Managing Allergic Rhinitis and Frequent Colds: What You Need to Know
Upper respiratory tract infection I regularly take medication for allergic rhinitis, but I still caught a cold on April 22 and again on May 22. The doctor prescribed medication that also treats allergic rhinitis. If I am consistently taking medication and still cannot prevent col...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, the medications for allergic rhinitis are typically antihistamines. To avoid catching a cold, it is recommended to maintain a regular routine, get enough sleep, exercise regularly, eat a balanced diet, and refrain from alcohol and smoking. Additionally, it is advisable to ...[Read More] Managing Allergic Rhinitis and Frequent Colds: What You Need to Know
Understanding Ketotifen Side Effects: Sleep Issues and Nerve Sensations
Regarding the side effects of ketotifen? Hello, Doctor. I have been taking ketotifen 1 mg every night before bed for chronic urticaria, and I have been on it for 32 days. I would like to ask the doctor: 1. I have not been sleeping well for the past two days, experiencing a state ...
Dr. Gao Jiankai Reply:
Hello, thank you for your message. The safety profile of the antihistamine ketotifen is good, but it can still have common side effects associated with antihistamines, primarily including dry mouth and drowsiness, which is why it is sometimes used before bedtime. The side effect ...[Read More] Understanding Ketotifen Side Effects: Sleep Issues and Nerve Sensations
Managing Microalbuminuria in Diabetic Patients: Concerns and Treatments
The issue of microalbuminuria? Dear Doctor Wu, I was diagnosed with diabetes three years ago, and since then I have been controlling my diet and taking medication, maintaining my hemoglobin A1c below 6. My blood pressure before bed has been below 130. However, starting around No...
Dr. Wu Hongjie Reply:
ACR is used as a substitute for the 24-hour urine collection method to measure daily protein loss; the former is only an approximate estimation of the latter. Therefore, the accuracy of this estimation is inevitably not completely reliable. If ACR does not significantly increase,...[Read More] Managing Microalbuminuria in Diabetic Patients: Concerns and Treatments
Diabetes and Tongue Pain: Understanding Symptoms and Causes
Diabetes and Glossodynia Three years ago, I started brushing my teeth four times a day due to fear of cavities, whereas I used to brush only twice. Not long after, due to stress and poor sleep, my tongue began to hurt. I brushed for a long time, keeping toothpaste in my mouth for...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, 1. Diabetes can indeed cause neurological changes, and it is possible that the condition you mentioned is related to diabetes. However, it is not certain that diabetes is the sole cause. It is advisable to consult an oral specialist. 2. The toothpaste itself has a minim...[Read More] Diabetes and Tongue Pain: Understanding Symptoms and Causes
Understanding Sudden High Blood Pressure and Kidney Hydronephrosis
Sudden onset of elevated blood pressure and hydronephrosis? Hello Doctor: I am 31 years old and have a regular habit of donating blood. My blood pressure has never exceeded the normal range until mid-April this year when my company conducted a health check, and my blood pressure ...
Dr. Wu Jiyu Reply:
First, let's define what hypertension is. If you only have hypertension, your target is to maintain blood pressure below 140/90 mmHg. However, if you have comorbidities such as chronic kidney disease or diabetes, the target should be below 130/80 mmHg. Based on your current ...[Read More] Understanding Sudden High Blood Pressure and Kidney Hydronephrosis
Understanding Urine Ketones and Bilirubin: Diabetes or Hyperthyroidism?
Urine ketones 3+ Hello Doctor, during my health check in November last year, my urine ketones were (+/-), urine bilirubin was (-), T4 levels were normal, and TSH was slightly low. In late February this year, I was diagnosed with hyperthyroidism. In early April, during my health c...
Dr. Li Jian Reply:
An increase in urine ketones may be caused by fasting or starvation. If it persists, you can consult a metabolic specialist. An increase in urine bilirubin can be evaluated by a hepatobiliary specialist for further investigation and monitoring.[Read More] Understanding Urine Ketones and Bilirubin: Diabetes or Hyperthyroidism?
Is Your Immune System Weakening? Tips for Improvement
Is the immune system weakened? How can it be improved? Hello, Doctor Gao: Over the past six months, I have experienced occasional small cuts on my fingers that are difficult to heal, often taking 3-4 weeks (each time a small cut turns into a small area of skin ulceration, but th...
Dr. Gao Jiankai Reply:
Dear Mr. Chen, thank you for your message. Your symptoms are nonspecific, making it difficult to determine if there is an underlying immune dysfunction. I have a few suggestions as follows: 1. "Occasional small cuts on the fingers that are slow to heal, taking 3-4 weeks&qu...[Read More] Is Your Immune System Weakening? Tips for Improvement
Managing Fluctuating Creatinine Levels: Causes and Solutions
What should be done if creatinine levels fluctuate and increase over a short period? In January 2020, the urea nitrogen level was 0.88, in July 2020 it was 1.22, in January 2021 it was 1.14, in February 2021 it was 0.98, and in April 2021 it was 1.26. There was foamy urine, but t...
Dr. Wu Jiyu Reply:
Based on the data you provided, the calculated e-GFR (estimated Glomerular Filtration Rate) values are 95, 66, 70, 84, and 63, which indeed show some variation. Recommendations are as follows: 1. If there is no proteinuria, a low-protein diet is not necessary at this time, but a ...[Read More] Managing Fluctuating Creatinine Levels: Causes and Solutions
Concerns About Clindamycin: Esophagitis and Recovery Time
Please provide the content you would like me to translate into English? Hello Doctor, thank you for your response yesterday. I would like to ask about something else. I realized that I took the clindamycin medication before bed. The medication bag mentioned esophagitis. Although ...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Based on your description, it is likely a mild gastritis or gastroesophageal reflux, which typically does not lead to esophageal perforation. Usually, it will gradually improve over a few days, and there is no need for an endoscopy at this time. However, if symptoms persist for s...[Read More] Concerns About Clindamycin: Esophagitis and Recovery Time
Understanding Acne Breakouts: Hormonal and Stress Factors Explained
Having a lot of acne? I was someone who never had acne during puberty, maybe just one or two pimples before my period, but they would disappear quickly. I always thought my skin was great. However, after starting my senior year in high school, acne began to appear frequently on m...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Based on your description, it is likely that the appearance of acne is related to stress or irregular sleep patterns. I recommend consulting a dermatologist. Additionally, engaging in regular exercise and maintaining a consistent routine may help improve the condition. Thank you ...[Read More] Understanding Acne Breakouts: Hormonal and Stress Factors Explained
Understanding Allergies and Throat Discomfort: Common Concerns Explained
Two questions for inquiry? Hello, Doctor. A few days ago, the weather turned cold, and I seemed to have a runny nose. I visited a nearby ENT specialist who said that my throat wasn't severely inflamed, but my nasal allergies were quite serious, which could cause occasional t...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, based on your description, it seems you may have pharyngitis complicated by otitis media. I recommend visiting an otolaryngologist for an examination of the middle ear. Regarding the heartbeat sound you mentioned, if there is inflammation in the middle ear accompanied by f...[Read More] Understanding Allergies and Throat Discomfort: Common Concerns Explained
Understanding Recovery from HPV: Insights on Symptoms and Follow-Up Care
Inquiry about disease-related issues? Dr. Hong, I apologize for bothering you. My brother, who is five years older than me, confided in me two years ago that he had genital warts, but he was too afraid to tell our parents (I was still in high school at the time). Based on my unde...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
The recurrence of genital warts is primarily determined by the presence of any lesions on the surface of the genital area, rather than relying on blood tests. Based on your description, it seems that your relative has not experienced any further symptoms in the genital area, whic...[Read More] Understanding Recovery from HPV: Insights on Symptoms and Follow-Up Care
Understanding Yellow Phlegm: When to Worry and When to Relax
The issue of phlegm versus saliva? Hello, Doctor. I would like to ask you about something. Sometimes after staying up late for work or when I drink less water, I notice a slight yellow phlegm when I use my tongue to clear my throat right after waking up. However, it usually happe...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, when the body is relatively dehydrated, it is indeed common to have thicker mucus, which may also appear more yellow. This is a normal phenomenon. It is recommended that if there are no other discomforts, simply rest more and drink plenty of water. Thank you for your quest...[Read More] Understanding Yellow Phlegm: When to Worry and When to Relax
Can Sneezing Too Hard Cause Brain Bleeding? Understanding Mild Head Pain
Mild pain Hello, I would like to ask if sneezing or blowing my nose too forcefully could accidentally cause a brain hemorrhage, as I heard a classmate mention this before. Also, there is a slightly painful bony area on the right side of my head that I notice when washing my hair....
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, sneezing or blowing your nose too forcefully will not cause a brain hemorrhage. As for the tenderness you mentioned in certain areas, it may be related to pressure on the periosteum. If you are not experiencing any significant discomfort, there is no need to worry. Thank y...[Read More] Can Sneezing Too Hard Cause Brain Bleeding? Understanding Mild Head Pain
Managing Frequent Doctor Visits: Understanding Your Health Concerns
Feeling troubled? I often visit the doctor, sometimes feeling very fatigued. I have mild thalassemia and a waist circumference of 97 cm, with abdominal obesity. My lifestyle is generally normal, but I have issues with nasal allergies. Recently, I visited an immunology specialist ...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, based on your description, it seems that your body is prone to minor issues in various organs, mostly related to allergies. The most effective recommendations are regular exercise and maintaining a consistent sleep schedule. Avoid staying up late and try to reduce stress; ...[Read More] Managing Frequent Doctor Visits: Understanding Your Health Concerns
Managing Chronic Health Issues: Insights for Frequent Medical Visits
Health issues I visit the doctor approximately 50 times a year. Aside from my monthly visits to a psychiatrist, the main reasons for my frequent medical consultations are gastroenteritis and upper respiratory infections, including allergic rhinitis. Recently, I underwent allergy ...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, based on your description, it seems that your body may be experiencing minor issues with various organs, mostly related to allergies. I recommend that the most effective approach is to engage in regular exercise, followed by maintaining a consistent sleep schedule. Avoid s...[Read More] Managing Chronic Health Issues: Insights for Frequent Medical Visits
Understanding Foot Pain: Is It Just a Bug Bite or Something More Serious?
Please ask your question? Hello, doctor. Recently, I've been experiencing some sleep disturbances. Today, after putting on my shoes and returning home, I noticed that my toe is painful and appears to have a bit of redness. When I touch the swollen area, it feels slightly rai...
Dr. Gao Jiankai Reply:
Hello, thank you for your inquiry. Regarding joint swelling and pain, it is recommended to first consult a rheumatologist to determine the underlying cause. Generally, rheumatoid arthritis presents with polyarticular swelling and pain, while the occurrence of a single joint flare...[Read More] Understanding Foot Pain: Is It Just a Bug Bite or Something More Serious?
Is My Sore Throat a Cold or Something More Serious?
Is it a cold issue? Hello, doctor. About ten days ago, I had a cold and took medication twice. Later, the doctor said that since I no longer had a sore throat, I didn't need to return for a follow-up. However, today I felt something like a droplet shape stuck in my throat ne...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, 1. Regarding the previous cold symptoms, such as post-nasal drip, if they persist for a longer duration, it is usually recommended to rest more and stay hydrated, which should help in recovery. 2. As for the dizziness, it could be caused by multiple factors, including ...[Read More] Is My Sore Throat a Cold or Something More Serious?
Understanding Cold Sensitivity and Fatigue in Elderly Patients
Chills and lack of energy? Hello Dr. Hong: My mother (in her seventies) mentioned feeling discomfort in her abdomen the night before last. Yesterday, she experienced chills and felt cold even while wearing heavy clothing, and she was shivering. She occasionally coughed, but it wa...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, it is recommended to check her temperature and blood pressure. If she has diabetes, it is also important to measure her blood glucose levels. Based on your description, she may have an infection, which could be a respiratory tract infection, urinary tract infection, or gas...[Read More] Understanding Cold Sensitivity and Fatigue in Elderly Patients
Understanding Foot Pain: Causes and When to Seek Medical Advice
Please consult regarding toe issues? Hello, doctor. Yesterday, I stayed up late working on a report and only fell asleep around dawn, waking up after 10 AM. Later, I went out to buy something to eat, and when I returned home, I noticed that my right little toe was painful when I ...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, 1. Regarding the condition of your foot, based on the photos you provided, it appears to be folliculitis accompanied by cellulitis, which is usually caused by follicular obstruction. It is recommended to maintain cleanliness, and it should gradually improve over time. If...[Read More] Understanding Foot Pain: Causes and When to Seek Medical Advice