Understanding Favism: Blood Tests and Military Exemption Criteria
Regarding the issue of Favism? Hello, doctor! I would like to ask if testing for G6PD deficiency can be done with a regular blood test? Additionally, I have heard that patients with G6PD deficiency may be exempt from military service. According to the current "Standards for ...
Dr. Yang Hongzhi Reply:
Hello: Favism is caused by a deficiency of the enzyme G6PD. Diagnosis can be made by testing the activity of G6PD through a blood sample. Most individuals with this condition are asymptomatic, and hemolytic anemia occurs only after the ingestion of certain medications or foods.[Read More] Understanding Favism: Blood Tests and Military Exemption Criteria
Managing Excessive Thirst in Diabetes: Tips and Alternatives
How to quench thirst? Hello Dr. Kuo, I have had diabetes for 4 years and regularly see my doctor and take medication. My blood sugar levels are 150 before meals and 200 two hours after meals, with a hemoglobin A1c of 7.5. However, I experience constant thirst every day and canno...
Dr. Guo Qinghui Reply:
There are many reasons for thirst, such as diabetes, neuropathy, diabetes insipidus, and the side effects of medications, among others. You should discuss your concerns with your physician and undergo further examination.[Read More] Managing Excessive Thirst in Diabetes: Tips and Alternatives
Understanding Your Medical Test Results: A Guide to Key Indicators
Laboratory Report Dr. Yang, could you please help me interpret my report? CK: 135 U/L TSH: 0.294 uIU/L HS-CRP: 0.58 mg/L CORTISOL: 9.00 µg/dL WBC: 5.1 x 1000/cmm HEMOGLOBIN: 11.6 g/dL PLATELET: 292 x 1000/cmm ESR: 12 mm/hr RF: <20.0 IU/mL Thank you, thank ...
Dr. Yang Hongzhi Reply:
Hello: A slightly low TSH usually indicates a tendency toward hyperthyroidism, but it does not necessarily mean true hyperthyroidism and may not produce symptoms. However, it requires monitoring.[Read More] Understanding Your Medical Test Results: A Guide to Key Indicators
Understanding the Connection Between Finger Pain and Stomach Issues
Finger and stomach pain? Dear Dr. Tseng, Over the past year, I have experienced cracking, bleeding, redness, swelling, and itching of the skin on my fingers. I initially thought it was a condition related to "wealthy hands" and sought treatment from both traditional Ch...
Dr. Zeng Guosen Reply:
Dear Angel, 1. Finger deformity, inability to bend the fingers, and cold fingers may be associated with Raynaud's phenomenon. A decrease in complement levels indicates an abnormality in the immune system, which is unrelated to premature infants. It is recommended to consult...[Read More] Understanding the Connection Between Finger Pain and Stomach Issues
Understanding Dizziness and Low Hemoglobin: When to Seek Medical Help
Dizziness, hemoglobin level 11.0? Hello Doctor: I previously donated blood multiple times in June 2006, and my hemoglobin levels were always within the standard range. Recently, when I went to donate blood, the nurse informed me that my hemoglobin was 11.0, which does not meet th...
Dr. Wang Fangli Reply:
Hello Ahua: A hemoglobin level of 11.0 indicates anemia. Please visit the hospital to investigate the cause of the anemia and receive appropriate treatment. 96.6.22 Hualien Hospital, Wang Fangli.[Read More] Understanding Dizziness and Low Hemoglobin: When to Seek Medical Help
Anemia Concerns: Do I Really Need a Blood Transfusion?
Anemia! Is a blood transfusion necessary? Hello, Doctor: I often feel dizzy and almost faint. 1. Before feeling dizzy, I experience some pain and tightness in my heart. 2. I have a tendency to become easily irritable. 3. I feel very fatigued every day. 4. My limbs often feel sore...
Dr. Yao Quan Reply:
Dear Ms. Hsiao, According to your blood test report, you are classified as having "microcytic anemia." The more common causes are iron deficiency anemia and thalassemia. Your hemoglobin level is at #9 (which is low), and if you require a blood transfusion to raise your...[Read More] Anemia Concerns: Do I Really Need a Blood Transfusion?
Is My Blood Test Normal? Understanding MCV and Anemia Concerns
Could you please provide more details about the report in question? Hello Doctor: A few days ago, my health check report came out. One item was highlighted in red, M.C.V 97.7, and the comments below indicated possible microcytic anemia, iron deficiency anemia, or thalassemia, sug...
Dr. Xiao Yongxun Reply:
Hello: In response to your questions. 1. Anemia is a common clinical symptom, typically referring to a decrease in the number of red blood cells, hemoglobin levels, or hematocrit. MCV stands for mean corpuscular volume, which indicates the average volume of red blood cells, mea...[Read More] Is My Blood Test Normal? Understanding MCV and Anemia Concerns
Understanding Mediterranean Anemia: Conflicting Diagnoses and Symptoms
Is it Mediterranean anemia? Hello Dr. Yao, 1. Three years ago, I had an examination at Keelung Hospital, where Dr. A diagnosed me with thalassemia, but Dr. B said I did not have it, explaining that thalassemia is not the same as Mediterranean anemia. I didn't understand, bu...
Dr. Yao Quan Reply:
Hello, it is difficult to determine why the diagnoses from the two physicians differ. Is it possible that the two physicians had access to different information? Thalassemia is caused by abnormalities in hemoglobin. A hemoglobin electrophoresis test can be used for diagnosis. Pat...[Read More] Understanding Mediterranean Anemia: Conflicting Diagnoses and Symptoms
Managing Diabetes During Pregnancy: Essential Tips for Expecting Mothers
Pregnant women with diabetes Doctor, I am a pregnant woman, 5 months along. I previously had good blood sugar control, but recently my levels have exceeded 200. I am a pregnant woman with type 2 diabetes. What should I pay attention to during pregnancy? What should diabetic pregn...
Dr. Xie Yonghui Reply:
Dear Miss Xiao Qing, The control of blood sugar is extremely important for a pregnant woman, as it significantly affects the health of the fetus. The table below shows the relationship between the hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c) levels in pregnant women during the first trimester and the...[Read More] Managing Diabetes During Pregnancy: Essential Tips for Expecting Mothers
Understanding Blood Sugar Levels: Why Fasting Can Be Higher Than Post-Meal
Pre-meal and post-meal blood glucose issues? Dr. Chen, I have a question. My mother has a history of diabetes, but it has been well controlled. However, during her recent blood sugar test, we found an issue: her fasting blood sugar was higher than her blood sugar two hours after ...
Dr. Chen Qingbin Reply:
Blood glucose levels fluctuate significantly due to diet, medication, and various hormones in the body. The control of blood glucose is more accurately assessed by measuring glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c).[Read More] Understanding Blood Sugar Levels: Why Fasting Can Be Higher Than Post-Meal
Understanding Dizziness: Causes and Concerns for Young Adults
First episode of dizziness? Hello, Doctor: I am a second-year graduate student. My daily routine usually involves entering the lab at 9 AM and returning to my dormitory around midnight, falling asleep between 1 and 2 AM. The day before yesterday, when I woke up in the morning, I ...
Dr. Wang Fangli Reply:
In healthy individuals, dizziness can occur in the presence of viral infections, bacterial infections, sleep deprivation, or stress. If you have iron deficiency anemia with a hemoglobin level of only 8, you should seek treatment at a hospital and pay attention to your diet and li...[Read More] Understanding Dizziness: Causes and Concerns for Young Adults
Managing Jaundice in Patients with Alpha-Thalassemia: Options and Insights
How to reduce jaundice in patients with type A thalassemia? Hello Doctor, I believe I have Alpha-thalassemia with Hemoglobin H disease! Since I was 20 years old, I have gradually experienced jaundice. I went to a hematology clinic for liver function tests and ultrasound, and all ...
Dr. Cai Zonglong Reply:
Hello: The jaundice caused by thalassemia is primarily due to increased destruction during the production of white blood cells, and it is less related to the spleen. Splenectomy or embolization may provide some benefit, but it can also weaken the immune system, so it is not advis...[Read More] Managing Jaundice in Patients with Alpha-Thalassemia: Options and Insights
Understanding the Connection Between Digestive Issues and Dizziness
Dizziness I would like to ask the doctor two questions: 1. I rarely have bowel movements; I can go about a week without one, and sometimes I stop for 5 to 6 days (which is the best case). There have also been times when I haven't had a bowel movement for 1 to 2 weeks. Each...
Dr. Liao Zhongxin Reply:
Hello, (1) Long-term constipation/bloating issues: 1. First, consider dietary factors: Do you enjoy dairy products (such as milk), fermented products (like Yakult or yogurt), or legumes? These can lead to an overgrowth of gut bacteria, producing gas, which, combined with constip...[Read More] Understanding the Connection Between Digestive Issues and Dizziness
Understanding Erythrocytosis: Symptoms, Risks, and Dietary Recommendations
Erythrocytosis Regarding your friend's health check-up, a hemoglobin level of 316,000 (31.6 g/dL) is indeed above the normal range of 270,000 to 310,000 (27.0 to 31.0 g/dL). This condition could suggest polycythemia, which is characterized by an increase in red blood cell ma...
Dr. Li Huixiong Reply:
I believe the information you provided is incorrect, and I suggest you review the report again. Polycythemia refers to an abnormal increase in the number of red blood cells, measured in millions! The normal range is between 4.5 million and 5.5 million. However, the number you pro...[Read More] Understanding Erythrocytosis: Symptoms, Risks, and Dietary Recommendations
Can Anemia and Asthma Affect Intense Exercise? A Guide for Your Girlfriend
Pelvic floor? My girlfriend has anemia, specifically iron deficiency anemia. Can she engage in intense exercise? Sometimes she experiences sudden dizziness and almost faints. Is it safe for her to run 800 meters? I'm worried she might pass out. Additionally, she has mild ast...
Dr. Liu Hongxiang Reply:
Ischemic anemia can present symptoms ranging from none to weakness in the limbs and dizziness, depending on its acute or chronic nature and the level of hemoglobin. Mild shortness of breath may be asymptomatic and similar to that of a healthy individual. In any case, could you pl...[Read More] Can Anemia and Asthma Affect Intense Exercise? A Guide for Your Girlfriend
Am I at Risk for Diabetes? Understanding Symptoms and Concerns
Am I suffering from diabetes? Hello Doctor: I am 13 years old, 162 cm tall, and weigh 52 kg. Whenever I wipe with tissue after noticing vaginal discharge (or female secretions, which have a stronger fishy odor), there are many ants that come to crawl and linger. We have a lot of ...
Dr. Wang Fangli Reply:
Please visit a medical facility for testing, which should include fasting blood glucose after 10 hours, postprandial blood glucose after 2 hours, and glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c) testing to determine if diabetes is present.[Read More] Am I at Risk for Diabetes? Understanding Symptoms and Concerns
Can Hemolytic Anemia Be Treated? Exploring Options for Relief
Can hemolytic anemia be cured? Hello doctor. A few days ago, I had a blood test and the results showed R.B.C 6.38, hemoglobin 11.4, hematocrit 42.3, mean corpuscular volume 66.3, mean corpuscular hemoglobin concentration 26.95, white blood cell count 7900, lymphocyte percentage 5...
Dr. Wang Fangli Reply:
1. Your anemia is not hemolytic anemia. 2. The jaundice is not caused by hemolysis. 3. It is recommended that you see a gastroenterologist specializing in liver and biliary disorders.[Read More] Can Hemolytic Anemia Be Treated? Exploring Options for Relief
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
Should I Take Medication for Diabetes? Exploring Treatment Options
Is medication necessary? I have been diagnosed with diabetes for a year and a half. During this time, my fasting blood sugar levels have ranged from 140 to 160 mg/dL, and my postprandial blood sugar levels have been between 180 and 200 mg/dL. My HbA1c levels are between 7.0% and ...
Dr. Yang Hongzhi Reply:
Generally, a hemoglobin A1c level below 7.0% is considered acceptable, while a level above 8.0% necessitates intervention. Since your level is currently between these two thresholds, you can try to enhance your diet and exercise as non-pharmacological treatments. However, if you ...[Read More] Should I Take Medication for Diabetes? Exploring Treatment Options
Which Doctor Should You See for Anemia Concerns?
Which specialist should I make an appointment with? I looked online for a hematologist, but I couldn't find any outpatient clinics specifically for hematologic oncology. I'm unsure which doctor I should consult regarding anemia. I apologize for any inconvenience.
Dr. Xiao Yongxun Reply:
Hello: In response to your question. Anemia is commonly encountered in clinical practice and generally refers to a decrease in the number of red blood cells or hemoglobin in the blood. For hemoglobin levels, the normal range for males is 14-18 gm/dL, and for females, it is 12-16 ...[Read More] Which Doctor Should You See for Anemia Concerns?