Persistent Cough and Sleep Issues: When to Seek Further Medical Help
About the common cold? I have been coughing for three to four days, but there has been no improvement, and my sleep has not been good (I have difficulty breathing). What should I do to improve? I have already visited a hospital in Taipei and underwent a rapid influenza test, whic...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, recently with colds, regardless of whether they are caused by the flu, symptoms including cough typically last for more than 3-4 days. However, if you continue to experience wheezing, it is advisable to get a chest X-ray to confirm whether there is pneumonia. As for the se...[Read More] Persistent Cough and Sleep Issues: When to Seek Further Medical Help
Managing High Uric Acid and Cholesterol Levels: Dietary Tips and Concerns
Health check shows elevated uric acid and cholesterol levels? Hello Doctor: I recently had a health check, and my uric acid level is 7.1, which is above the normal range. Isn't the normal value for women supposed to be less than 6.6? I currently do not have any symptoms of g...
Dr. Xiao Yongxun Reply:
Dear Ms. Kiki: 1. Elevated uric acid levels primarily refer to high concentrations of uric acid in the blood. When uric acid precipitates in joint tissues (such as the big toe joint, the back of the foot, or finger joints), it can trigger an inflammatory response, leading to go...[Read More] Managing High Uric Acid and Cholesterol Levels: Dietary Tips and Concerns
Managing High Uric Acid and Cholesterol Levels: Dietary Tips and Concerns
Health check shows elevated uric acid and cholesterol levels? Hello Doctor: I recently had a health check-up, and my uric acid level is 7.1, which is above the normal range. Isn't the normal value for women supposed to be less than 6.6? I currently do not have any symptoms o...
Dr. Xiao Yongxun Reply:
Dear Ms. KiKi: 1. Elevated uric acid levels primarily refer to high concentrations of uric acid in the blood. If uric acid precipitates in joint tissues (such as the big toe joint, the back of the foot, or finger joints), it can trigger an inflammatory response, leading to gout....[Read More] Managing High Uric Acid and Cholesterol Levels: Dietary Tips and Concerns
Understanding Sacroiliitis: Symptoms, Diagnosis, and Management Options
Sacroiliitis Hello Dr. Tseng, I have been experiencing symptoms for about three to four years now. I have loved playing basketball since elementary school, and I still do. I had grade II vesicoureteral reflux around the fourth grade, so I thought my lower back pain was due to spo...
Dr. Zeng Guosen Reply:
There are many reasons for back pain. A CT scan shows sacroiliitis and elevated inflammatory markers, so it is recommended to consult a rheumatologist for differential diagnosis. The physician should provide further recommendations. Thank you for your question.[Read More] Understanding Sacroiliitis: Symptoms, Diagnosis, and Management Options
Understanding Ankylosing Spondylitis: Is It Considered a Major Disability?
Is ankylosing spondylitis considered a major illness or disability? Hello, doctor. I am a female patient with ankylosing spondylitis (AS), diagnosed 12 years ago in my first year of high school. Both prolonged standing and sitting exacerbate my discomfort, and my lower back pain ...
Dr. Zeng Guosen Reply:
1. Major illnesses are defined by specific diagnoses, and ankylosing spondylitis is not included, regardless of severity. 2. Disability is determined by the degree of functional impairment, regardless of the diagnosis. If ankylosing spondylitis affects spinal fusion and limits m...[Read More] Understanding Ankylosing Spondylitis: Is It Considered a Major Disability?
Lower Back Pain After Flu Vaccine: Is It a Side Effect?
Experiencing lower back pain after receiving the flu vaccine? Hello doctor, I received the flu vaccine on Friday afternoon, and since then my lower back has been very sore. Is this a side effect of the vaccine? I need to take care of my child, and especially after sitting in the ...
Dr. Liao Zhongxin Reply:
Dear readers: Regarding the question "<Is back pain after receiving the flu vaccine a side effect of the vaccine?>", here is the response: I. Please refer to the CDC's Q&A: http://www.cdc.gov.tw/qa.aspx? Q1: Is the flu vaccine safe? What side effects m...[Read More] Lower Back Pain After Flu Vaccine: Is It a Side Effect?
Understanding Unexplained Body Sensations: Which Specialist to Consult?
Health issues. Which department should I consult? Hello Dr. Hong, I would like to consult about some unusual symptoms I'm experiencing and which specialty I should see to determine what illness I might have. My symptoms include experiencing internal pulsations after a night...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, based on your description, there are two possible causes for the palpitations. First, there may be a temporary episode of tachycardia. Since you mentioned that you have previously undergone an exercise electrocardiogram that showed tachycardia, I recommend a 24-hour Holter...[Read More] Understanding Unexplained Body Sensations: Which Specialist to Consult?
Unexplained Fever from Back to Lower Abdomen: Causes and Solutions
Unexplained fever from the back to the lower abdomen? Hello Doctor: I have been experiencing unexplained warmth from my armpit to my back and lower abdomen, especially after sitting for a long time or lying in bed. My kidney function is not very good; I have previously been hospi...
Dr. Wu Jiyu Reply:
Based on your description, you can start by consulting a nephrologist for some basic tests to identify the underlying cause.[Read More] Unexplained Fever from Back to Lower Abdomen: Causes and Solutions
Understanding Kidney Issues: Insights on Recovery and Dietary Considerations
Kidney problems Hello, my sister is 29 years old and has a history of refractory epilepsy for 23 years, is a carrier of hepatitis B, and has been diagnosed with schizophrenia for 2 years. She was hospitalized on July 31 due to cellulitis and developed sepsis, requiring intubation...
Dr. Wu Jiyu Reply:
Based on the data you provided, this condition is classified as "acute kidney injury," which may be caused by cellulitis complicated by sepsis. The key point is that as the infection is brought under control, your kidney function will gradually improve. It is recommende...[Read More] Understanding Kidney Issues: Insights on Recovery and Dietary Considerations
Assessing Potential Kidney or Spleen Injury After a Back Impact
Impact injury to the left lower back? Hello Doctor: Today while playing with friends, one of them accidentally hit my left lower back with a pillow quite hard (although the pillow is relatively soft). At that moment, there was swelling on my left lower back due to the zipper on t...
Dr. Xiao Yongxun Reply:
Dear Mr. Q: 1. Given the left lower back pain due to external impact, it is indeed necessary to consider potential injuries to the kidneys, spleen, mesentery, ureters, intestines, and other related structures. 2. In your case, although there is a skin wound, the absence of hemat...[Read More] Assessing Potential Kidney or Spleen Injury After a Back Impact
Understanding Hyperthyroidism: Symptoms, Tests, and Treatment Options
Hyperthyroidism Test Name Test Value Anti-TPO Ab 1.450 Anti-Tg Ab (ATA) 4.38 Free T4 1.52 TSH <1.52 T3 2.220 Is this hyperthyroidism? Should medication be taken to control it? Does tak...
Dr. Xiao Yongxun Reply:
Dear Mr. A-Guo: 1. Your test results are as follows: - Anti-TPO Ab: 1.45 IU/ml (Reference range: <5.61) - Anti-Tg Ab (ATA): 4.38 IU/ml (Reference range: <14.4) - Free T4: 1.52 ng/dl (Reference range: 0.89–1.76) - TSH: <1.52 μIU/ml (Reference range: 0.39–4.2...[Read More] Understanding Hyperthyroidism: Symptoms, Tests, and Treatment Options
Understanding Abdominal Pain and Lower Back Discomfort: Causes and Solutions
Abdominal pain and lower back pain? Hello, doctor! Recently, I have been experiencing abdominal pain that feels like nerve pain for two consecutive weeks, and my lower back is extremely sore. At first, during the first week, I thought it was a strain from exercising and stretchin...
Dr. Xiao Yongxun Reply:
Dear Miss Troubles: There are many common causes of lower abdominal pain, including acute appendicitis, ectopic pregnancy, hernia, hip joint diseases, inflammatory bowel disease, ischemic bowel disease, mesenteric lymphadenitis, terminal ileitis, ovarian torsion, diverticulitis,...[Read More] Understanding Abdominal Pain and Lower Back Discomfort: Causes and Solutions
Understanding Abdominal Discomfort While Lying Flat: Possible Causes
Abdominal discomfort? When lying flat on your back while sleeping, you experience discomfort around the area between your chest and abdomen, but you do not feel this discomfort when sleeping on your side. What could be the possible reasons for this? You do not have a significant ...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, based on your description, it seems that you are experiencing discomfort in the area of the esophagus and stomach. The most common cause for this is gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). It is recommended to eat smaller, more frequent meals and to reduce the intake of ir...[Read More] Understanding Abdominal Discomfort While Lying Flat: Possible Causes
Understanding Hormonal Imbalance: Acne, Weight Gain, and Mood Swings
Endocrine disorder Hello, doctor. For the past few months, I have been experiencing persistent acne that keeps appearing and disappearing. My skincare routine has remained the same, but the acne continues to occur on my philtrum, the sides of my face near the philtrum, chin, and ...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, based on your symptoms, it is indeed possible that there is a thyroid issue. I recommend that you first consult with an endocrinologist. If the tests come back normal, it is advisable to maintain a regular routine, avoid staying up late, and engage in appropriate exercise,...[Read More] Understanding Hormonal Imbalance: Acne, Weight Gain, and Mood Swings
Is It Kidney Pain or Lower Back Pain? Understanding Your Symptoms
Is it kidney pain or lower back pain? Hello doctor, this morning when I got up, I noticed pain in my right lower back, specifically in the right posterior area. I don't feel any pain when standing up, but it hurts when I intentionally twist my waist. Could this be related to...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
A relatively simple way to differentiate is that if it is kidney inflammation, there will likely be pain regardless of the position, and it may be accompanied by symptoms such as fever and burning during urination. Based on your description, it seems more likely to be muscle sore...[Read More] Is It Kidney Pain or Lower Back Pain? Understanding Your Symptoms
Which Medical Specialty Should You Consult for Unexplained Localized Heat?
Which department should I see? Hello Doctor: I would like to inquire about experiencing unexplained localized warmth in the body (specifically in the shoulders, back, and chest) at normal room temperature, along with sweating at the back of the head. My body temperature ranges be...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, a person's local temperature may vary due to local blood circulation, whether there is pressure, or if there is congestion or inflammation. This is a normal physiological phenomenon. Problems may arise only if there are signs of local redness, swelling, heat, or pain....[Read More] Which Medical Specialty Should You Consult for Unexplained Localized Heat?
Managing Ankylosing Spondylitis: Exercise, Medication, and Diet Tips
Ankylosing Spondylitis Exercise Hello Doctor, I was recently diagnosed with ankylosing spondylitis (positive HLA-B27 and evidence of fusion on X-ray). I understand that I need to exercise to maintain my condition, but I have a few questions: 1. Besides swimming and stretching exe...
Dr. Zeng Guosen Reply:
1. Swimming and stretching exercises are fundamental; hiking (with a heavy backpack) and jogging are permissible as long as the condition is stable. 2. In addition to alleviating pain, the considerations and choices for medication include delaying disease progression, spinal fu...[Read More] Managing Ankylosing Spondylitis: Exercise, Medication, and Diet Tips
Managing Ankylosing Spondylitis Pain: Ice or Heat Therapy?
Ankylosing Spondylitis: Ice or Heat Therapy? Hello, Doctor. Recently, I have experienced a relapse of ankylosing spondylitis (which has been symptom-free for over three years). Since entering the workforce, I have also been exercising very little. I am experiencing severe pain in...
Dr. Gao Jiankai Reply:
Hello Mr. Hsu, thank you for your question. The location of the sacroiliac joint is relatively deep, so the effectiveness of ice therapy may be limited; heat therapy might be more beneficial. Regarding the choice between heat and cold therapy, I believe that during the acute phas...[Read More] Managing Ankylosing Spondylitis Pain: Ice or Heat Therapy?
Can Warts on Your Boyfriend's Hand Be Transmitted Through Kissing?
Warts on your boyfriend's hand can be contagious. Warts are caused by the human papillomavirus (HPV), which can be transmitted through direct skin-to-skin contact or by touching surfaces that have been contaminated with Is it possible to transmit infections through kissing a...
Dr. Liao Zhongxin Reply:
Dear readers: Regarding the question of whether kissing and intimate touching can transmit infections, here is the response: 1. According to the Dermatology Expert Health Network (http://www.drskincare.com.tw/Qa/Detail.aspx?ID=52): A. What are viral warts? Viral warts are les...[Read More] Can Warts on Your Boyfriend's Hand Be Transmitted Through Kissing?
Understanding Back Pain and Elevated Creatinine Levels: Causes and Solutions
Lower back pain and blood tests? Hello Doctor: Recently, I have been experiencing persistent soreness in my right lower back, especially when I wake up, which tends to be particularly painful. The soreness usually lasts for a whole morning or even an entire day, but sometimes I d...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, with right flank pain combined with elevated creatinine levels, the first thing to rule out is right kidney stones or obstruction. It is recommended to visit a family medicine or urology department for X-rays or ultrasound confirmation. If kidney tests are normal, another ...[Read More] Understanding Back Pain and Elevated Creatinine Levels: Causes and Solutions