Understanding Sour Smell in Diarrhea: Causes and Concerns
Diarrhea with a sour odor? Hello Doctor: I was diagnosed with gastroenteritis this past Monday, and today is Saturday. I have noticed that I am still experiencing diarrhea, and the stool has a sour and foul odor. Is this normal? If not, what could be causing the sour smell?
Dr. Xiao Yongxun reply Internal Medicine
1. Generally, acute diarrhea lasts for 14 days or less and is usually caused by infections, most of which can resolve on their own. Persistent diarrhea lasts more than 14 days, while chronic diarrhea lasts more than 30 days. 2. Acute diarrhea includes: a. Diarrhea caused by pat...[Read More] Understanding Sour Smell in Diarrhea: Causes and Concerns
Potential Infection Risks for Dental Assistants: What You Need to Know
Stabbed by a needle? As a dental assistant, I have recently experienced several minor accidents, including being pricked by a patient's anesthetic needle, getting sprayed with a small amount of blood, and cutting my foot on a sharp object while disposing of clinic waste, alt...
Dr. Xiao Yongxun reply Internal Medicine
In larger hospitals, there is usually a standard operating procedure for needlestick injuries. Generally, it is as follows: 1. Report to the infection control department, and the occupational safety and health office will document the incident and provide the personnel department...[Read More] Potential Infection Risks for Dental Assistants: What You Need to Know
Severe Abdominal Pain: Seeking Answers for Ongoing Discomfort
Severe abdominal pain? Hello, I would like to ask about my mother's abdominal pain that has lasted for over a month. She has visited multiple hospitals and undergone various tests, including X-rays, gynecological exams, CT scans, blood tests, gastroscopy, colonoscopy, and ev...
Dr. Xiao Yongxun reply Internal Medicine
In general, abdominal pain lasting more than several weeks or months (3-6 months) is referred to as chronic abdominal pain or recurrent abdominal pain. There are many potential causes, with common conditions including: 1. Gastrointestinal diseases: peptic ulcers, gastroesophageal...[Read More] Severe Abdominal Pain: Seeking Answers for Ongoing Discomfort
Managing Tracheal Stenosis and Aspiration Pneumonia in Young Adults
Tracheal stenosis complicated by aspiration pneumonia? My son is currently 20 years old and has been experiencing tracheal stenosis, which is compressing the esophagus and causing aspiration leading to aspiration pneumonia. He has had high fever and recurrent fever episodes. Alth...
Dr. Xiao Yongxun reply Internal Medicine
1. Since you are already hospitalized, please discuss with your attending physician based on clinical symptoms, laboratory data, and past medical history. 2. Due to tracheal stenosis compressing the esophagus, which caused aspiration leading to pneumonia, it is presumed that th...[Read More] Managing Tracheal Stenosis and Aspiration Pneumonia in Young Adults
Understanding Lower Abdominal Pain Below the Navel: Possible Causes
Just below the navel? Hello doctor, sometimes I experience pulling pain just below my navel (about four fingerbreadths down) when I exert myself, especially noticeable and painful when using the restroom. In everyday positions, if I stretch my abdominal muscles, it also hurts. Ta...
Dr. Xiao Yongxun reply Internal Medicine
Common causes of lower abdominal pain: 1. Gastrointestinal system: acute gastroenteritis, appendicitis, bowel obstruction, diverticulitis, intestinal perforation, constipation, etc. 2. Urinary system: renal colic, urinary tract infection, acute urinary retention, etc. 3. Reproduc...[Read More] Understanding Lower Abdominal Pain Below the Navel: Possible Causes
Understanding Blood Sugar Levels: When to Test for Diabetes
Blood sugar issues Hello, doctor. Here are my fasting, pre-meal, and post-meal blood glucose readings from my glucose meter for September 9 and 10. On September 9: - Morning blood glucose: 77 (fasting, 10:00 AM), 85 (12:00 PM) - Afternoon blood glucose: 105 (1:00 PM), 108 (3:00...
Dr. Xiao Yongxun reply Internal Medicine
1. Generally, a normal fasting blood glucose level is <100 mg/dL. 2. A fasting blood glucose level between 100 mg/dL and 126 mg/dL indicates an increased risk for diabetes. 3. A fasting blood glucose level ≥126 mg/dL suggests possible diabetes. 4. A hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c) l...[Read More] Understanding Blood Sugar Levels: When to Test for Diabetes
Understanding Postprandial Blood Sugar Testing: Timing and Methods Explained
Postprandial blood glucose measurement at two hours? Hello, doctor. I would like to ask you whether the measurement of postprandial blood glucose starts from the moment the first bite of food is swallowed or after the entire meal is finished. Is it two hours? Also, when testing w...
Dr. Xiao Yongxun reply Internal Medicine
1. According to medical definitions, the plasma glucose level measured two hours after a meal refers to the blood sugar level taken two hours after the start of eating. Generally, this is when blood sugar levels peak, which is also relevant for clinical comparisons. This is what ...[Read More] Understanding Postprandial Blood Sugar Testing: Timing and Methods Explained
Understanding Blood Sugar Levels: Signs of Potential Diabetes
Unsure if diabetes has already developed? Hello, Doctor. Recently, I measured my fasting blood glucose at home using a glucometer, and it was 91 mg/dL (after fasting for about 10-12 hours). After eating curry rice (starting the timer from the first bite), my blood glucose one hou...
Dr. Xiao Yongxun reply Internal Medicine
1. If your weight is 92 kg and your height is 160 cm, your Body Mass Index (BMI) is 35.9 kg/m². According to the classification by Taiwan's Ministry of Health and Welfare, since it exceeds 27 kg/m² and is over 35 kg/m², it falls into the category of severe obesity. Additiona...[Read More] Understanding Blood Sugar Levels: Signs of Potential Diabetes
How to Effectively Manage Blood Sugar Levels: Tips and Insights
How to control blood sugar levels? Hello Dr. Hsiao, On July 9, 2015, I had a blood test that showed a blood sugar level of 124. Additionally, my triglycerides and LDL cholesterol were elevated. At that time, my weight was 91 kg, and I currently weigh 84 kg. I measure my fasting ...
Dr. Xiao Yongxun reply Internal Medicine
1. On July 9, 2015, your fasting blood glucose level was found to be 124 mg/dL; your lipid levels and low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol were elevated. At that time, your weight was 91 kg, and it is now 84 kg. Currently, your average fasting blood glucose levels after 8 ho...[Read More] How to Effectively Manage Blood Sugar Levels: Tips and Insights
Understanding Thyroid Enlargement: Concerns and Solutions
Goiter Hello, doctor! I have had an enlarged thyroid for a long time... since kindergarten or elementary school, and it is still enlarged now! I don't feel any discomfort. However, many people keep saying that this is abnormal and that I should see a doctor! I have seen doct...
Dr. Xiao Yongxun reply Internal Medicine
In general, there are many causes of goiter, commonly including hyperthyroidism, hypothyroidism, thyroiditis, thyroid nodules, and a small percentage of thyroid tumors. Clinically, in addition to symptoms and physical examination, blood tests, ultrasound examinations, or other im...[Read More] Understanding Thyroid Enlargement: Concerns and Solutions
Is Drinking Milk at Night Safe for Diabetics?
Waking up at night to drink milk for diabetes? Hello, doctor. My father has diabetes, and he often gets up in the middle of the night to drink milk before going back to sleep. Is this good for his health? Thank you.
Dr. Xiao Yongxun reply Internal Medicine
Generally speaking, a 250 ml cup of fresh milk contains approximately 150 calories, which includes carbohydrates, proteins, fats, and other nutrients. Currently, there is no information available to explain why someone might wake up in the middle of the night to drink milk; it co...[Read More] Is Drinking Milk at Night Safe for Diabetics?
Chest Impact from Dodgeball: When to Seek Medical Attention?
Hit in the chest by a dodgeball..? Two days ago, I was hit in the sternum and the area between my chest and abdomen while playing dodgeball with my classmates. Now I have a feeling of fullness in my stomach, poor appetite, fatigue, and excessive sleepiness. Will this condition im...
Dr. Xiao Yongxun reply Internal Medicine
Generally, the area between the sternum and the navel is referred to as the epigastric region. An external force impacting this area can not only directly affect the stomach but may also transmit force to surrounding structures and the posterior abdominal cavity. Therefore, organ...[Read More] Chest Impact from Dodgeball: When to Seek Medical Attention?
Understanding Fluctuating Morning Blood Sugar Levels: What Do They Mean?
The blood glucose levels measured in the morning were different on two occasions? Hello, last year my blood sugar level was 87 during the health check, and this year it was 97. I have a blood glucose meter at home, and I measured it myself: the first reading was 96, the second wa...
Dr. Xiao Yongxun reply Internal Medicine
1. If last year's fasting plasma glucose level was 87 mg/dL and this year's fasting plasma glucose level is 97 mg/dL, both values are actually less than 100 mg/dL; theoretically, they are considered normal. 2. If the glucose meter shows a fasting capillary blood glucose...[Read More] Understanding Fluctuating Morning Blood Sugar Levels: What Do They Mean?
Understanding HIV Risks and Testing After Condom Failure
HIV infection Hello, Dr. Hsiao. I have some questions that I hope you can answer. Here’s what happened: I had sexual relations with a sex worker in the past couple of days, and during the encounter, the condom broke without us realizing it. It was only after ejaculation that we d...
Dr. Xiao Yongxun reply Internal Medicine
Response 1: This incident is similar to engaging in unsafe sexual behavior without using a condom. The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) recommends that individuals seek post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP) for HIV within 72 hours at one of the 42 designated hospitals nationwide. Afte...[Read More] Understanding HIV Risks and Testing After Condom Failure
Understanding Fasting Blood Sugar Levels: Key Questions Answered
Fasting blood glucose level of 136? Hello, doctor. Currently, I measured my fasting blood glucose at a nearby pharmacy, and it was 136 (using a blood glucose meter). Question 1: I fasted for 8 hours (with water), and I finished eating at 1:00 AM. I was fasting from 1:00 AM unti...
Dr. Xiao Yongxun reply Internal Medicine
Question 1: No problem. Question 2: According to the standards published by the American Diabetes Association (ADA, 2011), a fasting plasma glucose level of ≥ 126 mg/dL after fasting for more than eight hours should raise the suspicion of diabetes. Question 3: Although I haven&#x...[Read More] Understanding Fasting Blood Sugar Levels: Key Questions Answered
Understanding Anal Fissures: Symptoms, Causes, and Recovery Tips
Anal fissure issues? Today, I tried anal intercourse for the first time with my boyfriend. He penetrated me, and it was very painful at first. After we finished, I went to the bathroom and noticed some bleeding, and it hurts a lot. Is this an anal fissure? Will it heal on its own...
Dr. Xiao Yongxun reply Internal Medicine
Anal fissure is a condition that falls under the realm of colorectal surgery, and I am not a subspecialist in that field. The following explanation is based on the general clinical understanding of a physician: An anal fissure refers to a tear that occurs within the anal canal. I...[Read More] Understanding Anal Fissures: Symptoms, Causes, and Recovery Tips
Understanding the Risks of Discontinuing Antithyroid Medication
Medication discontinuation issues? Hello Doctor: I would like to inquire about the side effects of long-term discontinuation of Anastrozole. Since I have had a total thyroidectomy, what are the potential consequences of stopping Anastrozole without medical supervision? Thank you!
Dr. Xiao Yongxun reply Internal Medicine
Dear Ms. Huang, 1. After a total thyroidectomy, the body can no longer produce thyroid hormones necessary for maintaining normal metabolic functions, which can lead to hypothyroidism. This condition affects various systems, including cardiovascular, hematologic, digestive, integ...[Read More] Understanding the Risks of Discontinuing Antithyroid Medication
What Medical Care Do I Need for Joint Degeneration at 33?
What type of medical care is needed? At 33 years old, I have noticed some joint degeneration. I find that I lack strength when moving chairs or pulling metal doors, and after lifting heavy objects, I have noticed bruising on my arms. Given my age, what kind of medical assistance ...
Dr. Xiao Yongxun reply Internal Medicine
At the age of 33, if the symptoms you described have persisted for more than two weeks, it is advisable to seek assistance from a rheumatologist. The joint pain and bruising in your arm warrant consideration of potential autoimmune issues, circulatory system disorders, or coagula...[Read More] What Medical Care Do I Need for Joint Degeneration at 33?
Understanding Glycated Hemoglobin: Key Questions and Insights
Questions related to glycated hemoglobin? Hello, Dr. Hsiao! I have a few questions I would like to ask you. Currently, I do not have diabetes, but my hemoglobin A1c has been rising rapidly (it was 5.1% on February 17 of this year and 5.7% on April 11 of this year), and I have gai...
Dr. Xiao Yongxun reply Internal Medicine
Reply 1: The frequency of testing for glycated hemoglobin should be determined based on clinical changes and the physician's judgment. Reply 2: This should be discussed with your physician, who can determine if there is any impact. Reply 3: Clinical issues are not that s...[Read More] Understanding Glycated Hemoglobin: Key Questions and Insights
Managing Joint Pain in Systemic Lupus Erythematosus Patients
Issues related to systemic lupus erythematosus? Hello, doctor. I was diagnosed with systemic lupus erythematosus in early April this year. I have already started taking medication, but I am currently away and do not have the English name of the medication with me, so I cannot pro...
Dr. Xiao Yongxun reply Internal Medicine
The diagnostic criteria for systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) include: 1. The presence of a fixed erythematous rash on the cheeks, known as a malar rash or butterfly rash; it typically does not involve the nasolabial folds. 2. The appearance of discoid lupus erythematosus lesion...[Read More] Managing Joint Pain in Systemic Lupus Erythematosus Patients