Understanding Hair Loss: Causes and Nutritional Deficiencies Explained
I often experience hair loss! Hello, Dr. Tsai! I often experience hair loss; there are a lot of hairs in the drain after I wash my hair, and I find a bunch of hairs under my pillow as well. Could you please tell me what might be the cause? Is my body lacking any essential nutrien...
Dr. Cai Jueren reply Family Medicine
Hello, A-Ding. If you notice a significant amount of hair falling out every time you wash your hair, or if you wake up to find a lot of hair on your pillow, it is important to seek medical attention promptly. I recommend that you consult a dermatologist. If you do not address the...[Read More] Understanding Hair Loss: Causes and Nutritional Deficiencies Explained
Understanding Unexplained Foot and Limb Cramps: Causes and When to Seek Help
Dull pain Hello Doctor, in the past three months, I have started experiencing cramping pain in the soles of my feet. The first occurrence was about three months ago, when the area at the base of my toes began to hurt, but it went away on its own after about three days. The second...
Dr. Cai Jueren reply Family Medicine
Hello, the symptoms you described are quite detailed. Since your pain is not severe and lasts only a few seconds, gout and arthritis can likely be ruled out. Additionally, you did not mention any trauma, so a fracture is also unlikely. However, you did not provide your height and...[Read More] Understanding Unexplained Foot and Limb Cramps: Causes and When to Seek Help
What to Do If You Get Bitten by a Centipede: Medical Advice
If bitten by a centipede, Hello, if you are bitten by a centipede, what should you do? Do you need to see a doctor?
Dr. Cai Jueren reply Family Medicine
Hello, after being bitten by a centipede, most people will not experience significant issues. Occasionally, there may be localized redness, swelling, and severe pain. Some individuals may exhibit a more pronounced allergic reaction, such as widespread rashes or erythema, and in s...[Read More] What to Do If You Get Bitten by a Centipede: Medical Advice
Can Eating Candy Before Bed Cause Diabetes? Understanding Risks and Myths
Diabetes mellitus Hello Doctor: Does eating toffee or other sugary foods before bed increase the risk of diabetes? What about drinking cola before bed? Is there such a condition as "explosive diabetes"? Thank you for your response!
Dr. Cai Jueren reply Family Medicine
Hello, diabetes is a chronic disease that develops gradually; it does not appear suddenly nor does it disappear abruptly. Not everyone who consumes a lot of sweets will develop diabetes. It is recommended to exercise regularly, maintain a balanced diet, and keep a healthy weight....[Read More] Can Eating Candy Before Bed Cause Diabetes? Understanding Risks and Myths
Can Former Drug Users Ever Donate Blood? Understanding the Guidelines
Blood donation Hello doctor, I would like to ask if someone who has used drugs is permanently disqualified from donating blood. If a person has only used drugs once and does not have an addiction, and it has been over a year since then, are they still permanently unable to donate...
Dr. Cai Jueren reply Family Medicine
Hello, donating blood and drug use are two different matters. The blood donation center is concerned about: 1. Hepatitis virus transmission 2. Syphilis virus transmission 3. HIV transmission. Sometimes, if your liver function is abnormal, you may also be unable to donate blood. I...[Read More] Can Former Drug Users Ever Donate Blood? Understanding the Guidelines
Chronic Headaches: Which Specialist Should You Consult?
Hello, doctor: I often have headaches and I'm not sure which specialty I should see? Hello, doctor. My question is: (1) I had a car accident 20 years ago where I hit my head. At that time, there was no significant injury, but I have a noticeable lump on the upper left side o...
Dr. Cai Jueren reply Family Medicine
Hello, the symptoms you described are likely a type of migraine. Migraines often have no identifiable cause and are usually managed with pain relief medications. I recommend that you first visit a major hospital's sleep center to address any sleep issues, as resolving these ...[Read More] Chronic Headaches: Which Specialist Should You Consult?
Understanding Low MCH and High RDW: Implications for Iron Deficiency Anemia
Low MCH and high RDW? Hello Dr. Tsai: I previously inquired about related issues, and I appreciate your response. I am attaching additional test data for your review. Thank you~~ I underwent a labor health examination at Taipei Hospital, medical record number: 9999660. However, t...
Dr. Cai Jueren reply Family Medicine
Hello Ms. Huang, if all other tests are normal, you can rest assured and not worry about the previous test results. If you are not afraid of blood draws, it is recommended that you have another check-up in two years, but please remember to keep the reports. Currently, no treatmen...[Read More] Understanding Low MCH and High RDW: Implications for Iron Deficiency Anemia
Persistent Belly Button Discharge: Seeking the Right Medical Advice
My belly button is leaking fluid? On Monday, I noticed that my abdomen was leaking yellow, foul-smelling fluid, so I went to see a dermatologist the next day. The doctor said I might have an infection and prescribed anti-inflammatory medication and topical ointment. However, afte...
Dr. Cai Jueren reply Family Medicine
Hello, I apologize for only getting back to you after returning from France. I hope the following response can help resolve your concerns. The dermatologist was correct; it is indeed a bacterial infection. Since some time has passed, I recommend that you consult a general surgeon...[Read More] Persistent Belly Button Discharge: Seeking the Right Medical Advice
Understanding Low MCH and High RDW: Implications and Care Tips
Low MCH and high RDW? The test results show MCH (Mean Corpuscular Hemoglobin) at 26.9, which is low, and RDW (Red Cell Distribution Width) at 15.1, which is high. A low MCH indicates that the average amount of hemoglobin in each red blood cell is lower than normal, which can su...
Dr. Cai Jueren reply Family Medicine
Hello Ms. Huang, I apologize for only getting back to you after returning from France yesterday. I hope the following response can address your concerns. Low MCH and high RDW typically indicate iron deficiency anemia. However, without the values for Hb and MCV, I cannot provide a...[Read More] Understanding Low MCH and High RDW: Implications and Care Tips
Understanding Right-Side Lower Back Pain: Causes and Solutions
Low back pain Hello Dr. Tsai, I have been experiencing some discomfort in my right lower back (slightly towards the back, around the kidney area) when I twist my body from side to side over the past month. Sometimes the pain is more pronounced, while other times it feels manageab...
Dr. Cai Jueren reply Family Medicine
Hello, I apologize for the delay as I just returned from France. I hope the following response can address your concerns. Generally speaking, kidney pain is not related to changes in body posture. Typically, kidney pain can be attributed to two conditions: kidney stones or kidney...[Read More] Understanding Right-Side Lower Back Pain: Causes and Solutions
Why Do I Unconsciously Shake My Head? A Family Medicine Perspective
Doctor, please help me? Hello Dr. Tsai, why do I often unconsciously shake my head? My family and colleagues say I frequently make this motion. I haven't taken any ecstasy or drugs. Sometimes I feel a bit of something while thinking, but I'm not sure. Is it a problem wi...
Dr. Cai Jueren reply Family Medicine
Dear Ziting, Hello. This phenomenon is not a stroke, so there is no need to worry. It is merely an abnormal contraction of the neck muscles and is not a serious issue. This condition is similar to involuntary blinking (such as in the case of Lien Chan). I recommend that you vis...[Read More] Why Do I Unconsciously Shake My Head? A Family Medicine Perspective
Does Not Flushing When Drinking Mean Liver Issues? Find Out!
Drinking alcohol If my face doesn't turn red when I drink alcohol, does that mean my liver is not healthy? Is that true? If I really need to see a doctor, which specialty should I consult? Thank you.
Dr. Cai Jueren reply Family Medicine
The flushing of the face when drinking alcohol is not directly related to liver function. If you are still concerned, you can opt for a self-paid health check-up.[Read More] Does Not Flushing When Drinking Mean Liver Issues? Find Out!
Understanding Lymphocyte and Neutrophil Ratios in CBC Results
Lymphocytes greater than neutrophils? I recently had a CBC test, and everything was normal. However, in the white blood cell differential, my neutrophils were at 37%, lymphocytes at 47%, and monocytes at 16%. My WBC count was 5200 and hemoglobin was 13. Typically, in healthy indi...
Dr. Cai Jueren reply Family Medicine
It could be an infection, but it is mostly indicative of the acute phase. It is recommended to monitor the situation.[Read More] Understanding Lymphocyte and Neutrophil Ratios in CBC Results
Understanding Blood in Stool: When to Seek Medical Attention
Hematochezia Hello Dr. Tsai: In the past couple of days, I have noticed blood in my stool, and there is quite a bit of blood when I wipe. However, I do not experience any pain, and there are no signs of anal fissures or bleeding from the anus. Could you please explain why this mi...
Dr. Cai Jueren reply Family Medicine
It is recommended that you visit a colorectal surgeon or a urologist for an examination.[Read More] Understanding Blood in Stool: When to Seek Medical Attention
Understanding Complex Symptoms: Which Specialist Should You See?
Disease? Problem Description: My mother is in her fifties and has recently been experiencing frequent discomfort and pain. Her symptoms are somewhat complex, and we are unsure which part of her body may be problematic. We would like to inquire about which specialty she should con...
Dr. Cai Jueren reply Family Medicine
It is recommended to first visit a family medicine physician for evaluation and assessment, and then determine the subsequent treatment plan based on the physician's advice.[Read More] Understanding Complex Symptoms: Which Specialist Should You See?
Understanding Low Potassium Levels: A Guide for Patients on Diuretics
Hypokalemia Dr. Tsai is very grateful for your response. My serum potassium level is 2.7 (which is still acceptable, right?). I have been taking diuretics because I have very little urine output on a regular basis, and if I don't take them, I experience eyelid swelling and c...
Dr. Cai Jueren reply Family Medicine
Your potassium levels are low, and your weight is also underweight. It is recommended that you consult with a family medicine physician for evaluation and examination.[Read More] Understanding Low Potassium Levels: A Guide for Patients on Diuretics
Dealing with Dizziness and Nausea: When to Seek Medical Help
Hello? In the past week, I have occasionally felt dizzy while taking the MRT, and on some days, the feeling was more severe, accompanied by nausea. Today, I have been experiencing a persistent sensation in the back left side of my head, as if someone is drilling into it, and it c...
Dr. Cai Jueren reply Family Medicine
Hello, your symptoms are referred to as vertigo, which can be triggered by various factors such as medications, food, posture, sleep, and exercise, among others. Another common cause is inner ear imbalance. We recommend that you visit an otolaryngology clinic for an examination a...[Read More] Dealing with Dizziness and Nausea: When to Seek Medical Help
Confused About Which Specialist to See for Sleep Disruptions?
I'm not sure which specialty I should see? Hello Doctor, I have something that troubles me. Sometimes I wake up in the middle of the night and completely lose control of my thoughts. My mind keeps racing with terms related to my work report from the morning. Normally, my thi...
Dr. Cai Jueren reply Family Medicine
Hello Silvia, Many people experience the symptoms you described, so there is no need to worry too much. Generally, these symptoms do not occur daily and do not affect your sleep quality. Since your daytime activities and work are normal, it indicates that your stress levels are...[Read More] Confused About Which Specialist to See for Sleep Disruptions?
Understanding Low Potassium Levels: Causes and Health Risks for Busy Professionals
Hypokalemia Hello Dr. Tsai, may I ask you about the causes of hypokalemia? I am a busy office worker who relies on strong coffee and cola for energy, but my blood tests still show low potassium levels (aren't coffee and cola supposed to cause high potassium?). If this contin...
Dr. Cai Jueren reply Family Medicine
Hello, hypokalemia refers to poor absorption or excessive loss of potassium ions in the blood, or insufficient potassium ion concentration due to the use of certain medications. The causes are as follows: (1) Long-term use of corticosteroids, diuretics, and excessive laxative abu...[Read More] Understanding Low Potassium Levels: Causes and Health Risks for Busy Professionals
Understanding Low Blood Pressure: Is Your Reading Normal?
Hypotension Hello Dr. Tsai, my normal blood pressure is 120/60. However, for the past six months, I have been measuring my blood pressure at home and the readings have been between 90-70/55-40. Is this normal?
Dr. Cai Jueren reply Family Medicine
Hello, your blood pressure should be normal, so there is no need to worry. It is common for most slender girls to have slightly lower blood pressure, which is a normal phenomenon and shouldn't be overly concerning. Typically, you only need to see a doctor if your blood press...[Read More] Understanding Low Blood Pressure: Is Your Reading Normal?