Is My Height Normal? Tips for Growing Taller as a Teen
My height? Hello, doctor: I would like to ask, I am currently a high school freshman, but my height is only 164 cm! Is this considered normal? Are there any methods that can help me grow taller? I have been playing basketball and exercising, but it doesn't seem to help much!...
Dr. Yang Hongzhi reply Internal Medicine
A height of 164 centimeters is generally not considered too short. Currently, there may not be any specific methods to help increase height. You might have heard of growth hormone therapy, but it is only beneficial for individuals with growth hormone deficiency. It is unlikely th...[Read More] Is My Height Normal? Tips for Growing Taller as a Teen
Understanding Post-Bowel Movement Discomfort and Minor Bleeding
Experiencing a sharp sensation after bowel movements? Hello Doctor, I would like to ask you about something. After I have a bowel movement, I notice some red on the toilet paper when I wipe, but it's not a lot. After wiping a second time, there is none. Also, after the bowel...
Dr. Yang Hongzhi reply Internal Medicine
It is most likely hemorrhoidal bleeding, but it is best to visit a colorectal surgery clinic for an evaluation.[Read More] Understanding Post-Bowel Movement Discomfort and Minor Bleeding
Understanding Thyroid Enlargement: Causes and Treatment Options
Thyroid enlargement? I previously visited a small clinic due to a cold and learned that I have an enlarged thyroid gland. I have also been to a provincial hospital's endocrinology department for examination, and my mother reviewed the doctor's report, which she said was...
Dr. Yang Hongzhi reply Internal Medicine
Obvious thyroid enlargement can cause a protrusion in the lower neck, which can be confirmed through visual inspection or palpation. If the enlargement is not very pronounced, an ultrasound examination can be used for confirmation. Patients with thyroid enlargement may not necess...[Read More] Understanding Thyroid Enlargement: Causes and Treatment Options
Understanding Complex Symptoms: Seeking Clarity on Multiple Health Issues
Please clarify? Hello, Doctor. I learned from the internet that online consultations are available here, so I took the liberty to seek your advice and express my highest respect for your dedication to helping others. I have been troubled by several symptoms for a long time, but d...
Dr. Yang Hongzhi reply Internal Medicine
You have a family history of thyroid disease and exhibit some symptoms consistent with hyperthyroidism (such as goiter, exophthalmos, and weight loss). Thyroid function needs to be evaluated, and it would also be advisable to check for diabetes. You may consider seeing a speciali...[Read More] Understanding Complex Symptoms: Seeking Clarity on Multiple Health Issues
Understanding High TSH Levels: Causes, Management, and Lifestyle Tips
Thyroid gland Hello, doctor. I just finished my appointment with the endocrinologist, and the doctor said that my test results show an issue with TSH, with a value of 5.26, while the reference range is 0.25-4.0 uIU/ml. What disease could this indicate? Besides medication, how can...
Dr. Yang Hongzhi reply Internal Medicine
TSH is slightly above the normal upper limit, which suggests subclinical hypothyroidism. This typically does not produce any symptoms and usually does not require treatment; however, there is a significant chance of progressing to overt hypothyroidism. It is advisable to avoid hi...[Read More] Understanding High TSH Levels: Causes, Management, and Lifestyle Tips
Height Concerns: When to Seek Medical Advice and Testing Options
Height Hello. I am now 18 years old. I grew to 170 cm during middle school, and I haven't grown taller since then in my senior year of high school. Can I go to the hospital for an examination? What kind of tests should I undergo? Which department should I visit (endocrinolog...
Dr. Yang Hongzhi reply Internal Medicine
At a height of 170 centimeters, it is unlikely that there is a growth hormone deficiency. By the age of 18, it is not expected to grow taller, and it is not recommended to undergo testing at a hospital.[Read More] Height Concerns: When to Seek Medical Advice and Testing Options
Unexplained Fever: Understanding Sudden High Temperatures and Symptoms
Sudden onset of fever... unknown cause? Hello Doctor, I would like to ask you... Two nights ago, I suddenly developed a fever of about 38-39.5 degrees Celsius. My temperature fluctuated, and I experienced some lower back pain, overall weakness, and occasionally felt like I was ab...
Dr. Yang Hongzhi reply Internal Medicine
If a fever persists for several days without any cold symptoms, it may be necessary to consider some diagnostic tests. The specific tests to be conducted should be determined by a physician's physical examination, focusing on areas where an infection is suspected. In some ca...[Read More] Unexplained Fever: Understanding Sudden High Temperatures and Symptoms
Understanding Diffuse Goiter: Related Diseases and Cancer Risks
Diffuse goiter Hello, doctor. I have diffuse goiter. What related diseases can arise from diffuse goiter? Will this increase my risk of developing cancer? Thank you!
Dr. Yang Hongzhi reply Internal Medicine
Diffuse goiter is associated with a higher likelihood of thyroid dysfunction compared to the general population, which may manifest as either hyperthyroidism or hypothyroidism; however, the risk of developing cancer does not significantly increase.[Read More] Understanding Diffuse Goiter: Related Diseases and Cancer Risks
How to Improve Cold Hands and Feet During Winter Months
Cold hands and feet? Recently, the weather has been cold, and as a result, my hands and feet are also very cold, feeling chilly both day and night. Additionally, the outer sides of my ears become red and warm. How can I improve this?
Dr. Yang Hongzhi reply Internal Medicine
The description of the symptoms does not resemble any specific disease; it may be related to individual constitution, and there are no particular methods that can fundamentally improve the condition.[Read More] How to Improve Cold Hands and Feet During Winter Months
Navigating Thyroid Issues: Understanding Graves' Disease and Treatment Options
I feel really lost? I initially had hyperthyroidism and was treated with radioactive iodine. Later, I developed exophthalmos and diplopia, with my left eye position dropping down. I have visited several ophthalmology departments for nearly a year, and some doctors suggested that ...
Dr. Yang Hongzhi reply Internal Medicine
Hello: If the inflammation is significant, the use of corticosteroids may be helpful. Generally, surgery is performed only after the eye condition has stabilized for a period of time. There are several causes of hyperthyroidism, with Graves' disease being one of the most com...[Read More] Navigating Thyroid Issues: Understanding Graves' Disease and Treatment Options
Understanding Symptoms After Starting Insulin Therapy for Diabetes
What are some symptoms that can be triggered by insulin administration? Dr. Yang: Hello, I would like to ask about my mother who has been suffering from diabetes for nearly 30 years (family history). She has been controlling her blood sugar with oral medications, but as the dosag...
Dr. Yang Hongzhi reply Internal Medicine
Patients who switch from oral medications to insulin due to persistently high blood glucose levels, and then revert back to oral medications, have a low chance of achieving good blood glucose control. The causes of your mother's headaches and dizziness can be numerous and ma...[Read More] Understanding Symptoms After Starting Insulin Therapy for Diabetes
Understanding Growth Hormone Treatment for Height Increase: What You Need to Know
Increase in height? I heard that if you want to grow taller, you can go to the hospital to check your bone age through X-rays, and if possible, growth hormone can be used to help increase height. Which department should I consult? Does health insurance cover this? Are there any s...
Dr. Yang Hongzhi reply Internal Medicine
Hello: Growth hormone deficiency leading to short stature is a rare condition. Diagnosis requires a considerable amount of testing. If it is confirmed to be due to growth hormone deficiency, growth hormone injections can be beneficial, and health insurance covers this treatment. ...[Read More] Understanding Growth Hormone Treatment for Height Increase: What You Need to Know
Is Excess Protein Intake During Development Harmful? Understanding Foamy Urine
Protein Is excessive protein intake during the developmental stage harmful to the body if it causes foamy urine?
Dr. Yang Hongzhi reply Internal Medicine
Hello: Consuming a higher amount of protein does not lead to proteinuria, and the presence of foam in urine does not indicate proteinuria.[Read More] Is Excess Protein Intake During Development Harmful? Understanding Foamy Urine
Storing Opened Insulin: Refrigeration vs. Room Temperature Guidelines
Diabetes/Insulin Storage Hello Dr. Yang, I would like to ask about the storage of opened and in-use insulin (we are using Novo Nordisk Monotard HM 100 iu/ml insulin zinc suspension, which is human insulin). Should it be 1) stored in the refrigerator or 2) kept at room temperature...
Dr. Yang Hongzhi reply Internal Medicine
Insulin can be stored in a refrigerator at around 4 degrees Celsius for a longer duration (unopened vials can last 2-3 years, while opened vials are effective for 2-3 months). Opened insulin should not be kept at room temperature for more than one month. Most insulin in use is st...[Read More] Storing Opened Insulin: Refrigeration vs. Room Temperature Guidelines
Persistent Salty Taste and Dry Mouth: What Could It Mean?
Salty taste in the mouth + easy to experience dry mouth? Hello Doctor: Two months ago, I had a large bowl of heavily flavored braised food (the broth was very salty), and since then, I've been experiencing dry mouth, with salt continuously seeping from my lips (corners of my...
Dr. Yang Hongzhi reply Internal Medicine
1. In response to the user's inquiry on December 27, 1994, experiencing dry mouth or abnormal taste sensations is not uncommon. Most cases do not have any specific underlying causes. If there are no other symptoms or if the condition is not worsening, there is generally no n...[Read More] Persistent Salty Taste and Dry Mouth: What Could It Mean?
Understanding Low Body Temperature: Tips to Improve Your Health
Hypothermia, with a body temperature of approximately 35.5 degrees Celsius, and sensitivity to cold? I am very sensitive to cold and tend to wear more layers than others in all seasons except summer. My actual measured body temperature is around 35.3 to 35.6 degrees Celsius. This...
Dr. Yang Hongzhi reply Internal Medicine
Mr. Li, with hypothyroidism, may experience similar symptoms; however, it is usually accompanied by other manifestations. It is advisable to seek medical evaluation from a specialist in metabolism. Dr. Yang Hong-Zhi from the Hsinchu Hospital, Department of Internal Medicine, Mini...[Read More] Understanding Low Body Temperature: Tips to Improve Your Health
Which Medical Specialty Should You Consult for Suspected Cushing's Syndrome?
Patients with Cushing's syndrome should consult an endocrinologist? Hello Doctor, I previously underwent an adrenaline test, and the results were normal. However, I suspect that I have symptoms of Cushing's syndrome, such as moon facies, buffalo hump, and numerous visib...
Dr. Yang Hongzhi reply Internal Medicine
Hello: You should see an endocrinologist. Previously, regarding adrenal examinations, it is necessary to review the test items and results to determine whether Cushing's syndrome can be ruled out.[Read More] Which Medical Specialty Should You Consult for Suspected Cushing's Syndrome?
Is It Kidney or Liver Issues? Understanding Your Symptoms and Solutions
Is it a kidney issue or a liver issue? Frequent late nights and poor daytime work performance, along with yellow urine and occasional feelings of bladder weakness, as well as recent hair loss, may indicate several underlying issues. These symptoms could be related to dehydration,...
Dr. Yang Hongzhi reply Internal Medicine
These symptoms are non-specific and are mostly not caused by liver or kidney issues. Dietary treatment is unlikely to provide significant benefits. If symptoms persist, it is advisable to consult an internal medicine specialist.[Read More] Is It Kidney or Liver Issues? Understanding Your Symptoms and Solutions
Dealing with Dizziness: Causes and When to Seek Help
Dizziness and lightheadedness. What should I do? I have been experiencing frequent dizziness and lightheadedness lately. When I get out of bed, I feel unsteady and groggy. Could this be due to a lack of oxygen to the brain, or is there another underlying condition? The symptoms h...
Dr. Yang Hongzhi reply Internal Medicine
If you experience vertigo that feels like the world is spinning, especially when accompanied by vomiting, it may indicate an issue with the inner ear. However, if you are feeling dizzy without it reaching the level of vertigo, it is a non-specific symptom and may not always revea...[Read More] Dealing with Dizziness: Causes and When to Seek Help
Simple Self-Tests for Diabetes: Understanding Symptoms and Risks
Diabetes mellitus I would like to ask if there are any simpler methods to test for diabetes at home, aside from going to the hospital for a check-up. I noticed that I have been resistant to sweet foods recently, and even after several hours without drinking water, I still need to...
Dr. Yang Hongzhi reply Internal Medicine
If a mother has diabetes, the likelihood of her children developing diabetes increases, and this risk is further heightened if there is obesity. However, it is still possible to develop diabetes even without obesity. Mild diabetes may not present any symptoms, and it cannot be di...[Read More] Simple Self-Tests for Diabetes: Understanding Symptoms and Risks