Understanding Persistent Hair Loss: When to Seek Medical Help
Why is hair constantly falling out? Why am I experiencing hair loss of about one to two hundred strands a day? Which specialist should I see, and what should I pay more attention to? Could you please help me with this? Thank you!
Dr. Ke Zhengchang reply Internal Medicine
Hello, there are many possible causes of hair loss, including hormonal imbalances and certain autoimmune diseases. Please consult a dermatologist for examination and treatment.[Read More] Understanding Persistent Hair Loss: When to Seek Medical Help
Understanding Dilated Cardiomyopathy and Related Health Concerns
Dilated cardiomyopathy I am a 23-year-old student, and recently I had a health check-up at school. The examination report indicated that I have **dilated cardiomyopathy** on the chest X-ray, **heart murmurs**, and **goiter** in the neck. What do these terms mean? Is there anythin...
Dr. Ke Zhengchang reply Internal Medicine
Hello Julia: Dilated cardiomyopathy is a serious heart condition that requires prompt consultation with a cardiologist. Additionally, the cause of the thyroid enlargement must also be investigated, as both hypothyroidism and hyperthyroidism can lead to cardiac complications.[Read More] Understanding Dilated Cardiomyopathy and Related Health Concerns
Distinguishing Symptoms of Coronary Artery Blockage vs. Valve Dysfunction
Blood pressure is 90/60, heart rate is 100, and feeling very fatigued? Coronary artery obstruction and valvular insufficiency present different clinical symptoms. Coronary artery obstruction typically leads to symptoms such as chest pain (angina), shortness of breath, fatigue, ...
Dr. Ke Zhengchang reply Internal Medicine
Hello Almin Chen: Coronary artery obstruction must be evaluated through an electrocardiogram and cardiac catheterization, while valve insufficiency needs to be assessed using echocardiography. Please schedule an appointment with the cardiology clinic for examination and treatment...[Read More] Distinguishing Symptoms of Coronary Artery Blockage vs. Valve Dysfunction
Managing Migraines with Diabetes: Essential Lifestyle Tips to Consider
Migraine In addition to taking pain relievers and antidiabetic medications, individuals with migraines and diabetes should pay attention to the following daily considerations, especially regarding migraines: 1. **Dietary Management**: Maintain a balanced diet that helps regulate...
Dr. Ke Zhengchang reply Internal Medicine
Hello Mr. Li: It is essential to maintain a regular daily routine, ensure adequate sleep, avoid coffee and tea, and have regular follow-up appointments at the neurology clinic for treatment.[Read More] Managing Migraines with Diabetes: Essential Lifestyle Tips to Consider
Managing Platelet Count and Uric Acid Levels: Dietary Tips and Advice
Platelets and uric acid? During the school health check, my platelet count was 350, and my uric acid level was 8.9, while the rest were normal. I had iron deficiency anemia when I was younger, but I don't know why my platelet count is still elevated now. Could you please adv...
Dr. Ke Zhengchang reply Internal Medicine
Hello, the normal platelet count is 350,000/mm3. For iron deficiency anemia, iron supplementation (such as lean meat) is necessary. The normal uric acid level is below 7.0, and a level of 8.9 is too high. Dietary modifications should be implemented (avoiding high-purine foods suc...[Read More] Managing Platelet Count and Uric Acid Levels: Dietary Tips and Advice
Understanding Heart Issues: Chest Discomfort, Breathing Problems, and Inner Ear Balance
Heart disease Hello, Dr. Ke: 1. Sometimes I experience chest tightness and shortness of breath, which can worsen, especially when walking. I find that taking traditional Chinese medicine helps alleviate my symptoms. 2. During a hospital visit, the doctor mentioned that I have...
Dr. Ke Zhengchang reply Internal Medicine
Hello Zhu-Ru: Both cardiac and pulmonary issues can present with symptoms of shortness of breath, so it is recommended to visit our hospital's pulmonary medicine department for various examinations and treatments.[Read More] Understanding Heart Issues: Chest Discomfort, Breathing Problems, and Inner Ear Balance
Understanding Facial Flushing: Causes and Solutions
Easily blush? When I quietly read or work for a while, my face becomes flushed and feels warm. Sometimes, when I go to crowded places, such as attending a wedding or chatting over coffee, my face turns red and feels hot after sitting for a while, and I feel a bit stuffy. What cou...
Dr. Ke Zhengchang reply Internal Medicine
Hello Julier: Generally, having these symptoms is a normal response (vasodilation). If you experience chest discomfort, please go to the hospital for an electrocardiogram and thyroid function tests.[Read More] Understanding Facial Flushing: Causes and Solutions
Understanding Chest Pressure When Sleeping on the Left Side
Chest compression When I sleep on my left side, I experience a strong feeling of pressure on my heart, which is very uncomfortable. However, when I sleep on my right side, I do not have this issue. I also do not experience this sensation when sitting or standing. This phenomenon ...
Dr. Ke Zhengchang reply Internal Medicine
Hello THC: It is recommended that you go to the hospital for an electrocardiogram (ECG) and X-ray examination. (Symptoms like these can be related to thoracic or cardiopulmonary issues.)[Read More] Understanding Chest Pressure When Sleeping on the Left Side
Understanding Hepatitis B: Risks, Management, and Health Concerns
Hepatitis B Dr. Ke: Hello! I would like to ask you a few questions, please respond, thank you! 1. I had hepatitis B when I was younger, but I recovered. My boyfriend is a carrier of hepatitis B; will he transmit it to me? 2. Is it true that a hepatitis B carrier will never ful...
Dr. Ke Zhengchang reply Internal Medicine
Hello Vivian: 1. Hepatitis B is primarily transmitted through blood transfusions and injections; it is not transmitted through food. 2. Chronic carriers of Hepatitis B are not easily cured, but there are new treatment options available. Please follow up with a hepatology clinic f...[Read More] Understanding Hepatitis B: Risks, Management, and Health Concerns
Understanding Chest Pain: Causes and When to Seek Help
Chest pain Two days ago, while I was on the bus after school, I suddenly experienced pain in my left chest. I thought that maybe a good night's sleep would help, and when I woke up the next day, it felt a bit better, but there was still some pain. The pain starts whenever I ...
Dr. Ke Zhengchang reply Internal Medicine
Based on your symptoms, there is a possibility of spontaneous pneumothorax. Please visit the thoracic clinic as soon as possible for a chest X-ray examination.[Read More] Understanding Chest Pain: Causes and When to Seek Help
Understanding Serious Lung Issues: What to Expect from Your Diagnosis
Pulmonary issues - urgent My boyfriend started undergoing tests two months ago due to persistent coughing, which began as a dry cough and then progressed to coughing up phlegm, eventually leading to blood-streaked sputum and blood clots. He was diagnosed with bronchitis at Linkou...
Dr. Ke Zhengchang reply Internal Medicine
Based on Ms. CINDY's description, it is highly likely that your boyfriend has contracted tuberculosis. Therefore, please visit a pulmonologist for a consultation, and undergo a new chest X-ray and detailed examination, or bring copies of the X-ray and sputum test results for...[Read More] Understanding Serious Lung Issues: What to Expect from Your Diagnosis
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 plant. He has already seen a doctor. Could you please advise if there are any vegetables, fruits, or traditional Chinese medicine that could help improve this condition? Thank you.
Dr. Ke Zhengchang reply Internal Medicine
Please visit the Department of Pulmonary Medicine for a detailed X-ray and pulmonary function tests. Dr. Cheng-Chang Ke, Department of Pulmonary Medicine, Hsinchu Hospital, Ministry of Health and Welfare.[Read More] Natural Remedies for Lung Health: Foods and Herbs to Consider
Understanding Chronic Neck and Back Pain: When to See a Rheumatologist
Regarding neck and back pain..? I have been experiencing soreness in my left scapula for over a year, which has gradually spread to my neck and entire back. I have difficulty sitting comfortably and cannot sleep at night, leading to an inability to concentrate during the day. I h...
Dr. Ke Zhengchang reply Internal Medicine
Please visit the Department of Pulmonary Medicine for a chest X-ray (including lung and shoulder X-rays) to determine the cause. Dr. Cheng-Chang Ke, Department of Pulmonary Medicine, Hsinchu Hospital, Ministry of Health and Welfare.[Read More] Understanding Chronic Neck and Back Pain: When to See a Rheumatologist
Understanding Hepatitis B Carriers: Do They Have Antibodies?
I would like to ask about hepatitis B? Are carriers of hepatitis B infected and also have antibodies?
Dr. Ke Zhengchang reply Internal Medicine
The definition of a hepatitis B carrier is an individual who still has the hepatitis B virus in their body, indicated by a positive result for the hepatitis B surface antigen in a blood test. The presence of antibodies signifies that the individual has developed immunity and is n...[Read More] Understanding Hepatitis B Carriers: Do They Have Antibodies?
Understanding High White Blood Cell Count: Causes and Concerns
White blood cells I have a friend who often experiences difficulty breathing and severe headaches. Blood test results show elevated white blood cell counts. We are unsure about the underlying issue. Could this be serious? I would appreciate any insights from doctors regarding thi...
Dr. Ke Zhengchang reply Internal Medicine
Possible causes of leukocytosis include: 1. Infections that trigger an increase in white blood cell production, such as pneumonia. 2. Abnormal hematopoietic function in the bone marrow leading to elevated white blood cell counts. In the second case, the white blood cell count oft...[Read More] Understanding High White Blood Cell Count: Causes and Concerns
Can Patients with Myocardial Infarction Safely Return to Japan for Surgery?
Myocardial infarction After being diagnosed with a myocardial infarction following a hospital examination, the patient is unwilling to undergo surgery in Taiwan and wishes to return to Japan for the procedure. Is this possible? If so, what steps should be taken to ensure the pati...
Dr. Ke Zhengchang reply Internal Medicine
Dear Mr. Yang, Your questions are answered as follows: 1. The patient can return to Japan and then undergo surgery. 2. Initially, medication can be used to stabilize the condition, or balloon angioplasty can be performed for stabilization before returning to Japan. 3. Balloo...[Read More] Can Patients with Myocardial Infarction Safely Return to Japan for Surgery?
Seeking Specialist Recommendations for Unexplained Gastric Issues
Gastrointestinal issues with no identifiable cause - please recommend a suitable physician? Dear Director Ke, I reside in Hsinchu City. Three years ago, I underwent an upper gastrointestinal endoscopy, which revealed a very mild ulcer. After taking an H2 blocker for about a mont...
Dr. Ke Zhengchang reply Internal Medicine
Miss Xiao Li: Director Ke is attending a conference abroad, and I will respond on his behalf. Upper abdominal pain is a common issue in the field of internal medicine and gastroenterology, and it is not only distressing for patients but also one of the most challenging symptoms f...[Read More] Seeking Specialist Recommendations for Unexplained Gastric Issues