Understanding Blood Sugar Control: Are Your Symptoms a Sign of Diabetes?
Blood sugar control Hello, Doctor: After taking two tablets of medication (Shu Wei Yin and Fu Shi Ning), I started experiencing dry mouth and increased hunger. Since my mother has diabetes, I'm unsure if this is a side effect of the medication or a precursor to diabetes. I h...
Dr. Wu Zongying Reply:
Hello: Based on the description and information you provided in your letter, it appears that you have not yet reached the level of diabetes. The diagnostic criteria for diabetes include a fasting blood glucose level of 126 mg/dL or higher, a random or postprandial blood glucose l...[Read More] Understanding Blood Sugar Control: Are Your Symptoms a Sign of Diabetes?
Managing Low Potassium: Heart Rhythm Issues and Breathing Difficulties
Hypokalemia, arrhythmia, dyspnea, hypertension? I would like to ask the doctor if hypokalemic periodic paralysis lasts a long time? I have had low potassium levels for 7 months! I don't know what to do; I have been seeing a nephrologist and taking medication, which makes it ...
Dr. Cai Dongqi Reply:
Hello, generally speaking, excessive potassium loss in a short period may be due to the use of diuretics, diarrhea, vomiting, or excessive sweating. Another reason could be insufficient daily intake combined with a high-sodium diet, leading to an electrolyte imbalance. If you are...[Read More] Managing Low Potassium: Heart Rhythm Issues and Breathing Difficulties
Concerns About Poisoning and Health Checkups After Water Purchase
Suspected poisoning? Last month, I went out to pick up a large container of drinking water. After getting the water, I thought about going to the market to buy some things. I left the water on the motorcycle footrest, not next to me. When I returned from shopping, I wondered if s...
Dr. Liao Yaopan Reply:
Hello, regarding the issue of "toxins," if there are any concerns, it may be necessary to report it to the authorities. For the second question, it is recommended to visit a nearby hospital for a self-paid health check-up. Please note that online consultations are not e...[Read More] Concerns About Poisoning and Health Checkups After Water Purchase
Understanding Eosinophil Levels in Type 2 Diabetes: What You Need to Know
Eosinophils Type 2 diabetes diagnosed for 8 years. Blood test report shows Eosinophil count at 9.5% (normal range: 1-6%). Previous results include: 8.0% on May 28, 2020; 7.2% on December 26, 2019; 9.2% on May 25, 2019; and 7.6% on October 24, 2017. Other lab results: - AC: 115...
Dr. Xiao Yongxun Reply:
Dear Mr. AC: 1. The main causes of eosinophilia (eosinophilic leukocytosis) include allergic diseases, parasitic infections, and certain cancers (such as Hodgkin's lymphoma). Your eosinophil count is indeed slightly elevated, but not significantly so; it may be a normal var...[Read More] Understanding Eosinophil Levels in Type 2 Diabetes: What You Need to Know
Should You Get Rabies and Tetanus Shots After Cat Scratches?
Scratched by a feral cat? If your daughter was scratched by a stray cat, it is important to consider rabies and tetanus vaccinations. Since she was scratched three times by different cats, it is advisable to consult a healthcare professional. For rabies, the risk depends on the...
Dr. Chen Bozhang Reply:
Hello! The initial symptoms of rabies are nonspecific, such as fever, sore throat, chills, malaise, loss of appetite, vomiting, difficulty breathing, cough, weakness, anxiety, and headache, or specific symptoms related to the site of a bite or scratch. After several days, symptom...[Read More] Should You Get Rabies and Tetanus Shots After Cat Scratches?
Understanding Leg Weakness and Hip Pain: A Guide for Patients
Weakness and cramping in the feet, hip joint pain? Symptom 1: Weakness and cramping pain in the legs, possibly a sequela of nerve damage from a dog bite several years ago. Symptom 2: Hip joint pain, which has recently developed; it is uncertain whether it is due to being overwe...
Dr. Chen Bozhang Reply:
Hello! If you have any concerns, it is advisable to visit a family medicine clinic for consultation, where a professional physician can provide diagnosis and treatment. Thank you![Read More] Understanding Leg Weakness and Hip Pain: A Guide for Patients
Managing High Cholesterol: Do You Need Medication or Natural Alternatives?
High cholesterol? Hello, I would like to ask about my health situation. Two years ago, during my first health check, I found out that my total cholesterol was 350 mg/dL, low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol was 241 mg/dL, and high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol was 60...
Dr. Hou Angting Reply:
1. Since the treatment goals for cholesterol are related to the individual's health condition and diseases, it is recommended to discuss this with the prescribing physician. However, exercise and dietary control remain essential steps. 2. Because red yeast rice from the mate...[Read More] Managing High Cholesterol: Do You Need Medication or Natural Alternatives?
Understanding Sleep-Related Numbness and Dizziness: Causes and Concerns
Numbness in the hands, feet, and head, as well as dizziness during sleep? Hello Dr. Hsiao, Over the past year, I have experienced intermittent numbness in my hands, feet, and head while sleeping. This does not occur continuously but happens during the sleep process. It seems to ...
Dr. Xiao Yongxun Reply:
Dear Miss, 1. There are many causes for numbness in the hands, feet, and head; more common and serious issues include atherosclerosis, atrial fibrillation, gout, hypertension, diabetes, cervical and lumbar spine diseases, vitamin deficiencies, and autonomic nervous system disord...[Read More] Understanding Sleep-Related Numbness and Dizziness: Causes and Concerns
Post-Surgery Health Decline: Understanding Symptoms and Next Steps
After the surgery, my father's health has deteriorated significantly? My father is currently 53 years old and has been smoking for at least 30 years. He does not drink alcohol and occasionally chews betel nut. He has obstructive sleep apnea and underwent extensive surgery in...
Dr. Liao Yaopan Reply:
Hello, it is essential to return to the outpatient clinic of the primary surgeon for follow-up after surgery. Any concerns should be discussed and evaluated with the attending physician, who will determine if a referral to another subspecialty is necessary. Chronic diseases shoul...[Read More] Post-Surgery Health Decline: Understanding Symptoms and Next Steps
Understanding Blood Sugar Levels in Children with Influenza Fever
Blood sugar levels in children with influenza and fever? Dear Doctor, Last October, my son (6 years and 3 months old) had a fever due to influenza for five days and had some small red spots on his hands. We went to the clinic for a follow-up, and the doctor referred us to a maj...
Dr. Xiao Yongxun Reply:
Dear Mr. Kelvin: 1. There are many diseases associated with fever and rash in children. In our country, it is particularly important to consider varicella (chickenpox), measles, rubella, roseola, enterovirus infections, scarlet fever, infectious erythema, Kawasaki disease, dengu...[Read More] Understanding Blood Sugar Levels in Children with Influenza Fever
Understanding Small Blood Blisters on the Tongue: When to Seek Medical Help
Small blisters on the tongue? Hello doctor, I accidentally bit my tongue, and when I got home and took a shower, I noticed a small area on my tongue that looks like dark blood. Should I seek medical attention for this, or is there something I can do to make it go away? I'm c...
Dr. Xiao Yongxun Reply:
Dear Ms. Yan: When considering oral diseases involving the tongue, the following issues should be taken into account: 1. Common infections of the lips are primarily caused by Candida, leading to thrush, and herpes simplex virus, resulting in oral herpes. 2. Aphthous ulcers, a...[Read More] Understanding Small Blood Blisters on the Tongue: When to Seek Medical Help
Understanding Small Neck Bumps: When to Seek Medical Attention
There is a small bump on the neck? Hello doctor, I have a small bump on my neck. I went to see a dermatologist who said it is a small skin tag and that it’s nothing to worry about since many people have them. Later, I noticed that my mother also has one. I would like to ask if th...
Dr. Xiao Yongxun Reply:
If a tumor appears on the skin, the first step is to differentiate between benign and malignant. 1. Common benign tumors include sebaceous cysts, lipomas, dermatofibromas, molluscum contagiosum, seborrheic keratosis, xanthomas, and various nevi. If the tumor causes pain, leads to...[Read More] Understanding Small Neck Bumps: When to Seek Medical Attention
Understanding Low White Blood Cell Count: When to See a Hematologist?
Leukopenia Hello, I am a 62-year-old female. I have been under follow-up care in the rheumatology and immunology department for the past three years. Aside from occasional elevated ANA (antinuclear antibody) levels of 1:160, all other tests for rheumatic and autoimmune diseases h...
Dr. Huang Xunying Reply:
1. A one-time occurrence of leukopenia may be due to some underlying infections (without physical symptoms), so it is still recommended to monitor the situation. I believe your rheumatologist will arrange for further follow-up, so there is no need to worry too much. Maintain a ba...[Read More] Understanding Low White Blood Cell Count: When to See a Hematologist?
Understanding Ear Insects: Symptoms and Care Tips for Your Ears
If there is a bug that has entered the ear? Hello doctor, a few days ago I suddenly felt an itch in my ear and was unsure if an ant or a fruit fly had gotten in. Although I saw an otolaryngologist today who said it was just earwax, I would like to ask what symptoms might indicate...
Dr. Xiao Yongxun Reply:
Dear Mr. Gen Gen: 1. Various types of insects can accidentally enter the human external auditory canal, commonly including ants, small cockroaches, and fruit flies. Symptoms typically include itching and pain. It is not advisable to attempt removal with cotton swabs or sharp obj...[Read More] Understanding Ear Insects: Symptoms and Care Tips for Your Ears
Understanding Persistent Itching: When to Consult a Specialist
Itchy sensation from the widow's peak to the forehead, extending to the bridge of the nose and the upper and lower gums? Since childhood, I have experienced itching issues from the widow's peak down to the bridge of my nose and along the gums of my upper and lower front...
Dr. Ye Qianyu Reply:
Hello! Abnormal neurological sensations that severely affect sleep may warrant a consultation with a psychiatrist.[Read More] Understanding Persistent Itching: When to Consult a Specialist
Understanding Persistent High Body Temperature: When to Seek Medical Help
Abnormal elevated body temperature? Hello doctor, I am inquiring on behalf of my wife, who is 28 years old. Here is the situation: she has had an elevated body temperature for about two weeks, with different readings from each ear. One ear measures between 36.8°C and 37.4°C, whil...
Dr. Liao Yaopan Reply:
Hello, your persistently elevated body temperature may primarily be due to an infection, but other causes such as autoimmune diseases or tumors should also be ruled out. It is recommended to seek further evaluation from specialists in infectious diseases and immunology/rheumatolo...[Read More] Understanding Persistent High Body Temperature: When to Seek Medical Help
Understanding Sudden Dizziness: When to Worry and When to Relax
Sometimes I suddenly feel dizzy? Hello Doctor: I am not sure if this is related to the increasingly hot weather, but I have occasionally experienced dizziness when sitting or standing up from a low position. I consulted an ENT specialist who mentioned that it is considered normal...
Dr. Xiao Yongxun Reply:
Dear Mr. Chen, There are many causes of dizziness, which can be primarily categorized as follows: 1. Dizziness originating from peripheral issues (approximately 40%): - Meniere's disease - Vestibular neuronitis and acute labyrinthitis - Benign paroxysmal positiona...[Read More] Understanding Sudden Dizziness: When to Worry and When to Relax
Understanding Post-Surgery Symptoms and Infection Risks in Elderly Care
Please consult a doctor for your questions? Hello, Dr. Hsiao. Last week, my grandfather had surgery for a liver tumor at Taipei Veterans General Hospital in Neihu. I occasionally help take care of him. After the surgery, he stayed in the intensive care unit for two days before be...
Dr. Xiao Yongxun Reply:
Dear Ms. Hs: 1. The primary mode of transmission for COVID-19 is through direct contact with respiratory secretions or droplets containing the virus. The estimated incubation period is mostly between 1 to 14 days, with the most common duration being around 5 days. Clinical manif...[Read More] Understanding Post-Surgery Symptoms and Infection Risks in Elderly Care
Understanding Intermittent Foot Pain: Causes and Solutions
Pain and swelling in the soles of the feet? Hello Doctor: Occasionally, I experience sudden swelling and pain in the ball of my foot and toes. The affected area appears slightly red and swollen, and I feel pain when walking or pressing on it, but I don't have any particular ...
Dr. Xiao Yongxun Reply:
Dear Ms. Mia: 1. There are many potential differential diagnoses for your issue, with the more common ones being fasciitis, ligamentitis, corns, arthritis, infections, and hallux valgus, among others. Of course, there are also other less common conditions such as gout and autoi...[Read More] Understanding Intermittent Foot Pain: Causes and Solutions
Understanding Hand Pain: Is It a Bone or Muscle Issue?
Bone issues or muscle problems? Hello Doctor, I noticed some mild pain at the base of my right ring finger while washing my hands, although there is no swelling. I later found a specific point near the base close to my palm that is more pronounced when pressed. I applied a medica...
Dr. Xiao Yongxun Reply:
Dear Mr. Zeng: Trigger Finger: 1. Trigger finger is primarily caused by repetitive or forceful use of the fingers or thumb, leading to an inflammatory response in the tendons. Normally, the tendons glide smoothly within the synovial sheath of the finger joints. However, due to ...[Read More] Understanding Hand Pain: Is It a Bone or Muscle Issue?