Understanding Rigor Mortis: How to Determine Time of Death
Consult a physician? Hello Dr. Hsieh, I have a few questions I would like to ask you, and I hope you can provide some insights. Thank you. I am a fan of detective stories and enjoy reading mystery novels and comics. However, I have some doubts regarding the following information...
Dr. Xie Yonghui Reply:
Hello: I apologize, but regarding the question you raised, I recommend consulting a pathologist, as the issue you inquired about falls under the specialty of pathology, and I am unable to assist you in understanding it. Thank you for your understanding.[Read More] Understanding Rigor Mortis: How to Determine Time of Death
Understanding Mitral Valve Prolapse: Weight Loss and Thyroid Concerns
I would like to ask the doctor a question? Dear Dr. Yang, I currently have mitral valve prolapse, but around April and May of this year, I suddenly lost weight and dropped to about 35 kilograms, whereas I was around 37 kilograms before. I am 163 centimeters tall, so there is qui...
Dr. Yang Hongzhi Reply:
Symptoms of hyperthyroidism include palpitations, tremors, sweating, anxiety, and weight loss. In fact, the symptoms of hyperthyroidism are quite similar to those caused by anxiety. However, the severity of symptoms caused by hyperthyroidism is usually greater than that caused by...[Read More] Understanding Mitral Valve Prolapse: Weight Loss and Thyroid Concerns
Can Saliva Transmit Hepatitis B? Understanding the Risks
Can it be transmitted through saliva? If my girlfriend is a carrier of hepatitis B and both of our mouths have sores, is there a risk of transmission?
Dr. Xiao Yongxun Reply:
Hello: In response to your questions. 1. Hepatitis B is primarily transmitted through serum routes, including vertical transmission from mother to child (occurring during childbirth), sexual transmission, and sharing of needles (such as in drug injection or unclean needles). Oral...[Read More] Can Saliva Transmit Hepatitis B? Understanding the Risks
Understanding the Causes of Sweet-Tasting Saliva: A Medical Insight
Sweet saliva? The recent sweet taste in your saliva may be related to several factors. It could be a sign of elevated blood sugar levels, which is often associated with diabetes. Other potential causes include certain medications, dietary changes, or even a condition known as ket...
Dr. Xiao Yongxun Reply:
Hello: In response to your question. 1. Generally speaking, taste disorders are relatively rare, and their pathogenic mechanisms are less understood. 2. Taste is primarily categorized into sweet, salty, sour, and bitter, with different distributions of taste buds on the tongue. 3...[Read More] Understanding the Causes of Sweet-Tasting Saliva: A Medical Insight
Understanding Vaginal Itching and Pain: Causes and Treatments
Vagina I would like to ask you a question. My boyfriend and I have a habit of oral sex and manual stimulation, and now I am experiencing itching and pain in my labia or vagina. I am not sure what condition this might be. What should I do for treatment? Also, could you provide the...
Dr. Zheng Shuxing Reply:
Hello! It may be vulvovaginitis. There are many possible causes, including bacteria, viruses, fungi, and trichomonas, among others. Therefore, please visit the clinic for an examination. A definitive diagnosis is necessary to provide appropriate treatment. Best wishes for your he...[Read More] Understanding Vaginal Itching and Pain: Causes and Treatments
Understanding Your Joint Pain: Gout, Arthritis, or Something Else?
Arthritis or gout or other conditions? I would like to ask the doctor, I have had symptoms similar to gout since high school. It started with the joints in my feet, then moved to my knees, and later to my index finger. Currently, the most common areas of attack are my fingers, kn...
Dr. Ke Zhengchang Reply:
In addition to gout, multiple joint swelling and pain can also be caused by rheumatic diseases, osteoarthritis, and crystalline arthritis. Generally, a comprehensive assessment based on clinical symptoms, blood test results, physical examination, and radiological studies is neces...[Read More] Understanding Your Joint Pain: Gout, Arthritis, or Something Else?
Understanding Human T-Lymphotropic Virus Antibodies and Blood Donation Risks
What is this? Currently, there is a blood donation activity, but after donating blood, I received a notification regarding a term on the form that I do not understand, which is "Human T-Lymphotropic Virus Type I and II Antibodies." I was informed that having this condit...
Dr. Wang Fangli Reply:
Hello, Xiaoqiang: Individuals who test positive for Human T-cell Lymphotropic Virus (HTLV) through serological examination are referred to as carriers. Carriers are infectious and can transmit the virus to others through breast milk, blood, or bodily fluids. Approximately 95% of ...[Read More] Understanding Human T-Lymphotropic Virus Antibodies and Blood Donation Risks
Understanding Nail Color Changes: What Your Nails Say About Your Health
Nail color issues? Hello Dr. Hsu, I have a strong aversion to my nails because while others have a clear, bright red color, mine are almost entirely white. Why is that? Is this a sign of something? Thank you.
Dr. Xu Qingxiao Reply:
Hello, Alin: I apologize for the delayed response due to my vacation. The change in nail color may be a sign of an underlying issue; however, there are many possibilities, and a diagnosis cannot be made based solely on your description. I recommend that you consult a dermatologis...[Read More] Understanding Nail Color Changes: What Your Nails Say About Your Health
Understanding Persistent Bubbles in Urine: Kidney Health Concerns
May I ask the doctor? Hello, doctor! I have a question: My boyfriend has a lot of bubbles in his urine when he urinates, and the bubbles do not disappear after a while; they persist, similar to when there are a lot of soap bubbles. Does this indicate a potential kidney problem? I...
Dr. Zhao Chongliang Reply:
The causes of foamy urine include the presence of protein in the urine, gas-producing bacteria in the urine, the formation of a fistula between the urethra and the intestine, and the introduction of foreign substances. Typically, men have more foamy urine because the urinary and ...[Read More] Understanding Persistent Bubbles in Urine: Kidney Health Concerns
Understanding Delayed Secondary Sexual Characteristics in Young Adults
Secondary sexual characteristics I have a classmate who is twenty-five years old, but his voice has not deepened, which often leads others to mistakenly think he sounds effeminate, causing him great distress. Additionally, he has not developed much facial hair at his age. I kindl...
Dr. Wang Zhihui Reply:
The emergence of male secondary sexual characteristics is closely related to the action of male hormones. Therefore, a 25-year-old male who has not yet developed secondary sexual characteristics should consult an endocrinologist for further diagnosis and treatment.[Read More] Understanding Delayed Secondary Sexual Characteristics in Young Adults
Struggling with Sleep: A 38-Year-Old's Battle with Insomnia
Unable to sleep at night and unable to sit still during the day? Dear Dr. Chen, I have a wonderful sister who is 38 years old this year. She has been unable to fall asleep on her own at night and relies on medication to sleep for only two or three hours. During the day, while ot...
Dr. Chen Guifeng Reply:
Insomnia has many causes, most of which are psychological or mental factors. If it is severe, it must be treated with psychotherapy by a psychiatrist.[Read More] Struggling with Sleep: A 38-Year-Old's Battle with Insomnia
Morning Swelling: Possible Causes and Kidney Function Concerns
Upon waking up in the morning, I noticed that my entire body was swollen? My mother-in-law is fifty years old and has a family history of diabetes. She is currently taking medication to manage her condition. Over the past year, she has experienced swelling in her hands, feet, and...
Dr. Xiao Yongxun Reply:
Hello: In response to your question: (1) There are many causes of edema, generally classified as follows: 1. Increased venous pressure: including congestive heart failure, valvular heart disease, pericardial disease, renal disorders, endocrine diseases, vascular disorders, etc. 2...[Read More] Morning Swelling: Possible Causes and Kidney Function Concerns
Why Do I Feel Dizzy After Bowel Movements? Understanding Constipation Effects
excuse me? Hello, doctor. I would like to ask you a question: When I experience constipation, I find it quite bothersome, and when I finally have a bowel movement, I feel very dizzy and lightheaded. Why is that? Could it be related to some underlying condition?
Dr. Chen Guifeng Reply:
Straining to have a bowel movement during constipation can cause a sudden increase in intracranial pressure, which may lead to feelings of dizziness. This is a normal phenomenon, and once the bowel movement issue is resolved, the symptoms should subside.[Read More] Why Do I Feel Dizzy After Bowel Movements? Understanding Constipation Effects
Does Falling Increase the Risk of Stroke in Hypertensive Patients?
Can a fall cause a stroke? I have a friend whose father had a history of hypertension. Recently, he fell and suffered a stroke. Could the fall have caused the stroke, or could it be due to another underlying condition? Thank you!
Dr. Xiao Yongxun Reply:
Hello, Zhongren. 1. Stroke can be broadly classified into two main categories: hemorrhagic and ischemic. It can occur suddenly or progress gradually, leading to falls in patients. 2. Traumatic intracranial hemorrhage can result from external force or falls, and sometimes it c...[Read More] Does Falling Increase the Risk of Stroke in Hypertensive Patients?
Understanding Pain in the Groin and Buttocks: Causes and Solutions
Pain Hello, I would like to ask about a recent swelling in the area of my groin and right buttock, extending to my thigh. It has been very bothersome, making it difficult to walk, and it even hurts when I use the restroom. What could be the cause of this?
Dr. Yang Jun Reply:
Hello Ms. Amy, based on the symptoms and phenomena you mentioned, the possible causes could be lymphadenopathy and folliculitis causing pain. For a detailed evaluation, you may consult a gynecologist or a dermatologist for diagnosis and treatment.[Read More] Understanding Pain in the Groin and Buttocks: Causes and Solutions
Understanding High Lymphocyte Levels: Health Impacts and Prevention
Lymphocyte Hello Doctor: May I ask if a high lymphocyte count has any impact on health? What diseases can it easily trigger, and how can it be prevented? Wishing you peace and health.
Dr. Wang Yiming Reply:
Lymphocytosis can sometimes impact health, but often it may be a normal response of the body and does not necessarily indicate illness. There are certain situations where lymphocytes may increase, such as in chronic infections, infectious mononucleosis, viral infections, chronic ...[Read More] Understanding High Lymphocyte Levels: Health Impacts and Prevention
Essential Reading for High School Students Interested in Medicine
excuse me? I would like to ask a question. I am a high school student with a strong interest in medicine. Could you recommend some essential books for beginners? Also, is there a Latin dictionary available? Since I am not in Taiwan, I plan to take Latin next year because I want t...
Dr. Hong Hongchang Reply:
To transition from high school to medical college, in addition to passing exams, one must first complete prerequisite courses in basic knowledge areas such as anatomy, biochemistry, organic chemistry, biology, physiology, parasitology, microbiology, and others before entering cli...[Read More] Essential Reading for High School Students Interested in Medicine
Do You Need Surgery for Hypothyroidism? Understanding Your Options
Does hypothyroidism require surgery? I am a patient with hypothyroidism, and some doctors have suggested surgery while others say it is not necessary. I really don't know what to do.
Dr. Li Huixiong Reply:
Why is surgery necessary for hypothyroidism? It should be about supplementing thyroid hormones instead. Please clarify before making a decision.[Read More] Do You Need Surgery for Hypothyroidism? Understanding Your Options
Understanding Low Hemoglobin Levels: Causes and Specialist Guidance
Abnormally low hemoglobin levels? The health check report from my first year of high school indicates that my hemoglobin level is abnormally low. What effects could this have? If I need to see a doctor, which department should I visit?
Dr. Ke Zhengchang Reply:
Dear Ms. Ruoye: There are many reasons for low hemoglobin levels, such as iron deficiency anemia, thalassemia, hemolytic anemia, and aplastic anemia, among others. It is recommended to visit a hospital and consult with a hematologist or oncologist for a detailed examination and t...[Read More] Understanding Low Hemoglobin Levels: Causes and Specialist Guidance
Understanding Mediterranean Anemia: Key Questions and Concerns
Questions about Mediterranean anemia? Dear Sir/Madam, Regarding the concerns about thalassemia, I would appreciate your response to the following questions regarding my eldest daughter, who is 9 years old and in the second grade of elementary school. During a blood test conducte...
Dr. Ke Zhengchang Reply:
Hello Tracy: Mediterranean anemia can range from mild to severe and is inherited in an autosomal recessive manner. If one parent carries the gene, the child may only have a mild form, typically without symptoms. If there is no severe anemia, treatment and blood transfusions are g...[Read More] Understanding Mediterranean Anemia: Key Questions and Concerns