Understanding Mediterranean Anemia: Symptoms, Diagnosis, and Management
Mediterranean anemia (also known as thalassemia) Red blood cells (RBC) 5.84 (reference range 3.70–5.50) Hemoglobin (Hb) 10.9 (reference range 11.3–16.0) Mean corpuscular volume (MCV) 59.4 (reference range 80.0–100.0) The above data was obtained two years ago when I was in high sc...
Dr. Li Zhiyao Reply:
Hello: 1. Your anemia is classified as microcytic anemia, and the possible causes include "thalassemia" (formerly known as Mediterranean anemia) or iron deficiency anemia, or both. It cannot be concluded that you definitely have "thalassemia" just because yo...[Read More] Understanding Mediterranean Anemia: Symptoms, Diagnosis, and Management
Post-Thyroid Cancer Surgery: Fertility Plans and Considerations
Post-thyroid cancer surgery considerations for fertility planning? Dear Dr. Hsiao, I underwent thyroid cancer surgery in early October 2015, which involved a total thyroidectomy and partial lymphadenectomy. I received radioactive iodine (I-131) treatment in early November 2015, ...
Dr. Xiao Yongxun Reply:
Dear Ms. H: 1. The half-life of iodine-131 is approximately 8 days. You may want to consult your attending physician regarding the dosage at that time to estimate the current residual amount in your body. Logically, from November 2015 to the present, it should theoretically have...[Read More] Post-Thyroid Cancer Surgery: Fertility Plans and Considerations
Is It Irritable Bowel Syndrome? Understanding Your Digestive Symptoms
Is it irritable bowel syndrome? Hello, Dr. Hsiao! I would like to ask you some questions... For the past few months (over 3 months), I have been experiencing some unusual bowel habits. I have been having bowel movements 4-5 times a day, and about 10 minutes after eating, I feel t...
Dr. Xiao Yongxun Reply:
Dear Ms. Chen: 1. The diagnosis of Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) lacks effective physical examination or biochemical blood markers. It is generally accepted that abdominal pain lasting more than three months, occurring more than three days per month, along with any two of the f...[Read More] Is It Irritable Bowel Syndrome? Understanding Your Digestive Symptoms
Severe Headaches and Anemia: Understanding Your Symptoms
Headache and anemia? Recently, I've been experiencing sudden headaches at night along with anemia for about three days. The headaches are so intense that it feels like my head is about to explode. It seems to be affecting my eyes as well, as my eyeballs feel a bit painful. I...
Dr. Xiao Yongxun Reply:
Dear Ms. Linda: 1. There are many causes of headaches, including migraines, tension-type headaches, cluster headaches, headaches related to head trauma, vascular headaches, non-vascular intracranial headaches, headaches caused by medications or foods, headaches related to non-he...[Read More] Severe Headaches and Anemia: Understanding Your Symptoms
Understanding Bruising and Bleeding: Could It Be Leukemia?
Bruising and bleeding during brushing? Hello, doctor. I have two or three unexplained bruises on my body and I've been experiencing bleeding while brushing my teeth, so I went for blood tests. My white blood cell count was normal, and I had two tests done about a month apart...
Dr. Xiao Yongxun Reply:
Dear Mr. Chiu Rong-Ching: 1. Leukemia, also known as blood cancer, is characterized by the abnormal and uncontrolled proliferation of precursor cells of granulocytes, lymphocytes, monocytes, or leukocytes, leading to a reduction in normal white blood cells. It includes acute lym...[Read More] Understanding Bruising and Bleeding: Could It Be Leukemia?
Understanding the Causes of Elevated Creatinine Levels in Lupus Patients
Causes of elevated creatinine levels? I have systemic lupus erythematosus, which was diagnosed in 2009. At that time, my serum creatinine level was 4.4. After receiving steroid treatment, it decreased to 2.5. I have since been under the care of rheumatology and nephrology. Howeve...
Dr. Lin Peifeng Reply:
The provided information is limited. Lupus nephritis can cause six types of pathological changes in the kidneys, some of which are acute changes. In such cases, the use of stronger immunosuppressants and corticosteroids may improve some kidney function. However, if the changes ar...[Read More] Understanding the Causes of Elevated Creatinine Levels in Lupus Patients
Understanding Mediterranean Anemia: A Guide to Blood Test Results
Anemia issues Hello Doctor: This is my boyfriend's blood test report: WBC 4.57, RBC 5.95, HGB 10.5, Ht 36.4, MCV 61.2, MCH 17.6, MCHC 28.8, PLT 417. Does this indicate Mediterranean anemia?
Dr. Xie Rongyuan Reply:
Hello: It could be either thalassemia or iron deficiency anemia, and further testing is needed to confirm. Thank you for your message![Read More] Understanding Mediterranean Anemia: A Guide to Blood Test Results
Understanding Mediterranean Anemia: Symptoms and Diagnosis Explained
Mediterranean anemia (also known as thalassemia) Hello doctor, I have thalassemia and often experience dizziness. I thought it was due to moderate thalassemia. I recently had a routine blood test, and the results came back quickly. The doctor said my blood is normal, with a hemog...
Dr. Xiao Yongxun Reply:
Dear Mr. Wei, Thalassemia, or Mediterranean anemia, is classified into α-thalassemia (determined by four α genes on chromosome 16) and β-thalassemia (determined by two β genes on chromosome 11), both of which are inherited in an autosomal recessive manner. Problems arise only wh...[Read More] Understanding Mediterranean Anemia: Symptoms and Diagnosis Explained
Understanding Mediterranean Anemia: Key Blood Test Indicators Explained
Mediterranean anemia (also known as thalassemia) Hello Doctor: My blood test report shows a white blood cell count of 8.8, red blood cell count of 5.95, hemoglobin of 12.1, hematocrit of 38.9, mean corpuscular volume of 65.3, mean corpuscular hemoglobin of 20.3, mean corpuscular ...
Dr. Xiao Yongxun Reply:
Dear Ms. Cindy: Based on the information you provided, if the measurements are in the common units used in Taiwan, it is certainly reasonable to suspect the possibility of oceanic anemia. As for whether there are other potential causes, you will need to discuss this with your phy...[Read More] Understanding Mediterranean Anemia: Key Blood Test Indicators Explained
Understanding Anemia: Symptoms, Causes, and Dietary Solutions
Dizziness, anemia? Doctor, I need your advice regarding my condition. - I often feel dizzy and sometimes almost faint (I stand still and wait to recover). - Sometimes I have difficulty breathing. - Occasionally, I experience chest pain. - Sometimes when I stand up, everything goe...
Dr. Xie Rongyuan Reply:
Hello: If you frequently experience dizziness, shortness of breath, and chest pain, you should seek medical attention as soon as possible. Anemia can cause dizziness, but it is important to determine the underlying cause of the anemia in order to treat it effectively. Additionall...[Read More] Understanding Anemia: Symptoms, Causes, and Dietary Solutions
Understanding Dizziness and Fainting: Causes and When to Seek Help
Unexplained dizziness and fainting? Hello Doctor, about ten days ago, I felt unwell due to the crowd at the station while traveling. I experienced dizziness and thought squatting down would make me feel better, but my vision suddenly blurred and went dark, and I even lost conscio...
Dr. Lin Shunfa Reply:
TO.JOY: 1. Pay attention to postural hypotension issues. 2. Check for anemia and other conditions. 3. Consult an otolaryngologist or neurologist for diagnosis and treatment.[Read More] Understanding Dizziness and Fainting: Causes and When to Seek Help
Understanding Sudden Dizziness: Possible Heart Issues and Anemia
Sudden dizziness? Hello Doctor: On Tuesday, while I was taking a bus back to school from Taichung, I fainted at the station. Before fainting, I experienced symptoms such as cold sweats, tinnitus, nausea, blurred vision, and rapid heartbeat, after which I lost consciousness. Accor...
Dr. Li Zhiyao Reply:
Hello: 1. A lack of family history of heart disease does not mean that you are personally free from heart disease. 2. Whether you have anemia can be determined through a blood test; however, having anemia does not necessarily mean that your symptoms are solely due to anemia witho...[Read More] Understanding Sudden Dizziness: Possible Heart Issues and Anemia
Managing Hypothyroidism: When to Seek Medical Attention and Dietary Guidelines
Hypothyroidism I have hypothyroidism and secretly stopped taking my medication for a year. A few days ago, I visited an endocrinologist, and my thyroid levels were within the normal range. The doctor said that since I am not taking medication, I should at least return for a follo...
Dr. Li Zhiyao Reply:
Hello: 1. Symptoms of hypothyroidism include fatigue, bradycardia, weight gain, cold and swollen extremities, rough and dry skin, brittle nails, numbness in fingers, absence of sweating, hoarseness, snoring, hair loss, anemia, heavy menstrual bleeding, and loss of libido, among o...[Read More] Managing Hypothyroidism: When to Seek Medical Attention and Dietary Guidelines
Understanding Low Hemoglobin: Symptoms, Causes, and When to Seek Help
Low hemoglobin levels? Hello doctor, I would like to ask if my health check report shows only low hemoglobin and a fast heart rate, while everything else is normal, does that indicate anemia? I have been experiencing frequent dizziness and severe headaches when I get up in the mo...
Dr. Li Zhiyao Reply:
Hello: It is recommended that you consult with a "Hematology" (Hematology-Oncology) specialist to determine if further examination and treatment are necessary.[Read More] Understanding Low Hemoglobin: Symptoms, Causes, and When to Seek Help
Dealing with Persistent Diarrhea: Tips for Recovery and Nutrition
I have had diarrhea for a week? Hello doctor, I have seen the doctor three times and have been taking my medication as prescribed, but no matter what I eat, I keep having diarrhea (it's all yellow watery stools and has been going on for a week). I don't know what I shou...
Dr. Li Zhiyao Reply:
Hello: Continuous diarrhea for a week is unusual. It is recommended that you consult a gastroenterologist, as only a specialist can determine the appropriate treatment.[Read More] Dealing with Persistent Diarrhea: Tips for Recovery and Nutrition
Understanding Mediterranean Anemia: Key Lab Values and Implications
Mediterranean anemia WBC 6.25, RBC 5.26, HGB 13.2, HCG 40.6, MCV 77.2, MCH 25.1, MCHC 32.5, PLT 341.0, RDW_CV 19.7, Iron & TIBC: Iron 24, UIBC 369, FE/TIBC 6.5, Ferritin 35. Please check for any abnormalities.
Dr. Lin Shunfa Reply:
To Rose: Based on the test data, there may sometimes be errors in the computer input. HGB 13.2: no anemia. MCV 77.2: microcytic, MCH 25.1: low. Iron 24: low iron, low TIBC, low ferritin. RDW-CV 19.7: elevated. If anemia is present, the likelihood of iron deficiency anemia is the ...[Read More] Understanding Mediterranean Anemia: Key Lab Values and Implications
Managing Hyperthyroidism: Pregnancy Risks and Treatment Options Explained
Hyperthyroidism issues? Hello Doctor: I would like to ask about my condition. I have had hyperthyroidism for over a decade, and although my levels were very high in the past, they have been stable and normal for the past two years. My most recent lab results show T3 at 153.35, T4...
Dr. Xiao Yongxun Reply:
Your question involves issues related to endocrinology and obstetrics; it is advisable to discuss this with your attending physician. 1. There are many causes of hyperthyroidism, with Graves' disease being the most common, likely due to an autoimmune response. Once well-co...[Read More] Managing Hyperthyroidism: Pregnancy Risks and Treatment Options Explained
Understanding Lupus: Hereditary Risks and Health Check Recommendations
Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) I’m sorry to hear about your mother’s passing due to lupus. Lupus, specifically systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), can have a genetic component, which means there may be an increased risk of developing the condition if a family member has it. I...
Dr. Zeng Guosen Reply:
Hello, internet user: In systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), only a small number of cases exhibit hereditary patterns, so there is no need to worry. The clinical symptoms of lupus can be quite diverse. Possible symptoms include: fever, fatigue, joint pain or arthritis, facial ras...[Read More] Understanding Lupus: Hereditary Risks and Health Check Recommendations
Understanding Mediterranean Anemia: Blood Test Insights and Next Steps
Mediterranean anemia Hello, based on my blood test report, is it possible that I have Mediterranean anemia? What is the likelihood? Or what additional tests should I undergo? Thank you. RBC: 5.28 (Male: 4.2-6.2; Female: 3.7-5.5) MIL/cumm Hemoglobin: 13.2 (Male: 12.3-18.3; Fem...
Dr. Xiao Yongxun Reply:
1. The complete blood count and hemoglobin electrophoresis tests you provided should ideally be ordered by a physician, who should also provide a thorough discussion and explanation of the results. If you have any further questions, please be sure to discuss them with your physic...[Read More] Understanding Mediterranean Anemia: Blood Test Insights and Next Steps
Is a Blood Pressure of 124/77 Considered Normal? Understanding Dizziness Symptoms
Is the blood pressure normal? Doctor, is a blood pressure reading of 124/77 normal? Also, I feel very dizzy in the morning, and I feel dizzy when walking and even when bending down to change clothes. Could there be a problem?
Dr. Li Zhiyao Reply:
Hello: Your blood pressure is not considered high. There are many causes for dizziness, such as anemia, inner ear imbalance, or blood pressure that is too high or too low, among others. It is recommended that you first consult a family medicine or neurology specialist, who will h...[Read More] Is a Blood Pressure of 124/77 Considered Normal? Understanding Dizziness Symptoms