Is It a Heart Problem? Understanding Symptoms and Seeking Further Testing
Is this a heart problem? Hello Doctor: I previously had an electrocardiogram (ECG) at the hospital, which lasted only one to two minutes. The doctor diagnosed me with a slight arrhythmia and said it was nothing to worry about. However, I felt that my condition during the ECG was ...
Dr. Ke Zhengchang Reply:
Young males can occasionally experience arrhythmias, but most are benign and transient. Avoiding smoking, alcohol, coffee, and tea, as well as maintaining a regular routine, is crucial. If symptoms persist and cause discomfort, a 24-hour Holter monitor can be arranged. Thyroid fu...[Read More] Is It a Heart Problem? Understanding Symptoms and Seeking Further Testing
Am I Overweight? Understanding Body Weight and Health Concerns
May I ask if I am considered overweight? Hello, I would like to ask if my height of 174.5 cm and weight of 63 kg is considered overweight. Although the data indicates that I do not need to lose weight, I have a noticeable layer of excess fat around my abdomen. Should I consider l...
Dr. Zeng Fenyu Reply:
Hello Judy: Your body mass index is 20.69, which is not considered overweight. The excess fat around your abdomen needs to be reduced through exercise.[Read More] Am I Overweight? Understanding Body Weight and Health Concerns
Snoring and Teeth Grinding: Solutions for a Peaceful Night's Sleep
Snoring and teeth grinding? I grind my teeth and snore loudly while sleeping at night, which often disturbs my wife's sleep. I'm wondering if there is a solution to this problem.
Dr. Guo Conghuai Reply:
Hello Mr. Xiao Wang: There are many reasons for teeth grinding. Some say it is due to stress and tension from work during the day. As for snoring, may I ask if your wife temporarily stops breathing for a few seconds while snoring? There is a condition called sleep apnea syndrome,...[Read More] Snoring and Teeth Grinding: Solutions for a Peaceful Night's Sleep
Understanding Hyperthyroidism: Symptoms, Treatment, and Management Options
Hyperthyroidism My husband is 40 years old and was recently diagnosed with hyperthyroidism. He has been taking the medication prescribed by the doctor for about two weeks. I would like to know if individuals with this condition typically experience rapid weight loss and weakness,...
Dr. Zeng Fenyu Reply:
Hyperthyroidism can present with various symptoms such as weight loss, palpitations, tremors, diarrhea, and insomnia. After treatment, symptoms can improve, but regardless of whether the treatment is medication, surgery, or radioactive iodine therapy, monitoring is still necessar...[Read More] Understanding Hyperthyroidism: Symptoms, Treatment, and Management Options
Understanding Thyroid Antibodies: Impact on Health and Weight Loss
Thyroid antibodies I would like to ask what impact thyroid antibodies have on the body. I have had a cold for two weeks and have experienced rapid weight loss. The hospital I visited informed me that I have thyroid antibodies, so I would like to know what effects this may have on...
Dr. Ke Zhengchang Reply:
Hello Cocoa: A rapid weight loss could be a sign of hyperthyroidism. Hyperthyroidism requires evaluation of thyroid function, such as T3 and T4 levels. There are several types of thyroid antibodies, and a significant proportion of patients with hyperthyroidism may have these anti...[Read More] Understanding Thyroid Antibodies: Impact on Health and Weight Loss
How Metabolism Affects Weight Loss: Understanding Your Body's Needs
Regarding metabolism..? Hello, Doctor: I would like to ask if the efficiency of my metabolism affects the speed of my weight loss? How can I determine if my metabolism is within normal values? Should I get a blood test? If so, do I need to fast before the test? If my metabolic ra...
Dr. Ke Zhengchang Reply:
Hello, Xiaomei: It is commonly understood that metabolic rate is an important factor influencing body weight; however, many studies have found that obese individuals do not necessarily have a slower metabolic rate. Therefore, measuring metabolic rate is not particularly meaningfu...[Read More] How Metabolism Affects Weight Loss: Understanding Your Body's Needs
Effective Weight Loss: Combining Diet, Exercise, and Medication Options
Weight loss Hello, doctors: Generally speaking, weight loss requires a combination of dietary control and exercise. However, I have been exercising consistently for six months, and my weight loss has been very slow. Could medication potentially enhance the effectiveness of my wei...
Dr. Zeng Fenyu Reply:
Dear Linda: Weight loss through dietary control combined with exercise is the correct approach. You have been exercising for six months; I wonder if the intensity of your workouts is sufficient. There are many tempting foods around you; I would like to know if you are using low-f...[Read More] Effective Weight Loss: Combining Diet, Exercise, and Medication Options
Improving Low HDL and Managing High Cholesterol Through Diet
High cholesterol Hello Dr. Lee: My father is 57 years old, and during his health check-up, it was found that he has high cholesterol levels—specifically, elevated low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol and low high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol. Additionally, his trigl...
Dr. Li Huixiong Reply:
Do you know your father's cholesterol levels? If only the cholesterol is elevated while the triglycerides are normal or below normal, it is referred to as pure hypercholesterolemia. If HDL is low, there is a potential risk for vascular hardening. Management can be divided in...[Read More] Improving Low HDL and Managing High Cholesterol Through Diet
Understanding Your Symptoms: Is It Nasopharyngeal Cancer or Something Else?
Unknown symptoms? January 21, 2001 DEAR DR. KOH, HOW ARE YOU? AND HAPPY CHINESE LUNAR NEW YEAR. REF: Nasopharyngeal Carcinoma or Another Health Problem? I have a question I would like to ask Dr. Koh. My blood tests showed: EBV IgA <32x (-) which is normal, but EBV IgG <...
Dr. Ke Zhengchang Reply:
Hello Lai Chun Shi: It is recommended that you visit an otolaryngologist for a detailed examination, as blood tests for viral antibodies are not very meaningful.[Read More] Understanding Your Symptoms: Is It Nasopharyngeal Cancer or Something Else?
Understanding Mild Chest Discomfort: Causes and When to Seek Help
Occasional mild chest discomfort? Hello, my symptoms include occasional mild chest tightness and a cool sensation, as well as a feeling of something in my throat that comes and goes for over a year. I have undergone a full health check-up and have had blood tests, an electrocardi...
Dr. Ke Zhengchang Reply:
Hello Lu: Please follow up for treatment at the cardiology outpatient clinic.[Read More] Understanding Mild Chest Discomfort: Causes and When to Seek Help
Understanding Unexplained Foot Edema: Causes and Treatment Options
Foot edema I have undergone a full-body health check at Chang Gung Memorial Hospital and have consulted with specialists in cardiology, nephrology, and metabolism, but no underlying cause has been identified. Some doctors have mentioned that it is idiopathic edema, which cannot b...
Dr. Hong Hongchang Reply:
1. Edema of unknown origin; consume low-sodium foods. 2. Elevate your legs while sleeping. 3. If symptoms persist, please follow up at the internal medicine outpatient clinic. For obesity, increase metabolic function: exercise more and reduce intake of high-calorie foods. If ...[Read More] Understanding Unexplained Foot Edema: Causes and Treatment Options
The Health Effects of Habitual Vomiting: What You Need to Know
Induced vomiting I would like to know the effects of habitual vomiting on the body.
Dr. Chen Shidian Reply:
Hello, internet user: Habitual vomiting is often related to concerns about beauty and weight control or psychological issues. For the latter, it is advisable to seek help from a psychiatrist. For the former, such behavior is not recommended as it can lead to malnutrition, esophag...[Read More] The Health Effects of Habitual Vomiting: What You Need to Know
Understanding Gastrointestinal Discomfort: Insights for Office Workers
Gastrointestinal discomfort? Hello! I am an office worker and spend most of my time sitting in the office. I have low physical activity, and my Hepatitis B surface antigen is positive, while the e antigen is negative. My weight and height are 70 kg and 173 cm, respectively. I smo...
Dr. Yang Guojun Reply:
1. Your condition may involve hepatitis B, fatty liver, duodenal ulcer, and irritable bowel syndrome, along with renal insufficiency. Please start by losing weight, quitting smoking, and undergoing triple therapy for the treatment of the duodenal ulcer. 2. The presence of hepat...[Read More] Understanding Gastrointestinal Discomfort: Insights for Office Workers
Managing Hyperthyroidism: Key Considerations for Pregnancy and Infant Health
Hyperthyroidism As a patient with hyperthyroidism who has been receiving treatment at National Taiwan University Hospital for nearly five years, what precautions should I take when preparing for pregnancy? What effects does hyperthyroidism have on the baby?
Dr. Zeng Fenyu Reply:
Hello Bobo! 1. If maternal hyperthyroidism is left untreated, the fetus is at risk for low birth weight and there is also a possibility of miscarriage. 2. Thyroid function should be monitored during pregnancy, and if there is still hyperthyroidism, treatment should follow the ...[Read More] Managing Hyperthyroidism: Key Considerations for Pregnancy and Infant Health
Understanding Persistent Stomach Pain and Heat Sensation After Meals
Gastric issues? Hello Doctor, I would like to ask a question. My stomach has always been problematic, and I often experience stomach pain. However, I have a specific issue: after eating a full meal, I feel a heat sensation in my stomach, and my entire back becomes numb, extending...
Dr. Chen Shidian Reply:
Hello, based on what you've described, the discomfort after meals may be due to indigestion or poor peristalsis (or even ulcers). In severe cases, it can lead to head discomfort (in a minority of individuals). Please pay attention to improving your dietary habits, eating at ...[Read More] Understanding Persistent Stomach Pain and Heat Sensation After Meals
Understanding Hepatitis B Carriers: Health Implications and Pregnancy Concerns
Hepatitis B carrier Three years ago, I was diagnosed with hepatitis B through a blood test, and in September of the 89th year, I had a blood test for the E antigen, which indicated that I do not have hepatitis B. However, in June of the 89th year, I underwent a premarital health ...
Dr. Yang Guojun Reply:
As a carrier of hepatitis B, the severity of your liver disease needs to be assessed through tests such as GOT, GPT, and ultrasound examinations. There are various methods for weight loss, and obesity is primarily related to genetics, with a smaller portion influenced by dietary ...[Read More] Understanding Hepatitis B Carriers: Health Implications and Pregnancy Concerns
Understanding Cardia Polyps: Risks, Symptoms, and Follow-Up Care
There are polyps in the cardia? Body condition: weight 47-48 kg, height 156 cm, bowel movements 1-3 times/day. In November of last year, due to excessive gas and significant abdominal bloating, I had to rely on belching and passing gas for relief. I consulted a doctor, and after ...
Dr. Yang Guojun Reply:
Your polyp may be a hyperplastic polyp, which has a low risk of transforming into cancer. You can follow up every six months. If you do not wish to undergo an endoscopy, you may consider a polypectomy during the endoscopy. This is the response from Dr. Yang Guojun, a gastroentero...[Read More] Understanding Cardia Polyps: Risks, Symptoms, and Follow-Up Care
Understanding Neck Artery Pain: Causes and Connections to Heart Health
Carotid artery pain? Recently, I have been experiencing pain in the arteries of my neck, which feels similar to muscle cramps—very painful but only lasts for a moment, and it occurs suddenly and unpredictably on both sides of my neck. I am unsure what might be causing this. I hav...
Dr. Hong Hongchang Reply:
According to your description, primary hypertension accounts for approximately 85-90% of hypertension cases; however, it is essential to rule out causes such as congenital renal artery stenosis, adrenal tumors, or other endocrine disorders. Therefore, spontaneous hypertension sho...[Read More] Understanding Neck Artery Pain: Causes and Connections to Heart Health
Does Appendectomy Lead to Weight Gain? Understanding the Connection
Will I gain weight after an appendectomy? Hello, doctor: I have several friends and relatives who have undergone an appendectomy, and they all gained weight afterward. What could be the reason for this? I am quite thin myself (male, 166 cm, 48 kg), and if I were to gain weight af...
Dr. Hong Hongchang Reply:
There is no direct relationship between appendectomy and weight gain; therefore, post-surgery weight gain may be related to diet, individual constitution, and physical activity levels.[Read More] Does Appendectomy Lead to Weight Gain? Understanding the Connection
Understanding Hepatitis B Carriers: Health Implications and Pregnancy Concerns
Hepatitis B carrier Three years ago, I was diagnosed with hepatitis B through a blood test, and in September of the 89th year, I had a blood test for the E antigen, which indicated that I do not have hepatitis B. However, in June of the 89th year, I underwent a premarital health ...
Dr. Hong Hongchang Reply:
1. Hepatitis B carriers should undergo ultrasound and liver function tests (SGOT, SGPT, and AFP) every three to six months. 2. The term "cocktail therapy" is a general term, and the specific contents vary among different theories, so its impact on the liver is unknown. ...[Read More] Understanding Hepatitis B Carriers: Health Implications and Pregnancy Concerns