Understanding Elevated Urea Nitrogen: Kidney Health Insights
Elevated blood urea nitrogen (BUN) levels! Dr. Chen, I would like to ask you about my recent company health check report. It shows urine protein at 1+, blood urea nitrogen at 22.9 (normal range 6.7-21.3), and serum creatinine at 1.1 (normal range 0.4-1.4). The elevated blood urea...
Dr. Chen Jianyu Reply:
1. Yes, there may be an issue with the kidneys. 2. Please identify the causes of abnormal proteinuria and blood urea nitrogen levels, and follow up with a nephrologist for treatment. Avoid taking medications indiscriminately in daily life. 3. I cannot answer regarding your skin m...[Read More] Understanding Elevated Urea Nitrogen: Kidney Health Insights
Understanding Hypertension Management: Questions About Diagnosis and Treatment
Hypertension screening I started experiencing daily blood pressure readings around 140/98 and symptoms of dizziness and headaches at the end of February, so I went to see a cardiologist. The doctor prescribed antihypertensive medication before waiting for the test results. A week...
Dr. Zhang Guoji Reply:
1. If you have concerns about the original physician's management, you should discuss it with the physician during the outpatient visit to understand their perspective and resolve your issues, as each physician may have different thoughts and approaches. Asking other physici...[Read More] Understanding Hypertension Management: Questions About Diagnosis and Treatment
Understanding Acute Kidney Failure: Symptoms, Diagnosis, and Concerns
Kidney problems Hello, doctor. Recently, I have been drinking a lot of water, but the amount I urinate is very little. I usually exercise a lot and sweat a lot, but lately, my sweat has had a very sour smell, somewhat like ammonia. Additionally, I have been experiencing a dull pa...
Dr. Wu Jiyu Reply:
1. Regarding acute renal failure (acute renal failure, also known as acute kidney injury): It is essential to understand the functions of the kidneys in the body. The kidneys primarily eliminate toxins produced from protein metabolism (commonly referred to as uremia) and regulate...[Read More] Understanding Acute Kidney Failure: Symptoms, Diagnosis, and Concerns
Persistent Lip Bump: When to Seek Medical Attention?
Lip issues I scraped my nail against my lip very hard. It swelled up before, but after it went down, there is now a round bump in the middle of my upper lip. It has been 4 months and it still hasn't gone away. What could be the problem? Should I see a doctor? I can still fee...
Dr. Liao Zhongxin Reply:
Dear readers: 1. Both the lips and skin are protected by a thick layer of keratin or mucous membrane that guards against bacterial infection. If this barrier is breached, bacteria from the skin or oral cavity may invade, leading to infection (redness, swelling, heat, and pain). 2...[Read More] Persistent Lip Bump: When to Seek Medical Attention?
Chronic Facial Redness and Heat: Understanding the Symptoms and Solutions
Severe facial redness and heat for several months? Hello Dr. Park, I apologize for the lengthy message, but I sincerely hope you can read through it. My mother is 49 years old. She began experiencing unexplained facial flushing and heat in May of last year (2011). Initially, th...
Dr. Li Zhiyao Reply:
Hello: There are many reasons for facial redness, with more common causes including skin allergies, eczema, seborrheic dermatitis, rosacea, menopause in women, emotional changes, alcohol, medications, seasonings, and spicy foods. However, some less common causes may be overlooked...[Read More] Chronic Facial Redness and Heat: Understanding the Symptoms and Solutions
Why Won't My Grandfather's Wound Heal After a Fall?
Why do injuries from falls never seem to heal? My grandfather fell and got injured over a year ago. At that time, we didn't think much and treated the wound with standard first aid, but it never healed and continued to spread. Later, we went to a major hospital for examinati...
Dr. Liao Zhongxin Reply:
Dear readers, 1. First, assess whether the grandfather is of advanced age and if his diet is normal; then consider if there are any underlying diseases or medications involved. Many factors can affect wound healing. 2. If liver disease, diabetes, and malnutrition have been ru...[Read More] Why Won't My Grandfather's Wound Heal After a Fall?
Understanding a Round Bump on Your Upper Lip After Swelling
There is a round bump in the middle of the upper lip? I scraped the upper lip with my fingernail, and now my mouth is swollen. After the swelling went down, there is a round bump in the middle of my upper lip that I don't know what it is.
Dr. Liao Zhongxin Reply:
Dear readers: 1. The skin and mucous membranes of the lips typically heal quickly after injury or abrasion (new skin formation), provided there is no nutritional imbalance (such as picky eating) or underlying immune diseases (e.g., diabetes). They should return to their origina...[Read More] Understanding a Round Bump on Your Upper Lip After Swelling
Understanding Gastrointestinal and Urological Issues: Causes of Hunger and Persistent Inflammation
Gastrointestinal and urinary systems Hello Dr. Liao, what could be the reasons for not feeling full after meals and always feeling hungry? Regarding the condition of glans and foreskin inflammation that doesn't improve, besides diabetes, what other diseases could cause this?
Dr. Liao Zhongxin Reply:
Hello readers: 1. If you still do not feel satisfied after eating, aside from the developmental stage of adolescence, consider whether there may be a metabolic disorder, such as diabetes. You may want to visit a regional or higher-level hospital for further diagnosis and treatmen...[Read More] Understanding Gastrointestinal and Urological Issues: Causes of Hunger and Persistent Inflammation
Can Saliva Contact with Wounds or Mucous Membranes Transmit STDs?
Can saliva coming into contact with a wound or mucous membrane transmit sexually transmitted infections (STIs)? Hello, Doctor: Here’s the situation. A few days ago, while I was riding my bicycle home, I "seemed" to hear someone spitting behind me on my right side (I onl...
Dr. Liao Zhongxin Reply:
Dear readers: 1. Intact skin and mucous membranes serve as our first line of defense; as long as there are no wounds in these areas, most pathogens do not pose a threat to us. 2. Although the cumulative number of HIV/AIDS cases in the country has surpassed 21,000, this only accou...[Read More] Can Saliva Contact with Wounds or Mucous Membranes Transmit STDs?
Managing Recurrent Infections: Seeking Relief from Pain and Discomfort
Viral infection Hello Dr. Liao, I live in Yuanlin. In recent months, I have been experiencing recurrent infections. Here are my current symptoms: kidney inflammation, urethritis, and abdominal pain (which is so severe that I cannot walk). Last week, I visited an outpatient clinic...
Dr. Liao Zhongxin Reply:
Dear readers, 1. The brief medical condition is as follows: Urinary tract infection with suspected pyelonephritis, for which the physician has prescribed antibiotics and symptomatic treatment; however, side effects from the medication have begun, prompting this inquiry. 2. Lowe...[Read More] Managing Recurrent Infections: Seeking Relief from Pain and Discomfort
Which Specialist to Consult for a Hard Lump on the Lower Back?
Which specialty should I consult for a hard lump protruding on the right side of the lower back? Hello doctor, I have a small hard lump on the right posterior side of my lower back. The skin over it appears normal and it is not painful. The lump does not seem to extend deep enoug...
Dr. Xiao Yongxun Reply:
It is recommended to schedule an appointment with a general surgeon for an initial assessment before deciding on the next steps for treatment.[Read More] Which Specialist to Consult for a Hard Lump on the Lower Back?
Understanding Darkening of Fingertips: Causes and Concerns
Fingers turning black? Hello Doctor: My father's fingers (both thumbs and the left ring finger) have recently started to turn black from the area where the nail meets the skin, spreading from the inside out. The affected area is not very large and has started to extend upwar...
Dr. Li Zhiyao Reply:
Dear Ms. Hsu, Your father's finger issue may be due to subungual hematoma, microvascular problems, or other causes. It is recommended that he return to the physician who originally treated his hypertension to inform them of this symptom. After the original physician evaluat...[Read More] Understanding Darkening of Fingertips: Causes and Concerns
Understanding Dark Spots Around the Forehead and Neck: Symptoms and Specialist Guidance
Melanin around the forehead? The appearance of black spots (dark patches) on the forehead and around the neck, along with small bumps that are itchy, may indicate a skin condition such as hyperpigmentation, dermatitis, or possibly a fungal infection. It is advisable to consult a ...
Dr. Chen Qingbin Reply:
Hello, Xiao Chen: Skin lesions require an in-person examination for diagnosis and treatment. Please visit a dermatology clinic for evaluation.[Read More] Understanding Dark Spots Around the Forehead and Neck: Symptoms and Specialist Guidance
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?
Seeing Blood in Stool: Should You Worry About Colon Cancer?
Blood streaks in stool? It may be due to having eaten something bad during last night's late meal, as I have been experiencing continuous diarrhea this morning. The stool is very loose, almost entirely liquid, and in the later instances, the color of the stool is very light ...
Dr. Xiao Jingqin Reply:
Based on your symptoms, you may be experiencing infectious diarrhea, which is often caused by a bacterial infection that damages the intestinal mucosa, leading to the production of mucous stools and potentially blood-streaked stools if there is deeper invasion. This condition is ...[Read More] Seeing Blood in Stool: Should You Worry About Colon Cancer?
Understanding Infection Risks During Health Checkups: What You Need to Know
Risk of Infection during Health Check-ups Hello, doctor. I recently had a health check-up. 1. Due to my own oversight, I only noticed after the check-up that I had a skin abrasion on my toe. During the examination, there were several procedures where I had to lie down (gastroscop...
Dr. Lin Mingfeng Reply:
1. If the bed sheets are not clean, there is a possibility that viruses or bacteria could enter the body through wounds. However, the HIV virus is extremely fragile and dies within a few hours outside the human body, making transmission through this route unlikely. In accredited ...[Read More] Understanding Infection Risks During Health Checkups: What You Need to Know
Understanding Itchy Skin in Diabetes: Allergies or Other Causes?
As a diabetes patient, I often experience itchy skin? Hello, I am a diabetes patient, and my skin often itches, developing red, raised bumps that resemble mosquito bites. They appear in clusters all over my body, causing significant itching. When this occurs, I have gone to the h...
Dr. Yang Hongzhi Reply:
Hello: Diabetes itself does not cause such symptoms. If there is improvement after administering antihistamine treatment, it should be an issue related to allergies and not necessarily due to other factors.[Read More] Understanding Itchy Skin in Diabetes: Allergies or Other Causes?
Understanding Systemic Edema: Causes and Unexplored Tests
Generalized edema I have undergone multiple examinations at Cheng Kung University Hospital, including tests for the heart, liver, kidneys, thyroid, and urology, all of which showed no issues. However, the edema has become increasingly severe; sometimes, when I urinate less, the s...
Dr. Zeng Guosen Reply:
Hello: Aside from organ diseases, edema can often be attributed to medications, infections, nutrition, endocrine issues, electrolytes, and more. Most cases of edema can identify an underlying problem. You may seek a second opinion at the second hospital, which might provide a sol...[Read More] Understanding Systemic Edema: Causes and Unexplored Tests
Understanding Right Throat Swelling and Fluid Accumulation Issues
There is fluid accumulation on the right side of the throat? About a month ago, I discovered a swelling approximately 3 centimeters in size on the right side of my throat. Upon examination, a yellow fluid mixed with dark blood was extracted. Additionally, I have previously had ye...
Dr. Yang Hongzhi Reply:
Hello: If the lesions are on the skin, a dermatologist can be consulted for treatment. If the lesions are in the throat or oral cavity, an otolaryngologist can provide care. If the lesions in the ankle are within the joint, an orthopedic or rheumatology specialist can be consulte...[Read More] Understanding Right Throat Swelling and Fluid Accumulation Issues
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