The Impact of Cold Foods on Your Body: Understanding Health Risks
Cold items Hello, Doctor: I would like to ask: the human body prefers a warm environment. If one frequently consumes cold foods and drinks, which organs in the body could be adversely affected? (I know about the stomach.) Also, with summer approaching... Last year, I developed a ...
Dr. Zhao Chongliang reply Internal Medicine
Skin conditions related to cold include (1) winter itch (winter eczema), (2) palmoplantar keratoderma (Keratodermia Tylodes Palmaris Progressiva), (3) atopic dermatitis, and (4) cold urticaria. These conditions are often triggered by exposure to cold and dryness, commonly present...[Read More] The Impact of Cold Foods on Your Body: Understanding Health Risks
Effective Remedies for Persistent Phlegm in the Throat
Phlegm in the throat? It has been ten days since last week, and my throat initially felt very dry. Later, I developed persistent phlegm, which has been inconvenient, but I do not have any other cold symptoms. What can I do to treat the phlegm issue?
Dr. Zhao Chongliang reply Internal Medicine
The initial thirst may indicate a mild cold, followed by increased phlegm as a response of the immune system to an upper respiratory tract infection. If you smoke, it is advisable to quit. If the phlegm is yellowish-white and not thick, increasing water intake can help reduce thr...[Read More] Effective Remedies for Persistent Phlegm in the Throat
Understanding Morning Erections: The Science Behind Nocturnal Penile Tumescence
Erection Hello, I have always been curious why men experience spontaneous erections upon waking up in the morning, even without having any sexual dreams or external stimulation. What is the reason for this?
Dr. Zhao Chongliang reply Internal Medicine
This phenomenon of spontaneous erection, which occurs without physical contact, sexual fantasies, or any predictable triggers, is medically referred to as "reflex erection." It is particularly common during puberty. Additionally, it is normal for men of all ages to expe...[Read More] Understanding Morning Erections: The Science Behind Nocturnal Penile Tumescence
Should I Get a Second Opinion on My Heart and Muscle Pain?
Do I need to have a re-examination? Last Saturday, I experienced pain in the left side of my chest that radiated to my back and the back of my head. I had shortness of breath that was rapid, and prolonged breathing caused pain. Additionally, I had a headache, which left me feelin...
Dr. Zhao Chongliang reply Internal Medicine
I apologize, but due to typographical errors and omissions in the text, the meaning cannot be fully understood. Common causes of left chest pain include angina, mitral valve prolapse, pneumothorax, and musculoskeletal pain. Mitral valve prolapse often presents with non-specific c...[Read More] Should I Get a Second Opinion on My Heart and Muscle Pain?
Understanding Symptoms: When to See a Specialist for Your Health Issues
Do I need to get checked? Which department should I visit? Doctor, I have been experiencing the following symptoms recently: 1. There is a black area in the middle of my tongue, approximately 2 cm long and 1 cm wide, which is not a growth but a discoloration compared to a normal ...
Dr. Zhao Chongliang reply Internal Medicine
Western medicine generally does not study the tongue's appearance and coating, while Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) believes that a thick tongue coating is mostly related to gastrointestinal disorders and, to a lesser extent, kidney diseases, which can also lead to halit...[Read More] Understanding Symptoms: When to See a Specialist for Your Health Issues
Understanding Baby Face Syndrome: Causes and Solutions for Adults
"Baby face" Hello Doctor: I am currently 25 years old, but I still look like a high school boy. I initially thought that my facial features would naturally mature as I got older, but now at 25, that hasn't happened. Every time I meet new people, they ask me if I ha...
Dr. Zhao Chongliang reply Internal Medicine
Facial shape is not a secondary sexual characteristic. Male secondary sexual characteristics include: facial hair, Adam's apple, broad shoulders, thick waist, leg hair, chest hair, and muscular development, all of which are influenced by gonadal hormones. The male facial str...[Read More] Understanding Baby Face Syndrome: Causes and Solutions for Adults
Understanding Blastocystis Hominis: Health Implications and Work Impact
Blastocystis hominis Dear Dr. Zhao, Our technical personnel stationed abroad underwent a health check at Taipei Veterans General Hospital. The examination report indicated the presence of "Entamoeba histolytica" parasitism. Could you please clarify what kind of health ...
Dr. Zhao Chongliang reply Internal Medicine
Blastocystis hominis was previously considered a harmless intestinal parasite in humans, but it can occasionally cause mild symptoms such as diarrhea and abdominal pain. However, it has also been associated with rectal bleeding and anemia. The variability in symptoms may be attri...[Read More] Understanding Blastocystis Hominis: Health Implications and Work Impact
Is Chest Hair Growth a Sign of Hormonal Imbalance?
Is excessive hair growth on the chest an endocrine issue? I have developed three to four noticeable dark hairs (at least 3 centimeters long) around my breast areola, and there are also some fine, less noticeable hairs near my navel. This phenomenon has persisted for at least eigh...
Dr. Zhao Chongliang reply Internal Medicine
Women’s ovaries and adrenal glands also secrete small amounts of male hormones. In pathological cases, such as tumors, there can be an excessive production of male hormones, leading to symptoms like acne, hirsutism, clitoromegaly, and breast atrophy. Imaging techniques such as ul...[Read More] Is Chest Hair Growth a Sign of Hormonal Imbalance?
Understanding Lymph Node Swelling in Children: Causes and Concerns
Lymph node Yesterday, my third-grade son suddenly discovered a small hard lump above his groin (which is not painful). I was very anxious and immediately took him to see his family doctor. The doctor initially diagnosed it as lymphadenopathy and prescribed anti-inflammatory medic...
Dr. Zhao Chongliang reply Internal Medicine
The inflamed area may not be very obvious. For example, when bitten by a mosquito while sleeping at night, one might unknowingly scratch the itch, transferring bacteria from under the fingernails into the bite wound. By morning, the redness and swelling caused by the bite may hav...[Read More] Understanding Lymph Node Swelling in Children: Causes and Concerns
Understanding Dizziness, Weakness, and Abnormal CRP Levels: What You Need to Know
Dizziness & Health Check Issues^^” Hello Doctor: I would like to ask about my frequent experiences of dizziness, general weakness, cold sweats, and cravings for sweets. Could this be anemia? Recently, I had a health check-up, and the report indicated that my C-reactive protei...
Dr. Zhao Chongliang reply Internal Medicine
If dizziness occurs alone, it may be due to anemia or inner ear imbalance. However, if there is also generalized weakness, cold sweats, and cravings for sweets, one should consider the possibility of hypoglycemia, especially if the patient is on diabetes medication, as there may ...[Read More] Understanding Dizziness, Weakness, and Abnormal CRP Levels: What You Need to Know
Understanding Fever and Fatigue After Kissing: Possible Causes and Solutions
Fever Dear Deputy Director, I have a question that is somewhat difficult to express. I am thirty years old, and recently, after kissing my girlfriend, I experience fever and general fatigue 1-2 hours later, although my temperature does not exceed 38 degrees Celsius. These sympto...
Dr. Zhao Chongliang reply Internal Medicine
The occurrence of symptoms 1-2 hours after the event could certainly indicate an allergy, unlike an infection. However, due to the absence of itching, rashes, hives, chest tightness, or wheezing, this remains uncertain. Another possibility is poisoning, which can be due to biolog...[Read More] Understanding Fever and Fatigue After Kissing: Possible Causes and Solutions
Understanding Lower Back Pain and Urinary Symptoms: Possible Kidney Issues
Lower back pain? I have been experiencing severe lower back pain for the past week, along with unusual pain below the right rib cage. Additionally, I have been experiencing frequent urination at night; typically, I only wake up once to use the restroom, but recently I have been g...
Dr. Zhao Chongliang reply Internal Medicine
Common causes of a burning sensation during urination include urinary tract infections, bladder stones, and diabetic autonomic neuropathy. Urinary tract infections encompass urethritis and acute cystitis (including honeymoon cystitis) among other infections. Diabetic autonomic ne...[Read More] Understanding Lower Back Pain and Urinary Symptoms: Possible Kidney Issues
Understanding Dry Mouth: Causes and Solutions for Your Symptoms
Dry mouth and dry tongue? Hello, doctor! Recently, I've been experiencing frequent dry mouth and a sour sensation at the tip of my tongue. I'm not sure if there's an issue with that part of my body.
Dr. Zhao Chongliang reply Internal Medicine
Dry mouth, or xerostomia, can be caused by medications, physiological, and psychological factors. Common medications include antihistamines used for nasal congestion and allergies, as well as calcium channel blockers for heart conditions, which can reduce saliva production. Physi...[Read More] Understanding Dry Mouth: Causes and Solutions for Your Symptoms
Understanding the Risks of High and Low Blood Pressure in Young Adults
Is high or low blood pressure dangerous? Dr. Chen: Hello! I previously underwent a physical examination for military service at Taipei Provincial Hospital, and later they notified me to go for a re-examination! The department for my re-examination is (blood pressure xx), and the ...
Dr. Zhao Chongliang reply Internal Medicine
The initial consultation is the first medical visit, and typically, we do not treat abnormal blood pressure during this visit, as there are many factors that can influence blood pressure, such as time zone changes (lower in the morning, higher in the evening), eating, exercise, a...[Read More] Understanding the Risks of High and Low Blood Pressure in Young Adults
Understanding Thyroid Nodules and High Triglycerides: What You Need to Know
There are 0.7 cm cysts on both sides of the thyroid gland? Hello, my husband recently received his health check report indicating that his triglyceride levels are elevated. Additionally, there are small nodules approximately 0.5 and 0.7 cm on both sides of his neck's thyroid...
Dr. Zhao Chongliang reply Internal Medicine
The causes of thyroid cysts include poor blood circulation leading to degenerative changes within the gland, bacterial or viral infections, inflammation (such as chronic thyroiditis), or suppuration. The contents are typically colorless and clear. If there is a rupture of blood v...[Read More] Understanding Thyroid Nodules and High Triglycerides: What You Need to Know
Understanding Heart Failure and Tracheal Stenosis in COPD Patients
I'm sorry, but I need specific content to translate. Please Your question: Hello, could you please clarify whether heart failure and tracheal stenosis (granulation tissue) are 100% confirmed complications of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and considered the sam...
Dr. Zhao Chongliang reply Internal Medicine
Congestive heart failure is a primary cardiac disease where the heart itself is impaired, causing the left ventricle to be unable to pump blood effectively to the entire body. In contrast, cor pulmonale is primarily due to pulmonary pathology, where issues with the pulmonary vasc...[Read More] Understanding Heart Failure and Tracheal Stenosis in COPD Patients
Understanding and Preventing Painful Oral Ulcers: Expert Tips
Mouth ulcers can often be very painful? Hello Dr. Zhao, I often experience cracks in my oral cavity, and it hurts a lot when I eat or drink. How can I prevent this from happening again? I also applied Guangdong herb powder, but it still hurts. I really want to know if there are e...
Dr. Zhao Chongliang reply Internal Medicine
If there are frequent ulcers in the oral cavity, it is likely recurrent aphthous stomatitis, also known as stubborn oral ulcers or canker sores. The exact cause is currently unclear, but it may be related to individual constitution. Other factors that can easily trigger recurrent...[Read More] Understanding and Preventing Painful Oral Ulcers: Expert Tips
Understanding Persistent Cough: When to Seek Medical Advice
Coughing Hello Doctor: I would like to ask about my husband, who is 41 years old. For the past month, he has been experiencing a mild cough, but it is not severe. When I asked him, he mentioned that his throat feels itchy. He really enjoys drinking cold beverages (including water...
Dr. Zhao Chongliang reply Internal Medicine
Hello! If your husband is still smoking or has quit smoking for less than 15 years, it is advisable to continue monitoring with chest X-rays. Just because the X-ray from two years ago was normal does not mean he is not at risk for lung cancer. Even if he does not smoke, if he has...[Read More] Understanding Persistent Cough: When to Seek Medical Advice
Is Heart Failure and Tracheal Narrowing a Confirmed COPD Complication?
Is heart failure and bronchial stenosis definitively considered a complication of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease? Hello, can you confirm if heart failure and tracheal stenosis (long-term polyps) are 100% considered complications of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (CO...
Dr. Zhao Chongliang reply Internal Medicine
Hello. If the lungs are chronically diseased, it can lead to damage to the heart and circulatory system due to overexertion, ultimately resulting in heart failure, known as cor pulmonale. This type of right-sided heart failure is a complication of severe chronic obstructive pulmo...[Read More] Is Heart Failure and Tracheal Narrowing a Confirmed COPD Complication?
Understanding Mediterranean Anemia: Symptoms, Treatments, and Dietary Tips
Mediterranean anemia (also known as thalassemia) Hello. I would like to ask if patients with thalassemia take a certain medication when they experience dizziness. This medication makes them feel a bit dazed, but I am not sure what it is. However, it was prescribed by a doctor. Is...
Dr. Zhao Chongliang reply Internal Medicine
Mediterranean anemia and iron deficiency anemia present similarly in routine blood tests, and further inquiry into family history and hemoglobin electrophoresis testing is necessary to differentiate between the two. Mediterranean anemia is caused by a genetic defect, and traditio...[Read More] Understanding Mediterranean Anemia: Symptoms, Treatments, and Dietary Tips