Family medicine, Family Medicine FAQ - Page 53

Share to:
Understanding Persistent Headaches: Causes and Solutions for Relief

Headache I have been experiencing headaches, dizziness, nausea, and red eyes, which sometimes become blurry, for almost a month. I have visited a clinic where I received injections and medication that alleviated my symptoms, but they return once I stop taking the medication. What...


Dr. Chen Mengkan Reply:
Hello: There are many potential causes of headaches. I would recommend that you visit the neurology department or family medicine department at a hospital for a differential diagnosis. Pain relievers generally only alleviate symptoms, and whether further examinations are necessar...

[Read More] Understanding Persistent Headaches: Causes and Solutions for Relief


Which Specialist Should I See for Chronic Throat Issues?

Which department should I make an appointment with? Hello Doctor: Two years ago, I had pharyngitis for the first time and it resolved after medication. However, less than two months later, it recurred, and after treatment, it improved again. Yet, just a month later, it happened a...


Dr. Cai Jueren Reply:
Hello, your symptoms are likely due to anxiety disorder. Patients with mitral valve prolapse often experience anxiety as well. Individuals who have long-term anxiety or high levels of stress frequently develop gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), gastritis, or even peptic ulce...

[Read More] Which Specialist Should I See for Chronic Throat Issues?


Can You Catch Polio from CPR Training? Understanding Risks and Symptoms

Polio (Poliomyelitis) Last Wednesday (January 7), I trained with a colleague who has polio using a CPR Annie mannequin, and I would like to ask the doctor if I could be infected with polio. Additionally, around January 12, I started experiencing symptoms such as headache, sore th...


Dr. Cai Mengru Reply:
Dear Any, Regarding your question, if you have previously received the complete polio vaccination, the chance of infection is very low, as the vaccine provides strong protection. Patients with polio are not always contagious (otherwise, they would need to be isolated for life). ...

[Read More] Can You Catch Polio from CPR Training? Understanding Risks and Symptoms


Why Are My Calves Constantly Sore and Hard? A Doctor's Insight

Calf soreness is common? Hello doctor, I do not have a regular exercise routine and I hardly ever run. For the past few months, I have noticed that my calves are almost constantly sore, and they have become very hard to the touch, feeling like muscle. They look like those of an a...


Dr. Lai Junlong Reply:
Hello: If the muscles in the lower limbs suddenly become very stiff and painful, it is important to first assess for the possibility of deep vein thrombosis (DVT). It is recommended to visit a hospital and consult with a family medicine physician for an initial evaluation.

[Read More] Why Are My Calves Constantly Sore and Hard? A Doctor's Insight


Understanding Muscle Pain: When to Seek Medical Advice

Muscle pain Dear Dr. Chen, I have been experiencing pain in the muscles between my left index finger and thumb for over a month due to frequent cycling. I would like to ask Dr. Chen which department I should visit for an examination. Is this a common case of muscle inflammation?


Dr. Chen Bozhang Reply:
Hello: The issue described in your letter, involving pain between the thumb and index finger of the left hand due to cycling, may be caused by muscle inflammation, muscle strain, or tendinitis. It is recommended that you visit an orthopedic clinic for a physical examination by a ...

[Read More] Understanding Muscle Pain: When to Seek Medical Advice


Unexplained Lump in Lower Abdomen: What You Need to Know

Unknown mass in the lower abdomen? Recently, I suddenly noticed a small, firm lump on the right side of my lower abdomen, near the junction with my thigh. It feels raised but is not painful to the touch. I'm unsure what it could be and which specialist I should consult. Than...


Dr. Cai Dongqi Reply:
It could be lymphadenopathy; please consult a general internist or family medicine physician first.

[Read More] Unexplained Lump in Lower Abdomen: What You Need to Know


Which Medical Specialty to Consult for Post-Swimming Symptoms?

Which department should I make an appointment with? After swimming, experiencing multiple episodes of vomiting, dizziness, and loss of appetite (after a swimming class lasting about 1.5 hours) could indicate a sensitivity or allergic reaction to chlorine. It would be advisable to...


Dr. Lai Junlong Reply:
Hello: 1. It is recommended to ask the swimming pool management if the chlorine levels in the water exceed the standard range. 2. After swimming, rinse your body with clean water immediately to reduce skin absorption. 3. You can consult a toxicologist or ask a family medicine phy...

[Read More] Which Medical Specialty to Consult for Post-Swimming Symptoms?


Essential Health Supplements for College Students: A Comprehensive Guide

Regarding suitable health foods for students? Hello Dr. Tsai: I have some questions regarding health supplements. I am a 19-year-old female student, and I would like to know about the necessity of taking health supplements. As a student living away from home, it can be quite chal...


Dr. Cai Mengru Reply:
Dear Miss Ting-Ting, Hello. Regarding your question, I would like to address it from several aspects. The necessity of dietary supplements is a common concern; however, there is very little clear evidence in the medical field to support the benefits of supplementation in the abs...

[Read More] Essential Health Supplements for College Students: A Comprehensive Guide


Understanding Food Allergies: How to Identify and Test for Allergens

Comprehensive Analysis of Food Allergens Due to recent experiences of frequent allergic reactions, including redness and swelling, as well as the occurrence of hives, I have noticed that consuming certain foods can lead to itching and even the development of acne. I would like to...


Dr. Wang Zhengzhong Reply:
Hello: Regarding your question about "recently experiencing allergic reactions with redness and swelling, as well as being prone to hives and itching after consuming certain foods, and even developing acne; I would like to know which specialty I should consult to check for a...

[Read More] Understanding Food Allergies: How to Identify and Test for Allergens


Facial Pain from Cheekbone to Temple: Which Specialist to See?

Pain radiating from the zygomatic bone to the temple? If you are experiencing pain from the right cheekbone extending to the temple that has lasted for about two weeks, with varying intensity, you should consider seeing a specialist in neurology or an ear, nose, and throat (ENT) ...


Dr. Chen Mengkan Reply:
Hello: Typically, these symptoms are caused by the inability of the muscles from the cheekbone to the temple to relax, which is likely associated with tension-type headaches. However, to confirm the diagnosis, further examination at a family medicine or neurology clinic is necess...

[Read More] Facial Pain from Cheekbone to Temple: Which Specialist to See?


Which Medical Specialty Should You See for Muscle Cramps?

For muscle cramps, you should consult a specialist in the field of Orthopedics or a Neurologist? Twenty years ago, I suffered a severe ankle sprain on my right foot while on duty. At that time, I did not see a doctor and only used topical ointments for treatment, which took about...


Dr. Cai Mengru Reply:
Dear Mr. A-Jia, Based on your situation, if you are considering seeking medical treatment, it is important to first rule out a condition known as "Restless Legs Syndrome." The diagnostic criteria include: symptoms worsening when at rest; relief upon movement; and varia...

[Read More] Which Medical Specialty Should You See for Muscle Cramps?


Optimal Timing for Taking Vitamin C: Tips for Better Absorption and Health

Vitamin Hello, doctor. I previously had a period where my immune system was weaker, making me more susceptible to colds, and I also experienced more acne and fatigue. After seeing a doctor, I was advised to take vitamin B or C. I recently purchased vitamin C, but I found various ...


Dr. Cai Mengru Reply:
Dear Mr. Wai, Vitamin C is a highly controversial vitamin, with various claims regarding its efficacy and usage methods. Some suggest taking it before meals, while others recommend after meals. Generally, it is advised not to exceed 2000 milligrams per day, as higher doses may l...

[Read More] Optimal Timing for Taking Vitamin C: Tips for Better Absorption and Health


Understanding Rapid Weight Loss in Adolescents: Causes and Solutions

Weight decreased from 45 kilograms to 36.8 kilograms within two months? Hello Dr. Wang, my child is 14 years old. Before August, his weight was 45 kg, but after two months, it has suddenly dropped to 36.8 kg. On June 26, 2008, he was injured by a classmate before the final exam. ...


Dr. Wang Zhengzhong Reply:
Hello: Your questions are as follows: "1. What diseases can cause such rapid weight loss? Besides organ diseases, significant psychological stress can also be a factor, such as depression or loss of motivation in life. 2. Which specialty should we consult? An experienced fam...

[Read More] Understanding Rapid Weight Loss in Adolescents: Causes and Solutions


Optimal Timing for Taking Multiple Medications: A Guide for Patients

Medication dosing intervals Recently, due to ongoing health issues, I have consulted many specialists, resulting in a significant increase in the number of medications I need to take. For dermatology, I have Doxycycline 100 mg and Donison 5 mg, which I take after breakfast and di...


Dr. Cai Mengru Reply:
Hello Mr. Tin: Regarding your question, the timing for the Western medications you mentioned is already separated as indicated. Senokot can be taken in the morning along with the multivitamins. As for the traditional Chinese medicine, since no specific medication information was ...

[Read More] Optimal Timing for Taking Multiple Medications: A Guide for Patients


Understanding Headaches: Essential Tests and Treatment Options

Headache Hello, Doctor: What tests can be done for headaches? Are there any covered by health insurance? Due to frequent headaches, my symptoms include pain in the left occipital area, with intermittent sharp and throbbing pain. Sometimes I also experience neck pain, or a general...


Dr. Cai Jueren Reply:
Hello: The symptoms you described do resemble a migraine, but there are still some conditions that need to be considered: 1. Hypertension - you should monitor your blood pressure daily to know. 2. Chronic rhinitis - this must be diagnosed by an otolaryngologist. 3. Elevated intra...

[Read More] Understanding Headaches: Essential Tests and Treatment Options


Understanding Unexplained Lumps: When to See a Doctor

Unknown mass Doctor, I have a hard lump about one centimeter in size on my knee. It doesn't hurt when pressed and can be felt regardless of whether my knee is bent or straight. Should I see a doctor for this? If so, which specialty should I visit? Thank you for your response...


Dr. Chen Yuchao Reply:
There is a hard lump about one centimeter in size on the knee that does not hurt when pressed and is movable. It can be felt regardless of whether the knee is bent or straight. This painless hard lump on the knee could potentially be a lipoma, a lymph node, or another type of tum...

[Read More] Understanding Unexplained Lumps: When to See a Doctor


Understanding Health Risks of Prebiotics: Concerns About Xylooligosaccharides

Consultation 1. I saw a health product related to constipation on television—mucilage oligosaccharides. However, its inspection report from the Food Industry Development and Research Institute shows a lead content of 0.08 ppm. Is this acceptable, or should it not be present at al...


Dr. Cai Mengru Reply:
Dear Ms. Yu, Regarding your question, it can be discussed from two aspects: 1. Is the presence of lead in health supplements acceptable? In my research, it appears that there are currently no clear regulations regarding the lead content in health supplements in Taiwan. However,...

[Read More] Understanding Health Risks of Prebiotics: Concerns About Xylooligosaccharides


Understanding Digestive Delays: Causes and Solutions for Your Symptoms

Absorption is too good..? Hello... I would like to ask, I usually take four to five days to have a bowel movement after eating! I typically eat lunch boxes or just vegetables, and my diet is not much different from what others eat. However, it takes a long time for me to pass sto...


Dr. Wang Zhengzhong Reply:
Hello, regarding your question: "I usually take four to five days to have a bowel movement after eating! I typically eat lunch boxes or just vegetables, and my diet is not much different from what others eat. However, it takes many days for me to pass stool. Is it because th...

[Read More] Understanding Digestive Delays: Causes and Solutions for Your Symptoms


Sudden Weight Loss: What Medical Tests Should You Consider?

Significant weight loss? Hello, I would like to ask what specialty I should see if I have suddenly lost over 10 kilograms within a year, going from 50 kg to around 39-40 kg. I experience stomach pain (cramping) and sometimes have cold sweats and fever, and the pain can be severe ...


Dr. Wang Zhengzhong Reply:
Hello: Regarding your question - [You have suddenly lost over 10 kilograms in the past year, going from 50 kg to around 39-40 kg. What specialty should you see? You experience stomach pain (cramping) and also have cold sweats and fever, sometimes to the point of vomiting... If yo...

[Read More] Sudden Weight Loss: What Medical Tests Should You Consider?


Understanding Recent Health Issues: Dizziness, Pain, and Digestive Distress

Recent health status? Recently, I have been feeling dizzy at times (more frequently)... sometimes I experience headaches (less often)... occasionally I have stomach pain (location unknown)... and I also have diarrhea (sometimes two to three times a day)... However, I often deal w...


Dr. Chen Bozhang Reply:
Dear User, You mentioned experiencing various physical discomforts, including abdominal pain, diarrhea, nausea, bloating, and neck pain. The changes in bodily symptoms are closely related to diseases of internal organs and psychological stress. The same disease can manifest diff...

[Read More] Understanding Recent Health Issues: Dizziness, Pain, and Digestive Distress


Previous|Page Next