Understanding Respiratory Distress: Next Steps for Elderly Care
Respiratory distress syndrome Hello, doctor. I would like to inquire on behalf of my elderly family member. Recently, my grandmother has been experiencing shortness of breath for unknown reasons, and she often feels breathless in the mornings. She has a history of diabetes and pr...
Dr. Hou Angting Reply:
Hello: I recommend that you visit the pulmonology outpatient clinic for further evaluation. Wishing you good health.[Read More] Understanding Respiratory Distress: Next Steps for Elderly Care
Understanding Your Health Check Report: Key Lab Values Explained
Questions about health check-up reports? Hello Doctor: I recently had a basic blood test and have some questions regarding the results. Could you please help clarify and provide suggestions based on the following values? Should I visit a hospital for further evaluation? ⭕️ eGFR:...
Dr. Hou Angting Reply:
Hello: In your examination report, aside from elevated low-density lipoprotein cholesterol, your glycated hemoglobin is also within the range of prediabetes. It is recommended that you maintain a healthy diet without overeating and engage in moderate exercise. A follow-up with yo...[Read More] Understanding Your Health Check Report: Key Lab Values Explained
Understanding Persistent Hunger: Is It Related to Your Stomach Issues?
Recently, I have been feeling muscle fatigue? I have recently been experiencing a feeling of hunger, even after eating a full meal. However, I don't want to eat more even though I feel full. I usually drink very little water, often less than 500 ml a day, and sometimes I don...
Dr. Liao Yaopan Reply:
Hello, insufficient and unbalanced food intake, as well as inadequate caloric intake, can potentially lead to bodily imbalances. Based on your description, it is advisable to seek medical attention for an evaluation to determine if there are any underlying causes. Please note tha...[Read More] Understanding Persistent Hunger: Is It Related to Your Stomach Issues?
Understanding Diabetes Diagnosis and Fatty Liver: Key Insights
Diagnosis of Diabetes and Fatty Liver Disease Hello, I would like to ask if a fasting blood glucose level of 126 mg/dL or higher can be considered as type 2 diabetes, or is it necessary to have two separate diagnoses? If two diagnoses are required, how far apart are these tests t...
Dr. Hou Angting Reply:
Hello: If your fasting blood glucose is above 100, it is recommended that you maintain a healthy diet and engage in moderate exercise. Additionally, you should visit a family medicine physician for follow-up and assessment three months after your last test. The causes of fatty li...[Read More] Understanding Diabetes Diagnosis and Fatty Liver: Key Insights
Unexplained Weight Loss: When to Seek Medical Advice?
Weight loss The last time I measured my weight was around March or April of this year, and the result was 59 kilograms. Before that, I had maintained a weight of 56 kilograms for a full seven years. I was initially relieved that I finally started to gain weight, but today my weig...
Dr. Xiao Yongxun Reply:
Dear Mr. Hsu: 1. There are many reasons for weight loss; common diseases include hyperthyroidism, diabetes, cancer, depression, schizophrenia, anorexia nervosa, chronic peptic ulcers, inflammatory bowel disease, chronic pancreatitis, esophageal stricture, hepatitis, and cirrhosi...[Read More] Unexplained Weight Loss: When to Seek Medical Advice?
Which Medical Specialty Should You Consult After COVID-19 Symptoms?
Which specialty should I see? Hello Doctor, I contracted COVID-19 two months ago, experiencing symptoms such as cough, sore throat, body aches, loss of appetite, nausea, and difficulty breathing. I did not seek medical attention during that time. After recovering (with a negative...
Dr. Hou Angting Reply:
Hello: After being infected with COVID-19, some individuals may experience discomforting symptoms. It is recommended that you visit an otolaryngology clinic for further evaluation. Wishing you good health.[Read More] Which Medical Specialty Should You Consult After COVID-19 Symptoms?
Understanding Decreased Appetite and Weight Loss in Older Adults
Weight loss and decreased appetite? Hello, my mother has recently been feeling increasingly thin, although her weight hasn't decreased. We have noticed that her arm muscles feel soft, and her buttocks seem to have slimmed down. Additionally, she hasn't had much appetite...
Dr. Lin Zhebin Reply:
Hello: There are many reasons that can cause weight loss and loss of appetite, including endocrine disorders (such as diabetes and thyroid issues), gastrointestinal diseases, heart diseases, liver diseases, kidney diseases, cancer, infectious diseases, and side effects of medicat...[Read More] Understanding Decreased Appetite and Weight Loss in Older Adults
Safe Medication Guidance for COVID-19 Patients with Multiple Conditions
COVID-19 medication consultation Hello Doctor, I inquired about my mother's confirmed diagnosis yesterday, and I appreciate your response! I would like to ask about my mother's telemedicine appointment today. Since I am not nearby and the video signal was intermittent, ...
Dr. Lin Zhebin Reply:
Hello: I will answer your questions in three parts: 1. Paxlovid and liver and kidney function: Paxlovid can be used at full dosage in patients with mild renal impairment and mild to moderate hepatic impairment. In patients with moderate renal impairment, the dosage should be ad...[Read More] Safe Medication Guidance for COVID-19 Patients with Multiple Conditions
Managing COVID-19 Risks for Diabetic Patients: A Care Guide
Diabetes and confirmed COVID-19 infection? Hello Doctor, my mother is 64 years old and has diabetes and hypertension. She has been regularly visiting a family physician and is on long-term medication for control. However, in September 2020, she experienced pancreatitis (suspected...
Dr. Lin Zhebin Reply:
Hello: After contracting COVID-19, the two main concerns are monitoring the progression of the illness and medication treatment: 1. Monitoring the progression of the illness: This can be divided into subjective and objective components. Subjective component: If your mother experi...[Read More] Managing COVID-19 Risks for Diabetic Patients: A Care Guide
Understanding Elevated White Blood Cell Count and Its Connection to Blood Sugar Levels
Elevated white blood cell count? Hello Doctor, I had a blood test two days ago and found that my white blood cell count is 14,930 (but I have no discomfort). What kind of inflammatory conditions could this value indicate? Additionally, my fasting blood glucose is 104. Is there a ...
Dr. Chen Bozhang Reply:
Hello Cherry, In your letter, you mentioned that your blood test showed an elevated white blood cell count. An increase in white blood cell count can commonly be attributed to acute or chronic inflammation. When any organ or system in the body is significantly inflamed, it can t...[Read More] Understanding Elevated White Blood Cell Count and Its Connection to Blood Sugar Levels
Understanding Prediabetes Symptoms: Key Signs You Shouldn't Ignore
Symptoms of Prediabetes Last December, I visited a urologist due to symptoms of frequent urination and erectile dysfunction. At that time, my blood glucose level was 108 after fasting for 8 hours. The doctor prescribed medication for benign prostatic hyperplasia, which improved m...
Dr. Lin Zhebin Reply:
Hello: The typical initial symptoms of diabetes are increased thirst, increased urination, increased appetite, and weight loss (in later stages). The acanthosis nigricans you mentioned is a possible but not common manifestation. As for slow wound healing and blurred vision, these...[Read More] Understanding Prediabetes Symptoms: Key Signs You Shouldn't Ignore
Persistent Numbness and Dizziness After Menstrual Napping: Causes and Concerns
Persistent numbness in the limbs and dizziness after napping during menstruation? Hello, Doctor: I have issues with polycystic ovary syndrome and iron deficiency anemia. My menstrual period started two days ago, and I experienced light bleeding yesterday. After taking a nap today...
Dr. Lin Zhebin Reply:
Hello: I personally believe that your discomfort is more likely due to anemia, as you have iron deficiency anemia. Additionally, your menstrual cycle may exacerbate the anemia. Typical symptoms of anemia include dizziness and weakness, and it is also possible to experience numbne...[Read More] Persistent Numbness and Dizziness After Menstrual Napping: Causes and Concerns
Understanding Hand Color Changes: Is It Normal or a Cause for Concern?
Inquiry Consultation Dear Dr. Lin, I have recently observed that the fingertips of my ten fingers appear much redder compared to the other joints, particularly the second and third joints, which seem paler. I would like to ask if this is a normal phenomenon related to blood flow...
Dr. Lin Zhebin Reply:
Hello: Regarding the issue of your fingertips being more reddish compared to other joints, it is primarily likely due to microvascular dilation in the fingertips. If this has always been the case for you, it may be congenital. If it were a circulation issue, it would typically pr...[Read More] Understanding Hand Color Changes: Is It Normal or a Cause for Concern?
Understanding High Copper Levels in Urine: What You Need to Know
Elevated copper levels in health check-up? Hello Doctor, I had a health check two weeks ago, and my urine test showed the following results: copper (+++), protein (+-), and white blood cells (+). All other parameters like creatinine and uric acid were normal. What could be the ca...
Dr. Lin Zhebin Reply:
Hello: Regarding the elevated ketone levels in your urine test, the most common reason is due to fasting prior to the health examination. Fasting can lead to a decrease in blood glucose levels, causing the body to switch from utilizing glucose to metabolizing fatty acids into ket...[Read More] Understanding High Copper Levels in Urine: What You Need to Know
Understanding Blood Sugar Levels and Acanthosis Nigricans: Key Insights
Blood sugar issues Hello Dr. Hsiao, I am currently 26 years old, 176 cm tall, and I weighed 103 kg at my heaviest. I have now reduced my weight to 89 kg and am continuing to lose weight. My body fat percentage is 23% (down from 32% at my heaviest), and my visceral fat is 12 (down...
Dr. Xiao Yongxun Reply:
Dear Mr. Zhou: 1) Could this indicate prediabetes? Generally, a normal fasting plasma glucose level is less than 100 mg/dL. If it falls between 100 mg/dL and 126 mg/dL, it can be considered as prediabetes or impaired fasting glucose. Of course, if the postprandial glucose level ...[Read More] Understanding Blood Sugar Levels and Acanthosis Nigricans: Key Insights
Understanding Left Leg Stiffness During Sleep: Causes and Solutions
During sleep, the left foot feels tight? Last night, while I was sleeping, I woke up in the middle of the night with discomfort in my left foot. My left foot was stiff and I couldn't bend it for some reason. I was sleeping on my side at the time, and I felt a bit of discomfo...
Dr. Lin Zhebin Reply:
Hello: Regarding the discomfort in your left foot, given your age, I personally believe that the likelihood of cardiovascular or neurological issues is low, unless you have an endocrine disorder (such as type 1 diabetes), an autoimmune disease (such as lupus), or if your left foo...[Read More] Understanding Left Leg Stiffness During Sleep: Causes and Solutions
Understanding Dizziness, High Temperature, and Rapid Heartbeat Symptoms
Dizziness, elevated body temperature, rapid heartbeat? Hello Doctor, I would like to detail my condition and seek your advice on which specialty to consult. Thank you. On April 11 and 12, during dinner time, I experienced symptoms suggestive of hypoglycemia, including mild dizz...
Dr. Lin Zhebin Reply:
Hello: Your symptoms include dizziness, palpitations, numbness in the hands, elevated body temperature, and feelings of hunger. Initially, we would suspect a possible infection, commonly related to the respiratory, gastrointestinal, or urinary tracts. If you do not have any relat...[Read More] Understanding Dizziness, High Temperature, and Rapid Heartbeat Symptoms
Diabetes Management: Understanding Elevated Lab Values After Medication
Diabetes - After medication, the health check values increased in the red? Hello Doctor, I was diagnosed with diabetes on January 5th this year. Here are some key values for your reference: (January 5 report) HbA1c: 11.2% Fasting Glucose: 223 mg/dL Cholesterol: 209 mg/dL Total Bi...
Dr. Hou Angting Reply:
Hello Ms. Liao: It is recommended that you consult with a physician in the Family Medicine department for further advice and to arrange for examinations. Wishing you good health.[Read More] Diabetes Management: Understanding Elevated Lab Values After Medication
High Glycated Hemoglobin with Normal Blood Sugar: Is It Prediabetes?
Is a high level of glycosylated hemoglobin (HbA1c) with normal blood glucose levels indicative of prediabetes? I have been taking antihypertensive and lipid-lowering medications for many years, and I have blood tests every three months. In January, the abnormal results included t...
Dr. Hou Angting Reply:
Hello, dear mother: A glycated hemoglobin level between 5.8 and 6.4 can be classified as prediabetes. Please continue to maintain a healthy diet and engage in moderate exercise, and make sure to have regular follow-ups at the outpatient clinic. Additionally, the presence of abnor...[Read More] High Glycated Hemoglobin with Normal Blood Sugar: Is It Prediabetes?
Understanding Unusual Sensations: What Your Body Might Be Telling You
Strange sensations in the body? Hello, Doctor. Since March 12 of this year, I have been experiencing some strange sensations: 1. I feel as if my ankle or arm is being grabbed, or that someone is pressing down heavily on the top of my head. There was also an instance where I felt ...
Dr. Lin Zhebin Reply:
Hello: Based on your description, from a Western medical perspective, we would likely start by addressing the abnormal sensations and consider the following conditions: 1. Endocrine disorders (such as diabetes or thyroid issues), which may sometimes be accompanied by menstrual ir...[Read More] Understanding Unusual Sensations: What Your Body Might Be Telling You