Understanding Leg Swelling and Abdominal Pain: A Guide for Caregivers
Bilateral leg edema and abdominal pain? My mother is 60 years old. About half a month ago, she discovered severe edema in her right leg (the left leg also has some edema, but it is milder). Additionally, she has been experiencing abdominal pain. After blood tests, all indicators ...
Dr. Lai Hexian Reply:
Hello, it is recommended that you bring the previous examination results and the patient to the Family Medicine outpatient department for further evaluation and treatment. There are various conditions that could cause the aforementioned symptom combination, so it is advisable to ...[Read More] Understanding Leg Swelling and Abdominal Pain: A Guide for Caregivers
Understanding Abnormal Health Check Results: What to Do Next?
Health check-up issues? C-reactive protein (CRP) abnormal positive, thyroid hormone T3 elevated at 1.5, red blood cell count (RBC) abnormal at 6.41, mean corpuscular volume (MCV) abnormal at 66.1, mean corpuscular hemoglobin (MCH) abnormal at 20.7, hemoglobin (Hgb) abnormal at 13...
Dr. Cai Mengru Reply:
Dear Mr. Xiao An An, Hello, your report mainly has three issues: the abnormal levels of red blood cells (RBC), mean corpuscular volume (MCV), mean corpuscular hemoglobin (MCH), and hemoglobin (Hgb) indicate the same condition, suggesting that you may be a carrier of beta-thalass...[Read More] Understanding Abnormal Health Check Results: What to Do Next?
Understanding Your Health Check Results: Common Concerns Explained
Inquiry about health check-up concerns? Hello Dr. Tsai, I have a few questions regarding my health check report: 1. My total red blood cell count is low (RBC=3.73, HCT=35.8, MCH=32.2, MONO%=8.7, EO%=4.4). 2. My granulocyte count is elevated (PDW=9.9). 3. My total cholestero...
Dr. Cai Jueren Reply:
Hello: A low total red blood cell count may indicate anemia, but it could also be a temporary condition due to the faster metabolism of red blood cells, which typically lasts about 7 to 10 days. The blood test only reflects a small portion, and the total value can be estimated us...[Read More] Understanding Your Health Check Results: Common Concerns Explained
Is Daily Consumption of Deep Sea Fish Oil Safe Amid Mercury Concerns?
Deep sea fish oil Hello Dr. Wang: Recently, there have been news reports about deep-sea fish and the mercury issue, so I’m wondering if I should avoid taking deep-sea fish oil every day since I have a habit of consuming it.
Dr. Wang Zhengzhong Reply:
Hello: Recently, there have been reports in the news advising against the frequent consumption of deep-sea fish due to mercury concerns. I have compiled related issues regarding fish consumption and potential poisoning, although this does not pertain to deep-sea fish oil. However...[Read More] Is Daily Consumption of Deep Sea Fish Oil Safe Amid Mercury Concerns?
Understanding Abnormal Blood Test Results: Mediterranean Anemia Concerns
Abnormal blood test results? Hello, doctor! Last month, I went to the health center for a health check-up, and my blood test results were as follows: white blood cells 5.40, red blood cells 4.49, hemoglobin 8.60 (low), and platelets 708 (high). The health check physician told me ...
Dr. Cai Dongqi Reply:
There are many causes of anemia, and the provided information is insufficient for a diagnosis. Please consult a hematologist for further evaluation.[Read More] Understanding Abnormal Blood Test Results: Mediterranean Anemia Concerns
Understanding Mediterranean Anemia: Key Questions for Expecting Parents
Questions Regarding the Diagnosis of Oceanic Anemia Hello Doctor, my wife recently went to the hospital for a routine occupational health check-up. Since I am a carrier of thalassemia, I asked her to also undergo testing for thalassemia. The results were as follows: White blood c...
Dr. Cai Jueren Reply:
Hello, regarding your inquiry, I recommend visiting the website of the Taiwan Thalassemia Association at http://www.thala.org.tw. It contains detailed information, including the screening process for pregnant women. If you have any questions after reviewing the information, pleas...[Read More] Understanding Mediterranean Anemia: Key Questions for Expecting Parents
Understanding Abnormal Blood Test Results: What You Need to Know
Health check-up Doctor: Hello, last month our company conducted a health check, and two items in my blood test showed abnormal results. I'm not sure if this indicates any disease, but I don't feel unwell; I just have been experiencing persistent acne lately. I recently ...
Dr. Chen Jianzhi Reply:
Mr. Xiao Jie: Your test results are normal. This test is called a Complete Blood Count (CBC), which primarily checks for abnormalities in the number of red blood cells (RBC), white blood cells (WBC), hemoglobin (HGB), and platelets (PLT). All your reported values are well within ...[Read More] Understanding Abnormal Blood Test Results: What You Need to Know
Understanding Low MCH and High RDW: Implications and Care Tips
Low MCH and high RDW? The test results show MCH (Mean Corpuscular Hemoglobin) at 26.9, which is low, and RDW (Red Cell Distribution Width) at 15.1, which is high. A low MCH indicates that the average amount of hemoglobin in each red blood cell is lower than normal, which can su...
Dr. Cai Jueren Reply:
Hello Ms. Huang, I apologize for only getting back to you after returning from France yesterday. I hope the following response can address your concerns. Low MCH and high RDW typically indicate iron deficiency anemia. However, without the values for Hb and MCV, I cannot provide a...[Read More] Understanding Low MCH and High RDW: Implications and Care Tips
Are Low Blood Volume and High Platelet Count Related?
Is there a relationship between low hematocrit and high platelet count? Hello Dr. Huang: Happy New Year! I would like to ask you about the results of my recent blood and urine tests. My hematocrit is 65.5, hemoglobin is 21.8 pg, and platelet count is 452. The doctor mentioned tha...
Dr. Huang Jianling Reply:
Lisa: There is no direct relationship between low hematocrit and high platelet count; however, anemia (i.e., low hemoglobin) can activate the hematopoietic system, leading to an increased capacity of the bone marrow to produce red blood cells. At the same time, white blood cells ...[Read More] Are Low Blood Volume and High Platelet Count Related?
Understanding Abnormal Health Check Results: What They Mean for You
Report of abnormal findings? I had a health check-up two weeks ago, and there were some abnormal findings in the report. Could you please provide an overview of what these results mean? The platelet size variation was 15.1% (this was not present in previous health check reports)....
Dr. Lin Mingxing Reply:
Dear Lin Wen-Chin from the Department of Family Medicine at Tainan Hospital, Ministry of Health and Welfare: 1. A complete blood test report is necessary to provide comprehensive recommendations. 2. A positive urine occult blood test has many possible causes, but it is essential...[Read More] Understanding Abnormal Health Check Results: What They Mean for You
Understanding Blood in Urine: Causes, Diagnosis, and Next Steps for Your Health
Regarding hematuria..? Hello Doctor: My mother recently experienced dizziness, so she went to the hospital for an examination. The doctor diagnosed her with hypertension and recommended a physical check-up. During her first urine test, she did not discard the initial portion of t...
Dr. Huang Jianling Reply:
Jay: The most common causes of hematuria are urinary tract infections, urinary stones, and urinary tumors, in that order. In females, menstrual issues should be ruled out first. Stones typically cause pain only when they reach a certain size, so it is recommended to perform a ren...[Read More] Understanding Blood in Urine: Causes, Diagnosis, and Next Steps for Your Health
Understanding Blood Cancer Screening: Insights from a Health Seminar
Regarding the concentration screening for hematologic cancers (forwarded from the Director's mailbox)? Dear Sir/Madam, I attended a blood live testing seminar on Saturday, where a person claiming to be a chief physician from a certain hospital spoke for about 30 minutes bef...
Dr. Lin Mingxing Reply:
Dear Mr. Huang, This is Dr. Hsu Li-Yao from the Family Medicine Department of Tainan Hospital, Ministry of Health and Welfare. Essentially, the results of blood tests are related to your physiological state at the time of testing. The specific tests that can be conducted and t...[Read More] Understanding Blood Cancer Screening: Insights from a Health Seminar
Understanding Your First Health Check: Key Metrics Explained
Health check-up I recently had my first health check-up, and there are some data points I don't quite understand. Please help me clarify them, thank you! M.C.V: 78.4 cu µm M.C.H: 26.0 r/u Uric Acid: 7.8 mg/dl Cholesterol: 261 mg/dl Triglycerides: 187 mg/dl Are t...
Dr. Lin Mingxing Reply:
Dear Sheng, This is Dr. Lin Ming-Hsing from the Family Medicine Department of Tainan Hospital, Department of Health, Executive Yuan. 1. M.C.V and M.C.H: These represent the size of red blood cells. The numbers indicate that your red blood cells are slightly smaller than normal...[Read More] Understanding Your First Health Check: Key Metrics Explained
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 Your Blood Test Results: Anemia Types and Severity Explained
Health check-up Hello, I would like to ask about my health check results: White blood cells 6680, Red blood cells 402, Hemoglobin 10.9, Hematocrit 31, MCV 77.11, MCH 27.11, MCHC 35.16, Platelets 41.1. What type of anemia do I have? How severe is the anemia? Is it mild or severe, ...
Dr. Lin Mingxing Reply:
Dear Jean, Dr. Lin Ming-Hsing, Director of the Family Medicine Department at Tainan Hospital, Department of Health, Executive Yuan, respectfully responds: Based on your age group and the description provided, it appears that you are experiencing mild iron deficiency anemia, whic...[Read More] Understanding Your Blood Test Results: Anemia Types and Severity Explained
Understanding Positive Urine Blood Test Results: Next Steps for Patients
Health check-up At 56 years old, you recently underwent a health checkup at a nearby clinic as part of the three-year health insurance screening. The test results showed positive occult blood in the urine, and the urine red blood cell count was 7-9. What does this mean, and which...
Dr. Cai Jueren Reply:
An abnormal increase of red blood cells in urine is referred to as "hematuria." In mild cases, an increased number of red blood cells can be observed under a light microscope; in more severe cases, blood can be seen with the naked eye. Hematuria is commonly associated w...[Read More] Understanding Positive Urine Blood Test Results: Next Steps for Patients
Understanding Blood Test Results: High Red Blood Cells and Low Hemoglobin
Blood test report Hello, recently the school conducted a blood test, and the report showed that my red blood cell count is high (5.43 million/µL), hemoglobin is low (11.4 g/dL), and mean corpuscular volume is low (65.7 fL). What do these results indicate, and how can I improve th...
Dr. Cai Jueren Reply:
Response to Miss Xiao Miao: The normal range for red blood cell count (RBC) is 3.8 to 6.0 million/µL for males and 3.8 to 5.5 million/µL for females. Elevated levels may indicate polycythemia or thalassemia, while low levels may suggest anemia. The normal range for hemoglobin (Hb...[Read More] Understanding Blood Test Results: High Red Blood Cells and Low Hemoglobin
Understanding Unexplained Bruising, Breathing Issues, and Spine Problems
Easy bruising with light touch, difficulty breathing, forward bending of the spine, headache, and insomnia? Hello Doctor, I have several questions I would like to ask, and I apologize for any inconvenience this may cause. 1. Recently, I have noticed that my skin bruises easily ...
Dr. Hong Chuanqi Reply:
Hello, 1. Bruising easily upon contact can occur due to age-related vascular wall hardening, which increases the likelihood of microvascular rupture, leading to bleeding (bruising). It is also important to consider the levels of red blood cells and platelets. 2. When you menti...[Read More] Understanding Unexplained Bruising, Breathing Issues, and Spine Problems
Understanding the Impact of Daily Supplements on Liver Health and Blood Donation
Maintenance medications I would like to ask... Does taking health supplements daily, like Centrum, put a burden on the liver? Does this mean I can't donate blood? I previously had constipation issues, and my doctor prescribed me a medication called Teliton. Does that medicat...
Dr. Huang Mingde Reply:
1. Every medication has the potential to impose a burden on the liver or kidneys. However, the extent of damage caused by the drug to these organs depends on the drug's toxicity and the dosage used. Currently, blood donation practices primarily categorize blood into componen...[Read More] Understanding the Impact of Daily Supplements on Liver Health and Blood Donation
Is It Anemia? Understanding Blood Test Results and Their Implications
Is it anemia? Hello Dr. Lin: My husband works as an environmental officer at a chemical plant, and the company conducts annual health check-ups for employees. His blood test results show the following issues: Red Blood Cells (RBC): 3.94; Mean Corpuscular Volume (MCV): 103.4; Mean...
Dr. Lin Mingxing Reply:
Director Lin Ming-hsing of the Department of Family Medicine at Tainan Hospital, Ministry of Health and Welfare, responded that one criterion for determining anemia that you did not include is hemoglobin (Hb) levels (approximately 13-15 g/dL for males). As for the RBC count, MCV,...[Read More] Is It Anemia? Understanding Blood Test Results and Their Implications