Understanding Kidney Cysts: What to Do When Diagnosed
Renal cysts Hello Doctor, I am asking on behalf of my mother. She has been experiencing hematuria and visited a clinic where the doctor prescribed anti-inflammatory medication. However, after a week of taking the medication, there was no improvement. The doctor recommended that s...
Dr. Wang Weijie Reply:
Hello, renal cysts, commonly known as water bubbles or fluid tumors, are fluid-filled sacs that occur in the kidneys. Renal cysts can be classified into many types; some are hereditary while others are not. Some remain benign and do not affect the body. If you have any concerns, ...[Read More] Understanding Kidney Cysts: What to Do When Diagnosed
Understanding Right Kidney Pain: Causes and Concerns for Patients
Kidney problems Hello, Doctor Wu. I would like to ask, around noon today, I experienced pain in my right kidney. It hurts when I squat down and when I get back up. My job involves standing and squatting to pick things up. In mid-February of this year, the clinic conducted blood a...
Dr. Wu Hongjie Reply:
Hello: There are many issues related to lower back pain that can be referenced in the attached document or addressed at a hospital. Wishing you safety from bothersome back pain. In the United States, back pain is the second most common reason for seeking medical attention in inte...[Read More] Understanding Right Kidney Pain: Causes and Concerns for Patients
Does Skipping Lunch Increase My Risk of Diabetes?
Dietary issues Hello Doctor, since diabetes runs in my family—my uncle and my dad both have diabetes—I believe my chances of developing it are not low. Sometimes, due to my busy schedule, I might skip lunch for 1 or 2 days a week, but I always have a normal breakfast. Does this l...
Dr. Xiao Yongxun Reply:
Dear Mr. Zhang: 1. The risk factors for type 2 diabetes include obesity, having a first-degree relative with diabetes, physical inactivity, high-risk ethnic groups (such as African Americans, Asian Americans, Native Americans, and Pacific Islanders), a history of gestational dia...[Read More] Does Skipping Lunch Increase My Risk of Diabetes?
Understanding Green Stool: Causes and When to Seek Medical Advice
Frequent green stools? Hello, doctor. I have been experiencing green stools at least three days a week after lunch, as I usually eat out. I'm not sure if it's related to the food, but I take iron supplements in the morning. Recently, my stool test during a health checku...
Dr. Xiao Yongxun Reply:
Dear Ms. Rachel: 1. There are many reasons for green stools; most commonly, it is due to the consumption of certain foods, such as dark green vegetables, iron supplements, or formula milk. It may also be related to liver, gallbladder, or gastrointestinal diseases. In your case,...[Read More] Understanding Green Stool: Causes and When to Seek Medical Advice
Understanding HIV Risk After Unprotected Sex: Your Questions Answered
Could you please provide the content you would like me to translate? I would like to ask the doctor, two days ago, on the third day of my menstrual period, I had a French kiss and then engaged in sexual intercourse with a male acquaintance. He did not use a condom, but he only pe...
Dr. Liao Zhongxin Reply:
Dear readers: Regarding the question, "What is the likelihood of contracting HIV?" The information comes from the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) in Taiwan. HIV has three main transmission routes: 1. Sexual transmission: Engaging in oral, anal, or vaginal interco...[Read More] Understanding HIV Risk After Unprotected Sex: Your Questions Answered
Understanding HIV Risks: Concerns After a Urology Visit
HIV/AIDS risk Hello, doctor: Recently, I have been experiencing some pain in my testicles. Yesterday, I visited the urology department at the hospital, but the doctor examined me without wearing gloves and accidentally touched my glans. I would like to know if there is a risk of ...
Dr. Liao Zhongxin Reply:
Dear readers: Regarding the risks of HIV/AIDS: A: 1. According to data from the Centers for Disease Control (CDC): http://www.cdc.gov.tw/professional/page.aspx?treeid=7b56e6f932b49b90&nowtreeid=D03CCE3DF521E46A, there are three main routes of HIV transmission: 1. Sexual t...[Read More] Understanding HIV Risks: Concerns After a Urology Visit
Understanding Morning Cough: Causes and Solutions for Relief
Regarding morning cough? In the past month or two, I have been coughing persistently during the early morning hours, accompanied by a wheezing sound when breathing and clear phlegm. Occasionally, I also cough in the morning, though not very frequently, but if I cough too much, I ...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, the sound you described as "whooshing" is indicative of bronchoconstriction. I need to confirm whether this sound has been present for a long time or if it has recently developed. If it has been ongoing or occurs frequently, you should be cautious and consider vi...[Read More] Understanding Morning Cough: Causes and Solutions for Relief
Assessing HIV Risk: Symptoms and Concerns After Multiple Encounters
Symptoms related to HIV/AIDS? Hello, doctor. Since around September of last year, I have had sexual encounters with over ten sex workers. Among these encounters, there were a few instances of unprotected oral sex, but all vaginal intercourse was protected, and there was no anal i...
Dr. Liao Zhongxin Reply:
Dear readers: According to the information from the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) website: http://www.cdc.gov.tw/professional/list.aspx?treeid=7B56E6F932B49B90&nowtreeid=8CFCD9975BC5720FA. The transmission routes of the Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) are as follows: 1...[Read More] Assessing HIV Risk: Symptoms and Concerns After Multiple Encounters
Managing Diabetes-Related Symptoms: Eye Issues and Digestive Discomfort
Symptoms such as discomfort in the stomach associated with diabetes? Hello Doctor, my mother is 57 years old. Last year, she was diagnosed with diabetes and has been taking insulin every morning. Earlier this year, she developed diabetic retinopathy, which required surgery. Recen...
Dr. Xiao Yongxun Reply:
Dear Miss Zhu Zhu: 1. The acute complications of type 2 diabetes primarily include diabetic ketoacidosis and non-ketotic hyperosmolar hyperglycemia; if treatment and dietary management are not optimal, hypoglycemia may also occur. 2. The chronic complications of type 2 diabetes...[Read More] Managing Diabetes-Related Symptoms: Eye Issues and Digestive Discomfort
Could My Symptoms Indicate Angioedema? Understanding Allergic Reactions
Could it be a symptom of "vascular neurogenic edema"? Hello, Doctor: I have been experiencing symptoms of "rhinitis" and a "tight and itchy throat" for about a month. The nasal symptoms include a feeling of congestion and slight swelling, although I ...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, "angioedema" is indeed a type of allergic reaction and can be considered one of the most severe forms of allergies. Patients typically have a clear exposure to a specific allergen, most commonly after consuming certain foods, leading to systemic allergic reaction...[Read More] Could My Symptoms Indicate Angioedema? Understanding Allergic Reactions
Can You Transmit HIV While on Medication? Understanding Risks and Prevention
Can HIV be transmitted while on medication? I have a same-sex partner and later found out that he has HIV. We had sexual intercourse, but we used condoms throughout. However, there was kissing and genital contact. What is the likelihood of me getting infected? Additionally, if an...
Dr. Liao Zhongxin Reply:
Dear readers: Regarding the question of whether HIV medication can still transmit the virus: A: First, it is important to understand the transmission routes: HIV has three main transmission routes: 1. Sexual transmission: Engaging in oral, anal, or vaginal intercourse or any e...[Read More] Can You Transmit HIV While on Medication? Understanding Risks and Prevention
Managing Kidney Health: Dietary Tips for Creatinine and Uric Acid Control
Kidney problems Hello, doctor. In 2014, I had abnormal creatinine levels and elevated uric acid, which led me to seek consultation in the nephrology department of a major hospital for examinations (ultrasound and CT scan) and continuous monitoring. About six months later, my leve...
Dr. Wu Jiyu Reply:
According to the information you provided, a cholesterol level of 130 is considered normal. However, excessive intake of cholesterol from meat can increase the burden on the kidneys, which may lead to adverse effects. Regarding your concerns about sexual function, there are many ...[Read More] Managing Kidney Health: Dietary Tips for Creatinine and Uric Acid Control
Understanding Uveitis and Its Connection to Ankylosing Spondylitis
Iritis and ankylosing spondylitis? Hello Doctor: I was diagnosed with ankylosing spondylitis at around 35 years old. After a long period of treatment, I have not experienced pain since I turned 50. Aside from some stiffness in my hip joints, I have no other discomfort, and my doc...
Dr. Gao Jiankai Reply:
Hello, thank you for your question. I will answer your inquiries briefly as follows: 1. There may still be active connections between iritis and ankylosing spondylitis, so I recommend that you follow up with a rheumatologist. 2. Iritis is generally treated with eye drops alone. H...[Read More] Understanding Uveitis and Its Connection to Ankylosing Spondylitis
What to Do About Low Uric Acid Levels of 0.6 mg/dL?
If your uric acid level is low at 0.6, what should you do? Hello, doctor. During my employee's health check-up, it was found that my uric acid level is too low, only 0.6 mg/dL, and it has been fluctuating between 0.X and 1.X for the past three to four years. The normal range...
Dr. Wu Hongjie Reply:
Hello: Common causes of low uric acid can be congenital or acquired. Congenital causes include enzyme deficiencies involved in uric acid production, among others. Acquired causes may include medications (such as losartan, allopurinol, febuxostat, and other uric acid-lowering drug...[Read More] What to Do About Low Uric Acid Levels of 0.6 mg/dL?
How Long Does It Take for Onglyza to Start Working?
Could you please provide more context or details regarding the specific medication or topic related to drug efficacy that you would like Hello Doctor: The endocrinologist prescribed Onglyza (saxagliptin) at a dosage of half a tablet daily. I would like to know how long it typical...
Dr. Xiao Yongxun Reply:
Dear Ms. Coffee Sugar: 1. Eltroxin® (50 mcg or 100 mcg; generic name Levothyroxine) is commonly used to treat hypothyroidism. Due to the longer half-life of Levothyroxine (T4), it is typically taken once daily. The onset of action may take 1 to 2 weeks, and it usually takes 6 t...[Read More] How Long Does It Take for Onglyza to Start Working?
Should You Get Tested for Hepatitis B After Using a Carrier's Toothpaste?
Using the same toothpaste as a carrier of Hepatitis B? Hello Dr. Liao, my husband is 33 years old and does not have hepatitis B surface antigens or antibodies. Three days ago, he accidentally used a toothbrush that belonged to a hepatitis B carrier. He does not remember if he had...
Dr. Liao Zhongxin Reply:
Dear readers: Regarding the situation of my husband, who is 33 years old and has no hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) or antibodies. Three days ago, he mistakenly used toothpaste that belonged to a hepatitis B carrier. He does not recall if he had any gum bleeding at that time....[Read More] Should You Get Tested for Hepatitis B After Using a Carrier's Toothpaste?
Can Unclean Underwear Cause Breast or Genital Diseases?
I'm sorry, but it seems that the content you provided is Hello, Doctor. I apologize for asking again. I have two questions: 1. If the inner side of undergarments is not clean, can it lead to breast diseases? Specifically, can it cause breast cancer or other serious diseases?...
Dr. Liao Zhongxin Reply:
Dear readers: Regarding <Generally, it won't happen; at most, it may cause skin/muscle inflammation or infection due to abrasions> A: Yes, take good care of your skin; it will make you glow and boost your confidence. Thank you![Read More] Can Unclean Underwear Cause Breast or Genital Diseases?
Understanding Pneumothorax: Symptoms, Causes, and Relation to Asthma
Please provide the content you would like me to translate? Hello, Dr. Hong. Based on my observations of my body, I don't think it's muscle pain because it feels very tight and painful, extending to my back, and it's quite uncomfortable. Sometimes I feel short of br...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, pneumothorax refers to the partial rupture of a lung lobe, causing air to leak into the pleural cavity. It typically presents with sudden, severe pain followed by persistent shortness of breath that does not improve with rest. Small pneumothoraces may resolve on their own,...[Read More] Understanding Pneumothorax: Symptoms, Causes, and Relation to Asthma
Understanding Sudden Weight Gain: Causes and Concerns
Short-term rapid weight gain issues? Hello Doctor: This week, I suddenly noticed that my weight has increased significantly in just a few days (from 55 kg to 63 kg). My diet has remained the same as before, but my records indicate an increase in body fat percentage, a drastic dec...
Dr. Xiao Yongxun Reply:
Dear Ms. JMF: 1. If there is an increase from 55 kg to 63 kg within a week, that amounts to an approximate daily increase of 1 kg; and various extensive examinations have shown no issues. Such a rate of weight gain is extremely rare in medicine and even contradicts common sense....[Read More] Understanding Sudden Weight Gain: Causes and Concerns
Do I Have GERD? Understanding Symptoms and When to Seek Help
Is it gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), and is there a need for a medical consultation? I am not sure if I have gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) because I do not experience any burning sensation. Since elementary school, I have had episodes where, about half an hour a...
Dr. Xiao Yongxun Reply:
Dear Miss Ganzi: 1. The symptoms of gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) include a burning sensation in the epigastric area, chest pain, upper abdominal discomfort, a feeling of a lump in the throat, regurgitation of stomach contents, acid reflux, frequent belching, vomiting,...[Read More] Do I Have GERD? Understanding Symptoms and When to Seek Help