 mg/dL; triglycerides 74 mg/dL. I have noticed elevated cho...
Dr. Liao Yaopan Reply:
Hello, the overall examination data still indicates hyperlipidemia. If it continues to remain elevated, in addition to dietary control, medication management may also be necessary. Online consultations are not equivalent to in-person medical visits and cannot provide diagnoses or...[Read More] Understanding High Cholesterol: What Your Test Results Mean and Next Steps
Understanding Your Unexplained Physical Symptoms: A Guide for Patients
Occasional minor physical abnormalities? Hello Doctor: Recently, I've been experiencing various health issues. Since the end of May, I've had intermittent chest pain in the middle of my chest. Sometimes it hurts when I move, and other times it hurts even when I'm a...
Dr. Liao Yaopan Reply:
Hello, based on your description, many psychosomatic symptoms may be difficult to explain with a single diagnosis. If various functional abnormalities have been ruled out through examinations, internal and external stressors could also be a contributing factor to your physiologic...[Read More] Understanding Your Unexplained Physical Symptoms: A Guide for Patients
Is a 3-Kilogram Weight Loss in Three Months Normal? Expert Insights
Weight loss Hello, I would like to consult a doctor. Three months ago, in early May, my weight was approximately 66.5 kg. However, yesterday I bought a scale and my weight was 63.5 kg. Is it normal to lose 3 kg in three months? I have been eating less recently due to the hot weat...
Dr. Liao Yaopan Reply:
Hello, unexplained weight loss is certainly a reason to seek medical evaluation and observation. There are many factors that can affect weight changes. Online consultations are not equivalent to an in-person medical visit and cannot provide diagnoses or treatment recommendations....[Read More] Is a 3-Kilogram Weight Loss in Three Months Normal? Expert Insights
Is a Sudden Drop in Blood Pressure After Medication Change Safe?
Issues with Switching Antihypertensive Medications Hello Doctor: My father is 56 years old and has high blood pressure. Previously, he measured his blood pressure about once a week, and it was around 145/85. Recently, he had a follow-up appointment and changed his medication. Tod...
Dr. Xiao Yongxun Reply:
Dear Ms. Lee: 1. Regarding your concerns, it is advisable to consult your father's attending physician for more appropriate guidance. 2. Hypertension is classified into primary hypertension and secondary hypertension. The former accounts for approximately 90-95% of hyperten...[Read More] Is a Sudden Drop in Blood Pressure After Medication Change Safe?
Understanding Intermittent Left Side Pain: Causes and Specialist Recommendations
Lower back pain Hello doctor, I have been experiencing intermittent sharp pain on the left side of my ribcage extending towards the area near my spine, specifically to the left of the vertebrae. The pain comes in sudden bursts and is not associated with tenderness or specific pos...
Dr. Xiao Yongxun Reply:
Dear Miss Chuang, 1. Acute pancreatitis is most common in middle-aged individuals, with the most frequent causes being gallstones and alcohol abuse. In milder cases, it can lead to inflammation, edema, and fat necrosis of the pancreas and surrounding tissues. In more severe case...[Read More] Understanding Intermittent Left Side Pain: Causes and Specialist Recommendations
Managing High Fasting Blood Sugar with Normal HbA1c: A Guide
Elevated fasting blood glucose with normal glycated hemoglobin (prediabetes)? Hello, Doctor. During my health check-up last year, my fasting blood sugar was found to be 110, so I started paying attention to my diet and exercise. My weight, which was originally 173 lbs at 77 kg, h...
Dr. Xiao Yongxun Reply:
Dear Mr. Peter: 1. Generally speaking, a normal fasting plasma glucose level is less than 100 mg/dL. If the level is between 100 mg/dL and 126 mg/dL, it can be considered as prediabetes or impaired fasting glucose. Of course, if the fasting glucose is greater than or equal to 12...[Read More] Managing High Fasting Blood Sugar with Normal HbA1c: A Guide
Understanding Intermittent Left Rib Pain: Causes and When to Seek Help
Lower back pain Hello doctor, I have a sharp, intermittent pain that extends from my left rib towards the area near my spine, specifically on the left side of the vertebrae. The pain comes in sudden bursts and is not associated with tenderness or a specific posture. Sometimes it ...
Dr. Xiao Yongxun Reply:
Dear Miss Chuang: 1. Acute pancreatitis is most common in middle-aged individuals, with the most frequent causes being gallstones and alcohol abuse. In milder cases, it can lead to inflammation, edema, and fat necrosis of the pancreas and surrounding tissues. In more severe case...[Read More] Understanding Intermittent Left Rib Pain: Causes and When to Seek Help
Understanding Morning Hand Stiffness: Causes and Solutions
Waking up with stiffness in the left fingers? Hello, Dr. Hsiao: I have been experiencing an issue over the past year, which has occurred about ten times. Usually, I am able to sleep through the night, but this phenomenon happens when I suddenly wake up in the middle of my sleep....
Dr. Xiao Yongxun Reply:
Dear Ms. Judy: 1. Clinically, the presence of numbness or tingling sensations in the limbs indicates damage to the sensory nerves. While most cases are due to chronic peripheral nerve injuries, it is common for patients to report acute and transient symptoms such as numbness, ti...[Read More] Understanding Morning Hand Stiffness: Causes and Solutions