Understanding Hyperthyroidism: Symptoms, Treatments, and Dietary Guidelines
Thyroid issues Hello, doctor! Over the past one to two years, my thyroid function tests have been normal. However, six months ago, I started feeling hot all the time, not sensitive to cold, and my heart rate increased from 70-80 to around 100. I also noticed slight swelling in my...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, 1. Due to the complex composition of traditional Chinese medicine, it is difficult to generalize whether it will have an effect. 2. Corticosteroids can help with exophthalmos caused by hyperthyroidism, but they are not very effective for neck swelling. 3. If thyroid fu...[Read More] Understanding Hyperthyroidism: Symptoms, Treatments, and Dietary Guidelines
Should You Consider a Kidney Biopsy for Unexplained Proteinuria?
Should a kidney biopsy be performed? Hello, doctor. I am the patient who previously inquired about "unexplained proteinuria" (I have had persistent protein in my urine for 3-4 years and am currently managing it with Aprovel and Persantin). In the past year of follow-up ...
Dr. Wu Hongjie Reply:
The following are common reasons for performing a kidney biopsy: At onset: 1. Clinical pure proteinuria > 3 grams/day, along with suspicion of other possible lesions within the kidneys. 2. Nephrotic syndrome in non-pediatric patients (urinary protein > 3 grams/day). Inter...[Read More] Should You Consider a Kidney Biopsy for Unexplained Proteinuria?
Should You Consider a Kidney Biopsy for Unexplained Proteinuria?
Should a kidney biopsy be performed? Hello, doctor. I am the patient who previously inquired about "unexplained proteinuria" (I have had persistent protein in my urine for 3-4 years and am currently managing it with Aprovel and Persantin). Over the past year, during fol...
Dr. Wu Hongjie Reply:
The following are common reasons for performing a kidney biopsy: At onset: 1. Clinical pure proteinuria > 3 grams/day, along with suspicion of other possible lesions within the kidneys. 2. Nephrotic syndrome occurring outside of childhood (proteinuria > 3 grams/day). Inte...[Read More] Should You Consider a Kidney Biopsy for Unexplained Proteinuria?
Understanding Sarcoidosis: Symptoms, Diagnosis, and Treatment Options
Chest pain associated with sarcoma? Hello Doctor: Last October, I experienced prolonged unexplained fever (38 degrees Celsius) and visited the infectious disease department multiple times for examinations. During this period, I also had night sweats, weight loss (3 kg in one mont...
Dr. Zeng Guosen Reply:
1. Sarcomatoid carcinoma is not a common disease, and it is recommended to seek medical attention at a medical center. 2. Bringing all relevant medical records can help the physician quickly understand your condition. Thank you for your inquiry.[Read More] Understanding Sarcoidosis: Symptoms, Diagnosis, and Treatment Options
Understanding Unexplained Proteinuria: Treatment Options and Management
Unexplained proteinuria? Hello, doctor. I do not have any high-risk factors for kidney disease (e.g., hypertension, diabetes, family history...), but I was diagnosed with proteinuria four years ago. Over the past few years, my protein levels have fluctuated between "+3 and n...
Dr. Wu Hongjie Reply:
Dear Sir/Madam, You have reported proteinuria at 3+ for over four years. I am unsure if your physician has discussed the possibility of a kidney biopsy with you to confirm the diagnosis. If it is chronic glomerulonephritis, there are various treatment options available, such as ...[Read More] Understanding Unexplained Proteinuria: Treatment Options and Management
Understanding Uveitis and Its Connection to Ankylosing Spondylitis
Iritis and ankylosing spondylitis? Hello Doctor: I was diagnosed with ankylosing spondylitis at around 35 years old. After a long period of treatment, I have not experienced pain since I turned 50. Aside from some stiffness in my hip joints, I have no other discomfort, and my doc...
Dr. Gao Jiankai Reply:
Hello, thank you for your question. I will answer your inquiries briefly as follows: 1. There may still be active connections between iritis and ankylosing spondylitis, so I recommend that you follow up with a rheumatologist. 2. Iritis is generally treated with eye drops alone. H...[Read More] Understanding Uveitis and Its Connection to Ankylosing Spondylitis
Understanding Antiphospholipid Syndrome: Misdiagnosis and Treatment Insights
Antiphospholipid Syndrome About five years ago, I was diagnosed with antiphospholipid syndrome (ANA positive, anticardiolipin antibody positive, elevated inflammatory markers, and significant abnormalities in cerebral blood flow on one side). Since then, I have been continuously ...
Dr. Gao Jiankai Reply:
Hello, thank you for your inquiry. Here are the responses: 1. The use of medication will not affect the test results. 2. The results of antiphospholipid antibody tests can fluctuate, and if tested at different hospitals or laboratories, interpretation should be done with caution....[Read More] Understanding Antiphospholipid Syndrome: Misdiagnosis and Treatment Insights
Effective Strategies to Manage Proteinuria and Albumin Levels in Lupus Patients
How can proteinuria and albumin levels be effectively managed? Hello Doctor, I am a patient with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) and have been diagnosed for over four years. I had been managing my condition well, even stopping medications like quinine and mycophenolate mofetil...
Dr. Wu Jiyu Reply:
Hello: Based on the information you provided, there is currently still a significant amount of proteinuria, and given your history of lupus erythematosus, it is possible that you may have lupus nephritis. However, even within lupus nephritis, there are various types and degrees o...[Read More] Effective Strategies to Manage Proteinuria and Albumin Levels in Lupus Patients
Understanding Gynecomastia: Why Liver Function Tests Matter
Gynecomastia I went to see a doctor for gynecomastia, and I have stretch marks on my abdomen that resemble those associated with obesity. The doctor mentioned that it might be influenced by steroids. The blood tests I need to undergo include ALT, ALK, and alpha-fetoprotein. I loo...
Dr. Xiao Yongxun Reply:
Dear Sir, 1. The causes of gynecomastia in males are numerous; the fundamental pathological mechanism is due to an increase in the action of female hormones. In fact, female hormones, male hormones, adrenal corticosteroids, aldosterone, and others can interconvert within the end...[Read More] Understanding Gynecomastia: Why Liver Function Tests Matter
Impact of Kidney Disease on Pregnancy: Risks and Recommendations
The impact of kidney disease on pregnancy? Hello doctor, I would like to ask about my current situation. My creatinine level is 1.4, but my blood pressure, proteinuria, and blood urea nitrogen levels are all normal. I recently underwent a kidney biopsy, which confirmed interstiti...
Dr. Wu Jiyu Reply:
Hello, I will explain your questions in several parts. 1. The impact of a creatinine level of 1.4 mg/dL on pregnancy: Although creatinine is referred to as a kidney function index, its value can be influenced by age, body weight/muscle composition, and gender. When interpreting...[Read More] Impact of Kidney Disease on Pregnancy: Risks and Recommendations
Understanding Hair Loss, Irregular Periods, Weight Gain, and Fatigue
Hair loss, irregular menstruation, weight gain, and easy fatigue? Hello, Doctor: I would like to ask you about my condition. I started experiencing hair loss around July of last year and have visited 3-4 clinics and one large hospital for examinations. The diagnosis from each pla...
Dr. Li Zhiyao Reply:
Hello: It is recommended that you consult the "Endocrinology and Metabolism Department" as misdiagnosis can occur if the wrong specialty is chosen.[Read More] Understanding Hair Loss, Irregular Periods, Weight Gain, and Fatigue
Understanding the Causes of Elevated Creatinine Levels in Lupus Patients
Causes of elevated creatinine levels? I have systemic lupus erythematosus, which was diagnosed in 2009. At that time, my serum creatinine level was 4.4. After receiving steroid treatment, it decreased to 2.5. I have since been under the care of rheumatology and nephrology. Howeve...
Dr. Lin Peifeng Reply:
The provided information is limited. Lupus nephritis can cause six types of pathological changes in the kidneys, some of which are acute changes. In such cases, the use of stronger immunosuppressants and corticosteroids may improve some kidney function. However, if the changes ar...[Read More] Understanding the Causes of Elevated Creatinine Levels in Lupus Patients
Understanding Pain in Vasculitis: Insights for Lupus Patients
Vasculitis pain sensation Dear Dr. Tseng, I am a patient with systemic lupus erythematosus, and I have vasculitis in my fingers and toes. Initially, the vasculitis on my fingers appeared red and slightly raised, and it was usually not painful, only causing a tingling sensation w...
Dr. Zeng Guosen Reply:
Hello, it is possible that vasculitis is causing your sensory abnormalities. Whether to adjust your medication should be determined after a follow-up visit with your physician. Thank you for your question.[Read More] Understanding Pain in Vasculitis: Insights for Lupus Patients
Post-Meal Blood Sugar: Walking Benefits and Glucose Fluctuations Explained
Measuring postprandial blood glucose? Hello Doctor, I have been controlling my diet. If I eat at 12 PM and measure my postprandial blood glucose at 2 PM, I usually start walking around 1:30 PM, which means I will be slightly active for about half an hour before the measurement. I...
Dr. Xiao Yongxun Reply:
Dear Mr. Gao: 1. A moderate walk after meals can effectively lower postprandial blood glucose levels; there should not be any major issues. In fact, individuals with regular exercise habits tend to have increased sensitivity of insulin receptors, which helps maintain stable bloo...[Read More] Post-Meal Blood Sugar: Walking Benefits and Glucose Fluctuations Explained
Understanding Cholesterol: Debunking Myths for Diabetics
Cholesterol issues Hello Dr. Hsiao: I have diabetes, and my total cholesterol, LDL cholesterol, and triglycerides are all elevated. Both my doctor and diabetes health literature suggest that I should not consume too many high-cholesterol foods. However, I came across an article o...
Dr. Xiao Yongxun Reply:
1. Essentially, there are many articles online with a diverse theoretical foundation; although they have their sources and basis, I prefer not to comment on them personally. 2. According to current research reports, the sources of cholesterol indeed include dietary intake and e...[Read More] Understanding Cholesterol: Debunking Myths for Diabetics
Understanding Glomerulonephritis: Treatment, Prognosis, and Lifestyle Impact
Glomerulonephritis or nephrotic syndrome Hello, doctor. I have been experiencing symptoms since May 2014, with the initial symptoms being proteinuria and lower limb edema. I have undergone a kidney biopsy, and the diagnosis was glomerulonephritis, for which I have been taking cor...
Dr. Wu Jiyu Reply:
Regarding your inquiry, there are many types of glomerulonephritis, and the key is to base treatment on the pathological report from kidney biopsy. If you believe that the treatment from the second physician is more effective, you should cooperate with the physician regarding whe...[Read More] Understanding Glomerulonephritis: Treatment, Prognosis, and Lifestyle Impact
Understanding Diabetic Foot vs. Post-Thrombotic Syndrome: Key Differences
What is diabetic foot? Dear Doctor, I had a deep vein thrombosis in my calf two months ago. A month ago, an ultrasound showed no signs of a clot. However, every day after I wake up, my calf gradually becomes hard and swollen for about two hours. When I lie down for an hour in the...
Dr. Xiao Yongxun Reply:
1. Common clinical causes of edema include heart failure, cirrhosis, nephrotic syndrome, venous obstruction, lymphatic disorders, and medication side effects. Other causes may include hypoalbuminemia, parasitic infections, thyroid diseases, pregnancy, and venous insufficiency, am...[Read More] Understanding Diabetic Foot vs. Post-Thrombotic Syndrome: Key Differences
Understanding Autoimmune Arthritis: Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment Options
Polyarthritis 1. I have an ASLO index of 247 (or 274?). Is this caused by genetics or an infection? My family has a history of almost all hereditary diseases, including lupus erythematosus, ankylosing spondylitis, gout, rheumatoid arthritis, kidney stones, kidney disease, stroke,...
Dr. Gao Jiankai Reply:
Hello Ms. Yang, I hope this message finds you well. Your questions are somewhat complex, and since I haven't actually seen you, many of my thoughts are merely speculation. It is best for you to discuss these matters with a physician who has examined you in person. Here are m...[Read More] Understanding Autoimmune Arthritis: Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment Options
Understanding Sour Smell in Diarrhea: Causes and Concerns
Diarrhea with a sour odor? Hello Doctor: I was diagnosed with gastroenteritis this past Monday, and today is Saturday. I have noticed that I am still experiencing diarrhea, and the stool has a sour and foul odor. Is this normal? If not, what could be causing the sour smell?
Dr. Xiao Yongxun Reply:
1. Generally, acute diarrhea lasts for 14 days or less and is usually caused by infections, most of which can resolve on their own. Persistent diarrhea lasts more than 14 days, while chronic diarrhea lasts more than 30 days. 2. Acute diarrhea includes: a. Diarrhea caused by pat...[Read More] Understanding Sour Smell in Diarrhea: Causes and Concerns
Alternative Treatments for Chronic Urticaria: Beyond Antihistamines and Steroids
Other treatment medications or methods for urticaria? Allergic reactions to medications (such as pain relievers) causing urticaria that remain unresolved can be quite challenging. Despite ongoing medical consultations and continuous medication, the condition has persisted for ove...
Dr. Gao Jiankai Reply:
Hello, thank you for your question. The duration of an allergic reaction to painkillers can vary, but lasting more than three months is indeed quite long. It would be advisable to discuss the possibility of further immunological testing with your physician to rule out any immune ...[Read More] Alternative Treatments for Chronic Urticaria: Beyond Antihistamines and Steroids