Is Vasculitis Serious? Understanding Risks and Implications for Young Patients
Is vasculitis serious? I previously experienced frequent lower back pain and visited a rheumatologist who mentioned it was similar to ankylosing spondylitis. Later, due to other health issues, I underwent blood tests again, and the doctor diagnosed me with vasculitis. He mentione...
Dr. Zeng Guosen Reply:
Hello, it seems that you have a positive result for cold agglutinin IgM (1+), which is abnormal. There are many types of vasculitis, and the severity depends on the symptoms and the extent of organ involvement. It is advisable to seek medical attention for a comprehensive underst...[Read More] Is Vasculitis Serious? Understanding Risks and Implications for Young Patients
Managing Blood Pressure and Edema in a 76-Year-Old Patient
Blood pressure, edema, uric acid? Hello Dr. Wu: My mother is 76 years old and has been taking Adalat 30 mg for many years. Recently, she has experienced edema in her lower extremities. We switched her to one Zanidip (Lercanidipine) 10 mg at bedtime and one Fluitran (Furosemide) 2...
Dr. Xiao Yongxun Reply:
Dear Miss Hsiao-Fen: 1. Your mother is taking Adalat® (30mg; generic name Nifedipine), which is a calcium channel blocker. Long-term use can lead to sodium and fluid retention, resulting in edema. It is recommended to switch to Zanidip® (10mg; generic name Lercanidipine) and Flu...[Read More] Managing Blood Pressure and Edema in a 76-Year-Old Patient
Managing Blood Sugar Levels: Concerns and Solutions for Anxiety-Driven Results
How to improve blood sugar levels? Last Friday, I suddenly experienced itching all over my body, and I was worried it might be diabetes. I felt very low and anxious for three consecutive days—Friday, Saturday, and Sunday—resulting in insufficient sleep. On Monday, I went to the h...
Dr. Xiao Yongxun Reply:
Dear Mr. Cc: 1. According to the diagnostic criteria for diabetes set by the American Diabetes Association: a. A fasting plasma glucose level of ≥126 mg/dl after fasting for more than 8 hours, b. A 2-hour plasma glucose level of ≥200 mg/dl during an oral glucose toleranc...[Read More] Managing Blood Sugar Levels: Concerns and Solutions for Anxiety-Driven Results
Managing Hypertension: Concerns About Medication Side Effects and Dosage
Antihypertensive medications Hello, currently my medication regimen includes 1. Olmesartan 40 mg in the morning and 2. Bisoprolol 1.25 mg in the evening. My blood pressure in the morning is generally below 120/80, but in the evening, it measures around 136/89 (after taking the me...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, based on your description, if your blood pressure remains at the values you mentioned, it is indeed advisable to use antihypertensive medication. The medication you are currently using is commonly prescribed. As for whether your symptoms are caused by the medication or if ...[Read More] Managing Hypertension: Concerns About Medication Side Effects and Dosage
Adjusting Lipitor Dosage for Cholesterol Management: Key Considerations
The dosage of Lipitor? Hello Doctor, I am a patient with diabetes and hypercholesterolemia. Currently, I am managing my condition through diet and exercise, and my HbA1c is maintained below 6. However, my cholesterol levels remain high (total cholesterol 250, LDL 180, HDL 55). Th...
Dr. Xiao Yongxun Reply:
Dear Ms. Song Sang-Sang: 1. Lipitor® (generic name Atorvastatin) is typically prescribed at a dosage of 10 mg per tablet. It belongs to the class of 3-hydroxy-3-methylglutaryl coenzyme A (HMG-CoA) reductase inhibitors, commonly known as statins. It effectively lowers elevated le...[Read More] Adjusting Lipitor Dosage for Cholesterol Management: Key Considerations
Should You Continue Anti-Inflammatory Meds for Joint Pain? When to Get Blood Tests
Should I continue taking anti-inflammatory medication? How much should the joint pain improve before I go to the hospital for blood tests? This past Monday, I visited an orthopedic doctor due to pain in the joint of my big toe near the foot. The doctor suspected it might be gout ...
Dr. Xiao Yongxun Reply:
Dear Miss Xiao Hong: 1. The pain in the joint of your big toe near the foot can commonly be diagnosed as gout, bunions, toenail ingrowth, toe fracture, calluses, cellulitis, or paronychia, among others. 2. Since you mentioned a history of hallux valgus, it is particularly impor...[Read More] Should You Continue Anti-Inflammatory Meds for Joint Pain? When to Get Blood Tests
Managing Hashimoto's Thyroiditis: Essential Tips for New Mothers
Hashimoto's thyroiditis Dear Dr. Tseng, 1. After giving birth, I discovered that I have hypothyroidism (TSH: 29), which is associated with Hashimoto's thyroiditis. My baby underwent a thyroid screening at birth, and the results were normal. How often should my baby hav...
Dr. Zeng Guosen Reply:
Hello, I am a rheumatology and immunology specialist. Regarding thyroid diseases, I recommend consulting an endocrinologist for the most up-to-date and accurate medical information. Thank you for your question.[Read More] Managing Hashimoto's Thyroiditis: Essential Tips for New Mothers
High Kappa Immunoglobulin Levels: Understanding Potential Health Risks
Elevated levels of immunoglobulin Kappa? Hello, I am a 48-year-old male, 166 cm tall and weighing 66 kg, with hereditary Mediterranean anemia. I had a urinary stone in 2012, but it passed naturally. I do not have hypertension (January 2018 readings: 122 mmHg systolic, 77 mmHg dia...
Dr. Wu Jiyu Reply:
Based on your inquiry, I can provide you with some recommendations: 1. The eGFR of 55 is slightly low, and the urine microalbumin/creatinine ratio of 303.4 mg/g is elevated; it is advisable to have long-term follow-up with a nephrologist. 2. Regarding the immunoglobulin levels, K...[Read More] High Kappa Immunoglobulin Levels: Understanding Potential Health Risks
Understanding Facial Swelling After Facial Nerve Paralysis: What to Do Next?
During the recovery phase of facial nerve paralysis, swelling of the eyes and face may occur? Hello Doctor, I experienced facial nerve paralysis on the right side of my face on August 3, 2017. At that time, my right eye's vision, hearing, and taste were all affected. Althoug...
Dr. Gao Jiankai Reply:
Hello, thank you for your question. Here are my responses: 1. The unilateral lower limb swelling and pain (right leg) should not be related to the facial nerve paralysis on the same side, nor should it be associated with renal dysfunction (as renal dysfunction typically leads to...[Read More] Understanding Facial Swelling After Facial Nerve Paralysis: What to Do Next?
Managing High Cholesterol: Should You Choose Medication or Lifestyle Changes?
High cholesterol I have had high cholesterol issues since childhood. After taking lipid-lowering medication for about a year, my cholesterol levels returned to normal. My doctor believes I can try stopping the medication. Since stopping, I have been exercising regularly and follo...
Dr. Xiao Yongxun Reply:
Dear Ms. Fei: 1. According to the regulations of our national health insurance, patients with cardiovascular diseases or diabetes whose total cholesterol level exceeds 160 mg/dL or low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) exceeds 100 mg/dL may be eligible for pharmacological ...[Read More] Managing High Cholesterol: Should You Choose Medication or Lifestyle Changes?
Understanding Unusually Slow Recovery from Cold Symptoms
The recovery from a cold is slower than usual? I usually have nasal allergies, often experiencing nasal congestion and runny nose. Besides that, I rarely catch colds and do not take any medications regularly. Initially, one morning I woke up with sudden pain near my tonsils, and ...
Dr. Liao Zhongxin Reply:
Dear readers: <Regarding whether there is insufficient immunity or other underlying conditions? How to check and improve?> A: 1. You can refer to the following website: https://www.femh.org.tw/epaperadmin/viewarticle.aspx?ID=49672. It is recommended to maintain a regular ro...[Read More] Understanding Unusually Slow Recovery from Cold Symptoms
Understanding Chronic Stomach Pain and Gastroesophageal Reflux in Teens
Prone to stomach pain, regardless of diet? Hello, doctor. I have had stomach pain issues since middle school, which later improved, but I started experiencing recurrent pain. My gastrointestinal motility is much slower than others; for example, if I eat breakfast at 7 AM, it take...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, the issue you mentioned is indeed a common symptom of gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). It is advisable to consider undergoing an endoscopy to confirm the diagnosis. If the endoscopy confirms GERD, relevant medications can be prescribed under health insurance. Howeve...[Read More] Understanding Chronic Stomach Pain and Gastroesophageal Reflux in Teens
Managing Recurrence of Pleural Effusion: Insights on Immunity and Treatment
How to manage a recurrence of a chronic thoracic condition? Seven years ago, Xiao Min was hospitalized due to a persistent high fever, which led to the discovery of pleural effusion in the thoracic cavity, diagnosed as pulmonary tuberculosis. He was treated and prescribed medicat...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, the factors influencing the occurrence of diseases are numerous and typically involve a combination of constitution, environment, personal health care, genetics, and other factors. Not smoking or drinking alcohol, maintaining a regular lifestyle, and consistently engaging ...[Read More] Managing Recurrence of Pleural Effusion: Insights on Immunity and Treatment
Understanding Chronic Stomach Pain: Causes and Solutions
Prone to stomach pain, regardless of diet? Hello Doctor, I have been experiencing stomach pain since middle school. It improved for a while, but then the pain became recurrent. My gastrointestinal motility is much slower than average; for instance, if I eat breakfast at 7 AM, it ...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, these are indeed symptoms of gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). The main purposes of performing an endoscopy are to confirm the diagnosis and to qualify for better medication covered by health insurance. However, regardless of how effective the medication is, it prima...[Read More] Understanding Chronic Stomach Pain: Causes and Solutions
How to Diagnose My Health Issues: Weight Gain and Urinary Concerns
How can I get a diagnosis? Hello Doctor, I have had a question for a long time. My weight suddenly increased by over 20 kilograms in the past few years. During my health check last year, the report showed that my blood sugar was normal, but my urine glucose was ++. At that time, ...
Dr. Xiao Yongxun Reply:
Dear Ms. Gigi: According to medical principles, polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is an endocrine disorder that can lead to irregular menstruation, obesity, masculinization, and even infertility. It is often associated with diabetes or insulin resistance-related glucose intoleranc...[Read More] How to Diagnose My Health Issues: Weight Gain and Urinary Concerns
Is Mild Thyroid Enlargement a Cause for Concern or Treatment?
Is the thyroid slightly enlarged? Does it require aggressive treatment? Hello Doctor: I have had my thyroid levels tested at a large hospital, and they were all normal. I also underwent a thyroid ultrasound, which indicated that my thyroid is slightly enlarged. My questions are: ...
Dr. Gao Jiankai Reply:
Hello Mr. Wang, thyroid enlargement does not necessarily accompany thyroid dysfunction. Therefore, if you feel that your thyroid has been gradually enlarging, even if thyroid function is normal, you should still visit an endocrinology clinic for further evaluation. They will at l...[Read More] Is Mild Thyroid Enlargement a Cause for Concern or Treatment?
Understanding Elevated Protein S Levels During IVF: What You Need to Know
Slightly elevated protein S? Hello Doctor: I have recently undergone in vitro fertilization (IVF) treatment and had my Protein S levels tested, which came back at 130%. The normal range for Protein S at the IVF clinic is 60-120%. The IVF doctor did not provide any specific explan...
Dr. Gao Jiankai Reply:
Hello Miss Hsiao-Chin, in clinical practice, we pay more attention to the issue of low protein S levels. If the protein S test results are simply elevated, it usually does not pose significant clinical problems. For more detailed information, please be sure to consult your physic...[Read More] Understanding Elevated Protein S Levels During IVF: What You Need to Know
Managing High Nighttime Blood Sugar Levels in Diabetes Patients
Diabetes and Blood Sugar Issues (Elevated Blood Sugar Levels Before Bedtime) Hello Doctor, my father is about 58 years old and had a stroke two years ago. Hospital examinations indicated that diabetes led to hypertension. After rehabilitation, he was able to live independently an...
Dr. Xiao Yongxun Reply:
Dear Mr. A-Hsiang, Before bed, the blood glucose level was 200 mg/dL, and the fasting blood glucose level in the morning was 105 mg/dL. Clinically, for diabetic patients who manage their condition solely through diet and exercise, these levels are acceptable. Normal postprandial...[Read More] Managing High Nighttime Blood Sugar Levels in Diabetes Patients
Can You Contract HIV from Scratches During a Fight?
Can you get HIV from being scratched? Hello Doctor: Yesterday, I had a conflict with someone, and during the struggle on the ground, the other person tightly grabbed my wrists. Afterward, I noticed that my wrists have wounds and scratch marks. I'm not sure if the wounds are ...
Dr. Liao Zhongxin Reply:
Dear readers, A. First, please refer to the information on the CDC website: http://www.cdc.gov.tw. There are three main routes of HIV transmission: 1. Sexual transmission: Engaging in oral, anal, or vaginal intercourse or any other exchange of bodily fluids with an HIV-infecte...[Read More] Can You Contract HIV from Scratches During a Fight?
Managing High Blood Sugar: When to See a Doctor and Dietary Tips
Blood sugar issues? Hello, doctor. After my health check-up, I found that my blood sugar levels were elevated, so I completely stopped eating sweets. However, I often feel very hungry after meals. Although it doesn't significantly affect my daily routine, I would like to ask...
Dr. Xiao Yongxun Reply:
Dear Mr. Ahong: 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 more than 8 hours, b. Plasma glucose level ≥ 200 mg/dL during a 2-hour oral glucose tolerance test, c. HbA...[Read More] Managing High Blood Sugar: When to See a Doctor and Dietary Tips