Understanding Headaches: Causes and Solutions for Sleep-Related Pain
Headache Hello, doctor! When I sleep without protecting my forehead, such as covering it with a blanket or shielding it with my hand, I wake up with a headache. Sometimes it goes away after a few hours, but other times it doesn't subside until the next day. This is quite bot...
Dr. Lin Mingfeng Reply:
During sleep, it may be difficult for you to determine whether you are covered with a blanket or if you are using your hand to shield your forehead. Therefore, your headache should be evaluated separately. It is recommended that you visit a neurology clinic for further examinatio...[Read More] Understanding Headaches: Causes and Solutions for Sleep-Related Pain
Understanding Unexplained Stomach Pain: When to Seek Medical Advice
Unexplained abdominal pain? Hello Dr. Tsai, Last Friday night, I suddenly felt pain in my stomach while sleeping. The pain feels similar to that of a bruise and only occurs when I lie down and turn over (it wakes me up). Once I maintain a certain position while sleeping, the pa...
Dr. Cai Zonglong Reply:
Hello, your symptoms may be indicative of a peptic ulcer (especially a gastric ulcer). If left untreated, it may heal slowly but is likely to recur. I recommend that you consult a gastroenterologist for evaluation and treatment. Sincerely, Dr. Tsai Tsung-Long, Internal Medicine.[Read More] Understanding Unexplained Stomach Pain: When to Seek Medical Advice
Understanding Adrenal Hyperplasia: Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment Options
Adrenal hyperplasia issues? 1. What is adrenal hyperplasia? Is it a congenital disorder? Are there acquired forms? Does it require treatment? 2. I have hypertension, and about once or twice a month, my blood pressure exceeds 140/95 mmHg, even though it may be around 120/80 mmHg...
Dr. Chen Qingbin Reply:
Hello Vicky: I apologize for the delayed response due to my vacation. You may be experiencing increased anxiety, which can lead to elevated adrenal secretion, increased heart rate, and higher blood pressure. It would be best to discuss this with your physician to determine if fur...[Read More] Understanding Adrenal Hyperplasia: Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment Options
Understanding Hand and Foot Tremors: When to Seek Medical Advice
Tremors in the hands and feet? Hello, doctor. I am a very overweight girl, weighing about 85 kg and standing 160 cm tall. I often feel weak and even tremble when I'm hungry. Last time I was at the hospital, my blood sugar was measured (finger prick) two hours after a meal, a...
Dr. Liu Hongxiang Reply:
In healthy individuals, fasting blood glucose levels range from 70 to 110 mg/dL, and should not exceed 120 mg/dL two hours after a meal. Based on your value of 143 mg/dL after eating, this is considered elevated. Elevated levels often cause symptoms such as trembling in the hands...[Read More] Understanding Hand and Foot Tremors: When to Seek Medical Advice
Potential Health Risks of Mercury Exposure from Broken Thermometers
Could it be mercury poisoning? Hello, doctor: I would like to ask, when I was a child, out of curiosity, I repeatedly touched the mercury from a broken thermometer with my hands. Will this cause any long-term effects? What impact could it have on my health?
Dr. Lin Mingfeng Reply:
We are exposed to trace amounts of mercury daily, approximately 0.005 to 0.02 milligrams. A fluorescent light tube contains about several milligrams to over 20 milligrams of mercury. Mercury is highly volatile, so all mercury-containing objects should be handled with caution to p...[Read More] Potential Health Risks of Mercury Exposure from Broken Thermometers
Understanding Lymphadenopathy: Symptoms, Causes, and When to Seek Help
Lymphadenopathy Hello doctor, about three months ago, I noticed a line of swollen lymph nodes on the right side of my neck. When I visited an ENT specialist, the doctor checked for nasopharyngeal cancer and said it was not the case. He mentioned that it was caused by a viral infe...
Dr. Yang Hongzhi Reply:
In principle, lymphadenopathy tends to resolve on its own, and the likelihood of cancer is relatively low. The possibility of a painful infection is greater; however, this is not absolute. You may consider consulting an oncologist or an infectious disease specialist for further e...[Read More] Understanding Lymphadenopathy: Symptoms, Causes, and When to Seek Help
Managing Diabetes: Addressing Nerve Issues and Rehabilitation Options
Diabetes issues Hello Doctor: My mother has had diabetes for 9 years and has been taking medication to control her blood sugar. Recently, she has been experiencing numbness in her right hand and foot. I have seen your responses to other patients and understand that this is caused...
Dr. Xiao Yongxun Reply:
Hello: In response to your question. 1. Diabetic neuropathy may affect peripheral nerves, leading to symptoms such as numbness, tingling, and pain in the distal extremities, typically in the hands and feet. It can also cause soreness and weakness in proximal muscles, such as th...[Read More] Managing Diabetes: Addressing Nerve Issues and Rehabilitation Options
Understanding Thyroid Issues: Symptoms and Diagnosis Explained
Thyroid issues? I recently went to the hospital for an ultrasound examination and blood tests, both of which were normal. The thyroid gland showed no issues in the blood tests, but the doctor mentioned that my thyroid function is slightly elevated (is this hyperthyroidism?). He e...
Dr. Yang Hongzhi Reply:
Hello: Hyperthyroidism is an overactive thyroid condition. Surgery is one of the symptoms of hyperthyroidism, and ultrasound may not always reveal hyperthyroidism.[Read More] Understanding Thyroid Issues: Symptoms and Diagnosis Explained
How to Safely Handle Broken Fluorescent Bulbs and Mercury Exposure Risks
Fluorescent lamps contain mercury vapor, and if one breaks, it is important to handle it properly to avoid health hazards. Here are the steps to take: 1. **Evacuate the Area**: Immediately leave the room and ensure that others do the same to minimize exposure. 2. **Ventilate th...
Dr. Lin Mingfeng Reply:
We are exposed to trace amounts of mercury daily, approximately 0.005 to 0.02 milligrams. A fluorescent light bulb contains about several milligrams to over 20 milligrams of mercury. Mercury easily evaporates, so all mercury-containing objects should be handled with caution to pr...[Read More] How to Safely Handle Broken Fluorescent Bulbs and Mercury Exposure Risks
Severe Dizziness and Vomiting: Which Specialist Should You See?
Dizziness and vomiting? Hello, doctor! In the past month, I have experienced three episodes of severe dizziness accompanied by vomiting, intense headaches, foamy urine, and pain in the lower left abdomen. Which specialist should I see?
Dr. Xiao Yongxun Reply:
Hello: In response to your questions. 1. Dizziness accompanied by vomiting and severe headache may indicate issues with the vestibular system in the inner ear or could be related to a neurological condition. Clinically, it is important to know if there has been any history of h...[Read More] Severe Dizziness and Vomiting: Which Specialist Should You See?
Should I Take Medication for Diabetes? Exploring Treatment Options
Is medication necessary? I have been diagnosed with diabetes for a year and a half. During this time, my fasting blood sugar levels have ranged from 140 to 160 mg/dL, and my postprandial blood sugar levels have been between 180 and 200 mg/dL. My HbA1c levels are between 7.0% and ...
Dr. Yang Hongzhi Reply:
Generally, a hemoglobin A1c level below 7.0% is considered acceptable, while a level above 8.0% necessitates intervention. Since your level is currently between these two thresholds, you can try to enhance your diet and exercise as non-pharmacological treatments. However, if you ...[Read More] Should I Take Medication for Diabetes? Exploring Treatment Options
Understanding Weakness in Hands and Feet: Causes and Solutions
Weakness in the limbs? Hello, I have been troubled by a long-standing issue where my hands and feet often feel weak. Sometimes, I even struggle to lift my hands to brush my teeth, and when I walk up stairs, it can get so severe that I end up kneeling down. I have low blood pressu...
Dr. Xiao Yongxun Reply:
Hello, in response to your question. The complaint of "weakness in the limbs" is common in clinical practice; however, due to the subjective nature of the experience, which varies from person to person, and the multitude of potential causes that lack specificity, it can...[Read More] Understanding Weakness in Hands and Feet: Causes and Solutions
Managing Diabetic Neuropathy: Solutions for Numbness in Hands and Feet
Diabetes-related peripheral neuropathy issues? Hello Dr. Shih, thank you very much for your detailed response last time. I have another question I would like to ask you again. My mother (63 years old) has been suffering from diabetes for thirty years. She has previously controlle...
Dr. Shi Guangzhong Reply:
The most concerning aspect of diabetes is its chronic complications. Your mother's numbness in her hands and feet is a symptom of neuropathy and is not caused by insulin injections. Insulin is a hormone used to lower blood sugar levels and is not harmful to the body. Therefo...[Read More] Managing Diabetic Neuropathy: Solutions for Numbness in Hands and Feet
Understanding Nighttime Shivers and Cold Sensitivity: When to Seek Help
I have a question? Hello Doctor: I would like to ask, every time I have a fever or gastroenteritis, I experience intense shaking throughout my body in the middle of the night, and it continues without stopping. My heart also races significantly (this happens about 1-2 times every...
Dr. Zeng Guosen Reply:
Hello, experiencing full-body shivering before a fever is a normal physiological response, typically occurring before a high fever. This reaction is due to the body's response to toxins during infection or inflammation. The symptoms you are experiencing could potentially be ...[Read More] Understanding Nighttime Shivers and Cold Sensitivity: When to Seek Help
Which Specialist Should You See for Weight Loss?
Which clinic should I visit for weight loss? Which clinic should I visit for weight loss? I'm confused...
Dr. Xiao Yongxun Reply:
Hello: In response to your question, the Ministry of Health and Welfare of our country has announced that obesity is defined as a BMI of 27 or higher, while being overweight is classified as a BMI between 24.0 and 26.9. The ideal BMI range is between 18.5 and 23.9. The term BMI (...[Read More] Which Specialist Should You See for Weight Loss?
Understanding Proteinuria: Should You See a Nephrologist?
Urinary protein Hello Doctor, during this year's employee health check, I found (+) urine protein and (+/-) occult blood. I have had similar test results in the past, but after several rechecks, they disappeared. However, I occasionally test positive again, and sometimes my ...
Dr. Yang Jun Reply:
Hello: In response to your question, the presence of proteinuria can be classified into functional proteinuria and pathological proteinuria. Functional proteinuria may occur due to urinary tract infections, fever, infections, or during a woman's menstrual period, and it typi...[Read More] Understanding Proteinuria: Should You See a Nephrologist?
Understanding Restrictive Lung Disease and Complete Right Bundle Branch Block: Key Insights
I have a few questions I would like to ask? Hello, Dr. Lee! I recently had a health check-up, and the report indicated that I have "restrictive lung dysfunction" and "complete right bundle branch block." Could you please explain what these two conditions mean?...
Dr. Li Huixiong Reply:
"Restrictive lung dysfunction" and "complete right bundle branch block" are actually 1. not diseases, but rather phenomena. 2. Generally, no further testing is required. 3. It is important to avoid smoking (including secondhand smoke) and to stay away from are...[Read More] Understanding Restrictive Lung Disease and Complete Right Bundle Branch Block: Key Insights
Understanding Afternoon Dizziness: Causes and Solutions
Dizziness in the afternoon? Hello, I have been experiencing cold hands and feet in the afternoons. After squatting and standing up, I sometimes feel dizzy, and this can also happen in the mornings. Six months ago, I had a blood test that showed a blood sugar level of 68, which wa...
Dr. Ke Zhengchang Reply:
Hello: Based on your description, the symptoms of dizziness may be related to hypoglycemia or orthostatic hypotension. It is recommended to visit the endocrinology clinic for evaluation and treatment.[Read More] Understanding Afternoon Dizziness: Causes and Solutions
Understanding Diabetes: Symptoms, Diagnosis, and Management
Diabetes issues Hello Doctor: My mother had an examination recently on January 27 of this year. Her fasting blood sugar was 252. The technician informed her that her blood sugar was too high. My mother is currently taking traditional Chinese medicine. We plan to have her tested a...
Dr. Xiao Yongxun Reply:
Hello: In response to your questions... 1. The normal fasting plasma glucose level is 70–110 mg/dL. If the fasting plasma glucose level is ≥126 mg/dL after fasting for more than 8 hours, along with clear symptoms of diabetes such as excessive thirst, frequent urination, increased...[Read More] Understanding Diabetes: Symptoms, Diagnosis, and Management
Understanding Metabolism Issues: Symptoms of Muscle Cramps and Fatigue
Is this a problem related to metabolism? Hello Doctor, I am experiencing symptoms such as muscle cramps and weakness in my hands and feet, frequent dizziness, and a feeling of weakness in my legs. Recently, I often forget things that just happened, have difficulty concentrating...
Dr. Yang Hongzhi Reply:
Your symptoms are nonspecific and do not seem to correlate with your known medical history. This situation may not necessarily lead to a diagnosis of a specific disease; however, it is advisable to visit an internal medicine outpatient clinic, as sometimes physicians can identify...[Read More] Understanding Metabolism Issues: Symptoms of Muscle Cramps and Fatigue