Understanding Microscopic Hematuria, Glucose, and Protein in Urine
Microscopic hematuria, glucose, and protein in the urine? Dr. Lee: Hello! I had a pre-employment physical examination on May 20, and on May 29, the report indicated that I had microscopic hematuria at 3+. I went for another urinalysis on May 31, and today, June 6, I received the ...
Dr. Li Zhiyao reply Internal Medicine
Hello Yu-Yan: If your tests were not conducted during your menstrual period, based on the report results, there is indeed a need to suspect the possibility of kidney disease (urinary tract disorders) and diabetes. However, further examinations are necessary; the diagnosis of diab...[Read More] Understanding Microscopic Hematuria, Glucose, and Protein in Urine
Managing Constipation in Diabetic Patients: Tips and Alternatives
Diabetes and Constipation The doctor would like to ask you, my dad has been experiencing constipation for many days and cannot find a way to relieve it. He has issues with high blood pressure and elevated blood sugar. My dad says that the constipation problem started after taking...
Dr. Li Zhiyao reply Internal Medicine
Hello: 1. If your father's constipation issue is indeed caused by the blood sugar-lowering medication, please have him inform the prescribing physician so that the doctor is aware. The physician may change the medication or prescribe a stool softener. 2. Hypertension can be ...[Read More] Managing Constipation in Diabetic Patients: Tips and Alternatives
Understanding Bloating and Urgency: Could It Be Colon Cancer?
Abdominal distension with the urge to defecate? Hello, Dr. Lee. Since last Wednesday, I've been feeling bloated and have no appetite. I feel full and can't eat much. I also have a constant urge to have a bowel movement and feel something in my rectum. I have both intern...
Dr. Li Zhiyao reply Internal Medicine
Hello Mr. Hsieh: Cancer can present with a variety of symptoms, or it may not present any symptoms at all. Therefore, it is not possible to confirm or rule out cancer based solely on symptoms. However, it is unnecessary to associate any symptom with cancer, as such thinking can l...[Read More] Understanding Bloating and Urgency: Could It Be Colon Cancer?
Is Raw Onion Safe for Those with Low Blood Pressure?
Dietary Issues Excuse me, I would like to ask a question. If someone has low blood pressure, is it not suitable for them to eat raw onions since onions can lower blood pressure? Could this potentially cause their blood pressure to drop even further? I am a bit confused, so I woul...
Dr. Li Zhiyao reply Internal Medicine
Hello Petty: Onions are indeed not suitable for individuals with low blood pressure. However, low blood pressure can be classified as primary (of unknown origin) or secondary (caused by other diseases). It is advisable to seek medical evaluation to determine if there are any seco...[Read More] Is Raw Onion Safe for Those with Low Blood Pressure?
Understanding the Connection Between Hypertension and Meniere's Disease
Hypertension disease Hello, I would like to ask if there is a connection between hypertension and Meniere's disease? Recently, my father went to the emergency room with a blood pressure spike of 200, experiencing severe headaches and occasional dizziness, especially in hot w...
Dr. Li Zhiyao reply Internal Medicine
Hello, Xiaoxin: Your father's blood pressure has reached 200 mmHg, along with severe headaches, dizziness, and symptoms of cardiac hypertrophy. This should not be taken lightly; he must seek medical attention regularly, and the physician will arrange for examinations and pre...[Read More] Understanding the Connection Between Hypertension and Meniere's Disease
Can You Get Rabies from a Cat Bite? Understanding the Risks
Can you get rabies? A family member was bitten by a stray cat in July while living in Taichung City. Recently, she has been experiencing coughing and nasal congestion. Could this be considered a precursor to rabies? How likely is it to contract the disease at this stage? I am ext...
Dr. Li Zhiyao reply Internal Medicine
Hello Larry: The incubation period for rabies can vary from 1 to 3 months, occasionally being shorter than 7 days, and can last up to 7 years. Initial symptoms include fever, sore throat, chills, malaise, loss of appetite, vomiting, difficulty breathing, coughing, weakness, anxie...[Read More] Can You Get Rabies from a Cat Bite? Understanding the Risks
Managing Elevated Fasting Blood Sugar: Next Steps and Dietary Tips
Fasting blood glucose levels are elevated during health check-up? Hello Dr. Lee, I had a health check-up last month and my fasting blood sugar was 101, as the standard value is 100. What further tests should I undergo? Also, what dietary precautions should I take since my grandfa...
Dr. Li Zhiyao reply Internal Medicine
Hello: A single pre-meal blood glucose level can be influenced by many factors, such as the duration of fasting, among others. Since you only had one pre-meal blood glucose reading of 101, there is no need to be overly concerned at this time. I recommend that you focus on dietary...[Read More] Managing Elevated Fasting Blood Sugar: Next Steps and Dietary Tips
Understanding Abdominal Pain: Causes Around the Belly Button
Is it stomach pain, abdominal pain, or something else...? Hello, I would like to ask about occasional pain on either side of the navel, and sometimes in the upper part of the abdomen. What could be the cause of this? Sometimes the pain is around the navel as well. Thank you.
Dr. Li Zhiyao reply Internal Medicine
Hello, Xiao Ju: Based on the symptoms you described, they seem to lean towards gastrointestinal issues, which can have many causes, such as irregular bowel movements, abnormal diet, or other conditions like peptic ulcers, among others. If you are female, gynecological issues shou...[Read More] Understanding Abdominal Pain: Causes Around the Belly Button
Understanding Blood in Stool: Causes and When to Seek Help
I have been experiencing rectal bleeding for the past couple of days? I started experiencing blood in my stool two days ago. On the first day, I wasn't sure if it was due to overeating or something else. The first bowel movement was normal, but the second time I went due to ...
Dr. Li Zhiyao reply Internal Medicine
Hello, Alang: Based on what you mentioned, I recommend that you seek a consultation with a colorectal surgeon as soon as possible for diagnosis and treatment. The doctor will arrange for examinations and treatment based on your condition, so do not delay. Additionally, you should...[Read More] Understanding Blood in Stool: Causes and When to Seek Help
Exploring Insulin Options and Potential Side Effects for Diabetes Management
Diabetes issues Hello Dr. Lee, 1. I have asked my physician about my current use of NovoMix 30 insulin, and they mentioned that there is no better or purer medication available. Do you know of any better options? 2. What are the potential side effects of using insulin, such a...
Dr. Li Zhiyao reply Internal Medicine
Mr. Chen: Hello! Regarding your concerns about the use of insulin, I recommend discussing them in person with your attending physician for a more suitable conversation. Wishing you good health![Read More] Exploring Insulin Options and Potential Side Effects for Diabetes Management
Managing Insulin Allergy: Symptoms and Solutions for Patients
Insulin allergy Hello Dr. Lee, I experience symptoms such as redness, dry mouth, and thirst after injecting insulin. What should I do?
Dr. Li Zhiyao reply Internal Medicine
Hello Mr. Chen: The symptoms you are experiencing from insulin injection may be due to insulin allergy or other reasons. Currently, there are many types of insulin formulations available. It is advisable to discuss this situation with your physician and consider switching to a di...[Read More] Managing Insulin Allergy: Symptoms and Solutions for Patients
Understanding Dry Mouth and Thick White Coating: Gastrointestinal Concerns
Dry mouth and thick white tongue coating? Hello, Doctor -- I have been dealing with gastrointestinal issues and am currently taking medication for gastroesophageal reflux disease. Although I do not experience vomiting, I still have symptoms of bloating, flatulence, and indigestio...
Dr. Li Zhiyao reply Internal Medicine
Hello Mr. Chuang: You are currently taking medication for gastroesophageal reflux and experiencing bloating, which may be causing constipation and resulting in indigestion and frequent flatulence. If this persists for a longer duration, you might also experience dry mouth and thr...[Read More] Understanding Dry Mouth and Thick White Coating: Gastrointestinal Concerns
Understanding Diabetes: Kidney Atrophy and Uremia Symptoms Explained
Diabetes concerns? Hello, Dr. Lee. 1. Why does diabetes cause renal atrophy and uremia? 2. What are the symptoms of uremia?
Dr. Li Zhiyao reply Internal Medicine
Hello: In response to your two questions: 1. Metabolic factors and hemodynamic changes are the primary causes affecting diabetic nephropathy. The effects of hyperglycemia alter the feedback control of the glomeruli and renal tubules, leading to abnormal glucose metabolic path...[Read More] Understanding Diabetes: Kidney Atrophy and Uremia Symptoms Explained
Understanding Foamy Urine: Kidney Issues and High Blood Pressure Explained
Foamy urine and kidney issues? Hello Dr. Lee, I have high blood pressure (stopped medication for 3 months, currently 135/82 mmHg). Over the past few months, I have experienced increased urination with foamy urine. I underwent a physical examination, and the results showed no pro...
Dr. Li Zhiyao reply Internal Medicine
Hello: The normal value for 24-hour urine epinephrine is < 22.4 µg/24hrs; please confirm the test results. As for the foamy urine, the test results showed no proteinuria, but you may consider performing a microalbuminuria quantitative test to confirm the absence of proteinuria...[Read More] Understanding Foamy Urine: Kidney Issues and High Blood Pressure Explained
Understanding Prednisolone Use for Gout: Dosage, Safety, and Alternatives
Prednisolone My father (85 years old) has gout and visited an orthopedic doctor who prescribed him prednisolone (2 tablets in the morning and 2 tablets in the evening, each 5 mg). He has been taking it for over a month, and I recently found out that it is a corticosteroid. Is thi...
Dr. Li Zhiyao reply Internal Medicine
Hello: The main anti-inflammatory and analgesic medications used to treat acute gouty arthritis include three types: nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), colchicine, and corticosteroids. The choice among these medications should depend on whether the patient has any con...[Read More] Understanding Prednisolone Use for Gout: Dosage, Safety, and Alternatives
Understanding Blood Sugar Monitoring: Accuracy and Common Concerns
About diabetes? First of all, I would like to thank Dr. Lee for the previous response. I do have hyperlipidemia and hypertension, which I am currently managing with medication. My average blood pressure is (systolic) 110-120 and (diastolic) 65-75. In my last inquiry, my fasting b...
Dr. Li Zhiyao reply Internal Medicine
Hello: The blood glucose levels obtained from a standard blood draw are typically about 15% higher than those measured by a glucose meter, which may raise some questions for you. Since you are at high risk for diabetes, it is recommended that you continue to manage your diet and ...[Read More] Understanding Blood Sugar Monitoring: Accuracy and Common Concerns
Understanding High Triglycerides: Risks, Testing, and Dietary Advice
Triacylglycerol levels inquiry? Hello Doctor, my mother is 55 years old, 160 cm tall, and weighs 65 kg. Recently, she has experienced a loss of sensation in her feet, and after undergoing tests at a hospital, the doctor informed her that she is at risk of a stroke due to her trig...
Dr. Li Zhiyao reply Internal Medicine
Hello Xiaoyun: It is indeed a rare case for your mother to have triglyceride levels exceeding 5000. I recommend visiting a metabolic clinic for further evaluation before deciding on a treatment plan. Wishing you and your family good health![Read More] Understanding High Triglycerides: Risks, Testing, and Dietary Advice
Impact of Diet on Blood Test Results for Prediabetes
Prediabetes Hello Dr. Lee: Today, the hospital's blood test report shows fasting blood glucose: 117, glycated hemoglobin: 5.8, triglycerides: 193, cholesterol: normal, and uric acid: normal. I consumed a large amount of soda (5 bottles) and ate fried chicken nuggets (4 piece...
Dr. Li Zhiyao reply Internal Medicine
Hello: Based on what you mentioned, I recommend that you pay attention to the following three points: 1. Correct your dietary habits. 2. You are at high risk for diabetes: as your glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c) is greater than 5.7; please note that glycated hemoglobin is not affecte...[Read More] Impact of Diet on Blood Test Results for Prediabetes
Impact of Hyperthyroid Medications on Neurological Function
Medications for hyperthyroidism? Is the use of hyperthyroidism medication POLUPI and antiarrhythmic drugs going to affect neurological function?
Dr. Li Zhiyao reply Internal Medicine
Hello: The medication for hyperthyroidism you are referring to is propylthiouracil, and the antiarrhythmic medication is propranolol, correct? These two medications are commonly used together to treat hyperthyroidism and do not affect neurological function. If you experience any ...[Read More] Impact of Hyperthyroid Medications on Neurological Function
How to Distinguish Between Type 1 and Type 2 Diabetes
Chronic diseases Hello, Dr. Lee. After a blood test, it has been confirmed that I have diabetes. How can I determine whether my diabetes is type 1 or type 2?
Dr. Li Zhiyao reply Internal Medicine
Hello: Blood tests alone cannot distinguish between Type 1 and Type 2 diabetes. The classic feature of Type 1 diabetes—ketoacidosis—can sometimes also occur in Type 2 diabetes patients. Therefore, it can indeed be challenging to determine the initial classification of diabetes. S...[Read More] How to Distinguish Between Type 1 and Type 2 Diabetes