Understanding Pleural Effusion: Causes and Symptoms in Older Adults
Pleural effusion My father-in-law is 65 years old and has been experiencing chest discomfort when coughing. He went to the hospital two days ago for an X-ray, which revealed fluid accumulation in the lungs. The doctor has scheduled a procedure for next week to drain the fluid for...
Dr. Guo Conghuai Reply:
Ms. Lin: There are many causes of pleural effusion, but the differential diagnoses are limited. Ultrasound-guided fine needle aspiration is necessary, and if needed, a pleural biopsy may be performed. Tuberculous pleuritis and malignant pleural effusion are among the most common ...[Read More] Understanding Pleural Effusion: Causes and Symptoms in Older Adults
Understanding ECG Results: Insights for Patients with Heart Concerns
Electrocardiogram (ECG or EKG) A patient with juvenile rheumatoid arthritis has a 23-year medical history, standing at 147 cm tall and weighing approximately 30 kg. For over 30 years, the patient has occasionally experienced wheezing, and multiple physicians have noted the presen...
Dr. Li Huixiong Reply:
1. A chest X-ray typically does not reveal cardiac enlargement or ischemic changes; however, it can show whether there is cardiac enlargement. Additionally, we can assess for myocardial hypoxia or ventricular hypertrophy through an electrocardiogram (ECG). 2. Regarding discomfort...[Read More] Understanding ECG Results: Insights for Patients with Heart Concerns
Understanding Calf Swelling: Causes and Medical Specialties Involved
Calf swelling Dear Doctor, every morning when I wake up, the size of my calves is normal, but about 15-20 minutes after getting up, both calves swell to twice their size until the evening when I finish my shower and they return to normal size. Sometimes my calves remain normal th...
Dr. Zeng Fenyu Reply:
Hello Cindy! Please first visit the internal medicine outpatient clinic for an examination. The symptoms described may indicate poor blood circulation in the lower extremities. It is important to consider whether there are any other kidney, heart, or other organ issues, as well a...[Read More] Understanding Calf Swelling: Causes and Medical Specialties Involved
Dietary Tips for Managing Fatty Liver Disease: Causes and Precautions
Fatty liver disease What dietary considerations should be taken into account for someone diagnosed with fatty liver disease? How is fatty liver disease formed?
Dr. Yang Guojun Reply:
Fatty liver, in simple terms, means that the liver is "oily." This indicates that there is an accumulation of fat within liver cells. In Taiwan, approximately one-third of adults have fatty liver. Common causes of fatty liver include obesity, hyperlipidemia, diabetes, e...[Read More] Dietary Tips for Managing Fatty Liver Disease: Causes and Precautions
Understanding Cirrhosis: Symptoms, Risks, and When to Seek Further Care
Cirrhosis Hello Dr. Yang, I have a relative who is currently seventy years old. Recently, they have been experiencing abdominal swelling and sought medical attention. The doctor informed them that it is liver cirrhosis and prescribed some diuretics. The doctor casually mentioned...
Dr. Yang Guojun Reply:
Dr. Yang Guojun responds: The Chinese have a deep affection for the liver, referring to cherished things as "heart and liver treasures." When extremely sad, they say "the liver and intestines are severed," and when fearful, they describe it as "the liver ...[Read More] Understanding Cirrhosis: Symptoms, Risks, and When to Seek Further Care
Understanding Breathing Difficulties in Rheumatoid Arthritis Patients
Could you please provide more context or specify what aspect of breathing you would like to know about? The family member has been suffering from rheumatoid arthritis for 23 years and occasionally experiences shortness of breath and wheezing (feeling fatigued while breathing). Ge...
Dr. Li Huixiong Reply:
The statements you provided are fragmented and lack specificity, making it difficult to identify the issue at hand. I suggest that your family undergo some basic examinations, which may help uncover some clues. For example, a chest X-ray and an electrocardiogram (ECG) could be be...[Read More] Understanding Breathing Difficulties in Rheumatoid Arthritis Patients
Understanding Mitral Valve Prolapse: Symptoms, Causes, and Care Tips
Mitral valve prolapse Mitral valve prolapse (MVP) is a condition in which the two flaps of the mitral valve do not close properly, allowing blood to flow backward into the left atrium of the heart. The exact cause of MVP is often unknown, but it can be associated with genetic fac...
Dr. Li Huixiong Reply:
The heart contains several valves, including the tricuspid valve, aortic valve, and mitral valve, which is also known as the bicuspid valve. The mitral valve is located between the left atrium and the left ventricle and is responsible for opening and closing during the heart'...[Read More] Understanding Mitral Valve Prolapse: Symptoms, Causes, and Care Tips
Frequent Awakening During Naps: Is It Related to Heart Health?
Waking up frequently during naptime... Could it be related to the heart?! Hello, Dr. Hong: Since my student days and now as a working professional, I have always taken naps in a seated position or by resting my head on the desk. However, I often wake up suddenly, startled. Frequ...
Dr. Hong Hongchang Reply:
Generally speaking, if there are abnormalities in the heart, clinical manifestations often include chest pain, chest tightness, and swelling of the legs. These symptoms are not typically caused by sitting or sleeping positions that compress the heart. They may arise from poor sle...[Read More] Frequent Awakening During Naps: Is It Related to Heart Health?