Managing Hashimoto's Thyroiditis: Essential Tips for New Mothers
Hashimoto's thyroiditis Dear Dr. Tseng, 1. After giving birth, I discovered that I have hypothyroidism (TSH: 29), which is associated with Hashimoto's thyroiditis. My baby underwent a thyroid screening at birth, and the results were normal. How often should my baby hav...
Dr. Zeng Guosen Reply:
Hello, I am a rheumatology and immunology specialist. Regarding thyroid diseases, I recommend consulting an endocrinologist for the most up-to-date and accurate medical information. Thank you for your question.[Read More] Managing Hashimoto's Thyroiditis: Essential Tips for New Mothers
High Kappa Immunoglobulin Levels: Understanding Potential Health Risks
Elevated levels of immunoglobulin Kappa? Hello, I am a 48-year-old male, 166 cm tall and weighing 66 kg, with hereditary Mediterranean anemia. I had a urinary stone in 2012, but it passed naturally. I do not have hypertension (January 2018 readings: 122 mmHg systolic, 77 mmHg dia...
Dr. Wu Jiyu Reply:
Based on your inquiry, I can provide you with some recommendations: 1. The eGFR of 55 is slightly low, and the urine microalbumin/creatinine ratio of 303.4 mg/g is elevated; it is advisable to have long-term follow-up with a nephrologist. 2. Regarding the immunoglobulin levels, K...[Read More] High Kappa Immunoglobulin Levels: Understanding Potential Health Risks
Can Taking Baktar Tab 400 MG Cause Long-Term Effects in Favism Patients?
Consumption of Baktar Tab 400 mg in individuals with G6PD deficiency can lead to hemolysis. The potential for long-term sequelae depends on the severity of the hemolytic episode. In most cases, if the hemolysis is mild and managed appropriately, there may be no lasting effects. H...
Dr. Wu Hongjie Reply:
Hello: Individuals with favism (G6PD deficiency) may experience hemolysis and a decrease in hemoglobin levels when exposed to oxidizing agents. The increase in bilirubin levels is indicative of hemolytic anemia, which can last approximately 8 to 14 days, depending on the oxidativ...[Read More] Can Taking Baktar Tab 400 MG Cause Long-Term Effects in Favism Patients?
Can You Get Parasitic Infections from Handling Water Plants?
Parasitic infection issues? Due to the need for fish farming, I manually pulled aquatic plants from a field ditch. After pulling them out, I washed my hands, and once they were dry, I ate some mint candy. Later, I discovered some worms in the aquarium that seem to be schistosomes...
Dr. Liao Zhongxin Reply:
Dear readers: Regarding <Parasites...> the response is as follows: A: You can refer to the CDC website at http://www.cdc.gov.tw/diseaseinfo.aspx? 1. Overview of Common Intestinal Parasitic Diseases: Intestinal parasitic diseases are prevalent in tropical and subtropical ...[Read More] Can You Get Parasitic Infections from Handling Water Plants?
Understanding Kidney Issues: Insights on Recovery and Dietary Considerations
Kidney problems Hello, my sister is 29 years old and has a history of refractory epilepsy for 23 years, is a carrier of hepatitis B, and has been diagnosed with schizophrenia for 2 years. She was hospitalized on July 31 due to cellulitis and developed sepsis, requiring intubation...
Dr. Wu Jiyu Reply:
Based on the data you provided, this condition is classified as "acute kidney injury," which may be caused by cellulitis complicated by sepsis. The key point is that as the infection is brought under control, your kidney function will gradually improve. It is recommende...[Read More] Understanding Kidney Issues: Insights on Recovery and Dietary Considerations
Understanding HbA1c Testing: Impact of Blood Donation and Accuracy Concerns
Glycated Hemoglobin Test (HbA1c Test) Hello Doctor: Recently, I have been experiencing intermittent itching around the skin near my ankles. I found online that this could be a symptom of peripheral neuropathy related to diabetes. Two years ago, my company's health check repo...
Dr. Xiao Yongxun Reply:
Dear Mr. Xiao Lu: 1. The diagnosis of diabetes has consensus standards in medicine: According to the diagnostic criteria from the American Diabetes Association, a. Fasting plasma glucose level ≥126 mg/dL after at least 8 hours of fasting, b. 2-hour plasma glucose level ≥200 mg/d...[Read More] Understanding HbA1c Testing: Impact of Blood Donation and Accuracy Concerns
Understanding Anemia: Symptoms, Types, and Improvement Strategies
Regarding issues related to my anemia? I am a male, naturally tall and thin. At the age of 13-14, I was diagnosed with anemia at a general clinic. I have often experienced dizziness, headaches, and difficulty falling asleep for a long time. This condition has improved over time. ...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, to differentiate between the types of anemia, a blood test is necessary to examine the size of red blood cells. In Taiwan, there is a higher prevalence of thalassemia and iron deficiency anemia. The symptoms of anemia depend on the level of hemoglobin; generally, if it is ...[Read More] Understanding Anemia: Symptoms, Types, and Improvement Strategies
Is Abnormal Blood Sugar with Normal HbA1c a Sign of Diabetes?
Abnormal blood glucose levels with consistently normal glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c) may not necessarily indicate diabetes. It is important to consider other factors and conduct further testing to determine the underlying cause of the abnormal blood glucose levels? Hello Doctor, fo...
Dr. Xiao Yongxun Reply:
Dear Mr. Huang: 1. According to the diagnostic criteria for diabetes set by the American Diabetes Association: a. A fasting plasma glucose level of ≥126 mg/dL after fasting for more than 8 hours; b. A 2-hour plasma glucose level of ≥200 mg/dL during an oral glucose tolerance tes...[Read More] Is Abnormal Blood Sugar with Normal HbA1c a Sign of Diabetes?
Understanding Urticaria and Thyroid Medication: Key Insights for Patients
Urticaria and Thyroid Medications Hello Doctor: At the end of March, I was diagnosed with hyperthyroidism and started taking methimazole in early April. However, about three weeks into the treatment, I began experiencing widespread itching and hives. The doctor prescribed one ant...
Dr. Xiao Yongxun Reply:
Dear Ms. Lin, Please read the following explanation, primarily based on the recommendations from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration for healthcare professionals in January 2016: Procil® (Propylthiouracil, PTU; 50mg/tablet) primarily works by inhibiting the production of thyro...[Read More] Understanding Urticaria and Thyroid Medication: Key Insights for Patients
Understanding Green Stool: Causes and When to Seek Medical Advice
Frequent green stools? Hello, doctor. I have been experiencing green stools at least three days a week after lunch, as I usually eat out. I'm not sure if it's related to the food, but I take iron supplements in the morning. Recently, my stool test during a health checku...
Dr. Xiao Yongxun Reply:
Dear Ms. Rachel: 1. There are many reasons for green stools; most commonly, it is due to the consumption of certain foods, such as dark green vegetables, iron supplements, or formula milk. It may also be related to liver, gallbladder, or gastrointestinal diseases. In your case,...[Read More] Understanding Green Stool: Causes and When to Seek Medical Advice
Do You Need Regular Kidney Function Tests? Common Concerns Explained
Questions related to kidney examinations? Is it necessary to have regular kidney function tests? I do not have diabetes or hypertension, but I have congenital heart disease and have previously had urinary tract infections and pneumonia. I took a lot of traditional Chinese medicin...
Dr. Wu Hongjie Reply:
Dear Sir/Madam, Renal function monitoring is typically recommended for: 1. Patients with a history of chronic kidney disease (such as chronic nephritis, interstitial nephritis, or hydronephrosis); 2. Individuals with systemic chronic diseases such as diabetes, hypertension, gout...[Read More] Do You Need Regular Kidney Function Tests? Common Concerns Explained
Understanding Kidney Function: Is Your GFR Too Low?
Kidney problems Hello, doctor! I recently received my health check report, which shows a serum creatinine level of 1.23 mg/dL and a glomerular filtration rate (GFR) of 77.51. There were no signs of hematuria or proteinuria. I would like to ask if my GFR is considered low, as I ha...
Dr. Wang Weijie Reply:
Hello: In healthy individuals without proteinuria, a glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) greater than 80 ml/min is considered normal. If there is foamy urine, it may indicate proteinuria, and it is recommended to follow up with a nephrologist. Chronic kidney disease is classified i...[Read More] Understanding Kidney Function: Is Your GFR Too Low?
Understanding Unexplained Fever: When to Seek Medical Attention
Fever of unknown origin (FUO) Hello, since I caught a cold at the end of September, I have been experiencing recurrent fevers. I also suddenly feel very cold, and when I have a fever, I experience palpitations, chest tightness, muscle aches, and weakness. I constantly feel fatigu...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, I suggest that you take your temperature to see if you actually have a fever, especially when you feel warm or very cold, as this is when the measurement is most accurate. However, given your overall discomfort, it is advisable to visit a hospital for a check-up. You may c...[Read More] Understanding Unexplained Fever: When to Seek Medical Attention
Managing Mediterranean Anemia: Can Blood Transfusions Help?
Mediterranean anemia Hello doctor, I have thalassemia and my hemoglobin level is 11.4. I usually exercise and don't have any issues. I would like to enlist in the military; can I increase my hemoglobin to 12 through blood transfusions? Are there other methods to improve it?
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, while blood transfusions can indeed increase hemoglobin levels, from a medical standpoint, they are not recommended without a medical necessity due to the potential complications associated with the transfusion process. Healthier alternatives include taking multivitamins, ...[Read More] Managing Mediterranean Anemia: Can Blood Transfusions Help?
Understanding Elevated White Blood Cell Count and Its Health Implications
Increasing white blood cell count, hypertension, anemia..? I have been diagnosed with hypertension and frequently experience palpitations, anemia, shortness of breath, chest tightness, chest pain, headaches, and hypoglycemia. Additionally, I experience left shoulder pain during e...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, it is important to first understand if you have been ill a few days prior to the blood test, with the most common illnesses being a cold or gastroenteritis. If so, it is likely due to an acute infection, and usually, your results will return to normal after a few days. If ...[Read More] Understanding Elevated White Blood Cell Count and Its Health Implications
Managing Chronic Kidney Disease: Tips for Diet and Medication
Chronic Kidney Failure Hello Doctor, my grandmother has issues with hypertension, diabetes, and anemia. Additionally, she was diagnosed this year with proteinuria and chronic kidney failure, but she has not yet started dialysis. Her reports show creatinine levels from June to Sep...
Dr. Wu Hongjie Reply:
Hello: Kalimate is an exchange resin that binds potassium ions for excretion from the body. The excretion of potassium ions (K+) decreases during renal function deterioration and end-stage renal disease, leading to hyperkalemia. Elevated potassium levels can cause arrhythmias and...[Read More] Managing Chronic Kidney Disease: Tips for Diet and Medication
Understanding Aplastic Anemia: Risks of Transmission and Inheritance
Aplastic anemia If my boyfriend has acquired aplastic anemia caused by a virus and has recovered through self-treatment, will it be hereditary to our children, or can it be transmitted to me through oral sex or similar means?
Dr. Liao Zhongxin Reply:
Dear readers: 1. It cannot be transmitted through oral sex. 2. For inquiries about genetic transmission, please consult a hospital with a hematology department. Thank you![Read More] Understanding Aplastic Anemia: Risks of Transmission and Inheritance
Understanding Your Blood Test Results: Anemia Indicators Explained
Should I get a blood test? The school health check report shows the following results: WBC 6470, RBC 5.53, Hb 10.2, Hct 33.5, MCV 60.6, MCH 18.4, MCHC 30.4. The items marked in red indicate that you may have anemia, as your hemoglobin (Hb) and hematocrit (Hct) levels are below th...
Dr. Liao Zhongxin Reply:
Dear readers: 1. Regarding the health check report, only the red blood cell section is abnormal: Hb 10.2, MCV 60.6 (normal range 80-100). 2. A 19-year-old female may experience iron deficiency anemia due to menstrual blood loss if iron supplements are not adequately provided t...[Read More] Understanding Your Blood Test Results: Anemia Indicators Explained
Which Specialist to Consult for Low Alkaline Phosphatase and Anemia?
Which specialty should I see? Hello: Problem description: I have been on dialysis for five and a half years, and my alkaline phosphatase levels have consistently been below 30, which is quite low. Online searches suggest a connection with anemia, and it is recommended to consul...
Dr. Wang Weijie Reply:
Hello, thank you for your message. Regarding your question, laboratory medicine primarily utilizes various tools in the laboratory to assist in the assessment of health status and physiological functions in preventive medicine, as well as in the diagnosis, evaluation, treatment, ...[Read More] Which Specialist to Consult for Low Alkaline Phosphatase and Anemia?
Understanding the Connection Between Hidden Mediterranean Anemia and Irregular Menstrual Cycles
Beta-thalassemia minor Red blood cells: 5.74 (elevated) Hemoglobin: 11.8 Hematocrit: 37.5 Platelets: 343 Mean corpuscular volume: 65.3 (low) Mean corpuscular hemoglobin: 20.6 (low) The doctor said I have latent thalassemia and elevated red blood cell count due to very irregular m...
Dr. Xiao Yongxun Reply:
Dear Ms. Yi: 1. Thalassemia should theoretically be unrelated to irregular menstrual periods. Moreover, your hemoglobin level of 11.8 gm/dL, while not very high, should still be sufficient to meet physiological demands. 2. In thalassemia, due to the smaller size of red blood ...[Read More] Understanding the Connection Between Hidden Mediterranean Anemia and Irregular Menstrual Cycles