Understanding Enlarged Submandibular Lymph Nodes: Causes and Treatment
Submandibular lymphadenopathy Symptom description: 1) Generalized muscle soreness 2) No fever, but has a cough 3) Pain upon pressing the area between the upper abdomen and the ribs 4) Pain in the left axilla, but no swelling 5) Unilateral (left side) submandibular lymphadenopathy...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, based on your description, we need to first confirm whether the symptoms of muscle soreness, abdominal tenderness, axillary pain, and lymphadenopathy have all occurred recently. If these are long-standing issues, we must consider whether they are due to muscle strain or ot...[Read More] Understanding Enlarged Submandibular Lymph Nodes: Causes and Treatment
Sudden High Fever: Understanding Causes and Concerns in Internal Medicine
Unexplained sudden high fever? Two nights ago, I suddenly experienced full-body shaking and a headache. The next day, I woke up feeling weak all over and had a severe headache. Later in the afternoon, my temperature rose to 39.3°C, so I went to a clinic for evaluation. I had no s...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, 1. In cases of more severe bacterial infections, it is usually sufficient to take just one course of antibiotics to control the infection. Based on your description, it seems more likely to be a viral infection or a mild bacterial infection, which should be monitored fur...[Read More] Sudden High Fever: Understanding Causes and Concerns in Internal Medicine
Understanding Chest Pain: Causes and When to Seek Medical Help
Chest pain in the center? Hello Doctor: I have been experiencing pain in the middle of my chest recently. Given that my family has a history of ankylosing spondylitis, I am concerned that this might be related. I work in a sedentary office job, and the pain is intermittent (it ha...
Dr. Zeng Guosen Reply:
Hello, some cases of ankylosing spondylitis may present with pain in the middle of the chest. However, chest pain can have other causes, so differential diagnosis is necessary to rule out other possibilities. It is recommended to consult a rheumatologist first. Thank you for your...[Read More] Understanding Chest Pain: Causes and When to Seek Medical Help
Understanding Adrenal Tumors: Symptoms, Diagnosis, and Management
Adrenal tumor Right abdominal pain with many similar bruises on the thigh and right abdomen. However, upon examination at the hospital, an incidental finding of a 3 cm adrenal tumor was discovered. The urologist conducted blood and urine tests for the adrenal gland, and the resul...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, 1. I'm not sure what you mean by "abnormal findings in the examination report." Generally, adrenal tumors are initially classified as benign or malignant based on imaging reports, particularly computed tomography (CT) scans. If the tumor is malignant, it c...[Read More] Understanding Adrenal Tumors: Symptoms, Diagnosis, and Management
Understanding Occasional Blood in Stool: Causes and Concerns
Sometimes there is blood when wiping after a bowel movement? I have been experiencing blood in my stool occasionally when I wipe after a bowel movement. The blood appears to be bright red and usually resolves within 2 to 3 days, but then it recurs after some time. This has been h...
Dr. Xie Rongyuan Reply:
Hello: The majority of the condition mentioned is caused by hemorrhoids. For safety reasons, it is recommended to visit a hospital's colorectal surgery department for further examination to confirm the cause. Thank you for your message![Read More] Understanding Occasional Blood in Stool: Causes and Concerns
Understanding Blood Sugar Levels: Managing Pre-Diabetes and Dietary Choices
Blood sugar issues Hello, doctor. I often drink bubble tea, sometimes up to two cups of lightly sweetened beverages in a day. A urine test showed some sugar in my urine, so my nephrologist ordered a blood test. My fasting blood glucose was 102, and my hemoglobin A1c was around 5....
Dr. Chen Shunfu Reply:
Thank you for your question! Long-term consumption of sugary beverages can increase the risk of diabetes, so it is advisable to reduce intake. The sugar content in each serving of sugary drinks is not fixed, which is why the current international standard for assessment is the or...[Read More] Understanding Blood Sugar Levels: Managing Pre-Diabetes and Dietary Choices
Managing Appetite and Bloating in Elderly with Chronic Lung Conditions
Elderly individuals may experience bloating and loss of appetite? Hello, doctor. My elderly family member has chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and has experienced severe asthma after repeated pneumonia infections (he is on medication and uses an oxygen machine). He ha...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello: 1. The Lockfei you mentioned is likely a probiotic. Aside from a few patients with significantly compromised immune systems who may not be suitable for its use, most patients should not have major issues using it. However, since it is a prescription medication, it should...[Read More] Managing Appetite and Bloating in Elderly with Chronic Lung Conditions
Understanding Blood Test Results: Is Lupus a Concern for Pregnancy?
Regarding blood test indices? Hello Dr. Tseng, I have had two pregnancies, both of which ended around 6-7 weeks with no heartbeat. I had blood tests done for immune issues, which showed positive for lupus (the report indicates it should be negative) and negative for ANA. My obste...
Dr. Zeng Guosen Reply:
Hello, the diagnosis of lupus erythematosus is not based solely on a single test report; it requires a comprehensive assessment of clinical symptoms along with multiple test results. Certain pregnancy issues are indeed related to immune abnormalities, so it is advisable to consul...[Read More] Understanding Blood Test Results: Is Lupus a Concern for Pregnancy?
Managing My Father's Health Crisis: Seeking Medical Advice for Hypertension
Dad is experiencing health issues? About five years ago, my father fainted while playing mahjong after having a little bit of alcohol. We immediately called an ambulance, and when he was given an oxygen mask, his consciousness stabilized. The small hospital we went to later told ...
Dr. Chen Shunfu Reply:
Individuals with hypertension and obesity are at high risk for cardiovascular diseases. It is recommended that you bring your father to the hospital's cardiology department for a thorough examination.[Read More] Managing My Father's Health Crisis: Seeking Medical Advice for Hypertension
Abdominal Pain, Lung Inflammation, and Fever: Seeking Medical Advice
Abdominal pain, pulmonary inflammation, and high fever issues? Hello Doctor, I apologize for the interruption. I've been experiencing abdominal pain (cramping) for the past two days, and my bowel movements have been very loose. I also have muscle aches, fever (ranging from 3...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello: Based on your description of fever, upper abdominal pain, and diarrhea, it is likely that you are experiencing acute gastroenteritis or a gastrointestinal viral infection, possibly caused by consuming contaminated food. The medications you have been prescribed are aimed at...[Read More] Abdominal Pain, Lung Inflammation, and Fever: Seeking Medical Advice
Managing High Blood Pressure: Tips for Relief and Better Health
Hypertension issues Hello, Doctor: I would like to ask a question that has been bothering me. Whenever my blood pressure spikes to 130-140, I experience headaches at night. As soon as I close my eyes, it feels like I'm on a roller coaster. For the past two years, my head CT,...
Dr. Lin Wuxuan Reply:
Hello: Based on your symptoms, I would recommend that you regularly measure your blood pressure at home in the morning and evening. Additionally, it is advisable to record your response to the antihypertensive medication and inform your physician during your follow-up visit, as t...[Read More] Managing High Blood Pressure: Tips for Relief and Better Health
Concerns About Medication Effects on Pregnancy with Ankylosing Spondylitis
Medication issues in ankylosing spondylitis? Hello Doctor, I have been diagnosed with ankylosing spondylitis and am currently on a regular medication regimen. My doctor has prescribed Meloxicam 7.5 mg, to be taken once in the morning and once in the evening. I would like to inqui...
Dr. Zeng Guosen Reply:
Hello, the medication Meilokang is classified as an anti-inflammatory and analgesic, and it will not affect future chances of pregnancy. There is no need to stop taking the medication in preparation for pregnancy. However, once pregnancy is confirmed, it is important to discuss a...[Read More] Concerns About Medication Effects on Pregnancy with Ankylosing Spondylitis
Do I Have Colon Cancer? Understanding Symptoms and Concerns at 16
Do I have colon cancer? This August, I discovered I have internal hemorrhoids, so I started paying special attention to my diet. Now that school has started, I drink a lot of water and eat an apple, banana, or guava every day. I also began exercising, but by November, my bowel ha...
Dr. Chen Shunfu Reply:
Colorectal cancer can occur in individuals of all age groups, with the incidence gradually increasing with age, particularly among those aged 50 to 60 years. However, there has been a trend of younger individuals being diagnosed with cancer in recent years; colorectal cancer has ...[Read More] Do I Have Colon Cancer? Understanding Symptoms and Concerns at 16
Understanding Urine Test Results: Uribilinogen Levels and Health Concerns
In the recent health check report, a urine urobilinogen level of "1+" indicates a mild presence of urobilinogen in the urine. Urobilinogen is a byproduct of bilirubin reduction, and its levels can provide insights into liver function and hemolysis. A "1+" resu...
Dr. Lin Wuxuan Reply:
Hello: The normal value for urobilinogen is less than 1.0 E.U/dL, and your test result is 1.0, which is actually not considered high. This is because urine tests are typically conducted using the first morning urine, which can be concentrated and may lead to a higher value. Furth...[Read More] Understanding Urine Test Results: Uribilinogen Levels and Health Concerns
Managing Thyroid Issues and Autoimmune Diseases: A Patient's Guide
Thyroid issues, intrauterine drug delivery system, autoimmune diseases? Last year, in 2017, I was diagnosed with Sjögren's syndrome and autoimmune thyroiditis. I had a Mirena IUD inserted in 2013, and it has been in place for a total of six years. My doctor mentioned that I ...
Dr. Gao Jiankai Reply:
Hello, thank you for your inquiry. Currently, there is no literature linking intrauterine devices (IUDs) to dryness syndrome. Additionally, the trace hormones contained in IUDs do not appear to have any associated information regarding dryness syndrome in the literature. It is re...[Read More] Managing Thyroid Issues and Autoimmune Diseases: A Patient's Guide
Assessing HIV Risk After High-Risk Behavior: Symptoms and Concerns
After engaging in high-risk behaviors I'm not a doctor, but I can provide some general information. Engaging in high-risk behaviors, such as oral sex with an infected partner, can potentially expose you to HIV. The symptoms you describe, such as gastrointestinal issues and s...
Dr. Liao Zhongxin Reply:
Dear readers: Regarding post-risk behavior, here are the responses: 1. When did the risky behavior (unprotected sex) occur? According to the CDC, there are three main transmission routes for HIV: A. Sexual transmission: Engaging in oral, anal, or vaginal intercourse or other ex...[Read More] Assessing HIV Risk After High-Risk Behavior: Symptoms and Concerns
Differentiating Between Reactive Arthritis and Ankylosing Spondylitis: What You Need to Know
Lauterbach syndrome and ankylosing spondylitis? Hello, Doctor. A few days ago, I visited the rheumatology department at Ma Hospital, and based on the doctor's assessment, I might have ankylosing spondylitis or reactive arthritis. My HLA-B27 test came back positive, and the d...
Dr. Gao Jiankai Reply:
Hello, thank you for your inquiry. I apologize for the delayed response due to some internet issues. Here are the brief responses to your questions: 1. Ankylosing spondylitis and reactive arthritis have different clinical and radiographic presentations (X-rays), which can be us...[Read More] Differentiating Between Reactive Arthritis and Ankylosing Spondylitis: What You Need to Know
Managing High Prolactin Levels: When to Seek a Second Opinion
Prolactin Hello, doctor. I have an issue with elevated prolactin levels. An MRI scan revealed a nearly invisible pituitary tumor. When I lived in the south, my doctor would regularly draw blood and prescribe medication for me. After moving to the north and wanting to conceive a s...
Dr. Chen Shunfu Reply:
Hello, the normal range for prolactin levels in our hospital is 2.8-29.2 ng/mL, so a level of 47 is still slightly elevated. It is advisable to follow up with the endocrinology department at a medical center or a large teaching hospital.[Read More] Managing High Prolactin Levels: When to Seek a Second Opinion
Is a Fasting Blood Sugar of 131 a Sign of Diabetes?
A blood sugar level of 131 mg/dL does not necessarily indicate diabetes. According to the American Diabetes Association, a fasting blood sugar level of 126 mg/dL or higher is considered diagnostic for diabetes? Hello Dr. Lin, My mother is 83 years old and was diagnosed with Park...
Dr. Lin Wufu Reply:
Hello! According to the current diagnostic criteria, since glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c) reflects the average blood glucose levels over the past three months, a value greater than 6.5% on one occasion is sufficient for a diabetes diagnosis. Of course, considering your mother's...[Read More] Is a Fasting Blood Sugar of 131 a Sign of Diabetes?
Concerns About Blood Donation and Infection Risks: A Medical Perspective
Concerns about blood donation? Hello, doctor. I would like to ask, if after donating blood and having my hemoglobin tested, the nurse used a cotton swab to stop the bleeding, but the cotton swab, which was contaminated with my blood, fell onto the table and was then picked up aga...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, HIV is primarily transmitted through sexual contact and bodily fluids. According to your description, it would not lead to HIV infection. Thank you for your question.[Read More] Concerns About Blood Donation and Infection Risks: A Medical Perspective