Ears, Family Medicine FAQ - Page 44

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Understanding Lead Poisoning: Causes and Concerns for Home Environments

Lead poisoning Hello, Dr. Tsai! Recently, my mother was diagnosed with lead poisoning at Chang Gung Memorial Hospital. However, my mother is just a housewife; she neither works in a factory nor uses any unknown cosmetics. How could she have lead poisoning? Is it possible that the...


Dr. Cai Ruiyuan Reply:
In general, the manufacturing or smelting of alloys, such as solder, printing type, brass products, and bronze products, involves the application of lead compounds, particularly in the preparation of lead-containing paints, pigments, or colorants, the manufacturing or recycling o...

[Read More] Understanding Lead Poisoning: Causes and Concerns for Home Environments


Understanding Liver Health: Addressing Concerns About Rough Liver Surface

Liver I have been troubled by chronic bad breath for a long time, so I went to see a gastroenterologist. They were unwilling to perform any other tests and just said, "Just take medication," but I didn't believe that! Fortunately, I encountered a meticulous family ...


Dr. Cai Jueren Reply:
Hello, The first issue to consider regarding bad breath is gum bleeding, and the second is cavities. This means that oral hygiene is the most important factor. If there are no issues related to the above, then gastrointestinal problems should be considered, such as gastritis, g...

[Read More] Understanding Liver Health: Addressing Concerns About Rough Liver Surface


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:
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


Chest Discomfort and Nausea: When to Seek Medical Help?

Chest tightness. Nausea? Hello doctor, over the past few years, I have occasionally experienced a feeling of chest tightness, and I have had two instances of sharp pain. Recently, the frequency of chest tightness has increased, and I feel nauseous and want to get checked, but I&#...


Dr. Zhan Deqin Reply:
Hello, ma'am: Thank you for your inquiry. I would like to address your question and provide the following advice: Generally speaking, in typical circumstances, applying pressure to the neck is unlikely to harm a child, as the fetus is protected by the uterus and amniotic flu...

[Read More] Chest Discomfort and Nausea: When to Seek Medical Help?


Struggling to Gain Weight: Tips for Firefighters with Fast Metabolism

Wanting to gain weight when you are underweight? I am 28 years old and work as a firefighter. I have a fast metabolism and weigh about 55 kg at a height of 175 cm, which makes me quite thin. I eat normally, but I often feel like my stomach has something in it after eating, yet I ...


Dr. Wang Zhengzhong Reply:
Hello: You are 28 years old and work in firefighting. Your eating habits are generally normal, but you feel like there is something in your stomach after eating, and you quickly feel hungry again. Your weight is approximately 175 lbs with a height of 55 inches, resulting in a BMI...

[Read More] Struggling to Gain Weight: Tips for Firefighters with Fast Metabolism


Understanding Persistent Itching: Possible Causes and Concerns After Sexual Activity

It is unclear what illness it is? Hello Dr. Lai: My penis has been itching at the base since the day after I had protected sexual intercourse with a stranger. The itching is more pronounced when I walk, and it is less severe when I am sitting. When I check the itchy area, it appe...


Dr. Lai Junlong Reply:
Hello: In response to your question, it is possible that you may be experiencing an allergy to condoms, or that vigorous sexual activity has caused localized friction dermatitis. If you are concerned about syphilis or other sexually transmitted infections, in addition to clinical...

[Read More] Understanding Persistent Itching: Possible Causes and Concerns After Sexual Activity


Understanding Abnormal Blood Test Results: Mediterranean Anemia Concerns

Abnormal blood test results? Hello, doctor! Last month, I went to the health center for a health check-up, and my blood test results were as follows: white blood cells 5.40, red blood cells 4.49, hemoglobin 8.60 (low), and platelets 708 (high). The health check physician told me ...


Dr. Cai Dongqi Reply:
There are many causes of anemia, and the provided information is insufficient for a diagnosis. Please consult a hematologist for further evaluation.

[Read More] Understanding Abnormal Blood Test Results: Mediterranean Anemia Concerns


Understanding Sudden Low Blood Pressure in Former Hypertension Patients

A patient who previously had hypertension but is now frequently fainting due to low blood pressure may be experiencing several potential causes. These could include medication side effects, dehydration, changes in diet, or underlying health conditions such as adrenal insufficienc...


Dr. Cai Ruiyuan Reply:
Dear Tina, Transient syncope can generally be classified into four major categories: 1. Diseases related to vascular tone or blood volume, such as orthostatic hypotension and acute blood loss; 2. Cardiovascular diseases, such as arrhythmias and myocardial infarction; 3. Cerebro...

[Read More] Understanding Sudden Low Blood Pressure in Former Hypertension Patients


Which Specialist Should I See for My Health Concerns?

Which department should I consult? Hello Dr. Chen! I have three symptoms: 1. About a year ago, after giving birth to my second child and completing my postpartum confinement, I started experiencing stiffness in the joints near my heels every morning upon waking, along with heel p...


Dr. Chen Yuchao Reply:
1. About a year ago, I gave birth to my second child. After completing my postpartum confinement, I started experiencing stiffness in the joints near my heels and pain in my heels every morning about six months after delivery, making it difficult to walk normally. However, after ...

[Read More] Which Specialist Should I See for My Health Concerns?


Understanding Hepatitis B Vaccination: Do You Need More Doses?

Hepatitis B vaccine If I have only received the hepatitis B vaccine once, will I produce antibodies, or do I need to have a blood test, or should I continue with the vaccinations? I received my first dose in December.


Dr. Cai Mengru Reply:
Dear Ms. Jing, Hello. Generally speaking, after receiving the first dose of the hepatitis B vaccine, it is possible to develop antibodies, but these can only be maintained for a short period. Therefore, it is recommended to complete the full series of three vaccine doses to achi...

[Read More] Understanding Hepatitis B Vaccination: Do You Need More Doses?


Understanding Lipomas: When to Seek Medical Advice and Next Steps

Lipoma Hello Doctor: About a year ago, I discovered a hard lump on the left side of my pubic area that feels somewhat like a marble under the skin. Recently, when I wear tighter jeans, the pressure on the affected area causes pain. Which specialty should I consult for this issue?...


Dr. Chen Bozhang Reply:
Hello: The subcutaneous mass you found on the left side of your pubic bone has been present for a year, and you are experiencing pressure pain recently. It is indeed recommended to undergo further examination to determine the nature of the tumor and to check for any inflammation....

[Read More] Understanding Lipomas: When to Seek Medical Advice and Next Steps


Overcoming Speech Clarity Issues: When to Seek Medical Help

Dysarthria Hello, doctor. I am now 17 years old, but I still have unclear speech. When my friends invite me to sing, I usually don't go because I feel self-conscious about my speech. Some words I naturally pronounce unclearly, unless I consciously adjust my lips and tongue. ...


Dr. Cai Dongqi Reply:
You should see a doctor. For the reasons behind unclear speech, please consult an otolaryngologist. For correction, please see a rehabilitation specialist (speech therapy).

[Read More] Overcoming Speech Clarity Issues: When to Seek Medical Help


Chronic Left Lower Abdominal Pain: Seeking Solutions After Years of Discomfort

Left lower abdominal pain? 1. The current symptoms include bloating and pain in the lower left abdomen, which have persisted for four years. There is still abdominal bloating and pain regardless of diet. 2. So far, I have consulted various specialists, including gastroenterolog...


Dr. Chen Bozhang Reply:
Hello: In response to your question, if all relevant specialties have been examined and no abnormalities were found, and organ issues have been ruled out, functional disorders may be considered. For functional gastrointestinal issues, you can seek treatment from a family medicine...

[Read More] Chronic Left Lower Abdominal Pain: Seeking Solutions After Years of Discomfort


Understanding Ear Pain When Swallowing: Causes and Solutions

Ear pain when swallowing saliva? Dear Dr. Tsai: For the past two days, I have been experiencing pain in my ears while swallowing saliva. My temperature is 37.4 degrees Celsius. I would like to ask the doctor what this could be. Thank you!


Dr. Cai Jueren Reply:
Hello: Experiencing ear pain while swallowing saliva may indicate several issues: 1. Eustachian tube obstruction: This could be due to a cold or otitis media. 2. Malocclusion of the temporomandibular joint: This may result from chronic teeth grinding or dental misalignment. 3. Ca...

[Read More] Understanding Ear Pain When Swallowing: Causes and Solutions


Am I Experiencing High Blood Pressure Symptoms?

Is this considered high blood pressure? Hello Doctor: Two years ago, my grandmother had a stroke, and I started measuring blood pressure regularly with her. At that time, her systolic pressure was around 60. Six months later, my grandmother no longer lived with us, so I stopped m...


Dr. Cai Jueren Reply:
Hello: Hypertension is typically defined as a systolic blood pressure greater than 138 mmHg or a diastolic blood pressure greater than 88 mmHg. However, there are always exceptions. Given your family history, but without knowing your height and weight, if your statement is accura...

[Read More] Am I Experiencing High Blood Pressure Symptoms?


Understanding Obesity: Symptoms, Causes, and Necessary Tests

Obesity issue I haven't undergone any examinations, but I suspect I have a gastric ulcer because I experience stomach pain whenever I get hungry, and if I go too long without eating, I even start to shake. Additionally, my appetite has been increasing; I am 170 cm tall and h...


Dr. Chen Yuchao Reply:
There are many causes of obesity. It is best to schedule an appointment with a family medicine specialist to evaluate and rule out any potential underlying conditions. After that, focus on total caloric intake and exercise. If there are gastrointestinal symptoms, please consult a...

[Read More] Understanding Obesity: Symptoms, Causes, and Necessary Tests


Understanding the Myths of Big Hospitals: A Patient's Perspective

The Myths of Large Hospitals Dear Dr. Tsai, First of all, thank you for taking the time to read this letter. I believe that those who ask questions online are often confused and seeking answers either before or during their medical treatment. I frequently see dedicated doctors a...


Dr. Cai Jueren Reply:
Hello: Based on your age and medical history, it is difficult to make an accurate assessment due to the lack of 1. medication records 2. occupation or job history 3. past examination results 4. family medical history. It is suspected that a physician may consider 1. rheumatoid ar...

[Read More] Understanding the Myths of Big Hospitals: A Patient's Perspective


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


Persistent Vomiting After Eating: Seeking Answers for Gastrointestinal Issues

Vomiting after eating? I would like to ask, I always vomit after eating! Sometimes even liquids make me vomit! This has been happening for nearly three years! During this time, I have undergone gastroscopy four times at different hospitals, and the results have consistently shown...


Dr. Cai Mengru Reply:
Dear Ms. JC, Regarding your vomiting issue, it is likely related to a functional gastrointestinal problem, or there may be underlying psychological factors involved (such as anxiety or depression). You may consider undergoing a barium swallow study in the gastroenterology depart...

[Read More] Persistent Vomiting After Eating: Seeking Answers for Gastrointestinal Issues


Understanding Skin Issues or Other Causes After Intimacy: A Guide

I am not sure if it is a skin issue or something else? After engaging in sexual activity with my boyfriend, his genital area sometimes becomes red and swollen. I consulted an endocrinologist who suggested it might be an issue related to pH balance. However, now there is a more co...


Dr. Chen Yingzhen Reply:
Dear Jessick, It's great to see your concern for your boyfriend's health. However, since this is someone else's issue, if there has been no improvement over a long period, it is advisable to seek medical attention. I would like to provide some information based on...

[Read More] Understanding Skin Issues or Other Causes After Intimacy: A Guide


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