Understanding Hyperthyroidism: Symptoms, Treatments, and Dietary Guidelines
Thyroid issues Hello, doctor! Over the past one to two years, my thyroid function tests have been normal. However, six months ago, I started feeling hot all the time, not sensitive to cold, and my heart rate increased from 70-80 to around 100. I also noticed slight swelling in my...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, 1. Due to the complex composition of traditional Chinese medicine, it is difficult to generalize whether it will have an effect. 2. Corticosteroids can help with exophthalmos caused by hyperthyroidism, but they are not very effective for neck swelling. 3. If thyroid fu...[Read More] Understanding Hyperthyroidism: Symptoms, Treatments, and Dietary Guidelines
Understanding Intermittent Cough: When to Worry About Lung Cancer
Lung issues Hello Doctor, I would like to ask you a question. I had a complete physical examination last July, which included a chest CT scan, and the results showed no significant abnormalities in my lungs. However, I have been experiencing intermittent coughing for more than a ...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello: Lung cancer indeed does not develop in such a short period of time. The only concern is that any examination has its limitations; a CT scan may not detect very small or early-stage lung cancer. However, based on your symptoms, it may not necessarily be lung cancer. Conditi...[Read More] Understanding Intermittent Cough: When to Worry About Lung Cancer
Understanding HIV Risks: Concerns After a Urology Visit
HIV/AIDS risk Hello, doctor: Recently, I have been experiencing some pain in my testicles. Yesterday, I visited the urology department at the hospital, but the doctor examined me without wearing gloves and accidentally touched my glans. I would like to know if there is a risk of ...
Dr. Liao Zhongxin Reply:
Dear readers: Regarding the risks of HIV/AIDS: A: 1. According to data from the Centers for Disease Control (CDC): http://www.cdc.gov.tw/professional/page.aspx?treeid=7b56e6f932b49b90&nowtreeid=D03CCE3DF521E46A, there are three main routes of HIV transmission: 1. Sexual t...[Read More] Understanding HIV Risks: Concerns After a Urology Visit
Understanding Hemoglobin A1c: Can Weight Loss Reverse Type 2 Diabetes?
Glycated hemoglobin Doctor, I would like to ask you about my situation. In September, my hemoglobin A1c was 6.1, and in January of this year, it was 6.5. Am I diabetic? When I went to the hospital to review my report, the doctor advised me to lose weight. Is this to manage my dia...
Dr. Xiao Yongxun Reply:
Dear Ms. Anonymous: 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....[Read More] Understanding Hemoglobin A1c: Can Weight Loss Reverse Type 2 Diabetes?
Persistent Swelling in One Leg: What Specialist to Consult?
Swelling won't go down?! Hello Doctor: My father has diabetes and has recently experienced swelling in his foot, which extends beyond the sole to the ankle, but it is only affecting one foot. He has seen a metabolic specialist who found no issues. Which department should he ...
Dr. Xiao Yongxun Reply:
Dear Ms. Emily: 1. There are many causes of lower extremity edema. Generally speaking, if the edema is bilateral, one should consider heart failure, nephrotic syndrome, hypoalbuminemia, cirrhosis, medication side effects, pregnancy, hypothyroidism, and other potential causes. I...[Read More] Persistent Swelling in One Leg: What Specialist to Consult?
Managing Elevated Blood Sugar: Tips for Diet and Health Monitoring
Blood sugar issues? Hello Doctor, my fasting blood sugar is 110 mg/dL, glycated hemoglobin is 5.7%, blood urea nitrogen is 10 mg/dL, creatinine is 0.72 mg/dL, and liver function tests show alanine aminotransferase (ALT) at 8 U/L. I understand that my fasting blood sugar is elevat...
Dr. Xiao Yongxun Reply:
Dear Ms. Wu: 1. After undergoing these tests, your physician should have explained the results to you. Please make sure to consider the recommendations of the physician who has personally examined you. 2. Your fasting plasma glucose level is 110 mg/dL, which indeed exceeds the ...[Read More] Managing Elevated Blood Sugar: Tips for Diet and Health Monitoring
Understanding the Diabetes Honeymoon Phase: What You Need to Know
Diabetes honeymoon phase Hello Doctor: I was previously diagnosed with prediabetes, and the doctor said that dietary control would suffice. Over the past month, I have been managing my diet and exercising, and my blood sugar levels have gradually returned to normal, which makes m...
Dr. Xiao Yongxun Reply:
Dear Ms. Lin: 1. The term "diabetes honeymoon phase" refers to a period after the onset of diabetes during which blood sugar levels are well-controlled, often without the need for medication, due to dietary changes, exercise, medication, or insulin therapy. In type 2 d...[Read More] Understanding the Diabetes Honeymoon Phase: What You Need to Know
Managing Blood Sugar Levels in Children: Concerns and Guidelines
Blood sugar issues Hello Doctor, due to the Lunar New Year holiday, my child has been indulging in a lot of sweets and has had irregular meal times. Last night, while he was asleep, I checked his blood sugar levels. Two hours after eating, it was 127 mg/dL (at 1 AM), five hours a...
Dr. Xiao Yongxun Reply:
Dear Mr. Wang: 1. Normal fasting plasma glucose levels range from 70 to 100 mg/dL, while normal postprandial glucose levels two hours after eating range from 80 to 140 mg/dL. Therefore, your child, being young with normal pancreatic function, may have normal glucose levels despi...[Read More] Managing Blood Sugar Levels in Children: Concerns and Guidelines
Needle Injury from Broken Chest Drain: Infection Risk and Testing Guide
Injury caused by a chest drainage tube? Today, I accidentally got stabbed by a broken glass tube while cleaning the chest drainage bottle. Should I see an infectious disease specialist for blood tests? The drainage bottle has already been rinsed with clean water and has been left...
Dr. Liao Zhongxin Reply:
Dear readers: Regarding the incident of accidentally being punctured by a broken glass tube while cleaning a chest drainage bottle today, is it necessary to consult an infectious disease specialist for blood tests? The chest drainage bottle has already been rinsed with clean wate...[Read More] Needle Injury from Broken Chest Drain: Infection Risk and Testing Guide
Assessing HIV Risk: Symptoms and Concerns After Multiple Encounters
Symptoms related to HIV/AIDS? Hello, doctor. Since around September of last year, I have had sexual encounters with over ten sex workers. Among these encounters, there were a few instances of unprotected oral sex, but all vaginal intercourse was protected, and there was no anal i...
Dr. Liao Zhongxin Reply:
Dear readers: According to the information from the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) website: http://www.cdc.gov.tw/professional/list.aspx?treeid=7B56E6F932B49B90&nowtreeid=8CFCD9975BC5720FA. The transmission routes of the Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) are as follows: 1...[Read More] Assessing HIV Risk: Symptoms and Concerns After Multiple Encounters
Understanding Inflammatory Back Pain: Is It Ankylosing Spondylitis?
Ankylosing Spondylitis Hello doctor, about a week ago I suddenly experienced a sharp pain in my lower back, similar to a strain. Moving my back causes pain, but after a day or two, the pain only occurs at night when I get up to use the bathroom and in the morning when I wake up. ...
Dr. Zeng Guosen Reply:
Hello, the condition you mentioned, ankylosing spondylitis, is classified as chronic inflammatory back pain. Since it has only been occurring for about a week, I recommend monitoring the situation. If the symptoms do not improve or worsen, it would be advisable to see a doctor. A...[Read More] Understanding Inflammatory Back Pain: Is It Ankylosing Spondylitis?
Should You Consider a Kidney Biopsy for Unexplained Proteinuria?
Should a kidney biopsy be performed? Hello, doctor. I am the patient who previously inquired about "unexplained proteinuria" (I have had persistent protein in my urine for 3-4 years and am currently managing it with Aprovel and Persantin). In the past year of follow-up ...
Dr. Wu Hongjie Reply:
The following are common reasons for performing a kidney biopsy: At onset: 1. Clinical pure proteinuria > 3 grams/day, along with suspicion of other possible lesions within the kidneys. 2. Nephrotic syndrome in non-pediatric patients (urinary protein > 3 grams/day). Inter...[Read More] Should You Consider a Kidney Biopsy for Unexplained Proteinuria?
Should You Consider a Kidney Biopsy for Unexplained Proteinuria?
Should a kidney biopsy be performed? Hello, doctor. I am the patient who previously inquired about "unexplained proteinuria" (I have had persistent protein in my urine for 3-4 years and am currently managing it with Aprovel and Persantin). Over the past year, during fol...
Dr. Wu Hongjie Reply:
The following are common reasons for performing a kidney biopsy: At onset: 1. Clinical pure proteinuria > 3 grams/day, along with suspicion of other possible lesions within the kidneys. 2. Nephrotic syndrome occurring outside of childhood (proteinuria > 3 grams/day). Inte...[Read More] Should You Consider a Kidney Biopsy for Unexplained Proteinuria?
Managing Blood Sugar Levels After Gestational Diabetes: Key Insights
Gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) Hello Doctor: I had gestational diabetes during my second pregnancy. I have no family history of diabetes and am not overweight. I managed my condition through dietary control and daily self-monitoring of blood glucose. Now that I have given bi...
Dr. Xiao Yongxun Reply:
(1) According to the American Diabetes Association's diagnostic criteria for diabetes: 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. c. HbA1c (glycated hemoglobin...[Read More] Managing Blood Sugar Levels After Gestational Diabetes: Key Insights
Understanding Creatinine Levels and Kidney Health: A Patient's Inquiry
Kidney issues and creatinine? Hello Dr. Wu, I have a few questions that I hope you can help me with. I am 60 years old, 175 cm tall, and weigh 72 kg, giving me a BMI of 23.5. I have a habit of hiking every day. My serum creatinine levels are 1.6 to 1.7 mg/dL, and my glomerular f...
Dr. Wu Jiyu Reply:
Hello, based on the information you provided, you have mild chronic kidney disease, classified as stage 3 (mild). Patients with chronic kidney disease should indeed avoid nephrotoxic medications (such as nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs), but not all medications adversely aff...[Read More] Understanding Creatinine Levels and Kidney Health: A Patient's Inquiry
Understanding c-ANCA Positivity: Implications for Your Health and Vision
c-ANCA positive Hello, Doctor. Since April of this year, I have experienced two episodes of transient visual disturbances resembling a TIA, where my vision became blurry for a few seconds and then returned to normal, usually around mealtime. Sometimes I also feel dizzy, so I cons...
Dr. Zeng Guosen Reply:
1. C-ANCA positivity is less likely to cause eye problems. 2. C-ANCA positivity is associated with Wegener's granulomatosis (now known as granulomatosis with polyangiitis, GPA), and a series of tests must be conducted for a definitive diagnosis. 3. Whether to initiate me...[Read More] Understanding c-ANCA Positivity: Implications for Your Health and Vision
Understanding Kidney Decline: Managing Hypertension and eGFR Changes
Rate of Kidney Decline Issue I am 40 years old and was diagnosed with hypertension (>180) in August. My creatinine level was 1.8, and my eGFR was 44. After starting treatment with antihypertensive medication (Amlodipine) and Pentoxifylline, my creatinine level improved to 1.41...
Dr. Wu Jiyu Reply:
Based on your inquiry, it is evident that you have a certain understanding of the estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR). Currently, your greatest risk factor is hypertension. Caring for your kidneys is a lifelong commitment, so it is essential to control your blood pressure...[Read More] Understanding Kidney Decline: Managing Hypertension and eGFR Changes
Understanding Unexplained Proteinuria: Treatment Options and Management
Unexplained proteinuria? Hello, doctor. I do not have any high-risk factors for kidney disease (e.g., hypertension, diabetes, family history...), but I was diagnosed with proteinuria four years ago. Over the past few years, my protein levels have fluctuated between "+3 and n...
Dr. Wu Hongjie Reply:
Dear Sir/Madam, You have reported proteinuria at 3+ for over four years. I am unsure if your physician has discussed the possibility of a kidney biopsy with you to confirm the diagnosis. If it is chronic glomerulonephritis, there are various treatment options available, such as ...[Read More] Understanding Unexplained Proteinuria: Treatment Options and Management
Understanding Gastrointestinal Issues: When to Consider a Colonoscopy
Gastrointestinal issues Hello doctor, I am 16 years old. This year, I have been experiencing constipation issues and have been going to a large hospital, where I have a bowel movement approximately every 3 to 4 days. The doctors have only prescribed me Laxative Granules, which ha...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, based on your description, the main issue seems to be constipation. There are several risk factors associated with constipation, including lack of exercise, insufficient intake of vegetables, irregular sleep patterns, and frequent late nights. It is likely that these risk ...[Read More] Understanding Gastrointestinal Issues: When to Consider a Colonoscopy
Managing Diet for Stage 3 Chronic Kidney Disease: What You Need to Know
Diet for Chronic Kidney Disease Dear Doctor: For a patient with stage 3 chronic kidney disease and an eGFR of 55, how strict should dietary control be? Will occasional indulgences harm the kidneys? For instance, if I occasionally go out with friends for hot pot or barbecue, or if...
Dr. Wu Hongjie Reply:
Hello: According to the guidelines from the National Kidney Foundation, a low-protein diet should be limited to 0.6 grams of protein per kilogram of body weight, with at least two-thirds being high biological value protein. However, achieving this can be challenging, and some rec...[Read More] Managing Diet for Stage 3 Chronic Kidney Disease: What You Need to Know