Chronic Facial Redness and Heat: Understanding the Symptoms and Solutions
Severe facial redness and heat for several months? Hello Dr. Park, I apologize for the lengthy message, but I sincerely hope you can read through it. My mother is 49 years old. She began experiencing unexplained facial flushing and heat in May of last year (2011). Initially, th...
Dr. Li Zhiyao reply Internal Medicine
Hello: There are many reasons for facial redness, with more common causes including skin allergies, eczema, seborrheic dermatitis, rosacea, menopause in women, emotional changes, alcohol, medications, seasonings, and spicy foods. However, some less common causes may be overlooked...[Read More] Chronic Facial Redness and Heat: Understanding the Symptoms and Solutions
Understanding Rectal Bleeding: Causes and When to Seek Help
Rectal bleeding Hello Doctor, for the past two to three days, I have been experiencing rectal bleeding. The stools are soft, and the blood is bright red. I previously visited a doctor who prescribed me medication to stop the bleeding. Although I did not have any bleeding after ta...
Dr. Li Zhiyao reply Internal Medicine
Hello: The causes of rectal bleeding can include hemorrhoids, colorectal cancer, or other colonic lesions. It is recommended that you visit a hospital's colorectal surgery or gastroenterology department for diagnosis and treatment. Wishing you a speedy recovery![Read More] Understanding Rectal Bleeding: Causes and When to Seek Help
When to Seek Emergency Care for Influenza B Symptoms
Under what circumstances should one go to a large hospital for influenza type B? A 31-year-old female family member was diagnosed with influenza B at a clinic two days ago and is currently taking antiviral medication as prescribed by the doctor for five days. She is still experie...
Dr. Li Zhiyao reply Internal Medicine
Hello Mr. Lin: Most influenza patients recover in about a week, but it is important to pay special attention to any warning signs of severe influenza (such as shortness of breath, difficulty breathing, cyanosis, blood or thick sputum, chest pain, altered consciousness, low blood ...[Read More] When to Seek Emergency Care for Influenza B Symptoms
Can Drinking Sugary Beverages Lead to Diabetes Beyond Genetics?
Diabetes mellitus Hello, Dr. Lee. Aside from genetics, can long-term consumption of overly sweet beverages lead to diabetes?
Dr. Li Zhiyao reply Internal Medicine
Mr. Chen: Hello. I would like to inform you of the main risk factors for Type 2 diabetes as follows: 1. Family history of diabetes (parents, siblings with diabetes) 2. Age over 45 years 3. Overweight (Body Mass Index ≥ 24 kg/m²) 4. Lack of physical activity 5. Ethnicity (such as ...[Read More] Can Drinking Sugary Beverages Lead to Diabetes Beyond Genetics?
Understanding Weight Loss in Diabetes: Causes and Insights
Diabetes mellitus Hello, Dr. Lee. What is the reason for significant weight loss in patients with diabetes?
Dr. Li Zhiyao reply Internal Medicine
Hello Mr. Chen: The typical symptoms of diabetes usually present as the "three polys" (polyphagia, polydipsia, polyuria) and "one decrease" (weight loss), but not every patient will exhibit these classic symptoms. When a patient's blood glucose concentrat...[Read More] Understanding Weight Loss in Diabetes: Causes and Insights
Understanding Blood Pressure Differences Between Arms: Is It Normal?
Differences in blood pressure between the left and right arms? Hello Dr. Lee, my mother (55 years old) has a family history of hypertension and has been on antihypertensive medication for about a year. Recently, her blood pressure readings have been approximately 100/70 mmHg in t...
Dr. Li Zhiyao reply Internal Medicine
Hello Bryan: First, let me explain that the higher blood pressure value refers to systolic pressure, while the lower value refers to diastolic pressure; therefore, your father has a higher systolic pressure in his right arm compared to his left. Additionally, it is normal for ind...[Read More] Understanding Blood Pressure Differences Between Arms: Is It Normal?
Understanding Darkening of Fingertips: Causes and Concerns
Fingers turning black? Hello Doctor: My father's fingers (both thumbs and the left ring finger) have recently started to turn black from the area where the nail meets the skin, spreading from the inside out. The affected area is not very large and has started to extend upwar...
Dr. Li Zhiyao reply Internal Medicine
Dear Ms. Hsu, Your father's finger issue may be due to subungual hematoma, microvascular problems, or other causes. It is recommended that he return to the physician who originally treated his hypertension to inform them of this symptom. After the original physician evaluat...[Read More] Understanding Darkening of Fingertips: Causes and Concerns
Understanding Your Thyroid Test Results: T4 and TSH Explained
Thyroid values Hello, my test results show T4 at 11.68 and TSH at 0.0028. Does this indicate a problem with hyperthyroidism? Should I continue treatment or dietary control? Thank you.
Dr. Li Zhiyao reply Internal Medicine
Hello: Based on your test results, it is indeed necessary to consider hyperthyroidism; however, hyperthyroidism can have various underlying causes. I recommend that you visit an endocrinology clinic to identify the cause and receive appropriate treatment. Dietary control cannot r...[Read More] Understanding Your Thyroid Test Results: T4 and TSH Explained
Transferring Chronic Disease Medications to a New Hospital: What You Need to Know
Chronic disease medications Hello, doctor: I would like to ask if I can transfer my prescription for hypertension medication and vasoconstrictors, which I have been receiving every three months from the Provincial San Chong Hospital, to Huilong Hospital since I live nearby. Is it...
Dr. Li Zhiyao reply Internal Medicine
Hello: If you wish to change your medical institution due to your place of residence, you should first understand whether the new medical facility has the capability to manage your condition; ensure that the physicians, medications, and related equipment meet the necessary requir...[Read More] Transferring Chronic Disease Medications to a New Hospital: What You Need to Know
How Dr. Lee Diagnoses Thyroid Issues: Key Signs to Watch For
Thyroid issues? How does Dr. Lee identify thyroid issues?
Dr. Li Zhiyao reply Internal Medicine
Hello Mr. Chen: Thyroid diseases can be classified into two main categories: based on function, there are hyperthyroidism and hypothyroidism; based on morphology, there are diffuse goiter and nodular goiter (such as thyroid adenoma, thyroid cyst, and thyroid cancer). When there i...[Read More] How Dr. Lee Diagnoses Thyroid Issues: Key Signs to Watch For
Effective Strategies for Healthy Weight Gain and Muscle Building
Methods for Gaining Weight Doctor, I am 170 cm tall and weigh 55 kg. I want to gain weight and build muscle, but I find it difficult to put on weight. Do you have any recommendations for gaining weight?
Dr. Li Zhiyao reply Internal Medicine
Hello: Your Body Mass Index (BMI) is 19.0, which falls within the standard weight range and is not considered underweight. Additionally, you are in a young age group, where metabolic rates are high and activity levels are significant, making slow weight gain a common phenomenon. ...[Read More] Effective Strategies for Healthy Weight Gain and Muscle Building
Understanding Persistent Edema in Elderly Patients with Diabetes and Hypertension
Persistent edema Hello Dr. Lee: My mother is 78 years old and has a history of hypertension and diabetes. This year, she has experienced persistent edema in both legs for quite some time. She also gets up to urinate about 2 to 3 times during the night, with a large volume of urin...
Dr. Li Zhiyao reply Internal Medicine
Tina: Hello, your mother has hypertension and diabetes, so it is important to consider whether there are any complications related to renal dysfunction. Additionally, low albumin levels due to malnutrition or diabetic nephropathy causing proteinuria may also lead to edema. I reco...[Read More] Understanding Persistent Edema in Elderly Patients with Diabetes and Hypertension
Understanding Elevated Kidney Function: When to Monitor Your Health
Regarding issues related to the kidneys? Doctor, my kidney function (CRE) level is slightly elevated at 1.02 mg/dL (normal range 0.1-1.4 mg/dL) and my BUN is 13.1 mg/dL (normal range 5-23 mg/dL). Should I continue to monitor this? How often should I follow up? I've been expe...
Dr. Li Zhiyao reply Internal Medicine
Hello Qiang Qiang: Your kidney function tests show BUN: 13.1 mg/dl and CRE: 1.02 mg/dl, both of which are within the normal range. Please do not worry excessively. If you have any concerns, it is recommended that you consult a nephrologist for appropriate management based on your...[Read More] Understanding Elevated Kidney Function: When to Monitor Your Health
Why Does Sweet Food Taste Bitter Suddenly? Understanding a Medical Mystery
Why does sweet food taste bitter now? Hello! My dad has recently experienced a strange issue where anything sweet he eats tastes very bitter, while salty or spicy foods taste normal. This problem has suddenly appeared, and it didn't exist before. He took cold medicine in the...
Dr. Li Zhiyao reply Internal Medicine
Hello: Taste bud cells in humans gradually atrophy with aging, leading to a decline in taste perception. Additionally, diseases, medications, surgical procedures, environmental factors, and nutritional deficiencies (such as zinc deficiency) can also affect taste sensitivity. Some...[Read More] Why Does Sweet Food Taste Bitter Suddenly? Understanding a Medical Mystery
Sudden Sharp Pain in the Head: Causes and Concerns
Sudden sharp pain in a specific area of the head? Hello, a couple of days ago, I started experiencing an unknown sharp pain on the left side of my scalp. The frequency is about three times a minute, and it feels like someone is poking me with a needle. Pulling the nearby hair als...
Dr. Li Zhiyao reply Internal Medicine
Dear Mr. Zheng, Headache is merely a symptom, and there are numerous potential causes for it. A thorough evaluation by a physician is necessary, which includes detailed inquiries about the onset, characteristics, location, duration, frequency of the headache, associated symptoms...[Read More] Sudden Sharp Pain in the Head: Causes and Concerns
Understanding Dizziness in Elderly Patients: Causes and Next Steps
Dizziness Consultation My mother is 70 years old and has been suffering from dizziness lately. She is almost completely bedridden and unable to move. She has hypertension, which is controlled with medication. She has seen various specialists but has not found a cause. Please cons...
Dr. Li Zhiyao reply Internal Medicine
Hello Mr. Kuo: Based on the situation you described, the first consideration should be whether your blood pressure is too low. A blood pressure of 110/70 may be considered low for a 70-year-old, which could lead to weakness and confusion, making it difficult for the patient to ge...[Read More] Understanding Dizziness in Elderly Patients: Causes and Next Steps
Managing High Blood Sugar Levels in Diabetes: Tips and Insights
High blood sugar? Hello Dr. Lee, I would like to ask how to handle high blood sugar levels? My mother has been a diabetic for about 15 years. She was previously controlled with oral medications, but for the past three years, she has started using insulin injections, which have no...
Dr. Li Zhiyao reply Internal Medicine
Hello Amin, Your question can be summarized as "how to effectively manage diabetes." In addition to the patient and their family, a team consisting of physicians, dietitians, and diabetes educators should be involved in managing diabetes. Currently, health bureaus in v...[Read More] Managing High Blood Sugar Levels in Diabetes: Tips and Insights
Understanding Abdominal Pain: When to Seek Medical Help
A lump beside the navel? Hello doctor, my mother suddenly started experiencing pain just to the right of her belly button. At first, we thought it was a pulled muscle, but later it felt more like a sharp pain. This has been going on for a while now, and it hurts whenever she exer...
Dr. Li Zhiyao reply Internal Medicine
Hello A-Wen: Your mother's symptoms require a physician's evaluation for diagnosis, as they encompass multiple specialties. It is recommended that your mother first consult a family medicine physician, and then follow the doctor's advice to see other specialists as...[Read More] Understanding Abdominal Pain: When to Seek Medical Help
Key Considerations for Families of Leukemia Patients with Pneumonia in ICU
During the hospitalization of pneumonia patients in the intensive care unit, they may experience various sensations and symptoms? During the hospitalization of a leukemia pneumonia patient in the intensive care unit, if the patient experiences a burning sensation during urination...
Dr. Li Zhiyao reply Internal Medicine
Hello: A burning sensation during urination may indicate a urinary tract infection. A urine test can help determine if there is an infection present. Please inform your doctor or nurse about your discomfort for proper management. Wishing you a speedy recovery![Read More] Key Considerations for Families of Leukemia Patients with Pneumonia in ICU
Understanding Chest Discomfort After Testing Positive for Influenza A
Influenza A Hello Doctor: I previously tested positive for COVID-19 at the hospital. I am currently taking antiviral medication. However, I am experiencing significant chest tightness. I do not have a fever, and the hospital doctor mentioned that my symptoms are mild. My chest ti...
Dr. Li Zhiyao reply Internal Medicine
Hello, A-Jie: Most individuals infected with the H1N1 influenza virus experience mild symptoms and typically recover within a week without the need for special treatment, allowing most people to rest at home. However, there are a small number of cases where the condition can rapi...[Read More] Understanding Chest Discomfort After Testing Positive for Influenza A