Why Am I Always Hungry? Understanding Unexplained Increased Appetite
Recently, I have been feeling very hungry and can't seem to feel full. Is there a problem? Recently, I've been feeling very hungry all the time. I just finished eating, and then I'm hungry again shortly after. I can eat a lot in a day, and my stomach feels empty co...
Dr. Cai Jueren reply Family Medicine
Hello: If you experience weight gain in a short period due to overeating, the first step is to rule out whether it is caused by emotional disturbances such as excessive excitement or sadness leading to binge eating. Additionally, it is important to exclude the possibility of incr...[Read More] Why Am I Always Hungry? Understanding Unexplained Increased Appetite
Understanding Numbness in the Left Hand: Causes and When to See a Doctor
Numbness in the left fingers? Hello Doctor: My husband has recently been experiencing numbness in his left hand, specifically in the ring and little fingers. Could you please explain why this is happening? Does he need to see a doctor? Is this related to work stress? Thank you fo...
Dr. Cai Jueren reply Family Medicine
Hello: This situation may be caused by nerve compression. One possibility is that the ulnar nerve is compressed at the elbow due to prolonged pressure, which is often related to occupations such as athletes or computer typists. Another possibility is that prolonged neck flexion l...[Read More] Understanding Numbness in the Left Hand: Causes and When to See a Doctor
Understanding Tailbone Pain: Causes and Treatment Options
Coccydynia (pain at the tailbone) Hello: When sitting or lying down, I feel a "sharp pain" inside at the very end of my spine (buttocks) as if there is a "broken skin" sensation, but there are no visible injuries when I look in the mirror... It has been more t...
Dr. Cai Jueren reply Family Medicine
Hello: In some individuals, the coccyx may protrude more than usual. This typically does not cause any issues. You can visit an orthopedic doctor for an X-ray to determine the situation. Thank you for your inquiry. Dr. Tsai Jue-ren, Hualien Hospital.[Read More] Understanding Tailbone Pain: Causes and Treatment Options
Is This Fever Normal or a Sign of Gastrointestinal Issues?
Is this a common fever? Hello Doctor: Two days ago, I experienced occasional pain at the top of my head, along with dizziness. My shoulders and neck felt sore when moving, and I had a fever (most noticeable in my palms and soles, but my head felt fine). I measured my temperature,...
Dr. Cai Jueren reply Family Medicine
Hello: Your headache and dizziness are likely caused by a fever, which may be due to 1. acute gastroenteritis or 2. infectious enteritis. Typically, this condition improves after fasting for 8 hours. However, if the fever persists and you continue to have diarrhea, you must go to...[Read More] Is This Fever Normal or a Sign of Gastrointestinal Issues?
Understanding Numbness in Feet: Causes and Concerns for Your Health
Numbness in the foot? Hello Dr. Tsai: My father is 55 years old, and for the past week, he has been experiencing a persistent tingling sensation in the front half of both feet (including the toes), but there is no pain, just discomfort. Could you please explain what this symptom ...
Dr. Cai Jueren reply Family Medicine
Hello: There are two possible conditions in this situation. One is a lumbar disc herniation causing nerve compression, and the other is poor peripheral blood circulation. I recommend taking your father to a hospital to consult a neurologist. Thank you for your message, and I hope...[Read More] Understanding Numbness in Feet: Causes and Concerns for Your Health
Understanding Dizziness: Why Standing Up Sudden Causes Lightheadedness
Dizziness Hello, could you please explain why I feel a bit dizzy when I suddenly stand up after sitting (not every time, but occasionally)?
Dr. Cai Jueren reply Family Medicine
Hello: Sudden dizziness upon standing is commonly associated with 1. anemia 2. orthostatic hypotension. It is recommended that you consult a family medicine physician for assistance. Thank you for your inquiry. Dr. Tsai Jue-ren, Hualien Hospital.[Read More] Understanding Dizziness: Why Standing Up Sudden Causes Lightheadedness
Frequent Nosebleeds in Children: When to Seek Specialist Care?
Questions about nosebleeds? My 9-year-old son often has nosebleeds. We consulted a doctor at an outpatient clinic who mentioned that it could be due to thin nasal mucosa. However, he hasn't been overexerting himself or experiencing any trauma. He frequently has sudden nosebl...
Dr. Cai Jueren reply Family Medicine
Hello: This situation is likely due to a rupture of the nasal microvessels. I recommend taking your child to the ENT outpatient department at the hospital. Thank you for your correspondence. Dr. Tsai Jue-Ren, Hualien Hospital.[Read More] Frequent Nosebleeds in Children: When to Seek Specialist Care?
Understanding Blood Sugar Levels: Why Am I Experiencing Low Readings?
I have self-monitoring of blood glucose? I apologize for the confusion earlier. I have not taken medication for 1-2 years. When I feel unwell, I self-monitor my blood sugar, which is about 60 mg/dL under normal circumstances. If I haven't eaten, the body's mechanisms sh...
Dr. Cai Jueren reply Family Medicine
Hello: Typically, when our sugar levels are low, we first burn fat to generate heat and glucose. Patients with Type 1 diabetes experience issues with glucose metabolism due to either insufficient insulin secretion or abnormal insulin function, leading to irregular blood sugar lev...[Read More] Understanding Blood Sugar Levels: Why Am I Experiencing Low Readings?
Understanding Persistent Dizziness: When to Seek Medical Help
Frequent dizziness and lightheadedness? Hello, doctor: I would like to ask a question. I have been experiencing intermittent dizziness for a long time, and recently it has become more frequent. I often need to apply something with menthol to feel a bit better. There was one time ...
Dr. Cai Jueren reply Family Medicine
Hello: There are many causes of dizziness, such as anemia, otitis media, inner ear imbalance, benign paroxysmal positional vertigo (BPPV), and cerebrovascular diseases, among others. If you have already visited a hospital and consulted an otolaryngologist to rule out ear-related ...[Read More] Understanding Persistent Dizziness: When to Seek Medical Help
Understanding Left Lower Abdominal Pain: Causes and Treatment Options
Left lower abdominal pain? Hello Dr. Tsai, I have been experiencing pain in my lower left abdomen near the pelvis and groin since I had a cesarean section for my second child. This pain occurs frequently during the ovulation period leading up to my menstrual cycle, and it has b...
Dr. Cai Jueren reply Family Medicine
Hello: Based on your description, it seems to be postoperative adhesions. We usually first rule out some possibilities such as colorectal polyps, colorectal lesions, and ovarian conditions. I recommend that you consult a gastrointestinal surgeon who may arrange for a CT scan. Tha...[Read More] Understanding Left Lower Abdominal Pain: Causes and Treatment Options
Understanding Weight Loss Drug Side Effects: Low Blood Sugar Concerns
Drug side effects? I'm sorry to bother you, but I would like to ask a question. I have been working hard to lose weight! I have tried various weight loss medications, products, patches, etc. I have lost some weight, but I have a problem. Whenever I don't eat, I experien...
Dr. Cai Jueren reply Family Medicine
Hello: Based on your description, it does not seem to be hypoglycemia related to diabetes. Diabetic patients typically experience dizziness, weakness, and even fainting during hypoglycemic episodes, and diabetes often has a genetic component. I recommend that you stop all medicat...[Read More] Understanding Weight Loss Drug Side Effects: Low Blood Sugar Concerns
Which Medical Specialty Should You See for Fatigue and Lumps?
Which department should I make an appointment with? Hello, doctor: Recently, I've been feeling small lumps on my scalp while washing my hair, and I often feel very tired even though I've had enough sleep. Could this be the reason? Which department should I see?
Dr. Cai Jueren reply Family Medicine
Hello: If you can feel a lump on your scalp, it is likely a lipoma. I recommend that you consult a dermatologist for confirmation. If you often feel tired despite sleeping well, it may indicate that your body is not getting adequate rest, including your muscles and mental state. ...[Read More] Which Medical Specialty Should You See for Fatigue and Lumps?
Understanding Body Fat Testing: Which Department to Visit?
Could you please provide more details about body fat testing? I would like to ask if your hospital offers body fat percentage testing. I want to know what my body fat percentage is. If I want to undergo this test, which department should I visit?
Dr. Cai Jueren reply Family Medicine
Hello: Body fat checks are available at every hospital, so please inquire directly at the family medicine outpatient department. Thank you for your letter. Dr. Tsai Jue-Ren, Hualien Hospital.[Read More] Understanding Body Fat Testing: Which Department to Visit?
Understanding Genetic Causes of Congenital Deaf-Muteness in Families
Congenital deaf-muteness? Hello, I would like to inquire about the genetics of deafness. My brother has several girlfriends, and his mother is deaf. She has a total of four siblings, all of whom are also deaf. However, as far as we know, his grandmother was not deaf. His uncle ha...
Dr. Cai Jueren reply Family Medicine
Hello: Whether a child is born deaf-mute cannot be immediately determined, and aside from hereditary diseases, it may also be due to genetic mutations (which are more common in advanced maternal age). However, the probability of being born deaf-mute is generally low. It is recomm...[Read More] Understanding Genetic Causes of Congenital Deaf-Muteness in Families
Where to Get Health Checkups: Addressing Family Health Concerns
Where can I go for a health check-up? My grandfather passed away at around 55 years old due to stomach disease, and my father also passed away from liver cancer at the age of 59. My brother has cirrhosis, and I am very afraid that I might also develop liver cancer. Where should I...
Dr. Cai Jueren reply Family Medicine
Hello: Theoretically, you should start your first comprehensive health check-up at the age of 40. However, due to your clear family history, it is recommended that you seek a larger hospital for a self-paid health examination, which should not cost more than 20,000 NTD. Thank you...[Read More] Where to Get Health Checkups: Addressing Family Health Concerns
Evaluating Calcium Supplements: Benefits and Potential Risks
Please inquire about a type of calcium supplement? Hello Doctor, could you please help me review this calcium supplement? 1. Will it be effective? 2. Does it contain any ingredients that are not beneficial for the body (components that a physician would not recommend)? Thank you....
Dr. Cai Jueren reply Family Medicine
Hello: These ingredients are all natural food components. The only thing to be aware of is to not consume the product if you have an allergy to shellfish. This means that if you have previously had an allergy to shellfish, you may experience an allergic reaction. As for whether s...[Read More] Evaluating Calcium Supplements: Benefits and Potential Risks
Confused About Which Specialist to See for Body Discomfort?
I'm not sure which department to visit? Hello, doctor. My question is... I am a woman with a very slender upper body, but my lower body is quite fleshy. I'm not sure if this means I'm overweight or if there's something abnormal. I spend most of my time sitting...
Dr. Cai Jueren reply Family Medicine
Hello: Your issue should not be complicated. I recommend that you visit a nearby hospital and consult with a family medicine physician. Please do not rush into seeking treatment without proper guidance. Thank you for your message. Dr. Tsai Jue-Ren, Hualien Hospital.[Read More] Confused About Which Specialist to See for Body Discomfort?
How Long Does It Take to Detect Hepatitis C After Exposure?
HCV (Hep I would like to ask how long it takes to test for Hepatitis C. Isn't there an incubation period? I accidentally got pricked by a needle from a patient with Hepatitis C while injecting insulin. How long will it take to test positive? Can I get a blood test done at a ...
Dr. Cai Jueren reply Family Medicine
Hello: It is indeed possible to contract hepatitis B or C from a needle stick injury. Please visit the family medicine outpatient clinic for an examination as you can receive results in just a few days. It is recommended that you have a follow-up test three months later. Thank yo...[Read More] How Long Does It Take to Detect Hepatitis C After Exposure?
Understanding Hepatitis Vaccination for Adults and Children: A Guide
Vaccine Hello, doctor. I would like to ask you about my blood test results. Both the Hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) and the Hepatitis C antibody (Anti-HCV) values are normal, but I am unclear if this indicates that I have antibodies, especially since I have never received th...
Dr. Cai Jueren reply Family Medicine
Hello: Hepatitis virus test reports are usually indicated as (positive) or (negative), and it is rare to use normal test values. If HBsAg is (negative), it is necessary to further test for Anti-HBsAg. If Anti-HBsAg is (positive), it indicates that antibodies are present. If Anti-...[Read More] Understanding Hepatitis Vaccination for Adults and Children: A Guide
Understanding a Growing Lump on the Back: When to Seek Medical Advice
Regarding protrusions on the back? Hello Dr. Tsai: My brother has had an unknown lump on his back for about 5-6 years. It has been growing larger with age; it was not very noticeable before, but now it is approximately 3 cm in size. However, it is not painful and he feels nothing...
Dr. Cai Jueren reply Family Medicine
Hello: The unidentified mass you described may be a lipoma. It is recommended that you take him to a dermatology clinic, and it would be best to have it excised and undergo pathological examination. Thank you for your correspondence. Dr. Tsai Jue-Ren, Hualien Hospital.[Read More] Understanding a Growing Lump on the Back: When to Seek Medical Advice