Understanding Jaw Joint Pain: Seeking the Right Specialist for Relief
Temporomandibular joint pain? In recent years, I have been experiencing pain in my jaw joint after eating. I have undergone occlusal splint therapy, but it has not improved, and the situation has even worsened. I have consulted various hospitals and doctors, but there have been n...
Dr. Cai Jueren Reply:
Hello, this issue is not difficult to resolve. The pain in the temporomandibular joint (TMJ) is mostly caused by occlusal abnormalities, with a few cases resulting from trauma. Occlusal issues are commonly seen in patients who grind their teeth during sleep, and these individuals...[Read More] Understanding Jaw Joint Pain: Seeking the Right Specialist for Relief
Unexplained Alcohol Breath: Understanding Possible Causes and Concerns
Breath has a smell of alcohol? Hello, Dr. Hsu. I usually do not drink alcohol (I consume less than 1000cc of beer per year). When I do drink, I quickly experience full-body warmth and redness, but I do not have any allergies. However, in recent years, I have occasionally noticed ...
Dr. Xu Li'an Reply:
Hello, Mr. Zhang. Please visit a major hospital to see the Endocrinology or Metabolism department, as further tests are needed for a proper diagnosis. Wishing you a speedy recovery. Hsu Li-An, 9507261011, Hualien Hospital, Family Medicine Department.[Read More] Unexplained Alcohol Breath: Understanding Possible Causes and Concerns
Which Specialist Should I See for My Hand Tremors and Numbness?
I'm sorry, but I need the content you would like me About two years ago, I experienced hand tremors that made it impossible for me to write properly, which lasted for 6 to 7 months. The episodes disappeared, and I thought everything was fine. However, this year my hands star...
Dr. Cai Jueren Reply:
Hello, your issue seems to be related to a higher-level neurological problem, and I cannot address it in written form as it may cause you further distress. Generally, a neurological examination should be prioritized. If necessary, in addition to endocrine blood tests, a CT scan o...[Read More] Which Specialist Should I See for My Hand Tremors and Numbness?
Understanding Inner Ear Imbalance: Symptoms, Causes, and Treatment
Inner ear imbalance Dr. Hsu: I apologize for bothering you again. I’m not sure if it’s due to stress, but my physical condition has been fluctuating. After experiencing menstrual cramps, I immediately felt dizzy. A few days ago, I visited an internist and reported symptoms includ...
Dr. Xu Li'an Reply:
Dear worried girl Linda, whether it's a hospital or a clinic, I recommend that you find a regular family medicine physician for consultation. You have been constantly concerned about the issue of medication overdose, but merely worrying is not helpful. Why not make some chan...[Read More] Understanding Inner Ear Imbalance: Symptoms, Causes, and Treatment
Understanding Painful, Disappearing Lumps: Causes and When to Seek Help
A painful lump that disappears? Sometimes my body suddenly develops a hard lump that is very painful to touch, but it disappears after about 5 to 6 days. Most of these lumps appear in the upper and lower abdomen, and I have also experienced them near the collarbone. I am unsure o...
Dr. Lin Mingxing Reply:
Dear Dr. Lin Ming-Hsing of the Family Medicine Department at Tainan Hospital, Executive Yuan Health Department: In response to your statement, if it is unrelated to tumors, it may be due to a skin allergy or an immune response. It would be advisable to consult a dermatologist fo...[Read More] Understanding Painful, Disappearing Lumps: Causes and When to Seek Help
Understanding Finger Numbness: When to Seek Medical Advice
The fingers are becoming increasingly numb? Hello Doctor: About ten years ago, I started experiencing a slight tingling sensation in my fingertips, but at that time, it was only at the tips. Now, the tingling has extended to the back of my hand as well. There is no pain or loss o...
Dr. Zhan Deqin Reply:
It may be due to poor blood circulation or Raynaud's phenomenon, so it is advisable to consult a vascular specialist.[Read More] Understanding Finger Numbness: When to Seek Medical Advice
Understanding Abdominal Swelling: Do Lipomas Require Surgery?
Mom's abdomen is very swollen? Hello, doctor. My mother is 48 years old and has been experiencing abnormal abdominal swelling in recent years. She previously visited a gynecologist who said she had a lipoma, but she hasn't followed up since then. Does a lipoma require s...
Dr. Zhan Deqin Reply:
If it is a large tumor, it is better to have it surgically removed. It is important to follow up quickly. There are many reasons for abdominal distension, and a tumor is one of them; it is not related to postpartum confinement.[Read More] Understanding Abdominal Swelling: Do Lipomas Require Surgery?
Which Medical Specialist Should We Consult for Mom's Health Issues?
Which specialty should I consult for my mother's condition? Hello Doctor: My mother is 58 years old and feels very fatigued and weak every day. When the weather gets hot, she experiences dizziness, neck and back pain, and often complains of feeling like she is suffocating. S...
Dr. Zhan Deqin Reply:
Night sweats, sensitivity to cold, and shivering at your mother's age may be symptoms of menopause syndrome. Additionally, elevated blood pressure could indicate hypertension. Therefore, 1. A comprehensive adult health check-up should be conducted to identify any abnormaliti...[Read More] Which Medical Specialist Should We Consult for Mom's Health Issues?
Unusual Skin Growths: When to See a Family Doctor or Dermatologist?
Abnormal growths on the skin? In recent years, I have noticed many small flat moles on my chest and arms, but I didn't pay much attention to them. However, in the past month, I suddenly discovered raised lesions along my hairline, under my armpits, and on my buttocks. They a...
Dr. Lin Mingxing Reply:
Dear Dr. Lin Ming-Hsing of the Family Medicine Department at Tainan Hospital, Executive Yuan Health Department: As you mentioned, the diagnosis may be flat warts. It is recommended that you visit a dermatologist for further management. Tainan Hospital cares about your health.[Read More] Unusual Skin Growths: When to See a Family Doctor or Dermatologist?
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
Understanding Mysterious Symptoms: Vomiting Blood and Severe Pain
I would like to ask about the name of the disease and the reasons for acquiring it? My friend sometimes inexplicably vomits blood (the amount is not very much, about the same as a mouthful of saliva). It seems to have worsened now; whenever her emotions fluctuate too much, she so...
Dr. Zhan Deqin Reply:
It is important to distinguish between vomiting blood and coughing up blood. If it is vomiting blood (originating from the stomach), it may indicate issues with the stomach or liver, or it could be due to severe vomiting causing esophageal tears. If it is coughing up blood, it ma...[Read More] Understanding Mysterious Symptoms: Vomiting Blood and Severe Pain
Which Specialist to See for Memory Issues and Mood Changes?
Dementia? Depression? Hypothyroidism? Which department(s) should I consult? Hello Doctor, my mother is 55 years old and slightly overweight. She has a history of hypothyroidism and cardiovascular issues (she has a lack of temperature sensation in her left hand and elevated blood ...
Dr. Xu Li'an Reply:
Dear Kevin, I suggest you take your mother to see a neurologist; some hospitals refer to this as the Department of Neurology. At the same time, you should also visit an endocrinologist, which some hospitals call the Department of Metabolism. It would be best to find a facility wh...[Read More] Which Specialist to See for Memory Issues and Mood Changes?
Common Health Concerns: Back Pain and Lipoma Removal Questions
Please ask your health-related question? I have a few health issues I would like to ask the doctor about. 1. I have been experiencing lower back pain for several years. Recently, I noticed that when I sit and study, I easily become fatigued, and my posture tends to slide down, ...
Dr. Lin Mingxing Reply:
Dear Dr. Tsai Yue-Fu from the Family Medicine Department of Tainan Hospital, Department of Health, Executive Yuan: 1. Common causes of lower back pain include poor posture and sports injuries (including trauma). When seeking medical attention, a physical examination will be cond...[Read More] Common Health Concerns: Back Pain and Lipoma Removal Questions
Chronic Back Pain: Understanding Causes Beyond Lack of Exercise
Persistent lower back pain? Hello, I am 28 years old. Since my school days, I have frequently experienced soreness and weakness in my thighs, making it difficult to walk. This occurs intermittently in one leg or the other. Eventually, the pain has extended from my hips down to my...
Dr. Xu Li'an Reply:
Dear Ruru, please visit the rheumatology and rehabilitation outpatient clinics at the medical center. Since there are no laboratory reports available for reference and your description seems quite unique, further examinations are necessary to confirm the diagnosis. Wishing you a ...[Read More] Chronic Back Pain: Understanding Causes Beyond Lack of Exercise
Understanding the Safety and Frequency of Gastrointestinal Imaging in Health Checks
There are issues regarding health check-ups..? Hello, I would like to ask if the ingestion of a white liquid metal during a gastrointestinal imaging procedure in a full-body health check poses any harm to the human body? Will it be completely expelled from the body afterward? If ...
Dr. Xu Li'an Reply:
Dear Yalin, The barium contrast used for imaging can be completely expelled, and it is generally recommended for high-risk groups to undergo this examination every two years. However, it has largely been replaced by gastroscopy and colonoscopy, as gastrointestinal imaging may no...[Read More] Understanding the Safety and Frequency of Gastrointestinal Imaging in Health Checks
How to Address Vaccine Proof Issues in Family Medicine Visits
Vaccine certification issues? Hello Dr. Hsu: Today I visited the Chiayi Municipal Hospital to see a family medicine doctor, but the physician said I need to provide proof of vaccination in order to receive a prescription. However, my medical records are over 10 years old and have...
Dr. Xu Li'an Reply:
Dear Tina, This is a challenging issue because it straddles the edge of unreasonable regulations. Medical regulations state that medical records need to be kept for only ten years, and physicians are prohibited from falsifying documents. However, foreign requirements mandate tha...[Read More] How to Address Vaccine Proof Issues in Family Medicine Visits
Genetic Testing for Family Relations: What You Need to Know
Genetic testing If my boyfriend and I share the same last name but my family does not approve of our marriage, which medical specialty should we consult to check for any blood relation? Additionally, what is the estimated cost for the testing, and how long does it typically take ...
Dr. Xu Li'an Reply:
Dear troubled girl, what era are we in? It's important to understand that in Taiwan's earlier years, many children were fostered under different surnames, and even if the surnames differ, there could still be a blood relationship. Recently, I visited a senior physician,...[Read More] Genetic Testing for Family Relations: What You Need to Know
Understanding Chest Pain During Breathing: Causes and Concerns
Sometimes breathing can be painful? Hello Doctor, I would like to ask you about something. Sometimes I experience pain while breathing, specifically in the area beneath my lower ribs in the chest or in my back. Recently, I've also felt pain radiating to my upper arms, which ...
Dr. Lin Mingxing Reply:
Dear Director Lin Ming-Hsing of the Family Medicine Department at Tainan Hospital, Ministry of Health and Welfare: Based on the symptoms described, it appears that the pain is of a neuromuscular nature. Additionally, cervical spine syndrome may be a primary cause. This condition...[Read More] Understanding Chest Pain During Breathing: Causes and Concerns
How to Obtain Vaccine Proof for Travel When Records Are Missing?
Vaccination certificate I need a vaccination certificate for traveling abroad. When I went to the health center to request the certificate, they informed me that the records for individuals born in 1979 (Republic of China year 68) no longer exist. What should I do? Do I have to g...
Dr. Xu Li'an Reply:
Dear Tina, In Taiwan, medical records are only required to be kept for ten years, so any records older than ten years can be legally destroyed. Many international students encounter the same issue. In my family medicine practice, I can only document vaccination dates based on r...[Read More] How to Obtain Vaccine Proof for Travel When Records Are Missing?
Understanding Right Lower Abdominal Pain: Causes and Specialist Options
Frequent cramping pain in the lower right abdomen? Hello Dr. Lin, I often experience soreness and pain in my lower right abdomen (above the groin). Sometimes it feels like cramping. However, this condition disappears around the time of my menstrual period, and it usually occurs b...
Dr. Lin Mingxing Reply:
Dear Sir/Madam, First, it is advisable to have a gynecologist rule out any potential pelvic conditions. If there are no gynecological issues, then gastrointestinal disorders should be considered. However, neuromuscular problems are also worth considering. Wishing you good heal...[Read More] Understanding Right Lower Abdominal Pain: Causes and Specialist Options