Can Leukemia Patients Receive Flu and Pneumonia Vaccines Together?
excuse me? Can leukemia patients receive the seasonal influenza vaccine and the pneumococcal vaccine? If so, should they be administered separately? Do the injection sites need to be different?
Dr. Cai Yaozhou reply Internal Medicine
Patients with leukemia can receive both the seasonal influenza vaccine and the pneumococcal vaccine simultaneously. The pneumococcal vaccine should be administered according to vaccination guidelines: high-risk groups include individuals aged 65 and older, patients with heart dis...[Read More] Can Leukemia Patients Receive Flu and Pneumonia Vaccines Together?
Persistent Low-Grade Fever and Back Lump: Possible Causes and Next Steps
Mild fever for a week, chills (sudden cold awakening at night), and a sudden hard lump on the back? Hello, I am currently working in mainland China and will need some time before I can return to Taiwan for medical treatment. Therefore, I would like to ask for a preliminary diagno...
Dr. Cai Yaozhou reply Internal Medicine
Visit the medical center to see the Infectious Disease Department for fever and the Surgery Department for a hard lump on the back. For traditional Chinese medicine treatment, first go to the hospital's affiliated Traditional Chinese Medicine Department for consultation.[Read More] Persistent Low-Grade Fever and Back Lump: Possible Causes and Next Steps
Understanding Sudden Weight Loss: When to Seek Medical Advice
My dad suddenly lost a lot of weight? My father suddenly lost 6 kilograms, but he is living normally. His food intake is the same, and his appetite has not decreased, nor does he feel unwell. He often has mouth ulcers, and he was bitten by a chigger last year, but he has already ...
Dr. Cai Yaozhou reply Internal Medicine
Consult the endocrinology department to check for diabetes and hyperthyroidism, then schedule an appointment with the gastroenterology department for liver function tests and abdominal ultrasound.[Read More] Understanding Sudden Weight Loss: When to Seek Medical Advice
Should Bokey Be Stopped Before Cardiac Catheterization?
Cardiac catheterization Should Bokey be discontinued before a cardiac catheterization? My father, who is 70 years old, is scheduled for a cardiac catheterization next Thursday and has been taking Bokey long-term. Should he stop the medication before the procedure? Previously, he ...
Dr. Cai Yaozhou reply Internal Medicine
It would be more appropriate to have your father's cardiologist explain the purpose of the cardiac catheterization and address your concerns. If the purpose of the cardiac catheterization is to treat coronary artery disease, then it is definitely necessary. However, if it is...[Read More] Should Bokey Be Stopped Before Cardiac Catheterization?
Managing Antibiotic Treatment for Elderly Patients with Multiple Health Issues
Antibiotics Hello Dr. Tsai: My grandfather had a lot of bacteria in his sputum and urine cultures during his hospitalization. He was treated with third-generation antibiotics and also received steroids. Within a week of discharge, he developed a fever again. Is it effective to us...
Dr. Cai Yaozhou reply Internal Medicine
The physician must assess the clinical symptoms and, in conjunction with the results of bacterial cultures, determine which antibiotic to use based on the clinical presentation and the culture results.[Read More] Managing Antibiotic Treatment for Elderly Patients with Multiple Health Issues
Understanding Chronic Duodenal Ulcers and Associated Chest Discomfort
Gastric disease, chest tightness, and shortness of breath? Last month, I went to Mackay Memorial Hospital for an endoscopy, and it was diagnosed that I have a chronic duodenal ulcer and Helicobacter pylori infection. The doctor prescribed antibiotics for me to take for a week to ...
Dr. Cai Yaozhou reply Internal Medicine
Simultaneously seeing a gastroenterologist and a pulmonologist.[Read More] Understanding Chronic Duodenal Ulcers and Associated Chest Discomfort
Understanding the Connection Between Stomach Issues and Breathing Difficulties
Heavy feeling in the stomach and difficulty breathing? I recently wrote to you about my issues with stomach pain and bloating. I visited Mackay Memorial Hospital, where the doctor prescribed me medication for bloating and gastric relief, but it hasn't been very effective. My...
Dr. Cai Yaozhou reply Internal Medicine
First, consult a general internist or gastroenterologist to arrange for an upper gastrointestinal endoscopy to check for gastroesophageal reflux disease and Helicobacter pylori infection. Additionally, see a general internist or family medicine specialist to arrange for a chest X...[Read More] Understanding the Connection Between Stomach Issues and Breathing Difficulties
Understanding Bloating, Stomach Pain, and Shortness of Breath
Bloating, stomach pain, and shortness of breath? I often experience bloating. Even when I haven't eaten, I feel a bloated sensation in my stomach that makes it hard to eat. When I do eat, I burp frequently, and even drinking a glass of water can trigger burping. However, som...
Dr. Cai Yaozhou reply Internal Medicine
Arrange for an upper gastrointestinal endoscopy to check for gastroesophageal reflux disease and Helicobacter pylori infection.[Read More] Understanding Bloating, Stomach Pain, and Shortness of Breath
Managing Heart Medications: Concerns About Deanxit and Arrhythmia
Cardiac medication issues? Hello Dr. Tsai, I have congenital heart disease (valvular insufficiency) and recently discovered an issue with arrhythmia during my check-up. The doctor previously prescribed me Fludiazepam and Propranolol, but aside from side effects like drowsiness ...
Dr. Cai Yaozhou reply Internal Medicine
Generally, prescribing anxiolytics can alleviate palpitations and stress, which may help resolve issues related to arrhythmia. If you experience side effects such as drowsiness or dizziness, the dosage of Deanxit can be reduced to half. If there is no improvement, please consult ...[Read More] Managing Heart Medications: Concerns About Deanxit and Arrhythmia
Understanding Heart Discomfort: When to Seek Cardiac Care
Cardiac discomfort Hello, doctor; this issue has been bothering me for a long time, but it has become particularly severe recently. I often experience chest tightness, and my pulse is irregular—sometimes it is suddenly very fast, then it can be very slow or weak. I have generaliz...
Dr. Cai Yaozhou reply Internal Medicine
If you see a cardiologist and they order a cardiac ultrasound, and the results are normal, it is likely that emotional stress is a significant contributing factor.[Read More] Understanding Heart Discomfort: When to Seek Cardiac Care
Can You Still Grow Taller After Puberty? Exploring Height Myths
Is it true that one cannot grow taller after the growth period? Hello doctor, with the advancement of technology and medicine, is it really impossible to increase height after the growth period? I am currently 21 years old and my height is only 165 cm. There are many girls taller...
Dr. Cai Yaozhou reply Internal Medicine
Indeed, once the growth period has passed, it is not possible to increase height. A height of 165 cm should be considered average, so there is no need to worry.[Read More] Can You Still Grow Taller After Puberty? Exploring Height Myths
Is Straining During Bowel Movements Harmful to Your Health?
Can straining too hard during bowel movements have side effects? Hello doctor, I have recently been feeling some discomfort in my buttocks and have a strong urge to pass gas. Could this be related to the fact that I have been straining more during bowel movements? I am not consti...
Dr. Cai Yaozhou reply Gastroenterology and Hepatology
It's okay, but there's no need to exert too much effort.[Read More] Is Straining During Bowel Movements Harmful to Your Health?
Why Am I Still Tired After Sleeping 7-8 Hours?
Feeling tired despite sleeping for a long time and needing to sleep more? Hello, Doctor. I have seen news reports stating that sleeping for at least 7 hours is generally sufficient, so I usually sleep between 7 to 8 hours. However, sometimes I still feel the urge to sleep more. I...
Dr. Cai Yaozhou reply Internal Medicine
The golden sleep period for humans is from 10 PM to 6 AM. This is when the human circadian rhythm activates at 10 PM, leading to the secretion of growth hormone and melatonin, a slight decrease in body temperature, and a gradual transition of brain waves from high-amplitude alpha...[Read More] Why Am I Still Tired After Sleeping 7-8 Hours?
Cost and Preparation for Tuberculosis, Hepatitis A, and HIV Tests
Regarding health check-ups? I would like to inquire about the costs for a tuberculosis chest X-ray, hepatitis A immunoglobulin M antibody test, and HIV antibody test. Are there any precautions I need to take before these tests? Additionally, how are these tests conducted?
Dr. Cai Yaozhou reply Internal Medicine
If deemed necessary for the patient's condition, a physician may determine that chest X-ray and blood tests for Hepatitis A Immunoglobulin M antibodies and HIV antibodies are covered by health insurance. There are no specific precautions to take prior to the X-ray and blood ...[Read More] Cost and Preparation for Tuberculosis, Hepatitis A, and HIV Tests
Understanding the Differences: Pain-Free Endoscopy vs. Traditional Methods
Gastroscopy Hello, doctor. May I ask you about the differences between painless gastroscopy and colonoscopy compared to traditional examination methods? Is it really less painful? A friend's father had chronic stomach pain, and after an MRI, it was ultimately discovered to b...
Dr. Cai Yaozhou reply Internal Medicine
It is indeed less painful. Individuals with a family history of liver cancer should undergo regular ultrasound and blood tests, and it is also recommended to have basic examinations such as gastroscopy and colonoscopy.[Read More] Understanding the Differences: Pain-Free Endoscopy vs. Traditional Methods
Understanding Esophageal Issues: Symptoms and Specialist Guidance
Is it an issue related to the esophagus? If you feel a sensation of something stuck in your throat, experience chest tightness or pain, and find it difficult to swallow, such as feeling vitamins getting stuck in your throat, you may want to undergo an esophagram (esophageal imagi...
Dr. Cai Yaozhou reply Internal Medicine
Schedule an appointment with the gastroenterology department for an endoscopic examination.[Read More] Understanding Esophageal Issues: Symptoms and Specialist Guidance
Understanding Aortic Valve Insufficiency: Symptoms, Treatment, and Care Tips
Heart valve insufficiency Hello Dr. Tsai, my grandmother is 70 years old this year. She initially thought she had a cold due to a fever, but after treatment, it was discovered that she has mitral valve insufficiency. The doctor said she must undergo surgery within two years at th...
Dr. Cai Yaozhou reply Internal Medicine
Aortic valve insufficiency and mitral valve insufficiency should be evaluated to determine which valve is affected. It is recommended to consult a cardiologist for further assessment.[Read More] Understanding Aortic Valve Insufficiency: Symptoms, Treatment, and Care Tips
Understanding Delayed Puberty: When to Consult an Internist
Is there something wrong with the body? Hello doctor, I am 20 years old and my genitalia still looks like that of a middle school student and has not developed. Is this a case of endocrine disorder? Today I saw a case where the lack of development was related to the pituitary gla...
Dr. Cai Yaozhou reply Internal Medicine
To see an endocrinologist for the evaluation of male hormones and other related metabolic assessments.[Read More] Understanding Delayed Puberty: When to Consult an Internist
Understanding Bloating and Gas: When to Seek Gastrointestinal Care
Hiccup Hello, Deputy Director: I have been experiencing a sensation of gas needing to be expelled from my stomach regardless of whether I have eaten. I usually do not have stomach pain, but after eating, I tend to pass gas frequently, and my stomach feels uncomfortable. Should I ...
Dr. Cai Yaozhou reply Gastroenterology and Hepatology
An upper gastrointestinal (GI) examination is needed to check for gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD).[Read More] Understanding Bloating and Gas: When to Seek Gastrointestinal Care
Discomfort Under Ribs: Could It Be Related to Chronic Back Pain?
I have discomfort on both sides of my abdomen? I would like to ask the doctor about some discomfort I feel near the end of my ribs close to my abdomen. This sensation occurs intermittently on both sides, and while it is not very frequent, I cannot clearly describe what it feels l...
Dr. Cai Yaozhou reply Internal Medicine
Consult a gastroenterologist for abdominal ultrasound and X-ray examination, and perform an endoscopy if necessary.[Read More] Discomfort Under Ribs: Could It Be Related to Chronic Back Pain?