Understanding Breathing Difficulties: Causes and When to Seek Help
Respiratory distress Hello Doctor: I have been experiencing difficulty breathing for the past few weeks, along with persistent phlegm in my throat, but no coughing. Although I don't wake up every one or two hours at night, I do have trouble falling asleep due to breathing di...
Dr. Xiao Yongxun Reply:
Dear Mr. Zhu: 1. There are many causes of dyspnea; it can be caused by pulmonary diseases, cardiac conditions, psychological factors, or metabolic disorders, among others. 2. Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome (ARDS) has a very strict definition and its symptoms are quite sev...[Read More] Understanding Breathing Difficulties: Causes and When to Seek Help
Understanding Pain and Swelling in the Finger Joint Area
Swelling and pain at the joint connection of the index finger? Hello, doctor. In recent years, I have frequently experienced pain near the joint of my right index finger, close to the palm, but it is not joint pain. I'm not sure how to describe this area. It is visibly swoll...
Dr. Chen Bozhang Reply:
Dear Ms. Hsuan-Hsuan, Thank you for your message regarding the swelling and pain at the joint of your index finger, which occurs intermittently. I recommend that you visit a rheumatology clinic (a subspecialty of internal medicine) for further evaluation by a physician to deter...[Read More] Understanding Pain and Swelling in the Finger Joint Area
Understanding Chest and Back Pain: When to Seek Medical Help
Chest pain and back pain issues? Hello Doctor: About two years ago, I suddenly woke up in the middle of the night due to severe stabbing pain near my heart. In the afternoon, I experienced the same type of pain again. A few days later, I had similar severe stabbing pain on the ri...
Dr. Chen Bozhang Reply:
Hello Ms. Chen: You mentioned experiencing intermittent pain near your heart, which resembles symptoms commonly referred to as palpitations. This may stem from abnormal heartbeats or issues with other organs. It is advisable for you to visit a cardiology or family medicine clinic...[Read More] Understanding Chest and Back Pain: When to Seek Medical Help
Understanding Blood Test Results: What Your Numbers Really Mean
Blood test report examination? Hello Dr. Hsiao, I am currently studying abroad, and my school recently required me to undergo a health check locally. I visited the hospital last week and returned today to review my report. My lab results show: Hb 16.0, Ht 45.6, RBC 5.20, WBC 4....
Dr. Xiao Yongxun Reply:
Dear Mr. Hs: 1. All examinations or tests, including Complete Blood Counts (CBC), must be interpreted in conjunction with clinical symptoms. Clinical teaching focuses on critical thinking, utilizing clinical symptoms, chief complaints, physical examinations, laboratory data, and...[Read More] Understanding Blood Test Results: What Your Numbers Really Mean
Chest Pain When Lying Down: Understanding Causes and Solutions
Chest pain in specific positions? Hello, doctor. I have had trouble sleeping easily since my student days. In the past three to four years, I have noticed that sleeping in a position where my body is flat, my arms are raised, and my head is resting on the pillow helps me fall asl...
Dr. Xiao Yongxun Reply:
Dear Ms. H: 1. When a clinician addresses the issue of chest pain, the first four critical conditions to rule out are myocardial infarction, pulmonary embolism, pneumothorax, and aortic dissection. If none of these conditions are present, differential diagnoses should be conside...[Read More] Chest Pain When Lying Down: Understanding Causes and Solutions
Understanding Abnormal Symptoms: Breast Asymmetry, Flaking, and Dizziness
Abnormal symptoms I have the following questions for the doctor: 1. Is it normal for the positions of the nipples to be asymmetrical? It's not very noticeable; you have to look closely to see it, but it appears that the left nipple is about one centimeter lower than the ri...
Dr. Wu Zongying Reply:
Based solely on your description, I cannot determine whether you have breast cancer. However, the position of the nipples does not necessarily have to be symmetrical, as long as there are no abnormal lumps internally. Flaking skin accompanied by itching in the breast area is not ...[Read More] Understanding Abnormal Symptoms: Breast Asymmetry, Flaking, and Dizziness
How to Manage Bowel Movement Timing for Better Sleep Quality
Bowel issues Hello doctor, I am 20 years old. Recently, I have been going to bed between midnight and 1 AM and waking up at 7 AM. Although I feel sleepy, I experience a strong urge to have a bowel movement and have to go to the bathroom. My stools are somewhat soft and moist, wit...
Dr. Ye Qianyu Reply:
Hello! Based on your description, you have diverticulitis, and it is important to maintain regular bowel movements. Having a consistent daily schedule for bowel movements can benefit your intestinal health. The timing of bowel movements is related to your biological clock, so you...[Read More] How to Manage Bowel Movement Timing for Better Sleep Quality
Understanding Left Mid-Back Pain and Its Impact on Arm Mobility
Pain in the middle to lower left back, causing difficulty in raising the left arm? My mother is 72 years old and has been experiencing pain on the left side of her mid to upper back, near the outer side, for the past three months. This back pain has affected her left arm's m...
Dr. Wu Zongying Reply:
Hello: Your mother's pain can first be evaluated by a rehabilitation specialist. If it is simply pain caused by muscle fiber inflammation, physical therapy in rehabilitation can help improve her condition. However, we cannot rule out other visceral or skeletal issues that ma...[Read More] Understanding Left Mid-Back Pain and Its Impact on Arm Mobility
Understanding Shoulder Tightness: Causes and Treatment Options
The shoulders feel very tight? Two to three years ago, I went to a traditional Chinese medicine clinic for rehabilitation. The doctor used suction cups on my shoulders, and the nurse applied them with excessive force, which caused tightness in my shoulders and neck, affecting my ...
Dr. Liu Hongxiang Reply:
Hello, Based on your message, you have been experiencing shoulder, neck, and other bodily symptoms for 2-3 years, and previous treatments do not seem to have improved your condition. There may be an issue related to the musculoskeletal system. If possible, it would be beneficia...[Read More] Understanding Shoulder Tightness: Causes and Treatment Options
Excessive Thirst: Understanding Potential Health Issues and Testing Options
Drinking Water Issues I have been drinking much more water than others since middle school. After high school, I started drinking at least 5,000 milliliters a day, and now as a college freshman, it has been 7 years. I'm wondering if I might have some underlying health issues...
Dr. Xiao Yongxun Reply:
Dear Mr. Mama's Boy: 1. Medically speaking, "drinking too much water" is not considered a risk factor for diseases such as diabetes, thyroid disorders, or anemia. Unless there are specific underlying conditions, physicians typically do not restrict patients'...[Read More] Excessive Thirst: Understanding Potential Health Issues and Testing Options
CT Scan with Non-Ionic Contrast: Diabetes and Medication Considerations
Non-ionic contrast agent for brain CT (computed tomography)? CT scan of the brain: I have had diabetes for 8 years, and my recent blood tests show normal kidney function. Below are the medications I am taking: Metabolism specialist: Metformin HCl 850 mg, Lyrica (pregabalin) 75 ...
Dr. Ye Qianyu Reply:
Hello! Here are the answers to your questions: Question 1: The medication that needs to be discontinued is "Metformin HCl 850mg." The discontinuation period is the day of the CT scan and the two days before and after, totaling five days. For example, if the CT scan is...[Read More] CT Scan with Non-Ionic Contrast: Diabetes and Medication Considerations
Understanding Unexplained Upper Back Pain: When to Seek Medical Help
Unknown back pain Hello, I am a 29-year-old male, 178 cm tall, and weighing 62 kg. About two weeks ago, I noticed that I experience pain in the upper middle part of my back when I take a deep breath, but there is no discomfort during normal breathing. Additionally, I feel pain in...
Dr. Wu Zongying Reply:
Based on your symptoms, it appears to be primarily a neuromuscular issue. The lungs do not have sensory nerves, so if there is pain, it is usually related to the surrounding thoracic structures. If you also experience symptoms such as cough, fever, or chills, it is more likely to...[Read More] Understanding Unexplained Upper Back Pain: When to Seek Medical Help
Loss of Appetite and Weight: What Tests Should You Consider?
In the past three weeks, there has been a loss of appetite, and weight has decreased by nearly 5 kilograms. What tests should be conducted? Hello, Doctor. I have been experiencing a loss of appetite, and over the past three weeks, I have lost nearly 5 kilograms. I'm unsure i...
Dr. Ye Qianyu Reply:
Hello! Based on your description of decreased appetite and weight loss over the past three weeks, it is recommended that you bring your previous examination reports and visit a family medicine outpatient clinic for evaluation.[Read More] Loss of Appetite and Weight: What Tests Should You Consider?
Is There a Link Between Proteinuria and Birth Control Pills?
Is there a relationship between proteinuria and medication? Recently, a routine check-up showed 1+ protein in my urine. I started taking pre-exposure prophylaxis two months ago. Is there a connection?
Dr. Xiao Yongxun Reply:
Dear Ms. Rona: 1. There are various pharmacological mechanisms available to reduce the chances of conception, such as preventing ovulation, interfering with egg development or maturation, or disrupting pregnancy. Currently, the most commonly used pharmacological method to preven...[Read More] Is There a Link Between Proteinuria and Birth Control Pills?
Understanding Elevated MCV: Causes and Health Implications
Blood issues - blood test report? Dear Dr. Yeh, I underwent two physical examinations on June 22, 2020, and August 31, 2020. In the first blood test, my mean corpuscular volume (MCV) was 101.5 fL (normal range: 80-100 fL), and in the second test, it was 103.3 fL. Could you pleas...
Dr. Ye Qianyu Reply:
Hello! The condition you mentioned needs to be evaluated along with the white blood cell count. It is recommended that you bring the complete report to a hematologist for examination. Additionally, if you have a habit of drinking alcohol, please refrain from it to minimize its im...[Read More] Understanding Elevated MCV: Causes and Health Implications
Understanding Common Health Concerns: Weakness, Tremors, and More
Preliminary Assessment Your questions: Hello doctor, I have many things I would like to ask, and I sincerely hope you can help clarify them one by one. Thank you in advance! 1. I have noticed that my thighs and lower legs feel weak. This seems to have been going on for some tim...
Dr. Ye Qianyu Reply:
Hello! Here are the answers to your questions: 1+2. Based on your description, the issue of body tremors may be caused by muscle weakness or endocrine problems. It is recommended that you consult with a specialist in endocrinology. Please avoid foods that contain caffeine or st...[Read More] Understanding Common Health Concerns: Weakness, Tremors, and More
Understanding Summer Breathing Issues: When to Seek Medical Help
Respiratory issues Hello, doctor! During the summer, I often experience a sensation of not being able to breathe, and I need to take deep breaths to relieve it. However, this only happens in the summer, and I don't have any particular discomfort at night while sleeping. This...
Dr. Chen Bozhang Reply:
Hello! If you have any concerns, it is recommended to consult with a family medicine clinic. Thank you![Read More] Understanding Summer Breathing Issues: When to Seek Medical Help
Understanding Symptoms: When to Seek Medical Help for Breathing Issues
Shortness of breath, rapid heartbeat, insomnia, constipation? I am currently a high school student with no obesity issues and no history of congenital heart disease or asthma. A few years ago, a traditional Chinese medicine practitioner suggested that I might have an arrhythmia, ...
Dr. Huang Hongshuo Reply:
Please measure your blood pressure and heart rate once or twice a day, noting the time and any activities prior to measurement, as well as whether you are experiencing any discomfort at that time. Your current diet is significantly unbalanced; please consult a nutritionist about ...[Read More] Understanding Symptoms: When to Seek Medical Help for Breathing Issues
Understanding Low Potassium: Hormonal Imbalance and Heart Palpitations
Hypokalemia, hormonal imbalance, palpitations? Hello doctor, I often feel discomfort in my throat, like something is stuck. Sometimes I also experience anxiety or palpitations. After work, when I get home to rest, I inexplicably feel cold. I frequently have low potassium levels. ...
Dr. Wu Zongying Reply:
Hello: Hypokalemia can be supplemented by consuming more fruits and vegetables, especially acidic fruits which are higher in potassium. Regarding the weight loss you mentioned in your letter, it is difficult for me to provide recommendations without your BMI. Increasing physical ...[Read More] Understanding Low Potassium: Hormonal Imbalance and Heart Palpitations
Understanding Uncommon Symptoms: Weakness, Tremors, and More
Recent unusual phenomena Hello, doctor. There are many things I would like to ask for your help with, and I sincerely appreciate your assistance in advance! 1. I have noticed that my legs, particularly from the thighs down, feel weak. This seems to have been going on for some ti...
Dr. Liao Yaopan Reply:
Hello, regarding the concerns mentioned above, it is advisable to visit the relevant medical department in person along with your parents for an evaluation. Online consultations are not equivalent to in-person visits and cannot provide diagnoses or treatment recommendations. Chan...[Read More] Understanding Uncommon Symptoms: Weakness, Tremors, and More