Understanding Strong Urine Odor: Causes and Concerns
Strong urine odor? My urine has a very strong odor, with an indescribable unusual scent, somewhat resembling a hint of fishiness. However, I have not experienced this before; it has only been occurring for the past year or so. My lifestyle and dietary habits have not changed, eve...
Dr. Hong Hongchang Reply:
Hello FIFI: Urine naturally has a scent, but if there is an "abnormal" odor related to food, medications, or endocrine issues, please visit a nephrology clinic for a urinalysis.[Read More] Understanding Strong Urine Odor: Causes and Concerns
Effective Dietary Control for Diabetes Management: Tips and Guidelines
How to control your diet? Hello Doctor, I would like to ask about my father, who is a moderately overweight diabetic patient. He is currently taking traditional Chinese medicine, specifically Xianfengcao (Salvia miltiorrhiza). The preparation method involves placing the herbal pa...
Dr. Xiao Yongxun Reply:
Hello: In response to your questions. 1. The treatment of diabetes includes both pharmacological and non-pharmacological approaches. The former includes sulfonylureas, biguanides, meglitinides, alpha-glucosidase inhibitors, insulin sensitizers, and various forms of insulin; the l...[Read More] Effective Dietary Control for Diabetes Management: Tips and Guidelines
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
Does Hypertension Medication Increase Diabetes Risk in Seniors?
Do antihypertensive medications cause diabetes? Hello! I am 72 years old and have been on antihypertensive medication for over a decade. Recently, I had a check-up, and my blood sugar was 198, with the presence of glucose in my urine. Is this diabetes caused by high blood pressur...
Dr. Shi Guangzhong Reply:
There are many causes of diabetes, and it cannot be definitively determined whether hypertension or medication is the cause. In any case, a blood sugar level of 198 needs to be controlled. Regarding whether dental inflammation on the day of testing affects blood sugar levels, for...[Read More] Does Hypertension Medication Increase Diabetes Risk in Seniors?
Understanding High Blood Sugar in Diabetes: Causes and Dietary Solutions
Diabetes Care and Nutrition Hello Dr. Shi: My father is 62 years old and has a history of diabetes for ten years. Recently, for more than three months, his postprandial blood sugar levels have been high, reaching 280 and 300. It is puzzling because he does not eat snacks, has nor...
Dr. Shi Guangzhong Reply:
The target for good blood sugar control should be maintained at 80-120 mg/dL before meals and less than 160 mg/dL two hours after meals. Your father's blood sugar levels of 280 and 300 mg/dL are too high. If he is already managing his diet and exercising but his blood sugar ...[Read More] Understanding High Blood Sugar in Diabetes: Causes and Dietary Solutions
Could My Symptoms Indicate Diabetes? Understanding Causes and Treatments
Is it diabetes? Hello Doctor: Since November, I have been experiencing hematuria. X-rays and ultrasounds showed no stones and were normal. Urinalysis results indicated the presence of white blood cells and red blood cells. The doctor mentioned it might be urethritis. Additionally...
Dr. Xiao Yongxun Reply:
Hello: In response to your question, the diagnostic criteria for diabetes are generally as follows: 1. A fasting plasma glucose level of greater than or equal to 126 mg/dL after fasting for at least 8 hours. 2. The presence of clinical symptoms of diabetes such as polyuria, polyd...[Read More] Could My Symptoms Indicate Diabetes? Understanding Causes and Treatments
Understanding the Connection Between Digestive Issues and Dizziness
Dizziness I would like to ask the doctor two questions: 1. I rarely have bowel movements; I can go about a week without one, and sometimes I stop for 5 to 6 days (which is the best case). There have also been times when I haven't had a bowel movement for 1 to 2 weeks. Each...
Dr. Liao Zhongxin Reply:
Hello, (1) Long-term constipation/bloating issues: 1. First, consider dietary factors: Do you enjoy dairy products (such as milk), fermented products (like Yakult or yogurt), or legumes? These can lead to an overgrowth of gut bacteria, producing gas, which, combined with constip...[Read More] Understanding the Connection Between Digestive Issues and Dizziness
Understanding Chronic Constipation: Causes, Treatments, and Surgical Options
About constipation? Hello: I have had constipation issues since childhood, and the problem has not improved even into adulthood. I have seen doctors for many years, and while the medications prescribed initially provided some relief, after 2 to 3 doses, they became ineffective, a...
Dr. Cai Zonglong Reply:
Hello, if you have previously undergone examinations to rule out organic issues related to your constipation (such as colonoscopy or barium studies to exclude tumors, strictures, etc.), it is likely functional. If the duration exceeds one-fourth of a year, it may be classified as...[Read More] Understanding Chronic Constipation: Causes, Treatments, and Surgical Options
Understanding Thyroid Dysfunction: Symptoms and Dietary Considerations
Thyroid function resistance Hello Dr. Yang, the doctor at Cathay currently believes it is hyperthyroidism and is still waiting for the ultrasound report. No treatment has been initiated yet. My symptoms are: 1) elevated body temperature 2) increased frequency of bowel movements f...
Dr. Yang Hongzhi Reply:
In principle, individuals with hyperthyroidism should avoid consuming foods high in iodine, including seawater fish, shrimp, and crabs.[Read More] Understanding Thyroid Dysfunction: Symptoms and Dietary Considerations
Managing Blood Sugar and Hypertension: Diet, Exercise, and Medication Side Effects
Will there be any symptoms triggered? Hello Doctor: My mother is 60 years old and currently has a blood sugar level of 180. She also has hypertension. May I ask if it is possible to control her condition with diet and exercise first (without medication)? If medication is necessar...
Dr. Shi Guangzhong Reply:
According to the American Diabetes Association, the blood sugar control standards for diabetes patients are 90-130 mg/dL before meals and below 180 mg/dL two hours after meals. Therefore, if your mother's blood sugar is 180 mg/dL, it is important to first confirm whether it ...[Read More] Managing Blood Sugar and Hypertension: Diet, Exercise, and Medication Side Effects
Understanding Erythrocytosis: Symptoms, Risks, and Dietary Recommendations
Erythrocytosis Regarding your friend's health check-up, a hemoglobin level of 316,000 (31.6 g/dL) is indeed above the normal range of 270,000 to 310,000 (27.0 to 31.0 g/dL). This condition could suggest polycythemia, which is characterized by an increase in red blood cell ma...
Dr. Li Huixiong Reply:
I believe the information you provided is incorrect, and I suggest you review the report again. Polycythemia refers to an abnormal increase in the number of red blood cells, measured in millions! The normal range is between 4.5 million and 5.5 million. However, the number you pro...[Read More] Understanding Erythrocytosis: Symptoms, Risks, and Dietary Recommendations
Understanding Heart Effusion: Causes, Risks, and Treatment Options
Could you please clarify your question for the doctors? Can I ask a question? What is pericardial effusion? Is it treatable? Is it dangerous? Will hospitalization be necessary? Are there any dietary restrictions? I hope to get a clearer answer. Thank you!
Dr. Li Huixiong Reply:
In clinical practice, we sometimes refer to congestive heart failure as "cardiac effusion"; however, cardiac effusion can also refer to pericardial effusion, which is the abnormal accumulation of fluid in the space within the pericardium surrounding the heart. This can ...[Read More] Understanding Heart Effusion: Causes, Risks, and Treatment Options
Understanding Low Platelet Count: Should You Be Concerned?
Low platelet count? In September, I had a personal health check-up and my platelet count was 131,000. Is this serious? Do I need to go to the hospital for a blood test? Is it related to my diet? Thank you.
Dr. Xiao Yongxun Reply:
Hello: In response to your questions. 1. Generally, the normal platelet count ranges from 150,000 to 450,000 per microliter; however, there may be slight variations depending on the hospital or laboratory. 2. The causes of thrombocytopenia include insufficient production, excessi...[Read More] Understanding Low Platelet Count: Should You Be Concerned?
Understanding Granular Stool: Causes and Dietary Solutions
The stool is pellet-like? I have noticed that my stool has recently become darker and grainy (it used to be normal and tubular). I have bowel movements almost every day, but occasionally I feel like I haven't fully emptied my bowels. A long time ago, I experienced a situatio...
Dr. Li Huixiong Reply:
A person's bowel movements can be considered normal if they occur anywhere from three times a day to once every three days. The stool is typically soft and somewhat formed. However, there is considerable individual variation, so we usually compare to one's own baseline ...[Read More] Understanding Granular Stool: Causes and Dietary Solutions
Understanding Low Cholesterol: Symptoms, Risks, and Dietary Tips
Low cholesterol Hello, I would like to ask about my friend. He is 178 cm tall, weighs 66 kg, and is a male with good physical fitness. He exercises for at least one to two hours every day. Recently, his appetite has increased, and he doesn't feel like he is gaining weight. B...
Dr. Chen Qingbin Reply:
Hello, Xingchen: If the heart valve is incomplete, it is best to visit a cardiologist at the hospital. Generally, low cholesterol levels do not present significant symptoms, and regular monitoring with a normal diet is sufficient.[Read More] Understanding Low Cholesterol: Symptoms, Risks, and Dietary Tips
Managing Iron Deficiency Anemia and Asthma: Can I Exercise Safely?
excuse me? Doctor, I have iron deficiency anemia and asthma. However, my asthma has not flared up for a long time, and I feel like a normal person. But my anemia has been acting up recently... I often feel dizzy and lightheaded while walking at school. I want to know if, with my ...
Dr. Wang Fangli Reply:
If you have iron deficiency anemia, you should supplement with iron and pay attention to a balanced diet. If you are still experiencing dizziness despite adequate intake, you should go to the hospital for an examination.[Read More] Managing Iron Deficiency Anemia and Asthma: Can I Exercise Safely?
Understanding Facial Swelling and Allergies: Causes and Concerns
Allergy + facial edema Hello Dr. Zhao, Thank you for your previous response! I have some follow-up questions regarding allergies and facial edema that I would like to ask you. My family doctor has become quite annoyed with my inquiries, saying I have too much knowledge and doesn...
Dr. Zhao Chongliang Reply:
Superior vena cava (SVC) syndrome primarily refers to the obstruction of blood flow in the superior vena cava due to lung cancer at the apex, leading to conditions such as facial and upper limb edema. This persistent edema can be life-threatening, unlike episodic edema, which dif...[Read More] Understanding Facial Swelling and Allergies: Causes and Concerns
Should Mild Proteinuria in Children Be Treated? A Parental Concern
Does microalbuminuria require treatment? Hello Doctor: My daughter is currently 10 years old and occasionally wets the bed at night (about 3-4 times a month). After visiting the hospital for examination, it was found that she has mild hydronephrosis in both kidneys, but her kidne...
Dr. Yang Jun Reply:
Hello: In response to your question, your 10-year-old daughter has been found to have trace proteinuria, which is most commonly caused by minimal change disease in children. It is advisable to consult a pediatric nephrologist for further evaluation. Pentoxifylline has a specific ...[Read More] Should Mild Proteinuria in Children Be Treated? A Parental Concern
Feeling Tired After Sleep: Possible Causes and Solutions
Waking up feeling unrested? I have recently been feeling like I haven't had enough sleep after getting out of bed in the morning, and I feel a bit dizzy. I don't have trouble falling asleep at night, but sometimes I wake up around 1 or 2 AM and then go back to sleep. In...
Dr. Chen Qingbin Reply:
Your total cholesterol is elevated, so you should pay attention to your diet and avoid excessive fats. It's important to engage in regular exercise. You are experiencing sleep disturbances, and it would be best to consult a psychiatrist or a mental health specialist at a hos...[Read More] Feeling Tired After Sleep: Possible Causes and Solutions
Understanding Gallstones: Symptoms, Treatment Options, and Weight Concerns
After having gallstones, I feel like my life is going to be dull? Hello Doctor, I learned from a health check that I have gallstones. I have always considered myself a healthy person, going to bed early, waking up early, jogging regularly, and being mindful of my diet. My health ...
Dr. Cai Zonglong Reply:
Hello, your issue may be associated with peptic ulcers or irritable bowel syndrome. I recommend consulting a gastroenterologist for diagnosis and treatment. Additionally, about 30-35% of people have gallstones, so there is no need to worry unless you experience severe pain or fev...[Read More] Understanding Gallstones: Symptoms, Treatment Options, and Weight Concerns