Persistent Cough and Itchy Airways: Seeking Answers for Unresolved Symptoms
Chronic bronchial itching and cough that cannot be resolved? Hello, doctor. I had a cold at the beginning of April, and after recovering, I started experiencing intense itching from my throat to my chest (likely in the trachea). Pressing firmly on my chest or the area between my ...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Based on the medical condition, it is important to clarify whether everything was normal before the cold in April, whether there are any underlying diseases, and if there are any other illnesses in the family to determine the relationship with the cold in April. Therefore: Situa...[Read More] Persistent Cough and Itchy Airways: Seeking Answers for Unresolved Symptoms
Post-Thyroidectomy Complications: Managing Symptoms and Treatment Options
Complications after total thyroidectomy? Hello, Director Hsiao! My mother (75 years old, 155 cm tall, 45 kg) underwent surgery for a right thyroid nodule on March 24 of this year (she had surgery on the left side for a nodule over a decade ago). She is now without thyroid functio...
Dr. Xiao Yongxun Reply:
Dear Mr. Hsiao Tsai: 1. Eltroxin® Tablets are available in different dosages of 50 mcg and 100 mcg, primarily used for thyroid hormone replacement therapy, which may be necessary in cases of hypothyroidism or post-thyroidectomy. Generally, the therapeutic effects and symptom imp...[Read More] Post-Thyroidectomy Complications: Managing Symptoms and Treatment Options
Understanding Small Vessel Vasculitis: Causes, Symptoms, and Prevention Strategies
Small vessel vasculitis Hello, Doctor Gao! In the past two years, I have experienced small vessel vasculitis three times. The first two occurrences followed a cold, with petechial and macular red spots appearing on the dorsum of my feet and ankles. The third occurrence was of unk...
Dr. Gao Jiankai Reply:
Hello Delia, thank you for your question. I have summarized your inquiries as follows: 1. Systemic small vessel vasculitis can affect different organs in the body depending on the specific condition. Some forms of vasculitis can also impact the nervous system, leading to limb w...[Read More] Understanding Small Vessel Vasculitis: Causes, Symptoms, and Prevention Strategies
Chronic Headaches: Seeking Relief and Solutions for Persistent Pain
Persistent headache I have been experiencing headaches for over a week, from the moment I wake up until I go to sleep, and the pain is increasing throughout the day. The pain is mostly concentrated in the left temple, radiating to my eyes and the back of my head. A few years ago,...
Dr. Xiao Yongxun Reply:
Dear Ms. Evelyn: 1. Your condition may be classified as a tension-type headache, although there could be other causes as well. Common scenarios include migraines, cluster headaches, ophthalmic disorders, colds, and headaches induced by medications or foods. A physical examinatio...[Read More] Chronic Headaches: Seeking Relief and Solutions for Persistent Pain
Understanding HIV and Syphilis: Symptoms, Risks, and Concerns
Regarding HIV and syphilis infections? Hello, I would like to ask a few questions regarding HIV/AIDS. The situation is as follows: I work in the service industry and have noticed some customers with unexplained red spots and rashes on their arms and calves, raising concerns about...
Dr. Liao Zhongxin Reply:
Dear readers: 1. Regarding the body temperature sometimes remaining above 36.6°C and below 37.2°C around 11 PM to midnight or even later, could this be caused by an acute infection? A: Generally, healthy individuals have a lower body temperature in the early morning and the hi...[Read More] Understanding HIV and Syphilis: Symptoms, Risks, and Concerns
Understanding Weight Loss and Side Effects of Forxiga and Olmetec
Rapid weight loss Hello doctor, on March 30th, my physician prescribed me Forxiga 10mg for weight loss. On April 5th, I returned for a check-up due to discomfort near my heart, and an ECG showed normal results, but my blood pressure was 155/101. The doctor asked if I wanted to tr...
Dr. Huang Yaoxuan Reply:
1. Do you know what Forxiga 10mg is (what it does)? Are there any precautions to take when using this medication? It is a new type of antidiabetic medication (approved by the FDA in the United States), which lowers blood sugar levels and can also lead to weight loss. Some physici...[Read More] Understanding Weight Loss and Side Effects of Forxiga and Olmetec
Concerns About HIV Transmission from Contaminated Floors and Shoes
Floor and shoe sole Hello: I work in a pathology lab where specimens often result in blood or bodily fluids dripping onto the floor. After handling specimens, I walk back to the adjacent office and am concerned that HIV in the bodily fluids on the floor could be brought back to t...
Dr. Liao Zhongxin Reply:
Dear readers, 1. The following are legally mandated infectious diseases that can be transmitted through contact: Granulomatous amoebic encephalitis, rabies, anthrax, glanders, leptospirosis, tetanus, neonatal tetanus, scabies, pediculosis, leprosy, cat scratch fever, tularemia, ...[Read More] Concerns About HIV Transmission from Contaminated Floors and Shoes
Understanding Your Symptoms: Cold, Diarrhea, and Unusual Stool Color
What is wrong with my body? I have been experiencing a cold for the past few days, and I stopped taking medication when I was almost better. Shortly after, my cold relapsed, and it became more severe. I also have diarrhea and have been coughing so hard in the morning that I vomit...
Dr. Liao Zhongxin Reply:
Dear readers: 1. Regarding the recent increase in influenza-like illnesses and severe cases, it is important for everyone to pay attention to self-health management and to avoid crowded places. 2. The subsequent situations are somewhat complex, so it is advisable to seek follo...[Read More] Understanding Your Symptoms: Cold, Diarrhea, and Unusual Stool Color
Risks of Reusing Needles in Medical Injections: What You Should Know
Infection issues related to the reuse of needles? Hello, Doctor: I would like to ask you a question regarding an infection. Today, I went to the clinic for a cold, and while the nurse was administering an injection, she missed the vein on the first attempt and directly placed the...
Dr. Liao Zhongxin Reply:
Dear readers, 1. Regarding whether the second injection can be reused without disinfection, you can request the healthcare staff to use new equipment. 2. If you are concerned about infection, you can practice self-health management, such as: taking your temperature (which shou...[Read More] Risks of Reusing Needles in Medical Injections: What You Should Know
Severe Headaches and Anemia: Understanding Your Symptoms
Headache and anemia? Recently, I've been experiencing sudden headaches at night along with anemia for about three days. The headaches are so intense that it feels like my head is about to explode. It seems to be affecting my eyes as well, as my eyeballs feel a bit painful. I...
Dr. Xiao Yongxun Reply:
Dear Ms. Linda: 1. There are many causes of headaches, including migraines, tension-type headaches, cluster headaches, headaches related to head trauma, vascular headaches, non-vascular intracranial headaches, headaches caused by medications or foods, headaches related to non-he...[Read More] Severe Headaches and Anemia: Understanding Your Symptoms
Dizziness, Blurred Vision, and Palpitations: Is It Just a Cold?
Dizziness, blurred vision, and palpitations? I have recently caught a cold, but occasionally I feel dizzy, have a strong heartbeat, and my vision seems to be blurry. Could this be related to the cold, or is it due to another reason?
Dr. Li Zhiyao Reply:
Hello: In addition to considering cold factors, it is also important to assess whether the symptoms are related to medication. If the symptoms persist, it is advisable to consult a neurologist.[Read More] Dizziness, Blurred Vision, and Palpitations: Is It Just a Cold?
Understanding Post-Cold Cough: Causes, Treatments, and When to Seek Help
Post-cold cough rebound? Hello, doctor. I caught a cold around the end of February and recovered after a week, but I have been coughing continuously since then. Around March 10th, the cough became very severe, preventing me from sleeping at night. Following my family's advic...
Dr. Xie Rongyuan Reply:
Hello: If the cough persists and does not improve, a chest X-ray is recommended to determine the cause. If a bacterial infection is not confirmed, the use of antibiotics is not advised. Thank you for your message![Read More] Understanding Post-Cold Cough: Causes, Treatments, and When to Seek Help
Understanding Weight Loss: Tips for Students on Diet and Nutrition
Weight loss and slimming? Hello, doctor! 1. I am currently a student with a BMI of over 20, but compared to others of the same height, my thighs and buttocks are noticeably larger, while my waist is relatively slim. Could you explain why this is the case? Are there any methods ...
Dr. Xiao Yongxun Reply:
Dear Miss Lin: 1. For a 16-year-old female, maintaining a BMI (body mass index) between 18.5 and 23.9 kg/m² is considered good. It would be even better if the waist circumference is below 80 cm. As for a larger hip-to-thigh ratio, there could be many reasons, including genetic f...[Read More] Understanding Weight Loss: Tips for Students on Diet and Nutrition
Understanding Anemia: Symptoms, Causes, and Dietary Solutions
Dizziness, anemia? Doctor, I need your advice regarding my condition. - I often feel dizzy and sometimes almost faint (I stand still and wait to recover). - Sometimes I have difficulty breathing. - Occasionally, I experience chest pain. - Sometimes when I stand up, everything goe...
Dr. Xie Rongyuan Reply:
Hello: If you frequently experience dizziness, shortness of breath, and chest pain, you should seek medical attention as soon as possible. Anemia can cause dizziness, but it is important to determine the underlying cause of the anemia in order to treat it effectively. Additionall...[Read More] Understanding Anemia: Symptoms, Causes, and Dietary Solutions
Chronic Kidney Disease (Membranous): Treatment, Management, and Concerns
Chronic Kidney Disease (Membranous) Is chronic glomerulonephritis (membranous) always destined to require dialysis in the end? If treatment and management are ongoing, what should be noted in daily life? Will conditions like cold, fever, blood tests for creatinine, and albuminuri...
Dr. Wang Weijie Reply:
Hello, for membranous nephropathy (chronic nephritis), it is recommended to identify the underlying causes, manage diet, proteinuria, and blood pressure. Dialysis may not be inevitable. It is advised to follow up at a nephrology clinic for further consultation. Wishing you peace ...[Read More] Chronic Kidney Disease (Membranous): Treatment, Management, and Concerns
Understanding Post-Meal Sleepiness: Is It Blood Sugar Related?
Blood sugar issues? Hello Doctor, I seem to have a tendency to feel very sleepy after meals since childhood. It's severe enough that I often feel drowsy during tutoring, classes, and study sessions, even after eating a small amount, like a bowl of rice or a portion of rice f...
Dr. Li Zhiyao Reply:
Hello: It is recommended that you visit a family medicine physician, and a blood test can help assess your blood glucose levels.[Read More] Understanding Post-Meal Sleepiness: Is It Blood Sugar Related?
Understanding Sudden Dizziness: Possible Heart Issues and Anemia
Sudden dizziness? Hello Doctor: On Tuesday, while I was taking a bus back to school from Taichung, I fainted at the station. Before fainting, I experienced symptoms such as cold sweats, tinnitus, nausea, blurred vision, and rapid heartbeat, after which I lost consciousness. Accor...
Dr. Li Zhiyao Reply:
Hello: 1. A lack of family history of heart disease does not mean that you are personally free from heart disease. 2. Whether you have anemia can be determined through a blood test; however, having anemia does not necessarily mean that your symptoms are solely due to anemia witho...[Read More] Understanding Sudden Dizziness: Possible Heart Issues and Anemia
Understanding Immune System Issues in Atopic Dermatitis Management
Questions about the immune system? Hello Dr. Gao: I would like to ask a question. I have atopic dermatitis, which was relatively well-controlled for a while, but in the past few months, it has been recurring frequently, improving and then flaring up again. I have seen a doctor, b...
Dr. Gao Jiankai Reply:
Hello, thank you for your question. Atopic dermatitis is indeed an issue related to the immune system, which is sensitive to stress and lifestyle habits. Therefore, even with medication and topical treatments, atopic dermatitis may still exhibit fluctuations in severity. On the o...[Read More] Understanding Immune System Issues in Atopic Dermatitis Management
Understanding Chest Pain and Shortness of Breath in Teens
Chest pain sometimes accompanied by unexplained shortness of breath? Hello, I am a middle school student. After about a month of starting middle school, I occasionally feel a slight pain on the left side of my chest when taking deep breaths. This has continued until now, and even...
Dr. Li Zhiyao Reply:
Hello, Yujing: I recommend that you first see a pulmonologist, who can then determine whether you need to consult a cardiologist.[Read More] Understanding Chest Pain and Shortness of Breath in Teens
Does Cold Weather Affect Fasting Blood Sugar Levels?
Fasting blood glucose Doctor, may I ask, if the weather is cold, like during the recent cold wave, and I go outside and my body is shivering (jaw chattering), will my blood sugar levels be elevated at that time? Thank you.
Dr. Li Zhiyao Reply:
Hello: Appetite in winter is usually better than in summer, and physical activity tends to decrease, resulting in higher average blood glucose levels in winter compared to summer. As for single blood glucose readings, they are influenced by various factors, so the situation you m...[Read More] Does Cold Weather Affect Fasting Blood Sugar Levels?