The Enhanced Doctor

"Doctor, if it’s really that adrenal disease, is it treatable?"

While waiting for the test results, the little patient’s father came to Liu Banxia’s office.

"Regarding the child’s condition, it’s rather complex," Liu Banxia thought for a moment and said.

"Please sit down, and I’ll explain the entire situation to you in detail. You need to understand exactly what is going on, rather than just blindly following our arrangements."

"Thank you, doctor, thank you," the child’s father said gratefully.

Today’s experience for him was undoubtedly the most nerve-wracking in his life. His entire heart was tangled with his child’s illness, and now he just had to wait for the results.

But the longer he waits, the more anxious he becomes. Although the results aren’t out yet, he could infer from the attitudes of Liu Banxia and several other doctors that it’s likely confirmed.

This made him even more anxious, unable to sit still.

Now, with Liu Banxia willing to explain the situation in detail, regardless of how well he understands, at least the doctor is patient enough to explain.

Moreover, during today’s entire consultation process, it was evident that Liu Banxia and the others treated the consultation very seriously. The several individuals involved were listed on the emergency center’s notice board and could be verified.

"Based on the current symptoms exhibited by the child, we’ve speculated it to be adrenal cortex insufficiency syndrome, meaning the secretion of adrenal cortex hormones inside his body doesn’t meet the standard," Liu Banxia said.

"Doctor, is this adrenal cortex hormone the same as adrenaline?" the child’s father asked.

Liu Banxia shook his head, "It’s different from adrenaline. Adrenaline is secreted by the adrenal medulla and primarily excites the body."

"For example, during rescuing patients, adrenaline is used to stimulate the heart and expand the bronchi. Adrenal cortex hormone, which we commonly refer to as cortisol, is secreted by the adrenal cortex."

"What’s the function of this cortisol? Primarily, it’s a hormone that raises blood sugar, allowing the body to have enough glucose for biological utilization."

"Even just sitting here like this, our body is like a precise machine, constantly working inside."

"Now, our child’s body has a slight issue; the secretion of cortisol is low, leading to a series of effects. But he should be in the early stage of the illness, and without using etomidate, he wouldn’t exhibit such symptoms."

"Earlier I mentioned to you, one of the side effects of using etomidate for sedation is revealing adrenal cortex secretion insufficiency. In everyday life, it barely maintains, but this medication magnifies the result, causing crises."

"Just now, I also observed that after administering medication and adjusting electrolytes and blood sugar, the child’s blood oxygen and blood pressure have improved. So although the results aren’t out yet, they’re probably correct. Can you understand what I’m saying?"

The child’s father nodded, "Doctor, I understand, please continue."

"Bringing up this matter is also to remind you. Because if I hadn’t used etomidate, the child wouldn’t have faced the recent danger. If you have reservations about this, you can report to our medical department," Liu Banxia added.

This was also the reason for his earlier hesitation; after all, the situation resulted from his administration of medication, requiring clarification with the child’s family.

Just like his previous emergency surgery, everything needs to be clearly communicated.

Anyway, it’s his principle during consultations; no matter what situation arises, patients or their families must fully understand to prevent future confusion post-discharge.

Such situations could lead to many issues, and concealment doesn’t compare to straightforwardness.

"Doctor, I’ve already understood this situation. How can I blame you? The most important task now is curing the illness," the child’s father said.

Liu Banxia nodded, "Let’s continue discussing. This cortisol is secreted by the adrenal cortex, but once diagnosed, we can’t just examine the adrenal cortex."

"I used a metaphor earlier—consider the human body as a machine, constantly operating, and much of this operation relies on the endocrine system for maintenance."

"Let’s make a simple metaphor: if we liken the adrenal cortex to a fuel injector, how much it should spray is not only influenced by the injector itself but also by the brain issuing commands."

"So, once diagnosed, we need to examine two aspects. First, the adrenal cortex, then the brain; any problem in these two areas can lead to the current symptoms. Can you understand this?"

"I understand, you mean that the issue might be with the adrenal cortex or the brain, correct?" the child’s father said.

Liu Banxia nodded, "That’s our current judgment, so these two aspects will be our direction for further examination. But here, I’d like to emphasize considerations for future living."

"Cortisol is also known as a stress hormone, meaning it maintains physiological function balance and stability during stress changes."

"For instance, someone gets frightened and faints; this indicates poor stress response, it’s also because during fright, cortisol secretion is insufficient to maintain physiological function balance and stability."

"The same applies to our child; during the treatment period, he should avoid any scares. Loud sounds, terrifying images, or imposing any substantial pressure on him might frighten him."

"Doctor, do you mean this illness is hard to treat?"

Liu Banxia hesitated slightly and nodded, "The key is seeing what type of cause triggered it; if it’s due to brain reasons, it might be a brain tumor, and once removed, there won’t be issues."

"However, if it’s a primary adrenal cortex disease, the problem becomes tricky. As we can’t intervene through surgery alone for cure, we’ll have to maintain using appropriate medications."

"In other words, hormone replacement therapy; when our body can’t secrete enough hormone to maintain normal life, we can only use this treatment approach."

"To put it bluntly, everything depends on the cause. If it’s tumor-related, it’s simple: remove it and it’s solved. The concern is a primary condition, which is innate, and we can’t intervene."

"Sigh..., the child has been timid since young, we didn’t pay much attention then, but listening to your explanation now, it seems to be innate," the child’s father sighed.

"I don’t know whether to be happy or sad upon clarification; whether it’s a tumor or innate, nothing sounds good. If it’s innate, would he need lifelong medication?"

Liu Banxia nodded, "However, we still need detailed examinations post-confirmation to ascertain the exact cause. We should not only treat accordingly but also thoroughly investigate the cause."

He could understand the child’s father’s pain, but he had no words of comfort.

If it’s a tumor, there’s pain, but it’s mostly benign, and removal provides relief, akin to brief pain. But if it’s primary organ disease, it demands long-term management, requiring ongoing medication.

Also, regular check-ups are necessary, involving adjustments of medication doses.

"Too much isn’t good, leading to harm, too little makes it ineffective. The child’s future entails continuous interaction with hospitals where slight negligence may cause consequences."

"It’s no joking matter, with so many cars around now, if one honks while walking by the roadside. Normally one may just get startled, but for this little patient it might trigger a crisis."

"Teacher Liu, the blood test results are out, confirming adrenal cortex insufficiency syndrome," Xu Yino rushed over.

Ding! Task of sudden convulsion in the little patient completed

Earned 200 experience points, Glory Points +20

This task rated Flawless, earning 300 experience points, 5 Glory Points +30 points

"Let’s first do a CT scan of the adrenal gland, followed by a head CT," Liu Banxia said.

Xu Yino nodded and walked out.

"Let’s continue awaiting recent test results. Regardless of the cause, we should face it positively," Liu Banxia looked at the child’s father again.

"At least, the characteristics of this syndrome won’t become too daunting, and with careful attention, there’s minimal impact on normal living."

The child’s father nodded. He still had to accompany the child for tests to clarify the cause.

In his perspective, it felt like waiting for a verdict, not knowing how to hope.

No matter the cause, none are desirable results for him. But facing this situation, he’s also powerless.

"It’s quite tough, just happened to have this illness. The probability of being primary is higher, especially prevalent among teenagers," Chen Hongyang approached.

"Then it means lifelong hormone replacement therapy?" Liu Banxia asked.

"There’s no other option," Chen Hongyang said.

Liu Banxia sighed internally; such facts are harsh.

Never mind the child’s father, even he’s feeling pressure thinking about it. But there’s no alternative, he’s not in control of the occurrence, wishing otherwise won’t change it.

Though he was just persuading the child’s father, even he, as the attending physician, feels suffocated.

This is the pressure of consulting for children; with adults, he likely wouldn’t dwell even for a minute.

"Oh, Chief Director Xu, when did you arrive?"

Just about to head back to the office, Liu Banxia saw Xu Chengjun coming out of the elevator.