Why Am I Suddenly Sensitive to Heat? Understanding Body Temperature Changes
Increasing sensitivity to heat and elevated body temperature? Hello, doctor: When I was a child, I was very sensitive to cold and had a high tolerance for heat. During the summer, I could stay in a room without air conditioning without any issues, and even when the air conditioni...
Dr. Chen Taicheng Reply:
● I am not familiar with Sanfu Plaster; please consult your physician. ● During the summer, it is possible to have a higher body temperature due to the hot weather; generally, no one remains in a state of heatstroke continuously. ● If you feel hot but your body temperature is not...[Read More] Why Am I Suddenly Sensitive to Heat? Understanding Body Temperature Changes
Understanding Tongue Coating: What It Reveals About Your Health
Tongue coating concerns? Hello, I noticed that my tongue coating was thicker for a while, but recently it has decreased a bit. Today, I observed that the middle and back parts of my tongue have more coating again. When I scrape it off and smell it, there is a slight strange odor,...
Dr. Chen Taicheng Reply:
● The tongue coating may indeed change slightly over time, due to diet and individual health conditions. However, these changes are often not significant issues and may improve on their own. ● Generally, observation is sufficient; if discomfort occurs, it is advisable to seek fur...[Read More] Understanding Tongue Coating: What It Reveals About Your Health
Can You Donate Blood with Thalassemia Trait?
Oceanic anemia Hello Doctor: My grandfather and mother both have thalassemia. During my school entrance health check, I was also found to be a mild carrier, but I usually don't have any symptoms and feel fine. Can I donate blood under these circumstances?
Dr. Chen Taicheng Reply:
● In cases of mild thalassemia, individuals may not exhibit any symptoms, and hemoglobin levels can be within the normal range, typically above 11.5 g/dL for females. ● If your hemoglobin is normal, you may donate blood. However, if your hemoglobin is below 10 g/dL, it is advis...[Read More] Can You Donate Blood with Thalassemia Trait?
Is Exercising Before Dinner Beneficial or Harmful to Your Health?
Questions about exercising before meals? Hello, doctor. I would like to ask you about my recent lifestyle. I usually work until 6 PM, then exercise for an hour (swimming), and ride my bike home, arriving around 8 PM for dinner. Sometimes, during the period between exercising and ...
Dr. Chen Taicheng Reply:
● I am not a sports medicine expert, but I can provide insights from a general internal medicine perspective. ● As a young person, you likely do not have any chronic diseases. Exercising before dinner is beneficial, as eating too much after a meal can hinder physical activity. Mo...[Read More] Is Exercising Before Dinner Beneficial or Harmful to Your Health?
Understanding Blood Test Safety: Addressing Concerns About Contamination
Blood test issues? Hello, doctor. I asked about the blood test procedure the day before yesterday (<a href="https://adoctor.tw/article/126694">#126694</a>), and I appreciate your response. I apologize for asking another question. Initially, I was very concer...
Dr. Chen Taicheng Reply:
● You don't need to worry about the risk of infection at all. Additionally, the purpose of disinfecting the blood draw site with alcohol is also for this reason. You can refer to similar responses in articles #126643 and #126615. ● Hepatitis B is transmitted through blood an...[Read More] Understanding Blood Test Safety: Addressing Concerns About Contamination
Understanding Diabetes Medication: Is My Dosage Too Low?
Diabetes medication issues? Hello, Doctor. About a year ago, I was diagnosed with diabetes (pre-meal blood sugar 143, HbA1c 8.3). The doctor prescribed medication and advised me to lose weight (one Kuroda tablet in the morning and evening, and one Forxiga in the morning). After w...
Dr. Chen Taicheng Reply:
● It is indeed not significant; with your diet, exercise, weight loss, and medication assistance, your blood sugar is well controlled. ● However, with a hemoglobin A1c of 4.8, you should be cautious of the risk of hypoglycemia, although the risk is lower with Kuroda and Forxiga. ...[Read More] Understanding Diabetes Medication: Is My Dosage Too Low?
Understanding Oral Issues: Causes and Solutions for Bad Breath and Tongue Pain
Oral issues Hello, doctor. I would like to ask why I have been experiencing an unusual taste in my mouth for the past week (sometimes it feels sour, but it doesn't seem to be). My tongue occasionally feels prickly. How can I improve this condition?
Dr. Chen Taicheng Reply:
● If you have recently taken medication, such as antibiotics, it may sometimes cause changes in taste, which will gradually improve after discontinuation. ● Oral malodor should also consider the possibility of sinusitis, gastroesophageal reflux, excessive salivation, or oral hygi...[Read More] Understanding Oral Issues: Causes and Solutions for Bad Breath and Tongue Pain
Managing Irregular Periods and Skin Growths: A Guide for Seniors
Could you please provide more details or specify your question? 1. In the past 2-3 years, my menstrual cycle has not been as regular as it used to be, occurring every 30-40 days. Now, it comes approximately every 2-3 months. I have seen a gynecologist who conducted blood tests fo...
Dr. Chen Taicheng Reply:
● The average age for women to reach menopause is around 51 years, and in the years leading up to it, they may experience irregular menstruation and some may have menopausal symptoms. Normal hormone levels indicate that menopause has not yet occurred; if there are no menopausal s...[Read More] Managing Irregular Periods and Skin Growths: A Guide for Seniors
Understanding Skin Pain and Infection: Possible Causes and Concerns
Skin experiencing tingling and infection issues? Today while walking, I felt a sudden sharp pain in my left elbow as sweat dripped down. When I got home, I checked and there didn't seem to be any wounds or broken skin. However, when I lightly touched it with my fingers, I ex...
Dr. Chen Taicheng Reply:
- Skin tingling is more likely related to pressure; however, due to the injury at the C5 cervical vertebra, it may also cause discomfort in the elbow, although this is less common. If the issue is related to the neck, symptoms of numbness and tingling in the hand would persist. I...[Read More] Understanding Skin Pain and Infection: Possible Causes and Concerns
Concerns About Plague: Symptoms and Prevention After Mouse Infestation
Worried about contracting the plague? Hello: I recently moved back to a house I haven't lived in for a year, and after a few days of staying there, I discovered a lot of mouse droppings. I am now very concerned about the possibility of contracting the plague. Are there any s...
Dr. Chen Taicheng Reply:
● Plague: Taiwan has not reported any cases since 1948. There were cases in Kinmen in 1950, but they ceased by 1953. Currently, the main endemic areas for plague are South America, Africa, and Southeast Asia. According to the World Health Organization, there are approximately 1,0...[Read More] Concerns About Plague: Symptoms and Prevention After Mouse Infestation
Assessing Virus Infection Risks from Blood Contact in Sports
Risk of Viral Infection (Continued Inquiry) Dear Dr. Chen, Thank you for your response. I am the gentleman who inquired about the risk of viral infection. Here is a recap of my previous question: Yesterday, while playing basketball, my hand came into contact with a friend's...
Dr. Chen Taicheng Reply:
According to data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) in the United States: - The transmission risk from needlestick injuries is as follows: - Hepatitis B: 6-30% - Hepatitis C: 1.8% - HIV: 0.3% - If there is contact with blood through intact ...[Read More] Assessing Virus Infection Risks from Blood Contact in Sports
Concerns About Blood Test Procedures and Infection Risks in Family Medicine
Questions about the blood draw process? Hello, Doctor: Today I went to the hospital for a blood draw, and the lab technician crumpled the order form and threw it into the trash can (the alcohol swabs used for disinfection were also discarded there). Later, it seems they retrieved...
Dr. Chen Taicheng Reply:
●Will not transmit any diseases. Wishing you good health, Dr. Chen Tai-Cheng from the Family Medicine Department of Taoyuan Hospital cares about you~[Read More] Concerns About Blood Test Procedures and Infection Risks in Family Medicine
Managing Hemorrhoids During Menstruation: What You Need to Know
Menstrual Period and Anal Issues I recently developed hemorrhoids and consulted a doctor. I've been applying medication for four days, but my menstrual period has started, and I'm unsure whether I should continue using the medication Yizhi Kang.
Dr. Chen Taicheng Reply:
If you have concerns about using medication during your menstrual period, you may pause its use and resume after your period ends. Hemorrhoids are a chronic issue, and it may take several weeks of using the medication to achieve complete healing, so a short-term discontinuation i...[Read More] Managing Hemorrhoids During Menstruation: What You Need to Know
Understanding Virus Infection Risks in Sports: What You Need to Know
Risk of Viral Infection Hello Dr. Chen, Yesterday, while playing basketball, my hand came into contact with a friend's bleeding wound (the wound had scabbed over but was reopened during the game). I do not have any open or bleeding wounds on my hand. Given that I am unaware...
Dr. Chen Taicheng Reply:
● Aside from cauliflower (condyloma), other diseases are transmitted through the exchange of blood and bodily fluids, and the chance of infection is nearly zero if you have no open wounds on your skin. ● Condyloma is primarily transmitted through contact, but its location is usua...[Read More] Understanding Virus Infection Risks in Sports: What You Need to Know
Nighttime Anxiety and Sweaty Palms: Understanding Your Symptoms
Waking up in the middle of the night feeling anxious and unable to sleep, with sweating in the palm of the left hand? Hello Dr. Chen! I often wake up around 2 to 3 AM feeling anxious and unable to fall back asleep, and this has been happening for some time. Additionally, I freque...
Dr. Chen Taicheng Reply:
● Please seek medical attention to determine if there are any arrhythmias, high or low blood sugar levels, thyroid function issues, or blood pressure concerns. ● Nighttime cramps may be due to dehydration, increased sensitivity of peripheral nerves and blood vessels, diabetes, li...[Read More] Nighttime Anxiety and Sweaty Palms: Understanding Your Symptoms
Chronic Abdominal Pain: Seeking the Right Specialist for Relief
Abdominal pain for two years, with reduced discomfort when lying down? Doctor, the gastroenterologist said that all my internal organs are normal, so it shouldn't be an organ issue. However, I have been experiencing persistent abdominal pain that doesn't feel deep insid...
Dr. Chen Taicheng Reply:
● The causes of abdominal pain are diverse: (1) Hepatobiliary and gastrointestinal: gastritis, enteritis, peptic ulcers, inflammatory bowel diseases (ankylosing spondylitis may be associated with inflammatory bowel diseases such as ulcerative colitis and Crohn's disease), di...[Read More] Chronic Abdominal Pain: Seeking the Right Specialist for Relief
Understanding a Persistent Black Spot on the Sternum: Causes and Concerns
There is a black patch on the skin at the xiphoid process of the sternum? The black patch typically does not cause any issues; it is neither painful nor itchy nor swollen. However, whenever I have a fever or cold, the patch begins to feel warm, becomes red and swollen (the swelli...
Dr. Chen Taicheng Reply:
● Black spots may be benign lesions or moles, but if there are changes in shape, size, color, or borders, it is important to be cautious about the possibility of malignancy. Please consult a dermatologist. Wishing you good health, Dr. Chen Tai-Cheng from the Family Medicine Depar...[Read More] Understanding a Persistent Black Spot on the Sternum: Causes and Concerns
Understanding Chest Tightness: Causes and Solutions for Better Sleep
Chest tightness? In recent nights, I have been feeling a tight and heavy sensation in the left side of my chest, near my heart, which makes it difficult to fall asleep.
Dr. Wu Fangcan Reply:
According to what you said, there could be many possible causes such as stress, cardiovascular diseases, or pleuritis. It is advisable to consult a family medicine physician for further evaluation.[Read More] Understanding Chest Tightness: Causes and Solutions for Better Sleep
Persistent Left-Sided Pain and Numbness: What Specialist to See?
Numbness and pain in the left hand and left foot, with alternating pain on the left side. Pain extends from the hand to the back, lower back, buttocks, and down to the leg? I have been experiencing symptoms for over a year. Initially, I felt a tightness in my chest, so I went to ...
Dr. Chen Taicheng Reply:
● If you experience numbness or pain that seems to move around, consider conditions such as muscle inflammation, fibromyalgia, or rare spinal neuropathies. It is advisable to prepare relevant tests such as electrocardiograms, electromyography from neurology, or other imaging stud...[Read More] Persistent Left-Sided Pain and Numbness: What Specialist to See?
Chest Pain and Discomfort: Is It Exercise-Related or Heart Issues?
Pain upon palpation of the lower edge of the left chest? Hello Doctor: Last night and today, I suddenly felt a bit of pressure and pain at the lower edge of my left chest. It also hurts a little when I press on it. Additionally, I have experienced some palpitations last night and...
Dr. Chen Taicheng Reply:
● Given your age, the likelihood of having heart problems is low; however, conditions such as arrhythmia, thyroid disease, anemia, and fluctuations in blood sugar levels can lead to palpitations. ● For the pain point under the left chest, it is advisable to observe it for 2-3 day...[Read More] Chest Pain and Discomfort: Is It Exercise-Related or Heart Issues?