Understanding Dry Mouth and Sweet Taste: Possible Causes and Solutions
Dry mouth and sweet taste? Recently, I have been experiencing dry mouth and it seems like my saliva production has decreased. Additionally, when I drink water, it tastes somewhat sweet. What could be the reason for this? Thank you for your response, doctor.
Dr. Xiao Yongxun reply Internal Medicine
Hello: In response to your question, there are many causes of dry mouth (xerostomia), including medications, smoking, side effects of chemotherapy, menopause, and various diseases. Common medications that may contribute include diuretics, antihistamines, psychiatric medications, ...[Read More] Understanding Dry Mouth and Sweet Taste: Possible Causes and Solutions
Dealing with Excessive Sweating: Solutions and Risks Explained
Hyperhidrosis I have severe sweating in my hands, feet, and armpits... it's really very serious and I don't know what to do to stop sweating. Can I have the sweat glands removed? Are there any side effects? I'm not sure if I've made the right choice! I think i...
Dr. Xiao Yongxun reply Internal Medicine
Hello: 1. Generally, for patients requiring laparoscopic surgery to ablate the sympathetic ganglia, those with both palmar and plantar hyperhidrosis may experience improvement in foot sweating even if only the hand sweating is treated. The surgery typically lasts about 30 minutes...[Read More] Dealing with Excessive Sweating: Solutions and Risks Explained
Can Niacin-Bound Chromium Help Control Blood Sugar in Type 2 Diabetes?
About Niacin-Bound Chromium? Dear Dr. Hsiao, My father is a patient with type 2 diabetes, and his recent postprandial blood glucose level was 180. His doctor has prescribed medication, which he is currently taking regularly. I would like to supplement his treatment with some die...
Dr. Xiao Yongxun reply Internal Medicine
Hello: In response to your question. 1. Chromium is believed to improve carbohydrate metabolism by reducing insulin resistance. Physiological evidence suggests that insulin receptors are influenced by Apochromomodulin, leading to changes in insulin resistance. Apochromomodulin is...[Read More] Can Niacin-Bound Chromium Help Control Blood Sugar in Type 2 Diabetes?
Understanding School Health Checkups: Insights on Blood Test Results
School health check-up? White Blood Cell Count (WBC): 7.6 Hemoglobin (HGB): 7.1 Red Blood Cell Count (RBC): 5.52 Hematocrit (Ht): 29.8 Mean Corpuscular Volume (MCV): 54 Mean Corpuscular Hemoglobin (MCH): 12.9 Mean Corpuscular Hemoglobin Concentration (MCHC): 13.8 A...
Dr. Xiao Yongxun reply Internal Medicine
Hello: In response to your question, the mean corpuscular volume (MCV) is 54 fL, red blood cell count is 5.52 million cells/mL, hemoglobin (Hb) is in grams per deciliter, mean corpuscular hemoglobin (MCH) is 12.9 picograms per cell, and mean corpuscular hemoglobin concentration (...[Read More] Understanding School Health Checkups: Insights on Blood Test Results
Understanding Shortness of Breath and Palpitations: Causes and When to Seek Help
Shortness of breath and palpitations? Hello, doctor. I usually have a habit of drinking alcohol and smoking. About two weeks ago, after drinking, I suddenly felt palpitations and difficulty breathing the next day, which persisted for a long time, along with some dizziness. I went...
Dr. Xiao Yongxun reply Internal Medicine
Hello: In response to your question, palpitations, shortness of breath, and dizziness each have many potential causes, and these three symptoms can be interrelated. Normal chest X-ray, electrocardiogram (ECG), blood tests, or blood pressure measurements may help rule out some pos...[Read More] Understanding Shortness of Breath and Palpitations: Causes and When to Seek Help
Managing Blood Sugar Levels: A Guide for Seniors with Medication Changes
High blood sugar? Hello, my grandfather is 83 years old and has recently experienced a significant decrease in appetite due to tuberculosis medication, almost not eating breakfast. His fasting blood sugar levels are often around 40-50, which is very low. As a result, he was advis...
Dr. Xiao Yongxun reply Internal Medicine
Hello: In response to your question, various anti-tuberculosis medications can cause side effects such as hepatotoxicity, gastrointestinal reactions, nausea, vomiting, peripheral neuropathy, visual changes, hearing impairment, and hyperuricemia, among others. While not every pati...[Read More] Managing Blood Sugar Levels: A Guide for Seniors with Medication Changes
Understanding the Risks of Alcohol Disinfectants and Spa Water Ingestion
Disinfectant alcohol Hello, I would like to ask a few questions: 1. When entering a public place, the staff sprayed my hands with disinfectant alcohol, and then I touched food with my hands. If this disinfectant alcohol is ingested, could it cause any problems in the body? 2. T...
Dr. Xiao Yongxun reply Internal Medicine
Hello: In response to your question, harmful substances enter the human body primarily through three routes: the skin, the digestive tract, and the respiratory tract. 1. There are various types and sources of alcohol. Fermentation combined with distillation can produce aromatic...[Read More] Understanding the Risks of Alcohol Disinfectants and Spa Water Ingestion
Effective Treatments for Leg Edema Caused by Prolonged Standing
Regarding foot edema? If your mother is experiencing calf edema due to prolonged standing at work, it is important to address the issue appropriately. She should consider consulting a specialist in vascular medicine or a phlebologist, as they focus on conditions related to veins,...
Dr. Xiao Yongxun reply Internal Medicine
Hello: In response to your question, edema is the swelling of soft tissues due to an abnormal increase in interstitial fluid. Common diagnoses include localized venous obstruction, lymphedema, as well as systemic conditions such as heart failure, nephrotic syndrome, hypoalbuminem...[Read More] Effective Treatments for Leg Edema Caused by Prolonged Standing
Stroke Complicated by Pneumonia and Gastrointestinal Bleeding: Recovery Chances
Stroke complicated by pneumonia and gastrointestinal bleeding? Hello, Doctor: My uncle had a stroke three weeks ago, complicated by pneumonia, and three days ago he experienced gastrointestinal bleeding and fell into a coma (with a Glasgow Coma Scale score of 7). I would like to ...
Dr. Xiao Yongxun reply Internal Medicine
Hello: In response to your question, after a patient experiences a stroke, in addition to the immediate life-threatening conditions of either hemorrhagic stroke (due to vessel rupture) or ischemic stroke (due to vessel occlusion), other existing conditions such as heart disease, ...[Read More] Stroke Complicated by Pneumonia and Gastrointestinal Bleeding: Recovery Chances
Understanding Nighttime Abdominal Pain: Possible Causes and Solutions
excuse me? Dear Dr. Hsiao, I suddenly experienced intermittent abdominal pain (below the navel) in the middle of the night, which was severe enough to cause a fever, accompanied by symptoms of belching and nausea. I went to the hospital for blood tests, and it seems that my prol...
Dr. Xiao Yongxun reply Internal Medicine
Hello: In response to your question, here are the details: 1. There are many causes of abdominal pain, including gastrointestinal diseases, biliary diseases, irritable bowel syndrome, chronic pelvic inflammatory disease, endometriosis, mesenteric lymphadenitis, chronic pancreat...[Read More] Understanding Nighttime Abdominal Pain: Possible Causes and Solutions
Are Plastic Chopsticks Safe? Exploring Healthier Alternatives
My question? Hello, doctor: My family has been using plastic chopsticks for a long time, whether for noodles or hot pot, but we are always concerned about harmful substances being ingested! Should I switch to stainless steel chopsticks for better safety, or do you have other reco...
Dr. Xiao Yongxun reply Internal Medicine
Hello: There are many types of plastics, each with slightly different compositions. Although they are all polymers, their heat resistance, acid resistance, alkali resistance, hardness, plasticity, permeability, and flexibility vary. Often, the design differs based on various need...[Read More] Are Plastic Chopsticks Safe? Exploring Healthier Alternatives
Muscle Strain or Kidney Issues? Understanding Your Pain Symptoms
Muscle strain or kidney issues? Five days ago, while swimming, I noticed some pain near my kidney area, similar to the soreness one feels after intense exercise, like sprinting 500 meters. The next day, the pain intensified, but I didn't see a doctor at that time. Over the p...
Dr. Xiao Yongxun reply Internal Medicine
Hello: In response to your question, pain in the left back near the kidney can have many potential causes. Common conditions include fasciitis, kidney stones, inflammatory arthritis, myofascial pain syndrome, neuritis, skin disorders, tumors, and vascular lesions, among others. B...[Read More] Muscle Strain or Kidney Issues? Understanding Your Pain Symptoms
Understanding Sudden Blood Sugar Spikes: Possible Causes Beyond Glycosuria
Please provide the content you would like Hello, I would like to ask you: Besides glycosuria, what other diseases could cause a sudden increase in blood glucose levels? A month ago, my fasting blood glucose levels after 8 hours were between 90 and 106, but in the past week, they ...
Dr. Xiao Yongxun reply Internal Medicine
Hello: The causes of elevated blood sugar include Type 1 diabetes, Type 2 diabetes, congenital disorders, chronic pancreatitis, hemochromatosis, acromegaly, Cushing's syndrome, metabolic tumors, hypothyroidism, pregnancy, and drug-induced factors, among others. Your fasting ...[Read More] Understanding Sudden Blood Sugar Spikes: Possible Causes Beyond Glycosuria
Can Stress Cause Sudden Blood Sugar Spikes? Understanding Diabetes Risks
Stress Doctor, may I ask if stress can cause blood sugar levels to spike suddenly? My usual fasting blood sugar is around 97 to 106, but I started feeling unwell yesterday, and this morning, after fasting for 8 hours, my blood sugar was 131. Two hours after eating, it was 184. Wh...
Dr. Xiao Yongxun reply Internal Medicine
Hello: Increased stress can lead to heightened activity of the sympathetic nervous system, resulting in increased secretion of catecholamines such as norepinephrine and epinephrine. This can cause elevated blood sugar levels, increased glycogenolysis in the liver and muscles, hei...[Read More] Can Stress Cause Sudden Blood Sugar Spikes? Understanding Diabetes Risks
Understanding Cracked Corners of the Mouth: Causes and Dietary Solutions
Cracked corners of the mouth? Hello, doctor: I would like to ask what causes cracks at the corners of the mouth (possibly a deficiency in B vitamins), or which types of vegetables should be included in the diet to prevent this. Thank you.
Dr. Xiao Yongxun reply Internal Medicine
Hello: "Cracks at the corners of the mouth" are clinically referred to as angular cheilitis, which is characterized by a triangular-shaped redness, swelling, fissuring, and peeling at the corners of the mouth. The causes include infections (such as bacterial or fungal),...[Read More] Understanding Cracked Corners of the Mouth: Causes and Dietary Solutions
Caring for Elderly Diabetic Patients: Nutrition and Supplement Guidance
Care for elderly diabetic patients? Hello Dr. Hsiao, I have a family history of hereditary diabetes; my grandmother and father have both experienced complications. I would like to ask if my grandmother, who is 81 years old and has diabetes, is suitable to take vitamin supplements...
Dr. Xiao Yongxun reply Internal Medicine
Hello: In response to your questions. 1. The treatment methods for diabetes primarily include dietary control, regular exercise, and medication; these three have always been recognized by the medical community. Whether vitamin supplementation is necessary depends on individual ci...[Read More] Caring for Elderly Diabetic Patients: Nutrition and Supplement Guidance
Understanding Morning Lower Back Pain: Causes and Specialist Guidance
Lower back pain? Hello, doctor: I would like to ask, when I wake up in the morning, my entire lower back feels very sore. What could be the issues, and which specialty should I consult? Thank you.
Dr. Xiao Yongxun reply Internal Medicine
Hello: There are many causes of lower back pain, including localized injuries, lesions in the abdominal or pelvic cavities, spinal disorders, nerve root pathologies, fascial inflammation, or muscle spasms. While various conditions can lead to lower back pain, they may also presen...[Read More] Understanding Morning Lower Back Pain: Causes and Specialist Guidance
Can You Get HIV or Hepatitis from a Barber's Razor?
Will this lead to an HIV infection? Dear Doctor, when I went to get a haircut, the barber used a razor to shave the sideburns after cutting my hair. Although I did not see any visible bleeding, I am worried about the possibility of infection if the previous customer had HIV or he...
Dr. Xiao Yongxun reply Internal Medicine
Hello: According to past statistics in our country, prior to the initiation of hepatitis B vaccination, the rate of exposure to hepatitis B infection was approximately 25% to 30% in preschool-aged children; about 50% to 60% in individuals aged 10 to 20 years; around 80% in those ...[Read More] Can You Get HIV or Hepatitis from a Barber's Razor?
Understanding Frequent Nosebleeds: Causes and When to Seek Help
Nosebleeds for four consecutive days? Hello Doctor, I would like to ask you about something. I have been experiencing nosebleeds for four consecutive days. A doctor once mentioned that the mucosa in my nasal wings is thinner. However, there have been instances recently where I ha...
Dr. Xiao Yongxun reply Internal Medicine
Hello: Nosebleeds refer to acute bleeding from the nostrils, nasal cavity, or nasopharynx; they are primarily caused by damage to the nasal mucosa and blood vessel walls. There are many causes; locally, it can be due to trauma, a deviated septum, infections, allergies, surgery, t...[Read More] Understanding Frequent Nosebleeds: Causes and When to Seek Help
Understanding Diabetes Complications: Surgery Risks and Coma Outcomes
Diabetic patients 1. Can a diabetic patient undergo surgery if their blood sugar is too high? 2. If the patient remains in a coma after surgery, does that mean they have become a vegetative state? 3. If they are in a vegetative state, is there a possibility of waking up?
Dr. Xiao Yongxun reply Internal Medicine
Hello: 1. When a diabetic patient's blood sugar is excessively high, surgery should be avoided whenever possible. However, there are certain emergency situations or special circumstances where surgery may still be urgent. 2. The diagnosis of a vegetative state requires c...[Read More] Understanding Diabetes Complications: Surgery Risks and Coma Outcomes