Sleep, Internal Medicine FAQ

Managing High Cholesterol: Should You Choose Medication or Lifestyle Changes?

High cholesterol I have had high cholesterol issues since childhood. After taking lipid-lowering medication for about a year, my cholesterol levels returned to normal. My doctor believes I can try stopping the medication. Since stopping, I have been exercising regularly and follo...

Dr. Xiao Yongxun Reply:
Dear Ms. Fei: 1. According to the regulations of our national health insurance, patients with cardiovascular diseases or diabetes whose total cholesterol level exceeds 160 mg/dL or low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) exceeds 100 mg/dL may be eligible for pharmacological ...

Understanding Low Blood Sugar and Seizures in Teenagers: A Case Study

High school student with hypoglycemic coma? Hello Doctor, my daughter, who is in her first year of high school, suddenly reported feeling dizzy and weak while studying at home in mid-December. I intended to check her blood pressure (her school health check and regular measurement...

Dr. Xiao Yongxun Reply:
Dear Mr. Zhang: 1. There are many causes of hypoglycemia; among them, iatrogenic hypoglycemia is the most common, primarily caused by oral hypoglycemic agents or insulin. If this is not the case, a thorough consideration of other factors is necessary. Generally, hypoglycemia can...

How to Diagnose My Health Issues: Weight Gain and Urinary Concerns

How can I get a diagnosis? Hello Doctor, I have had a question for a long time. My weight suddenly increased by over 20 kilograms in the past few years. During my health check last year, the report showed that my blood sugar was normal, but my urine glucose was ++. At that time, ...

Dr. Xiao Yongxun Reply:
Dear Ms. Gigi: According to medical principles, polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is an endocrine disorder that can lead to irregular menstruation, obesity, masculinization, and even infertility. It is often associated with diabetes or insulin resistance-related glucose intoleranc...

Understanding Dizziness When Lying Down: Causes and Solutions

Dizziness when lying down? In recent days, whenever I lie on my side to sleep, I experience dizziness. Initially, it was only on my left side, but now it also occurs on my right side! Now, even when lying flat, I feel dizzy! During these episodes of dizziness, my vision spins unc...

Dr. Xiao Yongxun Reply:
Dear Ms. Chen: Changes in posture can lead to dizziness for various reasons, including peripheral causes such as vestibular neuritis, Meniere's disease, otolith dysfunction, and hearing loss. Central causes may also be involved, such as brainstem lesions, nerve compression, ...

Unexplained Redness and Swelling in the Foot: Seeking Answers

Unexplained redness and swelling of the foot? At the end of the text, there are images. Since there is a lot of text, I will summarize the key points first: From this past Monday (12/18) to yesterday (12/23), I have been taking antibiotics for five days. The wound does not feel s...

Dr. Liao Zhongxin Reply:
Dear readers: Regarding the issue of "unexplained redness and swelling in the foot," here is the response: A: 1. You are a very attentive and patient person; it is rare for someone to keep such detailed records of their medical history. 2. The progression of the wound ...

Managing High Nighttime Blood Sugar Levels in Diabetes Patients

Diabetes and Blood Sugar Issues (Elevated Blood Sugar Levels Before Bedtime) Hello Doctor, my father is about 58 years old and had a stroke two years ago. Hospital examinations indicated that diabetes led to hypertension. After rehabilitation, he was able to live independently an...

Dr. Xiao Yongxun Reply:
Dear Mr. A-Hsiang, Before bed, the blood glucose level was 200 mg/dL, and the fasting blood glucose level in the morning was 105 mg/dL. Clinically, for diabetic patients who manage their condition solely through diet and exercise, these levels are acceptable. Normal postprandial...

Swollen Lymph Nodes Without Cold Symptoms: What to Do Next?

Swollen lymph nodes without cold symptoms? Hello Doctor, two weeks ago, I noticed swelling in the lymph nodes on the right side of my jaw, which is painful when pressed, but I do not have any cold symptoms (no cough, sore throat, nasal congestion, or runny nose). I took antibioti...

Dr. Gao Jiankai Reply:
Hello, thank you for your question. Painful swollen lymph nodes are usually associated with local infections, including bacterial and viral infections. Some infections may present with mild symptoms, primarily manifesting as lymphadenopathy. Therefore, if you have swollen and pai...

Understanding Persistent Fever and Cough: Possible HIV Concerns

I have been experiencing intermittent fever for a month? 1. What is the likelihood of contracting HIV in this situation? 2. Do these symptoms resemble those of HIV? I have been monitoring my lymph nodes and oral health, and everything appears normal, except for throat pain caused...

Dr. Liao Zhongxin Reply:
Dear readers: Regarding 1. What is the likelihood of contracting HIV in this situation? A: According to the CDC-Taiwan, there are three main routes of HIV transmission: 1. Sexual transmission: Engaging in oral, anal, or vaginal intercourse with an HIV-infected individual or exch...

Persistent Cough and Sleep Issues: When to Seek Further Medical Help

About the common cold? I have been coughing for three to four days, but there has been no improvement, and my sleep has not been good (I have difficulty breathing). What should I do to improve? I have already visited a hospital in Taipei and underwent a rapid influenza test, whic...

Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, recently with colds, regardless of whether they are caused by the flu, symptoms including cough typically last for more than 3-4 days. However, if you continue to experience wheezing, it is advisable to get a chest X-ray to confirm whether there is pneumonia. As for the se...

Managing High Uric Acid and Cholesterol Levels: Dietary Tips and Concerns

Health check shows elevated uric acid and cholesterol levels? Hello Doctor: I recently had a health check, and my uric acid level is 7.1, which is above the normal range. Isn't the normal value for women supposed to be less than 6.6? I currently do not have any symptoms of g...

Dr. Xiao Yongxun Reply:
Dear Ms. Kiki: 1. Elevated uric acid levels primarily refer to high concentrations of uric acid in the blood. When uric acid precipitates in joint tissues (such as the big toe joint, the back of the foot, or finger joints), it can trigger an inflammatory response, leading to go...

Managing High Uric Acid and Cholesterol Levels: Dietary Tips and Concerns

Health check shows elevated uric acid and cholesterol levels? Hello Doctor: I recently had a health check-up, and my uric acid level is 7.1, which is above the normal range. Isn't the normal value for women supposed to be less than 6.6? I currently do not have any symptoms o...

Dr. Xiao Yongxun Reply:
Dear Ms. KiKi: 1. Elevated uric acid levels primarily refer to high concentrations of uric acid in the blood. If uric acid precipitates in joint tissues (such as the big toe joint, the back of the foot, or finger joints), it can trigger an inflammatory response, leading to gout....

Understanding Sacroiliitis: Symptoms, Diagnosis, and Management Options

Sacroiliitis Hello Dr. Tseng, I have been experiencing symptoms for about three to four years now. I have loved playing basketball since elementary school, and I still do. I had grade II vesicoureteral reflux around the fourth grade, so I thought my lower back pain was due to spo...

Dr. Zeng Guosen Reply:
There are many reasons for back pain. A CT scan shows sacroiliitis and elevated inflammatory markers, so it is recommended to consult a rheumatologist for differential diagnosis. The physician should provide further recommendations. Thank you for your question.

Seeking Medical Help for Unexplained Weight Gain at 40

Abnormal weight gain Hello: I am 40 years old, 170 cm tall, and currently eat one meal a day while walking 10,000 steps. My lifestyle is regular. I have gained 12 kg in the past six months, and my endocrine blood tests have shown no issues. How should I seek medical assistance?

Dr. Xiao Yongxun Reply:
Dear Mr. Aqi: 1. Factors contributing to weight gain include diet, patterns of physical activity, and differences in energy metabolism; very few cases are due to single-gene mutations or specific genetic disorders. 2. Familial obesity may be influenced not only by genetic facto...

Understanding Breathing Issues After Quitting Smoking: A Guide

Smoking cessation issues I have been smoking for 5-6 years and recently started to quit smoking. I am also exercising, riding my bike for about an hour and a half each evening. However, sometimes I experience a sensation of not being able to get enough air before bed, and I often...

Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, based on your father's condition, it is likely that he has had allergic rhinitis for a long time, possibly due to long-term smoking. I recommend some ways to improve the situation, such as regular exercise and keeping warm, especially during sleep. If symptoms persist...

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...

Could These Symptoms Indicate Diabetes? Expert Insights on Testing

Is it possible that this could be diabetes? Hello Dr. Lee! Recently, I have been experiencing the following conditions: 1. Frequent urination (I often wake up in the middle of the night to urinate, about 1-2 times per night). 2. Weight loss from 63.5 kg to 60.5 kg (over about one...

Dr. Li Zhiyao Reply:
Hello, regarding your inquiries: 1. The measurements of glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c) before and after meals are the same. 2. According to your routine health check data from June, there are no signs of diabetes. If you are still concerned, you can have your fasting blood glucose a...

Effective Weight Loss Strategies: Overcoming Common Challenges

Struggling to lose weight? Hello, Doctor: My height is 161.5 cm, weight is 70 kg, and my BMI is 26.83. I have read several weight loss books, and the doctor has mentioned to eat less and exercise more, but when I exercise more, I tend to eat more! Just relying on the phrase "...

Dr. Xiao Yongxun Reply:
1. Your height is 161.5 cm, weight is 70 kg, and your BMI is 26.83 kg/m², which classifies you as overweight. In medicine, there are various weight loss methods; however, there is no single method that is universally effective for everyone. Since obesity can lead to insulin resis...

Understanding Abdominal Discomfort While Lying Flat: Possible Causes

Abdominal discomfort? When lying flat on your back while sleeping, you experience discomfort around the area between your chest and abdomen, but you do not feel this discomfort when sleeping on your side. What could be the possible reasons for this? You do not have a significant ...

Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, based on your description, it seems that you are experiencing discomfort in the area of the esophagus and stomach. The most common cause for this is gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). It is recommended to eat smaller, more frequent meals and to reduce the intake of ir...

Understanding Anemia: Symptoms, Types, and Improvement Strategies

Regarding issues related to my anemia? I am a male, naturally tall and thin. At the age of 13-14, I was diagnosed with anemia at a general clinic. I have often experienced dizziness, headaches, and difficulty falling asleep for a long time. This condition has improved over time. ...

Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, to differentiate between the types of anemia, a blood test is necessary to examine the size of red blood cells. In Taiwan, there is a higher prevalence of thalassemia and iron deficiency anemia. The symptoms of anemia depend on the level of hemoglobin; generally, if it is ...

Is It Kidney Pain or Lower Back Pain? Understanding Your Symptoms

Is it kidney pain or lower back pain? Hello doctor, this morning when I got up, I noticed pain in my right lower back, specifically in the right posterior area. I don't feel any pain when standing up, but it hurts when I intentionally twist my waist. Could this be related to...

Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
A relatively simple way to differentiate is that if it is kidney inflammation, there will likely be pain regardless of the position, and it may be accompanied by symptoms such as fever and burning during urination. Based on your description, it seems more likely to be muscle sore...

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