Which Specialist to Consult for Voice Changes at 23?
Which specialty should I see? If you are 23 years old and your voice has not deepened, you may want to consult an endocrinologist, who specializes in hormone-related issues. Regarding the use of male hormones, such as testosterone, it is important to discuss this with a healthcar...
Dr. Lai Junlong Reply:
Hello: In response to your question, aside from the voice, I'm not sure if other male secondary sexual characteristics have fully developed. If it's only a voice issue, you may want to consult an otolaryngologist. If there are no changes in secondary sexual characterist...[Read More] Which Specialist to Consult for Voice Changes at 23?
Understanding Numbness and Tingling in the Front of the Thigh
The front of the right thigh is experiencing a transition from numbness to a tingling sensation? Hello: Since the afternoon of September 22, I have noticed that the front of my right thigh feels itchy and somewhat numb, as if there is something in between. Starting from the eveni...
Dr. Cai Mengru Reply:
Dear Ms. Amy, Regarding your question, there are many possibilities that may depend on the symptoms present. If there is redness, swelling, heat, and pain in the skin, it is likely indicative of inflammation, most probably due to an infection such as cellulitis. In this case, yo...[Read More] Understanding Numbness and Tingling in the Front of the Thigh
Understanding Fibromas: When to See a Doctor and What Causes Them
Dermatofibroma Hello, doctor. I have noticed fibromas about the size of mung beans in my armpits and neck for several years, but recently I feel that they have grown a little. Which specialty should I see? What causes these growths? Thank you!
Dr. Zhan Deqin Reply:
Hello, thank you for your inquiry. In response to your question, I would like to provide the following suggestions: There are many types of skin tumors, commonly including lipomas, keratoses, or fibromas. I recommend consulting either a general surgeon or a dermatologist. Under l...[Read More] Understanding Fibromas: When to See a Doctor and What Causes Them
Understanding Blood in Stool: Causes and Concerns for Your Health
Bleeding during bowel movements? For two years, I experienced rectal bleeding for the first time, which was bright red, and I also had constipation. I thought it was hemorrhoids, but after the bleeding, I started having a high fever that wouldn't subside, eventually leading ...
Dr. Lai Junlong Reply:
Hello: In response to your question, experiencing bleeding during bowel movements is something that should not be ignored. There are many possible causes, including hemorrhoidal bleeding, anal fissures, or growths in the intestines. The hospital where you were last admitted shoul...[Read More] Understanding Blood in Stool: Causes and Concerns for Your Health
Understanding Chickenpox Vaccination: Risks and Recommendations for Adults
Varicella vaccination issues Dear Dr. Tsai, Hello! I am currently 30 years old. My mother mentioned that I have never had chickenpox. I read reports stating that if one has not had chickenpox, the risk of severe complications increases with age. I would like to ask you: is it be...
Dr. Cai Dongqi Reply:
Recommendation: It is advisable to get vaccinated. Most children with chickenpox will recover on their own, but adults tend to experience more severe symptoms, which can include pneumonia and encephalitis. Therefore, it is best to avoid intentional contact with infected individua...[Read More] Understanding Chickenpox Vaccination: Risks and Recommendations for Adults
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
Does My Boyfriend's Sleep Medication Affect Our Chances of Pregnancy?
Pregnancy I would like to ask the doctor, my boyfriend and I have been together for two years. I took birth control pills for the first six months, but I haven't taken them since. It's been over a year and I haven't gotten pregnant. My boyfriend has depression, so ...
Dr. Zhan Deqin Reply:
Hello, ma'am: Thank you for your question. I would like to address your inquiry and provide the following suggestions. Generally, common sleeping medications do not cause infertility; however, taking them in large quantities or combining multiple types may complicate matters...[Read More] Does My Boyfriend's Sleep Medication Affect Our Chances of Pregnancy?
Neck Stiffness and Poor Concentration: Which Specialist to Consult?
If you frequently experience neck stiffness, you should consult a specialist in either orthopedics or neurology. Thank you? Hello: My neck often feels stiff (I don't know how to describe it), and it feels like blood isn't flowing properly, causing my chin to naturally l...
Dr. Cai Jueren Reply:
Hello: Your condition seems to indicate that if there are no issues with hypertension, it may be due to high lipid levels. I recommend that you visit the Family Medicine outpatient department at Hualien Hospital for a fasting blood test to check your cholesterol and triglycerides...[Read More] Neck Stiffness and Poor Concentration: Which Specialist to Consult?
Managing Incontinence After Hip Surgery in Elderly Patients
Urinary and fecal incontinence after surgery following a fall in the elderly? Hello, Doctor: My relative is over seventy years old and recently underwent hip joint surgery due to a fall. Since then, they have experienced urinary and fecal incontinence. Although we use pads, they ...
Dr. Liu Jinyong Reply:
In response to your question: There are many causes of urinary and fecal incontinence. In elderly individuals, it may be due to factors such as stroke, degenerative arthritis of the lumbar and sacral spine, vertebral compression fractures, nerve compression in the spine, inflamma...[Read More] Managing Incontinence After Hip Surgery in Elderly Patients
Does Saliva Increase with Attraction? Exploring the Connection
I would like to ask a serious question? If I notice someone, regardless of whether they are attractive or unattractive, my saliva increases. Does this have anything to do with sexual arousal? (ENT examination of the salivary glands showed no issues.)
Dr. Cai Mengru Reply:
Hello: This question seems difficult to answer. Could you please provide a more detailed description? However, based on the current description, it appears to be unrelated to sexual matters (no mention of arousal, etc.). Thank you. Dr. Tsai Meng-Ju, Department of Family Medicine,...[Read More] Does Saliva Increase with Attraction? Exploring the Connection
Understanding Chronic Headaches: Seeking the Right Specialist for Relief
Symptom overlap: headache? I have been experiencing chronic headaches for about two to three years. Previously, I had a small examination at Taipei Veterans General Hospital, which diagnosed me with migraines. However, after my primary doctor changed and the new doctor had a very...
Dr. Cai Jueren Reply:
Hello: Your symptoms are likely related to migraine. The treatment for migraines is very complex and diverse, primarily due to the difficulties in diagnosis, and the effectiveness of medications can vary from person to person. There are several types of migraines, with the two ma...[Read More] Understanding Chronic Headaches: Seeking the Right Specialist for Relief
Do Cell Tower Electromagnetic Waves Affect Health and Cancer Risk?
Do electromagnetic waves from base stations affect health? Hello Dr. Lai: There are several cellular base stations installed on a high building near my home (about 100 meters away). They have been in place for about ten years, and I recently heard that many people living nearby h...
Dr. Lai Junlong Reply:
Hello: The radio frequency signals emitted by mobile phone base stations or fixed antennas are a type of non-ionizing radiation that does not produce thermal effects. Generally, the output power of a base station is around 100 watts or more, which is significantly lower than the ...[Read More] Do Cell Tower Electromagnetic Waves Affect Health and Cancer Risk?
Managing High Blood Pressure: Treatment, Prevention, and Specialist Guidance
High blood pressure? My mother is 45 years old, and today her blood pressure was measured at 150/100, which is classified as hypertension. How should hypertension be treated? Does she need to take medication? What are the methods to prevent and lower high blood pressure? Which me...
Dr. Lai Junlong Reply:
Hello: If your mother has had multiple measurements (at least three, at different times, and while at rest) with blood pressure readings consistently above 140/90 mmHg, she is diagnosed with hypertension. The causes of hypertension are classified as primary and secondary. When a ...[Read More] Managing High Blood Pressure: Treatment, Prevention, and Specialist Guidance
Persistent Toenail Deformity and Discoloration: Seeking Effective Treatment Options
The toenails on both of my big toes have changed shape and color? Dear Dr. Chen, I have been experiencing deformity and discoloration of my toenails for nearly ten years. I have consulted many doctors and have been undergoing treatment for a long time! It seems that the topical ...
Dr. Chen Yuchao Reply:
Based on the description, it appears to be a nail disease, possibly onychomycosis (fungal infection), degenerative, immune-related, or due to other systemic diseases. A diagnosis cannot be made without an actual examination. Please visit a dermatology clinic for an accurate diagn...[Read More] Persistent Toenail Deformity and Discoloration: Seeking Effective Treatment Options
Can Seniors Safely Take Regular Multivitamins? Expert Advice
Vitamin B complex Hello Dr. Chuang: I bought some multivitamins in Canada for my parents, but later I found out that I purchased regular multivitamins, which are not suitable for individuals over 50 years old. Can my parents take these?
Dr. Zhuang Jiaming Reply:
Hello: Thank you for your question. Here is my response and suggestions: The difference between general multivitamins and those specifically designed for seniors is not significant. Older adults can also take multivitamins to supplement any deficiencies in their diet. Therefore, ...[Read More] Can Seniors Safely Take Regular Multivitamins? Expert Advice
Unexplained Symptoms: What Medical Specialty Should You Consult?
What disease issue is it? Hello Doctor, I have been experiencing mild lower back pain, a feeling of swelling in my right abdomen, and intermittent mild pain for the past six months (pressing on my right abdomen does not cause pain). Since I am a carrier of hepatitis B, I had live...
Dr. Wang Zhengzhong Reply:
Hello Kent, since your liver function tests and ultrasound examinations have both returned normal results (and there is no fatty liver), and you do not experience pain when pressure is applied to the right abdomen, liver and gallbladder diseases can be ruled out. However, it is s...[Read More] Unexplained Symptoms: What Medical Specialty Should You Consult?
Understanding Hand Tremors: Causes and When to Seek Help
Hand tremors? Hello, doctor; I have a few questions for you. Below are some of my symptoms: 1. When I raise my right arm about 15 degrees, I experience pain on the inner side of my upper arm and shoulder. The higher I raise it, the more intense the pain becomes. This condition ...
Dr. Wang Zhengzhong Reply:
From the first question - When I raise my right arm about 15 degrees, I experience pain on the inner side of my shoulder. The higher I raise it, the more severe the pain becomes. This condition has persisted for over a year. It is important to consider three aspects: whether ther...[Read More] Understanding Hand Tremors: Causes and When to Seek Help
Understanding Unusual Anal Oil Discharge: Causes and Concerns
Anal discharge of oil Hello! Regarding my question: I do not recall any significant changes in my diet recently, nor have I taken any medications. However, for some reason, I have been experiencing oily discharge from my rectum when passing gas, which floats on the toilet water l...
Dr. Cai Jueren Reply:
Hello: The presence of oil in the stool is usually not indicative of any significant pathology. Some weight loss medications can cause this phenomenon, as can certain foods such as spicy hot pot and lard, among others. It is recommended that you first change your dietary habits. ...[Read More] Understanding Unusual Anal Oil Discharge: Causes and Concerns
Understanding Numbness in Feet: Causes and Concerns for Your Health
Numbness in the foot? Hello Dr. Tsai: My father is 55 years old, and for the past week, he has been experiencing a persistent tingling sensation in the front half of both feet (including the toes), but there is no pain, just discomfort. Could you please explain what this symptom ...
Dr. Cai Jueren Reply:
Hello: There are two possible conditions in this situation. One is a lumbar disc herniation causing nerve compression, and the other is poor peripheral blood circulation. I recommend taking your father to a hospital to consult a neurologist. Thank you for your message, and I hope...[Read More] Understanding Numbness in Feet: Causes and Concerns for Your Health