The Impact of Cold Foods on Your Body: Understanding Health Risks
Cold items Hello, Doctor: I would like to ask: the human body prefers a warm environment. If one frequently consumes cold foods and drinks, which organs in the body could be adversely affected? (I know about the stomach.) Also, with summer approaching... Last year, I developed a ...
Dr. Zhao Chongliang Reply:
Skin conditions related to cold include (1) winter itch (winter eczema), (2) palmoplantar keratoderma (Keratodermia Tylodes Palmaris Progressiva), (3) atopic dermatitis, and (4) cold urticaria. These conditions are often triggered by exposure to cold and dryness, commonly present...[Read More] The Impact of Cold Foods on Your Body: Understanding Health Risks
Understanding Drug Allergies: Managing Symptoms After Steroid Treatment
Drug allergy Hello Doctor: I have a drug allergy to Lamictal (an anticonvulsant medication) and was hospitalized for six days receiving high-dose steroid treatment. After discharge, I switched to oral steroids, but I felt very uncomfortable after taking the medication (dizziness ...
Dr. Zeng Guosen Reply:
Hello: Steroids can have gastrointestinal side effects, which may worsen gastric ulcers or cause gastrointestinal discomfort. If symptoms persist, please consult a gastroenterologist. Sincerely, Dr. Tseng Kuo-Sen, Department of Internal Medicine, Taoyuan Hospital, Ministry of Hea...[Read More] Understanding Drug Allergies: Managing Symptoms After Steroid Treatment
Understanding Frequent Urination and Kidney Issues: Causes and Treatments
excuse me? Hello Doctor: Last year, I felt unwell and took medication for nearly a year. Later, I experienced frequent urination, soreness in my lower back and abdomen, and my stomach has also become enlarged. A traditional Chinese medicine practitioner diagnosed me with left kid...
Dr. Chen Jingwen Reply:
In response to your letter, both the traditional Chinese medicine practitioner and you may believe that after taking medication for a year, you have harmed your kidneys, resulting in kidney disease. It is recommended to first visit an internal medicine outpatient clinic. A detail...[Read More] Understanding Frequent Urination and Kidney Issues: Causes and Treatments
Understanding Right Lower Abdominal Pain After Gallbladder Surgery
Right lower abdominal pain? Hello, Dr. Hsieh. I underwent laparoscopic cholecystectomy in July of last year, but since early February of this year, I have been experiencing persistent pain in the lower right abdomen. I have already undergone ultrasound and blood tests, both of wh...
Dr. Xie Rongyuan Reply:
1. When abdominal pain occurs, it is generally necessary to go to the hospital for examination to determine the cause, as there are many organs in the abdominal cavity. Right lower abdominal pain could be due to appendicitis, ureteral stones, intestinal obstruction, or enteritis;...[Read More] Understanding Right Lower Abdominal Pain After Gallbladder Surgery
Understanding Gastrointestinal Discomfort: Causes and Solutions
Gastrointestinal discomfort? Hello, doctor. After I eat, it seems that the food doesn't stay in my stomach but goes directly into the digestive tract, causing my body to have poor absorption.
Dr. Chen Jingwen Reply:
The letter did not specify symptoms such as bloating, weight changes, frequent diarrhea, or previous surgeries. If malabsorption refers to weight loss or frequent diarrhea, it may be related to impaired small intestine absorption. It is also important to consider individual intol...[Read More] Understanding Gastrointestinal Discomfort: Causes and Solutions
Persistent Abdominal Pain and Bleeding After Diarrhea: What to Do?
Diarrhea with persistent abdominal cramps? If you are experiencing persistent cramping pain in your stomach and abdomen after having diarrhea, along with pain in the anal area, there may be a possibility of developing hemorrhoids. If the pain has not decreased after taking the me...
Dr. Chen Fuquan Reply:
1. This situation is likely due to the formation of internal hemorrhoids (external hemorrhoids can be felt and are usually more painful when sitting). When there is gastrointestinal bleeding, the contractions of the small and large intestines can intensify, leading most patients ...[Read More] Persistent Abdominal Pain and Bleeding After Diarrhea: What to Do?
Understanding Unexplained Heat and Rash: Causes and Solutions
The whole body experiences a fever, followed by the appearance of a rash..? I often experience intense thirst almost every day, followed by a feeling of heat throughout my body. I then notice a rash appearing on my wrists, and sometimes my face also becomes red and develops a ras...
Dr. Xiao Yongxun Reply:
Hello: In response to your questions. 1. The differential diagnosis for skin rashes requires a detailed physical examination, including an analysis of the rash's surface characteristics, shape, color, size, distribution, and progression. Additionally, it is important to co...[Read More] Understanding Unexplained Heat and Rash: Causes and Solutions
Is It Just a Common Cold? Understanding Symptoms and Risks
Is it just a common cold? Hello Dr. Lin: Recently, I visited the doctor due to feeling unwell. My symptoms include dizziness, gastrointestinal discomfort, chills, runny nose, and vomiting. The first doctor diagnosed me with a rotavirus infection but only prescribed medication for...
Dr. Lin Benpei Reply:
Dear netizen, A. Have you been consistently taking medication to manage your arrhythmia and thyroid enlargement? B. There is indeed a difference before and after you stopped taking the medication, so was your decision correct? 1. Taking multiple medications simultaneously ...[Read More] Is It Just a Common Cold? Understanding Symptoms and Risks
Is Frequent Cold Medication Causing My Daughter's Stomach Pain?
Can taking too much cold medicine cause abdominal pain? Hello, my daughter will turn six years old this August. When she was two, she was hospitalized for suspected encephalitis, but everything was normal at her follow-up after discharge. Last January, she was hospitalized again ...
Dr. Xie Rongyuan Reply:
1. A 6-year-old child should be evaluated by a pediatrician. 2. I can provide some insights; common causes of abdominal pain in children often include irregular bowel habits, such as constipation, which is the most frequent cause. Additionally, frequent use of anti-inflammatory ...[Read More] Is Frequent Cold Medication Causing My Daughter's Stomach Pain?
Understanding Lumps in the Neck: What You Need to Know
There are two small lumps in the neck? On November 1st, I accidentally discovered two small lumps on the back of my neck (approximately 0.3 to 0.5 cm in diameter). They do not cause pain when pressed and are not very hard; I can only vaguely see the two small protrusions when I s...
Dr. Xie Rongyuan Reply:
1. Lymphadenopathy clinically refers to an abnormal increase in the size of lymph nodes, and the accumulation of lymphoid tissue is considered to have the same meaning. 2. The sensation of a mass versus a tumor can vary from person to person, and it is not possible to diagnose a ...[Read More] Understanding Lumps in the Neck: What You Need to Know
Diabetes Diet: What Foods to Eat and Avoid for Better Health
Diabetic Diet Hello Dr. Hsiao: I know you have extensive research on diabetes. I would like to ask you: My father was recently diagnosed with diabetes. Should he avoid all foods that contain sugar? Are foods high in starch, such as steamed buns, also not advisable? Could you reco...
Dr. Xiao Yongxun Reply:
Dear Miss Sasa, In response to your question, many people believe that individuals with diabetes should avoid carbohydrates such as rice and bread, but this is incorrect. The key to managing diabetes lies in a balanced diet and weight control. Patients should consume an appropri...[Read More] Diabetes Diet: What Foods to Eat and Avoid for Better Health
Frequent Burping After Meals: Causes and Health Concerns Explained
Burping occurs after eating? Hello Dr. Hong, I have a troubling issue that I would like to consult you about. After every meal, I experience frequent burping, but it's not continuous; rather, I only burp once each time, although it happens very often and is quite loud. As ...
Dr. Hong Hongchang Reply:
1. There are many causes of hiccups, with the most likely being irritation of the diaphragm's nerves, leading to diaphragm contractions. Possible reasons include gastric distension, gastrointestinal disorders, viral infections, and neuropathies. Please follow up at the gastr...[Read More] Frequent Burping After Meals: Causes and Health Concerns Explained
Understanding Abdominal Discomfort: Causes and Concerns
Abdominal discomfort? An ultrasound showed a 1.8 cm cyst on the right side and a 0.4 x 0.6 cm stone on the left side. There is a sensation of cramping pain, which occurs infrequently and occasionally. Could this be a neuromuscular issue? Is it normal to experience pain upon press...
Dr. Yang Jun Reply:
Hello: In response to your question, the ultrasound examination of the kidneys revealed the presence of cysts and stones, which occasionally cause sharp pain in the lower back. Renal cysts are generally benign and do not cause pain unless they become enlarged or rupture, which ma...[Read More] Understanding Abdominal Discomfort: Causes and Concerns
Understanding Your Symptoms: Fatigue, Pain, and Possible Conditions
Could you please provide more context or specify your question? Doctor, I have been feeling very fatigued lately, experiencing body aches, dizziness, and headaches. I have many spots on my body that resemble acne, especially on my hands. Additionally, I have pain in my stomach an...
Dr. Xie Yonghui Reply:
Dear Sir/Madam, Based on the symptoms you described, including fatigue, body aches, dizziness, headaches (pain in the stomach and kidney areas), these are generally considered non-specific symptoms in the medical field. Many conditions can present with these symptoms, but it is ...[Read More] Understanding Your Symptoms: Fatigue, Pain, and Possible Conditions
Understanding Pain at the Base of Fingers and Toes: Causes and Concerns
Pain at the base of the finger? Hello, I have some questions to ask you. About four to five years ago, I suddenly experienced redness, swelling, and pain in my heel. Since then, the pain tends to occur before my menstrual cycle. Recently, I've also noticed pain at the base o...
Dr. Zeng Guosen Reply:
Hello! 1. Sudden redness, swelling, and pain in the heel may indicate abnormalities such as gout, seronegative spondyloarthritis, or Achilles tendonitis. If there is accompanying pain in other toes or fingers, it is advisable to consult a rheumatologist for further differential d...[Read More] Understanding Pain at the Base of Fingers and Toes: Causes and Concerns
Understanding Persistent Knee Discomfort: Causes and Treatment Options
Leg fatigue? Doctor: Hello! I would like to ask you a few questions. I am 48 years old, and three years ago, I started feeling soreness in my knees (the kind of feeling as if I had been standing all day). When it is severe, I feel sore in the morning upon waking up; when it is mi...
Dr. Zeng Guosen Reply:
Hello! Knee pain without swelling, heat, or tenderness indicates that arthritis has not yet developed. Vepesid is a nutritional metabolic agent for joint cartilage and is very popular in the United States, primarily used for patients with degenerative joint conditions. You may co...[Read More] Understanding Persistent Knee Discomfort: Causes and Treatment Options
Is Aluminum Toxicity Real? Understanding Health Risks and Prevention
Is this true? Hello Doctor: Below is an article circulating online, and I would like to ask if what it says is true regarding aluminum toxicity!!! "Aluminum" is extracted from clay using an electric furnace. After multiple uses, aluminum cookware may develop mottled bla...
Dr. Zhao Chongliang Reply:
In my childhood, our family primarily used aluminum pots, and every time we cooked, white aluminum flakes would be released. My father, a chemistry professor, once told us that these aluminum flakes are non-toxic, and aside from feeling uncomfortable psychologically, they did not...[Read More] Is Aluminum Toxicity Real? Understanding Health Risks and Prevention
Understanding Occasional Chest Pain: Causes and Concerns
Occasional chest pain? Hello Doctor, I have been experiencing strange chest pain intermittently for the past two to three years. During these episodes, I feel a stabbing pain in my chest when I move my body, and it is often accompanied by a sharp pain between my ribs when I push ...
Dr. Zhao Chongliang Reply:
Hello! Chest pain can be caused by various conditions related to the heart (such as angina, myocardial infarction, arrhythmias, myocarditis, and pericarditis), lungs and associated structures (such as pneumothorax, pneumonia with pleuritis, rib fractures, pulmonary embolism, and ...[Read More] Understanding Occasional Chest Pain: Causes and Concerns
Understanding Your Joint Pain: Gout, Arthritis, or Something Else?
Arthritis or gout or other conditions? I would like to ask the doctor, I have had symptoms similar to gout since high school. It started with the joints in my feet, then moved to my knees, and later to my index finger. Currently, the most common areas of attack are my fingers, kn...
Dr. Ke Zhengchang Reply:
In addition to gout, multiple joint swelling and pain can also be caused by rheumatic diseases, osteoarthritis, and crystalline arthritis. Generally, a comprehensive assessment based on clinical symptoms, blood test results, physical examination, and radiological studies is neces...[Read More] Understanding Your Joint Pain: Gout, Arthritis, or Something Else?
Understanding Medications for Uric Acid, Gout, and Acid Relief
Medication Inquiry Hello: One day, I found some medication names written by a friend, including uric acid, gout, and antacid tablets. I am unsure what symptoms these medications are used for. Could you please help me understand? Thank you!
Dr. Liu Hongxiang Reply:
Elevated uric acid levels in the blood can lead to joint pain known as gout. Therefore, if a medication is labeled for gout, it is intended for the treatment of gouty arthritis and hyperuricemia. Antacids, commonly referred to as stomach medications, are used to address excessive...[Read More] Understanding Medications for Uric Acid, Gout, and Acid Relief