Understanding Darkening of Fingertips: Causes and Concerns
Fingers turning black? Hello Doctor: My father's fingers (both thumbs and the left ring finger) have recently started to turn black from the area where the nail meets the skin, spreading from the inside out. The affected area is not very large and has started to extend upwar...
Dr. Li Zhiyao Reply:
Dear Ms. Hsu, Your father's finger issue may be due to subungual hematoma, microvascular problems, or other causes. It is recommended that he return to the physician who originally treated his hypertension to inform them of this symptom. After the original physician evaluat...[Read More] Understanding Darkening of Fingertips: Causes and Concerns
Is Alkaline Ionized Water Safe? Debunking Myths and Health Risks
Questions regarding commercially available alkaline ionized water? Hello, doctor. There are many products on the market labeled as "alkaline ionized water" that claim to adjust the body's pH balance. I would like to know if this is true. I previously saw news repor...
Dr. Hong Hongchang Reply:
Hello, sir: Thank you for your inquiry. Here is my response to your question along with some recommendations: It is advisable to boil drinking water before consumption. Regarding hypertension and diabetes, since there is a family history, it is recommended to control weight and f...[Read More] Is Alkaline Ionized Water Safe? Debunking Myths and Health Risks
Managing Osteoporosis in Patients with Chronic Kidney Disease
Treatment of Osteoporosis in Kidney Disease Dear Dr. Huang, In March, I inquired about joint pain, and further examinations revealed severe osteoporosis with a T-score of approximately -3.5. My kidney function tests show creatinine at 1 and BUN at 11, which are within normal lim...
Dr. Huang Yaoxuan Reply:
1. Regarding renal function: When the creatinine (Cr) level is 1, the estimated clearance rate indicates that the renal function score should be greater than 60. Changes in urine output are not reliable indicators of renal function changes due to numerous confounding factors; the...[Read More] Managing Osteoporosis in Patients with Chronic Kidney Disease
Understanding Bilateral Renal Cysts: Concerns and Management Options
Bilateral renal cysts? Hello, Doctor. Around May, I underwent a health check-up due to frequent feelings of dizziness and lack of energy. An abdominal ultrasound revealed "bilateral renal cysts" and a "right lobe liver mass." Initially, my family medicine phys...
Dr. Wu Jiyu Reply:
Dear Tesuia: Based on your description (both kidneys are filled with various sizes of cysts), it is possible that you have "hereditary polycystic kidney disease." Fortunately, your blood test results for kidney function are normal, and the urine protein test is (±) pend...[Read More] Understanding Bilateral Renal Cysts: Concerns and Management Options
Can My Mother with Hyperthyroidism and High Blood Pressure Take Fish Oil?
Issues with Fish Oil Consumption My mother has hyperthyroidism (she is currently on medication for control) and high blood pressure. Can she take fish oil supplements?
Dr. Lü Jing Reply:
In general, individuals with hyperthyroidism should limit their intake of iodine-rich foods, so fish should be permissible. However, there are claims that seafood should also be consumed in moderation. If fish oil does not contain iodine, it should be acceptable.[Read More] Can My Mother with Hyperthyroidism and High Blood Pressure Take Fish Oil?
Which Medical Specialty Should You Consult After Abnormal Health Check Results?
Which medical specialty should you consult after a health check-up? Last October, my health check revealed the following abnormalities: My age is comparable to that of an elementary school student taking an exam, and I am concerned about the abnormal results. My serum globulin le...
Dr. Zeng Guosen Reply:
Hello, user: You have many questions. Iritis is related to rheumatology and immunology, while the other issues may be related to gastroenterology and cardiology. Please provide your health check report for the doctor’s reference. Start by consulting a rheumatologist or an immunol...[Read More] Which Medical Specialty Should You Consult After Abnormal Health Check Results?
Emergency Measures for Dialysis Patients Facing Acute Pulmonary Edema
Patient with kidney failure dies during emergency dialysis? Hello Dr. Huang: A friend of mine missed their scheduled dialysis on Monday due to work commitments. After finishing work the next day, they felt unwell and went to the hospital for emergency dialysis. Upon arrival, whil...
Dr. Huang Yaoxuan Reply:
1. For patients experiencing dyspnea (most dialysis patients typically present with acute pulmonary edema), if they are nearing respiratory failure, intubation may be considered, along with the use of a ventilator to assist with breathing (this is a theoretical scenario). However...[Read More] Emergency Measures for Dialysis Patients Facing Acute Pulmonary Edema
Is Your Flu Symptoms Caused by KTV Outing? Understanding the Connection
Regarding influenza? Hello, doctor! I would like to ask, in my company, there are 3-4 people who suddenly felt dizzy, nauseous, bloated, and had joint pain after singing karaoke. Could this be caused by the flu?
Dr. Xiao Yongxun Reply:
Hello: In response to your question, the symptoms of influenza include cough, runny nose, nasal congestion, headache, sore throat, muscle aches, fever, and more. If you experience symptoms such as shortness of breath, difficulty breathing, cyanosis, blood-tinged sputum, altered c...[Read More] Is Your Flu Symptoms Caused by KTV Outing? Understanding the Connection
Understanding Metabolic Syndrome: Causes, Risks, and Weight Loss Benefits
What is metabolic syndrome? What is metabolic syndrome? Is it caused by a disease or is it a result of metabolic abnormalities? Is obesity related to this condition? Can weight loss improve it? Thank you!
Dr. Qiu Zhengbin Reply:
Hello: Metabolic syndrome refers to a cluster of metabolic abnormalities that result in elevated blood glucose, blood pressure, triglycerides, and abdominal obesity. It is primarily caused by poor lifestyle habits such as overeating and lack of physical activity, and it is closel...[Read More] Understanding Metabolic Syndrome: Causes, Risks, and Weight Loss Benefits
Persistent Fever for 19 Days: Understanding Symptoms and Next Steps
Fever for 19 days? I have had a fever for 19 days, with intermittent spikes and drops in temperature. Seven days before the fever started, I underwent numerous tests, including WBC, CRP, platelet count, and other related blood tests in the infectious disease department, all of wh...
Dr. Qiu Zhengbin Reply:
Hello: Since your symptoms have not yet resolved and there are still reports pending from the rheumatology department, I recommend that you return to the rheumatology clinic to check for any issues. Wishing you a speedy recovery.[Read More] Persistent Fever for 19 Days: Understanding Symptoms and Next Steps
Consulting a Doctor: Managing Blood Sugar and Leukocytosis in Patients
Consult a physician? Hello Dr. Ke: I have two questions to ask: 1. A patient without diabetes has elevated blood glucose levels due to intravenous administration of albumin and glucose because of inability to eat. Is it appropriate to administer insulin to suppress blood glucos...
Dr. Ke Zhengchang Reply:
1. In individuals without diabetes, even without food intake, intravenous glucose administration can lead to elevated blood sugar levels. Therefore, insulin can be added, provided the dosage is appropriate, as there will be no side effects as long as hypoglycemia (below 70 mg/dL)...[Read More] Consulting a Doctor: Managing Blood Sugar and Leukocytosis in Patients
Understanding Hypertension: Risks and Management for Young Adults
About Hypertension Regarding hypertension, I am about 26 years old, 178 cm tall, and weigh 78 kg. I have noticed that every time I go to the hospital, my blood pressure is around 140, but I do not feel dizzy or have any other symptoms. I also exercise regularly. I would like to k...
Dr. Yang Weishun Reply:
Many people experience elevated blood pressure readings in the hospital but normal readings at home. It is recommended that you measure your blood pressure at home in a relaxed and stress-free environment. If your blood pressure is normal at home, there is generally no need for c...[Read More] Understanding Hypertension: Risks and Management for Young Adults
Managing High Blood Sugar and Blood Pressure: Daily Health Tips
How to manage elevated blood sugar levels in daily life? Hello Doctor: My father recently underwent a health check-up and his blood sugar level was found to be elevated at 119 mg/dL. Additionally, his blood pressure readings showed a systolic pressure of 175 mmHg and a diastolic ...
Dr. Xiao Yongxun Reply:
Hello: In response to your questions: 1. A fasting blood glucose level of 119 mg/dL raises clinical suspicion for potential impaired glucose tolerance. It is advisable to consult your family physician for further evaluation to gain a deeper understanding of your condition. ...[Read More] Managing High Blood Sugar and Blood Pressure: Daily Health Tips
Understanding Blood Pressure Standards: Is 125/71 Hypertension?
The standard values for blood pressure are typically defined as follows: Normal blood pressure is considered to be around 120/80 mmHg. Elevated blood pressure is classified as systolic pressure between A few days ago, I went to the hospital and my blood pressure was measured at 1...
Dr. Xiao Yongxun Reply:
Hello: In response to your question, here is the classification of blood pressure: - Ideal Blood Pressure: Systolic < 120 mmHg and Diastolic < 80 mmHg - Normal Blood Pressure: Systolic < 130 mmHg and Diastolic < 85 mmHg - Normal but Elevated: Systolic 130-139 mmHg or...[Read More] Understanding Blood Pressure Standards: Is 125/71 Hypertension?
Understanding Fluctuating Serum Creatinine Levels: A Clinical Perspective
Elevated creatinine levels issue? In 2009, I had a serum creatinine level of 1.9 at one hospital. After receiving treatment for hypertension and cataracts at another hospital in October 2009, my serum creatinine level was 1.5. Both the creatinine clearance and kidney ultrasound w...
Dr. Yang Weishun Reply:
Based on your creatinine levels and age, the estimated glomerular filtration rate (GFR), which is a similar indicator of kidney function to creatinine clearance, indicates that your kidneys are clearing between 32 to 50 milliliters of blood per minute, regardless of whether the c...[Read More] Understanding Fluctuating Serum Creatinine Levels: A Clinical Perspective
Understanding Dizziness in Elderly Patients: Causes and Next Steps
Dizziness Consultation My mother is 70 years old and has been suffering from dizziness lately. She is almost completely bedridden and unable to move. She has hypertension, which is controlled with medication. She has seen various specialists but has not found a cause. Please cons...
Dr. Li Zhiyao Reply:
Hello Mr. Kuo: Based on the situation you described, the first consideration should be whether your blood pressure is too low. A blood pressure of 110/70 may be considered low for a 70-year-old, which could lead to weakness and confusion, making it difficult for the patient to ge...[Read More] Understanding Dizziness in Elderly Patients: Causes and Next Steps
Managing Hyperthyroidism and Mitral Valve Insufficiency: A Patient's Journey
Hyperthyroidism and mitral valve insufficiency? Hello Dr. Yang, I have a few questions I would like to ask you. I have been dealing with hyperthyroidism for nearly 10 years. At the end of 2008, due to a recurrence of hyperthyroidism, I started taking medication again. However, t...
Dr. Yang Hongzhi Reply:
Coughing is not a common side effect of medications for hyperthyroidism. If it is indeed a side effect, in addition to surgery, radioactive iodine treatment can also be considered for hyperthyroidism.[Read More] Managing Hyperthyroidism and Mitral Valve Insufficiency: A Patient's Journey
Fast Heart Rate and Cold Extremities: What Could Be the Cause?
What disease is characterized by a rapid heartbeat and cold extremities? Hello doctor, my father had surgery for hyperthyroidism several decades ago. He does not smoke or drink, and his blood pressure is considered normal, but his cholesterol levels are slightly elevated. His BMI...
Dr. Yang Hongzhi Reply:
After thyroid hyperactivity surgery, there is a possibility of recurrence or developing hypothyroidism. The symptoms you described do not clearly align with manifestations of thyroid dysfunction; however, it is advisable to undergo an examination. You may consider consulting with...[Read More] Fast Heart Rate and Cold Extremities: What Could Be the Cause?
Managing Kidney Health: Understanding Diet and Function in Patients
Kidney disease management Hello Dr. Yang, I have a smaller left kidney (congenital, not due to atrophy) and during winter, I experience high blood pressure, increased urination, and nocturia. After visiting the hospital for follow-up examinations, my kidney function has remaine...
Dr. Yang Zhongwei Reply:
Hello: 1. Frequent urination (is it the frequency or the volume?) and nocturia are not necessarily indicative of kidney problems; it is advisable to consult a urologist to examine the bladder. 2. There is currently insufficient evidence to determine the effectiveness of a low-pro...[Read More] Managing Kidney Health: Understanding Diet and Function in Patients
Understanding Shortness of Breath and Palpitations: Causes and When to Seek Help
Shortness of breath and palpitations? Hello, doctor. I usually have a habit of drinking alcohol and smoking. About two weeks ago, after drinking, I suddenly felt palpitations and difficulty breathing the next day, which persisted for a long time, along with some dizziness. I went...
Dr. Xiao Yongxun Reply:
Hello: In response to your question, palpitations, shortness of breath, and dizziness each have many potential causes, and these three symptoms can be interrelated. Normal chest X-ray, electrocardiogram (ECG), blood tests, or blood pressure measurements may help rule out some pos...[Read More] Understanding Shortness of Breath and Palpitations: Causes and When to Seek Help