Health Risks of Using Organic Solvents in Indoor Spaces
Some issues related to organic solvents? Dear Doctor, I have been using some spray paint (nitro paint) in my room for work. I sprayed it outdoors for about two weeks but brought it inside to dry, averaging two hours a day. I wore a mask, but I still sensed the smell. I don't...
Dr. Xiao Yongxun Reply:
Dear Mr. Lee: 1. Nitro paint is primarily composed of nitrocellulose, combined with resins, plasticizers, solvents, and additives. Nitro paint is a single-component paint that forms a film upon evaporation and is a liquid mixed in proportion with thinner. The harmful effects of ...[Read More] Health Risks of Using Organic Solvents in Indoor Spaces
Rapid Weight Loss: Is It Normal After Quitting Alcohol and Exercising?
I've been losing weight rapidly lately? I have recently lost weight rapidly. Although I have adjusted my lifestyle, the speed of weight loss has been quite fast. I consulted a physician about my previous habits, which included consuming about 250cc to 300cc of alcohol each e...
Dr. Ye Qianyu Reply:
Hello! Based on your description, quitting alcohol is one of the factors contributing to your weight loss. For instance, 100ml of sorghum liquor contains approximately 325 calories, so you have likely reduced your daily caloric intake by nearly 1000 calories. Combined with dietar...[Read More] Rapid Weight Loss: Is It Normal After Quitting Alcohol and Exercising?
Understanding Your Blood Test Results: Do You Have Diabetes?
Is there diabetes? Total cholesterol (132) Triglycerides (57) Fasting blood glucose (107) Uric acid (8.6) Creatinine (1.18) eGFR (76.0) Sodium (140) Potassium (5.0) Aspartate aminotransferase (AST) (35) Alanine aminotransferase (ALT) (50) Low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-...
Dr. Wu Zongying Reply:
Hello: Based on your data, while it is not yet sufficient to diagnose diabetes, there are already indications of hyperglycemia, elevated uric acid levels, and increased liver function indices. It is suspected that you may have overweight and fatty liver disease. It is recommended...[Read More] Understanding Your Blood Test Results: Do You Have Diabetes?
Needle Stick Injuries and Drug Exposure: What You Should Know
Needle management and the effects of drugs? Hello doctor, due to a suspected needle-stick incident that occurred recently at the hospital, I sought medical attention at the infectious disease department. The hospital tested for hepatitis B and C, syphilis, HIV, and liver function...
Dr. Liao Yaopan Reply:
Hello, regarding the follow-up after the needlestick incident, the infection control unit has developed a consensus-based follow-up process. If you still have concerns, you may discuss the exposure routes of the regulated items further with your infectious disease physician, depe...[Read More] Needle Stick Injuries and Drug Exposure: What You Should Know
Understanding Cholesterol and Liver Enzymes: Risks and Recommendations
Cholesterol issues? Hello Dr. Hsiao, about a year ago, I had blood tests done at the family medicine department of the hospital and found that my ALT liver enzyme levels were around 40-60, and my cholesterol levels were 217, 207, and 224. During my last school health check, my li...
Dr. Xiao Yongxun Reply:
Dear Mr. Cc: 1. If total cholesterol and low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol levels are elevated over the long term, the risk of cardiovascular diseases, cerebrovascular diseases, and peripheral artery diseases increases. Clinical management primarily involves lifestyle mo...[Read More] Understanding Cholesterol and Liver Enzymes: Risks and Recommendations
Can People with Hepatitis B Safely Receive the HPV Vaccine?
Can individuals with hepatitis B receive the HPV vaccine? Hello, I have hepatitis B, but my liver function and indices are normal. I would like to receive the HPV vaccine, but I'm concerned whether it might trigger an acute hepatitis B flare. I've read reports that the ...
Dr. Ye Qianyu Reply:
Hello! If you are a carrier of hepatitis B, please undergo regular follow-up examinations. You may consult your attending physician about your current liver condition; if it is healthy, you should be eligible for vaccination. Below are the contraindications for receiving the HPV ...[Read More] Can People with Hepatitis B Safely Receive the HPV Vaccine?
Understanding Bilateral Leg Edema: Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment Options
Bilateral leg edema? Hello, doctor. About three weeks ago, I started noticing mild swelling in both of my legs. A week ago, the condition worsened, and I gained 3 to 4 kilograms. I feel better upon waking, but my eyelids are puffy, and my scalp feels swollen. I spend most of the ...
Dr. Wu Zongying Reply:
Hello, Thank you for your inquiry regarding the causes of edema. There are many potential causes of edema, including heart failure, kidney disease, liver cirrhosis, the use of certain medications, and pregnancy. Additionally, mild edema can be triggered by factors such as prolo...[Read More] Understanding Bilateral Leg Edema: Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment Options
Understanding Eosinophil Levels in Type 2 Diabetes: What You Need to Know
Eosinophils Type 2 diabetes diagnosed for 8 years. Blood test report shows Eosinophil count at 9.5% (normal range: 1-6%). Previous results include: 8.0% on May 28, 2020; 7.2% on December 26, 2019; 9.2% on May 25, 2019; and 7.6% on October 24, 2017. Other lab results: - AC: 115...
Dr. Xiao Yongxun Reply:
Dear Mr. AC: 1. The main causes of eosinophilia (eosinophilic leukocytosis) include allergic diseases, parasitic infections, and certain cancers (such as Hodgkin's lymphoma). Your eosinophil count is indeed slightly elevated, but not significantly so; it may be a normal var...[Read More] Understanding Eosinophil Levels in Type 2 Diabetes: What You Need to Know
Understanding Breathlessness and Elevated Liver Enzymes: A Patient's Journey
Hello, doctor? Hello Doctor, I apologize for the lengthy message, but I would appreciate your attention. I have been suffering from cellulitis in my leg since March 5th of this year, which has rendered me completely immobile. By early April, my weight increased from 80 kg to 100 ...
Dr. Ye Qianyu Reply:
Hello! Regarding your difficulty in breathing and abnormal liver function, these may be related to weight gain. It is recommended that you reduce caloric intake and engage in moderate exercise (focusing on upper body movements and rolling exercises). For your breathing issues, yo...[Read More] Understanding Breathlessness and Elevated Liver Enzymes: A Patient's Journey
Understanding Dizziness and Head Pain in Elderly Patients: Causes and Solutions
Elderly individuals experiencing dizziness, headaches, and numbness in the head? Hello Dr. Tsai, My mother is 80 years old. Her medical history includes hypertension for which she takes Lercanidipine 50mg. She does not have diabetes, her liver function tests are normal, and her...
Dr. Cai Dongqi Reply:
Hello, first, check if the blood pressure is stable. A reading of 140-100/90-60 is considered normal. Be aware that blood pressure medications may have side effects such as dizziness (it is advisable to consult the prescribing physician). Secondly, consider the possibility of cer...[Read More] Understanding Dizziness and Head Pain in Elderly Patients: Causes and Solutions
How Long Does It Take to Metabolize Toxic Solvents Like Chloroform and Phenol?
Inhalation of organic solvents? Hello Doctor: Due to laboratory requirements and equipment issues, I have been inhaling and coming into contact with chloroform and phenol for a year and a half. During this time, I was exposed almost daily for over 8 hours, and I sometimes experie...
Dr. Liao Yaopan Reply:
According to the information from https://rais.ornl.gov/tox/profiles/chlorofo.html and https://www.atsdr.cdc.gov/toxguides/toxguide-115.pdf, both chloroform and phenol are substances that are rapidly metabolized. However, chloroform may have a higher absorption in adipose tissue,...[Read More] How Long Does It Take to Metabolize Toxic Solvents Like Chloroform and Phenol?
Feeling Constantly Tired: Is It a Liver Issue or Sleep Disorder?
Constantly feeling sleepy? Hello Doctor, I am the patient #143991. When I stay up late (around 1 AM), I feel extremely nauseous and want to vomit either at that moment or the next morning. Could this be related to a liver issue? Two years ago, when I entered university, I had a b...
Dr. Xu Peiqi Reply:
It should not be the case; it is recommended to maintain a consistent sleep schedule and to avoid staying up late as much as possible.[Read More] Feeling Constantly Tired: Is It a Liver Issue or Sleep Disorder?
Interpreting Health Check Results: Urological and Liver Function Concerns
Interpretation of Health Check Report Hello Dr. Hsu: I recently underwent a health examination and would like your assistance in interpreting some indices related to potential urinary tract issues and liver function abnormalities. Thank you. Urine protein qualitative test: +/- ...
Dr. Xu Peiqi Reply:
Health check reports only provide partial examination values. For a definitive diagnosis, it is recommended to schedule an appointment with a physician, either a general internist or a family medicine doctor.[Read More] Interpreting Health Check Results: Urological and Liver Function Concerns
Can You Take Uric Acid and Liver Health Medications Together?
Can medications for lowering uric acid be taken simultaneously with liver-protective medications? Recently, I have been experiencing frequent foot pain, so I visited a general clinic for medical attention. Following the doctor's recommendations, I underwent blood tests and d...
Dr. Xiao Yongxun Reply:
Dear Mr. Wang: **Allopurinol Tablets® (Allopurinol; 100 mg):** 1. Allopurinol is a purine derivative that reduces uric acid synthesis by competitively inhibiting the last two steps of uric acid biosynthesis, which are catalyzed by xanthine oxidase. Uric acid is less soluble th...[Read More] Can You Take Uric Acid and Liver Health Medications Together?
Understanding Abnormal Blood Test Results: Liver Function and Health Tips
Blood test report Hello! I regularly undergo comprehensive health check-ups. In the past, I had liver function blood test reports that, although fluctuating, were within the normal range, averaging once every two years before 2014. This year, my blood test report showed some conc...
Dr. Cai Dongqi Reply:
Hello, there are many factors that can lead to elevated bilirubin levels, and further examinations are needed. However, based on your LDL and total cholesterol levels, you are likely at high risk for hypercholesterolemia. It is advisable to consume a sufficient and balanced diet,...[Read More] Understanding Abnormal Blood Test Results: Liver Function and Health Tips
Understanding Your Health Check Report: CT Findings and Liver Function Insights
Health Checkup Report Consultation Hello, Doctor. I recently checked my medical records from the National Health Insurance Administration and noticed that my previous examination included an abdominal CT scan. The uploaded medical report contains a section that states FINDINGS: 1...
Dr. Chen Taicheng Reply:
● The results of the abdominal CT scan are difficult to interpret. If you have consumed certain health foods, nutritional supplements, calcium tablets, antacids, or anti-diarrheal medications, these could lead to similar findings. While there is a possibility of a small intestine...[Read More] Understanding Your Health Check Report: CT Findings and Liver Function Insights
Managing Hyperthyroidism: Key Questions and Answers for Patients
Hyperthyroidism issues? Hello, doctor! I have some questions: 1. A family member has been on medication for hyperthyroidism for three months. T4 levels are now normal, but TSH remains low at 0.03. If they experience a fever or sore throat, should they temporarily stop the medic...
Dr. Chen Taicheng Reply:
● First, "Antithyroid medications suppress Free T4 levels quickly, but TSH may remain low for some time (even for several months)." Therefore, if TSH has not normalized, you can consult your physician to adjust the medication. Generally, after three months of treatment,...[Read More] Managing Hyperthyroidism: Key Questions and Answers for Patients
Understanding Unexplained Hunger and Weight Fluctuations: A Guide
Physical discomfort? Hello doctor, I have been eating three meals a day regularly, but recently I often feel hungry two to three hours after eating. I'm not sure if it's true hunger or if my gastrointestinal system is uncomfortable. My weight has also been unstable, som...
Dr. Chen Taicheng Reply:
Hello, if you often feel hungry, it's important to ensure that you are meeting your daily caloric intake. In nutrition, the commonly used unit of energy is the kilocalorie (kcal), often mistakenly referred to as "calories." Nutrients that provide energy, such as ca...[Read More] Understanding Unexplained Hunger and Weight Fluctuations: A Guide
Understanding Sudden Dizziness and Nausea: Possible Causes and Concerns
I have been experiencing sudden dizziness lately? I have been experiencing sudden dizziness and nausea recently, occurring four times with the same symptoms. My eyes suddenly feel uncomfortable, and there is a sensation of whiteness in both eyes as if there is light, followed by ...
Dr. Wu Fangcan Reply:
What you described seems more like an episode of migraine; however, primary thrombocythemia causing blood thickening or vascular obstruction cannot be ruled out. Please consult a neurologist for further evaluation and differential diagnosis.[Read More] Understanding Sudden Dizziness and Nausea: Possible Causes and Concerns
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