Understanding Abnormal Blood Test Results: When to Seek Further Evaluation
Blood test issues? About two years ago, a medical examination revealed low white blood cell counts. However, in July of last year, all five types of white blood cells were normal. At that time, my family medicine doctor explained that some individuals naturally have lower white b...
Dr. Xiao Yongxun Reply:
Dear Ms. Lin: 1. Leukopenia refers to a decrease in the number of white blood cells in the blood; the most common form of leukopenia is neutropenia, while lymphopenia is less common. Common causes of leukopenia include aplastic anemia, megaloblastic anemia, autoimmune diseases,...[Read More] Understanding Abnormal Blood Test Results: When to Seek Further Evaluation
Understanding Elevated Amylase Levels: Causes and Next Steps
Elevated amylase levels? Hello Dr. Lin, my younger brother recently received his health check-up report from work, and I have a few questions to ask you. He has a slight issue with being overweight (175 cm / 81 kg), with a BMI of 26.6, and an abdominal ultrasound showed mild to m...
Dr. Lin Zhebin Reply:
Hello: 1. There are many reasons that can cause an elevation in amylase levels, usually related to intra-abdominal organs. Regarding your concern about pancreatitis, it is actually more specific to check lipase levels. I recommend that your brother visit a gastroenterology depart...[Read More] Understanding Elevated Amylase Levels: Causes and Next Steps
Understanding Left Chest Pain: Causes and Concerns for Women
Left chest tightness and pain? Hello, doctor! I've been experiencing left chest tightness and pain for the past two days. Sometimes the pain is closer to the nipple, but there is no pain on the right side. The tightness persists throughout the day. My menstrual period just e...
Dr. Xiao Yongxun Reply:
Dear Miss Hsiao-Yu, 1. When a clinician addresses the issue of chest pain, the first four critical conditions to rule out are myocardial infarction, pulmonary embolism, pneumothorax, and aortic dissection. If none of these conditions are present, the differential diagnosis shoul...[Read More] Understanding Left Chest Pain: Causes and Concerns for Women
Understanding Shellfish Allergy: Symptoms and Management Tips
Crustacean allergy issues? Whenever I eat shellfish like shrimp or crab, my lips become itchy, and the taste is overwhelmingly fishy, making my throat and esophagus feel uncomfortable. In severe cases, I even feel like vomiting. I can only barely eat grilled shrimp, but it still ...
Dr. Liao Yaopan Reply:
Hello, based on your description, there is a possibility of an allergic reaction, as allergic responses are not solely limited to urticaria. It is advisable to consult an allergist for further evaluation. Online consultations are not equivalent to in-person medical visits and can...[Read More] Understanding Shellfish Allergy: Symptoms and Management Tips
Managing COVID-19 Risks for Diabetic Patients: A Care Guide
Diabetes and confirmed COVID-19 infection? Hello Doctor, my mother is 64 years old and has diabetes and hypertension. She has been regularly visiting a family physician and is on long-term medication for control. However, in September 2020, she experienced pancreatitis (suspected...
Dr. Lin Zhebin Reply:
Hello: After contracting COVID-19, the two main concerns are monitoring the progression of the illness and medication treatment: 1. Monitoring the progression of the illness: This can be divided into subjective and objective components. Subjective component: If your mother experi...[Read More] Managing COVID-19 Risks for Diabetic Patients: A Care Guide
Struggling to Breathe: Understanding Yawning Difficulties and Solutions
Inability to yawn / Breathing issues Hello Doctor, I have been experiencing a sensation of not being able to take a deep breath for about five years. It feels like I am inhaling, but I don't feel like the air is actually getting in. I also find it difficult to yawn completel...
Dr. Lin Zhebin Reply:
Hello: Based on the symptoms you described, it is recommended that you consult an otolaryngologist.[Read More] Struggling to Breathe: Understanding Yawning Difficulties and Solutions
Long-Term Facial Muscle Weakness: Which Specialist Should You See?
If you are experiencing long-term facial muscle weakness, you should consult a neurologist? Hello, doctor. I've loved using computers since I was young, and my improper posture has led to stiffness in my right shoulder and upper back. I used to experience numbness frequently...
Dr. Lin Zhebin Reply:
Hello: Your symptoms can be summarized as sensory abnormalities in the right side of your back, right shoulder, right side of your neck, right side of your face, and right eye, along with abnormal movements of the right eye. I personally believe this may be related to a neurologi...[Read More] Long-Term Facial Muscle Weakness: Which Specialist Should You See?
Post-Vaccine Fever: Should You Take Fever Reducers?
Regarding fever after vaccination? My boyfriend developed a fever approximately six hours after receiving the BNT vaccine (ear thermometer reading of 38.2 degrees Celsius). He feels very uncomfortable and took paracetamol to reduce the fever, but the fever returns once the medica...
Dr. Lin Zhebin Reply:
Hello: Here are the answers to your questions: 1. Will taking antipyretics affect the effectiveness of the vaccine? Answer: Taking antipyretics will not affect the effectiveness of the vaccine. 2. If I take antipyretics right after developing a fever, will it worsen my immune...[Read More] Post-Vaccine Fever: Should You Take Fever Reducers?
Understanding Hand Color Changes: Is It Normal or a Cause for Concern?
Inquiry Consultation Dear Dr. Lin, I have recently observed that the fingertips of my ten fingers appear much redder compared to the other joints, particularly the second and third joints, which seem paler. I would like to ask if this is a normal phenomenon related to blood flow...
Dr. Lin Zhebin Reply:
Hello: Regarding the issue of your fingertips being more reddish compared to other joints, it is primarily likely due to microvascular dilation in the fingertips. If this has always been the case for you, it may be congenital. If it were a circulation issue, it would typically pr...[Read More] Understanding Hand Color Changes: Is It Normal or a Cause for Concern?
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
The Risks of Maggots to Human Health: What You Need to Know
The harm of maggots to the human body? Hello, doctor! As mentioned, I am currently a student and working part-time as a cleaner at school. Yesterday, when I lifted the lid of a trash can, a lot of small insects, likely fruit flies, flew out. I also discovered several maggots on t...
Dr. Ye Qianyu Reply:
Hello! The harm caused by maggots to the body primarily occurs when they burrow into the host's tissues and feed, resulting in severe damage to the host's body tissues. The infected areas typically produce foul-smelling secretions and may become ulcerated, leading to or...[Read More] The Risks of Maggots to Human Health: What You Need to Know
Understanding Blood Sugar Levels and Acanthosis Nigricans: Key Insights
Blood sugar issues Hello Dr. Hsiao, I am currently 26 years old, 176 cm tall, and I weighed 103 kg at my heaviest. I have now reduced my weight to 89 kg and am continuing to lose weight. My body fat percentage is 23% (down from 32% at my heaviest), and my visceral fat is 12 (down...
Dr. Xiao Yongxun Reply:
Dear Mr. Zhou: 1) Could this indicate prediabetes? Generally, a normal fasting plasma glucose level is less than 100 mg/dL. If it falls between 100 mg/dL and 126 mg/dL, it can be considered as prediabetes or impaired fasting glucose. Of course, if the postprandial glucose level ...[Read More] Understanding Blood Sugar Levels and Acanthosis Nigricans: Key Insights
Is Your Boyfriend's Weight Loss Normal? Understanding Healthy Changes
Weight issues Hello, doctor. My boyfriend (19 years old, 173 cm tall, weighing about 72 kg two months ago and now approximately 66 kg) has lost about 6 kg in the past two months without intentionally dieting. His sleep schedule has improved to going to bed around 11 PM and waking...
Dr. Chen Bozhang Reply:
Hello, Xuan: In your letter, you mentioned that your boyfriend has lost 6 kilograms in two months. Weight changes must be assessed by considering both total caloric intake (energy input) and activity level (energy expenditure). During these two months, his sleep duration decreas...[Read More] Is Your Boyfriend's Weight Loss Normal? Understanding Healthy Changes
Understanding Blood Pressure Readings: Key Questions Answered by Dr. Lin
Follow-up Inquiry #181218 Blood Pressure Consultation Dear Dr. Lin, Thank you very much for your response to my personal inquiry in the article “#181218 Blood Pressure Inquiry Consultation.” I have greatly benefited from your insights. I have a few more questions I would like to...
Dr. Lin Zhebin Reply:
Hello: 1. Because the cuff of a tunnel-type blood pressure monitor has a fixed aperture, unlike the adjustable cuffs of arm-type monitors that can accommodate different arm widths, if your arm is thicker than average or if you are wearing clothing, blood pressure detection can ...[Read More] Understanding Blood Pressure Readings: Key Questions Answered by Dr. Lin
Understanding Blood Pressure Changes: Are You at Risk for Hypertension?
Blood pressure readings Hello Dr. Yeh, I have been measuring my blood pressure for the past six years, and it has been around 102/68 (I only measure it twice a year). Recently, in the past month, my readings have been approximately 129/68 and 123/78. Is this considered prehyperte...
Dr. Ye Qianyu Reply:
Hello! Based on your blood pressure readings, you are classified as having prehypertension. It is recommended that you manage your diet and exercise, and monitor your weight, blood sugar, and lipid levels for any abnormalities. If there are any issues, it is advisable to follow u...[Read More] Understanding Blood Pressure Changes: Are You at Risk for Hypertension?
Is My Blood Pressure Rising? Understanding Prehypertension Risks
Blood pressure issues Hello doctor, I would like to ask about my blood pressure. For the past six years, I have measured it approximately twice a year, and it has been around 102/68. Recently, in the last month, my readings have been around 129/68 and 123/78. Is this considered p...
Dr. Lin Zhebin Reply:
Hello: By definition, a systolic blood pressure of 120-139 or a diastolic blood pressure of 80-89 is classified as prehypertension. Therefore, the blood pressure values you provided meet the criteria for a diagnosis of prehypertension. Additionally, it is important to consider yo...[Read More] Is My Blood Pressure Rising? Understanding Prehypertension Risks
Understanding Persistent Low-Grade Fever: Causes and When to Seek Help
Low-grade fever issue Hello Doctor, I remember that about five or six years ago, I experienced episodes for a few months where I would feel warm and have headaches (my temperature was always between 36-37.5°C without fever). Since then, I have had similar experiences every year. ...
Dr. Liao Yaopan Reply:
Hello, with unexplained fever and elevated body temperature, the primary concern should be to rule out any potential infectious issues. If such concerns are excluded, differential diagnosis for autoimmune rheumatic diseases and even neoplastic conditions should be considered. Ple...[Read More] Understanding Persistent Low-Grade Fever: Causes and When to Seek Help
Understanding Blood Pressure Readings After a Sudden Trauma: A Medical Inquiry
The blood pressure reading of 197/58 indicates a condition known as isolated systolic hypertension, where the systolic pressure (the first number) is significantly elevated while the diastolic pressure (the second number) is within a normal range. This could be a sign of cardiova...
Dr. Lin Zhebin Reply:
Hello: Based on the blood pressure data you provided, there is indeed a situation of elevated blood pressure. However, blood pressure naturally fluctuates and can increase due to factors such as exercise, stress, anxiety, or physical discomfort. A single instance of elevated bloo...[Read More] Understanding Blood Pressure Readings After a Sudden Trauma: A Medical Inquiry
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