Do I Need to See a Doctor for Low Platelet Count?
Do I need to see a doctor for low platelet count? Hello, Doctor Gao. I had a health check-up two weeks ago and found that my platelet count is 90,000. The health check center advised me to see a hematologist, but I feel that it doesn't seem serious since it's not below ...
Dr. Gao Jiankai Reply:
Hello, thank you for your message. If the platelet count is indeed 90,000/uL, it should be sufficient for the body's needs unless surgery is required. The current issue is to identify the underlying cause. Some cases of thrombocytopenia are related to immune system problems,...[Read More] Do I Need to See a Doctor for Low Platelet Count?
Understanding Proteinuria, Hematuria, and GFR: When to Seek Medical Help
Proteinuria, hematuria, glomerular filtration rate? Hello Dr. Huang, I would like to ask about my last health check-up in January. The report indicated several areas in red: urine occult blood 1+, urine protein 30 mg/dL, and glomerular filtration rate (GFR) 83. Is this serious? W...
Dr. Huang Yaoxuan Reply:
1. It does not appear to be very serious; the glomerular filtration rate (GFR) is 83, with a normal range of approximately 90 (measured in ml/min/1.73m²). A higher value is better; urine occult blood is 1+, and urine protein is 30 mg/dl, both of which are mildly abnormal. 2. Re...[Read More] Understanding Proteinuria, Hematuria, and GFR: When to Seek Medical Help
Rising Platelet Counts: Should You Worry About Thrombocytosis?
The platelet count has been increasing over the past three years during health check-ups? Hello, I have collected data from my health check-ups after starting work and noticed that my platelet count has been increasing. Three years ago, during my first health check-up, my platele...
Dr. Li Zhiyao Reply:
Hello: It is recommended that you consult a hematologist.[Read More] Rising Platelet Counts: Should You Worry About Thrombocytosis?
Understanding Thyroid Nodules: Causes, Concerns, and Management
Thyroid nodule Three months ago, during a health check-up, a lump was found in my neck. I was referred to a physician at Tri-Service General Hospital who diagnosed it as a thyroid goiter. The lump feels somewhat soft and is not painful. No further ultrasound or biopsy was perform...
Dr. Gao Jiankai Reply:
Dear Mr. Chia-Chi, Thank you for your email, and I apologize for the delayed response due to the New Year holiday. It is quite challenging to assess whether a thyroid enlargement is due to inflammation or a tumor solely by palpation. If necessary, ultrasound-guided sampling is t...[Read More] Understanding Thyroid Nodules: Causes, Concerns, and Management
Understanding Hepatitis B Antibodies: What Do Your Test Results Mean?
Hepatitis B antibodies Hello, nine years ago during my high school health check-up, my hepatitis B surface antigen was negative and my hepatitis B surface antibody was positive. However, this year's health check-up report shows that my hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) is ...
Dr. Xie Rongyuan Reply:
Hello: A positive HBsAg indicates a possible recent infection with hepatitis B or a lifelong carrier of hepatitis B, where the antibodies may also disappear. Transmission routes include: sexual contact; sharing needles, razors, toothbrushes, or earrings; using non-sterilized need...[Read More] Understanding Hepatitis B Antibodies: What Do Your Test Results Mean?
Managing Hunger and Diabetes: Understanding Blood Sugar Control and Weight Loss
Annoying hunger pangs Hello Doctor, in November 2014, during my health check-up, the doctor diagnosed me with diabetes (fasting blood sugar of 136 after 8 hours, HbA1c of 6.9). The doctor did not prescribe any medication but advised me to buy a blood glucose monitor for self-moni...
Dr. Li Zhiyao Reply:
Hello: 1. Your blood sugar is under control, but this does not mean that diabetes has been cured. 2. Regarding hunger, it is initially recommended to consume foods that are filling yet low in calories. For detailed advice, it is suggested that you consult a nutritionist at a hosp...[Read More] Managing Hunger and Diabetes: Understanding Blood Sugar Control and Weight Loss
Am I Pre-Diabetic? Understanding Blood Sugar Levels and Next Steps
Is this prediabetes? This morning, my fasting blood sugar was 82. Two hours after lunch, it was 179. A few minutes later, it changed to 161 and then 169. Two hours after dinner, it was 172, and two and a half hours after dinner, it was 144. My grandfather and father have diabetes...
Dr. Li Zhiyao Reply:
Hello: It is recommended to exercise more as you mentioned, improve dietary habits, especially paying attention to calorie intake and portion control. Following this, tracking your progress will allow for a more accurate diagnosis.[Read More] Am I Pre-Diabetic? Understanding Blood Sugar Levels and Next Steps
Understanding Renal Vascular Calcification: Causes and Implications
Renal vascular calcification Doctor, I previously underwent a health check-up at the hospital where I had an abdominal X-ray and a kidney ultrasound. The kidney ultrasound results were normal, but the abdominal X-ray indicated vascular calcification in the kidneys. Could you plea...
Dr. Wu Jiyu Reply:
Based on the information provided, we are unable to address your medical condition. We recommend that you consult a nephrologist for blood tests to check your "creatinine" levels and a urinalysis to clarify the issue. Thank you for your inquiry. The Nephrology Departmen...[Read More] Understanding Renal Vascular Calcification: Causes and Implications
Managing Uric Acid Levels: Dietary Tips and Follow-Up Care
Kidney function tests A month ago, I had a health check-up and my uric acid level was within the normal range (2.5-6.5 mg/dL), specifically at 6.1 mg/dL, which is close to the upper limit and has made me a bit concerned. What dietary aspects should I pay attention to? Do I need t...
Dr. Zeng Guosen Reply:
Hello, the uric acid level of 6.1 is still within the normal range, so there is no need to worry. Just make sure to drink plenty of water, eat more vegetables and fruits, reduce meat and organ meats, avoid alcohol, and incorporate exercise to manage your weight along with regular...[Read More] Managing Uric Acid Levels: Dietary Tips and Follow-Up Care
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
High Neutrophil and Low Lymphocyte Counts: What Do They Mean?
Elevated neutrophil percentage and decreased lymphocyte percentage? Hello Doctor: During my recent health check-up, the results of my complete blood count (CBC) are as follows: - White Blood Cell Count (WBC): 8.25 x 10^3/µL - Neutrophil Count (W-LCC): 6.12 x 10^3/µL - Lymphocyt...
Dr. Li Zhiyao Reply:
Hello Mr. Chang: Mild infections or inflammation can lead to examination results like yours, but since the symptoms are mild, you may not feel discomfort. It is recommended that you visit a family medicine physician, as the doctor may be able to identify the cause.[Read More] High Neutrophil and Low Lymphocyte Counts: What Do They Mean?
Kidney Stones vs. Kidney Cancer: Understanding Your Diagnosis and Concerns
Kidney stones or kidney cancer? Dear Dr. Wu, Hello! I have some questions that I would like your help with. 1. Since my sophomore year, I have consistently had protein in my urine during health check-ups, which has caused me a lot of concern. Almost every test I have done show...
Dr. Wu Jiyu Reply:
1. The examination of proteinuria can be categorized into coarse and fine assessments, and there are physiological proteinuria and pathological proteinuria. It is recommended that you consult a nephrologist for a detailed examination to clarify the issue. 2. Kidney stones are d...[Read More] Kidney Stones vs. Kidney Cancer: Understanding Your Diagnosis and Concerns
Understanding Blood Sugar Levels: Interpreting Your Test Results
Inquiry about blood sugar issues? Hello, Doctor: I would like to ask you a question. During my company's health check-up this year, the HR department informed me that fasting was not required. Therefore, I had breakfast on the day of the check-up and had my blood drawn about...
Dr. Zeng Guosen Reply:
Hello, if any of the following three criteria are met (at least twice), a diagnosis of diabetes can be made: a. Fasting plasma glucose level equal to or greater than 126 mg/dL. b. Presence of classic diabetes symptoms (such as excessive thirst, frequent urination, increased h...[Read More] Understanding Blood Sugar Levels: Interpreting Your Test Results
Understanding Low Platelet Counts: When to Seek Further Testing
Thrombocytopenia Hello, last year during my health check-up, my platelet count was 29,000, and this year it has decreased to 20,000. Although it is still within the normal range, should I undergo further testing? Thank you.
Dr. Gao Jiankai Reply:
Hello, thank you for your question. According to our hospital's standard values, the platelet count should be between 160,000 and 400,000/uL. I'm not sure if there was a mistake in your platelet count; should it be 200,000/uL instead? If it has decreased from 290,000/uL...[Read More] Understanding Low Platelet Counts: When to Seek Further Testing
Understanding Elevated Postprandial Blood Sugar: Insights and Solutions
Glycated hemoglobin is normal, fasting blood glucose is normal, but postprandial blood glucose is elevated? I undergo a comprehensive health check-up every two years, and my previous blood sugar levels have always been normal. During my recent check-up last month, my fasting bloo...
Dr. Zeng Guosen Reply:
Hello, netizen: Blood glucose levels are a crucial indicator for diagnosing diabetes. In healthy individuals, fasting blood glucose levels after an 8-hour fast should be below 100 mg/dL, and blood glucose levels two hours after a meal should be below 140 mg/dL. If fasting blood g...[Read More] Understanding Elevated Postprandial Blood Sugar: Insights and Solutions
Understanding Kidney Sand: Risks, Prevention, and Follow-Up Care
Renal ultrasound shows the presence of calculi (stones)? Hello doctor, during a health check-up, an ultrasound was performed, and it was noted that my kidneys appear to have some sand. The doctor mentioned that drinking water, exercising, and going to bed early can help metaboliz...
Dr. Wang Weijie Reply:
Hello, most patients with kidney stones are asymptomatic unless the stones drop from the kidneys into the ureters, causing a blockage of urine flow. Common symptoms include flank pain, sweating, severe pain leading to dizziness, nausea, vomiting, restlessness, abdominal discomfor...[Read More] Understanding Kidney Sand: Risks, Prevention, and Follow-Up Care
Understanding Basophil Counts: What Do Your Blood Test Results Mean?
Eosinophilia typically indicates? (The first part was sent prematurely and is incomplete.) Hello, Doctor. I apologize for sending the previous message before I finished typing. I would like to ask: The results of my health check-up at Taichung City Hospital at the end of 2012 sho...
Dr. Xiao Yongxun Reply:
1. Regarding your white blood cell differential count, the total white blood cell count is normal, with a slightly elevated percentage of basophils and a slightly decreased hemoglobin level in red blood cells, which should be considered normal variations. There is no evidence of ...[Read More] Understanding Basophil Counts: What Do Your Blood Test Results Mean?
Understanding Diabetes Risk: Home Testing vs. Professional Evaluation
Concerns about diabetes? I have a family history of diabetes; my father and grandmother have it, while my mother's side only has my grandmother. When I was a freshman in college, I had a health check-up, and my fasting blood glucose level was 105 mg/dL, with no glucose in my...
Dr. Cai Zonglin Reply:
Fasting blood glucose levels between 100 and 126 mg/dL indicate impaired fasting glucose, while levels above 126 mg/dL are diagnostic for diabetes. Blood test results are generally more accurate. Capillary blood glucose readings can also be referenced. Individuals with impaired f...[Read More] Understanding Diabetes Risk: Home Testing vs. Professional Evaluation
Understanding Foamy Urine After Meals: Is It a Kidney Concern?
Foamy urine is more noticeable after meals? Hello, I previously had a record of urine protein ++ during a health check. This year, I visited a nephrologist who examined my urine and stated that there was no protein present, and my blood protein levels were also not lower than nor...
Dr. Huang Yaoxuan Reply:
There are many substances that can cause an increase in bubbles in urine, commonly referred to as foamy urine, among which protein is more closely related to body health. Therefore, physicians only need to determine if you have proteinuria for diagnosis. Normal individuals may oc...[Read More] Understanding Foamy Urine After Meals: Is It a Kidney Concern?
Managing Elevated Fasting Blood Sugar: Next Steps and Dietary Tips
Fasting blood glucose levels are elevated during health check-up? Hello Dr. Lee, I had a health check-up last month and my fasting blood sugar was 101, as the standard value is 100. What further tests should I undergo? Also, what dietary precautions should I take since my grandfa...
Dr. Li Zhiyao Reply:
Hello: A single pre-meal blood glucose level can be influenced by many factors, such as the duration of fasting, among others. Since you only had one pre-meal blood glucose reading of 101, there is no need to be overly concerned at this time. I recommend that you focus on dietary...[Read More] Managing Elevated Fasting Blood Sugar: Next Steps and Dietary Tips