Can Healthy Individuals Use Low-Sodium Salt for Better Health?
Health Can healthy individuals consume regular low-sodium salt? It is labeled as suitable for those with restricted intake. If it's for health reasons, can healthy people also use it?
Dr. Cai Mengru Reply:
Dear Mr. Xiaobai, Hello, regarding your question, it is generally safe for the average person to use low-sodium salt. In fact, not only those with health issues should consider this; for your health, it is best to reduce sodium intake to avoid elevated blood pressure. Sincere...[Read More] Can Healthy Individuals Use Low-Sodium Salt for Better Health?
Concerns About Infection Risks from Playing Volleyball with Open Wounds
Regarding infections caused by viruses or bacteria (I may not have explained it clearly)? Doctor, I apologize for any misunderstanding due to my poor expression. My concern is whether it is possible to get an infection from a volleyball that might be dirty (potentially with blood...
Dr. Cai Ruiyuan Reply:
Hello: Your expression is very good, and I can understand your concerns. In my previous response, I explained that the likelihood of your wound being infected by bacteria or viruses is very low. However, it seems that my explanation was not clear enough, which has caused you to c...[Read More] Concerns About Infection Risks from Playing Volleyball with Open Wounds
Can You Get Infected from Playing Volleyball with an Open Wound?
Infection by viruses or bacteria? Hello, doctor. I would like to ask you a question. I have a wound on my palm, and because I had to attend physical education class, I played volleyball outdoors (during which I was bleeding and there was a clear fluid). The volleyball was quite d...
Dr. Cai Ruiyuan Reply:
Hello: The transmission of viruses and bacteria follows specific pathways. For example, sexually transmitted infections are transmitted through sexual intercourse, while hepatitis B or C is transmitted through blood. The superficial and minor wound on your palm caused by playing ...[Read More] Can You Get Infected from Playing Volleyball with an Open Wound?
Concerns About Toxic Gas Exposure: Symptoms and Medical Guidance
Smelling toxic gases? Dear Doctor: While I was at work, I detected what seemed to be toxic gas (coming in from outside). Due to my busy schedule, I did not close the window or leave the area and stayed for about half an hour. After that, I started feeling a bit dizzy and had diff...
Dr. Cai Ruiyuan Reply:
Hello Ms. Chen: Gas hazards can be categorized into localized hazards and systemic hazards. Localized hazards refer to the damage caused by direct contact, such as mucosal irritation or chemical burns resulting from exposure of the skin, respiratory tract (nasal cavity, trachea),...[Read More] Concerns About Toxic Gas Exposure: Symptoms and Medical Guidance
Could I Be Allergic to Chemicals? Symptoms and Solutions Explained
Are you allergic to chemicals? Hello, I would like to ask you about my situation. I recently started working at a CD manufacturing company, and I spend every day in a clean room. For some reason, I feel dizzy almost every day after work, have a poor appetite, and experience memor...
Dr. Cai Jueren Reply:
Hello, if you want to determine whether your condition is related to your work environment, I suggest taking a leave of absence and going on a trip. If your symptoms do not improve, then they are likely not related to your work environment. Therefore, if the symptoms persist, it ...[Read More] Could I Be Allergic to Chemicals? Symptoms and Solutions Explained
Understanding Cold Feet and Purple Toes: When to Seek Medical Advice
Itchy purplish-black discoloration of the extremities? Hello Doctor: I am unsure if my long-term cold hands and feet, combined with a lack of exercise while sitting at my computer desk, are related to the persistent dark purple coloration of my ten toes (the discoloration seems t...
Dr. Chen Bozhang Reply:
Hello: The letter mentions symptoms of long-term coldness in the hands and feet, with the toes and fingers appearing dark purple for an extended period. This is usually indicative of issues with peripheral blood circulation. If there are symmetrical episodes of pallor or cyanosis...[Read More] Understanding Cold Feet and Purple Toes: When to Seek Medical Advice
Essential Health Checkup Guide for 26-Year-Olds: What to Expect
Regarding general health check-ups? Hello, I would like to inquire about what general health check-up items are necessary for a 26-year-old. I noticed that the costs for the check-up items listed on your hospital's health check-up webpage are all over ten thousand NTD. After...
Dr. Chen Bozhang Reply:
Hello, Regarding your inquiry about health check-ups, the ideal health examination should be customized based on your personal health history, medical history, family medical history, age, and gender to make the most suitable choices. At 26 years old, if there are no special ci...[Read More] Essential Health Checkup Guide for 26-Year-Olds: What to Expect
Hard Lump in Neck: What Specialist to See and Possible Conditions?
I felt a foreign mass on the right side of my neck, near my throat and jawline? Hello, I recently felt a hard lump on the right side of my Adam's apple, and it is painful. Which department should I consult with a doctor? I live in Zhubei City, Hsinchu County. Could you infor...
Dr. Lai Hexian Reply:
Hello, the issue you mentioned is a type of neck mass. Besides thyroid problems, it could also be lymph nodes or other neck tumors. You may want to visit a hospital first for an evaluation by a family medicine physician, who can then determine whether you should see an endocrinol...[Read More] Hard Lump in Neck: What Specialist to See and Possible Conditions?
Understanding Left Lower Abdominal Pain: When to Seek Medical Help
Lower left Hello. I have been experiencing pain in my lower left abdomen recently. The pain is so intense that it also affects my lower back. I need to support my back when standing up from a seated position, and I can only stand up by bending over. This pain has lasted for more ...
Dr. Cai Mengru Reply:
Dear Ms. Nana, Hello. Based on your symptoms, it is more likely that the issues may be related to the gastrointestinal tract, urinary tract, or gynecological concerns. If the symptoms are correlated with your menstrual cycle, gynecological issues should be the primary considerat...[Read More] Understanding Left Lower Abdominal Pain: When to Seek Medical Help
Which Medical Specialty Should I See for My Symptoms?
Which department should I make an appointment with? I have recently had a poor appetite, and I find it hard to eat anything. I also feel very fatigued and often want to sleep. Sometimes I sleep for over ten hours and still feel tired. Is there something wrong? Which department sh...
Dr. Cai Mengru Reply:
Dear Mr. A-Guang, Hello. Regarding your concerns, it is possible that they are due to psychosomatic stress, or there may be issues with your internal organs, such as the liver. If you find that you cannot identify any explainable psychosomatic stress and that you do not experien...[Read More] Which Medical Specialty Should I See for My Symptoms?
Impact of Drug Use on Fetal Development and Pregnancy Timing
The effects of drugs on the fetus? What are the potential harms of short-term drug use on the body, and what effects can it have on fetal development? If there are effects on the fetus, how long should one wait after quitting drugs before trying to conceive?
Dr. Cai Mengru Reply:
Dear Mr. Leetp, Regarding your question, I will address it in several parts: 1. **Short-term effects of drugs on the body**: It is difficult to provide a precise answer without knowing which specific drug you are referring to. However, generally speaking, there are usually not ...[Read More] Impact of Drug Use on Fetal Development and Pregnancy Timing
Why Do I Find Stains in My Underwear After Passing Gas?
Residual fecal stains on underwear after passing gas? Hello Dr. Tsai, after I pass gas and go to the bathroom to have a bowel movement, I suddenly notice traces of stool on my underwear when I put them on. I have never experienced this before. Could you please explain why this is...
Dr. Cai Mengru Reply:
Dear Mr. ZENG, Regarding your question, if your stools are relatively loose, it may occur. I'm not sure if this is a frequent or occasional issue. If it is frequent, a more likely diagnosis could be a functional gastrointestinal disorder (such as irritable bowel syndrome). ...[Read More] Why Do I Find Stains in My Underwear After Passing Gas?
Preventing Diseases Through Diet: The Truth About Juices and Supplements
Disease Prevention and Diet Hello, doctor: Some medical literature suggests that regularly consuming fruit and vegetable juices can help prevent diseases and cancer. The commercially available canned fruit and vegetable juices taste sweet; do they really produce many enzymes in t...
Dr. Cai Mengru Reply:
Dear Mr. Kevin, Regarding your question, it is indeed difficult to provide a complete answer, but understanding some principles may make it easier. The benefits of fruits and vegetables extend beyond their richness in certain vitamins and beneficial components such as potassium ...[Read More] Preventing Diseases Through Diet: The Truth About Juices and Supplements
Understanding Painful Bump on the Sole: Causes and Solutions
A lump on the sole of the foot? Hello: I don't know when it started, but a lump has inexplicably appeared on the sole of my right foot. Previously, I would press it down, and it would temporarily flatten. Recently, it has been increasingly painful. Whenever I sit and then st...
Dr. Cai Mengru Reply:
Dear Ms. Meng-Fen, Regarding your question, since I do not know the exact location of your lump, I cannot clearly tell you what it might be. Possibilities include conditions such as a tendon tumor, corn, viral wart, among others. The only way to definitively identify it is to ha...[Read More] Understanding Painful Bump on the Sole: Causes and Solutions
How to Manage High Blood Sugar Levels: Tips and Guidance
Could you please tell me about my high blood sugar issue? Hello doctor, I recently had a health check-up and my blood sugar level is quite high, with a reading of 118. Should I seek medical treatment or could you provide guidance on methods to lower it? (My weight is 60 kg and my...
Dr. Cai Mengru Reply:
Dear Ms. Beauty, Regarding your blood sugar levels, they have not yet reached the point where medication is necessary. Please focus on increasing your physical activity and avoid binge eating. Return to the clinic for follow-up in three months. Wishing you peace and health, ...[Read More] How to Manage High Blood Sugar Levels: Tips and Guidance
Understanding Abnormal Health Check Results: What to Do Next?
Health check-up issues? C-reactive protein (CRP) abnormal positive, thyroid hormone T3 elevated at 1.5, red blood cell count (RBC) abnormal at 6.41, mean corpuscular volume (MCV) abnormal at 66.1, mean corpuscular hemoglobin (MCH) abnormal at 20.7, hemoglobin (Hgb) abnormal at 13...
Dr. Cai Mengru Reply:
Dear Mr. Xiao An An, Hello, your report mainly has three issues: the abnormal levels of red blood cells (RBC), mean corpuscular volume (MCV), mean corpuscular hemoglobin (MCH), and hemoglobin (Hgb) indicate the same condition, suggesting that you may be a carrier of beta-thalass...[Read More] Understanding Abnormal Health Check Results: What to Do Next?
Finding the Best Thyroid Specialists in Kaohsiung for Hyperthyroidism
Can the doctor tell me where to find a good physician for hyperthyroidism in Kaohsiung? Hello Doctor: When I visited a hospital in Kaohsiung, I felt that the medication prescribed had many side effects. At first, when I started taking the medication, I experienced an increased he...
Dr. Cai Ruiyuan Reply:
Hello, Mimi: Regarding hyperthyroidism, doctors typically prescribe medications that inhibit the secretion of thyroid hormones as well as medications that suppress heart rate and sympathetic nervous system activity, so it should not cause an increase in your heart rate. Additiona...[Read More] Finding the Best Thyroid Specialists in Kaohsiung for Hyperthyroidism
Is Drinking Hot or Cold Tea Healthy? Expert Insights on Tea Choices
Health Inquiry I would like to inquire whether drinking iced or hot black tea, milk tea, or fat-burning green tea is better for my health. Will it affect my body health? Thank you for your response, doctor!
Dr. Cai Mengru Reply:
Dear Ms. Ching, Regarding your question, when consuming liquids at varying temperatures, they first pass through the oral cavity, where their temperature is adjusted to be close to body temperature. The esophagus and stomach also have similar mechanisms. Therefore, unless consum...[Read More] Is Drinking Hot or Cold Tea Healthy? Expert Insights on Tea Choices
Understanding the Impact of Bacterial Infection on Head Pain and Cognitive Function
Inquiry 1. What symptoms may occur if bacteria enter the head? For example, headaches or a dazed appearance of the face! 2. When I was in high school, my mother had me take traditional Chinese medicine pills to help with my myopia. One night, I woke up in the early morning and ...
Dr. Cai Mengru Reply:
Dear Ms. Yu, Regarding your question, first of all, bacterial infections are typically acute issues and are unlikely to persist for ten to twenty years. Therefore, if your current condition is similar to what it was twenty years ago, it is unlikely to be the result of a bacteria...[Read More] Understanding the Impact of Bacterial Infection on Head Pain and Cognitive Function
Excessive Sweating: Is It Related to My Cold and Medications?
Excessive sweating Hello Doctor: I currently have a cold and am taking medication including azithromycin, fucous, ausconaxol, chemix, and brandyl. Recently, I've suddenly started sweating a lot; just moving around a bit makes me feel hot and drenched in sweat, which is quite...
Dr. Cai Ruiyuan Reply:
Hello: After carefully reviewing the medications you are taking, excessive sweating is not a common side effect. This condition may be related to the physical weakness associated with a cold; however, if the symptoms persist (especially if accompanied by palpitations or weight lo...[Read More] Excessive Sweating: Is It Related to My Cold and Medications?