Understanding Right Kidney Pain: Causes and Concerns for Patients
Kidney problems Hello, Doctor Wu. I would like to ask, around noon today, I experienced pain in my right kidney. It hurts when I squat down and when I get back up. My job involves standing and squatting to pick things up. In mid-February of this year, the clinic conducted blood a...
Dr. Wu Hongjie Reply:
Hello: There are many issues related to lower back pain that can be referenced in the attached document or addressed at a hospital. Wishing you safety from bothersome back pain. In the United States, back pain is the second most common reason for seeking medical attention in inte...[Read More] Understanding Right Kidney Pain: Causes and Concerns for Patients
Can Drinking Excessive Water Really Aid Weight Loss?
Meal replacement for weight loss / Is it really possible to drink more water? Hello, Doctor. I am currently using Herbalife products for weight loss, and I have noticed that they all claim that drinking plenty of water is essential for effective weight loss (suggesting a water in...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello: Typically, weight loss medications are designed to increase satiety to prevent overeating, which is why they often contain substances that expand in water, necessitating increased water intake. This is indeed a requirement for weight loss medications. However, if you drink...[Read More] Can Drinking Excessive Water Really Aid Weight Loss?
Understanding Weight Loss: Thyroid vs. Gastrointestinal Issues
Gastrointestinal issues / Thyroid problems Recently, I have noticed a slight trend of weight loss. Last September, I weighed 60 kg, and by last Tuesday, I was around 58 kg, and this morning, I weighed 57 kg. Although my eating habits have changed (I no longer eat late-night snack...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, based on your symptom description, it does not appear to be typical hyperthyroidism symptoms. As for the weight change, a fluctuation of one kilogram is not significant and may not indicate actual weight loss. The increased hunger you are experiencing is likely due to bein...[Read More] Understanding Weight Loss: Thyroid vs. Gastrointestinal Issues
Managing Diabetes and Cholesterol: Key Questions and Insights
Regarding diabetes and cholesterol issues? Hello Dr. Hsiao, Six months ago during my health check-up, my fasting blood glucose was 123 mg/dL and my hemoglobin A1c was 8.3%. The doctor advised me to take medication for control and to focus on weight loss. After four months of ef...
Dr. Xiao Yongxun Reply:
Dear Mr. Justin: 1. If weight loss is achieved gradually, and normal weight is maintained with good dietary control and regular exercise, it is possible to discontinue medication. However, this is contingent upon lifestyle changes and maintenance. Rapid weight loss can lead to r...[Read More] Managing Diabetes and Cholesterol: Key Questions and Insights
Understanding Radiation Exposure in Abdominal Medical Imaging
Abdominal medical radiation examinations and medical history inquiry? Condition: Recently, I have had a poor appetite and felt unwell overall. I have developed an aversion to food and experienced some watery diarrhea, but without abdominal pain. I have been having bowel movements...
Dr. Xie Rongyuan Reply:
Hello: A diagnosis can only be confirmed after arranging for examinations. Generally, a CT scan of the abdomen does involve radiation exposure, but it is within safe limits. Additionally, an endoscopy may be arranged to check for Helicobacter pylori infection, as this bacterium c...[Read More] Understanding Radiation Exposure in Abdominal Medical Imaging
Understanding Hemoglobin A1c: Can Weight Loss Reverse Type 2 Diabetes?
Glycated hemoglobin Doctor, I would like to ask you about my situation. In September, my hemoglobin A1c was 6.1, and in January of this year, it was 6.5. Am I diabetic? When I went to the hospital to review my report, the doctor advised me to lose weight. Is this to manage my dia...
Dr. Xiao Yongxun Reply:
Dear Ms. Anonymous: 1. According to the diagnostic criteria for diabetes set by the American Diabetes Association: a. Fasting plasma glucose level ≥ 126 mg/dl after fasting for more than 8 hours, b. Plasma glucose level ≥ 200 mg/dl during a 2-hour oral glucose tolerance test, c....[Read More] Understanding Hemoglobin A1c: Can Weight Loss Reverse Type 2 Diabetes?
Managing Blood Sugar Levels After Gestational Diabetes: Key Insights
Gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) Hello Doctor: I had gestational diabetes during my second pregnancy. I have no family history of diabetes and am not overweight. I managed my condition through dietary control and daily self-monitoring of blood glucose. Now that I have given bi...
Dr. Xiao Yongxun Reply:
(1) According to the American Diabetes Association's diagnostic criteria for diabetes: a. Fasting plasma glucose level ≥126 mg/dL after fasting for at least 8 hours. b. Plasma glucose level ≥200 mg/dL during a 2-hour oral glucose tolerance test. c. HbA1c (glycated hemoglobin...[Read More] Managing Blood Sugar Levels After Gestational Diabetes: Key Insights
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 Elevated CEA Levels: Should You Be Concerned?
The CEA level is 17.78? Hello Doctor, five years ago I was hospitalized due to duodenal obstruction and was found to have a 4.5 cm benign cyst in the tail of the pancreas. I underwent surgery to remove the affected part of the pancreas that same year, and I was hospitalized for 3...
Dr. Xie Rongyuan Reply:
Hello: An elevated CEA (Carcinoembryonic Antigen) level can occur in various malignancies such as colorectal cancer, lung adenocarcinoma, breast cancer, cervical cancer, ovarian cancer, gastric cancer, and pancreatic cancer. Additionally, other non-malignant conditions like chron...[Read More] Understanding Elevated CEA Levels: Should You Be Concerned?
Understanding Chest Pain and Fatigue: A Guide for Patients with Diabetes and Hypertension
There is a persistent dull pain in the chest near the heart, in the upper back close to the heart, and in the left shoulder? Hello Dr. Hsiao: I am 163 cm tall and weigh 130 kg. For a long time, I have been experiencing persistent dull pain in my chest near the heart, in my back n...
Dr. Xiao Yongxun Reply:
Dear Mr. Anong: 1. Your height is 163 cm, weight is 103 kg, and your body mass index (BMI) is 48.9 kg/m², which classifies you as severely obese. Consequently, your risk of developing the following conditions is increased: hypertension, dyslipidemia, metabolic syndrome, type 2 d...[Read More] Understanding Chest Pain and Fatigue: A Guide for Patients with Diabetes and Hypertension
Does Severe Illness Affect Blood Sugar Levels? Insights and Answers
Does serious illness affect blood sugar fluctuations? Hello Dr. Hsiao, Due to acute renal failure that occurred in the middle of this year, accompanied by severe edema and fluid accumulation in the body, various kidney indicators were significantly elevated, leading to my hospi...
Dr. Xiao Yongxun Reply:
Dear Mr. Anonymous: 1. Conditions such as illness, infection, stress, pregnancy, irregular lifestyle, and the use of certain medications can lead to elevated blood glucose levels or significant fluctuations. 2. If anxiety is severe, it can indeed cause an increase in blood gluco...[Read More] Does Severe Illness Affect Blood Sugar Levels? Insights and Answers
Understanding Endocrine Issues and PCOS in Young Women: A Case Study
Regarding Endocrinology and Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) Hello, Doctor: I am currently 19 years old, with a height of 151 cm, weight of 45.4 kg, body fat percentage of 20.3%, and a waist circumference of 58 cm. Description of my condition: In March of this year, my weight sud...
Dr. Xiao Yongxun Reply:
Dear Miss Nini: 1. The formula for Basal Metabolic Rate (BMR) is often estimated using various regression equations; it represents the energy required to maintain basic physiological functions daily. It can be used as a reference, but there is no need to be overly concerned, as ...[Read More] Understanding Endocrine Issues and PCOS in Young Women: A Case Study
How Long Does It Take for Onglyza to Start Working?
Could you please provide more context or details regarding the specific medication or topic related to drug efficacy that you would like Hello Doctor: The endocrinologist prescribed Onglyza (saxagliptin) at a dosage of half a tablet daily. I would like to know how long it typical...
Dr. Xiao Yongxun Reply:
Dear Ms. Coffee Sugar: 1. Eltroxin® (50 mcg or 100 mcg; generic name Levothyroxine) is commonly used to treat hypothyroidism. Due to the longer half-life of Levothyroxine (T4), it is typically taken once daily. The onset of action may take 1 to 2 weeks, and it usually takes 6 t...[Read More] How Long Does It Take for Onglyza to Start Working?
Understanding Normal Blood Sugar Levels for Gestational Diabetes
Reference values for gestational diabetes mellitus? Hello, Director Hsiao: Could you please tell me what the reference values for "fasting" and "postprandial 2 hours" blood glucose levels are for gestational diabetes? I would like to monitor my blood sugar lev...
Dr. Xiao Yongxun Reply:
Dear Ms. JJ: 1. According to the diagnostic criteria for diabetes set by the American Diabetes Association: a. Fasting plasma glucose level ≥126 mg/dl after fasting for more than 8 hours. b. Plasma glucose level ≥200 mg/dl during a 2-hour oral glucose tolerance test. c. HbA1c (g...[Read More] Understanding Normal Blood Sugar Levels for Gestational Diabetes
Understanding Postprandial Blood Sugar Levels: Concerns and Insights
Blood sugar issues Hello Doctor: My height is 165 cm and my weight is 58 kg (my weight has been about the same for the past six months). Last year, my fasting blood glucose (glucose AC) was 92 mg/dL. I tested my fasting blood glucose again in early August, and it was 96 mg/dL. La...
Dr. Xiao Yongxun Reply:
Dear Mr. Jacky: 1. Your weight is 58 kg, height is 165 cm, and your body mass index (BMI) is 21.3 kg/m², which falls within the normal range. 2. In 2015, your fasting blood glucose level was 92 mg/dL, and in August 2016, it was 96 mg/dL. Last week, your hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c) wa...[Read More] Understanding Postprandial Blood Sugar Levels: Concerns and Insights
Understanding Dizziness, Chest Tightness, and Nausea: Possible Causes
I've been feeling dizzy these past few days, with nausea and tightness in my chest? Last night, I suddenly felt very dizzy and weak in my limbs, so I immediately lay down to rest. While lying down, I felt much better, but my limbs still felt weak. I rested like this until th...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello: Based on the symptoms you described, since you have already undergone cardiac and thoracic examinations, it is suspected that the issue may be related to the esophagus or stomach. The most common condition is gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), characterized by a burni...[Read More] Understanding Dizziness, Chest Tightness, and Nausea: Possible Causes
Managing Acid Reflux: Symptoms, Treatment, and Diabetes Concerns
Excess stomach acid Hello, doctor. I previously underwent an endoscopy which showed that my gastrointestinal tract is generally fine, but I have gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). I have been taking Pantoprazole for a month, but I occasionally experience acid reflux, a burni...
Dr. Xiao Yongxun Reply:
Dear Mr. Ellis: 1. Nexium® (generic name: Esomeprazole) is indicated for gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). Possible side effects include abdominal pain, constipation, diarrhea, bloating, nausea, dry mouth, headache, drowsiness, allergic reactions, fever, and others. Genera...[Read More] Managing Acid Reflux: Symptoms, Treatment, and Diabetes Concerns
Managing Diabetes: Weight Loss, Cholesterol Levels, and Health Concerns
Regarding issues related to diabetes..? Hello, Director. I would like to ask about my health situation. I was diagnosed with diabetes on April 27. My blood test results on that date showed: fasting blood glucose 204 mg/dL, postprandial blood glucose 250 mg/dL, HbA1c 8.3%, total c...
Dr. Xiao Yongxun Reply:
Dear Mr. Ah-Chiang: 1. Your original weight was 108 kg, height 180 cm, resulting in a body mass index (BMI) of 33.3 kg/m², which classifies you as obese. Due to insulin resistance, you are at an increased risk for type 2 diabetes. Non-pharmacological treatments for weight loss i...[Read More] Managing Diabetes: Weight Loss, Cholesterol Levels, and Health Concerns
Understanding Your 75g Glucose Tolerance Test Results: What They Mean
75 grams oral glucose tolerance test? Hello, I recently underwent a 75-gram oral glucose tolerance test after fasting for eight hours, and the results were as follows: Fasting: 75 mg/dL, 1 hour after drinking the glucose solution: 88 mg/dL, and 2 hours after drinking the glucose ...
Dr. Xiao Yongxun Reply:
Dear Ms. Huihui: 1. According to the American Diabetes Association's diagnostic criteria for diabetes: a. Fasting plasma glucose level ≥126 mg/dl after fasting for more than 8 hours. b. Plasma glucose level ≥200 mg/dl during a 2-hour oral glucose tolerance test. c. HbA1c (g...[Read More] Understanding Your 75g Glucose Tolerance Test Results: What They Mean
Understanding Upper Right Abdominal Pain: Causes and Solutions
Regarding sharp pain in the right upper abdomen? Hello, Dr. Hsiao. I have been experiencing a sudden feeling of hunger shortly after meals, which feels somewhat like an empty stomach sensation without the typical stomach growling. If I eat too quickly, I might even feel hungry ha...
Dr. Xiao Yongxun Reply:
Dear Mr. Shi: 1. Regarding your upper right abdominal pain, I believe it may be what is commonly referred to as side stitch, as mentioned in my response on June 27, 2016. Therefore, I recommend that you consult a coach to learn proper breathing techniques while running to avoid ...[Read More] Understanding Upper Right Abdominal Pain: Causes and Solutions