Understanding Left Abdominal Pain: Causes and When to Seek Help
Left abdominal pain and tenderness? Hello Dr. Chen, I underwent a kidney biopsy on March 21 due to lupus erythematosus affecting my left kidney. Additionally, I recently discovered a teratoma and am currently awaiting surgery. Over the past week or two, I have occasionally expe...
Dr. Chen Bozhang Reply:
Dear Ms. Ann, In your letter, you mentioned experiencing intermittent pain and tenderness in the left upper and lower abdomen over the past week or two. Although you underwent a left kidney biopsy a few weeks ago and have a history of teratoma, these may not be directly related....[Read More] Understanding Left Abdominal Pain: Causes and When to Seek Help
Understanding Skin Exudate: A Guide for Long-Term Spinal Injury Patients
Skin exudate Hello, doctor. I am a spinal cord injury patient who has been injured for 10 years. My skin has not been very good due to long-term bed rest. Although I occasionally use a wheelchair, I often experience some eczema on my legs. I can manage it by frequently applying s...
Dr. Cai Dongqi Reply:
Hello, A-Chuan: Please see a dermatologist, as this is not my area of expertise.[Read More] Understanding Skin Exudate: A Guide for Long-Term Spinal Injury Patients
Managing Weight and Blood Sugar: A Guide for Diabetic Patients
Inquiry about weight loss in diabetes? Hello, doctor. I have been managing gestational diabetes for 13 years with medication, but my blood sugar levels have not been ideal. My recent blood test showed a fasting glucose level of 172 mg/dL and a hemoglobin A1c of 8.5%. I am 163 cm ...
Dr. Liu Hongxiang Reply:
Dear Ms. Dong, I hope this message finds you well. After reading your letter several times, I can sense your efforts in managing your blood sugar levels; please continue to maintain this. If you want to achieve weight loss effectively, it is essential to focus primarily on dieta...[Read More] Managing Weight and Blood Sugar: A Guide for Diabetic Patients
Understanding Elevated Fasting Blood Sugar: What You Need to Know
Health examination red flags Hello doctor, I recently had a health check-up for my part-time job, and the report showed a fasting blood glucose level of 106. However, none of my relatives have a history of related illnesses, and my blood pressure, BMI, and waist circumference are...
Dr. Xiao Yongxun Reply:
Dear Student, 1. According to the diagnostic criteria for diabetes set by the American Diabetes Association: a. Fasting plasma glucose level ≥ 126 mg/dL after fasting for at least 8 hours, b. Plasma glucose level ≥ 200 mg/dL during a 2-hour oral glucose tolerance test, ...[Read More] Understanding Elevated Fasting Blood Sugar: What You Need to Know
Weight Loss, Diabetes, and Gastrointestinal Issues: Understanding the Connection
Weight issues, diabetes, gastrointestinal discomfort? Hello, doctor. I am currently away and would like to inquire about my father, who is 54 years old. A month ago, he noticed weight loss and frequent bloating. We suspect it might be related to diabetes, as he has a history of h...
Dr. Hou Angting Reply:
Hello: With dietary control and medication treatment, it is possible to lose weight if you are initially overweight. However, since there are various reasons for weight loss, it is still recommended to consult and evaluate with your primary physician. Wishing you good health.[Read More] Weight Loss, Diabetes, and Gastrointestinal Issues: Understanding the Connection
Understanding Shingles Transmission Risks and Precautions: Key Insights
Continuation #188054: Shingles Transmission Issues As you mentioned earlier, I would like to ask about a patient with shingles whose lesions are located on the back and waist. I understand that contact with the vesicles of a shingles patient should be avoided. My question is, eve...
Dr. Lin Zhebin Reply:
Hello: 1. The varicella-zoster virus primarily spreads through skin contact, respiratory droplets, and airborne transmission. However, shingles, being a reactivation of the virus in a localized area, typically has lower contagiousness compared to the systemic infection of chicken...[Read More] Understanding Shingles Transmission Risks and Precautions: Key Insights
Understanding Sudden Body Tingling: Causes and Concerns
Tingling sensation in the body? Hello Doctor: Recently, one night after eating, I suddenly experienced numbness in my face, chest, and waist. The numbness in my waist was so severe that I had to lie down to rest, and after about ten minutes, it returned to normal. I had similar e...
Dr. Cai Dongqi Reply:
Hello, Hsiao-Fen: First, you should undergo an examination by a neurologist to check for facial nerve paralysis. If there is none, it may be a case of autonomic nervous system dysfunction.[Read More] Understanding Sudden Body Tingling: Causes and Concerns
Understanding Weight Gain and Abdominal Changes: A Medical Perspective
Weight gain and body shape changes - increased abdominal fat? Hello Dr. Hou, I have a few questions regarding weight gain (I am 156 cm tall and weigh 48.4 kg). 1) Since the Lunar New Year, my weight has been steadily increasing (from 46 kg to the current 48.4 kg), and fat has s...
Dr. Hou Angting Reply:
Hello: Generally speaking, an increase in the intake of sugary beverages can easily lead to weight gain, so it is recommended that you start with dietary control. As for whether steroids have an impact, it is advisable to discuss this with your rheumatology and immunology special...[Read More] Understanding Weight Gain and Abdominal Changes: A Medical Perspective
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
Is Your Boyfriend's Weight Loss Normal? Understanding Healthy Changes
Weight issues Hello, doctor. My boyfriend (19 years old, 173 cm tall, weighing about 72 kg two months ago and now approximately 66 kg) has lost about 6 kg in the past two months without intentionally dieting. His sleep schedule has improved to going to bed around 11 PM and waking...
Dr. Chen Bozhang Reply:
Hello, Xuan: In your letter, you mentioned that your boyfriend has lost 6 kilograms in two months. Weight changes must be assessed by considering both total caloric intake (energy input) and activity level (energy expenditure). During these two months, his sleep duration decreas...[Read More] Is Your Boyfriend's Weight Loss Normal? Understanding Healthy Changes
Understanding Unexplained Chest and Back Pain: A Family Medicine Perspective
Physical discomfort? This year, I have occasionally experienced issues with arrhythmia, where my heart suddenly pauses. I have undergone blood tests and various examinations, all of which came back normal. However, today I experienced it again, but this time it occurred more freq...
Dr. Lin Zhebin Reply:
Hello: Although your discomfort is primarily concentrated above the waist, from my perspective, it is still important to address each issue separately. I have broadly categorized your concerns into the following three items: 1. Arrhythmia: Given your age, it is necessary to che...[Read More] Understanding Unexplained Chest and Back Pain: A Family Medicine Perspective
Why Does Skin Pain Occur After Overindulging in Food?
The day after overeating, the skin becomes tender to the touch? I usually control my diet, but sometimes I indulge in too many fried foods or sweets, or I eat until I'm too full. Additionally, when I drink less water, I notice that on the same day or the next day, if I press...
Dr. Hou Angting Reply:
Hello: 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] Why Does Skin Pain Occur After Overindulging in Food?
Understanding Your Health Concerns While Living Abroad: A Guide
Recent discomforts in the body? Hello, doctor! I have been working in Japan for a long time and, due to the pandemic, I have been unable to return to Taiwan. Recently, I have been experiencing various discomforts and I am unsure whether they are psychological or physical issues. ...
Dr. Liu Hongxiang Reply:
Hello Mr. Shang-Chuan, Based on your height and weight, your BMI is 31.4, which falls into the category of moderate obesity. Your systolic blood pressure readings of 133 or 120 are within the normal range. It is recommended that in addition to dietary control, you incorporate e...[Read More] Understanding Your Health Concerns While Living Abroad: A Guide
Discomfort Under Left Rib: When to Seek Medical Attention?
Slight discomfort under the left rib cage? Hello, doctor. I apologize for bothering you, but I have been experiencing some discomfort in the area from the lower left rib to the waist for a while now. It's not very painful, just a slight soreness and a bit of awareness of the...
Dr. Cai Dongqi Reply:
Hello, Xiao Hei! Costochondritis can be followed up with the orthopedic department.[Read More] Discomfort Under Left Rib: When to Seek Medical Attention?
Discomfort Under Left Rib: Is It Muscle Pain or Something More?
Slight discomfort under the left rib cage? Hello, doctor. I apologize for bothering you, but I have been experiencing occasional discomfort in the area from the lower left rib to the waist. It’s not very painful, just a slight soreness, and it feels a bit present. Stretching seem...
Dr. Cai Dongqi Reply:
Hello, Xiao Hei! Costochondritis can be followed up with an orthopedic specialist.[Read More] Discomfort Under Left Rib: Is It Muscle Pain or Something More?
Rapid Weight Loss: Is It Normal After Quitting Alcohol and Exercising?
I've been losing weight rapidly lately? I have recently lost weight rapidly. Although I have adjusted my lifestyle, the speed of weight loss has been quite fast. I consulted a physician about my previous habits, which included consuming about 250cc to 300cc of alcohol each e...
Dr. Ye Qianyu Reply:
Hello! Based on your description, quitting alcohol is one of the factors contributing to your weight loss. For instance, 100ml of sorghum liquor contains approximately 325 calories, so you have likely reduced your daily caloric intake by nearly 1000 calories. Combined with dietar...[Read More] Rapid Weight Loss: Is It Normal After Quitting Alcohol and Exercising?
Effective Weight Loss Strategies for Managing Abdominal Obesity
How to lose weight? My waist circumference is 97 cm, my weight is 99.2 kg, and my body mass index (BMI) is 28.98. I currently want to lose weight, and my main methods include walking for 40 minutes, doing push-ups, and cycling. Before the age of 23, my weight was mostly in the 70...
Dr. Wu Zongying Reply:
Hello: Weight loss primarily relies on dietary control; exercise is beneficial for the body but may not lead to significant weight loss unless combined with dietary management. In terms of diet, it is advisable to avoid fried foods (such as fried chicken cutlets, fried chicken le...[Read More] Effective Weight Loss Strategies for Managing Abdominal Obesity
Managing Health: Is Regular Exercise and Diet Enough for Wellness?
Regarding the previous question? Hello, I am the same person who asked the question last time. So, it's not prediabetes. I maintain a regular exercise routine (I usually walk for 40 minutes) and eat well. Can I feel reassured that this is a proper approach?
Dr. Wu Zongying Reply:
Hello: Regarding exercise: Since you are still young, unless there are abnormalities in physical movement, I recommend that you do not limit yourself to just walking or strolling. Instead, focus on aerobic exercises such as running and playing sports, which can increase metabolis...[Read More] Managing Health: Is Regular Exercise and Diet Enough for Wellness?
Understanding Blood Sugar Levels and Skin Issues: A Comprehensive Guide
Blood glucose test Hello, Doctor! I have some questions regarding my blood sugar issues. Last year, my hemoglobin A1c was 5.5, and my fasting blood glucose was 85. Since last year, I have noticed some skin changes that resemble hyperpigmentation. I had a biopsy done on my arm, an...
Dr. Wu Zongying Reply:
Hello: Based on the blood test data you provided, your current HbA1c (glycated hemoglobin) and fasting blood glucose levels do not meet the criteria for a diabetes diagnosis. Acanthosis nigricans is typically caused by insulin resistance and can be reduced by controlling weight, ...[Read More] Understanding Blood Sugar Levels and Skin Issues: A Comprehensive Guide
Understanding Abdominal, Kidney, and Arm Pain: A Family Medicine Perspective
Lower back issues, kidney problems, arm issues? Hello Doctor, I would like to inquire about some health issues I have been experiencing. Recently, I have been feeling intermittent pain on both the left and right sides near my waist, close to my navel. The pain is not severe enoug...
Dr. Chen Bozhang Reply:
Dear Mr. Thomas, Regarding your letter mentioning intermittent pain in both sides of your lower back, along with occasional dizziness and dark circles under your eyes, it is advisable to clarify the details and undergo a physical evaluation. I recommend that you schedule an appo...[Read More] Understanding Abdominal, Kidney, and Arm Pain: A Family Medicine Perspective