Understanding Blood Pressure Differences Between Arms: Is It Normal?
Differences in blood pressure between the left and right arms? Hello Dr. Lee, my mother (55 years old) has a family history of hypertension and has been on antihypertensive medication for about a year. Recently, her blood pressure readings have been approximately 100/70 mmHg in t...
Dr. Li Zhiyao Reply:
Hello Bryan: First, let me explain that the higher blood pressure value refers to systolic pressure, while the lower value refers to diastolic pressure; therefore, your father has a higher systolic pressure in his right arm compared to his left. Additionally, it is normal for ind...[Read More] Understanding Blood Pressure Differences Between Arms: Is It Normal?
Could Your Sweet Tooth Be Causing Unexplained Skin Issues?
Is this diabetes? Hello Doctor, I tend to eat more sweets on my days off, but the next day after exercising, I develop large red rashes or spots on my thighs. Both legs have these rashes, which are neither painful nor itchy. They usually disappear after 2 to 3 days, but the skin ...
Dr. Chen Qingbin Reply:
It could be diabetes; it's best to visit a hospital for an internal medicine examination.[Read More] Could Your Sweet Tooth Be Causing Unexplained Skin Issues?
Understanding Paralytic Ileus: Symptoms, Treatment, and Recurrence Risks
Paralytic ileus Two weeks ago, I started experiencing abdominal pain, vomiting, diarrhea, and intermittent cold sweats. Yesterday, a doctor at another hospital diagnosed me with "paralytic ileus" after an X-ray was taken. Six years ago, I had abdominal surgery. Previous...
Dr. Xiao Jingqin Reply:
If it is indeed a case of paralytic ileus in the small intestine, the symptoms are usually quite severe, and the majority of patients require hospitalization. Vomiting can be intense, making it nearly impossible to eat. The upper gastrointestinal tract may produce vomiting due to...[Read More] Understanding Paralytic Ileus: Symptoms, Treatment, and Recurrence Risks
Unexplained Weight Loss in Middle-Aged Women: Causes and Concerns
Unexplained weight loss? My mother is 50 years old this year and is a homemaker. She has a balanced diet without significant deviations in the quantity and variety of food. She frequently takes pain relievers or receives pain injections. Over the past month, her weight has decrea...
Dr. Xiao Yongxun Reply:
Hello, in response to your question: 1. Weight loss is a symptom rather than a disease, and there is no definitive definition. Generally, unintentional weight loss is considered to be a decrease of more than 5% of body weight (or 4.5 kg) within six months, without any specific i...[Read More] Unexplained Weight Loss in Middle-Aged Women: Causes and Concerns
Managing Itchy Skin While Treating Hyperthyroidism with Methimazole
Hyperthyroidism medication can cause skin itching? Hello, doctor. I have hyperthyroidism and have been taking medication for a month and a half. Recently, I've started experiencing severe itching on my skin, particularly on my shoulders, sides of my abdomen, arms, calves, an...
Dr. Yang Hongzhi Reply:
Antithyroid medications are relatively prone to causing skin side effects. If the skin reactions are not severe, it may be considered to switch to another antithyroid medication. Radioactive iodine treatment is another option. Hypothyroidism is a common result following radioacti...[Read More] Managing Itchy Skin While Treating Hyperthyroidism with Methimazole
Understanding Hard Lumps in Armpits: What You Need to Know
Axillary lymph nodes I have previously felt a small, round, hard lump under my armpit that feels like a BB pellet. It doesn't hurt and hasn't changed in size. I'm not sure what it is, and I'm quite worried. >_<
Dr. Gao Jiankai Reply:
Hello, sometimes even healthy individuals can feel lymph nodes, so it doesn't necessarily indicate a problem. The first step is to assess their size, whether they are mobile or fixed, if there is one or multiple nodes, and whether they are unilateral or bilateral, among othe...[Read More] Understanding Hard Lumps in Armpits: What You Need to Know
Understanding Lower Limb Edema After Ovarian Cancer Surgery: Causes and Solutions
The issue of edema? Dear Doctor, My mother was previously diagnosed with stage II ovarian cancer and has undergone surgery to remove pelvic lymph nodes. Since then, she has gradually started experiencing swelling in her lower extremities. We have tried wearing compression stocki...
Dr. Xiao Yongxun Reply:
Hello: There are many causes of edema, including venous insufficiency, lymphedema, lipedema, heart failure, nephrotic syndrome, cirrhosis, medication effects, parasitic infections, thyroid disorders, and pregnancy, among others. For your daughter's issue, I personally recomm...[Read More] Understanding Lower Limb Edema After Ovarian Cancer Surgery: Causes and Solutions
Understanding Hematuria: Causes, Effects, and Treatment Options
Regarding hematuria? Dear Doctor: I recently had a health check-up and the report indicated that I have hematuria (blood in urine). Is this due to kidney stones or other reasons? What is the impact on my health? What treatment should I pursue?
Dr. Xiao Yongxun Reply:
Hello: In response to your question, 1. "Urine occult blood" refers to the blood urine reaction detected by a test strip, indicating that under high-power microscopy, the number of red blood cells may exceed three. The sensitivity is approximately 90%. However, false po...[Read More] Understanding Hematuria: Causes, Effects, and Treatment Options
Understanding and Managing Abdominal Rumbling: Causes and Solutions
Gastrointestinal discomfort DEAR DOCTOR: I have a condition of abdominal rumbling, where my stomach frequently makes noises, sometimes quite loudly, which causes awkward situations when I'm around others. Could you please explain why this happens and what can be done to impr...
Dr. Sun Yizhen Reply:
Hello: The presence of gas and chyme in the gastrointestinal tract can produce sounds during peristalsis, which is generally considered a normal physiological phenomenon. If it is bothersome, you may visit an outpatient clinic for evaluation.[Read More] Understanding and Managing Abdominal Rumbling: Causes and Solutions
Understanding Excessive Hair Growth in Women: Causes and Treatments
Excessive hair growth in females? Hello Doctor: I have heard that excessive hair growth in women can be addressed by visiting a metabolic specialist. What could be the underlying causes? Is it due to insufficient female hormones? I have hair all over my body, and the hair under m...
Dr. Yang Hongzhi Reply:
If a woman only has slightly longer leg hair without any other symptoms, it is mostly due to genetic factors and does not require special treatment. However, if the condition of hirsutism is severe, it may be associated with certain medical conditions, and a medical evaluation is...[Read More] Understanding Excessive Hair Growth in Women: Causes and Treatments
Why Do You Experience Bloating and Pain After Eating?
Why does my stomach sometimes feel... after eating? Why do I sometimes feel a buildup of gas in my stomach after eating? When I take a deep breath, it feels like pressure on my abdomen, causing sharp pain. During this time, I often burp and feel quite uncomfortable... This lasts ...
Dr. Huang Yaoxuan Reply:
Possible clinical conditions include constipation, peptic ulcer disease, and electrolyte imbalances (commonly seen in hypokalemia), among others. You may seek assistance from a gastroenterologist.[Read More] Why Do You Experience Bloating and Pain After Eating?
Can Glucosamine Supplements Help with Knee Joint Degeneration?
excuse me? Hello, Doctor. I would like to ask about my mother, who has mild diabetes and has been on medication for long-term control. However, she is experiencing knee joint degeneration. A friend suggested that she take liquid glucosamine supplements (such as Nuliv or Haoguli)....
Dr. Xiao Yongxun Reply:
Hello: In response to your questions. 1. Glucosamine is converted in the body into glycoproteins and glycosaminoglycans; it is believed to enhance the synthesis of proteoglycans within cartilage, thereby improving the progression of osteoarthritis. Adverse reactions are limited...[Read More] Can Glucosamine Supplements Help with Knee Joint Degeneration?
Can Diabetics Drink Fruit Juice? Expert Advice on Managing Blood Sugar
Diabetes and Juice Consumption Dr. Yang, I would like to ask: My mother has diabetes and usually takes medication to lower her blood sugar (her most recent fasting blood sugar was 138). Is it okay for me to give her juice every day (approximately made from apples, bananas, grapes...
Dr. Yang Hongzhi Reply:
Diabetic patients are not prohibited from eating fruits or drinking fruit juices; they just need to limit their intake. The amount they consume should be significantly less than what is typically consumed by others. Additionally, sugar is not completely forbidden for diabetic pat...[Read More] Can Diabetics Drink Fruit Juice? Expert Advice on Managing Blood Sugar
Understanding Secondary Sjögren's Syndrome and Major Illness Claims
Application for Major Illness due to Sjögren's Syndrome Hello Doctor: I went to National Taiwan University for an examination, and the doctor said I have secondary Sjögren's syndrome caused by a virus. He mentioned that this condition cannot be applied for major illness...
Dr. Zeng Guosen Reply:
Hello, netizen: According to regulations, only those with secondary Sjögren's syndrome related to autoimmune diseases can apply for major illness benefits. Please refer to the information (autoimmune-related dry syndrome is referred to as Sjögren's syndrome). Thank you ...[Read More] Understanding Secondary Sjögren's Syndrome and Major Illness Claims
Understanding Chest Discomfort: Possible Causes and Solutions
Thoracic issues Hello Doctor: Recently, I have been feeling a tightness in my chest at times, as if something is pressing down. What could be the possible causes of this? Thank you for your response.
Dr. Chen Junwei Reply:
Hello: The symptoms of chest tightness and pain can have different possible causes depending on the presence of other related conditions (such as hypertension, diabetes, heart disease, etc.) or risk factors (such as advanced age, smoking, excessive alcohol consumption, etc.). Com...[Read More] Understanding Chest Discomfort: Possible Causes and Solutions
Understanding School Health Checkups: Insights on Blood Test Results
School health check-up? White Blood Cell Count (WBC): 7.6 Hemoglobin (HGB): 7.1 Red Blood Cell Count (RBC): 5.52 Hematocrit (Ht): 29.8 Mean Corpuscular Volume (MCV): 54 Mean Corpuscular Hemoglobin (MCH): 12.9 Mean Corpuscular Hemoglobin Concentration (MCHC): 13.8 A...
Dr. Xiao Yongxun Reply:
Hello: In response to your question, the mean corpuscular volume (MCV) is 54 fL, red blood cell count is 5.52 million cells/mL, hemoglobin (Hb) is in grams per deciliter, mean corpuscular hemoglobin (MCH) is 12.9 picograms per cell, and mean corpuscular hemoglobin concentration (...[Read More] Understanding School Health Checkups: Insights on Blood Test Results
Managing Blood Sugar Levels: A Guide for Seniors with Medication Changes
High blood sugar? Hello, my grandfather is 83 years old and has recently experienced a significant decrease in appetite due to tuberculosis medication, almost not eating breakfast. His fasting blood sugar levels are often around 40-50, which is very low. As a result, he was advis...
Dr. Xiao Yongxun Reply:
Hello: In response to your question, various anti-tuberculosis medications can cause side effects such as hepatotoxicity, gastrointestinal reactions, nausea, vomiting, peripheral neuropathy, visual changes, hearing impairment, and hyperuricemia, among others. While not every pati...[Read More] Managing Blood Sugar Levels: A Guide for Seniors with Medication Changes
Understanding the Risks of Alcohol Disinfectants and Spa Water Ingestion
Disinfectant alcohol Hello, I would like to ask a few questions: 1. When entering a public place, the staff sprayed my hands with disinfectant alcohol, and then I touched food with my hands. If this disinfectant alcohol is ingested, could it cause any problems in the body? 2. T...
Dr. Xiao Yongxun Reply:
Hello: In response to your question, harmful substances enter the human body primarily through three routes: the skin, the digestive tract, and the respiratory tract. 1. There are various types and sources of alcohol. Fermentation combined with distillation can produce aromatic...[Read More] Understanding the Risks of Alcohol Disinfectants and Spa Water Ingestion
Understanding Nighttime Abdominal Pain: Possible Causes and Solutions
excuse me? Dear Dr. Hsiao, I suddenly experienced intermittent abdominal pain (below the navel) in the middle of the night, which was severe enough to cause a fever, accompanied by symptoms of belching and nausea. I went to the hospital for blood tests, and it seems that my prol...
Dr. Xiao Yongxun Reply:
Hello: In response to your question, here are the details: 1. There are many causes of abdominal pain, including gastrointestinal diseases, biliary diseases, irritable bowel syndrome, chronic pelvic inflammatory disease, endometriosis, mesenteric lymphadenitis, chronic pancreat...[Read More] Understanding Nighttime Abdominal Pain: Possible Causes and Solutions
Muscle Strain or Kidney Issues? Understanding Your Pain Symptoms
Muscle strain or kidney issues? Five days ago, while swimming, I noticed some pain near my kidney area, similar to the soreness one feels after intense exercise, like sprinting 500 meters. The next day, the pain intensified, but I didn't see a doctor at that time. Over the p...
Dr. Xiao Yongxun Reply:
Hello: In response to your question, pain in the left back near the kidney can have many potential causes. Common conditions include fasciitis, kidney stones, inflammatory arthritis, myofascial pain syndrome, neuritis, skin disorders, tumors, and vascular lesions, among others. B...[Read More] Muscle Strain or Kidney Issues? Understanding Your Pain Symptoms