Can Broken Mercury Thermometers Cause Toxic Exposure? Key Insights
Can a broken mercury thermometer cause mercury poisoning? Hello: 1. If a thermometer containing mercury accidentally falls and breaks, could it lead to inhalation mercury poisoning? (I used a broom to sweep up the mercury, but I'm concerned about inhaling mercury during th...
Dr. Chen Mengkan Reply:
Hello: In general, when dealing with a broken thermometer, you can use a syringe or a suction bulb to collect the mercury and place it in a sealed plastic container for disposal by environmental protection personnel. If the liquid mercury from the thermometer accidentally spills,...[Read More] Can Broken Mercury Thermometers Cause Toxic Exposure? Key Insights
Understanding Unexplained Health Issues: A Guide for Patients
I don't know what problem my body is experiencing? I'm not sure if the various discomforts I've been experiencing this past month are related, or if I should just tell the doctor about each symptom individually. A month ago, I had a cold that lasted a day or two, b...
Dr. Cai Dongqi Reply:
I'm sorry, but I need specific[Read More] Understanding Unexplained Health Issues: A Guide for Patients
Essential Pre-Marital Health Checks for Couples Planning Pregnancy
Pre-marital health checkup Hello, Dr. Tsai. I got married this April and plan to conceive after the end of the year. Since my husband is 41 years old and I am considered a geriatric pregnancy, we did not undergo health checks before marriage. Although both of our companies conduc...
Dr. Cai Mengru Reply:
Dear Ms. Rachel, Regarding your inquiry, the standard premarital examinations include: A: Tests for both parties: 1. Blood glucose test 2. Urinalysis (primarily to check for proteinuria, hematuria, and other issues) 3. Complete blood count (to check for anemia, especially the p...[Read More] Essential Pre-Marital Health Checks for Couples Planning Pregnancy
Post-Cold Symptoms: When to See an ENT or Pulmonologist?
Post-cold issues? Hello, since mid-October, after my cold symptoms have eased, I have started experiencing chest pain when swallowing. Should I see an otolaryngologist or a pulmonologist for this condition?
Dr. Lai Junlong Reply:
Hello: In response to your question, symptoms related to the common cold can be evaluated by an otolaryngologist or a family medicine physician. Thank you.[Read More] Post-Cold Symptoms: When to See an ENT or Pulmonologist?
Understanding Red Spots on the Skin: Causes and Treatments
Red spots appearing on the skin? Hello Doctor: Recently, I noticed some small red spots appearing on my abdomen. At first, they didn't itch, but later they started to become slightly itchy, although not very much. Additionally, red spots have also appeared on my chest and be...
Dr. Cai Mengru Reply:
Dear Ms. Hsiao-Du, Regarding your skin issue, there are many possible causes, with allergies being the most likely. These can include drug allergies or environmental allergens (such as food, dust mites, etc.). I believe what your physician referred to as "emanating from wit...[Read More] Understanding Red Spots on the Skin: Causes and Treatments
How Often Should Suctioning Be Done for Pneumonia Patients?
Suction frequency My grandfather is hospitalized due to pneumonia, and he currently lacks the ability to cough on his own, so he needs suctioning to help remove excess mucus. He has a caregiver in the hospital who is providing 24-hour care, but the caregiver often suctions him, s...
Dr. Cai Dongqi Reply:
1. There is no standard frequency for suctioning. For patients with a tracheostomy who have a large amount of secretions and are experiencing wheezing, it is recommended to suction two to three times per hour and to enhance chest physiotherapy. If the secretions are minimal and t...[Read More] How Often Should Suctioning Be Done for Pneumonia Patients?
Understanding Neurological Symptoms: Which Specialist to Consult First?
Distress Over the past year, I have often felt very anxious. A month ago, due to extreme stress, I experienced a cool and tingling sensation on the left side of my occipital region, accompanied by numbness on the left side of my body. This sensation is most pronounced in the morn...
Dr. Cai Mengru Reply:
Hello, your symptoms are quite broad, but they also have many neurological manifestations. Therefore, I recommend that you first consult a neurologist to check for issues such as nerve root compression in the upper spinal cord. If the examination shows no significant abnormalitie...[Read More] Understanding Neurological Symptoms: Which Specialist to Consult First?
Post-Exercise Discomfort: Understanding Symptoms and Concerns
Discomfort after exercise Hello, doctor. Last night I went to the playground to exercise. I started with a slow jog for six laps, and then I did frog jumps for 100 meters. After finishing the jumps, I experienced symptoms such as rapid heartbeat, heavy breathing, sweating, nausea...
Dr. Chen Yingzhen Reply:
Dear Mr. Huang, Thank you for your inquiry regarding the symptoms of rapid heartbeat, sweating, nausea, and pallor after exercise, which can indeed be concerning. Generally, it is advisable to have a 5-10 minute warm-up before engaging in more intense activities such as jogging ...[Read More] Post-Exercise Discomfort: Understanding Symptoms and Concerns
Understanding Pelvic Misalignment: Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment Options
Pelvic displacement Hello, doctor. I am 25 years old and my weight has been around 50 kilograms. My eating habits are generally normal; I do not smoke, drink alcohol, or stay up late, and I rarely eat late-night snacks. However, for some unknown reason, my lower abdomen has becom...
Dr. Chen Yingzhen Reply:
Dear Dr. Chen Ying-Cheng from the Tainan Hospital of the Department of Health, Executive Yuan: Hello, Rain-Jie. Regarding your inquiry about pelvic displacement, I found it somewhat perplexing, as there is no clear definition or discussion of pelvic displacement in Western medic...[Read More] Understanding Pelvic Misalignment: Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment Options
Understanding High CEA Levels: Causes, Concerns, and Next Steps
The CEA level is 55.5? Hello Dr. Chen: I received my physical examination report, and my CEA level is 55.5, which is very high. I subsequently underwent a colonoscopy, gastroscopy, chest X-ray, and CT scan, all of which came back normal. I also had my blood drawn again, but the l...
Dr. Chen Bozhang Reply:
Hello: In response to your question. An elevated CEA (Carcinoembryonic Antigen) level is commonly seen in patients with colorectal cancer, pancreatic cancer, gastric cancer, and breast cancer. Additionally, conditions such as hepatitis, liver cirrhosis, and inflammatory bowel dis...[Read More] Understanding High CEA Levels: Causes, Concerns, and Next Steps
Understanding Back Pain: Is It Muscle Strain or Spine Issues?
Back pain!? Two years ago, after attending a class similar to yoga, I started experiencing pain and soreness under my right shoulder after using the computer for a short time at work. The discomfort persisted for a long time before it improved. Recently, even while sitting and di...
Dr. Cai Jueren Reply:
Hello: Your description of back pain does not allow for a clear distinction between upper back pain and lower back pain. If the pain is localized to a specific point, management is relatively straightforward. However, if it involves a broader area, a detailed examination is neces...[Read More] Understanding Back Pain: Is It Muscle Strain or Spine Issues?
Understanding Left Ventricular Hypertrophy: Symptoms, Tests, and Precautions
Left ventricular hypertrophy (LVH) Dear Dr. Tsai, I would like to inquire about the symptoms of left ventricular hypertrophy and what tests can confirm it. What issues should I be aware of? Thank you for your attention.
Dr. Cai Jueren Reply:
Hello: The diagnosis of left ventricular hypertrophy (LVH) typically relies on electrocardiogram (ECG) examinations, chest X-rays, or echocardiography to confirm that individuals with long-term hypertension or obesity often develop LVH. When left ventricular hypertrophy persists ...[Read More] Understanding Left Ventricular Hypertrophy: Symptoms, Tests, and Precautions
Understanding Atrial Fibrillation: Ablation Surgery Risks and Consequences
Arrhythmia Dear Dr. Tsai, Could you please explain how the catheter ablation procedure for arrhythmias is performed, and what the associated risks are? Additionally, what potential complications might arise if the procedure is not performed? Thank you very much for your attentio...
Dr. Cai Jueren Reply:
Hello: Arrhythmias usually do not require special treatment. Most patients only need medication to control their arrhythmias when they cause discomfort. A small number of patients may experience particularly severe symptoms, such as frequent chest pain, shortness of breath, or re...[Read More] Understanding Atrial Fibrillation: Ablation Surgery Risks and Consequences
Can a Cold Cause Chest Tightness and Breathing Difficulties?
Can a cold cause chest tightness? Hello Doctor, I recently caught a cold... At first, I only had mild fever, dizziness, and stomach discomfort... However, later I experienced shortness of breath and chest tightness... I went to see a doctor, and he just said it was a cold. Since ...
Dr. Cai Jueren Reply:
Hello, generally speaking, a cold does not typically cause chest tightness. It is usually due to severe coughing that leads to increased pressure within the thoracic cavity, which the body may temporarily struggle to adjust to, resulting in a sensation of pressure on the heart (u...[Read More] Can a Cold Cause Chest Tightness and Breathing Difficulties?
Which Medical Specialty Should I Consult for Dizziness and Pain?
I'm not sure which specialty to see? Hello Doctor: Recently, I have been experiencing frequent dizziness, shoulder and lower back pain (I have been using topical patches with limited effect). I also have shortness of breath (along with nasal congestion, but it feels like I c...
Dr. Cai Jueren Reply:
Hello, your issue may have been ongoing for some time and could possibly be due to anemia. I recommend that you consult your family medicine physician for an evaluation. It doesn't seem serious, so there's no need to worry too much. Dr. Tsai Jue-ren from Hualien Hospita...[Read More] Which Medical Specialty Should I Consult for Dizziness and Pain?
Understanding Chest Tightness and Throat Discomfort: Causes and Solutions
I am feeling a bit unwell? I have been feeling chest tightness and a tight throat lately, with a sensation of throat blockage and nausea. Is this due to not adapting to living outside, or could it be related to my diet and sleep?
Dr. Zhan Deqin Reply:
Chest tightness, throat constriction, and a feeling of blockage may indicate a cold or other respiratory infection. Additionally, if there is a feeling of nausea, the first step is to check for pregnancy. Of course, consuming contaminated food can also lead to gastroenteritis, wh...[Read More] Understanding Chest Tightness and Throat Discomfort: Causes and Solutions
Understanding Low Blood Pressure: Is Your Reading Normal?
Hypotension Hello Dr. Tsai, my normal blood pressure is 120/60. However, for the past six months, I have been measuring my blood pressure at home and the readings have been between 90-70/55-40. Is this normal?
Dr. Cai Jueren Reply:
Hello, your blood pressure should be normal, so there is no need to worry. It is common for most slender girls to have slightly lower blood pressure, which is a normal phenomenon and shouldn't be overly concerning. Typically, you only need to see a doctor if your blood press...[Read More] Understanding Low Blood Pressure: Is Your Reading Normal?
Breathing Difficulties and Back Pain: Seeking Solutions for Active Lifestyles
Back pain & difficulty breathing and exercising? Dear Doctor, Hello. I really enjoy running, but for about the past six months to a year, I have been experiencing difficulty breathing while running. I often feel like I can't get enough air, and I sometimes have soreness...
Dr. Xu Li'an Reply:
Dear Janice, please visit a family medicine physician at the hospital and present the questions you have written down for discussion. They will go through each item with you and arrange for the necessary examinations. Since you are willing to take the time to write down these que...[Read More] Breathing Difficulties and Back Pain: Seeking Solutions for Active Lifestyles
Understanding Right Abdominal Pain: Causes and When to Seek Help
Low back pain The pain in the right abdomen (upper and lower) accompanied by discomfort and bloating in the gastrointestinal area, as well as mild nausea when lightly tapping the area below the right chest, may indicate an issue with the right kidney, liver, gallbladder, or the i...
Dr. Xu Li'an Reply:
Dear Ching, without seeing you in person, asking detailed questions, and conducting a physical examination, I cannot provide you with an answer. Do you think a doctor can diagnose from a distance? That would make them more skilled than fortune tellers! Please visit a gastroentero...[Read More] Understanding Right Abdominal Pain: Causes and When to Seek Help
Understanding Chest Tightness and Throat Discomfort: When to Seek Help
Chest tightness? I have been feeling like there is something stuck in my throat for the past month and a half, especially after eating, and I also experience chest tightness. What kind of examinations should I undergo? I previously consulted an ENT specialist who suggested that I...
Dr. Zhan Deqin Reply:
1. First, go to a major hospital to see an otolaryngologist (ENT). 2. Next, consult a gastroenterologist to check for any issues with the esophagus. 3. Then, see a pulmonologist to evaluate any potential problems with the lungs. 4. If the chest tightness persists, follow up...[Read More] Understanding Chest Tightness and Throat Discomfort: When to Seek Help