Chest Tightness and Mid-Back Pain: Understanding Symptoms and Causes
Chest tightness and mid-back pain? Symptoms: Chest tightness and pain, mid-back pain, which is relieved for about 2 hours after running, but then the pain returns. Duration: Six months or even longer. Examination: 1. Chest X-ray normal, compared with last year's film from Au...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Based on your description, it seems less likely to be caused by a tumor. If the rheumatology and immunology department has already evaluated you, there is a higher chance of inflammation in the bones or muscles. It is recommended that you consult an orthopedic specialist or a fam...[Read More] Chest Tightness and Mid-Back Pain: Understanding Symptoms and Causes
Understanding Abnormal Glomerular Filtration Rate: Causes and Recovery
Issues with Glomerular Filtration Rate (GFR) Values Hello Doctor: I am currently 30 years old. Yesterday, my blood test results showed an abnormal glomerular filtration rate (GFR) of 81 ml/min and a creatinine level of 1.15 mg/dL, but my urine protein test results were normal. I ...
Dr. Wu Hongjie Reply:
Hello: The standard values for creatinine vary among different hospitals, typically ranging from 0.7 to 1.2. Since you have no urinary protein, further examination is recommended to determine the possibility of recovery. Regarding the medications you are taking, it is advisable t...[Read More] Understanding Abnormal Glomerular Filtration Rate: Causes and Recovery
Understanding Kidney Swelling from Excessive Water Intake
Kidney problems Hello, doctor! I would like to ask you a question. Recently, in a health education program, a medical expert mentioned that if a person drinks more than 1000cc (1 liter) of water in one go, it can show a state of renal edema on ultrasound imaging. I would like to ...
Dr. Wang Weijie Reply:
Hello: Kidney function needs to be assessed through examinations (blood tests, urine tests, imaging studies, etc.); there are many causes for kidney edema, which also require testing to determine. Drinking water is a natural act, but healthy hydration is also a science. It is adv...[Read More] Understanding Kidney Swelling from Excessive Water Intake
Understanding Blood-Streaked Nasal Discharge: Symptoms and Concerns
Blood-streaked nasal mucus issue? Hello, doctor. I was hospitalized recently due to a continuous fever for five days, with temperatures above 39 degrees Celsius. I was treated with antibiotics, which helped reduce the fever. The hospital could not determine the cause of the fever...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, I can sense your concern about having cancer. Based on your age and symptoms, it is likely that you are experiencing a respiratory infection, and these symptoms are probably complications of that infection rather than indicative of nasopharyngeal cancer. However, if your s...[Read More] Understanding Blood-Streaked Nasal Discharge: Symptoms and Concerns
Understanding Persistent Edema: Seeking Answers Beyond Normal Test Results
Edema issues Hello Doctor: I previously inquired about edema and have since visited the Metabolism Department at Shuanghe Hospital. My hormone levels and thyroid function are normal. (I had my heart, liver, and kidney blood tests done at the Family Medicine Department last August...
Dr. Wu Jiyu Reply:
Hello! Based on the information you provided, I can sense your concerns about your current physical condition. However, there are many causes of edema, and clinical judgment is necessary; written communication may not accurately address your concerns. If you have previously consu...[Read More] Understanding Persistent Edema: Seeking Answers Beyond Normal Test Results
Persistent Afternoon Fever: Understanding Chronic Symptoms and Causes
Fever every afternoon? Hello doctor, I have been experiencing a fever for over a month now, with temperatures gradually rising in the afternoon, ranging from 37.5 to 38.5 degrees Celsius. Two months ago, I had symptoms such as coughing and a runny nose, with occasional fevers aro...
Dr. Liao Zhongxin Reply:
Dear readers, regarding the above issue, here is my response. Hello, doctor. I have been experiencing a fever for over a month, with temperatures gradually rising in the afternoon, ranging between 37.5°C and 38.5°C. Two months ago, I had symptoms of cough and runny nose, with o...[Read More] Persistent Afternoon Fever: Understanding Chronic Symptoms and Causes
Understanding Elevated Blood Urea Nitrogen Levels: Causes and Implications
Elevated blood urea nitrogen (BUN) levels? Hello, doctor. I recently had a health check-up and found that my blood urea nitrogen (BUN) level is elevated at 24.9 mg/dL (normal range is 10-20 mg/dL), while my creatinine level is within the normal range. I am currently waiting for t...
Dr. Wu Hongjie Reply:
Hello: Based on your situation, the most likely cause of elevated BUN with normal creatinine is diarrhea and dehydration. It is recommended to wait for the diarrhea to improve and ensure adequate hydration before retesting. Other possible conditions include heart failure, effects...[Read More] Understanding Elevated Blood Urea Nitrogen Levels: Causes and Implications
Understanding Blood Sugar Levels: Anxiety's Impact on Health
Blood sugar issues? Hello Doctor: I have anxiety issues, and according to my psychiatrist, I have what is known as panic disorder, which often causes chest pain, hyperventilation, and difficulty breathing. Yesterday, I experienced sudden, unbearable chest pain and felt like I cou...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, regarding your anxiety issue, based on your description, it seems to be "hyperventilation syndrome," which refers to excessive breathing that leads to the removal of carbon dioxide, causing numbness in the hands and feet. You can try breathing into a paper bag to...[Read More] Understanding Blood Sugar Levels: Anxiety's Impact on Health
Understanding Ankylosing Spondylitis: Diagnosis and Treatment Options
Medications for Ankylosing Spondylitis Currently, I have pain in the middle back extending to the chest (not lower back pain), which is localized to the left side and has not improved for several months. I went to a large hospital for an examination, and the X-ray results indicat...
Dr. Gao Jiankai Reply:
Hello, thank you for your question. 1. Being gene-negative does not rule out ankylosing spondylitis. The diagnosis of ankylosing spondylitis relies heavily on clinical symptoms and X-ray findings; the presence or absence of the gene is only an auxiliary diagnostic tool. Proper ...[Read More] Understanding Ankylosing Spondylitis: Diagnosis and Treatment Options
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 Unilateral Leg Edema: Next Steps for Diagnosis
Unilateral edema Hello, doctor! My grandmother, who is currently 87 years old, has been experiencing severe unilateral leg edema for the past two to three weeks. She recently visited the hospital and consulted a nephrologist, and her kidney function tests came back normal. Due to...
Dr. Xiao Yongxun Reply:
Dear Miss Quiet: 1. Common causes of unilateral leg edema include cellulitis, chronic venous insufficiency, compartment syndrome, complex regional pain syndrome, deep vein thrombosis, venous obstruction (e.g., from a bone tumor), lipedema, lymphedema, and right arterial compres...[Read More] Understanding Unilateral Leg Edema: Next Steps for Diagnosis
Understanding Abnormal Results in a 14-Year-Old's Health Checkup
Abnormal findings in the medical examination report? Hello, doctor. My son is 14 years old. During a recent physical examination (he had no discomfort at the time of testing, only nasal allergies), it was found that his white blood cell count (WBC) is 7.2 (normal range 4.5-10.0),...
Dr. Liao Zhongxin Reply:
Dear readers, Regarding the health examination report, here are the responses: 1. The normal values represent the distribution range for 95% of the normal population. A small percentage (5%) may be slightly higher or lower, which only requires follow-up in the future (in three ...[Read More] Understanding Abnormal Results in a 14-Year-Old's Health Checkup
Understanding Glycated Hemoglobin: Managing Blood Sugar Levels Effectively
Glycated Hemoglobin (HbA1c) Hello Doctor: In January, I discovered that my fasting blood sugar was 140. After one week of dietary control, I went to the hospital for a blood test, and the result showed a fasting level of 119 and an HbA1c of 7.2. The doctor gave me two months to m...
Dr. Xiao Yongxun Reply:
Dear Miss Lin: 1. There are many factors that can influence elevated fasting blood glucose levels, including overeating at the previous meal, accidental consumption of caloric foods during fasting, infections or illnesses, excessive stress, the use of certain medications or herb...[Read More] Understanding Glycated Hemoglobin: Managing Blood Sugar Levels Effectively
Understanding IV Line Infections: Risks and Best Practices for Pediatric Care
Infection issues related to intravenous (IV) catheters? Dear Doctor, I have a question regarding my 1-year and 1-month-old child. Recently, my child was hospitalized and received intravenous therapy. During the hospitalization, the IV tubing connector became loose and fell to th...
Dr. Liao Zhongxin Reply:
Dear readers: <Is there a risk of infection from intravenous infusion lines?> A: 1. Two articles are provided for reference. 2. Administering intravenous or intraosseous infusions to patients, especially infants and young children, is an invasive procedure. Throughout ...[Read More] Understanding IV Line Infections: Risks and Best Practices for Pediatric Care
Understanding Hyperthyroidism: Insights on Autoimmune Thyroiditis and Future Risks
Hyperthyroidism Hello Doctor: This is Lin, who asked you a question on March 28. The results of my blood test at the hospital in mid to late March showed that my FT4 level has risen from 3.07 to 6.57 within one to two months, and my TSH is <0.005. I have started medication. Ad...
Dr. Xiao Yongxun Reply:
Dear Ms. Lin: 1. Hashimoto's disease is indeed an autoimmune disorder; its diagnosis requires the examination of specific antibodies or antigen responses, as well as imaging studies. Additionally, it is essential to differentiate it from other thyroid diseases. This means t...[Read More] Understanding Hyperthyroidism: Insights on Autoimmune Thyroiditis and Future Risks
Effective Strategies to Manage Persistent Edema: A Patient's Guide
How can edema be improved? Hello, doctor... I have asked a question recently. I previously visited a family medicine doctor who ruled out issues with my liver, kidneys, and heart. My blood tests have been normal for several years. I inherited my father's genetic tendency to ...
Dr. Wu Jiyu Reply:
1. First of all, I would like to express that everyone has a different definition of edema. Since I have not seen you in person and you did not mention your current weight, I cannot assess the degree of your edema. 2. You mentioned that you have seen a family physician, who has ...[Read More] Effective Strategies to Manage Persistent Edema: A Patient's Guide
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
Managing Sjögren's Syndrome: To Medicate or Not? Insights and Risks
Sjögren's syndrome Hello, Doctor! Three years ago, I experienced stiffness in my fingers upon waking up in the morning, which resolved after two to three minutes. Initially, I suspected rheumatoid arthritis. Blood tests showed elevated anti-ENA at 3.7 and Ro at 45.6, while t...
Dr. Gao Jiankai Reply:
Hello Mr. Huang, thank you for your question. Sjögren's syndrome is considered a mild condition among rheumatic diseases, so whether medication is necessary, especially for long-term treatment, may vary among physicians. Personally, I believe that if the diagnostic criteria ...[Read More] Managing Sjögren's Syndrome: To Medicate or Not? Insights and Risks
Is It Safe to Monitor Chronic Kidney Disease with Just Urine Tests?
Chronic Kidney Disease Follow-up Issues! A family member has stage 3 chronic kidney disease, and their lab values have been stable over the past year during follow-up visits. However, during this visit, the doctor informed them that blood tests are no longer necessary, and only a...
Dr. Wang Weijie Reply:
Hello: In a stable condition, it is sufficient to perform a urine test to check for proteinuria. Urinary protein is the earliest indicator of kidney dysfunction... Wishing you safety and health, Deputy Director Wang Wei-Jie, Taoyuan General Hospital, Ministry of Health and Welfar...[Read More] Is It Safe to Monitor Chronic Kidney Disease with Just Urine Tests?