Understanding Evening Fever: Possible Causes and Concerns
Fever The family member has been bedridden for two months due to a urinary tract infection and was recently hospitalized. They have been experiencing fever every evening, reaching a maximum of about 38.2 degrees Celsius, while being normal during the day. There is also a slight c...
Dr. Ke Zhengchang Reply:
In response to PTU: Both of the above reasons are possible. A chest X-ray and urine tests, including culture, must be performed to confirm the diagnosis. It is recommended to seek medical examination and treatment at the hospital as soon as possible.[Read More] Understanding Evening Fever: Possible Causes and Concerns
Understanding Chest Pain: Heart Issues or Other Causes?
Heart disease or thoracic issues? Hello, doctor. Sometimes I experience pain in my left chest and a feeling of weakness. I suspect it might be a "heart problem" (but I have had an electrocardiogram in the past that showed no abnormalities). What treatment should I seek?...
Dr. Ke Zhengchang Reply:
In young individuals, the most common cause of chest pain is neuromuscular inflammation due to tension, followed by pleuritis, pericarditis, or mitral valve prolapse. Please visit a thoracic clinic for evaluation, which should include a chest X-ray and echocardiogram.[Read More] Understanding Chest Pain: Heart Issues or Other Causes?
Understanding Palpitations: Causes, Symptoms, and Solutions
Palpitations Hello Doctor: I would like to ask about my frequent palpitations. I often feel my heart beating very strongly. For instance, when I lie down and watch TV with the remote control placed on my chest, the remote moves with my heartbeat. I frequently experience chest tig...
Dr. Zeng Fenyu Reply:
Hyperthyroidism can cause palpitations, but other conditions such as irregular heartbeat, heart problems, and stimulation of the sympathetic nervous system can also lead to palpitations. To reduce the occurrence of palpitations, in addition to monitoring thyroid function, it is i...[Read More] Understanding Palpitations: Causes, Symptoms, and Solutions
Understanding Heart Valve Issues and Hypertension: Risks and Treatments
Heart disease & hypertension Hello, Dr. Ko. My boyfriend has been experiencing chest tightness due to stress for quite some time, to the point where he couldn't sleep. After much persuasion, he finally went to the hospital for an examination. He said the doctor informed ...
Dr. Ke Zhengchang Reply:
If a young male has a blood pressure of 180/130, he must seek emergency treatment for malignant hypertension and be hospitalized for further evaluation to determine the cause of the hypertension. Unless there are severe congenital anomalies or abnormalities of the heart and major...[Read More] Understanding Heart Valve Issues and Hypertension: Risks and Treatments
Managing Tuberculosis: Nutrition, Treatment, and Family Safety Tips
Tuberculosis (TB) Hello Doctor, My brother has recently been diagnosed with tuberculosis. His physical condition is poor, he is malnourished, and his immune function is not very good. The medications used to treat tuberculosis have hepatotoxic effects. I would like to know if su...
Dr. Ke Zhengchang Reply:
Hello Jenny: 1. Patients with pulmonary tuberculosis should increase their protein intake (fish, meat, eggs, and dairy are all good options). Supplementing with vitamins can also be beneficial. It is important to avoid alcohol and fried foods, and to regularly monitor liver funct...[Read More] Managing Tuberculosis: Nutrition, Treatment, and Family Safety Tips
Understanding Mitral Valve Prolapse: Symptoms, Management, and Treatment Options
Mitral valve prolapse Could you please tell me, doctor... my girlfriend has this condition... and it has been occurring frequently lately... she is feeling very uncomfortable... can you advise me on how to cope with this disease? Is there really no cure for this condition?
Dr. Ke Zhengchang Reply:
Hello Raken: Mitral valve prolapse is quite common in young women. The symptoms include occasional palpitations, chest pain, and a feeling of tightness in the chest, but it usually does not affect cardiac function, so it can be considered a relatively benign condition. Common psy...[Read More] Understanding Mitral Valve Prolapse: Symptoms, Management, and Treatment Options
Understanding Asthma: Managing Symptoms and Preventing COPD in Adults
Asthma is a chronic Hello, I had asthma from ages 10 to 16, during which I always experienced wheezing during attacks. After moving away for school and work, I no longer had wheezing episodes, but I would experience chest tightness and coughing for a few hours to a few days after...
Dr. Guo Conghuai Reply:
Hello Ms. Gina: Chest tightness or wheezing after a cold does not necessarily indicate asthma. There is a condition known as post-viral wheezing syndrome, which can mimic asthma and often persists for several weeks following a viral respiratory infection. A definitive diagnosis r...[Read More] Understanding Asthma: Managing Symptoms and Preventing COPD in Adults
Understanding Chronic Chest Pain: Insights and Guidance for Young Adults
Persistent chest pain? Hello Dr. Ke, I have been experiencing intermittent chest pain since childhood. Initially, I didn't think much of it, assuming it was due to a fall I had when I was younger. However, it has deeply affected me to this day! I consulted a cardiologist wh...
Dr. Ke Zhengchang Reply:
Dear Mr. Zhao Wenlong: Based on your description, there are several possible causes: (1) Mitral valve prolapse (often seen in tall and slender individuals) (2) Esophagitis (gastroesophageal reflux) (3) Neuritis or pleuritis. I recommend that you visit St. Mary's Hospital or ...[Read More] Understanding Chronic Chest Pain: Insights and Guidance for Young Adults
Persistent Chest Discomfort: Understanding Causes and Treatment Options
Chest tightness with a strong sensation of obstruction? Hello Dr. Kuo, I have been experiencing long-term discomfort that began after I underwent gynecological surgery in March 1998, during which I had anesthesia and intubation. Following the surgery, I coughed up blood for sev...
Dr. Guo Conghuai Reply:
Hello Miss Green: Based on your description, it seems that you have been troubled for quite a long time. You may be a patient who becomes anxious and has difficulty sleeping over minor issues (Mitral Valve Prolapse Syndrome). If your lung function indicates that you truly have br...[Read More] Persistent Chest Discomfort: Understanding Causes and Treatment Options
Understanding Chinese Restaurant Syndrome: Symptoms and Management
Chinese Restaurant Syndrome? Hello, I have been experiencing migraine symptoms for over ten years, accompanied by vomiting, muscle soreness, and general weakness. Recently, the symptoms have become more severe. A friend pointed out that I might have what is known as Chinese Resta...
Dr. Ke Zhengchang Reply:
Reply to Alice: The symptoms of Chinese Restaurant Syndrome include transient burning sensations in the neck and upper arms, chest tightness, and headaches. Your symptoms are more severe and include vomiting, muscle soreness, and generalized weakness, which are less characteristi...[Read More] Understanding Chinese Restaurant Syndrome: Symptoms and Management
Understanding Pulmonary Lymph Node Calcification and Coughing Concerns
Is there a problem with the lungs? Hello, doctor. 1. Last year, I was hospitalized for observation due to food poisoning. During my hospital stay, the hospital conducted a physical examination. Shortly after my discharge, I received a notification from the hospital stating that...
Dr. Guo Conghuai Reply:
Hello Mr. Alan: The calcification of the hilar lymph nodes is often caused by infections, with the most common in Taiwan being tuberculosis, silicosis, sarcoidosis, or a history of pneumonia in childhood. Typically, this is not a major concern, except for sarcoidosis and tubercul...[Read More] Understanding Pulmonary Lymph Node Calcification and Coughing Concerns
Understanding Mitral Valve Prolapse: Symptoms and Risks Explained
Mitral valve prolapse What is mitral valve prolapse? What symptoms occur during the onset? What discomfort might one feel on a regular basis, and if left untreated, could it lead to heart disease?
Dr. Ke Zhengchang Reply:
Mitral valve prolapse refers to the phenomenon where the mitral valve protrudes during contraction of the heart. Patients may experience discomfort such as chest pain and palpitations. However, it typically does not cause significant impairment of cardiac function and can be cons...[Read More] Understanding Mitral Valve Prolapse: Symptoms and Risks Explained
Understanding Rapid Heartbeat and Chest Pain: What You Need to Know
My symptoms? Hello, Doctor: Recently, I have been experiencing episodes of rapid heartbeats that last for several beats, whereas before it would only happen occasionally. I also occasionally feel mild chest pain. I'm unsure what the issue might be. Could you please advise me...
Dr. Li Huixiong Reply:
It is recommended that you first undergo a resting electrocardiogram (ECG) to determine whether there is a cardiac issue before making further plans.[Read More] Understanding Rapid Heartbeat and Chest Pain: What You Need to Know
Understanding Breathing Issues: Causes and When to Seek Help
Respiratory issues Sometimes when I sleep, my breathing seems to become rapid, as if I'm gasping for air. When sitting in a chair or after eating too much, I feel like I have to breathe heavily. If my breathing suddenly becomes difficult, my heart rate increases, and I feel ...
Dr. Ke Zhengchang Reply:
Hello, Miss Xiao Xiao: Abdominal bloating can reduce lung capacity and lead to difficulty in breathing. It is advisable to eat smaller meals more frequently and engage in regular exercise. Additionally, please follow up with the hospital for lung function tests and an electrocard...[Read More] Understanding Breathing Issues: Causes and When to Seek Help
Understanding Chest Pain: Causes and Concerns for Your Health
Chest pain Hello Doctor: I would like to ask you about my ongoing chest pain issue, which has been getting worse lately. Initially, I experienced sharp pain in a specific spot, but now the pain has spread to the entire left side of my chest, and my right hand feels numb. The epis...
Dr. Ke Zhengchang Reply:
Hello Miss Jin: In young women, chest pain is mostly due to neurogenic pain, while a small number may experience chest pain from pneumothorax or mitral valve prolapse. It is advisable to seek medical attention for X-rays and other detailed examinations. A lump in the left axilla ...[Read More] Understanding Chest Pain: Causes and Concerns for Your Health
Understanding Post-Surgical Respiratory Issues: Coughing, Blood, and Asthma
Tracheal issues Hello, doctor. I have a few questions. 1. After my gynecological surgery, I experienced persistent itching in my right bronchus, frequent coughing with blood, and a sore throat. A few days later, I coughed up a dark blood clot from my nasopharynx. My voice has als...
Dr. Ke Zhengchang Reply:
Hello, Xiao Mei: It is recommended that you follow up with a pulmonology clinic for a chest X-ray examination. If there are any abnormal shadows, a bronchoscopy will need to be arranged.[Read More] Understanding Post-Surgical Respiratory Issues: Coughing, Blood, and Asthma
Understanding Right Side Back Pain and Its Possible Connections
Medical consultation Hello Dr. Ke, In the past month or two, I have frequently experienced a tingling sensation in the lower right side of my back. Recently, I have also been feeling pain in my right heel while walking. I'm wondering if there is a connection between these ...
Dr. Ke Zhengchang Reply:
Hello Ms. Hsieh, This symptom is most likely caused by postural misalignment leading to neuromuscular strain and inflammation. Treatment and rehabilitation therapy would be beneficial.[Read More] Understanding Right Side Back Pain and Its Possible Connections
Protecting Your Child from Pigeon Droppings: Risks and Prevention
Pigeon droppings Pigeons frequently perch on the windowsill of my home, leaving droppings behind. I've heard that pigeon droppings can contain Cryptococcus, which can cause meningitis. I am very concerned about the risk of infection for my ten-month-old infant. What are the ...
Dr. Ke Zhengchang Reply:
Hello Ms. Huang: Pulmonary cryptococcosis is similar to typical pneumonia, presenting with symptoms such as fever and cough. Chest X-rays may show abnormal shadows, and antigen testing can be performed through blood samples for confirmation. Inhaling pigeon droppings does not nec...[Read More] Protecting Your Child from Pigeon Droppings: Risks and Prevention
Understanding Thyroid Function and Allergies: A Patient's Inquiry
Medical consultation Thank you, Dr. Ke, for your letter. I have visited the general surgery outpatient clinic and had a blood test to check my thyroid function. The test results were normal. The doctor prescribed antihistamines and some hormones. I also experience wheezing at tim...
Dr. Ke Zhengchang Reply:
Dear Ms. Lu, There are many reasons for experiencing shortness of breath while walking. Arranging for pulmonary function tests, exercise electrocardiograms, and chest X-rays can serve as initial screenings to identify the cause.[Read More] Understanding Thyroid Function and Allergies: A Patient's Inquiry
Understanding Throat Pain After Vomiting: Causes and Remedies
Pain I had a stomach upset yesterday with vomiting and diarrhea. After seeing a doctor, I have improved, but I'm not sure if the vomiting was too severe, as my throat feels like I choked on something, and the pain extends from my throat down to my chest. Today, I went to the...
Dr. Li Huixiong Reply:
Your symptoms may be caused by gastroesophageal reflux. Normally, the stomach is highly acidic, while the esophagus is neutral. When vomiting is severe, stomach acid can flow back into the esophagus, damaging the esophageal mucosa and causing your discomfort. This condition may t...[Read More] Understanding Throat Pain After Vomiting: Causes and Remedies