Struggling with Chronic Nasal Congestion? Find the Right Specialist
Which specialty should I consult for long-term nasal congestion and difficulty breathing? Last year, I visited the emergency department twice due to nasal congestion and difficulty breathing. However, the ENT specialist said that the nasal mucosa appeared normal and attributed it...
Dr. Lai Junlong reply Family Medicine
Hello: If the difficulty in breathing is confirmed to be caused by nasal congestion, you should see an otolaryngologist. It is advised not to use xylometazoline HCl nasal spray for an extended period, as it can lead to rhinitis medicamentosa, which may ultimately require surgery ...[Read More] Struggling with Chronic Nasal Congestion? Find the Right Specialist
Understanding Leg Pain: Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment Options
Bilateral leg pain? Hello: For the past month, I have been experiencing persistent soreness in both legs, from my thighs to the soles of my feet, which becomes more pronounced after walking for a while. This symptom started occurring after the Lunar New Year last year. About 20 y...
Dr. Lai Junlong reply Family Medicine
Hello: Based on the symptoms, it appears to be a vascular issue. "Both legs have been persistently aching, from the thighs to the soles of the feet, especially more pronounced after walking a certain distance." Clinically, it is necessary to consider the possibility of ...[Read More] Understanding Leg Pain: Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment Options
Understanding Viral Infections: Symptoms, Risks, and Transmission Routes
Viral infection A few days ago, my boyfriend suddenly experienced unexplained swelling and pain on one side of his cheek, followed by a sore throat and vomiting. Although he has since received medical treatment, he needs to be hospitalized for observation. When I asked about his ...
Dr. Lai Junlong reply Family Medicine
Hello: The physician's diagnosis may be an infection with the "varicella-zoster virus," which is a type of herpes virus that is the same as the chickenpox virus encountered in childhood. If one has had chickenpox and recovered, the virus can remain dormant in the d...[Read More] Understanding Viral Infections: Symptoms, Risks, and Transmission Routes
Understanding Uncontrollable Teeth Clenching and Facial Movements During Sleep
Questions about Sleep Hello, doctor! I would like to ask you about a problem I encounter while sleeping. Just as I am about to fall asleep, sometimes my teeth suddenly clench together involuntarily, and sometimes it happens twice. What could this be? Each time it happens, I get s...
Dr. Lai Junlong reply Family Medicine
Hello: This phenomenon is a symptom that occurs when the brain's control over peripheral nerves weakens during the process of falling asleep. It is also related to emotional tension or stress. If this issue is troubling you, it is advisable to seek assistance from a neurolog...[Read More] Understanding Uncontrollable Teeth Clenching and Facial Movements During Sleep
Post-Car Accident Recovery: Best Foods and Nutrition Tips
Nutritional Recovery After a Car Accident I'm sorry to hear about your friend's accident. For someone recovering from injuries, it's important to focus on a balanced diet that supports healing. Here are some recommendations: 1. **Protein-rich foods**: Foods like l...
Dr. Lai Junlong reply Family Medicine
Hello: After an injury from a car accident, in addition to external injuries, it is advisable to monitor for signs of a concussion, such as blurred vision, drowsiness, unsteady gait, and severe vomiting. There are no specific nutritional concerns to pay attention to, but it is po...[Read More] Post-Car Accident Recovery: Best Foods and Nutrition Tips
Managing Non-Open Tuberculosis: Care and Monitoring for Patients and Families
Patients with non-open tuberculosis? My mother-in-law was diagnosed with non-open pulmonary tuberculosis bacteria last year and was hospitalized for isolation for two weeks. After her discharge, she lived alone, so I cannot clearly say whether she has been taking her medication o...
Dr. Lai Junlong reply Family Medicine
Hello: Open pulmonary tuberculosis requires hospitalization for treatment, and patients can only leave the isolation ward after their sputum tests for tuberculosis bacteria return negative. After two weeks of treatment, the patient should be less contagious. However, tuberculosis...[Read More] Managing Non-Open Tuberculosis: Care and Monitoring for Patients and Families
Why Are My Calves Constantly Sore and Hard? A Doctor's Insight
Calf soreness is common? Hello doctor, I do not have a regular exercise routine and I hardly ever run. For the past few months, I have noticed that my calves are almost constantly sore, and they have become very hard to the touch, feeling like muscle. They look like those of an a...
Dr. Lai Junlong reply Family Medicine
Hello: If the muscles in the lower limbs suddenly become very stiff and painful, it is important to first assess for the possibility of deep vein thrombosis (DVT). It is recommended to visit a hospital and consult with a family medicine physician for an initial evaluation.[Read More] Why Are My Calves Constantly Sore and Hard? A Doctor's Insight
Which Medical Specialty to Consult for Post-Swimming Symptoms?
Which department should I make an appointment with? After swimming, experiencing multiple episodes of vomiting, dizziness, and loss of appetite (after a swimming class lasting about 1.5 hours) could indicate a sensitivity or allergic reaction to chlorine. It would be advisable to...
Dr. Lai Junlong reply Family Medicine
Hello: 1. It is recommended to ask the swimming pool management if the chlorine levels in the water exceed the standard range. 2. After swimming, rinse your body with clean water immediately to reduce skin absorption. 3. You can consult a toxicologist or ask a family medicine phy...[Read More] Which Medical Specialty to Consult for Post-Swimming Symptoms?
Is Fujita Calcium with Casein the Same as Melamine in Coffee?
Is the "casein" added to "Fujita calcium" equivalent to melamine? Hello: Our family purchased a bottle of liquid calcium recommended by the pharmacy to supplement calcium... it's called "Fujita Calcium," which contains "casein" as an a...
Dr. Lai Junlong reply Family Medicine
Hello: In response, based on the information provided by the public from the "Fujita Calcium" website, it is understood that it contains casein phosphopeptides, which are protein components found in milk, while melamine, which is present in contaminated milk powder, is ...[Read More] Is Fujita Calcium with Casein the Same as Melamine in Coffee?
Unusual Behaviors in My Father: Signs of Possible Health Issues?
Some strange behaviors of my dad? Hello, my father is 53 years old and has a long history of smoking and drinking. Recently, he has been exhibiting some strange behaviors, and I am concerned that there may be some changes in his health. He has developed an uncontrollable craving ...
Dr. Lai Junlong reply Family Medicine
Response: The public should seek medical attention promptly to investigate the symptoms mentioned regarding their father. Alcohol overdose could potentially lead to neurological disorders, or there may be an underlying condition such as diabetes. It is recommended to first consul...[Read More] Unusual Behaviors in My Father: Signs of Possible Health Issues?
What Specialist to See for Intermittent Pain Behind the Ear?
excuse me? If you are experiencing intermittent sharp pain between the area behind your ear and the back of your head, which specialist should you consult?
Dr. Lai Junlong reply Family Medicine
Hello: In response to your situation, you may visit the Ear, Nose, and Throat (ENT) department for a physician evaluation. Wishing you good health.[Read More] What Specialist to See for Intermittent Pain Behind the Ear?
Understanding Yellow Eyes: Causes, Concerns, and Treatment Options
Could you please provide more details about your eye condition? Since elementary school, my eyes have been yellowish, and I also have nasal allergies. Every morning when I wake up, my eyes are very red, making them look quite alarming. This summer, I went to a large hospital for ...
Dr. Lai Junlong reply Family Medicine
Hello: I would like to respond as follows: The yellowing of the eyes may need to be differentiated between conjunctival hyperemia (the so-called "whites of the eyes") due to vascular dilation and true jaundice. As we are of Asian descent, the deposition of pigment cells...[Read More] Understanding Yellow Eyes: Causes, Concerns, and Treatment Options
Understanding Blood Clotting Issues: When to Seek Medical Advice
Coagulation function Hello Dr. Lai: I have recently noticed that my blood coagulation function has worsened. For example, today when I went to donate blood, the nurse said I could remove the bandage after half an hour, but I waited four hours and it was still bleeding. It took a ...
Dr. Lai Junlong reply Family Medicine
Hello: I would like to respond as follows: The situation mentioned by the public may indicate a possible coagulation dysfunction. However, a detailed assessment requires a physical examination and blood coagulation function tests for a definitive diagnosis. It is recommended that...[Read More] Understanding Blood Clotting Issues: When to Seek Medical Advice
Understanding Morning Stiffness and Pain in Fingers: Causes and Solutions
soreness Hello, doctor. I would like to ask about my fingers. At first, when I wake up in the morning, they feel stiff. After two weeks, the stiffness turned into pain, particularly around the nails and the first joints of my fingers. However, once I move them, the discomfort imp...
Dr. Lai Junlong reply Family Medicine
Hello: In response to your inquiry, your symptoms can be evaluated by a rheumatologist. Normal test results do not necessarily mean there are no issues, as certain rheumatologic and immunologic diseases are diagnosed based on clinical symptoms. Alternatively, you may first seek a...[Read More] Understanding Morning Stiffness and Pain in Fingers: Causes and Solutions
Understanding Hand Tremors: When to See a Doctor for Diagnosis
Tremors in the hands? 1. When holding a TV remote control or pressing buttons on a mobile phone, my fingers tremble. 2. When my elbows are resting on the table, my palms shake. I'm not sure which specialty to consult for this. Additionally, my blood pressure is elevated; can...
Dr. Lai Junlong reply Family Medicine
Hello: In response to your inquiry, for the issue of tremors, you may first consult a family medicine physician or a neurologist. For high blood pressure, you can seek care from a family medicine physician, a cardiologist, or a general internist. Thank you.[Read More] Understanding Hand Tremors: When to See a Doctor for Diagnosis
Understanding Vital Signs: Indicators of Life and Death in Medicine
Vital signs of the human body 1. In the event of death, the vital signs of the human body, including respiration, heartbeat, blood pressure, and pulse, exhibit specific changes. Typically, respiration ceases first, followed by the heartbeat, blood pressure, and finally the pulse....
Dr. Lai Junlong reply Family Medicine
Hello: Here is my response: 1. There is no specific order; if blood pressure drops below a certain level, it may become undetectable. Breathing will slow down, and the duration between breaths will increase, potentially extending to half a minute to a minute before breathing com...[Read More] Understanding Vital Signs: Indicators of Life and Death in Medicine
Understanding IDF-1: Is It a Safe Alternative to Growth Hormones?
What is IDF-1? Hello, doctor~ Is IDF-1 a growth hormone? Is it the same as the products that are commonly said to have side effects when using growth hormones? I saw IDF-1 on television, and they mentioned that it is an oral product! It supposedly has no side effects and provides...
Dr. Lai Junlong reply Family Medicine
Hello: You are likely asking about IGF. Here is my response regarding IGF: 1. IGF-1 stands for Insulin-like Growth Factor I. 2. Its function is to regulate the secretion of growth hormone and promote tissue growth and anabolic metabolism. Clinically, it is used as an indicator to...[Read More] Understanding IDF-1: Is It a Safe Alternative to Growth Hormones?
Understanding Your Blood Test Results: What Do Eosinophils, PDW, and P-LCR Mean?
Health check-up Consulting a physician: Recently, my blood test results showed three abnormal findings: 1. Eosinophils (EOSINOPHILS) percentage is 3.7 (normal range: 1-3) 2. Platelet Distribution Width (PDW) FL is 9.9 (normal range: 10-16) 3. Platelet-Large Cell Ratio (P-LCR) per...
Dr. Lai Junlong reply Family Medicine
Hello, in response to your questions: 1. Before examining the white blood cell differential, one should first look at the total white blood cell count (which typically ranges from 4,000/µL to 11,000/µL). An abnormal white blood cell differential only has clinical significance i...[Read More] Understanding Your Blood Test Results: What Do Eosinophils, PDW, and P-LCR Mean?
Understanding Growth Hormone Effects and Growth Plate Closure in Children
Height growth issues? I apologize for the confusion. When you mention that growth hormone can cause acromegaly, "acromegaly" refers to the abnormal enlargement of the extremities, which is generally considered an undesirable condition. Additionally, when you mentioned t...
Dr. Lai Junlong reply Family Medicine
Hello: 1. Acromegaly refers to the proliferation of connective tissue at the extremities, resulting in enlargement, but it does not lead to increased height. 2. Once the growth plates have fused, the likelihood of increasing height is very low.[Read More] Understanding Growth Hormone Effects and Growth Plate Closure in Children
Height Concerns: Tips for Growing Taller at 22 Years Old
Height issues~ Hello, doctor! I'm 22 years old this year! I know that height is closely related to genetics, daily routines, and exercise. I feel quite normal already, but I still want to ask if you have any tips for increasing height. I'm open to anything and willing t...
Dr. Lai Junlong reply Family Medicine
Hello: In response to your question, I recommend that you visit a pediatric growth and development assessment clinic for a bone age X-ray examination to check if the growth plates have fused. Generally, most individuals have fused by the age of 15 or 16, making it unlikely for fu...[Read More] Height Concerns: Tips for Growing Taller at 22 Years Old