Understanding Gastrointestinal Issues: Symptoms, Causes, and Solutions
Gastrointestinal issues? Hello Dr. Zhao, I have been experiencing gastrointestinal issues for quite some time, but I have never seen a doctor. I have many questions and would like to know if having bloating and unusual sounds from my stomach (similar to hunger growls or gurgling ...
Dr. Zhao Chongliang Reply:
Hello! Your symptoms are not indicative of malabsorption; otherwise, you would have experienced nutritional weight loss by now. These symptoms are consistent with Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS), which is actually a quite common condition—about one in ten patients in a gastroenter...[Read More] Understanding Gastrointestinal Issues: Symptoms, Causes, and Solutions
Potential Health Risks of Mercury Exposure from Broken Thermometers
Could it be mercury poisoning? Hello, doctor: I would like to ask, when I was a child, out of curiosity, I repeatedly touched the mercury from a broken thermometer with my hands. Will this cause any long-term effects? What impact could it have on my health?
Dr. Lin Mingfeng Reply:
We are exposed to trace amounts of mercury daily, approximately 0.005 to 0.02 milligrams. A fluorescent light tube contains about several milligrams to over 20 milligrams of mercury. Mercury is highly volatile, so all mercury-containing objects should be handled with caution to p...[Read More] Potential Health Risks of Mercury Exposure from Broken Thermometers
How to Safely Handle Broken Fluorescent Bulbs and Mercury Exposure Risks
Fluorescent lamps contain mercury vapor, and if one breaks, it is important to handle it properly to avoid health hazards. Here are the steps to take: 1. **Evacuate the Area**: Immediately leave the room and ensure that others do the same to minimize exposure. 2. **Ventilate th...
Dr. Lin Mingfeng Reply:
We are exposed to trace amounts of mercury daily, approximately 0.005 to 0.02 milligrams. A fluorescent light bulb contains about several milligrams to over 20 milligrams of mercury. Mercury easily evaporates, so all mercury-containing objects should be handled with caution to pr...[Read More] How to Safely Handle Broken Fluorescent Bulbs and Mercury Exposure Risks
Understanding Recurrent Fever and Urinary Retention in Parkinson's Patients
Urinary retention causing recurrent fever? Director Lin: Hello, my father is 65 years old and has had Parkinson's disease for 19 years. Recently, for the past month, he has frequently felt the urge to urinate but is unable to produce much urine or urinate at all. On June 21,...
Dr. Lin Mingfeng Reply:
The patient experienced three episodes of fever. The first two episodes resolved after catheterization and medication, but the details of the first episode are incomplete. The results of the urinalysis are closely related to whether antibiotics were used, and the urine culture re...[Read More] Understanding Recurrent Fever and Urinary Retention in Parkinson's Patients
Understanding Elevated Immunoglobulin Levels and Kidney Health Risks
Elevated immunoglobulin levels? Doctor: Hello! Recently in April, I went to the hospital due to shortness of breath and chest tightness, where cardiac examinations showed no issues, and it was later diagnosed as autonomic nervous system dysfunction. However, the urine tests revea...
Dr. Yao Quan Reply:
Dear Ms. Kiki, Hello. There are five types of immunoglobulins: IgG, IgA, IgM, IgD, and IgE, each with different normal value ranges. Your letter mentions elevated immunoglobulin levels (approximately 440), but it is unclear which specific immunoglobulin is elevated. The normal r...[Read More] Understanding Elevated Immunoglobulin Levels and Kidney Health Risks
Understanding Lymph Node Swelling: Causes, Symptoms, and When to Seek Help
Lymphadenopathy About two weeks ago, I noticed swelling of a lymph node in the back of my right neck. I consulted an ENT specialist who suspected a bacterial infection and prescribed antibiotics and anti-inflammatory medication. The next day, the lymph node did decrease in size, ...
Dr. Zheng Shuxing Reply:
Hello, if the lymph nodes in the neck are enlarged for more than a month and do not resolve, a biopsy should be performed to understand the cause. If they have resolved, it is likely due to a viral infection that the body has developed immunity against. Additionally, if there has...[Read More] Understanding Lymph Node Swelling: Causes, Symptoms, and When to Seek Help
Understanding Sudden Chest Pain: Causes and When to Seek Help
Chest pain Hello! My friend just returned from a business trip to mainland China and suddenly experienced severe chest pain. What could be the cause? Thank you!
Dr. Chen Qingbin Reply:
Your description cannot be used for a medical diagnosis; please advise your friend to visit a hospital for an examination.[Read More] Understanding Sudden Chest Pain: Causes and When to Seek Help
Understanding Gallium-67 Scans: Risks and Differences from CT Imaging
excuse me? 1. Will undergoing a Gallium-67 whole body tumor scan have any adverse effects on the body in the future? Additionally, what are the differences between a Ga-67 tumor scan and a CT scan? 2. I have been experiencing persistent lymphadenopathy in the head and neck regio...
Dr. Zhao Chongliang Reply:
Gallium-67 (Ga-67) binds to transferrin in the blood and accumulates in areas of inflammation, infection, or tumors. The radiation dose used for detecting inflammation or infection is 3-5 mCi (millicuries, where 1 mCi = 1000 microcuries), while the dose for tumor detection is 5-1...[Read More] Understanding Gallium-67 Scans: Risks and Differences from CT Imaging
Is Lymphatic Tuberculosis Contagious? Understanding the Risks
Inquiry about lymphadenitis? Is lymphatic tuberculosis contagious?
Dr. Ke Zhengchang Reply:
Hello: Lymphatic tuberculosis generally refers to extrapulmonary tuberculosis. Whether treatment is necessary depends on the clinical condition of the patient. Typically, healthy individuals do not require treatment; they may have contracted the infection during a period of compr...[Read More] Is Lymphatic Tuberculosis Contagious? Understanding the Risks
Persistent Fever: Understanding Symptoms and Seeking Proper Diagnosis
Persistent fever Hello Doctor: I have been experiencing frequent fevers over the past few days. I sweat and feel better when lying down, but the fever returns shortly after. Today marks the fourth day. I currently live in Taichung City, and yesterday I visited the family medicine...
Dr. Zhao Chongliang Reply:
Hello! Recurrent fever, joint pain (discomfort in the spine), cough with chest pain, and sputum (even in small amounts) may indicate bacterial pneumonia or atypical pneumonia. Please first visit a general internal medicine or pulmonary medicine department to arrange for a chest X...[Read More] Persistent Fever: Understanding Symptoms and Seeking Proper Diagnosis
Understanding Sarcoidosis: Symptoms, Diagnosis, and Treatment Options
Sarcoidosis is a systemic granulomatous disease I have been experiencing fatigue, weight loss, low-grade fever, and night sweats for the past few months, but I have not had a cough or cold. After an examination, my doctor said that both my white blood cells and red blood cells ar...
Dr. Zhao Chongliang Reply:
Sarcoidosis is quite rare in Taiwan, with occasional reports from Japan, primarily affecting African Americans and Scandinavians. It is an idiopathic, non-caseating granulomatous disorder that can involve multiple organ systems, previously thought to be related to birch pollen al...[Read More] Understanding Sarcoidosis: Symptoms, Diagnosis, and Treatment Options
Understanding Intermittent Chest Pain and Discomfort in Mitral Valve Prolapse
Cardiac discomfort? Hello Doctor: I have symptoms of mitral valve prolapse, and I would like to inquire why I feel that my chest pain occurs intermittently. When it doesn't flare up, I feel fine, but when it does, the pain is unbearable and quite frequent. Additionally, ever...
Dr. Zhao Chongliang Reply:
Mitral valve prolapse often leads to transient arrhythmias, which can cause various symptoms or vague discomfort that is difficult to pinpoint. By the time a patient arrives at the hospital for examination, the arrhythmia may have resolved. Repeated visits to the doctor can somet...[Read More] Understanding Intermittent Chest Pain and Discomfort in Mitral Valve Prolapse
Understanding Right Chest Pain: Possible Causes and When to Seek Help
Chest pain Recently, I've been experiencing pain in my right chest, especially when I lower my shoulder; it hurts the most then. I can't really pinpoint the source of the pain when I touch it. It's strange because I don't recall any sports injuries. What could...
Dr. Zhao Chongliang Reply:
Chest pain can be caused by serious conditions such as acute myocardial infarction, aortic dissection, pulmonary embolism, lung cancer, esophageal cancer, rib or intercostal tumors, or pneumothorax. It can also result from less severe issues like chest wall pain (including menstr...[Read More] Understanding Right Chest Pain: Possible Causes and When to Seek Help
Is It Just Sweating or Body Odor? Understanding Your Symptoms
I'm not sure if it's body odor or just excessive sweating! I have a constitution that tends to sweat a lot. Every summer, when I start sweating, my body odor resembles that of a boy. Do I need to use an endoscope to eliminate the odor? Also, after wearing clothes for a ...
Dr. Xiao Yongxun Reply:
Hello: In response to your questions. 1. The human skin is composed of the epidermis, dermis, and subcutaneous tissue, with its appendages including sweat glands (which consist of apocrine and eccrine glands), sebaceous glands, hair, and nails (fingernails and toenails). The apoc...[Read More] Is It Just Sweating or Body Odor? Understanding Your Symptoms
Chronic Diarrhea and Abdominal Pain: Seeking Medical Advice and Solutions
I have been experiencing diarrhea for a long time..? Dear Doctor: I have been suffering from chronic diarrhea for many years, occasionally experiencing constipation, but mostly diarrhea. Recently, this past week, I have been going to the bathroom an average of twice a day, accomp...
Dr. Chen Jingwen Reply:
Hello, the symptoms you mentioned in your letter are very similar to Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS). This condition often affects individuals who are prone to anxiety. If the symptoms are severe, it may be advisable to visit a gastroenterology clinic for medication management. It...[Read More] Chronic Diarrhea and Abdominal Pain: Seeking Medical Advice and Solutions
Understanding Mitral Valve Prolapse: Symptoms, Diagnosis, and Treatment Options
Question Dr. Chen: Hello! I was diagnosed with mitral valve prolapse only this year. I am currently taking Conor for management, but since starting the medication, I have increasingly felt short of breath, especially at night. Sometimes, I feel like I'm in a state of hypoxia...
Dr. Chen Jingwen Reply:
Hello, it is recommended to consult a cardiologist for further diagnosis and to accurately identify the cause of "asthma," as this may lead to finding a solution.[Read More] Understanding Mitral Valve Prolapse: Symptoms, Diagnosis, and Treatment Options
Understanding Urinary Issues and Chest Pain: A Guide for Patients
Anuria and chest pain? Hello, Doctor: The patient is a 40-year-old woman who is thin and has a history of smoking and alcohol consumption. She experiences difficulty urinating and has been prescribed diuretics three times a day, which have not been very helpful. She frequently ex...
Dr. Zeng Guosen Reply:
Hello: Difficulty in urination, rather than low urine output or renal dysfunction, should not be treated with diuretics. It is important to rule out urinary tract infections, urinary dysfunction, or obstruction. Other medication side effects should also be considered. It is recom...[Read More] Understanding Urinary Issues and Chest Pain: A Guide for Patients
Understanding Downward T-Waves in ECG: What You Need to Know
Heart -2 Hello, regarding the previous question. The T waves are inverted in leads V1, V2, and V3, with one occurrence in each lead. Is this a concern? Your question: Hello, could you please explain the situation when the T wave in the heart's electrocardiogram (ECG) is do...
Dr. Li Huixiong Reply:
The presence of T wave changes in leads V1-3 suggests that there may be ischemic heart disease affecting the mid-anterior wall of the heart. It is still recommended that you consult a cardiologist for a stress echocardiogram, wear a 24-hour Holter monitor, or undergo cardiac cath...[Read More] Understanding Downward T-Waves in ECG: What You Need to Know
Understanding Chest Tightness and Cough After Cervical Spine Injury
Chest tightness and cough after cervical spine injury? Hello, doctor. Thank you for helping me with my concerns. I was in a car accident two and a half months ago, and after X-ray and MRI examinations, a neurosurgeon diagnosed me with a C5-C6 disc herniation. I am currently weari...
Dr. Chen Fuquan Reply:
Hello Miss, 1. After your car accident, the neurosurgery department conducted X-rays and MRI examinations, diagnosing you with C-5 and C-6 subluxation. You are currently wearing a cervical collar for observation. During this time, please be cautious with your neck and avoid any...[Read More] Understanding Chest Tightness and Cough After Cervical Spine Injury
Understanding Discomfort in the Upper Right Abdomen: Causes and Next Steps
What could be the causes of discomfort in the right upper abdomen? Recently, I often feel a strange sensation in my upper right abdomen (just below the chest, within the rib cage). It doesn't feel like pain or nausea; it's more like a feeling of pressure. I'm not v...
Dr. Cai Zonglong Reply:
Hello, your symptoms are similar to those experienced by many carriers of Hepatitis B. Generally, it could be due to fatty liver or other causes that may be affecting the nerves. I recommend that you visit a hepatobiliary department at a hospital for an ultrasound to rule out any...[Read More] Understanding Discomfort in the Upper Right Abdomen: Causes and Next Steps