Persistent Cough: When to Seek Further Medical Evaluation?
I have a persistent cough that won't go away? Dear Vice Dean Zhao, My mother has been coughing for two months now. She has seen several doctors and taken various medications, but she still hasn't improved. It doesn't seem like a common cold. Should we consider go...
Dr. Zhao Chongliang reply Internal Medicine
If a cough lasts more than three weeks, it is advisable to visit a hospital for a detailed examination. First, it is important to inquire whether the cough is dry or productive, and if productive, whether the sputum is clear, thick, white, yellow, or green, and if it has an odor....[Read More] Persistent Cough: When to Seek Further Medical Evaluation?
Is Aluminum Toxicity Real? Understanding Health Risks and Prevention
Is this true? Hello Doctor: Below is an article circulating online, and I would like to ask if what it says is true regarding aluminum toxicity!!! "Aluminum" is extracted from clay using an electric furnace. After multiple uses, aluminum cookware may develop mottled bla...
Dr. Zhao Chongliang reply Internal Medicine
In my childhood, our family primarily used aluminum pots, and every time we cooked, white aluminum flakes would be released. My father, a chemistry professor, once told us that these aluminum flakes are non-toxic, and aside from feeling uncomfortable psychologically, they did not...[Read More] Is Aluminum Toxicity Real? Understanding Health Risks and Prevention
Understanding Occasional Chest Pain: Causes and Concerns
Occasional chest pain? Hello Doctor, I have been experiencing strange chest pain intermittently for the past two to three years. During these episodes, I feel a stabbing pain in my chest when I move my body, and it is often accompanied by a sharp pain between my ribs when I push ...
Dr. Zhao Chongliang reply Internal Medicine
Hello! Chest pain can be caused by various conditions related to the heart (such as angina, myocardial infarction, arrhythmias, myocarditis, and pericarditis), lungs and associated structures (such as pneumothorax, pneumonia with pleuritis, rib fractures, pulmonary embolism, and ...[Read More] Understanding Occasional Chest Pain: Causes and Concerns
What is Pulmonary Infiltration? Understanding the Condition and Its Implications
Pulmonary infiltration refers to the accumulation of substances, such as fluid, cells, or other materials, within the lung tissue. This condition can be indicative of various underlying issues, including infections, inflammation, or malign Hello, doctor: I came across a condition...
Dr. Zhao Chongliang reply Internal Medicine
I apologize for not noticing this letter. I have already responded in the letter dated February 28. Please confirm.[Read More] What is Pulmonary Infiltration? Understanding the Condition and Its Implications
Understanding Pulmonary Infiltration: Differences from Pulmonary Edema
Pulmonary infiltration What is pulmonary infiltration and how does it differ from pulmonary edema?
Dr. Zhao Chongliang reply Internal Medicine
Hello! Pulmonary infiltration is a term used in the interpretation of chest X-rays. When we identify abnormalities in a chest X-ray, we describe them accordingly. If the changes are typical, such as calcification, fibrosis, cavitation, or consolidation, we can immediately apply t...[Read More] Understanding Pulmonary Infiltration: Differences from Pulmonary Edema
Understanding Persistent Bubbles in Urine: Kidney Health Concerns
May I ask the doctor? Hello, doctor! I have a question: My boyfriend has a lot of bubbles in his urine when he urinates, and the bubbles do not disappear after a while; they persist, similar to when there are a lot of soap bubbles. Does this indicate a potential kidney problem? I...
Dr. Zhao Chongliang reply Internal Medicine
The causes of foamy urine include the presence of protein in the urine, gas-producing bacteria in the urine, the formation of a fistula between the urethra and the intestine, and the introduction of foreign substances. Typically, men have more foamy urine because the urinary and ...[Read More] Understanding Persistent Bubbles in Urine: Kidney Health Concerns
Understanding Ear Temperature Changes: A Sign of Underlying Health Issues?
Ear problems? Hello, doctor. Thank you for your hard work. I usually have a weaker constitution and have heart disease, ankylosing spondylitis, and allergies. I would like to ask: my ears are usually cold, but sometimes one ear is cold while the other is warm. I am unsure what co...
Dr. Zhao Chongliang reply Internal Medicine
There have been no reports of ear-related issues associated with ankylosing spondylitis to date. Generally, the ears can experience congestion on one or both sides due to the abundance of small blood vessels. Given your history of heart disease, it is unclear whether you have hyp...[Read More] Understanding Ear Temperature Changes: A Sign of Underlying Health Issues?
Understanding Parotitis: Symptoms, Causes, and Complications
Parotitis? Since the 15th of this month, I have been experiencing pain at the junction of the upper and lower left jaw (below the left ear). The pain is particularly noticeable when chewing or opening my mouth wide. Aside from this, I have no other discomfort. Could this be parot...
Dr. Zhao Chongliang reply Internal Medicine
The parotid gland generally refers to the salivary gland known as the parotid gland, and parotitis is commonly known as mumps. It is an acute viral disease unrelated to oral retinoic acid. It primarily affects the parotid gland, but may also involve the submandibular or sublingua...[Read More] Understanding Parotitis: Symptoms, Causes, and Complications
Understanding Jaundice, Scrub Typhus, and Splenomegaly: Causes and Treatments
Jaundice, scrub typhus, splenomegaly? I am from Kaohsiung and returned to Taiwan from Japan on November 23. After that, I visited Chengqing Lake in Kaohsiung, the National Museum of Marine Biology and Aquarium in Pingtung, Chihpen in Taitung, Chulu Ranch, Pingtung, and Cijin. On ...
Dr. Zhao Chongliang reply Internal Medicine
Regarding diagnosis based on symptoms, I would like to introduce you to a website: the "Infectious Disease Differential Diagnosis Assistance System" from the Centers for Disease Control, Ministry of Health and Welfare, Taiwan (http://140.112.124.104/index-3.asp?item=2)....[Read More] Understanding Jaundice, Scrub Typhus, and Splenomegaly: Causes and Treatments
Are Most Doctors at Wan Fang Hospital Interns? Understanding the Risks
Regarding Wan Fang Hospital? Some people say that most of the doctors at Wan Fang Hospital are interns, and that it is very dangerous to be treated by them. Is this true?
Dr. Zhao Chongliang reply Internal Medicine
Every teaching hospital has interns, and since interns do not yet have a license, they must perform various examinations and prescribe medications under the supervision and guidance of senior physicians. Therefore, they are generally considered safer than first- and second-year r...[Read More] Are Most Doctors at Wan Fang Hospital Interns? Understanding the Risks
Is Daily Green Tea Consumption Harmful to Your Health?
Is drinking green tea every day harmful to the body? Hello Doctor: I drink green tea every day, but I'm not sure if drinking it regularly has any negative effects on my health. In what situations or for what types of patients should green tea be avoided? Are there any foods ...
Dr. Zhao Chongliang reply Internal Medicine
Hello! Green tea has three types of side effects. One affects the absorption of iron from food, so it is not recommended to drink it during or immediately after meals. However, if the food contains a large amount of vitamin C or meat, it can counteract the effect of green tea on ...[Read More] Is Daily Green Tea Consumption Harmful to Your Health?
Understanding Berodual: Uses, Side Effects, and Proper Administration for Asthma in Children
Exercise-induced bronchoconstriction The child is currently eight years old and has asthma, often experiencing persistent coughing. The doctor prescribed a medication called Berodual. I would like to ask what type of medication this is, whether it has strong side effects, and if ...
Dr. Zhao Chongliang reply Internal Medicine
Hello! Berotec is the English name for a short-acting beta-2 adrenergic agonist used for asthma. Common side effects of this type of medication include palpitations and tremors, although these are more pronounced with oral formulations. However, even with tremors, it should not a...[Read More] Understanding Berodual: Uses, Side Effects, and Proper Administration for Asthma in Children
Understanding Frequent Fever and Sore Throat: Causes and Concerns
Some questions about fever? I experienced fever more than a dozen times last year, but it rarely exceeded 39 degrees Celsius. Before I noticed the fever, I would first experience a sore throat, which made me realize I was running a fever. Why do I frequently have fevers, and why ...
Dr. Zhao Chongliang reply Internal Medicine
Long-term low-grade intermittent fever should raise considerations for chronic inflammation, lymphoproliferative disorders, and collagen vascular diseases. The former, particularly in Taiwan, should include the possibility of tuberculosis. The second category may also apply to yo...[Read More] Understanding Frequent Fever and Sore Throat: Causes and Concerns