Severe Abdominal Pain: Seeking Answers for Ongoing Discomfort
Severe abdominal pain? Hello, I would like to ask about my mother's abdominal pain that has lasted for over a month. She has visited multiple hospitals and undergone various tests, including X-rays, gynecological exams, CT scans, blood tests, gastroscopy, colonoscopy, and ev...
Dr. Xiao Yongxun Reply:
In general, abdominal pain lasting more than several weeks or months (3-6 months) is referred to as chronic abdominal pain or recurrent abdominal pain. There are many potential causes, with common conditions including: 1. Gastrointestinal diseases: peptic ulcers, gastroesophageal...[Read More] Severe Abdominal Pain: Seeking Answers for Ongoing Discomfort
Understanding Lower Abdominal Pain Below the Navel: Possible Causes
Just below the navel? Hello doctor, sometimes I experience pulling pain just below my navel (about four fingerbreadths down) when I exert myself, especially noticeable and painful when using the restroom. In everyday positions, if I stretch my abdominal muscles, it also hurts. Ta...
Dr. Xiao Yongxun Reply:
Common causes of lower abdominal pain: 1. Gastrointestinal system: acute gastroenteritis, appendicitis, bowel obstruction, diverticulitis, intestinal perforation, constipation, etc. 2. Urinary system: renal colic, urinary tract infection, acute urinary retention, etc. 3. Reproduc...[Read More] Understanding Lower Abdominal Pain Below the Navel: Possible Causes
Understanding Sjögren's Syndrome: Managing Symptoms and Treatment Options
Sjögren's syndrome Doctor: Hello, I have been experiencing dry mouth and dry eyes, and I initially thought it was due to menopause. However, blood tests revealed that I have Sjögren's syndrome, and the results for lupus and rheumatoid arthritis are still pending. I am c...
Dr. Zeng Guosen Reply:
Hello, user: Mild dizziness, diarrhea, belching, and sweating are likely side effects of the medication. 1. If you only experience dry mouth and dry eyes without any other organ abnormalities, you can discontinue the medication and manage the symptoms. 2. It is possible for the m...[Read More] Understanding Sjögren's Syndrome: Managing Symptoms and Treatment Options
Alternative Treatments for Chronic Urticaria: Beyond Antihistamines and Steroids
Other treatment medications or methods for urticaria? Allergic reactions to medications (such as pain relievers) causing urticaria that remain unresolved can be quite challenging. Despite ongoing medical consultations and continuous medication, the condition has persisted for ove...
Dr. Gao Jiankai Reply:
Hello, thank you for your question. The duration of an allergic reaction to painkillers can vary, but lasting more than three months is indeed quite long. It would be advisable to discuss the possibility of further immunological testing with your physician to rule out any immune ...[Read More] Alternative Treatments for Chronic Urticaria: Beyond Antihistamines and Steroids
Understanding Hormonal Development Issues: A Guide for Young Adults
Hormones (previous question inquiry) Last time I had a question... Since I am 20 years old, my voice hasn't changed like a girl's, and I feel that my genitalia hasn't developed. Yesterday, I visited a urologist and initially asked the doctor about my "voice&qu...
Dr. Wu Jiyu Reply:
1. Regarding your inquiry, it is recommended to consult a urologist or an endocrinologist. Since you have already seen a urologist, please wait for the blood test results and listen to the explanation from your physician. 2. If your questions remain unanswered at that time, reque...[Read More] Understanding Hormonal Development Issues: A Guide for Young Adults
How to Lower Hemoglobin A1c Levels for Better Diabetes Management
Diabetes issues Hello, Doctor: I would like to ask about my fasting (8 hours) blood test for hemoglobin A1c. I have seen online that normal levels are between 4% to 6%, but my report shows 5.6%, which is slightly elevated. What can I do to improve this and lower my hemoglobin A1c...
Dr. Zeng Guosen Reply:
Hello, the normal range for glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c) in healthy individuals is approximately 4-6%. Your report of 5.6% falls within the normal range. Maintaining your current avoidance of sweets and sugary beverages, along with daily exercise, should be fine. Thank you for you...[Read More] How to Lower Hemoglobin A1c Levels for Better Diabetes Management
Understanding Fasting Blood Sugar and Diabetes Diagnosis Standards
Questions regarding fasting duration and the diagnostic criteria for diabetes? Hello, doctor! I would like to ask a few questions. 1. My blood test requisition states that I need to fast for 12 hours before having my fasting blood glucose drawn (along with a lipid panel). I wou...
Dr. Chen Qingbin Reply:
Hello, blood tests require fasting for more than 8 hours (either 8 or 12 hours is acceptable). For two blood tests, they should be spaced at least one week apart.[Read More] Understanding Fasting Blood Sugar and Diabetes Diagnosis Standards
Understanding Hormonal Impact on Development: A Guide for Young Adults
Hormonal issues Does hormone secretion affect development? I'm 20 years old this year, and my voice hasn't changed; when I talk on the phone, people think I'm a girl, and I feel more feminine than actual girls, which bothers me. I considered seeing a doctor before,...
Dr. Lin Shunfa Reply:
Hello, Xiao Ren: Please first consult the Department of Metabolism and Endocrinology.[Read More] Understanding Hormonal Impact on Development: A Guide for Young Adults
Understanding Symptoms: Breathing Issues, Weight Loss, and Diabetes Concerns
Could you please provide more details about the symptoms? I would like to ask the doctor a few questions. 1. I have experienced occasional shortness of breath and difficulty breathing since middle school. Sometimes these symptoms disappear for a while, but recently they have be...
Dr. Chen Qingbin Reply:
Hello: It is recommended that you visit a hospital for further examination of hyperthyroidism and other related conditions, which require blood tests. Additionally, issues related to sexual dysfunction should be evaluated by a urologist for proper diagnosis. Thank you.[Read More] Understanding Symptoms: Breathing Issues, Weight Loss, and Diabetes Concerns
How to Effectively Manage Blood Sugar Levels: Tips and Insights
How to control blood sugar levels? Hello Dr. Hsiao, On July 9, 2015, I had a blood test that showed a blood sugar level of 124. Additionally, my triglycerides and LDL cholesterol were elevated. At that time, my weight was 91 kg, and I currently weigh 84 kg. I measure my fasting ...
Dr. Xiao Yongxun Reply:
1. On July 9, 2015, your fasting blood glucose level was found to be 124 mg/dL; your lipid levels and low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol were elevated. At that time, your weight was 91 kg, and it is now 84 kg. Currently, your average fasting blood glucose levels after 8 ho...[Read More] How to Effectively Manage Blood Sugar Levels: Tips and Insights
Understanding Thyroid Enlargement: Concerns and Solutions
Goiter Hello, doctor! I have had an enlarged thyroid for a long time... since kindergarten or elementary school, and it is still enlarged now! I don't feel any discomfort. However, many people keep saying that this is abnormal and that I should see a doctor! I have seen doct...
Dr. Xiao Yongxun Reply:
In general, there are many causes of goiter, commonly including hyperthyroidism, hypothyroidism, thyroiditis, thyroid nodules, and a small percentage of thyroid tumors. Clinically, in addition to symptoms and physical examination, blood tests, ultrasound examinations, or other im...[Read More] Understanding Thyroid Enlargement: Concerns and Solutions
Managing Kidney Stones and Early Kidney Swelling: Dietary Guidelines
Kidney stones and early-stage hydronephrosis? Hello, the hospital informed me that I have kidney stones and early-stage hydronephrosis, and my blood pressure is slightly elevated. What should my daily diet be like? I've seen conflicting information online about whether to li...
Dr. Chen Jianyu Reply:
1. Please return to the nephrology outpatient clinic for follow-up on kidney stones, hydronephrosis, and hypertension issues. 2. As for potassium levels, blood tests should be conducted first to determine whether to restrict potassium intake or recommend a high-potassium diet. ...[Read More] Managing Kidney Stones and Early Kidney Swelling: Dietary Guidelines
Managing Kidney Health: Dietary Tips and Donation Concerns
Facing the brink of dialysis? After the blood test, the following levels were elevated: creatinine 4.31, potassium 5.0, and phosphorus 5.5. I have high blood pressure. I have the following three questions: 1. How can I improve these levels through diet? 2. If I face the need fo...
Dr. Li Zhiyao Reply:
Hello: Your creatinine level is 4.31, which indicates that you may be entering or approaching stage five of chronic kidney disease. I must remind you to seek treatment from a nephrologist and to follow the guidance of the healthcare team. Do not trust any alternative remedies, as...[Read More] Managing Kidney Health: Dietary Tips and Donation Concerns
Understanding the Risks of Discontinuing Antithyroid Medication
Medication discontinuation issues? Hello Doctor: I would like to inquire about the side effects of long-term discontinuation of Anastrozole. Since I have had a total thyroidectomy, what are the potential consequences of stopping Anastrozole without medical supervision? Thank you!
Dr. Xiao Yongxun Reply:
Dear Ms. Huang, 1. After a total thyroidectomy, the body can no longer produce thyroid hormones necessary for maintaining normal metabolic functions, which can lead to hypothyroidism. This condition affects various systems, including cardiovascular, hematologic, digestive, integ...[Read More] Understanding the Risks of Discontinuing Antithyroid Medication
Understanding Elevated Lupus LA1 Levels During Pregnancy: What It Means
Lupus LA1 value is elevated? Dr. Tseng is currently approximately 9 weeks pregnant and underwent blood tests at the hospital. Initially, the STS RPR test was reactive, but subsequent tests for TPPA and FAT-ABS were negative, which preliminarily rules out syphilis. However, the im...
Dr. Zeng Guosen Reply:
Hello, netizen: Lupus anticoagulant (LA) refers to autoantibodies against negatively charged phospholipids or phospholipid-protein complexes. The presence of LA may be due to unknown reasons or may be associated with autoimmune diseases or antiphospholipid syndrome (such as unexp...[Read More] Understanding Elevated Lupus LA1 Levels During Pregnancy: What It Means
Understanding Fasting and Postprandial Blood Sugar Testing Guidelines
Questions related to blood glucose testing times and others? Hello Dr. Hsiao! I have a few questions I would like to ask... 1. For fasting blood glucose testing, is it necessary to fast for 8 hours? For example, if I am to test fasting blood glucose today, does that mean I must...
Dr. Xiao Yongxun Reply:
In healthy individuals, approximately 5 to 15 minutes after eating, glucose absorbed through digestion stimulates the beta cells of the pancreas to release stored insulin granules directly into the bloodstream. Between 20 minutes and 2 hours after eating, insulin is subsequently ...[Read More] Understanding Fasting and Postprandial Blood Sugar Testing Guidelines
How to Test for Tick-Borne Disease: A Guide for Patients
How to submit samples for Chagas disease testing? How should suspected cases of tick-borne encephalitis be sent for testing, and which institutions can perform tests for tick-borne encephalitis? Since there have been no reported human infection cases, the information available is...
Dr. Liao Zhongxin Reply:
Dear readers: Regarding the aforementioned condition, it seems that the diagnosis may not be accurate, and the patient is becoming increasingly weak. The following recommendations are suggested: 1. If there has been a tick bite => It is advisable to visit a larger hospital to ...[Read More] How to Test for Tick-Borne Disease: A Guide for Patients
Managing Diabetes: Key Questions on Blood Sugar and Diet
Revisiting Diabetes Mellitus? Hello Dr. Hsiao, First of all, thank you for your response last time. Yesterday, I visited the cardiology department to review my blood test results. My fasting blood glucose was 96 mg/dL and my HbA1c was 5.5% (three months ago, my fasting blood glu...
Dr. Xiao Yongxun Reply:
Question 1: Should I still strictly control my intake of starches and sugars? Answer: Strictly controlling the intake of starches and sugars can indeed lower blood glucose and glycated hemoglobin levels, thereby improving conditions such as diabetes or glucose intolerance. In f...[Read More] Managing Diabetes: Key Questions on Blood Sugar and Diet
Understanding Blood Sugar Fluctuations in Diabetes Management
About diabetes? Hello Director Hsiao, Over two months ago, I had a blood test at the hospital, and my fasting blood glucose was 130 mg/dL, with a hemoglobin A1c of 6.4%. The doctor did not prescribe medication and advised dietary control instead. I purchased a blood glucose mete...
Dr. Xiao Yongxun Reply:
1. Generally, a fasting blood glucose level of 126 mg/dL corresponds to a glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c) level of approximately 6.5%. Therefore, the test results from two months ago should be reliable. 2. In the classification of diabetes, type 2 diabetes accounts for about 92-95%...[Read More] Understanding Blood Sugar Fluctuations in Diabetes Management
Understanding Hyperthyroidism Treatment: Concerns About Medication Effects
Thyroid medication issues? Hello Doctor: I would like to ask about my recent diagnosis. I was referred to an endocrinologist for thyroid function tests due to keratitis. My blood test results showed TSH: 0.011 and Free T4: 1.47 (at the normal borderline), leading the doctor to be...
Dr. Gao Jiankai Reply:
Hello Amy, thank you for your message. I am not an endocrinologist, so I only have knowledge of some medication side effects and monitoring methods. For more detailed monitoring strategies or when to discontinue medication, it might be helpful to compile your questions and discus...[Read More] Understanding Hyperthyroidism Treatment: Concerns About Medication Effects