Understanding Viral Infections in Children: Antibiotics and Fever Concerns
Issues Related to Viral Infections and Antibiotics My child is nine years old and last Wednesday had a fever reaching 40 degrees Celsius. We went to the pediatric outpatient clinic, where the doctor found only slight redness and swelling in the throat. Auscultation showed no bron...
Dr. Lin Mingfeng Reply:
1. Viral infections refer to infections caused by filterable viruses. Influenza (commonly known as the flu) is just one of them; most colds are also caused by viruses. 2. Antibiotics are not needed for viral infections unless a bacterial infection occurs as a complication. 3....[Read More] Understanding Viral Infections in Children: Antibiotics and Fever Concerns
Does Daily Exercise Weaken Immunity and Increase Cold Risk?
About the common cold? Hello Doctor: I would like to ask if exercising every day can weaken the immune system and make one more susceptible to colds? I regularly train at the gym, and when I'm not at the gym, I play sports, so I hardly have a day without any exercise.
Dr. Liao Zhongxin Reply:
Dear readers: 1. If you can maintain a daily exercise routine, get sufficient sleep, and have a balanced diet (including vegetables and fruits), most people will enjoy good health and stay away from various illnesses. 2. If you sweat after exercising and immediately drink cold wa...[Read More] Does Daily Exercise Weaken Immunity and Increase Cold Risk?
Is It Gastroenteritis? Understanding Abdominal Pain and Symptoms
Is there a problem with the gastrointestinal tract? Two days ago, while I was running, I suddenly felt pain on the right side of my abdomen. After feeling the pain, I stopped running and walked slowly; any movement would cause pain. Later that evening, when I got home, I started ...
Dr. Xiao Jingqin Reply:
1. Gastroenteritis is the inflammation of the gastric and intestinal mucosa, commonly caused by food poisoning. Symptoms include severe vomiting and diarrhea, often accompanied by abdominal cramping and colicky pain, fever, and sweating. Prolonged and significant fluid loss can l...[Read More] Is It Gastroenteritis? Understanding Abdominal Pain and Symptoms
Understanding Cold-Related Facial Paralysis and Eye Inflammation
Common cold Hello Doctor: A few years ago, I experienced facial paralysis on the right side due to a cold. Last year, I started to notice that whenever I catch a cold, my eye becomes swollen and inflamed, even severely affecting my vision to the point of not being able to see. I ...
Dr. Liao Zhongxin Reply:
Dear readers, 1. Common colds do not cause facial paralysis, swollen eyes, or vision impairment; these symptoms are usually indicative of other complications, such as sinusitis combined with cellulitis or more severe conditions. 2. If such complications arise, it is advisable...[Read More] Understanding Cold-Related Facial Paralysis and Eye Inflammation
Finding the Right Specialist for Complex Abdominal Symptoms
Finding the right physician for treatment? My mother is currently 73 years old and has diabetes, heart disease, and hypertension, which she manages with regular doctor visits and medication. This year, she has experienced discomfort in two areas of her body. The first issue is th...
Dr. Xiao Jingqin Reply:
The patient's primary pain is located in the lower abdomen, and it worsens with walking. They also experience loss of appetite and a tendency to feel bloated, which may not necessarily indicate a gastric issue. If we narrow down the problem to the lower abdomen, potentially ...[Read More] Finding the Right Specialist for Complex Abdominal Symptoms
Understanding Mediterranean Anemia: Conflicting Diagnoses and Symptoms
Is it Mediterranean anemia? Hello Dr. Yao, 1. Three years ago, I had an examination at Keelung Hospital, where Dr. A diagnosed me with thalassemia, but Dr. B said I did not have it, explaining that thalassemia is not the same as Mediterranean anemia. I didn't understand, bu...
Dr. Yao Quan Reply:
Hello, it is difficult to determine why the diagnoses from the two physicians differ. Is it possible that the two physicians had access to different information? Thalassemia is caused by abnormalities in hemoglobin. A hemoglobin electrophoresis test can be used for diagnosis. Pat...[Read More] Understanding Mediterranean Anemia: Conflicting Diagnoses and Symptoms
Understanding Gastrointestinal Issues: Seeking Medical Advice for Relief
Gastrointestinal discomfort requires medical advice? I have experienced acute gastroenteritis since I was young, and sometimes I have stomach pain about 1 to 2 times a month. Whenever I drink cold beverages, I definitely have diarrhea, and I often drink soda. I know it's not...
Dr. Hong Hongchang Reply:
Hello, Brother Li: Based on your description of the gastrointestinal symptoms, I cannot provide an answer regarding folk remedies due to the lack of credible research reports. Since you live in Hsinchu, could you please visit the Gastroenterology Department at Hsinchu Hospital fo...[Read More] Understanding Gastrointestinal Issues: Seeking Medical Advice for Relief
Persistent Fever: Understanding Causes and When to Seek Help
Persistent fever Hello, I would like to ask about my mother. She has been experiencing fever that comes and goes for three weeks. The doctor said it is a cold, but I am concerned that it might be another type of infection. Why hasn't the fever resolved? Could prolonged fever...
Dr. Liao Zhongxin Reply:
Hello: 1. The normal range for human body temperature is between 36.5°C and 37.5°C, and a fever is defined as an oral or tympanic temperature greater than 37.5°C. If the body temperature consistently exceeds 38.3°C, it is advisable to visit a hospital for medical evaluation. 2. M...[Read More] Persistent Fever: Understanding Causes and When to Seek Help
Understanding Hepatitis B: Testing and Vaccination Guidance
Hepatitis B Over a year ago, I underwent a school health check, and I was informed that I had no antibodies and needed to get vaccinated. However, I missed the vaccination due to a cold. Now, after some time has passed, I would like to know which department I should visit. Should...
Dr. Hong Hongchang Reply:
Please schedule an appointment with either Family Medicine or Gastroenterology. First, perform a blood test to check for the presence of antibodies. If antibodies are not present, then proceed with the administration of the Hepatitis B vaccine.[Read More] Understanding Hepatitis B: Testing and Vaccination Guidance
Understanding Blisters: Are Sweet Cold Drinks Causing Your Skin Issues?
Develop blisters? Hello doctor, if I drink too many cold beverages that are too sweet, I develop small blisters on my fingers. The more I drink, the more blisters I tend to get. I have seen a dermatologist, who advised me to avoid excessive cold drinks and to eat more fruits and ...
Dr. Xiao Yongxun Reply:
There are many diseases to consider when blisters appear on the palms or fingers, including allergic or irritant contact dermatitis, atopic dermatitis, fungal or bacterial infections, keratoderma, psoriasis, vesicular eczema, pemphigus, and reactions in the fingers caused by infe...[Read More] Understanding Blisters: Are Sweet Cold Drinks Causing Your Skin Issues?
Understanding Cortisol Treatment: Lifelong Use, Side Effects, and Risks
Cortisol Hello Dr. Yang: I underwent adrenal tumor resection in July 2004 and only had a follow-up examination in February 2006. On February 26, 2006, my cortisol level was approximately 14.1 and ACTH was about 44.6 (I don't remember the exact decimal values) (I was not on m...
Dr. Yang Hongzhi Reply:
Adrenal insufficiency after adrenal tumor surgery can potentially recover. Taking supplemental corticosteroids will not lead to excessive side effects from steroids. If corticosteroids are not supplemented, the deficiency will become more apparent during times of physical stress,...[Read More] Understanding Cortisol Treatment: Lifelong Use, Side Effects, and Risks
Managing Chronic Thyroiditis: Symptoms, Treatment, and Lifestyle Impact
Chronic thyroiditis Hello: I was diagnosed with hyperthyroidism two years ago, and after treatment, I was found to have chronic thyroiditis with hypothyroidism in February of this year. After treatment, my TSH level has decreased to 7, but I still experience symptoms such as edem...
Dr. Yang Hongzhi Reply:
It is not uncommon for hyperthyroidism to transition to hypothyroidism after a period of time. Theoretically, treating hypothyroidism should not be difficult, and normal thyroid function can be restored in a short period. Generally, daily activities are not affected.[Read More] Managing Chronic Thyroiditis: Symptoms, Treatment, and Lifestyle Impact
Understanding Nausea and Dizziness in Dialysis Patients: Causes and Solutions
Dialysis patients often experience vomiting and dizziness? Hello Doctor, my father started dialysis at the end of January this year, just before the Lunar New Year. He did not feel particularly unwell initially, but in the past month, after undergoing dialysis at the hospital, he...
Dr. Yang Jun Reply:
Hello: In response to your question, based on your description, your father appears to have developed uremia due to diabetes mellitus complicated by hypertension, necessitating hemodialysis treatment. After dialysis, symptoms such as dizziness, vomiting, and cold sweats may occur...[Read More] Understanding Nausea and Dizziness in Dialysis Patients: Causes and Solutions
Could Your Lymph Nodes Be Causing That Painful Bump?
Is it related to the lymph nodes? Dear Doctor: On the night of March 25th, I woke up feeling pain and a tingling sensation under my right arm. Upon touching it, I discovered that it was swollen (about slightly smaller than a coin). It hurts when I don't touch it, and it hurt...
Dr. Lin Mingfeng Reply:
Based on your description, it is highly likely to be acute lymphadenitis. It can indeed be caused by an upper respiratory tract infection. If there is a possibility of a bacterial infection, antibiotic treatment can lead to a quick resolution. If it persists, please visit an outp...[Read More] Could Your Lymph Nodes Be Causing That Painful Bump?
What Could This Bump on My Neck Be? Understanding Lymph Nodes and Infections
What exactly has grown on my neck? Hello Doctor, about three weeks ago I had a bit of a runny nose and a cold, then my eyes started to feel sore and watery in bright light, and my throat was a bit sore. A couple of days later, I noticed a lump near my neck. It's hard to desc...
Dr. Zheng Shuxing Reply:
Hello: It is difficult to confirm the disease based on your description. To simplify, if there are no lesions on the skin surface, it may be something that has developed subcutaneously. A subcutaneous mass could potentially be a lymphadenopathy or a salivary gland tumor. Without ...[Read More] What Could This Bump on My Neck Be? Understanding Lymph Nodes and Infections
Understanding Blood in Stool: Causes and Concerns for Your Health
Hemorrhoidal bleeding Hello Dr. Hong, a few days ago, after the late stage of a cold, I experienced a dry cough and diarrhea (which was watery and light yellow in color) for about a week. However, now when I wipe after a bowel movement, there is blood on the toilet paper, althoug...
Dr. Hong Hongchang Reply:
Hello, the presence of blood in the stool combined with diarrhea can have many causes, including colitis, hemorrhoids, or acute tumors. Additionally, abdominal distension may indicate a gastric issue. Please seek consultation at a gastroenterology clinic promptly. Thank you.[Read More] Understanding Blood in Stool: Causes and Concerns for Your Health
Can a Cold Affect Thyroid Hormone Levels? Understanding T4 Results
Can a cold affect thyroid hormones? Hello Doctor: I am a 27-year-old woman. I had a health check-up on January 12 of this year, and the result showed that my T4 level was 23, which is significantly above the normal range. However, I had a cold at the time of the test. I searched ...
Dr. Yang Hongzhi Reply:
A cold should not have a significant impact on thyroid function. If T4 levels are markedly elevated, it is advisable to recheck TSH levels. If TSH is significantly decreased, it can further confirm the presence of hyperthyroidism.[Read More] Can a Cold Affect Thyroid Hormone Levels? Understanding T4 Results
Understanding Anxiety Symptoms: Is It Hyperthyroidism or Something Else?
What disease? Hello, my symptoms include easily getting anxious, and now it has escalated to feeling nervous whenever I go out, with cold sweats and chest tightness that makes me feel like I can hardly breathe. The chest tightness is constant, and sometimes when I squat and then ...
Dr. Yang Hongzhi Reply:
Hyperthyroidism has several potential causes, and a blood test is necessary to confirm the diagnosis.[Read More] Understanding Anxiety Symptoms: Is It Hyperthyroidism or Something Else?
Why Cold Medicine Might Make You Feel Worse: Understanding Reactions
Taking cold medicine may make you feel worse? Hello Doctor, I would like to ask you about a friend of mine who recently caught a cold and has been coughing. He went to a hospital to get cold medication, but every time he takes the medicine, he feels very uncomfortable, even more ...
Dr. Zeng Guosen Reply:
Hello: A mild cold does not necessarily require medication. However, if symptoms persist for too long or are severe, you should seek medical attention. Common cold medications can have side effects, and what you are describing is likely a side effect. It is advisable to return fo...[Read More] Why Cold Medicine Might Make You Feel Worse: Understanding Reactions
Understanding Heart Valve Disorders: Symptoms, Risks, and Management Tips
Cardiovascular diseases? Hello Dr. Chen, I would like to ask you some questions regarding a 22-year-old female friend of mine. She has mitral and tricuspid regurgitation and sometimes experiences palpitations. I have heard that she may also have valve degeneration. During cold ...
Dr. Chen Qingbin Reply:
The issues you mentioned are all related to heart disease, and you should consult a cardiologist for a thorough examination and treatment.[Read More] Understanding Heart Valve Disorders: Symptoms, Risks, and Management Tips