Understanding Nighttime Leg Cramps: Causes and Solutions
Muscle cramp! Could you please explain why I sometimes experience sudden calf cramps while sleeping? Is it related to growth?
Dr. Cai Jueren Reply:
Hello: There are several reasons for calf cramps: 1. Sudden intense exercise or prolonged activity after a period of inactivity can lead to muscle fatigue without adequate rest. 2. Poor local circulation in the calves or feet due to work-related factors. 3. Excessive daytime exer...[Read More] Understanding Nighttime Leg Cramps: Causes and Solutions
Which Specialist Should I See for My Immune Function Issues?
Which department should I consult regarding my exemption from military service? Hello, Dr. Tsai. For the past six months, I have been continuously seeking medical treatment. Initially, I consulted a psychiatrist, but then other health issues arose. After recovering from a cold, I...
Dr. Cai Jueren Reply:
Hello, reading your statement is truly disheartening. As a physician, I wish I could resolve your issues in one go, but this is also a moment when we feel most powerless. The complexity of your symptoms indicates that more time and effort are required. Immunodeficiency or immune ...[Read More] Which Specialist Should I See for My Immune Function Issues?
Struggling to Gain Weight? Which Specialist Should You See?
Underweight I would like to ask, no matter how much I eat, I never gain weight. Which department should I visit for medical consultation?
Dr. Cai Jueren Reply:
Hello, there are many reasons why you may not gain weight. Based on your age, you likely have an ectomorphic body type. If you truly want to increase your weight, the fastest way is not just to eat more. I recommend consulting your physical education teacher to learn how to incor...[Read More] Struggling to Gain Weight? Which Specialist Should You See?
Understanding Your Health Check Results: Cholesterol, Platelets, and Vaccination
Regarding health check-up reports? Hello Doctor: Recently, my school conducted a health check, and my cholesterol level is 207, platelet count is 403, and MCHC is 32.2. These three values are outside the standard range. How should I adjust my diet? Do I need treatment? Additional...
Dr. Cai Jueren Reply:
Hello, actually the tests you mentioned are quite normal, so there is no need to worry too much. However, the part regarding the Hepatitis B antibodies needs to be confirmed. If there are no Hepatitis B antigens and no Hepatitis B antibodies in your body, you will need to receive...[Read More] Understanding Your Health Check Results: Cholesterol, Platelets, and Vaccination
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
Is Your Elderly Relative at Risk of Medication Overdose?
Medication overdose? Hello, Doctor: I would like to ask about my grandmother, who is 85 years old and generally in good health with very few illnesses. Recently, she accidentally fell and has some difficulty walking, but she is very resistant to seeing a doctor. She purchased iro...
Dr. Cai Jueren Reply:
Hello, regarding older adults, their metabolic rate and basal metabolic rate tend to decrease with age. All medications, whether prescription or over-the-counter, as well as vitamins or dietary supplements, must be metabolized by the liver or kidneys. Therefore, the dosage for el...[Read More] Is Your Elderly Relative at Risk of Medication Overdose?
Can Eating Candy Before Bed Cause Diabetes? Understanding Risks and Myths
Diabetes mellitus Hello Doctor: Does eating toffee or other sugary foods before bed increase the risk of diabetes? What about drinking cola before bed? Is there such a condition as "explosive diabetes"? Thank you for your response!
Dr. Cai Jueren Reply:
Hello, diabetes is a chronic disease that develops gradually; it does not appear suddenly nor does it disappear abruptly. Not everyone who consumes a lot of sweets will develop diabetes. It is recommended to exercise regularly, maintain a balanced diet, and keep a healthy weight....[Read More] Can Eating Candy Before Bed Cause Diabetes? Understanding Risks and Myths
Understanding Low MCH and High RDW: Implications for Iron Deficiency Anemia
Low MCH and high RDW? Hello Dr. Tsai: I previously inquired about related issues, and I appreciate your response. I am attaching additional test data for your review. Thank you~~ I underwent a labor health examination at Taipei Hospital, medical record number: 9999660. However, t...
Dr. Cai Jueren Reply:
Hello Ms. Huang, if all other tests are normal, you can rest assured and not worry about the previous test results. If you are not afraid of blood draws, it is recommended that you have another check-up in two years, but please remember to keep the reports. Currently, no treatmen...[Read More] Understanding Low MCH and High RDW: Implications for Iron Deficiency Anemia
Understanding Low MCH and High RDW: Implications and Care Tips
Low MCH and high RDW? The test results show MCH (Mean Corpuscular Hemoglobin) at 26.9, which is low, and RDW (Red Cell Distribution Width) at 15.1, which is high. A low MCH indicates that the average amount of hemoglobin in each red blood cell is lower than normal, which can su...
Dr. Cai Jueren Reply:
Hello Ms. Huang, I apologize for only getting back to you after returning from France yesterday. I hope the following response can address your concerns. Low MCH and high RDW typically indicate iron deficiency anemia. However, without the values for Hb and MCV, I cannot provide a...[Read More] Understanding Low MCH and High RDW: Implications and Care Tips
Understanding Low Potassium Levels: A Guide for Patients on Diuretics
Hypokalemia Dr. Tsai is very grateful for your response. My serum potassium level is 2.7 (which is still acceptable, right?). I have been taking diuretics because I have very little urine output on a regular basis, and if I don't take them, I experience eyelid swelling and c...
Dr. Cai Jueren Reply:
Your potassium levels are low, and your weight is also underweight. It is recommended that you consult with a family medicine physician for evaluation and examination.[Read More] Understanding Low Potassium Levels: A Guide for Patients on Diuretics
Do You Need Treatment for Fatty Liver or Just Diet and Exercise?
Fatty liver disease Is treatment necessary for my 50-year-old family member who has been diagnosed with fatty liver disease, or is exercise and weight loss sufficient?
Dr. Xu Li'an Reply:
Hello, Lai. Blood tests alone cannot diagnose fatty liver; this diagnosis is usually made through abdominal ultrasound. Common causes include obesity, hyperlipidemia, and alcohol consumption. Treatment methods include abstaining from alcohol, managing hyperlipidemia, and engaging...[Read More] Do You Need Treatment for Fatty Liver or Just Diet and Exercise?
Understanding Low Potassium Levels: Causes and Health Risks for Busy Professionals
Hypokalemia Hello Dr. Tsai, may I ask you about the causes of hypokalemia? I am a busy office worker who relies on strong coffee and cola for energy, but my blood tests still show low potassium levels (aren't coffee and cola supposed to cause high potassium?). If this contin...
Dr. Cai Jueren Reply:
Hello, hypokalemia refers to poor absorption or excessive loss of potassium ions in the blood, or insufficient potassium ion concentration due to the use of certain medications. The causes are as follows: (1) Long-term use of corticosteroids, diuretics, and excessive laxative abu...[Read More] Understanding Low Potassium Levels: Causes and Health Risks for Busy Professionals
Dietary Solutions for High Triglycerides: What You Need to Know
Dietary Issues Related to High Triglycerides Hello Doctor: Recently, my health check report indicated that my triglyceride levels are high, and I would like to ask some dietary questions: 1. Should I avoid all animal skin in my diet? 2. If I frequently consume fish, will it worse...
Dr. Cai Jueren Reply:
Hello, The causes of hyperlipidemia are as follows: 1. Excessive total caloric intake 2. Excessive total fat intake 3. Lack of physical activity 4. Congenital defects 5. Excessive alcohol consumption 6. Complications arising from other diseases Dietary principles includ...[Read More] Dietary Solutions for High Triglycerides: What You Need to Know
Understanding High Uric Acid Levels: What You Need to Know
Health check-up Hello, doctor: I would like to ask you some questions. My girlfriend is 21 years old and she had a health check-up two weeks ago. The results showed that her uric acid level is high, but everything else is normal. We don't understand the report because it is ...
Dr. Xu Li'an Reply:
Dear young patients, typically everything is normal. Doctors usually do not specifically explain that creatinine is related to kidney function; as long as it is within the normal range, it is considered normal. Uric acid is slightly elevated, so dietary attention is needed regard...[Read More] Understanding High Uric Acid Levels: What You Need to Know
Improving High Cholesterol Levels: Tips from a Family Medicine Expert
Health check-up Hello Dr. Hsu: I recently had a health check-up, and one of the results was abnormal: my total cholesterol (CHOL) level. What measures can I take to improve it and bring it back within the normal range?
Dr. Xu Li'an Reply:
Dear Fred, The normal range for total cholesterol is between 130 and 200 mg/dL. Medication is typically required only if levels exceed 240 mg/dL. Therefore, please focus on dietary control for three months and then return for a follow-up check. In your diet, try to avoid frie...[Read More] Improving High Cholesterol Levels: Tips from a Family Medicine Expert
Is It Safe for a 28-Year-Old to Take Centrum Silver Vitamins?
Vitamins Hello Dr. Tsai, I am 28 years old. Can I take Centrum Silver vitamins? Will there be any adverse effects? Or can I take them every few days instead?
Dr. Cai Jueren Reply:
Hello, regarding the use of vitamins, there are many claims in the market. Here is a principle to consider: for most individuals with normal dietary habits, the vitamins obtained from a regular diet are generally sufficient for daily needs. Excess vitamins are usually metabolized...[Read More] Is It Safe for a 28-Year-Old to Take Centrum Silver Vitamins?
Understanding Post-Defecation Bleeding: When to Seek Medical Help
Bleeding after bowel movements..? I have been struggling with constipation for a long time, and every time I have a bowel movement, I have to struggle for a long time with hard stools. Sometimes there is bleeding, but I usually don't pay much attention to it since it's ...
Dr. Cai Jueren Reply:
Hello, rectal bleeding is commonly seen in patients with hemorrhoids. Some cases are severe, while others may be mild enough not to require a doctor's visit. Patients with hemorrhoids often have irregular diets or spend long hours sitting in office chairs; however, there are...[Read More] Understanding Post-Defecation Bleeding: When to Seek Medical Help
Understanding Eosinophilia: Causes, Complications, and Management Tips
"Eosinophilia" Hello Doctor: My friend has been diagnosed with eosinophilia after a preliminary examination by a physician. What is this condition, and what complications can arise from it? What should be taken into consideration, and are there any dietary restrictions?...
Dr. Xu Li'an Reply:
Dear Venus, I originally intended to respond to you, but since this concerns your friend's illness and patient privacy rights, I cannot and must refuse to answer your questions. Perhaps you could search online yourself or ask your friend to consult the physician who diagnose...[Read More] Understanding Eosinophilia: Causes, Complications, and Management Tips
How to Address Low WBC Count: Causes and Solutions for Improvement
A low white blood cell (WBC) count of 3520 requires careful evaluation. Here are some steps to consider for management: 1. **Identify the Cause**: Determine the underlying reason for the low WBC count. This could include infections, bone marrow disorders, autoimmune diseases, or...
Dr. Lin Mingxing Reply:
Dear Dr. Lin Ming-Hsing, Department of Family Medicine, Tainan Hospital, Ministry of Health and Welfare: Regarding the low hematopoietic function associated with the consumption of gold supplements, there should be no health defects. As for the relationship with a vegetarian die...[Read More] How to Address Low WBC Count: Causes and Solutions for Improvement
Understanding Unexplained Rapid Heartbeat and Shortness of Breath
Frequent unexplained palpitations leading to shortness of breath? Hello Dr. Tsai, I would like to ask a few questions regarding my mother (56 years old). Recently, she has been experiencing unexplained episodes of rapid heartbeat. She reports that her heart races and she feels s...
Dr. Cai Jueren Reply:
Hello Nicole: Your mother's condition is not considered complex, but it is important to have regular health check-ups for the following reasons: 1. Patients with hypertension are advised to check their lipid levels and kidney function annually. 2. Hepatitis B carriers are re...[Read More] Understanding Unexplained Rapid Heartbeat and Shortness of Breath