Managing Lupus: Weight Loss, Muscle Cramps, and Tattoo Safety
Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) Hello Doctor: 1. I am a patient with Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (SLE). I would like to ask if it is normal for me to feel very hungry and eat four to five meals a day, despite having a light diet, while still losing weight after being diagnos...
Dr. Gao Jiankai Reply:
Hello, thank you for your questions. Here are my responses: 1. I am an SLE (Systemic Lupus Erythematosus) patient. I would like to ask if it is normal for me to feel very hungry and eat four to five meals a day, even though I have been eating a light diet and have been on medica...[Read More] Managing Lupus: Weight Loss, Muscle Cramps, and Tattoo Safety
Managing Ascites: Navigating Kidney and Liver Issues in Advanced Disease
It is unclear whether the ascites is caused by kidney issues or liver problems. How can this be addressed? I have hepatitis B, cirrhosis, and liver cancer. Targeted therapy was interrupted due to side effects, and the hospital suddenly informed us that I am now in the late stage ...
Dr. Yan Qitai Reply:
Considering your condition, it is recommended to continue follow-up visits and treatment with the Gastroenterology and Hepatology Department as well as the Nephrology Department. The physician will provide appropriate medical advice based on your condition during each visit. Depa...[Read More] Managing Ascites: Navigating Kidney and Liver Issues in Advanced Disease
Should I Stop Spironolactone? Understanding Bruising and Next Steps
Spironolactone Doctor, I have been taking spironolactone and recently noticed a bruise on my thigh that has not disappeared for over two months. I visited a hematologist recently, and they said my blood coagulation function is normal. Should I stop taking the medication, or shoul...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, spironolactone is a diuretic that primarily affects electrolytes, such as potassium ions, and it should not impact coagulation function. Additionally, since your hematology tests are normal, it is reasonable to conclude that your blood function is likely not an issue. I re...[Read More] Should I Stop Spironolactone? Understanding Bruising and Next Steps
Understanding Increased Urination: Causes and Concerns Explained
Increased urine output concerns? Hello Doctor, I have recently noticed an increase in my urine output. I read online that frequent urination could be a symptom of diabetes or diabetes insipidus, and I am not very familiar with diabetes insipidus, so I would like to ask you: 1) Is...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, 1. Diabetes insipidus can indeed occur in ordinary individuals, but not all cases of excessive urination indicate diabetes insipidus; a thorough examination is necessary for a definitive diagnosis. 2. Testing the osmolarity of blood and urine, as well as evaluating elec...[Read More] Understanding Increased Urination: Causes and Concerns Explained
Why Everything Tastes Salty: Causes and Remedies for Your Symptoms
Everything tastes very salty when I eat? For over a week now, I've been feeling that everything I eat tastes very salty and I'm experiencing dry mouth. Eating salty foods makes me uncomfortable, and drinking a lot of water doesn't help. Could this be a sign of exce...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, it is recommended to first visit a general internal medicine clinic to check for any abnormalities in electrolytes and osmolality in the blood. If those results are normal, you may need to consult a family medicine or rheumatology clinic to investigate whether there is a d...[Read More] Why Everything Tastes Salty: Causes and Remedies for Your Symptoms
Understanding Persistent Vomiting: Causes and Solutions
Vomiting Hello doctor, my girlfriend has been vomiting continuously since midnight the day before yesterday. She has vomited everything she ate and has not had a fever or diarrhea. She has vomited to the point of expelling bile. She is afraid to eat because of the vomiting and ha...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Based on your description, it seems to be acute gastroenteritis. Acute gastroenteritis typically presents with persistent vomiting and diarrhea for the first 2-3 days. It is recommended to avoid solid foods initially and to consume clear liquids, such as sports drinks or diluted ...[Read More] Understanding Persistent Vomiting: Causes and Solutions
Does Drinking 6 Cups of Water at Once Harm Kidney Function?
Kidney problems I recently had a kidney examination, and my kidney function is slightly elevated. I would like to know if this is related to my drinking habits. I often forget to drink water, so I usually drink 6 cups (about 1500 mL) of water all at once before lunch. I want to k...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, 1. There are many indices for kidney function, and I'm not sure which specific index you are referring to when you mention "mildly elevated kidney function." How is it elevated? It is highly likely that the values in question are BUN (Blood Urea Nitrogen) ...[Read More] Does Drinking 6 Cups of Water at Once Harm Kidney Function?
Understanding Kidney Issues: Insights on Recovery and Dietary Considerations
Kidney problems Hello, my sister is 29 years old and has a history of refractory epilepsy for 23 years, is a carrier of hepatitis B, and has been diagnosed with schizophrenia for 2 years. She was hospitalized on July 31 due to cellulitis and developed sepsis, requiring intubation...
Dr. Wu Jiyu Reply:
Based on the data you provided, this condition is classified as "acute kidney injury," which may be caused by cellulitis complicated by sepsis. The key point is that as the infection is brought under control, your kidney function will gradually improve. It is recommende...[Read More] Understanding Kidney Issues: Insights on Recovery and Dietary Considerations
Understanding the Discrepancy Between Blood Glucose Meter and Lab Results
Questions about blood glucose meters? Hello Doctor: Recently, a family member noticed that urination attracted ants, so they went to the clinic for a blood test. On the same day, after the nurse drew blood, she used the venous blood to measure fasting blood glucose with a Roche A...
Dr. Xiao Yongxun Reply:
Dear Ms. Wang Su-Chen: 1. According to the diagnostic criteria for diabetes set by the American Diabetes Association, a. a fasting plasma glucose level of ≥126 mg/dL after fasting for more than 8 hours, b. a 2-hour plasma glucose level of ≥200 mg/dL during an oral glucose tolera...[Read More] Understanding the Discrepancy Between Blood Glucose Meter and Lab Results
Do You Need Regular Kidney Function Tests? Common Concerns Explained
Questions related to kidney examinations? Is it necessary to have regular kidney function tests? I do not have diabetes or hypertension, but I have congenital heart disease and have previously had urinary tract infections and pneumonia. I took a lot of traditional Chinese medicin...
Dr. Wu Hongjie Reply:
Dear Sir/Madam, Renal function monitoring is typically recommended for: 1. Patients with a history of chronic kidney disease (such as chronic nephritis, interstitial nephritis, or hydronephrosis); 2. Individuals with systemic chronic diseases such as diabetes, hypertension, gout...[Read More] Do You Need Regular Kidney Function Tests? Common Concerns Explained
High Potassium Levels: Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment Options
If the potassium ion levels in the electrolytes are elevated, what should be done? Hello Doctor: I recently had a blood test for electrolytes, and the report shows that my potassium level is 6.1 mEq/L. Is this value considered high? How can I address the issue of potassium imbala...
Dr. Wu Jiyu Reply:
According to the data you provided, the potassium ion level is 6.1 mEq/L, which is indeed elevated. High potassium levels can lead to arrhythmias, so it is important to identify the underlying cause of the hyperkalemia and provide appropriate treatment. I recommend that you consu...[Read More] High Potassium Levels: Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment Options
Understanding Low Insulin and High Adrenaline: Insights on Addison's Disease
Low insulin, high adrenal hormones? Hello, Dr. Li recently visited a naturopathic doctor and had some blood tests done. The doctor mentioned that it could possibly be Addison's disease. My symptoms include a constant feeling of dizziness and brain fog 24 hours a day. I have ...
Dr. Li Zhiyao Reply:
Hello: It is recommended that you visit the Department of Endocrinology and Metabolism at a hospital, where an endocrinologist can provide you with more reliable diagnosis and treatment.[Read More] Understanding Low Insulin and High Adrenaline: Insights on Addison's Disease
Understanding Acute Kidney Failure: Symptoms, Diagnosis, and Concerns
Kidney problems Hello, doctor. Recently, I have been drinking a lot of water, but the amount I urinate is very little. I usually exercise a lot and sweat a lot, but lately, my sweat has had a very sour smell, somewhat like ammonia. Additionally, I have been experiencing a dull pa...
Dr. Wu Jiyu Reply:
1. Regarding acute renal failure (acute renal failure, also known as acute kidney injury): It is essential to understand the functions of the kidneys in the body. The kidneys primarily eliminate toxins produced from protein metabolism (commonly referred to as uremia) and regulate...[Read More] Understanding Acute Kidney Failure: Symptoms, Diagnosis, and Concerns
Dietary Guidelines for Pre-Dialysis Kidney Patients: What to Know
I would like to ask about dietary issues for dialysis patients? I'm sorry to hear about your mother's condition. Here are some dietary adjustments that can help: 1. Yes, you can use reduced-sodium salt when cooking. It's important to limit sodium intake to help ma...
Dr. Wu Jiyu Reply:
1. The most appropriate course of action is to visit a nephrology outpatient clinic (if you regularly see a nephrologist, consult with your usual physician or dietitian) to discuss in detail with the physician or dietitian (including the arrangement of subsequent treatment plans,...[Read More] Dietary Guidelines for Pre-Dialysis Kidney Patients: What to Know
Understanding Weight Loss in Diabetes: Causes and Insights
Diabetes mellitus Hello, Dr. Lee. What is the reason for significant weight loss in patients with diabetes?
Dr. Li Zhiyao Reply:
Hello Mr. Chen: The typical symptoms of diabetes usually present as the "three polys" (polyphagia, polydipsia, polyuria) and "one decrease" (weight loss), but not every patient will exhibit these classic symptoms. When a patient's blood glucose concentrat...[Read More] Understanding Weight Loss in Diabetes: Causes and Insights
Understanding Systemic Edema: Causes and Unexplored Tests
Generalized edema I have undergone multiple examinations at Cheng Kung University Hospital, including tests for the heart, liver, kidneys, thyroid, and urology, all of which showed no issues. However, the edema has become increasingly severe; sometimes, when I urinate less, the s...
Dr. Zeng Guosen Reply:
Hello: Aside from organ diseases, edema can often be attributed to medications, infections, nutrition, endocrine issues, electrolytes, and more. Most cases of edema can identify an underlying problem. You may seek a second opinion at the second hospital, which might provide a sol...[Read More] Understanding Systemic Edema: Causes and Unexplored Tests
Understanding Muscle Stiffness: Causes and Solutions for Chronic Tightness
Muscles often feel stiff and cannot relax? Hello, Doctor! I have experienced a peculiar phenomenon since childhood, where I often have unexplained muscle stiffness resembling cramps. For example, after clenching my fist, I am unable to relax it naturally. I have consulted both tr...
Dr. Zeng Guosen Reply:
Hello, online user: The generalized muscle stiffness and twitching do not resemble symptoms of a specific nerve compression. It may indicate a systemic issue, including abnormalities in the neuromuscular system, metabolism, electrolytes, or endocrine systems. It is recommended to...[Read More] Understanding Muscle Stiffness: Causes and Solutions for Chronic Tightness
Understanding Nausea and Chest Discomfort in Hot Weather: When to Seek Help
Please ask your question? My brother is around 45 years old, and this summer he experiences nausea, vomiting, and chest tightness whenever the weather is hot, the air is humid, or the air quality is poor. Could this be heat exhaustion? Which specialty should he consult if this oc...
Dr. Yang Zhongwei Reply:
Hello: Heat exhaustion occurs in high temperature and humid environments, leading to excessive sweating and subsequent imbalance of body fluids and electrolytes. The management involves quickly moving to a cool, ventilated area to rest and replenish fluids and electrolytes. If sy...[Read More] Understanding Nausea and Chest Discomfort in Hot Weather: When to Seek Help
Essential Dietary Tips for Diabetic Hypertension Patients on Dialysis
Dietary Considerations for Diabetes, Hypertension, and Dialysis Management Dear Doctor, my mother is 63 years old and has hypertension and diabetes. She is scheduled for dialysis in two days. Could you please advise on dietary considerations and any specific precautions we should...
Dr. Guo Qinghui Reply:
Diabetes and hypertension are both causes of kidney disease that can lead to dialysis. There are many considerations for individuals undergoing dialysis. In principle, it is essential to control blood sugar levels and manage hypertension. Dietary considerations are related to the...[Read More] Essential Dietary Tips for Diabetic Hypertension Patients on Dialysis
Understanding Chest Pain: When to Seek Medical Attention
Internal Medicine Hello, two months ago I often experienced chest pain. I thought taking painkillers would be enough. At first, it was manageable, but recently the pain has been accompanied by cold sweats and discomfort while breathing. Eating is usually normal, but sometimes I f...
Dr. Wang Weijie Reply:
Dear Ms. Chiu, The most common cause of chest pain is related to cardiovascular issues. Your symptoms, which include pain that leads to sweating and discomfort in breathing, suggest that you should seek medical attention as soon as possible for evaluation. This may include tests...[Read More] Understanding Chest Pain: When to Seek Medical Attention