Understanding the Risks: Smoking, Drinking, and Liver Health Concerns
I'm not sure what kind of illness I have? Dr. Hsiao: Due to long-term smoking (one pack a day) and drinking alcohol (with every meal), my current health condition is not very good. In September 2022, I experienced hematemesis, a high fever lasting three to four days, and jau...
Dr. Xiao Jingqin Reply:
The diagnosis of cirrhosis can be made through imaging studies such as ultrasound and computed tomography. A simple abdominal ultrasound can diagnose cirrhosis, while jaundice and abnormal liver function tests cannot differentiate between cirrhosis and severe alcoholic hepatitis,...[Read More] Understanding the Risks: Smoking, Drinking, and Liver Health Concerns
Understanding Symptoms: Swelling, Headaches, and Insomnia in Adults
Generalized edema, headache (dizziness), insomnia, etc? Hello, my mother is 43 years old and has been feeling unwell lately, experiencing symptoms such as insomnia, headaches (dizziness), and sometimes waking up in the morning with generalized edema. During a previous health chec...
Dr. Zhao Chongliang Reply:
There are many causes of edema, including common kidney diseases (renal failure, nephrotic syndrome), heart diseases (heart failure), liver diseases (cirrhosis), endocrine disorders (hypothyroidism, hyperadrenalism, menstruation), systemic malnutrition, poor blood circulation, an...[Read More] Understanding Symptoms: Swelling, Headaches, and Insomnia in Adults
Understanding Diabetes Complications: Symptoms and Management Tips
Complications of diabetes mellitus? Hello Dr. Shi: My father is currently 60 years old and has been diagnosed with diabetes for nearly 20 years. He has been managing his blood sugar levels with insulin injections. Recently, we have noticed that his feet are swollen and his vision...
Dr. Shi Guangzhong Reply:
Your father has been suffering from diabetes for 20 years, and symptoms like edema and blurred vision are typically among the complications of diabetes. He should pay attention to potential issues such as nephropathy, retinopathy, and cardiovascular complications. Regarding the w...[Read More] Understanding Diabetes Complications: Symptoms and Management Tips
Managing Edema in Diabetic Patients: A Guide for Caregivers
Diabetic patients with edema issues? Hello, doctor. My grandmother is a 60-year-old diabetic patient with a history of about 10 years. She has been taking medication to control her blood sugar, which is usually stable and does not exceed 180. However, for the past year, she has b...
Dr. Xie Yonghui Reply:
According to your letter, your grandmother's lower back pain may be caused by urinary tract stones, but the most common reason for lower back pain in elderly individuals is degenerative changes in the lumbar spine. It is necessary to consult an orthopedic specialist for furt...[Read More] Managing Edema in Diabetic Patients: A Guide for Caregivers
Could My Grandma's Symptoms Indicate Purpura or Another Condition?
Is this purpura? Hello doctor, I have a question. My grandmother (86 years old) cannot walk for long periods; her feet and ankles easily swell, and she often has small bruises on her calves. Could this be purpura, or could it be indicative of other diseases? (She does not have an...
Dr. Zheng Shuxing Reply:
Hello: Elderly individuals may experience swelling and bruising after prolonged walking, which is indicative of lower extremity edema. If elevating the legs and resting leads to improvement, it is advisable to rest with elevated legs after exercise. Additionally, a medical evalua...[Read More] Could My Grandma's Symptoms Indicate Purpura or Another Condition?
Understanding Facial Swelling: Causes and When to Seek Help
My face is so swollen? Hello, doctor~~ I have a problem that has been bothering me for two years. Sometimes my face suddenly swells up, and the timing of the swelling is unpredictable. At first, I thought it was just regular edema, but it seems not to be the case. Every time I sw...
Dr. Zheng Shuxing Reply:
Hello: This may be microvascular dilation or an autoimmune disease. Please seek assistance at the rheumatology and immunology clinic at Taoyuan Hospital, Dr. Zheng Shuxing.[Read More] Understanding Facial Swelling: Causes and When to Seek Help
Understanding Insulin Use in Diabetes: Risks, Concerns, and Alternatives
What are the potential issues that diabetic patients may encounter when administering insulin? Hello Dr. Shi, my mother (63 years old) has been suffering from diabetes for nearly 30 years (family history). She has been controlling her blood sugar with oral medications, but since ...
Dr. Shi Guangzhong Reply:
Miss Huang: I apologize for the delayed response due to a computer malfunction. Your questions are very professional. 1. There are many causes of diarrhea, and certain oral antidiabetic medications can indeed cause diarrhea (such as Glucobay and Glucophage). You should consult ...[Read More] Understanding Insulin Use in Diabetes: Risks, Concerns, and Alternatives
Effective Treatments for Bronchiectasis: A Guide for Patients
How to cure bronchiectasis? Hello, Dr. Ke. My father, who is 82 years old, was hospitalized last year due to pneumonia, diagnosed as being caused by bronchiectasis. I would like to ask what more aggressive treatment options could be taken to cure this condition, as he has been pe...
Dr. Ke Zhengchang Reply:
1. Bronchiectasis is not curable and can only be managed through increased fluid intake, expectoration, and postural drainage to control symptoms. If there is fever, hemoptysis, purulent sputum, or respiratory distress, medical treatment is necessary, typically involving antibiot...[Read More] Effective Treatments for Bronchiectasis: A Guide for Patients
Understanding Hyponatremia: Causes, Symptoms, and Risks for Seniors
Hyponatremia Hyponatremia, or low sodium levels in the blood, can be caused by various factors, including excessive fluid intake, certain medications (such as diuretics), hormonal imbalances (like adrenal insufficiency), and underlying medical conditions (such as heart failure, l...
Dr. Xie Yonghui Reply:
Hyponatremia (1) Definition: A state of low osmolarity, with serum sodium concentration below 135 mmol/L. (2) Clinical Manifestations: In normal individuals, serum sodium levels are approximately 135-145 mmol/L. If hyponatremia is chronic or the decline in sodium levels is grad...[Read More] Understanding Hyponatremia: Causes, Symptoms, and Risks for Seniors
Understanding Gray-White Lung X-Ray: Causes of Breathing Difficulties and Edema
The X-ray of the lungs shows a grayish-white appearance? Hello: My grandfather has fainted due to difficulty breathing and is currently in the intensive care unit. He was discharged last week after the TB bacterial load reached a non-infectious level, but why did he suddenly expe...
Dr. Zhao Chongliang Reply:
Hello! Based on your description, your grandfather's chest X-ray appears to show signs of either cardiogenic pulmonary edema or non-cardiogenic pulmonary edema, such as renal-related pulmonary edema or acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS). Cardiogenic or renal-related ...[Read More] Understanding Gray-White Lung X-Ray: Causes of Breathing Difficulties and Edema
Understanding Hydronephrosis: Kidney Size Discrepancy and Future Function
Hydronephrosis I experienced hydronephrosis on one side due to a partial obstruction of the ureter on September 17. Under the care of a urologist, I underwent laparoscopic surgery to remove the obstructed segment. During a follow-up visit on October 23, an ultrasound revealed a n...
Dr. Yang Jun Reply:
Hello: In response to your question... The size of the kidneys should be similar on both sides, except in cases of congenital atrophy of one kidney or due to vascular disease, kidney stones, edema, or inflammation that may cause atrophy of one kidney. The function of the atrophie...[Read More] Understanding Hydronephrosis: Kidney Size Discrepancy and Future Function
Understanding Thyroid Dysfunction: Symptoms, Diagnosis, and Treatment Options
Hypothyroidism? Hello Dr. Yang: Initially, during a physical examination, it was found that the right side of my thyroid was enlarged, but there were no visible abnormalities, and there is no family history of thyroid disease. I have a constitution that makes it difficult for me ...
Dr. Yang Hongzhi Reply:
Your symptoms are likely unrelated to the thyroid. If they are causing distress, medication may be considered to alleviate the symptoms. Using thyroid hormone to reduce the size of the right thyroid lobe may not have a significant effect. If thyroid function is normal and the rig...[Read More] Understanding Thyroid Dysfunction: Symptoms, Diagnosis, and Treatment Options
Understanding Hand and Foot Swelling in Adolescents: Causes and Treatments
Swelling of the fingers and toes? Hello Dr. Yang: My child is currently 14 years old and experienced swelling in the hands and feet (fingers and toes) around the age of 9, which was accompanied by pain. I forgot what the doctor said at that time. It occurred occasionally, but for...
Dr. Yang Jun Reply:
Hello: In response to your question... The possible causes of edema in the hands and feet, aside from kidney disease leading to proteinuria, include heart disease, liver disease, and metabolic disorders (such as hypothyroidism, etc.). It is recommended to visit a nephrologist for...[Read More] Understanding Hand and Foot Swelling in Adolescents: Causes and Treatments
Understanding Thyroid Cysts: Causes, Health Impacts, and Management Tips
Thyroid cysts? Hello Dr. Yang, I would like to ask you about a thyroid issue. Recently, I visited a dermatologist due to long-term hair loss, and after a blood test, it was found that my thyroid T4 level is low (0.87). I also have significant iron deficiency anemia, so I was ref...
Dr. Yang Hongzhi Reply:
Thyroid nodules are common incidental findings on ultrasound. Most of them do not affect health and do not require treatment; however, it cannot be ruled out that they may grow, and a small percentage may have malignant potential. Therefore, monitoring is necessary. Currently, th...[Read More] Understanding Thyroid Cysts: Causes, Health Impacts, and Management Tips
Understanding Calf Muscle Pain: Causes and Relief Strategies
Regarding calf soreness? Hello Dr. Yang, I often feel soreness in my calf muscles while sleeping at night. My daily routine mostly consists of being a regular office worker during the day and studying at night. I am experiencing muscle soreness; could you please suggest some meth...
Dr. Yang Hongzhi Reply:
Leg soreness is a common symptom and usually does not indicate a specific disease. To check for edema, you can press with your fingers; if the subcutaneous tissue indents and does not quickly return to its original shape, it indicates the presence of edema.[Read More] Understanding Calf Muscle Pain: Causes and Relief Strategies
Understanding Leg Indentation: Causes and When to Seek Medical Help
It will indent when pressed? Hello, doctor. My mother is 41 years old, weighs 60 kg, and is 165 cm tall. She has a history of chronic gastritis and allergic rhinitis, and she often suffers from migraines. In recent months, she has noticed that when she presses down on her calves,...
Dr. Chen Fuquan Reply:
Dear Mr. Ku, As you mentioned, your aunt has been experiencing noticeable edema in her lower legs and feelings of fatigue over the past few months. I have a few questions regarding her condition: 1. **Liver Issues**: Has your aunt been a carrier of Hepatitis B or C for many yea...[Read More] Understanding Leg Indentation: Causes and When to Seek Medical Help
Post-Surgery Complications: Understanding Kidney Issues After Hip Surgery
Post-surgery Hello Doctor: My mother-in-law is 70 years old and has had diabetes for 8 years with poor kidney function. Recently, she underwent hip surgery in orthopedics, but after the surgery, the doctor informed us that she needed dialysis. Three days later, she started dialys...
Dr. Huang Maosen Reply:
Due to the lack of knowledge about the original kidney function, it is difficult to determine its relevance. However, in elderly patients with diabetic nephropathy, kidney function may change rapidly, necessitating dialysis. Please consult a physician nearby for further guidance.[Read More] Post-Surgery Complications: Understanding Kidney Issues After Hip Surgery
Post-Surgery Complications: Understanding Kidney Issues After Hip Surgery
Post-surgery My mother-in-law is 70 years old and has had diabetes for 8 years, with poor kidney function. Recently, she underwent orthopedic surgery for a hip fracture, but after the surgery, the doctor informed us that she would need dialysis. She underwent dialysis three days ...
Dr. Xiao Yongxun Reply:
Hello: In response to your question, the coverage of medical insurance is related to the determination of causality, the regulations of the insurance, and relevant measures. Based solely on your brief statement, it is not possible to provide a definitive explanation. However, the...[Read More] Post-Surgery Complications: Understanding Kidney Issues After Hip Surgery
Understanding Post-Surgery Kidney Failure: A Case Study in Diabetes
Post-surgery My mother-in-law, who is 70 years old and has had diabetes for 8 years, recently underwent hip surgery. However, post-surgery, she developed renal failure. The doctor informed us that she would need dialysis, even though she did not require it before the surgery. Why...
Dr. Ke Zhengchang Reply:
Hello, diabetes can potentially lead to renal dysfunction. General anesthesia during surgery may also contribute to the deterioration of kidney function. Additionally, the use of analgesics, antibiotics, or conditions such as anemia, continuous bleeding, and shock can result in r...[Read More] Understanding Post-Surgery Kidney Failure: A Case Study in Diabetes
Navigating Diabetes Complications: A Daughter's Plea for Guidance
I'm sorry, but I need specific content to translate. Please provide the text you would My father, who has always had a strong personality, has been suffering from diabetes for the past three years without letting any of his friends or family know. It wasn't until Decemb...
Dr. Yang Jun Reply:
Hello: In response to your inquiry, I am deeply sorry to hear about your father's condition. The complications of diabetes include macrovascular diseases such as heart and cerebrovascular disorders, as well as microvascular diseases like retinopathy, nephropathy, and periphe...[Read More] Navigating Diabetes Complications: A Daughter's Plea for Guidance