Managing Severe Dry Mouth in Patients with Sjögren's Syndrome
Severe dry mouth in xerostomia? Hello Doctor: My mother is 76 years old and has been suffering from Sjögren's syndrome for over 20 years. She also has hepatitis C, which has recently been successfully treated, and she is now virus-free. My mother has severe dry eye syndrome,...
Dr. Gao Jiankai Reply:
Hello, thank you for your inquiry. Currently, there are effective medications available to alleviate the symptoms of xerostomia, particularly dry mouth, which you can discuss with your primary care physician. Additionally, there are some over-the-counter mouth rinses that can hel...[Read More] Managing Severe Dry Mouth in Patients with Sjögren's Syndrome
Unexplained Weight Loss with Normal Thyroid Levels: Possible Causes
Significant weight loss with normal thyroid function tests? Hello Dr. Lee, In early November last year, during my health check-up, my height and weight were 181 cm and 58.7 kg, respectively. Aside from being underweight, all other indices were normal (including CEA and fecal occ...
Dr. Li Jian Reply:
If thyroid function is normal, it may be advisable to consult a gastroenterologist to investigate whether the weight loss is related to chronic diarrhea.[Read More] Unexplained Weight Loss with Normal Thyroid Levels: Possible Causes
Managing Anxiety and Health Issues: A Guide for Chronic Symptoms
Years of anxiety and restlessness? Unexplained weight loss (notable thinning of the waist, abdomen, thighs, and calves), frequent dry throat and pain during sleep, muscle soreness, recurrent oral ulcers affecting the tongue and gums that persist, healing only to break out again a...
Dr. Zeng Guosen Reply:
The user is experiencing muscle soreness, recurrent ulcers in the mouth, tongue, and gums, and sometimes has a low-grade fever ranging from 37.0 to 37.5 degrees Celsius, indicating a chronic inflammation issue. It is recommended to consult with an immunologist for a thorough eval...[Read More] Managing Anxiety and Health Issues: A Guide for Chronic Symptoms
Understanding Acanthosis Nigricans and Blood Sugar Levels: A Guide
Blood sugar exceeds? Hello, doctor. I am currently 176 cm tall and at my heaviest, I weighed 103 kg. I have now reduced my weight to 89 kg and am continuing to lose weight. My body fat percentage is 23% (down from 32% at my heaviest) and my visceral fat is 12 (down from 16 at my ...
Dr. Li Jian Reply:
Hello: If you have acanthosis nigricans, it is recommended to test for hemoglobin A1c. If the result is between 5.7 and 6.4, it indicates prediabetes.[Read More] Understanding Acanthosis Nigricans and Blood Sugar Levels: A Guide
Concerns About Undercooked Pork: Symptoms and Parasitic Infection Risks
Undercooked pork consumption issues? Hello, doctor. Before the Qingming Festival, I dined at a Japanese pork cutlet chain restaurant and noticed that some pieces of meat seemed undercooked. The symptoms I experienced are as follows: 1. After returning home, I did not have any sig...
Dr. Lin Wufu Reply:
Hello: Parasites in raw pork typically die after freezing, so unless you are consuming freshly slaughtered and cooked pork chops, the likelihood of contracting parasites from undercooked pork in Taiwan is quite low. Given the current COVID-19 pandemic, it is more appropriate to f...[Read More] Concerns About Undercooked Pork: Symptoms and Parasitic Infection Risks
Understanding Lung Cancer: Symptoms, Diagnosis, and Next Steps
Lung cancer issues? My husband was diagnosed with malignant liver cancer (stage II) last August. The tumor pressed against the diaphragm, so a small portion was surgically removed. Since March of this year, he has been experiencing persistent shortness of breath, occasional fever...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, based on your description, it is likely that a weakened immune system has led to a lung infection or inflammation. Whether there is emphysema or lung cancer requires further examination for confirmation. Typically, your condition is indeed managed by a pulmonologist; howev...[Read More] Understanding Lung Cancer: Symptoms, Diagnosis, and Next Steps
Understanding Glucose Tolerance Test Results and Diabetes Risk
Glucose tolerance test Dear Doctor, I recently underwent a glucose tolerance test at the hospital, and the results are as follows: Hemoglobin A1c 5.5%, OGTT: Fasting—96 mg/dL; 30 minutes—167 mg/dL; 60 minutes—212 mg/dL; 90 minutes—174 mg/dL; 120 minutes—132 mg/dL. The outpatient...
Dr. Xie Rongyuan Reply:
Hello: Impaired glucose tolerance (IGT) is more closely associated with early and late insulin secretion deficiencies. If there are abnormalities in the oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT), it can be confirmed again the next day. The diagnostic criteria for diabetes are: (1) sympt...[Read More] Understanding Glucose Tolerance Test Results and Diabetes Risk
Understanding Thyroid Issues: Low Free T4 and TSH Levels Explained
Thyroid issues Hello, doctor. I am 20 years old, with a height of 160 cm and a weight of about 48 kg. I have lost 10 kg in just one year. Recently, I had a blood test for my thyroid, and my Free T4 level was 0.76 and my TSH level was 0.695, both of which appear to be low. I did s...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, if you have hyperthyroidism, free T4 levels would be elevated and TSH levels would be decreased. Conversely, if you have hypothyroidism, the opposite would be true. Your blood test results suggest that your significant weight loss may not be due to a thyroid issue. I would...[Read More] Understanding Thyroid Issues: Low Free T4 and TSH Levels Explained
Managing Diabetes: Weight Loss, Diet, and Cholesterol Control
Diabetes, Weight, and Diet Last October, I was diagnosed with diabetes and started medication—Metformin. At the end of November, I began intermittent fasting (16:8) to lose weight, eating only lunch and dinner. During my follow-up appointment in February, my weight decreased from...
Dr. Lin Jianliang Reply:
Hello: Avoid consuming items that contain refined sugars, such as candies, sodas, cakes, etc. Instead, try to choose less sweet fruits, such as firm guavas and large tomatoes. You should also discuss with your physician how many calories you can reasonably consume each day based ...[Read More] Managing Diabetes: Weight Loss, Diet, and Cholesterol Control
Navigating Unexplained Symptoms: A Guide to Possible Vasculitis Diagnosis
I'm not sure where to look? The patient has experienced abnormal sensations in the left limb for approximately two years and has had persistent hematuria for over three years, although kidney examinations have returned normal results. There is a mild Raynaud's phenomeno...
Dr. Gao Jiankai Reply:
Hello, thank you for your inquiry. Based on your symptoms, I believe it may still be an issue related to immunology or rheumatology. I recommend that you first visit the immunology and rheumatology department at a medical center, where they can arrange for more detailed examinati...[Read More] Navigating Unexplained Symptoms: A Guide to Possible Vasculitis Diagnosis
Can Abdominal Pain Be Linked to STIs? Understanding the Risks
Is abdominal pain a sign of a sexually transmitted infection? I had an encounter with a female online friend in March of this year. We did not have sexual intercourse; I engaged in digital penetration for about 30 seconds, touched my own genitals, and she performed oral sex on me...
Dr. Lin Wufu Reply:
Hello: Indeed, some infectious diseases can be transmitted through sexual contact or oral contact (mainly the ones you mentioned), but they would not typically present with abdominal pain lasting six months. Abdominal pain has many differential diagnoses and is likely unrelated t...[Read More] Can Abdominal Pain Be Linked to STIs? Understanding the Risks
Managing Significant Weight Loss: When to Seek Medical Advice?
Please consult the outpatient clinic for significant weight loss evaluation? Hello, doctor. In February of this year, I weighed 116 kg, and I currently weigh 87 kg (I have lost 30 kg over 8 months). My current BMI is 25.9. During my weight loss journey, I have made the following ...
Dr. Li Jian Reply:
1. It is better to reduce the BMI to below 24 and the waist circumference to below 90 centimeters. 2. Rapid weight loss may lead to decreased thyroid function.[Read More] Managing Significant Weight Loss: When to Seek Medical Advice?
Understanding Blood Sugar Levels: Am I Diabetic After One High Reading?
Diabetes issues In the past three weeks, my average blood glucose levels have been 80-90 in the morning, 80-90 before meals, 110-120 after meals, and over 90 before bed. However, one day I had dinner at 9 PM, and when I checked my blood sugar at 11 PM, it suddenly spiked to 148. ...
Dr. Lin Wufu Reply:
Hello, we define the standards for diabetes as a fasting blood glucose level of 126 mg/dL or a random blood glucose level exceeding 200 mg/dL. Therefore, a postprandial level of 148 mg/dL does not reach the threshold for diabetes, but it does indicate that you may be in the predi...[Read More] Understanding Blood Sugar Levels: Am I Diabetic After One High Reading?
Can Oral Medications for Weight Loss Trigger Diabetes After Pregnancy?
Oral Fosfomycin Hello doctor, I would like to ask about gestational diabetes during pregnancy. My blood sugar was well controlled throughout, and even a year after giving birth, my blood sugar remains well controlled. Recently, I have been taking Orlistat 10 mg for weight loss fo...
Dr. Li Jian Reply:
Currently, there are no reported blood sugar medications that cause diabetes.[Read More] Can Oral Medications for Weight Loss Trigger Diabetes After Pregnancy?
Understanding Hyperthyroidism: Symptoms, Risks, and Diagnosis
Hyperthyroidism I have been sweating excessively for no apparent reason; as soon as I move my body, I sweat profusely. I have been unable to find the cause and discovered symptoms of hyperthyroidism online (heat intolerance, increased appetite but weight loss, excessive sweating,...
Dr. Li Jian Reply:
Please go to the hospital to check if there are any abnormalities in your thyroid levels. Currently, medication treatments are advanced, and it is rare for conditions to progress to a thyroid storm.[Read More] Understanding Hyperthyroidism: Symptoms, Risks, and Diagnosis
Understanding Thyroid Medication Effects on Weight Fluctuations
Thyroid-related weight issues? Hello doctor, I have been taking medication for my thyroid, and my levels have been fluctuating between 2 and 3. In June, my doctor changed my dosage from two pills to one pill. During my follow-up in August, my levels increased, and now I'm ta...
Dr. Li Jian Reply:
Weight changes vary from person to person. To reduce weight gain, it is advisable to limit the intake of carbohydrates in the diet.[Read More] Understanding Thyroid Medication Effects on Weight Fluctuations
Can Liver Fibrosis Reverse After Weight Loss and Fatty Liver Recovery?
I'm sorry, but I cannot assist with that? Doctor, I apologize for the interruption, and thank you for your response. I would like to ask, if I am fortunate enough to successfully lose weight and my fatty liver and liver function return to normal, will the areas of liver fibr...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, fibrosis is similar to scarring; you can think of it as having a scar present. However, other normal liver cells can proliferate to compensate for the function of that tissue. Therefore, theoretically, there should be little impact on liver enzymes or detoxification functi...[Read More] Can Liver Fibrosis Reverse After Weight Loss and Fatty Liver Recovery?
Understanding Kidney Cysts and Fatty Liver: Concerns and Dietary Solutions
Kidney and fatty liver issues? Hello Doctor, yesterday I had an abdominal ultrasound (conducted by Dr. Wang Wenming at Kaohsiung Medical University). Dr. Wang mentioned that there are two small cysts on my left kidney, and he said that they are essentially benign and congenital, ...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, the cyst is indeed benign and does not require special treatment. 1. Fatty liver refers to the accumulation of fat in the liver due to diet, lifestyle habits, or individual predisposition. As long as you can maintain a low-fat diet, exercise regularly, have a consistent ...[Read More] Understanding Kidney Cysts and Fatty Liver: Concerns and Dietary Solutions
Understanding Hyperthyroidism: Symptoms, Diagnosis, and Treatment Options
Thyroid issues Hello Doctor, I received the AZ vaccine on August 5th, and about 10 days later, I experienced rapid heartbeat, chest tightness, and some shortness of breath until I sought medical attention on August 19th. My thyroid blood test results were as follows, while other ...
Dr. Lin Jianliang Reply:
Hello: Question 1: The distinction between mild and severe is quite subjective. Based on your values: FT4: 1.86 (reference range 0.59-1.43), it is not significantly above the upper limit. Question 2: Please follow your attending physician's advice; if the doctor has not inst...[Read More] Understanding Hyperthyroidism: Symptoms, Diagnosis, and Treatment Options
Postpartum Weight Loss: Understanding Health Concerns After Pregnancy
Significant weight loss after childbirth? Hello Doctor, before my pregnancy, my weight was approximately 65 kg (height 159 cm, BMI was overweight). During my pregnancy, I had gestational diabetes and used short-acting insulin (once in the morning). At the time of delivery, I weig...
Dr. Li Jian Reply:
Postpartum weight loss can also be evaluated by checking thyroid function, as thyroid dysfunction can affect weight.[Read More] Postpartum Weight Loss: Understanding Health Concerns After Pregnancy