Understanding Ankle Roughness, Swelling, and Darkening: When to Seek Help
Rough, swollen, and darkened ankles? Recently (about 1-2 weeks ago), I noticed that the skin on my left ankle feels quite rough, accompanied by edema (there are noticeable indentations when pressed). The swollen area is also darker than other parts of the ankle. I have already vi...
Dr. Li Zhenggang Reply:
Hello Mr. X: There are many causes of edema, and based on what you have described, your nephrology examination is normal! You can seek care at the same hospital or at a nearby family medicine or internal medicine facility to review your medical history and symptoms in detail, and...[Read More] Understanding Ankle Roughness, Swelling, and Darkening: When to Seek Help
Understanding and Managing Severe Foot Pain in the Elderly
Grandfather's foot pain issue? Hello doctor, I would like to ask about my grandfather who has been experiencing severe foot pain recently. Initially, he mentioned that his foot had been hurting for a month, and he thought he could just endure it. Eventually, he couldn't...
Dr. Liu Hongxiang Reply:
Hello, Sisi: According to the information provided, it seems that you are currently experiencing pain near the left foot's dorsum close to the ankle. An orthopedic examination with X-rays indicated that the bones appear normal, but there is some degeneration. Additionally, t...[Read More] Understanding and Managing Severe Foot Pain in the Elderly
Understanding Common Health Issues: Dizziness, Cholesterol, and Home Blood Sugar Testing
Dizziness, low high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol, abnormal white blood cell count, home blood glucose monitoring, painless hematuria? 1. **[Adult Health Check, Results Indicated in Red, What Does It Mean?]** Examination Date: 10/19/2022 Test Code: 09015C Creati...
Dr. Lin Zhebin Reply:
Hello: 1. Creatinine is typically a concern when elevated, as high levels indicate declining kidney function, while low levels are often due to lower body weight or muscle mass. The TC/HDL ratio reflects whether there is sufficient good cholesterol (HDL), which has a protective...[Read More] Understanding Common Health Issues: Dizziness, Cholesterol, and Home Blood Sugar Testing
Understanding Chest Discomfort: When to Seek Medical Attention
Chest discomfort? Hello, doctor. About a month ago, I suddenly felt a tightness in my chest as if my heart was being compressed, which lasted for about ten seconds. I was quite worried, so I went to the hospital to see a cardiologist, but the doctor said there was nothing serious...
Dr. Ye Qianyu Reply:
Hello! You can choose the medical specialty based on your symptoms.[Read More] Understanding Chest Discomfort: When to Seek Medical Attention
Understanding Diarrhea and Cramps: Is Your Medication to Blame?
Recently experiencing diarrhea? Hello, I have been prescribed Sivena for menstrual regulation due to low estrogen levels by my gynecologist. Recently, during my workouts, I've experienced cramping in my abdomen followed by diarrhea. Yesterday, my menstrual cycle started, and...
Dr. Lin Zhebin Reply:
Hello: The more common side effects of the medication Siwena for menstrual regulation include breast swelling, nausea, headaches, edema, and irregular vaginal bleeding. Abdominal pain and diarrhea are less common. Based on your description, your abdominal pain and diarrhea may be...[Read More] Understanding Diarrhea and Cramps: Is Your Medication to Blame?
Understanding Unexplained Leg Swelling in Elderly Patients: Causes and Solutions
What could be the possible causes of unexplained swelling in both legs? Hello Dr. Hsiao, I would like to inquire about my grandmother (who is 82 years old). Last month, her lower legs, insteps, and toes suddenly became swollen (like edema, leaving an indentation when pressed). Sh...
Dr. Xiao Yongxun Reply:
Dear Miss Xiao Bei: 1. There are many causes of lower extremity edema, with common ones including heart failure, nephrotic syndrome, liver failure or cirrhosis, deep vein thrombosis of the lower limbs, cellulitis, lymphedema, hypothyroidism, and side effects of medications, amo...[Read More] Understanding Unexplained Leg Swelling in Elderly Patients: Causes and Solutions
Understanding Intermittent Left Side Pain: Causes and Specialist Recommendations
Lower back pain Hello doctor, I have been experiencing intermittent sharp pain on the left side of my ribcage extending towards the area near my spine, specifically to the left of the vertebrae. The pain comes in sudden bursts and is not associated with tenderness or specific pos...
Dr. Xiao Yongxun Reply:
Dear Miss Chuang, 1. Acute pancreatitis is most common in middle-aged individuals, with the most frequent causes being gallstones and alcohol abuse. In milder cases, it can lead to inflammation, edema, and fat necrosis of the pancreas and surrounding tissues. In more severe case...[Read More] Understanding Intermittent Left Side Pain: Causes and Specialist Recommendations
Understanding Intermittent Left Rib Pain: Causes and When to Seek Help
Lower back pain Hello doctor, I have a sharp, intermittent pain that extends from my left rib towards the area near my spine, specifically on the left side of the vertebrae. The pain comes in sudden bursts and is not associated with tenderness or a specific posture. Sometimes it ...
Dr. Xiao Yongxun Reply:
Dear Miss Chuang: 1. Acute pancreatitis is most common in middle-aged individuals, with the most frequent causes being gallstones and alcohol abuse. In milder cases, it can lead to inflammation, edema, and fat necrosis of the pancreas and surrounding tissues. In more severe case...[Read More] Understanding Intermittent Left Rib Pain: Causes and When to Seek Help
Understanding Foot Dorsum Pain: Causes, Treatments, and When to Seek Help
Dorsal foot pain Two nights ago, I strained the muscles on the top of my foot while lifting my legs. At that moment, I felt pain that I thought was just normal soreness from stretching. However, when I got up the next morning and went downstairs, I clearly felt significant pain o...
Dr. Cai Dongqi Reply:
Both orthopedics and rehabilitation medicine are acceptable![Read More] Understanding Foot Dorsum Pain: Causes, Treatments, and When to Seek Help
Understanding Numbness and Itching in Hands and Feet: Causes and Treatments
Numbness, itching, and tingling in the hands and feet? Initially, there was an outbreak of acute urticaria with hives appearing all over the body, and patches on the palms and soles that were very itchy. After taking medication prescribed by the hospital for urticaria, the hives ...
Dr. Chen Bozhang Reply:
Hello Ms. Hsia: You mentioned that after the appearance of acute urticaria, the rash subsided but you still experience swelling, itching, and a prickling sensation in your hands and feet. This could still be a manifestation of an allergic reaction causing vascular edema and infla...[Read More] Understanding Numbness and Itching in Hands and Feet: Causes and Treatments
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?
Swollen Face Upon Waking: Causes and When to Seek Help
Swollen face? In recent days, I have been waking up with a swollen face. I feel tightness in the upper half of the right side of my face, and sometimes I can noticeably feel the swelling, although it is not painful; rather, it feels tight when I move it. My gums and teeth do not ...
Dr. Xiao Yongxun Reply:
Dear Sir: 1. In clinical medicine, edema is classified into localized edema and generalized edema. The causes of edema are numerous; some are due to liver dysfunction leading to insufficient albumin production, which can cause edema. Others may result from heart failure, where i...[Read More] Swollen Face Upon Waking: Causes and When to Seek Help
Understanding Bilateral Leg Edema: Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment Options
Bilateral leg edema? Hello, doctor. About three weeks ago, I started noticing mild swelling in both of my legs. A week ago, the condition worsened, and I gained 3 to 4 kilograms. I feel better upon waking, but my eyelids are puffy, and my scalp feels swollen. I spend most of the ...
Dr. Wu Zongying Reply:
Hello, Thank you for your inquiry regarding the causes of edema. There are many potential causes of edema, including heart failure, kidney disease, liver cirrhosis, the use of certain medications, and pregnancy. Additionally, mild edema can be triggered by factors such as prolo...[Read More] Understanding Bilateral Leg Edema: Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment Options
Understanding Back and Side Pain: Causes and Solutions
Back pain on both sides of the lower back? I have been experiencing pain in both sides of my lower back and back since the day before yesterday. My legs are also swollen, and the pain is so severe that I can't sleep. I'm also experiencing cold sweats.
Dr. Wu Zongying Reply:
Lower back pain is commonly associated with several conditions: 1. Inflammation of the renal and urinary systems: A urinary tract infection (UTI) may initially present with symptoms such as frequent urination, urgency, or discomfort during urination, resembling cystitis. If lef...[Read More] Understanding Back and Side Pain: Causes and Solutions
Concerns About Phimosis: When to Seek Medical Attention?
Please consult a doctor for your questions? Hello, Doctor. I recently learned that I need to clean my foreskin. During my shower, I slowly managed to retract it and noticed quite a bit of debris. I used a water stream to rinse some of it off, but I was afraid of retracting it for...
Dr. Xiao Yongxun Reply:
Dear Mr. Lin: 1. The skin covering the shaft of the penis folds over the glans and is referred to as the prepuce or foreskin. Normally, the foreskin should be retractable to expose the glans; however, some individuals have a foreskin opening that is too small, preventing the gla...[Read More] Concerns About Phimosis: When to Seek Medical Attention?
Can You Get Vibrio Infection from Cooked Shrimp Cuts?
Is it possible to have an infection caused by Vibrio species? Hello Doctor, during lunch today while I was peeling shrimp for my seafood noodles, I accidentally scratched myself with the shrimp's tail. It hurt at the moment, but there was no visible bleeding. I went home and...
Dr. Xiao Yongxun Reply:
Dear Ms. Niko: **Vibrio cholerae**: This bacterium is prevalent in tropical and subtropical regions and is transmitted through contaminated food and water. After infection via contaminated food and drinking water, the bacteria do not invade the intestinal mucosa but secrete an e...[Read More] Can You Get Vibrio Infection from Cooked Shrimp Cuts?
Can You Take Viagra with Blood Pressure Medications? Expert Advice
Medication Consultation I am currently taking antihypertensive medications (Cozaar 50mg and Concor 5mg) daily. Can I also take Viagra or similar medications? If so, are there any potential side effects? Thank you!
Dr. Xiao Yongxun Reply:
Dear Mr. Tianren: 1. Cozaar® (50 mg; generic name Losartan) belongs to the class of Angiotensin II Receptor Antagonists. Common side effects include dry cough, rash, fever, altered taste, hypotension (due to low fluid volume status), angioedema, and hyperkalemia. Although the ad...[Read More] Can You Take Viagra with Blood Pressure Medications? Expert Advice
Right Abdomen Enlargement and Limb Pain: Possible Ovarian Issues?
Enlargement of the right abdomen with pain in the right arm and leg? About a year ago, I suddenly experienced soreness in my right arm and right leg, which lasted for several days before improving. This pattern continued intermittently until earlier this year when I noticed that ...
Dr. Chen Bozhang Reply:
Dear Ms. Renee, In your letter, you mentioned experiencing frequent pain in your right limbs, an increase in the size of your right abdomen, and susceptibility to edema over the past year. There are many possible causes for these symptoms. I recommend that you consult a family m...[Read More] Right Abdomen Enlargement and Limb Pain: Possible Ovarian Issues?
Understanding Water Intoxication: Risks and Recovery Tips
Questions about water intoxication? Hello Doctor, I have been taking antibiotics recently, and my doctor advised me to drink plenty of water. I have also seen news about people developing esophageal ulcers due to not drinking enough water. As a result, I have been intentionally d...
Dr. Xiao Yongxun Reply:
1. Water intoxication refers to an increase in body water relative to a decrease in ion concentration. Water intoxication leads to a decrease in the effective osmotic concentration of plasma but does not cause localized or widespread fluid accumulation in the body; thus, it diffe...[Read More] Understanding Water Intoxication: Risks and Recovery Tips
Managing Side Effects of Medications in Elderly Patients: A Case Study
Suspected side effects after medication use? Hello Doctor: My father is 74 years old and has a history of stage III lymphoma (he completed second-line chemotherapy in February last year and is currently under follow-up). He has normal-tension glaucoma and his vision has been dete...
Dr. Cai Dongqi Reply:
Hello, if your father has a generalized rash, it may be caused by medication. It is recommended to stop the medication and consult a dermatologist.[Read More] Managing Side Effects of Medications in Elderly Patients: A Case Study