Chronic Tongue Pain: Understanding Possible Causes and Solutions
Immune system Hello doctor, my issue is that the back and side of my tongue on the right side hurts, and the front feels prickly and numb. This has been going on for over a year. I have seen countless specialists in otolaryngology, oral pathology, oral and maxillofacial surgery, ...
Dr. Gao Jiankai Reply:
Hello, thank you for your inquiry. I suggest you first consult with a neurologist. It is likely not closely related to immune function. The Allergy, Immunology, and Rheumatology Department at Changhua Hospital, Ministry of Health and Welfare, is concerned about you.[Read More] Chronic Tongue Pain: Understanding Possible Causes and Solutions
Living with a Single Kidney: Health Tips and Life Expectancy Insights
What are the lifestyle and life expectancy considerations for individuals with congenital solitary kidney and hydronephrosis? Hello, doctor. Recently, my boyfriend and I are preparing to get married, and we did a premarital health checkup. My boyfriend has a congenital single kid...
Dr. Huang Yaoxuan Reply:
Dear Ms. Tianle, Regarding kidney health, it is recommended to measure your blood pressure daily. If your blood pressure is elevated, please consult a physician for evaluation. Additionally, pay attention to your dietary intake of salt and protein, ensuring it is within appropri...[Read More] Living with a Single Kidney: Health Tips and Life Expectancy Insights
Managing Chronic Fatigue and Immune Issues: A Comprehensive Guide
Feeling unwell? At the age of 41, my immune system seems to be particularly weak, and I have trouble sleeping. My gastrointestinal digestion has slowed down, and I feel that the nutrients from the food I eat are not being absorbed properly, leading to frequent vaginal infections ...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, 1. It is recommended to maintain a regular routine and engage in regular exercise to boost immunity and reduce the likelihood of infections. 2. Regarding blood pressure, it does not directly affect immunity; however, effectively managing blood pressure can reduce the ri...[Read More] Managing Chronic Fatigue and Immune Issues: A Comprehensive Guide
Managing Diabetes: Dietary Tips for Seniors with High Blood Sugar
Diabetes Recipe Hello Doctor, my grandmother is 148 cm tall and weighs 31 kg. She follows a lacto-vegetarian diet and has diabetes, hypertension, and hyperlipidemia, with blood sugar levels around 120-140 mg/dL. She takes oral medications for blood sugar and blood pressure in the...
Dr. Li Jian Reply:
The dietary principles for diabetes focus on a balanced diet, emphasizing the intake of foods rich in dietary fiber, such as whole grains, vegetables, and fruits. It is important to avoid refined carbohydrate foods, such as sugar, desserts, fruit juices, honey, and sugary beverag...[Read More] Managing Diabetes: Dietary Tips for Seniors with High Blood Sugar
Assessing HIV Infection Risk from Minor Injuries and Oral Symptoms
Risk of HIV Infection On October 1st, I noticed a small amount of unknown blood on my right big toe. I'm not sure if it was from someone who dripped it on the ground or if I stepped on it, as I didn't feel anything and didn't notice anyone nearby bleeding. However,...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, based on your description of the wound on your foot, it is unlikely that it has led to an HIV infection. The symptoms you described are not indicative of HIV, so there is no need for you to undergo specific testing at this time. Thank you for your inquiry.[Read More] Assessing HIV Infection Risk from Minor Injuries and Oral Symptoms
Understanding Back Pain Patterns in Ankylosing Spondylitis: Key Symptoms and Management
Experiencing pain when extending the lower back but not when bending forward is a typical symptom of ankylosing spondylitis? Dear Dr. Gao, I am a patient with ankylosing spondylitis and have been experiencing symptoms for over two years. Initially, I only had pain in my buttocks...
Dr. Gao Jiankai Reply:
Hello, thank you for your question. Here are my responses: 1) Are my symptoms (pain in the lower back when arching, no pain when bending forward) typical symptoms of ankylosing spondylitis? --> No. 2) If it is not a typical symptom, would Dr. Gao recommend that I see a reh...[Read More] Understanding Back Pain Patterns in Ankylosing Spondylitis: Key Symptoms and Management
Understanding the Kidney Risks of Long-Term NSAID Use: Dosage Matters
The dosage of NSAIDs that can cause kidney damage? Hello, doctor. I would like to ask about the issue of long-term NSAID use and its impact on kidney health. What dosage would be considered harmful to the kidneys? If someone takes 2-3 tablets of ibuprofen (200 mg each) during men...
Dr. Huang Yaoxuan Reply:
Dear Evonne: It is well known that long-term use of NSAIDs may harm the kidneys; however, there are no clinical studies indicating the dosage of NSAIDs that could cause kidney damage in young, healthy adults (such as yourself at 28 years old). It is recommended that you first und...[Read More] Understanding the Kidney Risks of Long-Term NSAID Use: Dosage Matters
Frequent Bloating and Diarrhea: What Could Be the Cause?
Frequent bloating and diarrhea? In recent months, I have frequently experienced bloating in the lower left abdomen and diarrhea, which improves for a few days only to return again. A few days ago, my urine appeared brownish, but it has not been brown in the last two days, althoug...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Based on your description, it is likely that your symptoms are not caused by the same disease. Blood tests, urine tests, and stool tests may be necessary to determine the underlying conditions. I recommend that you first schedule an appointment with a family medicine clinic for e...[Read More] Frequent Bloating and Diarrhea: What Could Be the Cause?
Can Celecoxib Effectively Lower ESR in Ankylosing Spondylitis Patients?
Can Xeljanz lower ESR? Hello Doctor, I am a patient with ankylosing spondylitis and have been diagnosed for one year. During this year, I have been taking Celecoxib. Although my buttock pain has resolved and my CRP levels are normal, my ESR has not shown significant improvement d...
Dr. Gao Jiankai Reply:
Hello, thank you for your question. Here are my responses: 1) Although Celecoxib is an anti-inflammatory and analgesic medication, it does not have the effect of lowering ESR, is that correct? --> I believe that using anti-inflammatory and analgesic medications to lower ESR is...[Read More] Can Celecoxib Effectively Lower ESR in Ankylosing Spondylitis Patients?
Can Increasing Salazopyrine Dosage Lower ESR in Ankylosing Spondylitis?
Can increasing the dosage of Salazopyrin further reduce ESR? Hello Doctor: I am 20 years old, and I have been diagnosed with ankylosing spondylitis for 3 years, with the diagnosis confirmed 1 year after the onset. Initially, I was treated with either Celebrex or Voltaren, but for...
Dr. Gao Jiankai Reply:
Hello, thank you for your question. Here are my responses: 1) I have been taking only 2 Salazopyrin daily, and my CRP has significantly decreased from around 0.7-0.9 (when I was only taking Celebrex or Voltaren) to now 0.2-0.4. However, my ESR has shown almost no improvement. In...[Read More] Can Increasing Salazopyrine Dosage Lower ESR in Ankylosing Spondylitis?
Understanding Parasite Concerns and Blood Test Results in Internal Medicine
Continuation #188061 Suspected Parasites and Blood Test Values Thank you, doctor, for your response. I have a few more questions. In your previous answer regarding point 2, you mentioned that "it could take months to years." Therefore, can we basically rule out that the...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, 1. Based on your description, the likelihood of a parasitic infection seems very low. 2. Yes, headaches can indeed be a post-acute sequela of SARS-CoV-2 infection (PASC), but they may also be caused by other factors such as high stress, insufficient sleep, or significan...[Read More] Understanding Parasite Concerns and Blood Test Results in Internal Medicine
Concerns About Parasites and Blood Test Results After Undercooked Meat
Suspected parasitic infection and blood test values? Hello, on October 1st, I consumed a steak that was not cooked to the required doneness (I requested medium, but some parts were rare to medium-rare). I am concerned about parasites (specifically, tapeworms) and have since been ...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, 1. The pork tapeworm can also be killed by freezing. 2. Each individual's condition varies significantly, ranging from a few months to several years. 3. Based on your clinical symptoms and blood test results, it currently does not appear to be a parasitic infection. T...[Read More] Concerns About Parasites and Blood Test Results After Undercooked Meat
Understanding Abnormal Urine Sediment Test Results: What You Need to Know
Abnormal urine sediment examination? Dear Doctor, Hello. I was hospitalized due to gastroenteritis and underwent an abdominal ultrasound. The gastroenterologist mentioned that I have chronic changes in my kidneys (irregular surface). I then scheduled an appointment with a nephro...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, chronic changes in the kidneys usually require accompanying blood tests to assess kidney function, such as BUN and creatinine levels, to check for abnormalities. If the blood tests are normal, observation is typically sufficient. As for urine sediment, it usually does not ...[Read More] Understanding Abnormal Urine Sediment Test Results: What You Need to Know
Understanding Loss of Appetite: Causes and Concerns for Your Health
Loss of appetite I have been experiencing a loss of appetite for two weeks. It started with nausea due to lack of sleep, and since then, I have not felt hungry at all, even having a constant sensation of fullness. My weight has dropped from 43 kg to 40 kg, and my BMI has fallen t...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, insufficient sleep can indeed affect appetite. As for whether there are issues with the liver or other organs, such as the thyroid, a detailed examination may be necessary to determine that. It is recommended to visit a family medicine clinic for a thorough evaluation. Tha...[Read More] Understanding Loss of Appetite: Causes and Concerns for Your Health
Understanding Abdominal Pain When Contracting Your Stomach Muscles
Experiencing abdominal pain when straining? Hello, doctor. I would like to ask you about a situation I'm experiencing. When I exert myself and tighten my abdomen, I feel a bit of pain in my abdominal area, but I don't feel anything when I'm not straining (the pain ...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, the appendix is located in the lower right quadrant of the abdomen, and if it is appendicitis, it typically hurts even without straining the abdomen. The abdominal pain you mentioned is most likely due to a muscle strain. Have you recently engaged in any abdominal-related ...[Read More] Understanding Abdominal Pain When Contracting Your Stomach Muscles
Understanding Symmetrical Finger Stiffness: Is It an Autoimmune Issue?
The fingers on both hands feel stiff or restricted? For about four years now, since middle school, I've felt a stiffness in the joints where my little fingers connect to my palms. I can still bend them, but the angle feels limited to either fully extended or fully bent, and ...
Dr. Gao Jiankai Reply:
Hello, thank you for your inquiry. I don't think that's the case; it may be an issue related to joint structure. If necessary, you can consult an orthopedic clinic. The Allergy, Immunology, and Rheumatology Department at Changhua Hospital, Ministry of Health and Welfare...[Read More] Understanding Symmetrical Finger Stiffness: Is It an Autoimmune Issue?
Understanding COVID-19 Diagnosis and Isolation: Key Questions Answered
Some issues related to COVID-19 diagnosis? I'm sorry, but I don't know which specialty to ask. On the afternoon of October 14th, I suddenly felt a strong urge to cough, and it was severe. Even after getting home from work that night, I took a rapid test which came back ...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, 1. It is advisable to maintain a proper distance for the time being, as there may still be a low viral load present. 2. Yes, that's correct. When the viral load is low, there is a possibility of false negatives. 3. No, currently other diseases do not cause false p...[Read More] Understanding COVID-19 Diagnosis and Isolation: Key Questions Answered
Unexplained Itching Sensation: Causes and Remedies for Discomfort
The sensation of itchiness inside the body is uncomfortable? Dear Dr. Hong, This is the medication I was taking: Ibuprofen, OxyBroncolin, Carimycin (250), Incida, Medicon (30), brompheniramine, and COX-2 inhibitors. However, I have stopped taking the medication for almost 48 ho...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, the medication you are taking contains Ibuprofen, which has a high likelihood of causing allergic reactions. It is recommended to stop taking it immediately. Other medications may also cause allergic reactions in a small number of people. If you are only experiencing itchi...[Read More] Unexplained Itching Sensation: Causes and Remedies for Discomfort
Understanding the Connection Between Lung Nodules and Sputum Production
Pulmonary nodules and sputum? In early August of this year, a CT scan revealed a 1.5 cm ground-glass lung nodule in the right lung. Since early October, I have been experiencing a daily production of white phlegm from my throat, and now in late October, the amount of phlegm has i...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, could you please clarify what the possible causes of the nodules identified in your CT scan might be? Possible causes include previous pneumonia, tuberculosis, fibrosis, or tumors. Typically, a radiologist will provide a report with an initial assessment of the findings. I...[Read More] Understanding the Connection Between Lung Nodules and Sputum Production
Managing High Cholesterol: Tips for Balancing HDL and LDL Levels
High total cholesterol Hello, Doctor. During my health check-up, I found that my total cholesterol is above the normal range. I have noticed a trend of increasing total cholesterol in the past few years: total cholesterol (161→186→194→227), triglycerides (60→58→82→79). This time,...
Dr. Lin Jianliang Reply:
Hello: 1. Currently, there are no primary methods for treating elevated high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol; however, if HDL cholesterol levels are already high, it is advised not to supplement with related health products. 2. If HDL cholesterol is elevated, do not supplem...[Read More] Managing High Cholesterol: Tips for Balancing HDL and LDL Levels