Understanding Mycoplasma and Atypical Infections: Symptoms and Treatments
Please provide information regarding bronchial Mycobacterium or atypical infections (such as key errors if applicable)? Hello Dr. Ke, I had a cold at the end of last year, and since then I have been experiencing intermittent coughing that persists to this day. The cough worsens i...
Dr. Ke Zhengchang reply Pulmonology
Coughing after a cold can persist for a period of time. Patients with asthma may experience exacerbations, leading to prolonged coughing. Therefore, administering erythromycin may not necessarily be effective. It is recommended to consult a pulmonologist for further evaluation an...[Read More] Understanding Mycoplasma and Atypical Infections: Symptoms and Treatments
Understanding Sleep Temperature and Sodium Thiosulfate: Your Health Questions Answered
The class leader said? Hello Dr. Ke: I have a few questions I would like to ask you, and I hope you can kindly respond. Thank you. 1. My squad leader once mentioned during my military service that it's best to remove your jacket while sleeping, as the human body can self-r...
Dr. Ke Zhengchang reply Internal Medicine
1. Each individual's ability to regulate and adapt to body temperature varies. As long as there are no symptoms of infection such as fever or chills, adding or removing clothing is not a concern. The amount of clothing worn during sleep also varies according to personal pref...[Read More] Understanding Sleep Temperature and Sodium Thiosulfate: Your Health Questions Answered
Understanding Tuberculosis Treatment: Insights from Dr. Ko in Taiwan
Taiwan e-Hospital - Internal Medicine / Dr. Ke Dear Dr. Ke Cheng-Chang, I apologize for reaching out via email; I should have visited you in person, but my work schedule during the day makes it inconvenient. I hope you can understand. My father is Mr. Wang Jin-Can, and I believe...
Dr. Ke Zhengchang reply Internal Medicine
1. Tuberculosis medications may cause nausea, liver function abnormalities, and skin allergies, so liver function monitoring is necessary. If any discomfort occurs, the medication must be stopped immediately or switched to another drug. 2. If there is severe itching, the medicati...[Read More] Understanding Tuberculosis Treatment: Insights from Dr. Ko in Taiwan
Understanding Sodium Sulfate and Potassium Hydroxide Toxicity: FAQs
Please ask your question? Hello, Doctor: I have a few questions I would like to ask you, and I hope you can provide me with answers. Thank you! 1. I am a fan of detective novels and would like to ask the doctor about a statement in these novels: "Sodium sulfate is an antid...
Dr. Ke Zhengchang reply Internal Medicine
The antidote for potassium cyanide poisoning is not sodium sulfate but rather sodium thiosulfate, which may have been a translation error.[Read More] Understanding Sodium Sulfate and Potassium Hydroxide Toxicity: FAQs
Understanding Essential Hypertension: Symptoms, Management, and Recovery Potential
Hypertension I have essential hypertension, and my blood pressure is usually around 155/85 without medication. I discovered my hypertension about a year and a half ago after my military service. My lifestyle is quite irregular; I often stay up until 3 or 4 AM and smoke, as I have...
Dr. Ke Zhengchang reply Internal Medicine
1. In addition to medication management, hypertension requires regular exercise, smoking cessation, and a reduction in dietary fats and high-sodium foods. Increasing the intake of fruits and vegetables and maintaining a normal lifestyle are essential for keeping blood pressure wi...[Read More] Understanding Essential Hypertension: Symptoms, Management, and Recovery Potential
Can Chronic Cough and Asthma Be Cured? Effective Treatment Options Explained
Can chronic cough and asthma be cured? Dear Dr. Ke: Can chronic cough and asthma be cured, and are there effective methods to treat this cough? When a person starts coughing, it can be very uncomfortable and distressing. I really hate that my body is not cooperating. Lately, I ...
Dr. Ke Zhengchang reply Pulmonology
Chronic cough and asthma require a detailed evaluation through chest X-rays and pulmonary function tests. Additionally, it is important to avoid exposure to secondhand smoke and allergens in both home and work environments, and to refrain from keeping small pets, such as cats and...[Read More] Can Chronic Cough and Asthma Be Cured? Effective Treatment Options Explained
Understanding Air Bubbles in Insulin Injections: Risks and Concerns
DM issues Hello Dr. Ke, My mother has had diabetes for over twenty years (family history) and has been using insulin for more than five years. Initially, my father helped her with the injections, but in the past few months, she has learned to inject herself. However, her techniq...
Dr. Ke Zhengchang reply Internal Medicine
A minimal amount of air injected subcutaneously should be absorbed and is unlikely to cause significant harm to the human body.[Read More] Understanding Air Bubbles in Insulin Injections: Risks and Concerns
How Long Does TB Contagiousness Last After Starting Treatment?
Transmission of Tuberculosis (TB) When a patient is diagnosed with suspected open tuberculosis (TB) and has started medication treatment, how long does it typically take for their infectiousness to decrease?
Dr. Ke Zhengchang reply Internal Medicine
Hello, in the case of open pulmonary tuberculosis, if the acid-fast bacilli smear is positive, it is necessary to take medication for at least two weeks to reduce infectiousness. At this point, the smear may turn negative; however, if it remains positive, the patient is still inf...[Read More] How Long Does TB Contagiousness Last After Starting Treatment?
Understanding Cough Side Effects from Diabetes and Hypertension Medications
Diabetes... Hypertension My father is taking medication for diabetes and has previously taken medication due to a bacterial infection from a prostate examination. Recently, he has been coughing frequently (he has quit smoking). A while ago, I read in the newspaper that there is a...
Dr. Ke Zhengchang reply Internal Medicine
A class of antihypertensive medications is known to commonly cause cough; these medications are angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors. Common examples include Capoten, Renitec, Zestril, Tritace, and Acertil.[Read More] Understanding Cough Side Effects from Diabetes and Hypertension Medications
Understanding Procedure Pneumothorax: Symptoms and Insights Explained
Inquiry Hello, doctor. Could you please explain what "procedure pneumothorax" is? What are its symptoms? Thank you for your clarification.
Dr. Ke Zhengchang reply Pulmonology
Reply to Xiao Zhao: During hospitalization, if a patient experiences pleural effusion drainage or central venous catheter placement, pneumothorax may occasionally occur. Typically, it is a small amount, but if it is a large pneumothorax, chest tube drainage is necessary, which is...[Read More] Understanding Procedure Pneumothorax: Symptoms and Insights Explained
Overcoming Weight Gain: Addressing Side Effects of Diet Pills
Obesity I previously took weight loss pills to lose weight, but not only have I gained weight, I also can't seem to lose any. I suspect that this might be a side effect of the weight loss pills I took before. What treatment should I pursue to mitigate the effects of the prev...
Dr. Ke Zhengchang reply Internal Medicine
Reply to Li Hsi-Lin: There are many types of weight loss medications, and some do have certain weight loss effects. However, all medications are only effective while being taken; once discontinued, weight is typically regained. The issue of weight regain you mentioned should not ...[Read More] Overcoming Weight Gain: Addressing Side Effects of Diet Pills
Understanding Pulmonary Isolation: Types and Surgical Considerations
Pulmonary isolation syndrome Hello Dr. Ke: What is pulmonary sequestration? I understand that it is classified into intralobar and extralobar types. Is surgery necessary for the extralobar type if the patient has no symptoms? Thank you very much!
Dr. Ke Zhengchang reply Internal Medicine
In general, if a free-floating lung lesion is asymptomatic, it can simply be monitored. However, if there are symptoms such as hemoptysis, fever, or recurrent infections, surgical removal is necessary.[Read More] Understanding Pulmonary Isolation: Types and Surgical Considerations
Understanding Gout: Managing Occasional Pain and High Uric Acid Levels
Gout Occasional pain, uric acid level 7.7.
Dr. Ke Zhengchang reply Internal Medicine
Hello: For patients with high uric acid levels and symptoms of pain, redness, and swelling due to gout, it is essential to first treat with colchicine or analgesics and anti-inflammatory medications. At the same time, dietary management should be implemented (it is advisable to c...[Read More] Understanding Gout: Managing Occasional Pain and High Uric Acid Levels
How to Diagnose Gout: Understanding Symptoms and Testing Methods
excuse me? I have a question... My second toe has been swollen lately... I saw a dermatologist but there was no improvement at all... Could it be gout? How can gout be diagnosed to confirm if it is indeed gout? Thank you!
Dr. Ke Zhengchang reply Internal Medicine
Hello: For patients with high uric acid levels and symptoms of pain, redness, and swelling due to gout, it is essential to first treat with colchicine or analgesics and anti-inflammatory medications. At the same time, dietary control should be implemented (it is advisable to cons...[Read More] How to Diagnose Gout: Understanding Symptoms and Testing Methods
Understanding Stage IV Lung Cancer: Survival Rates and Treatment Options
Stage IV lung cancer Hello Dr. Ke, my father is 60 years old and is currently receiving chemotherapy for advanced lung cancer at Tri-Service General Hospital. His condition initially involved metastasis to the brain, resulting in right-sided hemiplegia. After one or two sessions ...
Dr. Ke Zhengchang reply Pulmonology
Hello: In stage IV lung cancer with brain metastasis, the average survival is typically only three to six months. Therefore, even with chemotherapy, the average additional survival time is only extended by two to four weeks. Family members should be psychologically prepared. Ke Z...[Read More] Understanding Stage IV Lung Cancer: Survival Rates and Treatment Options
Understanding Chest Pain with Deep Breathing: Causes and Concerns
Experiencing chest tightness or pain when taking a deep breath? I am a 30-year-old female and have recently been experiencing chest tightness and pain when taking deep breaths, mostly in the afternoon. I have a smoking habit, but it is not severe (a maximum of three cigarettes a ...
Dr. Ke Zhengchang reply Pulmonology
Reply to Ms. Lin Hui-Ling: The phenomenon of chest tightness in a young woman who smokes raises concerns for asthma or gastrointestinal disorders. It is essential to quit smoking first and then promptly visit a hospital for pulmonary function testing (pulmonology).[Read More] Understanding Chest Pain with Deep Breathing: Causes and Concerns
Are There Evening or Weekend Smoking Cessation Clinics in Hsinchu?
Are there smoking cessation clinics in Hsinchu that operate during the evenings or on weekends? Dear Dr. Ke, As I am a working professional looking to quit smoking, I would like to know if you have any weekend or evening clinic hours available?
Dr. Ke Zhengchang reply Smoking Cessation
For those who want to quit smoking, Dr. Cheng-Chang Ke will be available at the Internal Medicine Clinic 5 on Monday afternoons (smoking cessation clinic), and Dr. Bao-Jun Lin will be available on Wednesday afternoons (smoking cessation clinic). For more details, please refer to ...[Read More] Are There Evening or Weekend Smoking Cessation Clinics in Hsinchu?
Confused About Which Specialist to See for Persistent Illness?
I don't know which department to visit? Cold. Weakness in the limbs. Headache. Insomnia. It has been over ten days. I have visited several hospitals without any improvement. I don't know what the problem is.
Dr. Ke Zhengchang reply Internal Medicine
Hello: It is recommended that you visit an internal medicine or family medicine specialist for a detailed examination of your blood and blood pressure to determine the underlying cause and treatment.[Read More] Confused About Which Specialist to See for Persistent Illness?
Understanding Low White Blood Cell Count: Causes and Health Risks
Leukocytosis My mother went to the hospital for a check-up, and the doctor told her she has low white blood cell count. What diseases could this lead to? What should we be aware of? Please help me with this, thank you!
Dr. Ke Zhengchang reply Internal Medicine
Hello Ms. Hsu Kuo-Yu: There are many reasons for an increase in white blood cells, including any inflammatory infection or leukemia (blood cancer). A decrease in white blood cells can occur in severe sepsis, leukemia (blood cancer), liver cirrhosis, and autoimmune diseases. A det...[Read More] Understanding Low White Blood Cell Count: Causes and Health Risks
Understanding Shortness of Breath: Causes and When to Seek Help
Shortness of breath? Recently, I have been experiencing occasional shortness of breath and difficulty catching my breath. At times, my palms and face feel numb. I consulted a cardiologist who found nothing unusual and prescribed Xanax 0.5 mg, but there has been no improvement. Wh...
Dr. Ke Zhengchang reply Internal Medicine
Hello Shuna: It is recommended that you undergo examination and treatment in the pulmonology department (such as X-rays, pulmonary function tests, and blood oxygen saturation tests, as well as thyroid function tests). If everything is normal, it may be anxiety disorder or adjustm...[Read More] Understanding Shortness of Breath: Causes and When to Seek Help