Scleroderma and Microalbuminuria: Understanding the Connection and Next Steps
Scleroderma and Urinary Microalbumin Hello, in April of this year, I went to the rheumatology and immunology department due to hand pain and found the following abnormalities: ANA 1:160 (AC-10) Nucleolar punctate, Anti-Scl-70 16 (-) reference value (120 au/ml), Anti-Sm 9 (-), Ant...
Dr. Gao Jiankai Reply:
Hello, thank you for your inquiry. The results from your rheumatology examination are mostly negative, with some results falling into a gray area, making it indeed difficult to draw conclusions based on the current test results. The diagnosis of scleroderma can sometimes be confi...[Read More] Scleroderma and Microalbuminuria: Understanding the Connection and Next Steps
Post-Surgery Dizziness: Understanding Causes After Abdominal Surgery
Postoperative dizziness after abdominal surgery? On February 18, I was involved in a car accident that resulted in an abdominal injury, leading to surgery to remove part of my pancreas. I was transferred from the intensive care unit to a general ward on the fourth day post-surger...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, based on your description of dizziness, we first need to rule out any initial head injuries. If you experience persistent headaches or vomiting, a brain examination may be necessary. If these are not present, it is highly likely that the dizziness is due to decreased cardi...[Read More] Post-Surgery Dizziness: Understanding Causes After Abdominal Surgery
Understanding Venous Blood Gas Analysis: Key Insights for Respiratory Issues
Venous Blood Gas Analysis Report 112/01/25 ABE 7.61 112/01/25 HCO3 32.9 112/01/25 O2CT 17.2 112/01/25 PCO2 49.1 112/01/25 pH 7.430 112/01/25 PO2 41.3 112/01/25 SAT 77.0 112/01/25 SBC 30.8 112/01/25 SBE 8.4 112/01/25 TCO2 34.4 Doctor, this is my venous blood g...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, it is not possible to determine pulmonary obstruction or embolism solely based on venous blood oxygen levels. It is recommended to visit a pulmonology clinic for a chest X-ray, followed by further relevant tests such as pulmonary function tests or lung perfusion scans. Tha...[Read More] Understanding Venous Blood Gas Analysis: Key Insights for Respiratory Issues
Long-Term Effects of Influenza A: What You Need to Know
Long-term sequelae of Influenza A? Hello, doctor. I would like to ask if contracting COVID-19 may lead to long COVID symptoms, will recovering from influenza A also result in long-term sequelae? What are the main symptoms associated with these sequelae, and is there a significant...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, after any illness, there may be some degree of sequelae, varying from mild to severe. A small number of individuals infected with Influenza A may experience mild pulmonary function impairment or fibrosis; however, these sequelae are generally very minor, so most people do ...[Read More] Long-Term Effects of Influenza A: What You Need to Know
Managing Allergic Rhinitis: When to See an Allergist or Pulmonologist
Allergic rhinitis Hello Doctor, I would like to ask you about my condition. I previously underwent a turbinate reduction surgery, which provided some minor improvement; however, my nasal allergy issues persist. Recently, I have been waking up with nasal pain, and my asthma has ...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, if you truly have severe asthma, it is advisable to consult a pulmonologist, and a pulmonary function test may need to be arranged for confirmation. As for the nasal pain issue, it is likely a different condition from asthma. I recommend seeing a pulmonologist for asthma m...[Read More] Managing Allergic Rhinitis: When to See an Allergist or Pulmonologist
Understanding Asthma in Young Adults: When to Seek Further Treatment
Asthma issues Hello, Doctor: I would like to ask you about a concern regarding my child (currently 19 years old) after their recent visit to the clinic. They have been experiencing frequent chest tightness and shortness of breath, so we took them to a nearby clinic for evaluation...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, if it is indeed "asthma with status asthmaticus," it is quite serious. However, I suspect you might have seen the diagnosis on a medical report or a prescription label? This term is usually derived from the billing codes used for health insurance claims and may n...[Read More] Understanding Asthma in Young Adults: When to Seek Further Treatment
Understanding Postural Hypotension: Causes and Solutions for Dizziness
Standing up suddenly may cause slight dizziness? Hello, doctor. I have noticed that sometimes when I go to bed late, I feel fine when I wake up the next day. However, there are times when I suddenly get up from a prone position and feel a bit dizzy, with my vision becoming blurry...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, based on your description, it is suspected that you may have orthostatic hypotension combined with anemia. The primary cause of orthostatic hypotension is poor vascular elasticity. Therefore, in addition to slowing down movements, avoiding staying up late, and maintaining ...[Read More] Understanding Postural Hypotension: Causes and Solutions for Dizziness
Understanding Chest Tightness in Hyperthyroidism and Heart Valve Issues
Chest tightness issue? Hello, doctor. I am a patient with hyperthyroidism, and my only symptom is a slightly elevated heart rate. I also have a problem with mitral valve insufficiency. Currently, I am controlling my hyperthyroidism with medication, taking two tablets of methimazo...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, based on your description, there could indeed be many causes for your breathing difficulties. It may be necessary to check your blood oxygen levels; if they are abnormal, you should be cautious about potential lung or heart issues. However, since you have already undergone...[Read More] Understanding Chest Tightness in Hyperthyroidism and Heart Valve Issues
Is Wearing a Mask Enough for Safety? Addressing COVID-19 Concerns
Wuhan pneumonia Hello, today I went to the shopping mall with my family and encountered two Japanese individuals who were not wearing masks while talking. I would like to ask the doctor if wearing a mask myself makes me relatively safe in this situation. Additionally, sometimes w...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, 1. In relatively outdoor spaces, and since you are wearing a mask, it is indeed relatively safe. 2. Wearing a mask can lead to lower blood oxygen levels due to reduced ventilation, which is a physiological phenomenon that everyone may experience. However, the comfort le...[Read More] Is Wearing a Mask Enough for Safety? Addressing COVID-19 Concerns
Post-Thyroid Surgery: Understanding Recent Health Issues and Symptoms
6.7 years post-thyroidectomy, experiencing some recent health issues? I previously had hyperthyroidism and underwent surgery six to seven years ago. I have been taking Antithyroid medication regularly, and recently I have been taking two 50 mg tablets a day. However, I have been ...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, I'm not sure if you have been continuously monitoring your thyroid function. If you are on medication, you should be regularly tracking it. If your thyroid function is normal, based on your described symptoms, the most likely cause is a strain. I wonder if you have re...[Read More] Post-Thyroid Surgery: Understanding Recent Health Issues and Symptoms
Understanding Unexplained Body Sensations: Which Specialist to Consult?
Health issues. Which department should I consult? Hello Dr. Hong, I would like to consult about some unusual symptoms I'm experiencing and which specialty I should see to determine what illness I might have. My symptoms include experiencing internal pulsations after a night...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, based on your description, there are two possible causes for the palpitations. First, there may be a temporary episode of tachycardia. Since you mentioned that you have previously undergone an exercise electrocardiogram that showed tachycardia, I recommend a 24-hour Holter...[Read More] Understanding Unexplained Body Sensations: Which Specialist to Consult?
Preparing for Lung Function Tests: Medication Guidelines and Tips
Examination Preparation Hello: My father has been coughing for over 10 years. A low-dose CT scan shows microfibrosis. He has been on medication for many years without improvement. He is scheduled for a pulmonary function test at the end of the month. Should he stop taking oral me...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, please refrain from using bronchodilators (including oral, injectable, and aerosol forms) starting from 10 PM the night before the pulmonary function test. Additionally, do not smoke or consume coffee within four hours prior to the test. Thank you for your inquiry.[Read More] Preparing for Lung Function Tests: Medication Guidelines and Tips
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
Understanding Low Blood Pressure: Symptoms, Causes, and Solutions
Blood pressure issues? I consulted with my family doctor previously, and during a blood pressure check, I was told that I have low blood pressure. Recently, due to academic stress, I have been experiencing dizziness, chest tightness, and difficulty breathing. I also have severe h...
Dr. Li Zhiyao Reply:
Hello: 1. It is recommended that you see a cardiologist for a personal evaluation to determine if there are any cardiovascular issues. If no cardiovascular problems are found, regular exercise can improve cardiopulmonary function, which may help with your concerns. 2. SYS refers ...[Read More] Understanding Low Blood Pressure: Symptoms, Causes, and Solutions
Breathing Difficulties in Stuffy Spaces: Is It Related to Past Asthma?
Breathing difficulties occur in places without air conditioning? Hello, Doctor. I have a history of allergic asthma in my childhood, but it gradually disappeared after puberty. However, I have been puzzled for a long time by a condition where I feel chest tightness and difficulty...
Dr. Gao Jiankai Reply:
Hello, thank you for your inquiry. After the cessation of air circulation, it is indeed possible for symptoms of chest tightness to worsen, especially in patients with a history of asthma. However, whether this is related to childhood asthma requires further examination. In princ...[Read More] Breathing Difficulties in Stuffy Spaces: Is It Related to Past Asthma?
Persistent Cough After Cold: Understanding Allergic Cough and Treatment Options
Persistent cough that does not improve? I have been experiencing a persistent cough since catching a cold last year. I consulted a doctor and took medication, but there has been no improvement (I had an X-ray, and my lungs showed no phlegm or abnormalities). The traditional Chine...
Dr. Zhong Weisheng Reply:
Dear Miss Bao Bei, Thank you for your letter. If a persistent cough lasts for more than three weeks, a chest X-ray and sputum test should be performed to rule out tuberculosis and tumors. Next, it is important to check for the possibility of post-nasal drip or gastroesophageal r...[Read More] Persistent Cough After Cold: Understanding Allergic Cough and Treatment Options
Understanding Phlegm Issues After Meals: Causes and Remedies
Issues with phlegm? Doctor: Hello! I would like to ask, after every meal, I have phlegm in my throat (if I don't eat, it doesn't happen as much). I can't seem to cough it up, and it feels very uncomfortable. I'm not sure what this issue might be or what care m...
Dr. Zeng Guosen Reply:
Dear Yoyo: Hello, based on what you mentioned, it is not a common pneumonia or cold; it should be chronic bronchitis. I recommend consulting a pulmonologist for further examination. Additionally, try to reduce your intake of sugary and cooling foods, and engage in more exercise t...[Read More] Understanding Phlegm Issues After Meals: Causes and Remedies
Understanding Asthma: Symptoms, Diagnosis, and Treatment Options
Asthma Hello, doctor. I would like to ask if I have asthma. I have had allergic rhinitis for several years. I always sneeze when I wake up in the morning, and sometimes I experience allergies before bed, which leads to poor sleep quality. I often find myself gasping for air, feel...
Dr. Li Huixiong Reply:
Whether your allergic rhinitis is a self-diagnosis or a diagnosis made by a physician, individuals with an allergic constitution often experience issues with their nose, skin, and airways, which manifest as allergic rhinitis, atopic dermatitis, and asthma. It is recommended that ...[Read More] Understanding Asthma: Symptoms, Diagnosis, and Treatment Options
Understanding Restrictive Lung Disease: What You Need to Know
Restrictive lung disease Hello, I recently underwent a health check-up (organized by my company with a hospital conducting the examinations at the workplace), which included a computerized pulmonary function test. The results indicated "restrictive impairment." During t...
Dr. Cai Yaozhou Reply:
If you usually do not have any specific symptoms, you should consider undergoing a re-evaluation to check if there was an error in the previous examination. Even if restrictive lung function impairment is confirmed, further testing is necessary to determine the underlying cause. ...[Read More] Understanding Restrictive Lung Disease: What You Need to Know
Struggling with Back Pain: Finding Relief for Sleepless Nights
The back pain prevents me from lying flat to sleep? Hello Doctor: About two years ago, I was diagnosed with lupus erythematosus after experiencing pleural effusion. At that time, I had difficulty breathing; whenever I lay flat, I would experience chest pain and shortness of breat...
Dr. Chen Baoli Reply:
Hello, Mei-Yi: Are you taking your lupus medication regularly? If so, we can temporarily rule out the possibility of recurrent pleural effusion (or pulmonary edema). A small number of lupus patients may experience this kind of shortness of breath, especially when unable to lie fl...[Read More] Struggling with Back Pain: Finding Relief for Sleepless Nights