Understanding Potassium Deficiency: Causes, Symptoms, and Solutions
Potassium ion loss Two days ago, I felt weakness in my arms and legs. I couldn't even lift my feet to climb stairs, and walking was very difficult. After squatting down, it was hard to stand up again. I went to the hospital for a blood test, and my potassium levels were belo...
Dr. Cai Zonglin reply Internal Medicine
Hypokalemia can have various causes, including diarrhea, medications, and hyperthyroidism. It can be managed with potassium supplementation or by increasing the intake of bananas and citrus fruits. Please consult your outpatient physician for further management.[Read More] Understanding Potassium Deficiency: Causes, Symptoms, and Solutions
Understanding Gastrointestinal Issues: Dairy and Supplements Explained
Gastrointestinal ~ 2 questions Doctor, I have a couple of questions: 1. Whenever I consume dairy products, I always experience abdominal discomfort and need to use the restroom afterward. This happens every time! 2. Additionally, regardless of which dietary supplement I take, I e...
Dr. Cai Zonglin reply Internal Medicine
Lactose intolerance or milk allergy can both cause symptoms such as bloating or abdominal discomfort. It is advisable to consult a gastroenterologist for further evaluation. With the wide variety of dietary supplements available, it can be difficult to determine which ones are ap...[Read More] Understanding Gastrointestinal Issues: Dairy and Supplements Explained
Understanding Sepsis Risks in Elderly Patients with High White Blood Cell Count
The causes of sepsis? Hello, doctor: I would like to ask a question! A male patient in his seventies or eighties has a white blood cell count elevated to 17,501/cumm and a platelet count decreased to 67,000/cumm. Is it possible for him to develop sepsis and potentially die from i...
Dr. Cai Zonglin reply Internal Medicine
Clinically, a systemic inflammatory response due to infection (characterized by elevated temperature, respiratory rate, heart rate, and white blood cell count) is referred to as sepsis. The prognosis may be influenced by factors such as the patient's age, nutritional status,...[Read More] Understanding Sepsis Risks in Elderly Patients with High White Blood Cell Count
Can Anemia Cause Hair Loss? Understanding the Connection and Solutions
Can anemia cause hair loss????? Hello, I have anemia, which I believe is hereditary since my mother also has it! I have been experiencing hair loss since high school and have tried many methods without success. I wonder if this could be due to anemia, as my mother, sister, and au...
Dr. Cai Zonglin reply Internal Medicine
Hair loss can have many causes, including stress, infections, thyroid dysfunction, elevated androgens, medications, and iron deficiency anemia. It is advisable to consult a dermatologist for further evaluation. Dr. Tsai Tsung-Lin, Internal Medicine Physician at National Cheng Kun...[Read More] Can Anemia Cause Hair Loss? Understanding the Connection and Solutions
Managing Diabetes: Key Questions on Health, Exercise, and Supplements
Diabetes-related issues Hello Doctor: I have had diabetes since the first year of junior high school, primarily due to being overweight and consuming a lot of junk food from a young age (with a family history of diabetes). I have previously struggled with blood sugar control, but...
Dr. Cai Zonglin reply Internal Medicine
When muscles are not contracted, they remain in a softer state. It is advisable to consult a sports medicine specialist or a rehabilitation physician regarding diabetes, which primarily involves issues with the pancreatic islet cells. Poor blood sugar control can lead to complica...[Read More] Managing Diabetes: Key Questions on Health, Exercise, and Supplements
Why Can't I Gain Weight? Understanding Unexplained Weight Loss
It's strange, I can't gain weight? No matter how I eat, it seems like I can't gain weight. My height is 173 cm and my weight is 52 kg.
Dr. Cai Zonglin reply Internal Medicine
There are many reasons for weight loss, including hyperthyroidism, diabetes, tuberculosis, and cancer. Patients should seek consultation at a specialty clinic or general internal medicine or family medicine outpatient department.[Read More] Why Can't I Gain Weight? Understanding Unexplained Weight Loss
Can Drinking Sugary Beverages Lead to Diabetes?
Diabetes mellitus Hello, Dr. Tsai. Besides diabetes, can long-term consumption of overly sweet beverages lead to diabetes?
Dr. Cai Zonglin reply Internal Medicine
Diabetes is caused by insufficient insulin production or reduced insulin sensitivity in the body. In healthy individuals, consuming sweet foods typically has a minimal impact on blood sugar levels. However, patients with a predisposition to diabetes or those who are overweight ma...[Read More] Can Drinking Sugary Beverages Lead to Diabetes?
Understanding Slow Heart Rate After Hyperthyroidism Treatment
Hyperthyroidism medication can cause a slow heart rate? Hello Doctor: Three months ago, I was diagnosed with hyperthyroidism causing hypokalemia due to muscle weakness in the emergency room. After taking medication for over two months, I have not experienced this condition again....
Dr. Cai Zonglin reply Internal Medicine
The main function of XinKangLe tablets is to suppress heart rate. If the heart rate has dropped to 40-50 beats per minute and there are symptoms of discomfort, the use of XinKangLe tablets should be discontinued and an earlier follow-up appointment should be made. If the heart ra...[Read More] Understanding Slow Heart Rate After Hyperthyroidism Treatment
Is Overeating High-Calorie Foods Safe for My Growing Brother?
The issue of height increase? Hello, doctor: I would like to ask about height-related issues. My younger brother is currently in the fifth grade and had an examination at Chang Gung Memorial Hospital. The doctor mentioned that he is lacking zinc in his diet, which is causing him ...
Dr. Cai Zonglin reply Internal Medicine
If you want to supplement zinc, foods rich in zinc include oysters or shellfish, red meat, whole grains, oats, pumpkin seeds, and sunflower seeds. You may also consult a nutritionist for further information. High-calorie foods that are low in zinc can lead to weight gain, which c...[Read More] Is Overeating High-Calorie Foods Safe for My Growing Brother?