Understanding High MPV and Low Platelet Count: Causes and Concerns
A high mean platelet volume (MPV) combined with a low platelet count (PLT) can indicate several underlying conditions. This combination may suggest that the bone marrow is producing platelets in response to a low Hello, doctor. In my recent blood test, my platelet count was 5.8, ...
Dr. Gao Jiankai Reply:
Hello, thank you for your question. MPV stands for Mean Platelet Volume, and a higher value indicates that your platelets are relatively younger. This is due to your underlying immune disease, which causes faster consumption of platelets, prompting the bone marrow to rapidly prod...[Read More] Understanding High MPV and Low Platelet Count: Causes and Concerns
Risks of Eating Undercooked Pork: Symptoms, Diagnosis, and Prevention
Consumption of undercooked pork? Hello: During dinner, I pan-fried some frozen pork collar, and since the meat was cut a bit thick and possibly not fully thawed, I cooked it for about 10 minutes before eating. After consuming some, I noticed the meat was pink, indicating it might...
Dr. Qiu Junwei Reply:
1. If there have been no symptoms of diarrhea in the past few days, can we rule out concerns, or is there still a possibility of parasitic infection even without diarrhea? 2. How long should one observe symptoms to determine if an infection has occurred? Generally, if there are...[Read More] Risks of Eating Undercooked Pork: Symptoms, Diagnosis, and Prevention
Concerns About Undercooked Pork: When to See a Doctor?
Consumption of suspected undercooked pork? Hello doctor, I went out for barbecue with friends during the Double Ten holiday and ate one or two pieces of pork that seemed undercooked. I read online that there is a chance of parasites. Currently, I have slight abdominal pain and ha...
Dr. Qiu Junwei Reply:
It is recommended to monitor your stool for the presence of any eggs or worms this week. If there are none, it is likely that there is no issue.[Read More] Concerns About Undercooked Pork: When to See a Doctor?
Do Laxatives Increase the Risk of Kidney and Urinary Stones?
Do laxatives increase the risk of developing kidney stones? Hello doctor, I have a severe constipation issue, so I have been using over-the-counter stool softeners for a long time. I am wondering if this could lead to an increased risk of developing kidney stones and urinary trac...
Dr. Huang Yaoxuan Reply:
It is possible to visit the outpatient clinic for a detailed evaluation.[Read More] Do Laxatives Increase the Risk of Kidney and Urinary Stones?
Understanding Brown Stringy Vomit: Causes and Concerns
Vomiting with brown, stringy material? Hello Doctor: Since last night, I have been experiencing abdominal bloating and nausea, but I only vomited this morning. After vomiting, I noticed that the yellow vomit contained brown, thread-like substances, and I am concerned it might be ...
Dr. Lin Wufu Reply:
Hello, it is difficult to confirm whether there is mild bleeding. In fact, during vomiting, the esophagus can sometimes stretch forcefully, which may lead to tearing and result in mild bleeding. If there is gastric bleeding, the vomit is typically tarry in appearance. It is advis...[Read More] Understanding Brown Stringy Vomit: Causes and Concerns
Understanding Sudden Abdominal Pain: Causes and Concerns
Abdominal issues? Hello, doctor. I would like to ask about something that happened today. While I was eating, I suddenly felt a sharp pain on the left side of my navel for about 10 seconds. After I loosened my pants a bit, the pain went away. I visited a gastroenterologist last w...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, as your doctor mentioned, the serious illnesses you are concerned about typically do not present with just a brief pain. If you do not experience any further discomfort, it is advisable to simply monitor the situation. Thank you for your question.[Read More] Understanding Sudden Abdominal Pain: Causes and Concerns
Understanding Gastrointestinal Issues: Symptoms, Causes, and When to Seek Help
Gastrointestinal issues Hello Doctor, I would like to ask about something that happened to me yesterday. Before going to bed, I suddenly felt bloated in my stomach. I managed to fall asleep, but I woke up in the middle of the night feeling uncomfortable and had to have a bowel mo...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, based on your description, it seems to be acute gastroenteritis. As for whether it is caused by norovirus, testing may be needed to confirm. However, the management typically involves a bland diet, plenty of rest, and increased fluid intake, which should lead to gradual im...[Read More] Understanding Gastrointestinal Issues: Symptoms, Causes, and When to Seek Help
Can You Get Infected from Using a Public Toilet?
Will I get any diseases? Hello, doctor. I am a male. Yesterday, I had a sudden urge to defecate and rushed into the restroom. The toilet was a seated type, and I noticed that there seemed to be urine from someone else in the bowl. Because I was in a hurry, I didn’t flush before u...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, based on your description, it seems that your concern about potential infection from contact with urine or dirty water is not warranted. You don't need to worry. Thank you for your question.[Read More] Can You Get Infected from Using a Public Toilet?
Concerns About Health Risks from Using a Public Toilet
Will I get any diseases? Hello, doctor. I am a male. Yesterday, I had a sudden urge to defecate and rushed into the restroom. The toilet was a seated type, and I noticed there seemed to be urine from the previous user in the bowl. Because I was in a hurry, I didn't flush bef...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, the situation you mentioned should not lead to any special infections. Thank you for your inquiry.[Read More] Concerns About Health Risks from Using a Public Toilet
Preparing for Stool Tests: Dietary Guidelines and Allergies Explained
Examination issues Hello Doctor, today I visited a gastroenterologist because I was experiencing abdominal pain and was a bit worried. There is currently no family history of gastrointestinal issues, although my grandfather had some, but my parents do not. They only arranged for ...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, your stool test should be a fecal occult blood test. It is indeed recommended to avoid red meat or blood products, such as pig's blood cake or rice blood cake, the night before. As for medications and vitamins, they should not have an impact. Thank you for your inquir...[Read More] Preparing for Stool Tests: Dietary Guidelines and Allergies Explained
Understanding Increased Bowel Movements: Is It Irritable Bowel Syndrome?
Bowel movements 4 to 5 times a day? Hello Doctor, since December, my bowel movements have increased from 1-2 times a day to 4-5 times a day. I have diabetes and usually have a bowel movement once after breakfast, which is typically well-formed. However, in the afternoon, I experi...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, it is indeed possible that it could be irritable bowel syndrome or food-related issues, such as dragon fruit, which can easily cause diarrhea. It is recommended to first consult a gastroenterologist or a family medicine physician to check for any issues with your stool. Af...[Read More] Understanding Increased Bowel Movements: Is It Irritable Bowel Syndrome?
Understanding Chronic Loose Stools: IBS and Gastrointestinal Concerns
I have been experiencing issues with frequent loose stools? Hello, doctor. I started experiencing diarrhea and almost daily soft stools (with a slight shape, small lumps) at the beginning of the year. Later, during a health check, I had a positive fecal occult blood test. Followi...
Dr. Xie Rongyuan Reply:
Hello: It may be an issue related to irritable bowel syndrome. Since the colonoscopy results are normal, you might consider starting medication to see if your symptoms improve. If you frequently experience acid reflux, it would also be advisable to undergo an upper endoscopy. Tha...[Read More] Understanding Chronic Loose Stools: IBS and Gastrointestinal Concerns
Concerns About Swallowing Small Bones: What You Need to Know
Eating issues? Hello Doctor, I would like to ask you about something. I had steak for dinner and I'm not sure if I swallowed a small bone or some burnt meat. I felt something hard go down my esophagus. Although it didn't get stuck in my throat, I'm concerned whethe...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, bones do not have sharp spurs, so they are less likely to get stuck in the throat compared to fish bones. If you are not experiencing any specific discomfort, there is no need to worry unless you later develop a sore throat, in which case you should consult an otolaryngolo...[Read More] Concerns About Swallowing Small Bones: What You Need to Know
Frequent Bloating and Diarrhea: What Could Be the Cause?
Frequent bloating and diarrhea? In recent months, I have frequently experienced bloating in the lower left abdomen and diarrhea, which improves for a few days only to return again. A few days ago, my urine appeared brownish, but it has not been brown in the last two days, althoug...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Based on your description, it is likely that your symptoms are not caused by the same disease. Blood tests, urine tests, and stool tests may be necessary to determine the underlying conditions. I recommend that you first schedule an appointment with a family medicine clinic for e...[Read More] Frequent Bloating and Diarrhea: What Could Be the Cause?
Concerns About Parasites and Blood Test Results After Undercooked Meat
Suspected parasitic infection and blood test values? Hello, on October 1st, I consumed a steak that was not cooked to the required doneness (I requested medium, but some parts were rare to medium-rare). I am concerned about parasites (specifically, tapeworms) and have since been ...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, 1. The pork tapeworm can also be killed by freezing. 2. Each individual's condition varies significantly, ranging from a few months to several years. 3. Based on your clinical symptoms and blood test results, it currently does not appear to be a parasitic infection. T...[Read More] Concerns About Parasites and Blood Test Results After Undercooked Meat
Understanding Green Particles in Stool: Causes and Concerns
Bowel issues Hello, doctor. I would like to ask about green particles in my stool. The color of the stool is normal, but I noticed a single green particle in it, and I haven't eaten any green foods. What could this be? Thank you.
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, based on your description, there are two possible explanations. First, it is possible that the food you consumed has metabolized into green particles. Second, you may have ingested something else, such as medication. However, the presence of green particles does not necess...[Read More] Understanding Green Particles in Stool: Causes and Concerns
Understanding Anemia in Ankylosing Spondylitis: Causes and Insights
Ankylosing Spondylitis Anemia Hello doctor, I have ankylosing spondylitis and recently had blood tests that showed some abnormal results: WBC: 7.15 (3.6-11.2) normal, RBC: 3.87 (4.5-5.7) abnormal, HB: 12.5 (13.7-17) abnormal, HCT: 37.0 (40.5-50) abnormal, MCV: 95.6 (80-100) norma...
Dr. Gao Jiankai Reply:
Hello, thank you for your inquiry. If ankylosing spondylitis is poorly controlled, it may lead to anemia. Your inflammatory markers are normal, indicating that your ankylosing spondylitis is relatively stable, and the anemia may not be caused by a rheumatic disease. I recommend t...[Read More] Understanding Anemia in Ankylosing Spondylitis: Causes and Insights
Understanding Digestive Motility Issues: Causes and Solutions
Peristalsis issues Hello, doctor. I have been severely troubled by gastrointestinal issues for the past two years. My stomach often makes inexplicable and frequent noises, regardless of whether I have eaten. The sounds are not the usual growling associated with hunger or gas move...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, based on your description, it seems that you are primarily troubled by loud bowel sounds. I would like to know if you are experiencing constipation or diarrhea. Typically, the condition you described can be caused by abnormal intestinal motility due to constipation or diar...[Read More] Understanding Digestive Motility Issues: Causes and Solutions
Understanding Positive Anti-dsDNA in Young Children with ITP: Key Considerations
When a young child tests positive for anti-dsDNA antibodies, it is important to monitor for potential signs and symptoms of systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) or other autoimmune disorders. Key considerations include: 1. **Clinical Evaluation**: Conduct Dear Dr. Gao, A toddler ...
Dr. Gao Jiankai Reply:
Hello, thank you for your questions. Here are my responses: 1. I would like to ask, if both the bone marrow aspiration and chromosome tests are normal, but immunoglobulin infusion does not improve platelet counts—initially it was effective but later it failed to raise the platel...[Read More] Understanding Positive Anti-dsDNA in Young Children with ITP: Key Considerations
Understanding Fever and Symptoms in Gastroenteritis: What You Need to Know
Gastroenteritis with fever Hello Doctor, I started experiencing diarrhea around July 23 after consuming expired milk. I visited a doctor on July 25 and was diagnosed with gastroenteritis. After finishing the medication, I thought I had recovered, so on the following Friday (Jul...
Dr. Lin Wufu Reply:
Hello: It is difficult to determine the cause of the fever based on the above description. Some individuals with gastroenteritis may indeed have a prolonged fever, but it is generally uncommon for a fever to last more than a week. If you are still experiencing a fever, it is advi...[Read More] Understanding Fever and Symptoms in Gastroenteritis: What You Need to Know