Understanding Intermittent Chest Pain: Causes and Concerns
Why has there been chest pain two to three times in the past month? I have been experiencing unexplained chest pain at times. Could you please tell me what might be causing this? I'm not sure if it's an issue with my thoracic cavity or my heart. This has been happening ...
Dr. Xiao Yongxun reply Internal Medicine
Hello: In response to your question. 1. Chest pain generally refers to pain occurring in the thoracic region and chest cavity. Common diagnoses include skin conditions (such as shingles), chest wall issues (such as costochondritis, shoulder disorders, intercostal injuries, spinal...[Read More] Understanding Intermittent Chest Pain: Causes and Concerns
Understanding Redness in Hands and Feet: Causes and Next Steps
What causes the palms and soles to turn red? My mother is about 58 years old and has already gone through menopause. Recently, she has noticed redness in her palms and soles, without any pain or tingling sensations. She does not have hypertension, but her blood pressure reading i...
Dr. Xiao Yongxun reply Internal Medicine
Hello: In response to your questions. 1. There are many causes for chest tightness, including cardiovascular issues (such as angina, myocardial infarction, aortic dissection, mitral valve prolapse, pericarditis), pulmonary conditions (such as pneumothorax, pulmonary embolism, ple...[Read More] Understanding Redness in Hands and Feet: Causes and Next Steps
Can Sweet Drinks Cause Heart Palpitations and Weakness?
Can sweets also cause discomfort in the body? Hello, I recently noticed that whenever I drink sweet beverages like milk tea or soy milk, I experience symptoms such as palpitations and weakness. However, these symptoms disappear after about an hour. I would like to know if this is...
Dr. Xiao Yongxun reply Internal Medicine
Hello: In response to your questions. 1. The symptoms of diabetes include polyphagia, polydipsia, polyuria, weight loss, slow healing of wounds, and thirst, among others. If acute complications occur, diabetic ketoacidosis or hyperglycemic hyperosmolar nonketotic coma may develop...[Read More] Can Sweet Drinks Cause Heart Palpitations and Weakness?
Effective Dietary Control for Diabetes Management: Tips and Guidelines
How to control your diet? Hello Doctor, I would like to ask about my father, who is a moderately overweight diabetic patient. He is currently taking traditional Chinese medicine, specifically Xianfengcao (Salvia miltiorrhiza). The preparation method involves placing the herbal pa...
Dr. Xiao Yongxun reply Internal Medicine
Hello: In response to your questions. 1. The treatment of diabetes includes both pharmacological and non-pharmacological approaches. The former includes sulfonylureas, biguanides, meglitinides, alpha-glucosidase inhibitors, insulin sensitizers, and various forms of insulin; the l...[Read More] Effective Dietary Control for Diabetes Management: Tips and Guidelines
Could My Symptoms Indicate Diabetes? Understanding Causes and Treatments
Is it diabetes? Hello Doctor: Since November, I have been experiencing hematuria. X-rays and ultrasounds showed no stones and were normal. Urinalysis results indicated the presence of white blood cells and red blood cells. The doctor mentioned it might be urethritis. Additionally...
Dr. Xiao Yongxun reply Internal Medicine
Hello: In response to your question, the diagnostic criteria for diabetes are generally as follows: 1. A fasting plasma glucose level of greater than or equal to 126 mg/dL after fasting for at least 8 hours. 2. The presence of clinical symptoms of diabetes such as polyuria, polyd...[Read More] Could My Symptoms Indicate Diabetes? Understanding Causes and Treatments
Understanding Low Platelet Count: Should You Be Concerned?
Low platelet count? In September, I had a personal health check-up and my platelet count was 131,000. Is this serious? Do I need to go to the hospital for a blood test? Is it related to my diet? Thank you.
Dr. Xiao Yongxun reply Internal Medicine
Hello: In response to your questions. 1. Generally, the normal platelet count ranges from 150,000 to 450,000 per microliter; however, there may be slight variations depending on the hospital or laboratory. 2. The causes of thrombocytopenia include insufficient production, excessi...[Read More] Understanding Low Platelet Count: Should You Be Concerned?
Understanding Diabetes Medications: Safety Levels During Pregnancy
Classification of Diabetes Medications Hello, I am a diabetic patient currently taking Amaryl and Metformin. My period is 13 days late, and I am worried about the possibility of being pregnant. I would like to know the FDA pregnancy categories for these two medications: which cat...
Dr. Xiao Yongxun reply Internal Medicine
Hello: In response to your question. According to reports from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and clinical medicine: 1. Amaryl (Glimepiride) is classified as Category C, indicating that animal studies have shown potential harm to the fetus; however, there is a lack o...[Read More] Understanding Diabetes Medications: Safety Levels During Pregnancy
Is It Safe to Prescribe Omeprazole Without Proper Diagnosis?
The doctor prescribed Lansoprazole to my mother without performing an X-ray or endoscopy? Hello, Doctor: My mother (46 years old) recently experienced gastrointestinal discomfort and was referred to a clinic in Keelung City by a friend. The physician (approximately 60 years old) ...
Dr. Xiao Yongxun reply Internal Medicine
Hello: In response to your questions. 1. It is advisable to discuss the issues you raised with the physician. 2. The diagnosis of gastric ulcers can be based on clinical symptoms and medical history, upper gastrointestinal barium studies, and upper gastrointestinal endoscopy; the...[Read More] Is It Safe to Prescribe Omeprazole Without Proper Diagnosis?
How to Get Vaccinated for Hepatitis B After Losing Antibodies
How to administer the hepatitis B vaccine? I recently had a health check-up and found that my hepatitis B antibodies have disappeared. What should I do to get vaccinated?
Dr. Xiao Yongxun reply Internal Medicine
Hello: In response to your question. 1. In Taiwan's vaccination policy, the hepatitis B vaccine is administered in three doses: the first dose is given at birth, the second dose at two months, and the third dose at six months. The government covers the cost for infants, whil...[Read More] How to Get Vaccinated for Hepatitis B After Losing Antibodies
Which Department to Choose for Metabolism Issues at Taipei Hospital?
Metabolism Department You cannot find the Metabolism Department in the outpatient schedule at Taipei City Hospital. Which department should you register for?
Dr. Xiao Yongxun reply Internal Medicine
Hello: In response to your question. Currently, Western medicine is largely classified by organ systems. The so-called metabolic medicine, besides its literal interpretation, mainly includes the thyroid gland, pituitary gland, adrenal glands, pancreas, gonads, pineal gland, and t...[Read More] Which Department to Choose for Metabolism Issues at Taipei Hospital?
Understanding Meniere's Disease: Symptoms, Causes, and Treatment Options
Meniere's disease Hello, could you please explain what Meniere's disease is? Thank you and best wishes.
Dr. Xiao Yongxun reply Internal Medicine
Hello: In response to your question. 1. Meniere's syndrome: This refers to the symptoms of tinnitus, hearing loss, and vertigo. 2. Meniere's disease: This is diagnosed when tinnitus and hearing loss occur along with episodes of inner ear vertigo, excluding causes such a...[Read More] Understanding Meniere's Disease: Symptoms, Causes, and Treatment Options
Understanding Low Blood Pressure: When to Seek Medical Help
Hypotension Hello Doctor: I experience fainting spells about 2 to 3 times a year, accompanied by cold sweats and body aches. Each time, I feel better after lying down for about 30 minutes. Blood tests have always come back normal, with only low blood pressure noted. However, in r...
Dr. Xiao Yongxun reply Internal Medicine
Hello: In response to your question. 1. Syncope refers to a sudden, temporary loss of consciousness and inability to maintain posture, with complete recovery of consciousness typically occurring within a few minutes. It is important to differentiate it from conditions such as diz...[Read More] Understanding Low Blood Pressure: When to Seek Medical Help
Understanding Low Post-Meal Blood Sugar: Causes and Solutions
Blood glucose level is found to be low? Hello, doctor: I would like to ask you about my boyfriend's recent health check-up at his company. After a meal, his blood glucose level was 64, while the standard range is 65-110. Does this test result indicate a problem? Why is his b...
Dr. Xiao Yongxun reply Internal Medicine
Hello: In response to your question. 1. Hypoglycemia generally refers to a plasma glucose level below 60 mg/dL, accompanied by clinical symptoms such as dizziness, cold sweats, tachycardia, anxiety, and altered consciousness. After excluding possible laboratory errors, hypoglycem...[Read More] Understanding Low Post-Meal Blood Sugar: Causes and Solutions
Can Pleural Effusion Lead to Tuberculosis? Understanding the Connection
Will pleural effusion turn into tuberculosis? Will pleural effusion turn into tuberculosis?
Dr. Xiao Yongxun reply Internal Medicine
Hello: In response to your question. 1. Pleural effusion can be classified into transudate and exudate based on the characteristics of the fluid extracted. The causes of both types are numerous, including tuberculosis, lung tumors, pneumonia, heart failure, connective tissue di...[Read More] Can Pleural Effusion Lead to Tuberculosis? Understanding the Connection
Why Is My Mother Gaining Weight Despite Diabetes Management?
Why do I keep gaining weight? Hello: My mother has been a diabetic for over ten years. In the past year, her weight has increased significantly (currently weighing 60.5 kg; height approximately 150 cm). Are there any other health issues that could be causing this? By the way, my ...
Dr. Xiao Yongxun reply Internal Medicine
Hello, in response to your question: 1. The reasons for weight gain include dietary habits, patterns of physical activity, and differences in energy metabolism. It is essential to first consider and evaluate the impact of diet, exercise, lifestyle, and environmental factors bef...[Read More] Why Is My Mother Gaining Weight Despite Diabetes Management?
Managing Diabetes: Addressing Nerve Issues and Rehabilitation Options
Diabetes issues Hello Doctor: My mother has had diabetes for 9 years and has been taking medication to control her blood sugar. Recently, she has been experiencing numbness in her right hand and foot. I have seen your responses to other patients and understand that this is caused...
Dr. Xiao Yongxun reply Internal Medicine
Hello: In response to your question. 1. Diabetic neuropathy may affect peripheral nerves, leading to symptoms such as numbness, tingling, and pain in the distal extremities, typically in the hands and feet. It can also cause soreness and weakness in proximal muscles, such as th...[Read More] Managing Diabetes: Addressing Nerve Issues and Rehabilitation Options
Understanding Normal Blood and Urine Test Values: A Guide for Patients
One question from the health examination form? Doctor: Hello, I previously underwent a comprehensive physical examination at your hospital due to military service. What are the normal values for white blood cells and urine specific gravity? (My white blood cell count is 10.1; uri...
Dr. Xiao Yongxun reply Internal Medicine
Hello: In response to your questions. 1. According to the reference values listed by our laboratory, the normal range for white blood cells is 4,800 to 10,800 cells/ml, and the normal range for urine specific gravity is 1.005 to 1.030. The test values you provided are still withi...[Read More] Understanding Normal Blood and Urine Test Values: A Guide for Patients
Severe Dizziness and Vomiting: Which Specialist Should You See?
Dizziness and vomiting? Hello, doctor! In the past month, I have experienced three episodes of severe dizziness accompanied by vomiting, intense headaches, foamy urine, and pain in the lower left abdomen. Which specialist should I see?
Dr. Xiao Yongxun reply Internal Medicine
Hello: In response to your questions. 1. Dizziness accompanied by vomiting and severe headache may indicate issues with the vestibular system in the inner ear or could be related to a neurological condition. Clinically, it is important to know if there has been any history of h...[Read More] Severe Dizziness and Vomiting: Which Specialist Should You See?
What Health Conditions Can Blood Tests Detect and Their Costs?
Blood test? What conditions can be detected through a simple blood test? Does health insurance cover the costs? If not, how much would one need to pay out of pocket? Thank you!
Dr. Xiao Yongxun reply Internal Medicine
Hello: In response to your questions. 1. The diagnosis of a disease originates from the patient's chief complaint. Based on the patient's personal medical history, past medical history, occupational history, and relevant information, a complete physical examination is c...[Read More] What Health Conditions Can Blood Tests Detect and Their Costs?
Understanding Weakness in Hands and Feet: Causes and Solutions
Weakness in the limbs? Hello, I have been troubled by a long-standing issue where my hands and feet often feel weak. Sometimes, I even struggle to lift my hands to brush my teeth, and when I walk up stairs, it can get so severe that I end up kneeling down. I have low blood pressu...
Dr. Xiao Yongxun reply Internal Medicine
Hello, in response to your question. The complaint of "weakness in the limbs" is common in clinical practice; however, due to the subjective nature of the experience, which varies from person to person, and the multitude of potential causes that lack specificity, it can...[Read More] Understanding Weakness in Hands and Feet: Causes and Solutions