Why Won't My Grandfather's Wound Heal After a Fall?
Why do injuries from falls never seem to heal? My grandfather fell and got injured over a year ago. At that time, we didn't think much and treated the wound with standard first aid, but it never healed and continued to spread. Later, we went to a major hospital for examinati...
Dr. Liao Zhongxin Reply:
Dear readers, 1. First, assess whether the grandfather is of advanced age and if his diet is normal; then consider if there are any underlying diseases or medications involved. Many factors can affect wound healing. 2. If liver disease, diabetes, and malnutrition have been ru...[Read More] Why Won't My Grandfather's Wound Heal After a Fall?
Understanding Headaches and Eye Pressure: Cholesterol Concerns Explained
Headache and eye pressure? Hello Director Lin: Happy New Year and best wishes for prosperity. Please help me with some guidance, thank you. (Since I am temporarily working in Malaysia, the doctors here only mentioned that my cholesterol is high and advised me to watch my diet wit...
Dr. Lin Shunfa Reply:
Ms. Anqi: Hello!! According to the data, you have two high conditions (hypertension and hyperlipidemia). Proper blood pressure control can reduce the risk of new vascular diseases by 20 to 30%. Clearly, your blood pressure is ideally controlled at 130/80. High cholesterol is the ...[Read More] Understanding Headaches and Eye Pressure: Cholesterol Concerns Explained
Understanding Gastrointestinal Flu Symptoms and Recovery Tips
Cold-related issues Doctor, I recently caught a cold, and I've been experiencing vomiting and diarrhea, along with a fever reaching 38 degrees Celsius. I visited a nearby clinic, and the doctor said it was a "gastroenteritis." It's been two days, and sometimes...
Dr. Li Huixiong Reply:
Based on the symptoms you described, it seems to be a gastrointestinal flu. It is advisable to maintain a light diet and avoid fried and spicy foods. Start with the foods you most desire, but in small and comfortable portions. Wishing you a speedy recovery.[Read More] Understanding Gastrointestinal Flu Symptoms and Recovery Tips
Understanding Post-Gastroenteritis Recovery: Managing Symptoms and Medications
Issues related to gastroenteritis after more than two months? Hello doctor, I started experiencing symptoms at the end of August, and it has been over two months since then. There has been some improvement, but I'm not sure if I am fully recovered because I still occasionall...
Dr. Hong Hongchang Reply:
Hello Sir: Thank you for your inquiry. I would like to address your question and provide the following recommendations: An unbalanced diet can lead to gastrointestinal dysfunction. It is advisable to consult with a nutritionist. During episodes of gastrointestinal dysfunction, a ...[Read More] Understanding Post-Gastroenteritis Recovery: Managing Symptoms and Medications
Managing Diabetes: Key Questions on Health, Exercise, and Supplements
Diabetes-related issues Hello Doctor: I have had diabetes since the first year of junior high school, primarily due to being overweight and consuming a lot of junk food from a young age (with a family history of diabetes). I have previously struggled with blood sugar control, but...
Dr. Cai Zonglin Reply:
When muscles are not contracted, they remain in a softer state. It is advisable to consult a sports medicine specialist or a rehabilitation physician regarding diabetes, which primarily involves issues with the pancreatic islet cells. Poor blood sugar control can lead to complica...[Read More] Managing Diabetes: Key Questions on Health, Exercise, and Supplements
Understanding Cholesterol Levels and Gallbladder Surgery Impact
High cholesterol issues My total cholesterol was 270 mg/dL before treatment, and after medication, it dropped to 212 mg/dL (high-density lipoprotein = 66, low-density lipoprotein = 128). Is this normal? Additionally, I have recently had gallbladder issues, and my doctor has recom...
Dr. Chen Qingbin Reply:
Hello Tuta: Your cholesterol levels have improved significantly after medication, and it will be even better with dietary control. Keep it up! The impact of gallbladder removal on cholesterol is minimal, but it is important to maintain a light diet. Wishing you health and safety.[Read More] Understanding Cholesterol Levels and Gallbladder Surgery Impact
Managing Proteinuria: Dietary and Exercise Tips for Better Health
Proteinuria issues? This year during my health check-up, my proteinuria results were abnormal. What dietary and exercise adjustments should I make in my daily life?
Dr. Huang Yaoxuan Reply:
In daily life, avoid smoking and drinking alcohol, and do not stay up late. In terms of diet, limit salt intake, avoid excessive protein consumption, and refrain from binge eating (if there are conditions such as diabetes, hyperlipidemia, hyperuricemia, or chronic kidney disease,...[Read More] Managing Proteinuria: Dietary and Exercise Tips for Better Health
Is Overeating High-Calorie Foods Safe for My Growing Brother?
The issue of height increase? Hello, doctor: I would like to ask about height-related issues. My younger brother is currently in the fifth grade and had an examination at Chang Gung Memorial Hospital. The doctor mentioned that he is lacking zinc in his diet, which is causing him ...
Dr. Cai Zonglin Reply:
If you want to supplement zinc, foods rich in zinc include oysters or shellfish, red meat, whole grains, oats, pumpkin seeds, and sunflower seeds. You may also consult a nutritionist for further information. High-calorie foods that are low in zinc can lead to weight gain, which c...[Read More] Is Overeating High-Calorie Foods Safe for My Growing Brother?
Post-Intestinal Obstruction: Understanding Nausea and Vomiting Issues
Complications following intestinal obstruction? Hello, after experiencing intestinal obstruction in June and July, I have encountered a new issue. I would like to ask the doctor about it. The intestinal obstruction has been treated at another hospital and has improved, but I have...
Dr. Hong Hongchang Reply:
Hello, thank you for your inquiry. I would like to address your question and provide the following recommendations: The phenomenon of intestinal obstruction or belching is often related to impaired intestinal motility. It is advisable to consume more high-fiber foods, engage in r...[Read More] Post-Intestinal Obstruction: Understanding Nausea and Vomiting Issues
Is Alkaline Ionized Water Safe? Debunking Myths and Health Risks
Questions regarding commercially available alkaline ionized water? Hello, doctor. There are many products on the market labeled as "alkaline ionized water" that claim to adjust the body's pH balance. I would like to know if this is true. I previously saw news repor...
Dr. Hong Hongchang Reply:
Hello, sir: Thank you for your inquiry. Here is my response to your question along with some recommendations: It is advisable to boil drinking water before consumption. Regarding hypertension and diabetes, since there is a family history, it is recommended to control weight and f...[Read More] Is Alkaline Ionized Water Safe? Debunking Myths and Health Risks
Can Hypertensive Patients Safely Consume Red Yeast Rice Supplements?
Can patients with hypertension consume red yeast rice health supplements? Hello, Doctor. I have been experiencing hypertension (around 140-150 when not on medication) and tachycardia for almost 2 years. Over the past year, my cholesterol levels have been rising, and two months ag...
Dr. Chen Qingbin Reply:
Hello, San: High blood lipids do not necessarily require the use of health supplements; improvements should be made through lifestyle and dietary habits. Red yeast rice supplements should not be taken in conjunction with anticoagulants or lipid-lowering medications.[Read More] Can Hypertensive Patients Safely Consume Red Yeast Rice Supplements?
Managing Diabetes in Seniors: Key Tips for Care and Nutrition
Concerns about diabetes? Hello, doctor. I would like to ask about my grandmother, who is 77 years old and has diabetes (not on insulin). In mid-July, her blood sugar spiked to over 200, and she received medication at the clinic, which caused her blood sugar to drop too low. Since...
Dr. Xiao Yongxun Reply:
1. The treatment of diabetes includes three main components: diet, exercise, and medication, all of which are essential and cannot be neglected. It cannot be fully explained in just a few words. On the other hand, the complications of diabetes include both acute and chronic condi...[Read More] Managing Diabetes in Seniors: Key Tips for Care and Nutrition
Managing Osteoporosis in Patients with Chronic Kidney Disease
Treatment of Osteoporosis in Kidney Disease Dear Dr. Huang, In March, I inquired about joint pain, and further examinations revealed severe osteoporosis with a T-score of approximately -3.5. My kidney function tests show creatinine at 1 and BUN at 11, which are within normal lim...
Dr. Huang Yaoxuan Reply:
1. Regarding renal function: When the creatinine (Cr) level is 1, the estimated clearance rate indicates that the renal function score should be greater than 60. Changes in urine output are not reliable indicators of renal function changes due to numerous confounding factors; the...[Read More] Managing Osteoporosis in Patients with Chronic Kidney Disease
Understanding Your Thyroid Test Results: T4 and TSH Explained
Thyroid values Hello, my test results show T4 at 11.68 and TSH at 0.0028. Does this indicate a problem with hyperthyroidism? Should I continue treatment or dietary control? Thank you.
Dr. Li Zhiyao Reply:
Hello: Based on your test results, it is indeed necessary to consider hyperthyroidism; however, hyperthyroidism can have various underlying causes. I recommend that you visit an endocrinology clinic to identify the cause and receive appropriate treatment. Dietary control cannot r...[Read More] Understanding Your Thyroid Test Results: T4 and TSH Explained
Understanding Bilateral Renal Cysts: Concerns and Management Options
Bilateral renal cysts? Hello, Doctor. Around May, I underwent a health check-up due to frequent feelings of dizziness and lack of energy. An abdominal ultrasound revealed "bilateral renal cysts" and a "right lobe liver mass." Initially, my family medicine phys...
Dr. Wu Jiyu Reply:
Dear Tesuia: Based on your description (both kidneys are filled with various sizes of cysts), it is possible that you have "hereditary polycystic kidney disease." Fortunately, your blood test results for kidney function are normal, and the urine protein test is (±) pend...[Read More] Understanding Bilateral Renal Cysts: Concerns and Management Options
Managing Diabetes and Cirrhosis: Foods and Juices for Better Health
Diabetes and Liver Cirrhosis Your father has liver cirrhosis and diabetes, and he is currently using insulin. He experiences frequent hunger, so what foods can he eat that won't raise his blood sugar levels? Additionally, what juices are suitable for people with diabetes? Ho...
Dr. Xiao Yongxun Reply:
Hello, in response to your questions: 1. The management of diabetes and blood sugar control must focus on diet, exercise, and medication. This includes dietary content, form, caloric intake, types of exercise, timing, and intensity. The use of medications, their interactions, a...[Read More] Managing Diabetes and Cirrhosis: Foods and Juices for Better Health
Understanding High Thyroid Antibodies: Implications and Monitoring Guidelines
Thyroid antibodies Due to a slight enlargement in the neck, I went to the hospital for a blood test. The doctor said that all the indices are within the normal range, but my antibody levels are quite high. I would like to ask: (1) If antibody levels are high, what issues could ar...
Dr. Yang Hongzhi Reply:
If thyroid antibodies are present, there is a higher likelihood of developing thyroid dysfunction in the future. If the previous thyroid function test was normal, blood tests can be repeated in about six months. Blood tests can also be conducted at any time if there are symptoms ...[Read More] Understanding High Thyroid Antibodies: Implications and Monitoring Guidelines
Unexplained Weight Loss in Middle-Aged Women: Causes and Concerns
Unexplained weight loss? My mother is 50 years old this year and is a homemaker. She has a balanced diet without significant deviations in the quantity and variety of food. She frequently takes pain relievers or receives pain injections. Over the past month, her weight has decrea...
Dr. Xiao Yongxun Reply:
Hello, in response to your question: 1. Weight loss is a symptom rather than a disease, and there is no definitive definition. Generally, unintentional weight loss is considered to be a decrease of more than 5% of body weight (or 4.5 kg) within six months, without any specific i...[Read More] Unexplained Weight Loss in Middle-Aged Women: Causes and Concerns
Can SLE Patients Safely Sunbathe for Vitamin D?
Can people with SLE really not be exposed to sunlight? Hello Doctor, I am an SLE patient. About three years ago, I was diagnosed with RA because I did not meet four criteria. Later, I experienced abdominal pain and vomiting after eating, which led to suspicion of small intestine ...
Dr. Gao Jiankai Reply:
Hello, Xin-Yi. Thank you for your inquiry! Patients with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) have a 60-100% chance of being sensitive to sunlight and ultraviolet (UV) rays, which can trigger disease exacerbation. Additionally, some patients may not be aware of their photosensitivi...[Read More] Can SLE Patients Safely Sunbathe for Vitamin D?
Managing Kidney Disease: Dietary Tips for Optimal Health
Diet for Kidney Disease Hello Dr. Yang: A year ago, I inquired about dietary issues related to kidney disease. At that time, I was advised to follow a low-protein diet, but the doctor recommended a normal diet, so I increased my protein and caloric intake. However, my muscle mass...
Dr. Yang Zhongwei Reply:
Hello: Currently, the formulas used worldwide to estimate kidney function utilize four variables: serum creatinine levels, age, gender, and race. Therefore, kidney function tends to decline with age. However, the symptoms you described do not seem to be closely related to kidney ...[Read More] Managing Kidney Disease: Dietary Tips for Optimal Health