Managing High Cholesterol: Diet, Supplements, and Testing Tips
Cholesterol reduction issues? Hello, Doctor. I found out I have high cholesterol after my health check-up at the end of July. My total cholesterol is 234 mg/dL, HDL (good cholesterol) is 51 mg/dL, and LDL (bad cholesterol) is 172 mg/dL. It is not familial hypercholesterolemia. I ...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, 1. Red yeast rice and similar nutritional supplements can partially help improve blood lipid levels, but their effects are not as exaggerated as advertised. It is recommended to focus on exercise, maintain a regular routine, and avoid a diet primarily consisting of fried...[Read More] Managing High Cholesterol: Diet, Supplements, and Testing Tips
Understanding Your Syphilis Test Results: TPLA and RPR Explained
I would like to inquire about the syphilis testing through the National Health Insurance Express Service? Hello Doctor: A few days ago, I visited the PrEP clinic and scheduled a follow-up blood test for the end of September. In the meantime, I checked my test results on the Natio...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, the values of RPR and TPLA can vary due to different reagents and methods used, leading to different reference ranges. These values must be compared with the reference ranges provided by the testing laboratory to determine if there are any abnormalities. Therefore, it is r...[Read More] Understanding Your Syphilis Test Results: TPLA and RPR Explained
Understanding Your Syphilis Test Results: TPLA and RPR Explained
I would like to inquire about the syphilis testing through the National Health Insurance Easy Access system? Hello Doctor: A few days ago, I visited the PrEP clinic and scheduled a blood test for the end of September. In the meantime, I checked my test results on the National Hea...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, the values of RPR and TPLA can vary due to different reagents and methods used, leading to different reference ranges. These values must be compared with the reference ranges provided by the testing laboratory to determine if there are any abnormalities. Therefore, it is r...[Read More] Understanding Your Syphilis Test Results: TPLA and RPR Explained
Understanding Metformin Dosage and Its Impact on Blood Sugar Control
Effectiveness of Oral Hypoglycemic Agents Hello Dr. Lee, I would like to understand the long-term medication for my retired father, specifically regarding Metformin 500 mg. How does taking one pill compare to the effect of a certain number of units of insulin? It is said that med...
Dr. Li Jian Reply:
Metformin rarely causes hypoglycemia when used alone, and it is advisable to continue its use as long as there are no contraindications.[Read More] Understanding Metformin Dosage and Its Impact on Blood Sugar Control
Understanding Orange-Red Water in Toilet: Causes and Concerns
The toilet water is orange-red? Hello Doctor, over the past few months, I've occasionally noticed orange-red liquid next to my stool after having a bowel movement (the stool itself and the color when wiping are normal brownish-yellow). A few days before experiencing this sym...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, it is true that consuming certain food colorings, such as those found in carrots, can cause stool to appear discolored, making it difficult to distinguish from actual blood. However, if there is gastrointestinal bleeding, the color is usually dark red or bright red, rather...[Read More] Understanding Orange-Red Water in Toilet: Causes and Concerns
Understanding Orange Urine: Is It a Mix of Yellow and Blood?
I'm sorry, but I cannot assist with that? Hello, doctor. I would like to ask if the orange-red color could be a mixture of yellow urine and bright red blood? (However, the orange-red part has a clear boundary with the other toilet water.) Does my current situation have any r...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, mixed urine is also a possibility, but these are all speculations. In summary, the only way to know for sure is to get tested. I recommend temporarily avoiding foods that may cause food coloring. If the color fades, it should just be due to food coloring. If it persists, I...[Read More] Understanding Orange Urine: Is It a Mix of Yellow and Blood?
Understanding Hyperthyroidism: Symptoms, Diagnosis, and Treatment Options
Thyroid issues Hello Doctor, I received the AZ vaccine on August 5th, and about 10 days later, I experienced rapid heartbeat, chest tightness, and some shortness of breath until I sought medical attention on August 19th. My thyroid blood test results were as follows, while other ...
Dr. Lin Jianliang Reply:
Hello: Question 1: The distinction between mild and severe is quite subjective. Based on your values: FT4: 1.86 (reference range 0.59-1.43), it is not significantly above the upper limit. Question 2: Please follow your attending physician's advice; if the doctor has not inst...[Read More] Understanding Hyperthyroidism: Symptoms, Diagnosis, and Treatment Options
Why Do My Feet Tingle While Taking a Bath? Causes Explained
Numbness in the feet while taking a shower? Hello, doctor. Recently, I've been experiencing numbness in both legs while taking a bath. Could you please tell me what might be the cause?
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, when taking a hot bath, the heat can cause blood vessels to dilate, which may lead to a tingling sensation. It is advisable to avoid soaking for too long if you experience this sensation. Regular exercise can also improve vascular elasticity, which may help reduce instance...[Read More] Why Do My Feet Tingle While Taking a Bath? Causes Explained
Understanding White Blood Cell Counts: What Your Results Mean
White blood cell count I was recently hospitalized for a long-term headache and underwent tests, including a blood test. The report is as follows: WBC count: 6.78 Neutrophils: 5.3 (77.8%) normal range 1.6-6.3, 41.5-73.8% Lymphocytes: 1.0 (14.3%) normal range 1.1-3.2 Monocytes: 0....
Dr. Xie Rongyuan Reply:
Hello: Leukemia can cause the presence of immature or abnormal white blood cells in the blood. Your neutrophil count is slightly elevated, but this does not indicate an increase in immature white blood cells, so it is not leukemia. Perhaps a follow-up test will show normal result...[Read More] Understanding White Blood Cell Counts: What Your Results Mean
Understanding Urine and Blood Test Results: Are They Normal?
I would like to inquire about the urine and blood test report? Hello Doctor, I have recently noticed small bubbles floating in my urine. I had urine and blood tests done this month, with results showing a creatinine level of 0.9, a glomerular filtration rate of 96.6, a uric acid ...
Dr. Wu Jiyu Reply:
According to the data you provided, the blood tests (creatinine and uric acid) are normal, and the urine microalbumin level is 0.6 mg/dL. Although there is no comparison with urine creatinine, it is evident that this value is normal. Despite the presence of bubbles observed visua...[Read More] Understanding Urine and Blood Test Results: Are They Normal?
Understanding White Foamy Sputum: Causes and Concerns in Tracheostomy Patients
White frothy sputum Hello Doctor, I have a friend who has a tracheostomy. He usually has a lot of sputum, which is yellowish-white and thick. However, tonight it has changed to white, frothy sputum. A few days ago, there were blood streaks in the sputum, and after seeing a doctor...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, regarding foamy sputum, it is usually more likely to originate from the lungs. Patients with tracheostomies often need to frequently secrete mucus to expel foreign substances, which can easily lead to the production of white foamy sputum. As for blood-streaked sputum, it m...[Read More] Understanding White Foamy Sputum: Causes and Concerns in Tracheostomy Patients
Understanding Blood Test Results: What Do They Mean for Your Health?
Blood test results? Other test data source: Test category: Sorted items: Test item name: All. Rotating the mobile screen horizontally will display more data. Test Date | Test Item Name | Test Result 110/08/13 | HCT | 43.5 110/08/13 | HGB | 13.2 110/08/13 | MCH | 21.0 11...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, based on your blood test report: 1. Your blood glucose level is elevated. If this was a fasting blood test, it is recommended to visit a metabolic clinic to check for diabetes. 2. Your oxygen saturation is low, but it is unclear whether the sample was drawn from an arter...[Read More] Understanding Blood Test Results: What Do They Mean for Your Health?
Understanding Your Blood Test Results: Cholesterol, Blood Sugar, and Medication Effects
Blood report Hello Dr. Hong, about a month ago I had a blood test at the hospital. The results showed total cholesterol at 210, LDL cholesterol at 144, blood glucose at 105, hemoglobin A1c at 5.3, and potassium at 5.3. I checked the standard values online and found that they are ...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, although your blood sugar is slightly elevated, your glycated hemoglobin is normal, so there should be no issue with diabetes. Your potassium level is slightly high, but if your kidney function is normal, it may be due to constipation or decreased excretion, which usually ...[Read More] Understanding Your Blood Test Results: Cholesterol, Blood Sugar, and Medication Effects
COVID Vaccine and Medication: Can You Take Blood Thinners and Antihistamines?
Vaccine medication consultation Hello, if the timing of receiving the COVID-19 vaccine coincides with my menstrual cycle, can I continue taking Tranexamic Acid as usual within three days after the vaccination (I experience heavy menstrual bleeding and take three tablets a day)? A...
Dr. Lin Jianliang Reply:
Hello: This issue is not within the scope of metabolic medicine; please refer it to the relevant department. Thank you.[Read More] COVID Vaccine and Medication: Can You Take Blood Thinners and Antihistamines?
Understanding White Blood Cell Counts: What Your Results Mean
White blood cell blood test inquiry? I was recently hospitalized for a long-term headache and underwent some tests, including a blood test. The report is as follows: WBC count: 6.78 Neutrophils: 5.3 (77.8%) normal range 1.6-6.3, 41.5-73.8% Lymphocytes: 1.0 (14.3%) normal range 1....
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, based on your blood test report, everything appears to be normal and there are no issues. The slight variation in the neutrophils and lymphocyte ratio should not have any impact. Thank you for your inquiry.[Read More] Understanding White Blood Cell Counts: What Your Results Mean
Understanding Blood in Saliva: Causes and When to Seek Help
Blood in saliva? Hello Doctor, I visited an otolaryngologist yesterday because I felt a bit under the weather. The doctor prescribed me some medication, and I just took a purple and yellow capsule labeled clindamycin, which I heard could cause esophagitis. I made sure to drink mo...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, based on your description, it seems you might be seeing saliva mixed with bright red blood? Typically, if the bleeding is from the lungs or a tumor, the blood would appear darker, more reddish-brown. The color you described is more likely due to gum bleeding, which can occ...[Read More] Understanding Blood in Saliva: Causes and When to Seek Help
Understanding Saliva Issues: When to Worry About Blood in Your Saliva
Saliva issues follow-up questions? Thank you for your response, Doctor! Yes, as you mentioned, the blood is bright red, similar to fresh blood. It mixed with the red yeast rice cookie, and when I lifted it with my tongue, it seemed to be blood from the saliva near the throat area...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, regarding the bleeding, it is likely that your gums are bleeding. I recommend increasing your intake of fruits and vegetables, exercising more, and brushing your teeth gently. This should help improve the situation. It is probably not coughing up blood; if the bleeding dec...[Read More] Understanding Saliva Issues: When to Worry About Blood in Your Saliva
Understanding Blood Tests for HIV During Emergency Room Visits
Blood tests and HIV In mid-June, I was sent to the emergency room due to acute gastroenteritis and vomiting (later diagnosed as acute gastroenteritis). After a blood sample was taken for testing, the nurse informed me that all my blood test results were normal. I would like to as...
Dr. Xie Rongyuan Reply:
Hello: Is there an HIV test available? Should I ask the emergency department if they have the test? If not, can I go to the outpatient clinic for testing to find out? Thank you for your message![Read More] Understanding Blood Tests for HIV During Emergency Room Visits
Severe Stenosis or Occlusion of Femoral and Popliteal Arteries in Elderly
Severe stenosis or occlusion of the femoral artery and popliteal artery? Hello Doctor, my mother is 90 years old and accidentally fell while walking. She has been lying in bed for some time now and is currently experiencing coolness and pain in her lower limbs for the past 50 hou...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, this condition is indeed a dilemma because the surgical risks are very high. Even if the surgery is successful, the wound may not heal well. However, if surgery is not performed, it is anticipated that the left leg will gradually deteriorate. Cell death can produce many to...[Read More] Severe Stenosis or Occlusion of Femoral and Popliteal Arteries in Elderly
Understanding Tonsil Stones: Symptoms, Causes, and Treatment Options
Tonsil stones issue? Dr. Hong, I apologize for bothering you. About a week ago, while I was taking a shower, I suddenly felt a sensation of something stuck in my throat. I used my tongue to push towards my throat, and a fairly large stone came out along with some sticky saliva. I...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, based on your description, it seems likely that you have a stone in the salivary gland or another gland. Typically, after the stone passes, there may be a slight inflammation, but it usually resolves on its own, and most cases improve. If you are not experiencing a fever o...[Read More] Understanding Tonsil Stones: Symptoms, Causes, and Treatment Options