Melatonin for Sleep Disorders: Does It Really Help?
excuse me? Melatonin is a hormone that regulates sleep-wake cycles and has been studied for its effects on sleep disorders, including insomnia, frequent awakenings, and early morning awakenings. Research suggests that melatonin supplementation can be effective in improving sleep ...
Dr. Cai Jueren reply Family Medicine
Hello, melatonin has become a popular topic in medicine in recent years. Some claim it can combat aging, but the experimental results are inconclusive. Others suggest it can treat insomnia, yet there is no scientific evidence to support its efficacy, and the safe dosage has not b...[Read More] Melatonin for Sleep Disorders: Does It Really Help?
Understanding Edema: When to Seek Medical Help for Diabetes and Hypertension
Generalized edema Hello Doctor: My mother has diabetes and hypertension, and she is currently injecting insulin every morning and evening. Recently, she has experienced edema in her lower extremities, and now facial swelling has also appeared. She mentioned that her urine output ...
Dr. Cai Jueren reply Family Medicine
Hello, based on the situation you described regarding your mother, it seems that she is not suitable for home care. Her condition appears to be related to diabetes with nephropathy and edema, which may have been present for some time. I recommend that you take her to a large hosp...[Read More] Understanding Edema: When to Seek Medical Help for Diabetes and Hypertension
Can Deafness Be Inherited? Understanding Genetic Risks for Future Children
Can deafness and mutism be inherited? If both of my parents are deaf-mute, will I have a chance of having a deaf child in the future if I get married and have children? If so, is there a way to know during pregnancy? I don't want to have a deaf child.
Dr. Cai Jueren reply Family Medicine
Hello, regarding your question, it is difficult to provide a detailed explanation here. Generally, the probability should not exceed 25%. However, it is still recommended that you and your spouse go to the hospital for pre-marital or pre-pregnancy screening. This will give you mo...[Read More] Can Deafness Be Inherited? Understanding Genetic Risks for Future Children
Should I See an Orthopedist or Internist for Joint Pain?
Should I see an orthopedic specialist or an internal medicine physician? Hello: For the past week or two, I have been experiencing soreness in my knee and ankle joints. Initially, it occurred at night when I lay down, to the point where the pain was so severe that I couldn't...
Dr. Cai Jueren reply Family Medicine
Hello, the information you provided is not sufficient for a complete diagnosis. If you have experienced these symptoms after suddenly engaging in intense physical activity, it could be a possible cause. Similarly, prolonged fatigue or labor due to work can also lead to these symp...[Read More] Should I See an Orthopedist or Internist for Joint Pain?
Can a Cold Cause Chest Tightness and Breathing Difficulties?
Can a cold cause chest tightness? Hello Doctor, I recently caught a cold... At first, I only had mild fever, dizziness, and stomach discomfort... However, later I experienced shortness of breath and chest tightness... I went to see a doctor, and he just said it was a cold. Since ...
Dr. Cai Jueren reply Family Medicine
Hello, generally speaking, a cold does not typically cause chest tightness. It is usually due to severe coughing that leads to increased pressure within the thoracic cavity, which the body may temporarily struggle to adjust to, resulting in a sensation of pressure on the heart (u...[Read More] Can a Cold Cause Chest Tightness and Breathing Difficulties?
Which Specialist Should I See for My Immune Function Issues?
Which department should I consult regarding my exemption from military service? Hello, Dr. Tsai. For the past six months, I have been continuously seeking medical treatment. Initially, I consulted a psychiatrist, but then other health issues arose. After recovering from a cold, I...
Dr. Cai Jueren reply Family Medicine
Hello, reading your statement is truly disheartening. As a physician, I wish I could resolve your issues in one go, but this is also a moment when we feel most powerless. The complexity of your symptoms indicates that more time and effort are required. Immunodeficiency or immune ...[Read More] Which Specialist Should I See for My Immune Function Issues?
Understanding the Genetic Risk of Deafness in Future Children
Will this be inherited? My husband's parents are both deaf-mutes, which is congenital, yet they had four children who are all normal and not deaf-mute. If my husband and I were to conceive, what would be the likelihood of having a deaf child? Is this condition hereditary? Th...
Dr. Cai Jueren reply Family Medicine
Hello, regarding your question, it is difficult to provide a detailed explanation here. Generally speaking, the probability should not exceed 25%. However, it is still recommended that you and your spouse go to the hospital for preconception screening. This will help you feel mor...[Read More] Understanding the Genetic Risk of Deafness in Future Children
Is Fushuganlong Capsule Safe for G6PD Patients? Side Effects Explained
Medications Is this medication safe for patients with G6PD deficiency? Chinese name: Fushuganlong Capsules Ingredients: Acetaminophen..........300mg Chlorpheniramine Maleate.........2.5mg Dextromethorphan Hydrobromide.....15mg dl-Methylephedrine Hydrochloride......10mg Potassium ...
Dr. Cai Jueren reply Family Medicine
Hello, we advise against the use of the aforementioned medications for patients with G6PD deficiency. All medications should be prescribed by a physician, and it is best not to purchase over-the-counter drugs without guidance. The following substances can cause oxidative agents t...[Read More] Is Fushuganlong Capsule Safe for G6PD Patients? Side Effects Explained
Which Medical Specialty Should I Consult for Dizziness and Pain?
I'm not sure which specialty to see? Hello Doctor: Recently, I have been experiencing frequent dizziness, shoulder and lower back pain (I have been using topical patches with limited effect). I also have shortness of breath (along with nasal congestion, but it feels like I c...
Dr. Cai Jueren reply Family Medicine
Hello, your issue may have been ongoing for some time and could possibly be due to anemia. I recommend that you consult your family medicine physician for an evaluation. It doesn't seem serious, so there's no need to worry too much. Dr. Tsai Jue-ren from Hualien Hospita...[Read More] Which Medical Specialty Should I Consult for Dizziness and Pain?
Struggling to Gain Weight? Which Specialist Should You See?
Underweight I would like to ask, no matter how much I eat, I never gain weight. Which department should I visit for medical consultation?
Dr. Cai Jueren reply Family Medicine
Hello, there are many reasons why you may not gain weight. Based on your age, you likely have an ectomorphic body type. If you truly want to increase your weight, the fastest way is not just to eat more. I recommend consulting your physical education teacher to learn how to incor...[Read More] Struggling to Gain Weight? Which Specialist Should You See?
Understanding Your Health Check Results: Cholesterol, Platelets, and Vaccination
Regarding health check-up reports? Hello Doctor: Recently, my school conducted a health check, and my cholesterol level is 207, platelet count is 403, and MCHC is 32.2. These three values are outside the standard range. How should I adjust my diet? Do I need treatment? Additional...
Dr. Cai Jueren reply Family Medicine
Hello, actually the tests you mentioned are quite normal, so there is no need to worry too much. However, the part regarding the Hepatitis B antibodies needs to be confirmed. If there are no Hepatitis B antigens and no Hepatitis B antibodies in your body, you will need to receive...[Read More] Understanding Your Health Check Results: Cholesterol, Platelets, and Vaccination
Understanding Toe Numbness: When to Seek Medical Help and Remedies
Toe numbness Hello, doctor. I apologize for bothering you! Could you please advise which specialty I should consult for my symptoms, or if there are any ways to improve my condition? Here's what happened: I attended a two-day event, and during the trip, my big toe on both fe...
Dr. Cai Jueren reply Family Medicine
Hello, this symptom can be explained in two aspects. The first aspect is peripheral nerve injury, which may be temporary and could improve with a few days of rest. If there is no improvement, it indicates a more severe injury that requires a longer period of rest. Rest means allo...[Read More] Understanding Toe Numbness: When to Seek Medical Help and Remedies
Why Are My Toenails Falling Off? Causes and When to Seek Help
Nail loss Hello Doctor: Recently, my toenail has fallen off on its own, and at the same time, a new one is already growing back. This is the second time it has happened. Is this a sign of any underlying health issues? Which specialist should I see? Please let me know. Thank you.
Dr. Cai Jueren reply Family Medicine
Hello, the natural shedding or loss of nails is not a normal phenomenon. Most cases are caused by bacterial or fungal infections leading to inflammation. A very small number of cases are due to heavy metal poisoning, and there are also a few patients with endocrine issues. It is ...[Read More] Why Are My Toenails Falling Off? Causes and When to Seek Help
Which Specialist Should I See for My Persistent Facial Pain?
I'm not sure which specialty to see? Hello, doctor. My situation is as follows: the symptoms occur occasionally, but recently they have been happening frequently. For the past three to four days, I have experienced multiple episodes of pain in a single day. Initially, there ...
Dr. Cai Jueren reply Family Medicine
Hello, your symptoms appear to be quite similar to trigeminal neuralgia. Of course, a detailed examination is necessary for confirmation. I recommend that you first visit the neurology outpatient clinic for an initial assessment. Please rest assured that this is not a serious con...[Read More] Which Specialist Should I See for My Persistent Facial Pain?
Effective Methods to Clear Phlegm: Tips for Better Throat Health
Expectoration Hello Dr. Tsai, I would like to ask you a question. I have phlegm in my throat, but I have never been able to learn how to expectorate it. Are there any other methods to help break down the phlegm? The phlegm is stuck in my throat and I am concerned if it could caus...
Dr. Cai Jueren reply Family Medicine
Hello, you may feel that there is phlegm in your throat, but it is not necessarily due to actual phlegm. Chronic rhinitis can cause post-nasal drip, which may give you the sensation of having phlegm in your throat and the need to cough it up. Individuals who are easily stressed o...[Read More] Effective Methods to Clear Phlegm: Tips for Better Throat Health
Understanding Bitter Taste in Your Mouth: When to See a Doctor
excuse me? I'm not sure which specialty I should consult. For the past few days, I've been experiencing a bitter taste in my mouth. Even when I eat sweet foods, they start off sweet but turn bitter towards the back of my tongue. What could be the reason for this? Thank ...
Dr. Cai Jueren reply Family Medicine
Hello, Xiao Ting. The area of the tongue that perceives bitterness is located at the back edge of the tongue. There are many reasons why your mouth may feel bitter, such as food or medication-related causes. Additionally, some patients with long-term cavities may experience this ...[Read More] Understanding Bitter Taste in Your Mouth: When to See a Doctor
Which Specialist to Consult for Headaches and Eye Pain?
Inquire about the disease and which specialty to consult? Headache and pain in the forehead, red and painful eyes, runny nose, excessive nasal discharge when blowing the nose, and a persistent cough. No smoking or alcohol consumption.
Dr. Cai Jueren reply Family Medicine
Hello, the symptoms you described are likely related to migraines and may also be caused by chronic sinusitis. I recommend that you visit an otolaryngologist for an examination, which should help resolve your concerns. Thank you for your inquiry, and I hope the above information ...[Read More] Which Specialist to Consult for Headaches and Eye Pain?
Is Your Elderly Relative at Risk of Medication Overdose?
Medication overdose? Hello, Doctor: I would like to ask about my grandmother, who is 85 years old and generally in good health with very few illnesses. Recently, she accidentally fell and has some difficulty walking, but she is very resistant to seeing a doctor. She purchased iro...
Dr. Cai Jueren reply Family Medicine
Hello, regarding older adults, their metabolic rate and basal metabolic rate tend to decrease with age. All medications, whether prescription or over-the-counter, as well as vitamins or dietary supplements, must be metabolized by the liver or kidneys. Therefore, the dosage for el...[Read More] Is Your Elderly Relative at Risk of Medication Overdose?
Understanding Right Lower Abdominal Pain: Causes and When to Seek Help
Abdominal pain Hello, Doctor: I have been experiencing occasional dull pain in the lower right abdomen (about 5 centimeters to the right of the navel), which is more noticeable when lying flat before sleep. I would like to ask: which organ is located in that area? If I want to se...
Dr. Cai Jueren reply Family Medicine
Hello, there are basically no organs in the lower right abdomen (even in females). There are a few exceptions where the kidney may be positioned too low or the ovary too high, but these cases are quite rare. Your situation may be caused by constipation or fecal impaction. If you ...[Read More] Understanding Right Lower Abdominal Pain: Causes and When to Seek Help
Understanding Acidic Saliva After Taking Common Medications: A Guide
Medication issues Why do I feel that my saliva tastes sour after taking the following medications for four days: 1. Psubity/tab 2. Allegra 180mg 3. Tidact 150mg 4. Methylcobalamin 500mcg 5. Loftyl 150mg? Thank you for your response.
Dr. Cai Jueren reply Family Medicine
Hello Wenwen, the symptoms you described are simply side effects of the medication. They should resolve within a day or two after discontinuing the medication, so there is no need to worry too much. Thank you for your correspondence, and I hope the above information helps allevia...[Read More] Understanding Acidic Saliva After Taking Common Medications: A Guide