Unexplained Right Upper Abdominal Pain: Causes and When to See a Doctor
Frequent unexplained abdominal pain? Hello, Dr. Tsai. I often experience unexplained pain in my upper right abdomen, which can radiate to my back, and it sometimes wakes me up at night. I had an endoscopy, and the doctor said everything looks normal. What could be the cause of th...
Dr. Cai Mengru reply Family Medicine
Dear Hsuan, Hello, the right upper abdomen is the area of the liver, gallbladder, and part of the ribs. It is uncommon for a 27-year-old female to have gallstones or cholecystitis. Diagnosing the condition requires a detailed medical history and physical examination, including t...[Read More] Unexplained Right Upper Abdominal Pain: Causes and When to See a Doctor
Understanding Rapid Heartbeat and Sleep Issues: Common Concerns
Sometimes the heart beats very fast while sleeping? Recently, when I lie down to sleep, I sometimes feel my heart racing suddenly, and I have also experienced insomnia (I have had insomnia twice this week). I have been feeling quite fatigued lately, and sometimes I feel nauseous....
Dr. Cai Mengru reply Family Medicine
Hello, when lying down, you may experience orthostatic hypotension. At this time, the heart reflexively increases the heart rate to maintain cardiac function. However, since you are quite young, it is advisable to seek medical attention to monitor for any arrhythmias. Additionall...[Read More] Understanding Rapid Heartbeat and Sleep Issues: Common Concerns
Unexplained Bruises and Bumps: What Could Be Causing Your Symptoms?
Bruising issues? Hello Doctor: Recently, I suddenly noticed a large purple bruise on my thigh, and there is a small hard lump that feels swollen when I touch it. I don't remember having any impact or injury. Additionally, there are some small red raised spots nearby that are...
Dr. Cai Mengru reply Family Medicine
Hello, I apologize for the delay in responding to your question due to Dr. Tsai's departure. I believe this matter requires consideration of multiple factors, including the size and location of the bruise, the size and location of the blister, and whether the bruise and blis...[Read More] Unexplained Bruises and Bumps: What Could Be Causing Your Symptoms?
Can Children Resemble Only One Parent? Understanding Genetic Traits
Is it possible for children to resemble only one parent? Hello, doctor! My friend's daughter looks very much like her mother, but there is no resemblance to her father at all, whether in facial features, skin color, or other aspects. This raises the question of whether she i...
Dr. Cai Mengru reply Family Medicine
Dear Qi, Children's physical appearances are inherited from their parents, and they will often share similarities with them to some extent. However, the expression of genes is quite fascinating and complex, and many unexpected examples (such as the case you described) are a...[Read More] Can Children Resemble Only One Parent? Understanding Genetic Traits
Understanding Hand Numbness: Causes and Solutions for Your Concerns
Numbness in the hands? Hello Doctor, I would like to ask about my mother. For some reason, she often feels numbness in her hands, even while sleeping. If her hands are flat for a long time, she also experiences this tingling sensation. Could you please explain the reason for this...
Dr. Cai Mengru reply Family Medicine
Hello Mr. Wang: Due to an unexpected trip abroad, I am only now able to respond to your question. I hope it is not too late. Your question is as follows: Numbness in the hands is a common symptom, and the most frequent causes are related to nerves or circulation. The former may a...[Read More] Understanding Hand Numbness: Causes and Solutions for Your Concerns
Understanding Left Lower Abdominal Pain: Causes and When to Seek Help
Pressing on the lower left abdomen causes pain? Hello Doctor, I have pain in the left lower abdomen near the top of the pelvis, specifically on the left side of the bladder. Recently, I have been experiencing frequent urination, meaning that even after urinating, I still feel the...
Dr. Cai Mengru reply Family Medicine
Dear Mr. Tim, Regarding your question, as indicated in the grid you provided, the most likely issues are related to the colon and the urinary tract. Since your symptoms primarily involve the urinary tract, it is more probable that there are urinary issues (such as stones or infe...[Read More] Understanding Left Lower Abdominal Pain: Causes and When to Seek Help
Effective High-Protein Strategies for Healthy Weight Gain
High protein intake Doctor, I don't have much muscle mass and I want to gain weight without becoming too skinny. What are some ways to build muscle? I want to avoid gaining fat around my abdomen. Is consuming high-protein foods effective? What should I be cautious about? Are...
Dr. Cai Mengru reply Family Medicine
Dear Mr. Xiao Bai, Regarding your question, I am unable to provide a definitive response without knowing your actual body composition (height, weight, body fat percentage, etc.). While high-protein foods are beneficial, they will only add unnecessary strain to your body if not a...[Read More] Effective High-Protein Strategies for Healthy Weight Gain
Understanding Mediterranean Anemia: Symptoms, Management, and Treatment Options
Mediterranean anemia (also known as thalassemia) Hello, doctor. I had anemia issues since my twenties, and it wasn't until I gave birth at 35 that I discovered I have thalassemia. Around the age of 37, I started experiencing severe headaches during my menstrual period, simil...
Dr. Cai Mengru reply Family Medicine
Dear Miss Hsiao-Ching, Regarding your concerns, there are two important points to consider. First, even if you have thalassemia, it is still possible for you to have iron deficiency anemia, especially since you often feel unwell before and after your menstrual period, which make...[Read More] Understanding Mediterranean Anemia: Symptoms, Management, and Treatment Options
Understanding Low Hemoglobin and MCH Levels: Health Implications
Hemoglobin Hemoglobin (Hgb) is low at 11.7 g/dL (normal range: 12-16 g/dL), and mean corpuscular hemoglobin (MCH) is low at 26.9 pg (normal range: 27-34 pg). 1. Low hemoglobin levels can lead to symptoms of anemia, such as fatigue, weakness, shortness of breath, and pale skin. ...
Dr. Cai Mengru reply Family Medicine
Dear Emma, Regarding your question, both of these indicators refer to mild anemia. Since the condition is relatively mild, the symptoms of anemia (such as fatigue, dizziness, and lightheadedness) are not very pronounced. It is more important to investigate the underlying causes ...[Read More] Understanding Low Hemoglobin and MCH Levels: Health Implications
Understanding Blood Test Results: What Does Mucus → Moderate Mean?
Questions about blood tests? Hello Doctor: I previously inquired about my father's blood sugar levels, and I appreciate your response. Additionally, in my father's health check report, there is a note in the blood test section that states "mucus → moderate." C...
Dr. Cai Mengru reply Family Medicine
Dear Ms. QQ, Regarding your question, I have not seen this interpretation item during blood analysis. I am unsure if it pertains to the laboratory's description of the blood sample's appearance. It would be advisable to inquire with the laboratory for clarification, as...[Read More] Understanding Blood Test Results: What Does Mucus → Moderate Mean?
Understanding Hallucinations in Elderly: When to Seek Medical Help
Please ask your question? Hello, my grandfather (in his 70s) had some difficulty recognizing people the day before yesterday and mentioned seeing his grandchildren at home, even though they were not actually there. Is this a case of hallucination? He gradually returned to normal ...
Dr. Cai Mengru reply Family Medicine
Dear Mr. Lai, Regarding your father's condition, it may be related to delirium or dementia. I recommend that you seek a consultation with a neurologist or psychiatrist at the hospital as soon as possible for diagnosis and treatment. Wishing you peace and health. Sincerely...[Read More] Understanding Hallucinations in Elderly: When to Seek Medical Help
Managing High Blood Sugar and Blood Pressure: Daily Tips for Better Health
What should I do in daily life if my blood sugar is elevated? Hello Doctor: My father recently underwent a health check-up and his blood sugar level was found to be elevated at 119 mg/dL. Additionally, his blood pressure readings showed a systolic pressure of 175 mmHg and a diast...
Dr. Cai Mengru reply Family Medicine
Dear Ms. QQ: In this situation, elevated blood pressure may simply be due to anxiety. You can bring your home blood pressure monitor to the hospital to compare it with the hospital's machine, which will help determine if there is an issue with your monitor. If the readings...[Read More] Managing High Blood Sugar and Blood Pressure: Daily Tips for Better Health
Dealing with Food Poisoning: Symptoms, Treatment, and Prevention Tips
1. Consuming contaminated food. 2. How to quickly eliminate toxins from the body after poisoning (forwarded from the Director's mailbox)? Dear [Recipient], 1. A few days ago, I consumed contaminated food, which resulted in severe pain in my left ovary, as well as intense di...
Dr. Cai Mengru reply Family Medicine
Dear Ms. Hong, Regarding your inquiry, it is difficult to provide recommendations on how to eliminate toxins due to the unknown nature of the toxins present in the contaminated food you mentioned. Generally speaking, maintaining a regular routine and ensuring adequate hydration ...[Read More] Dealing with Food Poisoning: Symptoms, Treatment, and Prevention Tips
Seeking Medical Advice for Finger Injury and Food Poisoning Issues
Please advise on how to treat the medical condition (forwarded from the Director's mailbox)? Dear Sir/Madam, I am a resident of Kaohsiung City. I have a fingertip that has been partially severed, and I am unsure which physician I should consult to safely restore my finger t...
Dr. Cai Mengru reply Family Medicine
Dear Ms. Hong, Regarding your question, it is difficult to provide recommendations for detoxification due to the unknown toxins present in the contaminated food you mentioned. Generally speaking, maintaining a regular routine and ensuring adequate hydration (approximately 2500 c...[Read More] Seeking Medical Advice for Finger Injury and Food Poisoning Issues
Sudden Knee Pain: Should You Get Checked After Waking Up?
Sudden severe pain near the knee? I experienced sudden severe pain near my knee while turning over in bed this morning. After getting up, the pain became less noticeable, but it is more pronounced when bending. Do I need to get it checked?
Dr. Cai Mengru reply Family Medicine
Dear Ms. Lee: Regarding your question, if there is significant redness, swelling, heat, or pain, or if there is a limitation in joint movement, you should seek medical attention. If the pain is intermittent and does not affect your functionality, it is less urgent to seek care. F...[Read More] Sudden Knee Pain: Should You Get Checked After Waking Up?
Can Vena-CA-B6 Be Injected Intramuscularly? Effects on Pregnant Women
excuse me? Can Vena-Ca-B6 be administered via intramuscular injection? What is its effect on pregnant women? Thank you.
Dr. Cai Mengru reply Family Medicine
Dear Miss Mentholatum, Regarding your question, Vena-ca-b6 is primarily administered via intravenous injection. Since our hospital does not have this medication, we are unable to access its prescribing information, making it difficult to determine whether intramuscular injection...[Read More] Can Vena-CA-B6 Be Injected Intramuscularly? Effects on Pregnant Women
Understanding Dizziness: Causes, Treatments, and When to Seek Help
I have been experiencing dizziness recently? Dr. Tsai: Hello! I have been experiencing frequent dizziness lately, and I'm unsure of the cause. I also don't know which specialty to consult. I recently recovered from a cold and have visited two clinics. Initially, I went ...
Dr. Cai Mengru reply Family Medicine
Xiao Ting: Hello, many medications for colds can cause dizziness and drowsiness, especially those effective for runny nose and cough, which are particularly likely to induce sleepiness. Additionally, the fatigue from the cold itself necessitates rest, and it is also possible that...[Read More] Understanding Dizziness: Causes, Treatments, and When to Seek Help
Understanding Sudden Fainting: Causes and When to Seek Help
Fainting without any apparent reason? A few days ago, after drinking with friends, I suddenly felt dizzy while standing on the street. I was unsteady on my feet, had weakness in my limbs, and then fainted, seemingly losing consciousness briefly. However, I quickly regained awaren...
Dr. Cai Mengru reply Family Medicine
Dear Hsiaohung, Hello. Regarding your question, it is possible that blood is predominantly redirected to peripheral tissues, which can often be caused by factors such as alcohol consumption, high fever, or intense exercise. This results in a decrease in central blood volume and ...[Read More] Understanding Sudden Fainting: Causes and When to Seek Help
Understanding Involuntary Toe Twitches: Causes and Solutions
The toes may experience slight twitching? Last night, I noticed that my left foot's little toe was twitching slightly... and it continued to be the same the next day... I don't know what could be causing this phenomenon. Is it related to blood circulation? I've hea...
Dr. Cai Mengru reply Family Medicine
Hello: Regarding your question, it is highly likely that it is caused by involuntary contractions of some small muscles, similar to how eyelids sometimes twitch. This condition usually resolves on its own without any treatment, but it would be better to reduce the intake of caffe...[Read More] Understanding Involuntary Toe Twitches: Causes and Solutions
Should You Avoid Drinking Water Before Blood Tests? Expert Insights
Is it necessary to refrain from drinking water before a blood test? (Forwarded from the Director's mailbox) I have a question. For routine blood tests measuring cholesterol, triglycerides, and blood glucose, I heard that one must refrain from drinking water the night before....
Dr. Cai Mengru reply Family Medicine
Hello, Sir: Regarding your question, if you are only drinking a small amount of water, it actually does not have a significant impact. Generally, cholesterol levels are not affected; only uric acid, blood sugar, and triglycerides may be influenced. However, to minimize the possib...[Read More] Should You Avoid Drinking Water Before Blood Tests? Expert Insights