Understanding Lupus: Low Platelets, Pregnancy Concerns, and Treatment Options
Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) Hello Dr. Tseng, I have some questions regarding systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). My wife has low platelet counts, and the hospital has identified three criteria that are consistent with SLE; we are still waiting for the X-ray results. If sh...
Dr. Zeng Guosen Reply:
Hello, netizen. 1. Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) typically presents with sudden onset of symptoms or abnormalities discovered during examinations, and the exact etiology is not fully understood. 2. If thrombocytopenia is the only finding during pregnancy, it does not nece...[Read More] Understanding Lupus: Low Platelets, Pregnancy Concerns, and Treatment Options
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?
Can Cupping Therapy Transmit HIV? Understanding the Risks
Can cupping therapy transmit HIV? Hello Dr. Liao: Yesterday, during my visit to the traditional Chinese medicine clinic, the physician used a vacuum cupping device on me. However, I noticed that the cups were put away after use without any disinfection. After the cupping, I have ...
Dr. Liao Zhongxin Reply:
Dear readers: 1. Regarding whether cupping can transmit HIV: (1) First, it is important to understand that the primary transmission routes for HIV are through sharing needles and sexual intercourse, with other routes being rare. (2) Next, observe whether the practitione...[Read More] Can Cupping Therapy Transmit HIV? Understanding the Risks
Understanding the Impact of Low P-LCR on Bruising in Patients
Platelet classification P-LCR (Platelet Large Cell Ratio) Hello, Doctor Gao. I am a patient with a Category 5 major illness, and I tend to bruise easily. Sometimes, if I experience prolonged pressure on my body, I will develop a bruise. However, the platelet counts monitored by m...
Dr. Gao Jiankai Reply:
Hello, Ms. Li. Currently, the significance of P-LCR is primarily in the differential diagnosis of the causes of thrombocytopenia. When platelet count is low but the platelets are larger (high P-LCR value), it indicates a greater likelihood of thrombocytopenia due to immune abnorm...[Read More] Understanding the Impact of Low P-LCR on Bruising in Patients
Understanding Bruising on Limbs: Causes and When to Seek Help
Bruising on the limbs? Dear Dr. Chen, I have been taking medication for hypertension for a long time, but about two months ago, I started noticing bruises the size of a ten-dollar coin appearing on my limbs. They are not painful and disappear in about one to two weeks. However, ...
Dr. Chen Qingbin Reply:
Hello, Gui Xiang. Your bruising could have various causes, so it's best to consult a family physician for long-term follow-up and examination. Thank you for your message.[Read More] Understanding Bruising on Limbs: Causes and When to Seek Help
Understanding Black Blisters on Heels: Diabetes and Vascular Issues
There is a black lump in the blister on the heel? My father has undergone coronary angioplasty and has poorly controlled diabetes, with pre-meal blood sugar levels ranging from 250 to 350. Currently, he is taking insulin injections in the morning and evening. Two days ago, he dev...
Dr. Chen Qingbin Reply:
Hello, diabetes patients are prone to vascular sclerosis and obstruction, and taking anticoagulants can easily lead to subcutaneous bruising. It is best to return to the original hospital for a consultation, where a physician can conduct a detailed examination to determine if a r...[Read More] Understanding Black Blisters on Heels: Diabetes and Vascular Issues
Understanding Platelet Count: Is Your Level Too Low?
Platelet count The platelet counts from 1998 to 2001 were 259,000, 260,000, 255,000, 239,000, and 240,000. Are these values considered low? Today, I woke up and suddenly noticed small red spots under the skin on my left forearm, resembling pinpoint bleeding. They are similar to t...
Dr. Gao Jiankai Reply:
Hello, your skin rash does indeed appear to resemble small petechiae, and the possibility of thrombocytopenia should be ruled out. If it is unilateral, we would suspect that the forearm has experienced some form of compression, such as bearing heavy objects, resulting in small br...[Read More] Understanding Platelet Count: Is Your Level Too Low?
Joint Pain, Swelling, and Pityriasis Rosea: Understanding Your Symptoms
Joint pain, edema, pityriasis rosea? Hello Dr. Tseng, A while ago, I accidentally bumped my left middle finger joint lightly against a table, which started to hurt slightly. At first, I thought it was just a bruise, but it has been over two months now, and it has developed into ...
Dr. Zeng Guosen Reply:
Hello, based on the definition, symptoms such as pain in the joints, muscles, fascia, and bones can all be referred to as rheumatism. Some rheumatic conditions can be diagnosed as specific diseases through symptoms, blood tests, and X-rays, while others may still remain undiagnos...[Read More] Joint Pain, Swelling, and Pityriasis Rosea: Understanding Your Symptoms
Understanding Bruising and Menstrual Changes: Health Insights
Bruising and m.c? Hello Doctor: Last December, I wore shoes that were too small, which caused significant pain in my big toe, and the tissue under the nail became bruised. Now, my big toes no longer hurt, but the bruising has not resolved. Previously, the blood donation center in...
Dr. Wang Fangli Reply:
If the bruising has not resolved after four months, you should visit a hospital for evaluation. For menstrual issues, it is also advisable to consult a gynecologist for examination.[Read More] Understanding Bruising and Menstrual Changes: Health Insights
Sudden Bruising and Rash: Understanding Your Symptoms and Next Steps
Sudden bruising on the hand and a rash on the neck? Hello, Dr. Tseng. This month, I've been experiencing intermittent rashes on the back of my neck. Today, the rash seems to have gotten larger. Yesterday, I suddenly noticed a bruise about 1.5 cm on my palm without any impact...
Dr. Zeng Guosen Reply:
Based on the description from netizens, the rash on the neck, bruising, and thyroid nodule surgery may have a causal relationship. However, it is difficult to fully understand the symptoms of the rash and bruising as described. It is recommended to consult a dermatologist for exa...[Read More] Sudden Bruising and Rash: Understanding Your Symptoms and Next Steps
Understanding Bruising and Pain: Possible Causes and Diagnosis
Bruise Hello, I would like to ask about the large area on the front of my calves that looks like a bruise. I also often experience pain all over my body, and it hurts when touched. I feel like I suddenly gained more than 5 kilograms. I went to see a doctor in Taipei for six month...
Dr. Yang Jun Reply:
Hello: In response to your question, frequent bruising on the body may indicate a coagulation disorder. It is advisable to consult a hematologist to check your platelet count and perform coagulation tests (PT, PTT, or bleeding time), as well as to assess liver and kidney function...[Read More] Understanding Bruising and Pain: Possible Causes and Diagnosis
Understanding Unexplained Stomach Pain: When to Seek Medical Advice
Unexplained abdominal pain? Hello Dr. Tsai, Last Friday night, I suddenly felt pain in my stomach while sleeping. The pain feels similar to that of a bruise and only occurs when I lie down and turn over (it wakes me up). Once I maintain a certain position while sleeping, the pa...
Dr. Cai Zonglong Reply:
Hello, your symptoms may be indicative of a peptic ulcer (especially a gastric ulcer). If left untreated, it may heal slowly but is likely to recur. I recommend that you consult a gastroenterologist for evaluation and treatment. Sincerely, Dr. Tsai Tsung-Long, Internal Medicine.[Read More] Understanding Unexplained Stomach Pain: When to Seek Medical Advice
Understanding Unusual Body Symptoms: When to Seek Medical Advice
Abnormal physical phenomena My life is simple, and I usually go to bed late (around one or two in the morning). Since childhood, I have been prone to bruising (I get bruises easily from minor bumps) and my mouth sores take longer to heal. Recently, I have noticed some unusual sym...
Dr. Wang Fangli Reply:
In addition to consulting an otolaryngologist, it is also important to check blood glucose, platelet count, red blood cell count, hemoglobin, and white blood cell count.[Read More] Understanding Unusual Body Symptoms: When to Seek Medical Advice
Could My Grandma's Symptoms Indicate Purpura or Another Condition?
Is this purpura? Hello doctor, I have a question. My grandmother (86 years old) cannot walk for long periods; her feet and ankles easily swell, and she often has small bruises on her calves. Could this be purpura, or could it be indicative of other diseases? (She does not have an...
Dr. Zheng Shuxing Reply:
Hello: Elderly individuals may experience swelling and bruising after prolonged walking, which is indicative of lower extremity edema. If elevating the legs and resting leads to improvement, it is advisable to rest with elevated legs after exercise. Additionally, a medical evalua...[Read More] Could My Grandma's Symptoms Indicate Purpura or Another Condition?
Understanding Kidney Issues and Nighttime Leg Cramps in Elderly Patients
Please ask your question? Hello, Dr. Yang... I have a question I would like to ask you... My mother has kidney issues; her left kidney has completely lost function, and the right kidney currently has a tube inserted in the lumbar area to allow urine to drain. She has kidney stone...
Dr. Yang Jun Reply:
Hello: In response to your question, your mother's condition is quite complex. The issue of right kidney stones and the need for catheter drainage should be explained by a urologist based on her specific situation. The neurological sensations and symptoms of congestion cause...[Read More] Understanding Kidney Issues and Nighttime Leg Cramps in Elderly Patients
Understanding Sleep Disorders in Seniors: Nighttime Aggression and Solutions
Sleep disorders in the elderly - acting out in dreams? Hello, doctor. My mother is 65 years old. This year during the Lunar New Year, I stayed with her and noticed that she often tries to hit people in her sleep, actually getting up and grabbing things around her, which resulted ...
Dr. Wang Fangli Reply:
Hello, Mao Mao: Please first ensure her and her family's safety, and then take her to Hualien Hospital to see Dr. Jiang Si-yi in the Neurology Department for an examination. Dr. Jiang's clinic hours starting in February are every Monday and Wednesday morning, and Tuesda...[Read More] Understanding Sleep Disorders in Seniors: Nighttime Aggression and Solutions
Understanding Septic Shock: Causes, Symptoms, and Concerns
Sepsis Dear Dr. Cheng, I have some questions regarding my father's recent passing (May 3, 2023) due to septic shock. My father was participating in a self-improvement activity (traveling in Hualien and Taitung) when he developed high fever, cough, vomiting, and fainting whi...
Dr. Zheng Shuxing Reply:
Hello! Septic shock is caused by bacterial infections. Our hospital handles thousands of cases each year, with nearly one-third resulting in death, and the mortality rate is higher among the elderly. Many types of bacteria can cause septic shock, such as Escherichia coli, Klebsie...[Read More] Understanding Septic Shock: Causes, Symptoms, and Concerns
Understanding Easy Bruising: Possible Causes and Solutions
Minor trauma resulting in subcutaneous hemorrhage? Since childhood, I have bruised easily from minor bumps, often not even knowing how I got hurt. I even need stitches for tooth extractions. What could this condition be? Is it due to a deficiency in clotting factors?
Dr. Hong Hongchang Reply:
Bleeding tendency or coagulation dysfunction may be due to low platelet count or insufficient coagulation function. Please follow up at the internal medicine outpatient clinic.[Read More] Understanding Easy Bruising: Possible Causes and Solutions
Thickening Toenails: Causes and When to Seek Medical Advice
Thickening of the toenails? After wearing new shoes on a hike, my toenail became bruised and turned black, eventually falling off. When it grew back, it became thicker. Should I be concerned about any underlying issues, and which specialist should I see?
Dr. Hong Hongchang Reply:
Nail bruising or loss due to injury may be caused by wearing ill-fitting shoes. It is generally not a serious concern for the body; however, it is important to avoid infection and wear appropriate footwear. If there are any questions, a consultation with a general surgery clinic ...[Read More] Thickening Toenails: Causes and When to Seek Medical Advice