Understanding Abdominal Pain in Middle-Aged Women: When to Seek Help
excuse me? Hello, my mother is 47 years old and experiences abdominal pain (approximately above the navel) upon waking up. What could be the cause? If she needs to go to the hospital, which department should she visit? Thank you.
Dr. Cai Jueren reply Family Medicine
Hello: Generally speaking, abdominal discomfort is either pain or unease. We typically use the term "soreness" to describe muscle or joint pain. If the abdominal soreness is isolated and not accompanied by other symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, indigestion, diarrhea, ...[Read More] Understanding Abdominal Pain in Middle-Aged Women: When to Seek Help
Causes of Hand and Foot Tremors: Beyond Thyroid Issues Explained
Tremors in the hands and feet? I have a question for doctors and healthcare professionals. My grandmother is in her seventies and has recently been experiencing tremors in her hands and feet. After visiting the hospital, the doctors mentioned it might be related to her thyroid. I...
Dr. Cai Jueren reply Family Medicine
Hello, Zhi-Jia: In addition to common thyroid issues, trembling in the hands and feet can also be associated with alcohol withdrawal syndrome, drug intoxication (such as neurotoxic substances like "chicken mother pearl"), and food poisoning. Given your grandmother'...[Read More] Causes of Hand and Foot Tremors: Beyond Thyroid Issues Explained
Are Flip-Flops Bad for Your Health? Understanding the Myths and Facts
Is wearing flip-flops less beneficial for health? Hello Dr. Tsai: I have heard that wearing plastic sandals for a long time is bad for health because the human magnetic field cannot communicate with the Earth's magnetic field. Is this true?
Dr. Cai Jueren reply Family Medicine
Hello: There is no definitive conclusion on whether wearing flip-flops affects health. In the past, people wore straw sandals primarily to protect their feet from external injuries. Modern individuals have many footwear options, but no one would wear shoes made of lead or wrapped...[Read More] Are Flip-Flops Bad for Your Health? Understanding the Myths and Facts
Can G6PD Patients Use European Mosquito Repellent?
Eurax Mosquito Repellent Can the Euherb mosquito repellent be used by individuals with G6PD deficiency?
Dr. Cai Jueren reply Family Medicine
Hello: According to inspections by the Environmental Protection Administration, it has been found that the active ingredients in most mosquito repellents are not adequately labeled. Therefore, based solely on the main ingredient DEET, it does not have a specific impact on patient...[Read More] Can G6PD Patients Use European Mosquito Repellent?
Managing Low Hepatitis B Antibody Levels: What You Need to Know
How to manage low levels of hepatitis B antibodies? Continuing from the previous question: If surface antibodies were previously produced but their concentration has decreased to undetectable levels, how should this be managed?
Dr. Cai Jueren reply Family Medicine
Hello: Due to the high prevalence of hepatitis B carriers in Taiwan, it is recommended that you undergo another check-up next spring to avoid the risk of future infection (low values may be due to issues with the sensitivity of the machine or reagents). If necessary, you should s...[Read More] Managing Low Hepatitis B Antibody Levels: What You Need to Know
Understanding Hepatitis B Test Results: Key Questions Answered
Health Checkup for Hepatitis B Hello, regarding the results of the hepatitis B screening, in 2005, all five tests (HBsAg, HBsAb, HBeAg, HBeAb, HBcAb) were negative. Following the doctor's recommendation, the hepatitis B vaccine was administered, and in 2006, the results show...
Dr. Cai Jueren reply Family Medicine
Hello, The following chart is extracted from the Hepatitis Research Center at National Taiwan University, and I hope you can understand it. Interpretation and Clinical Significance of Hepatitis B Serological Markers: | Clinical Significance | HBsAg | HBsAb | HBcAb | HBeAg | H...[Read More] Understanding Hepatitis B Test Results: Key Questions Answered
Can I Take Cold Medicine with My Liver and Ulcer Medications?
Medication issues I would like to ask, I am currently taking medication for liver issues and for a gastric ulcer. If I catch a cold now, can I take cold medicine together with these medications, or should I take them separately?
Dr. Cai Jueren reply Family Medicine
Hello: Since you have a peptic ulcer and liver disease, it is advisable not to take medications indiscriminately. You can bring your medications to consult with your family physician, or you may email the generic names of the medications for a more detailed response. Thank you fo...[Read More] Can I Take Cold Medicine with My Liver and Ulcer Medications?
Understanding Allergens: Which Specialist to Consult for Acne Issues?
Allergen Hello, Dr. Tsai. I have been troubled by acne for the past year and a half, primarily on my chin. When it first occurred, I visited a dermatologist and, after using some oral medications and fruit acid products, I recovered in about a month. However, a year later, it rec...
Dr. Cai Jueren reply Family Medicine
Hello Shuyi: The most common allergen tests are patch testing and blood tests. These two types of tests usually have only a few overlapping allergens. Most large hospitals have dermatology departments that offer these tests, and some family medicine departments may also conduct s...[Read More] Understanding Allergens: Which Specialist to Consult for Acne Issues?
Understanding Chickenpox Antibody Levels: Is 1175 mlU/ml Sufficient?
Is there an antibody for chickenpox? I had a test to check for varicella antibodies, and my result was 1175, with the normal range being less than 200 mIU/ml. Does this indicate that I have antibodies? The lab technician said I have antibodies, but I want to confirm this again as...
Dr. Cai Jueren reply Family Medicine
Hello: Generally speaking, if you were infected with chickenpox during childhood, your body will automatically produce antibodies. Your test results indicate that you have antibodies, so there is no need to worry. Additionally, there is no direct relationship between pregnancy an...[Read More] Understanding Chickenpox Antibody Levels: Is 1175 mlU/ml Sufficient?
Understanding Red Spots and Fever in Limbs: A Family Medicine Perspective
Red spots on the limbs and fever that has subsided? Red spots appear on the body but are not itchy, located on the limbs, and there are occasional fever and chills. They resolve on their own! This condition has lasted for a week. Two weeks ago, there was a urinary tract infection...
Dr. Cai Jueren reply Family Medicine
Hello: Skin lesions occurring on the limbs that resolve spontaneously usually indicate an allergic reaction. Once the allergen is removed, the skin lesions improve. Your condition may be triggered by medication or food. As for the fluctuating temperatures, it is likely caused by ...[Read More] Understanding Red Spots and Fever in Limbs: A Family Medicine Perspective
Understanding Dengue Fever: Treatment Options and Diagnosis Explained
Dengue fever Is the treatment for dengue fever effective? How can one determine if it is dengue fever?
Dr. Cai Jueren reply Family Medicine
Hello: You can find the information you are looking for in the dengue fever section of the Centers for Disease Control website at http://www.cdc.gov.tw/index_info_info.asp?data_id=869. Thank you for your inquiry. Dr. Tsai Jue-Ren, Hualien Hospital.[Read More] Understanding Dengue Fever: Treatment Options and Diagnosis Explained
Where to Seek Help for Skin Allergies and Concerns?
Which specialty should I consult? My mother is currently 48 years old and has had persistent skin issues. She often experiences allergies to certain insects, and recently, she discovered a red, swollen area about 2-3 centimeters in her armpit. She mentioned that it hurts when pre...
Dr. Cai Jueren reply Family Medicine
Hello: The issue you mentioned should be addressed by a dermatologist. I recommend visiting the dermatology department at Shin Kong Hospital, where the chief physician has a lot of expertise in dealing with complex cases. Thank you for your inquiry. Dr. Tsai Jue-Ren, Hualien Hosp...[Read More] Where to Seek Help for Skin Allergies and Concerns?
Understanding Vulvar Dermatitis: When to See a Doctor?
Which specialty should I see for hair growth in my vulva? Several months ago, I went swimming... possibly due to poor water quality... and my menstrual period was approaching. After my period ended, I experienced persistent itching in my genital area, which developed into red pat...
Dr. Cai Jueren reply Family Medicine
Hello: What you are describing is likely tinea cruris, a type of skin condition that can generally be treated with topical ointments. However, there is a more troublesome situation where it keeps recurring; in this case, we refer to it as chronic tinea. Don't be afraid, it c...[Read More] Understanding Vulvar Dermatitis: When to See a Doctor?
Which Medical Specialty Should Handle My Cousin's Salivary Gland Surgery?
Am I consulting the right specialty? My cousin, who is currently 10 years old, sometimes experiences inflammation and swelling in the area where the jaw meets the throat. An otolaryngologist performed a CT scan and the report indicated that he has a salivary gland stone. Due to t...
Dr. Cai Jueren reply Family Medicine
Hello: If salivary gland stones frequently cause inflammation of the salivary glands, it is generally recommended to surgically remove the salivary gland. This type of surgery is typically within the expertise of otolaryngology. I suggest you return to your original physician for...[Read More] Which Medical Specialty Should Handle My Cousin's Salivary Gland Surgery?
Understanding Unexplained Back and Stomach Pain: A Guide for Seniors
Unexplained back pain and stomach pain? Hello Doctor: I apologize for bothering you, but I would like to ask for your help in answering the following questions. I know an elder (around 60 years old) who experiences back pain every day around dusk, which lasts until the next day b...
Dr. Cai Jueren reply Family Medicine
Hello: Generally speaking, the simultaneous occurrence of back pain and stomach pain is often indicative of an acute condition. For example, acute gastrointestinal ulcers, acute pancreatitis, gastric perforation, and myocardial infarction can all cause referred back pain. The sym...[Read More] Understanding Unexplained Back and Stomach Pain: A Guide for Seniors
Sudden Nausea, Vomiting, and Diarrhea: When to Seek Medical Help
Acute nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea? Hello, doctor. This morning, I suddenly felt a severe sore throat, which feels like acid reflux, as if stomach acid is rising up. However, I don't have any other symptoms commonly associated with food poisoning, such as stomach pain or c...
Dr. Cai Jueren reply Family Medicine
Hello: Sudden nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea are symptoms of acute gastroenteritis. The causes of acute gastroenteritis, aside from bacterial or viral infections, can include unexplained imbalances in gastric acidity or intestinal flora. A sudden chill may indicate a more severe ...[Read More] Sudden Nausea, Vomiting, and Diarrhea: When to Seek Medical Help
Understanding Eye Twitching: Causes and When to Seek Help
My eyelid keeps twitching? Doctor, I have been experiencing frequent twitching in my right lower eyelid for the past month. I’m not sure why this is happening; sometimes it occurs, and sometimes it doesn’t. Is this a medical condition? If so, which specialist should I see? Thank ...
Dr. Cai Jueren reply Family Medicine
Hello, the twitching of the eyelid can be perceived as an unnatural phenomenon because, under normal circumstances, we do not consciously notice the involuntary blinking of our eyelids. This involuntary twitching is caused by abnormal discharges of nerve cells affecting one or a ...[Read More] Understanding Eye Twitching: Causes and When to Seek Help
Understanding Painful Nipple Symptoms: When to Seek Medical Help
Nipple pain? Hello doctor, I am 22 years old and I have a small lump on the left side of my nipple that has been painful for the past two weeks. What could this be? If I need to go to the hospital for an examination, which department should I visit? Thank you!
Dr. Cai Jueren reply Family Medicine
Hello, small lumps on the nipple should not be taken lightly. If there is tenderness, it may indicate an inflammatory response, possibly mastitis or sebaceous gland inflammation. Of course, there are other possibilities that need to be evaluated through further examinations. It i...[Read More] Understanding Painful Nipple Symptoms: When to Seek Medical Help
Understanding Nighttime Leg Cramps: Causes and Solutions
Muscle cramp! Could you please explain why I sometimes experience sudden calf cramps while sleeping? Is it related to growth?
Dr. Cai Jueren reply Family Medicine
Hello: There are several reasons for calf cramps: 1. Sudden intense exercise or prolonged activity after a period of inactivity can lead to muscle fatigue without adequate rest. 2. Poor local circulation in the calves or feet due to work-related factors. 3. Excessive daytime exer...[Read More] Understanding Nighttime Leg Cramps: Causes and Solutions
Understanding Elevated CA-125 Levels: Next Steps for Diagnosis
Abnormal CA-125 levels! Hello Doctor: My CA-125 tumor marker level is 95.8. I have undergone a gynecological examination, and there are no issues with my uterus or ovaries. The doctor suggested that I look for the cause from other aspects. I would like to ask you: which specialty...
Dr. Cai Jueren reply Family Medicine
Hello: Since you did not provide the unit, it is difficult to accurately determine whether the value is indeed elevated. There are many conditions that can cause an increase in CA-125 levels, such as liver cirrhosis, gastrointestinal diseases, renal failure, pleuritis or effusion...[Read More] Understanding Elevated CA-125 Levels: Next Steps for Diagnosis