Understanding Left Ventricular Hypertrophy: Symptoms and Implications for Young Adults
Left ventricular hypertrophy (LVH) Hello Doctor, I am 24 years old and have been experiencing some heart issues. I have visited several hospitals for examinations, and some doctors have mentioned left ventricular hypertrophy, while others have referred to mitral valve prolapse or...
Dr. Ke Zhengchang Reply:
Hello Ah-Hui: The electrocardiogram does not have a term for left ventricular high voltage; what you are describing may be left ventricular hypertrophy. If there is no hypertension, it is advisable to follow up with a cardiology clinic for monitoring of the electrocardiogram.[Read More] Understanding Left Ventricular Hypertrophy: Symptoms and Implications for Young Adults
Understanding Pulmonary Artery Mass: Symptoms, Diagnosis, and Treatment
There is a growth on the outside of the pulmonary artery? Previously, the results from my hospital examination revealed that during a frontal chest X-ray, a mass approximately 3 to 4 centimeters in size was clearly visible outside the pulmonary artery, making it appear enlarged. ...
Dr. Ke Zhengchang Reply:
Hello, Xiao Ru: There is a tumor shadow on the X-ray, and a CT scan is necessary to determine its size, location, and nature. If a tumor is suspected, surgical treatment is required. The current surgical risks are very low, and you can be discharged in about a week.[Read More] Understanding Pulmonary Artery Mass: Symptoms, Diagnosis, and Treatment
Understanding Thyroid Issues: Symptoms, Diagnosis, and Dietary Impact
Thyroid issues Dear Dr. Tseng, Over the past month, I have been experiencing a tight, pressure-like sensation in my neck. I consulted an endocrinologist who ordered blood tests and an ultrasound. The results indicated a slight enlargement of the thyroid gland, and my blood test ...
Dr. Zeng Fenyu Reply:
Please go to the endocrinology department for another blood test to check thyroid function.[Read More] Understanding Thyroid Issues: Symptoms, Diagnosis, and Dietary Impact
Understanding Adam's Apple Development and Growth Concerns in Adolescents
Adam's apple Hello doctor, I am 17 years old and my height is only 165 cm. My Adam's apple is still not prominent, and I can say that I have no noticeable external changes. I haven't grown taller since the second year of junior high school (less than one centimeter...
Dr. Zeng Fenyu Reply:
Thank you very much for your letter. However, based on the information provided, it is not possible to determine whether it is normal. I recommend that you schedule an appointment with an endocrinologist for a detailed discussion.[Read More] Understanding Adam's Apple Development and Growth Concerns in Adolescents
Understanding Palpitations: Causes, Symptoms, and Solutions
Palpitations Hello Doctor: I would like to ask about my frequent palpitations. I often feel my heart beating very strongly. For instance, when I lie down and watch TV with the remote control placed on my chest, the remote moves with my heartbeat. I frequently experience chest tig...
Dr. Zeng Fenyu Reply:
Hyperthyroidism can cause palpitations, but other conditions such as irregular heartbeat, heart problems, and stimulation of the sympathetic nervous system can also lead to palpitations. To reduce the occurrence of palpitations, in addition to monitoring thyroid function, it is i...[Read More] Understanding Palpitations: Causes, Symptoms, and Solutions
Understanding Thyroid Tumors: Causes, Treatments, and Lifestyle Tips
Thyroid tumor Dear Dr. Tseng, (1) What are the differences between hyperthyroidism, thyroid tumors, and thyroid nodules? Why do thyroid tumors occur? (Currently, I work during the day and attend classes at night, often going to bed around 1 or 2 AM, and I frequently feel a lot o...
Dr. Zeng Fenyu Reply:
Hello, Miss Yajin: For benign thyroid tumors, doctors may prescribe thyroid hormones to provide feedback inhibition to help reduce the size of the tumor. Generally, tumors smaller than 1 cm have a higher chance of disappearing. If the patient does not take the medication or if th...[Read More] Understanding Thyroid Tumors: Causes, Treatments, and Lifestyle Tips
Weight Loss and Hormonal Imbalance: When to Seek Medical Advice
Weight loss can lead to hormonal imbalances? Dear Dr. Tseng, At the end of last year, I started to lose weight gradually because I was dissatisfied with my body. I adopted a method of eating less and exercising more, and over several months, I lost about five kilograms. Although...
Dr. Zeng Fenyu Reply:
Hello, Xiao Bing: Even when dieting, it's important to meet your basic caloric needs and ensure a balanced intake of various nutrients. If you continue to experience low menstrual flow or if the situation does not improve, please make sure to consult an endocrinologist.[Read More] Weight Loss and Hormonal Imbalance: When to Seek Medical Advice
Understanding Breathing Issues: Causes and When to Seek Help
Respiratory issues Sometimes when I sleep, my breathing seems to become rapid, as if I'm gasping for air. When sitting in a chair or after eating too much, I feel like I have to breathe heavily. If my breathing suddenly becomes difficult, my heart rate increases, and I feel ...
Dr. Ke Zhengchang Reply:
Hello, Miss Xiao Xiao: Abdominal bloating can reduce lung capacity and lead to difficulty in breathing. It is advisable to eat smaller meals more frequently and engage in regular exercise. Additionally, please follow up with the hospital for lung function tests and an electrocard...[Read More] Understanding Breathing Issues: Causes and When to Seek Help
How Metabolism Affects Weight Loss: Understanding Your Body's Needs
Regarding metabolism..? Hello, Doctor: I would like to ask if the efficiency of my metabolism affects the speed of my weight loss? How can I determine if my metabolism is within normal values? Should I get a blood test? If so, do I need to fast before the test? If my metabolic ra...
Dr. Ke Zhengchang Reply:
Hello, Xiaomei: It is commonly understood that metabolic rate is an important factor influencing body weight; however, many studies have found that obese individuals do not necessarily have a slower metabolic rate. Therefore, measuring metabolic rate is not particularly meaningfu...[Read More] How Metabolism Affects Weight Loss: Understanding Your Body's Needs
Understanding Rapid Heartbeat: Causes, Symptoms, and Solutions
Increased heart rate? Hello doctor, last December I went to the emergency room at a large hospital because of a rapid heartbeat. They performed an electrocardiogram (ECG) and said everything was fine, and they also drew arterial and venous blood, which came back normal. After tha...
Dr. Ke Zhengchang Reply:
Hello, Ms. BABY: Please schedule an appointment with a cardiologist for a 24-hour Holter monitor and thyroid function tests to determine if there is hyperthyroidism or arrhythmia, which will allow for effective treatment.[Read More] Understanding Rapid Heartbeat: Causes, Symptoms, and Solutions
Thyroid Surgery Concerns: Should I Proceed or Wait?
I'm sorry, but I need content to translate? Hello Doctor: I am a 50-year-old patient with thyroid issues and underwent thyroid surgery about 20 years ago. My current condition has recurred for approximately ten years, with examination results indicating a benign thyroid tumo...
Dr. Hong Hongchang Reply:
Thyroid dysfunction and goiter should first be monitored and treated in a metabolic and endocrine outpatient clinic, as the complications and sequelae that arise require professional knowledge. Additionally, if an internist recommends surgery, it is important to choose a skilled ...[Read More] Thyroid Surgery Concerns: Should I Proceed or Wait?
Understanding Right Side Back Pain and Its Possible Connections
Medical consultation Hello Dr. Ke, In the past month or two, I have frequently experienced a tingling sensation in the lower right side of my back. Recently, I have also been feeling pain in my right heel while walking. I'm wondering if there is a connection between these ...
Dr. Ke Zhengchang Reply:
Hello Ms. Hsieh, This symptom is most likely caused by postural misalignment leading to neuromuscular strain and inflammation. Treatment and rehabilitation therapy would be beneficial.[Read More] Understanding Right Side Back Pain and Its Possible Connections
Understanding Hypoxia: Symptoms and Potential Causes in Adults
Cerebral hypoxia I have the following symptoms: there are two cords under both ears that run down along my neck, and I often feel a tightness in my throat. Additionally, the muscles in the back of my neck feel very tense, and pressing on them causes soreness. These symptoms frequ...
Dr. Ke Zhengchang Reply:
Hello Jen: Your symptoms seem to be caused by excessive tightness in the neck muscles, which is often due to lack of sleep or overexertion. You can start with local heat therapy, and if necessary, you may consult a rehabilitation specialist for further evaluation and treatment.[Read More] Understanding Hypoxia: Symptoms and Potential Causes in Adults
Understanding Throat Pain After Vomiting: Causes and Remedies
Pain I had a stomach upset yesterday with vomiting and diarrhea. After seeing a doctor, I have improved, but I'm not sure if the vomiting was too severe, as my throat feels like I choked on something, and the pain extends from my throat down to my chest. Today, I went to the...
Dr. Li Huixiong Reply:
Your symptoms may be caused by gastroesophageal reflux. Normally, the stomach is highly acidic, while the esophagus is neutral. When vomiting is severe, stomach acid can flow back into the esophagus, damaging the esophageal mucosa and causing your discomfort. This condition may t...[Read More] Understanding Throat Pain After Vomiting: Causes and Remedies
How to Distinguish Between Kidney Pain and Lower Back Pain?
Kidney pain? Lower back pain? How can I differentiate between kidney pain and back pain? Sometimes I experience pain on one side, and my urine has small bubbles that do not dissipate! I have had an ultrasound, but the doctor couldn't find anything specific and only mentioned...
Dr. Ke Zhengchang Reply:
Hello Lili: If there is kidney inflammation, routine urine tests typically show an increase in white blood cells and red blood cells. If the urine is normal, lower back pain is mostly caused by muscle strain or fascia inflammation. If you have any questions, please consult a urol...[Read More] How to Distinguish Between Kidney Pain and Lower Back Pain?
Unexplained Symptoms: Understanding Cold and Hot Flashes, Back Pain, and Weakness
Unexplained symptoms Intermittent chills and fever, lower back pain, and weakness in the limbs.
Dr. Ke Zhengchang Reply:
Hello Lulu: There is a high likelihood that your symptoms indicate a urinary tract infection (pyelonephritis). You need to go to the hospital for a urine test and treatment. (Please consult a urologist.)[Read More] Unexplained Symptoms: Understanding Cold and Hot Flashes, Back Pain, and Weakness
Understanding Shogren's Syndrome: Symptoms, Diagnosis, and Treatment Options
What is Shy-Drager syndrome? My mother has been experiencing gastrointestinal discomfort for over ten years, with frequent abdominal pain and diarrhea. Doctors believe she has colonic dysmotility and have also mentioned irritable bowel syndrome. In recent years, she has been diag...
Dr. Ke Zhengchang Reply:
Hello Ms. Tsai: Sjögren's syndrome is an autoimmune disease characterized by symptoms such as chronic dry eyes, dry mouth, keratoconjunctivitis, and difficulty swallowing (due to reduced saliva), as well as bilateral parotid gland enlargement. It often coexists with other au...[Read More] Understanding Shogren's Syndrome: Symptoms, Diagnosis, and Treatment Options
Understanding the Risks of High-Dose Vitamins on Kidney Health
The Myths of Vitamins Hello, I have a habit of taking multivitamins to supplement my nutrition. I used to take low-dose multivitamins, but recently I switched to high-dose ones. Since then, my urine has noticeably turned yellow, and I feel discomfort in my lower back (kidneys??)....
Dr. Ke Zhengchang Reply:
Hello, Godzilla: Excessive intake of fat-soluble vitamins can affect health, but taking one multivitamin a day does not pose any harm to the body.[Read More] Understanding the Risks of High-Dose Vitamins on Kidney Health
Severe Back Pain: Understanding Nighttime Discomfort and Possible Causes
Excruciating back pain? I would like to inquire about back pain (approximately located at the back, between the ribs) that is very painful (to the point of being unbearable) and occurs mainly at night. The individual has a history of ovarian tumor removal, and I wonder if this is...
Dr. Yang Guojun Reply:
There are many causes of back pain, ranging from the simplest and most common, which is muscular and nerve pain, to more serious conditions such as stones or tumors (for example, chronic back pain could be a sign of colon cancer with bone metastasis) or severe back pain due to ao...[Read More] Severe Back Pain: Understanding Nighttime Discomfort and Possible Causes
Understanding Left Lower Abdominal Pain and Back Discomfort: Causes and Solutions
Left lower abdominal pain accompanied by pain near the spine in the lower back? Hello: I have been experiencing pain for about 20 days now. Initially, I had pain in my left lower abdomen that radiated to my lower back near the spine. After visiting the hospital, I was prescribed ...
Dr. Hong Hongchang Reply:
Hello: In addition to gastrointestinal issues, left lower abdominal pain should also consider urinary tract stones. If the symptoms persist, an ultrasound examination is recommended.[Read More] Understanding Left Lower Abdominal Pain and Back Discomfort: Causes and Solutions