Favism, Family Medicine FAQ

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Persistent Dizziness and Tremors After a Month of Cold: What to Do?

Experiencing dizziness and shaking one month after a cold? Hello doctor, I have had a cold for a month, and now the only symptoms left are dizziness and shaking. I feel dizzy all day, and my body shakes when I work. I have a history of favism and hypertension. I would like to ask...


Dr. Lin Zhebin Reply:
Hello: If you are experiencing dizziness and shaking a month after having a cold, it is advisable to seek medical attention for peace of mind. It is recommended to first visit a family medicine clinic.

[Read More] Persistent Dizziness and Tremors After a Month of Cold: What to Do?


How to Confirm if Your Child Has Favism: Medical Records and Testing Options

Unsure if the child has favism? Hello doctor, when my child was born, the doctor mentioned a suspicion of G6PD deficiency. Later, I got busy and forgot about it. I remember that some tests were done at that time. Can I check the records on the health insurance card, or do I need ...


Dr. Lin Zhebin Reply:
Hello: The examination for G6PD deficiency, also known as Favism, primarily involves a blood test to check for the presence of this enzyme. Most individuals typically use the National Health Insurance (NHI) Easy Card to query their previous test reports. However, if the test was ...

[Read More] How to Confirm if Your Child Has Favism: Medical Records and Testing Options


Can People with Favism Safely Consume Pearl Powder?

Consumption of pearl powder in individuals with favism? Hello, I have a personal history of favism and have been advised not to consume pearl powder. Recently, I noticed that some beauty and health products contain pearl powder, so I searched for information related to favism. I ...


Dr. Lin Zhebin Reply:
Hello: The main component of pearl powder is calcium carbonate, along with a small amount of carbohydrates, amino acids, and trace elements (including heavy metals), among others. Calcium carbonate, carbohydrates, and amino acids are unlikely to cause hemolytic reactions in indiv...

[Read More] Can People with Favism Safely Consume Pearl Powder?


Can People with Favism Eat Certain Herbs and Spices?

Can I eat foods that contain herbs? Hello doctor, I know that individuals with favism should avoid consuming mint and camphor. May I ask if they can eat lemon balm, lemongrass, rosemary, and lemon verbena? Thank you! 🙏


Dr. Cai Dongqi Reply:
Hello, Fengfeng: I'm not sure, as this is not within my area of expertise.

[Read More] Can People with Favism Eat Certain Herbs and Spices?


Do Commercial Mosquito Repellents Affect Children with Favism?

Commercial mosquito repellent Does the presence of lemongrass and tea tree essential oil scent on a student trigger a reaction in individuals with G6PD deficiency? If students insist on using commercially available mosquito repellent sprays and wearing mosquito repellent bracelet...


Dr. Liao Yaopan Reply:
Hello, here are two suggested resources for your reference: the Taiwan Pediatric Association (https://www.pediatr.org.tw/people/edu_info.asp?id=20) and the National Taiwan University Hospital Health Newsletter (https://epaper.ntuh.gov.tw/health/202106/health_4.html). Please note ...

[Read More] Do Commercial Mosquito Repellents Affect Children with Favism?


Alternatives to Colchicine for Gout in Patients with Favism

Favism & Gout Hello, due to having favism, I have experienced a gout attack in the past few days. I have a history of gout and have seen a rheumatologist who prescribed colchicine and pain relievers. However, I recently discovered that individuals with favism should not take ...


Dr. Hou Angting Reply:
Hello Zeze: I suggest you discuss gout medication with a rheumatologist. Wishing you good health.

[Read More] Alternatives to Colchicine for Gout in Patients with Favism


Can People with Favism Safely Undergo Waxing Treatments?

Can individuals with G6PD deficiency undergo hot wax hair removal? Hello, I would like to ask if individuals with G6PD deficiency can undergo waxing hair removal. I have seen many waxing services stating that those with G6PD deficiency need to consult a doctor, so I would like to...


Dr. Lin Zhebin Reply:
Hello: Because you have favism, in addition to avoiding certain foods and medications, you should also be cautious about exposure to substances containing menthol, camphor, and methyl salicylate in your environment. It is recommended that you inquire whether the hot wax used for ...

[Read More] Can People with Favism Safely Undergo Waxing Treatments?


Impact of Turnera Leaf in Health Supplements for Favism Patients

Favism Component Consultation Hello, I would like to ask about a male health supplement available on the market that contains "Tonka bean" as an ingredient. Does this have any effects on patients with G6PD deficiency?


Dr. Liao Yaopan Reply:
Hello, what is commonly known as Favism is a type of common autosomal recessive disorder where patients lack glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase, abbreviated as "G6PD deficiency." Some medications or chemicals should be avoided. Regarding the "Turner leaf" menti...

[Read More] Impact of Turnera Leaf in Health Supplements for Favism Patients


Understanding Bruising After AZ Vaccine in Patients with Favism

Bruising at the injection site after receiving the AZ vaccine? Hello, Doctor: I have G6PD deficiency and received the AstraZeneca COVID-19 vaccine on September 9th. On the same day, I consulted with the physician at the vaccination site, who indicated that patients with G6PD defi...


Dr. Liao Yaopan Reply:
Hello, G6PD deficiency is not a contraindication for receiving the COVID-19 vaccine. Local redness or bruising is a relatively common reaction that typically subsides after a few days. You may continue to monitor the situation. If there is no improvement or if other symptoms aris...

[Read More] Understanding Bruising After AZ Vaccine in Patients with Favism


Understanding High-Risk Classification for Patients with Bean Disease

Lentil syndrome is classified as a high-risk group? Hello: My son has thalassemia. His appointment for the COVID-19 vaccine has been classified as a high-risk group category 9. Could you please clarify whether thalassemia is considered a high-risk condition that can lead to sever...


Dr. Liao Yaopan Reply:
Hello, the classification of vaccination priority is not within my area of expertise. However, I would like to remind the public to proactively inform their physicians about G6PD deficiency (favism) when seeking medical care. This is important to avoid prescribing certain medicat...

[Read More] Understanding High-Risk Classification for Patients with Bean Disease


Can Fava Bean Disease Patients Use Woohoo Natural Deodorant?

Regarding Favism (G6PD deficiency) Hello, I would like to ask if the Australian Woohoo Natural Deodorant Stick/Anti-Chafing Balm is safe for patients with G6PD deficiency? Thank you for your assistance. Full Ingredients — Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride (fractionated Coconut Oil),...


Dr. Xiao Yongxun Reply:
Dear Ms. Rurutia: 1. Glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase deficiency, commonly referred to as G6PD deficiency, is the most prevalent enzyme deficiency and is classified as an X-linked recessive genetic disorder. Patients with G6PD deficiency may experience hemolytic anemia when ex...

[Read More] Can Fava Bean Disease Patients Use Woohoo Natural Deodorant?


Can Ginkgo Biloba Supplements Be Safe for Patients with Favism?

Medication consultation Hello Doctor, I have favism and I am considering purchasing SANDOZ's 40mg Ginkgo biloba extract coated tablets for health purposes. I have heard that patients with favism should avoid products containing ginkgo. Is this true? Thank you for your assist...


Dr. Cai Dongqi Reply:
Hello: There is indeed an impact; for detailed information, please consult a pediatrician or a pharmacist.

[Read More] Can Ginkgo Biloba Supplements Be Safe for Patients with Favism?


Can Patients with Favism Safely Use B-Complex Supplements?

Can individuals with G6PD deficiency take pharmaceutical-grade B vitamins? After starting college, the child's physical condition has been deteriorating. I would like to ask the physician if the child with G6PD deficiency can take Heptaminol EX or Aspartame EX? Active ingred...


Dr. Chen Bozhang Reply:
Dear Ms. Lanting, In response to your inquiry regarding the health supplements He Li Ta Ming EX and Ai Si Fei Te EX, both products are composed of a combination of B vitamins and do not contain substances that would trigger hemolytic reactions in patients with G6PD deficiency. T...

[Read More] Can Patients with Favism Safely Use B-Complex Supplements?


Feasibility of Microblading for Patients with Favism

Feasibility of Microblading for Individuals with Favism (G6PD Deficiency) Hello, can patients with favism undergo the current popular eyebrow misting or feathering beauty treatments? Will plant-based pigments and post-procedure soothing ointments be used during the eyebrow mistin...


Dr. Xiao Yongxun Reply:
Dear Ms. Wu: 1. Glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase deficiency (G-6-PD deficiency) is an X-linked recessive genetic disorder, predominantly affecting males, and is more common among Hakka people in Taiwan. The enzyme glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase (G-6-PD) located in the red bl...

[Read More] Feasibility of Microblading for Patients with Favism


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?


Can Patients with Favism Inhale Aspirin or Methyl?

Can individuals with G6PD deficiency take aspirin or methyl? Hello, recently in my chemistry class, we often have experiments involving aspirin or the use of methyl. I would like to ask if patients with G6PD deficiency can only not take aspirin, or if they should also avoid inhal...


Dr. Liao Yaopan Reply:
Hello, please refer to the consultation webpage of the National Health Administration at http://gene.hpa.gov.tw/index.php?mo=HealthPaper&action=paper1_show&sn=77. Changhua Hospital cares about you.

[Read More] Can Patients with Favism Inhale Aspirin or Methyl?


Can Camphor Odor Trigger Dry Heaving in Favism Patients?

Individuals with favism may experience dry heaving upon smelling camphor? I would like to ask if experiencing strong gagging when smelling camphor is a phenomenon related to favism? However, I have no issues when eating fava beans, but my cousin has favism. Do I have a mild form ...


Dr. Liao Yaopan Reply:
Hello, Glucose-6-Phosphate Dehydrogenase deficiency, also known as G6PD deficiency, commonly referred to as Favism, is a common congenital hereditary disorder. However, the symptom of feeling nauseous at the smell of camphor is not indicative of this condition. To confirm whether...

[Read More] Can Camphor Odor Trigger Dry Heaving in Favism Patients?


Managing Interactions for Children with Favism: Safety Concerns and Guidelines

Interactions with individuals who have Favism (G6PD deficiency) My baby has been diagnosed with G6PD deficiency, and I know he should avoid exposure to naphthalene. However, what if someone else has used it on their clothing? Is naphthalene a highly volatile substance? I have nev...


Dr. Liao Yaopan Reply:
Hello, G6PD deficiency (Glucose-6-Phosphate Dehydrogenase Deficiency) is a common hereditary condition. Since it is an X-linked genetic disorder, there are more male patients than female patients. You are likely already aware of certain foods that should be avoided and substances...

[Read More] Managing Interactions for Children with Favism: Safety Concerns and Guidelines


Can People with Favism Eat Peas or Fava Beans?

Regarding Favism? Hello, doctor: I have favism. Since I was young, my family has told me not to eat fava beans, but the packaging of fava bean snacks states that they are made from split peas. Can I eat fava bean snacks with my condition?


Dr. Liao Yaopan Reply:
Hello, G6PD deficiency, also known as favism, is a hereditary condition primarily related to abnormal glucose metabolism in red blood cells. When exposed to oxidative substances, such as fava beans, certain medications like nitrofurantoin, and dyes like methylene blue, as well as...

[Read More] Can People with Favism Eat Peas or Fava Beans?


Understanding Medical Test Results: Reference Values and Hemolysis Explained

Some questions? Hello, doctor: We often undergo various health check-ups. For example, if a report shows a value of 47 and the reference range is >50, what does this reference value mean? Does it mean that only values greater than 50 are considered abnormal? Also, I have G6PD ...


Dr. Gao Qingyun Reply:
Dear Zhengyi, Hello, the reference values refer to the average concentration of liver enzymes in the blood of healthy adults without disease, which is normal for 95% of the population. Values exceeding this range may indicate hepatitis or other causes of elevated enzyme levels. ...

[Read More] Understanding Medical Test Results: Reference Values and Hemolysis Explained


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