Understanding Thymus Issues: Health Concerns and Treatment Options
Thymus issues Hello, Director Zhong! I have some questions I would like to ask you: Recently, due to feeling unwell, I was introduced to a private physician by a friend who conducted a physical examination on me. His method of testing was quite unique; he used a computer software...
Dr. Zhong Yuxun Reply:
Hello Kevin, The thymus is an organ present during embryonic development, which normally undergoes atrophy and loses its function after birth in humans. A very small number of individuals may retain this gland after birth, and even fewer may experience some endocrine effects fro...[Read More] Understanding Thymus Issues: Health Concerns and Treatment Options
Understanding Mitral Valve Prolapse: Symptoms, Risks, and Treatment Options
About Mitral Valve Prolapse Dear Dr. Zhong, I apologize for interrupting your busy schedule. I have been troubled by heart issues for some time. In my past health check-ups, I have consistently shown signs of elevated heart pressure and arrhythmia. The doctor advised me to avoid...
Dr. Zheng Shuxing Reply:
Hello Jojo, Mitral valve prolapse is quite common, with an incidence of about 5%. It primarily occurs in young individuals and is mostly a congenital abnormality, though it is not hereditary. It is often associated with symptoms such as chest discomfort, palpitations, shortness...[Read More] Understanding Mitral Valve Prolapse: Symptoms, Risks, and Treatment Options
Understanding Left Shoulder Pain and Its Connection to Lymph Node Inflammation
There is soreness at the junction of the left shoulder and arm? I have been experiencing soreness in my left shoulder and arm recently, and when I touch the area near my armpit, I feel significant pain. Additionally, the gums on the left side of my mouth are inflamed and swollen....
Dr. Yang Hongzhi Reply:
Significant pain in the axilla is more likely caused by lymphadenopathy, often accompanied by palpable enlarged lymph nodes. If there is lymphadenopathy and pain in the axilla, it is commonly due to infections in the upper arm or chest, while oral infections are less likely to ca...[Read More] Understanding Left Shoulder Pain and Its Connection to Lymph Node Inflammation
Is Aluminum Toxicity Real? Understanding Health Risks and Prevention
Is this true? Hello Doctor: Below is an article circulating online, and I would like to ask if what it says is true regarding aluminum toxicity!!! "Aluminum" is extracted from clay using an electric furnace. After multiple uses, aluminum cookware may develop mottled bla...
Dr. Zhao Chongliang Reply:
In my childhood, our family primarily used aluminum pots, and every time we cooked, white aluminum flakes would be released. My father, a chemistry professor, once told us that these aluminum flakes are non-toxic, and aside from feeling uncomfortable psychologically, they did not...[Read More] Is Aluminum Toxicity Real? Understanding Health Risks and Prevention
Understanding Occasional Chest Pain: Causes and Concerns
Occasional chest pain? Hello Doctor, I have been experiencing strange chest pain intermittently for the past two to three years. During these episodes, I feel a stabbing pain in my chest when I move my body, and it is often accompanied by a sharp pain between my ribs when I push ...
Dr. Zhao Chongliang Reply:
Hello! Chest pain can be caused by various conditions related to the heart (such as angina, myocardial infarction, arrhythmias, myocarditis, and pericarditis), lungs and associated structures (such as pneumothorax, pneumonia with pleuritis, rib fractures, pulmonary embolism, and ...[Read More] Understanding Occasional Chest Pain: Causes and Concerns
Understanding Chest Tightness: Causes and When to Seek Help
Chest tightness? Previously, I experienced a sensation of pressure on a certain part of my chest while lying on my side, which made me feel very uncomfortable and affected my sleep. Recently, after being startled, I have had trouble sleeping through the night, and this time the s...
Dr. Ke Zhengchang Reply:
The cause of chest pain during times of stress is often due to muscle tension. However, if there are underlying conditions such as hypertension, diabetes, obesity, hyperlipidemia, or a history of smoking, it is essential to rule out myocardial ischemia or angina. Therefore, under...[Read More] Understanding Chest Tightness: Causes and When to Seek Help
Understanding Pulmonary Infiltration: Differences from Pulmonary Edema
Pulmonary infiltration What is pulmonary infiltration and how does it differ from pulmonary edema?
Dr. Zhao Chongliang Reply:
Hello! Pulmonary infiltration is a term used in the interpretation of chest X-rays. When we identify abnormalities in a chest X-ray, we describe them accordingly. If the changes are typical, such as calcification, fibrosis, cavitation, or consolidation, we can immediately apply t...[Read More] Understanding Pulmonary Infiltration: Differences from Pulmonary Edema
Understanding Chest Discomfort: When to Seek Medical Advice
I would like to ask a question? Hello Doctor: Sometimes I feel a sense of heaviness in my chest. My breathing is occasionally not smooth, and I sometimes experience a bit of pain, specifically on the right side of my heart.
Dr. Wang Fangli Reply:
Hello, 吉祥虎: Your description is insufficient to diagnose your condition. It is recommended that you visit a family medicine or internal medicine clinic for an examination to facilitate early improvement.[Read More] Understanding Chest Discomfort: When to Seek Medical Advice
Understanding Mitral Valve Prolapse: Genetic Risks and Family History
I have mitral valve prolapse? I am 15 years old and during my health check-up in my first year of high school, some issues were found in my electrocardiogram. Later, after experiencing severe chest pain, I went to the hospital for more detailed examinations, and it was discovered...
Dr. Chen Qingbin Reply:
Hello Vivi: Mitral valve prolapse is not a hereditary condition, so you don't need to worry too much. Director of the Health Education Department, Chen Ching-Pin.[Read More] Understanding Mitral Valve Prolapse: Genetic Risks and Family History
Understanding Mitral Valve Prolapse: When to Seek Medical Attention
Mitral valve prolapse Hello Doctor, I am a person with mild mitral valve prolapse. However, in the past few days, I have been experiencing frequent chest tightness, shortness of breath, and pain on the left side of my chest. My previous doctor advised me to return for a check-u...
Dr. Yang Hongzhi Reply:
If there is mild mitral valve prolapse accompanied by symptoms of chest tightness or chest pain, it may not necessarily be caused by the heart; anxiety, fatigue, or emotional stress can also contribute to these symptoms. Typically, mild valve prolapse does not affect heart functi...[Read More] Understanding Mitral Valve Prolapse: When to Seek Medical Attention
Understanding Berodual: Uses, Side Effects, and Proper Administration for Asthma in Children
Exercise-induced bronchoconstriction The child is currently eight years old and has asthma, often experiencing persistent coughing. The doctor prescribed a medication called Berodual. I would like to ask what type of medication this is, whether it has strong side effects, and if ...
Dr. Zhao Chongliang Reply:
Hello! Berotec is the English name for a short-acting beta-2 adrenergic agonist used for asthma. Common side effects of this type of medication include palpitations and tremors, although these are more pronounced with oral formulations. However, even with tremors, it should not a...[Read More] Understanding Berodual: Uses, Side Effects, and Proper Administration for Asthma in Children
Understanding Incomplete Right Bundle Branch Block: Symptoms and Precautions
Incomplete right bundle branch block Hello Doctor: I am thirty years old, and occasionally when I feel very fatigued or have stayed up late, I experience a sensation of tightness in my chest, which is quite uncomfortable. However, this discomfort disappears after a good night...
Dr. Liu Hongxiang Reply:
In the left ventricle of the heart, there are left and right bundle branches that conduct electrical signals simultaneously. If the conduction through the right bundle branch slows down but does not completely block, it is referred to as "incomplete right bundle branch block...[Read More] Understanding Incomplete Right Bundle Branch Block: Symptoms and Precautions
Understanding Chest Pain: Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment Options
Chest pain Hello Dr. Chen, I apologize for bothering you again. Following your advice, I visited a gastroenterologist for an upper endoscopy and abdominal ultrasound, which indicated only mild gastritis without any signs of GERD. Recently, my condition has been fluctuating; I exp...
Dr. Chen Qingbin Reply:
Hello, Xiao Wen: Neuropathic pain typically fluctuates, often influenced by emotional stress. Relaxing and engaging in recreational activities, along with maintaining a regular lifestyle, can help improve symptoms. Director of the Health Education Department, Chen Qingbin.[Read More] Understanding Chest Pain: Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment Options
Understanding the Causes of Metallic Taste and Associated Symptoms
Metallic taste In the past month, I have frequently experienced a strong metallic taste in my throat and the center of my mouth, which resembles a bloody taste. I am certain it is not due to gum bleeding, and there is no blood when I pick my nose. Each episode is accompanied by d...
Dr. Yang Jun Reply:
Hello: In response to your question, the symptoms described in the article are not specific to any particular disease, making it difficult to determine a diagnosis based solely on symptoms. Since the internal medicine department has already examined the gastrointestinal tract and...[Read More] Understanding the Causes of Metallic Taste and Associated Symptoms
Understanding Chest Pain: Causes, Diagnosis, and When to Seek Help
Chest pain In July, I played basketball (during those days, my sleep quality was poor) and after playing, I felt chest pain and excessive sweating. The next day, I went for an examination, and the ECG and chest X-ray were normal, possibly indicating neuralgia. I was prescribed pa...
Dr. Chen Qingbin Reply:
Hello, Xiaowen: Your symptoms may be caused by gastroesophageal reflux leading to esophagitis. An upper gastrointestinal endoscopy can be performed to determine the cause. Director of the Health Education Department, Chen Qingbin.[Read More] Understanding Chest Pain: Causes, Diagnosis, and When to Seek Help
Understanding Mitral Valve Prolapse: Symptoms, Treatment, and Exercise Tips
Heart valve Thank you for your response, Director. In 1995, I experienced palpitations, arrhythmia, and high blood pressure, which led me to see a cardiologist. I was diagnosed with mild mitral valve prolapse with regurgitation and tricuspid regurgitation. Since then, I have been...
Dr. Xiao Yongxun Reply:
Hello: In response to your questions: 1. Mitral valve prolapse with regurgitation is mostly asymptomatic; however, it can occasionally cause chest pain, palpitations, fatigue, or shortness of breath. In severe cases, these symptoms may be more pronounced. The conditions of your m...[Read More] Understanding Mitral Valve Prolapse: Symptoms, Treatment, and Exercise Tips
Understanding Breathing Difficulties: Possible Causes and Solutions
You're welcome! Hello Dr. Lin: I have been experiencing sudden episodes of shortness of breath, even when I am just sitting and not moving or running. My heart rate increases, but the doctors I have seen said it should not be asthma. Recently, I have been producing a lot of ...
Dr. Lin Jizhi Reply:
Sudden onset of rapid heartbeat and difficulty breathing in young individuals may be indicative of paroxysmal tachycardia or mitral valve prolapse. However, if accompanied by tinnitus, it is important to consider whether there is dysfunction of the Eustachian tube or bronchiectas...[Read More] Understanding Breathing Difficulties: Possible Causes and Solutions
Understanding Bradycardia: Is Your Slow Heart Rate a Concern?
Bradycardia I am 30 years old, 168 cm tall, and weigh 51 kg. During a company health check at the end of last year, it was found that my heart rate was too slow. However, after running, my heart rate returned to normal. Should I be concerned about any heart problems?
Dr. Xiao Yongxun Reply:
Hello Mr. Jen: Generally speaking, bradycardia refers to a heart rate of less than 60 beats per minute. Most individuals do not require special treatment unless the heart rate falls below 50 beats per minute or there are signs of hypoperfusion, such as dizziness, chest discomfort...[Read More] Understanding Bradycardia: Is Your Slow Heart Rate a Concern?
Is It Just Stress? Understanding Unexplained Chest Pain Symptoms
It shouldn't be heart disease, right? Frequent unexplained chest pain and tightness, sometimes requiring significant effort to breathe deeply, while at other times only allowing for shallow breaths, along with palpitations, should not be dismissed as merely stress. It is imp...
Dr. Li Huixiong Reply:
Symptoms alone cannot definitively determine whether it is heart disease; they could be indicative or misleading. It is advisable for you to consult a trusted physician for a physical examination, which should help distinguish the possibility of heart disease.[Read More] Is It Just Stress? Understanding Unexplained Chest Pain Symptoms
Cost and Time for Measles Vaccine and Lung Cancer X-Ray in Taiwan
excuse me? Could you please tell me how much it would cost for the measles and rubella vaccines, as well as a chest X-ray for lung cancer screening? How long will it take to receive the results, and how long will the entire process take until completion? Thank you!
Dr. Wang Fangli Reply:
Dear Janice, you can get a free vaccination at the health center. Please call to make an appointment first. As for the chest X-ray, it costs 200 NTD. You need to register for an internal medicine consultation, have the doctor examine you, and then proceed for the X-ray. After the...[Read More] Cost and Time for Measles Vaccine and Lung Cancer X-Ray in Taiwan