Which Specialist to Consult for Complex Symptoms in Older Women?
Which department should I see? Hello, doctor. I would like to ask: A woman in her sixties experiences dry mouth and throat, severe halitosis, indigestion with belching, occasional diarrhea, and often exhibits head shaking or nodding. She has tremors in her left thumb, frequent he...
Dr. Xiao Yongxun reply Family Medicine
Dear Ms. Lan: 1. The symptoms you described are multiple, and you have consulted various specialties. Theoretically, the physicians should have provided a direction for management. Is it possible that you did not understand, or that the physicians did not communicate clearly? A...[Read More] Which Specialist to Consult for Complex Symptoms in Older Women?
Understanding Eating Disorders: When to Seek Medical Help in Taiwan
Binge eating/Anorexia, etc., not sure which specialty to consult (some are long-term)? Hello Doctor, I am Mo, 20 years old and a junior in college. I suspect that I am unwell, but I am unsure which doctor to see (I do not want to see a psychiatrist). Symptoms: 1. Alternating betw...
Dr. Xiao Yongxun reply Family Medicine
Dear Miss Mo: Besides the need to consult an otolaryngologist for conductive hearing loss, based on your detailed description, the physician cannot rule out the possibility of a psychiatric disorder. Therefore, I regret to inform you that I can only recommend you seek care at a p...[Read More] Understanding Eating Disorders: When to Seek Medical Help in Taiwan
Concerns About Valsartan: Understanding Your Blood Pressure Medication
Issues with Blood Pressure Medications Hello, doctor. I have been taking antihypertensive medication, and I happened to use a batch of valsartan from a Taiwanese manufacturer that has been associated with carcinogenic issues. Later, my doctor told me to switch to the original val...
Dr. Xiao Yongxun reply Family Medicine
Dear Mr. Tian: 1. According to reports, the antihypertensive medication Valsartan has reached the end of its patent period, allowing many domestic and international pharmaceutical companies to manufacture and sell it. Consequently, many pharmaceutical companies in our country no...[Read More] Concerns About Valsartan: Understanding Your Blood Pressure Medication
Cat Scratch Wounds: Understanding Rabies Risks and Treatment Options
Cat scratches and concerns about rabies? Hello, Doctor: Yesterday, I went to a friend's house and accidentally got scratched on my leg while playing with their pet cat. There are several red, swollen areas that bled, but the wounds are not deep. I washed them with soap and w...
Dr. Xiao Yongxun reply Family Medicine
Dear Miss Xiaoba: 1. As far as I know, rabies in Taiwan is still limited to wild animals; to date, there have been no reports of rabies transmitted through bites from cats or dogs. Please confirm with the pet owner whether the pets have been regularly vaccinated against rabies....[Read More] Cat Scratch Wounds: Understanding Rabies Risks and Treatment Options
Understanding Skin Itch, Dizziness, Loss of Appetite, and Abdominal Pain
Itching skin, dizziness, frequent loss of appetite, and abdominal pain? Hello, doctor: I have been experiencing skin itching, dizziness, frequent loss of appetite, and recurrent abdominal pain for the past five days. When I finally feel like eating, I can only eat about half of m...
Dr. Xiao Yongxun reply Family Medicine
Dear Miss Peiru: Your main complaints include: [itchy skin that started 5 days ago, dizziness, frequent loss of appetite, and recurrent abdominal pain, with nausea occurring halfway through meals. Sometimes you eat only one meal a day, and at times you hardly eat at all, resultin...[Read More] Understanding Skin Itch, Dizziness, Loss of Appetite, and Abdominal Pain
Pain While Eating: Is It Related to Esophageal Issues?
Experiencing pain while eating? I have been experiencing some pain while eating recently, but there is no burning sensation. Drinking water does not cause any pain. Could this be related to my esophagus, doctor?
Dr. Xiao Yongxun reply Family Medicine
Dear Mr. Yu-Cheng: 1. May I ask if you experience pain while eating, is it dental pain? Oral mucosal pain? Throat pain? Chest or esophageal pain? Stomach pain? Or pain in another area? 2. If it is dental pain or oral mucosal pain, you should consult a dentist. If it is throat pa...[Read More] Pain While Eating: Is It Related to Esophageal Issues?
Which Specialist Should I See for My Dizziness and Nausea?
Which specialty should I see? I experience dizziness and nausea when I see things moving, such as: 1) When walking or riding a bike, the motion causes me to perceive everything as shaking intensely, similar to being in an earthquake; 2) Watching television with special effects or...
Dr. Xiao Yongxun reply Family Medicine
Neurology.[Read More] Which Specialist Should I See for My Dizziness and Nausea?
Understanding Unexplained Symptoms: A Guide to Family Medicine Insights
Many physical ailments? Hello Dr. Hsiao, I have been experiencing many bothersome symptoms in my body, and I have been unable to find relief due to the unknown causes. It started seven years ago with discomfort in my lumbar spine, which later progressed to swelling in both legs...
Dr. Xiao Yongxun reply Family Medicine
Dear Mr. Ah Sheng: 1. Complete right bundle branch block: For middle-aged individuals, this is generally not a major concern. If you have any questions, please consult a cardiologist. 2. Bilateral apical pleural thickening: This is a common finding on chest X-rays and is genera...[Read More] Understanding Unexplained Symptoms: A Guide to Family Medicine Insights
Understanding Viartril-S: Interactions with Viagra and Safety Concerns
Medication Consultation I take Viartril-S daily. Is this medication classified as a nitrate? Can I also take Viagra? Will there be any interactions or side effects between the two medications? Thank you!
Dr. Xiao Yongxun reply Family Medicine
Dear Sir/Madam, 1. Sildenafil (Viagra®) is the Chinese term for 威而鋼 and belongs to the class of PDE-5 inhibitors. PDE-5 is responsible for terminating the action of cGMP in the corpus cavernosum, preventing the smooth muscle in the arteries from relaxing and allowing for penile ...[Read More] Understanding Viartril-S: Interactions with Viagra and Safety Concerns
Understanding Dizziness: Causes and Solutions After a Cold
Dizziness issues? Hello, doctor... Since I caught a cold and had a fever on the 23rd of last month, I've been feeling dizzy, heavy-headed, and lethargic, constantly wanting to sleep. After more than two weeks, the cold symptoms and dizziness improved, but shortly after the d...
Dr. Xiao Yongxun reply Internal Medicine
Dear Mr. Anonymous: 1. Dizziness can generally be categorized into four types: vertigo, presyncope, disequilibrium, and lightheadedness. Research statistics indicate that the most common diagnosis among these is vertigo. 2. The causes of dizziness are numerous. For example: ort...[Read More] Understanding Dizziness: Causes and Solutions After a Cold
Understanding Aldosterone Testing for Hypertension: Is Hospitalization Necessary?
Hypertension and aldosterone issues? Hello Doctor: I have been dealing with high blood pressure and have visited both nephrology and endocrinology departments. Blood tests conducted at both places, approximately a month apart, showed normal aldosterone levels, around 4. The endoc...
Dr. Xiao Yongxun reply Internal Medicine
Dear Ms. Anonymous: 1. The nephrologists or endocrinologists you encounter are very competent; please cooperate as soon as possible. 2. Hypertension is generally classified into primary hypertension and secondary hypertension. The former primarily occurs in middle-aged and eld...[Read More] Understanding Aldosterone Testing for Hypertension: Is Hospitalization Necessary?
Managing Blood Pressure and Edema in a 76-Year-Old Patient
Blood pressure, edema, uric acid? Hello Dr. Wu: My mother is 76 years old and has been taking Adalat 30 mg for many years. Recently, she has experienced edema in her lower extremities. We switched her to one Zanidip (Lercanidipine) 10 mg at bedtime and one Fluitran (Furosemide) 2...
Dr. Xiao Yongxun reply Internal Medicine
Dear Miss Hsiao-Fen: 1. Your mother is taking Adalat® (30mg; generic name Nifedipine), which is a calcium channel blocker. Long-term use can lead to sodium and fluid retention, resulting in edema. It is recommended to switch to Zanidip® (10mg; generic name Lercanidipine) and Flu...[Read More] Managing Blood Pressure and Edema in a 76-Year-Old Patient
Managing Blood Sugar Levels: Concerns and Solutions for Anxiety-Driven Results
How to improve blood sugar levels? Last Friday, I suddenly experienced itching all over my body, and I was worried it might be diabetes. I felt very low and anxious for three consecutive days—Friday, Saturday, and Sunday—resulting in insufficient sleep. On Monday, I went to the h...
Dr. Xiao Yongxun reply Internal Medicine
Dear Mr. Cc: 1. According to the diagnostic criteria for diabetes set by the American Diabetes Association: a. A fasting plasma glucose level of ≥126 mg/dl after fasting for more than 8 hours, b. A 2-hour plasma glucose level of ≥200 mg/dl during an oral glucose toleranc...[Read More] Managing Blood Sugar Levels: Concerns and Solutions for Anxiety-Driven Results
Should You Be Concerned About Your Blood Sugar Levels?
Is there a concern for diabetes? I had a company health check-up and my fasting blood glucose level was 101 after fasting for more than 12 hours. According to online standards, it should be below 100. Should I start dietary control and see a doctor for follow-up? I am 180 cm tall...
Dr. Xiao Yongxun reply Internal Medicine
1. According to the diagnostic criteria for diabetes set by the American Diabetes Association: a. A fasting plasma glucose level of ≥126 mg/dL after 8 hours or more of fasting, b. A 2-hour plasma glucose level of ≥200 mg/dL during an oral glucose tolerance test, c. An HbA1c of ≥6...[Read More] Should You Be Concerned About Your Blood Sugar Levels?
Understanding Hypoglycemia in Non-Diabetics: Causes and Symptoms
Hypoglycemia without diabetes? Hello, doctor. I do not have diabetes. I had a normal lunch, but around 2 PM, I experienced hand tremors and my blood sugar was in the 80s. The second time, around 4 PM, I had hand tremors, dizziness, and sweating, and my blood sugar was only 61. Wh...
Dr. Xiao Yongxun reply Internal Medicine
Dear Ms. Hui: 1. There are many causes of hypoglycemia; among them, iatrogenic hypoglycemia is the most common, primarily caused by oral hypoglycemic agents or insulin. If this is not the case, a thorough investigation is warranted. Generally, hypoglycemia can be categorized int...[Read More] Understanding Hypoglycemia in Non-Diabetics: Causes and Symptoms
Understanding Hypoglycemia in Non-Diabetics: Causes and Symptoms
Hypoglycemia without diabetes? Hello, doctor. I do not have diabetes. I had a normal lunch, but around 2 PM, I experienced hand tremors and my blood sugar was in the 80s. The second time, around 4 PM, I had hand tremors, dizziness, and sweating, and my blood sugar was only 61. Wh...
Dr. Xiao Yongxun reply Internal Medicine
Dear Ms. Hui: 1. There are many causes of hypoglycemia; among them, iatrogenic hypoglycemia is the most common, primarily caused by oral hypoglycemic agents or insulin. If this is not the case, a thorough evaluation is necessary. Generally, hypoglycemia can be categorized into f...[Read More] Understanding Hypoglycemia in Non-Diabetics: Causes and Symptoms
Does Mitral Valve Prolapse Affect Male Sexual Function?
Does mitral valve prolapse cause sexual dysfunction? Does mitral valve prolapse cause sexual dysfunction? Since it is related to heart blood flow, I am concerned about its impact as a male.
Dr. Xiao Yongxun reply Internal Medicine
Dear Mr. Luas: 1. There are very few studies that report mitral valve prolapse as a cause of sexual dysfunction. 2. Most cases of mitral valve prolapse are asymptomatic. A small percentage may experience symptoms such as shortness of breath, palpitations, chest pain, arrhythmias...[Read More] Does Mitral Valve Prolapse Affect Male Sexual Function?
Adjusting Lipitor Dosage for Cholesterol Management: Key Considerations
The dosage of Lipitor? Hello Doctor, I am a patient with diabetes and hypercholesterolemia. Currently, I am managing my condition through diet and exercise, and my HbA1c is maintained below 6. However, my cholesterol levels remain high (total cholesterol 250, LDL 180, HDL 55). Th...
Dr. Xiao Yongxun reply Internal Medicine
Dear Ms. Song Sang-Sang: 1. Lipitor® (generic name Atorvastatin) is typically prescribed at a dosage of 10 mg per tablet. It belongs to the class of 3-hydroxy-3-methylglutaryl coenzyme A (HMG-CoA) reductase inhibitors, commonly known as statins. It effectively lowers elevated le...[Read More] Adjusting Lipitor Dosage for Cholesterol Management: Key Considerations
Understanding Metabolic Issues: Low Urine Output and Digestive Concerns
Metabolic issues Hello, doctor. Recently, I've noticed that my metabolism seems to be off. I've been experiencing a decrease in bowel movements; they are infrequent and difficult to pass. Additionally, regardless of how much water I drink, my urine output is very low. F...
Dr. Xiao Yongxun reply Internal Medicine
Dear Ms. Anonymous: 1. The body's sources of hydration primarily come from drinking water, beverages, food and ingredients, as well as metabolic processes. Fluid loss mainly occurs through urine, feces, evaporation from the skin, respiratory water vapor, and sweating. For ...[Read More] Understanding Metabolic Issues: Low Urine Output and Digestive Concerns
Should You Continue Anti-Inflammatory Meds for Joint Pain? When to Get Blood Tests
Should I continue taking anti-inflammatory medication? How much should the joint pain improve before I go to the hospital for blood tests? This past Monday, I visited an orthopedic doctor due to pain in the joint of my big toe near the foot. The doctor suspected it might be gout ...
Dr. Xiao Yongxun reply Internal Medicine
Dear Miss Xiao Hong: 1. The pain in the joint of your big toe near the foot can commonly be diagnosed as gout, bunions, toenail ingrowth, toe fracture, calluses, cellulitis, or paronychia, among others. 2. Since you mentioned a history of hallux valgus, it is particularly impor...[Read More] Should You Continue Anti-Inflammatory Meds for Joint Pain? When to Get Blood Tests