Understanding Dark Lips and Eye Circles: Links to Depression and Health
excuse me? My lips are not very rosy; they appear somewhat dark, and I often have dark circles under my eyes, even when I get enough sleep. I actually have depression, and I'm wondering if this is related.
Dr. Zhao Chongliang reply Internal Medicine
Dull and lackluster lip color in women may indicate insufficient makeup removal, leading to lipstick pigment deposition; in men, smoking should be considered first. If these issues are not present, it could be a sign of poor blood circulation or even anemia. The skin on the lips ...[Read More] Understanding Dark Lips and Eye Circles: Links to Depression and Health
Why Does My Baby Keep Getting Oral Thrush? Understanding Recurrences
Why do babies experience recurrent thrush? Hello Doctor, I consulted you on February 25th regarding my concerns about my baby, who has just turned six months old. Since birth, my baby has experienced oral thrush six times. The attending physician recommended tests to check for an...
Dr. Zhao Chongliang reply Internal Medicine
Oral thrush is a common condition in infants, partly due to their physiological leukopenia, which limits their ability to phagocytize fungi (Candida). Additionally, infants who rely solely on breast milk or formula may have lower levels of vitamin B2 and zinc, making them less ca...[Read More] Why Does My Baby Keep Getting Oral Thrush? Understanding Recurrences
Caring for Babies with Low Neutrophil Counts: Essential Tips and Dietary Advice
How to care for a baby with neutropenia? Hello, the baby is currently 5 months and 15 days old. A recent blood test report from the hospital shows the following results: WBC 7.2 1000/CMM, SEGMENT 22.9%, LYMPHOCYTE 70.3%. Does this result indicate that the baby has an immune defic...
Dr. Zhao Chongliang reply Internal Medicine
The normal values attached to your data are for adults, not children (general reports cannot include this due to space limitations). There are significant changes in white blood cell counts and their classifications from newborns to adults. On the first day after birth, the total...[Read More] Caring for Babies with Low Neutrophil Counts: Essential Tips and Dietary Advice
Caring for Babies with Low Neutrophil Levels: Essential Guidelines
How to care for a baby with low neutrophil levels? Dear Doctor, In my previous email, I did not include the reference values. This email includes the test items, test values, units, and reference values: WBC: 7.2 (1000/CMM) Reference Range: M 3.9-10.6, F 3.5-11 SEGMENT: 22.9...
Dr. Zhao Chongliang reply Internal Medicine
The normal values attached to your data are for adults, not for children (general reports cannot include this due to space limitations). Throughout the transition from newborn to adulthood, there are significant changes in white blood cell counts and their classifications. On the...[Read More] Caring for Babies with Low Neutrophil Levels: Essential Guidelines
Understanding Asthma Medications: Side Effects and Alternatives
Questions regarding asthma medications? Currently, the medications prescribed to me are as follows: "KODAPIN TAB," "COM-TRIMETON TABLETS 4MG," "MEPTIN-MINI 25UG TAB," "CEMINE 10MG F.C TAB," and "VOREN 50MG (WEREN) CAP." I feel oka...
Dr. Zhao Chongliang reply Internal Medicine
Hello! Regarding your medications, only Meptin-mini is an asthma medication. Kodapin is a cough suppressant and is not recommended for long-term use in asthma patients. Cemine is an antihistamine for allergies and should not be used unless you also have chronic sinusitis or post-...[Read More] Understanding Asthma Medications: Side Effects and Alternatives
Understanding Neck and Shoulder Pain: Causes and When to Seek Help
The junction between the neck and shoulders? Hello, for the past couple of days, I have been experiencing significant soreness in my shoulders and neck, particularly around the muscles near the junction of my neck and shoulders, where several vertebrae are located. These muscles ...
Dr. Zhao Chongliang reply Internal Medicine
Hello! Due to high work stress, long working hours, poorly designed chairs, certain jobs requiring prolonged sitting or leaning over a computer, and bad habits such as holding the phone between the shoulder and neck, the neck can be fixed in poor positions. If the neck is held in...[Read More] Understanding Neck and Shoulder Pain: Causes and When to Seek Help
Understanding Blood in Stool: Causes, Treatments, and When to Seek Help
My stool? Hello, I previously experienced blood in my stool and went to the hospital for an examination. The doctor said it was probably hemorrhoids. I underwent rubber band ligation, which was extremely painful at the time. Later, I chose to use traditional Chinese medicine to r...
Dr. Zhao Chongliang reply Internal Medicine
If there is recurrent bleeding, it may not necessarily be hemorrhoids, nor does it have to be colorectal cancer; it could simply be caused by polyps, ulcerative colitis, diverticulosis, or vascular lesions (angiodysplasia). It is advisable to consult a gastroenterologist for a le...[Read More] Understanding Blood in Stool: Causes, Treatments, and When to Seek Help
Understanding Gray-White Lung X-Ray: Causes of Breathing Difficulties and Edema
The X-ray of the lungs shows a grayish-white appearance? Hello: My grandfather has fainted due to difficulty breathing and is currently in the intensive care unit. He was discharged last week after the TB bacterial load reached a non-infectious level, but why did he suddenly expe...
Dr. Zhao Chongliang reply Internal Medicine
Hello! Based on your description, your grandfather's chest X-ray appears to show signs of either cardiogenic pulmonary edema or non-cardiogenic pulmonary edema, such as renal-related pulmonary edema or acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS). Cardiogenic or renal-related ...[Read More] Understanding Gray-White Lung X-Ray: Causes of Breathing Difficulties and Edema
Understanding Hepatitis B Testing Costs and Military Service Eligibility in Taiwan
Regarding hepatitis B? Could you please tell me the cost of a hepatitis B test at your hospital? I tested positive several years ago and have not had a follow-up test since. Is it necessary to have the hepatitis B test done more than once to determine if one is infected? Addition...
Dr. Zhao Chongliang reply Internal Medicine
Taiwan has a universal health insurance system, where the payment standards for each examination are set by the National Health Insurance Administration, and all hospitals follow the same guidelines. The differences lie in the specific tests ordered and the methods used. For inst...[Read More] Understanding Hepatitis B Testing Costs and Military Service Eligibility in Taiwan
Understanding Hepatitis B and Allergic Reactions: What You Need to Know
Hepatitis B and Allergies Hello, my hepatitis B test shows positive for surface antigen and negative for surface antibodies. What does this mean? Additionally, since the beginning of this year, I have suddenly developed allergic reactions to many foods, especially alcoholic bever...
Dr. Zhao Chongliang reply Internal Medicine
Hello! Your hepatitis B test results indicate that you are a carrier of the hepatitis B virus, which means your body is unable to completely eliminate the virus. As a result, you may spread hepatitis B, especially to close family members living with you. Please consult a gastroen...[Read More] Understanding Hepatitis B and Allergic Reactions: What You Need to Know
Understanding Urine Test Results: Hematuria and Bacteria Levels Explained
Urinalysis shows hematuria +2 and bacteriuria +2? In a health check-up, if the urine test shows blood +2 and bacteria +2, what precautions should be taken, and which specialty should be consulted?
Dr. Zhao Chongliang reply Internal Medicine
You should consult a nephrologist or a urologist. The urine analysis in a health check should only include qualitative tests using dipsticks. If there are issues, it is necessary to follow up with these specialists to evaluate the quantitative results of the urine sediment. Regar...[Read More] Understanding Urine Test Results: Hematuria and Bacteria Levels Explained
Understanding Gastrointestinal Issues: Insights on Pain and Surgery
Health Consultation 1. I have been experiencing stomach pain since I gave birth, which has lasted for 4 years. I have had an endoscopy done once a year, but the report has not come out yet. What could be the cause of this? I have also done a stool test that showed trace blood, an...
Dr. Zhao Chongliang reply Internal Medicine
The results of an upper gastrointestinal endoscopy can typically be discussed directly with the performing physician, without the need to wait for a report. The presence of occult blood in the stool indicates that there may be bleeding somewhere in the gastrointestinal tract or t...[Read More] Understanding Gastrointestinal Issues: Insights on Pain and Surgery
Understanding Thyroid Issues: Treatment Options for Goiter and Cysts
About the thyroid gland? Hello, Dr. Zhao... My sister has an enlarged thyroid due to a cold, but she is afraid of surgery, so she is controlling it with medication. I saw your response indicating that there are methods to aspirate it. What conditions need to be met, or what recom...
Dr. Zhao Chongliang reply Internal Medicine
Hello! The aspiration method you mentioned in your response refers specifically to thyroid cysts, particularly in cases of recurrent hemorrhagic events, which is different from general goiter. The cause of general goiter was previously attributed to iodine deficiency, but since t...[Read More] Understanding Thyroid Issues: Treatment Options for Goiter and Cysts
Understanding Abnormal Blood Test Results: Key Indicators Explained
Abnormal blood test results? 1. Globulin - <3.6> 2. Total Cholesterol - <208>, HDL Cholesterol - <63.7>, LDL Cholesterol - <130> 3. Segmented Neutrophils - <32.5> 4. Lymphocytes - <58.8> What could be the potential issues?
Dr. Zhao Chongliang reply Internal Medicine
The globulin value is calculated by subtracting albumin from total protein, and both values should be provided together for interpretation. The values for neutrophils (Segment) and lymphocytes are expressed as ratios, and the total white blood cell (WBC) count is necessary to cal...[Read More] Understanding Abnormal Blood Test Results: Key Indicators Explained
How to Build Bigger and Stronger Muscles After 25?
Muscle building Hello, doctor: I usually work out to build muscle, but it seems like I'm not making much progress. The next day, my muscles return to their original size, just a bit firmer! What can I do to build bigger and firmer muscles? Also, I feel like my movements beco...
Dr. Zhao Chongliang reply Internal Medicine
The results of muscle training depend on the levels of male and female hormones in the body, as well as the methods used and post-training recovery. Both men and women have male and female hormones, but in different ratios. However, some men may have higher levels of female hormo...[Read More] How to Build Bigger and Stronger Muscles After 25?
Understanding Left Back Pain: When to See a Doctor and Which Specialist?
excuse me? Hello doctor, I have a slight pain in the middle of my left back. It doesn't hurt as much when I take a deep breath, but it's difficult to breathe when I sit up straight. I've never experienced this before. Should I see a doctor? If so, which specialty s...
Dr. Zhao Chongliang reply Internal Medicine
We usually categorize back pain into upper, middle, and lower regions, and I'm not sure which segment you are referring to. Back pain is often considered the "original sin" of bipedalism in humans, as the vertebrae and intervertebral discs of most vertebrate animal...[Read More] Understanding Left Back Pain: When to See a Doctor and Which Specialist?
Unexplained Pain: Understanding Symptoms and Seeking the Right Diagnosis
Unexplained pain? The area near the spine on the back (close to the shoulder blade), the lower edge of the ribs on the front chest, the thoracic cavity near the armpit, as well as the arms and fingers (especially the ring and little fingers) have been experiencing unexplained pai...
Dr. Zhao Chongliang reply Internal Medicine
Due to pain near the lower rib cage and around the temples, it does not seem to originate from the spine or joints. If this has been persistent and there is no fever, it may be indicative of myofascial pain syndrome. A common condition is myofascial rheumatism (also known as fibr...[Read More] Unexplained Pain: Understanding Symptoms and Seeking the Right Diagnosis
Understanding Nausea: Is It a Sign of Gastrointestinal Issues?
Often feel nauseous? Doctor, I used to never feel nauseous when eating, and I'm not pregnant. However, in recent months, I've occasionally felt nauseous after eating, and sometimes I even vomit. I'm not sure if it's because I've eaten food that wasn'...
Dr. Zhao Chongliang reply Internal Medicine
Persistent nausea or vomiting should prompt consideration of hepatitis, gastrointestinal ulcers, bacterial or parasitic infections in the intestines, food allergies, the use of specific medications, chronic alcoholism, and prior chemotherapy or radiation therapy due to cancer. If...[Read More] Understanding Nausea: Is It a Sign of Gastrointestinal Issues?
Understanding Skin Bumps: Are They Linked to Liver Health?
I'm sorry, but I need more context to provide an accurate translation. Could you please provide additional information or clarify your request? Hello Dr. Zhao, I have recently developed some bumps on my forehead, and there's just a small one on my right cheek. I read i...
Dr. Zhao Chongliang reply Internal Medicine
The liver is a detoxifying organ, so poor liver function can lead to the circulation of toxic substances in the bloodstream. The skin contains many tiny blood vessels, and when harmful substances circulate in the blood, they can cause various changes in the skin, such as roughnes...[Read More] Understanding Skin Bumps: Are They Linked to Liver Health?
Understanding Sudden Limb Pain: Causes and Concerns for Left Femur
Frequent episodes of sharp pain in the limbs, especially in the left femoral head? Hello Dr. Zhao, Two years ago, I started experiencing deep, intermittent pain in my limbs that lasts about two to five seconds and occurs several times a day. I am a single parent, and I am very a...
Dr. Zhao Chongliang reply Internal Medicine
Pain in the femoral head region is uncommon. Since you have seen an orthopedic specialist and likely had X-rays, bone cancer can be ruled out. The intermittent pain lasting two to five seconds is neuropathic pain, not muscular pain, arthritis, fibromyalgia, or muscle spasms assoc...[Read More] Understanding Sudden Limb Pain: Causes and Concerns for Left Femur