Which Medical Specialty Should You Consult for Your Symptoms? - Family Medicine

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Which department should I consult?


Hello, doctor.
I have multiple and varied health issues, and I'm unsure what to pay attention to or which specialty to consult.

1.
I frequently get mouth ulcers that take a long time to heal, sometimes occurring in two or three places at once.
2.
Occasionally, for several consecutive days, I wake up with a very dry and painful throat, sometimes waking up in the middle of the night due to the pain.
3.
I experience a lot of static electricity in my body; last month, I was shocked by metal furniture almost every day for one to two weeks.
4.
I used to experience unexplained dizziness frequently, with low blood pressure (diastolic 90-100; systolic 50-60).
I am prone to motion sickness and often feel dizzy in enclosed spaces like department stores, libraries, and trains.
Sometimes, when standing, my vision goes black for a few seconds, but I don’t feel faint.
Last year, during a cold wave lasting over a week, I shivered and had palpitations before sleep, which significantly affected my sleep.
I consulted a cardiologist, and the echocardiogram results were normal, with no hyperthyroidism or anemia.
During a health check four to five years ago, my triglycerides or cholesterol (I don't remember exactly, but it was related to blood lipids) were within the upper limit, and I was advised to pay attention to it due to my underweight status.
5.
At night, my vision while riding a bike is poor (I can't clearly see if the path is a dead end or a fork, or whether it turns left or right; I need to be very close to make a judgment).
I have myopia but no night blindness, and my eye exam results showed no worsening.
I'm unsure if this is simply a matter of poor adaptability or if there is a vision problem.
6.
I have seborrheic dermatitis on my scalp.
7.
Recently, my appetite has been poor; some days I only eat breakfast.
I experience pain when wiping after using the restroom (there's blood, like a tear), but I'm not sure if the injury is at the anus or the vaginal opening.
8.
My menstrual cycle is irregular; I often miss periods or they last only two to three days with very little flow.
During ovulation, I experience abdominal bloating and headaches a few days before menstruation.
9.
My chest hurts slightly when pressed (but there are no lumps).
I am a person who easily gets anxious, and my emotions fluctuate greatly.
I'm unsure if this is a matter of mental stress or if there is a physical issue.
If necessary, which specialty should I consult for these issues? Thank you.

furry, 20~29 year old female. Ask Date: 2016/10/31

Dr. Wu Fangcan reply Family Medicine


Based on the situation you described, it is advisable to consult a trusted family physician or a traditional Chinese medicine practitioner for examination and treatment.
Thank you.

Reply Date: 2016/10/31

More Info


Based on the symptoms you've described, it seems that you are experiencing a range of health issues that could potentially involve multiple medical specialties. Here’s a breakdown of your symptoms and the appropriate specialists you might consider consulting:
1. Oral Ulcers: Frequent mouth sores that take a long time to heal may indicate a condition such as aphthous stomatitis or could be related to nutritional deficiencies (like vitamin B12, folate, or iron). A consultation with a dentist or an oral medicine specialist would be beneficial.

2. Throat Pain: Waking up with a dry and painful throat could be due to several factors, including allergies, sleep apnea, or even acid reflux. An ear, nose, and throat (ENT) specialist would be the right choice to evaluate this symptom.

3. Static Electricity: Experiencing frequent static shocks could be related to environmental factors, such as low humidity, or even a sign of an underlying issue with your skin or nervous system. While this is less commonly a medical concern, a dermatologist could provide insights into any skin-related issues.

4. Dizziness and Low Blood Pressure: Given your history of dizziness and low blood pressure, it’s important to consult a cardiologist or a neurologist. They can assess your cardiovascular health and rule out any neurological conditions that might be contributing to your symptoms.

5. Night Vision Issues: Difficulty seeing at night could be related to several factors, including changes in your vision or even a condition like retinitis. An ophthalmologist can perform a comprehensive eye exam to determine if there are any underlying issues affecting your vision.

6. Seborrheic Dermatitis: For your scalp condition, a dermatologist would be the appropriate specialist to diagnose and treat seborrheic dermatitis effectively.

7. Gastrointestinal Symptoms: The pain during bowel movements and the presence of blood could indicate a gastrointestinal issue, such as hemorrhoids or anal fissures. A gastroenterologist would be the right specialist to evaluate these symptoms.

8. Irregular Menstrual Cycle: Given your irregular menstrual cycles and associated symptoms, it would be wise to consult a gynecologist. They can assess hormonal levels and any underlying reproductive health issues.

9. Chest Pain: Any chest pain, even if it’s mild and not associated with a hard lump, should be evaluated by a cardiologist. They can perform tests to rule out any cardiac issues.

Given your description of being easily stressed and experiencing significant emotional fluctuations, it might also be beneficial to speak with a mental health professional. Stress and anxiety can manifest physically and exacerbate existing health issues.


Summary of Recommendations:
- Dentist/Oral Medicine Specialist for mouth sores.

- ENT Specialist for throat pain.

- Dermatologist for static electricity and scalp issues.

- Cardiologist/Neurologist for dizziness and low blood pressure.

- Ophthalmologist for night vision problems.

- Gastroenterologist for gastrointestinal symptoms.

- Gynecologist for menstrual irregularities.

- Mental Health Professional for emotional support.


Additional Considerations:
- Comprehensive Evaluation: Since you have multiple symptoms, a comprehensive evaluation may be necessary. You might consider starting with a primary care physician who can help coordinate care among specialists.

- Lifestyle Factors: Pay attention to your diet, hydration, and stress management, as these can significantly impact your overall health and may alleviate some of your symptoms.

It’s essential to address these symptoms promptly, as they can significantly affect your quality of life. Don’t hesitate to seek help and advocate for your health.

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