Which Medical Specialty Should You See for Swelling in the Legs?
If you have edema, you should consult a specialist in internal medicine or a nephrologist, as they can evaluate the underlying causes and provide appropriate treatment? Hello... My grandfather is 82 years old and generally in good health, but recently he has been experiencing swe...
Dr. Xiao Yongxun Reply:
Hello: In response to your question. 1. When experiencing swelling in both legs, it is important to consider potential issues with the liver, kidneys, or heart. Other causes should also be taken into account, such as hypothyroidism, pregnancy (in female patients), spontaneous cau...[Read More] Which Medical Specialty Should You See for Swelling in the Legs?
Understanding Abdominal Bloating and Its Connection to Allergies
Abdominal bloating? I have been experiencing abdominal bloating recently, feeling full even without eating, as if my stomach is filled with a lot of water (similar to the sensation after drinking a lot of water at once). Sometimes, I also experience symptoms of excessive stomach ...
Dr. Chen Zhongshu Reply:
Dear Xiao Zhao: Based on your description, I would like to know about your bowel movements. Are you experiencing constipation? Additionally, do you have a preference for spicy foods or legumes in your diet? Do you tend to eat too quickly? Your possible condition may be gastrointe...[Read More] Understanding Abdominal Bloating and Its Connection to Allergies
Understanding Pediatric Urticaria: Causes, Symptoms, Treatment, and Prevention
Pediatric Urticaria Urticaria, commonly known as hives, can be caused by various factors, including allergic reactions, infections, stress, and certain medications. The severity of symptoms can vary from mild itching and redness to more severe reactions, such as angioedema or ana...
Dr. Wang Weijie Reply:
Dear Mr. Ke, (1) Urticaria, commonly known as hives, is characterized by raised, itchy red welts that often have distinct snake-like borders, with a central area that may fade. The size of the welts can vary, and many people have experienced urticaria at some point. (2) The cau...[Read More] Understanding Pediatric Urticaria: Causes, Symptoms, Treatment, and Prevention
Understanding Internal Discomfort in Hands, Feet, and Chest During Sleep
Nourishing the hands and feet? Why do I sometimes feel a tingling or aching sensation in my palms, soles, and heart (chest) while I sleep? It's not on the surface; it feels like it's coming from within, and I can't seem to fall asleep as if someone is scratching me...
Dr. Lin Mingfeng Reply:
Based on your description of itching in the palms and soles, this is an issue related to sensory abnormalities. It is important to first observe for any skin lesions and the possibility of allergies, and to also consider neuropathy. However, if there is also itching in the chest ...[Read More] Understanding Internal Discomfort in Hands, Feet, and Chest During Sleep
Understanding Elevated Eosinophil Levels: Causes and Implications
Eosinophilia Dear Dr. Liao, I recently underwent a routine health check, and the results indicated that my eosinophil count was elevated (9.1 > 5). However, the physician did not provide any explanation, which left me quite puzzled. After researching, I found that excessive u...
Dr. Liao Zhongxin Reply:
Hello Mr. Yuan: 1. If elevated eosinophil levels are caused by diseases such as asthma or rheumatic autoimmune diseases due to steroid use, simply discontinuing the medication will allow for a gradual return to normal levels. 2. Elevated eosinophils can also occur in other con...[Read More] Understanding Elevated Eosinophil Levels: Causes and Implications
Struggling with Chronic Constipation: Seeking Effective Solutions
Constipation for nearly 10 years..? Hello, Doctor: I have been experiencing constipation since elementary school, having a bowel movement about once a week, with the longest interval being 14 days. On the day I finally have a bowel movement, I experience full-body allergies (prob...
Dr. Hong Hongchang Reply:
Hello Letty: Generally speaking, constipation is often related to the intake of fluids, exercise, and fiber. It can also be caused by congenital disorders or poor bowel habits. Please visit a gastroenterology clinic for further evaluation.[Read More] Struggling with Chronic Constipation: Seeking Effective Solutions
Persistent Fever: Understanding Causes and When to Seek Help
Persistent fever Hello, I would like to ask about my mother. She has been experiencing fever that comes and goes for three weeks. The doctor said it is a cold, but I am concerned that it might be another type of infection. Why hasn't the fever resolved? Could prolonged fever...
Dr. Liao Zhongxin Reply:
Hello: 1. The normal range for human body temperature is between 36.5°C and 37.5°C, and a fever is defined as an oral or tympanic temperature greater than 37.5°C. If the body temperature consistently exceeds 38.3°C, it is advisable to visit a hospital for medical evaluation. 2. M...[Read More] Persistent Fever: Understanding Causes and When to Seek Help
Should I Continue Taking These Medications for My Migraine?
Can these medications be taken? I have a question to ask! I went to the hospital to see a doctor in the internal medicine department because I was experiencing "headaches." The doctor informed me that I have migraines and checked my blood pressure, which was normal. Bef...
Dr. Wang Weijie Reply:
Hello: Each individual's constitution reacts differently to medications. Generally speaking, when taken at normal doses, adverse reactions should not occur. If similar side effects do arise, discontinuation of the medication is advised. Sincerely, Dr. Wang Wei-Jie, Internal ...[Read More] Should I Continue Taking These Medications for My Migraine?
Understanding Allergies: Causes, Symptoms, and Diagnosis in Children
Allergy Hello, Doctor. I would like to ask you a question. My brother has been experiencing allergies since the end of last year, but he doesn't know what caused them. He is unsure if it was something he ate or if he came into contact with certain plants that triggered the a...
Dr. Yang Hongzhi Reply:
You can visit the rheumatology and immunology outpatient clinic, where certain tests can help identify allergens.[Read More] Understanding Allergies: Causes, Symptoms, and Diagnosis in Children
Understanding Dark Circles: Which Specialist Should You Consult?
Dark circles I have been troubled by dark circles under my eyes for a long time, and going to bed early doesn't help. Is it due to poor metabolism or something else? I've heard that nasal allergies can cause dark circles, but I don't have any nasal allergies. There...
Dr. Yang Hongzhi Reply:
Dark circles are not a sign of a specific disease; if there are no other symptoms, it is not necessarily required to see a doctor.[Read More] Understanding Dark Circles: Which Specialist Should You Consult?
Understanding Seafood Allergies: Concerns and Treatment Options
The serious concerns of food allergies? My mother is over 50 years old and loves seafood, but she suddenly started experiencing skin allergic reactions, such as rashes and intense itching, regardless of whether the seafood is fresh or not. She has undergone testing and confirmed ...
Dr. Chen Baoli Reply:
Hello, Xiao Cheng: You mentioned that your mother has been experiencing skin allergies after consuming seafood, and tests have confirmed that she is allergic to seafood. Therefore, to answer your questions: 1. Taking antihistamines before or after eating seafood may prevent all...[Read More] Understanding Seafood Allergies: Concerns and Treatment Options
Understanding Facial Swelling and Allergies: Causes and Concerns
Allergy + facial edema Hello Dr. Zhao, Thank you for your previous response! I have some follow-up questions regarding allergies and facial edema that I would like to ask you. My family doctor has become quite annoyed with my inquiries, saying I have too much knowledge and doesn...
Dr. Zhao Chongliang Reply:
Superior vena cava (SVC) syndrome primarily refers to the obstruction of blood flow in the superior vena cava due to lung cancer at the apex, leading to conditions such as facial and upper limb edema. This persistent edema can be life-threatening, unlike episodic edema, which dif...[Read More] Understanding Facial Swelling and Allergies: Causes and Concerns
Understanding Low Eosinophil Levels: Impacts and Precautions
Eosinophils Hello Dr. Zhao, I noticed that my blood test report from last month showed a low eosinophil count of only 0.3%. I would like to ask if this has any adverse effects on my health. Are there any precautions I should take in my daily life? Thank you for your assistance.
Dr. Zhao Chongliang Reply:
Hello! Eosinophils are a remnant of human evolution. Early humans had poor hygiene and often suffered from parasitic infections. It is hypothesized that the role of eosinophils is to attack parasites (while neutrophils can only target bacteria and cannot attack larger parasitic o...[Read More] Understanding Low Eosinophil Levels: Impacts and Precautions
Understanding Facial Swelling: Allergies or Other Underlying Issues?
Facial edema Hello Dr. Zhao, About a week ago, my face started to swell. It happened right after I had dinner at an Italian restaurant, so the doctor suspected it was a food allergy. After taking Prednisone for three days, the swelling is not as severe as it was initially, but t...
Dr. Zhao Chongliang Reply:
Hello! Your symptoms sound like angioedema (also known as angioneurotic edema or Quincke's edema). It is a type of allergic reaction caused by a deficiency of C1 esterase inhibitor, leading to the release of histamine and other chemicals into the bloodstream after exposure t...[Read More] Understanding Facial Swelling: Allergies or Other Underlying Issues?
Understanding Urticaria and Fever: Causes, Symptoms, and Concerns
Urticaria and high fever? Hello Doctor, I would like to ask you about my brother, who is 31 years old. Yesterday, he experienced widespread redness, itching, and a high fever, leading him to visit the emergency room twice (once around noon and again at 7 PM). The emergency physic...
Dr. Zeng Guosen Reply:
Hello: The fever has not subsided despite the administration of antipyretics due to inflammation, resulting in a cycle of fever. Part of the urticaria may be caused by infection or autoimmune diseases, so it is recommended to seek medical evaluation. Urticaria is not solely cause...[Read More] Understanding Urticaria and Fever: Causes, Symptoms, and Concerns
Understanding Insulin Use in Diabetes: Risks, Concerns, and Alternatives
What are the potential issues that diabetic patients may encounter when administering insulin? Hello Dr. Shi, my mother (63 years old) has been suffering from diabetes for nearly 30 years (family history). She has been controlling her blood sugar with oral medications, but since ...
Dr. Shi Guangzhong Reply:
Miss Huang: I apologize for the delayed response due to a computer malfunction. Your questions are very professional. 1. There are many causes of diarrhea, and certain oral antidiabetic medications can indeed cause diarrhea (such as Glucobay and Glucophage). You should consult ...[Read More] Understanding Insulin Use in Diabetes: Risks, Concerns, and Alternatives
Managing Gout: Common Questions and Treatment Insights
Gout-related issues Hello Doctor, I have had gout for five years, with an attack occurring once a year, and my uric acid level is approximately 9. I would like to ask the following questions: 1. During a gout attack, should I apply ice to the affected area, and after the symptom...
Dr. Zeng Guosen Reply:
Hello: 1. Gout attacks are inflammatory; initially, ice packs can be applied, but medical attention is still necessary to avoid delaying treatment. 2. Some physicians may prescribe excessive colchicine for acute gout, leading to abdominal pain and diarrhea. Currently, it is gener...[Read More] Managing Gout: Common Questions and Treatment Insights
Understanding Asthma Medications: Side Effects and Alternatives
Questions regarding asthma medications? Currently, the medications prescribed to me are as follows: "KODAPIN TAB," "COM-TRIMETON TABLETS 4MG," "MEPTIN-MINI 25UG TAB," "CEMINE 10MG F.C TAB," and "VOREN 50MG (WEREN) CAP." I feel oka...
Dr. Zhao Chongliang Reply:
Hello! Regarding your medications, only Meptin-mini is an asthma medication. Kodapin is a cough suppressant and is not recommended for long-term use in asthma patients. Cemine is an antihistamine for allergies and should not be used unless you also have chronic sinusitis or post-...[Read More] Understanding Asthma Medications: Side Effects and Alternatives
Is Allergy Desensitization Treatment Available in Internal Medicine?
Are you undergoing desensitization therapy? Hello, doctor. I have severe allergies and would like to ask if the Department of Internal Medicine, specifically the Allergy and Immunology division, offers desensitization therapy.
Dr. Hong Hongchang Reply:
Yes. Please see Dr. Chuan-Chin Lu in the Immunology and Rheumatology department on Wednesday afternoon.[Read More] Is Allergy Desensitization Treatment Available in Internal Medicine?
Understanding Mast Cell Disorders and Their Connection to Allergies
Mast cell disease testing! Dear Dr. Tseng, I am a severe allergy patient (Total IgE = 2284) currently on active duty. I recently learned that the military classification table includes "patients with mast cell disease confirmed by pathological diagnosis" as a category...
Dr. Zeng Guosen Reply:
Hello: 1. Mast cells are related to allergies, but most allergic diseases are not caused by mast cell disorders. 2. If there are abnormal lumps or spots on the body, you can go to a dermatologist for a biopsy. If there are no abnormalities, you can first have a blood test. Sincer...[Read More] Understanding Mast Cell Disorders and Their Connection to Allergies