Understanding the Benefits of Red Sweet Potato Leaf Soup for Hypertension
Dietary Management of Hypertension Dr. Hollo Tsai: 1. My mother's blood pressure has been close to 200 for many years, approximately ten years, and she is currently 53 years old. 2. She recently started taking antihypertensive medication - Prazosin, but she is afraid to meas...
Dr. Cai Yaozhou Reply:
Dr. Andy Sun's Dietary Therapy for Hypertension to Prevent Stroke Hypertension is a common chronic disease in Taiwan, with early symptoms typically including dizziness, headaches, palpitations, insomnia, anxiety, irritability, and fatigue. The appearance of later symptoms d...[Read More] Understanding the Benefits of Red Sweet Potato Leaf Soup for Hypertension
Understanding Muscle Strain and Nerve Sensations After Weight Training
Paralysis Hello Doctor: A while ago, I was doing weight training and accidentally injured my lower back. After treatment, it was diagnosed as a muscle strain, and I have improved significantly with medication, although I still occasionally feel something unusual. Recently, when I...
Dr. Xiao Yongxun Reply:
Hello: In response to your questions. 1. Inappropriate weight training may lead to muscle and ligament strains; it can even result in intervertebral disc disorders or joint diseases. Therefore, it is essential to have a health assessment, a comprehensive training plan, and warm-u...[Read More] Understanding Muscle Strain and Nerve Sensations After Weight Training
Understanding Edema and Unexplained Leg Fluid Leakage: Causes and Specialist Guidance
Edema and unexplained fluid accumulation in the calves? I have been experiencing edema for a while, and yesterday and today my calves have been leaking fluid for no apparent reason. What could be the cause of this, and which specialist should I see?
Dr. Yao Quan Reply:
Hello, you have been experiencing edema for a while now, and for the past two days, your calf has been leaking fluid. Based on my personal experience, I have seen patients with severe edema who also had wounds on their legs, which caused continuous fluid leakage from the wounds. ...[Read More] Understanding Edema and Unexplained Leg Fluid Leakage: Causes and Specialist Guidance
Struggling with Back Pain: Finding Relief for Sleepless Nights
The back pain prevents me from lying flat to sleep? Hello Doctor: About two years ago, I was diagnosed with lupus erythematosus after experiencing pleural effusion. At that time, I had difficulty breathing; whenever I lay flat, I would experience chest pain and shortness of breat...
Dr. Chen Baoli Reply:
Hello, Mei-Yi: Are you taking your lupus medication regularly? If so, we can temporarily rule out the possibility of recurrent pleural effusion (or pulmonary edema). A small number of lupus patients may experience this kind of shortness of breath, especially when unable to lie fl...[Read More] Struggling with Back Pain: Finding Relief for Sleepless Nights
Do I Need Medical Attention? Understanding BMI, Pain, and Irregular Cycles
Do I need to seek medical attention? Hello Doctor, I have a few questions I would like to ask: I am currently 30 years old, 158 cm tall, and weigh between 62 to 65 kg, giving me a BMI of 34. Over six months ago, I started a raw food diet, cooking with minimal oil, salt, and meat...
Dr. Chen Baoli Reply:
Dear Xiao Zhu, Regarding your question, I suggest you first consult an endocrinologist to check for any metabolic issues, such as hypothyroidism. As for the currently popular raw food diet, the medical community generally holds a skeptical view on whether it is suitable for ever...[Read More] Do I Need Medical Attention? Understanding BMI, Pain, and Irregular Cycles
Should I Continue Taking These Medications for My Migraine?
Can these medications be taken? I have a question to ask! I went to the hospital to see a doctor in the internal medicine department because I was experiencing "headaches." The doctor informed me that I have migraines and checked my blood pressure, which was normal. Bef...
Dr. Wang Weijie Reply:
Hello: Each individual's constitution reacts differently to medications. Generally speaking, when taken at normal doses, adverse reactions should not occur. If similar side effects do arise, discontinuation of the medication is advised. Sincerely, Dr. Wang Wei-Jie, Internal ...[Read More] Should I Continue Taking These Medications for My Migraine?
Managing Chronic Thyroiditis: Symptoms, Treatment, and Lifestyle Impact
Chronic thyroiditis Hello: I was diagnosed with hyperthyroidism two years ago, and after treatment, I was found to have chronic thyroiditis with hypothyroidism in February of this year. After treatment, my TSH level has decreased to 7, but I still experience symptoms such as edem...
Dr. Yang Hongzhi Reply:
It is not uncommon for hyperthyroidism to transition to hypothyroidism after a period of time. Theoretically, treating hypothyroidism should not be difficult, and normal thyroid function can be restored in a short period. Generally, daily activities are not affected.[Read More] Managing Chronic Thyroiditis: Symptoms, Treatment, and Lifestyle Impact
Understanding Pulmonary Edema: Causes, Symptoms, and Risks
Pulmonary edema Hello Doctor: I have a question to ask. A relative of mine recently passed away abroad. The day before his death, he experienced chest tightness and pain, but it subsided after about ten minutes. The next morning, he felt pain again, but in the afternoon, he passe...
Dr. Li Huixiong Reply:
Xiao Jun: Hello, first of all, I would like to clarify that "pulmonary edema" and "hemothorax" are not the same! "Pulmonary edema" in medical terms refers to the abnormal accumulation of fluid within the lung parenchyma, while "hemothorax" ...[Read More] Understanding Pulmonary Edema: Causes, Symptoms, and Risks
Understanding Elevated Potassium Levels: Causes, Risks, and Management
Hyperkalemia Hello Dr. Yang, I was diagnosed with hyperthyroidism and went for an examination on January 12, 2006. The results showed TSH < 0.01, Free T4 > 6.00, K: 4.6. Consequently, the doctor prescribed METHIMAZOLE 2 tablets three times a day, PROPRANOLOL 10 mg 1 tablet ...
Dr. Yang Hongzhi Reply:
In males with hyperthyroidism, some individuals may experience hypokalemia. Other thyroid conditions have little relation to potassium levels. A potassium level of 5.5 is approximately at the upper limit of normal, and with normal renal function, it may not be significant. It can...[Read More] Understanding Elevated Potassium Levels: Causes, Risks, and Management
Understanding Heart Effusion: Causes, Risks, and Treatment Options
Could you please clarify your question for the doctors? Can I ask a question? What is pericardial effusion? Is it treatable? Is it dangerous? Will hospitalization be necessary? Are there any dietary restrictions? I hope to get a clearer answer. Thank you!
Dr. Li Huixiong Reply:
In clinical practice, we sometimes refer to congestive heart failure as "cardiac effusion"; however, cardiac effusion can also refer to pericardial effusion, which is the abnormal accumulation of fluid in the space within the pericardium surrounding the heart. This can ...[Read More] Understanding Heart Effusion: Causes, Risks, and Treatment Options
Rapid Weight Gain: Understanding Causes and Solutions
Rapid weight gain Hello Dr. Chen: My weight has rapidly increased by 16 kilograms since September, despite a decrease in my food intake. I often feel a tightness throughout my body, similar to edema, which is extremely uncomfortable. I have a history of high cholesterol. What sho...
Dr. Chen Qingbin Reply:
Your condition may be due to weight gain caused by edema. You should consult an internist to check for any diseases related to the kidneys, heart, liver, and endocrine system.[Read More] Rapid Weight Gain: Understanding Causes and Solutions
Understanding Hypothyroidism: Symptoms, Leg Swelling, and More
Hypothyroidism What are the symptoms of hypothyroidism? Can it cause lower limb edema? Recently, I have experienced swelling in my lower limbs, and my urine tests came back normal. My blood tests showed only a GTO value of 40, while the rest were normal. My blood pressure is slig...
Dr. Huang Dayao Reply:
Hello, there are many causes of lower limb edema. Generally speaking, if urine output is normal, it is likely not related to the kidneys. Hypothyroidism can also cause edema, but it is different from typical edema; the swelling caused by hypothyroidism does not pit when pressed, ...[Read More] Understanding Hypothyroidism: Symptoms, Leg Swelling, and More
Understanding Facial Swelling and Allergies: Causes and Concerns
Allergy + facial edema Hello Dr. Zhao, Thank you for your previous response! I have some follow-up questions regarding allergies and facial edema that I would like to ask you. My family doctor has become quite annoyed with my inquiries, saying I have too much knowledge and doesn...
Dr. Zhao Chongliang Reply:
Superior vena cava (SVC) syndrome primarily refers to the obstruction of blood flow in the superior vena cava due to lung cancer at the apex, leading to conditions such as facial and upper limb edema. This persistent edema can be life-threatening, unlike episodic edema, which dif...[Read More] Understanding Facial Swelling and Allergies: Causes and Concerns
Understanding Body Water Retention: Causes and Management Tips
Fluid retention Dr. Yang: Hello, I apologize for the intrusion. I am 157 cm tall and weigh 46.5 kg. I have a history of hypertension, palpitations, and pyelonephritis, and I am intermittently on medication. However, due to oliguria and edema (systemic, particularly in the eyelids...
Dr. Yang Jun Reply:
Hello: In response to your question, uncomplicated pyelonephritis typically does not lead to severe deterioration of kidney function, unless there is a pre-existing chronic kidney disease, in which case there is a possibility of developing acute renal failure. Given your history ...[Read More] Understanding Body Water Retention: Causes and Management Tips
Does Drinking Water Cause Edema and Weight Gain? Expert Insights
Can drinking water cause edema? Drinking water can lead to a temporary increase in body weight due to water retention, but this is not the same as gaining fat. The body can retain water for various reasons, including dietary salt intake, hormonal changes, and physical activity le...
Dr. Yang Hongzhi Reply:
If bodily functions are normal, drinking water typically does not lead to edema. Consuming 4000cc of water in a day is considered excessive, and part of this may be due to underlying medical conditions.[Read More] Does Drinking Water Cause Edema and Weight Gain? Expert Insights
Understanding Facial Swelling: Allergies or Other Underlying Issues?
Facial edema Hello Dr. Zhao, About a week ago, my face started to swell. It happened right after I had dinner at an Italian restaurant, so the doctor suspected it was a food allergy. After taking Prednisone for three days, the swelling is not as severe as it was initially, but t...
Dr. Zhao Chongliang Reply:
Hello! Your symptoms sound like angioedema (also known as angioneurotic edema or Quincke's edema). It is a type of allergic reaction caused by a deficiency of C1 esterase inhibitor, leading to the release of histamine and other chemicals into the bloodstream after exposure t...[Read More] Understanding Facial Swelling: Allergies or Other Underlying Issues?
Understanding Renal Edema: Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment Options
Hydronephrosis Hello Doctor, my mother took traditional Chinese medicine for six days in mid-June to adjust her constitution, and the Chinese medicine practitioner advised her to drink more water. On July 7, she suddenly experienced severe pain in her right flank, which worsened ...
Dr. Yang Jun Reply:
Hello: In response to your inquiry, it appears that your mother is experiencing right flank pain and renal hydronephrosis, which may be caused by urinary tract stones. The occurrence of renal hydronephrosis refers to the swelling of the renal pelvis or renal parenchyma due to the...[Read More] Understanding Renal Edema: Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment Options
Understanding Edema: Kidney or Liver Issues from Alcohol Abuse?
Edema Hello, doctor. My father has been a long-term alcoholic, and recently he has developed swelling in his feet. Could this indicate a problem with his kidneys or liver? Both feet are affected. Which specialty should we consult for an outpatient visit? Thank you for your respon...
Dr. Xiao Jingqin Reply:
Common causes of edema that can be evaluated in the fields of hepatology and gastroenterology include 1. heart failure, 2. nephrotic syndrome, and 3. cirrhosis. The primary reasons are often related to excessive body fluid and low serum protein levels. Once edema occurs in cirrho...[Read More] Understanding Edema: Kidney or Liver Issues from Alcohol Abuse?
Understanding CCR Calculation for SLE Patients with Nephrotic Syndrome
The calculation of creatinine clearance (CCR) can be done using the following formula: \[ \text{CCR} = \ Hello Dr. Yang: I am a patient with Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (SLE) and currently suffering from nephrotic syndrome. My albumin levels have been around 2.8 to 3, and my ch...
Dr. Yang Jun Reply:
Hello: In response to your question, Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (SLE) is one of the causes of nephrotic syndrome. Treatment must focus on controlling the underlying disease (SLE) and reducing kidney function damage. A low-salt and low-protein diet is a method to slow down prote...[Read More] Understanding CCR Calculation for SLE Patients with Nephrotic Syndrome
Understanding Amyloidosis: Causes, Treatments, and Prognosis
Causes and Treatment of Amyloidosis My father is 67 years old and underwent cardiac catheterization a month ago. The doctor diagnosed that only one area of the blood vessel required angioplasty, and his condition was stable after the procedure. However, about two weeks later, he ...
Dr. Yang Jun Reply:
Hello: In response to your question, amyloidosis refers to a disease caused by the deposition of amyloid, a fibrous protein, in one or more organs of the body. The clinical manifestations depend on the organs and areas affected, which can lead to systemic and multifocal diseases....[Read More] Understanding Amyloidosis: Causes, Treatments, and Prognosis