Understanding Macrocytic Anemia: Causes and Key Considerations
Macrocytic anemia is a type of anemia characterized by the presence of larger-than-normal red blood cells (macrocytes) in the bloodstream. It is often caused by deficiencies in vitamin B12 or folate, which are essential for proper red blood cell formation. When managing macrocy...
Dr. Li Huixiong Reply:
Macrocytic anemia is one type of anemia, typically caused by a deficiency of vitamin B12 or folate. Due to the larger size of individual red blood cells compared to normal red blood cells, there is an increased likelihood of destruction, leading to anemia; hence, it is referred t...[Read More] Understanding Macrocytic Anemia: Causes and Key Considerations
Understanding Low Hemoglobin Levels: Causes and Specialist Guidance
Abnormally low hemoglobin levels? The health check report from my first year of high school indicates that my hemoglobin level is abnormally low. What effects could this have? If I need to see a doctor, which department should I visit?
Dr. Ke Zhengchang Reply:
Dear Ms. Ruoye: There are many reasons for low hemoglobin levels, such as iron deficiency anemia, thalassemia, hemolytic anemia, and aplastic anemia, among others. It is recommended to visit a hospital and consult with a hematologist or oncologist for a detailed examination and t...[Read More] Understanding Low Hemoglobin Levels: Causes and Specialist Guidance
Understanding the Classification of Anemia: Mediterranean, Hemolytic, and More
Classification of Anemia Mediterranean anemia = Thalassemia = Hemolytic anemia = Favism?
Dr. Li Huixiong Reply:
1. Mediterranean anemia = Thalassemia = Hemolytic anemia, primarily caused by abnormal hemoglobin structure. 2. Favism = Hemolytic anemia, mainly due to a deficiency of G-6-PD enzyme. Therefore, 1 and 2 are both classified as hereditary hemolytic anemias.[Read More] Understanding the Classification of Anemia: Mediterranean, Hemolytic, and More
Understanding Mediterranean Anemia: Key Questions and Concerns
Questions about Mediterranean anemia? Dear Sir/Madam, Regarding the concerns about thalassemia, I would appreciate your response to the following questions regarding my eldest daughter, who is 9 years old and in the second grade of elementary school. During a blood test conducte...
Dr. Ke Zhengchang Reply:
Hello Tracy: Mediterranean anemia can range from mild to severe and is inherited in an autosomal recessive manner. If one parent carries the gene, the child may only have a mild form, typically without symptoms. If there is no severe anemia, treatment and blood transfusions are g...[Read More] Understanding Mediterranean Anemia: Key Questions and Concerns
Understanding Anemia: Why Multiple Tests May Be Needed for Diagnosis
Anemia Is it true that anemia is difficult to diagnose? I have undergone four tests at Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, but they still cannot determine which type of anemia I have. They asked me to come back for another test in a month, and I find this quite strange.
Dr. Ke Zhengchang Reply:
Dear Miss Lin Yanxing: There are many causes of anemia, ranging from iron deficiency anemia and thalassemia to bone marrow disorders. Therefore, in addition to blood tests, stool examination and menstrual history, even a bone marrow biopsy may be necessary. Please consult a hemat...[Read More] Understanding Anemia: Why Multiple Tests May Be Needed for Diagnosis
Essential Health Check Insights: Anemia, Low Blood Pressure, and Urinary Issues
Health check-up After a health check-up, the following symptoms were found. What should I pay attention to? Thank you! 1. There is anemia, with both hematocrit and hemoglobin levels being inadequate, and his blood pressure is 110/60 (which is considered low blood pressure). Wha...
Dr. Hong Hongchang Reply:
Anemia may be due to excessive loss or bone marrow disorders, requiring further diagnosis. Hematuria combined with elevated uric acid levels can lead to kidney damage and chronic renal failure. It is recommended to follow up with a nephrology outpatient clinic.[Read More] Essential Health Check Insights: Anemia, Low Blood Pressure, and Urinary Issues
Understanding Dizziness: Causes and When to See a Doctor
Dizziness Hello: I have been feeling dizzy for the past few days, and I don't have any cold symptoms. Why could this be happening? If I need to see a doctor, which specialty should I consult?
Dr. Ke Zhengchang Reply:
Hello, Wei: There are many causes of dizziness, including insomnia, colds, anemia, inner ear balance issues, and medication effects. Please first visit an otolaryngologist for an examination, and if necessary, you will be referred to a neurologist for further evaluation.[Read More] Understanding Dizziness: Causes and When to See a Doctor
Understanding Your Symptoms: Is It Nasopharyngeal Cancer or Something Else?
Unknown symptoms? January 21, 2001 DEAR DR. KOH, HOW ARE YOU? AND HAPPY CHINESE LUNAR NEW YEAR. REF: Nasopharyngeal Carcinoma or Another Health Problem? I have a question I would like to ask Dr. Koh. My blood tests showed: EBV IgA <32x (-) which is normal, but EBV IgG <...
Dr. Ke Zhengchang Reply:
Hello Lai Chun Shi: It is recommended that you visit an otolaryngologist for a detailed examination, as blood tests for viral antibodies are not very meaningful.[Read More] Understanding Your Symptoms: Is It Nasopharyngeal Cancer or Something Else?
Preventing and Managing Kidney Atrophy: Essential Strategies for Health
Kidney If there is kidney atrophy, how can we prevent its progression and what are the treatment options? Thank you.
Dr. Hong Hongchang Reply:
If kidney atrophy occurs, it indicates the onset of chronic nephritis or may lead to chronic kidney failure in the future. Dietary considerations should include a low-sodium diet and appropriate intake of protein and fluids. Additionally, unnecessary medications should be avoided...[Read More] Preventing and Managing Kidney Atrophy: Essential Strategies for Health
Understanding Mediterranean Anemia: Symptoms, Risks, and Exercise Effects
Mediterranean anemia (also known as thalassemia) What are the symptoms of this condition? What should be taken into consideration? Why do headaches often occur after exercise? Is there a connection?
Dr. Zeng Fenyu Reply:
Hello, Xiao Lun: 1. Thalassemia is a hereditary disease characterized by abnormal hemoglobin in patients, and generally, there are no symptoms other than anemia. 2. It is important to screen potential marriage partners to be cautious of the possibility of passing on abnormal gene...[Read More] Understanding Mediterranean Anemia: Symptoms, Risks, and Exercise Effects
Managing Hereditary Hemolytic Anemia: Key Considerations and Care Tips
Hemolytic anemia Hello, my boyfriend has hereditary hemolytic anemia. What should I pay attention to? He has splenomegaly and jaundice; how can I help him monitor these conditions? Will this disease lead to liver problems in the future? Should I provide him with special nutrition...
Dr. Yang Guojun Reply:
Hemolytic anemia can lead to jaundice and gallstones, and may also cause splenomegaly. Although it is not a liver disease, it can result in night sweats, which may indicate sympathetic nervous system hyperactivity. It is advisable to perform imaging studies of the adrenal glands.[Read More] Managing Hereditary Hemolytic Anemia: Key Considerations and Care Tips
Understanding Liver and Pancreas Issues: Interpreting Blood Test Results
Please ask questions related to the liver and pancreas? The individual has a relative with the following blood and biochemical reports: Biochemical tests: - G.O.T (AST): 444 - G.P.T (ALT): 533 - Total Protein: 7.4 - Albumin: 3.6 - Globulin: 3.8 - A/G Ratio: 0.9 - Alpha-Fetoprot...
Dr. Li Huixiong Reply:
The GOP and GPT (liver enzyme) levels are elevated above 400, and the hepatitis C virus antibody test is positive (Anti-HCV(+)). The alpha-fetoprotein (AFP) level is significantly above 40, and the A/G ratio is less than 1. These findings indicate that the patient is suffering fr...[Read More] Understanding Liver and Pancreas Issues: Interpreting Blood Test Results
Do I Have Thalassemia? Understanding Your Blood Test Results
Do I have thalassemia? Hello Doctor, Recently, I underwent a health examination for school admission, and the results of my blood tests were quite concerning (as follows): WBC: 5.91 RBC: 5.95 Hb: 11.4 Hct: 39.6 MCV: 66.55 MCH: 19.16 MCHC: 28.79 Platelet: 359.3 ...
Dr. Ke Zhengchang Reply:
Hello, little one: Your blood test report shows that your red blood cells are smaller than normal, indicating mild anemia. It is possible that you have either thalassemia or iron deficiency anemia. Further tests for serum iron levels and hemoglobin electrophoresis are necessary. ...[Read More] Do I Have Thalassemia? Understanding Your Blood Test Results
Boosting Alkaline Phosphatase Levels for Better Health
How to increase alkaline phosphatase levels? My wife has low alkaline phosphatase levels, which makes her prone to fainting. What should she consume more of to improve her health? Thank you.
Dr. Guo Conghuai Reply:
Hello Mr. 9610999: Alkaline phosphatase is present in the bones, gallbladder, bile ducts, and intestines of the human body. Generally, an elevated level of this enzyme indicates potential issues in those areas. There are no documented cases of fainting due to low alkaline phospha...[Read More] Boosting Alkaline Phosphatase Levels for Better Health
Understanding Dizziness and Vomiting: Possible Thyroid Connection
Vomiting Hello, I am 52 years old. In recent years, I have been feeling more fatigued. I often experience dizziness, which feels like a spinning sensation. I also have nausea, but after a good night's sleep, I feel fine the next day. I have had this issue 2 to 3 times a year...
Dr. Zeng Fenyu Reply:
Hello Ms. Chen: If you have undergone thyroid surgery, it is advisable to regularly monitor thyroid function to check for any abnormalities. Other potential causes of headaches include central nervous system disorders, inner ear conditions, or anemia. Please consult with an inter...[Read More] Understanding Dizziness and Vomiting: Possible Thyroid Connection
Understanding Anemia After Partial Gastrectomy: Causes and Solutions
Anemia Twelve years ago, I underwent surgery for a gastric perforation (it seems to be referred to as a subtotal gastrectomy), where 2/3 of my stomach (the lower part) was removed. The doctor mentioned that this would affect folate absorption. I frequently experience anemia, and ...
Dr. Zeng Fenyu Reply:
Hello Ivy: The most common type of anemia following gastric resection surgery is iron deficiency anemia, while anemia due to vitamin B12 deficiency or poor folate absorption is relatively rare. Have you been taking iron supplements daily for the past two years? What is the dosage...[Read More] Understanding Anemia After Partial Gastrectomy: Causes and Solutions
Understanding Colon Polyps: When Surgery is Necessary and What to Consider
Intestinal polyps Two years ago, I was diagnosed with polyps in my intestines in Taiwan. I have been experiencing constipation and diarrhea. Recently, I mentioned this issue to my doctor, and the doctor here in the U.S. recommended that I undergo surgery to remove the polyps imme...
Dr. Yang Guojun Reply:
Polyps: Polyps are protrusions on the intestinal wall formed by abnormal proliferation of the epithelium. Polyps can generally be classified into hyperplastic polyps and adenomatous polyps, with only adenomatous polyps having the potential to undergo malignant transformation. The...[Read More] Understanding Colon Polyps: When Surgery is Necessary and What to Consider
Understanding Causes of Gastrointestinal Bleeding in Children: A Parent's Guide
Causes of gastrointestinal bleeding in children? Our second child, a boy in the fourth grade (height 126 cm, weight 26 kg), usually does not complain of stomach pain, has a good appetite, and eats plenty of fruits and vegetables. However, he occasionally experiences constipation....
Dr. Li Huixiong Reply:
Could you please tell me what color your child's vomit was? Was there any coffee ground appearance? Did they consume pig's blood soup or duck blood cake previously? In theory, gastrointestinal bleeding can occur at any age, but it is uncertain whether your child is expe...[Read More] Understanding Causes of Gastrointestinal Bleeding in Children: A Parent's Guide
Understanding Mucus in Stool: Causes and When to Seek Help
Gastrointestinal tract I have noticed a few times that my stool contains a mucus-like, whitish substance similar to nasal mucus.
Dr. Zeng Fenyu Reply:
Issues related to bowel absorption should include testing for hemoglobin levels to check for anemia and performing a fecal occult blood test to determine if it is positive. If there is also associated weight loss, a series of colon examinations should be conducted. In cases of th...[Read More] Understanding Mucus in Stool: Causes and When to Seek Help
Managing Platelet Count and Uric Acid Levels: Dietary Tips and Advice
Platelets and uric acid? During the school health check, my platelet count was 350, and my uric acid level was 8.9, while the rest were normal. I had iron deficiency anemia when I was younger, but I don't know why my platelet count is still elevated now. Could you please adv...
Dr. Ke Zhengchang Reply:
Hello, the normal platelet count is 350,000/mm3. For iron deficiency anemia, iron supplementation (such as lean meat) is necessary. The normal uric acid level is below 7.0, and a level of 8.9 is too high. Dietary modifications should be implemented (avoiding high-purine foods suc...[Read More] Managing Platelet Count and Uric Acid Levels: Dietary Tips and Advice