Understanding Back Pain and Chest Tightness: When to Seek Medical Advice
Back pain and chest tightness? Dr. Ke, I have some questions to ask you: Recently, I have been experiencing symptoms such as nasal allergies, cold, and cough. Even after taking medication, I still feel unwell, with persistent dizziness, tightness in my neck, muscle stiffness and ...
Dr. Ke Zhengchang Reply:
Hello Lisa: Chronic hypertension and hyperlipidemia require long-term adherence to medication and regular outpatient follow-up for blood pressure monitoring and blood tests. If symptoms of an upper respiratory tract infection occur, such as cough, dizziness, runny nose, and muscl...[Read More] Understanding Back Pain and Chest Tightness: When to Seek Medical Advice
Chest and Back Pain During Coughing: Understanding Possible Causes
There has been chest pain and pain in the area of the right back behind the chest when coughing, and it has lasted for one week? First, I have been experiencing a persistent cold with symptoms such as a runny nose and continuous coughing for over a month now. In the past week, I ...
Dr. Guo Conghuai Reply:
Hello Mr. Zhu: Having a cold with a cough and runny nose for a month is somewhat prolonged. It is very likely that you are experiencing allergic rhinitis with post-nasal drip, or allergic rhinitis combined with airway hyperreactivity. You should see an otolaryngologist and a pulm...[Read More] Chest and Back Pain During Coughing: Understanding Possible Causes
Managing Mitral Valve Prolapse: Symptoms and Next Steps
Could you please provide more details about the heart-related issues you would like to discuss with Dr. Lee? Hello Dr. Lee: I have a problem with mitral valve prolapse. Since October 3rd, I have been feeling unwell, experiencing dizziness that persists. When I feel dizzy, I often...
Dr. Li Huixiong Reply:
There have been other individuals who have experienced mitral valve prolapse similar to yours (though not necessarily to the same degree) who have asked related questions. Most patients do not have bothersome symptoms, but some, like you, may experience discomfort that interferes...[Read More] Managing Mitral Valve Prolapse: Symptoms and Next Steps
Understanding Why You Can't Gain Weight: Insights and Solutions
What are the solutions for not gaining weight? Hello Dr. Tseng: I have always struggled to gain weight (176 cm, around 60 kg). My situation is as follows: 1. My father is also thin (possibly hereditary). 2. I have poor digestion and absorption (I eat the same amount as others but...
Dr. Zeng Fenyu Reply:
If your overall health is good, being thin should not be a major concern. However, it is advisable to consult a gastroenterologist to examine your digestive system and seek advice from a nutritionist for dietary improvements.[Read More] Understanding Why You Can't Gain Weight: Insights and Solutions
Understanding Low White Blood Cell Count: Health Implications and Solutions
What is a white blood cell count? Recently, my white blood cell count (WBC) was 3.9k/cumm during a health check-up, which is reported to be below the normal range (4-9.80). What impact could this have on my health? What symptoms might arise? How can I improve this? Thank you.
Dr. Zeng Fenyu Reply:
There are many causes of leukopenia, such as viral infections and colds, which can temporarily lower white blood cell counts. If your white blood cell count is decreased, it is advisable to consult a hematologist to examine a blood smear and have the hematologist explain the resu...[Read More] Understanding Low White Blood Cell Count: Health Implications and Solutions
Persistent Cough After Cold: Causes and Home Remedies
Persistent cough Hello Dr. Kuo! I visited the doctor a week ago due to a cold, and after taking the prescribed medication, my condition has improved. However, I am still troubled by persistent dry cough. I have a weak constitution and am prone to colds, and I occasionally feel a ...
Dr. Guo Conghuai Reply:
Dear Mr. Ted, Regarding your cough, we generally refer to a cough lasting less than three weeks as an acute cough. The causes of acute cough can include viral infections and bacterial infections. A dry cough is often due to post-nasal drip or airway allergies. You should consult...[Read More] Persistent Cough After Cold: Causes and Home Remedies
Understanding Calf Swelling: Causes and Medical Specialties Involved
Calf swelling Dear Doctor, every morning when I wake up, the size of my calves is normal, but about 15-20 minutes after getting up, both calves swell to twice their size until the evening when I finish my shower and they return to normal size. Sometimes my calves remain normal th...
Dr. Zeng Fenyu Reply:
Hello Cindy! Please first visit the internal medicine outpatient clinic for an examination. The symptoms described may indicate poor blood circulation in the lower extremities. It is important to consider whether there are any other kidney, heart, or other organ issues, as well a...[Read More] Understanding Calf Swelling: Causes and Medical Specialties Involved
Understanding Stomach Pain After Eating: Causes and Solutions
Abdominal pain during eating? I had a cold and took medication for two days. When I woke up in the morning, I felt a burning sensation and some pain in my stomach. After drinking a glass of plain water, the pain intensified. I had no appetite, so I didn't eat anything. After...
Dr. Hong Hongchang Reply:
Patients with no prior history of gastric disease may develop acute gastritis due to the use of certain medications, including antibiotics and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs). It is advisable to avoid the aforementioned medications. If persistent gastric pain occur...[Read More] Understanding Stomach Pain After Eating: Causes and Solutions
Concerns About Being an HBV Carrier: Health Risks and Precautions
Questions related to HBV carriers! Dear Dr. Yang, I discovered that I am a carrier of hepatitis B during my university entrance health check. I am the only one in my family who has been infected, but my grandfather previously died from liver cancer. It has been about five years ...
Dr. Yang Guojun Reply:
1. Hepatitis B carriers have a 100 times higher risk of developing liver cancer compared to the general population. Please have your liver scanned by a hepatologist every six months. 2. Please have your boyfriend come to the hospital for an evaluation to determine if he needs to ...[Read More] Concerns About Being an HBV Carrier: Health Risks and Precautions
Understanding Stomach Discomfort: Causes and Remedies Explained
My stomach? Hello! I have never had an endoscopy before, but sometimes when I haven't eaten, my head feels a bit dizzy and uncomfortable, and it might hurt. Usually, when this happens, I drink a cup of warm milk and after a few minutes, I eat a little bit of food (carbohydra...
Dr. Li Huixiong Reply:
Hello Miss Fiona: Experiencing dizziness while fasting may raise suspicion for "hypoglycemia" symptoms; however, there may also be other signs such as palpitations, tremors, and cold sweats, which is another issue altogether. If fasting makes you uncomfortable but eatin...[Read More] Understanding Stomach Discomfort: Causes and Remedies Explained