Chronic Cough and Fever: Could It Indicate Liver Issues?
Persistent cough and fever? Hello, my mother has been coughing since the beginning of this year. In February, she had a fever and went to the hospital where she underwent X-rays, a CT scan, and a bronchoscopy. The X-ray only showed slight fluid accumulation below the ribs. Her sp...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, based on your description, viral infections, bacterial infections, and medication factors can all affect liver function and lead to elevated liver enzyme levels. In a CT scan, the liver typically appears normal despite these three factors. If you are currently hospitalized...[Read More] Chronic Cough and Fever: Could It Indicate Liver Issues?
Managing Diarrhea in Diabetic Patients: Causes and Solutions
Diarrhea in diabetic patients? My father has been a diabetic patient for 30 years and is now 77 years old. He controls his blood sugar with insulin injections. His HbA1c levels have been normal during his quarterly check-ups. However, since early March, he has suddenly started ex...
Dr. Li Jian Reply:
If diarrhea persists, please visit a gastroenterology department at a medical center. Thank you.[Read More] Managing Diarrhea in Diabetic Patients: Causes and Solutions
Understanding Tongue Bumps: Are They Normal or Cause for Concern?
Please ask your question? Hello, the day before yesterday while brushing my teeth, I noticed a small bump under my tongue that looks somewhat like the tiny bumps on the surface of the tongue. I'm not sure if it's normal for there to be something like this underneath. I ...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, based on your description, it seems that the taste buds or the salivary gland ducts are normally structured, so there is no need to worry. Thank you for your inquiry.[Read More] Understanding Tongue Bumps: Are They Normal or Cause for Concern?
Managing Anxiety and Health Issues: A Guide for Chronic Symptoms
Years of anxiety and restlessness? Unexplained weight loss (notable thinning of the waist, abdomen, thighs, and calves), frequent dry throat and pain during sleep, muscle soreness, recurrent oral ulcers affecting the tongue and gums that persist, healing only to break out again a...
Dr. Zeng Guosen Reply:
The user is experiencing muscle soreness, recurrent ulcers in the mouth, tongue, and gums, and sometimes has a low-grade fever ranging from 37.0 to 37.5 degrees Celsius, indicating a chronic inflammation issue. It is recommended to consult with an immunologist for a thorough eval...[Read More] Managing Anxiety and Health Issues: A Guide for Chronic Symptoms
Impact of COVID-19 Vaccine on Ankylosing Spondylitis: What to Know
The impact of COVID-19 vaccines on ankylosing spondylitis? Hello Doctor, I previously asked you about the worsening of my ankylosing spondylitis condition after receiving the first dose of the BNT vaccine (where my medication became ineffective in controlling inflammation levels ...
Dr. Zeng Guosen Reply:
Hello, the COVID-19 vaccine does not necessarily worsen ankylosing spondylitis; however, it is true that approximately 5% of patients with autoimmune rheumatic diseases may experience instability in their condition after vaccination. The reasons for this are unclear, and the degr...[Read More] Impact of COVID-19 Vaccine on Ankylosing Spondylitis: What to Know
Shingles and Persistent Abdominal Swelling: When to Seek Further Evaluation
Abdominal swelling due to shingles? My mother has been experiencing shingles on her right abdomen for a week and is currently on medication for management. The blisters are nearly crusted over and falling off. However, prior to the appearance of the rash, the right side of her ab...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, after the shingles scab has formed, the swelling should gradually subside. If there is still significant abdominal swelling, it may indicate an issue that requires further evaluation through ultrasound or CT scan. It is advisable to consult a gastroenterologist. Thank you ...[Read More] Shingles and Persistent Abdominal Swelling: When to Seek Further Evaluation
Assessing Kidney Function and Medication Safety for Hair Transplant Patients
Consultation on kidney function tests and medication after hair transplantation? Hello, Doctor. I am 31 years old with a creatinine level of 1.1 and an estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) of 82.9. At 27 years old, my creatinine was 1.2 with an eGFR of 77.8, and at 26 year...
Dr. Wu Hongjie Reply:
I usually love to eat meat and consume very few vegetables, but next month I will undergo hair transplantation. The hair transplant physician advised me to take Boscal (1/3) and also to add a blood pressure medication, Lornidine 10 mg (1/4 is 2.5 mg). He mentioned that this medic...[Read More] Assessing Kidney Function and Medication Safety for Hair Transplant Patients
Managing Diarrhea in Diabetic Patients: Causes and Solutions
Diarrhea in diabetic patients My father has been a diabetic patient for 30 years and is now 77 years old. He controls his blood sugar with insulin injections. His hemoglobin A1c levels have been normal during his quarterly check-ups. However, since the beginning of March, he has ...
Dr. Li Jian Reply:
If diarrhea persists, please visit the gastroenterology department at a medical center. Thank you.[Read More] Managing Diarrhea in Diabetic Patients: Causes and Solutions
Can Toilet Water Contaminate Your Ear with Parasites?
Toilet water parasites Is there a risk of parasitic infection if I touched the toilet tank water after the toilet was broken and then touched my ear?
Dr. Lin Wufu Reply:
Hello: The water in the toilet tank is actually tap water, which may contain small insects, but the chance of encountering human parasites is low. If you experience discomfort in your ear, please visit an otolaryngology clinic for a direct examination to determine what the issue ...[Read More] Can Toilet Water Contaminate Your Ear with Parasites?
Understanding Lung Cancer: Symptoms, Diagnosis, and Next Steps
Lung cancer issues? My husband was diagnosed with malignant liver cancer (stage II) last August. The tumor pressed against the diaphragm, so a small portion was surgically removed. Since March of this year, he has been experiencing persistent shortness of breath, occasional fever...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, based on your description, it is likely that a weakened immune system has led to a lung infection or inflammation. Whether there is emphysema or lung cancer requires further examination for confirmation. Typically, your condition is indeed managed by a pulmonologist; howev...[Read More] Understanding Lung Cancer: Symptoms, Diagnosis, and Next Steps
Managing Diarrhea in Long-Term Diabetes Patients: A Guide for Caregivers
Diarrhea in diabetic patients? My father has been a diabetes patient for 30 years and is now 77 years old. He controls his blood sugar with insulin injections, and his hemoglobin A1c levels have been normal during his quarterly check-ups. However, since the beginning of March, he...
Dr. Li Jian Reply:
The blood sugar medications that are more likely to cause diarrhea are metformin and acarbose. If the diarrhea is not caused by these medications, further follow-up with a gastroenterologist is still necessary.[Read More] Managing Diarrhea in Long-Term Diabetes Patients: A Guide for Caregivers
Concerned About My Height Growth at Age 13: Seeking Medical Advice
I feel like I'm not growing taller? Hello, doctor. I am 13 years old, and I feel like I haven't grown taller recently. My dad is 172 cm and my mom is 161 cm. My diet is normal, and I drink plenty of milk. Sometimes I stay up late, and I am also working on my abs. In the...
Dr. Xie Rongyuan Reply:
Hello: If there is a concern about not growing taller, it is advisable to visit a pediatric endocrinologist to check for any issues with growth hormone. Growth hormone secretion is lower during the day, while it is significantly released during sleep, particularly between 10 PM a...[Read More] Concerned About My Height Growth at Age 13: Seeking Medical Advice
Understanding Kidney Issues: The Significance of Proteinuria and Creatinine Levels
Kidney issues (proteinuria) Urine Creatinine: 93.4 mg/dL Micro Albumin: 25.7 * mg/dL (Random Urine < 1.9 mg/dL) Urine Protein: 42.0 * mg/dL < 14 ACR: 275.16 * µg/mg Creatinine (<30) Protein/(Creatinine/1000): 449.68 mg/g Serum Creatinine: 1.07 Doctor, I have...
Dr. Huang Yaoxuan Reply:
Dear Mr. A-Mao, Regarding your concerns about proteinuria, kidney function, and kidney biopsy, here are some suggestions for your consideration: 1. You may want to discuss the benefits and drawbacks of a kidney biopsy with your physician. An excerpt from UpToDate states, "...[Read More] Understanding Kidney Issues: The Significance of Proteinuria and Creatinine Levels
Assessing Kidney Function and Medication Safety for Hair Transplant
Consultation on kidney function tests and medication after hair transplantation? Hello Dr. Wu, I am 31 years old. In 2022, my serum creatinine was 1.1 mg/dL with a glomerular filtration rate (GFR) of 82.9; in 2021, my serum creatinine was 1.11 mg/dL with a GFR of 78.3; in 2020, m...
Dr. Wu Jiyu Reply:
Based on your inquiry, first: if your glomerular filtration rate (GFR) is greater than 60 and there is no proteinuria or hematuria, your kidney function should be considered normal. Second: after hair transplantation, it is recommended to take minoxidil. Since this medication is ...[Read More] Assessing Kidney Function and Medication Safety for Hair Transplant
Managing Hand Numbness in Fibromyalgia: Seeking the Right Specialist
Fibromyalgia and hand numbness? Hello, doctor. I have been suffering from hand pain and numbness for about three years. Initially, I was examined at two major hospitals in central Taiwan, and they both indicated issues related to autoimmune rheumatic arthritis. I was on medicatio...
Dr. Gao Jiankai Reply:
Hello, thank you for your question. The numbness you are experiencing is likely not related to fibromyalgia; it seems more probable that it is due to carpal tunnel syndrome. Carpal tunnel syndrome can be confirmed through neurological examinations while ruling out cervical spine ...[Read More] Managing Hand Numbness in Fibromyalgia: Seeking the Right Specialist
Understanding EB Virus: Implications for Nasopharyngeal Cancer and Beyond
About Epstein-Barr Virus (EBV) Three months ago, my health check report indicated a positive Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) test for nasopharyngeal carcinoma. A few days later, I had an appointment with an otolaryngologist who performed an endoscopic examination of my nasopharynx, whic...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, EBV (Epstein-Barr Virus) is a very common virus, and almost everyone gets infected at some point in their lives. Most people will recover on their own, while a minority may experience some infectious symptoms. An even smaller number may have a long-term association with ca...[Read More] Understanding EB Virus: Implications for Nasopharyngeal Cancer and Beyond
Managing Mild COVID-19 Symptoms: Treatment Options and Recovery Explained
Treatment for mild COVID-19? Hello: Recent news reports indicate that mild COVID-19 patients can take acetaminophen for treatment. I would like to ask: 1. Besides taking acetaminophen, do mild cases need to take antiviral medications or other drugs? 2. While acetaminophen can all...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, 1. For mild patients, if there are no significant underlying conditions such as diabetes, kidney failure, cancer, etc., only symptomatic treatment is needed, and there is no requirement for specific antiviral medications. 2. Acetaminophen can only alleviate symptoms; t...[Read More] Managing Mild COVID-19 Symptoms: Treatment Options and Recovery Explained
Impact of COVID-19 Vaccination on Ankylosing Spondylitis Symptoms
Vaccination for Ankylosing Spondylitis Hello Doctor, I am a patient with ankylosing spondylitis. I would like to ask you: 1) If the COVID-19 vaccine has exacerbated my pre-existing stiffness, is it possible that this exacerbation could last a long time (for example, 1-2 years, or...
Dr. Gao Jiankai Reply:
Hello, thank you for your question. Here are my responses: 1) If the COVID-19 vaccine exacerbates a pre-existing rigid condition, is it possible that this exacerbation could last for a long time (for example, 1-2 years, or even longer, potentially a lifetime)? --> Currently,...[Read More] Impact of COVID-19 Vaccination on Ankylosing Spondylitis Symptoms
Understanding Persistent Low-Grade Fever: When to Seek Medical Advice
Temperature issues Hello Doctor, I am currently on day four of quarantine. Since the first night of quarantine, I have felt an increase in body temperature and warmth. (In previous years, I occasionally felt feverish, with temperatures around the mid-36s, sometimes reaching 37.3,...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, 1. It can be difficult to distinguish between the symptoms of a common cold and COVID-19, so it may still be necessary to perform a PCR test or a rapid test for confirmation. 2. There are many possible causes of fever, and a detailed examination may be required to deter...[Read More] Understanding Persistent Low-Grade Fever: When to Seek Medical Advice
Understanding Cholesterol and Blood Sugar Levels: Your Health Questions Answered
Inquire about blood lipid and blood glucose issues? Hello: I have a lipid issue and have been taking traditional Chinese medicine and Lipitor for about six months. My last blood test results on February 21 showed: LDL: 185, HDL: 60, total cholesterol: 249, triglycerides: 67, bloo...
Dr. Lin Jianliang Reply:
Hello: Your blood glucose is currently within the fasting range of 70-100 mg/dL, and your hemoglobin A1c is between 4-6%. Whether there are issues with your blood vessels can be determined based on your symptoms or through examinations. Generally, these conditions require long-te...[Read More] Understanding Cholesterol and Blood Sugar Levels: Your Health Questions Answered