Understanding Low Sodium Levels: Causes and Connections to Heart Rate
Causes of Hyponatremia Hello Doctor, my 87-year-old grandmother has a long history of hypertension (she is on diuretics) and bradycardia. Over the past two months, she has been undergoing chemotherapy and radiation for cervical cancer. In her weekly blood tests, we have observed ...
Dr. Lin Wuxuan Reply:
Grandma's condition requires a comprehensive and thorough evaluation. It is advisable to consult her attending physician during the routine follow-up visit. If Grandma experiences symptoms such as fatigue, weakness, nausea, headache, or drowsiness, she should seek medical at...[Read More] Understanding Low Sodium Levels: Causes and Connections to Heart Rate
Understanding the Risks of Discontinuing Antithyroid Medication
Medication discontinuation issues? Hello Doctor: I would like to inquire about the side effects of long-term discontinuation of Anastrozole. Since I have had a total thyroidectomy, what are the potential consequences of stopping Anastrozole without medical supervision? Thank you!
Dr. Xiao Yongxun Reply:
Dear Ms. Huang, 1. After a total thyroidectomy, the body can no longer produce thyroid hormones necessary for maintaining normal metabolic functions, which can lead to hypothyroidism. This condition affects various systems, including cardiovascular, hematologic, digestive, integ...[Read More] Understanding the Risks of Discontinuing Antithyroid Medication
Understanding Electrolytes: Importance, Imbalance, and When to Seek Help
Electrolytes What are electrolytes? What should be done about electrolyte imbalance? Is it really not serious? Sometimes it can be severe enough to make a person feel like they are about to collapse. There are many symptoms. If I go to the hospital, which department should I see?
Dr. Xie Rongyuan Reply:
What are electrolytes? Answer: Sodium, potassium, calcium, phosphorus, magnesium, etc. Electrolyte imbalances are quite common and can be categorized into five types for discussion: 1. Hypernatremia and hyponatremia. 2. Hyperkalemia and hypokalemia. 3. Hypercalcemia and hypocalce...[Read More] Understanding Electrolytes: Importance, Imbalance, and When to Seek Help
Understanding Unexplained Pain in Diabetic Patients: A Case Study
Inquiry about unknown ailments? Hello, I would like to inquire about some unexplained pain. Thank you. Patient: Father, male, 68 years old, has been a diabetic for 15 years with blood sugar levels generally controlled around 130, but postprandial levels can rise to about 200. Med...
Dr. Shi Guangzhong Reply:
Your father should not have a potassium level of 102; after hospitalization and receiving saline, it has risen to 127. It should be sodium that is low. Hypokalemia can cause weakness in the legs, but hyponatremia can also lead to leg weakness, as well as low blood pressure, which...[Read More] Understanding Unexplained Pain in Diabetic Patients: A Case Study
Understanding Treatment and Care for Water Intoxication
How to treat and care for water intoxication? I would like to clearly understand how water intoxication is treated, as well as the nursing care for water intoxication. Thank you.
Dr. Lin Mingfeng Reply:
In healthy individuals, the kidneys can excrete up to 15-20 liters of water daily. Therefore, in the absence of pathological conditions, the risk of water intoxication is low. Most cases of water intoxication are likely caused by psychiatric disorders, characterized by excessive ...[Read More] Understanding Treatment and Care for Water Intoxication
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 Calf Cramps: Causes and Connection to Liver or Kidney Health
Calf cramps Hello, doctor. I would like to ask you some questions regarding muscle cramps. I often experience cramps in my calves, particularly in my right calf. This issue had not occurred for some time, but recently, I have been experiencing cramps again. I came across an artic...
Dr. Xiao Yongxun Reply:
Hello: In response to your question... 1. A cramp generally refers to an involuntary muscle contraction that lasts for several seconds to minutes and can cause severe pain, most commonly occurring in the calf or lower limbs. 2. The causes include excessive exercise, poor posture,...[Read More] Understanding Calf Cramps: Causes and Connection to Liver or Kidney Health
Understanding Water Intoxication: Causes and Risks of Overhydration
Water intoxication What is water intoxication, and why can drinking water lead to poisoning?
Dr. Xie Yonghui Reply:
Water intoxication may be caused by: (1) psychogenic polydipsia; (2) lesions in the thirst center; (3) administration of hypotonic IV solutions to patients who are unable to dilute their urine normally (e.g., postoperative patients or those with renal insufficiency). If the patie...[Read More] Understanding Water Intoxication: Causes and Risks of Overhydration
Unexplained Hyponatremia: Seeking Answers for Persistent Symptoms
Hyponatremia I underwent a series of tests at Linkou Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, but none could identify the underlying issue. I also consulted with a nephrologist, and both my kidneys and renal tubules were found to be normal. My thyroid and pituitary gland are also functionin...
Dr. Zeng Fenyu Reply:
Hello, A-Fu: Your symptoms are not commonly associated with hyponatremia, so it is necessary to further confirm whether they are related to low sodium levels. The simplest way to determine this is to check the serum electrolytes immediately when the symptoms occur. If the sodium ...[Read More] Unexplained Hyponatremia: Seeking Answers for Persistent Symptoms