Diagnosing Filarial Infection: Key Tests and Treatment Centers for Elephantiasis
Suspected elephantiasis caused by filarial infection? Hello Dr. Cheng: Due to the edema in the left lower limb, there is a suspicion of filarial infection. Lymphangiography has already been performed, and MRI and skin biopsy have also been scheduled. I am unsure about the diagnos...
Dr. Zheng Shuxing Reply:
If your situation has led your physician to rule out common causes of edema such as nephropathy, cirrhosis, heart failure, venous obstruction, or beriberi, it is indeed necessary to consider lymphatic disorders. However, the most common lymphadenopathy is not lymphatic filariasis...[Read More] Diagnosing Filarial Infection: Key Tests and Treatment Centers for Elephantiasis
Understanding Lumps in the Neck: What You Need to Know
There are two small lumps in the neck? On November 1st, I accidentally discovered two small lumps on the back of my neck (approximately 0.3 to 0.5 cm in diameter). They do not cause pain when pressed and are not very hard; I can only vaguely see the two small protrusions when I s...
Dr. Xie Rongyuan Reply:
1. Lymphadenopathy clinically refers to an abnormal increase in the size of lymph nodes, and the accumulation of lymphoid tissue is considered to have the same meaning. 2. The sensation of a mass versus a tumor can vary from person to person, and it is not possible to diagnose a ...[Read More] Understanding Lumps in the Neck: What You Need to Know
Understanding Scleroderma: Treatment Options and Life Expectancy Insights
Scleroderma Is scleroderma curable? On average, how many years does it take from early detection to death? Should one avoid taking certain herbal medicines that boost immunity? Thank you, doctor!
Dr. Zeng Guosen Reply:
Hello! Scleroderma can be categorized into two main types: idiopathic autoimmune disorders and those triggered by medications or chemicals. Except for a few cases where the cause can be identified and treated, most cases can only be managed and not cured. Generally, if the condit...[Read More] Understanding Scleroderma: Treatment Options and Life Expectancy Insights
Understanding the Risks of High and Low Blood Pressure in Young Adults
Is high or low blood pressure dangerous? Dr. Chen: Hello! I previously underwent a physical examination for military service at Taipei Provincial Hospital, and later they notified me to go for a re-examination! The department for my re-examination is (blood pressure xx), and the ...
Dr. Zhao Chongliang Reply:
The initial consultation is the first medical visit, and typically, we do not treat abnormal blood pressure during this visit, as there are many factors that can influence blood pressure, such as time zone changes (lower in the morning, higher in the evening), eating, exercise, a...[Read More] Understanding the Risks of High and Low Blood Pressure in Young Adults
Can I Eat Iodine-Rich Foods After Thyroid Surgery? Expert Insights
Can I eat iodine-containing foods after thyroid surgery? Hello Dr. Yang, I am currently 44 years old and living overseas. In July 2001, I underwent a thyroidectomy (it was benign, but due to its aggressive nature, the doctor was concerned it might be malignant, so both sides were...
Dr. Yang Hongzhi Reply:
After thyroid surgery, radioactive iodine treatment is required. At that time, it is important to avoid iodine-containing foods to prevent interference with the effectiveness of the radioactive iodine treatment. Afterward, there are no restrictions on food, and you should not nee...[Read More] Can I Eat Iodine-Rich Foods After Thyroid Surgery? Expert Insights
Understanding Pustular Skin Conditions: Are They Contagious?
Acne Hello, doctor. Recently, my boyfriend has developed many red, raised bumps on his face that feel hard to the touch and have pus in the center. They are located on his chin and cheeks, and when they first appeared, they were quite large and had pus. A dermatologist diagnosed ...
Dr. Xu Qingxiao Reply:
Ms. Liao Ya-Hui: The likelihood of a staphylococcal infection is still the highest. There are many things that need to be discussed, so please come to the outpatient clinic for a consultation and to examine the facial lesions so that we can provide more insights. Dr. Hsu Ching-Hs...[Read More] Understanding Pustular Skin Conditions: Are They Contagious?
Understanding and Preventing Painful Oral Ulcers: Expert Tips
Mouth ulcers can often be very painful? Hello Dr. Zhao, I often experience cracks in my oral cavity, and it hurts a lot when I eat or drink. How can I prevent this from happening again? I also applied Guangdong herb powder, but it still hurts. I really want to know if there are e...
Dr. Zhao Chongliang Reply:
If there are frequent ulcers in the oral cavity, it is likely recurrent aphthous stomatitis, also known as stubborn oral ulcers or canker sores. The exact cause is currently unclear, but it may be related to individual constitution. Other factors that can easily trigger recurrent...[Read More] Understanding and Preventing Painful Oral Ulcers: Expert Tips
Understanding Joint Aspiration: Is It Gout and What to Expect?
Joint aspiration Doctor... I went to the hospital yesterday to have joint fluid extracted, but they couldn't get any. The swelling in my left foot has not gone down for 2 to 3 months; sometimes it hurts, and sometimes it doesn't. I used to have swelling in my right inde...
Dr. Ke Zhengchang Reply:
1. If the swelling in your left foot has not resolved after 2 to 3 months, it is important to consider the possibility of other underlying issues, including infections or rheumatoid arthritis. Please discuss this further with your physician. 2. With a uric acid level of 12 and ...[Read More] Understanding Joint Aspiration: Is It Gout and What to Expect?
Understanding Systemic Sclerosis: Care Tips and Survival Rates
Systemic Sclerosis I was recently diagnosed with systemic scleroderma, a rare autoimmune disease. I would like to know how to manage this condition and what precautions I should take. What is the survival rate? Where can I find support groups for patients? I'm feeling quite ...
Dr. Zeng Guosen Reply:
Hello! 1. First, I would like to remind you to confirm whether the diagnosis was made by a rheumatologist. If the diagnosis is accurate, the survival rate will depend on whether it is limited to the skin or if there is involvement of internal organs such as the heart, lungs, or k...[Read More] Understanding Systemic Sclerosis: Care Tips and Survival Rates
Understanding Thymus Issues: Health Concerns and Treatment Options
Thymus issues Hello, Director Zhong! I have some questions I would like to ask you: Recently, due to feeling unwell, I was introduced to a private physician by a friend who conducted a physical examination on me. His method of testing was quite unique; he used a computer software...
Dr. Zhong Yuxun Reply:
Hello Kevin, The thymus is an organ present during embryonic development, which normally undergoes atrophy and loses its function after birth in humans. A very small number of individuals may retain this gland after birth, and even fewer may experience some endocrine effects fro...[Read More] Understanding Thymus Issues: Health Concerns and Treatment Options
Managing Scleroderma: What to Do for Affected Fingers
Scleroderma What should I do if my fingers have scleroderma?
Dr. Zeng Guosen Reply:
Hello! There are many reasons for skin thickening and hardening, including occupational factors, chemical agents, endocrine diseases, connective tissue diseases, and malignant diseases. As for the user mentioning scleroderma in the fingers, it is difficult to provide a clear answ...[Read More] Managing Scleroderma: What to Do for Affected Fingers
Which Specialist to See for Skin Moles and Kidney Pain?
Which department should I consult? I recently noticed that I have been developing moles on my body. I have heard people say that this is a sign of "cancer." Which department should I consult? Additionally, I often experience sharp pain in the area of my kidneys. Could t...
Dr. Yang Jun Reply:
Hello: In response to your inquiry regarding the mole on your body and concerns about potential malignant changes, it is advisable to consult a dermatologist for further diagnosis and management. The kidneys are located on both sides of the lower back; if there is pain in that ar...[Read More] Which Specialist to See for Skin Moles and Kidney Pain?
Understanding Occasional Chest Pain: Causes and Concerns
Occasional chest pain? Hello Doctor, I have been experiencing strange chest pain intermittently for the past two to three years. During these episodes, I feel a stabbing pain in my chest when I move my body, and it is often accompanied by a sharp pain between my ribs when I push ...
Dr. Zhao Chongliang Reply:
Hello! Chest pain can be caused by various conditions related to the heart (such as angina, myocardial infarction, arrhythmias, myocarditis, and pericarditis), lungs and associated structures (such as pneumothorax, pneumonia with pleuritis, rib fractures, pulmonary embolism, and ...[Read More] Understanding Occasional Chest Pain: Causes and Concerns
Living with Advanced Liver Cancer: Seeking Hope and Treatment Options
Liver cancer Hello: I am a carrier of liver cancer (inherited from my mother since childhood). I have undergone radiation therapy and taken a certain medication that was once banned (all treatments were at Kaohsiung Chang Gung Memorial Hospital). My condition has now worsened to ...
Dr. Li Huixiong Reply:
I am sorry to hear about your illness, but I must inform you of this fact: liver cancer remains one of the top three causes of death among both men and women in our country. The causes of liver cancer primarily stem from complications following infections with hepatitis B or C vi...[Read More] Living with Advanced Liver Cancer: Seeking Hope and Treatment Options
Understanding Edema: Causes, Symptoms, and When to Seek Help
Edema Forwarding a question from a netizen to the Director: I saw on TV that Director Tu helped a homeless person with a medical consultation... It seemed like there were issues with their gastrointestinal health that might cause edema... I think I might have edema too... Is ther...
Dr. Xiao Yongxun Reply:
Hello: In response to your inquiry regarding edema, it refers to a condition characterized by an increase in extracellular fluid. Clinically, it presents differently based on the location and underlying pathology, with numerous related diseases that cannot all be listed. However,...[Read More] Understanding Edema: Causes, Symptoms, and When to Seek Help
Understanding Tuberculosis Treatment: Insights from Dr. Ko in Taiwan
Taiwan e-Hospital - Internal Medicine / Dr. Ke Dear Dr. Ke Cheng-Chang, I apologize for reaching out via email; I should have visited you in person, but my work schedule during the day makes it inconvenient. I hope you can understand. My father is Mr. Wang Jin-Can, and I believe...
Dr. Ke Zhengchang Reply:
1. Tuberculosis medications may cause nausea, liver function abnormalities, and skin allergies, so liver function monitoring is necessary. If any discomfort occurs, the medication must be stopped immediately or switched to another drug. 2. If there is severe itching, the medicati...[Read More] Understanding Tuberculosis Treatment: Insights from Dr. Ko in Taiwan
Understanding Dermographism: Causes, Treatments, and Management Options
Dermographism Hello Doctor: A friend of mine was diagnosed with dermographism in the United States two to three years ago. He experiences redness and swelling in multiple areas on his back. Since he had difficulty understanding the doctor's explanations in the U.S., he would...
Dr. Zeng Guosen Reply:
Hello! Dermographism refers to the phenomenon where mechanical stimulation of the skin results in the appearance of red lines, followed by erythema and subsequently wheals. The etiology is sometimes related to immune responses to antigens, such as reactions to inhalants, foods, i...[Read More] Understanding Dermographism: Causes, Treatments, and Management Options
Understanding Potassium Imbalance: Causes, Symptoms, and Prevention
Potassium ion abnormalities Hello, I am 17 years old and have been diagnosed with hyperthyroidism (on medication for about two years). Currently, my resting heart rate is around 100 beats per minute. Recently, I woke up in the middle of the night needing to urinate but found that...
Dr. Xiao Yongxun Reply:
Hello, in response to your questions: 1. Common symptoms of hyperthyroidism include palpitations, rapid heartbeat, tremors, fast speech, increased appetite, weight loss, exophthalmos, diarrhea, anxiety, and emotional instability. A minority may present with skin itching and hyp...[Read More] Understanding Potassium Imbalance: Causes, Symptoms, and Prevention
Understanding Acne: Is Hormonal Imbalance the Root Cause?
Endocrine disorders and acne? I have been dealing with acne for almost three years now. During this time, I have seen many dermatologists, but the acne keeps coming back. I often hear people say that their acne is due to hormonal imbalances. How can I determine if my acne is caus...
Dr. Wang Zhihui Reply:
Endocrine diseases that can cause acne, aside from Cushing's syndrome due to excessive adrenal corticosteroids, include symptoms such as moon facies, buffalo hump, central obesity, and acne. However, such cases are relatively rare, and skin-related issues are more common. Th...[Read More] Understanding Acne: Is Hormonal Imbalance the Root Cause?
Can Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy Help Alleviate Dizziness in Seniors?
Dizziness My father, who is 70 years old, developed a condition commonly known as shingles (herpes zoster) on the sole of his left foot in February this year, which caused nerve pain and made it difficult for him to walk. He was subsequently hospitalized in June at a hospital in ...
Dr. Xiao Yongxun Reply:
Hello, in response to your inquiry: 1. There are many causes of dizziness, which can be broadly categorized into central and peripheral types. Each category encompasses various underlying reasons, ranging from benign to malignant forms of dizziness. These can include vascular a...[Read More] Can Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy Help Alleviate Dizziness in Seniors?