Long-Term Medication Side Effects for High Uric Acid Levels?
What are the side effects of long-term medication for hyperuricemia? Hello, I would like to ask a few questions. My father is seventy-two years old and has been experiencing severe uric acid issues over the past year or two, which has led to arthritis and mobility difficulties. H...
Dr. Guo Conghuai reply Internal Medicine
Hello Ms. Li: Your father has elevated uric acid levels and hypertension, which can easily lead to urate nephropathy. Therefore, both uric acid and blood pressure need to be strictly controlled to prevent or delay the onset of this condition. Certain sedatives or sleeping medicat...[Read More] Long-Term Medication Side Effects for High Uric Acid Levels?
Is a Pen Refill Left in the Body Dangerous? Understanding the Risks
Pen refill inserted into the flesh? A classmate mentioned that a pencil lead was inserted into their flesh many years ago and has not been removed since. I would like to ask if this is harmful to the body. Could it potentially travel through the bloodstream and puncture the heart...
Dr. Guo Conghuai reply Internal Medicine
Hello: Inserting a pen tip into the flesh will result in the formation of granulation tissue, which is not harmful to the person and will not travel to the heart. Congratulations![Read More] Is a Pen Refill Left in the Body Dangerous? Understanding the Risks
Understanding DOH Tests: Key Insights for Internal Medicine
test from the Department of Health test from Department of Health
Dr. Guo Conghuai reply Internal Medicine
Please provide the content you[Read More] Understanding DOH Tests: Key Insights for Internal Medicine
Understanding Chronic Fatigue: Causes and Solutions for Your Symptoms
Always feeling fatigued? Hello Dr. Kuo, I have been feeling fatigued for the past few years, and it has severely affected my daily work and life. I feel drowsy and lack energy every day. Today, I went to the hospital in Taoyuan for a blood test, and the results showed that I have...
Dr. Guo Conghuai reply Internal Medicine
Hello Mr. Elton: Blood tests should not indicate fatty liver; it is typically diagnosed through ultrasound. High blood lipids usually do not cause fatigue; it is advisable to address lifestyle stressors. The causes of fatty liver include alcohol consumption, obesity, and lack of ...[Read More] Understanding Chronic Fatigue: Causes and Solutions for Your Symptoms
Understanding Chest Discomfort and Coughing: Occupational Health Insights
Could it be an occupational disease caused by long-term work in a plastic company? I often feel a tightness in my chest, frequently cough, and have thick saliva. However, an X-ray at the hospital showed everything is normal. What could be the reason for this? If it is simply a de...
Dr. Guo Conghuai reply Internal Medicine
Hello Mr. Chuo: Working in a plastic factory, certain chemical components such as ethylene vapors can indeed cause allergic symptoms in the airways. X-rays typically do not show abnormal findings unless the condition is in its late stages. I recommend that you undergo a comprehen...[Read More] Understanding Chest Discomfort and Coughing: Occupational Health Insights
Balancing Hormones: Effects of Deficiency and Excess on Health
Hormone deficiency Excessive hormone supplementation can have negative effects on health, such as increasing the risk of certain cancers, cardiovascular issues, and metabolic disorders. Conversely, hormone deficiency can lead to various health problems, including fatigue, mood sw...
Dr. Guo Conghuai reply Internal Medicine
Dear Julia: Please inquire with the obstetrics and gynecology department. Thank you.[Read More] Balancing Hormones: Effects of Deficiency and Excess on Health
Understanding Tuberculosis Prevention and Treatment: Key Insights
What are the prevention and treatment measures for tuberculosis? Hello: My husband was hospitalized at National Taiwan University Hospital earlier this year and was diagnosed with tuberculosis, which the doctor said has been present for over six months. I would like to ask: 1. At...
Dr. Guo Conghuai reply Internal Medicine
DEAR LISA: As long as your husband can take the medication for six months and achieve recovery, it is challenging to prevent further issues in daily life. He should focus on maintaining a balanced diet and engaging in regular exercise. Air purifiers do not provide 100% effectiven...[Read More] Understanding Tuberculosis Prevention and Treatment: Key Insights
Understanding Asthma: Managing Symptoms and Preventing COPD in Adults
Asthma is a chronic Hello, I had asthma from ages 10 to 16, during which I always experienced wheezing during attacks. After moving away for school and work, I no longer had wheezing episodes, but I would experience chest tightness and coughing for a few hours to a few days after...
Dr. Guo Conghuai reply Internal Medicine
Hello Ms. Gina: Chest tightness or wheezing after a cold does not necessarily indicate asthma. There is a condition known as post-viral wheezing syndrome, which can mimic asthma and often persists for several weeks following a viral respiratory infection. A definitive diagnosis r...[Read More] Understanding Asthma: Managing Symptoms and Preventing COPD in Adults
Snoring and Teeth Grinding: Solutions for a Peaceful Night's Sleep
Snoring and teeth grinding? I grind my teeth and snore loudly while sleeping at night, which often disturbs my wife's sleep. I'm wondering if there is a solution to this problem.
Dr. Guo Conghuai reply Internal Medicine
Hello Mr. Xiao Wang: There are many reasons for teeth grinding. Some say it is due to stress and tension from work during the day. As for snoring, may I ask if your wife temporarily stops breathing for a few seconds while snoring? There is a condition called sleep apnea syndrome,...[Read More] Snoring and Teeth Grinding: Solutions for a Peaceful Night's Sleep
Persistent Chest Discomfort: Understanding Causes and Treatment Options
Chest tightness with a strong sensation of obstruction? Hello Dr. Kuo, I have been experiencing long-term discomfort that began after I underwent gynecological surgery in March 1998, during which I had anesthesia and intubation. Following the surgery, I coughed up blood for sev...
Dr. Guo Conghuai reply Internal Medicine
Hello Miss Green: Based on your description, it seems that you have been troubled for quite a long time. You may be a patient who becomes anxious and has difficulty sleeping over minor issues (Mitral Valve Prolapse Syndrome). If your lung function indicates that you truly have br...[Read More] Persistent Chest Discomfort: Understanding Causes and Treatment Options
Causes and Prevention of Silicosis: A Comprehensive Guide
What are the causes and prevention methods of silicosis? Dear Doctor: What are the causes and prevention methods for silicosis?
Dr. Guo Conghuai reply Internal Medicine
Hello Ms. Carrie: Silicosis is caused by inhaling airborne particles containing silica, such as those encountered by stone workers, monument makers, and road construction workers. Foreign stone artists wear masks and oxygen tanks to avoid contracting this disease. In Taiwan, due ...[Read More] Causes and Prevention of Silicosis: A Comprehensive Guide
Understanding Bronchial Fibrosis and Aspiration Pneumonia Symptoms
Bronchial fibrosis. Aspiration pneumonia? Hello, Dr. Kuo. 1. What are the symptoms of bronchial fibrosis? If the bronchus remains inflamed and is not treated, how long does it take for it to develop into fibrotic bronchus? Is there mucus, white phlegm, or clear phlegm present? ...
Dr. Guo Conghuai reply Internal Medicine
Hello Miss Xiao Mei: 1. Bronchial fibrosis is an inflammatory process, similar to scarring of the skin. If the fibrosis is severe, it may lead to symptoms of wheezing. Generally, inflammation tends to resolve on its own, except in cases of bacterial infection, which requires one...[Read More] Understanding Bronchial Fibrosis and Aspiration Pneumonia Symptoms
Understanding Pulmonary Lymph Node Calcification and Coughing Concerns
Is there a problem with the lungs? Hello, doctor. 1. Last year, I was hospitalized for observation due to food poisoning. During my hospital stay, the hospital conducted a physical examination. Shortly after my discharge, I received a notification from the hospital stating that...
Dr. Guo Conghuai reply Internal Medicine
Hello Mr. Alan: The calcification of the hilar lymph nodes is often caused by infections, with the most common in Taiwan being tuberculosis, silicosis, sarcoidosis, or a history of pneumonia in childhood. Typically, this is not a major concern, except for sarcoidosis and tubercul...[Read More] Understanding Pulmonary Lymph Node Calcification and Coughing Concerns
Boosting Alkaline Phosphatase Levels for Better Health
How to increase alkaline phosphatase levels? My wife has low alkaline phosphatase levels, which makes her prone to fainting. What should she consume more of to improve her health? Thank you.
Dr. Guo Conghuai reply Internal Medicine
Hello Mr. 9610999: Alkaline phosphatase is present in the bones, gallbladder, bile ducts, and intestines of the human body. Generally, an elevated level of this enzyme indicates potential issues in those areas. There are no documented cases of fainting due to low alkaline phospha...[Read More] Boosting Alkaline Phosphatase Levels for Better Health
Chest and Back Pain During Coughing: Understanding Possible Causes
There has been chest pain and pain in the area of the right back behind the chest when coughing, and it has lasted for one week? First, I have been experiencing a persistent cold with symptoms such as a runny nose and continuous coughing for over a month now. In the past week, I ...
Dr. Guo Conghuai reply Internal Medicine
Hello Mr. Zhu: Having a cold with a cough and runny nose for a month is somewhat prolonged. It is very likely that you are experiencing allergic rhinitis with post-nasal drip, or allergic rhinitis combined with airway hyperreactivity. You should see an otolaryngologist and a pulm...[Read More] Chest and Back Pain During Coughing: Understanding Possible Causes
Persistent Cough After Cold: Causes and Home Remedies
Persistent cough Hello Dr. Kuo! I visited the doctor a week ago due to a cold, and after taking the prescribed medication, my condition has improved. However, I am still troubled by persistent dry cough. I have a weak constitution and am prone to colds, and I occasionally feel a ...
Dr. Guo Conghuai reply Internal Medicine
Dear Mr. Ted, Regarding your cough, we generally refer to a cough lasting less than three weeks as an acute cough. The causes of acute cough can include viral infections and bacterial infections. A dry cough is often due to post-nasal drip or airway allergies. You should consult...[Read More] Persistent Cough After Cold: Causes and Home Remedies
Natural Remedies for Lung Health: Foods and Herbs to Consider
Lung issues My father has developed a lot of dust in his lungs due to his work at a urea factory. He has already seen a doctor. Are there any vegetables, fruits, or traditional Chinese medicine that could help improve this condition? Thank you.
Dr. Guo Conghuai reply Internal Medicine
Hello, Mr. Wolf: Nowadays, young people like you who are so filial are rare. Your father is in a high-risk group for occupational diseases. Urea is a highly volatile alkaline gas, and inhalation can cause harm to the lungs. Therefore, there should be protective measures in the wo...[Read More] Natural Remedies for Lung Health: Foods and Herbs to Consider
Understanding Pleural Effusion: Causes and Symptoms in Older Adults
Pleural effusion My father-in-law is 65 years old and has been experiencing chest discomfort when coughing. He went to the hospital two days ago for an X-ray, which revealed fluid accumulation in the lungs. The doctor has scheduled a procedure for next week to drain the fluid for...
Dr. Guo Conghuai reply Internal Medicine
Ms. Lin: There are many causes of pleural effusion, but the differential diagnoses are limited. Ultrasound-guided fine needle aspiration is necessary, and if needed, a pleural biopsy may be performed. Tuberculous pleuritis and malignant pleural effusion are among the most common ...[Read More] Understanding Pleural Effusion: Causes and Symptoms in Older Adults
Causes of Thyroid Enlargement: Conditions, Treatment, and Prevention
Causes of thyroid enlargement? I would like to ask the doctor: What are the causes of thyroid enlargement and what diseases could potentially arise from it? How should it be treated and prevented?
Dr. Guo Conghuai reply Internal Medicine
Hello Mr. Hardaway: Thyroid enlargement is quite common and often has unknown causes. It can be due to viral infections, hyperthyroidism, benign or malignant tumors, among others. You need to consult a physician for thyroid hormone testing, and if necessary, a biopsy may be requi...[Read More] Causes of Thyroid Enlargement: Conditions, Treatment, and Prevention
Urgent Help Needed: Navigating Emphysema Treatment and Hospital Transfer
Emergency Help - Regarding Emphysema Dear Dr. Kuo, I am reaching out on behalf of a friend whose father is currently hospitalized due to emphysema at Taipei Veterans General Hospital. Recently, the hospital has stated that his condition has improved and is requesting the family ...
Dr. Guo Conghuai reply Internal Medicine
Hello, Ms. Douzi: Your friend's father is a patient with chronic emphysema who requires long-term use of a ventilator. Taipei Veterans General Hospital is an acute care hospital, and the length of stay for chronic disease patients is limited. Currently, the National Health I...[Read More] Urgent Help Needed: Navigating Emphysema Treatment and Hospital Transfer