Overall health, Internal Medicine FAQ

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Foods to Combat Dizziness and Fatigue from Blood Test Results

Blood Test Report Red blood cells: 5.81 Hemoglobin: 8.0 Hematocrit: 28.3 Mean corpuscular volume (MCV): 48.8 Mean corpuscular hemoglobin (MCH): 13.7 Mean corpuscular hemoglobin concentration (MCHC): 28.2 To alleviate symptoms of dizziness and fatigue, it is advisable...


Dr. Lin Wuxuan Reply:
Hello, a blood test is just one indicator for assessing overall health. It is recommended that you return for a follow-up or consult with a physician in internal medicine or family medicine. Thank you.

[Read More] Foods to Combat Dizziness and Fatigue from Blood Test Results


The Connection Between Eclampsia and Immunology in Pregnancy

The relationship between eclampsia and immunology, rheumatology, and allergy is complex. Eclampsia, a severe complication of pregnancy characterized by seizures, is primarily associated with preeclampsia, a condition involving high blood pressure and organ dysfunction. While ecla...


Dr. Gao Jiankai Reply:
Hello, thank you for your question. Women with a history of preeclampsia or eclampsia do have an increased risk of developing autoimmune diseases, particularly lupus. Therefore, this is not only a precaution for potential future pregnancies but also relates to your overall health...

[Read More] The Connection Between Eclampsia and Immunology in Pregnancy


Can You Get HIV from a Cut by an Infected Sharp Object?

HIV transmission routes (through cuts) If you are cut by a sharp object contaminated with HIV-infected blood, there is a potential risk of HIV transmission. However, the actual risk depends on several factors, including the amount of blood present, the depth of the cut, and the o...


Dr. Lin Wufu Reply:
There is a possibility (the information provided is too limited to make an assessment, so I can only say that there are risks involved).

[Read More] Can You Get HIV from a Cut by an Infected Sharp Object?


Can You Get HIV from Eating or Drinking Contaminated Food or Water?

HIV Transmission Routes (Food) If you have an open wound in your mouth and you consume food or water that contains HIV-infected bodily fluids, there is a potential risk of HIV transmission. However, the risk is generally considered to be low. HIV is primarily transmitted through ...


Dr. Liao Zhongxin Reply:
According to the data from the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) in Taiwan, there are three main routes of HIV transmission: A. Sexual transmission: Engaging in oral, anal, or vaginal intercourse or any exchange of bodily fluids with an HIV-infected individual carries a risk of i...

[Read More] Can You Get HIV from Eating or Drinking Contaminated Food or Water?


Understanding Iron Deficiency Anemia: Causes, Treatment, and Concerns

Iron deficiency anemia Hello, doctor! I have a question. I have iron deficiency anemia, and my hemoglobin was initially only 8. The doctor recommended intravenous iron therapy, and after more than a year of treatment, my levels are approaching normal. However, my ferritin remains...


Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, women tend to lose a significant amount of iron due to menstruation. When combined with irregular daily routines, imbalanced diets, high stress, and lack of exercise, it can lead to long-term iron deficiency. It is advisable to first test for occult blood in the stool. If ...

[Read More] Understanding Iron Deficiency Anemia: Causes, Treatment, and Concerns


Does Ankylosing Spondylitis Increase Severe COVID-19 Risk?

Do patients with ankylosing spondylitis have a higher risk of developing severe COVID-19? Hello doctor, may I ask if patients with ankylosing spondylitis are more likely to develop moderate to severe symptoms after contracting COVID-19? Thank you, doctor.


Dr. Gao Jiankai Reply:
Hello, thank you for your question. Whether patients with rheumatic diseases develop severe illness after infection is related to their overall health status at the time of infection. Factors such as whether the rheumatic disease is well-controlled, the current condition of the d...

[Read More] Does Ankylosing Spondylitis Increase Severe COVID-19 Risk?


Understanding Blood-Streaked Mucus: Is It Just a Cold?

Common cold and related issues? Doctor, I'm sorry to disturb you. The day before yesterday, I noticed blood when I was clearing my nose or coughing up phlegm, so I went to see a doctor. The doctor asked me to open my mouth and used a spoon-like instrument to examine me. He s...


Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, the mucous membrane in the nasal cavity is rich in microvessels, which can easily result in blood streaks when you blow your nose forcefully or sneeze. As long as you avoid excessive force when sneezing or blowing your nose, the blood streaks should gradually disappear. Ad...

[Read More] Understanding Blood-Streaked Mucus: Is It Just a Cold?


Understanding Decreased Red and White Blood Cell Counts: What You Need to Know

Decreased red and white blood cell counts? Hello, I recently reviewed my previous health check-up reports from high school and college, which were three years apart. My red blood cell count decreased from 4.17 to 3.97, and my white blood cell count also decreased from 6.9 to 5.5....


Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, based on your blood test report, both the changes in white blood cells and red blood cells are within normal ranges, so there is no need to worry about anemia. It is important to also consider the hemoglobin (Hb) levels to assess this condition. To improve your overall hea...

[Read More] Understanding Decreased Red and White Blood Cell Counts: What You Need to Know


Understanding Pre-Meal Blood Sugar Levels: What Does 105 Mean?

Fasting blood glucose is 105 mg/dL and HbA1c is 5.3%? I apologize for the inconvenience. Your fasting blood glucose level of 105 mg/dL falls within the laboratory's reference range of 70-110 mg/dL, which indicates that it is considered normal according to their standards. Wh...


Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, based on your test results, your fasting blood glucose is 105 mg/dL and your hemoglobin A1c is 5.3%. Currently, these values do not meet the criteria for a diabetes diagnosis. It is recommended to follow up later. Thank you for your inquiry.

[Read More] Understanding Pre-Meal Blood Sugar Levels: What Does 105 Mean?


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


High Urea Nitrogen: Should You Monitor or Seek Immediate Medical Attention?

If blood urea nitrogen (BUN) levels are elevated, should I monitor it regularly or seek immediate medical attention? 1. If you wish to continue a high-protein (both animal and plant-based) and low-carbohydrate diet while also increasing your water intake, it is generally acceptab...


Dr. Su Zhehong Reply:
If creatinine levels remain unchanged and there is no proteinuria, but only elevated blood urea nitrogen (BUN), it may be related to a high-protein diet and not necessarily indicate worsening kidney function. Increasing water intake can lead to more urine output, which may help e...

[Read More] High Urea Nitrogen: Should You Monitor or Seek Immediate Medical Attention?


Understanding Tongue Pain: Causes, Symptoms, and Remedies

My tongue seems to be a bit painful? Hello, doctor. Yesterday, I suddenly noticed a small blister on the upper right side of my tongue. Although I'm not sure if it has burst, today I feel a slight pain in that area when I touch it with my teeth or roll my tongue, similar to ...


Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, 1. Based on your description, having a small sore on the tongue is indeed a common occurrence. Sometimes it happens when you accidentally bite your tongue, and other times it may be due to a decline in your overall health. Typically, it will improve within a few days, so...

[Read More] Understanding Tongue Pain: Causes, Symptoms, and Remedies


Understanding Hypothyroidism: Symptoms, Treatment, and Genetic Factors

Hypothyroidism issues? Hello, Doctor. I have been diagnosed with hypothyroidism since birth and have been regularly undergoing blood tests and taking levothyroxine tablets. However, during puberty and after becoming an adult (while taking birth control pills), my dosage has incre...


Dr. Lin Jianliang Reply:
1. It is recommended to have a blood test to measure thyroid levels; if the results are within the normal range, hypothyroidism can likely be ruled out. 2. A normal, balanced diet, along with a healthy lifestyle and regular exercise, greatly contributes to overall health. 3. Cert...

[Read More] Understanding Hypothyroidism: Symptoms, Treatment, and Genetic Factors


Understanding Non-Rheumatic Mitral Valve Prolapse: Is It Congenital?

Non-rheumatic mitral valve prolapse Is the non-rheumatic mitral valve prolapse diagnosed recently due to caffeine-induced palpitations a congenital condition?


Dr. Lin Wufu Reply:
Hello! As far as I know, mitral valve prolapse is mostly congenital, so it may be discovered in young individuals who seek medical attention due to symptoms like chest tightness or mild chest pain. Mitral valve prolapse itself typically does not have a significant impact on cardi...

[Read More] Understanding Non-Rheumatic Mitral Valve Prolapse: Is It Congenital?


Understanding Tulip 20mg: Safety, Efficacy, and Alternatives for Cholesterol Management

Regarding Tofacitinib Extended-Release Tablets A 72-year-old female, 158 cm tall and weighing 53 kg, currently has low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol at 134.5 mg/dL, high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol at 55.1 mg/dL, and triglycerides at 59.2 mg/dL. She has no other...


Dr. Lin Jianliang Reply:
It is correct that medications should be used carefully, and they are generally considered safe. Whether to discontinue medication and address subsequent issues will depend on the patient's condition moving forward, which should be discussed with your physician. The primary ...

[Read More] Understanding Tulip 20mg: Safety, Efficacy, and Alternatives for Cholesterol Management


Morning Throat Irritation: Causes and When to Seek Medical Help

Before getting up in the morning, it's common to experience a scratchy throat? In recent days, I have been experiencing a scratchy throat and coughing close to morning, with minimal phlegm that initially appears as yellowish clumps, sometimes with streaks of blood. These sym...


Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, based on your symptom description, if it has occurred recently, it is likely a cold. However, if you have been experiencing these symptoms for a long time, you may have allergic rhinitis. Whether it is a cold or allergies, antihistamines are commonly used for treatment, pr...

[Read More] Morning Throat Irritation: Causes and When to Seek Medical Help


Managing Hyperthyroidism: Pregnancy Risks and Treatment Options Explained

Hyperthyroidism issues? Hello Doctor: I would like to ask about my condition. I have had hyperthyroidism for over a decade, and although my levels were very high in the past, they have been stable and normal for the past two years. My most recent lab results show T3 at 153.35, T4...


Dr. Xiao Yongxun Reply:
Your question involves issues related to endocrinology and obstetrics; it is advisable to discuss this with your attending physician. 1. There are many causes of hyperthyroidism, with Graves' disease being the most common, likely due to an autoimmune response. Once well-co...

[Read More] Managing Hyperthyroidism: Pregnancy Risks and Treatment Options Explained


Understanding Membranous Glomerulonephritis: Treatment, Prognosis, and Emotional Impact

Glomerulonephritis The biopsy report indicates membranous glomerulonephritis. Prior to the biopsy, the proteinuria was 1.25 grams, which increased to 2 grams after the biopsy. Following one month of steroid treatment, the proteinuria decreased to 1.3 grams. Due to significant sid...


Dr. Wu Jiyu Reply:
Membranous nephropathy is the most common cause of nephrotic syndrome in adults, with the majority of cases being of unknown origin, while a minority are associated with medications or infections (such as hepatitis B). Treatment and prognosis can be categorized into three types: ...

[Read More] Understanding Membranous Glomerulonephritis: Treatment, Prognosis, and Emotional Impact


Kidney Donation Eligibility for Relatives with Drug History: What to Know

Kidney transplantation The likelihood of being able to use a kidney from a relative with a history of drug abuse (who has been sober for a year) depends on several factors, including the individual's overall health, kidney function, and any potential complications related to...


Dr. Wu Jiyu Reply:
First, your relative must be a blood relative or spouse within the fifth degree of kinship (a spouse is defined as someone who has been married to the organ donor for at least two years or has children with the donor), and must not have any other legally defined infectious diseas...

[Read More] Kidney Donation Eligibility for Relatives with Drug History: What to Know


Choosing Between Hemodialysis and Peritoneal Dialysis for Complex Cases

Hemodialysis or peritoneal dialysis? Based on the medical history provided, including left nephrectomy in 1988, abdominal surgery for peritonitis in 1992, and two cardiac catheterizations in 1997, this patient may be more suitable for peritoneal dialysis (PD) rather than hemodial...


Dr. Chen Jianyu Reply:
Due to the incomplete understanding of the patient's overall issues, such as the patient's age, whether they have diabetes or other systemic diseases, and their adherence to medical treatment, performing peritoneal dialysis may be less appropriate considering the patien...

[Read More] Choosing Between Hemodialysis and Peritoneal Dialysis for Complex Cases


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