Chronic Fatigue, Excessive Thirst, and Hair Loss: Which Specialist to See?
Chronic fatigue... excessive thirst... significant hair loss? Hello, I have been experiencing chronic fatigue, excessive thirst (no matter how much water I drink, I still feel thirsty), and significant hair loss. The hair loss is severe enough that after washing my hair, the amou...
Dr. Chen Taicheng Reply:
● Fatigue is a non-specific complaint, and many internal medical conditions or psychological stressors can be associated with it. ● Common causes of thirst include diabetes mellitus, diabetes insipidus, hyperaldosteronism, and side effects from certain medications (such as diuret...[Read More] Chronic Fatigue, Excessive Thirst, and Hair Loss: Which Specialist to See?
Understanding Heat Exhaustion: Core Temperature and Blood Pressure Insights
Heat exhaustion: core body temperature and systolic blood pressure? In cases of heat exhaustion, the core body temperature typically falls below 38 degrees Celsius, and the systolic blood pressure is often greater than 90 millimeters of mercury (mmHg).
Dr. Chen Taicheng Reply:
Heat exhaustion and heat stroke are both heat-related emergencies, differing only in severity. Heat exhaustion occurs due to excessively high environmental temperatures and excessive sweating, leading to severe dehydration. Symptoms include dizziness, weakness, nausea, vomiting, ...[Read More] Understanding Heat Exhaustion: Core Temperature and Blood Pressure Insights
Understanding Movable Lumps in the Groin: When to Seek Medical Help
There is a hard lump in the groin area? If you have a movable, painless lump under the skin in the groin area that appears white and is slightly larger than a pimple, which specialist should you consult for medical evaluation? Thank you.
Dr. Chen Taicheng Reply:
● In males, the area under the groin may present with epidermoid cysts (commonly known as sebaceous cysts) or Fordyce spots (benign sebaceous gland hyperplasia). Other conditions such as hair follicle cysts or multiple sebaceous cysts, among various skin diseases, need to be diff...[Read More] Understanding Movable Lumps in the Groin: When to Seek Medical Help
Understanding Abnormal Vaginal Bleeding: Causes and When to Seek Help
Vaginal bleeding Hello, doctor. My menstrual period started on November 5 and lasted for about 7 days. On May 21, after having intercourse with my boyfriend (using a condom), I experienced vaginal pain, swelling, and a small amount of bleeding. Later, I noticed that my vaginal di...
Dr. Chen Taicheng Reply:
● The medication you previously used can treat vaginal candidiasis. In principle, expired medications are not recommended for use. ● This medication generally does not cause early menstruation; there are many causes of abnormal bleeding, such as cervical erosion, luteal phase ble...[Read More] Understanding Abnormal Vaginal Bleeding: Causes and When to Seek Help
Risk of HIV Infection from Nail Cuts in Swimming Pools: What You Need to Know
What is the risk of HIV infection from a cut on the finger in water? A few days ago, while swimming in the pool, I was scratched on my left big toe by the toenail of a swimmer in the adjacent lane (the likelihood of being scratched by his toenail is highest because he was swimmin...
Dr. Chen Bozhang Reply:
Dear Mr. F, Thank you for your message. You mentioned that while swimming, you were possibly scratched on your left big toe by the toenail of another swimmer in the adjacent lane, and upon returning home, you noticed pain and bleeding in that toe. In general, swimming pools co...[Read More] Risk of HIV Infection from Nail Cuts in Swimming Pools: What You Need to Know
Frequent Bedwetting in Sixth Graders: When to Seek Medical Help?
Frequent bedwetting occurs in sixth-grade elementary school students? Hello, is it normal for a sixth grader to frequently wet their pants while awake? Which specialist should I consult? When I ask the child if they feel the urge to urinate, they say they do, but they still wet t...
Dr. Chen Taicheng Reply:
● Bedwetting after the age of ten may indicate an underlying issue, particularly more common in boys. ● There are many causes of bedwetting: (1) Immature brain development: Generally, if a person has a strong urge to urinate, they will wake up to go to the bathroom. (2) Insuffici...[Read More] Frequent Bedwetting in Sixth Graders: When to Seek Medical Help?
Understanding Unusual Skin Pain: Causes and Concerns
Unusual skin prickling sensation? I had a fever last night that reached 39.5°C. I saw a doctor yesterday, received an injection, and was prescribed medication. However, I'm not sure if it's an allergic reaction or something else, as I have developed small, bump-like les...
Dr. Chen Taicheng Reply:
● It is necessary to personally receive diagnosis and treatment to distinguish whether the rash is caused by an illness or medication. Please visit a family medicine or dermatology department for further evaluation. ● Sexually transmitted infections can be identified through appe...[Read More] Understanding Unusual Skin Pain: Causes and Concerns
Understanding Abnormal Blood Test Results: Causes of Fatigue and Anemia
Abnormal blood test results? Hello, I experienced quite severe insomnia two years ago, but my sleep quality has improved significantly over the past six months, allowing me to fall asleep in about 20 minutes. However, I still feel very fatigued and weak; even after sleeping 8-9 h...
Dr. Chen Bozhang Reply:
Dear Ms. CY, I understand from your letter that you have been experiencing persistent fatigue. Your health check report indicates mild anemia and a slightly elevated eosinophil count. Here’s an explanation: 1) The ideal hemoglobin (Hb) level for women is above 12.0 g/dL. You ha...[Read More] Understanding Abnormal Blood Test Results: Causes of Fatigue and Anemia
Understanding Sudden Headaches with Fluctuating Body Temperature
Intermittent chills and fever with headache? Hello Doctor, I suddenly have a severe headache, with the most discomfort in the back of my head. My body feels alternately cold and hot, and my face and neck feel persistently warm, but I do not have a fever. I feel achy and weak all ...
Dr. Chen Bozhang Reply:
Dear Ms. Mii, You mentioned experiencing recurrent sudden onset headaches in the back of your head, along with symptoms of alternating chills and heat, as well as generalized muscle aches and weakness over the past two months. Since these symptoms could be indicative of a variet...[Read More] Understanding Sudden Headaches with Fluctuating Body Temperature
Understanding Persistent Health Issues: A Guide to Family Medicine Concerns
Frequent health issues? Since March, I have been feeling unwell and have seen eight doctors so far. It all started one afternoon when I suddenly experienced pain in my lower right abdomen near the groin, so severe that I couldn't stand up straight, along with gastrointestina...
Dr. Chen Taicheng Reply:
● The diagnostic criteria for diabetes include four standards: (1) Fasting blood glucose ≥ 126 mg/dL, (2) Two-hour blood glucose ≥ 200 mg/dL after a 75 g oral glucose tolerance test, (3) Random blood glucose ≥ 200 mg/dL with symptoms of hyperglycemia, (4) Hemoglobin A1c ≥ 6.5%. ...[Read More] Understanding Persistent Health Issues: A Guide to Family Medicine Concerns
Understanding Prediabetes: Do You Need Medication or Dietary Changes?
Is it prediabetes, and is there a need for medication management? Hello Doctor: I had a routine check-up last June, where my fasting blood glucose was 88, but my hemoglobin A1c spiked to 9.4. The doctor advised that the testing lab should recheck the results. Later, I was asked t...
Dr. Chen Taicheng Reply:
●Conclusion first: Not necessarily, but there is a high chance of not having diabetes, and medication is not required. ●The diagnostic criteria for diabetes include four criteria: (1) Fasting blood glucose ≥ 126 mg/dL (2) Two-hour blood glucose ≥ 200 mg/dL after a 75 g oral gluco...[Read More] Understanding Prediabetes: Do You Need Medication or Dietary Changes?
Understanding Pulsating Head Vessels: Causes and Concerns
Often feel pulsation in the blood vessels of the head? Hello, doctor. As the title suggests, I have recently been feeling pulsations in the blood vessels in my head, especially when I lie on my pillow at night; this sensation is most pronounced during that time. I also dream ever...
Dr. Chen Taicheng Reply:
Headaches can have many causes, with common types including migraines and tension-type headaches. Migraines are characterized by moderate to severe pain that can last from 4 to 72 hours, often unilateral, and may be accompanied by pulsating pain, nausea, vomiting, and exacerbatio...[Read More] Understanding Pulsating Head Vessels: Causes and Concerns
Is Going to Bed Early Beneficial for Sleep Quality?
Sleep duration Hello doctor, I have difficulty falling asleep at night and my mind tends to wander. Even though I go to bed earlier, I still feel like I haven't slept and before I know it, it's dawn. I would like to ask if going to bed earlier (originally at midnight, n...
Dr. Chen Taicheng Reply:
Chronic insomnia has many causes, such as internal medical conditions (cardiopulmonary issues, gastrointestinal problems, pain), medications (such as asthma medications, antihistamines), alcohol consumption, mental health issues (like depression and anxiety), sleep apnea, restles...[Read More] Is Going to Bed Early Beneficial for Sleep Quality?
Managing Hyperthyroidism: Key Questions and Answers for Patients
Hyperthyroidism issues? Hello, doctor! I have some questions: 1. A family member has been on medication for hyperthyroidism for three months. T4 levels are now normal, but TSH remains low at 0.03. If they experience a fever or sore throat, should they temporarily stop the medic...
Dr. Chen Taicheng Reply:
● First, "Antithyroid medications suppress Free T4 levels quickly, but TSH may remain low for some time (even for several months)." Therefore, if TSH has not normalized, you can consult your physician to adjust the medication. Generally, after three months of treatment,...[Read More] Managing Hyperthyroidism: Key Questions and Answers for Patients
Understanding Skin Issues: When to See a Family Medicine Specialist
Unsure which specialty to consult? Hello, my mother is currently 50 years old. Recently, due to the hot weather, she has developed small red spots from her calves to her ankles, resembling bleeding from the blood vessels underneath. There are no abnormalities when touched, and it...
Dr. Chen Taicheng Reply:
● It is most likely primary purpura or senile purpura. Other conditions such as benign chronic pigmented purpura (purpura pigmentosa chronica) include several disorders like telangiectatic purpura and progressive pigmented dermatosis. ● Other potential causes such as thrombocytop...[Read More] Understanding Skin Issues: When to See a Family Medicine Specialist
Unexplained Weight Loss Despite Normal Diet: Seeking Medical Guidance
Normal diet, but the body is becoming increasingly emaciated? Hello Dr. Chen, I am inquiring on behalf of my mother-in-law. Since after the Lunar New Year this year, she has been losing weight continuously. She originally weighed 48-49 kg, but now she is down to 43 kg. She eats a...
Dr. Chen Taicheng Reply:
The causes of involuntary weight loss in the elderly are numerous. For instance, 1. Side effects of medications. 2. Emotional issues, such as depression. 3. Poor appetite, which can occur with normal aging, such as diminished taste, delayed gastric emptying, and gastrointestinal ...[Read More] Unexplained Weight Loss Despite Normal Diet: Seeking Medical Guidance
Right Lower Abdominal Pain: When to See a Doctor and Which Specialist?
Right lower abdominal pain? My menstrual cycle is regular, but I started experiencing pain in the lower right abdomen during the last two days of my period, which has persisted for four days. I had similar symptoms last year (2016), and at that time, I consulted a gynecologist wh...
Dr. Chen Taicheng Reply:
There are many causes of right lower abdominal pain, such as appendicitis, kidney or ureteral stones, and gynecological issues (such as ovarian cysts, corpus luteum cysts, uterine fibroids, adenomyosis, pelvic inflammatory disease, and even pregnancy). If you experience abdominal...[Read More] Right Lower Abdominal Pain: When to See a Doctor and Which Specialist?
Which Specialist to Consult for Suspected Chronic Fatigue Syndrome?
If you suspect you have symptoms of "Chronic Fatigue Syndrome," which specialist should you consult? Hello Doctor: My symptoms are as follows: I experience intermittent fatigue, lethargy, and weakness several times a day, along with occasional brief episodes of dizzines...
Dr. Chen Taicheng Reply:
Chronic Fatigue Syndrome is a diagnosis of exclusion; however, your own hyperlipidemia and long-term nasal congestion, post-nasal drip, allergic rhinitis, and gastroesophageal reflux could contribute to symptoms of chronic fatigue. Additionally, if there is a possibility of sleep...[Read More] Which Specialist to Consult for Suspected Chronic Fatigue Syndrome?
Understanding Low Blood Test Results: What You Need to Know
Blood test issues? Hello, doctor. This is my blood test conducted on May 8th. Although all results are below the reference values, could they be too low and cause any issues? Thank you. Test Item Unit Result Value Reference Value Anti-Tg Thyr...
Dr. Chen Taicheng Reply:
●To conclude: No. ●The reason for drawing these tests is usually due to suspicion of thyroid enlargement, and the blood tests aim to determine whether there is an autoimmune thyroid disease. The two tests you had are both thyroid autoimmune antibodies (generally to rule out hypot...[Read More] Understanding Low Blood Test Results: What You Need to Know
Differentiating Between Iron Deficiency Anemia and Thalassemia
Mediterranean anemia (also known as thalassemia) Hello, Doctor! The recent complete blood count results are as follows: WBC 5.9 (x10^9/L), RBC 6.96 (x10^12/L), HB 14.8 (g/dL), HCT 48.9 (%), MCV 70.3 (fL), MCH 21.3 (pg), MCHC 30.3 (g/dL), PLT 219 (x10^9/L), RDW 16.6 (%), MPV 12.2 ...
Dr. Chen Pengsheng Reply:
Hello, Zhi-Hua: Your red blood cells are indeed smaller than normal. In addition to understanding whether your parents have a similar condition, you can visit a family medicine or hematology department for further testing, including serum ferritin and hemoglobin electrophoresis. ...[Read More] Differentiating Between Iron Deficiency Anemia and Thalassemia