Understanding Hepatitis B: Follow-Up Timing and Specialist Guidance
Hepatitis B If you were diagnosed with hepatitis B during a health check-up over six months ago, you should follow up every three to six months. You should see a specialist in either Hepatology or Gastroenterology. The recommended tests may include liver function tests, hepatitis...
Dr. Cai Mengru Reply:
Dear Mr. Wu, Generally speaking, if your previous liver function tests were normal and there are no abnormalities in the fetal protein levels and abdominal ultrasound, it is sufficient to have blood tests every six months and an abdominal ultrasound once a year. If any abnormali...[Read More] Understanding Hepatitis B: Follow-Up Timing and Specialist Guidance
Choosing Safe Supplements for Parents with Health Concerns
Health supplements I want to buy nutritional supplements for my mom, but she has high blood pressure, a history of stroke, and poor liver function, so I'm unsure which type would be suitable for her. I would like to seek a doctor's opinion. My dad has been working in aq...
Dr. Lai Junlong Reply:
Hello: In response to your question, nutritional supplements or health products do not necessarily have therapeutic effects and may pose a burden in certain situations. Your daughter's health condition may require her to take multiple medications to manage her diseases, and ...[Read More] Choosing Safe Supplements for Parents with Health Concerns
Unexplained Symptoms: What Medical Specialty Should You Consult?
What disease issue is it? Hello Doctor, I have been experiencing mild lower back pain, a feeling of swelling in my right abdomen, and intermittent mild pain for the past six months (pressing on my right abdomen does not cause pain). Since I am a carrier of hepatitis B, I had live...
Dr. Wang Zhengzhong Reply:
Hello Kent, since your liver function tests and ultrasound examinations have both returned normal results (and there is no fatty liver), and you do not experience pain when pressure is applied to the right abdomen, liver and gallbladder diseases can be ruled out. However, it is s...[Read More] Unexplained Symptoms: What Medical Specialty Should You Consult?
Long-Term Use of Muscle Relaxants: Tips to Avoid Side Effects
Muscle relaxants Dear Doctor, due to my neuropathic pain condition, my doctor has prescribed muscle relaxants and analgesics. What should I be aware of regarding the long-term use of these medications to avoid side effects or burdening my body?
Dr. Lai Junlong Reply:
Hello: In response to your question, long-term use of muscle relaxants should be monitored for increased liver burden, and regular liver function blood tests are recommended. Additionally, central nervous system side effects may include drowsiness, dizziness, headaches, and incre...[Read More] Long-Term Use of Muscle Relaxants: Tips to Avoid Side Effects
Understanding Symptoms: When to Seek Medical Help for Your Health Issues
Some symptoms A few days ago, I suddenly lost my appetite, experienced headaches, and sometimes felt a bit nauseous. I have been very fatigued, and my abdomen feels somewhat uncomfortable, though it's hard to describe as pain. I've been having bowel movements 1 to 2 tim...
Dr. Cai Jueren Reply:
Hello: This type of acute situation can be categorized into two scenarios. First: Acute hepatitis - liver function abnormalities may be caused by medications, food, or other reasons, and typically last for more than two weeks. If not treated promptly, it could worsen. Second: Acu...[Read More] Understanding Symptoms: When to Seek Medical Help for Your Health Issues
Understanding Your Health Check Results: Cholesterol, Platelets, and Vaccination
Regarding health check-up reports? Hello Doctor: Recently, my school conducted a health check, and my cholesterol level is 207, platelet count is 403, and MCHC is 32.2. These three values are outside the standard range. How should I adjust my diet? Do I need treatment? Additional...
Dr. Cai Jueren Reply:
Hello, actually the tests you mentioned are quite normal, so there is no need to worry too much. However, the part regarding the Hepatitis B antibodies needs to be confirmed. If there are no Hepatitis B antigens and no Hepatitis B antibodies in your body, you will need to receive...[Read More] Understanding Your Health Check Results: Cholesterol, Platelets, and Vaccination
Understanding Bitter Taste in Your Mouth: When to See a Doctor
excuse me? I'm not sure which specialty I should consult. For the past few days, I've been experiencing a bitter taste in my mouth. Even when I eat sweet foods, they start off sweet but turn bitter towards the back of my tongue. What could be the reason for this? Thank ...
Dr. Cai Jueren Reply:
Hello, Xiao Ting. The area of the tongue that perceives bitterness is located at the back edge of the tongue. There are many reasons why your mouth may feel bitter, such as food or medication-related causes. Additionally, some patients with long-term cavities may experience this ...[Read More] Understanding Bitter Taste in Your Mouth: When to See a Doctor
Can Former Drug Users Ever Donate Blood? Understanding the Guidelines
Blood donation Hello doctor, I would like to ask if someone who has used drugs is permanently disqualified from donating blood. If a person has only used drugs once and does not have an addiction, and it has been over a year since then, are they still permanently unable to donate...
Dr. Cai Jueren Reply:
Hello, donating blood and drug use are two different matters. The blood donation center is concerned about: 1. Hepatitis virus transmission 2. Syphilis virus transmission 3. HIV transmission. Sometimes, if your liver function is abnormal, you may also be unable to donate blood. I...[Read More] Can Former Drug Users Ever Donate Blood? Understanding the Guidelines
Does Not Flushing When Drinking Mean Liver Issues? Find Out!
Drinking alcohol If my face doesn't turn red when I drink alcohol, does that mean my liver is not healthy? Is that true? If I really need to see a doctor, which specialty should I consult? Thank you.
Dr. Cai Jueren Reply:
The flushing of the face when drinking alcohol is not directly related to liver function. If you are still concerned, you can opt for a self-paid health check-up.[Read More] Does Not Flushing When Drinking Mean Liver Issues? Find Out!
Understanding High Uric Acid Levels: What You Need to Know
Health check-up Hello, doctor: I would like to ask you some questions. My girlfriend is 21 years old and she had a health check-up two weeks ago. The results showed that her uric acid level is high, but everything else is normal. We don't understand the report because it is ...
Dr. Xu Li'an Reply:
Dear young patients, typically everything is normal. Doctors usually do not specifically explain that creatinine is related to kidney function; as long as it is within the normal range, it is considered normal. Uric acid is slightly elevated, so dietary attention is needed regard...[Read More] Understanding High Uric Acid Levels: What You Need to Know
Understanding Unexplained Rapid Heartbeat and Shortness of Breath
Frequent unexplained palpitations leading to shortness of breath? Hello Dr. Tsai, I would like to ask a few questions regarding my mother (56 years old). Recently, she has been experiencing unexplained episodes of rapid heartbeat. She reports that her heart races and she feels s...
Dr. Cai Jueren Reply:
Hello Nicole: Your mother's condition is not considered complex, but it is important to have regular health check-ups for the following reasons: 1. Patients with hypertension are advised to check their lipid levels and kidney function annually. 2. Hepatitis B carriers are re...[Read More] Understanding Unexplained Rapid Heartbeat and Shortness of Breath
Understanding Your Health Check Results: Key Concerns and Recommendations
Health check results At the beginning of the school year, a health check-up was conducted, and it has been two years since the last examination. This time, some results were abnormal, specifically: Complete Blood Count: Platelet count (PLT) - 403 (normal range 150-400 x 10^3/ml),...
Dr. Huang Jianling Reply:
Hasi: Platelet count and fasting blood glucose are slightly elevated, but this has minimal impact; regular annual monitoring is sufficient. SGPT is elevated, and further testing is recommended, such as for hepatitis B, hepatitis C, and fatty liver disease. Total cholesterol is hi...[Read More] Understanding Your Health Check Results: Key Concerns and Recommendations
Cost of Liver, Kidney, and Pancreas Tests: What to Expect
Examination Doctor, I would like to have tests for my liver, kidneys, and pancreas. Could you please tell me approximately how much the costs would be?
Dr. Liao Yaopan Reply:
Hello Wei: The examination can be divided into two parts: blood tests and ultrasound examinations. The blood tests include liver function tests (GOT, GPT), kidney function tests (BUN, creatinine), hepatitis screening (HBsAg, anti-HCV), and other biliary system indices (rGT, ALP, ...[Read More] Cost of Liver, Kidney, and Pancreas Tests: What to Expect
Nutritional Needs for Home Care: Ensuring Adequate Caloric Intake
Nutritional issues If your mother is bedridden and relies on a ventilator at home, the daily caloric intake from canned nutritional supplements should not be less than a certain amount, which typically ranges from 25 to 30 calories per kilogram of body weight, depending on her sp...
Dr. Lin Mingxing Reply:
Dear Ms. Jiang, This is Dr. Lin Ming-Hsing from the Department of Family Medicine at Tainan Hospital, Ministry of Health and Welfare. Basically, a daily caloric intake of 1,600 kilocalories serves as a baseline. To assess whether nutrition is adequate, we consider the followin...[Read More] Nutritional Needs for Home Care: Ensuring Adequate Caloric Intake
Understanding High Blood Pressure: Insights from Family Medicine and Dietary Considerations
Regarding blood pressure..? Hello Dr. Huang, Last time I wrote to you asking why my blood pressure is elevated. You suggested that I first see an ophthalmologist because you mentioned that high blood pressure can be related to eye pressure (since I had surgery on my left eye and...
Dr. Huang Jianling Reply:
Essential hypertension can be classified into primary and secondary hypertension. Secondary hypertension can often be treated once the underlying cause is identified; if the cause cannot be found, it is referred to as primary hypertension, which requires long-term medication to c...[Read More] Understanding High Blood Pressure: Insights from Family Medicine and Dietary Considerations
Understanding Health Check Costs and Procedures for Graduate School Admissions
Regarding health check-ups? Hello Dr. Huang, I would like to inquire about the costs associated with health examinations required for graduate school admission. If I go to a provincial hospital for the examination, what would be the estimated expenses for the following tests? ...
Dr. Huang Jianling Reply:
You can directly inquire about the prices at the registration desk of the hospital, and you can receive the report in about three working days. It is advisable to bring the "Health Check Record" from your school and to fast beforehand. Sincerely, Dr. Huang Jianling, Fam...[Read More] Understanding Health Check Costs and Procedures for Graduate School Admissions
Understanding Low Blood Pressure and Managing Fatty Liver Disease
The issue of hypotension? Hello Doctor, my father is 48 years old, with a height of 173 cm. His blood pressure is 97/52 mmHg and his pulse is 78 bpm. He has fatty liver disease. I have two questions for you: 1. Does this blood pressure count as low blood pressure, and how shoul...
Dr. Huang Mingde Reply:
1. Your father's blood pressure is acceptable, but it is still recommended for him to measure it once a day. 2. There is no need for medication for fatty liver; it is advised to eat more fruits and engage in moderate exercise.[Read More] Understanding Low Blood Pressure and Managing Fatty Liver Disease
Common Health Issues and Warning Signs for Ages 35-45
Common diseases in individuals aged 35-45 years? Individuals aged 35 to 45 commonly experience various diseases and health issues. Key conditions to be aware of include: 1. **Cardiovascular Diseases**: Hypertension, high cholesterol, and heart disease are prevalent. Regular moni...
Dr. Huang Jianling Reply:
In middle-aged individuals aged 35-45, common diseases include obesity, hypertension, hyperlipidemia, abnormal liver function, and hyperglycemia. Sometimes there may be no noticeable symptoms, so it is advisable to undergo a health check-up every three years to detect any issues ...[Read More] Common Health Issues and Warning Signs for Ages 35-45
Understanding Your Health Check Report: Key Lab Results Explained
Health Check Report Hello, I completed my health check report at work. Overall, it's okay, but I don't understand some of the indices. Urinalysis: leukocyte esterase (+++); liver function tests: alkaline phosphatase (30), gamma-glutamyl transferase (35), lactate dehydro...
Dr. Lin Mingxing Reply:
To the Laboratory Department of Tainan Hospital, Department of Health, Executive Yuan: Hello, Regarding the questions you raised, here are the brief responses: Urinalysis: The presence of leukocyte esterase (+++) indicates a test for the presence of white blood cells in the ur...[Read More] Understanding Your Health Check Report: Key Lab Results Explained
Essential Guide to First-Time Health Checkups: What to Expect and Prepare
Health check-up Hello! If you're considering your first health check-up, here are some recommended tests you might want to include: 1. **Complete Blood Count (CBC)** - This test evaluates your overall health and detects a variety of disorders, such as anemia and infection....
Dr. Huang Jianling Reply:
Please call our hospital's health examination center, and the nursing staff will provide detailed answers. Alternatively, you can visit our hospital's family medicine website for more information. The health examination center's phone number is (03) 369-9721, exten...[Read More] Essential Guide to First-Time Health Checkups: What to Expect and Prepare