Understanding Lower Abdominal Pain: Which Specialist to See?
Lower abdominal pain Hello Doctor: Recently, I have been experiencing lower abdominal pain, but I am unsure what kind of condition it might be and which specialty I should consult—urology or gastroenterology? The pain is only in the lower abdomen, and there are no other symptoms....
Dr. Xiao Yongxun Reply:
Hello: In response to your question. 1. There are many causes of abdominal pain, which can originate from intra-abdominal lesions, referred pain from outside the abdomen, metabolic pathologies, or neurological disorders, each with various diagnoses. For example, abdominal pain ma...[Read More] Understanding Lower Abdominal Pain: Which Specialist to See?
Distinguishing Post-Surgery Lung Scarring from Tuberculosis Calcification
Assessment of Scarring after Thoracotomy and Calcification in Pulmonary Tuberculosis? I was hospitalized six years ago due to a spontaneous pneumothorax in the upper left chest (in 2000). However, due to poor drainage and complications from a pleural fistula surgery, I developed ...
Dr. Li Huixiong Reply:
1. When chest X-rays show calcification, it can sometimes be difficult to distinguish whether it is due to surgical changes or residual effects from tuberculosis; detailed medical history inquiry is essential. However, if there is a history of both chest surgery and tuberculosis,...[Read More] Distinguishing Post-Surgery Lung Scarring from Tuberculosis Calcification
Night Sweats While Sleeping: Causes and Solutions in Air-Conditioned Rooms
Experiencing excessive sweating during sleep (even in an air-conditioned room)? My husband almost every night sweats profusely while sleeping! The air conditioning is on in the room, and the temperature is around 26°C (79°F). He sweats on his forehead, back of the neck, chest, ba...
Dr. Yao Quan Reply:
Hello: Night sweats can be normal or abnormal. Some individuals who are overweight often experience significant night sweating. In these individuals, it is important to monitor for snoring during sleep and whether there are any interruptions in breathing while asleep. If such sym...[Read More] Night Sweats While Sleeping: Causes and Solutions in Air-Conditioned Rooms
Understanding Tuberculosis: Impact on Engagement and Marriage Plans
About Tuberculosis (TB) Hello: My fiancée and I are getting engaged on October 10 and married on October 24. However, yesterday, September 28, she underwent an examination at Tainan Hsin-Lou Hospital and was suspected of having tuberculosis (TB). She has already started medicatio...
Dr. Zhao Chongliang Reply:
Unless it is multidrug-resistant tuberculosis, the infectious period is generally 1 to 4 weeks, with an average of about 2 weeks until there is no longer any infectiousness. Additionally, the transmissibility of pulmonary tuberculosis is quite low; even open pulmonary tuberculosi...[Read More] Understanding Tuberculosis: Impact on Engagement and Marriage Plans
Can Pleural Effusion Lead to Tuberculosis? Understanding the Connection
Will pleural effusion turn into tuberculosis? Will pleural effusion turn into tuberculosis?
Dr. Xiao Yongxun Reply:
Hello: In response to your question. 1. Pleural effusion can be classified into transudate and exudate based on the characteristics of the fluid extracted. The causes of both types are numerous, including tuberculosis, lung tumors, pneumonia, heart failure, connective tissue di...[Read More] Can Pleural Effusion Lead to Tuberculosis? Understanding the Connection
Is Lymphatic Tuberculosis Contagious? Understanding the Risks
Inquiry about lymphadenitis? Is lymphatic tuberculosis contagious?
Dr. Ke Zhengchang Reply:
Hello: Lymphatic tuberculosis generally refers to extrapulmonary tuberculosis. Whether treatment is necessary depends on the clinical condition of the patient. Typically, healthy individuals do not require treatment; they may have contracted the infection during a period of compr...[Read More] Is Lymphatic Tuberculosis Contagious? Understanding the Risks
Is There Medication for Silicosis? Exploring Treatment Options
Silicosis Is there a medication treatment for silicosis? What are the available medications?
Dr. Wang Fangli Reply:
Silicosis is often associated with pulmonary tuberculosis, and in such cases, antitubercular therapy is required.[Read More] Is There Medication for Silicosis? Exploring Treatment Options
Understanding Weakness in Hands and Feet: Causes and Solutions
Weakness in the limbs? Hello, I have been troubled by a long-standing issue where my hands and feet often feel weak. Sometimes, I even struggle to lift my hands to brush my teeth, and when I walk up stairs, it can get so severe that I end up kneeling down. I have low blood pressu...
Dr. Xiao Yongxun Reply:
Hello, in response to your question. The complaint of "weakness in the limbs" is common in clinical practice; however, due to the subjective nature of the experience, which varies from person to person, and the multitude of potential causes that lack specificity, it can...[Read More] Understanding Weakness in Hands and Feet: Causes and Solutions
Persistent Fever: Understanding Symptoms and Seeking Proper Diagnosis
Persistent fever Hello Doctor: I have been experiencing frequent fevers over the past few days. I sweat and feel better when lying down, but the fever returns shortly after. Today marks the fourth day. I currently live in Taichung City, and yesterday I visited the family medicine...
Dr. Zhao Chongliang Reply:
Hello! Recurrent fever, joint pain (discomfort in the spine), cough with chest pain, and sputum (even in small amounts) may indicate bacterial pneumonia or atypical pneumonia. Please first visit a general internal medicine or pulmonary medicine department to arrange for a chest X...[Read More] Persistent Fever: Understanding Symptoms and Seeking Proper Diagnosis
Understanding Sarcoidosis: Symptoms, Diagnosis, and Treatment Options
Sarcoidosis is a systemic granulomatous disease I have been experiencing fatigue, weight loss, low-grade fever, and night sweats for the past few months, but I have not had a cough or cold. After an examination, my doctor said that both my white blood cells and red blood cells ar...
Dr. Zhao Chongliang Reply:
Sarcoidosis is quite rare in Taiwan, with occasional reports from Japan, primarily affecting African Americans and Scandinavians. It is an idiopathic, non-caseating granulomatous disorder that can involve multiple organ systems, previously thought to be related to birch pollen al...[Read More] Understanding Sarcoidosis: Symptoms, Diagnosis, and Treatment Options
Excessive Phlegm: Causes, Concerns, and When to Seek Help
Excessive phlegm? Hello Doctor: Since last year, I have been experiencing excessive phlegm production. Previously, I would only have this issue when I had a cold, but now I have phlegm almost every day. I can hear a rattling sound in my lungs (accompanied by my breathing). Is thi...
Dr. Ke Zhengchang Reply:
Hello: A cough with excessive phlegm is generally indicative of acute bronchitis. If there are blood-streaked phlegm, it may suggest rupture of microvessels in the bronchi, bacterial infection, or even tuberculosis. It is recommended to visit a pulmonology clinic for a chest X-ra...[Read More] Excessive Phlegm: Causes, Concerns, and When to Seek Help
How to Cough Up Sputum When You Have No Phlegm?
How to cough up phlegm? Hello, doctor. I recently had a chest X-ray (frontal view) taken at a health center, and it was found to show non-cavitary pulmonary tuberculosis. I then went to another hospital's pulmonology department for a follow-up examination (posterior view), b...
Dr. Ke Zhengchang Reply:
Hello: The diagnosis of pulmonary tuberculosis requires not only a chest X-ray but also sputum tests and clinical symptoms (such as cough, fever, and weight loss). If there are no symptoms, the changes observed in the X-ray can be monitored without medication, or medication may b...[Read More] How to Cough Up Sputum When You Have No Phlegm?
Understanding Gray-White Lung X-Ray: Causes of Breathing Difficulties and Edema
The X-ray of the lungs shows a grayish-white appearance? Hello: My grandfather has fainted due to difficulty breathing and is currently in the intensive care unit. He was discharged last week after the TB bacterial load reached a non-infectious level, but why did he suddenly expe...
Dr. Zhao Chongliang Reply:
Hello! Based on your description, your grandfather's chest X-ray appears to show signs of either cardiogenic pulmonary edema or non-cardiogenic pulmonary edema, such as renal-related pulmonary edema or acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS). Cardiogenic or renal-related ...[Read More] Understanding Gray-White Lung X-Ray: Causes of Breathing Difficulties and Edema
Understanding Swelling and Pain in the Lower Jaw: Causes and Concerns
My mouth is swollen... = =” Doctor, recently the edge of my lower jaw has been swollen and hard, and it hurts when I press on it. I have taken medication twice, and although the swelling subsided, it returned again after a while. One doctor said it was a bacterial infection due t...
Dr. Xiao Yongxun Reply:
1. There are many causes of swelling along the lower jawline. It is essential to first determine the exact location and size of the swelling, whether there is pain, heat, hardness, mobility, enlargement, or any systemic symptoms. 2. For the lower jaw area: it may be due to head a...[Read More] Understanding Swelling and Pain in the Lower Jaw: Causes and Concerns
Understanding Urine Test Results: Hematuria and Bacteria Levels Explained
Urinalysis shows hematuria +2 and bacteriuria +2? In a health check-up, if the urine test shows blood +2 and bacteria +2, what precautions should be taken, and which specialty should be consulted?
Dr. Zhao Chongliang Reply:
You should consult a nephrologist or a urologist. The urine analysis in a health check should only include qualitative tests using dipsticks. If there are issues, it is necessary to follow up with these specialists to evaluate the quantitative results of the urine sediment. Regar...[Read More] Understanding Urine Test Results: Hematuria and Bacteria Levels Explained
Understanding Abnormal Blood Test Results: Key Indicators Explained
Abnormal blood test results? 1. Globulin - <3.6> 2. Total Cholesterol - <208>, HDL Cholesterol - <63.7>, LDL Cholesterol - <130> 3. Segmented Neutrophils - <32.5> 4. Lymphocytes - <58.8> What could be the potential issues?
Dr. Zhao Chongliang Reply:
The globulin value is calculated by subtracting albumin from total protein, and both values should be provided together for interpretation. The values for neutrophils (Segment) and lymphocytes are expressed as ratios, and the total white blood cell (WBC) count is necessary to cal...[Read More] Understanding Abnormal Blood Test Results: Key Indicators Explained
When to See a Doctor for Urinary Tract Infections and Acute Nephritis Explained
Urinary Tract Infection (UTI) Hello, Doctor: When should one see a physician for a urinary tract infection? If it is mild, can it be resolved by simply drinking more water? What is acute nephritis? Is it serious? Thank you, Doctor.
Dr. Xie Yonghui Reply:
Urinary tract infections (UTIs) can be classified into general UTIs and special UTIs. General UTIs refer to typical urinary tract infections, which are defined by a urine culture showing more than 10^5 colony-forming units (CFU) per cubic centimeter (c.c.) of Gram-negative, Gram-...[Read More] When to See a Doctor for Urinary Tract Infections and Acute Nephritis Explained
Chronic Back Pain: Understanding Symptoms and Seeking Relief
Chronic back pain Hello, I would like to describe my symptoms and kindly ask for your assistance. Thank you! 1. I have been experiencing chronic back pain for at least a year. During severe episodes, I am unable to lie down for long periods, and sleeping for more than seven hour...
Dr. Zeng Guosen Reply:
Hello! An ANA titer of 1:320, along with joint redness and swelling, fatigue, and even fever, suggests the need to consider connective tissue diseases, particularly lupus erythematosus. However, based on the information provided by the online user, a definitive diagnosis cannot b...[Read More] Chronic Back Pain: Understanding Symptoms and Seeking Relief
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
Understanding Left Side Abdominal Pain and Blood in Urine
There is occasional dull pain in the left flank? There is a dull pain in the left side of the lower back, and today there was blood in the urine.
Dr. Chen Jingwen Reply:
Based on the description, if it is not during the menstrual period, there are two likely possibilities: (1) acute right-sided pyelonephritis, for which urine tests and abdominal ultrasound are recommended. (2) right kidney stones, for which the same tests as (1) are suggested, al...[Read More] Understanding Left Side Abdominal Pain and Blood in Urine