Understanding the Impact of Spleen Removal: Short and Long-Term Effects
Spleen Hello, Doctor: I have a friend who has a tumor in the spleen and needs to undergo surgery for removal. Could you please explain what the short-term and long-term effects of spleen removal might be on the body? Are there any specific aspects that need special attention? Can...
Dr. Chen Jingwen Reply:
1. Tumors of the spleen can be classified as malignant or benign. The former may require surgical removal or other treatments (such as chemotherapy if malignant lymphoma invades the spleen), while the latter does not need to be removed if it does not affect spleen function, and o...[Read More] Understanding the Impact of Spleen Removal: Short and Long-Term Effects
Struggling with Sudden Weight Gain: Seeking Solutions and Support
I don't want to gain any more weight! Hello Doctor: Over the past year, I have suddenly gained more than ten kilograms, but my diet hasn't changed significantly, and my exercise level is about the same. Additionally, I've noticed a lot of acne on my face, which mak...
Dr. Lin Benpei Reply:
Please come to my clinic for an evaluation and further examination regarding your concerns. It is important not to rely on hearsay or take inappropriate weight loss medications, as this could cause further harm to your body. Wishing you a speedy recovery. Lin Benpei, May 12, 1993...[Read More] Struggling with Sudden Weight Gain: Seeking Solutions and Support
Understanding Chronic Diarrhea: Causes, Management, and Dietary Tips
Diarrhea I have been experiencing diarrhea once a month for the past year, but in the last six months, it has increased to twice a month. Recently, it has escalated to once a week for the past two months. The warning signs before diarrhea are very brief and vary (such as flatulen...
Dr. Li Huixiong Reply:
Frequent diarrhea can indeed be bothersome! However, based on the frequency of your episodes, it doesn't seem too severe. There are many causes of diarrhea, including pathological gastrointestinal, liver, and biliary diseases, as well as issues related to spoiled food or bac...[Read More] Understanding Chronic Diarrhea: Causes, Management, and Dietary Tips
Understanding the Causes of Sudden Green Stool: What You Need to Know
Green stools I recently noticed that my stool has suddenly turned green, and this has been ongoing for three days. My diet has not changed significantly; I have been eating rice, beef, noodles, vegetables, chicken, and so on. What could be the reason for this?
Dr. Hong Hongchang Reply:
Stool is composed of bile, digested food, intestinal metabolic cells, and bacteria. Changes in stool color may occur due to the obstruction of bile excretion of pigments from green vegetables in the diet. It is advisable to visit a hepatobiliary and gastroenterology clinic for fo...[Read More] Understanding the Causes of Sudden Green Stool: What You Need to Know
Managing Kidney Failure: Tips for Reducing Creatinine and Frequent Urination
Renal failure Frequent urination at night, dry mouth, presence of protein in urine, BUN 40, creatinine 4.1. What measures can be taken to control the rise in creatinine levels and improve frequent urination and dry mouth? Currently taking Ketosteril (an amino acid supplement), is...
Dr. Yang Jun Reply:
Hello: In response to your question, it is noted that kidney function has deteriorated to the level of chronic kidney failure, which can lead to symptoms such as frequent urination, nocturia, and proteinuria. At this stage, it is essential to regularly follow up with a nephrologi...[Read More] Managing Kidney Failure: Tips for Reducing Creatinine and Frequent Urination
Can You Change Your Body's pH Balance with Diet or Medication?
Acidic constitution Hello Dr. Chen: Because I have an acidic constitution, I notice that after taking multivitamins, my urine has a distinct "vitamin" smell, and I feel like my body is not retaining them. Does this mean that taking these vitamins is a "waste of mon...
Dr. Chen Qingbin Reply:
The body's acid-base balance is primarily regulated by the kidneys. As long as kidney function is normal and the diet is balanced, there is no need to spend money on injections or medications.[Read More] Can You Change Your Body's pH Balance with Diet or Medication?
How to Improve Acidic Body Conditions: Tips and Treatment Options
How to improve an acidic body condition? Hello Dr. Yang: Regarding the title question, how can I improve my acidic body condition? Are there any methods like "injections or medications" available? I cannot frequently consume acidic foods due to my diet, so I would like ...
Dr. Yang Hongzhi Reply:
In Western medicine, the concept of an "acidic body" is not considered a legitimate diagnosis. Humans require only small amounts of vitamins, and a normal diet typically does not necessitate vitamin supplementation. Excessive vitamin supplementation does not provide ben...[Read More] How to Improve Acidic Body Conditions: Tips and Treatment Options
Is Green Stool a Cause for Concern? Understanding Gastrointestinal Health
Green stool Is it a problem to have green stool?
Dr. Chen Jingwen Reply:
Green stool may be related to diet, particularly with a high intake of fruits and vegetables. Additionally, if the stool is yellow-green, it may be advisable to check for jaundice, which can be confirmed through a blood test. If the stool is dark brown-green, it may be necessary ...[Read More] Is Green Stool a Cause for Concern? Understanding Gastrointestinal Health
Understanding Gout: Symptoms, Treatment, and Early Signs of Hyperuricemia
excuse me? Doctor: What are the symptoms and treatment options for hyperuricemia? What are the early symptoms? Thank you for your response.
Dr. Ke Zhengchang Reply:
Hyperuricemia primarily poses the risk of causing gout; however, in fact, most cases of hyperuricemia do not lead to gout and are completely asymptomatic. This asymptomatic hyperuricemia does not require pharmacological treatment. Dietary management, typically involving a reducti...[Read More] Understanding Gout: Symptoms, Treatment, and Early Signs of Hyperuricemia
Understanding Hematuria in Children: Concerns and Next Steps
Hematuria Dear Dr. Yang, Hello. In late December of 2002, my child, Xiaodi Zhan, discovered blood in his urine. He subsequently visited a teaching hospital where he underwent urinalysis, blood tests, and an ultrasound. The results indicated mild kidney inflammation, accompanied ...
Dr. Yang Jun Reply:
Hello: In response to your question, the text mentions that hematuria and mild proteinuria were discovered in December 2002 and have been monitored and treated. In general, when hematuria is found, nephrologists will first rule out the possibility of urinary tract stones or urolo...[Read More] Understanding Hematuria in Children: Concerns and Next Steps
Can Gout Be Cured? Exploring Treatment Options and Side Effects
Can gout be completely cured? Hello Doctor: Can gout be completely cured? Are there any side effects from taking medications to lower uric acid levels? I've heard from a friend that there is a medication prescribed by American doctors that can cure it; is there any truth to ...
Dr. Ke Zhengchang Reply:
Gout can generally be managed through dietary changes to control the production of uric acid. Reducing the intake of high-purine foods such as meat, organ meats, and legumes, as well as avoiding alcohol, can help decrease flare-ups. New-generation uric acid-lowering medications a...[Read More] Can Gout Be Cured? Exploring Treatment Options and Side Effects
Exploring Alpha-Lipoic Acid and Brewer's Yeast for Diabetes Management
The use of alpha-lipoic acid and black beer yeast? Hello: Recently, I came across some books on dietary supplements and found that alpha-lipoic acid and brewer's yeast may be beneficial for diabetes patients. I would like to know your opinion on these supplements. My mother ...
Dr. Chen Qingbin Reply:
Hello, Xinmei: The prevention of diabetes relies on diet, exercise, and a regular lifestyle. If diabetes is already present, medical treatment is necessary, as health supplements may not be effective. The concept of "food and medicine being of the same origin" has been ...[Read More] Exploring Alpha-Lipoic Acid and Brewer's Yeast for Diabetes Management
Is Your Kidney Function at Risk? Understanding Health Check Results
Is there a problem with kidney function? Hello Dr. Yang, I would like to ask if my father's recent health check-up report indicates any issues with his kidney function. Does he need further testing? Blood Pressure: 140/100 mmHg Blood Urea Nitrogen (BUN): 26 mg/dL (norm...
Dr. Yang Jun Reply:
Hello: In response to your inquiry, your father's blood pressure is 140/100 mmHg, indicating elevated diastolic pressure. It is necessary to measure blood pressure multiple times to confirm whether he has hypertension. Although the blood urea nitrogen (BUN) level is above no...[Read More] Is Your Kidney Function at Risk? Understanding Health Check Results
Daily Beverage Consumption and Its Impact on Diabetes Risk
Diabetes mellitus? Dear Doctor, may I ask: If I drink at least one type of commercially available beverage every day, will it increase my risk of developing diabetes? (I still drink water regularly.) Thank you for your response!
Dr. Yang Hongzhi Reply:
Research conducted abroad has found that individuals with a higher sugar intake in their diet have an increased risk of developing diabetes. Therefore, what you mentioned may have a slight impact, but the effect is likely to be not very significant.[Read More] Daily Beverage Consumption and Its Impact on Diabetes Risk
Understanding Positive Amorphous Urates: Implications and Lifestyle Tips
Non-crystalline urate Hello Dr. Yang: During a recent health check-up, one of the tests for amorphous urates returned a positive result (+), while the normal reference value is negative (-). What does this mean? Is there any issue that requires further treatment? Additionally, ar...
Dr. Yang Jun Reply:
Hello: In response to your question, the urine test results show a positive reaction for non-crystalline uric acid, indicating that there is an elevated level of uric acid in the urine. This may suggest hyperuricemia, which increases the likelihood of developing uric acid stones ...[Read More] Understanding Positive Amorphous Urates: Implications and Lifestyle Tips
Understanding Blood Sugar Levels: Risks of Pre-Diabetes Explained
Blood sugar Hello: I recently had a health check-up, and my blood sugar level was 114 (normal range is 70-120). Although it is within the normal range, it is close to the upper limit. Should I be concerned that I might easily develop diabetes if this continues? Thank you for your...
Dr. Xiao Yongxun Reply:
Hello: 1. The risk factors for developing diabetes primarily include genetic predisposition and lifestyle factors such as diet and exercise. The genetic predisposition refers to having relatives, particularly blood relatives, who have diabetes, which increases our own risk of dev...[Read More] Understanding Blood Sugar Levels: Risks of Pre-Diabetes Explained
Understanding Mitral Valve Prolapse: Symptoms, Medications, and Risks
I would like to ask you about mitral valve prolapse? First of all, thank you for your reply. I truly appreciate your willingness to help someone you have never met! The medications my friend is taking are Vetrimil 40mg and Erispan. She does not have mitral valve regurgitation or ...
Dr. Li Dong'an Reply:
Hello A-Liang, 1. Vetrimil is a calcium channel blocker, and possible side effects include bradycardia, hypotension, and constipation. Erispan is a sedative, and its potential side effects include drowsiness, which should be avoided by pregnant women. The occurrence of side effe...[Read More] Understanding Mitral Valve Prolapse: Symptoms, Medications, and Risks
Understanding High Creatinine and Uric Acid Levels: What You Need to Know
My health check-up? Hello doctor, I found out during a health check at school that my kidney function test shows a creatinine level of 1.8 mg/dL and a uric acid level of 8 mg/dL. What diseases could this indicate, and how should I manage it? Thank you.
Dr. Yang Jun Reply:
Hello: In response to your inquiry, the kidney function test indicated a serum creatinine level of 1.8 mg/dL, which exceeds the normal range, suggesting impaired kidney function and the possibility of renal failure. Given your age, the elevated creatinine level may indicate acute...[Read More] Understanding High Creatinine and Uric Acid Levels: What You Need to Know
Understanding Thyroid Enlargement: Causes, Treatment Options, and Dietary Impact
Goiter Hello Dr. Yang: I have a problem with thyroid enlargement. Could you please explain why this issue occurs? Is it caused by an abnormal diet? If so, would surgical treatment be necessary, or can it be managed with medication?
Dr. Yang Hongzhi Reply:
Thyroid enlargement can be tumor-related, associated with environmental thyroid stimulants, or linked to iodine deficiency in certain regions. Treatment is less common, and in most cases, a clear cause cannot be identified. The treatment approach for thyroid enlargement depends o...[Read More] Understanding Thyroid Enlargement: Causes, Treatment Options, and Dietary Impact
Understanding Mitral Valve Prolapse: Symptoms, Treatment, and Care Tips
Mitral Valve Prolapse (MVP) I have a female friend who suffers from mitral valve prolapse. I would like to ask you about the two types of medication she is taking. During severe episodes, she may take three to four pills within an hour. I'm concerned about whether these medi...
Dr. Li Dong'an Reply:
Hello A-Liang: 1. Since the name of the medication your friend is taking was not mentioned, I cannot provide information on potential side effects. However, it is advised to take medications as prescribed by a physician and not to self-adjust the dosage. 2. In cases of mitral val...[Read More] Understanding Mitral Valve Prolapse: Symptoms, Treatment, and Care Tips