Understanding Thyroid Issues: Family History, Testing, and Dietary Concerns
Thyroid issues Hello, doctor. Since my mother, aunt, and grandmother all have issues with thyroid enlargement, I feel that my neck is swollen. Recently, I went to the hospital for an examination. The thyroid surgeon performed a physical examination and a blood test. The doctor sa...
Dr. Lin Jianliang Reply:
1. You can undergo tests to check. 2. Additional test results may be needed to determine if any restrictions are necessary. 3. Hyperthyroidism may be associated with goiter, but it is not always the case. Thyroid enlargement may be accompanied by thyroid abnormalities, but it may...[Read More] Understanding Thyroid Issues: Family History, Testing, and Dietary Concerns
Managing My Father's Health Crisis: Seeking Medical Advice for Hypertension
Dad is experiencing health issues? About five years ago, my father fainted while playing mahjong after having a little bit of alcohol. We immediately called an ambulance, and when he was given an oxygen mask, his consciousness stabilized. The small hospital we went to later told ...
Dr. Chen Shunfu Reply:
Individuals with hypertension and obesity are at high risk for cardiovascular diseases. It is recommended that you bring your father to the hospital's cardiology department for a thorough examination.[Read More] Managing My Father's Health Crisis: Seeking Medical Advice for Hypertension
Understanding Left Lower Abdominal Pressure: Causes and Specialist Guidance
Left lower abdominal pressure sensation? Hello, Dr. Hong. I feel a sensation of pressure in my lower left abdomen (near the groin), as if something is pressing down, and this feeling seems to extend to my left ankle. It’s not painful, but it's hard to pinpoint exactly where ...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, based on your description, a more detailed medical history and physical examination are usually needed to confirm the diagnosis. The most likely causes of left lower abdominal pain in women include: 1. Gastrointestinal issues, such as chronic constipation, enteritis, or ...[Read More] Understanding Left Lower Abdominal Pressure: Causes and Specialist Guidance
Understanding Low Urine Creatinine Levels and Kidney Function
Low urine creatinine levels? Hello, doctor: I have a history of iron deficiency anemia and hypothyroidism, and I tend to experience mild edema. Recently, I underwent a physical examination, which included blood tests showing BUN 10, Cr 0.8, and urine tests showing Protein (urine)...
Dr. Wu Jiyu Reply:
Renal function is assessed based on eGFR. According to the data you provided, eGFR = 81.718 ml/min/1.73 m², which indicates that renal function is still within the normal range for your age. Regarding your question about urine creatinine (21.5 mg/dl), it is used to correct protei...[Read More] Understanding Low Urine Creatinine Levels and Kidney Function
Understanding Muscle Soreness: Causes, Concerns, and Treatment Options
Muscle soreness Three weeks ago, I initially only had lower back pain, and then the following week, I started experiencing soreness in both thighs, which has continued until now. It's just soreness; there is no pain or weakness, and my lower back pain has resolved. I also vi...
Dr. Gao Jiankai Reply:
Hello, thank you for your inquiry. Based solely on the symptoms you described, it is difficult to provide a definitive answer. In making a differential diagnosis, we not only consider the symptoms described by the patient but also need to conduct a physical examination. However, ...[Read More] Understanding Muscle Soreness: Causes, Concerns, and Treatment Options
Does Masturbation Before a Health Check Affect Urine and Blood Tests?
Masturbation the day before a routine health check-up? I would like to ask if masturbation the day before a routine physical examination for workers will affect the accuracy of urine tests and blood tests. Recently, I have been under a lot of stress and have been masturbating mor...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, if ejaculation occurs during masturbation, there may be some residual semen in the urethra the next day. Since semen contains proteins, sperm may be detected in a urine test or protein may be found in the urine. However, if the semen has been flushed out by urine, the urin...[Read More] Does Masturbation Before a Health Check Affect Urine and Blood Tests?
Understanding Dizziness: Causes and Solutions After a Cold
Dizziness issues? Hello, doctor... Since I caught a cold and had a fever on the 23rd of last month, I've been feeling dizzy, heavy-headed, and lethargic, constantly wanting to sleep. After more than two weeks, the cold symptoms and dizziness improved, but shortly after the d...
Dr. Xiao Yongxun Reply:
Dear Mr. Anonymous: 1. Dizziness can generally be categorized into four types: vertigo, presyncope, disequilibrium, and lightheadedness. Research statistics indicate that the most common diagnosis among these is vertigo. 2. The causes of dizziness are numerous. For example: ort...[Read More] Understanding Dizziness: Causes and Solutions After a Cold
Understanding Hyperthyroidism: Test Results and Treatment Options
Hyperthyroidism At the Taipei Hospital of the Ministry of Health and Welfare, the thyroid examination results are as follows: 1. Test Name Test Value Reference Range Result Anti-TPO Ab 1.450 0~5.61 IU/mL Nor...
Dr. Xiao Yongxun Reply:
Dear Mr. A-Kuo: Based on the values you provided: - Anti-TPO Ab: 1.450 (Reference range: 0–5.61 IU/mL) - Anti-Tg Ab (ATA): 4.380 (Reference range: 0–4.11 IU/mL) - Free T4: 1.520 (Reference range: 0.7–1.48 ng/dL) - TSH: <0.0025 (Reference range: 0.35–4.94 µIU/mL) - T3: 2....[Read More] Understanding Hyperthyroidism: Test Results and Treatment Options
Understanding Hyperthyroidism: Symptoms, Tests, and Treatment Options
Hyperthyroidism Test Name Test Value Anti-TPO Ab 1.450 Anti-Tg Ab (ATA) 4.38 Free T4 1.52 TSH <1.52 T3 2.220 Is this hyperthyroidism? Should medication be taken to control it? Does tak...
Dr. Xiao Yongxun Reply:
Dear Mr. A-Guo: 1. Your test results are as follows: - Anti-TPO Ab: 1.45 IU/ml (Reference range: <5.61) - Anti-Tg Ab (ATA): 4.38 IU/ml (Reference range: <14.4) - Free T4: 1.52 ng/dl (Reference range: 0.89–1.76) - TSH: <1.52 μIU/ml (Reference range: 0.39–4.2...[Read More] Understanding Hyperthyroidism: Symptoms, Tests, and Treatment Options
Understanding Diabetes: Key Questions About Diagnosis and Management
Diabetes concerns? Hello Doctor: My son is 26 years old and has been attracting ants with his urine. He went to the clinic for a blood test, which showed a fasting blood glucose level of 266 mg/dL and a hemoglobin A1c of 10.58%. There is a family history of diabetes (both of my p...
Dr. Xiao Yongxun Reply:
Dear Miss Wang Su-Chen: 1. According to the diagnostic criteria for diabetes set by the American Diabetes Association, a. a fasting plasma glucose level ≥126 mg/dL after fasting for more than 8 hours, b. a 2-hour plasma glucose level ≥200 mg/dL during an oral glucose tolerance t...[Read More] Understanding Diabetes: Key Questions About Diagnosis and Management
Is It Tetanus? Understanding Symptoms and When to Seek Help
Is it tetanus? Hello doctor, I injured the side of my right ankle four days ago, but I didn't notice it at the time. It wasn't until I touched a rusty chair that I felt pain, so I washed it with water. Since the day before yesterday, my calf has occasionally been painfu...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, tetanus can present with some neurological symptoms that require a physician to perform a physical examination for proper assessment. Therefore, it is recommended to visit a general surgeon to evaluate the wound. Thank you for your inquiry.[Read More] Is It Tetanus? Understanding Symptoms and When to Seek Help
Elevated Eosinophil Levels: Allergies or Serious Health Concerns?
Eosinophilia Doctor, I recently had a physical examination, and everything was normal except for my eosinophil count, which was elevated. The average range is 0.2-8.4%, and mine was at 9.8%. The doctor mentioned it might be related to allergies, but I don't recall having any...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, we usually consider that an elevated eosinophil count may be associated with parasitic infections or allergies. However, this value should be interpreted in conjunction with the total white blood cell count and your clinical symptoms for a more meaningful assessment. The l...[Read More] Elevated Eosinophil Levels: Allergies or Serious Health Concerns?
Understanding Unilateral Leg Edema: Next Steps for Diagnosis
Unilateral edema Hello, doctor! My grandmother, who is currently 87 years old, has been experiencing severe unilateral leg edema for the past two to three weeks. She recently visited the hospital and consulted a nephrologist, and her kidney function tests came back normal. Due to...
Dr. Xiao Yongxun Reply:
Dear Miss Quiet: 1. Common causes of unilateral leg edema include cellulitis, chronic venous insufficiency, compartment syndrome, complex regional pain syndrome, deep vein thrombosis, venous obstruction (e.g., from a bone tumor), lipedema, lymphedema, and right arterial compres...[Read More] Understanding Unilateral Leg Edema: Next Steps for Diagnosis
Understanding Abnormal Results in a 14-Year-Old's Health Checkup
Abnormal findings in the medical examination report? Hello, doctor. My son is 14 years old. During a recent physical examination (he had no discomfort at the time of testing, only nasal allergies), it was found that his white blood cell count (WBC) is 7.2 (normal range 4.5-10.0),...
Dr. Liao Zhongxin Reply:
Dear readers, Regarding the health examination report, here are the responses: 1. The normal values represent the distribution range for 95% of the normal population. A small percentage (5%) may be slightly higher or lower, which only requires follow-up in the future (in three ...[Read More] Understanding Abnormal Results in a 14-Year-Old's Health Checkup
Understanding Abdominal Discomfort: Causes and Remedies
I've been experiencing some gastrointestinal issues lately? Recently, I have noticed a small bulge below my navel that feels somewhat hard to the touch. I went to the pharmacy and bought laxatives. After taking them, my stools have been very watery and thick. Occasionally, I...
Dr. Xiao Yongxun Reply:
Dear Miss Ya-er: 1. [Recently, I've been experiencing some gastrointestinal issues; there is a slight protrusion below my navel that feels somewhat hard to the touch. I went to the pharmacy and bought laxatives, and after taking them, my stools have been thick and watery. ...[Read More] Understanding Abdominal Discomfort: Causes and Remedies
Understanding Hyperthyroidism: Key Questions and Considerations for Patients
Hyperthyroidism Hello Doctor: Recently, during a routine health check at my company, I found that my Thyroid Stimulating Hormone (TSH) level was 0.01, Free Thyroxine (Free T4) was 3.07, fasting blood glucose was 100, heart rate was approximately 100 beats per minute, and my white...
Dr. Xiao Yongxun Reply:
Dear Ms. Lin: 1. In our country, most testing laboratories are certified, and to maintain their reputation, the likelihood of significant errors in test results is low. Additionally, Free T4 and TSH levels do not fluctuate rapidly under normal physiological conditions. This mean...[Read More] Understanding Hyperthyroidism: Key Questions and Considerations for Patients
Understanding Intermittent Cough: When to Worry About Lung Cancer
Lung issues Hello Doctor, I would like to ask you a question. I had a complete physical examination last July, which included a chest CT scan, and the results showed no significant abnormalities in my lungs. However, I have been experiencing intermittent coughing for more than a ...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello: Lung cancer indeed does not develop in such a short period of time. The only concern is that any examination has its limitations; a CT scan may not detect very small or early-stage lung cancer. However, based on your symptoms, it may not necessarily be lung cancer. Conditi...[Read More] Understanding Intermittent Cough: When to Worry About Lung Cancer
Understanding Lack of Secondary Sexual Characteristics: A Guide for Men
Absence of secondary sexual characteristics? Why do I not have secondary sexual characteristics, have a small penis, sparse pubic hair, no beard or leg hair, and have not experienced voice changes? I also have gynecomastia. If I need to seek medical attention, which specialty sho...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, you can consult an endocrinologist or a family medicine specialist for further examination. Regarding the military service physical examination, you may need to inquire with the relevant authorities, as it is understood that individual examinations cannot be conducted sepa...[Read More] Understanding Lack of Secondary Sexual Characteristics: A Guide for Men
Recurring Hand Swelling and Itching: Possible Causes and Concerns
I have experienced itching and swelling in my palms five times within the past six months, and I am very concerned? Hello, doctor. I would like to ask about the swelling of my palms or fingers that has occurred five times in the past six months. Is there something wrong with my b...
Dr. Gao Jiankai Reply:
Hello, thank you for your inquiry. Based on your symptoms, it seems like you may be experiencing urticaria or angioedema, but a definitive diagnosis requires a physical examination and a detailed medical history. I recommend taking photos of the swelling and then consulting with ...[Read More] Recurring Hand Swelling and Itching: Possible Causes and Concerns
Understanding Diagnosis: Hair Loss and Autoimmune Concerns
Regarding the diagnosis of the condition? Hello, Doctor. I recently visited a major hospital's dermatology department due to severe hair loss and underwent blood tests. The results were somewhat ambiguous; the physician mentioned both Sjögren's syndrome and systemic lup...
Dr. Gao Jiankai Reply:
Hello, Student Zhang. Thank you for your question. If your physician has mentioned Sjögren's syndrome or systemic lupus erythematosus, you may want to visit the rheumatology clinic for further evaluation. In addition to tests, we will also inquire about other symptoms relate...[Read More] Understanding Diagnosis: Hair Loss and Autoimmune Concerns