Understanding Your Symptoms: Gastroenteritis, Anxiety, and More
I'm not sure what's wrong? Hello, Doctor: (1) I have a psychiatric disorder—obsessive-compulsive disorder—and I am currently undergoing medication treatment. A few weeks ago, due to irregular lifestyle habits and poor eating patterns (only eating one or two meals a da...
Dr. Xiao Yongxun reply Internal Medicine
Hello: Your description is very diverse and complex, making it difficult to explain with a single diagnosis. For instance, "dizziness" can be categorized into central and peripheral causes, each with several underlying reasons. If we also consider symptoms like loss of ...[Read More] Understanding Your Symptoms: Gastroenteritis, Anxiety, and More
Understanding Uneven Facial Hair Growth During Puberty
About puberty? It is currently the stage of puberty, so I have started to grow facial hair. However, I have noticed that the growth is very uneven; there is hardly any hair on the left side of my cheek, while the right side has a lot. The hair on my chin is also uneven. What coul...
Dr. Xiao Yongxun reply Internal Medicine
Hello: Human hair is influenced by hormones during puberty, causing the hair on the skin to gradually transition from fine vellus hair to coarser terminal hair. Hair originates from hair follicles, where a network of blood vessels is embedded, promoting vigorous growth. Issues wi...[Read More] Understanding Uneven Facial Hair Growth During Puberty
Understanding Intermittent Body Cramps: Causes and Solutions
Body aches? Dear Doctor, I reside in Kaohsiung City, and for the past six months, I have been experiencing severe intermittent pain in various parts of my body (not fixed to any specific location). The pain typically spans about three fingers in width. While I feel a slight disc...
Dr. Xiao Yongxun reply Internal Medicine
Hello: I would like to respond as follows: "Intermittent and severe pain in various parts of the body indicates abnormal electrical activity and contraction of local muscles. Any factors that trigger this abnormal electrical activity may lead to similar symptoms. These can i...[Read More] Understanding Intermittent Body Cramps: Causes and Solutions
Improving Symptoms of Thalassemia: Tips for Better Oxygenation
Mediterranean anemia Hello Dr. Hsiao, I am a patient with thalassemia and often feel dizzy and have headaches due to brain hypoxia. I would like to ask if there are any ways to improve this condition. Thank you! Wishing you peace and joy, Ms. An.
Dr. Xiao Yongxun reply Internal Medicine
Hello: Thalassemia, also known as Mediterranean anemia, is primarily caused by genetic defects and is commonly classified into alpha and beta types. The alpha type is located on the 16th pair of chromosomes, containing four alpha genes; the beta type is found on the 11th pair of ...[Read More] Improving Symptoms of Thalassemia: Tips for Better Oxygenation
Understanding Diabetes: Navigating Family History and Health Concerns
Diabetes mellitus? Hello doctor, my family has a history of hereditary diabetes, and I had protein in my urine when I was younger. I visited various doctors until one time when I tested negative for protein in my urine and thought I was cured, so I stopped paying attention. Durin...
Dr. Xiao Yongxun reply Internal Medicine
Hello: I would like to respond as follows: 1. According to the "Physical Classification Standards" published by the Ministry of National Defense on December 31, 2007, individuals diagnosed with diabetes are classified as unfit for military service. However, this diagno...[Read More] Understanding Diabetes: Navigating Family History and Health Concerns
Can Diabetics Eat Korean Pearl Barley? Expert Insights
excuse me? Hello, I would like to ask if diabetic patients can consume Korean pearl grass. Thank you.
Dr. Xiao Yongxun reply Internal Medicine
Hello, I would like to respond as follows: 1. The management of blood sugar levels in diabetes primarily relies on dietary control and regular exercise, with medication as a supplementary treatment when necessary. This perspective remains unchanged in the medical community to ...[Read More] Can Diabetics Eat Korean Pearl Barley? Expert Insights
Understanding Heart Palpitations: When to Seek Medical Attention
What happened? Hello, doctor: I would like to ask you something. I have previously experienced symptoms of palpitations and chest tightness, and even chest pain during exercise. Last Saturday, when I went hiking with relatives, after just a short distance, I felt like my heart wa...
Dr. Xiao Yongxun reply Internal Medicine
1. Palpitation refers to the sensation of an irregular heartbeat, rapid heart rate, occasional heart stoppage, or an irregular heartbeat experienced by the patient. Common causes include heart diseases, mental health disorders, physiological responses, medication reactions, or ot...[Read More] Understanding Heart Palpitations: When to Seek Medical Attention
Understanding Blood Sugar Levels: Impact of Illness and Sleep on Results
Elevated blood sugar levels? I previously had a health check-up where my fasting blood sugar was 100, and I was advised to undergo a glucose tolerance test. The results showed a fasting blood sugar of 105 (which the doctor said is normal) and a postprandial blood sugar of 136 (wi...
Dr. Xiao Yongxun reply Internal Medicine
Hello, I would like to respond as follows: 1. A fasting plasma glucose level between 100-125 mg/dL is referred to as impaired fasting glucose; a two-hour plasma glucose level between 140-199 mg/dL during an oral glucose tolerance test is referred to as impaired glucose toleranc...[Read More] Understanding Blood Sugar Levels: Impact of Illness and Sleep on Results
Risks and Longevity of Kidney Transplant for Diabetic Patients
Regarding the issue of kidney transplantation in diabetic patients? Hello Dr. Hsiao, I have a question regarding a family member who has developed kidney disease due to diabetes and has been on dialysis for several years. They are considering living kidney transplantation, so I w...
Dr. Xiao Yongxun reply Internal Medicine
Hello, In response to your inquiry: 1. Renal transplantation is a collaborative effort that requires the teamwork of urologists, nephrologists, anesthesiologists, and various other personnel. Generally, patients who undergo renal transplantation are expected to have a longer l...[Read More] Risks and Longevity of Kidney Transplant for Diabetic Patients
Persistent Pulsation in the Back of the Head: Causes and Solutions
Pulsating sensation in the back of the head? For the past two to three weeks, I have been feeling my heartbeat and a pulsing sensation in the back of my head while sleeping. I have consulted a cardiologist who mentioned that I have a slight mitral valve prolapse and that I do not...
Dr. Xiao Yongxun reply Internal Medicine
Hello: In response to your question, "headache" generally refers to pain in the areas above the eyes and ears, as well as the occipital region and the back of the neck. Headaches can be classified into primary headaches and secondary headaches. The former includes migra...[Read More] Persistent Pulsation in the Back of the Head: Causes and Solutions
Understanding Dark Circles: When to See a Specialist
Dark circles Hello doctor, I also have allergic rhinitis and I have very noticeable dark circles around my eyes. I haven't experienced much allergy symptoms in the past year, but the dark circles are still quite severe. Which specialist should I see? Thank you! :)
Dr. Xiao Yongxun reply Internal Medicine
Hello: In response to your question. Dark circles (also known as periorbital dark circles) are commonly seen in clinical practice and trouble many individuals. There are various causes, including allergic conditions related to asthma or eczema, genetics, certain medications, anem...[Read More] Understanding Dark Circles: When to See a Specialist
Understanding Complications from Diabetes: A Case Study on Peritoneal Dialysis
Diabetes leads to subsequent complications? I would like to inquire about the complications arising from diabetes. My mother was hospitalized on Lunar New Year's Eve due to symptoms of drowsiness, which led us to the emergency room. Blood tests and cultures revealed she had ...
Dr. Xiao Yongxun reply Internal Medicine
Hello, In response to your question, long-term diabetes can lead to chronic complications, including nephropathy, heart disease, cerebrovascular disease, retinopathy, neuropathy, circulatory system disorders, and periodontal disease. Almost every part of the body that is nouris...[Read More] Understanding Complications from Diabetes: A Case Study on Peritoneal Dialysis
Understanding Abdominal Pain After Constipation: When to Seek Medical Help
Abdomen Hello Doctor, I haven't had a bowel movement for a long time, so last Thursday night I took one of my grandfather's medications, which I believe was Dulcolax 5mg, a yellow enteric-coated tablet. Around 10:30 PM, I started experiencing diarrhea, and the next da...
Dr. Xiao Yongxun reply Internal Medicine
Hello: In response to your questions. 1. Dulcolax promotes gastrointestinal motility, so a small number of patients who are more sensitive to the medication may experience abdominal pain or diarrhea. This side effect can improve simply by discontinuing the medication. 2. There ar...[Read More] Understanding Abdominal Pain After Constipation: When to Seek Medical Help
Natural Sugars for Diabetics: Safe Options and Health Considerations
What types of carbohydrates can diabetes patients consume? Hello, Dr. Hsiao. I would like to ask what types of naturally derived sugars diabetic patients can consume. There are many chemically synthesized sugars available on the market, and consuming too much of them may burden t...
Dr. Xiao Yongxun reply Internal Medicine
Hello, in response to your questions: 1. The development of sugar substitutes is primarily aimed at satisfying the human craving for sweetness. Common examples include saccharin, fructose, aspartame, sorbitol, and acesulfame K. If the sweetness of sucrose is rated as 1, then sor...[Read More] Natural Sugars for Diabetics: Safe Options and Health Considerations
Does Eating Sweet Potatoes Raise Blood Sugar Levels and Risk Diabetes?
Does eating sweet potatoes frequently cause an increase in blood sugar levels? Currently, if your fasting blood sugar is 119, regularly consuming sweet potatoes may lead to increased blood sugar levels, potentially contributing to the development of diabetes.
Dr. Xiao Yongxun reply Internal Medicine
Hello: In response to your questions. 1. There are many causes of diabetes, generally classified into Type 1 and Type 2. The former accounts for 5-10% and is primarily due to the destruction of pancreatic β-cells by autoimmune antibodies or other factors; the latter accounts for ...[Read More] Does Eating Sweet Potatoes Raise Blood Sugar Levels and Risk Diabetes?
Understanding Hypokalemia: Do You Need Ongoing Medical Follow-Up?
Hypokalemia issues? I previously went to the emergency room due to symptoms of hypokalemia, as I was feeling dizzy to the point of fainting. It was later confirmed that I had hypokalemia, and during my observation in the emergency department, my potassium level was replenished to...
Dr. Xiao Yongxun reply Internal Medicine
Hello: In response to your question. 1. Symptoms of hypokalemia can be quite mild, but if serum potassium levels fall below 3 mEq/L, emergency symptoms such as muscle weakness, paralysis, hypotension, cramps, rhabdomyolysis, and respiratory failure may occur. 2. The causes genera...[Read More] Understanding Hypokalemia: Do You Need Ongoing Medical Follow-Up?
Do I Need a Glucose Tolerance Test with Stable Blood Sugar Levels?
Blood sugar level issues? Hello, Director Hsiao. I have been taking the antihypertensive medication Teromin, and my fasting blood glucose levels have consistently ranged between 90 and 110 (not including 110) during health check-ups over the years. Given this, do I need to underg...
Dr. Xiao Yongxun reply Internal Medicine
Hello: In response to your question, according to the current concept of "early diagnosis and early prevention" of diabetes, if fasting blood glucose is above 100 mg/dL, it is recommended to perform an oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT). If the blood glucose level excee...[Read More] Do I Need a Glucose Tolerance Test with Stable Blood Sugar Levels?
Allergy Testing in Keelung Hospital: Coverage and Important Considerations
excuse me? Hello Dr. Hsiao, I would like to ask if Keelung Hospital has conducted allergen testing. If so, which department should I visit for consultation? Is this testing covered by health insurance? If it is covered, what specific tests are included? For tests not covered, can...
Dr. Xiao Yongxun reply Internal Medicine
At Keelung Hospital, various tests indeed include allergen testing. There is no specific department that exclusively conducts these tests; it depends on the physicians from different clinical specialties who order them based on the patient's condition and diagnostic needs. T...[Read More] Allergy Testing in Keelung Hospital: Coverage and Important Considerations
Understanding Military Physical Exams: Liver Function Concerns and Costs
Regarding military service medical examinations? The examination report indicates that the reason for the undefined posture is due to elevated liver function indices, which are twice the normal level, leading to a diagnosis of cirrhosis or hepatitis. Due to certain factors, I do ...
Dr. Xiao Yongxun reply Internal Medicine
Hello: In response to your question, according to the "Military Conscription Physical Examination Manual," for conscripts with cirrhosis or hepatitis, in addition to a physical examination, liver function tests (ALT or SGPT) must be conducted, and if necessary, a biopsy...[Read More] Understanding Military Physical Exams: Liver Function Concerns and Costs
Diabetes and Hypertension: Dietary Tips for Busy Eaters
Diabetes - Dietary Consultation for Diners Out As someone who frequently eats out and has high blood pressure, how can I manage my diet?
Dr. Xiao Yongxun reply Internal Medicine
Hello: In response to your question, the crisis of eating out lies in the issues of high sugar, high fat, and high salt content. Therefore, dietary recommendations emphasize the importance of consuming ample fruits, vegetables, low-fat dairy products, and nuts; while avoiding foo...[Read More] Diabetes and Hypertension: Dietary Tips for Busy Eaters