Managing Hypertension: Concerns About Medication Side Effects and Dosage
Antihypertensive medications Hello, currently my medication regimen includes 1. Olmesartan 40 mg in the morning and 2. Bisoprolol 1.25 mg in the evening. My blood pressure in the morning is generally below 120/80, but in the evening, it measures around 136/89 (after taking the me...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, based on your description, if your blood pressure remains at the values you mentioned, it is indeed advisable to use antihypertensive medication. The medication you are currently using is commonly prescribed. As for whether your symptoms are caused by the medication or if ...[Read More] Managing Hypertension: Concerns About Medication Side Effects and Dosage
Should You Continue Anti-Inflammatory Meds for Joint Pain? When to Get Blood Tests
Should I continue taking anti-inflammatory medication? How much should the joint pain improve before I go to the hospital for blood tests? This past Monday, I visited an orthopedic doctor due to pain in the joint of my big toe near the foot. The doctor suspected it might be gout ...
Dr. Xiao Yongxun Reply:
Dear Miss Xiao Hong: 1. The pain in the joint of your big toe near the foot can commonly be diagnosed as gout, bunions, toenail ingrowth, toe fracture, calluses, cellulitis, or paronychia, among others. 2. Since you mentioned a history of hallux valgus, it is particularly impor...[Read More] Should You Continue Anti-Inflammatory Meds for Joint Pain? When to Get Blood Tests
Understanding Low Blood Sugar and Seizures in Teenagers: A Case Study
High school student with hypoglycemic coma? Hello Doctor, my daughter, who is in her first year of high school, suddenly reported feeling dizzy and weak while studying at home in mid-December. I intended to check her blood pressure (her school health check and regular measurement...
Dr. Xiao Yongxun Reply:
Dear Mr. Zhang: 1. There are many causes of hypoglycemia; among them, iatrogenic hypoglycemia is the most common, primarily caused by oral hypoglycemic agents or insulin. If this is not the case, a thorough consideration of other factors is necessary. Generally, hypoglycemia can...[Read More] Understanding Low Blood Sugar and Seizures in Teenagers: A Case Study
Understanding Winter Blood Pressure Changes in the Elderly
Winter Blood Pressure Issues in the Elderly Hello, doctor. I would like to ask about blood pressure issues in the elderly. I found some information online stating that it is normal for blood pressure to be higher in winter. Since I work in a nursing facility, there has been signi...
Dr. Xiao Yongxun Reply:
Dear Ms. Zhen: V = I × R (Voltage = Current × Resistance) Similarly: BP (Blood Pressure) = CO (Cardiac Output) × TPR (Total Peripheral Resistance) = (SV (Stroke Volume) × HR (Heart Rate)) × TPR R = 8ηL/πr^4 Where R: Resistance; η: Viscosity; L: Length; π: Pi; r: Radius of th...[Read More] Understanding Winter Blood Pressure Changes in the Elderly
Understanding Kidney Issues: A Comprehensive Guide for Patients and Families
Kidney problems Hello Doctor, My family member (female, 29 years old) has long-term chronic health issues. She has been diagnosed with refractory epilepsy for 23 years and is currently taking the following medications: Depakote 700mg, Vimpat 100mg, Keppra 1000mg, and Lamictal 30...
Dr. Wu Hongjie Reply:
Hello: Currently, your family member's creatinine levels have returned to normal range. The recent decline in kidney function is likely due to acute kidney injury, but regular monitoring is still necessary. Dietary restrictions are not required at this time. The exact causes...[Read More] Understanding Kidney Issues: A Comprehensive Guide for Patients and Families
Should Diabetic Patients Supplement Lutein for Eye Health?
Supplementing with lutein for diabetes? My mother is currently in the prediabetic stage and is taking prescribed medication to lower her blood sugar. Recently, I heard that supplementing with lutein can help prevent eye diseases, so I went to the pharmacy and bought lutein. I wou...
Dr. Xiao Yongxun Reply:
Dear Ms. Wang: 1. In terms of biological knowledge, lutein is primarily found in the chloroplasts of plants and is one of the main pigments in plants. It is also one of the primary pigments that make up the macula of the human retina. Sometimes it is used by humans as an antiox...[Read More] Should Diabetic Patients Supplement Lutein for Eye Health?
Managing Persistent Lung Inflammation: Tips for Care Before Hospital Visits
Pneumonia Hello, doctor... My mother is 60 years old! She initially sought treatment at a clinic for a urinary tract infection but only received injections and medication without improvement for about ten days. She then started experiencing high fevers around 39 to 40 degrees Cel...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, based on your description, it seems that your mother's condition may have worsened. If she is feeling very unwell, it is advisable to seek emergency care. Regarding her lung condition, it appears to be quite complex and may involve atypical pathogens or inflammation c...[Read More] Managing Persistent Lung Inflammation: Tips for Care Before Hospital Visits
Understanding Creatinine Levels and Kidney Function in Health Checkups
Creatinine, Glomerular Filtration Rate, Health Checkup Issues? Hello, doctor. I apologize for bothering you, but I would like to ask a question. About two months ago, I went to a health check-up at a clinic. The doctor reviewed my report and said that my liver and kidney function...
Dr. Wu Jiyu Reply:
Hello Mr. Yang: "Creatinine 1.10, Glomerular Filtration Rate (GFR) 86.69" is only a single data point, making it difficult to assess the overall kidney function. Changes in kidney function need to be evaluated through multiple blood tests over time to understand the con...[Read More] Understanding Creatinine Levels and Kidney Function in Health Checkups
Understanding Creatinine Levels and Glomerular Filtration Rate Changes
Creatinine and Glomerular Filtration Rate (GFR) Hello Doctor, two weeks ago, the hospital came to the community to conduct free health check-ups. Today, when I went to review the report, the doctor informed me that my creatinine level is 1.05 mg/dL and my glomerular filtration ra...
Dr. Wu Jiyu Reply:
Hello Mr. Wang: Regarding your question, I will address it in two parts. (1) The changes in creatinine and glomerular filtration rate (GFR) should be evaluated based on their "trends." If you only have two data points for comparison, you can only determine whether the...[Read More] Understanding Creatinine Levels and Glomerular Filtration Rate Changes
Understanding Postprandial Blood Sugar Levels During Pregnancy
Abnormal blood glucose levels Hello Doctor: I would like to ask why my blood sugar level two hours after a meal is higher than one hour after the meal? I did not eat anything in between. For example, my blood sugar before lunch was 85, one hour after lunch was 127, and two hours ...
Dr. Xiao Yongxun Reply:
Dear Ms. Lulu: 1. Generally speaking, blood sugar levels rise gradually after eating, peaking around two hours postprandially, and then gradually decline. If high-sugar or high-calorie foods are consumed and there is sufficient insulin secretion in the body, blood sugar levels m...[Read More] Understanding Postprandial Blood Sugar Levels During Pregnancy
Understanding Proteinuria and Elevated Blood Sugar: A Guide for Patients
Urinary protein and blood glucose? A few days ago, my father went to the clinic for a blood test, and the results are as follows: Urine protein 1+, fasting blood glucose 125 mg/dL (after fasting for just over 7 hours), total cholesterol 127 mg/dL, triglycerides 229 mg/dL, HDL 39....
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, In response to your father's concerns, here are my replies: First, regarding the protein in urine, the clinic report indicates a preliminary positive result. It is recommended to visit a larger hospital for a quantitative urine protein test, and possibly a 24-hour ...[Read More] Understanding Proteinuria and Elevated Blood Sugar: A Guide for Patients
Understanding Increased Urination: Is It Normal After Hydration?
Experiencing a quick urge to urinate after drinking water, along with a total urine output that exceeds the amount of water consumed, can indicate a condition known as polyuria. This may be associated with various factors, including diabetes mellitus, excessive fluid intake, or c...
Dr. Wang Weijie Reply:
Hello, 1. Fluid intake includes both the water content in food and the amount of water consumed. Relying solely on water intake can lead to inaccuracies; it is advisable to check the specific gravity of urine and the presence of proteinuria to assess hydration status. 2. What...[Read More] Understanding Increased Urination: Is It Normal After Hydration?
Understanding Hyperthyroidism: Key Questions and Considerations for Patients
Hyperthyroidism Hello Doctor: Recently, during a routine health check at my company, I found that my Thyroid Stimulating Hormone (TSH) level was 0.01, Free Thyroxine (Free T4) was 3.07, fasting blood glucose was 100, heart rate was approximately 100 beats per minute, and my white...
Dr. Xiao Yongxun Reply:
Dear Ms. Lin: 1. In our country, most testing laboratories are certified, and to maintain their reputation, the likelihood of significant errors in test results is low. Additionally, Free T4 and TSH levels do not fluctuate rapidly under normal physiological conditions. This mean...[Read More] Understanding Hyperthyroidism: Key Questions and Considerations for Patients
Understanding Blood Sugar Fluctuations: Symptoms and Testing Insights
Blood sugar inquiry? Hello, Doctor: A few days ago, during lunch, I drank a soda and suddenly felt unwell, experiencing neck pain and fatigue. After about half an hour, I still felt uncomfortable, so I consumed an oral rehydration solution (8.44 grams of sucrose and 2.8 grams of ...
Dr. Xiao Yongxun Reply:
Dear Mr. Ming: 1. According to your information, I agree with your attending physician; in other words, there is no evidence indicating the presence of diabetes. 2. Any blood glucose meter can produce inaccuracies; therefore, it is necessary to have the manufacturer perform cali...[Read More] Understanding Blood Sugar Fluctuations: Symptoms and Testing Insights
Understanding Right Kidney Pain: Causes and Concerns for Patients
Kidney problems Hello, Doctor Wu. I would like to ask, around noon today, I experienced pain in my right kidney. It hurts when I squat down and when I get back up. My job involves standing and squatting to pick things up. In mid-February of this year, the clinic conducted blood a...
Dr. Wu Hongjie Reply:
Hello: There are many issues related to lower back pain that can be referenced in the attached document or addressed at a hospital. Wishing you safety from bothersome back pain. In the United States, back pain is the second most common reason for seeking medical attention in inte...[Read More] Understanding Right Kidney Pain: Causes and Concerns for Patients
Understanding Creatinine Levels and Kidney Health: A Patient's Inquiry
Kidney issues and creatinine? Hello Dr. Wu, I have a few questions that I hope you can help me with. I am 60 years old, 175 cm tall, and weigh 72 kg, giving me a BMI of 23.5. I have a habit of hiking every day. My serum creatinine levels are 1.6 to 1.7 mg/dL, and my glomerular f...
Dr. Wu Jiyu Reply:
Hello, based on the information you provided, you have mild chronic kidney disease, classified as stage 3 (mild). Patients with chronic kidney disease should indeed avoid nephrotoxic medications (such as nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs), but not all medications adversely aff...[Read More] Understanding Creatinine Levels and Kidney Health: A Patient's Inquiry
Could Cold Medicine Be Causing Your Sudden Limb Weakness?
Is the occasional weakness in the limbs related to cold medication? Hello, doctor: I have been coughing and my throat has been very itchy lately, so I went to a small clinic for a consultation. The doctor diagnosed me with bronchitis and prescribed medication for three days. I to...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello: Based on your symptom description, there are two possible causes. The first is the effect of medication, particularly antihistamines found in cold medications. If this is the case, symptoms usually improve after discontinuing the medication. The second possibility is that ...[Read More] Could Cold Medicine Be Causing Your Sudden Limb Weakness?
Understanding Kidney Decline: Managing Hypertension and eGFR Changes
Rate of Kidney Decline Issue I am 40 years old and was diagnosed with hypertension (>180) in August. My creatinine level was 1.8, and my eGFR was 44. After starting treatment with antihypertensive medication (Amlodipine) and Pentoxifylline, my creatinine level improved to 1.41...
Dr. Wu Jiyu Reply:
Based on your inquiry, it is evident that you have a certain understanding of the estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR). Currently, your greatest risk factor is hypertension. Caring for your kidneys is a lifelong commitment, so it is essential to control your blood pressure...[Read More] Understanding Kidney Decline: Managing Hypertension and eGFR Changes
Understanding Diabetes Genetics: Can You Prevent It with Diet?
Genetic Issues in Diabetes Hello Doctor: My father has a genetic predisposition to diabetes, and he is currently managing it quite well at the age of 50. I would like to ask if I am at risk of developing diabetes as well. Should I be able to prevent it by paying attention to my d...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, diabetes is usually caused by multiple factors, with genetics being just one part of the equation. Additionally, diabetes often coexists with other metabolic syndromes such as hypertension and hyperlipidemia. It is recommended that you or your father regularly monitor bloo...[Read More] Understanding Diabetes Genetics: Can You Prevent It with Diet?
Understanding Injection Allergies: Symptoms and What to Do Next
Injection allergy Hello Doctor: Two days ago, I strained my neck and it became swollen and painful, so yesterday I went to a clinic to receive anti-inflammatory injections (one clear and one yellow, administered in the back of my right hand). Shortly after the first injection, I ...
Dr. Xiao Yongxun Reply:
Dear Miss Wang: 1. During a single intravenous injection, it is almost always possible to see some degree of blood return; generally, it is not excessive, and you can simply push the blood back into the syringe. 2. Intravenous injections circulate throughout the body quickly und...[Read More] Understanding Injection Allergies: Symptoms and What to Do Next