High Platelet Count and Elevated Vitamin B12: Understanding the Implications
Elevated levels of platelets and vitamin B12 in immunoassays? This is the recent complete blood count (CBC) with differential results: - WBC: 6.99 - RBC: 4.64 - RDW-SD: 46.7 - HCT: 41.4 - HGB: 13.7 - PLATELET: 496 - MCHC: 33.1 - MCV: 89.2 - MPV: 8.9 - P-LCR: 14.8 - PDW: 8.6 - MC...
Dr. Liu Hongxiang Reply:
Hello, The test results show that there are almost no significant issues, but further monitoring is needed in about 3-6 months. However, the Vitamin B12 level is 1215, which is much higher than the reference range. Generally, excess water-soluble Vitamin B12 is metabolized and ...[Read More] High Platelet Count and Elevated Vitamin B12: Understanding the Implications
Concerns About Discontinuing Cholesterol Medication in Family Medicine
Concerns Regarding Medications for Hyperlipidemia Hello, doctor. I would like to consult about my father. He visits a family medicine clinic near our home every month, and every three months he receives medication for his three high conditions (hypertension, hyperlipidemia). Howe...
Dr. Ye Qianyu Reply:
Hello! The target levels for hyperlipidemia medication are determined based on individual risk factors. There are also relevant regulations for health insurance coverage. Typically, if dietary and exercise modifications do not achieve target levels after 3-6 months, medication tr...[Read More] Concerns About Discontinuing Cholesterol Medication in Family Medicine
Cholesterol Management: Diet vs. Medication for LDL Control
Cholesterol management: medication or dietary control? Hello, Doctor. During my health check-up at the end of June, my LDL cholesterol was 236. After three months of dietary and exercise control, my LDL cholesterol dropped to 205 in mid-October. I do not have any risk factors for...
Dr. Liu Hongxiang Reply:
Hello, Nock: The normal value for LDL (low-density lipoprotein) cholesterol is below 130 mg/dL. There are many ways to help lower low-density cholesterol. Here are some suggestions: 1. Dietary adjustments: Increase the intake of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean poultry ...[Read More] Cholesterol Management: Diet vs. Medication for LDL Control
Understanding Drug Interactions: Terbinafine, Avodart, and Smoking Cessation Medications
Drug interactions I have onychomycosis and underwent liver function tests at the hospital, which came back normal. The doctor prescribed Terbinafine, to be taken once a day. I would like to inquire about potential drug interactions between this medication and the prostate medicat...
Dr. Chen Bozhang Reply:
Hello! You can inquire at the consultation window on the medication bag or ask your original treating physician during your follow-up visit. Thank you.[Read More] Understanding Drug Interactions: Terbinafine, Avodart, and Smoking Cessation Medications
Understanding Your Teen's Health: Urine Changes and Skin Yellowing Concerns
Which direction should be examined? My son is 17 years old and is currently working part-time as an electrical and plumbing apprentice. Recently, he asked me to take him for a check-up due to the following concerns: 1. His urine has a stronger odor (ammonia-like), but it is still...
Dr. Liu Hongxiang Reply:
Dear Mr. Rui, Hello. The four data points in your letter did not include the normal reference ranges, but they are within the normal range compared to general laboratory standards. Given the concerns about dehydration and the suspicion of jaundice, you may want to visit a family...[Read More] Understanding Your Teen's Health: Urine Changes and Skin Yellowing Concerns
Understanding Leg Cramps and Ear Congestion: Causes and Solutions
Muscle cramps and ear congestion? Frequent nighttime calf cramps may indicate a deficiency in certain nutrients, such as potassium, magnesium, or calcium. It is advisable to consult a physician, preferably a primary care doctor or a neurologist, for further evaluation. Regarding...
Dr. Lin Zhebin Reply:
Hello: 1. Calf cramps may be related to a deficiency in electrolytes (sodium, magnesium, potassium, calcium) and vitamins (B vitamins, D). Additionally, it may be associated with blood sugar levels, liver function, and kidney function. It is recommended to consult a family medici...[Read More] Understanding Leg Cramps and Ear Congestion: Causes and Solutions
Understanding Elevated ALT Levels: Causes and Prevention Tips
Blood Test Report Hello Doctor, I donated blood a couple of days ago and received my blood report. My height and weight are 185 cm and 95 kg, and my blood pressure on that day was 120/84. My ALT level was 98 U/L, which made me a bit anxious. I have donated blood twice before; the...
Dr. Ye Qianyu Reply:
Hello! The causes of fatty liver include excessive caloric intake, extreme dieting, lack of exercise, and certain medications. It is recommended to maintain a healthy diet and lifestyle, lose weight, and regularly monitor liver function.[Read More] Understanding Elevated ALT Levels: Causes and Prevention Tips
Persistent Low-Grade Fever After COVID-19: Is It a Long-Term Effect?
Since being re-diagnosed at the end of January this year, my body temperature has remained elevated? Hello, I was diagnosed with COVID-19 for the second time at the end of January this year, and I tested negative three days later. However, my body temperature has been slightly el...
Dr. Hou Angting Reply:
Hello Mr. Chang: It is normal for body temperature to fluctuate after general activities. If your temperature is within the normal range in the morning and you do not have any discomfort, the likelihood of post-COVID syndrome is lower. I suggest you relax and develop a habit of e...[Read More] Persistent Low-Grade Fever After COVID-19: Is It a Long-Term Effect?
Understanding Symptoms: Liver Pain, Lymph Nodes, and Sleep Issues
Lymph nodes, liver, neck, rib pain, and bruising during sleep? 1. About five years ago, I had liver inflammation issues when I was around 20 years old. I felt a bloated, numb sensation, as if there was something hard inside. At that time, the doctor diagnosed me with fatty liver....
Dr. Lin Zhebin Reply:
Hello: 1. The more common causes of liver inflammation are hepatitis B, hepatitis C, fatty liver disease, and alcoholic hepatitis. Liver function tests require blood draws for diagnosis. Regarding the intermittent sharp pain in your left and right abdomen, it is advisable to cons...[Read More] Understanding Symptoms: Liver Pain, Lymph Nodes, and Sleep Issues
Does Cholesterol Medication Affect Blood Test Results? Insights and Concerns
Will treatment for hyperlipidemia affect blood test results? 1. Last October, due to elevated cholesterol levels, my doctor recommended medication for hyperlipidemia (Rosuvastatin). Recently, in two check-ups, my GPT levels have increased (currently at 61 IU/L), while my GOT is a...
Dr. Hou Angting Reply:
Hello Mr. Hong: Coronary lipid-lowering agents may cause an increase in liver function tests, while changes in blood parameters are less common. Since we are unaware of any other diseases or medications you may have, it is advisable to consult with your primary physician to evalu...[Read More] Does Cholesterol Medication Affect Blood Test Results? Insights and Concerns
Understanding Cholesterol and Urine Test Results: A Guide for Underweight Patients
Questions about lipid profile and urine tests in health check-ups? I have been underweight for a long time. Recently, I underwent an employee health check, and my measurements were 171 cm and 45.7 kg (I lost about 3 kg in the past year due to orthodontic treatment). The health ch...
Dr. Hou Angting Reply:
Hello: If you want to gain weight without increasing cholesterol, you can increase your protein intake, reduce high-fat foods, and engage in moderate exercise. It is also recommended to regularly monitor your urine and liver function tests. Wishing you good health![Read More] Understanding Cholesterol and Urine Test Results: A Guide for Underweight Patients
Understanding Your Health Check Results: Key Concerns and Next Steps
Health check-up issues Hello, Doctor! Recently, my company arranged a health check-up on July 11, 2022, and several issues were found: 1. Decreased neutrophil count (35.3) 2. Slightly increased lymphocyte count (53.6) 3. Elevated albumin to globulin ratio (2.5) 4. Urine ketone bo...
Dr. Xiao Yongxun Reply:
Dear Mr. Jason: 1. Please discuss your complete report with your primary care physician before making any decisions. 2. The "urine ketone reaction between presence and absence" is likely due to prolonged fasting, which causes the body to break down fat. It should retur...[Read More] Understanding Your Health Check Results: Key Concerns and Next Steps
Why Did My Boyfriend's Alcohol Tolerance Suddenly Decrease After COVID?
Has having been diagnosed with COVID-19 affected alcohol tolerance? Hello Doctor: My boyfriend was diagnosed with COVID-19 in early June, and his symptoms were mild. He rarely drinks alcohol, only occasionally having a drink with his mother, and the last time he drank was about t...
Dr. Lin Zhebin Reply:
Hello: 1. There are many reasons for a decrease in alcohol tolerance, including the individual's physical condition at the time (recent fatigue or lack of sleep), whether food was consumed and the type of food (drinking on an empty stomach can lead to quicker intoxication), ...[Read More] Why Did My Boyfriend's Alcohol Tolerance Suddenly Decrease After COVID?
Does COVID-19 Affect Alcohol Tolerance? Understanding Post-Recovery Changes
Has having been diagnosed with COVID-19 affected alcohol tolerance? Hello Doctor: My boyfriend was diagnosed with COVID-19 in early June, and his symptoms were mild. He rarely drinks alcohol and only occasionally has a drink with his mother, the last time being three to four mont...
Dr. Lin Zhebin Reply:
Hello: 1. There are many reasons for a decrease in alcohol tolerance, including the individual's physical condition at the time (such as recent fatigue or lack of sleep), whether food was consumed and the type of food (drinking on an empty stomach can lead to quicker intox...[Read More] Does COVID-19 Affect Alcohol Tolerance? Understanding Post-Recovery Changes
Safe Medication Guidance for COVID-19 Patients with Multiple Conditions
COVID-19 medication consultation Hello Doctor, I inquired about my mother's confirmed diagnosis yesterday, and I appreciate your response! I would like to ask about my mother's telemedicine appointment today. Since I am not nearby and the video signal was intermittent, ...
Dr. Lin Zhebin Reply:
Hello: I will answer your questions in three parts: 1. Paxlovid and liver and kidney function: Paxlovid can be used at full dosage in patients with mild renal impairment and mild to moderate hepatic impairment. In patients with moderate renal impairment, the dosage should be ad...[Read More] Safe Medication Guidance for COVID-19 Patients with Multiple Conditions
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 Hepatitis B and COVID-19 Vaccination Options
Hepatitis B and Vaccination Hello, doctor. I remember that I had a health check during college and tested positive for Hepatitis B, but I'm not sure if that's accurate. Which clinic should I visit for testing? Also, if I do have Hepatitis B, can I receive the first dose...
Dr. Lin Zhebin Reply:
Hello: Hepatitis B can be diagnosed with a simple blood test. It is recommended that you schedule an appointment with a family medicine clinic for the examination. If you are diagnosed with Hepatitis B, it is important to have regular blood tests to monitor liver function and to ...[Read More] Understanding Hepatitis B and COVID-19 Vaccination Options
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
Night Sweats and Weight Loss: Understanding Your Symptoms and Next Steps
Night sweats and persistent weight loss? Hello Doctor, in early October, I visited the gastroenterology department due to issues with bowel sounds, bloating, and diarrhea. The physician diagnosed me with functional dyspepsia. Later, feeling uneasy, I went to another hospital for ...
Dr. Ye Qianyu Reply:
Hello! Based on your description, I recommend that you consult a pulmonologist.[Read More] Night Sweats and Weight Loss: Understanding Your Symptoms and Next Steps
Understanding Body Vibrations During Sleep: Causes and When to Seek Help
Whole body shaking during sleep? I have been experiencing some insomnia lately, and last night I couldn't sleep. While lying down, I suddenly felt my whole body vibrating, but it subsided within about 5 minutes. After that, I noticed some soreness in my thigh and arm muscles...
Dr. Xiao Yongxun Reply:
Dear Ms. R: 1. Chlorzoxazone (200 mg) acts on the spinal polysynaptic reflex pathways related to skeletal muscle spasms, thereby blocking nerve conduction. It is a centrally acting muscle relaxant that alleviates abnormal muscle tension without affecting normal muscle function. ...[Read More] Understanding Body Vibrations During Sleep: Causes and When to Seek Help