Understanding Involuntary Twitches Near the Nose: Causes and Concerns
Twitching near the bridge of the nose? Hello, doctor: Recently, I have been experiencing involuntary twitching above my nasal bridge (not my eyelid), which feels a bit uncomfortable. Is this what is referred to as "facial nerve dysfunction"? Thank you.
Dr. Chen Taicheng Reply:
Hello, it appears to be facial nerve spasm. The facial nerve is the seventh cranial nerve, which has five branches in the face that control the movement of facial muscles. If the facial nerve is injured, infected, or compressed by blood vessels or tumors, it may lead to involunta...[Read More] Understanding Involuntary Twitches Near the Nose: Causes and Concerns
Is Debaril Similar to Tylenol? Understanding Its Uses and Benefits
Dexamethasone Hello, doctor. Previously, due to surgery, the doctor prescribed some Dextropropoxyphene (500mg). I see that its functions are for pain relief and fever reduction. Does this medication have the same ingredients as Tylenol? Since the doctor advised me to take it if I...
Dr. Chen Taicheng Reply:
● Acetaminophen, commonly known as Tylenol, is the same active ingredient found in many over-the-counter medications. ● It is acceptable to keep it as a personal supply, but be aware that medications have an expiration date. If the medication is in bulk, it is recommended to stor...[Read More] Is Debaril Similar to Tylenol? Understanding Its Uses and Benefits
Understanding Right Side Back Pain: When to Seek Medical Help
Right-sided lower back issues? Hello Dr. Chen, since after the New Year until now, on February 22, I have been experiencing intermittent sharp pain in the right side of my lower back. Regardless of my position, I always feel uncomfortable. The symptoms have persisted for 2 to 3 w...
Dr. Chen Taicheng Reply:
Based on your age and description, the intermittent sharp pain you are experiencing may be due to the movement of internal organs. The most likely cause is urinary tract stones (kidney stones or ureteral stones); the next possibility is gallstones, or gastrointestinal issues (suc...[Read More] Understanding Right Side Back Pain: When to Seek Medical Help
Which Specialist to Consult for Persistent Shortness of Breath?
If you are experiencing difficulty breathing, you should see a pulmonologist? Hello, my mother is 73 years old. Six months ago, she started experiencing shortness of breath (even while walking on flat ground), but she does not cough. She underwent X-rays, a resting electrocardiog...
Dr. Chen Taicheng Reply:
There are many causes of shortness of breath, and it is important to prioritize the exclusion of heart and lung issues. Regarding the heart, conditions such as heart failure (common in the elderly), arrhythmias (such as atrial fibrillation, also common in older adults), myocardia...[Read More] Which Specialist to Consult for Persistent Shortness of Breath?
Can You Get HIV from Saliva During a Nosebleed?
HIV infection issues During a conversation with someone, it seemed that a bit of their saliva sprayed into my nostrils, and at that time, my nose was dry and I had a nosebleed (after talking, I used tissue to wipe away quite a bit of blood). If their saliva contained blood due to...
Dr. Chen Taicheng Reply:
● There are three main routes of HIV transmission: (1) sexual transmission (through sexual intercourse or exchange of bodily fluids during intercourse), (2) blood transmission (such as contact with HIV-contaminated blood, sharing needles, or receiving organs from an HIV-infected ...[Read More] Can You Get HIV from Saliva During a Nosebleed?
Understanding Upper Back Pain: When to Seek Medical Help
Back pain I have been experiencing pain in the left upper back for the past few months. I previously underwent testing for ankylosing spondylitis, but the doctor said it was negative. I have a long-standing history of gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) for which I am continuo...
Dr. Chen Taicheng Reply:
The causes of upper left back pain are numerous, with the most common being muscle, bone, and joint pain (such as from the shoulder joint, ribs, scapula, and various muscles, tendons, ligaments, and nerves, leading to strains, sprains, and arthritis). Based on your description an...[Read More] Understanding Upper Back Pain: When to Seek Medical Help
Unsteady Walking and Balance Issues: When to Seek Medical Help
Unsteady gait and inability to maintain balance? Hello doctor, I started feeling dizzy when I got up on the 13th. I have difficulty walking steadily and feel like I could easily be pushed over at any moment. I don't feel like the surroundings are spinning; it's just tha...
Dr. Chen Taicheng Reply:
Considering your age, the sudden unsteadiness while walking, and any recent illnesses such as a cold or gastroenteritis, it may be due to post-infectious peripheral vestibular dysfunction (such as vestibular neuritis, which is an inner ear issue that typically improves over a few...[Read More] Unsteady Walking and Balance Issues: When to Seek Medical Help
Understanding Cold Symptoms, Diarrhea, and Numbness: A Family Medicine Perspective
Cold, diarrhea, numbness in hands? Hello, Doctor. I would like to ask a couple of questions. Q1: I have had a cold for almost a week, with symptoms including nasal congestion, runny nose, cough, and phlegm in my throat (both the nasal discharge and phlegm are clear). I visited ...
Dr. Chen Taicheng Reply:
● Abdominal pain may be related to a first-time cold or could be a new symptom. It is advisable to visit a large hospital's family medicine or gastroenterology department for further evaluation and treatment. Generally, cold symptoms and gastrointestinal issues will graduall...[Read More] Understanding Cold Symptoms, Diarrhea, and Numbness: A Family Medicine Perspective
Understanding Calf Pain: Causes and Solutions for Discomfort
Calf Pain Issues In recent months, I have been experiencing pain in the inner part of my calves, which presents in two ways: 1. The first type occurs mainly in the early morning, where there is a persistent pain in the inner calf lasting over 40 minutes. Pressing on the area does...
Dr. Chen Taicheng Reply:
Considering your age and the pain in your calf, it is more likely to be due to muscle cramps, which can occur due to temperature changes, dehydration, electrolyte imbalances, or medications (such as certain asthma medications, pain relievers, and hormonal drugs). Generally, massa...[Read More] Understanding Calf Pain: Causes and Solutions for Discomfort
Understanding Your Back Pain: When to See a Family Doctor
I don't know which doctor to see? Hello Doctor, I have been experiencing pain in my lower back and pelvis for over three months. The pain occurs only when I perform certain movements, such as bending over, especially when exerting effort; when I’m not exerting myself, I feel...
Dr. Chen Taicheng Reply:
● There are many causes of lower back pain, with the majority being due to muscle strains in the lumbar region. Most cases will recover within a few weeks, but there is a possibility of recurrence. Given your age, pain during bending or exertion is primarily related to lower back...[Read More] Understanding Your Back Pain: When to See a Family Doctor
Understanding Intermittent Lower Back Warmth in Young Women
Heat sensation in the lower back? Hello doctor, I am a 30-year-old woman. Recently, I have experienced occasional warmth in my lower back, but when I touch it, it does not feel warm. This sensation is intermittent and is usually more noticeable in the afternoon to evening. What c...
Dr. Chen Taicheng Reply:
● You may feel a sensation of heat, but if your hands do not feel warm, it indicates that there is no significant increase in surface temperature. This sensation of heat may stem from deep vascular dilation or issues related to internal organs. Please first check for any discomfo...[Read More] Understanding Intermittent Lower Back Warmth in Young Women
Understanding Belly Button Issues: Symptoms and Treatment Options
Umbilical issues Hello doctor, thank you for taking the time to answer my question. About a week ago, before going to bed, I felt something in my belly button (I wasn't sure what it was and didn't look down). After I removed it, it felt a bit moist, so I asked my sister...
Dr. Chen Taicheng Reply:
Umbilical inflammation may be more painful and may not necessarily discharge a white substance. Based on your description, it could be inflammation of the skin around the umbilicus or eczema. It is recommended to consult a family medicine or dermatology specialist for further exa...[Read More] Understanding Belly Button Issues: Symptoms and Treatment Options
Which Medical Specialty Should You Consult for Sudden Vision Loss?
Which specialty should I see? A couple of years ago, I experienced several episodes where my vision suddenly went completely dark for a few seconds. During that time, I had difficulty maintaining my balance, and my limbs would tremble. I was conscious but unable to control my bod...
Dr. Chen Taicheng Reply:
● When you suddenly experience a blackout, what were you doing? For example, prolonged standing or sitting, dehydration can lead to poor blood circulation, resulting in low blood pressure and symptoms similar to fainting (such as seeing black, inability to stand, etc.); if you ch...[Read More] Which Medical Specialty Should You Consult for Sudden Vision Loss?
Understanding Fatigue and Symptoms During a Cold: What to Know
Feeling weak all over with a cold? Hello doctor, my cold symptoms started appearing yesterday afternoon. Initially, I felt dizzy and nauseous, which later turned into a headache. I went to see a doctor, who prescribed medication that I have been taking. My temperature was 37.4°C,...
Dr. Wu Fangcan Reply:
Based on your description, a viral infection cannot be ruled out. If it is influenza, it typically starts with a sore throat, body aches, and fever. It is advisable to consult a family medicine or internal medicine specialist for further evaluation. Thank you.[Read More] Understanding Fatigue and Symptoms During a Cold: What to Know
Managing Multiple Health Issues: A Guide for Patients with Complex Symptoms
Having many health issues can make it difficult to know what to do? Hello Doctor, I have symptoms of mitral valve prolapse, gastroesophageal reflux disease, being a carrier of thalassemia, and headaches. I have previously undergone surgery for bilateral tonsillectomy and a liposa...
Dr. Chen Taicheng Reply:
● There are many possible causes for chest tightness, including the issues you mentioned, such as bronchial problems or gastroesophageal reflux (you can refer to my other article at https://goo.gl/jkWwha). Generally, mild mitral valve prolapse is mostly asymptomatic and does not ...[Read More] Managing Multiple Health Issues: A Guide for Patients with Complex Symptoms
Concerns About Urinary Infection and Disease Transmission Risks
Infection issues I'm not a doctor, but I can provide some general information. Based on your description, it seems you are concerned about potential infections after your urine test and subsequent activities. It's important to note that HIV is primarily transmitted thro...
Dr. Chen Taicheng Reply:
● Urinary tract infections are quite common in women, with symptoms such as pain, burning, urgency, and frequency of urination. If a urine sample is accidentally contaminated, a physician can still interpret the results from the laboratory report. Skin breakdown in the perineal a...[Read More] Concerns About Urinary Infection and Disease Transmission Risks
Understanding Tinnitus and Digestive Issues: When to Seek Help
Tinnitus, gastrointestinal discomfort, and other related issues? Hello, about a month and a half ago, I experienced headaches and was diagnosed with tension-type headaches (muscle tightness) after a consultation. The frequency and intensity of the headaches have since decreased. ...
Dr. Chen Taicheng Reply:
● There are many causes of tinnitus, and the most important step is to rule out the possibility of hearing loss or impairment, such as Meniere's disease (which often presents with vertigo, hearing loss, and tinnitus) or sudden sensorineural hearing loss (which may also be ac...[Read More] Understanding Tinnitus and Digestive Issues: When to Seek Help
Understanding Upper Jaw Dryness: Is It Related to Colds?
The upper jaw is very dry? Why does the upper jaw feel very thirsty, and is it related to a cold? Every time I get a cold, I feel very thirsty, and when I visit the doctor, I am often asked if I feel thirsty. Even drinking water doesn't help. Why do I feel thirsty, and how c...
Dr. Chen Taicheng Reply:
● There are small salivary glands in the upper jaw, and feeling thirsty is generally not related to a cold; thirst in the upper jaw should rule out trauma, any lesions in the upper jaw, or the use of certain anticholinergic medications (which can cause dry mouth, and some cold me...[Read More] Understanding Upper Jaw Dryness: Is It Related to Colds?
Understanding Chest Tightness: Causes and When to Seek Help
Chest tightness issue? Hello Doctor, I am a 22-year-old female. Last November, I contracted enterovirus, and my usual symptoms were diarrhea and cold-like symptoms. However, one night I suddenly felt unwell, experiencing chest tightness and a sensation that I could only breathe d...
Dr. Chen Taicheng Reply:
Premenstrual discomfort is referred to as premenstrual syndrome (PMS), with common symptoms including breast tenderness, abdominal bloating, diarrhea, mood changes, sleep disturbances, headaches, and acne, as you mentioned. Although you had a history of asthma in childhood, which...[Read More] Understanding Chest Tightness: Causes and When to Seek Help
Left Eye Movement Issues and Ear Heat: Possible Causes and Solutions
The left eye movement is not smooth, and there is a sensation of heat in the left inner ear? Hello doctor, recently I have been experiencing difficulty in moving my left eye smoothly. When I look up, my left eye appears asymmetrical compared to the right, and I have to exert a lo...
Dr. Chen Taicheng Reply:
● Eye movement is controlled by three pairs of cranial nerves: the third oculomotor nerve, the fourth trochlear nerve, and the sixth abducens nerve. These nerves are responsible for coordinating the movement of both eyes, with the third oculomotor nerve being the most crucial. It...[Read More] Left Eye Movement Issues and Ear Heat: Possible Causes and Solutions