Balancing Hair Health and Diabetes Risk: Dietary Dilemmas
I don't want to go bald and I don't want to develop diabetes? Because my husband has a busy work schedule, I am worried that he might experience hair loss. Additionally, there is a family history of diabetes, and diabetic patients should avoid high-cholesterol and high-...
Dr. Zhong Weisheng reply Internal Medicine
Diabetic patients should indeed limit their intake of high-cholesterol foods; however, consuming liver, egg yolks, and seafood can be beneficial for hair health. It is advisable for you to consult a dermatologist for further recommendations.[Read More] Balancing Hair Health and Diabetes Risk: Dietary Dilemmas
Could Nerve Issues Be Causing My Chest Pain and Breathing Problems?
Could it be caused by a neurological issue? If I say that I have pain on the left side of my chest, the pain doesn't last for a specific duration, but it can last for 5 to 10 minutes. Sometimes it occurs after I cry, and after a while, I calm down. However, I notice that my ...
Dr. Zhong Weisheng reply Internal Medicine
Based on your description, it would be better to refer you for a detailed examination by a pulmonologist. Of course, if the patient is female, do not overlook the importance of a breast health check as well. Dr. Chung Wei-Sheng.[Read More] Could Nerve Issues Be Causing My Chest Pain and Breathing Problems?
Understanding Nighttime Chest Pain: Causes and Solutions
Respiration Occasionally, I experience a sharp pain on the left side of my chest when taking a deep breath. This often occurs around midnight, just before going to sleep.
Dr. Zhong Weisheng reply Internal Medicine
Occasionally, I experience sharp pain on the left side of my chest when taking a deep breath. It is recommended to visit a hospital to consult a physician for a physical examination, and if necessary, to undergo an electrocardiogram (ECG) and chest X-ray. Dr. Chuang Wei-Sheng.[Read More] Understanding Nighttime Chest Pain: Causes and Solutions
Understanding Nutritional Challenges in Dialysis Patients: A Caregiver's Guide
Dialysis Hello: My mother-in-law has been on peritoneal dialysis for 6 years. Due to her not eating or drinking and being inactive, she has developed malnutrition and dehydration. Recently, she was urgently hospitalized and a nasogastric tube was inserted for feeding with glucose...
Dr. Zhong Weisheng reply Internal Medicine
Regarding your question about how long a patient can sustain themselves after discharge without intravenous fluids, only taking oral medications for feeding (considering they have diabetes and complications from dialysis), it is difficult to determine solely from online informati...[Read More] Understanding Nutritional Challenges in Dialysis Patients: A Caregiver's Guide
Understanding Myocardial Perfusion Scintigraphy: Safety, Risks, and Suitability
Nuclear Medicine Myocardial Perfusion Imaging Dr. Zhong: Hello! May I ask about the purpose of a nuclear medicine myocardial perfusion scan? Will there be any discomfort or side effects? Is it suitable for individuals who are physically weak? What precautions should be taken? Are...
Dr. Zhong Weisheng reply Internal Medicine
In patients suspected of having coronary artery ischemic heart disease but without typical angina symptoms, non-invasive tests are conducted for screening prior to coronary angiography. These tests include exercise electrocardiography, echocardiography, and nuclear medicine myoca...[Read More] Understanding Myocardial Perfusion Scintigraphy: Safety, Risks, and Suitability
Managing Mildly Elevated Low Blood Pressure: Links to Obesity and Fatty Liver
Mildly elevated low blood pressure? 1. How to manage slightly elevated low blood pressure? 2. Is it related to obesity and fatty liver?
Dr. Zhong Weisheng reply Internal Medicine
The low blood pressure you mentioned likely refers to elevated diastolic pressure, which is also a form of hypertension. According to the JNC VII (the seventh report of the Joint National Committee on Prevention, Detection, Evaluation, and Treatment of High Blood Pressure), the c...[Read More] Managing Mildly Elevated Low Blood Pressure: Links to Obesity and Fatty Liver
Persistent Cough After Cold: Understanding Allergic Cough and Treatment Options
Persistent cough that does not improve? I have been experiencing a persistent cough since catching a cold last year. I consulted a doctor and took medication, but there has been no improvement (I had an X-ray, and my lungs showed no phlegm or abnormalities). The traditional Chine...
Dr. Zhong Weisheng reply Internal Medicine
Dear Miss Bao Bei, Thank you for your letter. If a persistent cough lasts for more than three weeks, a chest X-ray and sputum test should be performed to rule out tuberculosis and tumors. Next, it is important to check for the possibility of post-nasal drip or gastroesophageal r...[Read More] Persistent Cough After Cold: Understanding Allergic Cough and Treatment Options
Understanding Dry Cough in Hypertension Patients: Causes and Solutions
Antihypertensive medications and dry cough? Current medications include: 1. Tenormin 100 mg tablet (Atenolol) 2. Posterisan Forte ointment 10 g 3. Prozac 20 mg dispersible tablet (Fluoxetine) 4. Renitec tablet 5 mg (Enalapril) 5. Moduretic tablet (Amiloride and Hydrochlorothiazid...
Dr. Zhong Weisheng reply Internal Medicine
The dry cough mentioned in your letter is most likely caused by the medication Renitec (Enalapril) 5 mg. It is recommended to discontinue this medication. If blood pressure increases, you may consider adding a non-angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitor. Thank you for your letter...[Read More] Understanding Dry Cough in Hypertension Patients: Causes and Solutions
Best Times to Measure Blood Pressure for Accurate Readings
Measuring blood pressure Dear Director: Hello, may I ask when is the most accurate time to measure blood pressure? 1. Measuring while lying in bed right after waking up (regardless of time) 2. Measuring after completing morning routines (washing face, brushing teeth) (regardless ...
Dr. Zhong Weisheng reply Internal Medicine
Hello: In a normal person, blood pressure fluctuates throughout the 24-hour day. Generally, it is lower during sleep and in the early morning, while it tends to be higher in the afternoon until just before bedtime. Blood pressure measurements should be taken at the same time each...[Read More] Best Times to Measure Blood Pressure for Accurate Readings
Understanding Sneezing: Is It Normal to Smell Unusual Odors?
sneezing Hello Doctor, I would like to ask a question. When I sneeze, I cover my nose with my hand, and sometimes I notice an unusual smell. Could this indicate a problem with my body? Thank you for your response amidst your busy schedule.
Dr. Zhong Weisheng reply Internal Medicine
Covering your mouth when sneezing is a good hygiene practice. If you sometimes notice an unusual odor, it may originate from your oral cavity, teeth, or nasopharynx. Therefore, it is recommended to brush your teeth regularly and avoid smoking. If the odor persists, consider visit...[Read More] Understanding Sneezing: Is It Normal to Smell Unusual Odors?
Understanding Morning Urine Color Changes: What Deep Yellow Means
The first urine of the morning? Hello, doctor: The first urine in the morning was nearly clear and colorless, but when I woke up and went to the bathroom for the first time today, the urine was dark yellow, which surprised me. Is there something wrong with my body that caused the...
Dr. Zhong Weisheng reply Internal Medicine
A-Qiang: The normal color of urine is yellow, and its shade is related to the amount of water intake. When you drink plenty of water, the urine is close to clear and colorless; when you drink less water, the urine appears dark yellow. Dr. Zhong Weisheng.[Read More] Understanding Morning Urine Color Changes: What Deep Yellow Means
Can You Get the Flu Vaccine with a Mild Cold? What You Need to Know
Is it okay to receive the flu vaccine if I have a mild cold? Is it okay to get the flu vaccine if I have a mild cold? I'm concerned about catching the flu since the vaccine is currently free, and I really want to get vaccinated. However, I feel like I might have a slight col...
Dr. Zhong Weisheng reply Internal Medicine
Is it safe to receive the flu vaccine when having a mild cold? Generally, individuals with fever, egg allergies, or those who have experienced adverse reactions to previous vaccinations should avoid receiving the vaccine. Others may receive the flu vaccine after evaluation by a p...[Read More] Can You Get the Flu Vaccine with a Mild Cold? What You Need to Know
Understanding Lantus: 24-Hour Insulin for Type 2 Diabetes Management
The 24-hour long-acting formulation for type 2 diabetes is Lantus (insulin glargine)? In Keelung Municipal Hospital, regarding the long-acting formulation of insulin for type 2 diabetes, Lantus (insulin glargine), the hospital can provide this medication to patients in need. The ...
Dr. Zhong Weisheng reply Internal Medicine
Delina: Hello, thank you for your message! Regarding the availability of medications, it varies between hospitals. Since your inquiry pertains to the insulin preparations at Keelung Hospital, could you please contact them directly for more accurate information? Thank you, Wei-She...[Read More] Understanding Lantus: 24-Hour Insulin for Type 2 Diabetes Management
Feeling of a Foreign Body When Swallowing: Causes and Solutions
Feeling of a foreign body sensation when swallowing saliva? Hello Dr. Zhong, I started having gastroscopies about three years ago, and the results showed chronic gastritis and esophagitis. The doctor mentioned that my esophagitis was due to excessive gastric acid reflux. After ...
Dr. Zhong Weisheng reply Internal Medicine
Kelly: Hello, regarding the sensation of a foreign body when swallowing saliva, it is recommended to consult an "Otolaryngologist" to examine the nasopharynx and oropharynx for any abnormalities. If there are no issues, you may then see a Gastroenterologist for an esoph...[Read More] Feeling of a Foreign Body When Swallowing: Causes and Solutions
Understanding Low White Blood Cell Count: Causes and Implications
Leukopenia Hello Doctor: I would like to ask a question regarding white blood cells. During a previous health check, it was found that my white blood cell count was around 3300. Since my student years, my white blood cell count has consistently been low (approximately 3200-3600) ...
Dr. Zhong Weisheng reply Internal Medicine
Yong-En: The white blood cell count is around 3300, which can be considered relatively low. It is essential to also consider the red blood cell and platelet counts, as well as the differential white blood cell count. Additionally, in clinical practice, it is important to assess w...[Read More] Understanding Low White Blood Cell Count: Causes and Implications
Understanding Adrenal Tumors: Symptoms, Treatment, and Family Risks
Adrenal adenoma issues? Hello Doctor: Last week, I went back to the neurology department to review my report, which indicated that my adrenal hormone levels are elevated. The doctor mentioned that this could likely be the reason for my hypertension at a young age. I have been tak...
Dr. Zhong Weisheng reply Internal Medicine
Hello QQ: First, to answer your personal questions, 1. There are many causes of hypertension. Of course, in younger individuals, the occurrence of hypertension is significantly related to adrenal tumors. However, a definitive diagnosis must be made through various examinations (s...[Read More] Understanding Adrenal Tumors: Symptoms, Treatment, and Family Risks
How to Lower Blood Pressure in a 22-Year-Old Male: Tips and Strategies
Blood pressure A 22-year-old male, 169 cm tall, weighing 69 kg, with a systolic blood pressure of 140. What can be done to improve this? Thank you!
Dr. Zhong Weisheng reply Internal Medicine
A-Ming: Basically, you are a young man; your weight is slightly above normal. If you can exercise more and reduce your intake of oil and salt, control your weight, and continue to monitor your blood pressure, that would be great. Thank you for your question, Dr. Chung Wei-Sheng.[Read More] How to Lower Blood Pressure in a 22-Year-Old Male: Tips and Strategies
How to Lower Your Blood Pressure: Tips for Managing 140 mmHg Systolic
Blood pressure If your systolic blood pressure is 140, here are some ways to improve it: 1. **Dietary Changes**: Adopt a heart-healthy diet that includes plenty of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean proteins. Reduce sodium intake and limit processed foods. 2. **Regular ...
Dr. Zhong Weisheng reply Internal Medicine
Dear Xiao Ming: According to the Seventh Report of the Joint National Committee on Prevention, Detection, Evaluation, and Treatment of High Blood Pressure (JNC 7) in the United States, hypertension is defined as having two or more resting blood pressure measurements greater than ...[Read More] How to Lower Your Blood Pressure: Tips for Managing 140 mmHg Systolic
Understanding Primary Pulmonary Hypertension: Key Differences from General Hypertension
Primary pulmonary hypertension What is primary pulmonary hypertension, and how does it differ from general hypertension?
Dr. Zhong Weisheng reply Internal Medicine
Xiao Guo: What you are asking about is primary pulmonary hypertension and how it differs from general hypertension. Pulmonary hypertension refers to the increased pressure in the pulmonary arteries due to primary pulmonary vascular diseases (primary pulmonary hypertension) accomp...[Read More] Understanding Primary Pulmonary Hypertension: Key Differences from General Hypertension
Understanding Abnormal Vaginal Bleeding: A Young Woman's Concerns
Abnormal uterine bleeding? I am a nineteen-year-old woman. When I have a bowel movement, if I push a little, there is a lot of blood. The bright red blood does not stick to the stool; it drips down immediately after the stool comes out. I am very scared and hesitant to see a doct...
Dr. Zhong Weisheng reply Smoking Cessation
Hello, young lady: Based on the symptoms you described, experiencing blood in your stool after straining is most likely indicative of hemorrhoids. To confirm the diagnosis, a simple rectal examination by a physician is sufficient. Of course, tumors are also a possibility, but giv...[Read More] Understanding Abnormal Vaginal Bleeding: A Young Woman's Concerns