Understanding Persistent Upper Left Back Pain: Causes and Solutions
Pain in the upper left back? Hello Dr. Wu, I would like to ask you about the soreness in my upper left back (near the "Gao Huang" area), which has been persistent for a long time. During this period, I have undergone X-rays (which showed no abnormalities), as well as tr...
Dr. Wu Fangcan Reply:
It is recommended to undergo an abdominal ultrasound examination. The quickest way is to consult a family medicine physician, which is faster and more effective than searching for a family medicine encyclopedia.[Read More] Understanding Persistent Upper Left Back Pain: Causes and Solutions
Can Viagra and Sleep Meds Be Safely Used Together?
Drug interactions with Viagra (sildenafil)? I previously went to the hospital for insomnia and was prescribed sleeping pills. If I engage in sexual activity with my girlfriend before bed (but I need to take Viagra), and then take the sleeping pills afterward to help me sleep, wil...
Dr. Chen Taicheng Reply:
● Viagra and common sleeping medications such as (1) benzodiazepines: Clonazepam (Rivotril), Brotizolam (Lendormin), Fludiazepam (Erispan), Alprazolam (Xanax), Estazolam (Eurodin), Lorazepam (Ativan), Diazepam (Valium) and (2) non-benzodiazepine medications like Zolpidem (Stilnox...[Read More] Can Viagra and Sleep Meds Be Safely Used Together?
Understanding Redness and Itching After BCG Vaccination: What to Know
Redness, swelling, and itching at the site of the BCG vaccine injection? Recently, I've suddenly felt a lot of itching in the upper part of my arm. A friend noticed that the area where I received the BCG vaccine has swollen. Is this a sign of something or an infection? My da...
Dr. Chen Taicheng Reply:
For children, if there is redness and swelling accompanied by a high fever lasting more than five days, Kawasaki disease should be considered. It is relatively less common in adults. If there is only redness and swelling without other symptoms, observation may be appropriate; in ...[Read More] Understanding Redness and Itching After BCG Vaccination: What to Know
Understanding Recent Dizziness: Possible Causes and Concerns
I have been feeling a bit dizzy lately? In the past few days, I have experienced mild dizziness, similar to the sensation of being unsteady after spinning in circles. This usually occurs when lying in bed and at the moment of getting up, but I also occasionally feel this way whil...
Dr. Hou Angting Reply:
"Since there are many potential causes for dizziness, it is recommended to visit a family medicine specialist for further evaluation."[Read More] Understanding Recent Dizziness: Possible Causes and Concerns
Understanding Sudden Fatigue: Possible Causes and Solutions for Your Girlfriend
Fatigue and early sleep? Doctor, may I ask why my girlfriend has suddenly become fatigued? Her work and class schedule have been normal, and previously, she would stay up until 1 or 2 AM regardless of her menstrual cycle, and she was always energetic during the day. However, ever...
Dr. Wu Fangcan Reply:
According to your statement: Does your girlfriend have any signs of anemia? Is she taking any medication? Please have your girlfriend consult a family medicine physician nearby and arrange for an examination. Thank you.[Read More] Understanding Sudden Fatigue: Possible Causes and Solutions for Your Girlfriend
Morning Back Pain: When to Seek Medical Attention?
Lower back pain Hello: Recently, I have been experiencing lower back pain almost every morning upon waking up, which lasts for about 30 minutes to 1 hour before easing or disappearing. However, there have been a few instances where the pain was severe enough to wake me up, making...
Dr. Chen Taicheng Reply:
● Most cases of lower back pain are due to musculoskeletal issues; however, if the pain wakes you up at night or improves after getting up and moving, it may resemble morning stiffness. Conditions such as ankylosing spondylitis or rheumatoid arthritis should be prioritized for ex...[Read More] Morning Back Pain: When to Seek Medical Attention?
Understanding Unexplained Hunger and Weight Fluctuations: A Guide
Physical discomfort? Hello doctor, I have been eating three meals a day regularly, but recently I often feel hungry two to three hours after eating. I'm not sure if it's true hunger or if my gastrointestinal system is uncomfortable. My weight has also been unstable, som...
Dr. Chen Taicheng Reply:
Hello, if you often feel hungry, it's important to ensure that you are meeting your daily caloric intake. In nutrition, the commonly used unit of energy is the kilocalorie (kcal), often mistakenly referred to as "calories." Nutrients that provide energy, such as ca...[Read More] Understanding Unexplained Hunger and Weight Fluctuations: A Guide
Understanding Persistent Fever in Infants: Home Care Tips for Remote Areas
Due to the child's illness, they have been experiencing a persistent fever for three days. It is inconvenient to seek medical care in a remote area, so I am reaching out to the physician for assistance? The child is approximately 11 months old and has had a previously normal...
Dr. Chen Taicheng Reply:
Hello, when a child is sick, it is most important to monitor their activity level and appetite. If their appetite is poor, there is a concern for potential nutritional deficiency and dehydration. If a rash appears after a fever has subsided, it may be roseola or another viral ras...[Read More] Understanding Persistent Fever in Infants: Home Care Tips for Remote Areas
Understanding Weight Loss and Digestive Issues: A Guide for Concerned Partners
Family medicine issues? My girlfriend has been losing weight recently for unknown reasons, and her digestion is poor. Today, she only ate a pack of crackers, a hot dog, and a bottle of iced tea, totaling around 1700 calories. After eating the hot dog, she couldn't eat dinner...
Dr. Chen Taicheng Reply:
Hello, it's clear that you really care about your girlfriend. Poor appetite and weight loss indeed require medical attention. The priority is to address any physical discomfort, as some issues may stem from emotional problems, such as depression, anxiety, or a particular con...[Read More] Understanding Weight Loss and Digestive Issues: A Guide for Concerned Partners
Understanding Unusual Symptoms After Antibiotic Use: A Guide
Body issues Hello Doctor, I just finished taking antibiotics last Friday. On Saturday and Sunday, I felt a cool sensation in my mouth and tongue. By Monday, I experienced a bitter taste, and on Tuesday, it was a combination of bitter and sweet. Today, I even have a metallic taste...
Dr. Chen Taicheng Reply:
Hello, the issues mentioned above are similar to this one, please refer to https://goo.gl/wb3Ssj. The metallic taste is likely a side effect of the antibiotic, which should gradually improve. Based on your age, the likelihood of diabetes is low. More severe diabetes is characteri...[Read More] Understanding Unusual Symptoms After Antibiotic Use: A Guide
Managing Post-Infection Symptoms: A Guide for Patients
How to maintain health? Hello, Doctor. At the end of last month, I was diagnosed with urethritis, and the next day I had diarrhea, which was diagnosed as norovirus. On April 7, I was diagnosed with nephritis and have been taking antibiotics for over two weeks. I stopped taking an...
Dr. Chen Taicheng Reply:
● If there were no oral-related symptoms prior, the most likely cause of the altered taste is due to antibiotics. This could be a side effect of the antibiotics themselves, affecting the taste buds; alternatively, antibiotics may disrupt the oral microbiome, leading to an overgro...[Read More] Managing Post-Infection Symptoms: A Guide for Patients
Overcoming Dental Anxiety: Finding Solutions for Pain-Phobic Patients
Fear of pain prevents me from doing many things and makes me very anxious? Hello, doctor. I am unsure which specialties to consult, so I am asking here first. I am a severe malocclusion patient, but I have been extremely afraid of pain since childhood, so I have firmly rejected a...
Dr. Chen Taicheng Reply:
Hello. I understand your situation. I have encountered many patients who have undergone surgeries, experienced fractures, childbirth, orthognathic surgery, and chemotherapy for cancer. Pain is inevitable, but each person has a different tolerance for pain and requires different m...[Read More] Overcoming Dental Anxiety: Finding Solutions for Pain-Phobic Patients
Understanding Tension Headaches: Symptoms, Triggers, and Anxiety Links
Headache and fever? Hello doctor, I have been experiencing tension-type headaches, especially on exam days, and I also tend to get headaches after spending a long time in an air-conditioned room. These symptoms usually resolve after I wake up from sleep. Recently, while at home, ...
Dr. Chen Taicheng Reply:
● There are many causes of headaches, with common types including migraines and tension-type headaches. Migraines are moderate to severe headaches that can last from 4 to 72 hours, often unilateral, and may be accompanied by pulsating pain, nausea, vomiting, and exacerbation due ...[Read More] Understanding Tension Headaches: Symptoms, Triggers, and Anxiety Links
Can Poor Peripheral Circulation in Legs Be Treated Effectively?
Poor peripheral circulation in the lower extremities... Can it be treated? Hello Doctor, my father has a history of diabetes for thirty years. Recently, after soaking in a hot spring, he suddenly experienced pain in his lower limbs and discovered large wounds on both calves (vary...
Dr. Huang Xunying Reply:
In the case of diabetes, if there is poor circulation in the lower extremities, we would recommend seeing a vascular surgeon to diagnose any vascular issues. Meanwhile, the management of diabetes should remain under the care of a family medicine physician, as stable blood glucose...[Read More] Can Poor Peripheral Circulation in Legs Be Treated Effectively?
Understanding Left Chest and Upper Back Pain: Causes and When to See a Doctor
Pain in the left anterior chest and upper back? In recent days, I have experienced pain when pressing below the underwire of my left bra, along with pain in the upper left back. There are no lumps or swelling. What could be the cause? Which department should I visit for medical c...
Dr. Chen Taicheng Reply:
● Considering your age, the likelihood of cardiovascular diseases or severe pulmonary conditions is low. The pain in your left chest and upper back is more likely to be musculoskeletal or gastrointestinal in nature. ● Excerpting from my previous article, which addresses issues si...[Read More] Understanding Left Chest and Upper Back Pain: Causes and When to See a Doctor
Dealing with Hand Numbness: When to See a Doctor and Treatment Options
Hand issues? Waking up every day with numbness in your hands for several consecutive days, and experiencing numbness while working, is concerning. To improve this condition, it is advisable to consult a healthcare professional. Bloodletting is not a commonly recommended treatment...
Dr. Chen Taicheng Reply:
There are many causes of hand numbness, including cervical degeneration, nerve compression (which corresponds to different areas of numbness in the hand), as well as conditions such as carpal tunnel syndrome, De Quervain's tenosynovitis, degenerative arthritis of the hand, a...[Read More] Dealing with Hand Numbness: When to See a Doctor and Treatment Options
Red Vertical Lines on Nails: When to See a Doctor for Dizziness?
If you are experiencing a large number of red longitudinal lines on your nails that resemble bruising, along with dizziness, you should consult a specialist in dermatology for the nail symptoms and possibly a hematologist for the dizziness and any underlying blood-related issues?...
Dr. Chen Taicheng Reply:
● The presence of red lines in the nails is most commonly caused by trauma leading to the rupture of microcapillaries beneath the nail. Other less common causes include infective endocarditis, psoriasis, and autoimmune diseases. ● If there is a sudden appearance of numerous red l...[Read More] Red Vertical Lines on Nails: When to See a Doctor for Dizziness?
How to Treat a Ganglion Cyst on the Hand: Specialist Guidance
Ganglion cyst Hello, I have developed a ganglion cyst on the back of my hand. If I want to have it removed, which department should I visit at Cathay General Hospital? Thank you!
Dr. Chen Taicheng Reply:
Hello, you can consult an orthopedic or general surgery department at the hospital. If the hospital has subspecialties, please seek advice from a hand orthopedic or hand surgery physician. If surgery is not an option, you may consult the rehabilitation department for aspiration o...[Read More] How to Treat a Ganglion Cyst on the Hand: Specialist Guidance
Understanding Blood Oxygen Levels: Which Specialist to Consult?
Blood oxygen saturation Which medical specialty should I consult for blood oxygen saturation testing? Many smart wristbands on the market claim to have blood oxygen measurement functions; are the measurements from these smart wristbands accurate?
Dr. Chen Taicheng Reply:
● Blood oxygen saturation monitoring is typically required in medical settings such as emergency departments and intensive care units, where there is concern for patients experiencing respiratory failure or inadequate blood oxygen levels. Routine outpatient clinics generally do n...[Read More] Understanding Blood Oxygen Levels: Which Specialist to Consult?
Understanding Throat Discomfort and Neck Tension: A Patient's Journey
Sensation of a foreign body in the throat with tightness in the back of the neck? Hello Doctor: I tend to be overly anxious and have a history of gastrointestinal bloating, constipation, headaches, and chest tightness due to spinal and cervical misalignments. Long-term use of Wes...
Dr. Chen Taicheng Reply:
● It is important to determine what you may have choked on to rule out any issues with obstruction in the esophagus or trachea; however, since you have undergone a CT scan of the throat, it should initially rule out foreign body issues in the larynx. You may want to consult an ot...[Read More] Understanding Throat Discomfort and Neck Tension: A Patient's Journey