Risks of Air Bubbles in IV Drips: What You Need to Know
During an intravenous (IV) infusion, a small air bubble accidentally entered the bloodstream? Hello Doctor: My girlfriend recently went to the hospital for intravenous therapy due to kidney inflammation. During the treatment, she noticed a small air bubble slowly entering her blo...
Dr. Cai Jueren reply Family Medicine
Hello: The presence of small air bubbles accidentally entering the bloodstream can indeed pose risks, including pulmonary hypertension due to obstruction of pulmonary microvasculature, stroke from obstruction of cerebral microvasculature, or acute organ failure or necrosis in oth...[Read More] Risks of Air Bubbles in IV Drips: What You Need to Know
Understanding Unexplained Rapid Heartbeat and Shortness of Breath
Frequent unexplained palpitations leading to shortness of breath? Hello Dr. Tsai, I would like to ask a few questions regarding my mother (56 years old). Recently, she has been experiencing unexplained episodes of rapid heartbeat. She reports that her heart races and she feels s...
Dr. Cai Jueren reply Family Medicine
Hello Nicole: Your mother's condition is not considered complex, but it is important to have regular health check-ups for the following reasons: 1. Patients with hypertension are advised to check their lipid levels and kidney function annually. 2. Hepatitis B carriers are re...[Read More] Understanding Unexplained Rapid Heartbeat and Shortness of Breath
Chronic Sore Throat: Why Isn't My Condition Improving?
Persistent sore throat that does not improve? I have been experiencing a sore throat for two months now. It comes and goes, and I have seen a doctor several times, about five to six visits. I have been taking my medication as prescribed, but it just won't get better.
Dr. Cai Jueren reply Family Medicine
Hello, Xiao Dai: Generally, a sore throat is mostly caused by viral infections leading to acute pharyngitis or acute laryngitis, which usually improves within seven to ten days even without medication. In your case, it is important to consider whether it is a bacterial infection ...[Read More] Chronic Sore Throat: Why Isn't My Condition Improving?
Understanding Throat Discomfort: Causes and Solutions for Breathing Issues
I feel discomfort in my throat? Hello, I feel a bit of swelling around my throat, and my breathing doesn't feel smooth. When I sleep on my side, it seems like one nostril has a smaller airflow. Is there something wrong with that side of my body?
Dr. Cai Jueren reply Family Medicine
Hello MOMO: The sensation of a foreign body near the Adam's apple is often related to thyroid issues, especially when you feel difficulty breathing, indicating that something may be compressing your airway. The most common cause is a thyroid cyst (which is mostly benign). It...[Read More] Understanding Throat Discomfort: Causes and Solutions for Breathing Issues
Understanding Nail Changes: Signs of Health Issues and Dizziness
Symptoms of Disease Hello Dr. Tsai, I have a question I would like to ask you regarding a white layer on the inner surface of my fingernails that seems to be gradually shrinking. Does this indicate any discomfort or potential disease in the body? Additionally, I sometimes exper...
Dr. Cai Jueren reply Family Medicine
Hello Allen: The size of the lunula at the base of the nail varies from person to person, and whether it can be used as a criterion for assessing bodily diseases is still a matter of debate. However, if there is a noticeable change in its size, it may indicate a change in bodily ...[Read More] Understanding Nail Changes: Signs of Health Issues and Dizziness
Seeking Help: Understanding Dizziness and Its Impact on Daily Life
I am very worried and would like to ask the doctor for help? Hello, doctor. I've been feeling very dizzy for almost a week now. When I walk, it feels like I'm floating, and even sitting in a chair makes me feel dizzy. I feel the need to lean back against the chair for s...
Dr. Cai Jueren reply Family Medicine
Hello, Mango Princess: Regarding the symptoms you described, we refer to them as "vertigo" until a detailed examination is conducted. The possible causes are as follows: 1. Severe anemia: Patients with this condition may faint due to dizziness. 2. Vestibular neuritis: T...[Read More] Seeking Help: Understanding Dizziness and Its Impact on Daily Life
Understanding Umbilical Pain: Causes and When to Seek Help
Pain around the navel? It seems that there is a lump inside or around my navel that hurts when pressed. What could be the cause of this condition? If I need to get it checked, which department should I visit?
Dr. Cai Jueren reply Family Medicine
Hello: Regarding your questions, here are the explanations: 1. Folliculitis: Inflammation caused by blockage of the follicle opening, which may present as small, painful bumps upon touch, but is not severe. 2. Acne: Inflammation caused by blockage of the sebaceous glands, with si...[Read More] Understanding Umbilical Pain: Causes and When to Seek Help
Understanding Night Sweats: Causes and When to Seek Medical Help
Regarding sleep issues? Hello, I have been waking up almost every night for the past three months around 2 to 3 AM due to sweating all over my body, regardless of the temperature. What could this condition be? Which specialist should I consult? Thank you! P.S. I underwent emboliz...
Dr. Cai Jueren reply Family Medicine
Hello: Regarding your question, the first consideration in Taiwan is tuberculosis. Most patients with tuberculosis experience night sweats due to a slight increase in body temperature in the evening. Of course, this is usually accompanied by symptoms such as cough or hemoptysis, ...[Read More] Understanding Night Sweats: Causes and When to Seek Medical Help
Understanding Your Symptoms: When to See a Doctor for Ongoing Issues
Are you feeling unwell? Hello Doctor: Last week I had a cold with a fever, but I only took leftover medication from a previous cold. The fever subsided, and I didn't see a doctor. This week, I first experienced stomach discomfort and pain all day, and then over the next few ...
Dr. Cai Jueren reply Family Medicine
Hello: Common colds are typically caused by viral infections, and the purpose of medication prescribed by doctors is to alleviate cold symptoms and the overall discomfort caused by the cold. Sometimes, colds can also be accompanied by gastrointestinal discomfort, including loss o...[Read More] Understanding Your Symptoms: When to See a Doctor for Ongoing Issues
Allergen Testing: Which Department to Visit and Cost Insights
Regarding allergen testing..? I have heard that blood tests can be done to check for allergens. Which department should I visit for this? Does health insurance cover this test, and if not, how much would it typically cost out of pocket?
Dr. Cai Jueren reply Family Medicine
Hello, Xiaoxue: There are many items for allergen testing, and health insurance coverage is based on the disease diagnosis provided by the physician. I recommend consulting with a rheumatologist or dermatologist for assistance. If the hospital has family medicine or metabolic spe...[Read More] Allergen Testing: Which Department to Visit and Cost Insights
Is My Body Sending Warning Signs? Understanding Left-Sided Pain and Symptoms
Is there something wrong with my body? Recently, I don't know if it's because of the winter, but my left side (left leg, left arm, left waist) has been very sore. Yesterday, the pain was so severe that I couldn't sleep. In the past, I would only experience somethin...
Dr. Cai Jueren reply Family Medicine
Hello Jean: Regarding the left limb pain without muscle weakness, it is generally necessary to consider cervical nerve compression, which should not have a direct relationship with the brain. I recommend seeking assistance from a neurologist. Additionally, normal health check res...[Read More] Is My Body Sending Warning Signs? Understanding Left-Sided Pain and Symptoms
Understanding Numbness in Your Foot: When to Seek Medical Help
Numbness in the feet? Recently, my right foot has been experiencing numbness while standing. I exercised twice a week before, but I haven't been active since November. Could this be related to lack of exercise? If not, which specialist should I see? Thank you!
Dr. Cai Jueren reply Family Medicine
It is advisable to seek a nearby medical examination.[Read More] Understanding Numbness in Your Foot: When to Seek Medical Help
Pre-Marital Health Check: Key Questions for Future Pregnancies
I have some questions after completing the premarital health checkup! Hello Doctor: I am planning to get pregnant soon, but I have a few questions from my premarital health check-up that the doctor did not explain clearly. I hope you can help me with these questions, thank you! ...
Dr. Cai Jueren reply Family Medicine
Hello Yuan Yuan: The levels of thyroid hormones are not related to pregnancy, so please rest assured. As for the values mentioned above, they do not require medication treatment. "Counterclockwise deviation of the heart axis" is a finding from the computer report; it is...[Read More] Pre-Marital Health Check: Key Questions for Future Pregnancies
Understanding Scalp Pain: Causes and When to Seek Medical Advice
Scalp pain Hello, doctor. I would like to ask, if I haven't tied my hair for a long time and I feel scalp pain when lightly touching my hair, and the pain feels similar to the sensation of having tightly tied hair just released, what could be the cause of this? Do I need to ...
Dr. Cai Jueren reply Family Medicine
Hello Cathy: Scalp pain is often caused by "traction." This may be due to increased tension from hair, pressure from hats, increased stress from lack of sleep, or medications (such as hair dyes, gels, styling products, etc.). It is recommended that you first eliminate t...[Read More] Understanding Scalp Pain: Causes and When to Seek Medical Advice
Understanding Paternity Testing: Family Medicine Insights and Costs
Paternity testing 1. I want to do a paternity test. I heard that I need to see a family medicine specialist. Is that correct? 2. What is the approximate cost at a public hospital for a test involving one father and one child? 3. How many days will it take to get the results? ...
Dr. Cai Jueren reply Family Medicine
Our hospital does not provide paternity testing services. Please contact a regional hospital for inquiries.[Read More] Understanding Paternity Testing: Family Medicine Insights and Costs
Understanding Involuntary Tremors: When to See a Doctor
Tremors If you experience involuntary shaking or trembling of the head or lips while watching television or concentrating on a task, and sometimes your hands also tremble involuntarily, it is advisable to see a doctor. You should consider consulting a neurologist, as they special...
Dr. Cai Jueren reply Family Medicine
When our body performs movements, it utilizes antagonistic muscle groups to maintain balance. In certain situations, when small muscle groups are insufficiently antagonistic, so-called "involuntary movements" may occur, such as hand tremors, blinking, or head shaking. T...[Read More] Understanding Involuntary Tremors: When to See a Doctor
Understanding Right Lower Back Pain: Possible Causes and Concerns
Right lower back pain? I would like to ask about the severe soreness in the lower right side of my back. It doesn't feel like typical muscle soreness; it seems to be deeper. The pain becomes more pronounced during certain movements. Over the past week, I have been taking tra...
Dr. Cai Jueren reply Family Medicine
Young women often experience urinary retention due to work-related factors, which can lead to urethritis or cystitis. When cystitis occurs repeatedly, it may sometimes cause bacteria to ascend and lead to kidney inflammation. At this point, patients often experience symptoms such...[Read More] Understanding Right Lower Back Pain: Possible Causes and Concerns
Essential Components of a Balanced Diet: What to Include Daily?
Dietary Nutrition Hello Dr. Tsai: Is a balanced diet one that requires daily intake of fish, meat, eggs, dairy, beans, vegetables, fruits, and whole grains? What does "whole grains" refer to? Tom
Dr. Cai Jueren reply Family Medicine
Yes, we need to consume a balanced diet of these foods every day. Grains and tubers are also staple foods, such as noodles, rice, and flour products. Additionally, starchy foods like sweet potatoes, taro, potatoes, yams, mung beans, red beans, and job's tears also belong to ...[Read More] Essential Components of a Balanced Diet: What to Include Daily?
Unexplained Body Odor: Which Specialist Should You Consult?
Odor I have been experiencing an unusual body odor and I'm not sure what the issue might be. I'm certain it's not related to axillary odor or sweat. Which medical specialty should I consult? Thank you.
Dr. Cai Jueren reply Family Medicine
The sources of odor from human skin can be attributed to three main factors: 1. sweat glands, 2. sebaceous glands, and 3. hair follicles. Generally, the secretions produced by these glands are colorless and odorless. However, certain specific populations or individuals with uniqu...[Read More] Unexplained Body Odor: Which Specialist Should You Consult?
Understanding Teeth Grinding During Sleep: Causes and Solutions
Bruxism during sleep? Hello Dr. Tsai, I grind my teeth at night and I don't sleep very soundly; I often toss and turn and have trouble sleeping well. There have been a few instances where I was not fully aware during sleep and needed my mom to wake me up. Could you please ex...
Dr. Cai Jueren reply Family Medicine
Hello, grinding your teeth during sleep can be caused by several common issues: 1. High stress levels during the day leading to poor sleep quality. 2. Eating before bedtime. 3. Malocclusion of the teeth. Considering your age, it may also be due to excessive screen time or prolong...[Read More] Understanding Teeth Grinding During Sleep: Causes and Solutions