Understanding Hand Pain: When to Seek Medical Attention
Pain Dear Dr. Ke, I have been experiencing unexplained pain in my palm for the past two weeks. One time it was in my fingers, and this time it's on the side of my palm. It hurts when I press on it, but not when I don't. This time it is also swollen, and sometimes I fe...
Dr. Ke Zhengchang reply Internal Medicine
Dear Mr. Ahsin: Your symptoms are suggestive of carpal tunnel syndrome or cervical nerve root compression. It is recommended that you visit a rehabilitation specialist for a detailed examination and treatment.[Read More] Understanding Hand Pain: When to Seek Medical Attention
Understanding Chinese Restaurant Syndrome: Symptoms and Management
Chinese Restaurant Syndrome? Hello, I have been experiencing migraine symptoms for over ten years, accompanied by vomiting, muscle soreness, and general weakness. Recently, the symptoms have become more severe. A friend pointed out that I might have what is known as Chinese Resta...
Dr. Ke Zhengchang reply Internal Medicine
Reply to Alice: The symptoms of Chinese Restaurant Syndrome include transient burning sensations in the neck and upper arms, chest tightness, and headaches. Your symptoms are more severe and include vomiting, muscle soreness, and generalized weakness, which are less characteristi...[Read More] Understanding Chinese Restaurant Syndrome: Symptoms and Management
Understanding Post-Procedure Heart Rhythm Issues: When to Seek Help
Cardiac concerns? Hello Doctor: I have been diagnosed with arrhythmia and was found to have two additional electrical pathways in my heart. Therefore, I underwent catheter ablation six months ago. However, I still experience some symptoms, such as sudden increases in heart rate l...
Dr. Ke Zhengchang reply Internal Medicine
Dear Ms. Chuan, After undergoing ablation surgery for arrhythmia, it is essential to continue monitoring and treatment. I recommend that you follow up with a cardiologist (Dr. Wen, the director of our cardiology department, specializes in treating arrhythmias and ablation proce...[Read More] Understanding Post-Procedure Heart Rhythm Issues: When to Seek Help
Understanding Lupus Flare-Ups During Pregnancy: Risks and Treatment Options
Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) Hello Dr. Ke: I would like to ask you a question. During pregnancy, the recurrence of lupus erythematosus causing atrophy on one side of the hip is it due to the use of corticosteroids? The doctor suggested that I need to have a joint replacemen...
Dr. Ke Zhengchang reply Internal Medicine
Hello, sister: Long-term use of corticosteroids in patients with systemic lupus erythematosus can lead to avascular necrosis of the hip (femoral head), and in severe cases, joint replacement may be necessary. A detailed evaluation and discussion with an orthopedic surgeon is esse...[Read More] Understanding Lupus Flare-Ups During Pregnancy: Risks and Treatment Options
Understanding Lung Function Tests for Asthma Management
Pulmonary function tests for asthma? I would like to ask the doctor a question: I have asthma (which I feel is quite severe, and I frequently use bronchodilators). I want to undergo pulmonary function testing. Should the test be conducted during an asthma attack to accurately ass...
Dr. Ke Zhengchang reply Internal Medicine
Hello, Chih-Hsiang: During an asthma attack, lung function will definitely decline, and the severity will be greater. Even when not experiencing an attack, lung function is often abnormal. For more accurate testing, bronchodilators should be discontinued for at least seven to eig...[Read More] Understanding Lung Function Tests for Asthma Management
Understanding Mitral Valve Prolapse: Symptoms and Risks Explained
Mitral valve prolapse What is mitral valve prolapse? What symptoms occur during the onset? What discomfort might one feel on a regular basis, and if left untreated, could it lead to heart disease?
Dr. Ke Zhengchang reply Internal Medicine
Mitral valve prolapse refers to the phenomenon where the mitral valve protrudes during contraction of the heart. Patients may experience discomfort such as chest pain and palpitations. However, it typically does not cause significant impairment of cardiac function and can be cons...[Read More] Understanding Mitral Valve Prolapse: Symptoms and Risks Explained
Understanding Blood Vomiting and Amnesia After a Car Accident
Car accident? I was in a car accident recently, and I started vomiting blood after being hit. However, the hospital examination showed nothing wrong. Why is that? Where could this blood have come from? Could it be a nosebleed? Also, what is transient amnesia? How long does it usu...
Dr. Ke Zhengchang reply Internal Medicine
After a car accident, spitting blood can originate from various locations including the nasal cavity, throat, gastrointestinal tract, and respiratory system. If X-rays and a thorough examination by a physician show no abnormalities, and the bleeding has stopped spontaneously, fol...[Read More] Understanding Blood Vomiting and Amnesia After a Car Accident
Understanding Breathing Issues: Causes and When to Seek Help
Respiratory issues Sometimes when I sleep, my breathing seems to become rapid, as if I'm gasping for air. When sitting in a chair or after eating too much, I feel like I have to breathe heavily. If my breathing suddenly becomes difficult, my heart rate increases, and I feel ...
Dr. Ke Zhengchang reply Internal Medicine
Hello, Miss Xiao Xiao: Abdominal bloating can reduce lung capacity and lead to difficulty in breathing. It is advisable to eat smaller meals more frequently and engage in regular exercise. Additionally, please follow up with the hospital for lung function tests and an electrocard...[Read More] Understanding Breathing Issues: Causes and When to Seek Help
Understanding Normal Blood Sugar Levels: What You Need to Know
Blood glucose concentration Hello, doctor: What is the normal range for blood glucose levels during a blood test?
Dr. Ke Zhengchang reply Internal Medicine
Hello Mr. Hsiao: The normal blood glucose levels are 80 - 100 mg/dL before meals and 80 - 120 mg/dL after meals.[Read More] Understanding Normal Blood Sugar Levels: What You Need to Know
Dietary Restrictions for Kidney Disease Patients: What to Avoid
Dietary Restrictions for Patients with Kidney Disease Hello. I have a 65-year-old friend who had a lobe of his kidney removed last year due to a tumor. I would like to know if there are any dietary restrictions for patients like him, and if there are any lifestyle habits he shoul...
Dr. Ke Zhengchang reply Internal Medicine
Hello Ms. Star: Patients with only one kidney must pay attention to their diet and avoid excessive salt intake, monitor their blood pressure, and regularly visit the hospital for kidney function follow-up.[Read More] Dietary Restrictions for Kidney Disease Patients: What to Avoid
Understanding and Managing Nighttime Foot Cramps: Causes and Solutions
Please ask your question? I often experience cramps in the soles of my feet, especially during sleep. I have sought medical attention, but the results have not been significant. Could you please explain why this phenomenon occurs frequently and how to address it? Thank you, Lily.
Dr. Ke Zhengchang reply Internal Medicine
Hello Lily: The most common causes of muscle cramps are excessive fatigue and a deficiency of calcium and potassium ions. Therefore, soaking your feet in warm water before bed, massaging them, drinking more milk and juice, and avoiding prolonged standing can help improve the cond...[Read More] Understanding and Managing Nighttime Foot Cramps: Causes and Solutions
Understanding Chest Pain: Causes and Concerns for Your Health
Chest pain Hello Doctor: I would like to ask you about my ongoing chest pain issue, which has been getting worse lately. Initially, I experienced sharp pain in a specific spot, but now the pain has spread to the entire left side of my chest, and my right hand feels numb. The epis...
Dr. Ke Zhengchang reply Internal Medicine
Hello Miss Jin: In young women, chest pain is mostly due to neurogenic pain, while a small number may experience chest pain from pneumothorax or mitral valve prolapse. It is advisable to seek medical attention for X-rays and other detailed examinations. A lump in the left axilla ...[Read More] Understanding Chest Pain: Causes and Concerns for Your Health
Understanding Hard Lumps on the Testicle: Causes and When to See a Doctor
There is a lump on the testicle? I have noticed a hard lump on my testicle this past month. Sometimes it goes away, but other times it reappears. I am unsure what could be causing this. If I need to see a doctor, which specialty should I consult?
Dr. Ke Zhengchang reply Internal Medicine
Hello Ivan: Please schedule an appointment for a urology consultation for examination and treatment (due to various causes such as epididymitis, varicocele, etc.).[Read More] Understanding Hard Lumps on the Testicle: Causes and When to See a Doctor
Understanding Unexplained Edema: Causes and Solutions
Unexplained discomfort? Symptoms: Generalized edema, with severe swelling in the lower body, a feeling of tightness, decreased urine output, increased secretions, fatigue, hot hands, difficulty concentrating, and numerous blisters on the legs. Blood tests show normal thyroid func...
Dr. Ke Zhengchang reply Internal Medicine
Hello, Miss 0209: Please schedule an appointment with the nephrology department for various tests on cardiac and renal function to determine the underlying cause.[Read More] Understanding Unexplained Edema: Causes and Solutions
Understanding Thyroid Antibodies: Impact on Health and Weight Loss
Thyroid antibodies I would like to ask what impact thyroid antibodies have on the body. I have had a cold for two weeks and have experienced rapid weight loss. The hospital I visited informed me that I have thyroid antibodies, so I would like to know what effects this may have on...
Dr. Ke Zhengchang reply Internal Medicine
Hello Cocoa: A rapid weight loss could be a sign of hyperthyroidism. Hyperthyroidism requires evaluation of thyroid function, such as T3 and T4 levels. There are several types of thyroid antibodies, and a significant proportion of patients with hyperthyroidism may have these anti...[Read More] Understanding Thyroid Antibodies: Impact on Health and Weight Loss
Understanding Post-Surgical Respiratory Issues: Coughing, Blood, and Asthma
Tracheal issues Hello, doctor. I have a few questions. 1. After my gynecological surgery, I experienced persistent itching in my right bronchus, frequent coughing with blood, and a sore throat. A few days later, I coughed up a dark blood clot from my nasopharynx. My voice has als...
Dr. Ke Zhengchang reply Internal Medicine
Hello, Xiao Mei: It is recommended that you follow up with a pulmonology clinic for a chest X-ray examination. If there are any abnormal shadows, a bronchoscopy will need to be arranged.[Read More] Understanding Post-Surgical Respiratory Issues: Coughing, Blood, and Asthma
Understanding Silicosis: Causes, Prevention, and Treatment Options
The causes and prevention methods of silicosis? Dr. Ke: Could you please explain the causes of silicosis and the methods for its prevention and treatment?
Dr. Ke Zhengchang reply Internal Medicine
Hello Carrie: Silicosis is caused by inhaling excessive dust in occupational settings, primarily affecting marble workers and miners. Prevention and control measures include ensuring proper ventilation while working and wearing dust-filtering masks.[Read More] Understanding Silicosis: Causes, Prevention, and Treatment Options
Pregnancy Concerns for Women with Mitral Valve Prolapse: What to Know
Is there any concern regarding pregnancy for women with mitral valve prolapse? Hello, Dr. Ke: After being diagnosed by Dr. Mackay, I have symptoms of "mitral valve prolapse with regurgitation." I occasionally experience palpitations in the middle of the night. I would l...
Dr. Ke Zhengchang reply Internal Medicine
Hello Anny: Mitral valve prolapse occurs in approximately 3 to 4 percent of the population, and it is more common in females. Generally, it does not cause any impairment of heart function and can be considered a "benign" condition. Therefore, it usually does not have an...[Read More] Pregnancy Concerns for Women with Mitral Valve Prolapse: What to Know
How Metabolism Affects Weight Loss: Understanding Your Body's Needs
Regarding metabolism..? Hello, Doctor: I would like to ask if the efficiency of my metabolism affects the speed of my weight loss? How can I determine if my metabolism is within normal values? Should I get a blood test? If so, do I need to fast before the test? If my metabolic ra...
Dr. Ke Zhengchang reply Internal Medicine
Hello, Xiaomei: It is commonly understood that metabolic rate is an important factor influencing body weight; however, many studies have found that obese individuals do not necessarily have a slower metabolic rate. Therefore, measuring metabolic rate is not particularly meaningfu...[Read More] How Metabolism Affects Weight Loss: Understanding Your Body's Needs
Understanding Rapid Heartbeat: Causes, Symptoms, and Solutions
Increased heart rate? Hello doctor, last December I went to the emergency room at a large hospital because of a rapid heartbeat. They performed an electrocardiogram (ECG) and said everything was fine, and they also drew arterial and venous blood, which came back normal. After tha...
Dr. Ke Zhengchang reply Internal Medicine
Hello, Ms. BABY: Please schedule an appointment with a cardiologist for a 24-hour Holter monitor and thyroid function tests to determine if there is hyperthyroidism or arrhythmia, which will allow for effective treatment.[Read More] Understanding Rapid Heartbeat: Causes, Symptoms, and Solutions