Can Gout Be Cured? Exploring Treatment Options and Side Effects
Can gout be completely cured? Hello Doctor: Can gout be completely cured? Are there any side effects from taking medications to lower uric acid levels? I've heard from a friend that there is a medication prescribed by American doctors that can cure it; is there any truth to ...
Dr. Ke Zhengchang reply Internal Medicine
Gout can generally be managed through dietary changes to control the production of uric acid. Reducing the intake of high-purine foods such as meat, organ meats, and legumes, as well as avoiding alcohol, can help decrease flare-ups. New-generation uric acid-lowering medications a...[Read More] Can Gout Be Cured? Exploring Treatment Options and Side Effects
Understanding Persistent Chest Pain: When to Seek Medical Help
Pain assessment I have recently experienced mild pain in the lower left side of my chest, near the ribs, for about a month and a half. There are no unusual sensations when standing or during vigorous activities; the pain only occurs when I sit in an improper position or apply pre...
Dr. Ke Zhengchang reply Pulmonology
Hello: If there is tenderness in the left chest without symptoms of fever or cough, it is commonly due to myositis, periostitis, or muscle strain caused by poor posture. Treatment typically involves heat application and anti-inflammatory pain relievers for about a week, along wit...[Read More] Understanding Persistent Chest Pain: When to Seek Medical Help
Understanding Chest Hemorrhage: Is Pulmonary Arteriovenous Malformation Congenital?
Is a pulmonary arteriovenous fistula associated with hemothorax a congenital disease? (Inquiry forwarded from the Director's mailbox) Dear Director, As you are the highest authority overseeing national healthcare and diseases, I am compelled to reach out to you regarding a ...
Dr. Ke Zhengchang reply Pulmonology
Based on your description, it is likely a congenital pulmonary arteriovenous malformation complicated by hemothorax. The best treatment approach would be angiography and embolization (a procedure that can be performed by a radiologist). In the meantime, inserting a chest tube to ...[Read More] Understanding Chest Hemorrhage: Is Pulmonary Arteriovenous Malformation Congenital?
Understanding Gout: Symptoms, Pathophysiology, and Treatment Options
I'm sorry, but I need specific content to translate. Please Hello: I would like to ask about the pathological mechanism of gout, what medications are used for treatment, and what symptoms it has?
Dr. Ke Zhengchang reply Internal Medicine
Gout is formed due to prolonged elevated levels of uric acid in the blood, leading to the formation of urate crystals in the joint cavity, which causes acute attacks characterized by redness, swelling, heat, and pain in the joints. Over time, this can result in joint deformities ...[Read More] Understanding Gout: Symptoms, Pathophysiology, and Treatment Options
Understanding Pectus Excavatum: Is Surgery Necessary for Your Symptoms?
Pectus excavatum I am 21 years old and have pectus excavatum. I really want to undergo corrective surgery. Will it be difficult and is it necessary? Sometimes I experience sharp pain in my chest and feel tightness, with my right chest being lower. Overall, I can sense that my lun...
Dr. Ke Zhengchang reply Pulmonology
Hello: Young individuals with pectus excavatum typically have a mild inward depression of the sternum, and their lung function is usually normal. It does not affect their ability to perform regular activities unless there is significant pulmonary dysfunction and respiratory distr...[Read More] Understanding Pectus Excavatum: Is Surgery Necessary for Your Symptoms?
Can Long-Term Use of Psychiatric Medications Lead to Diabetes?
Psychiatric medications Does long-term use of psychiatric medications lead to diabetes?
Dr. Ke Zhengchang reply Internal Medicine
Hello: In response to the previous inquiry regarding psychiatric medications at Taiwan e-Hospital, there has been a modification: traditional psychiatric medications do not cause diabetes, but atypical antipsychotic medications such as Clozapine, Risperidone, Olanzapine, Quetiapi...[Read More] Can Long-Term Use of Psychiatric Medications Lead to Diabetes?
Understanding Chest Pain: Causes and Heart Connection After a Fall
Chest pain Last month, I accidentally fell and landed on my left chest. Since then, I've been experiencing pain in the left side of my chest. I feel a specific point that hurts particularly when I take a deep breath. I'm not sure what the cause is, and I'm wonderin...
Dr. Ke Zhengchang reply Pulmonology
Pain from chest contusions is primarily due to muscle injury, but in severe cases, it may involve rib fractures and hemothorax, which can be confirmed through X-ray examination. Typically, analgesics and anti-inflammatory medications are administered, and improvement is expected ...[Read More] Understanding Chest Pain: Causes and Heart Connection After a Fall
Understanding Chest Pain and Weight Loss Concerns: A Comprehensive Guide
Dried orange peel!!?? I have struggled with being overweight. My weight is actually not too bad, but I feel like I have a lot of fat all over my body, and it feels thick, hard, and firm. I have tried dieting to lose weight, but whenever I get hungry and don't eat, I start to...
Dr. Ke Zhengchang reply Internal Medicine
Weight loss for obesity should be conducted under the guidance of a metabolic specialist and a nutritionist for safety. It is important to consume more vegetables, fruits, and fish, while reducing the intake of meat and fried foods. Regular exercise and adequate hydration are als...[Read More] Understanding Chest Pain and Weight Loss Concerns: A Comprehensive Guide
Understanding Chest Pain: Causes and Solutions for Your Symptoms
excuse me? Hello. I would like to ask you a question. A few days ago, I suddenly experienced severe chest pain. The pain was widespread, affecting both the front and back of my chest, almost the entire thoracic cavity. However, the pain near the middle of my spine in the back occ...
Dr. Ke Zhengchang reply Pulmonology
This is more likely a joint issue. Please visit the pulmonology and neurology departments for X-rays and further examination.[Read More] Understanding Chest Pain: Causes and Solutions for Your Symptoms
Managing Diabetes: Risks of Poor Diet and Alcohol Consumption
Diabetes mellitus Hello Dr. Ke: I hope it's not too presumptuous to ask you a few questions. Question 1: My father has been suffering from diabetes for about a year and takes diabetes medication daily, but he hasn't been very careful with his diet and has a habit of dri...
Dr. Ke Zhengchang reply Internal Medicine
The treatment for diabetes includes diet, medication, exercise, and a healthy lifestyle, along with monitoring blood glucose and other metabolic parameters. Simply taking medication is not sufficient; if dietary habits are not considered, blood glucose levels may remain poorly co...[Read More] Managing Diabetes: Risks of Poor Diet and Alcohol Consumption
Understanding Right Chest Pain: Causes and When to Seek Help
Chest pain I woke up with pain in my right chest. At first, I thought it was due to poor sleep, but after four hours, it was still the same. Taking a deep breath, standing up straight, coughing, or running all trigger the chest pain. Sometimes, even a slight movement causes unbea...
Dr. Ke Zhengchang reply Pulmonology
Based on your symptom description, pleuritis, neuromuscular inflammation, periostitis, and pulmonary diseases are all possible. It is recommended to consult a pulmonologist for a chest X-ray and any necessary examinations to identify the cause early and initiate appropriate treat...[Read More] Understanding Right Chest Pain: Causes and When to Seek Help
Which Specialist to See for Chest Pain: Internal Medicine or Cardiology?
Please ask your question? Hello, doctor: I sometimes feel pain in my left chest, a little above that area, and it feels like a sharp pain. I'm concerned that I might have heart disease because I'm a bit overweight. Which department should I visit for this? Should I see ...
Dr. Ke Zhengchang reply Internal Medicine
There are many causes of left-sided chest pain, such as pleurisy, angina, and pulmonary diseases. Therefore, it is essential to visit a thoracic specialist and a cardiologist for a thorough examination and treatment.[Read More] Which Specialist to See for Chest Pain: Internal Medicine or Cardiology?
Understanding Joint Aspiration: Is It Gout and What to Expect?
Joint aspiration Doctor... I went to the hospital yesterday to have joint fluid extracted, but they couldn't get any. The swelling in my left foot has not gone down for 2 to 3 months; sometimes it hurts, and sometimes it doesn't. I used to have swelling in my right inde...
Dr. Ke Zhengchang reply Internal Medicine
1. If the swelling in your left foot has not resolved after 2 to 3 months, it is important to consider the possibility of other underlying issues, including infections or rheumatoid arthritis. Please discuss this further with your physician. 2. With a uric acid level of 12 and ...[Read More] Understanding Joint Aspiration: Is It Gout and What to Expect?
Why Can't My Persistent Cough Be Cured? Expert Insights
Why can't a cough be cured? Hello Dr. Ke: I often cough, and whenever I do, my grandfather and children urge me to see a doctor. However, I have already consulted many doctors in the past, but my condition has not improved. I also dislike coughing and feel quite uncomfortabl...
Dr. Ke Zhengchang reply Pulmonology
There are many causes of chronic cough, such as asthma, tuberculosis, allergic rhinitis leading to post-nasal drip, and gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). It is recommended to visit a hospital for a chest X-ray, pulmonary function tests, and blood tests to accurately diagnos...[Read More] Why Can't My Persistent Cough Be Cured? Expert Insights
Understanding Sleep-Related Breathing Difficulties: Causes and Solutions
Respiration Sometimes I feel difficulty breathing while sleeping, experiencing shortness of breath, and my eyes keep watering, which is very uncomfortable. It feels like I can't get enough air.
Dr. Ke Zhengchang reply Pulmonology
Your symptoms resemble asthma and allergies. It is recommended that you visit a pulmonology clinic for examination and treatment. Thank you.[Read More] Understanding Sleep-Related Breathing Difficulties: Causes and Solutions
Understanding Chest Pain After Quitting Smoking: Is It Normal?
Chest pain Hello, doctor. I quit smoking about three months ago. Shortly after quitting, I caught a cold and started coughing, which caused chest pain. The coughing has since stopped, but the chest pain persists and seems to radiate around. However, the pain is not severe; it...
Dr. Ke Zhengchang reply Smoking Cessation
It is recommended to visit the pulmonary medicine clinic for pulmonary function tests and treatment (typically, the use of bronchodilators will provide improvement).[Read More] Understanding Chest Pain After Quitting Smoking: Is It Normal?
Understanding Pneumonia Symptoms: What to Look For
Please inquire about the symptoms of pneumonia? Dear Sir/Madam, I would like to inquire about the symptoms of the currently prevalent pneumonia. I arrived in Taiwan from mainland China via Hong Kong on the 18th of this month. Currently, I have a cold and am experiencing alternat...
Dr. Ke Zhengchang reply Pulmonology
Currently, the predominant causes of pneumonia are mycoplasma and typical bacterial pneumonia, which can be effectively treated with erythromycin and traditional antibiotics. Severe pneumonia caused by the coronavirus or paramyxovirus, which is prevalent in mainland China and ass...[Read More] Understanding Pneumonia Symptoms: What to Look For
Understanding Your Joint Pain: Gout, Arthritis, or Something Else?
Arthritis or gout or other conditions? I would like to ask the doctor, I have had symptoms similar to gout since high school. It started with the joints in my feet, then moved to my knees, and later to my index finger. Currently, the most common areas of attack are my fingers, kn...
Dr. Ke Zhengchang reply Internal Medicine
In addition to gout, multiple joint swelling and pain can also be caused by rheumatic diseases, osteoarthritis, and crystalline arthritis. Generally, a comprehensive assessment based on clinical symptoms, blood test results, physical examination, and radiological studies is neces...[Read More] Understanding Your Joint Pain: Gout, Arthritis, or Something Else?
Understanding Chest Tightness: Causes and When to Seek Help
Chest tightness? Previously, I experienced a sensation of pressure on a certain part of my chest while lying on my side, which made me feel very uncomfortable and affected my sleep. Recently, after being startled, I have had trouble sleeping through the night, and this time the s...
Dr. Ke Zhengchang reply Internal Medicine
The cause of chest pain during times of stress is often due to muscle tension. However, if there are underlying conditions such as hypertension, diabetes, obesity, hyperlipidemia, or a history of smoking, it is essential to rule out myocardial ischemia or angina. Therefore, under...[Read More] Understanding Chest Tightness: Causes and When to Seek Help
Understanding Mediterranean Anemia and Military Service Regulations
Mediterranean anemia and military service? I was diagnosed with beta-thalassemia trait at Chang Gung Memorial Hospital. I usually have no symptoms. I would like to ask about the military service regulations regarding hereditary anemia: 1. For hereditary anemia that has been dia...
Dr. Ke Zhengchang reply Pulmonology
I am not familiar with the regulations regarding military service physical examination criteria, so I am unable to answer.[Read More] Understanding Mediterranean Anemia and Military Service Regulations