Understanding Blood Test Results: Cholesterol, Gout, and Follow-Up Care
Blood draw issues? Hello, on May 19th, I had a health check-up, and the blood test report showed some concerning results: total cholesterol 125, high-density lipoprotein (HDL) 39, urine pH 7, and a positive reaction for occult blood. Does this indicate a risk for cardiovascular d...
Dr. Xiao Yongxun Reply:
Hello: In response to your questions. 1. The essence of a health check-up is to screen for specific diseases or issues through certain tests or examinations, and if necessary, to conduct further evaluations or diagnoses. 2. Your total cholesterol level is 125 mg/dL, and your high...[Read More] Understanding Blood Test Results: Cholesterol, Gout, and Follow-Up Care
Persistent Back Pain at Night: Possible Causes and Solutions
Persistent back pain during sleep at night? Hello, Doctor. I have been troubled by back pain for a long time. Since one night in May of last year, I have been waking up with back pain, which occurs only at night while I sleep. The pain is located between my shoulders and lower ba...
Dr. Zeng Guosen Reply:
There are many causes of back pain, and it is not possible to determine the true reason from your email content. If ankylosing spondylitis is suspected, you should see a rheumatologist for an "HLA-B27" blood test and an X-ray of the sacroiliac joints in the lower back f...[Read More] Persistent Back Pain at Night: Possible Causes and Solutions
Essential Diabetes Care Tips for Seniors: What to Know
What should people with diabetes pay attention to? Hello Dr. Shi: My father is 66 years old and was diagnosed with diabetes after surgery. Since he doesn't like going to the hospital, what should he pay attention to regarding diabetes management?
Dr. Shi Guangzhong Reply:
Diabetes is a chronic condition that requires regular monitoring, so it is recommended that your father continue to visit the hospital for check-ups. The management of diabetes varies from person to person; some patients can stabilize their blood sugar levels through dietary cont...[Read More] Essential Diabetes Care Tips for Seniors: What to Know
Understanding Diabetes Symptoms: What You Need to Know
Doctor, I'm quite scared... What should I do? What are the symptoms of diabetes? I grew up drinking sugary beverages! My friends often tell me to "be careful of diabetes," and I'm very worried because I've heard that people with diabetes tend to die earli...
Dr. Xiao Jingqin Reply:
Diabetes is characterized by three "polys": polyphagia (increased hunger), polydipsia (increased thirst), and polyuria (increased urination). Drinking beverages does not directly cause diabetes unless there is an underlying issue with insulin secretion from the pancreas...[Read More] Understanding Diabetes Symptoms: What You Need to Know
Understanding Fatigue and Lower Back Pain: Causes and Solutions
(Worried about) lower back pain and easy fatigue? Recently, I have been feeling easily fatigued and experiencing some lower back pain. What could be the cause of this? I am quite worried and would appreciate the doctor's insight. Thank you!
Dr. Yao Quan Reply:
Hello: The issue of easy fatigue can be considered from many angles. It may be due to high work stress, anxiety, or a diagnosis of chronic fatigue syndrome. If there are physical abnormalities, it is advisable to check for diseases related to the liver, heart, or endocrine system...[Read More] Understanding Fatigue and Lower Back Pain: Causes and Solutions
Understanding Restrictive Lung Disease: What You Need to Know
Restrictive lung disease Hello, I recently underwent a health check-up (organized by my company with a hospital conducting the examinations at the workplace), which included a computerized pulmonary function test. The results indicated "restrictive impairment." During t...
Dr. Cai Yaozhou Reply:
If you usually do not have any specific symptoms, you should consider undergoing a re-evaluation to check if there was an error in the previous examination. Even if restrictive lung function impairment is confirmed, further testing is necessary to determine the underlying cause. ...[Read More] Understanding Restrictive Lung Disease: What You Need to Know
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
Is It Gastroenteritis? Understanding Abdominal Pain and Symptoms
Is there a problem with the gastrointestinal tract? Two days ago, while I was running, I suddenly felt pain on the right side of my abdomen. After feeling the pain, I stopped running and walked slowly; any movement would cause pain. Later that evening, when I got home, I started ...
Dr. Xiao Jingqin Reply:
1. Gastroenteritis is the inflammation of the gastric and intestinal mucosa, commonly caused by food poisoning. Symptoms include severe vomiting and diarrhea, often accompanied by abdominal cramping and colicky pain, fever, and sweating. Prolonged and significant fluid loss can l...[Read More] Is It Gastroenteritis? Understanding Abdominal Pain and Symptoms
Understanding Rectal Bleeding: Causes, Symptoms, and When to Seek Help
Hemorrhoidal bleeding Dear Dr. Tsai, I have reviewed the frequently asked questions regarding rectal bleeding, and while my situation is somewhat similar, there are still differences, so I would like to seek your advice. I have been experiencing rectal bleeding for about a week ...
Dr. Cai Yaozhou Reply:
Hemorrhoids refer to the presence of blood in the stool or a positive fecal occult blood test. The causes may include gastrointestinal bleeding, tumors, anal fissures, hemorrhoids, or acute infectious enteritis, among others. The differential diagnosis and treatment involve... Wh...[Read More] Understanding Rectal Bleeding: Causes, Symptoms, and When to Seek Help
Could It Be Diabetes? Understanding Symptoms and Seeking Help
Could it be diabetes? I have seen many doctors due to my bad breath, but the problem has not been resolved, which is very distressing for me. My symptoms include severe halitosis, frequent foamy urine, occasional chest tightness, and fatigue. Additionally, I have a history of gou...
Dr. Xiao Yongxun Reply:
Hello: In response to your question, there are many causes of halitosis, including issues related to the oral cavity, otolaryngology, lungs, trachea, esophagus, stomach, and even metabolic problems. As for "bubbly urine," it generally warrants consideration of proteinur...[Read More] Could It Be Diabetes? Understanding Symptoms and Seeking Help
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
How Long Can Hepatitis B Virus Survive Outside the Body?
How long can the hepatitis B virus survive outside the body? If saliva from a person with highly infectious hepatitis B comes into contact with clothing during a conversation, is there a possibility of transmission to others? How long can the hepatitis B virus survive outside the...
Dr. Xiao Jingqin Reply:
Hello Linlin~~ Hepatitis B virus is transmitted through body fluids, primarily via blood transfusions, sexual contact, sharing needles, and needlestick injuries. It is not transmitted through respiratory droplets or food. Hepatitis B is very difficult to survive outside the body;...[Read More] How Long Can Hepatitis B Virus Survive Outside the Body?
Understanding Joint Sounds and Pain: Causes and Solutions for Your Symptoms
Multiple joints produce sounds (clicking or popping)? Hello, Dr. Chen. My right leg feels numb and sore; sometimes, while sitting, I experience discomfort that radiates from my right buttock down through my entire right leg. My body occasionally feels achy without a specific loca...
Dr. Chen Baoli Reply:
Hello Alley: There are many potential causes for your issue, which could include arthritis, laxity of the tendons or ligaments around the joint, myofascial pain syndrome, among others. Based solely on the description provided, it is not possible to diagnose the true cause. I reco...[Read More] Understanding Joint Sounds and Pain: Causes and Solutions for Your Symptoms
Understanding Redness in Hands and Feet: Causes and Next Steps
What causes the palms and soles to turn red? My mother is about 58 years old and has already gone through menopause. Recently, she has noticed redness in her palms and soles, without any pain or tingling sensations. She does not have hypertension, but her blood pressure reading i...
Dr. Xiao Yongxun Reply:
Hello: In response to your questions. 1. There are many causes for chest tightness, including cardiovascular issues (such as angina, myocardial infarction, aortic dissection, mitral valve prolapse, pericarditis), pulmonary conditions (such as pneumothorax, pulmonary embolism, ple...[Read More] Understanding Redness in Hands and Feet: Causes and Next Steps
Can Fatty Liver Patients Engage in Intense Activities Like Hiking?
Fatty liver disease Can patients with fatty liver engage in intense exercise, such as hiking 1 to 4 kilometers?
Dr. Xiao Jingqin Reply:
Fatty liver is characterized by the accumulation of fat within liver cells. Common causes include 1. obesity 2. alcohol consumption 3. poorly controlled diabetes 4. excessive intake of carbohydrates or high-fat foods 5. lack of exercise, among others. None of these causes can be ...[Read More] Can Fatty Liver Patients Engage in Intense Activities Like Hiking?
Understanding Back Pain Near the Kidneys: Signs and Concerns
Back pain near the kidneys? I have a strong aversion to drinking water, and I typically consume about three bowls of soup and one cup of milk each day, occasionally adding a 600cc bottle of sports drink. I've had no issues throughout my life, but since I started working as a...
Dr. Yang Jun Reply:
Hello: In response to your question, it was mentioned that your daily fluid intake is less than 2000cc, and due to work-related factors, you urinate infrequently, resulting in darker yellow urine. This is a mechanism by which the kidneys concentrate urine to retain sufficient bod...[Read More] Understanding Back Pain Near the Kidneys: Signs and Concerns
Understanding Abnormal Height Growth During Puberty: When to Seek Help
Height During puberty, a height growth of less than 5 centimeters per year is considered abnormal. If you want to have a doctor check for potential growth hormone deficiency, you should consult an endocrinologist.
Dr. Zeng Guosen Reply:
Hello: In a year, height should increase by a certain number of centimeters, using your own height as a reference. Some individuals grow earlier, while others grow later. If you suspect there may be an issue with your growth hormone, please consult an endocrinologist. Thank you![Read More] Understanding Abnormal Height Growth During Puberty: When to Seek Help
Can Sweet Drinks Cause Heart Palpitations and Weakness?
Can sweets also cause discomfort in the body? Hello, I recently noticed that whenever I drink sweet beverages like milk tea or soy milk, I experience symptoms such as palpitations and weakness. However, these symptoms disappear after about an hour. I would like to know if this is...
Dr. Xiao Yongxun Reply:
Hello: In response to your questions. 1. The symptoms of diabetes include polyphagia, polydipsia, polyuria, weight loss, slow healing of wounds, and thirst, among others. If acute complications occur, diabetic ketoacidosis or hyperglycemic hyperosmolar nonketotic coma may develop...[Read More] Can Sweet Drinks Cause Heart Palpitations and Weakness?
Postpartum Weight Loss: Overcoming Challenges and Finding Solutions
Postpartum weight loss Hello: I gave birth a year ago, but my weight remains high. I am 150 cm tall and weigh 59 kg. I have tried many weight loss methods, but none seem effective. The comments from others have made me very sad; who doesn't want to lose weight? I once visite...
Dr. Yang Hongzhi Reply:
Basal metabolic rate cannot be accurately measured with simple devices. The metabolic rate of obese individuals may not necessarily be slower compared to that of the general population. It is advisable to consult a metabolic specialist for weight loss management.[Read More] Postpartum Weight Loss: Overcoming Challenges and Finding Solutions
Understanding Colonoscopy: Safety, Discomfort, and Alternatives Explained
Colonoscopy Hello: I have been experiencing constipation for 2 years. During this time, I have relied on medication for bowel movements, although it's not solely dependent on medication. It's just that going to the bathroom is not very easy. I underwent some examination...
Dr. Cai Zonglong Reply:
Hello, a colonoscopy can indeed be somewhat uncomfortable, but there have been many advancements in technology recently that have improved the experience and made it more comfortable. If it's not tolerable, you can opt for a painless colonoscopy, but it will be out-of-pocket...[Read More] Understanding Colonoscopy: Safety, Discomfort, and Alternatives Explained