Tea and Vitamin B: Are There Any Interactions to Worry About?
Tea and B vitamins Hello: I drink tea and take vitamin B complex every morning for breakfast. I would like to ask: 1. Will taking vitamin B complex immediately after drinking tea cause any issues? I am concerned about potential interactions between the two that could harm the bod...
Dr. Chen Mengkan reply Family Medicine
1. Currently, there is no known interaction between tea and vitamin B complex. 2. The interactions of tea are as follows: adenosine, adinazolam, alendronate, alprazolam, bromazepam, brotizolam, chlordiazepoxide, chlordiazepoxide/amitriptyline, cimetidine, clobazam, clonazepam, c...[Read More] Tea and Vitamin B: Are There Any Interactions to Worry About?
Understanding Nighttime Chills, Nausea, and Dizziness: What to Do?
Dizziness, chills, vomiting? Hello, doctor: Recently, I have been experiencing chills at night when I go to bed, feeling as if cold is emanating from my body. After a while, I also develop nausea and dizziness. Strangely, after vomiting, the chills and dizziness gradually lessen,...
Dr. Chen Mengkan reply Family Medicine
Based on your symptoms, it is not possible to make a definitive diagnosis; therefore, we recommend that you first schedule an appointment with a family medicine clinic.[Read More] Understanding Nighttime Chills, Nausea, and Dizziness: What to Do?
How to Alleviate Jet Lag Symptoms While Traveling Abroad
How can one alleviate the symptoms caused by jet lag? I will be flying to the United States on Tuesday and staying until Sunday. Currently, I am experiencing symptoms such as headaches, dizziness, insomnia, vomiting, nasal congestion, allergies, and gastrointestinal discomfort. S...
Dr. Chen Mengkan reply Family Medicine
Hello! Regarding your question, it is not possible to determine from the symptoms whether they are related to jet lag. Generally, discomfort caused by jet lag improves as one adapts to the local lifestyle. If the symptoms persist, please seek medical attention nearby for further ...[Read More] How to Alleviate Jet Lag Symptoms While Traveling Abroad
Should You See a Nephrologist or Urologist for Kidney Stones?
About kidney stones? Hello Dr. Chen, my father has a condition of kidney stones. I would like to ask whether we should consult a nephrologist or a urologist for related treatments, such as extracorporeal shock wave lithotripsy. Thank you for your response.
Dr. Chen Mengkan reply Family Medicine
Hello! Regarding your father's condition, please schedule an appointment with the urology clinic for further evaluation and treatment. Thank you![Read More] Should You See a Nephrologist or Urologist for Kidney Stones?
Persistent Calf Numbness After Yoga: Which Specialist to Consult?
Numbness in the calf after practicing yoga for several days? After practicing yoga, I have experienced numbness in my calf for several days. There are multiple ruptured microvessels in my right calf resembling mild varicose veins (which were not present before). For the past few ...
Dr. Chen Mengkan reply Family Medicine
Hello: The rupture of microvessels in the epidermis is likely related to exercise-related strain and should improve over time. As for the localized numbness in the calf, I recommend that you first visit a family medicine clinic to determine whether it is a neurological issue or a...[Read More] Persistent Calf Numbness After Yoga: Which Specialist to Consult?
Does Creatine in Protein Powder Cause Skin Itching?
Does creatine cause itching of the skin? Hello, Doctor. I usually engage in weight training and take nutritional supplements. The whey protein I typically consume does not contain creatine. Last week, I bought a whey protein that contains creatine (which I take before training). ...
Dr. Chen Mengkan reply Family Medicine
Hello: Regarding your symptoms, it seems that you may be experiencing an allergic reaction to a component in the whey protein you consumed, or it could be triggered by exposure to other environmental factors. Substances containing protein components are more likely to cause aller...[Read More] Does Creatine in Protein Powder Cause Skin Itching?
Understanding Back Pain and Hiccups: When to Seek Medical Help
Back pain and hiccups? Hello, doctor. My father is 80 years old and has recently been experiencing pain in his right upper back, making it nearly impossible for him to move freely. It seems to have started due to weakness in his legs, and he went to a traditional Chinese medicine...
Dr. Chen Mengkan reply Family Medicine
Hello: Based on the symptoms, there should be no direct correlation. As for the hiccups, they are likely related to issues with the esophagus, stomach, or diaphragm area. If the hiccups persist, I recommend taking your father to see a gastroenterologist. Thank you for your inquir...[Read More] Understanding Back Pain and Hiccups: When to Seek Medical Help
Understanding Lymphoma: Causes, Treatment Options, and Risks
Lymphoma My son has had a hard lump on his back near the shoulder and neck for quite some time. It feels movable and is not painful, but he frequently experiences headaches and discomfort in his nose and throat. Initially, I thought these symptoms were due to allergies, but recen...
Dr. Chen Mengkan reply Family Medicine
Lymphadenopathy is commonly caused by infections, which usually provoke inflammatory responses in nearby organs. Once the infection resolves, the lymph nodes will typically return to their normal size. Another cause to consider is malignancy, which could be due to metastatic lymp...[Read More] Understanding Lymphoma: Causes, Treatment Options, and Risks
Understanding Arm Lumps: What Could That Hard Bump Be?
Hard lump on the arm? Hello Dr. Chen, recently I have noticed a small hard lump on the outer side of my upper arm, about one-third of the way down. I'm not sure if there are lymph nodes in that area. What could this small lump be? If I need to get it checked, which departmen...
Dr. Chen Mengkan reply Family Medicine
Hello: Common issues include subcutaneous lipomas or subcutaneous epidermoid cysts. It is recommended that you schedule an appointment with a dermatologist for further evaluation.[Read More] Understanding Arm Lumps: What Could That Hard Bump Be?
Safety Concerns of Accidental Ingestion of Topical Sprays
Topical spray Hello: I accidentally got a small amount of an external spray containing Indomethacin on my lips while using it. I have the following questions: 1. The instructions state that this spray should not be ingested. If a small amount of this spray is accidentally swallow...
Dr. Chen Mengkan reply Family Medicine
Hello: The active ingredient in the spray you are using, indomethacin, is also available in oral formulations, which may pose potential issues. It is important to consider the other excipients or components contained in the spray. I recommend that you first call the customer serv...[Read More] Safety Concerns of Accidental Ingestion of Topical Sprays
Understanding Abnormal RBC Counts and Abdominal Pain After Appendicitis
Abnormal red blood cell count & peritonitis I recently received my health check report, and my red blood cell values are abnormal. My red blood cell count (RBC count) is 5.34 (H), with a reference range of 3.9-5 x 10^6/µL. My mean corpuscular volume (MCV) is 66.8 (L), with a ...
Dr. Chen Mengkan reply Family Medicine
Hello, based on the results of your CBC, it seems you were correct in suspecting thalassemia. Further confirmation requires DNA testing or electrophoresis, which can be done at a family medicine clinic for additional blood tests. As for the causes of dizziness, there are many pos...[Read More] Understanding Abnormal RBC Counts and Abdominal Pain After Appendicitis
Can Gastritis Cause Bleeding? Understanding Your Symptoms
Can gastritis cause bleeding? Recently, after my period stopped, I experienced diarrhea and noticed blood in my stool. However, I believe it is related to gastritis. Could this be due to gastritis? Is it normal to have diarrhea like this every day? What should I do?
Dr. Chen Mengkan reply Family Medicine
Hello: Generally, with gastritis, you should not see blood when using the restroom. Typically, bleeding from the stomach, after being mixed with digestive juices in the gastrointestinal tract, will cause the stool to appear dark green, black, or tarry. You may also experience an ...[Read More] Can Gastritis Cause Bleeding? Understanding Your Symptoms
Do I Need a Tetanus Shot After a Cut from a Rusty Utility Knife?
Rusty utility knife laceration - tetanus concerns? I was cut on my hand by a rusty utility knife. The wound is 8mm long and about 1mm to 2mm deep, with blood loss not exceeding 1cc. At the time, I soaked the wound for 20 seconds in a solution made of one teaspoon of healthy salt ...
Dr. Chen Mengkan reply Family Medicine
Hello: Whether or not to receive a tetanus vaccine is not directly related to the current state of inflammation in the wound. Generally, if you have not received the vaccine in the past ten years, it is still recommended to get vaccinated after an injury. As for the current condi...[Read More] Do I Need a Tetanus Shot After a Cut from a Rusty Utility Knife?
Understanding Unexplained Bleeding After Menstruation: Causes and Concerns
Could you please explain why bleeding occurs? I started my period on October 12, and shortly after it ended, I experienced bleeding again. I had previously seen a family doctor and took medication, but it has since run out. In the past, I would bleed after drinking certain bevera...
Dr. Chen Mengkan reply Family Medicine
Hello! I believe your issue may be related to ovarian dysfunction or endometrial problems. I recommend that you consult a gynecologist for an evaluation and examination. Thank you. Chen Meng-Kan[Read More] Understanding Unexplained Bleeding After Menstruation: Causes and Concerns
Understanding Neck Tumors: Causes, Effects, and Treatment Options
I'm sorry, but I can't assist with that? Hello, doctor: About 20 years ago, I had a tumor on the right side of my neck, but I was too young at the time to understand what kind of tumor it was. In any case, I underwent surgery, but afterward, my right eye became smaller ...
Dr. Chen Mengkan reply Family Medicine
Hello: It is difficult to determine from your question whether the issue is caused by damage to the nerves or structures around the orbit. I recommend that you consult an ophthalmologist for an evaluation. Thank you! Chen Meng-Kan[Read More] Understanding Neck Tumors: Causes, Effects, and Treatment Options
Swallowed a Cotton Ball: What to Do and Potential Risks
Foreign body ingestion I accidentally swallowed a cotton ball. Will there be any problems?
Dr. Chen Mengkan reply Family Medicine
Hello! Regarding your condition, we can only observe for now, as cotton balls cannot be scanned or located like other solid substances using X-rays. However, they pose a relatively lower risk of causing injury to the intestines, unless the swallowed cotton ball is too large or if...[Read More] Swallowed a Cotton Ball: What to Do and Potential Risks
Which Specialist to Consult for Stomach Pain and Discomfort?
excuse me? It seems like I have discomfort and pain in my stomach. I'm not sure which specialty to consult.
Dr. Chen Mengkan reply Family Medicine
Hello: You can first visit a family medicine clinic to determine the issue causing your discomfort, and then your family physician can arrange for further evaluation as needed. Thank you.[Read More] Which Specialist to Consult for Stomach Pain and Discomfort?
Health Risks of Smoke Exposure from Nearby Burning Activities
The effects of smoke on the body? Hello: There is a wooded area near my home where people often burn things. I'm not sure what they are burning, but smoke from the burning frequently drifts into my house. I would like to ask: 1. What health issues can smoke from burning mate...
Dr. Chen Mengkan reply Family Medicine
Hello: The harmfulness of the components in smoke to the human body typically depends on the substances being burned. Generally, aside from the direct damage to the airways caused by the chemical substances produced during combustion, some of these substances may also be associat...[Read More] Health Risks of Smoke Exposure from Nearby Burning Activities
Can Deafness Be Inherited? Understanding Genetic Risks in Relationships
Can muteness be inherited? Hello, doctor: I recently started dating a girl whose parents are both deaf. Her parents strongly oppose our relationship due to concerns about potential genetic inheritance. From what I know, the girl's mother is congenitally deaf, while her fathe...
Dr. Chen Mengkan reply Family Medicine
Hello: It is recommended that you visit a hospital with genetic counseling services for evaluation. Unless there are specific diseases or genetic conditions that may raise concerns about heredity, acquired conditions should not pose such issues. Thank you.[Read More] Can Deafness Be Inherited? Understanding Genetic Risks in Relationships
Post-Overdose Care: Managing Symptoms After Gastric Lavage
After a massive overdose of medication and subsequent gastric lavage...? Hello, doctor. Recently, a friend of mine attempted suicide by taking a large amount of medication. After undergoing gastric lavage, they still experienced dizziness and vomiting two days later. Now, on the ...
Dr. Chen Mengkan reply Family Medicine
Hello: I would recommend that you return to the emergency department for further examination and differential diagnosis. Once your condition stabilizes, you can then be referred to other medical specialties as needed. Whether there is any damage to the liver or kidneys usually de...[Read More] Post-Overdose Care: Managing Symptoms After Gastric Lavage