Diet, Internal Medicine FAQ

Understanding Bad Breath: Causes and Solutions for Fresh Breath

What are the causes of bad breath? Doctor: I have been a vegetarian for over six years, but I have heard from friends that I have bad breath. My diet consists of fewer types of food compared to meat-eaters. Why do I still have bad breath? Previously, I experienced some bloating, ...

Dr. Hong Hongchang Reply:
Bad breath can be caused by digestive dysfunction, dietary habits, periodontal disease, and insufficient water intake. Please consult a dentist at our clinic for an examination.

Understanding Hepatitis B Carriers: Health Implications and Pregnancy Concerns

Hepatitis B carrier Three years ago, I was diagnosed with hepatitis B through a blood test, and in September of the 89th year, I had a blood test for the E antigen, which indicated that I do not have hepatitis B. However, in June of the 89th year, I underwent a premarital health ...

Dr. Yang Guojun Reply:
As a carrier of hepatitis B, the severity of your liver disease needs to be assessed through tests such as GOT, GPT, and ultrasound examinations. There are various methods for weight loss, and obesity is primarily related to genetics, with a smaller portion influenced by dietary ...

Frequent Flatulence: Causes, Concerns, and Dietary Solutions

Frequent flatulence? I have been attending night classes for a year now, and after finishing work and having dinner, I go to class. Recently, I have noticed that I am passing gas very easily, especially in the evenings. I eat something at every meal, but regardless of what I eat,...

Dr. Yang Guojun Reply:
If you have an unhealthy gut environment, you can regularly consume lactic acid bacteria (such as Streptococcus thermophilus, Lactobacillus, Lactobacillus casei, and Bifidobacterium breve) and Bifidobacterium (through fermentation for intestinal cleansing), which is found in yogu...

Managing Hepatitis B and Fatty Liver: Treatment and Lifestyle Tips

Internal Medicine Hello Dr. Yang: I have hepatitis B and fatty liver. What treatment should I undergo, and what dietary and lifestyle considerations should I keep in mind? Thank you.

Dr. Yang Guojun Reply:
Typically, liver function tests, alpha-fetoprotein levels, and abdominal ultrasounds are performed every six months to prevent progression from hepatitis to cirrhosis, according to Dr. Yang Guojun, a gastroenterologist and hepatologist.

Understanding Gastric Discomfort: Causes and Remedies for Stomach Pressure

Feeling of pressure on the stomach? Hello doctor, I suddenly felt discomfort in my stomach at the end of September this year, experiencing bloating to the point of nausea and a loss of appetite. I consulted two doctors; one mentioned that my gastric motility was too fast, and aft...

Dr. Chen Shidian Reply:
Your condition may be due to gastritis and poor motility, along with unhealthy eating habits and increased stress. It is advisable to improve your lifestyle and dietary habits. If symptoms are significant, short-term medication treatment may be necessary. An endoscopy can help ru...

Understanding Changes in Digestive Habits and Their Impact on Health

Changes in digestive habits In the past month, I have noticed a significant decrease in bowel movements, while my intake of fruits and vegetables remains unchanged. I have developed many red spots on my face and consulted a dermatologist, but the medication prescribed does not se...

Dr. Hong Hongchang Reply:
Acne may be related to hormonal imbalances or bacterial infections. It is advisable to exercise regularly, drink plenty of water, and consume a high-fiber diet. If there are any abnormalities in bowel habits, please follow up with a gastroenterologist.

Managing Bloating After Duodenal Ulcer: Long-Term Solutions and Concerns

Duodenal ulcer Three years ago, I suffered from a duodenal ulcer and bleeding, and tested positive for Helicobacter pylori, which has since been eradicated. My daily diet is very bland, but I still often experience abdominal bloating and gas, which is quite distressing. Sometimes...

Dr. Hong Hongchang Reply:
60-90% of duodenal ulcers are associated with Helicobacter pylori (HP), and only about 10% have a chance of recurrence after triple therapy eradication. Currently, there is a condition known as Non-Ulcer Dyspepsia (NUD) or recurrent peptic ulcers. It is recommended to perform HP ...

Understanding Colon Polyps: When Surgery is Necessary and What to Consider

Intestinal polyps Two years ago, I was diagnosed with polyps in my intestines in Taiwan. I have been experiencing constipation and diarrhea. Recently, I mentioned this issue to my doctor, and the doctor here in the U.S. recommended that I undergo surgery to remove the polyps imme...

Dr. Yang Guojun Reply:
Polyps: Polyps are protrusions on the intestinal wall formed by abnormal proliferation of the epithelium. Polyps can generally be classified into hyperplastic polyps and adenomatous polyps, with only adenomatous polyps having the potential to undergo malignant transformation. The...

Effective Management and Care for Hepatitis C: Key Insights and Tips

Treatment and Care for Hepatitis C Dear Dr. Yang, For a 56-year-old patient newly diagnosed with Hepatitis C, can taking liver protection supplements effectively control or even cure the condition? What lifestyle and dietary precautions should be taken?

Dr. Yang Guojun Reply:
Is the liver medication you are currently taking effective? Please come to our clinic for treatment at Internal Medicine 5, Dr. Yang Guojun, who previously served as a research physician in the Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology at National Taiwan University Hospital (...

Understanding Phenylketonuria: Symptoms and Insights

What is phenylketonuria? Phenylketonuria (PKU) is a genetic disorder characterized by the inability to metabolize phenylalanine, an amino acid found in many protein-containing foods. This condition is caused by a deficiency in the enzyme phenylalanine hydroxylase. Symptoms of PK...

Dr. Hong Hongchang Reply:
Phenylketonuria (PKU) is a congenital amino acid metabolism disorder, with an incidence of approximately 1 in 160,000 in the United States. It often leads to intellectual disabilities and is clinically associated with seizures, cognitive impairment, and the presence of a distinct...

Does Appendectomy Lead to Weight Gain? Understanding the Connection

Will I gain weight after an appendectomy? Hello, doctor: I have several friends and relatives who have undergone an appendectomy, and they all gained weight afterward. What could be the reason for this? I am quite thin myself (male, 166 cm, 48 kg), and if I were to gain weight af...

Dr. Hong Hongchang Reply:
There is no direct relationship between appendectomy and weight gain; therefore, post-surgery weight gain may be related to diet, individual constitution, and physical activity levels.

Why Does My Breath Smell Like Alcohol After Exercise?

Alcohol breath After exercising, I often notice a smell of alcohol in my breath (even though I haven't consumed any alcohol). Is this phenomenon normal?

Dr. Hong Hongchang Reply:
After exercise, if your breath has a smell similar to alcohol, further examination may be necessary, as it could be related to metabolism or diet. Please schedule an appointment with a general internal medicine clinic for a detailed investigation of the cause.

Understanding Heart Enlargement: Causes, Effects, and Lifestyle Tips

What is cardiomegaly? Hello, Dr. Ke. I am 24 years old. Recently, during my company's annual health check-up, all the results came back normal, meaning that all the values were within the normal range without any elevated or decreased readings. However, the chest X-ray repor...

Dr. Ke Zhengchang Reply:
Hello, Xiao Wei: Young individuals with an enlarged heart generally require a thorough examination. Please follow up with a cardiology outpatient clinic for further evaluation, as it may also be normal. (Chest imaging is not entirely definitive.)

Understanding Hepatitis B Carriers: Health Implications and Pregnancy Concerns

Dr. Hong Hongchang Reply:
1. Hepatitis B carriers should undergo ultrasound and liver function tests (SGOT, SGPT, and AFP) every three to six months. 2. The term "cocktail therapy" is a general term, and the specific contents vary among different theories, so its impact on the liver is unknown. ...

Understanding Gallbladder Polyps and Fatty Liver: Health Implications and Dietary Tips

Polyp in the gallbladder Recently, during a health check-up, an abdominal ultrasound revealed (1) a polyp in the gallbladder and (2) fatty liver. Are these issues a concern for health, and do they require further treatment? How should I adjust my daily diet accordingly?

Dr. Hong Hongchang Reply:
1. For gallbladder polyps, it is recommended to follow up in the outpatient clinic every three to six months if the size does not exceed 1 centimeter; if it exceeds 1 centimeter, surgical resection is advised due to the potential for malignancy. 2. The causes of fatty liver inclu...

Understanding Causes of Gastrointestinal Bleeding in Children: A Parent's Guide

Causes of gastrointestinal bleeding in children? Our second child, a boy in the fourth grade (height 126 cm, weight 26 kg), usually does not complain of stomach pain, has a good appetite, and eats plenty of fruits and vegetables. However, he occasionally experiences constipation....

Dr. Li Huixiong Reply:
Could you please tell me what color your child's vomit was? Was there any coffee ground appearance? Did they consume pig's blood soup or duck blood cake previously? In theory, gastrointestinal bleeding can occur at any age, but it is uncertain whether your child is expe...

Managing Migraines with Diabetes: Essential Lifestyle Tips to Consider

Migraine In addition to taking pain relievers and antidiabetic medications, individuals with migraines and diabetes should pay attention to the following daily considerations, especially regarding migraines: 1. **Dietary Management**: Maintain a balanced diet that helps regulate...

Dr. Ke Zhengchang Reply:
Hello Mr. Li: It is essential to maintain a regular daily routine, ensure adequate sleep, avoid coffee and tea, and have regular follow-up appointments at the neurology clinic for treatment.

Managing Platelet Count and Uric Acid Levels: Dietary Tips and Advice

Platelets and uric acid? During the school health check, my platelet count was 350, and my uric acid level was 8.9, while the rest were normal. I had iron deficiency anemia when I was younger, but I don't know why my platelet count is still elevated now. Could you please adv...

Dr. Ke Zhengchang Reply:
Hello, the normal platelet count is 350,000/mm3. For iron deficiency anemia, iron supplementation (such as lean meat) is necessary. The normal uric acid level is below 7.0, and a level of 8.9 is too high. Dietary modifications should be implemented (avoiding high-purine foods suc...

Understanding Hepatitis B: Risks, Management, and Health Concerns

Hepatitis B Dr. Ke: Hello! I would like to ask you a few questions, please respond, thank you! 1. I had hepatitis B when I was younger, but I recovered. My boyfriend is a carrier of hepatitis B; will he transmit it to me? 2. Is it true that a hepatitis B carrier will never ful...

Dr. Ke Zhengchang Reply:
Hello Vivian: 1. Hepatitis B is primarily transmitted through blood transfusions and injections; it is not transmitted through food. 2. Chronic carriers of Hepatitis B are not easily cured, but there are new treatment options available. Please follow up with a hepatology clinic f...

Why Am I Passing Gas Frequently? Understanding Causes and Effects

Why is the frequency of passing gas so high every day? Having a normal diet but experiencing frequent flatulence, sometimes as often as twice every five minutes, can be attributed to several factors. Common causes include the consumption of certain foods that are high in fiber, s...

Dr. Hong Hongchang Reply:
1. Frequent flatulence; it is recommended to reduce the intake of fermentable foods such as milk, bread, steamed buns, and legumes. 2. There are no adverse effects on the body.

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