Managing Temperature Fluctuations and Emotional Instability in Seniors
Experiencing fluctuations in temperature, sweating, and emotional instability? Hello Doctor: My mother-in-law is 70 years old. Ever since she caught a cold five months ago, her entire body system has been out of balance. Initially, she experienced constant chills and wore many la...
Dr. Lin Jianliang Reply:
You can consult a pulmonologist, an immunologist, or a family medicine physician.[Read More] Managing Temperature Fluctuations and Emotional Instability in Seniors
Assessing HIV Risk After High-Risk Behavior: Symptoms and Concerns
After engaging in high-risk behaviors I'm not a doctor, but I can provide some general information. Engaging in high-risk behaviors, such as oral sex with an infected partner, can potentially expose you to HIV. The symptoms you describe, such as gastrointestinal issues and s...
Dr. Liao Zhongxin Reply:
Dear readers: Regarding post-risk behavior, here are the responses: 1. When did the risky behavior (unprotected sex) occur? According to the CDC, there are three main transmission routes for HIV: A. Sexual transmission: Engaging in oral, anal, or vaginal intercourse or other ex...[Read More] Assessing HIV Risk After High-Risk Behavior: Symptoms and Concerns
Common Questions from Families of New Dialysis Patients
Questions from family members of novice kidney patients? Dear Dr. Wu, I hope this message finds you well. My elderly family member has recently entered the dialysis stage due to chronic kidney failure, and as a novice caregiver, I have some questions I would like to ask you. 1....
Dr. Wu Jiyu Reply:
1. Determine an appropriate target dry weight: approximately 1-2 weeks, unless the patient has a history of pulmonary edema or generalized edema, in which case additional time may be needed. 2. If the dry weight has been achieved but blood pressure remains elevated, antihypertens...[Read More] Common Questions from Families of New Dialysis Patients
Measles Vaccine Concerns: Risks for Young Adults and Hospital Visits
Measles vaccine Hello, doctor. Recently, the measles outbreak has caused public panic, and young adults in their 20s have been identified as a high-risk group. However, the Ministry of Health and Welfare has urged that vaccines be prioritized for frontline healthcare workers and ...
Dr. Liao Zhongxin Reply:
Dear readers, In response to the sudden increase in demand for the self-paid MMR vaccine, the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) has urged prioritization of vaccination for high-risk groups (CDC Circular No. 351, April 24, 2018). 1. Due to recent public concern regarding the me...[Read More] Measles Vaccine Concerns: Risks for Young Adults and Hospital Visits
Understanding Dizziness: Causes and Solutions After a Cold
Dizziness issues? Hello, doctor... Since I caught a cold and had a fever on the 23rd of last month, I've been feeling dizzy, heavy-headed, and lethargic, constantly wanting to sleep. After more than two weeks, the cold symptoms and dizziness improved, but shortly after the d...
Dr. Xiao Yongxun Reply:
Dear Mr. Anonymous: 1. Dizziness can generally be categorized into four types: vertigo, presyncope, disequilibrium, and lightheadedness. Research statistics indicate that the most common diagnosis among these is vertigo. 2. The causes of dizziness are numerous. For example: ort...[Read More] Understanding Dizziness: Causes and Solutions After a Cold
Understanding Aldosterone Testing for Hypertension: Is Hospitalization Necessary?
Hypertension and aldosterone issues? Hello Doctor: I have been dealing with high blood pressure and have visited both nephrology and endocrinology departments. Blood tests conducted at both places, approximately a month apart, showed normal aldosterone levels, around 4. The endoc...
Dr. Xiao Yongxun Reply:
Dear Ms. Anonymous: 1. The nephrologists or endocrinologists you encounter are very competent; please cooperate as soon as possible. 2. Hypertension is generally classified into primary hypertension and secondary hypertension. The former primarily occurs in middle-aged and eld...[Read More] Understanding Aldosterone Testing for Hypertension: Is Hospitalization Necessary?
Understanding Hypoglycemia in Non-Diabetics: Causes and Symptoms
Hypoglycemia without diabetes? Hello, doctor. I do not have diabetes. I had a normal lunch, but around 2 PM, I experienced hand tremors and my blood sugar was in the 80s. The second time, around 4 PM, I had hand tremors, dizziness, and sweating, and my blood sugar was only 61. Wh...
Dr. Xiao Yongxun Reply:
Dear Ms. Hui: 1. There are many causes of hypoglycemia; among them, iatrogenic hypoglycemia is the most common, primarily caused by oral hypoglycemic agents or insulin. If this is not the case, a thorough investigation is warranted. Generally, hypoglycemia can be categorized int...[Read More] Understanding Hypoglycemia in Non-Diabetics: Causes and Symptoms
Understanding Hypoglycemia in Non-Diabetics: Causes and Symptoms
Hypoglycemia without diabetes? Hello, doctor. I do not have diabetes. I had a normal lunch, but around 2 PM, I experienced hand tremors and my blood sugar was in the 80s. The second time, around 4 PM, I had hand tremors, dizziness, and sweating, and my blood sugar was only 61. Wh...
Dr. Xiao Yongxun Reply:
Dear Ms. Hui: 1. There are many causes of hypoglycemia; among them, iatrogenic hypoglycemia is the most common, primarily caused by oral hypoglycemic agents or insulin. If this is not the case, a thorough evaluation is necessary. Generally, hypoglycemia can be categorized into f...[Read More] Understanding Hypoglycemia in Non-Diabetics: Causes and Symptoms
Should You Continue Anti-Inflammatory Meds for Joint Pain? When to Get Blood Tests
Should I continue taking anti-inflammatory medication? How much should the joint pain improve before I go to the hospital for blood tests? This past Monday, I visited an orthopedic doctor due to pain in the joint of my big toe near the foot. The doctor suspected it might be gout ...
Dr. Xiao Yongxun Reply:
Dear Miss Xiao Hong: 1. The pain in the joint of your big toe near the foot can commonly be diagnosed as gout, bunions, toenail ingrowth, toe fracture, calluses, cellulitis, or paronychia, among others. 2. Since you mentioned a history of hallux valgus, it is particularly impor...[Read More] Should You Continue Anti-Inflammatory Meds for Joint Pain? When to Get Blood Tests
Managing Hashimoto's Thyroiditis: Essential Tips for New Mothers
Hashimoto's thyroiditis Dear Dr. Tseng, 1. After giving birth, I discovered that I have hypothyroidism (TSH: 29), which is associated with Hashimoto's thyroiditis. My baby underwent a thyroid screening at birth, and the results were normal. How often should my baby hav...
Dr. Zeng Guosen Reply:
Hello, I am a rheumatology and immunology specialist. Regarding thyroid diseases, I recommend consulting an endocrinologist for the most up-to-date and accurate medical information. Thank you for your question.[Read More] Managing Hashimoto's Thyroiditis: Essential Tips for New Mothers
Understanding Neck Lumps: When to Seek Further Medical Evaluation
Neck mass? Hello doctor, I have had a lump on the upper right side of my neck for about three months. It is slightly painful when I press on it. I initially thought it was caused by a previous adenovirus infection (in December), but after taking medication, my cold resolved, and ...
Dr. Xiao Yongxun Reply:
Dear Ms. Amy: There are many causes for neck masses; common ones include lymphadenitis, thyroid enlargement or nodules, hemangiomas, fibromas, lipomas, neurofibromas, lymphomas, and inflammation of subcutaneous glands, among others. Due to the variety of potential causes, it is a...[Read More] Understanding Neck Lumps: When to Seek Further Medical Evaluation
Understanding Low Blood Sugar and Seizures in Teenagers: A Case Study
High school student with hypoglycemic coma? Hello Doctor, my daughter, who is in her first year of high school, suddenly reported feeling dizzy and weak while studying at home in mid-December. I intended to check her blood pressure (her school health check and regular measurement...
Dr. Xiao Yongxun Reply:
Dear Mr. Zhang: 1. There are many causes of hypoglycemia; among them, iatrogenic hypoglycemia is the most common, primarily caused by oral hypoglycemic agents or insulin. If this is not the case, a thorough consideration of other factors is necessary. Generally, hypoglycemia can...[Read More] Understanding Low Blood Sugar and Seizures in Teenagers: A Case Study
Understanding Chronic Stomach Pain and Gastroesophageal Reflux in Teens
Prone to stomach pain, regardless of diet? Hello, doctor. I have had stomach pain issues since middle school, which later improved, but I started experiencing recurrent pain. My gastrointestinal motility is much slower than others; for example, if I eat breakfast at 7 AM, it take...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, the issue you mentioned is indeed a common symptom of gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). It is advisable to consider undergoing an endoscopy to confirm the diagnosis. If the endoscopy confirms GERD, relevant medications can be prescribed under health insurance. Howeve...[Read More] Understanding Chronic Stomach Pain and Gastroesophageal Reflux in Teens
Understanding Elevated White Blood Cell Counts: What You Need to Know
Leukocytosis Hello Doctor, my girlfriend recently went to the hospital for a blood test and found that her white blood cell count is elevated. Is there anything I should be aware of? Her father passed away from blood cancer and bone cancer, which was attributed to an overdose of ...
Dr. Xiao Yongxun Reply:
Dear Mr. You: Certain types of breast cancer, blood cancer, and bone cancer may be related to genetics or family history; however, the evidence is not always definitive. Nonetheless, physicians will still take this into consideration during medical history inquiries. Many cases ...[Read More] Understanding Elevated White Blood Cell Counts: What You Need to Know
Understanding HIV Risks After Safe Sex Practices: Your Questions Answered
Regarding HIV infection issues? Hello doctor, I would like to ask a question. I have engaged in sexual activity with men, and I made sure to inquire about their status beforehand. They have all been tested and found to be negative, and their sexual partners have also been screene...
Dr. Liao Zhongxin Reply:
Dear readers: <Should I still question whether they are carriers?> A: You can refer to the information from the Centers for Disease Control: www.cdc.gov.tw I. There are three main transmission routes for the Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV): 1. Sexual transmission: Engag...[Read More] Understanding HIV Risks After Safe Sex Practices: Your Questions Answered
Understanding Hypothyroidism: Should You Take Medication or Seek Further Testing?
Hypothyroidism issues? Hello Doctor, I am currently undergoing infertility treatment, so I need to check if there are any issues with my thyroid. Hospital A tested and found that I have hypothyroidism, with a TSH level of 7.026 (the standard range is 0.35-5.5). They prescribed EL...
Dr. Xiao Yongxun Reply:
Dear Miss Xiao Gua: 1. Personally, I am unsure how to answer your question. 2. I can only tell you that, according to general medical principles, hypothyroidism is characterized by decreased levels of T3 (triiodothyronine), decreased levels of T4 (thyroxine), and increased lev...[Read More] Understanding Hypothyroidism: Should You Take Medication or Seek Further Testing?
Understanding Persistent Fever and Cough: Possible HIV Concerns
I have been experiencing intermittent fever for a month? 1. What is the likelihood of contracting HIV in this situation? 2. Do these symptoms resemble those of HIV? I have been monitoring my lymph nodes and oral health, and everything appears normal, except for throat pain caused...
Dr. Liao Zhongxin Reply:
Dear readers: Regarding 1. What is the likelihood of contracting HIV in this situation? A: According to the CDC-Taiwan, there are three main routes of HIV transmission: 1. Sexual transmission: Engaging in oral, anal, or vaginal intercourse with an HIV-infected individual or exch...[Read More] Understanding Persistent Fever and Cough: Possible HIV Concerns
Can You Get Parasitic Infections from Handling Water Plants?
Parasitic infection issues? Due to the need for fish farming, I manually pulled aquatic plants from a field ditch. After pulling them out, I washed my hands, and once they were dry, I ate some mint candy. Later, I discovered some worms in the aquarium that seem to be schistosomes...
Dr. Liao Zhongxin Reply:
Dear readers: Regarding <Parasites...> the response is as follows: A: You can refer to the CDC website at http://www.cdc.gov.tw/diseaseinfo.aspx? 1. Overview of Common Intestinal Parasitic Diseases: Intestinal parasitic diseases are prevalent in tropical and subtropical ...[Read More] Can You Get Parasitic Infections from Handling Water Plants?
Does Daily Use of Medication Affect HIV Testing Results?
Will this affect the HIV testing? Hello, Doctor: I would like to ask a couple of questions. 1. I have a daily habit of taking "New Bifidobacterium" (or "New Bifidobacteria"). Will this affect HIV screening? 2. Regarding the HIV window period, should it be cons...
Dr. Liao Zhongxin Reply:
Dear readers, I. Regarding <Borborygmi>, the response is as follows: A: Refer to the Lourdes Association website http://www.lourdes.org.tw/list_1.asp?id=2483&menu1=7&menu2=1301. Diarrhea is defined as a more frequent bowel movement than usual, with stools that may...[Read More] Does Daily Use of Medication Affect HIV Testing Results?
Understanding HIV Window Period in the Context of Hepatitis C Exposure
Please inquire about the HIV window period issue? Hello Dr. Liao, I would like to ask you the following questions: 1. In the context of having hepatitis C, if I have been exposed to a potential risk of HIV infection due to three factors: needlestick injury, skin break with blee...
Dr. Liao Zhongxin Reply:
Dear readers: Regarding the question of whether there is a premise of hepatitis C, the response is as follows: I. Referencing the information from the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) website http://www.cdc.gov.tw/professional/info.aspx? (1) Hepatitis C occurs globally. In th...[Read More] Understanding HIV Window Period in the Context of Hepatitis C Exposure