Managing Diabetes Medications for Lean Patients: Key Considerations
Diabetes medication consultation? Hello Doctor, my father is 63 years old and has symptoms of diabetes (pre-meal blood sugar around 120). He is currently taking diabetes medication. My father has a lean body type and is not obese, follows a vegetarian diet, and avoids greasy food...
Dr. Xiao Yongxun Reply:
Dear Mr. Paul Chen: 1. The first-line medication for most patients with type 2 diabetes is Metformin, which you referred to as Asures®. Regarding medication choices for leaner diabetic patients, there can indeed be some controversy in the medical community. It is advisable to in...[Read More] Managing Diabetes Medications for Lean Patients: Key Considerations
Sudden Weight Gain: Possible Thyroid Issues and Other Concerns
Weight increased by five kilograms within a week? Hello, as mentioned, I weighed 49 kg on the night of March 27 and 54 kg on March 31. I haven't been overeating these past few days. The only unusual thing is that last night, I suddenly developed a small bump on my lower lip ...
Dr. Xie Rongyuan Reply:
Hello: If you have gained 5 kilograms in weight within four days, you should promptly go to the hospital for an examination to determine if it is due to nephrotic syndrome causing systemic edema. Thank you for your message![Read More] Sudden Weight Gain: Possible Thyroid Issues and Other Concerns
Understanding Glomerulonephritis: Treatment, Prognosis, and Lifestyle Impact
Glomerulonephritis or nephrotic syndrome Hello, doctor. I have been experiencing symptoms since May 2014, with the initial symptoms being proteinuria and lower limb edema. I have undergone a kidney biopsy, and the diagnosis was glomerulonephritis, for which I have been taking cor...
Dr. Wu Jiyu Reply:
Regarding your inquiry, there are many types of glomerulonephritis, and the key is to base treatment on the pathological report from kidney biopsy. If you believe that the treatment from the second physician is more effective, you should cooperate with the physician regarding whe...[Read More] Understanding Glomerulonephritis: Treatment, Prognosis, and Lifestyle Impact
Understanding Leg Swelling: Causes and When to Seek Help
Similar to edema? Hello, for the past two days, my calves have been unusually swollen and painful when pressed. This occurs after dinner and after taking a shower before going to bed, but in the morning, everything seems fine. What could be the cause of this?
Dr. Xiao Yongxun Reply:
1. There are many causes of lower extremity edema; common ones include poor venous return, heart failure, cirrhosis, impaired kidney function, excessive salt intake, certain medications, and pregnancy, among others. Rare causes may include tumors, lymphatic obstruction, and paras...[Read More] Understanding Leg Swelling: Causes and When to Seek Help
Understanding Thiamazole: Is It an Anticoagulant Due to Its Side Effects?
Medication issues Hello, doctor: I would like to inquire about the medication Propylthiouracil for thyroid issues. It has side effects such as thrombocytopenia or impaired coagulation function. Does this mean it is considered an anticoagulant? I'm a bit unclear if they are t...
Dr. Xiao Yongxun Reply:
1. Procil® (PTU, Propylthiouracil 50mg/Tab) concentrates in the thyroid gland after administration, inhibiting the iodination of tyrosine and the coupling of iodinated tyrosine, as well as blocking the conversion of T4 (thyroxine) to T3 (triiodothyronine). The main side effects i...[Read More] Understanding Thiamazole: Is It an Anticoagulant Due to Its Side Effects?
Understanding Recurring Knee Swelling: Causes and Solutions
Knee edema keeps recurring? Hello Doctor: I previously fell and injured my left foot, but I'm not sure if this is the reason for the persistent swelling and inflammation in my knee. The first time it swelled, it was so severe that I couldn't walk or bend it at all. I we...
Dr. Xiao Yongxun Reply:
1. Knee pain is a common site for sports injuries, degenerative arthritis, inflammatory arthritis, and infectious arthritis. From a clinical anatomical perspective, the joint structures to consider are the medial tibiofemoral, lateral tibiofemoral, and patellofemoral compartments...[Read More] Understanding Recurring Knee Swelling: Causes and Solutions
Impact of Total Kidney Removal: What to Expect and Consider
The impact of bilateral nephrectomy on the human body? Hello Doctor, my father had one kidney removed a few years ago due to a kidney tumor. Now, there are issues with his remaining kidney. If the only remaining kidney is also removed, will he have to rely on dialysis? Are there ...
Dr. Wu Jiyu Reply:
Based on your inquiry, your father may face the possibility of needing to have his other kidney removed as well. In my clinical practice, I have indeed encountered patients who required lifelong dialysis due to bilateral nephrectomy. Thanks to advancements in modern medicine, ind...[Read More] Impact of Total Kidney Removal: What to Expect and Consider
Understanding Kidney Health: Common Concerns and Diagnostic Tests Explained
How are kidney blood and urine tests conducted, and are there any issues to be aware of? In mid-October, I had blood tests, urine tests, and X-rays done at the nephrology department. The reports came back normal. 1. However, I notice that my urine has bubbles that disappear in ...
Dr. Wu Jiyu Reply:
1. Based on the report you provided, it can only be roughly determined that there is no proteinuria, and it is not possible to fully confirm whether kidney function is normal (as there are no blood test results for creatinine and glomerular filtration rate provided). 2. Most cas...[Read More] Understanding Kidney Health: Common Concerns and Diagnostic Tests Explained
Can Patients with Favism Safely Use Lasix 40mg for Edema?
Can patients with favism use Lyrica 40mg? Hello, doctor. I would like to ask if a patient with favism can take Lasix (furosemide). I checked its contraindications and did not find any specific mention prohibiting its use in patients with favism, but upon researching its generic n...
Dr. Wu Jiyu Reply:
Regarding this issue, there are relevant websites available for reference that should help resolve your concerns. Please feel free to connect to the following link: https://meddataspeaks.wordpress.com/2015/03/28/%E8%97%A5%E7%89%A9%E5%AE%89%E5%85%A8-g6pd%E7%BC%BA%E4%B9%8B%E5%8F%AF...[Read More] Can Patients with Favism Safely Use Lasix 40mg for Edema?
Understanding Severe Pneumonia and Complications in Elderly Patients
Pneumonia, currently undergoing intubation treatment? Doctor, I would like to ask you: My father, who is 83 years old, went to the emergency room due to back pain, but he has a long history of experiencing shortness of breath without further medical evaluation. He was initially s...
Dr. Xie Rongyuan Reply:
Hello: The patient is still experiencing an infection. It is advisable to discuss the condition and treatment with the attending physician, as I cannot provide any recommendations without observing the patient's clinical situation. Thank you for your message![Read More] Understanding Severe Pneumonia and Complications in Elderly Patients
Managing Pulmonary Edema and Skin Swelling in Elderly Patients
Pulmonary edema in the elderly? I would like to ask you, if an elderly person has a history of stroke and diabetes, and is currently experiencing symptoms such as skin edema and pulmonary edema, should we force them to cough up phlegm if they express that they have chest and abdo...
Dr. Lin Shunfa Reply:
Hello, TO Han: Elderly patients suffering from pulmonary edema, edema, and multiple chronic diseases should seek further evaluation and treatment from a cardiologist or pulmonologist at a hospital. If necessary, hospitalization for treatment would be appropriate.[Read More] Managing Pulmonary Edema and Skin Swelling in Elderly Patients
Understanding Diabetic Foot vs. Post-Thrombotic Syndrome: Key Differences
What is diabetic foot? Dear Doctor, I had a deep vein thrombosis in my calf two months ago. A month ago, an ultrasound showed no signs of a clot. However, every day after I wake up, my calf gradually becomes hard and swollen for about two hours. When I lie down for an hour in the...
Dr. Xiao Yongxun Reply:
1. Common clinical causes of edema include heart failure, cirrhosis, nephrotic syndrome, venous obstruction, lymphatic disorders, and medication side effects. Other causes may include hypoalbuminemia, parasitic infections, thyroid diseases, pregnancy, and venous insufficiency, am...[Read More] Understanding Diabetic Foot vs. Post-Thrombotic Syndrome: Key Differences
Understanding Limb Swelling: Causes and Solutions for Office Workers
Swelling of the limbs? I have to sit for long periods at work, and after each shift, I notice that my entire foot is much more swollen than in the morning. When I press on it, it doesn't take long to rebound, but it's clearly different from how my foot looked in the mor...
Dr. Xie Rongyuan Reply:
Hello: If this continues, it would be safer to go to the hospital for a detailed examination. For example, low albumin levels can also cause lower extremity edema and low blood pressure. Thank you for your message![Read More] Understanding Limb Swelling: Causes and Solutions for Office Workers
Understanding Biologics for Ankylosing Spondylitis: Weight Gain and Edema Concerns
Ankylosing Spondylitis (Biologics) Hello, Doctor: I have ankylosing spondylitis, and since the medication treatment has not been very effective, my physician evaluated my condition and started me on biologic therapy. It has been four months since the treatment began, and I have r...
Dr. Gao Jiankai Reply:
Hello, thank you for your message. Currently, there is no clear evidence indicating that the administration of biologic agents causes edema or weight gain as side effects; in fact, the likelihood of side effects is higher with other medications, particularly anti-inflammatory pai...[Read More] Understanding Biologics for Ankylosing Spondylitis: Weight Gain and Edema Concerns
Understanding the Risks of Discontinuing Antithyroid Medication
Medication discontinuation issues? Hello Doctor: I would like to inquire about the side effects of long-term discontinuation of Anastrozole. Since I have had a total thyroidectomy, what are the potential consequences of stopping Anastrozole without medical supervision? Thank you!
Dr. Xiao Yongxun Reply:
Dear Ms. Huang, 1. After a total thyroidectomy, the body can no longer produce thyroid hormones necessary for maintaining normal metabolic functions, which can lead to hypothyroidism. This condition affects various systems, including cardiovascular, hematologic, digestive, integ...[Read More] Understanding the Risks of Discontinuing Antithyroid Medication
Understanding Stage 1 Chronic Kidney Disease: Symptoms and Concerns
Chronic Kidney Disease Stage 1 Hello, doctor... I have had mild proteinuria since high school. During a company health check, the urine test showed proteinuria intermittently (+/-). About six years ago, I underwent a 24-hour urine test, and the results were within the normal rang...
Dr. Wu Jiyu Reply:
1. Chronic Kidney Disease Stage 1 is defined as a glomerular filtration rate (GFR) of 90 mL/min/1.73 m² or higher, accompanied by proteinuria, hematuria, or abnormal kidney morphology. Based on your description of "24-hour urine test results within normal range," this d...[Read More] Understanding Stage 1 Chronic Kidney Disease: Symptoms and Concerns
Understanding Foamy Urine: When to See a Doctor for Kidney Health
The issue of foamy urine? Hello: What symptoms are associated with foamy urine that would require seeing a doctor for kidney examination? Thank you.
Dr. Wu Jiyu Reply:
First, let’s define what you refer to as "bubbly urine." When observing bubbly urine with the naked eye, it is important to further investigate for proteinuria, as proteinuria can cause bubbly urine. However, bubbly urine does not necessarily indicate proteinuria; it ma...[Read More] Understanding Foamy Urine: When to See a Doctor for Kidney Health
Understanding Edema: Causes and Concerns for Kidney Patients
Edema of the legs? Hello Dr. Wu: I have chronic glomerulonephritis with proteinuria and hypertension, and I undergo blood tests every three months. My kidney function is within normal limits, although my creatinine level occasionally exceeds 1.4 slightly. The cardiologist suggest...
Dr. Wu Jiyu Reply:
1. If pressing on the foot causes a dent that lasts about 3-5 seconds (sometimes several minutes) before recovering, does this count as edema? Answer: Yes, this is considered edema. 2. Kidney function is within normal limits, but sometimes creatinine is slightly above 1.4. Answ...[Read More] Understanding Edema: Causes and Concerns for Kidney Patients
Understanding Moon Facies: Possible Causes and Diagnostic Approaches
What diseases can cause an unusually round and swollen face (similar to a full moon face)? I am a 22-year-old male, and recently while organizing old photos, I noticed that my face appears disproportionately swollen compared to my BMI. I am 175 cm tall and weigh 80 kg. I collecte...
Dr. Huang Yaoxuan Reply:
Hello Mr. Kobayashi: 1. Regarding kidney diseases, blood tests and urinalysis can be used for screening, and sometimes additional imaging studies such as ultrasound may be performed to assist in diagnosis and treatment. If, as you mentioned, you only have kidney stones (and ele...[Read More] Understanding Moon Facies: Possible Causes and Diagnostic Approaches
Understanding Cellulitis: A Patient's 21-Day Struggle with Infection
Cellulitis, hospitalized for 11 days... on the 21st day... still suffering? Dear Dr. Liao, The patient does not have liver disease or diabetes and has sinusitis. The bacteria causing the infection and the substances they have been exposed to cannot be determined. The patient is ...
Dr. Liao Zhongxin Reply:
Dear readers: 1. If the knee is still swollen and round, rehabilitation exercises can be performed at the bedside or on a chair to improve circulation and reduce edema. 2. The goal is to keep the C-reactive protein (CRP) level below 1. Sometimes it may take a bit longer to gra...[Read More] Understanding Cellulitis: A Patient's 21-Day Struggle with Infection