Understanding Hyperthyroidism: Key Questions and Considerations for Patients
Hyperthyroidism Hello Doctor: Recently, during a routine health check at my company, I found that my Thyroid Stimulating Hormone (TSH) level was 0.01, Free Thyroxine (Free T4) was 3.07, fasting blood glucose was 100, heart rate was approximately 100 beats per minute, and my white...
Dr. Xiao Yongxun Reply:
Dear Ms. Lin: 1. In our country, most testing laboratories are certified, and to maintain their reputation, the likelihood of significant errors in test results is low. Additionally, Free T4 and TSH levels do not fluctuate rapidly under normal physiological conditions. This mean...[Read More] Understanding Hyperthyroidism: Key Questions and Considerations for Patients
Understanding Your Gastrointestinal Discomfort: Causes and Solutions
Gastrointestinal discomfort I am currently experiencing intermittent bloating, feeling lightheaded, and even nausea. This month, the bloating has reached a point where I can't eat anything at all; I've been bloated for four days, and even eating two slices of toast take...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, based on your condition, there may be several possible reasons. First, it could be gastrointestinal discomfort caused by high stress or irregular sleeping patterns. If this is the case, I recommend managing stress appropriately and maintaining a regular sleep schedule, esp...[Read More] Understanding Your Gastrointestinal Discomfort: Causes and Solutions
Understanding Blood Sugar Fluctuations: Symptoms and Testing Insights
Blood sugar inquiry? Hello, Doctor: A few days ago, during lunch, I drank a soda and suddenly felt unwell, experiencing neck pain and fatigue. After about half an hour, I still felt uncomfortable, so I consumed an oral rehydration solution (8.44 grams of sucrose and 2.8 grams of ...
Dr. Xiao Yongxun Reply:
Dear Mr. Ming: 1. According to your information, I agree with your attending physician; in other words, there is no evidence indicating the presence of diabetes. 2. Any blood glucose meter can produce inaccuracies; therefore, it is necessary to have the manufacturer perform cali...[Read More] Understanding Blood Sugar Fluctuations: Symptoms and Testing Insights
Understanding Right Kidney Pain: Causes and Concerns for Patients
Kidney problems Hello, Doctor Wu. I would like to ask, around noon today, I experienced pain in my right kidney. It hurts when I squat down and when I get back up. My job involves standing and squatting to pick things up. In mid-February of this year, the clinic conducted blood a...
Dr. Wu Hongjie Reply:
Hello: There are many issues related to lower back pain that can be referenced in the attached document or addressed at a hospital. Wishing you safety from bothersome back pain. In the United States, back pain is the second most common reason for seeking medical attention in inte...[Read More] Understanding Right Kidney Pain: Causes and Concerns for Patients
Does Skipping Lunch Increase My Risk of Diabetes?
Dietary issues Hello Doctor, since diabetes runs in my family—my uncle and my dad both have diabetes—I believe my chances of developing it are not low. Sometimes, due to my busy schedule, I might skip lunch for 1 or 2 days a week, but I always have a normal breakfast. Does this l...
Dr. Xiao Yongxun Reply:
Dear Mr. Zhang: 1. The risk factors for type 2 diabetes include obesity, having a first-degree relative with diabetes, physical inactivity, high-risk ethnic groups (such as African Americans, Asian Americans, Native Americans, and Pacific Islanders), a history of gestational dia...[Read More] Does Skipping Lunch Increase My Risk of Diabetes?
Sudden Stomach Pain: Causes, Remedies, and Dietary Tips
Sudden abdominal pain? Doctor, I suddenly felt a burning pain in my stomach after dinner last night. I noticed I gained weight, and it hurt a lot when I lay down to sleep, but it was more tolerable when I was standing. I drank some milk, which helped ease the pain and allowed me ...
Dr. Xiao Yongxun Reply:
Dear Miss Fang: 1. Based on your description, most physicians would likely consider conditions such as gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), gastric ulcers, duodenal ulcers, and acute gastritis; of course, gallstones, acute cholecystitis, acute pancreatitis, and other less com...[Read More] Sudden Stomach Pain: Causes, Remedies, and Dietary Tips
Managing Insomnia While Taking Medication for Ankylosing Spondylitis
Medications for Ankylosing Spondylitis and Sleep Issues Hello Doctor: I was recently diagnosed with AS, and five days ago I started taking Planequil once in the morning and once in the evening. I have noticed that after taking the medication, my mood becomes unusually elevated, a...
Dr. Zeng Guosen Reply:
Generally, patients with AS (Ankylosing Spondylitis) do not take Plaquenil; they are more likely to be prescribed Prednisolone, as the latter has more side effects that can affect sleep. If medication causes side effects, it is advisable to return to the doctor for a discussion r...[Read More] Managing Insomnia While Taking Medication for Ankylosing Spondylitis
Understanding Sudden Facial Acne: Causes and Treatment Options
Suddenly, a cluster of pimples appeared on one side of my face? Initially, I had viral warts on my face, which were treated successfully with cryotherapy by a dermatologist. However, another wart has developed on my face, and I am undergoing continuous treatment for it. During th...
Dr. Liao Zhongxin Reply:
Dear readers, since you have already consulted a dermatologist, you may choose to see an endocrinologist, a family medicine physician, or a traditional Chinese medicine practitioner. Thank you![Read More] Understanding Sudden Facial Acne: Causes and Treatment Options
Understanding Hemoglobin A1c: Can Weight Loss Reverse Type 2 Diabetes?
Glycated hemoglobin Doctor, I would like to ask you about my situation. In September, my hemoglobin A1c was 6.1, and in January of this year, it was 6.5. Am I diabetic? When I went to the hospital to review my report, the doctor advised me to lose weight. Is this to manage my dia...
Dr. Xiao Yongxun Reply:
Dear Ms. Anonymous: 1. According to the diagnostic criteria for diabetes set by the American Diabetes Association: a. Fasting plasma glucose level ≥ 126 mg/dl after fasting for more than 8 hours, b. Plasma glucose level ≥ 200 mg/dl during a 2-hour oral glucose tolerance test, c....[Read More] Understanding Hemoglobin A1c: Can Weight Loss Reverse Type 2 Diabetes?
Managing Elevated Blood Sugar: Tips for Diet and Health Monitoring
Blood sugar issues? Hello Doctor, my fasting blood sugar is 110 mg/dL, glycated hemoglobin is 5.7%, blood urea nitrogen is 10 mg/dL, creatinine is 0.72 mg/dL, and liver function tests show alanine aminotransferase (ALT) at 8 U/L. I understand that my fasting blood sugar is elevat...
Dr. Xiao Yongxun Reply:
Dear Ms. Wu: 1. After undergoing these tests, your physician should have explained the results to you. Please make sure to consider the recommendations of the physician who has personally examined you. 2. Your fasting plasma glucose level is 110 mg/dL, which indeed exceeds the ...[Read More] Managing Elevated Blood Sugar: Tips for Diet and Health Monitoring
Understanding the Diabetes Honeymoon Phase: What You Need to Know
Diabetes honeymoon phase Hello Doctor: I was previously diagnosed with prediabetes, and the doctor said that dietary control would suffice. Over the past month, I have been managing my diet and exercising, and my blood sugar levels have gradually returned to normal, which makes m...
Dr. Xiao Yongxun Reply:
Dear Ms. Lin: 1. The term "diabetes honeymoon phase" refers to a period after the onset of diabetes during which blood sugar levels are well-controlled, often without the need for medication, due to dietary changes, exercise, medication, or insulin therapy. In type 2 d...[Read More] Understanding the Diabetes Honeymoon Phase: What You Need to Know
Managing Blood Sugar Levels in Children: Concerns and Guidelines
Blood sugar issues Hello Doctor, due to the Lunar New Year holiday, my child has been indulging in a lot of sweets and has had irregular meal times. Last night, while he was asleep, I checked his blood sugar levels. Two hours after eating, it was 127 mg/dL (at 1 AM), five hours a...
Dr. Xiao Yongxun Reply:
Dear Mr. Wang: 1. Normal fasting plasma glucose levels range from 70 to 100 mg/dL, while normal postprandial glucose levels two hours after eating range from 80 to 140 mg/dL. Therefore, your child, being young with normal pancreatic function, may have normal glucose levels despi...[Read More] Managing Blood Sugar Levels in Children: Concerns and Guidelines
Understanding Blood Sugar Levels: High Readings and Sleep Impact
Blood sugar issues? Hello Doctor, I recently purchased a blood glucose meter and found that my fasting blood sugar level is as high as 140 after more than 8 hours of fasting, but my blood sugar level is only 128 two hours after eating. I have tested this for two consecutive days ...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, the values obtained from a simple blood glucose meter may not always be accurate and should be used as a reference for postprandial blood glucose levels. If the caloric intake of a meal is not high, it is indeed possible for the blood sugar levels to remain low. I recommen...[Read More] Understanding Blood Sugar Levels: High Readings and Sleep Impact
Understanding Gradual Hemoglobin Decline: Causes and Concerns
Slow decrease in hemoglobin? Hello Doctor: Two years ago, my hemoglobin was 14.8, and today it is 12.4. Two months ago, during a routine health check, my hemoglobin was 12.6. I have been eating less for lunch, and I wonder if this could be related to the decrease in hemoglobin. A...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, a decrease in hemoglobin can be attributed to two possibilities: blood loss or reduced production. Regarding blood loss, common sources include gastrointestinal bleeding or menstrual loss. Therefore, I would like to ask if you have noticed any changes in your stool color r...[Read More] Understanding Gradual Hemoglobin Decline: Causes and Concerns
Managing Blood Sugar Levels After Gestational Diabetes: Key Insights
Gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) Hello Doctor: I had gestational diabetes during my second pregnancy. I have no family history of diabetes and am not overweight. I managed my condition through dietary control and daily self-monitoring of blood glucose. Now that I have given bi...
Dr. Xiao Yongxun Reply:
(1) According to the American Diabetes Association's diagnostic criteria for diabetes: a. Fasting plasma glucose level ≥126 mg/dL after fasting for at least 8 hours. b. Plasma glucose level ≥200 mg/dL during a 2-hour oral glucose tolerance test. c. HbA1c (glycated hemoglobin...[Read More] Managing Blood Sugar Levels After Gestational Diabetes: Key Insights
Understanding Gastrointestinal Issues: When to Consider a Colonoscopy
Gastrointestinal issues Hello doctor, I am 16 years old. This year, I have been experiencing constipation issues and have been going to a large hospital, where I have a bowel movement approximately every 3 to 4 days. The doctors have only prescribed me Laxative Granules, which ha...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, based on your description, the main issue seems to be constipation. There are several risk factors associated with constipation, including lack of exercise, insufficient intake of vegetables, irregular sleep patterns, and frequent late nights. It is likely that these risk ...[Read More] Understanding Gastrointestinal Issues: When to Consider a Colonoscopy
Managing Diet for Stage 3 Chronic Kidney Disease: What You Need to Know
Diet for Chronic Kidney Disease Dear Doctor: For a patient with stage 3 chronic kidney disease and an eGFR of 55, how strict should dietary control be? Will occasional indulgences harm the kidneys? For instance, if I occasionally go out with friends for hot pot or barbecue, or if...
Dr. Wu Hongjie Reply:
Hello: According to the guidelines from the National Kidney Foundation, a low-protein diet should be limited to 0.6 grams of protein per kilogram of body weight, with at least two-thirds being high biological value protein. However, achieving this can be challenging, and some rec...[Read More] Managing Diet for Stage 3 Chronic Kidney Disease: What You Need to Know
Understanding Chest Pain: Causes, Concerns, and Connections to Back Pain
Chest tightness or chest discomfort? Hello, doctor. Recently, I've suddenly experienced chest tightness and pain over the past few weeks. Sometimes it’s on the left side, sometimes on the right, and the location of the pain varies. It seems to move around. I went to the hosp...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, chest pain is often most concerning for heart disease. The heart is located on the left side of the body, and based on your description, it occasionally radiates to the right side. The symptoms you describe do not strongly resemble typical heart disease, which usually show...[Read More] Understanding Chest Pain: Causes, Concerns, and Connections to Back Pain
Understanding Chest Pain and Fatigue: A Guide for Patients with Diabetes and Hypertension
There is a persistent dull pain in the chest near the heart, in the upper back close to the heart, and in the left shoulder? Hello Dr. Hsiao: I am 163 cm tall and weigh 130 kg. For a long time, I have been experiencing persistent dull pain in my chest near the heart, in my back n...
Dr. Xiao Yongxun Reply:
Dear Mr. Anong: 1. Your height is 163 cm, weight is 103 kg, and your body mass index (BMI) is 48.9 kg/m², which classifies you as severely obese. Consequently, your risk of developing the following conditions is increased: hypertension, dyslipidemia, metabolic syndrome, type 2 d...[Read More] Understanding Chest Pain and Fatigue: A Guide for Patients with Diabetes and Hypertension
Rapid Heartbeat and Left Arm Numbness: Should I Be Concerned?
Feeling a rapid heartbeat and slight numbness in the left arm? Doctor, two weeks ago, one night while studying, I suddenly felt a sharp pain in the middle of my chest, near the left side. I then experienced a rapid heartbeat, along with some numbness in my left arm and leg. I was...
Dr. Xiao Yongxun Reply:
Dear Ms. Mabel: 1. You have experienced two episodes of palpitations accompanied by discomfort in your left upper limb, as well as chest discomfort. There are many potential causes for these symptoms, including myocardial ischemia, coronary artery spasm, tachycardia, arrhythmia,...[Read More] Rapid Heartbeat and Left Arm Numbness: Should I Be Concerned?