Effective Prevention Tips When You Feel a Cold Coming On
Preventive measures when feeling like a cold is coming on? Recently, I've been experiencing a slight sore throat and a burning sensation when swallowing saliva. Aside from drinking more water, are there any other preventive measures I can take? For example, should I consider...
Dr. Yang Hongzhi reply Internal Medicine
Hello! Aside from avoiding contact with individuals who have a cold or taking appropriate protective measures, there is currently no highly effective prevention method.[Read More] Effective Prevention Tips When You Feel a Cold Coming On
Thyroid Issues and Poor Sleep Quality: Understanding the Connection
Thyroid issues and poor sleep quality? Hello doctor, I had a thyroid check-up in March this year, and my report showed values approximately ten times higher than normal. Since then, I have been taking medication regularly, at the highest dosage, three times a day. I have experien...
Dr. Yang Hongzhi reply Internal Medicine
After treatment for hyperthyroidism with medication, it is generally necessary to monitor thyroid function. It is important to consider the possibility of developing hypothyroidism, as well as any potential drug-induced reactions.[Read More] Thyroid Issues and Poor Sleep Quality: Understanding the Connection
Why Can't I Gain Weight? Understanding Metabolism and Health Issues
No matter how much I eat, I can't gain weight! Hello, doctor! I am 174 cm tall and weigh 49 kg. I previously visited a gastroenterologist and had blood tests done, which indicated mild Mediterranean type A anemia (hereditary). A friend suggested I see a metabolic specialist,...
Dr. Yang Hongzhi reply Internal Medicine
Mild Mediterranean anemia should not be related to low body weight. If the low body weight has been present for a long time and there are no other symptoms, it is mostly not indicative of a disease. However, if there has been a significant recent weight loss, it is necessary to u...[Read More] Why Can't I Gain Weight? Understanding Metabolism and Health Issues
Understanding Itchy Skin in Diabetes: Allergies or Other Causes?
As a diabetes patient, I often experience itchy skin? Hello, I am a diabetes patient, and my skin often itches, developing red, raised bumps that resemble mosquito bites. They appear in clusters all over my body, causing significant itching. When this occurs, I have gone to the h...
Dr. Yang Hongzhi reply Internal Medicine
Hello: Diabetes itself does not cause such symptoms. If there is improvement after administering antihistamine treatment, it should be an issue related to allergies and not necessarily due to other factors.[Read More] Understanding Itchy Skin in Diabetes: Allergies or Other Causes?
Understanding High Thyroid Antibodies: Implications and Monitoring Guidelines
Thyroid antibodies Due to a slight enlargement in the neck, I went to the hospital for a blood test. The doctor said that all the indices are within the normal range, but my antibody levels are quite high. I would like to ask: (1) If antibody levels are high, what issues could ar...
Dr. Yang Hongzhi reply Internal Medicine
If thyroid antibodies are present, there is a higher likelihood of developing thyroid dysfunction in the future. If the previous thyroid function test was normal, blood tests can be repeated in about six months. Blood tests can also be conducted at any time if there are symptoms ...[Read More] Understanding High Thyroid Antibodies: Implications and Monitoring Guidelines
Understanding Right Throat Swelling and Fluid Accumulation Issues
There is fluid accumulation on the right side of the throat? About a month ago, I discovered a swelling approximately 3 centimeters in size on the right side of my throat. Upon examination, a yellow fluid mixed with dark blood was extracted. Additionally, I have previously had ye...
Dr. Yang Hongzhi reply Internal Medicine
Hello: If the lesions are on the skin, a dermatologist can be consulted for treatment. If the lesions are in the throat or oral cavity, an otolaryngologist can provide care. If the lesions in the ankle are within the joint, an orthopedic or rheumatology specialist can be consulte...[Read More] Understanding Right Throat Swelling and Fluid Accumulation Issues
Can Hyperthyroid Patients Continue Weight Training Safely?
Can patients with hyperthyroidism continue weight training? Hello, doctor. I would like to ask if a person with hyperthyroidism can still engage in weight training. I usually take whey protein, BCAAs, and creatine... I forgot to ask my doctor during my last visit. Thank you.
Dr. Yang Hongzhi reply Internal Medicine
Hello: After pharmacological treatment for hyperthyroidism, it can be controlled in a short period of time, and there are no specific lifestyle restrictions thereafter![Read More] Can Hyperthyroid Patients Continue Weight Training Safely?
Understanding the Link Between Thyroid Issues and Persistent Dizziness
Persistent dizziness and the thyroid? Hello Doctor: In recent months, I have been experiencing persistent dizziness (similar to the feeling after drinking alcohol), and sometimes my face feels a bit numb. A few weeks ago, I visited a doctor for a cold, and they mentioned that my ...
Dr. Yang Hongzhi reply Internal Medicine
Hello: High uric acid levels and thyroid enlargement are not expected to be directly related to dizziness and facial numbness. If there is indeed thyroid enlargement, you may visit the endocrinology clinic for evaluation. If the dizziness and facial numbness persist, consider con...[Read More] Understanding the Link Between Thyroid Issues and Persistent Dizziness
Managing Itchy Skin While Treating Hyperthyroidism with Methimazole
Hyperthyroidism medication can cause skin itching? Hello, doctor. I have hyperthyroidism and have been taking medication for a month and a half. Recently, I've started experiencing severe itching on my skin, particularly on my shoulders, sides of my abdomen, arms, calves, an...
Dr. Yang Hongzhi reply Internal Medicine
Antithyroid medications are relatively prone to causing skin side effects. If the skin reactions are not severe, it may be considered to switch to another antithyroid medication. Radioactive iodine treatment is another option. Hypothyroidism is a common result following radioacti...[Read More] Managing Itchy Skin While Treating Hyperthyroidism with Methimazole
Concerns About Distant Metastasis in Papillary Thyroid Carcinoma
Concerns about distant metastasis of papillary thyroid carcinoma? Three years ago (in 2008), my father was diagnosed with papillary thyroid carcinoma at the age of 64. He did not have any obvious symptoms; he only felt a hard lump in his neck. He underwent surgery in May 2008 to ...
Dr. Yang Hongzhi reply Internal Medicine
Thyroid metastasis from papillary carcinoma can indeed present with normal levels of thyroglobulin, and may not respond to radioactive iodine therapy. However, this occurrence is relatively uncommon. If this is the case, there are currently no specific adjuvant treatments availab...[Read More] Concerns About Distant Metastasis in Papillary Thyroid Carcinoma
Managing Hyperthyroidism in Patients Exposed to Radiation: A Guide
Patients with hyperthyroidism Hello Dr. Yang: My mother is currently in Tokyo, Japan. She is a patient with hyperthyroidism and has been on medication for many years. Due to radiation exposure, she is unable to take iodine tablets or consume iodine-rich foods. What should she do?...
Dr. Yang Hongzhi reply Internal Medicine
Patients with hyperthyroidism should not take iodine tablets, as it may exacerbate their condition. During a nuclear disaster, iodine tablets are used solely to reduce the amount of radiation absorbed by the thyroid gland; they do not provide protection against radiation to other...[Read More] Managing Hyperthyroidism in Patients Exposed to Radiation: A Guide
Understanding Thyroid Issues: Concerns About Nodules and Treatment Options
Thyroid issues? Hello Dr. Yang, I have a hard lump in my neck. I had it checked two years ago (the doctor inserted a needle into my neck to extract material from the lump), and the doctor said I only need to follow up every six months. However, I am still worried because my gran...
Dr. Yang Hongzhi reply Internal Medicine
Most patients with thyroid nodules have normal thyroid function. Weight loss is one of the manifestations of hyperthyroidism, and it occurs in only a small number of patients with thyroid nodules. Blood tests are necessary to confirm this. Generally, the effectiveness of medicati...[Read More] Understanding Thyroid Issues: Concerns About Nodules and Treatment Options
Exploring DPP-4 Inhibitors for Type 2 Diabetes Management: A Patient's Perspective
The new generation of oral hypoglycemic agents for type 2 diabetes: DPP-4 inhibitors? My mother is currently taking oral hypoglycemic medication for her diabetes, but she only wants to take one pill at most, and her blood sugar control is not good. Additionally, if she takes the ...
Dr. Yang Hongzhi reply Internal Medicine
There are various types of diabetes medications, and physicians consider multiple factors when selecting a specific class. DPP-4 inhibitors are generally used less frequently as first-line therapy.[Read More] Exploring DPP-4 Inhibitors for Type 2 Diabetes Management: A Patient's Perspective
Understanding Excessive Hair Growth in Women: Causes and Treatments
Excessive hair growth in females? Hello Doctor: I have heard that excessive hair growth in women can be addressed by visiting a metabolic specialist. What could be the underlying causes? Is it due to insufficient female hormones? I have hair all over my body, and the hair under m...
Dr. Yang Hongzhi reply Internal Medicine
If a woman only has slightly longer leg hair without any other symptoms, it is mostly due to genetic factors and does not require special treatment. However, if the condition of hirsutism is severe, it may be associated with certain medical conditions, and a medical evaluation is...[Read More] Understanding Excessive Hair Growth in Women: Causes and Treatments
Unexplained Symptoms in an 81-Year-Old: Seeking Diagnosis and Solutions
Uncertain etiology? My grandmother is 81 years old and has a history of gastric ulcers. She has been using sleeping pills for a long time and occasionally experiences palpitations, for which she takes medication for heart disease. She also has bone spurs, osteoporosis, and hypert...
Dr. Yang Hongzhi reply Internal Medicine
Many symptoms cannot be definitively diagnosed; however, it may be worth considering the possibility of peripheral neuropathy. If you have not seen a neurologist, it is advisable to seek medical attention.[Read More] Unexplained Symptoms in an 81-Year-Old: Seeking Diagnosis and Solutions
Can Diabetics Drink Fruit Juice? Expert Advice on Managing Blood Sugar
Diabetes and Juice Consumption Dr. Yang, I would like to ask: My mother has diabetes and usually takes medication to lower her blood sugar (her most recent fasting blood sugar was 138). Is it okay for me to give her juice every day (approximately made from apples, bananas, grapes...
Dr. Yang Hongzhi reply Internal Medicine
Diabetic patients are not prohibited from eating fruits or drinking fruit juices; they just need to limit their intake. The amount they consume should be significantly less than what is typically consumed by others. Additionally, sugar is not completely forbidden for diabetic pat...[Read More] Can Diabetics Drink Fruit Juice? Expert Advice on Managing Blood Sugar
Which Medical Specialty to Consult for Painful Jaw Lump?
What is the medical specialty? In recent days, my husband has developed a painful lump near the upper right side of his jaw, close to the Adam's apple. Which department should he see for an examination?
Dr. Yang Hongzhi reply Internal Medicine
You can first schedule an appointment with an otolaryngologist. If the physician suspects it may be a thyroid issue, you can then be referred to an endocrinologist.[Read More] Which Medical Specialty to Consult for Painful Jaw Lump?
Understanding Abnormal TSH Levels: Effects and Improvement Strategies
Thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) Abnormal thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) levels (4.703) can indicate potential thyroid dysfunction. Elevated TSH levels may suggest hypothyroidism, where the thyroid gland is underactive, leading to symptoms such as fatigue, weight gain, and de...
Dr. Yang Hongzhi reply Internal Medicine
A slightly elevated TSH generally indicates a tendency toward hypothyroidism, but it has not yet reached the level of true hypothyroidism, and it is unlikely to cause clinical symptoms. It is advisable to follow up in 3 to 6 months to see if it progresses to true hypothyroidism. ...[Read More] Understanding Abnormal TSH Levels: Effects and Improvement Strategies
How to Address Suspected Hyperthyroidism: Specialist Consultation Guide
Suspected hyperthyroidism condition? I would like to inquire about a visit I had to a traditional Chinese medicine practitioner last week, who suspected I might have hyperthyroidism. I would like to know which department I should register with and on which days I can schedule an ...
Dr. Yang Hongzhi reply Internal Medicine
You can visit the Metabolism Clinic, which has outpatient services available from Monday to Saturday, both in the morning and afternoon. Please refer to the outpatient schedule for details.[Read More] How to Address Suspected Hyperthyroidism: Specialist Consultation Guide
Can People with Hyperthyroidism Consume Iodine-Rich Foods?
Hyperthyroidism I would like to ask if a person with hyperthyroidism (currently in a cured state) should avoid all iodine-containing foods in their daily diet. Does consuming only trace amounts (for example, a few micrograms) have any impact?
Dr. Yang Hongzhi reply Internal Medicine
Foods high in iodine may exacerbate hyperthyroidism, but it is generally impractical to completely avoid iodine in everyday foods. It is advisable to minimize intake, as a few micrograms are not considered a significant amount.[Read More] Can People with Hyperthyroidism Consume Iodine-Rich Foods?