Understanding Hyperthyroidism: Treatment Options and Eye Complications
Hyperthyroidism Hello, Doctor. Thank you for your response. However, I still have some questions. You mentioned that hyperthyroidism itself is not difficult to treat, but proptosis may not necessarily improve. In some cases of thyroid eye disease, the condition can be more severe...
Dr. Yang Hongzhi Reply:
The use of steroids to treat thyroid eye disease (TED) associated with hyperthyroidism is generally considered only in cases of severe proptosis. This treatment can lead to significant side effects and may be helpful for the eye disease, but it is not guaranteed to be effective.[Read More] Understanding Hyperthyroidism: Treatment Options and Eye Complications
Understanding Protruding Eyes: Is It Hyperthyroidism and How to Treat It?
Protrusion of the eyeball Doctor, is protrusion of the eyeballs a sign of hyperthyroidism? If so, are there methods to cure it? Also, is the treatment complicated? Please provide an answer, thank you!
Dr. Yang Hongzhi Reply:
Hyperthyroidism is a common condition, and while hyperthyroidism itself is not difficult to treat, exophthalmos may not necessarily improve. A minority of cases of thyroid eye disease can be more severe, and sometimes the use of corticosteroids or other treatment options may be c...[Read More] Understanding Protruding Eyes: Is It Hyperthyroidism and How to Treat It?
Understanding Cushing's Syndrome: Symptoms, Treatment, and Steroid Use
Cushing's syndrome Hello, Doctor: I was diagnosed with Cushing's syndrome in 1998 and had my left adrenal gland removed. Currently, my adrenaline secretion should be normal, but over the past few years, I sometimes feel fatigued in the mornings, even though I believe I ...
Dr. Yang Hongzhi Reply:
Hello: The adrenal tumor was discovered in 1998, and now the adrenal function may have recovered. It is necessary to confirm adrenal insufficiency before considering the need for steroid supplementation.[Read More] Understanding Cushing's Syndrome: Symptoms, Treatment, and Steroid Use
Why Is My Mother Gaining Weight Despite Diabetes Management?
Why do I keep gaining weight? Hello: My mother has been a diabetic for over ten years. In the past year, her weight has increased significantly (currently weighing 60.5 kg; height approximately 150 cm). Are there any other health issues that could be causing this? By the way, my ...
Dr. Xiao Yongxun Reply:
Hello, in response to your question: 1. The reasons for weight gain include dietary habits, patterns of physical activity, and differences in energy metabolism. It is essential to first consider and evaluate the impact of diet, exercise, lifestyle, and environmental factors bef...[Read More] Why Is My Mother Gaining Weight Despite Diabetes Management?
Understanding Facial Swelling: Allergies or Other Underlying Issues?
Facial edema Hello Dr. Zhao, About a week ago, my face started to swell. It happened right after I had dinner at an Italian restaurant, so the doctor suspected it was a food allergy. After taking Prednisone for three days, the swelling is not as severe as it was initially, but t...
Dr. Zhao Chongliang Reply:
Hello! Your symptoms sound like angioedema (also known as angioneurotic edema or Quincke's edema). It is a type of allergic reaction caused by a deficiency of C1 esterase inhibitor, leading to the release of histamine and other chemicals into the bloodstream after exposure t...[Read More] Understanding Facial Swelling: Allergies or Other Underlying Issues?
Managing Eye Pain at Night for Patients with Thyroid Disease
Protruding eyes can cause pain during the night? Hello, Director Yang. I would like to ask for your advice. My father is 64 years old and has been suffering from thyroid disease for over ten years, which has been managed with medication, and his condition is stable. However, he h...
Dr. Yang Hongzhi Reply:
A small number of patients with thyroid eye disease may require special treatment (such as the use of corticosteroids), and an evaluation by an ophthalmologist is recommended. Patients with thyroid disease can take glucosamine without any impact on their condition.[Read More] Managing Eye Pain at Night for Patients with Thyroid Disease
Understanding Aplastic Anemia: Severity, Causes, and Treatment Options
Aplastic anemia Hello, doctor! I would like to ask if the severity of this anemia is considered serious? Is it caused by temporary nutritional deficiency or is it a chronic condition? The physician has prescribed steroids for me to take... but is it really necessary to take stero...
Dr. Wang Fangli Reply:
Aplastic anemia is a serious blood disorder characterized by a significant reduction in hematopoietic tissue in the bone marrow, leading to hematopoietic failure and resulting in a type of anemia. It is essential to follow the medication instructions provided by a hematologist-on...[Read More] Understanding Aplastic Anemia: Severity, Causes, and Treatment Options
Understanding CCR Calculation for SLE Patients with Nephrotic Syndrome
The calculation of creatinine clearance (CCR) can be done using the following formula: \[ \text{CCR} = \ Hello Dr. Yang: I am a patient with Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (SLE) and currently suffering from nephrotic syndrome. My albumin levels have been around 2.8 to 3, and my ch...
Dr. Yang Jun Reply:
Hello: In response to your question, Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (SLE) is one of the causes of nephrotic syndrome. Treatment must focus on controlling the underlying disease (SLE) and reducing kidney function damage. A low-salt and low-protein diet is a method to slow down prote...[Read More] Understanding CCR Calculation for SLE Patients with Nephrotic Syndrome
Understanding Amyloidosis: Causes, Treatments, and Prognosis
Causes and Treatment of Amyloidosis My father is 67 years old and underwent cardiac catheterization a month ago. The doctor diagnosed that only one area of the blood vessel required angioplasty, and his condition was stable after the procedure. However, about two weeks later, he ...
Dr. Yang Jun Reply:
Hello: In response to your question, amyloidosis refers to a disease caused by the deposition of amyloid, a fibrous protein, in one or more organs of the body. The clinical manifestations depend on the organs and areas affected, which can lead to systemic and multifocal diseases....[Read More] Understanding Amyloidosis: Causes, Treatments, and Prognosis
Managing Adrenal Hormone Deficiency: Side Effects and Natural Alternatives
Adrenal hormones Hello. I have a deficiency in adrenal hormones, with normal test values ranging from 5 to 25, but mine is only 0.25. Therefore, my doctor prescribed a corticosteroid at a dosage of 0.25 mg once daily. However, I am experiencing side effects such as weight gain, i...
Dr. Yang Hongzhi Reply:
1. The use of supplemental doses of steroids is not expected to produce the side effects you mentioned. 2. Long-term supplementation is usually required, and whether lifelong use is necessary depends on the cause of adrenal insufficiency. 3. There should be no need to rely on oth...[Read More] Managing Adrenal Hormone Deficiency: Side Effects and Natural Alternatives
Understanding Symptoms: Swelling, Headaches, and Insomnia in Adults
Generalized edema, headache (dizziness), insomnia, etc? Hello, my mother is 43 years old and has been feeling unwell lately, experiencing symptoms such as insomnia, headaches (dizziness), and sometimes waking up in the morning with generalized edema. During a previous health chec...
Dr. Zhao Chongliang Reply:
There are many causes of edema, including common kidney diseases (renal failure, nephrotic syndrome), heart diseases (heart failure), liver diseases (cirrhosis), endocrine disorders (hypothyroidism, hyperadrenalism, menstruation), systemic malnutrition, poor blood circulation, an...[Read More] Understanding Symptoms: Swelling, Headaches, and Insomnia in Adults
Understanding Sjögren's Syndrome: Navigating Conflicting Diagnoses and Treatment Options
Regarding Shy-Drager syndrome? Hello Doctor: I have many questions that are troubling me, and I would like to ask for your help or suggestions. Last September, I was diagnosed with Sjögren's syndrome after visiting a rheumatology and immunology clinic. My blood test results ...
Dr. Zeng Guosen Reply:
Hello, the diagnosis of Guillain-Barré syndrome follows specific standard procedures and cannot be made solely based on a biopsy. The use of quinine in the treatment of Guillain-Barré syndrome is not essential and may not always be effective, so there is no need for concern. Init...[Read More] Understanding Sjögren's Syndrome: Navigating Conflicting Diagnoses and Treatment Options
Why Does My Baby Keep Getting Oral Thrush? Understanding Recurrences
Why do babies experience recurrent thrush? Hello Doctor, I consulted you on February 25th regarding my concerns about my baby, who has just turned six months old. Since birth, my baby has experienced oral thrush six times. The attending physician recommended tests to check for an...
Dr. Zhao Chongliang Reply:
Oral thrush is a common condition in infants, partly due to their physiological leukopenia, which limits their ability to phagocytize fungi (Candida). Additionally, infants who rely solely on breast milk or formula may have lower levels of vitamin B2 and zinc, making them less ca...[Read More] Why Does My Baby Keep Getting Oral Thrush? Understanding Recurrences
Understanding Asthma Medications: Side Effects and Alternatives
Questions regarding asthma medications? Currently, the medications prescribed to me are as follows: "KODAPIN TAB," "COM-TRIMETON TABLETS 4MG," "MEPTIN-MINI 25UG TAB," "CEMINE 10MG F.C TAB," and "VOREN 50MG (WEREN) CAP." I feel oka...
Dr. Zhao Chongliang Reply:
Hello! Regarding your medications, only Meptin-mini is an asthma medication. Kodapin is a cough suppressant and is not recommended for long-term use in asthma patients. Cemine is an antihistamine for allergies and should not be used unless you also have chronic sinusitis or post-...[Read More] Understanding Asthma Medications: Side Effects and Alternatives
Navigating Thyroid Issues: Understanding Graves' Disease and Treatment Options
I feel really lost? I initially had hyperthyroidism and was treated with radioactive iodine. Later, I developed exophthalmos and diplopia, with my left eye position dropping down. I have visited several ophthalmology departments for nearly a year, and some doctors suggested that ...
Dr. Yang Hongzhi Reply:
Hello: If the inflammation is significant, the use of corticosteroids may be helpful. Generally, surgery is performed only after the eye condition has stabilized for a period of time. There are several causes of hyperthyroidism, with Graves' disease being one of the most com...[Read More] Navigating Thyroid Issues: Understanding Graves' Disease and Treatment Options
Understanding Hair Loss After Pregnancy: Causes and Treatment Options
Hair loss I have been experiencing hair loss for seven years, which started after giving birth. I have been wearing a wig for seven years. Previously, I took steroids that helped my hair grow back, but after stopping the medication, my hair started to fall out again. Could this i...
Dr. Yang Jun Reply:
Hello: In response to your question... regarding hair loss, it is unrelated to kidney function. You may consult a dermatologist. Keelung Hospital, Department of Health, Executive Yuan. Yang Jun.[Read More] Understanding Hair Loss After Pregnancy: Causes and Treatment Options
Understanding Thyroid Issues: Treatment Options for Goiter and Cysts
About the thyroid gland? Hello, Dr. Zhao... My sister has an enlarged thyroid due to a cold, but she is afraid of surgery, so she is controlling it with medication. I saw your response indicating that there are methods to aspirate it. What conditions need to be met, or what recom...
Dr. Zhao Chongliang Reply:
Hello! The aspiration method you mentioned in your response refers specifically to thyroid cysts, particularly in cases of recurrent hemorrhagic events, which is different from general goiter. The cause of general goiter was previously attributed to iodine deficiency, but since t...[Read More] Understanding Thyroid Issues: Treatment Options for Goiter and Cysts
Understanding and Treating Seronegative Spondyloarthritis: Symptoms and Management
How to treat "seronegative spondyloarthritis"? Hello, how is "seronegative spondyloarthritis" treated? What are the symptoms? Is it incurable, and will the condition worsen over time? Thank you!
Dr. Zeng Guosen Reply:
Hello: Seronegative spondyloarthritis is an autoimmune disease that cannot be cured but can be managed. Most cases are well-controlled without significant long-term sequelae. Symptoms include lower back pain, lower limb arthritis, iritis, and some may have mucocutaneous lesions. ...[Read More] Understanding and Treating Seronegative Spondyloarthritis: Symptoms and Management
Managing Adrenal Insufficiency: Alternatives to Steroid Treatment
Adrenal insufficiency Hello Doctor: My mother suffers from adrenal insufficiency, which means her body cannot produce sufficient adrenaline. When her levels are low, it often leads to fainting, requiring her to receive steroid injections at the hospital. I would like to ask if th...
Dr. Yang Hongzhi Reply:
Adrenal insufficiency generally requires long-term oral corticosteroid supplementation. Since this is merely a replacement dose (equivalent to the normal cortisol production in healthy individuals), it does not produce the side effects associated with the use of high-dose cortico...[Read More] Managing Adrenal Insufficiency: Alternatives to Steroid Treatment
Exploring Treatment Options for Crohn's Disease: Medications and Resources
Treatment options for Crohn's disease? Hello Dr. Tsai, I am a patient with Crohn's disease. I had surgery 10 years ago, and now it seems there are signs of a recurrence. I am currently taking steroids and medications like Azathioprine, but I still experience discomfort....
Dr. Cai Zonglong Reply:
Reply: Hello, Dr. Tsai is quite busy, so I will respond on his behalf (Dr. Chen). The medication you mentioned is infliximab (brand name Remicade), produced by Aventis. It is an antagonist antibody that targets the pro-inflammatory factor TNF-α, which can inhibit the inflammatory...[Read More] Exploring Treatment Options for Crohn's Disease: Medications and Resources