Managing Oral Health Concerns Amid Uncertain Dryness Diagnosis
Immune system In the past year, I have noticed that my body gets tired easily, and during late-night work, I often experience tears and a runny nose to the point that I need to keep tissues handy to wipe my tears. Additionally, my tongue has a whitish coating with cracks, and I f...
Dr. Gao Jiankai Reply:
Hello, thank you for your question. The results of a general salivary gland scintigraphy can be obtained quite quickly, so it should be fine to wait a bit before proceeding with periodontal disease treatment. However, only your physician is aware of the severity of your periodont...[Read More] Managing Oral Health Concerns Amid Uncertain Dryness Diagnosis
Understanding Endocrine Issues and PCOS in Young Women: A Case Study
Regarding Endocrinology and Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) Hello, Doctor: I am currently 19 years old, with a height of 151 cm, weight of 45.4 kg, body fat percentage of 20.3%, and a waist circumference of 58 cm. Description of my condition: In March of this year, my weight sud...
Dr. Xiao Yongxun Reply:
Dear Miss Nini: 1. The formula for Basal Metabolic Rate (BMR) is often estimated using various regression equations; it represents the energy required to maintain basic physiological functions daily. It can be used as a reference, but there is no need to be overly concerned, as ...[Read More] Understanding Endocrine Issues and PCOS in Young Women: A Case Study
Morning Fatigue and Swelling: Managing Chemotherapy Side Effects
I can't get out of bed in the morning..? Hello, Doctor Wu. I would like to ask about my mother, who has been taking chemotherapy medication, specifically Capecitabine, for the past two months. She has gradually started experiencing some physical discomfort, including difficu...
Dr. Wu Hongjie Reply:
Hello: Regarding the weakness caused by chemotherapy drugs, it is recommended that you consult with your original hematology-oncology physician or seek assistance from traditional Chinese medicine for support. Wishing you all the best.[Read More] Morning Fatigue and Swelling: Managing Chemotherapy Side Effects
Understanding Antiphospholipid Syndrome: Misdiagnosis and Treatment Insights
Antiphospholipid Syndrome About five years ago, I was diagnosed with antiphospholipid syndrome (ANA positive, anticardiolipin antibody positive, elevated inflammatory markers, and significant abnormalities in cerebral blood flow on one side). Since then, I have been continuously ...
Dr. Gao Jiankai Reply:
Hello, thank you for your inquiry. Here are the responses: 1. The use of medication will not affect the test results. 2. The results of antiphospholipid antibody tests can fluctuate, and if tested at different hospitals or laboratories, interpretation should be done with caution....[Read More] Understanding Antiphospholipid Syndrome: Misdiagnosis and Treatment Insights
Managing SLE, COPD, Kidney Function, and High Cholesterol in Your 50s
The patient has systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), along with impaired kidney function and elevated cholesterol levels? My mother is 50 years old and has systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease...
Dr. Wu Jiyu Reply:
Hello: Since systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) can potentially affect the kidneys and even cause glomerulonephritis, if your health check shows a significant decrease in glomerular filtration rate, it is recommended that you discuss this with your rheumatologist or bring your me...[Read More] Managing SLE, COPD, Kidney Function, and High Cholesterol in Your 50s
Understanding Normal Blood Sugar Levels for Gestational Diabetes
Reference values for gestational diabetes mellitus? Hello, Director Hsiao: Could you please tell me what the reference values for "fasting" and "postprandial 2 hours" blood glucose levels are for gestational diabetes? I would like to monitor my blood sugar lev...
Dr. Xiao Yongxun Reply:
Dear Ms. JJ: 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. HbA1c (g...[Read More] Understanding Normal Blood Sugar Levels for Gestational Diabetes
Understanding Acute Kidney Failure Recovery: Key Insights and Timeline
Recovery from renal failure Hello Dr. Wu, in May of this year, I underwent blood tests due to feeling unwell. The first test results showed BUN: in the 120s and Cr: around 5.5 (with no proteinuria present). Two days later, I had another blood test, and the results were BUN: in th...
Dr. Wu Jiyu Reply:
Hello: Based on the information you provided, if kidney function was normal during the previous year's health check and has suddenly deteriorated this year, the clinical course should primarily be considered as acute kidney injury. However, acute kidney injury can lead to va...[Read More] Understanding Acute Kidney Failure Recovery: Key Insights and Timeline
Diagnosing Non-Gout Acute Attacks: Beyond Uric Acid Testing
In addition to measuring uric acid levels, what other methods can be used to achieve a definitive diagnosis during an acute attack of non-gouty arthritis? Hello Dr. Gao, Due to my work in the United States, I was unable to return to Taiwan for medical treatment. On a day when I...
Dr. Gao Jiankai Reply:
Hello, thank you for your question. I will summarize my response as follows: 1. I believe the likelihood of gout is very low, even if you have mild hyperuricemia. Generally, gout attacks are quite severe, with significant redness, swelling, heat, and pain, often preventing indi...[Read More] Diagnosing Non-Gout Acute Attacks: Beyond Uric Acid Testing
Should You Get Tested for Hepatitis B After Using a Carrier's Toothpaste?
Using the same toothpaste as a carrier of Hepatitis B? Hello Dr. Liao, my husband is 33 years old and does not have hepatitis B surface antigens or antibodies. Three days ago, he accidentally used a toothbrush that belonged to a hepatitis B carrier. He does not remember if he had...
Dr. Liao Zhongxin Reply:
Dear readers: Regarding the situation of my husband, who is 33 years old and has no hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) or antibodies. Three days ago, he mistakenly used toothpaste that belonged to a hepatitis B carrier. He does not recall if he had any gum bleeding at that time....[Read More] Should You Get Tested for Hepatitis B After Using a Carrier's Toothpaste?
Understanding Postprandial Blood Sugar Levels: Concerns and Insights
Blood sugar issues Hello Doctor: My height is 165 cm and my weight is 58 kg (my weight has been about the same for the past six months). Last year, my fasting blood glucose (glucose AC) was 92 mg/dL. I tested my fasting blood glucose again in early August, and it was 96 mg/dL. La...
Dr. Xiao Yongxun Reply:
Dear Mr. Jacky: 1. Your weight is 58 kg, height is 165 cm, and your body mass index (BMI) is 21.3 kg/m², which falls within the normal range. 2. In 2015, your fasting blood glucose level was 92 mg/dL, and in August 2016, it was 96 mg/dL. Last week, your hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c) wa...[Read More] Understanding Postprandial Blood Sugar Levels: Concerns and Insights
Understanding Blood Sugar Variations Before and After Meals During Pregnancy
The differences between before and after meals? Hello, Doctor! I have been diagnosed with high blood sugar issues for 12 years and have been under medical follow-up. Recently, due to my pregnancy, I have been monitoring my blood sugar levels before and after meals. My fasting blo...
Dr. Xiao Yongxun Reply:
Dear Ms. Wang: 1. Although pregnancy is a joyful event, it can cause significant changes in the body, particularly in the endocrine system. Consequently, fluctuations in blood sugar levels and hyperglycemia may become more pronounced. Generally speaking, if a person without diab...[Read More] Understanding Blood Sugar Variations Before and After Meals During Pregnancy
Understanding Thyroid Tumors: Insights on Surgery and Follow-Up Care
Thyroid tumor Hello, doctor. I have a nodule on my right side that has been monitored and aspirated, both results indicating it is benign. I found it bothersome, so I opted for surgical intervention. The doctor performed a unilateral total thyroidectomy to remove the tumor (nodul...
Dr. Xiao Yongxun Reply:
Dear Ms. Shine: 1. If a thyroid nodule appears hard and is accompanied by cervical lymphadenopathy, malignant transformation should be considered. If a long-standing goiter suddenly enlarges rapidly, accompanied by localized skin redness and fever, differentiated thyroid carcino...[Read More] Understanding Thyroid Tumors: Insights on Surgery and Follow-Up Care
Effective Strategies to Manage Proteinuria and Albumin Levels in Lupus Patients
How can proteinuria and albumin levels be effectively managed? Hello Doctor, I am a patient with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) and have been diagnosed for over four years. I had been managing my condition well, even stopping medications like quinine and mycophenolate mofetil...
Dr. Wu Jiyu Reply:
Hello: Based on the information you provided, there is currently still a significant amount of proteinuria, and given your history of lupus erythematosus, it is possible that you may have lupus nephritis. However, even within lupus nephritis, there are various types and degrees o...[Read More] Effective Strategies to Manage Proteinuria and Albumin Levels in Lupus Patients
Does Lower Blood Pressure from Medication Reduce Sweating?
Blood pressure - "If blood pressure is slightly lower than usual, will the amount of sweating also decrease?" Hello, I would like to ask if taking medication (for nocturia improvement in urology) can cause "blood pressure to be slightly lower than usual, and whethe...
Dr. Gao Jiankai Reply:
Hello, thank you for your inquiry. The medications prescribed by urologists for nocturia are sometimes aimed at treating benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) and other times at reducing urinary frequency. Medications that reduce urinary frequency may have side effects such as dryne...[Read More] Does Lower Blood Pressure from Medication Reduce Sweating?
How to Address Multiple Symptoms After Urological Issues?
How should a series of symptoms be evaluated? Today, I have been experiencing a series of symptoms that started after I developed a urological condition. Initially, I had testicular pain due to frequent erections without proper relief during that time. After consulting a urologis...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
1 & 2: Based on your symptom description, it is indeed most likely chronic prostatitis. However, there is concern about the possibility of complications such as prostatic abscess or urinary tract infection. You may want to consult an infectious disease specialist, urologist, ...[Read More] How to Address Multiple Symptoms After Urological Issues?
Understanding Persistent Discomfort: Common Symptoms and Solutions
Physical discomfort? 1. This symptom has persisted for several months without a clear cause. The symptoms include a feeling of pressure in the eyes and a sensation of obstruction in vision, followed by dizziness, headaches, and even nausea. The first occurrence happened after a f...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, 1. The symptoms you are experiencing may be related to your eyes or headaches. It would be advisable to consult an ophthalmologist to check your intraocular pressure. If your eyes are normal, it is likely a mild tension-type headache, which is often caused by significant...[Read More] Understanding Persistent Discomfort: Common Symptoms and Solutions
Understanding Diabetes: Key Questions on Blood Sugar Levels and Genetics
Regarding diabetes and the genetic aspects of diabetes? Director Li, I have a few questions: 1. My bedtime blood sugar levels are between 90 and 100. Is this considered low? In the morning, my levels are around 110 to 120. What should I be aware of? 2. Why do my post-meal blo...
Dr. Li Zhiyao Reply:
Hello: 1.a. There is no hypoglycemia. b. Please manage your diet and weight, and engage in regular exercise. 2. It may be an issue with the technique; you can consult a diabetes educator for the correct method. 3. I am unaware of your treatment plan, so I cannot answer; please di...[Read More] Understanding Diabetes: Key Questions on Blood Sugar Levels and Genetics
Managing Acid Reflux: Symptoms, Treatment, and Diabetes Concerns
Excess stomach acid Hello, doctor. I previously underwent an endoscopy which showed that my gastrointestinal tract is generally fine, but I have gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). I have been taking Pantoprazole for a month, but I occasionally experience acid reflux, a burni...
Dr. Xiao Yongxun Reply:
Dear Mr. Ellis: 1. Nexium® (generic name: Esomeprazole) is indicated for gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). Possible side effects include abdominal pain, constipation, diarrhea, bloating, nausea, dry mouth, headache, drowsiness, allergic reactions, fever, and others. Genera...[Read More] Managing Acid Reflux: Symptoms, Treatment, and Diabetes Concerns
Managing Diabetes: Weight Loss, Cholesterol Levels, and Health Concerns
Regarding issues related to diabetes..? Hello, Director. I would like to ask about my health situation. I was diagnosed with diabetes on April 27. My blood test results on that date showed: fasting blood glucose 204 mg/dL, postprandial blood glucose 250 mg/dL, HbA1c 8.3%, total c...
Dr. Xiao Yongxun Reply:
Dear Mr. Ah-Chiang: 1. Your original weight was 108 kg, height 180 cm, resulting in a body mass index (BMI) of 33.3 kg/m², which classifies you as obese. Due to insulin resistance, you are at an increased risk for type 2 diabetes. Non-pharmacological treatments for weight loss i...[Read More] Managing Diabetes: Weight Loss, Cholesterol Levels, and Health Concerns
Managing Bilateral Hydronephrosis: Insights on Treatment and Kidney Function
Bilateral hydronephrosis Hello Doctor: Due to endometriosis causing ureteral stricture and hydronephrosis, I have had three double-J stents placed in my right kidney over the past four years, with no significant improvement and persistent hydronephrosis. Recent examinations revea...
Dr. Wu Hongjie Reply:
Dear Friend, 1. The decision regarding the first issue depends on the circumstances. In principle, severely reduced kidney function is not an indication for nephrectomy unless there are recurrent, persistent infections that have led to abscess formation, or the presence of malig...[Read More] Managing Bilateral Hydronephrosis: Insights on Treatment and Kidney Function