Understanding Smartwatch Data: When to Worry About Hypoxia Levels
I have a smartwatch and would like to know under what circumstances I should be concerned about "happy hypoxia" based on the data? The data throughout the day ranges between 86-100%, with 95% being the most common for today. I would like to ask how long this should be s...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, if a standard pulse oximeter measures blood oxygen levels below 94%, it may indicate hypoxia. However, measurements taken with a smartwatch can vary significantly depending on the features of each device, so it is important to refer to the user manual for the specific smar...[Read More] Understanding Smartwatch Data: When to Worry About Hypoxia Levels
Is It Safe for Hashimoto's Thyroiditis Patients to Get the AZ COVID Vaccine?
Hashimoto's thyroiditis Is it suitable for patients with Hashimoto's thyroiditis to receive the AZ COVID-19 vaccine? Currently, there is no treatment, and blood tests are only conducted every six months to monitor values.
Dr. Gao Jiankai Reply:
Hello, thank you for your message. Individuals with Hashimoto's thyroiditis can still receive the COVID-19 vaccine, so there is no need for concern. This is a message from the Allergy, Immunology, and Rheumatology Department of Changhua Hospital, Ministry of Health and Welfa...[Read More] Is It Safe for Hashimoto's Thyroiditis Patients to Get the AZ COVID Vaccine?
Understanding Prediabetes: Causes, Management, and Lifestyle Changes
Prediabetes Hello, doctor. My height is 173 cm and my weight is 42.2 kg. In March, my weight was 45.2 kg. Due to weight loss, I underwent blood glucose and thyroid tests. The results showed fasting blood glucose of 96 mg/dL, hemoglobin A1c of 5.7%, eAG of 117 mg/dL, free T4 of 1....
Dr. Lin Jianliang Reply:
Hello: The normal range for fasting blood glucose levels is typically 70 to 100 mg/dL, and the normal range for hemoglobin A1c is 4 to 6%. I'm not sure what your laboratory's standard range is. For prediabetes, dietary changes and exercise can be effective in managing t...[Read More] Understanding Prediabetes: Causes, Management, and Lifestyle Changes
Understanding Symptoms: Numbness, Low Fever, and Heart Issues
Numbness in the cheeks, unexplained fever, and heart rate issues? Around 1 AM on June 2, my family member received a notification from the "Taiwan Social Distancing" app indicating possible contact with a confirmed COVID-19 case. They went to work in the morning, but in...
Dr. Lin Wufu Reply:
Hello! It is common to experience palpitations and other discomforting symptoms during a fever. A single negative test result does not definitively confirm that you are negative for the virus. If you still have the same symptoms after 3-4 days (which is now), it is advisable to c...[Read More] Understanding Symptoms: Numbness, Low Fever, and Heart Issues
Why Everything Tastes Salty: Causes and Remedies for Your Symptoms
Everything tastes very salty when I eat? For over a week now, I've been feeling that everything I eat tastes very salty and I'm experiencing dry mouth. Eating salty foods makes me uncomfortable, and drinking a lot of water doesn't help. Could this be a sign of exce...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, it is recommended to first visit a general internal medicine clinic to check for any abnormalities in electrolytes and osmolality in the blood. If those results are normal, you may need to consult a family medicine or rheumatology clinic to investigate whether there is a d...[Read More] Why Everything Tastes Salty: Causes and Remedies for Your Symptoms
Understanding Numbness After Thyroid Surgery: What to Do Next?
I'm not sure what to do? Hello Doctor, I have a history of thyroid tumor and underwent a surgical removal. I am currently taking thyroid hormone and calcium supplements. Recently, I have been experiencing occasional numbness in my upper back and limbs, and sometimes in my fa...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, based on your description, it seems to be caused by a neurological or circulatory issue, which may be related to prolonged sitting as you mentioned. I recommend avoiding long periods of sitting or standing. If you continue to feel uncomfortable, it would be advisable to co...[Read More] Understanding Numbness After Thyroid Surgery: What to Do Next?
Understanding Mild Throat Pain: Tonsil Stones or Something More?
Slight pain in the tonsils? Hello, Doctor. I would like to ask you about some symptoms I've been experiencing. A few days ago, I felt a slight discomfort on the right side of my throat or tonsil, and later I expelled a yellowish substance, which seemed to relieve the discomf...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, the condition you described is likely caused by tonsillitis, which is usually triggered by a cold. The chance of cancer is very low. Additionally, some individuals may experience tonsillitis due to factors such as lack of sleep, stress leading to a weakened immune system, ...[Read More] Understanding Mild Throat Pain: Tonsil Stones or Something More?
Understanding Oral Structures: Concerns About Tongue and Mouth Sensations
Structures of the Oral Cavity Hello, I would like to ask you about a small bump that looks like a bud on the inner wall of my mouth under my tongue. I previously consulted an ENT doctor who said it looked normal and mentioned that it seemed like it was about to form a hole, advis...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, the small protrusions you mentioned are likely the taste buds in the oral cavity or normal tissue, which should be considered a normal physiological phenomenon. The oral mucosa naturally contains many nerves and blood vessels, which can cause the sensations you described. ...[Read More] Understanding Oral Structures: Concerns About Tongue and Mouth Sensations
Understanding Lung Infiltration: When to Seek Further Medical Evaluation
Lung issues Doctor, I have a question. I went to see a family physician because I had a cold, and I underwent an X-ray, blood tests, and sputum analysis (my sputum has always been white, without any yellow or blood-tinged coloration). Later, my cough symptoms improved, and during...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, based on the current pandemic situation, it is recommended to first undergo COVID-19 testing. If the result is negative and symptoms persist, further evaluation by a pulmonologist at a major hospital may be necessary. As for pulmonary infiltrates, it is essentially inflamm...[Read More] Understanding Lung Infiltration: When to Seek Further Medical Evaluation
Understanding Numbness and Pulsating Pain in the Back and Hand
Back numbness and intermittent hand pulse pain? Hello Doctor: I occasionally experience a tingling sensation in the upper middle part of my right back. It’s not painful, but it feels numb, especially when I am focused on a task (in a concentrated state). This sensation has been p...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, regarding the back pain, it is likely caused by muscle tension or injury due to posture. I recommend avoiding prolonged sitting and getting up to walk around approximately every 30 minutes; this should help improve the condition. As for the hand discomfort, it may be a nor...[Read More] Understanding Numbness and Pulsating Pain in the Back and Hand
Understanding Foot Edema: Causes, Concerns, and Solutions
Foot edema Hello Doctor, I have been experiencing swelling in my feet for the past six months. Sometimes my feet feel sore before bed or upon waking up. However, I had a blood test in February, and all basic parameters, including liver and kidney functions, were normal. The only ...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, a glomerular filtration rate (GFR) of 91.7 is within the normal physiological range and should not be directly related to edema. Based on your description, it is likely due to poor vascular elasticity, which can lead to inadequate blood circulation and subsequent edema. Va...[Read More] Understanding Foot Edema: Causes, Concerns, and Solutions
Understanding Blood Test Results: Concerns About Lymphocyte Levels and Health
Blood Test Report I would like to consult a doctor about my recent blood test results. I found some information online that sounds quite alarming, and I'm worried I might have leukemia. My monocyte count is 41%, and I also have eosinophils at 3%. Could this be related to my ...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, your monocyte count is indeed abnormal. Common reasons for this include hematologic disorders or some atypical infections. However, you have previously been evaluated for hematologic disorders in the hematology department. As for atypical infections, they typically recover...[Read More] Understanding Blood Test Results: Concerns About Lymphocyte Levels and Health
Understanding Atypical Infections and Blood Test Results: Key Insights
Follow-up on blood test results? Thank you for your response, Doctor. I'm not quite clear on what atypical infections are. Could it be related to my late sleeping habits after the New Year, or the fact that I had a wound when I had my blood drawn? Should I mention this to th...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, atypical infections refer to infections caused by less common bacteria, with the most notable examples being Mycobacterium tuberculosis and Rickettsia. Regarding the wound, you can discuss it with a hematologist, although it may not necessarily be related to your report. A...[Read More] Understanding Atypical Infections and Blood Test Results: Key Insights
Understanding Easy Bruising, Petechiae, and Frequent Nosebleeds in Children
Easy bruising, petechiae, and nosebleeds? Dear Director Gao, My daughter is currently 7 years old. Over a year ago, we noticed that she easily develops bruises on her body, although we are unsure if she has bumped into something. These bruises mostly occur around her knees and t...
Dr. Gao Jiankai Reply:
Hello, thank you for your message. Here are my thoughts: 1. The pediatric immunologist mentioned the possibility of thalassemia or iron deficiency anemia. Since many family members on my mother's side have thalassemia trait, does that mean my daughter is likely to have this...[Read More] Understanding Easy Bruising, Petechiae, and Frequent Nosebleeds in Children
Understanding Numbness in the Right Big Toe: Causes and Solutions
Numbness on the inner side of the right big toe? I am a 24-year-old male. During the pandemic, I have not gone outside, but today I started to notice numbness in my right big toe, particularly on the side closer to the midline of my body. I have been barefoot at home and have not...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Based on your description and the provided images, it is possible that the symptoms you are experiencing are due to nerve compression in the buttocks caused by the material of your chair and prolonged sitting. It is recommended to find a more comfortable chair and to get up and m...[Read More] Understanding Numbness in the Right Big Toe: Causes and Solutions
Unraveling Mysterious Immune Reactions: Antibiotic Allergies or Autoimmune Disorders?
Is the strange illness experienced personally due to a drug allergy or an autoimmune disorder? Hello, doctor. I have encountered a strange immune reaction while taking medication and would like to ask for your advice. Earlier this year, I was on long-term antibiotics due to a pro...
Dr. Gao Jiankai Reply:
Hello, thank you for your message. I suspect that you may have Reiter's syndrome, also known as reactive arthritis, and I recommend that you consult a rheumatologist at a major hospital. There are several reasons for my suspicion related to this condition, including chronic ...[Read More] Unraveling Mysterious Immune Reactions: Antibiotic Allergies or Autoimmune Disorders?
Can People with High IgE Levels Get the Covid-19 Vaccine Safely?
If the IgE levels in a blood test are elevated, is it safe to receive the Covid-19 vaccine? If a person has a history of allergic conditions, frequently experiences eczema, and has elevated IgE levels in blood tests, can they receive the COVID-19 vaccine? Will the side effects be...
Dr. Gao Jiankai Reply:
Hello, thank you for your message. I believe that getting vaccinated is a good option, and the likelihood of experiencing side effects is not higher than that of others. Although your IgE allergy levels are elevated, the literature does not suggest that patients with such conditi...[Read More] Can People with High IgE Levels Get the Covid-19 Vaccine Safely?
Understanding Finger and Wrist Pain: Is It Rheumatoid Arthritis?
Regarding finger and wrist pain associated with rheumatoid arthritis? Dear Dr. Gao, Hello. Last June, during a routine check-up, I unexpectedly found out that my RF factor was positive. Subsequently, I visited the hospital, where the doctor arranged for additional blood tests. T...
Dr. Gao Jiankai Reply:
Hello, thank you for your message. Here are the responses to your questions: 1. Regarding the fluctuations in your Anti-CCP test results: On March 7, the hospital test was normal; on April 20, your self-test showed a significantly elevated level; however, on April 24, another fa...[Read More] Understanding Finger and Wrist Pain: Is It Rheumatoid Arthritis?
Adjusting Insulin for Diabetes Management: A Guide for Caregivers
Diabetes management Hello Dr. Lee, I have been taking care of my father who has had diabetes for over 20 years. During this time, due to dietary control, his HbA1c has decreased from 10 to 6.8. I would like to ask if the insulin he takes daily can be adjusted based on his blood g...
Dr. Li Jian Reply:
Adjusting insulin involves many factors, including the type of insulin used, accompanying oral medications, daily blood sugar fluctuations, renal function, and more. Please discuss this with the prescribing physician.[Read More] Adjusting Insulin for Diabetes Management: A Guide for Caregivers
Understanding Mediterranean Anemia: Key Blood Test Indicators
Mediterranean anemia (also known as thalassemia) Hello doctor, I received my military service medical examination report. The white blood cell count (WBC) is 6.6 x 10^3/µL, red blood cell count (RBC) is 6.51 x 10^6/µL, hemoglobin (Hb) is 13.4 g/dL, hematocrit (Hct) is 43.0%, and ...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, it is indeed possible, but Mediterranean anemia can only be confirmed through further testing. Thank you for your inquiry.[Read More] Understanding Mediterranean Anemia: Key Blood Test Indicators