Dr. Cai Mengru reply Family Medicine Question - Page 5

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Optimal Timing for Taking Vitamin C: Tips for Better Absorption and Health

Vitamin Hello, doctor. I previously had a period where my immune system was weaker, making me more susceptible to colds, and I also experienced more acne and fatigue. After seeing a doctor, I was advised to take vitamin B or C. I recently purchased vitamin C, but I found various ...


Dr. Cai Mengru reply Family Medicine
Dear Mr. Wai, Vitamin C is a highly controversial vitamin, with various claims regarding its efficacy and usage methods. Some suggest taking it before meals, while others recommend after meals. Generally, it is advised not to exceed 2000 milligrams per day, as higher doses may l...

[Read More] Optimal Timing for Taking Vitamin C: Tips for Better Absorption and Health


Optimal Timing for Taking Multiple Medications: A Guide for Patients

Medication dosing intervals Recently, due to ongoing health issues, I have consulted many specialists, resulting in a significant increase in the number of medications I need to take. For dermatology, I have Doxycycline 100 mg and Donison 5 mg, which I take after breakfast and di...


Dr. Cai Mengru reply Family Medicine
Hello Mr. Tin: Regarding your question, the timing for the Western medications you mentioned is already separated as indicated. Senokot can be taken in the morning along with the multivitamins. As for the traditional Chinese medicine, since no specific medication information was ...

[Read More] Optimal Timing for Taking Multiple Medications: A Guide for Patients


Understanding Health Risks of Prebiotics: Concerns About Xylooligosaccharides

Consultation 1. I saw a health product related to constipation on television—mucilage oligosaccharides. However, its inspection report from the Food Industry Development and Research Institute shows a lead content of 0.08 ppm. Is this acceptable, or should it not be present at al...


Dr. Cai Mengru reply Family Medicine
Dear Ms. Yu, Regarding your question, it can be discussed from two aspects: 1. Is the presence of lead in health supplements acceptable? In my research, it appears that there are currently no clear regulations regarding the lead content in health supplements in Taiwan. However,...

[Read More] Understanding Health Risks of Prebiotics: Concerns About Xylooligosaccharides


Overcoming Morning Grogginess and Post-Lunch Fatigue: Solutions

Lethargy after meals and excessive sleeping? Hello, I would like to ask two questions. First, my bedtime is usually between 2 AM and 3 AM. Recently, I have developed a habit of staying in bed, and although I sleep for about seven hours, I often cannot get up before noon unless I ...


Dr. Cai Mengru reply Family Medicine
Dear Master, Regarding your question, it is likely a common issue faced by many modern individuals. If you are able to get up despite feeling unwell, it generally indicates that there are no significant physical problems. However, many people have the mindset that they must slee...

[Read More] Overcoming Morning Grogginess and Post-Lunch Fatigue: Solutions


Which Specialist Should You Consult for Eye and Jaw Pain?

Which specialty should I see? Hello, my mother has been experiencing intermittent swelling and pain in her lower eyelids since last year. Before these eyelid issues occur, she often feels pain near the lower jaw area, just below the ears, accompanied by headaches. Taking anti-inf...


Dr. Cai Mengru reply Family Medicine
Dear Ms. Connie, Regarding your daughter's symptoms, it seems challenging to attribute them to a single disease. There are several noteworthy possibilities: 1. Headache: Common chronic headaches include migraines and tension-type headaches. The former tends to significantl...

[Read More] Which Specialist Should You Consult for Eye and Jaw Pain?


Can People with Favism Smoke or Drink Alcohol Safely?

Favism Individuals with G6PD deficiency (commonly referred to as favism) should be cautious about smoking and drinking alcohol. Smoking can exacerbate oxidative stress, which may pose additional risks for those with this condition. Alcohol consumption can also lead to oxidative d...


Dr. Cai Mengru reply Family Medicine
Dear Xin, Regarding your question, it should be answered as follows: Although smoking and drinking alcohol are not absolute contraindications for G6PD deficiency (meaning there is no direct interaction), smoking and drinking are generally not suitable for everyone. Therefore, it...

[Read More] Can People with Favism Smoke or Drink Alcohol Safely?


Understanding Sexual Health Issues: Seeking Solutions for Discomfort and Apathy

Could you please provide more specific questions regarding sexual health? Hello Dr. Tsai Meng-Ju, I have plans to walk down the aisle with my boyfriend, but we are facing some issues in our sexual life that I would like to consult with you about. 1. Every time we have intercour...


Dr. Cai Mengru reply Family Medicine
Dear Manman, Hello, your issue is somewhat difficult to categorize, as it seems there are no psychological problems involved. Physiologically, you are still experiencing clitoral orgasms, but there is less response from the vagina. This may be considered a type of sexual arousal...

[Read More] Understanding Sexual Health Issues: Seeking Solutions for Discomfort and Apathy


Understanding Wound Healing: Allergies and Treatment Options

Wound management Hello Doctor: The wound is not healing and despite returning to the clinic where the doctor changed the medication, the new treatment is not as effective as the original ointment. The new medication does not seem to remove the necrotic tissue, and there are also ...


Dr. Cai Mengru reply Family Medicine
Dear Ms. Lanling, Regarding the reasons why your wound may not be healing, the more common causes include: 1. Infection 2. Localized poor circulation 3. Underlying health issues, such as malnutrition or diabetes. It is advisable to visit a hospital to consult with a physician, o...

[Read More] Understanding Wound Healing: Allergies and Treatment Options


Why Does Sleeping Over 7 Hours Cause Lower Back Pain?

The strange phenomenon of experiencing lower back pain after sleeping for more than 7 hours? Hello, doctor: Every morning when I wake up, my lower back feels sore. Interestingly, this only happens if I sleep for more than 7 hours; if I sleep for about 6 hours, it doesn't occ...


Dr. Cai Mengru reply Family Medicine
Dear Mr. Pengpeng, Hello, regarding the relationship between your lower back pain and sleeping longer, there is not much medical evidence to support this connection. However, if you are sleeping longer due to factors such as 1. fatigue, 2. poor mood, 3. poor sleep quality, 4. al...

[Read More] Why Does Sleeping Over 7 Hours Cause Lower Back Pain?


Understanding Severe Headaches, Fever, and Weakness: A Guide for Patients

Headache, fever, weakness? I started experiencing headaches a few days ago, and I can feel pain around my eyes near the brow bone. At first, I didn't think much of it, but the headaches became more severe (it felt like my head was about to explode), and I started feeling wea...


Dr. Cai Mengru reply Family Medicine
Hello Ms. Miao Miao: Regarding your symptoms, if you have had a fever for more than three days or if the fever does not subside with medication, it is best to go to the hospital for an examination. Do not rely solely on acetaminophen to reduce the fever, as it may be caused by a ...

[Read More] Understanding Severe Headaches, Fever, and Weakness: A Guide for Patients


Understanding Unexplained Fatigue: A Guide for Patients

Intractable Somnolence Disorder Hello, doctor. I would like to ask about a problem that has been bothering me for a long time: for the past two to three months, I often feel a sense of brain fog. This fatigue doesn't go away with sleep; I frequently experience a feeling of w...


Dr. Cai Mengru reply Family Medicine
Dear Student Chen, Do you have emotional issues (such as fluctuations or persistent low mood)? Do you find it difficult to sleep well (including waking up feeling unrefreshed)? Have activities that used to bring you joy become uninteresting? Do you feel worthless, believing that...

[Read More] Understanding Unexplained Fatigue: A Guide for Patients


Understanding Unexplained Symptoms: A Guide for Patients

Unexplained symptoms Hello Doctor: Two years ago, I experienced dizziness three times and underwent various tests at nearby hospitals, all of which were normal. Since that experience, I often feel very fatigued, with a heavy head and light legs, and I feel dizzy. I am very afraid...


Dr. Cai Mengru reply Family Medicine
Mr. Rock: Hello, regarding your discomfort, it indeed aligns with symptoms of anxiety disorder. Typical manifestations include muscle tension, widespread aches, mood swings, difficulty concentrating, insomnia, and restlessness, among others. Of course, these symptoms must persist...

[Read More] Understanding Unexplained Symptoms: A Guide for Patients


Managing Vasovagal Symptoms: When to Seek Medical Help

Vasovagal..? Hello Doctor: I often feel nauseous, experience decreased hearing, and sometimes feel unsteady after standing for a period of time. I previously inquired at a family medicine clinic, and they mentioned it could be related to vasovagal issues. Although sitting down al...


Dr. Cai Mengru reply Family Medicine
Dear Ms. EMMA, Hello. Regarding your issue, it is indeed very likely that it is caused by a dysfunction of the vagus nerve within the autonomic nervous system, leading to a sudden drop in blood pressure. If this is the cause, and excluding any medication factors, it is a constit...

[Read More] Managing Vasovagal Symptoms: When to Seek Medical Help


How to Determine the Presence of Blood-Sucking Parasites in Your Body?

Question Hello, doctor. How can I determine if there are blood-sucking worms or other parasites present in the body? Thank you.


Dr. Cai Mengru reply Family Medicine
Dear Ms. Ching, I would like to know if you have any specific symptoms that might suggest a parasitic infection. Due to the wide variety of parasites, there are several different methods for diagnosis. Generally, the most common methods include the following: 1. Stool examinati...

[Read More] How to Determine the Presence of Blood-Sucking Parasites in Your Body?


Are Dental X-Rays Harmful? Understanding Radiation Exposure Risks

Is the radiation dose from dental X-rays harmful to the human body? Hello, doctor. I would like to ask if the X-ray machines used in dentistry have any effects on the human body. When I went in for the X-ray, I wasn't wearing any protective clothing; I just bit down on a T-s...


Dr. Cai Mengru reply Family Medicine
Dear Mr. A-Fei, In fact, radiation is ubiquitous in our natural environment, referred to as background radiation. A full set of 14 dental X-rays is approximately equivalent to the amount of radiation one would receive in a day from natural sources. To put it another way, a singl...

[Read More] Are Dental X-Rays Harmful? Understanding Radiation Exposure Risks


Understanding Frequent Dreaming: When to Seek Medical Advice

Experiencing dreams every night during sleep? Hello, doctor. I dream every night, even during a short nap of just ten minutes. I have seen a psychiatrist who believes that I am under a lot of stress, but I don't think that's the case. Could there be an issue with my bra...


Dr. Cai Mengru reply Family Medicine
Dear Ruijuan, Hello! Sleep remains a relatively unclear area in medicine. Currently, in the field of medical specialties, sleep difficulties primarily fall under the domain of psychiatry. Of course, if there are physical issues, they can also affect brain activity, and certain m...

[Read More] Understanding Frequent Dreaming: When to Seek Medical Advice


Understanding Health Check Reports: When to Consult a Family Physician

Health Check Report If I have undergone a health check at your hospital, should I pursue further examinations for the sections highlighted in red on the health report? Would it be more appropriate to schedule an appointment with a family medicine physician, or should I see a spec...


Dr. Cai Mengru reply Family Medicine
Dear Ms. Angel, Your health examination report shows some abnormalities. It is recommended that you return to a primary care clinic to recheck the low white blood cell count to confirm whether it is a persistent issue. Regarding the left ventricular hypertrophy, you can either c...

[Read More] Understanding Health Check Reports: When to Consult a Family Physician


Understanding Hepatitis B Vaccination: Do You Need More Doses?

Hepatitis B vaccine If I have only received the hepatitis B vaccine once, will I produce antibodies, or do I need to have a blood test, or should I continue with the vaccinations? I received my first dose in December.


Dr. Cai Mengru reply Family Medicine
Dear Ms. Jing, Hello. Generally speaking, after receiving the first dose of the hepatitis B vaccine, it is possible to develop antibodies, but these can only be maintained for a short period. Therefore, it is recommended to complete the full series of three vaccine doses to achi...

[Read More] Understanding Hepatitis B Vaccination: Do You Need More Doses?


Understanding Lower Back Pain After Menstrual Cycle: Causes and Remedies

Lower back pain? After my menstrual cycle, I experienced soreness in my lower back and waist. I'm not sure if this is related to taking ovulation medication during my last cycle. Could the lower back pain be connected to some mild discomfort in my lower abdomen?


Dr. Cai Mengru reply Family Medicine
Dear Miss Hsiao-Wen, Regarding your question, I am unsure if you are referring to the ovulation medication Clomid. If so, common side effects include headaches, nausea, edema, abdominal bloating, hot flashes, and visual disturbances (such as double vision). Lower back pain is a ...

[Read More] Understanding Lower Back Pain After Menstrual Cycle: Causes and Remedies


Should You Get Tested for HIV After a Risky Encounter?

HELP! Should I get tested for HIV? In late November, a female friend visited a client in Paris, France. After discussing business and enjoying a lavish dinner, the client warmly invited her to his residence. Trusting him, she accompanied him there. After some casual conversation ...


Dr. Cai Mengru reply Family Medicine
Dear Mr. LYH, Regarding your question, if the situation is as you described, it is still advisable to consider testing for HIV and VDRL (syphilis), and you may also want to consider screening for Hepatitis B and C. Although it is classified as non-penetrative intercourse, there ...

[Read More] Should You Get Tested for HIV After a Risky Encounter?


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