Is High Uric Acid Level a Definitive Indicator of Gout?
Having high uric acid levels does not necessarily mean that one has gout? Dear Doctor: A few months ago, I sought medical attention because my entire foot was swollen. After a blood test, the doctor informed me that my uric acid level was as high as 9.2. Does this mean I have gou...
Dr. Chen Fuquan Reply:
1. A high uric acid level does not necessarily lead to gout symptoms. 2. The normal range for uric acid in the blood is 2.4 to 7.6 mg/dL. If the uric acid level exceeds 7.6 mg/dL, it is referred to as "hyperuricemia." Typically, men have higher uric acid levels (about s...[Read More] Is High Uric Acid Level a Definitive Indicator of Gout?
Do Diabetic Patients Need Circumcision Even with Controlled Blood Sugar?
Diabetes mellitus Hello, my boyfriend was diagnosed with diabetes a few months ago. After medication, dietary adjustments, and exercise, his blood sugar is now under control. However, due to diabetes making it harder for wounds to heal, the doctor has recommended that my boyfrien...
Dr. Shi Guangzhong Reply:
Dear: Although your boyfriend has diabetes, it is fortunate that his blood sugar is well-controlled through medication, dietary adjustments, and exercise. This indicates that both of you take diabetes seriously, and it is believed that the impact of any complications arising from...[Read More] Do Diabetic Patients Need Circumcision Even with Controlled Blood Sugar?
Understanding Thyroid Issues: Treatment Options for Goiter and Cysts
About the thyroid gland? Hello, Dr. Zhao... My sister has an enlarged thyroid due to a cold, but she is afraid of surgery, so she is controlling it with medication. I saw your response indicating that there are methods to aspirate it. What conditions need to be met, or what recom...
Dr. Zhao Chongliang Reply:
Hello! The aspiration method you mentioned in your response refers specifically to thyroid cysts, particularly in cases of recurrent hemorrhagic events, which is different from general goiter. The cause of general goiter was previously attributed to iodine deficiency, but since t...[Read More] Understanding Thyroid Issues: Treatment Options for Goiter and Cysts
Understanding Throat Nodules: Treatment Options and Causes Explained
Could you please provide more details or specify your question? Hello doctor, my father is 49 years old and has developed small nodules in his throat, experiencing palpitations and chest tightness. He has lost 6 kilograms. 1. I would like to ask if the small nodules in his thro...
Dr. Yang Hongzhi Reply:
The likelihood of needing surgery for small nodules in the throat is generally low. Medication usually has limited effectiveness. Whether treatment is necessary should be discussed further with a physician. If it is a thyroid nodule, a biopsy is typically required to determine th...[Read More] Understanding Throat Nodules: Treatment Options and Causes Explained
Effective Weight Loss Tips for Teens: A Guide for Young Adults
Please help me, doctor! Hello, doctor! I'm very overweight; I weigh 110 kg. What should I do? I'm only in the 9th grade, and I really want to lose weight quickly!
Dr. Xiao Yongxun Reply:
Hello: In response to your questions. 1. Obesity refers to an excess of body fat; there are many methods to measure it, but currently, the Body Mass Index (BMI, expressed in kg/m²) is commonly used to define it. This is calculated by dividing weight (in kilograms, kg) by the squa...[Read More] Effective Weight Loss Tips for Teens: A Guide for Young Adults
Understanding Kidney Health: Interpreting Abnormal Urine Test Results
Renal pathology Hello Dr. Yang, I have been undergoing health check-ups for many years and frequently have abnormal results for urine occult blood (++) and urine protein (++). I have previously consulted a urologist, but there hasn't been much improvement. My blood urea nitr...
Dr. Yang Jun Reply:
Hello: In response to your question, the urine test shows the presence of proteinuria and hematuria, along with elevated kidney function indices (blood urea nitrogen and creatinine), indicating chronic renal failure. It is essential to consult a nephrologist for further evaluatio...[Read More] Understanding Kidney Health: Interpreting Abnormal Urine Test Results
Managing High Cholesterol: Alternatives to Statins Without Liver Impact
Taking lipid-lowering medications can cause liver inflammation? Hello Dr. Ke: I have high triglycerides (360) and cholesterol (255), and I have been taking a lipid-lowering medication, LIPITOR (atorvastatin) 10 mg, one tablet daily for three months. After a follow-up test, my tri...
Dr. Ke Zhengchang Reply:
If you do not have risk factors for cardiovascular diseases such as hypertension or diabetes, a cholesterol level below 240 is acceptable. If your triglycerides are high but your high-density lipoprotein (HDL) is not below 40, treatment may not be necessary. You can initially man...[Read More] Managing High Cholesterol: Alternatives to Statins Without Liver Impact
Understanding Kidney Function: Key Concerns and Management Strategies
Renal function index Hello Dr. Yang, Due to having urinary tract stones in my youth, I have not noticed for a long time that my left kidney has become swollen. My creatinine level is currently 1.5, and my urine protein level is about 190, for which I am taking medication for co...
Dr. Yang Jun Reply:
Hello: In response to your question, the presence of protein in urine and a creatinine level greater than 1.4 are indicators of impaired kidney function, which must be managed under the guidance of a nephrologist regarding medication and dietary treatment. Kidney function may dec...[Read More] Understanding Kidney Function: Key Concerns and Management Strategies
Managing Elevated Liver Fat: Dietary Tips and Supplements for Improvement
Slightly elevated liver fat? Hello, Doctor: I usually take zinc supplements regularly, and I recently found out during a health check that my liver fat levels are slightly elevated. I would like to ask if this is related to my vitamin intake. The physician at the testing center a...
Dr. Cai Zonglong Reply:
Hello, fatty liver is generally diagnosed using ultrasound. It is typically caused by excessive fat accumulation in the liver, which can be classified into pathological and physiological responses. Pathological fatty liver is caused by other diseases such as hepatitis, alcohol co...[Read More] Managing Elevated Liver Fat: Dietary Tips and Supplements for Improvement
Understanding Green Stool: Causes and When to Seek Medical Help
Regarding my diarrhea? I have diarrhea today, and my stool has an unusual color—it's green. Is this a sign of a disease?
Dr. Hong Hongchang Reply:
Hello, Xiao Xin. 1. Diarrhea can be classified clinically into infectious and non-infectious types. If there are symptoms such as fever, chills, muscle aches, or severe dehydration, immediate medical attention is required. Otherwise, dietary management can be implemented (avoid...[Read More] Understanding Green Stool: Causes and When to Seek Medical Help
Weight Management for Diabetes Patients: Understanding Normal Ranges
Weight management for patients with diabetes? Hello Dr. Shi, I have a question I would like to ask. My father recently had his blood sugar tested at a clinic near our home, and it was found to be over 300, confirming a diagnosis of diabetes. After a few days of treatment with me...
Dr. Shi Guangzhong Reply:
There are two common causes of type 2 diabetes: (1) Insulin resistance: Most individuals with this condition are typically overweight. The reason for elevated blood sugar levels is due to the poor quality of insulin secreted in their bodies, which fails to lower blood sugar level...[Read More] Weight Management for Diabetes Patients: Understanding Normal Ranges
Managing Diabetes: Beyond Insulin Injections and Treatment Options
What are the treatment options for diabetes? Hello, doctor! I would like to ask you a question. Is diabetes caused by diet and lifestyle referred to as type 2 diabetes? Is the treatment method limited to injections (insulin injections), or are there other non-injection methods to...
Dr. Shi Guangzhong Reply:
Dear: The classification of diabetes does not include a category for acquired diabetes. Diabetes can be simply divided into two main types: Type 1 Diabetes: This is commonly seen in children or young adults. Currently, the most recognized pathogenic cause, aside from genetic fa...[Read More] Managing Diabetes: Beyond Insulin Injections and Treatment Options
Understanding Leg Indentation: Causes and When to Seek Medical Help
It will indent when pressed? Hello, doctor. My mother is 41 years old, weighs 60 kg, and is 165 cm tall. She has a history of chronic gastritis and allergic rhinitis, and she often suffers from migraines. In recent months, she has noticed that when she presses down on her calves,...
Dr. Chen Fuquan Reply:
Dear Mr. Ku, As you mentioned, your aunt has been experiencing noticeable edema in her lower legs and feelings of fatigue over the past few months. I have a few questions regarding her condition: 1. **Liver Issues**: Has your aunt been a carrier of Hepatitis B or C for many yea...[Read More] Understanding Leg Indentation: Causes and When to Seek Medical Help
Understanding Hyperthyroidism: Key Questions and Dietary Restrictions
Could you please provide more details about your question regarding hyperthyroidism? Dr. Lin, I went to the Tri-Service General Hospital this year and was diagnosed with hyperthyroidism. My blood test results show TSH < 0.03 and FT4 = 4.32. I have a few questions: 1. Are my ...
Dr. Lin Benpei Reply:
1. Thank you for your hard work. 2. Please go to the Metabolism Department for a detailed evaluation and further treatment, which would be more appropriate. 3. There are educational resources or pamphlets available from relevant health education units that can provide detaile...[Read More] Understanding Hyperthyroidism: Key Questions and Dietary Restrictions
Essential Nutrients for Managing GERD: A Guide for Busy Lives
What nutrients should be supplemented for gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD)? Hello, my husband is 42 years old and has previously suffered from gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) and a duodenal ulcer. The duodenal ulcer has mostly healed, but the GERD is still being mana...
Dr. Hong Hongchang Reply:
Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) is a common condition encountered in internal medicine, which can lead to reflux esophagitis in severe cases, requiring long-term medication. In more severe instances, surgical intervention may be considered to improve the function of the lo...[Read More] Essential Nutrients for Managing GERD: A Guide for Busy Lives
Essential Dietary Guidelines for Managing Diabetes in Young Adults
Dietary Management for Diabetes Patients My boyfriend is 26 years old, approximately 185 cm tall, and weighs between 80 to 90 kg. Since this summer, he has experienced symptoms of thirst, increased fluid intake, and frequent urination. Today, due to persistent nausea and dizzines...
Dr. Shi Guangzhong Reply:
1. As long as blood sugar is well controlled, it may not be necessary to change jobs. 2. A diet low in fat, sugar, and salt should be adopted; a nutritionist can help create a meal plan that includes calorie control. 3. If managed properly, there is still a chance for complete re...[Read More] Essential Dietary Guidelines for Managing Diabetes in Young Adults
Improving Anemia and Managing Gout in Peritoneal Dialysis Patients
Peritoneal dialysis Hello Doctor: I am a patient undergoing peritoneal dialysis, but my hemoglobin level is only between 7 and 8, and my hematocrit is only 25. I often feel dizzy, and once my hematocrit dropped to 19, causing me to faint at work! However, there hasn't been m...
Dr. Jiang Wenzhi Reply:
There are many causes of anemia in dialysis patients, including nutritional deficiencies, insufficient iron stores, issues related to dialysis and erythropoietin (EPO) dosage, and secondary hyperparathyroidism. A comprehensive understanding requires integrating clinical data. Add...[Read More] Improving Anemia and Managing Gout in Peritoneal Dialysis Patients
Do I Have Diabetes Symptoms? Understanding Urine Bubbles and Health Concerns
Do I have symptoms of diabetes? Dear Doctor: I am a sophomore in college, and for the past three to four years, I have noticed that my urine often has bubbles, sometimes covering a large area in the toilet, and occasionally it is completely bubbly. This usually happens more in th...
Dr. Shi Guangzhong Reply:
Normal urine contains various nitrogenous waste products and minerals, and its concentration varies depending on individual hydration levels. The first urine in the morning is more likely to have bubbles, so it is normal for urine to appear bubbly. Moreover, since your health che...[Read More] Do I Have Diabetes Symptoms? Understanding Urine Bubbles and Health Concerns
Do Ants Indicate Diabetes? Understanding Symptoms and Concerns
Worry Hello, Doctor. I would like to ask a question. Today, while doing laundry, I found three or four small ants on my underwear foraging for food. This made me worry if it could be related to diabetes, as there is a family history on my mother's side; she has had diabetes ...
Dr. Xiao Yongxun Reply:
Hello: In response to your questions. 1. Diabetes is indeed related to genetics; however, good dietary habits and regular exercise can effectively prevent its onset. 2. The presence of ketones in urine may be due to diabetes, but it can also be caused by starvation or other reaso...[Read More] Do Ants Indicate Diabetes? Understanding Symptoms and Concerns
Post-Car Accident Care: Nutrition and Rehabilitation Tips for Recovery
Car accident? Hello, doctor. My daughter recently had a car accident. What dietary considerations should I be aware of? Which foods can aid in wound healing and cell regeneration, and which foods should I avoid? Additionally, what are some common aftereffects of car accidents (sh...
Dr. Li Huixiong Reply:
Approach it with a calm mindset and simply consume a mild diet.[Read More] Post-Car Accident Care: Nutrition and Rehabilitation Tips for Recovery