Understanding Potassium Imbalance: Causes, Symptoms, and Prevention
Potassium ion abnormalities Hello, I am 17 years old and have been diagnosed with hyperthyroidism (on medication for about two years). Currently, my resting heart rate is around 100 beats per minute. Recently, I woke up in the middle of the night needing to urinate but found that...
Dr. Xiao Yongxun Reply:
Hello, in response to your questions: 1. Common symptoms of hyperthyroidism include palpitations, rapid heartbeat, tremors, fast speech, increased appetite, weight loss, exophthalmos, diarrhea, anxiety, and emotional instability. A minority may present with skin itching and hyp...[Read More] Understanding Potassium Imbalance: Causes, Symptoms, and Prevention
Chronic Fatigue and Digestive Issues: Seeking Medical Guidance
Still feeling fatigued..? I would like to ask: I have the following conditions: 1. I feel very tired every day, even though I sleep for 8 hours, I still feel exhausted. 2. I have chronic bad breath and dry mouth (very little saliva production). 3. My bowel movements are irregular...
Dr. Yang Hongzhi Reply:
Hello, due to the presence of various non-specific symptoms, the likelihood of having a specific medical condition that explains all the symptoms is not very high. You have also undergone some tests that did not reveal any issues. It may be necessary to consult a physician again ...[Read More] Chronic Fatigue and Digestive Issues: Seeking Medical Guidance
Understanding the Implications of Borderline Lupus Erythematosus and Management Strategies
Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) I have been experiencing some discomfort in my lower back, and after a hospital examination, the doctor mentioned that there seems to be blood in my urine. Upon further review of the test results, the doctor indicated that the findings are on th...
Dr. Zheng Shuxing Reply:
Hello Miss Ya-Chi! Systemic lupus erythematosus is an autoimmune disease that commonly affects young women. There are 11 diagnostic criteria, and a diagnosis is confirmed if 4 or more criteria are met. If fewer than 4 criteria are met, it may be what your physician refers to as &...[Read More] Understanding the Implications of Borderline Lupus Erythematosus and Management Strategies
Understanding Acne: Is Hormonal Imbalance the Root Cause?
Endocrine disorders and acne? I have been dealing with acne for almost three years now. During this time, I have seen many dermatologists, but the acne keeps coming back. I often hear people say that their acne is due to hormonal imbalances. How can I determine if my acne is caus...
Dr. Wang Zhihui Reply:
Endocrine diseases that can cause acne, aside from Cushing's syndrome due to excessive adrenal corticosteroids, include symptoms such as moon facies, buffalo hump, central obesity, and acne. However, such cases are relatively rare, and skin-related issues are more common. Th...[Read More] Understanding Acne: Is Hormonal Imbalance the Root Cause?
Why Am I Always Tired? Understanding Sleep Needs in Teens
Mom says I love to sleep? Hello, Dr. Chen! I am a middle school student. I commute to school every day, and during the summer, I have half-day classes. My mom wakes me up before 5:30 AM. After having breakfast and getting ready, I leave for school by 6:30 AM to catch the bus. I u...
Dr. Chen Guifeng Reply:
When a person becomes fatigued, they will naturally feel the urge to sleep in order to recover from that fatigue. As long as one adheres to their circadian rhythm, there is no need to emphasize a specific number of hours of sleep required each day. Generally, for your age, sleepi...[Read More] Why Am I Always Tired? Understanding Sleep Needs in Teens
Understanding Coccydynia: Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment Options
Coccydynia (tailbone pain) Hello, two years ago I experienced wrist pain and consulted a doctor, suspecting rheumatoid arthritis (I live in Australia). I intermittently took medication and stopped, and one day it suddenly got better. Recently, I have been waking up in the morning...
Dr. Zeng Guosen Reply:
Isolated wrist pain cannot be diagnosed as rheumatoid arthritis (RA). It is important to observe for symptoms such as swelling, pain, and heat in the joints (arthritis), particularly if multiple joints are involved symmetrically in both hands. If morning stiffness in the hand joi...[Read More] Understanding Coccydynia: Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment Options
Understanding Right-Sided Back Pain: Causes and When to Seek Help
Back pain Hello, doctor: I have been experiencing significant pain on the right side of my back near the spine (approximately at the level just below the rib cage) for the past couple of days. It is quite painful when pressed, and there is discomfort even without pressure, althou...
Dr. Wang Yiming Reply:
The area you are referring to is precisely the location of the right kidney, and any issues with the kidney could potentially manifest these symptoms. It is advisable for you to consult a nephrologist or urologist at a hospital and have your urine tested, as it can provide us wit...[Read More] Understanding Right-Sided Back Pain: Causes and When to Seek Help
Understanding Drug Allergies: Risks, Resources, and Common Medications
Not found? I'm looking for information related to deaths caused by drug allergies or strokes induced by medications. Could you recommend comprehensive books or websites for this research? Additionally, what types of medications are most likely to cause allergic reactions in ...
Dr. Zeng Guosen Reply:
Hello: 1. Regarding data on drug allergies that can lead to death or stroke, bookstores or websites may not provide detailed or comprehensive information; only professional textbooks might offer more complete and thorough insights. I recommend a book: "Davies' Textboo...[Read More] Understanding Drug Allergies: Risks, Resources, and Common Medications
Can Long-Term Hormone Therapy Be Reversed for Military Service?
Can a person revert back to being male after long-term administration of female hormones? I injected female hormones to try to appear more feminine, but now that I want to join the military, I hope to revert back to a male appearance. I'm concerned about any potential side e...
Dr. Xie Yonghui Reply:
Dr. Hsieh from the Internal Medicine Department of our hospital believes that this issue is beyond his scope of expertise and refers it to the Information Department of Pingtung Hospital.[Read More] Can Long-Term Hormone Therapy Be Reversed for Military Service?
Navigating Uncertainty: What to Do When Health Issues Arise?
I'm not sure what to do? Hello Dr. Hsiao, I am a resident of Keelung and also your patient. I just realized that you are one of the doctors in this group. Regarding my condition, I had a persistent cough for nearly eight months last year, underwent numerous tests, and lost...
Dr. Xiao Yongxun Reply:
Dear Ms. Sarah Wang, Your concerns primarily involve weight loss and hoarseness, both of which have numerous potential diagnoses, varying in severity, and cannot be detailed here. What examinations have you already undergone? What were the results? These are crucial for differen...[Read More] Navigating Uncertainty: What to Do When Health Issues Arise?
Is Your Kidney Inflamed? Understanding Proteinuria and Back Pain
Is it a kidney inflammation? Recently, I underwent a health check-up and found that I have proteinuria and hematuria. I usually experience lower back pain and my diet tends to be high in salt and flavor.
Dr. Li Huixiong Reply:
I recommend that you redo the urine test. When collecting the urine, remember to first void a small amount and then collect the midstream urine for testing. This method provides more valuable reference data and makes it easier to determine if there is any inflammation. Otherwise,...[Read More] Is Your Kidney Inflamed? Understanding Proteinuria and Back Pain
When Will Side Effects of Tuberculosis Medication Subside?
When do the side effects of tuberculosis medications subside? I was diagnosed with pulmonary tuberculosis in mid-November 1990 after sputum culture results came back positive, while chest X-ray and sputum tests at that time showed no abnormalities. I have been on medication for 2...
Dr. Ke Zhengchang Reply:
Reply to the soldier: You are currently taking four medications for tuberculosis. The most significant side effects include hepatitis, jaundice, and hyperuricemia. If you experience any rash or symptoms of fatigue, it is advisable to stop the medication immediately and go to the ...[Read More] When Will Side Effects of Tuberculosis Medication Subside?
Persistent Dry Mouth and Thirst: Seeking Answers from a Doctor
I can't take it anymore? Hello, doctor. I have a question that has been bothering me for a while. Since April of this year, I often feel thirsty and my mouth feels very dry, and I also have bad breath. Even after drinking a lot of water, my mouth still feels dry. I have seen...
Dr. Ke Zhengchang Reply:
Hello Jack: Thirst and bad breath are still caused by insufficient saliva secretion. Issues related to metabolism, such as diabetes, thyroid disorders, autoimmune diseases, poor oral hygiene, periodontal disease, and inadequate fluid intake can all lead to these symptoms. It is r...[Read More] Persistent Dry Mouth and Thirst: Seeking Answers from a Doctor
Understanding Chest Discomfort: Causes and When to Seek Help
Chest tightness and pain? Recently, I have been experiencing a feeling of tightness and pain in my chest, particularly around the area near the diaphragm. However, I tend to feel somewhat better after eating. Yet, about 3 to 4 hours after a meal, the symptoms return. What could b...
Dr. Ke Zhengchang Reply:
Response: Your symptoms are suggestive of esophagitis caused by gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). It is recommended to undergo an upper endoscopy, X-ray, and upper gastrointestinal series for evaluation. Please visit a gastroenterology clinic for examination and treatment.[Read More] Understanding Chest Discomfort: Causes and When to Seek Help
Can Nuclear Medicine Imaging Alone Confirm Myocardial Infarction?
Can a myocardial infarction be definitively diagnosed solely based on nuclear medicine imaging? Hello, my mother recently went to a hospital for an examination and received the following report: NUCLEAR MEDICINE REPORT TL-201 MYOCARDIAL PERFUSION SCAN A TI-201 myocardial perfus...
Dr. Ke Zhengchang Reply:
Dear Ms. Wang Ziyi, Myocardial infarction refers to the ischemic necrosis of myocardial cells, while myocardial ischemia indicates that the coronary arteries are unable to supply sufficient blood, leading to hypoxia of the myocardial cells without cell death. Therefore, myocardi...[Read More] Can Nuclear Medicine Imaging Alone Confirm Myocardial Infarction?
Understanding Emotional Struggles: Seeking Help Without Fear
I would like to ask the doctor a question? Thank you, doctor, for your concern. I really do not want to see a psychiatrist. After mid-August last year, I considered seeing a psychiatrist, but I had a bad impression of the doctor, so I really do not want to meet her. I later atten...
Dr. Li Huixiong Reply:
Take care![Read More] Understanding Emotional Struggles: Seeking Help Without Fear
Weight Gain Concerns: The Impact of Laxatives and Ovarian Cysts
A netizen continues to ask, "I gained 20 kilograms after taking laxatives." I visited a family medicine doctor and also consulted with a gynecologist, who informed me that I have an ovarian fibroma. They advised me to lose weight quickly. I had blood tests done in Janua...
Dr. Li Huixiong Reply:
Please go see an endocrinologist as soon as possible.[Read More] Weight Gain Concerns: The Impact of Laxatives and Ovarian Cysts
Which Medical Specialty Should I See for My Back Pain?
Which department should I see? Hello, Dr. Ke. For the past 1 to 2 years, I have occasionally experienced sudden sharp pain in my lower back, as if something is stabbing my bones, and recently, the pain in my lower back has returned. Which department should I consult if I want to ...
Dr. Ke Zhengchang Reply:
Hello, you can first schedule an appointment with orthopedics for your lumbar spine issue.[Read More] Which Medical Specialty Should I See for My Back Pain?
Understanding Uremia: Symptoms, Kidney Inflammation, and Care Tips
Uremia Urinary uremia is said to be caused by kidney inflammation. What are the symptoms of kidney inflammation? I've been feeling strange in the lower back on both sides recently. Also, how can I take care of my kidneys? What dietary considerations should I keep in mind?
Dr. Ke Zhengchang Reply:
Hello, A-Feng: In cases of kidney inflammation, it is essential to perform a urinalysis, along with testing for BUN and creatinine levels to assess your kidney function. Generally, uremia is indicated by BUN levels greater than 100 and creatinine levels greater than 10, accompani...[Read More] Understanding Uremia: Symptoms, Kidney Inflammation, and Care Tips
Understanding Anemia: Why Multiple Tests May Be Needed for Diagnosis
Anemia Is it true that anemia is difficult to diagnose? I have undergone four tests at Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, but they still cannot determine which type of anemia I have. They asked me to come back for another test in a month, and I find this quite strange.
Dr. Ke Zhengchang Reply:
Dear Miss Lin Yanxing: There are many causes of anemia, ranging from iron deficiency anemia and thalassemia to bone marrow disorders. Therefore, in addition to blood tests, stool examination and menstrual history, even a bone marrow biopsy may be necessary. Please consult a hemat...[Read More] Understanding Anemia: Why Multiple Tests May Be Needed for Diagnosis