Understanding Painful Nipple Symptoms: When to Seek Medical Help
Nipple pain? Hello doctor, I am 22 years old and I have a small lump on the left side of my nipple that has been painful for the past two weeks. What could this be? If I need to go to the hospital for an examination, which department should I visit? Thank you!
Dr. Cai Jueren Reply:
Hello, small lumps on the nipple should not be taken lightly. If there is tenderness, it may indicate an inflammatory response, possibly mastitis or sebaceous gland inflammation. Of course, there are other possibilities that need to be evaluated through further examinations. It i...[Read More] Understanding Painful Nipple Symptoms: When to Seek Medical Help
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
Melatonin for Sleep Disorders: Does It Really Help?
excuse me? Melatonin is a hormone that regulates sleep-wake cycles and has been studied for its effects on sleep disorders, including insomnia, frequent awakenings, and early morning awakenings. Research suggests that melatonin supplementation can be effective in improving sleep ...
Dr. Cai Jueren Reply:
Hello, melatonin has become a popular topic in medicine in recent years. Some claim it can combat aging, but the experimental results are inconclusive. Others suggest it can treat insomnia, yet there is no scientific evidence to support its efficacy, and the safe dosage has not b...[Read More] Melatonin for Sleep Disorders: Does It Really Help?
Understanding Edema: When to Seek Medical Help for Diabetes and Hypertension
Generalized edema Hello Doctor: My mother has diabetes and hypertension, and she is currently injecting insulin every morning and evening. Recently, she has experienced edema in her lower extremities, and now facial swelling has also appeared. She mentioned that her urine output ...
Dr. Cai Jueren Reply:
Hello, based on the situation you described regarding your mother, it seems that she is not suitable for home care. Her condition appears to be related to diabetes with nephropathy and edema, which may have been present for some time. I recommend that you take her to a large hosp...[Read More] Understanding Edema: When to Seek Medical Help for Diabetes and Hypertension
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 Knee Pain in Children: When to Seek Medical Advice
Knee pain Hello, Doctor: My daughter is 8 years old and weighs 38 kg. Recently, she has been frequently complaining of knee pain when climbing stairs. Which department should we consult for this issue? Could it be related to her weight? She is 130 cm tall. Is it possible that she...
Dr. Xu Li'an Reply:
Hello Frank, it seems you are overweight. You can visit a hospital to consult with the rehabilitation department or go to a medical center that has pediatric orthopedics. Xu Li'an, resignation date 951018.[Read More] Understanding Knee Pain in Children: When to Seek Medical Advice
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
Chronic Headaches: Which Specialist Should You Consult?
Hello, doctor: I often have headaches and I'm not sure which specialty I should see? Hello, doctor. My question is: (1) I had a car accident 20 years ago where I hit my head. At that time, there was no significant injury, but I have a noticeable lump on the upper left side o...
Dr. Cai Jueren Reply:
Hello, the symptoms you described are likely a type of migraine. Migraines often have no identifiable cause and are usually managed with pain relief medications. I recommend that you first visit a major hospital's sleep center to address any sleep issues, as resolving these ...[Read More] Chronic Headaches: Which Specialist Should You Consult?
Understanding Your Annual Health Check Results: Key Improvements for a Healthier You
Health check results Hello Dr. Hsu: Our company's annual health check-up report has been released... Since there are many red flags, I would like to ask how to improve my health. I am currently 31 years old, with a height of 177 cm and a weight of 82.1 kg. The examination re...
Dr. Xu Li'an Reply:
Hello, A-Feng. You are overweight—please lose weight. Your triglyceride levels are elevated—please reduce your intake of high-fat fried foods. Your uric acid levels are high—please decrease your consumption of high-purine foods. Fruit vinegar is considered a health food but canno...[Read More] Understanding Your Annual Health Check Results: Key Improvements for a Healthier You
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 Memory Loss, Heart Pain, and Breathing Issues: A Guide
Amnesia. Chest pain. Difficulty breathing..? Hello, Dr. Hsu! I have been struggling with insomnia for a long time (I have a history of depression with several episodes). Recently (on September 18), I experienced an incident where I forgot the names of my two best friends in the m...
Dr. Xu Li'an Reply:
Hello, it sounds like you are under a lot of stress. A preliminary guess is that it may be psychosomatic disorder, which means that psychological stress and emotions are causing physical symptoms. I recommend that you see a family physician or a psychosomatic medicine specialist ...[Read More] Understanding Memory Loss, Heart Pain, and Breathing Issues: A Guide
Should My Brother Remove a Pencil Lead Fragment After Years?
excuse me? Hello, I would like to ask about my brother (17 years old). When he was in the second grade of elementary school, he had a pencil lead stuck in the flesh under his fingernail. At that time, it was not handled properly, and a small piece of lead, measuring a fraction of...
Dr. Xu Li'an Reply:
If the individual does not feel uncomfortable, there is no urgent need for treatment.[Read More] Should My Brother Remove a Pencil Lead Fragment After Years?
Why Do Bruises Appear Days After Blood Draw? Understanding the Causes
Bruising may appear a few days after a blood draw? Hello, Doctor: Three days ago, our company conducted a health check-up, which required blood draw. After I had my blood drawn, I followed the nurse's instructions and did not rub the puncture site; I only applied pressure fo...
Dr. Xu Li'an Reply:
Dear Jackal, it is likely that you are experiencing a subcutaneous hemorrhage due to microvascular rupture. If the bruise persists for more than a week or expands, please visit a hospital's family medicine or hematology department for an examination. Wishing you a speedy rec...[Read More] Why Do Bruises Appear Days After Blood Draw? Understanding the Causes
Can G6PD Patients Eat Cola Nuts? Risks of Shampoo in Ears Explained
Hello! Hello, can individuals with G6PD deficiency consume cola nuts? Also, if shampoo gets into the ears while showering, what could happen?
Dr. Cai Jueren Reply:
Hello, doctors generally advise against consuming fava beans for patients with G6PD deficiency. There are two main contraindications: 1. Fava beans 2. Camphor. For cleaning the ears, the safest method is to gently use a cotton swab to insert it into the ear canal and gently rotat...[Read More] Can G6PD Patients Eat Cola Nuts? Risks of Shampoo in Ears Explained
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 Chronic Pain and Fertility Issues: A Comprehensive Guide
I feel discomfort all over my body? Hello Doctor, I have been experiencing persistent headaches in the left back of my head for about 2-3 months. It has become so bothersome that I sometimes feel like I just want to hit my head against a wall. Additionally, my husband and I have ...
Dr. Cai Jueren Reply:
If you have been engaging in regular sexual intercourse without contraception for over six months without achieving pregnancy, you should consider the possibility of infertility and both partners should undergo evaluation. Additionally, you should inform your physician about any ...[Read More] Understanding Chronic Pain and Fertility Issues: A Comprehensive Guide
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
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 Recurring Inflammation in Fingers and Toes: Causes and Solutions
The hands/feet or toes often experience redness and swelling? Hello, Doctor. I often experience unexplained inflammation and swelling, approximately once every 1 to 2 months, mostly occurring in the big toes of my hands and feet. Each time I visit a general clinic, I am prescribe...
Dr. Lin Mingxing Reply:
Dear Dr. Lin Ming-Hsing of the Family Medicine Department at Tainan Hospital, Executive Yuan Health Department: In general, the occurrence of gout is not directly proportional to uric acid levels. To determine whether your "similar gout" is indeed induced by uric acid,...[Read More] Understanding Recurring Inflammation in Fingers and Toes: Causes and Solutions