Understanding Elevated Eosinophil Levels: Causes and Implications
Eosinophilia Dear Dr. Liao, I recently underwent a routine health check, and the results indicated that my eosinophil count was elevated (9.1 > 5). However, the physician did not provide any explanation, which left me quite puzzled. After researching, I found that excessive u...
Dr. Liao Zhongxin Reply:
Hello Mr. Yuan: 1. If elevated eosinophil levels are caused by diseases such as asthma or rheumatic autoimmune diseases due to steroid use, simply discontinuing the medication will allow for a gradual return to normal levels. 2. Elevated eosinophils can also occur in other con...[Read More] Understanding Elevated Eosinophil Levels: Causes and Implications
Understanding Hepatitis and Cirrhosis: Severity, Treatment, and Causes
Hepatitis. Liver Cirrhosis? Is this symptom serious? If it's just in the early stages, should it be treatable? Is this symptom related to diet, or is it due to something else?
Dr. Cai Yaozhou Reply:
In the early stages, liver cirrhosis may not present any symptoms, and liver function tests may appear normal. Diagnosis of liver cirrhosis can be made through liver function tests and abdominal ultrasound. The causes of liver cirrhosis include: 1. Chronic hepatitis B. 2. Chr...[Read More] Understanding Hepatitis and Cirrhosis: Severity, Treatment, and Causes
Understanding Low Platelet Count: Causes, Treatments, and Concerns
A low platelet count, confirmed by bone marrow examination, indicates a viral infection? Hello Doctor: On December 27, 2006, I visited a dermatologist due to purple spots and some bruising on my body. The doctor suggested that I go to the hospital for a blood test, suspecting tha...
Dr. Liao Zhongxin Reply:
Dear readers, 1. Regarding the low platelet count and accompanying purpura and bruising observed on December 27, 1995, common causes include liver dysfunction (cirrhosis), kidney dysfunction (dialysis), infections (viral infections, such as upper respiratory infections), hematol...[Read More] Understanding Low Platelet Count: Causes, Treatments, and Concerns
Understanding Persistent Fever and Back Pain: A Guide for Busy Professionals
Fever Hello Dr. Liao, I apologize for taking up your time. I am a working individual, 155 cm tall and weighing 43 kg, and I have been troubled by back pain for a long time. Over the past year, the pain has worsened, radiating from my spine to a deep point in my epigastric area. D...
Dr. Liao Zhongxin Reply:
Dear readers: 1. If you experience chronic back pain, general fatigue, and low-grade fever, you should first consult a neurosurgeon or orthopedic specialist to determine if it is due to poor posture, scoliosis, or spinal issues. 2. Taiwan is considered a high-prevalence area for ...[Read More] Understanding Persistent Fever and Back Pain: A Guide for Busy Professionals
Do I Need Medical Attention? Understanding BMI, Pain, and Irregular Cycles
Do I need to seek medical attention? Hello Doctor, I have a few questions I would like to ask: I am currently 30 years old, 158 cm tall, and weigh between 62 to 65 kg, giving me a BMI of 34. Over six months ago, I started a raw food diet, cooking with minimal oil, salt, and meat...
Dr. Chen Baoli Reply:
Dear Xiao Zhu, Regarding your question, I suggest you first consult an endocrinologist to check for any metabolic issues, such as hypothyroidism. As for the currently popular raw food diet, the medical community generally holds a skeptical view on whether it is suitable for ever...[Read More] Do I Need Medical Attention? Understanding BMI, Pain, and Irregular Cycles
Managing Multiple Chronic Conditions: Risks and Treatments for Your Mother
Multiple chronic diseases Hello Dr. Chen, My mother is 56 years old and has elevated uric acid levels, hypertension, and an allergic constitution. She has been experiencing long-term bone pain, which has now evolved into pain and stiffness in the joints of her hands. She is a he...
Dr. Chen Baoli Reply:
Hello, Xiaoyu: From your description, I would like to highlight a few points: 1. Soy isoflavones, a type of phytoestrogen, serve as an alternative to traditional hormone therapy for the prevention of osteoporosis. However, the actual safe dosage has not been established. There...[Read More] Managing Multiple Chronic Conditions: Risks and Treatments for Your Mother
Understanding Leg Pain and Hard Lumps: Autoimmune Disease Concerns
excuse me? Dr. Chen: Hello, my problem has been bothering me for a long time. I have seen several doctors who all said to ignore it, but I am worried. Occasionally, I experience some pain in my calves (and now my thighs as well), along with hard lumps that develop red spots, whic...
Dr. Chen Baoli Reply:
Hello Amy: Based on your description, it could potentially be a manifestation of vasculitis, but a definitive diagnosis requires consideration of other clinical symptoms, age, occupation, and other factors. As for further examinations, in addition to blood tests, a skin biopsy ma...[Read More] Understanding Leg Pain and Hard Lumps: Autoimmune Disease Concerns
Understanding Low Post-Meal Blood Sugar: Causes and Solutions
Blood glucose level is found to be low? Hello, doctor: I would like to ask you about my boyfriend's recent health check-up at his company. After a meal, his blood glucose level was 64, while the standard range is 65-110. Does this test result indicate a problem? Why is his b...
Dr. Xiao Yongxun Reply:
Hello: In response to your question. 1. Hypoglycemia generally refers to a plasma glucose level below 60 mg/dL, accompanied by clinical symptoms such as dizziness, cold sweats, tachycardia, anxiety, and altered consciousness. After excluding possible laboratory errors, hypoglycem...[Read More] Understanding Low Post-Meal Blood Sugar: Causes and Solutions
Understanding Skin Pain Associated with Cold Symptoms
Skin pain caused by a cold? Hello Dr. Zhao, I have a question regarding a cold: Over the past year, whenever I catch a cold, in addition to the usual symptoms of runny nose, nasal congestion, mild dizziness, excessive phlegm, and general discomfort, I have been experiencing &qu...
Dr. Zhao Chongliang Reply:
What you are referring to is abnormal sensation, which is known as paresthesia in English. It can be caused by poor blood circulation throughout the body, atherosclerosis due to deposits of cholesterol or thrombosis, vitamin deficiencies, poor nutritional status, diabetes, hypoth...[Read More] Understanding Skin Pain Associated with Cold Symptoms
Understanding Weakness in Hands and Feet: Causes and Solutions
Weakness in the limbs? Hello, I have been troubled by a long-standing issue where my hands and feet often feel weak. Sometimes, I even struggle to lift my hands to brush my teeth, and when I walk up stairs, it can get so severe that I end up kneeling down. I have low blood pressu...
Dr. Xiao Yongxun Reply:
Hello, in response to your question. The complaint of "weakness in the limbs" is common in clinical practice; however, due to the subjective nature of the experience, which varies from person to person, and the multitude of potential causes that lack specificity, it can...[Read More] Understanding Weakness in Hands and Feet: Causes and Solutions
Understanding Right Chest Pain: Possible Causes and When to Seek Help
Chest pain Recently, I've been experiencing pain in my right chest, especially when I lower my shoulder; it hurts the most then. I can't really pinpoint the source of the pain when I touch it. It's strange because I don't recall any sports injuries. What could...
Dr. Zhao Chongliang Reply:
Chest pain can be caused by serious conditions such as acute myocardial infarction, aortic dissection, pulmonary embolism, lung cancer, esophageal cancer, rib or intercostal tumors, or pneumothorax. It can also result from less severe issues like chest wall pain (including menstr...[Read More] Understanding Right Chest Pain: Possible Causes and When to Seek Help
Understanding Facial Swelling: Causes and When to Seek Help
My face is so swollen? Hello, doctor~~ I have a problem that has been bothering me for two years. Sometimes my face suddenly swells up, and the timing of the swelling is unpredictable. At first, I thought it was just regular edema, but it seems not to be the case. Every time I sw...
Dr. Zheng Shuxing Reply:
Hello: This may be microvascular dilation or an autoimmune disease. Please seek assistance at the rheumatology and immunology clinic at Taoyuan Hospital, Dr. Zheng Shuxing.[Read More] Understanding Facial Swelling: Causes and When to Seek Help
Understanding Elevated Platelet Counts: Causes and Implications
Thrombocytosis? At the end of January this year, I underwent a health check and found that my platelet count was elevated, with three subsequent tests showing values of 487, 536, and 520. The doctor indicated that the reference range is between 200 and 400. However, the first hos...
Dr. Zeng Guosen Reply:
Hello, most autoimmune diseases cause low platelet counts rather than high. High platelet counts can be classified into: 1. idiopathic, 2. inflammatory diseases, 3. hematologic disorders, 4. medications, and 5. infections. If you have further questions, please consult a hematolog...[Read More] Understanding Elevated Platelet Counts: Causes and Implications
Understanding Urticaria and Fever: Causes, Symptoms, and Concerns
Urticaria and high fever? Hello Doctor, I would like to ask you about my brother, who is 31 years old. Yesterday, he experienced widespread redness, itching, and a high fever, leading him to visit the emergency room twice (once around noon and again at 7 PM). The emergency physic...
Dr. Zeng Guosen Reply:
Hello: The fever has not subsided despite the administration of antipyretics due to inflammation, resulting in a cycle of fever. Part of the urticaria may be caused by infection or autoimmune diseases, so it is recommended to seek medical evaluation. Urticaria is not solely cause...[Read More] Understanding Urticaria and Fever: Causes, Symptoms, and Concerns
Understanding Uncontrolled Hand Tremors: Causes and Concerns
Uncontrollable shaking of both hands? Hello doctor, my hands have been shaking uncontrollably, and the severity seems to be increasing. This condition has been present for about a year now. What warning signs does this indicate? Could I have any underlying disease? I would apprec...
Dr. Li Dong'an Reply:
Hello AlfredLO: There are many potential causes for hand tremors, including depression, fatigue, hyperthyroidism, hereditary factors, medications, alcohol withdrawal, metal or pesticide poisoning, nutritional deficiencies, infections, autoimmune diseases such as vasculitis, endoc...[Read More] Understanding Uncontrolled Hand Tremors: Causes and Concerns
Understanding and Treating Seronegative Spondyloarthritis: Symptoms and Management
How to treat "seronegative spondyloarthritis"? Hello, how is "seronegative spondyloarthritis" treated? What are the symptoms? Is it incurable, and will the condition worsen over time? Thank you!
Dr. Zeng Guosen Reply:
Hello: Seronegative spondyloarthritis is an autoimmune disease that cannot be cured but can be managed. Most cases are well-controlled without significant long-term sequelae. Symptoms include lower back pain, lower limb arthritis, iritis, and some may have mucocutaneous lesions. ...[Read More] Understanding and Treating Seronegative Spondyloarthritis: Symptoms and Management
Is Hair Loss After Giving Birth Normal? Understanding Postpartum Changes
Is it normal to experience hair loss after giving birth? Hello, doctor: I gave birth in April, and for the past month, I have been experiencing significant hair loss. Is this a normal phenomenon? I am losing large clumps of hair, whether I am sleeping, washing my hair, or blow-dr...
Dr. Yang Hongzhi Reply:
There are many causes of hair loss, but most of them have no obvious reason. However, there are certain identifiable causes. Thyroid disorders and autoimmune diseases are more likely to be involved, and sometimes hair loss can occur after childbirth.[Read More] Is Hair Loss After Giving Birth Normal? Understanding Postpartum Changes
Understanding Dry Mouth: Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment Options
Dry mouth and dry tongue? Hello Doctor: I have been troubled by dry mouth and dry tongue for a long time, and my father has the same issue. I wonder if it could be hereditary? My symptoms are quite strange; I have to drink a lot of water every day, yet I still feel like my mouth ...
Dr. Yang Hongzhi Reply:
Hello: There are many people with such symptoms, and most do not have any underlying disease. One more severe condition is "Sjögren's syndrome," which is an autoimmune disease and can be evaluated by a rheumatologist.[Read More] Understanding Dry Mouth: Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment Options
Understanding Dry Mouth: Causes and Solutions for Your Symptoms
Dry mouth and dry tongue? Hello, doctor! Recently, I've been experiencing frequent dry mouth and a sour sensation at the tip of my tongue. I'm not sure if there's an issue with that part of my body.
Dr. Zhao Chongliang Reply:
Dry mouth, or xerostomia, can be caused by medications, physiological, and psychological factors. Common medications include antihistamines used for nasal congestion and allergies, as well as calcium channel blockers for heart conditions, which can reduce saliva production. Physi...[Read More] Understanding Dry Mouth: Causes and Solutions for Your Symptoms
Understanding and Preventing Painful Oral Ulcers: Expert Tips
Mouth ulcers can often be very painful? Hello Dr. Zhao, I often experience cracks in my oral cavity, and it hurts a lot when I eat or drink. How can I prevent this from happening again? I also applied Guangdong herb powder, but it still hurts. I really want to know if there are e...
Dr. Zhao Chongliang Reply:
If there are frequent ulcers in the oral cavity, it is likely recurrent aphthous stomatitis, also known as stubborn oral ulcers or canker sores. The exact cause is currently unclear, but it may be related to individual constitution. Other factors that can easily trigger recurrent...[Read More] Understanding and Preventing Painful Oral Ulcers: Expert Tips