How to Distinguish Between Psychological and Physiological Disorders?
How to test whether it is a psychological disorder or a physiological disorder? How can one generally distinguish between physiological disorders and psychological disorders? If it is a psychological disorder, how should it be treated?
Dr. Cai Jueren reply Family Medicine
Hello: Physiological disorders refer to any functional or mechanical impairment caused by physical changes in the body, while psychological disorders refer to impairments in bodily functions or mechanisms caused by psychological factors. To make an accurate diagnosis, it is neces...[Read More] How to Distinguish Between Psychological and Physiological Disorders?
Understanding Back Pain: Is It Muscle Strain or Spine Issues?
Back pain!? Two years ago, after attending a class similar to yoga, I started experiencing pain and soreness under my right shoulder after using the computer for a short time at work. The discomfort persisted for a long time before it improved. Recently, even while sitting and di...
Dr. Cai Jueren reply Family Medicine
Hello: Your description of back pain does not allow for a clear distinction between upper back pain and lower back pain. If the pain is localized to a specific point, management is relatively straightforward. However, if it involves a broader area, a detailed examination is neces...[Read More] Understanding Back Pain: Is It Muscle Strain or Spine Issues?
Potential Side Effects of Repeated Oral Sabin Vaccine Administration
Will repeated administration of the oral Sabin vaccine cause any additional side effects? Hello, could you please tell me if there are any additional side effects from repeated administration of the oral Sabin vaccine? My nephew (first grader at Sanjhih Elementary School) receive...
Dr. Cai Jueren reply Family Medicine
Hello: The purpose of administering the Sabin vaccine is to stimulate our bodies to produce antibodies, and the dosage is, of course, kept within a safe range. Repeated vaccinations were actually considered during the initial design of the vaccine. The vaccine itself is a live at...[Read More] Potential Side Effects of Repeated Oral Sabin Vaccine Administration
How to Manage Night Sweats: When to Seek Medical Advice
Night sweats Hello Doctor: How should I manage night sweats? Which specialty should I visit for an examination? I wake up in the morning to find my back and front of my body covered in a lot of sweat, feeling damp and sticky, but I do not feel hot. In fact, I am usually sensitive...
Dr. Cai Jueren reply Family Medicine
Hello: Your issue may not be a physical ailment but rather due to the lack of breathability of your blanket. It's similar to wearing a raincoat and then realizing your underwear is wet after walking for a while. I recommend replacing your non-breathable blanket and wearing m...[Read More] How to Manage Night Sweats: When to Seek Medical Advice
Long-Term Medication Use: Potential Side Effects and Kidney Health Concerns
What are the side effects of long-term medication use on the body? Hello Doctor: I have been experiencing urinary issues (prolonged urge to urinate, weak urine flow, frequent urination, and nocturia). I have been intermittently taking Detrusitol SR 4mg for about six months, but r...
Dr. Cai Jueren reply Family Medicine
Hello: The medication you are taking may have adverse effects on your liver and kidneys in the long term. Considering your age, it may not be necessary for you to take medication long-term unless there are any congenital defects. I recommend that you consult with the physician wh...[Read More] Long-Term Medication Use: Potential Side Effects and Kidney Health Concerns
Understanding Sudden Body Pain in Children: When to Seek Help
The young girl is experiencing widespread pain? My daughter is in fifth grade this year and experiences sudden sharp pains in various parts of her body, mostly in her legs, but sometimes in her arms and other areas as well. It feels as if there is a bug crawling on her skin. Init...
Dr. Cai Jueren reply Family Medicine
Hello: The pain you described is not very clear and seems more like neuropathic pain. I recommend taking her to a large hospital to see a neurologist for an examination. Thank you for your letter. Dr. Tsai Jue-Ren, Hualien Hospital.[Read More] Understanding Sudden Body Pain in Children: When to Seek Help
Understanding Unexplained Facial Pain: When to Seek Medical Help
Unexplained pain~~~ Hello Doctor: I have noticed a small area of hair loss on the lower left side of my face near my left ear, and it feels slightly painful to the touch. I would like to ask why this might be happening, as I have not experienced any trauma or external force. If I...
Dr. Cai Jueren reply Family Medicine
Hello: The pain you described may be due to mastoiditis or parotid gland cancer, and another possibility is pain caused by malocclusion. I recommend consulting an otolaryngologist for assistance, such as Dr. Tsai Jue-Ren at Hualien Hospital.[Read More] Understanding Unexplained Facial Pain: When to Seek Medical Help
Understanding Leg Cramps: Causes, Symptoms, and When to Seek Help
Frequent muscle cramps? Hello, I would like to ask if it could be related to my job, as I sit for long periods or have a habitual sitting posture (which causes my legs to curl into a "C" shape). Two years ago, I experienced frequent calf cramps during sleep, but it grad...
Dr. Cai Jueren reply Family Medicine
Hello, This phenomenon is often caused by muscle fatigue due to insufficient rest, and sometimes it can be triggered by an electrolyte imbalance. A simple way to improve this is to eat a banana daily. If there is still no improvement, I recommend seeking assistance at a family ...[Read More] Understanding Leg Cramps: Causes, Symptoms, and When to Seek Help
MMR Vaccine Requirements for Studying in the U.S.: What You Need to Know
MMR Vaccine Immunization Certificate for Study Abroad in the United States? Hello, I was born in 1983 and I'm from Tainan. I will be traveling to the U.S. at the end of March, and my school requires proof of two doses of the MMR vaccine or vaccination at the school. I have p...
Dr. Cai Jueren reply Family Medicine
Hello: In some countries, the measles vaccination schedule includes administering one dose of MMR (measles, mumps, rubella) or MV (measles vaccine) at 12-15 months of age, followed by a second dose of MMR or MV at 3-6 years of age. The principles for catch-up vaccinations are as ...[Read More] MMR Vaccine Requirements for Studying in the U.S.: What You Need to Know
Understanding Jaw Pain and Clicking: When to See a Doctor
Facial occlusion can sometimes be painful? Your aunt experiences loud sounds from the "joint" area near her ears when she bites down, and sometimes feels pain when opening her mouth after not speaking for a while. Which specialist should she see, and what could be the c...
Dr. Cai Jueren reply Family Medicine
Hello: The situation you described pertains to a dental issue: temporomandibular joint (TMJ) pain is often caused by occlusal abnormalities, with a few cases resulting from trauma leading to occlusal issues. This problem is commonly seen in patients who grind their teeth during s...[Read More] Understanding Jaw Pain and Clicking: When to See a Doctor
Understanding Muscle Atrophy After a Lumbar Strain: Causes and Solutions
Muscle atrophy caused by a lumbar sprain? Hello, I would like to ask a question! I have a female colleague who is around thirty years old. Last year, she sustained a lumbar strain while doing warm-up exercises. She has been undergoing rehabilitation for over three months, but she...
Dr. Cai Jueren reply Family Medicine
Hello: Based on your description, this appears to be muscle atrophy caused by nerve injury. The longer the atrophy persists, the more severe the condition will become, similar to Jacky Cheung's left hand. I recommend that you visit a major hospital to consult with a neurolog...[Read More] Understanding Muscle Atrophy After a Lumbar Strain: Causes and Solutions
Understanding Occasional Head Pain Upon Waking: Causes and Concerns
The feeling of waking up occasionally? I have experienced this situation for a long time, but since it doesn't last long, I haven't paid much attention to it. Today, when I woke up, I felt a persistent sensation on the top of my head as if it had been hit, almost like t...
Dr. Cai Jueren reply Family Medicine
Hello: Your description is not sufficient for me to accurately assess your situation. It may not be pain but rather a sensation of pressure, likely caused by prolonged pressure on a specific area of the scalp. I recommend adjusting the height or firmness of your pillow; this may ...[Read More] Understanding Occasional Head Pain Upon Waking: Causes and Concerns
Understanding Left Lower Rib Pain: Causes and When to Seek Help
excuse me? Hello, doctor: I have a question. I'm not sure if there's an issue with my ribs, but I often experience pain in the lower left side of my rib cage, even when I'm not engaging in strenuous activity. It occurs frequently, especially when I take deep breath...
Dr. Cai Jueren reply Family Medicine
Hello: The situation you described is likely an intercostal muscle injury, which may be caused by strain, overuse, or impact. Typically, it will improve with a period of rest. Many athletes experience similar symptoms, so there is no need to worry too much. Please ensure you rest...[Read More] Understanding Left Lower Rib Pain: Causes and When to Seek Help
Can Mutism Be Inherited? Understanding Genetic Factors in Speech Disorders
Can muteness be inherited? Can mutism be inherited? A female friend has a sister who is congenitally mute, but neither of their parents are. Will this female friend's future children be mute? Is there a possibility of it skipping a generation?
Dr. Cai Jueren reply Family Medicine
Hello: A child may be born mute due to congenital factors, but it is important to note that this can occur not only because of hereditary diseases but also due to genetic mutations, which are more common in advanced maternal age. However, the likelihood of being born deaf and mut...[Read More] Can Mutism Be Inherited? Understanding Genetic Factors in Speech Disorders
What to Do If You Accidentally Drink Water with a Cockroach?
Drinking boiled water that has cockroaches in it... very concerning? Hello, Dr. Tsai: I would like to ask what to do if I accidentally drank water that had a small cockroach in it. Recently, my community has been suffering from a cockroach problem. Late at night, I wanted to drin...
Dr. Cai Jueren reply Family Medicine
Hello: There is no need to worry too much about drinking water that has been contaminated by cockroaches in Taiwan, as it is not like Africa or some underdeveloped countries where certain infectious diseases are prevalent. In fact, cockroaches are quite clean (as noted in a DISCO...[Read More] What to Do If You Accidentally Drink Water with a Cockroach?
Understanding Soft Swelling at the Back of the Head: When to Seek Medical Help
There is a small swelling in the left posterior part of the brain? Which specialty should I consult for this condition? About six months ago, I noticed a painful area on the left back of my head (approximately five centimeters above the junction of my neck and head). It hurts whe...
Dr. Cai Jueren reply Family Medicine
Hello: Based on your description, it is likely a benign subcutaneous lipoma in the posterior neck. Typically, it does not grow larger and may occasionally cause pressure pain. You should seek medical attention only if it continues to grow, becomes increasingly painful, or is acco...[Read More] Understanding Soft Swelling at the Back of the Head: When to Seek Medical Help
Why Am I Hungry After Drinking Water? Understanding Your Stomach Issues
My stomach? Hello, every time I drink about 50cc of water, I feel very hungry. Normally, drinking a large amount of water should provide a feeling of fullness, but I feel hungrier instead. What could be the reason for this? How can I improve this situation? If I go to the hospita...
Dr. Cai Jueren reply Family Medicine
Hello: The question you raised is confusing. The sensation of fullness or hunger in the human body is not controlled by the capacity of the stomach, but rather by a more complex mechanism. I recommend that you visit a family medicine outpatient clinic for a detailed explanation, ...[Read More] Why Am I Hungry After Drinking Water? Understanding Your Stomach Issues
Understanding Hepatitis B Vaccination for Adolescents: Key Considerations
Issues related to hepatitis B vaccination? The girl is currently 14 years old. During a school health check in the first year of junior high, the results indicated that she is a "carrier of hepatitis B." After further testing at the hospital, it was determined that she ...
Dr. Cai Jueren reply Family Medicine
Hello: A negative Hepatitis B surface antibody (Anti-HBs) result may vary depending on different testing machines or reagents. However, since this result is not urgent and will not cause immediate harm to the body, there is no need to worry too much. It is recommended that you vi...[Read More] Understanding Hepatitis B Vaccination for Adolescents: Key Considerations
Understanding Excessive Sleepiness and Nausea: Common Causes and Concerns
excuse me? I would like to ask the doctor why I feel very sleepy? Even when I have had enough sleep, I still feel very drowsy, especially when I am reading. Additionally, sometimes when I brush my teeth, I feel nauseous (even when I haven't eaten anything). There are times w...
Dr. Cai Jueren reply Family Medicine
Hello: Your sleep quality may be an issue; you can visit a sleep center at a major hospital for some evaluations. Additionally, if you feel nauseous while brushing your teeth, I recommend changing your toothpaste to a different flavor, as various scents can elicit different react...[Read More] Understanding Excessive Sleepiness and Nausea: Common Causes and Concerns
Should I Restart or Continue My Hepatitis B Vaccination Series?
Regarding the prevention of hepatitis B through vaccination? Hello, doctor. I had a health check-up last August and found that I did not have antibodies for the hepatitis B vaccine. The doctor recommended that I receive the vaccine. I received the first dose on December 15, and t...
Dr. Cai Jueren reply Family Medicine
Hello: Since the time interval is not too long, I recommend that you quickly get your second dose of the vaccine at Hualien Hospital. Dr. Tsai Jue-ren.[Read More] Should I Restart or Continue My Hepatitis B Vaccination Series?