Risks of Discontinuing Hypertension Medication for Natural Remedies
Drug interactions Doctor, my father has high blood pressure and has been taking medication regularly. He has a condition that causes him to need to urinate every 20-30 minutes, so he started taking pumpkin seed supplements. He mentioned that taking both together might lower his b...
Dr. Lin Wuxuan Reply:
Chronic disease patients are advised not to arbitrarily adjust their medication dosage, frequency, or discontinue their medication. If there is a need to take dietary supplements or adjust medications, please discuss it with your attending physician. Thank you.[Read More] Risks of Discontinuing Hypertension Medication for Natural Remedies
Understanding Uric Acid Levels: Insights on Gout and Health Management
Interpretation of Uric Acid Levels Hello, Doctor. I am 175 cm tall and weigh 97 kg. I have had high blood pressure since I was 16 years old. I do not drink alcohol but often stay up late. On March 15, I sprained my left ankle; at the time, there was no pain or swelling. However, ...
Dr. Gao Jiankai Reply:
Hello, thank you for your question. Here are my responses: 1. I have been losing weight for over a month, with my weight dropping from 104 kg to 97 kg. I would like to know if my lowest uric acid level in my life, which is 5.6 mg/dL, is due to dietary control or because I previ...[Read More] Understanding Uric Acid Levels: Insights on Gout and Health Management
Can High Blood Pressure and Kidney Issues Justify Stopping Medication?
Can medication be discontinued for hypertension, proteinuria, and poor kidney function? Recently, my husband wants to buy a supplement in Japan called "Serum High" to replace the medication prescribed by his doctor. The ingredients of "Serum High" include saff...
Dr. Lin Wuxuan Reply:
Hello, to control and stabilize the condition, it is not advisable for patients to abruptly discontinue medication. Physicians prescribe medications based on the patient's condition. If there are any concerns regarding the medication, it is recommended to schedule a follow-u...[Read More] Can High Blood Pressure and Kidney Issues Justify Stopping Medication?
Understanding Chronic Kidney Disease: Conflicting Medical Opinions Explained
Renal dysfunction Hello Doctor: I would like to ask about my recent health check report. My serum creatinine is 1.35, urine creatinine is 110.76, glomerular filtration rate (GFR) is 62.53, hemoglobin A1c is 5.4, fasting blood glucose is 90, uric acid is 7.2, urine protein is 9, a...
Dr. Lin Wuxuan Reply:
Urine or blood tests can determine the presence of hematuria, proteinuria, or any abnormalities in kidney function, which is typically assessed using the glomerular filtration rate (GFR). It is recommended that you bring your test results to a nephrology outpatient clinic at a re...[Read More] Understanding Chronic Kidney Disease: Conflicting Medical Opinions Explained
Understanding Dry Mouth: Causes, Medications, and Solutions
Dry mouth and dry tongue? Hello, doctor. I have been experiencing dry mouth and dry tongue for the past three weeks. My mouth feels very dry every day, and drinking water does not help. This has somewhat affected my daily life. Prior to the dry mouth symptoms, I was taking Loraze...
Dr. Li Jian Reply:
Imipramine may cause dry mouth. Thank you for your inquiry.[Read More] Understanding Dry Mouth: Causes, Medications, and Solutions
Understanding Occult Blood in Urine: Implications for Kidney Health
Occult blood? Hello, Doctor Wu. I would like to ask if there is a relationship between occult blood and the kidneys. My occult blood level increased from 4+ to 5+. Will this affect my kidneys? What does an occult blood level of 4+ indicate? My urine protein and other indices are ...
Dr. Wu Hongjie Reply:
Hematuria and occult blood are different. It is important to first confirm the presence of red blood cells in the urine. If red blood cells are present, renal issues such as renal cysts, kidney lesions, stones, or tumors may need to be ruled out. If there is only occult blood wit...[Read More] Understanding Occult Blood in Urine: Implications for Kidney Health
Understanding Your Diabetes Risk: Key Health Check Insights
Questions related to diabetes? Every year, I participate in my company's health check-up. I am 35 years old, 179 cm tall, and weigh between 55 to 56 kg. I have always been slim and unable to gain weight since childhood, and I maintain a regular exercise routine. I have mild ...
Dr. Li Jian Reply:
You can undergo an oral glucose tolerance test at the Metabolism Clinic. Thank you for your inquiry.[Read More] Understanding Your Diabetes Risk: Key Health Check Insights
How Long Should You Wait to Take Antibiotics After Drinking Beer?
After consuming a bottle of beer, it is generally recommended to wait at least 48 hours before taking the antibiotic Norfloxacin. Alcohol can interfere with the effectiveness of antibiotics and may increase the risk of side effects. Always consult your healthcare provider for per...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, it is recommended to avoid alcohol consumption during the medication period. However, if you do drink alcohol, it is theoretically acceptable to take the medication after more than two hours. It is advised not to interrupt the treatment course, as it can indeed lead to bac...[Read More] How Long Should You Wait to Take Antibiotics After Drinking Beer?
Can Gout Recur Days After First Attack in Patients with No History?
Is it possible for someone with no history of gout to experience a recurrence of symptoms just a few days after the first attack? Hello Doctor, thank you for taking the time to answer my questions. My mother, who is 72 years old, has high blood pressure and her height is 153 cm w...
Dr. Gao Jiankai Reply:
Hello, thank you for your question. Gout can indeed have recurrent attacks in a short period of time. Gout attacks typically present with redness and heat, so the absence of these symptoms does lower the likelihood. Eating shiitake mushrooms is fine, and consuming fish is also ac...[Read More] Can Gout Recur Days After First Attack in Patients with No History?
Understanding Low Blood Pressure: Symptoms, Diagnosis, and Treatment Options
Consultation for Symptoms of Hypotension Currently, my average blood pressure is 90-105/52-60, and I often feel fatigued. My nails appear slightly purple. What symptoms would suggest that I should go to the hospital for low blood pressure? What tests are typically performed to de...
Dr. Lin Wuxuan Reply:
Hello Liu, it is recommended to first consult with a family medicine or general internal medicine outpatient clinic. Based on the physician's assessment, further management can be determined. Thank you.[Read More] Understanding Low Blood Pressure: Symptoms, Diagnosis, and Treatment Options
Understanding Steroid Side Effects and Sock Indentations: A Patient's Inquiry
Onset of steroid side effects / Sock indentation marks Hello, Doctor. I have lupus erythematosus and have been undergoing treatment since 2012. Initially, I was taking three steroid pills, but three years ago, the dosage increased to five pills. Over the past six months, my weigh...
Dr. Gao Jiankai Reply:
Hello, thank you for your question. Here are my responses: 1. How long does it take for steroid side effects to appear? Is my body change possibly related to medication use, or is it simply due to dietary or lifestyle changes? --> Side effects from steroids can begin to manif...[Read More] Understanding Steroid Side Effects and Sock Indentations: A Patient's Inquiry
Understanding Sleep Issues in Teen Athletes: A Guide to Common Concerns
Sleep issues Hello, doctor. I have some questions I would like to ask you. As a teenager, I'm not sure if what I'm experiencing is normal. I am an athlete and I start training at 7 AM and also have practice in the afternoon. Recently, I've been sleeping with the ai...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, 1. It is normal to experience a dry throat when sleeping in an air-conditioned room, as air conditioning has a dehumidifying function. 2. Whether you snore may require the assistance of those around you to observe. As for sleep apnea, a sleep study at a sleep clinic is ...[Read More] Understanding Sleep Issues in Teen Athletes: A Guide to Common Concerns
Assessing Kidney Function and Medication Safety for Hair Transplant Patients
Consultation on kidney function tests and medication after hair transplantation? Hello, Doctor. I am 31 years old with a creatinine level of 1.1 and an estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) of 82.9. At 27 years old, my creatinine was 1.2 with an eGFR of 77.8, and at 26 year...
Dr. Wu Hongjie Reply:
I usually love to eat meat and consume very few vegetables, but next month I will undergo hair transplantation. The hair transplant physician advised me to take Boscal (1/3) and also to add a blood pressure medication, Lornidine 10 mg (1/4 is 2.5 mg). He mentioned that this medic...[Read More] Assessing Kidney Function and Medication Safety for Hair Transplant Patients
Understanding Elevated Creatinine Levels: Causes and Concerns
Creatinine levels are slightly elevated? Doctor: Due to having high blood pressure, I have been undergoing routine check-ups for over a decade. My creatinine levels were consistently between 1.04 and 1.08, but this month it suddenly increased to 1.23. I recently changed jobs and ...
Dr. Wu Jiyu Reply:
Based on your description, the change in creatinine (CRE) levels may indeed be related to your use of anti-inflammatory pain medications, combined with excessive sweating. If you are not adequately hydrating, this could also impact kidney function. It is recommended to discontinu...[Read More] Understanding Elevated Creatinine Levels: Causes and Concerns
Managing Long-Term Low Potassium: Symptoms and Next Steps
Chronic hypokalemia Hello Doctor 👋 # I have been experiencing low potassium, proteinuria, mild anemia, and diarrhea for over a year! My body often feels unwell with symptoms such as fatigue, dizziness, numbness in my hands, nausea, palpitations, diarrhea, high blood pressure, and...
Dr. Wu Jiyu Reply:
Based on your inquiry, chronic hypokalemia primarily falls under the domain of nephrology, and it is advisable to consult a nephrologist for better coordination in managing your condition. Thank you for your question; the Nephrology Department at Changhua Hospital is here to supp...[Read More] Managing Long-Term Low Potassium: Symptoms and Next Steps
Managing Chronic Illness in Hot Environments: Risks and Tips
Chronic diseases in hot environments? Hello, I have renal tubular dysfunction (currently around stage 3 chronic kidney disease) and diabetes. Due to my job, I need to spend about half an hour outdoors in the sun or in hot environments every noon for business. After finishing my w...
Dr. Wu Jiyu Reply:
Regarding the care of diabetes combined with chronic kidney disease, please pay attention to the control of the "three highs" (high blood sugar, high blood pressure, and high cholesterol) to prevent the worsening of the condition. If you need to work in a hot environmen...[Read More] Managing Chronic Illness in Hot Environments: Risks and Tips
Understanding Sudden High Blood Pressure and Kidney Hydronephrosis
Sudden onset of elevated blood pressure and hydronephrosis? Hello Doctor: I am 31 years old and have a regular habit of donating blood. My blood pressure has never exceeded the normal range until mid-April this year when my company conducted a health check, and my blood pressure ...
Dr. Wu Jiyu Reply:
First, let's define what hypertension is. If you only have hypertension, your target is to maintain blood pressure below 140/90 mmHg. However, if you have comorbidities such as chronic kidney disease or diabetes, the target should be below 130/80 mmHg. Based on your current ...[Read More] Understanding Sudden High Blood Pressure and Kidney Hydronephrosis
Understanding Heart Palpitations: When to Seek Medical Advice
Cardiac issues Hello, doctor. A few days ago, I experienced symptoms of chest tightness. After searching online, I found that palpitations can be felt as a noticeable heartbeat. However, for several years, I have been able to feel my heartbeat almost all the time when I am still ...
Dr. Li Jian Reply:
Hello: The sensation of feeling one's heartbeat is referred to as palpitations. There are many situations that can cause palpitations, commonly including life stress, tobacco and alcohol use, and even changes in temperature. Certain medical conditions are also associated wit...[Read More] Understanding Heart Palpitations: When to Seek Medical Advice
Can Prediabetes Be Reversed with High Blood Pressure? Expert Insights
Prediabetes and Hypertension Hello, doctor. I have high blood pressure and have recently been diagnosed with elevated blood sugar levels. Is there a chance for prediabetes to be reversed? Additionally, due to my high blood pressure, am I able to engage in weight training?
Dr. Chen Jianyu Reply:
1. If blood sugar levels are elevated, it is important to determine how high they are. Diabetes is a chronic condition that, once diagnosed, can only be managed but not cured. 2. It is unclear how well your blood pressure is being controlled, and I do not know your blood pressu...[Read More] Can Prediabetes Be Reversed with High Blood Pressure? Expert Insights
Should You Seek Further Evaluation for Persistent High Blood Pressure?
Is it necessary to go to a major hospital for further examination? Hello Doctor: My father (approximately 57 years old) is currently undergoing hypertension monitoring at a clinic and is taking antihypertensive medication. However, his daily blood pressure readings at home are st...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, it is recommended to measure your blood pressure regularly 3-4 times a day. Before each measurement, make sure to rest for at least 15 minutes to obtain more accurate readings. If you are measuring your blood pressure only once a day or even less, and it exceeds 140 mmHg, ...[Read More] Should You Seek Further Evaluation for Persistent High Blood Pressure?