Understanding Left Abdominal Pain: Causes and Insights for Relief
Left abdominal pain? Pain in the left abdomen that occurs during relaxation but not during exertion, lasting for one to two days, could be due to several reasons. It may be related to muscle strain, gastrointestinal issues such as gas or bloating, or even referred pain from other...
Dr. Xie Rongyuan Reply:
Hello: There are many potential causes for left abdominal pain, such as gastritis, splenic abscess, kidney stones, pyelonephritis, renal tumors, and intestinal obstruction, among others. It is recommended that if the symptoms persist, you should promptly visit a hospital for an e...[Read More] Understanding Left Abdominal Pain: Causes and Insights for Relief
Understanding Weight Loss: Tips for Students on Diet and Nutrition
Weight loss and slimming? Hello, doctor! 1. I am currently a student with a BMI of over 20, but compared to others of the same height, my thighs and buttocks are noticeably larger, while my waist is relatively slim. Could you explain why this is the case? Are there any methods ...
Dr. Xiao Yongxun Reply:
Dear Miss Lin: 1. For a 16-year-old female, maintaining a BMI (body mass index) between 18.5 and 23.9 kg/m² is considered good. It would be even better if the waist circumference is below 80 cm. As for a larger hip-to-thigh ratio, there could be many reasons, including genetic f...[Read More] Understanding Weight Loss: Tips for Students on Diet and Nutrition
Understanding White Mucus on Lips: Causes and Treatments
There is white mucus on the lips? I'm not sure why there is white mucus on my lips that has also formed a membrane-like substance.
Dr. Xiao Yongxun Reply:
1. The complaint of having white mucus on the lips that can also form a membranous substance is rarely documented in medical literature for differential diagnosis. This indicates that it may simply be a manifestation, potentially normal or abnormal. Unless accompanied by other sp...[Read More] Understanding White Mucus on Lips: Causes and Treatments
Understanding Blood Sugar Management: Key Indicators and Medication Options
Blood sugar issues Dear Dr. Hsiao, I have been concerned about my blood sugar levels since my health check in 2004, when my fasting blood glucose was 100. I only started medication in 2015, but my weight has decreased from my usual 38 kg to the current 34 kg. For the past ten ye...
Dr. Xiao Yongxun Reply:
1. For a 65-year-old diabetic patient, a fasting blood glucose level of 155 mg/dL, a postprandial blood glucose level of 169 mg/dL two hours after eating, and a hemoglobin A1c level of 6.6% indicate relatively good control. Each of these values carries individual significance, an...[Read More] Understanding Blood Sugar Management: Key Indicators and Medication Options
Understanding Thyroid Nodules: Connections to Past Tumors and Health Issues
Tumors have been a constant concern for me? Hello, Doctor. Recently, my mother discovered she has a thyroid nodule and needs surgery. While arranging for her hospitalization after the New Year, the doctor mentioned that my neck seemed a bit abnormal and scheduled blood tests and ...
Dr. Gao Jiankai Reply:
Hello, I hope this message finds you well. The correlation between tumors from 2002 and 2011 and psychiatric medications should be very low; if necessary, you may want to consult your psychiatrist. Regarding thyroid issues, further investigation is needed to determine if there is...[Read More] Understanding Thyroid Nodules: Connections to Past Tumors and Health Issues
Understanding Leg Swelling: Causes and When to Seek Help
Similar to edema? Hello, for the past two days, my calves have been unusually swollen and painful when pressed. This occurs after dinner and after taking a shower before going to bed, but in the morning, everything seems fine. What could be the cause of this?
Dr. Xiao Yongxun Reply:
1. There are many causes of lower extremity edema; common ones include poor venous return, heart failure, cirrhosis, impaired kidney function, excessive salt intake, certain medications, and pregnancy, among others. Rare causes may include tumors, lymphatic obstruction, and paras...[Read More] Understanding Leg Swelling: Causes and When to Seek Help
Managing Hypothyroidism: When to Seek Medical Attention and Dietary Guidelines
Hypothyroidism I have hypothyroidism and secretly stopped taking my medication for a year. A few days ago, I visited an endocrinologist, and my thyroid levels were within the normal range. The doctor said that since I am not taking medication, I should at least return for a follo...
Dr. Li Zhiyao Reply:
Hello: 1. Symptoms of hypothyroidism include fatigue, bradycardia, weight gain, cold and swollen extremities, rough and dry skin, brittle nails, numbness in fingers, absence of sweating, hoarseness, snoring, hair loss, anemia, heavy menstrual bleeding, and loss of libido, among o...[Read More] Managing Hypothyroidism: When to Seek Medical Attention and Dietary Guidelines
Understanding OGTT Results: What Your Glucose Levels Mean
OGTT test and results Hello Doctor, I went to the laboratory for an OGTT, and they gave me a glucose solution with 50g of glucose powder. The results are as follows: HbA1c 5.0%, Fasting 87 mg/dL (70-110 mg/dL), 30 minutes post-ingestion 138 mg/dL (80-170 mg/dL), 1 hour post-inges...
Dr. Xiao Yongxun Reply:
1. In clinical medicine, regarding the glucose tolerance test for diabetes, various dosages and reference values for test results have been developed over the past 60 years. In fact, endocrinologists may not remember every testing method and dosage. The commonly used testing meth...[Read More] Understanding OGTT Results: What Your Glucose Levels Mean
Can Hepatitis B Carriers Transmit the Virus to Partners Without Antibodies?
Hepatitis B carrier I am a carrier of hepatitis B. If the person I like does not have antibodies, can I transmit the virus to them? I have had tests done before, and the doctor said there were no issues.
Dr. Xiao Yongxun Reply:
1. The causes of hepatitis B infection can be divided into vertical and horizontal transmission. The former refers to infants being infected by hepatitis B carrier mothers at birth or during the perinatal period, while the latter includes sexual intercourse, blood transfusions, s...[Read More] Can Hepatitis B Carriers Transmit the Virus to Partners Without Antibodies?
Do Thyroid Nodules in Mothers Increase Genetic Risk for Children?
Is it hereditary? Is there a possibility of hereditary transmission if a mother has thyroid nodules? Additionally, how often and what type of examinations should her children undergo? Thank you.
Dr. Xie Rongyuan Reply:
Hello: (1) There is a partial relationship with family genetics. (2) Additionally, exposure to radiation in the head and neck area is also related. Thank you for your message![Read More] Do Thyroid Nodules in Mothers Increase Genetic Risk for Children?
Understanding Hepatitis B: Vaccine Efficacy and Transmission Risks
Issues related to Hepatitis B? I apologize, but I would like to ask: I received the hepatitis B vaccine two years ago, and at that time, I had no hepatitis B antigens or antibodies. I donated blood two months ago, and the blood donation center did not find any abnormalities. Two ...
Dr. Zeng Guosen Reply:
Individuals who have been vaccinated and have sufficient antibody levels are unlikely to become infected and will not transmit the virus to others. Thank you for your question.[Read More] Understanding Hepatitis B: Vaccine Efficacy and Transmission Risks
Understanding Discrepancies Between Ear and Axillary Temperatures
Ear temperature indicates fever, while axillary temperature is normal? Hello, Dr. Tseng. I have issues with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and asthma. A couple of months ago, I might have contracted a cold, which led to an acute asthma attack, productive cough, and a high fever of 39 ...
Dr. Zeng Guosen Reply:
Hello, users: A temperature difference of 0.8-1 degree Celsius between ear temperature and axillary temperature could indicate issues related to autoimmune disorders or infections that may cause fever. Please seek medical attention for diagnosis and treatment. Thank you for your ...[Read More] Understanding Discrepancies Between Ear and Axillary Temperatures
Understanding Recurring Knee Swelling: Causes and Solutions
Knee edema keeps recurring? Hello Doctor: I previously fell and injured my left foot, but I'm not sure if this is the reason for the persistent swelling and inflammation in my knee. The first time it swelled, it was so severe that I couldn't walk or bend it at all. I we...
Dr. Xiao Yongxun Reply:
1. Knee pain is a common site for sports injuries, degenerative arthritis, inflammatory arthritis, and infectious arthritis. From a clinical anatomical perspective, the joint structures to consider are the medial tibiofemoral, lateral tibiofemoral, and patellofemoral compartments...[Read More] Understanding Recurring Knee Swelling: Causes and Solutions
Is a Blood Pressure of 124/77 Considered Normal? Understanding Dizziness Symptoms
Is the blood pressure normal? Doctor, is a blood pressure reading of 124/77 normal? Also, I feel very dizzy in the morning, and I feel dizzy when walking and even when bending down to change clothes. Could there be a problem?
Dr. Li Zhiyao Reply:
Hello: Your blood pressure is not considered high. There are many causes for dizziness, such as anemia, inner ear imbalance, or blood pressure that is too high or too low, among others. It is recommended that you first consult a family medicine or neurology specialist, who will h...[Read More] Is a Blood Pressure of 124/77 Considered Normal? Understanding Dizziness Symptoms
Understanding Diabetic Foot vs. Post-Thrombotic Syndrome: Key Differences
What is diabetic foot? Dear Doctor, I had a deep vein thrombosis in my calf two months ago. A month ago, an ultrasound showed no signs of a clot. However, every day after I wake up, my calf gradually becomes hard and swollen for about two hours. When I lie down for an hour in the...
Dr. Xiao Yongxun Reply:
1. Common clinical causes of edema include heart failure, cirrhosis, nephrotic syndrome, venous obstruction, lymphatic disorders, and medication side effects. Other causes may include hypoalbuminemia, parasitic infections, thyroid diseases, pregnancy, and venous insufficiency, am...[Read More] Understanding Diabetic Foot vs. Post-Thrombotic Syndrome: Key Differences
Understanding HIV Risks in Pathology: Safety Measures and Disinfection Protocols
Laboratory HIV Risk Hello, I am a pathology technician. Our small tissue specimens are immersed in 4% formalin for an indefinite amount of time, at least 30 minutes. When we take the specimens out of the container, some formalin droplets may splash out, and they might even get on...
Dr. Liao Zhongxin Reply:
Dear readers: Regarding the transmission routes of HIV, as stated on the Taiwan CDC website: A: There are three main transmission routes for the HIV virus: 1. Sexual transmission: Engaging in sexual activities, including oral, anal, or vaginal intercourse, or any exchange of ...[Read More] Understanding HIV Risks in Pathology: Safety Measures and Disinfection Protocols
Concerns About Infection Risks After Blood Draw: What You Need to Know
The phlebotomist touches the puncture site? Hello Doctor, today during the employee health check, I had a blood draw. During the process, the nurse touched the insertion site with her left index finger (while the needle was still in place), and she also used her left index finger...
Dr. Gao Jiankai Reply:
Hello, thank you for your inquiry. Since I did not witness the actual procedure, I cannot make a definitive judgment. However, I will report your concern to the hospital so that the responsible department can investigate whether there was indeed a situation where gloves were not ...[Read More] Concerns About Infection Risks After Blood Draw: What You Need to Know
Understanding Long-Term Low Blood Pressure: Key Considerations
If blood pressure is consistently low, what should one pay attention to? In the past, my blood pressure readings (for example, when measured at a cold clinic) have been on the lower side. My most recent health check report showed a systolic pressure of 86, diastolic pressure of 5...
Dr. Li Zhiyao Reply:
Hello, Cocoa: Some young women may have lower blood pressure. If the readings are consistently similar and there are no symptoms, there is generally no need for concern. However, here are a few reminders: 1. Measure your blood pressure daily to determine the typical range. 2. Che...[Read More] Understanding Long-Term Low Blood Pressure: Key Considerations
Understanding Hormonal Impact on Development: A Guide for Young Adults
Hormonal issues Does hormone secretion affect development? I'm 20 years old this year, and my voice hasn't changed; when I talk on the phone, people think I'm a girl, and I feel more feminine than actual girls, which bothers me. I considered seeing a doctor before,...
Dr. Lin Shunfa Reply:
Hello, Xiao Ren: Please first consult the Department of Metabolism and Endocrinology.[Read More] Understanding Hormonal Impact on Development: A Guide for Young Adults
How to Effectively Manage Blood Sugar Levels: Tips and Insights
How to control blood sugar levels? Hello Dr. Hsiao, On July 9, 2015, I had a blood test that showed a blood sugar level of 124. Additionally, my triglycerides and LDL cholesterol were elevated. At that time, my weight was 91 kg, and I currently weigh 84 kg. I measure my fasting ...
Dr. Xiao Yongxun Reply:
1. On July 9, 2015, your fasting blood glucose level was found to be 124 mg/dL; your lipid levels and low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol were elevated. At that time, your weight was 91 kg, and it is now 84 kg. Currently, your average fasting blood glucose levels after 8 ho...[Read More] How to Effectively Manage Blood Sugar Levels: Tips and Insights