Does Excessive Western Medicine Increase Kidney Failure Risk?
Is there a correlation between excessive use of Western medicine and the likelihood of needing dialysis? Elderly people often say that taking too many Western medications can lead to kidney damage. Is this true? Does taking traditional Chinese medicine reduce the need for dialysi...
Dr. Zheng Shuxing Reply:
1. Common medications that can easily lead to renal failure include analgesics and aminoglycoside antibiotics. Long-term use, especially in patients with chronic kidney disease and renal failure, can accelerate the deterioration of kidney function. 2. There is no medical evidenc...[Read More] Does Excessive Western Medicine Increase Kidney Failure Risk?
Is It Safe to Prescribe Omeprazole Without Proper Diagnosis?
The doctor prescribed Lansoprazole to my mother without performing an X-ray or endoscopy? Hello, Doctor: My mother (46 years old) recently experienced gastrointestinal discomfort and was referred to a clinic in Keelung City by a friend. The physician (approximately 60 years old) ...
Dr. Xiao Yongxun Reply:
Hello: In response to your questions. 1. It is advisable to discuss the issues you raised with the physician. 2. The diagnosis of gastric ulcers can be based on clinical symptoms and medical history, upper gastrointestinal barium studies, and upper gastrointestinal endoscopy; the...[Read More] Is It Safe to Prescribe Omeprazole Without Proper Diagnosis?
Understanding Chronic Left-Sided Lower Back Pain: Causes and Solutions
Left-sided lower back pain? I often experience pain on the left side of my lower back. It has been going on for quite some time, averaging almost daily discomfort. When I palpate the area, I can't pinpoint the exact location of the pain, but it consistently occurs in the sam...
Dr. Wang Weijie Reply:
Hello, there are many potential causes of lower back pain. Here are some common examples: 1. Acute pyelonephritis may sometimes be accompanied by fever. Diagnosis can be made through urinalysis and urine culture, where white blood cells and bacteria can be seen in significant a...[Read More] Understanding Chronic Left-Sided Lower Back Pain: Causes and Solutions
Understanding Recurrent Fever and Urinary Retention in Parkinson's Patients
Urinary retention causing recurrent fever? Director Lin: Hello, my father is 65 years old and has had Parkinson's disease for 19 years. Recently, for the past month, he has frequently felt the urge to urinate but is unable to produce much urine or urinate at all. On June 21,...
Dr. Lin Mingfeng Reply:
The patient experienced three episodes of fever. The first two episodes resolved after catheterization and medication, but the details of the first episode are incomplete. The results of the urinalysis are closely related to whether antibiotics were used, and the urine culture re...[Read More] Understanding Recurrent Fever and Urinary Retention in Parkinson's Patients
Understanding Lymph Node Swelling: Causes, Symptoms, and When to Seek Help
Lymphadenopathy About two weeks ago, I noticed swelling of a lymph node in the back of my right neck. I consulted an ENT specialist who suspected a bacterial infection and prescribed antibiotics and anti-inflammatory medication. The next day, the lymph node did decrease in size, ...
Dr. Zheng Shuxing Reply:
Hello, if the lymph nodes in the neck are enlarged for more than a month and do not resolve, a biopsy should be performed to understand the cause. If they have resolved, it is likely due to a viral infection that the body has developed immunity against. Additionally, if there has...[Read More] Understanding Lymph Node Swelling: Causes, Symptoms, and When to Seek Help
Understanding Frequent Urination, Kidney Health, Liver Issues, and Acne in Teens
Frequent urination, kidneys, liver, acne? Hello, Doctor: I am a 17-year-old student about to enter my senior year, and I have been troubled by these issues for a long time. I will get checked during the summer break! 1. Frequent urination and kidney issues: I feel very thirsty ...
Dr. Huang Dayao Reply:
Reply: Hello, 1. Diabetes generally presents with three main symptoms: excessive thirst, frequent urination, and increased appetite. If you experience any of these symptoms, it is essential to visit an internal medicine clinic for evaluation. 2. If your kidneys are functionin...[Read More] Understanding Frequent Urination, Kidney Health, Liver Issues, and Acne in Teens
Understanding Fever: Could It Indicate a Different Illness?
Fever I have had a continuous fever for three days. I went to the hospital for an examination. I had blood and urine tests; the blood test results were normal, but they found an elevated white blood cell count in my urine, which suggests there might be some inflammation, leading ...
Dr. Lin Mingfeng Reply:
To identify the cause of fever, the easiest approach is to start with accompanying symptoms. Aside from pyuria (indicating an excess of white blood cells in the urine), no other accompanying symptoms were mentioned in the problem. However, statistically, a urinary tract infection...[Read More] Understanding Fever: Could It Indicate a Different Illness?
Understanding Medication Side Effects: Swelling and Detox Tips
Medication issues Hello Doctor, I have been taking antibiotics for about two months to treat urethritis. As a result, both sides of my lower lip are slightly swollen and quite noticeable. I have stopped the medication, but the swelling persists. 1. What could be the cause? Whic...
Dr. Zheng Shuxing Reply:
Hello: The standard treatment for urethritis typically involves the use of antibiotics for three to seven days. Two months is indeed too long. I recommend that you stop using the antibiotics. If you still experience burning during urination or frequent urination, females should c...[Read More] Understanding Medication Side Effects: Swelling and Detox Tips
Persistent Fever: Understanding Symptoms and Seeking Proper Diagnosis
Persistent fever Hello Doctor: I have been experiencing frequent fevers over the past few days. I sweat and feel better when lying down, but the fever returns shortly after. Today marks the fourth day. I currently live in Taichung City, and yesterday I visited the family medicine...
Dr. Zhao Chongliang Reply:
Hello! Recurrent fever, joint pain (discomfort in the spine), cough with chest pain, and sputum (even in small amounts) may indicate bacterial pneumonia or atypical pneumonia. Please first visit a general internal medicine or pulmonary medicine department to arrange for a chest X...[Read More] Persistent Fever: Understanding Symptoms and Seeking Proper Diagnosis
Understanding Low Platelet Counts: Seeking Medical Advice and Options
Platelets My father was found to have a platelet count of 6,000 on December 31, 2004. After hospitalization, his platelet count has remained between 14,000 and 20,000 (after platelet transfusions). The medications prescribed by Mackay Memorial Hospital include folic acid, B vitam...
Dr. Wang Fangli Reply:
There are many causes of thrombocytopenia, and it is essential to consider other comorbid conditions and treat the underlying cause. You may discuss this with your attending physician. Wang Fangli, March 24, 2005.[Read More] Understanding Low Platelet Counts: Seeking Medical Advice and Options
Why Does My Baby Keep Getting Oral Thrush? Understanding Recurrences
Why do babies experience recurrent thrush? Hello Doctor, I consulted you on February 25th regarding my concerns about my baby, who has just turned six months old. Since birth, my baby has experienced oral thrush six times. The attending physician recommended tests to check for an...
Dr. Zhao Chongliang Reply:
Oral thrush is a common condition in infants, partly due to their physiological leukopenia, which limits their ability to phagocytize fungi (Candida). Additionally, infants who rely solely on breast milk or formula may have lower levels of vitamin B2 and zinc, making them less ca...[Read More] Why Does My Baby Keep Getting Oral Thrush? Understanding Recurrences
Effective Treatments for Bronchiectasis: A Guide for Patients
How to cure bronchiectasis? Hello, Dr. Ke. My father, who is 82 years old, was hospitalized last year due to pneumonia, diagnosed as being caused by bronchiectasis. I would like to ask what more aggressive treatment options could be taken to cure this condition, as he has been pe...
Dr. Ke Zhengchang Reply:
1. Bronchiectasis is not curable and can only be managed through increased fluid intake, expectoration, and postural drainage to control symptoms. If there is fever, hemoptysis, purulent sputum, or respiratory distress, medical treatment is necessary, typically involving antibiot...[Read More] Effective Treatments for Bronchiectasis: A Guide for Patients
Antibiotic Recommendations for SLE Patients with Joint Replacements
Infection prevention Hello, Dr. Zheng! I am a patient with Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (SLE) and have undergone total hip arthroplasty on both sides. I had my right hip replaced in 1998 and my left hip replaced in 1999. Shortly after the left hip surgery, I went to the dentist a...
Dr. Zheng Shuxing Reply:
Hello, generally speaking, administering 2 grams of ampicillin preoperatively can effectively prevent complications from streptococcal infections. However, if both of your osteomyelitis cases are caused by atypical bacteria, special treatment may be necessary. - Dr. Cheng Shu-Hsi...[Read More] Antibiotic Recommendations for SLE Patients with Joint Replacements
Understanding Viral Infections: Symptoms and What to Expect
Viral infection?! Hello, doctor. 1. I have been experiencing diarrhea since this morning, with about 4 to 5 episodes by noon. 2. I have vomited 3 times (only drank a sip of water and about 100 c.c. of milk). 3. I have lower back pain, calf soreness, and overall weakness. 4. ...
Dr. Cai Zonglong Reply:
Hello, based on your symptoms, it is indeed possible that you have a viral infection. However, it is important to consider the issues and symptoms that occurred prior to the diarrhea. If it was caused by contaminated food, then it is likely a viral infection; otherwise, there cou...[Read More] Understanding Viral Infections: Symptoms and What to Expect
Long-Term Antibiotic Use for Acne: Risks and Alternatives Explained
Symptom consultation Hello Doctor: I have been troubled by acne since puberty. During my student years, I didn't pay much attention to it, and occasionally taking medication worked well, but once I stopped, my face would break out again. Recently, I have been in continuous t...
Dr. Zheng Shuxing Reply:
The causes of acne are mostly related to individual constitution, so it is advisable to consult a dermatologist for improvement. As for the long-term use of tetracycline antibiotics, the side effects may include allergic reactions, dental development abnormalities such as discolo...[Read More] Long-Term Antibiotic Use for Acne: Risks and Alternatives Explained
Understanding Septic Arthritis: Causes, Symptoms, and Care Tips
Septic arthritis Hello, doctor. I would like to ask a question. My father recently injured his knee in a car accident. He had some swelling initially, but after a few days, the injury seemed to heal, so we didn't pay much attention to it. However, starting yesterday, the swe...
Dr. Zheng Shuxing Reply:
Hello, Ms. Chou. Septic arthritis is an infection of the joint cavity caused by pathogens. Typically, after a physician suspects septic arthritis, a joint aspiration procedure is performed. The synovial fluid obtained is then tested and cultured for 2-3 days to confirm the diagno...[Read More] Understanding Septic Arthritis: Causes, Symptoms, and Care Tips
Understanding Thyroid Issues: Treatment Options for Goiter and Cysts
About the thyroid gland? Hello, Dr. Zhao... My sister has an enlarged thyroid due to a cold, but she is afraid of surgery, so she is controlling it with medication. I saw your response indicating that there are methods to aspirate it. What conditions need to be met, or what recom...
Dr. Zhao Chongliang Reply:
Hello! The aspiration method you mentioned in your response refers specifically to thyroid cysts, particularly in cases of recurrent hemorrhagic events, which is different from general goiter. The cause of general goiter was previously attributed to iodine deficiency, but since t...[Read More] Understanding Thyroid Issues: Treatment Options for Goiter and Cysts
Understanding Acute Pyelonephritis: Symptoms, Recovery, and Follow-Up Care
Acute pyelonephritis Hello Doctor: At the beginning of the month, I was hospitalized for six days due to an unexplained fever reaching 40 degrees Celsius, diagnosed as "acute pyelonephritis." A few days after discharge, I started experiencing mild nasal discharge, throa...
Dr. Yang Jun Reply:
Hello: In response to your question, you were hospitalized for acute pyelonephritis and after discharge, you must continue taking antibiotics for 10-14 days to ensure complete treatment. During this period, urine screening tests should be conducted to confirm the treatment outcom...[Read More] Understanding Acute Pyelonephritis: Symptoms, Recovery, and Follow-Up Care
Delayed Surgery for Kidney Hydronephrosis: Impact and Considerations
Postponed surgery? I have hydronephrosis caused by a narrowed ureter, and I need surgery to remove the narrowed section. However, I cannot have the surgery until mid-September, and it is now early August. Will this delay affect my hydronephrosis? Currently, my kidney function has...
Dr. Yang Jun Reply:
Hello: In response to your question, the cause of hydronephrosis is an obstruction in the urinary system during the process of urine excretion. Possible causes include urinary tract stones, urinary tract strictures, or external compression of the urinary tract. Hydronephrosis can...[Read More] Delayed Surgery for Kidney Hydronephrosis: Impact and Considerations
Managing Vascular Embolism in Elderly Patients: Alternatives to Surgery
Vascular embolism Hello, I would like to inquire about a 92-year-old elderly person at home who has experienced tissue necrosis in one leg due to vascular embolism. Besides surgical intervention, is hyperbaric oxygen therapy effective? Considering the age factor, if surgery is no...
Dr. Yang Hongzhi Reply:
Hyperbaric oxygen therapy may have some effects on tissues at the margins of necrosis, but it is not very helpful for tissues that are already necrotic. Not performing surgery carries the risk of sepsis; if surgery is not conducted, only supportive treatment should be provided. I...[Read More] Managing Vascular Embolism in Elderly Patients: Alternatives to Surgery