Toilet Hygiene Concerns: Risks of Infection and Disease Transmission
Regarding toilet hygiene? I have a very nervous obsession with cleanliness, so the hygiene issues related to using the restroom have troubled me for a long time. I would like to consult a doctor about this. Before using the toilet, I always wipe the toilet seat with toilet paper....
Dr. Cai Jueren reply Family Medicine
Hello: It is normal for water in the toilet to occasionally splash up. If you want to avoid this, you can throw in two pieces of used toilet paper before using the toilet; this will reduce the chances of splashing. Most of the bacteria found in toilet water are Escherichia coli, ...[Read More] Toilet Hygiene Concerns: Risks of Infection and Disease Transmission
Understanding Chronic Headaches: Seeking the Right Specialist for Relief
Symptom overlap: headache? I have been experiencing chronic headaches for about two to three years. Previously, I had a small examination at Taipei Veterans General Hospital, which diagnosed me with migraines. However, after my primary doctor changed and the new doctor had a very...
Dr. Cai Jueren reply Family Medicine
Hello: Your symptoms are likely related to migraine. The treatment for migraines is very complex and diverse, primarily due to the difficulties in diagnosis, and the effectiveness of medications can vary from person to person. There are several types of migraines, with the two ma...[Read More] Understanding Chronic Headaches: Seeking the Right Specialist for Relief
Understanding Foot Pain: When to See a Doctor for Relief
Foot pain I would like to ask about my mother, who is in her fifties. Sometimes when she sleeps, she experiences numbness or pain in her legs. Which specialist should she see for this issue?
Dr. Cai Jueren reply Family Medicine
Hello: Pain in the soles of the feet is often closely related to footwear or prolonged standing. I recommend that you take your mother to see an orthopedic doctor for assistance. Thank you for your message. Dr. Tsai Jue-ren, Hualien Hospital.[Read More] Understanding Foot Pain: When to See a Doctor for Relief
Persistent Fever Without Other Symptoms: When to Seek Medical Help?
Persistent or intermittent fever without other symptoms for an extended period? Hello Dr. Tsai, 1. On May 24th, I experienced an unexplained high fever (38°C - 38.6°C). Aside from a headache, I had no other discomfort or symptoms such as soreness, pain, or cough, and my energy a...
Dr. Cai Jueren reply Family Medicine
Hello: Your issue should be addressed at a major hospital for blood tests and X-ray examinations. Persistent fever combined with respiratory symptoms may indicate pneumonia; however, since you also have gastrointestinal symptoms, it could be a viral infection such as enterovirus....[Read More] Persistent Fever Without Other Symptoms: When to Seek Medical Help?
Choosing the Right Vitamins for Postmenopausal Women's Health
Choosing Vitamins I would like to ask the doctor about my mother, who is a postmenopausal woman. She generally has poor health and a weak immune system, and she often experiences mouth ulcers that heal slowly. Recently, my mother wants to buy some vitamins to supplement her nutri...
Dr. Cai Jueren reply Family Medicine
Hello: If there are no economic concerns, I recommend purchasing the following products: 1. Multivitamins (Centrum Silver) 2. Glucosamine 3. Green vegetables 4. Fruits, the more the better. Thank you for your letter, and I hope the above can address your concerns. Hualien Hospita...[Read More] Choosing the Right Vitamins for Postmenopausal Women's Health
Chills Followed by Fever: Understanding Unexplained Symptoms
Chills followed by fever? Hello, I would like to ask about a situation where there are no cold symptoms like coughing or runny nose, but suddenly I feel chills, as if the cold is coming from within my body. I am shivering and experiencing full-body aches and weakness. After more ...
Dr. Cai Jueren reply Family Medicine
Hello: Both viral and bacterial infections can cause fluctuations in body temperature. If you are unable to manage this, it is advisable to seek assistance from a physician at a hospital. Thank you for your inquiry, and I hope the above information helps address your concerns. Dr...[Read More] Chills Followed by Fever: Understanding Unexplained Symptoms
Understanding Neck Pain: When to See a Doctor for Symptoms
Neck problems? I have recently been experiencing swelling and pain on the left side of my neck, but I can't feel any lumps. Occasionally, I also have headaches, general weakness, and nausea. This is not the first time it has happened; previously, I consulted an ENT specialis...
Dr. Cai Jueren reply Family Medicine
Hello: When there are not many issues on the neck, the first consideration is usually lymphadenopathy, and the second consideration is the thyroid (inflammation or enlargement). Other conditions are very rare and can be disregarded for now. I recommend that you visit a family med...[Read More] Understanding Neck Pain: When to See a Doctor for Symptoms
Understanding Your Health: When to See a Family Medicine Specialist
Feeling unwell? Recently, my daily routine consists of studying for three hours, aside from eating, drinking, and sleeping. I usually sleep from around 1 AM to 10 AM. Occasionally, I drink coffee, and I often notice a coffee smell in my urine. However, I've recently discover...
Dr. Cai Jueren reply Family Medicine
Hello: There are many causes of insomnia, including coffee or tea consumption. Often, it can be due to changes in lifestyle or even switching pillows or mattresses. Insomnia can also be caused by medical conditions, with common examples being hyperthyroidism or hypertension. Addi...[Read More] Understanding Your Health: When to See a Family Medicine Specialist
Is It Normal to Feel Pain in Your Hands After Push-Ups?
Exercise Feeling soreness in the back of your hands after doing 50 push-ups can be normal, especially if you haven't performed this exercise in a while. This soreness may be due to muscle fatigue or strain from the sudden increase in activity. It's important to listen t...
Dr. Cai Jueren reply Family Medicine
Hello: The soreness in your arm is indeed due to overuse, which typically results in muscle soreness that lasts about three days. If you continue to perform push-ups daily, you should not experience any further soreness. Thank you for your correspondence. Dr. Tsai Jue-Ren, Hualie...[Read More] Is It Normal to Feel Pain in Your Hands After Push-Ups?
Understanding the Medical Connection Between Visual Stimuli and Desire
Unknowingly? The phrase "drooling with desire" not only refers to the stimulation from food but can also encompass the feelings experienced when one is in an admired environment, such as being promoted to a managerial position and sitting in one's own office. This ...
Dr. Cai Jueren reply Family Medicine
Hello: The visual effects you mentioned have been demonstrated in many medical experiments; however, the situation you described does not fall within the realm of medicine in real life. For example, training a group of people in an office to take turns being the supervisor or hav...[Read More] Understanding the Medical Connection Between Visual Stimuli and Desire
Effective Weight Loss Strategies for Women: Tips from Family Medicine
What are some methods to lose weight? I am 158 cm tall and currently weigh 50 kg, which has recently increased, making my clothes feel tight. I have been trying to eat less this month, but my weight hasn't changed. Doctor, what are some effective weight loss methods? I just ...
Dr. Cai Jueren reply Family Medicine
Hello: There are no special methods or effective techniques for weight loss. Here are some points to consider: 1. Eat less and exercise more (exercise refers to activities such as jogging, swimming, brisk walking, aerobic dancing, etc.). 2. Have perseverance and determination (mo...[Read More] Effective Weight Loss Strategies for Women: Tips from Family Medicine
Understanding Unusual Anal Oil Discharge: Causes and Concerns
Anal discharge of oil Hello! Regarding my question: I do not recall any significant changes in my diet recently, nor have I taken any medications. However, for some reason, I have been experiencing oily discharge from my rectum when passing gas, which floats on the toilet water l...
Dr. Cai Jueren reply Family Medicine
Hello: The presence of oil in the stool is usually not indicative of any significant pathology. Some weight loss medications can cause this phenomenon, as can certain foods such as spicy hot pot and lard, among others. It is recommended that you first change your dietary habits. ...[Read More] Understanding Unusual Anal Oil Discharge: Causes and Concerns
Understanding Complications in Diabetes: Addressing Symptoms and Concerns
Diabetes mellitus Hello Dr. Tsai: My father is a diabetic patient. Two weeks ago, he underwent amputation of both big toes due to poor healing of a wound on his right big toe, following the doctor's advice. Over the past two weeks, he has experienced intermittent fever and p...
Dr. Cai Jueren reply Family Medicine
Hello: Diabetic patients often experience poor peripheral circulation, which makes wounds difficult to heal and can lead to recurrent infections, necessitating amputation. Sometimes, even after surgery, wounds remain susceptible to bacterial infections. If the patient also has ot...[Read More] Understanding Complications in Diabetes: Addressing Symptoms and Concerns
Understanding Symptoms: When to Seek Medical Help for Your Health Issues
Some symptoms A few days ago, I suddenly lost my appetite, experienced headaches, and sometimes felt a bit nauseous. I have been very fatigued, and my abdomen feels somewhat uncomfortable, though it's hard to describe as pain. I've been having bowel movements 1 to 2 tim...
Dr. Cai Jueren reply Family Medicine
Hello: This type of acute situation can be categorized into two scenarios. First: Acute hepatitis - liver function abnormalities may be caused by medications, food, or other reasons, and typically last for more than two weeks. If not treated promptly, it could worsen. Second: Acu...[Read More] Understanding Symptoms: When to Seek Medical Help for Your Health Issues
Which Specialist Should You See for Upper Back Pain?
Which specialty should I see for upper back pain? Hello: Recently, I have been experiencing pain in my upper left back every day. By the afternoon, or after sitting for a long time, I also feel pain from my lower back down to my thighs. Even using pain relief patches does not see...
Dr. Cai Jueren reply Family Medicine
Hello: Typically, such issues should be addressed by an orthopedic specialist. However, based on your age, it seems to be work-related. I recommend that you take a few days off to see if it dramatically improves. If resting does not lead to any improvement, then you should consul...[Read More] Which Specialist Should You See for Upper Back Pain?
How to Stay Alert While Driving: Tips for Overcoming Daytime Sleepiness
Last week, I felt very sleepy all day for some unknown reason? Hello Doctor: Last week, I found myself falling asleep every time I stopped at a traffic light while driving to work. I tried to prevent myself from sleeping, but no matter what I did, like stopping the car to take a ...
Dr. Cai Jueren reply Family Medicine
Hello: Your symptoms are somewhat unusual. I recommend that you visit a hospital and consult with a family medicine physician as soon as possible. Some tests may be necessary to address the issue. Hualien Hospital, Dr. Tsai Jue-Ren.[Read More] How to Stay Alert While Driving: Tips for Overcoming Daytime Sleepiness
Understanding Elevated CPK and CEA Levels: Health Implications and Lifestyle Tips
Health check-up In the health check report, the creatine phosphokinase (CPK) level is 142.00, and the carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA) level is 6.300. Are these levels elevated, and what impact do they have on health? What should one pay attention to in daily life?
Dr. Cai Jueren reply Family Medicine
Hello: The values you provided do not have units attached, so I cannot give you an accurate answer. Typically, health check reports include units next to the data, and abnormal results are often indicated in red. CPK levels are generally referenced as 30-170, and CEA levels are &...[Read More] Understanding Elevated CPK and CEA Levels: Health Implications and Lifestyle Tips
Experiencing Tinnitus and Nausea After Standing: What Could Be Wrong?
Prolonged standing can cause tinnitus and nausea? Hello, Doctor: I would like to ask, I seem to have been unable to stand for too long since the past. If I stand for nearly an hour, I start to experience tinnitus (with a sensation of reduced hearing in one ear) and also feel naus...
Dr. Cai Jueren reply Family Medicine
Hello: Your condition does require medical attention for various reasons that need to be ruled out. I recommend that you visit the ENT (Ear, Nose, and Throat) outpatient clinic at the hospital. If everything is completely fine, then you can proceed to the cardiology outpatient cl...[Read More] Experiencing Tinnitus and Nausea After Standing: What Could Be Wrong?
Do I Need Hepatitis Vaccination? Understanding Blood Test Results
Hepatitis vaccine Hello Doctor, I have donated blood and I am wondering if the screening report will indicate whether I have antibodies for Hepatitis B virus (HBsAg) or Hepatitis C virus (Anti-HCV). Since I have not received the hepatitis vaccine, I am unsure if I already have an...
Dr. Cai Jueren reply Family Medicine
Hello: Your inquiry lacks sufficient detail for me to provide an accurate response. Could you please elaborate further? Generally, individuals who are carriers of Hepatitis B are unable to donate blood. If you have previously donated blood, it indicates that you are not a Hepatit...[Read More] Do I Need Hepatitis Vaccination? Understanding Blood Test Results
Understanding Alcohol Testing: Non-Alcoholic Causes of Blood Alcohol Levels
Alcohol testing I would like to ask what situations could lead to a blood test showing alcohol levels after consuming certain foods, even if one has not actually consumed alcohol or any food containing alcohol, such as yogurt. Is this possible?
Dr. Cai Jueren reply Family Medicine
Hello: I would like to respond to you using a report from Professor Chang Wei-tun of the Department of Forensic Science at Central Police University and Secretary-General of the Chinese Forensic Science Society. Alcohol suppresses the central nervous system, causing visual and au...[Read More] Understanding Alcohol Testing: Non-Alcoholic Causes of Blood Alcohol Levels