9. Nosebleed

9. Nosebleed

Q: Why does my nose often bleed for no apparent reason?

A: First, we need to rule out blood-related disorders, such as thrombocytopenia, anemia, aplastic anemia, or leukemia. However, occasional one or two episodes of bleeding are usually due to exposed blood vessels in the nasal mucosa, often exacerbated by frequent nose-picking.

April 18, 2014

1. Cheng Dongping

Q: Female, 32 years old, with normal kidney function but renal tubular acidosis leading to hypokalemia. Can this condition be cured? Will long-term persistence lead to other problems?

A: Renal tubular acidosis is quite rare. The most common symptom is periodic paralysis, also known as flaccid paralysis. Potassium supplementation only provides temporary relief; currently, Western medicine lacks an ideal treatment for this condition. Traditional Chinese Medicine, through syndrome differentiation and individualized treatment, can achieve cure in some cases. I have treated many such patients, and most have shown improvement.

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2. You Yi

Q: Male, 25 years old, with bacterial prostatitis and frequent urination. Can your Guifu Bawei Hezi Shen Qi Heji be used?

A: You’re familiar with my Zi Shen Qi Heji, which shows you’re a dedicated scholar. Both of these formulas are effective for chronic prostatitis, but treatment must be tailored to the specific syndrome. Chronic prostatitis is primarily caused by prostate hyperplasia; therefore, in addition to the above two formulas, it’s essential to incorporate blood-activating and stasis-resolving herbs. Since infection is also a contributing factor, appropriate heat-clearing and detoxifying herbs should be added to achieve optimal results.

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3. 0123456789

Q: I brush my teeth at least twice a day and use good-quality toothpaste, yet I still suffer from bad breath. What medications or methods can completely eliminate it?

A: The “bad breath” you describe may not necessarily be true halitosis. Digestive issues and organic lesions in the gastrointestinal tract can also cause this phenomenon, so treatment must address the root cause. Relying solely on brushing to eliminate bad breath is too narrow-minded and fails to tackle the underlying problem.

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4. WAN

Q: For the past five weeks, my knees have felt uncomfortable—first swelling, then soreness and fatigue, and recently sudden pain. What could be causing this, and what should I do?

A: The most common causes of bilateral knee swelling and pain are: ① rheumatoid arthritis, often seen in young people; ② degenerative osteoarthritis, more common in the elderly. The treatment approaches for these two conditions are entirely different: the former focuses on dispelling wind and dampness, while the latter emphasizes promoting blood circulation and removing stasis. Western medicine typically uses anti-rheumatic drugs for the former and analgesics for the latter.

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5. Tian Shuai

Q: My grandfather is 90 years old. Over half a month ago, he was diagnosed with gallstone-induced acute pancreatitis and has since been discharged after all his indicators returned to normal. He also has gallstones and common bile duct stones. Are there any treatments or ways to control his condition? Can traditional Chinese medicine be used to dissolve the stones or reduce recurrence?

A: Most cases of pancreatitis are related to gallbladder diseases, so treating liver and gallbladder ailments can effectively treat pancreatic conditions. My developed Gallbladder-Pancreas Granules are specifically designed to treat pancreatitis and also have the effect of dissolving and expelling gallstones.

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6. Xue Fei Yan Wu

Q: My husband frequently experienced nosebleeds two years ago. After examination, it was determined that capillary rupture had occurred. Following cauterization, the problem improved for over a month, but now he experiences nosebleeds several days each month. Are there any effective treatments for nosebleeds?

A: Cauterization is only a temporary solution and does not provide a permanent cure. By sealing off one bleeding point, it’s like “pressing down on one gourd while another pops up,” leading to new bleeding sites. Traditional Chinese Medicine treats nosebleeds (in the absence of organic lesions) by guiding blood downward and using astringent hemostatic methods, which are highly effective.

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7. Fei Er

Q: My father underwent abdominal surgery in 2001, leaving a scar. Later, the scar became hypertrophic and began oozing pus, accompanied by pain and itching. In 2010, he underwent surgical excision of the scar, but the hypertrophy and discomfort persist, and the scar continues to expand. Are there any effective treatments?

A: Your father has a keloid-prone constitution, and further surgical removal of the scar is no longer feasible. For existing hypertrophic scars, topical application of traditional Chinese medicine can be effective. I recommend using Zhao Bingnan’s Black Cloth Ointment; please refer to online resources for detailed instructions.

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8. Something of Something

Q: Female, 24 years old, unmarried. How should hemorrhoids be treated?

A: Here’s a simple remedy: sitz baths with nitroboron powder. Please refer to online resources for specific usage instructions.

April 21, 2014

1. Linglong Tietou

Q: I’ve had a deep vein thrombosis in my left lower limb for two and a half years, but my left foot and lower leg are larger than my right. Will my left leg remain this large for life? Is there any way to reduce the swelling?

A: This is deep vein inflammation, also known as thrombotic deep vein inflammation. Active treatment can be effective. Traditional Chinese Medicine, with its syndrome-differentiated approach, tends to work better than Western medicine’s urokinase or thrombolytic therapy, and it’s both safe and reliable.

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2. Linglong Tietou

Q: My sister-in-law often suffers from headaches—especially when exposed to wind or after washing her hair. She uses silver placed inside an egg to iron her head. Does this really help? Are there better ways to treat her headaches?

A: This is migraine, also known as neural headache. Although it’s not a serious illness, treatment can be slow. Traditional Chinese Medicine is effective, so don’t rely on folk remedies.

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3. Yichuan

Q: My father is 55 years old. Since the second half of last year, his left eye has had bloodshot veins. Applying a little erythromycin eye ointment helps, but the problem recurs after a while. Last year, he watched TV for over four months. Could this be due to prolonged TV viewing, or is there something wrong with his eyes?

A: People aged 55 often experience varying degrees of arteriosclerosis, which can lead to abnormal capillary permeability. Red eye may simply be congestion or bleeding, not necessarily inflammation. A comprehensive medical examination is recommended.

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4. Yu Jinfang

Q: I’m six months pregnant and have extensive rashes all over my body, with intense itching, especially on my neck, armpits, chest, popliteal fossae, and both groin areas. These areas tend to be warmer, and applying calamine lotion for a week hasn’t helped much. Recently, the rash has spread to my legs, arms, and abdomen, and I’ve also been experiencing constipation with thick stools. How should I treat this?

A: Autonomic nervous system dysfunction during pregnancy is quite common—locals often call it “fetal qi.” While serotonin inhibitors or antihistamines can provide relief, they’re not ideal for pregnant women and may harm the fetus. Traditional Chinese Medicine, with syndrome differentiation, is effective and doesn’t affect fetal development. Of course, it’s best to consult a qualified TCM practitioner.

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5. Zhang Limin

Q: My mother is 50 years old and has large lumps in the popliteal fossa that appear after physical exertion. This has been going on for two years. A hospital examination diagnosed them as popliteal cysts. How should they be treated?

A: These are tendon sheath cysts. If they don’t affect function, they can be left alone for now. Surgery is an option, but it should be performed at a major hospital by an experienced doctor; otherwise, the postoperative complications may be worse than the original cyst itself.

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6. Qian Yu Qian Xun

Q: I’ve already passed puberty, but my face keeps breaking out with red, hard pimples, some even with whiteheads. How should I treat this?

A: I don’t know whether you’re male or female. If you’re male, it suggests an excess of androgens, which often resolves on its own after marriage. If you’re female, it indicates a deficiency in estrogen and an excess of androgens, possibly accompanied by reduced menstrual flow. In this case, regulating menstruation is necessary, and traditional Chinese medicine works well for this purpose.

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7. Xuanchuanxing

Q: I’m 67 days pregnant. Last month, while I was away from home, I often experienced stomach pain and bloating, with nausea during attacks and went four or five days without eating. After returning home, I felt better for 20 days, but now I’m feeling the same discomfort again. What’s going on?

A: This is pregnancy-related reaction. You may have chronic gastritis, which is quite common. Try taking Xiangsha Liujun Wan or Baohuo Wan.

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8. Aluminum Anodizing Processing

Q: My son is one and a half years old and still can’t say “mama” or “papa.” When I try to teach him, he refuses to learn. Now he can walk and is always active, but he just won’t learn to speak. I wonder why?

A: Every child develops at their own pace. A one-and-a-half-year-old may not necessarily be able to speak yet, so there’s no need to worry or rush him. Give it time, and he’ll naturally start saying “mama” and “papa.”

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9. A Simple Cut

Q: Male, 21 years old, unmarried. I always feel extremely damp and sticky—what could be the reason?

A: No worries. Some people have dominant parasympathetic nervous system activity, resulting in excessive sweating; others have dominant sympathetic nervous system activity, leading to dry skin. Both are common during adolescence and considered normal.

10. Suoyuan: My liver and gallbladder aren’t doing well. An ultrasound showed intrahepatic bile duct stones, and the doctor suggested a CT scan. I ended up having a PET-CT scan, which revealed either intrahepatic bile duct stones or calcification, along with muddy sediment-like stones in the gallbladder wall. I also experience abdominal discomfort, frequent dreaming, and general weakness. Can traditional Chinese medicine treat this?

A: Traditional Chinese medicine is particularly well-suited for treating intrahepatic bile duct stones, but it requires long-term medication. If you’re busy and can’t take decoctions, consider trying Chaihu Shugan San, Xiaoyao Wan, or Xiao Chaihu Wan.

11. Dongqi: I’m five months pregnant. Before pregnancy, an ultrasound detected very small stones that weren’t treated. Recently, I’ve had gallbladder pain for two weeks and am hesitant to take medication casually. What should I do?

A: Traditional Chinese medicine can be used to treat cholecystitis and gallstones. I recommend consulting a TCM practitioner who can tailor treatment to your specific condition and avoid medications that might affect the pregnancy.

12. Taotzi: I’m 35 years old and lately I’ve been waking up around 3:30 AM every night, still dreaming, with tinnitus and deficiencies in calcium and zinc. Could these factors be related?

A: Yes, calcium deficiency can easily lead to insomnia. However, insomnia has many possible causes, and simply supplementing calcium may not solve the problem. Comprehensive treatment is necessary.

13. LI: I’m 32 years old and have a history of cesarean section. Every morning, I feel like I haven’t fully emptied my bowels. Eating cold or spicy foods causes pain in the lower left abdomen. My appetite is good, and I get hungry easily. What traditional Chinese medicines or patent medicines should I take?

A: You seem to have allergic colitis, which overlaps with what’s now called irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). I recommend taking traditional Chinese medicines, preferably based on syndrome differentiation.

14. Living Alone in the Mountains: A 40-day-old infant sleeps restlessly—falls asleep only when held, won’t sleep in the crib, and wakes up easily at even slight noises. His limbs tremble when he wakes up. What could be causing this, and what remedies can help?

A: This is perfectly normal for a 40-day-old baby, as his central nervous system is still developing and not fully mature. With patient care and gentle nurturing, things will gradually improve.

15. Huang Xin Shan Yu: A 4-year-old child fell and chipped a front tooth. Now, drinking water or eating hot or cold foods causes pain, and the tooth has turned black. How should this be treated?

A: If the pain is due to inflammation, appropriate treatment can be given. If there’s no inflammation, and the tooth has simply turned black, there’s no need to worry—new teeth will grow in when the child is seven or eight years old.

16. Floating Duckweed: I got angry a few days ago and recently feel swelling and pain in my breasts and calves. Could this be related to anger? What should I do?

A: Anger does indeed affect the breasts. For someone with mammary hyperplasia, anger can cause spasms in the mammary ducts, leading to pain, and even spasms in the gastrointestinal system, causing lower abdominal pain. As the saying goes, “scaring someone so badly they roll around in their pants” refers precisely to this phenomenon.

17. Sweetie: Female, 28 years old. Sometimes, on cloudy or rainy nights, my legs hurt. After giving birth, my knees and calves feel cold almost every day. Is this rheumatism? What tests should I undergo at the hospital?

A: This is rheumatic polymyalgia, which often occurs during pregnancy and becomes more pronounced after childbirth. It’s important to seek timely treatment; otherwise, the pain may progress to rheumatoid arthritis or degenerative arthritis.

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April 23, 2014

1. Juanzi: Female, 26 years old, unmarried. Since last year until now, whenever she catches a cold or before her period, she experiences dizziness, palpitations, loss of appetite, poor sleep, and teeth grinding. In severe cases, her mind goes blank. Hospital examinations have all come back normal. What should she do?

A: Traditional Chinese Medicine calls this “heat entering the blood chamber,” which essentially means that during menstruation, the body’s resistance is weaker and immune function is lower than usual—just as the saying goes, “where evil gathers, qi must be deficient.” This makes one more susceptible to catching a cold, and the symptoms you describe are all typical cold symptoms. I recommend long-term oral administration of Xiaoyao Wan and Xiao Chaihu Tang.

2. Yang Hui: My mother-in-law is 58 years old. This year, she was diagnosed with uterine fibroids and hasn’t had her period for five or six years. After menopause, she often sweats. Is this related to the uterine fibroids? Can uterine fibroids be surgically removed?

A: Women aged 58 have already gone through menopause, and as the uterus gradually shrinks, uterine fibroids shrink accordingly. In most cases, they won’t become malignant. Sweating is a manifestation of autonomic nervous system dysfunction. Traditional Chinese Medicine believes that sweat is the liquid of the heart, so the cardiovascular system should be examined first to check for hypertension, coronary heart disease, and other conditions.

3. Selina: Female, 60 years old. She has leg pain, finds it difficult to go downstairs, has limited mobility, and her calves feel cold. Her symptoms have worsened recently, and she can’t sleep at night due to pain. Could this be peripheral arterial sclerosis? How should it be diagnosed and treated?

A: Peripheral arterial sclerosis can cause these symptoms, but whether your mother has this condition needs to be confirmed through a comprehensive examination, as there are several other diseases that can cause leg pain. Given the limited information you’ve provided, it’s difficult to make a definitive diagnosis.

4. Biyu Zhuangshu: Female, 35 years old. A week ago, she had a sore throat and took anti-inflammatory medication. A few days ago, she felt a bean-sized lump on the anterior mid-lower part of her neck, with no other symptoms. Could this be lymph node inflammation? Should she take some heat-clearing and detoxifying traditional Chinese medicines, or should she promptly go to the hospital for a comprehensive examination?

A: Acute pharyngitis can cause enlargement of nearby lymph nodes, which usually subsides with anti-inflammatory treatment, and the lymph nodes will shrink accordingly.

5. Zheng Xuwen: My child is three and a half years old and snores loudly at night. A hospital X-ray report shows thickening of the soft tissue at the roof of the nasopharynx, with adjacent airways significantly narrowed, the narrowest point being only 1.3 mm. The ENT doctor diagnosed severe adenoid hypertrophy and recommended surgery, while the pediatrician said it was tonsillitis. What’s the real cause? Can it be treated with medication?

A: Start with anti-inflammatory treatment, such as oral traditional Chinese medicines, Western antibiotics, or intravenous infusions. If repeated treatments fail, then consider surgery, because surgery isn’t always the ideal solution for such cases. Experienced doctors generally won’t proactively operate on children with these conditions.

6. Sun Fanyu: Male, 47 years old. He used to smoke but has quit now. Recently, he’s been coughing and wheezing, and after more than 20 days of hospitalization and intravenous infusion, there’s still no improvement. What should he do?

A: This is asthmatic bronchitis, which is somewhat related to smoking, but non-smokers can also develop it. It’s a common and frequently occurring disease, so I recommend seeking medical attention. Traditional Chinese Medicine requires syndrome differentiation and treatment.

7. Hanhan: My younger sister is 18 years old and has been experiencing lower back pain for several months. She doesn’t want to move much, and even slight movement causes pain. At first, taking some painkillers provided slight relief, but recently the pain has worsened. A hospital lumbar spine X-ray shows an invisible sacral cleft. Will this have a significant impact on the future? How should it be treated, and what additional tests are needed?

A: Invisible sacral clefts usually don’t cause these symptoms. Your lower back pain is likely due to lumbar muscle strain. Have you engaged in any strenuous activities, or perhaps suffered a “lumbar sprain” during exercise?

8. Ling: A friend is four months pregnant and has taken many anti-inflammatory pills within 25 days of her last menstrual period. She’s worried about whether the fetus is healthy. Is there any way to treat this?

A: At this stage, fetal examinations generally show no abnormalities. Theoretically, taking anti-inflammatory drugs during pregnancy can affect the fetus, but this is rare. Let the fetus develop normally, and fetal examinations can be conducted after the fifth or sixth month of pregnancy.

9. Ye Lingling: My father is 60 years old and often experiences numbness in his lower limbs, especially when the weather changes. Hospital examinations have all come back normal, but now he has to drink medicinal liquor every day to alleviate the symptoms. Is this arthritis?

A: Numbness in the lower limbs isn’t arthritis. There are two possible causes: ① peripheral neuropathy; ② peripheral vascular arterial sclerosis, leading to poor blood supply. A comprehensive analysis of the whole body is needed. The former is often associated with gastrointestinal diseases and poor nutrient absorption, while the latter involves nutritional excess, high blood pressure, and arterial sclerosis.

10. Gao Li: My mother is 50 years old. Two days ago, a health checkup revealed low white blood cell count and low blood viscosity. What does this mean?

A: I don’t know exactly how low it is. If it’s above 3.0×10⁹/L, no treatment is needed—just strengthen nutrition, exercise appropriately, and keep a positive mood, and it will improve naturally. If it’s below 3.0×10⁹/L, appropriate treatment is required.

11. Ni Zi: Female, 22 years old. In March, she discovered bloody discharge from her nipples. An ultrasound showed thickened breast tissue on both sides, about 19 mm thick, with chaotic internal echoes.

April 24, 2014