Understanding Side Effects of Sleeping Pills: When to See a Doctor
Side effects after taking medication? Hello, Doctor: Due to insomnia, I have been taking the sleeping pills prescribed by you every night before bed. However, recently I have been experiencing frequent pain in the left kidney area upon waking up in the morning, along with numbnes...
Dr. Yao Quan Reply:
Hello Mr. Ahong, due to your insomnia, you have been taking the sleeping medication prescribed by your doctor every night. However, recently you have been experiencing frequent pain in the left kidney area upon waking up in the morning, along with numbness in your hands and feet,...[Read More] Understanding Side Effects of Sleeping Pills: When to See a Doctor
Struggling with Back Pain: Finding Relief for Sleepless Nights
The back pain prevents me from lying flat to sleep? Hello Doctor: About two years ago, I was diagnosed with lupus erythematosus after experiencing pleural effusion. At that time, I had difficulty breathing; whenever I lay flat, I would experience chest pain and shortness of breat...
Dr. Chen Baoli Reply:
Hello, Mei-Yi: Are you taking your lupus medication regularly? If so, we can temporarily rule out the possibility of recurrent pleural effusion (or pulmonary edema). A small number of lupus patients may experience this kind of shortness of breath, especially when unable to lie fl...[Read More] Struggling with Back Pain: Finding Relief for Sleepless Nights
Do I Need Medical Attention? Understanding BMI, Pain, and Irregular Cycles
Do I need to seek medical attention? Hello Doctor, I have a few questions I would like to ask: I am currently 30 years old, 158 cm tall, and weigh between 62 to 65 kg, giving me a BMI of 34. Over six months ago, I started a raw food diet, cooking with minimal oil, salt, and meat...
Dr. Chen Baoli Reply:
Dear Xiao Zhu, Regarding your question, I suggest you first consult an endocrinologist to check for any metabolic issues, such as hypothyroidism. As for the currently popular raw food diet, the medical community generally holds a skeptical view on whether it is suitable for ever...[Read More] Do I Need Medical Attention? Understanding BMI, Pain, and Irregular Cycles
Understanding Left Lower Abdominal Bloating and Cramping in Young Adults
Left lower abdominal bloating and cramping? Dear Dr. Hsiao, My 22-year-old daughter has been experiencing bloating and cramping pain in her lower left abdomen for the past two weeks. She has noticed a decrease in her bowel movements and feels as though she cannot fully relieve h...
Dr. Xiao Jingqin Reply:
Left lower abdominal pain should be considered based on the involved organs, including the colon, urinary system, and gynecological organs such as the ovaries or uterus. Currently, a urinalysis has been performed, and a gynecological ultrasound has generally ruled out issues rela...[Read More] Understanding Left Lower Abdominal Bloating and Cramping in Young Adults
Night Sweats While Sleeping: Causes and Solutions in Air-Conditioned Rooms
Experiencing excessive sweating during sleep (even in an air-conditioned room)? My husband almost every night sweats profusely while sleeping! The air conditioning is on in the room, and the temperature is around 26°C (79°F). He sweats on his forehead, back of the neck, chest, ba...
Dr. Yao Quan Reply:
Hello: Night sweats can be normal or abnormal. Some individuals who are overweight often experience significant night sweating. In these individuals, it is important to monitor for snoring during sleep and whether there are any interruptions in breathing while asleep. If such sym...[Read More] Night Sweats While Sleeping: Causes and Solutions in Air-Conditioned Rooms
Understanding Dizziness: Causes and Concerns for Young Adults
First episode of dizziness? Hello, Doctor: I am a second-year graduate student. My daily routine usually involves entering the lab at 9 AM and returning to my dormitory around midnight, falling asleep between 1 and 2 AM. The day before yesterday, when I woke up in the morning, I ...
Dr. Wang Fangli Reply:
In healthy individuals, dizziness can occur in the presence of viral infections, bacterial infections, sleep deprivation, or stress. If you have iron deficiency anemia with a hemoglobin level of only 8, you should seek treatment at a hospital and pay attention to your diet and li...[Read More] Understanding Dizziness: Causes and Concerns for Young Adults
Understanding Painful Swelling Near the Back of the Head: Possible Causes
The left occipital region is swollen? Hello, Doctor: About two weeks ago, I noticed a lump on the left side of my neck, near the upper part of the occipital region, which is indented. It hurts when I press on it, and it is even more painful when I massage it vigorously. I occasio...
Dr. Chen Baoli Reply:
Hello, young mother: I believe your concerns should be addressed directly at a medical facility. Just describing symptoms is not sufficient to determine the underlying cause. Thank you for your understanding. Wishing you good health![Read More] Understanding Painful Swelling Near the Back of the Head: Possible Causes
Managing High ACTH Levels: Key Questions and Concerns Explained
Elevated ACTH (Adrenocorticotropic Hormone) Levels (Part 2) Thank you very much for Dr. Yang's response. I still have a few questions to ask Dr. Yang: 1. Can high ACTH levels be controlled just by medication? 2. If I have been taking medication for over four months withou...
Dr. Yang Hongzhi Reply:
If the initial diagnosis is adrenal insufficiency, then the rise in ACTH should be a result of a feedback mechanism. If the elevated ACTH is due to a tumor causing excessive secretion, it would initially present with signs of adrenal hyperfunction. I am not aware of whether long-...[Read More] Managing High ACTH Levels: Key Questions and Concerns Explained
Understanding High ACTH Levels: Causes, Diagnosis, and Treatment Options
Elevated ACTH (Adrenocorticotropic Hormone My son has high ACTH levels, consistently between 400 and 500. He has undergone examinations at Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, including an MRI, which came back normal. However, after taking medication for four months, his levels have not...
Dr. Yang Hongzhi Reply:
Addison's disease is a disorder of the adrenal glands that leads to adrenal insufficiency. Adrenal insufficiency causes an increase in adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH), which is a hormone produced by the pituitary gland that stimulates the adrenal glands. When adrenal func...[Read More] Understanding High ACTH Levels: Causes, Diagnosis, and Treatment Options
Understanding Left Lower Back Pain: Possible Kidney Issues?
Pain in the left lower back? Hello Doctor, for the past 2 to 3 months, I have been experiencing intermittent soreness in the left side of my lower back. However, there is no significant pain when I apply pressure. But when I sneeze, I experience intense pain in that area. Previou...
Dr. Yang Jun Reply:
Hello: In response to your question, there are many causes of lower back pain. Aside from kidney diseases (such as kidney stones, ureteral stones, pyelonephritis, or renal tumors), other causes include musculoskeletal and neurological disorders, which can also lead to lower back ...[Read More] Understanding Left Lower Back Pain: Possible Kidney Issues?
Understanding Pelvic Pain: When to See a Doctor for Symptoms
I'm sorry, but I need specific content to translate. Please I have frequently visited the doctor and taken medication for bladder infections or uterine infections in the past. Recently, I have had a recurrence of uterine inflammation, but I also often experience pain on both...
Dr. Xie Yonghui Reply:
According to your letter, the symptoms of bilateral lower back pain and right lower abdominal pain can have various causes, potentially related to the gastrointestinal, hepatic, biliary, urinary, or gynecological systems. It is recommended that you first visit a major hospital to...[Read More] Understanding Pelvic Pain: When to See a Doctor for Symptoms
Seeking Help for My Mother's Severe Kidney and Back Pain
I am here to help, as I cannot bear to see my mother in so much pain? Hello Doctor: I would like to ask you, in the past week, my mother has been experiencing severe pain in her kidneys and both sides of her lower back. The pain is so intense that she can't sit or stand comf...
Dr. Yao Quan Reply:
Ms. Li: Hello! Generally speaking, for patients with lower back pain, if kidney issues are ruled out after examination, we usually consider skeletal or muscular disorders. Therefore, further tests such as X-rays of the spine may be conducted. Regarding your mother’s condition, yo...[Read More] Seeking Help for My Mother's Severe Kidney and Back Pain
Severe Pain in the Back: Difficulty Breathing and Movement Issues
Pain in the right rear side of the body!! Difficulty breathing? I have severe pain in my back, around the area behind my ribs. It's hard to breathe, and even slight movements cause sharp pain, almost like something is stabbing me. Even standing up straight hurts. What could ...
Dr. Xie Yonghui Reply:
Based on the symptoms described in your letter, it is recommended that you first consult an orthopedic specialist. If you also experience painful urination, frequent urination, or difficulty urinating, you should see a urologist.[Read More] Severe Pain in the Back: Difficulty Breathing and Movement Issues
Understanding Kidney Health: Impact of Urinary Infections and When to Seek Help
Kidneys..? Hello Doctor: I would like to ask, I have been experiencing frequent urinary tract infections or bladder infections recently and have visited a gynecologist, taking quite a few medications. Will this have a significant impact on my kidneys? Lately, I have been feeling ...
Dr. Wu Jiyu Reply:
1. Recurrent urinary tract infections - a. First, arrange for a renal ultrasound to check for any urinary tract structural abnormalities. b. Then perform a urine culture. c. Based on the bacterial species identified, complete a full course of antibiotics. 2. Either a urology or n...[Read More] Understanding Kidney Health: Impact of Urinary Infections and When to Seek Help
Do Patients with Kidney Shrinkage Always Need Dialysis? Insights and Alternatives
Is dialysis necessary if kidney size has shrunk to 7.5-8.5 centimeters? Hello Dr. Wang: My mother visited the nephrology department at Veterans General Hospital last week with symptoms of nausea, loss of appetite, jaundice, and fatigue (BUN: 150, creatinine: 8). She has severe an...
Dr. Wang Weijie Reply:
Hello, Your mother’s symptoms are indicative of uremia, chronic kidney failure accompanied by anemia. Ultrasound imaging shows renal atrophy, and dialysis will be necessary as long as her life continues. Dialysis, specifically hemodialysis, is a procedure that removes high leve...[Read More] Do Patients with Kidney Shrinkage Always Need Dialysis? Insights and Alternatives
Understanding Chronic Back Pain and Muscle Inflammation Issues
Lower back pain and inflammation in the muscles and joints of the hands and feet? Hello Dr. Chen: For the past year or two, I have been experiencing more frequent lower back discomfort. Additionally, after sitting or standing for extended periods, or after light exercise, I somet...
Dr. Chen Baoli Reply:
Hello Ryan: Regarding the issue you mentioned, experiencing lower back pain and muscle soreness after prolonged standing, sitting, or exercising is often recurrent. This involves several factors, including the nature of your work, the type of exercise you engage in, your usual si...[Read More] Understanding Chronic Back Pain and Muscle Inflammation Issues
Understanding Right-Sided Back Pain: Possible Causes and Insights
Questions about pain in the right side of the back? Hello Dr. Chen. I am a young man about to enlist in the military. Recently, I have come across reports about ankylosing spondylitis, which has raised some concerns about my own health. My parents do not have a history of ankylos...
Dr. Chen Baoli Reply:
Hello, Xiaochun: To diagnose ankylosing spondylitis, testing for HLA-B27 through blood work is only an auxiliary measure and cannot confirm the diagnosis; many people misunderstand this. The definitive diagnosis primarily relies on clinical symptoms, X-ray examinations, and blood...[Read More] Understanding Right-Sided Back Pain: Possible Causes and Insights
Understanding Elevated Creatinine Levels: Causes and Solutions for Young Women
Elevated creatinine levels in the kidneys? I went for a health check-up. I'm a 24-year-old woman, and my creatinine level is elevated at 2.10. My urea and uric acid levels are normal. I don't have high blood pressure or diabetes. What should I do? Are there any methods ...
Dr. Wu Jiyu Reply:
1. Recheck to confirm if elevated. 2. If elevated, first check for proteinuria in the urine. 3. If proteinuria is present, collect a 24-hour urine sample. 4. Arrange for a renal ultrasound. 5. If the above findings are confirmed, a kidney biopsy may be necessary.[Read More] Understanding Elevated Creatinine Levels: Causes and Solutions for Young Women
Persistent Bilateral Lower Back Pain After Heavy Drinking: Causes and Tests
Persistent pain in both sides of the lower back? Hello doctor, during the New Year period, I drank alcohol continuously with friends for about a week. Now I have persistent pain in both sides of my lower back. What could be the issue? What kind of health check should I undergo? T...
Dr. Huang Dayao Reply:
Hello: First, schedule an appointment with the internal medicine or family medicine clinic for evaluation by a physician. Wishing you good health.[Read More] Persistent Bilateral Lower Back Pain After Heavy Drinking: Causes and Tests
Understanding Elevated BUN Levels: Causes and Solutions
Blood Urea Nitrogen (BUN) issues? A few days ago, my health check report came back, showing a blood urea nitrogen (BUN) level of 20 mg/dL, with the normal range being 5 to 18 mg/dL. I have been taking pain medication for bone neuropathy. Will my BUN level decrease if I stop takin...
Dr. Wang Fangli Reply:
As long as creatinine levels are normal, a slightly elevated blood urea nitrogen (BUN) level is not a major concern and is unrelated to the use of pain medications. It may be due to excessive protein intake.[Read More] Understanding Elevated BUN Levels: Causes and Solutions