Managing Hemorrhoids During Menstruation: What You Need to Know
Menstrual Period and Anal Issues I recently developed hemorrhoids and consulted a doctor. I've been applying medication for four days, but my menstrual period has started, and I'm unsure whether I should continue using the medication Yizhi Kang.
Dr. Chen Taicheng reply Family Medicine
If you have concerns about using medication during your menstrual period, you may pause its use and resume after your period ends. Hemorrhoids are a chronic issue, and it may take several weeks of using the medication to achieve complete healing, so a short-term discontinuation i...[Read More] Managing Hemorrhoids During Menstruation: What You Need to Know
Understanding Virus Infection Risks in Sports: What You Need to Know
Risk of Viral Infection Hello Dr. Chen, Yesterday, while playing basketball, my hand came into contact with a friend's bleeding wound (the wound had scabbed over but was reopened during the game). I do not have any open or bleeding wounds on my hand. Given that I am unaware...
Dr. Chen Taicheng reply Family Medicine
● Aside from cauliflower (condyloma), other diseases are transmitted through the exchange of blood and bodily fluids, and the chance of infection is nearly zero if you have no open wounds on your skin. ● Condyloma is primarily transmitted through contact, but its location is usua...[Read More] Understanding Virus Infection Risks in Sports: What You Need to Know
Nighttime Anxiety and Sweaty Palms: Understanding Your Symptoms
Waking up in the middle of the night feeling anxious and unable to sleep, with sweating in the palm of the left hand? Hello Dr. Chen! I often wake up around 2 to 3 AM feeling anxious and unable to fall back asleep, and this has been happening for some time. Additionally, I freque...
Dr. Chen Taicheng reply Family Medicine
● Please seek medical attention to determine if there are any arrhythmias, high or low blood sugar levels, thyroid function issues, or blood pressure concerns. ● Nighttime cramps may be due to dehydration, increased sensitivity of peripheral nerves and blood vessels, diabetes, li...[Read More] Nighttime Anxiety and Sweaty Palms: Understanding Your Symptoms
Chronic Abdominal Pain: Seeking the Right Specialist for Relief
Abdominal pain for two years, with reduced discomfort when lying down? Doctor, the gastroenterologist said that all my internal organs are normal, so it shouldn't be an organ issue. However, I have been experiencing persistent abdominal pain that doesn't feel deep insid...
Dr. Chen Taicheng reply Family Medicine
● The causes of abdominal pain are diverse: (1) Hepatobiliary and gastrointestinal: gastritis, enteritis, peptic ulcers, inflammatory bowel diseases (ankylosing spondylitis may be associated with inflammatory bowel diseases such as ulcerative colitis and Crohn's disease), di...[Read More] Chronic Abdominal Pain: Seeking the Right Specialist for Relief
Understanding a Persistent Black Spot on the Sternum: Causes and Concerns
There is a black patch on the skin at the xiphoid process of the sternum? The black patch typically does not cause any issues; it is neither painful nor itchy nor swollen. However, whenever I have a fever or cold, the patch begins to feel warm, becomes red and swollen (the swelli...
Dr. Chen Taicheng reply Family Medicine
● Black spots may be benign lesions or moles, but if there are changes in shape, size, color, or borders, it is important to be cautious about the possibility of malignancy. Please consult a dermatologist. Wishing you good health, Dr. Chen Tai-Cheng from the Family Medicine Depar...[Read More] Understanding a Persistent Black Spot on the Sternum: Causes and Concerns
Persistent Left-Sided Pain and Numbness: What Specialist to See?
Numbness and pain in the left hand and left foot, with alternating pain on the left side. Pain extends from the hand to the back, lower back, buttocks, and down to the leg? I have been experiencing symptoms for over a year. Initially, I felt a tightness in my chest, so I went to ...
Dr. Chen Taicheng reply Family Medicine
● If you experience numbness or pain that seems to move around, consider conditions such as muscle inflammation, fibromyalgia, or rare spinal neuropathies. It is advisable to prepare relevant tests such as electrocardiograms, electromyography from neurology, or other imaging stud...[Read More] Persistent Left-Sided Pain and Numbness: What Specialist to See?
Chest Pain and Discomfort: Is It Exercise-Related or Heart Issues?
Pain upon palpation of the lower edge of the left chest? Hello Doctor: Last night and today, I suddenly felt a bit of pressure and pain at the lower edge of my left chest. It also hurts a little when I press on it. Additionally, I have experienced some palpitations last night and...
Dr. Chen Taicheng reply Family Medicine
● Given your age, the likelihood of having heart problems is low; however, conditions such as arrhythmia, thyroid disease, anemia, and fluctuations in blood sugar levels can lead to palpitations. ● For the pain point under the left chest, it is advisable to observe it for 2-3 day...[Read More] Chest Pain and Discomfort: Is It Exercise-Related or Heart Issues?
Understanding the Discomfort Between Throat and Chest: When to Seek Help
There is a sensation of something stuck between the throat and chest? Hello, doctor: Recently, I visited an otolaryngologist due to a sensation of tightness and a feeling of something stuck between my throat and chest. After examination, I was diagnosed with throat inflammation a...
Dr. Chen Taicheng reply Family Medicine
If you are currently not experiencing any swallowing pain or chest pain, you may observe your condition. However, if you continue to have related symptoms or discomfort, please follow up with a gastroenterologist, as it is indeed possible that you have gastroesophageal reflux dis...[Read More] Understanding the Discomfort Between Throat and Chest: When to Seek Help
Understanding Dizziness: Causes, Concerns, and Remedies
I have been experiencing dizziness recently? Hello, doctor: Sometimes when I stand up from sitting, I suddenly feel dizzy (this has been going on for quite a while). Starting last Tuesday afternoon, I experienced sudden dizziness, but it seemed better the next day. I have a habit...
Dr. Chen Taicheng reply Family Medicine
● Standing up from a seated position may cause dizziness, which sounds like orthostatic hypotension. Helpful methods include avoiding rapid changes in posture, not sitting or standing for prolonged periods, and drinking water or eating something before getting up. ● There are art...[Read More] Understanding Dizziness: Causes, Concerns, and Remedies
Am I Anemic? Understanding Blood Test Results and Causes
Doctor, is this anemia? HCT (Hematocrit) value: 37.5% (Reference range: 37-47%) HGB (Hemoglobin) value: 12.8 g/dL (Reference range: 12-16 g/dL) MCH (Mean Corpuscular Hemoglobin) value: 30.7 pg (Reference range: 27-34 pg) MCHC (Mean Corpuscular Hemoglobin Concentration) valu...
Dr. Chen Taicheng reply Family Medicine
● Except for a slightly low red blood cell count (the normal range for most people is above 4.2 million; yours is 4.17 million, which is just a little below), all other values are within the normal range. ● At this time, hemoglobin levels are normal, and the only issue is the sli...[Read More] Am I Anemic? Understanding Blood Test Results and Causes
How to Clear Phlegm When You Can't Cough It Up
Unable to expel phlegm? My family has told me that I snore while I am in deep sleep, but it's not the kind of snoring associated with sleep apnea. Instead, it sounds like my throat is blocked, and I feel like I want to cough up phlegm but can't. What are some methods to...
Dr. Chen Taicheng reply Family Medicine
● Check if you often have phlegm, smoke, have allergic conditions such as asthma or allergic rhinitis, or suffer from sinusitis. If phlegm occurs occasionally, medication can be used initially, but it is important to identify the underlying cause. You may visit a family medicine ...[Read More] How to Clear Phlegm When You Can't Cough It Up
Can Rabies Virus Infect Through Sweat or Bath Water?
Questions about rabies? Hello doctor, my friend was suddenly licked on the calf by a dog owned by someone else while exercising in the park (the area that was licked has no wounds). He immediately returned home to take a shower and clean himself. However, he has a scrape on his a...
Dr. Chen Taicheng reply Family Medicine
● In theory, it is possible for rabies virus to enter the body through wounds when exposed to the saliva of an infected animal; however, there have been no reports of indigenous or imported rabies cases in Taiwan this year, so there is no need for concern (https://goo.gl/EDU8Wc)....[Read More] Can Rabies Virus Infect Through Sweat or Bath Water?
Understanding Blood Test Results: When to Seek Medical Advice
Blood Issues in Health Check Reports Hello Doctor, I have a hepatitis B carrier status and polycystic ovary syndrome. I underwent a health check in early June, and some results were flagged in red. The report shows: PLT (platelet count) 114, MPV (mean platelet volume) 10.4, PDW (...
Dr. Chen Taicheng reply Family Medicine
- Low platelet count may be caused by hepatitis B leading to splenomegaly, which consumes platelets. - An increased platelet distribution width is a nonspecific abnormality and does not require concern. - Mean Platelet Volume (MPV): A decrease in MPV may be associated with aplast...[Read More] Understanding Blood Test Results: When to Seek Medical Advice
Understanding Gastrointestinal Issues: Is Dragon Fruit Causing Blood in Stool?
Gastrointestinal/defecation issues? I would like to consult a physician. Two days ago, I ate red dragon fruit, and today when I used the restroom, I noticed blood after having a bowel movement. There was no blood when I wiped, and the stool was of normal color; the red color seem...
Dr. Chen Taicheng reply Family Medicine
● Dragon fruit can cause stools to appear reddish, but it is difficult to definitively determine if it is blood; if this has not been a previous issue, it is advisable to monitor the situation first. ● If there are concerns, you can visit a family medicine or gastroenterology cli...[Read More] Understanding Gastrointestinal Issues: Is Dragon Fruit Causing Blood in Stool?
Understanding Complex Migraine Symptoms and Their Management
The chief complaint is migraine? Hello, Doctor. I apologize for writing this as I have multiple symptoms. My migraines are accompanied by tinnitus, and the pain can last for several days. Sometimes, I experience a heavy sensation in my head that causes it to droop forward. Occasi...
Dr. Chen Taicheng reply Family Medicine
● There are many causes of headaches, with common types including migraines and tension-type headaches. Migraines are characterized by moderate to severe pain that can last from 4 to 72 hours, often unilateral, and may be accompanied by pulsating pain, nausea, vomiting, and exace...[Read More] Understanding Complex Migraine Symptoms and Their Management
Understanding Your Symptoms: Which Specialist to Consult for Unexplained Illness?
Family medicine issues? Hello Doctor: Since June 30th, I have been experiencing alternating sensations of cold and heat, feeling extremely uncomfortable in air conditioning, and sweating profusely. At times, I also feel a burning sensation in my arms and shoulders. I visited a lo...
Dr. Chen Taicheng reply Family Medicine
● Fluctuating temperatures can indeed be a sign of infection, but it is possible that the infectious disease specialist's examination did not reveal significant abnormalities at that time. ● Symptoms such as fever at night, palpitations, and sweating, in addition to the prev...[Read More] Understanding Your Symptoms: Which Specialist to Consult for Unexplained Illness?
Understanding Your Health Check Report: CT Findings and Liver Function Insights
Health Checkup Report Consultation Hello, Doctor. I recently checked my medical records from the National Health Insurance Administration and noticed that my previous examination included an abdominal CT scan. The uploaded medical report contains a section that states FINDINGS: 1...
Dr. Chen Taicheng reply Family Medicine
● The results of the abdominal CT scan are difficult to interpret. If you have consumed certain health foods, nutritional supplements, calcium tablets, antacids, or anti-diarrheal medications, these could lead to similar findings. While there is a possibility of a small intestine...[Read More] Understanding Your Health Check Report: CT Findings and Liver Function Insights
Concerns About IV Injections: Addressing Your Anxieties
Concerns Regarding Injections 2 Dr. Chen, I apologize for bothering you again. I wanted to follow up on my previous question regarding intravenous injection (using a large-bore needle) directly into the blood vessel. Could this cause any issues? This has been causing me anxiety f...
Dr. Chen Taicheng reply Family Medicine
● To refer to the previous article: "In conclusion, generally speaking, it is unlikely. In the case of injections, part of the injection is administered into the muscle or subcutaneously, not directly into the bloodstream. ● The needle is very fine, and the amount of cotton ...[Read More] Concerns About IV Injections: Addressing Your Anxieties
Concerns About Injection Safety: What Happens If Cotton Debris Enters the Needle?
Concerns about vaccinations? Hello Dr. Chen: I would like to ask, during an injection, if I wipe the area with an alcohol swab and then open the needle cap, I later noticed there was lint on the needle. Will this lint enter the bloodstream? If it does, what could happen? I have a...
Dr. Chen Taicheng reply Family Medicine
● To conclude, generally speaking, it is unlikely. In the case of injections, they are typically administered into the muscle or subcutaneously, not directly into the bloodstream. ● The needle is very fine, and the amount of substance injected is also small. If, by chance, it is ...[Read More] Concerns About Injection Safety: What Happens If Cotton Debris Enters the Needle?
Understanding Hypertension: Managing Blood Pressure and Cholesterol Levels
Hypertension screening? Hello doctor, I'm 33 years old, 167 cm tall, and weigh 85 kg. Last year during my health check-up, my blood pressure was high at 145/92 and my heart rate was 88, which I think might have been due to nerves. Since I didn't feel any particular symp...
Dr. Chen Taicheng reply Family Medicine
● Normal blood pressure is defined as ≤120/80 mmHg; hypertension is defined as ≥140/90 mmHg. However, blood pressure can sometimes be elevated due to anxiety during a clinic visit, so it is best to measure blood pressure at home, which should be the primary reference. If home blo...[Read More] Understanding Hypertension: Managing Blood Pressure and Cholesterol Levels