Post-Illness Fatigue in an 83-Year-Old with Heart Issues: What to Know
An 83-year-old mother has recovered from a cold but is experiencing generalized weakness. She has a history of hypertension and has undergone stent placement in her heart? Dear Dr. Tsai, Hello. My mother is 83 years old and has hypertension, with a stent placed in her heart. She...
Dr. Cai Dongqi reply Family Medicine
Hello: 1. Patients with heart failure may experience fatigue and weakness, shortness of breath while walking, and palpitations. If they also have cold sweats and pale complexion, it is essential to go to the emergency room (myocardial infarction). 2. Cold symptoms can also cause ...[Read More] Post-Illness Fatigue in an 83-Year-Old with Heart Issues: What to Know
Could Anemia Be Causing My Son's Dizziness When Standing Up?
Could such blood values cause dizziness when getting up from a lying position? Hello Doctor, my son is 20 years old. Over the past year, he has had his blood drawn four times, with the following values: Hemoglobin (Hb) 12.6-13.6 g/dL, Red Blood Cell count (RBC) 4.5-4.7 million ce...
Dr. Cai Dongqi reply Family Medicine
Hello, Hao: For mild anemia, you can consult a hematologist. Based on the numbers, it may be necessary to diagnose whether there is thalassemia.[Read More] Could Anemia Be Causing My Son's Dizziness When Standing Up?
Understanding Facial Pain: Causes and When to Seek Help
Facial issues? Hello, doctor: I have a pimple under my cheekbone that feels like an electric shock and causes intermittent pain. It hurts when I eat and talk, and it is also painful to touch. Pain relief and anti-inflammatory medications, as well as muscle relaxants, have not bee...
Dr. Cai Dongqi reply Family Medicine
Hello, Avi: You can consult either the rehabilitation department or the orthopedic department.[Read More] Understanding Facial Pain: Causes and When to Seek Help
Understanding Weight Fluctuations and Gastrointestinal Discomfort
Slight recovery after weight loss? Hello, doctor. About a month ago, I weighed approximately 63.3 kg, but I don't weigh myself often and only do so occasionally. This morning, after waking up, I found that my weight had dropped to 60.4 kg. Previously, I had also seen my weig...
Dr. Cai Dongqi reply Family Medicine
Hello, Xiao Lin: A weight loss of 3% in one month, 5% in three months, and over 10% in six months is considered significant. Given your age, first consider whether it might be due to poor gastrointestinal intake or absorption issues, or check your thyroid function and blood gluco...[Read More] Understanding Weight Fluctuations and Gastrointestinal Discomfort
Understanding Pain in the Finger Joints: When to Seek Medical Advice
Finger joints Three weeks ago, I noticed that the first joint of my left pinky finger hurts when I make a fist, as if there is internal pressure in the joint. I found that pressing on the outer joint of my left pinky causes pain, while pressing up and down feels normal. I usually...
Dr. Cai Dongqi reply Family Medicine
Hello Ms. Chen: You can first visit an orthopedic specialist to rule out any joint diseases related to tendonitis.[Read More] Understanding Pain in the Finger Joints: When to Seek Medical Advice
Feeling Hot and Tired Without a Fever: Possible Causes Explained
Feeling warm and lethargic, but without a fever? Hello, doctor. Since yesterday morning, I've been feeling a bit warm, but I'm not sweating. I feel somewhat lethargic, but both my ear and forehead temperatures are normal, and my appetite is fine. I usually eat out for a...
Dr. Cai Dongqi reply Family Medicine
Hello, A-Yuan: I'm not sure how to respond.[Read More] Feeling Hot and Tired Without a Fever: Possible Causes Explained
Can You Have Sex While Infected with Norovirus?
Can a person diagnosed with norovirus engage in sexual activity? Hello, doctor. I would like to ask if it's safe to engage in sexual activity with my partner while I am diagnosed with norovirus.
Dr. Cai Dongqi reply Family Medicine
Hello ChunTing: This virus is transmitted through the fecal-oral route. As long as the food has not been contaminated by the mouth, it is not affected. Remember to wash your hands before handling food.[Read More] Can You Have Sex While Infected with Norovirus?
Is Drinking Olive Oil on an Empty Stomach Effective for Constipation?
Can drinking olive oil in the morning help relieve constipation? Hello, doctor. I came across some articles online suggesting that drinking 10cc of olive oil on an empty stomach in the morning can help relieve constipation. Is this feasible? Are there any health risks associated ...
Dr. Cai Dongqi reply Family Medicine
Hello Johnny: I am not an expert in this field, so I cannot provide an explanation.[Read More] Is Drinking Olive Oil on an Empty Stomach Effective for Constipation?
Understanding Chest Tightness: Causes, Symptoms, and Solutions
Chest tightness issue? Hello doctor, I am 27 years old. Since last year, I have been experiencing intermittent chest tightness, shortness of breath (feeling like I can't get enough air and needing to take deep breaths), and dizziness. I underwent examinations last year for m...
Dr. Cai Dongqi reply Family Medicine
Hello: Autonomic nervous system dysfunction is a combination of various symptoms that may not always be detectable through tests. It often requires empirical treatment. It may be advisable to first consult a psychiatrist to assess for any anxiety or excessive stress that could be...[Read More] Understanding Chest Tightness: Causes, Symptoms, and Solutions
Which Medical Specialty Should You Consult for Marshall White Syndrome?
Which specialty should one consult for the treatment of Marshall-Smith syndrome? Hello, doctor. I have noticed since elementary school that my legs (mostly around the knees and calves) often have small white spots that resemble vitiligo, but they only appear when I am standing. W...
Dr. Cai Dongqi reply Family Medicine
Hello Lena: It is recommended to first consult a dermatologist.[Read More] Which Medical Specialty Should You Consult for Marshall White Syndrome?
Can People with Favism Eat Certain Herbs and Spices?
Can I eat foods that contain herbs? Hello doctor, I know that individuals with favism should avoid consuming mint and camphor. May I ask if they can eat lemon balm, lemongrass, rosemary, and lemon verbena? Thank you! 🙏
Dr. Cai Dongqi reply Family Medicine
Hello, Fengfeng: I'm not sure, as this is not within my area of expertise.[Read More] Can People with Favism Eat Certain Herbs and Spices?
Understanding Your Health Check Results: Key Insights and Recommendations
Health examination data consultation Based on the provided lab results, here is the interpretation: - **Creatinine (CREA)**: 0.76 mg/dL - This value is within the normal range, indicating normal kidney function. - **Total Cholesterol**: 251 mg/dL - This is considered high. It is...
Dr. Cai Dongqi reply Family Medicine
Hello: Begin with dietary control (low fat: reduce fried foods, fatty meats, skin, animal fats, organ meats, and meat broth). Exercise for 30 minutes daily, at least 5 days a week. Follow up in 3 months without the need for medication, diagnosed with mildly elevated cholesterol.[Read More] Understanding Your Health Check Results: Key Insights and Recommendations
Understanding Finger Sensation: When to Seek Medical Advice
The fingertips feel swollen? Hello Doctor, for the past few days, I've been feeling a slight swelling in the pads of my left hand's five fingers (near the fingertips), similar to the sensation of calluses from pressing guitar strings. However, I haven't been pressi...
Dr. Cai Dongqi reply Family Medicine
Hello Amy: It is normal not to have redness, swelling, heat, pain, or any tingling sensations; there is no need to worry. For skin issues, you may want to consult a dermatologist first.[Read More] Understanding Finger Sensation: When to Seek Medical Advice
Understanding Sleep Issues: Why Am I Always Tired Despite Long Sleep?
Sleep issues I can sleep up to 12 hours a day, but I still feel sluggish during the day and lack motivation for anything. When my sleep schedule is irregular, I sometimes take naps for two to three hours in the afternoon. No matter how much I sleep, I still feel fatigued. What co...
Dr. Cai Dongqi reply Family Medicine
Hello Zhixiang: First, go for a health check-up, adjust your sleep schedule and daily routine. You may want to consult a sleep specialist to help with your sleep patterns.[Read More] Understanding Sleep Issues: Why Am I Always Tired Despite Long Sleep?
Understanding Night Sweats: When to Seek Medical Help for Fatigue
Night sweats? Since this summer, my physical condition has noticeably worsened. I have to wear long sleeves and long pants to sleep even with the air conditioning set at 27°C. About two months ago, I occasionally woke up at night sweating from my shoulders, neck, chest, and back....
Dr. Cai Dongqi reply Family Medicine
Hello, I hope you are well. It is important to adjust your lifestyle (which is currently not normal) by avoiding staying up late and the habit of eating late-night snacks. The causes of night sweats may include menopause, hyperthyroidism, diabetes, and autonomic nervous system di...[Read More] Understanding Night Sweats: When to Seek Medical Help for Fatigue
Understanding Swallowing Difficulties: Is It Related to GERD?
Swallowing difficulties Hello, doctor. I've been having difficulty swallowing my medication over the past couple of days, and I'm not sure what the issue is. Could this be related to gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD)? I also often choke when drinking water.
Dr. Cai Dongqi reply Family Medicine
It is possible to examine the area around the larynx (otolaryngology) or the esophagus (gastroenterology with an endoscopy).[Read More] Understanding Swallowing Difficulties: Is It Related to GERD?
Understanding Memory Issues in Seniors: When to Seek Medical Help
Could you please clarify if the elderly person is experiencing memory loss, suspected dementia, and has a history of head lacerations? Hello Dr. Tsai, I would like to ask about some memory issues concerning my father. He is over 65 years old and is retired. My mother has been exp...
Dr. Cai Dongqi reply Family Medicine
Hello: In the early stages of dementia, it is important to first rule out other brain issues or interfering factors. You can visit our hospital's Geriatric Dementia Clinic for evaluation and treatment.[Read More] Understanding Memory Issues in Seniors: When to Seek Medical Help
Understanding X-rays: Do You Need a Specialist for Chest Issues?
Regarding X-rays? Hello, Doctor: I have an autoimmune disease and previously had an X-ray of my lungs or chest (the upper area). I did some research online! An X-ray can reveal a lot of information. The basic things that can be assessed include the heart, lungs, bones, lung marki...
Dr. Cai Dongqi reply Family Medicine
Hello: That's correct, a chest X-ray can only reveal the aforementioned findings. It is advisable to consult multiple pulmonologists for further evaluation.[Read More] Understanding X-rays: Do You Need a Specialist for Chest Issues?
Supporting Elderly Recovery: Navigating Health Challenges After Illness
The elderly person was generally healthy but is unable to get up after a serious illness? Hello, doctor. I would like to ask for advice regarding medical management for my grandfather, who is currently 97 years old. Two years ago, he experienced confusion upon waking up and had l...
Dr. Cai Dongqi reply Family Medicine
Hello: 1. In elderly patients with fever and shortness of breath, the primary consideration is infection, especially pneumonia. If there are confirmed cases in the household, it is likely that the grandfather may also be infected (rapid testing at the emergency department may be ...[Read More] Supporting Elderly Recovery: Navigating Health Challenges After Illness
Understanding Sudden Body Tingling: Causes and Concerns
Tingling sensation in the body? Hello Doctor: Recently, one night after eating, I suddenly experienced numbness in my face, chest, and waist. The numbness in my waist was so severe that I had to lie down to rest, and after about ten minutes, it returned to normal. I had similar e...
Dr. Cai Dongqi reply Family Medicine
Hello, Hsiao-Fen: First, you should undergo an examination by a neurologist to check for facial nerve paralysis. If there is none, it may be a case of autonomic nervous system dysfunction.[Read More] Understanding Sudden Body Tingling: Causes and Concerns