Understanding Upper Back Pain: Causes and When to Seek Help
Back pain located between the shoulders and the lower back? Hello Doctor: I have been troubled by back pain since May of last year. I would like to know what the issue might be and which specialty I should consult. My back pain occurs only at night while I am trying to sleep, and...
Dr. Cai Jueren reply Family Medicine
Hello: The pain you described is more similar to ankylosing spondylitis and may also be related to the nature of your work. I recommend that you try doing stretching exercises every night before bed and take more breaks. Avoid heavy lifting with your shoulders and lower back. If ...[Read More] Understanding Upper Back Pain: Causes and When to Seek Help
Why Do I Feel Weaker After Getting the Flu Vaccine?
Influenza Issues Hello, doctor. I would like to ask why I feel weaker and more susceptible to colds during the week after receiving the flu vaccine. Does this mean that it is not suitable for me to get vaccinated? Thank you!
Dr. Cai Jueren reply Family Medicine
Hello: The purpose of receiving the influenza vaccine is to prevent the influenza virus. Common cold viruses are unrelated to it. If you are feeling weak and prone to catching colds, it may simply be due to your overall health condition during that time and is not necessarily rel...[Read More] Why Do I Feel Weaker After Getting the Flu Vaccine?
Understanding Anesthesia Options for Catheter Ablation in Arrhythmia
Cardiac catheterization procedure Hello Dr. Tsai: May I ask whether catheter ablation for arrhythmia is performed under general anesthesia or local anesthesia? Thank you for your response.
Dr. Cai Jueren reply Family Medicine
Hello: Typically, during this type of surgery, to prevent patients from experiencing anxiety and tension that could complicate the procedure, physicians often choose to administer sedative medications to induce unconsciousness. However, sometimes either the physician or the patie...[Read More] Understanding Anesthesia Options for Catheter Ablation in Arrhythmia
Which Specialist Should I See for My Frequent Leg Cramps?
Which specialty should I see? You should consider seeing a specialist in neurology or a physician who specializes in musculoskeletal disorders. They can help evaluate the cause of your muscle cramps, particularly in your right foot and calf, and recommend appropriate treatment op...
Dr. Cai Jueren reply Family Medicine
Hello: Common issues such as toe or calf cramps in young individuals are often related to the type of shoes worn or the nature of their work. If possible, please provide details about your job and the shoes you typically wear. I recommend that you consume a sports drink daily and...[Read More] Which Specialist Should I See for My Frequent Leg Cramps?
Do Protruding Eyes Have Genetic Links? Understanding the Risks
Is excessive eye protrusion hereditary? I have a woman I like, but her eyes are slightly protruding. My dad doesn't like her because he says he has seen many people with such eyes, and later their children often have eye problems, such as strabismus or squinting. I'm no...
Dr. Cai Jueren reply Family Medicine
Hello: Protruding eyes are usually caused by hyperthyroidism, which is often related to thyroid issues that most people inherit. Therefore, whether protruding eyes can be passed on to the next generation should first consider the presence of thyroid problems. Additionally, to det...[Read More] Do Protruding Eyes Have Genetic Links? Understanding the Risks
Understanding Oral Blisters: Causes and Solutions for Your Concerns
Oral issues Hello Dr. Tsai: If there are often unexplained blood blisters in the mouth, sometimes just after taking a sip of warm water or eating a bite of food, it's strange that the blisters appear immediately. When I press them with my hand, they burst and release blood. ...
Dr. Cai Jueren reply Family Medicine
Hello: Oral blisters are mostly caused by irritation of the oral mucosa due to factors such as salt, alkali, acid, spicy foods, or betel nut. Additionally, gingivitis or periodontal disease may also lead to these symptoms. However, if oral blisters persist for a long time or recu...[Read More] Understanding Oral Blisters: Causes and Solutions for Your Concerns
Understanding Left Ventricular Hypertrophy: Symptoms, Tests, and Precautions
Left ventricular hypertrophy (LVH) Dear Dr. Tsai, I would like to inquire about the symptoms of left ventricular hypertrophy and what tests can confirm it. What issues should I be aware of? Thank you for your attention.
Dr. Cai Jueren reply Family Medicine
Hello: The diagnosis of left ventricular hypertrophy (LVH) typically relies on electrocardiogram (ECG) examinations, chest X-rays, or echocardiography to confirm that individuals with long-term hypertension or obesity often develop LVH. When left ventricular hypertrophy persists ...[Read More] Understanding Left Ventricular Hypertrophy: Symptoms, Tests, and Precautions
Understanding Atrial Fibrillation: Ablation Surgery Risks and Consequences
Arrhythmia Dear Dr. Tsai, Could you please explain how the catheter ablation procedure for arrhythmias is performed, and what the associated risks are? Additionally, what potential complications might arise if the procedure is not performed? Thank you very much for your attentio...
Dr. Cai Jueren reply Family Medicine
Hello: Arrhythmias usually do not require special treatment. Most patients only need medication to control their arrhythmias when they cause discomfort. A small number of patients may experience particularly severe symptoms, such as frequent chest pain, shortness of breath, or re...[Read More] Understanding Atrial Fibrillation: Ablation Surgery Risks and Consequences
Which Medical Specialty to Consult for Muscle Atrophy in the Buttocks?
If you are experiencing muscle atrophy in the gluteal muscles, you should consult a specialist in Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, or a Neurologist, depending on the underlying cause of the atrophy? My mother is 58 years old and started hormone therapy during menopause, but ...
Dr. Cai Jueren reply Family Medicine
Hello: Muscle atrophy should be confirmed by a physician. I recommend that you visit a hospital to consult with a neurologist for an assessment. Typically, muscle atrophy is caused by nerve injury. Thank you for your correspondence. Dr. Tsai Jue-ren, Hualien Hospital.[Read More] Which Medical Specialty to Consult for Muscle Atrophy in the Buttocks?
Managing Chronic Pharyngitis: Alternatives to Medication for Relief
Chronic pharyngitis Hello Dr. Tsai, First of all, thank you very much for your professional and detailed response. May I further inquire—I've been in the teaching profession for over ten years. Last year, I consulted a traditional Chinese medicine practitioner and two otola...
Dr. Cai Jueren reply Family Medicine
Hello: Chronic pharyngitis means that the throat has been subjected to long-term irritation (from work or external factors), causing the mucous membrane of the throat to remain in a state of damage without adequate time to rest and recover. Therefore, the focus of treatment is no...[Read More] Managing Chronic Pharyngitis: Alternatives to Medication for Relief
Do I Need Medication for IBS and Chronic Throat Inflammation?
Should I see a doctor? Hello Dr. Tsai: I would like to ask if "Irritable Bowel Syndrome" requires medication for improvement, or if lifestyle changes are sufficient? Additionally, does "Chronic Pharyngitis" need medication for treatment, or can it be managed w...
Dr. Cai Jueren reply Family Medicine
Hello: First, it is important to determine whether it is indeed Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS). The symptoms of IBS include: - Abdominal cramping - Abdominal bloating - Diarrhea, constipation, or alternating between diarrhea and constipation - Often related to emotional responses...[Read More] Do I Need Medication for IBS and Chronic Throat Inflammation?
Understanding Hip and Lower Back Pain: Causes and Specialist Guidance
Is it lower back pain or abdominal pain? I have been experiencing pain around my hip area for some time now, and sometimes the pain radiates up to my lower back or down to my groin. I have been unsure of the cause. After I fell and hit myself, the pain has become more frequent. I...
Dr. Cai Jueren reply Family Medicine
Hello: When we describe pain, we typically differentiate it by intensity, location, frequency of occurrence, and duration. Based on your description, I cannot make an accurate assessment. If the pain is caused by kidney stones, there should be hematuria or pain during urination. ...[Read More] Understanding Hip and Lower Back Pain: Causes and Specialist Guidance
Which Flexibility Exercises Should I Try Before X-Ray?
Please ask again? Dr. Tsai: Thank you for your response. May I ask which type of stretching exercises should be performed? If there is no improvement, is an X-ray necessary?
Dr. Cai Jueren reply Family Medicine
Hello: The most common form of flexibility exercise we refer to is yoga, which is suitable for everyone regardless of gender or age. The challenge is that it requires a quiet space. Secondly, there is Tai Chi, which you will fall in love with once you learn it, as it promotes bet...[Read More] Which Flexibility Exercises Should I Try Before X-Ray?
Which Specialist Should You See for Persistent Lower Back Pain?
Which specialty should I see? Dr. Tsai: Hello! Thank you for your help. I have been experiencing lower back pain (near the sciatic area) for the past two months. It feels worse when sitting compared to standing. What could be the problem? Which specialist should I see?
Dr. Cai Jueren reply Family Medicine
Hello: After reaching a certain age, it is common to experience back pain, which is primarily due to degeneration (specifically degeneration of the joints or the cartilage within the joints). Your symptoms may be caused by fatigue of the lateral ligaments adjacent to the lumbar s...[Read More] Which Specialist Should You See for Persistent Lower Back Pain?
Understanding Your Anemia: Iron Deficiency vs. Thalassemia
What type of anemia am I diagnosed with? Hello Doctor: My CBC results are as follows: Red blood cell count # 3.72 - normal range 4-5.5 (low) Hemoglobin # 7.9 - normal range 12-16 (low) Hematocrit # 26.2 - normal range 37-47 (low) Mean corpuscular volume # 66.5 - normal range 80-9...
Dr. Cai Jueren reply Family Medicine
Hello: Based on the data you provided, it appears to be microcytic anemia. However, it cannot be definitively determined whether it is iron deficiency anemia without the TIBC (Total Iron-Binding Capacity) test result. It is important to note that a hemoglobin level of 7.9 is alre...[Read More] Understanding Your Anemia: Iron Deficiency vs. Thalassemia
Effective Solutions for Bloating After Meals: A Family Medicine Guide
Abdominal bloating I have been feeling bloated and uncomfortable around my stomach after eating for the past couple of days. How can I resolve this issue? Thank you.
Dr. Cai Jueren reply Family Medicine
Hello: Generally speaking, experiencing abdominal bloating after eating can occur due to several reasons: 1. Eating too quickly (forgetting to chew thoroughly); 2. Chronic constipation; 3. Consuming foods that are prone to causing bloating (such as dairy products, pasta, or gluti...[Read More] Effective Solutions for Bloating After Meals: A Family Medicine Guide
Managing Elevated Urea Nitrogen Levels: A Guide for Patients
Blood Urea Nitrogen (BUN) I would like to ask how to manage elevated blood urea nitrogen levels above the standard range. Thank you.
Dr. Cai Jueren reply Family Medicine
Hello: Elevated blood urea nitrogen (BUN) levels are often due to dehydration in the short term, such as from excessive exercise or inadequate fluid replacement after prolonged labor. Additionally, it can be caused by diseases, such as intrinsic kidney issues like acute or chroni...[Read More] Managing Elevated Urea Nitrogen Levels: A Guide for Patients
Can Drinking from Someone Else's Water Bottle Make You Sick?
Drinking someone else's water? Doctor, if I drink water from someone else's mineral water bottle, will I get sick? Is there a risk of contracting infectious diseases like HIV or various types of hepatitis? Thank you!
Dr. Cai Jueren reply Family Medicine
Hello: Generally, drinking water that someone else has consumed is not dangerous, but there are some situations to be cautious about: 1. If the person is currently infected with Hepatitis A (as Hepatitis A can be transmitted through saliva). 2. If the person has open sores in the...[Read More] Can Drinking from Someone Else's Water Bottle Make You Sick?
Understanding the HIV Window Period: Do You Need Another Test?
HIV window period If I had a high-risk sexual encounter in September 2004 and then underwent anonymous testing in June 2005 with a negative result, the nurse who called me informed me that I did not need to get tested again (as there were no further high-risk encounters during th...
Dr. Cai Jueren reply Family Medicine
Hello: The process of AIDS development is described as follows: 1. Viral infection (through intimate contact with an AIDS patient or via blood transmission). 2. There is a window period of at least 6 to 12 weeks after HIV infection before antibodies can be detected through blood ...[Read More] Understanding the HIV Window Period: Do You Need Another Test?
Understanding Muscle Pain: When to Seek Medical Help for Your Symptoms
Muscle pain Dear Doctor, I am a housewife and have been experiencing severe pain in the muscles of my hands and calves due to carrying my child and doing heavy work every day. The pain in my calf muscles is so intense that I can barely walk, and even the slightest touch causes si...
Dr. Cai Jueren reply Family Medicine
Hello: The symptoms you described are likely due to muscle inflammation caused by prolonged muscle fatigue, which is not the same as rhabdomyolysis (a condition that is acute and can lead to hematuria and renal failure). Currently, the most important thing is not to take medicati...[Read More] Understanding Muscle Pain: When to Seek Medical Help for Your Symptoms