Understanding Autoimmune Antibodies and Their Impact on Vascular Health
Autoimmune antibodies __ vasculitis At the age of 29, I was diagnosed with "cardiovascular disease" (currently, there is no pulse in my left arm due to an issue with the aorta). I was scheduled for bypass surgery in September 2007, as the area requiring bypass connects ...
Dr. Zeng Guosen Reply:
1. It is essential to first assess for vasculitis and the extent of vascular involvement before determining the necessity of surgery. 2. The etiology of vasculitis is unknown; therefore, long-term treatment, management, monitoring, and evaluation are required. 3. Follow the treat...[Read More] Understanding Autoimmune Antibodies and Their Impact on Vascular Health
Understanding Hyperthyroidism: Symptoms, Treatment, and Concerns
Hyperthyroidism Hello Dr. Yang: I discovered symptoms of hyperthyroidism nearly six months ago. I have reduced my medication from two pills a day to one and a half pills a day, and my thyroid hormone levels have returned to normal a month ago. However, I have two questions for yo...
Dr. Yang Hongzhi Reply:
Hello: 1. If the dosage is not reduced, it may lead to hypothyroidism. 2. The likelihood of significant hyperthyroidism has been low for a long time.[Read More] Understanding Hyperthyroidism: Symptoms, Treatment, and Concerns
What Does a Hard Lump and Dark Skin on the Neck Indicate?
The presence of a hard lump in the neck accompanied by darkening of the skin may indicate a variety of conditions, including but not limited to lymphadenopathy, cysts, or even more serious conditions such as malignancies or infections. It is important to consult a healthcare prof...
Dr. Yang Hongzhi Reply:
Hello: The most common cause of a hard lump in the neck is lymphadenopathy, and it is advisable to consult an otolaryngologist (ENT specialist) first.[Read More] What Does a Hard Lump and Dark Skin on the Neck Indicate?
Understanding Persistent Health Issues: Seeking Answers for Common Symptoms
Many questions, please take the time to clarify, thank you! I am 29 years old, 165 cm tall, and weigh 50 kg. In recent years, I have frequently experienced the following symptoms: 1. I suffer from insomnia and vivid dreams every day, with poor sleep quality. Despite feeling ver...
Dr. Yang Hongzhi Reply:
Hello: Based on your symptoms, it is difficult to determine if there is any specific disease. Generally, when FT4 is elevated, TSH tends to decrease; your results are atypical and may warrant further monitoring. ANA is an indicator of autoimmune diseases, and a positive reaction ...[Read More] Understanding Persistent Health Issues: Seeking Answers for Common Symptoms
Understanding Hyperthyroidism: Treatment Options and Lifestyle Impact
Questions about hyperthyroidism? I have been aware of my thyroid abnormality for 11 years, characterized by a goiter. Eleven years ago, my thyroid tests were normal, and I was advised to have regular follow-ups. However, in recent years, my neck has become increasingly swollen, a...
Dr. Yang Hongzhi Reply:
Hello: In this situation, medication typically needs to be used long-term, and it may even be required for a lifetime. The treatment effect on thyroid enlargement may not be very effective. Surgery is hoped to provide a permanent solution. Additionally, you may discuss the possib...[Read More] Understanding Hyperthyroidism: Treatment Options and Lifestyle Impact
Persistent Hissing Sound Near Neck: Causes and Solutions
There is often a hissing sound near the back of the neck? I have been experiencing a constant hissing sound near the back of my neck (as if something is continuously passing through that area), especially noticeable before sleep. My work schedule is often irregular (I work on a c...
Dr. Chen Zhongshu Reply:
Dear Liu, In response to your letter, there are several factors to consider regarding the noise in the back of your head, such as tinnitus, cerebral vascular stenosis, or even excessive anxiety or stress, which can also lead to this phenomenon. It may be related to your work ove...[Read More] Persistent Hissing Sound Near Neck: Causes and Solutions
Understanding Poor Blood Circulation: Symptoms and Solutions
Poor blood circulation? Hello Doctor: In recent days, whenever I sit (for less than an hour), I quickly experience numbness below my hips, and when I stand up, it feels like my blood flow is very slow. Recently, I've also started to feel tightness on the right side of my nec...
Dr. Yang Hongzhi Reply:
Hello: The symptoms you described are more indicative of neurological issues rather than a specific disease condition. Having menstruation only once every three months is considered abnormal, and there could be many potential causes. It is advisable to consult a gynecologist for ...[Read More] Understanding Poor Blood Circulation: Symptoms and Solutions
Dietary Recommendations for Managing Hyperthyroidism in Elderly Patients
80-year-old patient with hyperthyroidism? Hello, my father is an 80-year-old patient with hyperthyroidism. Do you have any dietary recommendations for elderly patients like him? I only know that he should avoid foods high in iodine, such as kelp, seaweed, and seafood, but I'...
Dr. Yang Hongzhi Reply:
Hello Vicky: The principle for managing hyperthyroidism is to reduce iodine intake. Foods that are highest in iodine include seaweed and kelp, so it is best to minimize their consumption. Other various foods also contain some iodine, but if restrictions are too strict, it can sev...[Read More] Dietary Recommendations for Managing Hyperthyroidism in Elderly Patients
Understanding Neck Swelling: When to Seek Medical Advice
Swelling of the neck? I have noticed that the right side of my neck is swollen more than the left side over the past couple of days, and I want to see a doctor but I'm not sure which specialty to consult. Today, I also noticed that the left side is slightly swollen as well, ...
Dr. Yang Hongzhi Reply:
It seems to be a thyroid issue; you can consult an endocrinologist. Both diabetes and thyroid diseases have a familial tendency, but there is not a significant correlation between diabetes and thyroid disorders.[Read More] Understanding Neck Swelling: When to Seek Medical Advice
Understanding Post-Injection Complications: A Case Study
After receiving the injection? On February 1st, around 11 AM, I accompanied a friend to a pediatric clinic for a consultation. Her symptoms included muscle pain, headache, and neck stiffness. The doctor diagnosed her with what seemed to be influenza and administered an anti-infla...
Dr. Wang Fangli Reply:
The information you provided is insufficient for making a diagnosis or assessment. The hospital that provided your emergency care should have the most comprehensive data. If you have concerns about the treatment from the first clinic, it is advisable to consult with a physician a...[Read More] Understanding Post-Injection Complications: A Case Study
Understanding Muscle Strain vs. Rhabdomyolysis: When to Seek Medical Help
Rhabdomyolysis Hello, doctor. On August 14, I strained my neck muscles due to chiropractic treatment. Recently, I came across symptoms and causes of rhabdomyolysis online, so I have some questions for you. My muscle strain has not healed yet. When I initially got injured, I felt ...
Dr. Yao Quan Reply:
Hello, I apologize for the delayed response to your email. Rhabdomyolysis is a condition caused by damage to skeletal muscle, leading to the destruction and dissolution of muscle cells, which release myoglobin and other harmful substances into the bloodstream, affecting the entir...[Read More] Understanding Muscle Strain vs. Rhabdomyolysis: When to Seek Medical Help
Understanding the Risks and Management of Benign Thyroid Tumors
Follow-up on benign thyroid tumors? Hello Doctor: I have a benign thyroid nodule on the right side of my neck (approximately 1.5 cm; it feels round to the touch) that has been monitored at Linkou Chang Gung Memorial Hospital for five years. I undergo fine needle aspiration (FNA) ...
Dr. Yang Hongzhi Reply:
If the follow-up has been for 5 years and the biopsy results have consistently been benign, the likelihood of malignancy is low. A higher number of cells in the biopsy does not necessarily indicate an increased chance of malignancy; other factors must also be considered. Currentl...[Read More] Understanding the Risks and Management of Benign Thyroid Tumors
Understanding Symptoms: Headache, Weakness, and Possible Bacteremia
Headache, weakness in the right arm with difficulty lifting, previously had a fever up to 40 degrees Celsius, chest pain, neck stiffness, and red spots on the body? A 45-year-old female friend experienced sudden onset of headache five days ago, along with weakness in her right ar...
Dr. Cai Yaozhou Reply:
Hurry to the large hospital to register for an internal medicine emergency consultation for a series of tests to check for bacteremia. Additionally, due to neck stiffness, a consultation with a neurologist may be necessary to rule out the possibility of meningitis.[Read More] Understanding Symptoms: Headache, Weakness, and Possible Bacteremia
Understanding Hyperthyroidism in Teenagers: A Parent's Guide
Regarding my daughter's hyperthyroidism! Hello, Doctor: My daughter had a slight swelling in her neck during a school health check, which raised concerns about hyperthyroidism. After a thorough examination at the hospital, it was concluded that there is indeed an enlargement...
Dr. Yang Hongzhi Reply:
Hello: If there is only mild enlargement of the thyroid gland and thyroid function is normal, then it is sufficient to just monitor the condition without the need for treatment.[Read More] Understanding Hyperthyroidism in Teenagers: A Parent's Guide
Managing Dizziness and Falls in Elderly Patients with Hypertension
Hypertension. Mild cardiac edema..? Dear Deputy Director: My mother, in her seventies, frequently experiences dizziness and has fallen (she has hypertension and mild cardiac enlargement, which are managed with medication, but she still often feels dizzy and falls). What are the c...
Dr. Cai Yaozhou Reply:
When you see a doctor for "dizziness," it refers to a sensation of lightheadedness, dullness in the head, and visual disturbances, but not to the extent of feeling like the world is spinning. This is often caused by internal medical conditions. On the other hand, "...[Read More] Managing Dizziness and Falls in Elderly Patients with Hypertension
Understanding Thyroid Ultrasound Findings and Cytology Testing Options
Cytological examination On the evening of July 20, 1995, a lump suddenly appeared in the neck after taking a shower. Blood tests, including TSH, were normal, and an ultrasound examination determined it to be thyroid hemorrhage. The patient was prescribed half a tablet of Eltroxin...
Dr. Guo Mingxun Reply:
1. Ultrasound examination can reveal the density of different tissues, allowing for differentiation between fluid and thyroid tissue based on their varying densities. By assessing the different densities of thyroid tumors, surrounding tissues, and hematomas, one can evaluate the ...[Read More] Understanding Thyroid Ultrasound Findings and Cytology Testing Options
Understanding Lipomas: When to Worry About Pain and New Growths
Lipoma There is a pre-existing lipoma on the left posterior side of the lower back, approximately 2 cm in diameter, which has been present for over a decade. It causes slight pain when compressed, but its size has remained unchanged, and its color is normal skin tone. In the past...
Dr. Cai Yaozhou Reply:
Lipomas are quite common benign tumors located in the subcutaneous tissue, composed of fat. Typically, lipomas are surrounded by a thin fibrous capsule that separates them from the surrounding normal tissue. However, sometimes this fibrous layer may be absent, making it difficult...[Read More] Understanding Lipomas: When to Worry About Pain and New Growths
Understanding Sleep Issues and Skin Problems: A Comprehensive Guide
Often not getting enough sleep? Hello, doctor! Recently, I have been feeling constantly tired despite going to bed at 11 PM. I have to wake up at 6:30 AM for my 8 AM job. I've also been experiencing persistent and large acne breakouts, and I have been applying medication to ...
Dr. Liao Zhongxin Reply:
Dear readers: 1. It is important to note that sleep patterns vary significantly throughout human life. Infants can sleep all day, while elderly individuals may only sleep 2 to 3 hours a day. Whether one is getting enough sleep depends on age and the body's needs on a given...[Read More] Understanding Sleep Issues and Skin Problems: A Comprehensive Guide
Understanding Thyroid Dysfunction and Tumors: Key Differences Explained
Thyroid dysfunction and thyroid tumors? Hello, doctor! I would like to ask if there is a difference between thyroid antibodies and thyroid tumors. A family member of mine had surgery due to a thyroid tumor, and I noticed that thyroid issues can cause hair loss. Additionally, duri...
Dr. Yang Hongzhi Reply:
Both hyperthyroidism and hypothyroidism can be associated with hair loss; however, most cases will present with other symptoms. The thyroid gland does not always exhibit noticeable enlargement. If you do not have other signs suggestive of thyroid disease, it may be advisable to f...[Read More] Understanding Thyroid Dysfunction and Tumors: Key Differences Explained
Night Sweats While Sleeping: Causes and Solutions in Air-Conditioned Rooms
Experiencing excessive sweating during sleep (even in an air-conditioned room)? My husband almost every night sweats profusely while sleeping! The air conditioning is on in the room, and the temperature is around 26°C (79°F). He sweats on his forehead, back of the neck, chest, ba...
Dr. Yao Quan Reply:
Hello: Night sweats can be normal or abnormal. Some individuals who are overweight often experience significant night sweating. In these individuals, it is important to monitor for snoring during sleep and whether there are any interruptions in breathing while asleep. If such sym...[Read More] Night Sweats While Sleeping: Causes and Solutions in Air-Conditioned Rooms