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 Internal Medicine
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
Struggling with Back Pain: Finding Relief for Sleepless Nights
The back pain prevents me from lying flat to sleep? Hello Doctor: About two years ago, I was diagnosed with lupus erythematosus after experiencing pleural effusion. At that time, I had difficulty breathing; whenever I lay flat, I would experience chest pain and shortness of breat...
Dr. Chen Baoli reply Internal Medicine
Hello, Mei-Yi: Are you taking your lupus medication regularly? If so, we can temporarily rule out the possibility of recurrent pleural effusion (or pulmonary edema). A small number of lupus patients may experience this kind of shortness of breath, especially when unable to lie fl...[Read More] Struggling with Back Pain: Finding Relief for Sleepless Nights
Do I Need Medical Attention? Understanding BMI, Pain, and Irregular Cycles
Do I need to seek medical attention? Hello Doctor, I have a few questions I would like to ask: I am currently 30 years old, 158 cm tall, and weigh between 62 to 65 kg, giving me a BMI of 34. Over six months ago, I started a raw food diet, cooking with minimal oil, salt, and meat...
Dr. Chen Baoli reply Internal Medicine
Dear Xiao Zhu, Regarding your question, I suggest you first consult an endocrinologist to check for any metabolic issues, such as hypothyroidism. As for the currently popular raw food diet, the medical community generally holds a skeptical view on whether it is suitable for ever...[Read More] Do I Need Medical Attention? Understanding BMI, Pain, and Irregular Cycles
Understanding Vortex Syndrome: Symptoms, Causes, and Treatment Options
The correct term is "Vortex Syndrome." Although I am a patient with vortex syndrome, I still cannot understand this condition, and it is very difficult to find similar information online. Could you please provide me with a detailed explanation? Thank you! Vortex syndrom...
Dr. Chen Baoli reply Internal Medicine
Hello, Yabi: The current doctor-patient relationship emphasizes "listening" and "understanding." It would be more appropriate for you to consult your primary physician regarding any unclear aspects of your diagnosis. Best wishes to you![Read More] Understanding Vortex Syndrome: Symptoms, Causes, and Treatment Options
Understanding Painful Swelling Near the Back of the Head: Possible Causes
The left occipital region is swollen? Hello, Doctor: About two weeks ago, I noticed a lump on the left side of my neck, near the upper part of the occipital region, which is indented. It hurts when I press on it, and it is even more painful when I massage it vigorously. I occasio...
Dr. Chen Baoli reply Internal Medicine
Hello, young mother: I believe your concerns should be addressed directly at a medical facility. Just describing symptoms is not sufficient to determine the underlying cause. Thank you for your understanding. Wishing you good health![Read More] Understanding Painful Swelling Near the Back of the Head: Possible Causes
Managing Multiple Chronic Conditions: Risks and Treatments for Your Mother
Multiple chronic diseases Hello Dr. Chen, My mother is 56 years old and has elevated uric acid levels, hypertension, and an allergic constitution. She has been experiencing long-term bone pain, which has now evolved into pain and stiffness in the joints of her hands. She is a he...
Dr. Chen Baoli reply Internal Medicine
Hello, Xiaoyu: From your description, I would like to highlight a few points: 1. Soy isoflavones, a type of phytoestrogen, serve as an alternative to traditional hormone therapy for the prevention of osteoporosis. However, the actual safe dosage has not been established. There...[Read More] Managing Multiple Chronic Conditions: Risks and Treatments for Your Mother
Impact of Chemical Solutions on Gout and Uric Acid Levels
The impact of chemical medications on gout? Hello Dr. Chen: I have a question I would like to ask you... If a person has high uric acid levels or gout, what impact might exposure to certain chemicals used in the electronics industry have on them? Could you please provide some ins...
Dr. Chen Baoli reply Internal Medicine
Hello ALAN: Your question is about the impact of chemicals used in the electronics industry on patients with high uric acid or gout. First, I am not familiar with the specific chemicals used in the electronics industry, so I may not be able to answer your question appropriately. ...[Read More] Impact of Chemical Solutions on Gout and Uric Acid Levels
Understanding Foot Pain: Causes and Treatment Options
Soreness in the soles of the feet? Hello Dr. Chen. Two years ago, I helped a friend with a catering job that required prolonged squatting, which resulted in overall body soreness. After working for about six months, I stopped helping (and took a break for nearly six months). My b...
Dr. Chen Baoli reply Internal Medicine
Hello: Based solely on your description, it is somewhat challenging to achieve an accurate diagnosis. However, since you mentioned that your previous job required prolonged squatting, which often led to overall body soreness... now, if you experience pain in the soles of your fee...[Read More] Understanding Foot Pain: Causes and Treatment Options
Understanding Breathing Difficulties: Is It Related to Allergic Rhinitis?
Shortness of breath Hello, doctor. When I was a child, I was diagnosed with allergic rhinitis, but it was only mild discomfort in areas with poor air quality. Recently, I have experienced the following symptoms and am unsure if they are related to my allergic rhinitis. After taki...
Dr. Chen Baoli reply Internal Medicine
Hello Miss Lu: From your description of the problem, it seems that you have been diagnosed with allergic rhinitis since elementary school. I would like to know if you regularly use medication to manage it. How often and under what circumstances do your allergic rhinitis symptoms ...[Read More] Understanding Breathing Difficulties: Is It Related to Allergic Rhinitis?
Understanding Behçet's Disease: What Families Need to Know
Behçet's disease Hello, doctor: There is a child in our family who has been diagnosed with "Behçet's disease" by a physician from another hospital. The unfamiliar term has caused panic among the family, and it was also determined by a rheumatologist. Could you...
Dr. Chen Baoli reply Internal Medicine
Hello: Behçet's Disease is an autoimmune disorder characterized by recurrent oral ulcers, genital ulcers, uveitis, and symptoms such as erythema nodosum or folliculitis. It is prevalent in Turkey, Iran, and Japan, and its geographical distribution resembles the Silk Road, he...[Read More] Understanding Behçet's Disease: What Families Need to Know
Understanding Seafood Allergies: Concerns and Treatment Options
The serious concerns of food allergies? My mother is over 50 years old and loves seafood, but she suddenly started experiencing skin allergic reactions, such as rashes and intense itching, regardless of whether the seafood is fresh or not. She has undergone testing and confirmed ...
Dr. Chen Baoli reply Internal Medicine
Hello, Xiao Cheng: You mentioned that your mother has been experiencing skin allergies after consuming seafood, and tests have confirmed that she is allergic to seafood. Therefore, to answer your questions: 1. Taking antihistamines before or after eating seafood may prevent all...[Read More] Understanding Seafood Allergies: Concerns and Treatment Options
Understanding Chronic Back Pain and Muscle Inflammation Issues
Lower back pain and inflammation in the muscles and joints of the hands and feet? Hello Dr. Chen: For the past year or two, I have been experiencing more frequent lower back discomfort. Additionally, after sitting or standing for extended periods, or after light exercise, I somet...
Dr. Chen Baoli reply Internal Medicine
Hello Ryan: Regarding the issue you mentioned, experiencing lower back pain and muscle soreness after prolonged standing, sitting, or exercising is often recurrent. This involves several factors, including the nature of your work, the type of exercise you engage in, your usual si...[Read More] Understanding Chronic Back Pain and Muscle Inflammation Issues
Understanding Right-Sided Back Pain: Possible Causes and Insights
Questions about pain in the right side of the back? Hello Dr. Chen. I am a young man about to enlist in the military. Recently, I have come across reports about ankylosing spondylitis, which has raised some concerns about my own health. My parents do not have a history of ankylos...
Dr. Chen Baoli reply Internal Medicine
Hello, Xiaochun: To diagnose ankylosing spondylitis, testing for HLA-B27 through blood work is only an auxiliary measure and cannot confirm the diagnosis; many people misunderstand this. The definitive diagnosis primarily relies on clinical symptoms, X-ray examinations, and blood...[Read More] Understanding Right-Sided Back Pain: Possible Causes and Insights
Long-Term Use of Antihistamines: Potential Side Effects Explained
Drug Inquiry What are the side effects of long-term use of antihistamines?
Dr. Chen Baoli reply Internal Medicine
Hello: What are the potential side effects of long-term use of antihistamines? According to pharmacopoeia records, the possible side effects of long-term use of antihistamines may include: thirst, nasal and pharyngeal dryness, gastrointestinal disturbances, loss of appetite, myas...[Read More] Long-Term Use of Antihistamines: Potential Side Effects Explained
Understanding Your SLE Blood Test Results: What Does Equivocal Mean?
I would like to inquire about the blood test results related to SLE (Systemic Lupus Erythematosus)? Hello, doctor. I would like to ask you about the results of my blood test for SLE. My results are: ANA (BLOOD) ANA REPORT: ANA: EQUIVOCAL TITER: 1:40 FIX INDEX: ...... Could you pl...
Dr. Chen Baoli reply Internal Medicine
Hello Tracy: Essentially, the diagnosis of a disease should primarily be based on symptoms, with laboratory values serving as supplementary information. Regarding the ANA report you provided, a titer of 1:40 is generally considered a negative reaction. However, there are SLE pati...[Read More] Understanding Your SLE Blood Test Results: What Does Equivocal Mean?
Effective Supplements for Osteoporosis: Alternatives to Calcium Pills
Osteoporosis The neighbor's mother is in her 70s and has osteoporosis. Taking regular calcium supplements is no longer effective for her, but she experiences bone pain when taking the medication prescribed by her doctor. Are there any medications or dietary supplements suita...
Dr. Chen Baoli reply Internal Medicine
Hello Mr. SS: Osteoporosis is an aging-related disease, and with the increasing elderly population, the importance of addressing osteoporosis has become more pronounced. However, patients with osteoporosis often do not exhibit symptoms initially, and the first noticeable symptom ...[Read More] Effective Supplements for Osteoporosis: Alternatives to Calcium Pills
Thank You, Dr. Chen: Discussing Internal Medicine Insights
Thank you, Dr. Chen? Dr. Chen, thank you for your detailed response. I will discuss it with him. I appreciate you!
Dr. Chen Baoli reply Internal Medicine
Hello Vivi: You're welcome. If you have any related questions, feel free to reach out for discussion. Wishing you all the best! Wishing you health and happiness. Chen Baoli, Changhua Hospital cares about your health.[Read More] Thank You, Dr. Chen: Discussing Internal Medicine Insights
Understanding Hair Loss in Lupus Patients: Causes and Treatments
Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) Hello, doctor. I have a friend who is only 28 years old and has been diagnosed with lupus erythematosus. She is also undergoing dialysis. Recently, I noticed that she has some bald patches on her scalp. Is this normal? Could it be related to str...
Dr. Chen Baoli reply Internal Medicine
Hello VIVI: Regarding the issue of hair loss, it involves different types and quantities of hair loss, each with various causes and outcomes. It may be related to stress, nutrition, medications, or even the underlying disease itself. If it is related to the disease, it indicates ...[Read More] Understanding Hair Loss in Lupus Patients: Causes and Treatments
Understanding Symptoms: Should You See a Specialist for Anemia?
Please specify the department? My mother is in her seventies and underwent breast cancer surgery four years ago. She is still on medication and has recently been experiencing a loss of appetite and episodes of dizziness. Could this be a sign of anemia? Which department should she...
Dr. Chen Baoli reply Internal Medicine
Hello Hungta: Since your mother is still on medication, it indicates that she is under continuous medical follow-up. You can ask her doctor to evaluate whether further examinations are necessary. Additionally, regarding the symptoms you mentioned, you may also consider consulting...[Read More] Understanding Symptoms: Should You See a Specialist for Anemia?
Understanding Leg Pain and Hard Lumps: Autoimmune Disease Concerns
excuse me? Dr. Chen: Hello, my problem has been bothering me for a long time. I have seen several doctors who all said to ignore it, but I am worried. Occasionally, I experience some pain in my calves (and now my thighs as well), along with hard lumps that develop red spots, whic...
Dr. Chen Baoli reply Internal Medicine
Hello Amy: Based on your description, it could potentially be a manifestation of vasculitis, but a definitive diagnosis requires consideration of other clinical symptoms, age, occupation, and other factors. As for further examinations, in addition to blood tests, a skin biopsy ma...[Read More] Understanding Leg Pain and Hard Lumps: Autoimmune Disease Concerns