Understanding Abdominal CT Scans: What They Reveal and When to Worry
Abdominal issues? Hello Doctor, I underwent an abdominal CT scan in September this year to examine my small intestine. Recently, due to anxiety, I have developed some concerns about my abdomen, such as feeling an unfamiliar muscle on the left side of my abdomen or feeling confuse...
Dr. Wu Zongying Reply:
As your previous physician mentioned, a CT scan of the abdomen can reveal most structural abnormalities in the abdominal area, including those in the muscles. Your letter did not specify the reason for the initial small intestine examination, so I am unable to provide further ana...[Read More] Understanding Abdominal CT Scans: What They Reveal and When to Worry
Why Are My Veins More Visible? Understanding Potential Health Concerns
Blood vessels become more prominent? Hello Doctor, I am 160 cm tall and weigh around 70 kg. Previously, my veins were not very visible. However, this past week, I have noticed that the blue veins on the inner side of my wrists have become more prominent (they appear bluer, and th...
Dr. Wu Zongying Reply:
Hello: The dilation or constriction of blood vessels is related to temperature and circulation. When the temperature is higher or when consuming more stimulating foods, blood vessels tend to dilate. Conditions that increase blood circulation, such as after exercise or consuming m...[Read More] Why Are My Veins More Visible? Understanding Potential Health Concerns
Understanding Unexplained Hemoptysis: Causes and Next Steps
Abnormal vomiting of blood, known as hematemesis, can be caused by various medical conditions. Some common causes include: 1. **Gastrointestinal bleeding**: This can occur due to ulcers, gastritis, or esophageal varices. 2? A family member, a 23-year-old male currently abroad, h...
Dr. Liao Yaopan Reply:
Hello, the text mentions "hemoptysis." Gastrointestinal issues must be evaluated; online consultations are not equivalent to in-person medical visits and cannot provide diagnoses or treatment recommendations. Changhua Hospital cares about you.[Read More] Understanding Unexplained Hemoptysis: Causes and Next Steps
Understanding Side Abdominal Pain and Skin Moles: When to Worry?
Muscles and bones beside the abdomen? Hello Dr. Hsiao, I seem to have felt a sudden ache near my side where the ribs are, and I'm not sure if it's because I didn't warm up properly before doing supine exercises at school yesterday. Although the pain has subsided, c...
Dr. Xiao Yongxun Reply:
Dear Mr. Zheng: 1. Pneumothorax refers to the presence of air or any gas in the pleural cavity, which can occur due to trauma, medical procedures, or unknown reasons. If the lesion creates a one-way valve effect, allowing air to enter the pleural cavity only during inhalation an...[Read More] Understanding Side Abdominal Pain and Skin Moles: When to Worry?
Understanding the Benefits of Warm Water for Health and Wellness
Health maintenance issues? Hello, Doctor: Due to my long-term physical weakness, when I feel unwell, doctors or elders often advise me to drink warm water. I have the following two questions: 1. Does warm water really help alleviate discomfort? What are the effects of warm water ...
Dr. Ye Qianyu Reply:
Hello! From a theoretical standpoint, drinking water at any temperature does not have long-term effects on the human body (except for very hot water, which can cause burns to the mouth, esophagus, etc., but that is not within our discussion). There are only a few studies indicati...[Read More] Understanding the Benefits of Warm Water for Health and Wellness
Multiple Hard Lumps After IV: What to Do and Which Specialist to See?
After the IV infusion, there are multiple small hard lumps in the blood vessel? Hello, I would like to ask, after the IV drip was removed from the back of my hand, there are about ten small hard lumps along the vein from the back of my hand to my arm, approximately the size of re...
Dr. Ye Qianyu Reply:
Hello! Based on your description, it is possible that the lesions are distributed along the blood vessels. Since you mentioned that this occurred after an intravenous injection, it is also important to know what medications were administered that day. I recommend consulting a vas...[Read More] Multiple Hard Lumps After IV: What to Do and Which Specialist to See?
Understanding Open Wounds: Skin Irritation and HIV Infection Risks
Questions about skin abrasions and infections? A skin abrasion without bleeding that is red and painful to the touch is considered an open wound. If this wound comes into contact with HIV-infected blood, there is a potential risk of infection. However, the risk of HIV transmissio...
Dr. Xiao Yongxun Reply:
Dear Mr. Anonymous: 1. The skin can be divided into the epidermis, dermis, and subcutaneous tissue. The epidermis is composed of keratinocytes and can be further divided from the deepest to the most superficial layers into the stratum basale, stratum spinosum, stratum granulosum...[Read More] Understanding Open Wounds: Skin Irritation and HIV Infection Risks
Can Heat Stroke Cause Subcutaneous Hemorrhage? Understanding Symptoms
Can heatstroke cause subcutaneous bleeding? Hello, Doctor: It seems that not many people have this experience, so I would like to ask you: I have often experienced heat exhaustion during the summer in recent years (as diagnosed by Traditional Chinese Medicine). During two instanc...
Dr. Huang Xunying Reply:
The symptoms you mentioned are somewhat similar to a hemangioma or pigmentation (like a mole), but the color is red. These can often appear due to sun exposure and may not necessarily fade after they appear. If they do not disappear and you find them aesthetically uncomfortable, ...[Read More] Can Heat Stroke Cause Subcutaneous Hemorrhage? Understanding Symptoms
How to Revive Sunken Veins After Chemotherapy: Tips and Solutions
Vascular descent Hello, doctor. Last year, I underwent chemotherapy for breast cancer, which caused an increase in liver enzymes. For a period of time, I had to have blood drawn frequently every week. Now, the veins in my arms have collapsed and are completely invisible, so blood...
Dr. Liao Yaopan Reply:
Hello, regarding this situation, the condition of blood vessels varies greatly among individuals. Moderate exercise helps maintain vascular elasticity, and appropriate supplementation of vitamin C may be beneficial; however, it cannot be guaranteed to restore vascular health. Ple...[Read More] How to Revive Sunken Veins After Chemotherapy: Tips and Solutions
Understanding Vasovagal Syncope: Causes and Recovery Tips
Fainting without any apparent reason? Yesterday morning, from 9:00 to 10:00, I was practicing riding a motorcycle outside. After that, a kind person came to teach me some exam techniques for about 10 minutes. I started to feel my vision narrowing and turning black, and then I fai...
Dr. Chen Taicheng Reply:
It is indeed possible that the cause of vasovagal syncope is prolonged standing, leading to blood pooling in the lower extremities and resulting in lower blood pressure, which can cause fainting. The causes of syncope are numerous, and the first step is to rule out cardiac-relate...[Read More] Understanding Vasovagal Syncope: Causes and Recovery Tips
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:
● 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
Year-Long Dizziness: Seeking Answers from Western and Traditional Medicine
Dizziness for over a year? Hello, doctor. Over the past year, I have seen many doctors and undergone numerous tests, both Western and traditional Chinese medicine. The Western doctors have suggested that I might be experiencing panic disorder or sleep apnea, while the traditional...
Dr. Chen Taicheng Reply:
● It sounds like you are experiencing a sensation of swaying and imbalance, which can be exacerbated by neck movement or exposure to hot water, leaning more towards a feeling of unsteadiness. If you also experience a spinning sensation, this is referred to as "vertigo" ...[Read More] Year-Long Dizziness: Seeking Answers from Western and Traditional Medicine
Understanding Persistent Dizziness: Causes and Management Strategies
Dizziness for over a year? Hello Doctor, I have been experiencing dizziness for over a year. I have undergone numerous tests, which revealed severe obstructive sleep apnea and mild fatty liver. Since the onset of dizziness last year until January of this year, my dizziness has wo...
Dr. Chen Taicheng Reply:
● You have undergone a comprehensive evaluation for your dizziness, addressing common issues related to the heart, ears, head, or other medical concerns. ● Dizziness is an annoying symptom that may be slightly alleviated with medication; however, it is advisable to first address ...[Read More] Understanding Persistent Dizziness: Causes and Management Strategies
Understanding Pulsating Head Vessels: Causes and Concerns
Often feel pulsation in the blood vessels of the head? Hello, doctor. As the title suggests, I have recently been feeling pulsations in the blood vessels in my head, especially when I lie on my pillow at night; this sensation is most pronounced during that time. I also dream ever...
Dr. Chen Taicheng Reply:
Headaches can have many causes, 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 exacerbatio...[Read More] Understanding Pulsating Head Vessels: Causes and Concerns
Understanding Skin Issues: When to See a Family Medicine Specialist
Unsure which specialty to consult? Hello, my mother is currently 50 years old. Recently, due to the hot weather, she has developed small red spots from her calves to her ankles, resembling bleeding from the blood vessels underneath. There are no abnormalities when touched, and it...
Dr. Chen Taicheng Reply:
● It is most likely primary purpura or senile purpura. Other conditions such as benign chronic pigmented purpura (purpura pigmentosa chronica) include several disorders like telangiectatic purpura and progressive pigmented dermatosis. ● Other potential causes such as thrombocytop...[Read More] Understanding Skin Issues: When to See a Family Medicine Specialist
Understanding Suspected Antiphospholipid Syndrome: Symptoms and Insights
Suspected Antiphospholipid Syndrome Hello, doctor. At the beginning of January this year, I suddenly experienced sharp chest pain, followed by numbness in my limbs. After that, I had many symptoms, such as sudden body jerks that would wake me up when I was about to fall asleep, i...
Dr. Chen Taicheng Reply:
● Antiphospholipid syndrome is typically diagnosed due to venous and arterial thrombosis or recurrent miscarriages in women of childbearing age. It is an autoimmune disease characterized by the presence of "antiphospholipid antibodies" in the blood, which cause blood to...[Read More] Understanding Suspected Antiphospholipid Syndrome: Symptoms and Insights
Understanding TMJ Disorders: Symptoms and Treatment Options
Temporomandibular disorder (TMD) Hello Doctor, due to extremely poor sleep quality, I have been diagnosed with sleep apnea and underwent orthognathic surgery. On the day after the surgery, I experienced significant pain in the upper part of both eyes. It has been a year and a hal...
Dr. Chen Taicheng Reply:
● The initial impression is that the postoperative pain issue is related to the extensive involvement of muscles, blood vessels, and nerves in orthognathic surgery. If there have been no issues after multiple visits to neurology, ophthalmology, or otolaryngology, it is advisable ...[Read More] Understanding TMJ Disorders: Symptoms and Treatment Options
Managing Dizziness and Fainting: Understanding Symptoms and Seeking Help
Dizziness and syncope? Hello, Doctor. Since high school, I have experienced similar symptoms multiple times. The symptoms include weakness in my limbs, vision going black, cold sweats, and nausea, lasting about 5 to 10 minutes. If I do not sit or lie down immediately, I will lose...
Dr. Chen Taicheng Reply:
● There are many causes of syncope, and the first thing to rule out is cardiac-related issues, including arrhythmias and structural heart problems (including valve issues), which have already been evaluated by a cardiologist. Please pay attention to whether your pulse is too slow...[Read More] Managing Dizziness and Fainting: Understanding Symptoms and Seeking Help
Understanding Involuntary Twitches Near the Nose: Causes and Concerns
Twitching near the bridge of the nose? Hello, doctor: Recently, I have been experiencing involuntary twitching above my nasal bridge (not my eyelid), which feels a bit uncomfortable. Is this what is referred to as "facial nerve dysfunction"? Thank you.
Dr. Chen Taicheng Reply:
Hello, it appears to be facial nerve spasm. The facial nerve is the seventh cranial nerve, which has five branches in the face that control the movement of facial muscles. If the facial nerve is injured, infected, or compressed by blood vessels or tumors, it may lead to involunta...[Read More] Understanding Involuntary Twitches Near the Nose: Causes and Concerns
Understanding Temperature Discrepancies Between Body Sides: When to Seek Help
There is a significant temperature difference between the right and left sides of the body? Hello, doctor. I would like to ask about the fact that the right side of my body (from the neck down to the right hand and right foot) is always colder than the left side. I noticed this d...
Dr. Chen Taicheng Reply:
● It is recommended to first confirm whether there is an objective bilateral temperature difference in the body, for example, by measuring the axillary temperature on both sides or using a non-contact infrared thermometer. If objective measurements show a difference of more than ...[Read More] Understanding Temperature Discrepancies Between Body Sides: When to Seek Help