Understanding Back Pain: When to Seek Medical Attention
Back pain Hello, I am a male, and I noticed about two days ago that I experience significant pain in the middle area below my shoulder blade when I take a deep breath. I also feel pain when I rotate my body to the left or right. I would like to know what the issue might be and wh...
Dr. Cai Dongqi reply Family Medicine
Hello Sam: For injuries to the scapular ligament or muscle fibers, please consult a rehabilitation specialist or an orthopedic doctor.[Read More] Understanding Back Pain: When to Seek Medical Attention
Managing Menopausal Symptoms: Night Sweats, Heart Palpitations, and Insomnia
Menopausal palpitations and insomnia? Hello, I am 53 years old. In 2021, I had a uterine fibroid about 10 cm in size, which was surgically removed along with my uterus, while my ovaries were preserved. Over the past year, I have started experiencing episodes of waking up at night...
Dr. Cai Dongqi reply Family Medicine
Hello: For menopausal syndrome, please consult a gynecologist to check for hormone reduction. Medication treatment may lead to some improvement.[Read More] Managing Menopausal Symptoms: Night Sweats, Heart Palpitations, and Insomnia
Do Seladin and Labtal Cause Low Blood Pressure? A Doctor's Insight
Medication consultation Hello, doctor. I would like to ask whether the medications Seladin and Labtal can cause a decrease in blood pressure. My blood pressure was already low, and it has become even lower after taking them. This issue has been troubling me for a long time. Thank...
Dr. Cai Dongqi reply Family Medicine
Hello, labtal is available, but seladin is not.[Read More] Do Seladin and Labtal Cause Low Blood Pressure? A Doctor's Insight
Which Procedure Should Come First: Brain Aneurysm or Joint Replacement?
Which procedure should be performed first: brain aneurysm treatment or joint replacement surgery? Hello, my mother has moderate hearing loss and long-term tinnitus. Recently, she showed signs of possible dementia, so we took her to the hospital for examination. An MRI revealed a ...
Dr. Cai Dongqi reply Family Medicine
Hello Mimi: Life-threatening conditions need to be addressed first. If the neurosurgeon does not take immediate action, there may be significant risks involved in making a decision.[Read More] Which Procedure Should Come First: Brain Aneurysm or Joint Replacement?
Understanding Anemia: Iron Deficiency vs. Thalassemia in Blood Tests
Blood test for anemia? Hello, doctor. I would like to ask whether my anemia is due to iron deficiency anemia or thalassemia, and if the values are considered severe. Below are my blood test results. Are there any abnormalities? LDL-C 129 NT-proBNP 27.07 UIBC 394 TIBC (UIBC...
Dr. Cai Dongqi reply Family Medicine
Hello: Mild anemia, unlike thalassemia, may be due to iron deficiency anemia, but it is not severe. If there is heavy menstrual bleeding recently, it is necessary to go to the hospital for further examination. If iron deficiency is confirmed, iron supplements will be required.[Read More] Understanding Anemia: Iron Deficiency vs. Thalassemia in Blood Tests
Understanding Long-Term Discomfort in the Left Abdomen: Causes and Solutions
Persistent discomfort in the left abdomen? I have been experiencing a strange sensation in my left abdomen for a long time, with persistent bloating and frequent burping. Sometimes, the bloating becomes so severe that I feel the need to have a bowel movement. I have undergone a c...
Dr. Cai Dongqi reply Family Medicine
Hello: The organs in the left lower abdomen include the colon and the ovaries. If the colonoscopy is normal, then check the ovaries (gynecology). For issues around the intestines, consult a gastroenterologist for an ultrasound to check for any abnormalities. If everything is fine...[Read More] Understanding Long-Term Discomfort in the Left Abdomen: Causes and Solutions
Persistent Toe Bruise: Understanding Hard Lumps and Pain Management
Bruising on the toe that does not resolve, resulting in a hard lump? Hello Doctor: On April 3rd, I injured my toe, and there is a bruise under the skin at the tip of my toe. It hurts when lightly touched, and it looks like a large red mole. Over time, the color has gradually turn...
Dr. Cai Dongqi reply Family Medicine
Hello: Trauma can cause bleeding in the blood vessels of the toes, leading to a hematoma, which typically resolves on its own within about two weeks. If it does not completely absorb and becomes hardened, you may seek treatment from a general surgeon or a dermatologist.[Read More] Persistent Toe Bruise: Understanding Hard Lumps and Pain Management
Understanding Sudden Sleepiness: Possible Causes and Concerns
Sudden excessive sleepiness? Hello Doctor, for the past week or two, I have suddenly been experiencing excessive daytime sleepiness every afternoon, along with weakness in my right limbs. I used to rarely feel my heart beating, but now I can easily sense it. This week, I have als...
Dr. Cai Dongqi reply Family Medicine
Hello Ms. Hsu: 1. Hyperthyroidism can also cause these symptoms; please consult a metabolic specialist. 2. If you experience persistent anxiety and difficulty sleeping, it may be a case of autonomic nervous system dysregulation; please see a psychiatrist.[Read More] Understanding Sudden Sleepiness: Possible Causes and Concerns
Which Specialist to See for Abnormal Health Check Results?
Health examination issues Hello, doctor. I recently had a health check-up, and the results showed a leukocyte esterase level of 3+ and a total cholesterol level of 235 (with the standard being below 200). Which specialty should I consult for this? The leukocyte esterase result of...
Dr. Cai Dongqi reply Family Medicine
Hello Ms. Lin: 1. The presence of leukocyte esterase indicates a urinary tract infection, as it is produced by bacteria. If you currently have a fever and elevated white blood cell count, it suggests an active infection; if not, it indicates that a previous infection has resolved...[Read More] Which Specialist to See for Abnormal Health Check Results?
Which Specialist Should I See for Sudden Vision and Hearing Issues?
Which specialty should I see? Hello, this morning when I woke up, my vision was foggy and white. After walking a few steps, I decided to sit down, but when I sat down, my vision turned completely white and I couldn't see anything at all. The sounds I heard also became muffle...
Dr. Cai Dongqi reply Family Medicine
Hello, Xiao Jing: First, visit a neurologist to check if there is a temporary insufficient blood supply to the brain. If not, then proceed to see an ophthalmologist.[Read More] Which Specialist Should I See for Sudden Vision and Hearing Issues?
Understanding Sudden Chills and Shivering in Older Adults
Sudden chills and shivering? A 72-year-old patient has recently experienced episodes of sudden chills and shivering. The symptoms are unclear in terms of their underlying cause, but they tend to resolve within about ten minutes. The patient has been drinking warm water and taking...
Dr. Cai Dongqi reply Family Medicine
Hello, Ms. Chen: I'm not sure; please see a neurologist.[Read More] Understanding Sudden Chills and Shivering in Older Adults
Understanding Unexplained Body Pain: A Comprehensive Guide
Unexplained body pain? Hello Dr. Tsai, I have been experiencing discomfort in my jaw joint for about 8 years. My teeth feel weak, and my upper and lower left teeth keep clenching together, causing more pain. When I blow air into my left cheek, I can hear a sound of fascia moving,...
Dr. Cai Dongqi reply Family Medicine
Hello CSH: It is likely that you are experiencing myofascial pain, which can be difficult to diagnose with instruments. It is advisable to consult a rehabilitation specialist for further evaluation.[Read More] Understanding Unexplained Body Pain: A Comprehensive Guide
Understanding Breathing Issues and Fatigue in Elderly Patients
Wheezing, forceful exhalation? My father is 84 years old and has dementia, hypertension, diabetes, and anemia. Recently, he received a blood transfusion due to low hemoglobin levels. After returning home, he has been experiencing excessive sleepiness, and we are unsure of the cau...
Dr. Cai Dongqi reply Family Medicine
Hello, Zhang: 1. First, visit an otolaryngologist to check for any issues in the nasal cavity that may be causing respiratory obstruction or sleep apnea. 2. Experiencing shortness of breath during activity and chest pain may indicate heart failure or angina; please consult a card...[Read More] Understanding Breathing Issues and Fatigue in Elderly Patients
Understanding High Platelet Count and Urine Sugar Levels: Key Insights
I would like to inquire about issues related to platelets and urine glucose? Doctor, I would like to ask if my platelet count of 416 and PCT of 40, which are both elevated, could be related to my blood donation on October 20. My health check-up was on November 1. Additionally, I ...
Dr. Cai Dongqi reply Family Medicine
Hello, Yu: 1. Elevated platelet count can be monitored again; if it remains high, you may consider seeing a hematologist. 2. Positive urine glucose indicates a potential risk for diabetes; you should consult with an endocrinologist to check for diabetes.[Read More] Understanding High Platelet Count and Urine Sugar Levels: Key Insights
Post-COVID Symptoms: Understanding Persistent Neurological Issues
Several symptoms appear after COVID-19? Hello, doctor. I was diagnosed with COVID-19 at the end of July, during which I experienced a loss of taste and smell, but they returned to normal after some time. One night during my COVID-19 illness, I woke up feeling something was off wi...
Dr. Cai Dongqi reply Family Medicine
Hello, Aurora: First, consult a neurologist to check for any nerve compression causing numbness. If there are no issues, then see a psychiatrist to evaluate for autonomic nervous system dysfunction (panic disorder).[Read More] Post-COVID Symptoms: Understanding Persistent Neurological Issues
Understanding Full Body Heat: Causes and Concerns in Family Medicine
Fever or generalized warmth? Hello Doctor: A few days ago, my blood pressure suddenly rose to 190. After taking antihypertensive medication, it has decreased to 156. Now I feel a heat all over my body, and the area around my eyes feels extremely hot, almost like it's going t...
Dr. Cai Dongqi reply Family Medicine
Hello, Xiaofei: Please go to the emergency room to check for any infectious diseases that may be causing high blood pressure.[Read More] Understanding Full Body Heat: Causes and Concerns in Family Medicine
Understanding High Platelet Count and Low MPV: What You Need to Know
Elevated platelet count with low mean platelet volume? Hello Doctor: I would like to ask about a high platelet count of 449 and a low mean platelet volume (MPV) of 6.9. What could be the issue with these abnormal platelet values? Is it serious? Could it be cancer? Which specialty...
Dr. Cai Dongqi reply Family Medicine
Hello, if the platelet count is elevated without any other symptoms, it may be due to unknown reasons or related to the hematologic or immune system. The possibility of cancer is more likely if there is a simultaneous decrease in platelets, white blood cells, and hemoglobin; othe...[Read More] Understanding High Platelet Count and Low MPV: What You Need to Know
Why Am I Experiencing Low Blood Sugar Symptoms Despite Regular Meals?
How can one still be anemic despite having regular three meals a day? Hello doctor, my weight is normal and I eat three meals a day, but why do I still frequently experience symptoms that feel like low blood sugar? In the past, I had episodes of low blood sugar due to skipping di...
Dr. Cai Dongqi reply Family Medicine
Hello, Xiao Guo: Hypoglycemia should be measured with a blood glucose meter. A value below 70, accompanied by cold sweats and pale complexion, indicates hypoglycemia; it should not be based on feelings. The symptoms you described may be indicative of orthostatic hypotension or ex...[Read More] Why Am I Experiencing Low Blood Sugar Symptoms Despite Regular Meals?
Understanding Skin Exudate: A Guide for Long-Term Spinal Injury Patients
Skin exudate Hello, doctor. I am a spinal cord injury patient who has been injured for 10 years. My skin has not been very good due to long-term bed rest. Although I occasionally use a wheelchair, I often experience some eczema on my legs. I can manage it by frequently applying s...
Dr. Cai Dongqi reply Family Medicine
Hello, A-Chuan: Please see a dermatologist, as this is not my area of expertise.[Read More] Understanding Skin Exudate: A Guide for Long-Term Spinal Injury Patients
Understanding Upper Left Chest Pain: Causes and Concerns
Pain in the upper left chest? There is a painful spot in the upper left chest that hurts when pressed, and there is also a dull pain even without touching it. The same spot on the right chest is painful when pressed, but it does not hurt when not touched. What could this conditio...
Dr. Cai Dongqi reply Family Medicine
Hello: It is possible that you have costochondritis, which can cause intermittent pain that persists over a long period. It is advisable to consult an orthopedic specialist. Cardiac or pulmonary issues would typically present with symptoms such as cold sweats, shortness of breath...[Read More] Understanding Upper Left Chest Pain: Causes and Concerns