Confused About Which Specialist to See for Body Discomfort?
I'm not sure which department to visit? Hello, doctor. My question is... I am a woman with a very slender upper body, but my lower body is quite fleshy. I'm not sure if this means I'm overweight or if there's something abnormal. I spend most of my time sitting...
Dr. Cai Jueren Reply:
Hello: Your issue should not be complicated. I recommend that you visit a nearby hospital and consult with a family medicine physician. Please do not rush into seeking treatment without proper guidance. Thank you for your message. Dr. Tsai Jue-Ren, Hualien Hospital.[Read More] Confused About Which Specialist to See for Body Discomfort?
How Long Does It Take to Detect Hepatitis C After Exposure?
HCV (Hep I would like to ask how long it takes to test for Hepatitis C. Isn't there an incubation period? I accidentally got pricked by a needle from a patient with Hepatitis C while injecting insulin. How long will it take to test positive? Can I get a blood test done at a ...
Dr. Cai Jueren Reply:
Hello: It is indeed possible to contract hepatitis B or C from a needle stick injury. Please visit the family medicine outpatient clinic for an examination as you can receive results in just a few days. It is recommended that you have a follow-up test three months later. Thank yo...[Read More] How Long Does It Take to Detect Hepatitis C After Exposure?
How to Distinguish Between Psychological and Physiological Disorders?
How to test whether it is a psychological disorder or a physiological disorder? How can one generally distinguish between physiological disorders and psychological disorders? If it is a psychological disorder, how should it be treated?
Dr. Cai Jueren Reply:
Hello: Physiological disorders refer to any functional or mechanical impairment caused by physical changes in the body, while psychological disorders refer to impairments in bodily functions or mechanisms caused by psychological factors. To make an accurate diagnosis, it is neces...[Read More] How to Distinguish Between Psychological and Physiological Disorders?
Understanding Back Pain: Is It Muscle Strain or Spine Issues?
Back pain!? Two years ago, after attending a class similar to yoga, I started experiencing pain and soreness under my right shoulder after using the computer for a short time at work. The discomfort persisted for a long time before it improved. Recently, even while sitting and di...
Dr. Cai Jueren Reply:
Hello: Your description of back pain does not allow for a clear distinction between upper back pain and lower back pain. If the pain is localized to a specific point, management is relatively straightforward. However, if it involves a broader area, a detailed examination is neces...[Read More] Understanding Back Pain: Is It Muscle Strain or Spine Issues?
Understanding Leg Cramps: Causes, Symptoms, and When to Seek Help
Frequent muscle cramps? Hello, I would like to ask if it could be related to my job, as I sit for long periods or have a habitual sitting posture (which causes my legs to curl into a "C" shape). Two years ago, I experienced frequent calf cramps during sleep, but it grad...
Dr. Cai Jueren Reply:
Hello, This phenomenon is often caused by muscle fatigue due to insufficient rest, and sometimes it can be triggered by an electrolyte imbalance. A simple way to improve this is to eat a banana daily. If there is still no improvement, I recommend seeking assistance at a family ...[Read More] Understanding Leg Cramps: Causes, Symptoms, and When to Seek Help
Why Am I Hungry After Drinking Water? Understanding Your Stomach Issues
My stomach? Hello, every time I drink about 50cc of water, I feel very hungry. Normally, drinking a large amount of water should provide a feeling of fullness, but I feel hungrier instead. What could be the reason for this? How can I improve this situation? If I go to the hospita...
Dr. Cai Jueren Reply:
Hello: The question you raised is confusing. The sensation of fullness or hunger in the human body is not controlled by the capacity of the stomach, but rather by a more complex mechanism. I recommend that you visit a family medicine outpatient clinic for a detailed explanation, ...[Read More] Why Am I Hungry After Drinking Water? Understanding Your Stomach Issues
Understanding Hepatitis B Vaccination for Adolescents: Key Considerations
Issues related to hepatitis B vaccination? The girl is currently 14 years old. During a school health check in the first year of junior high, the results indicated that she is a "carrier of hepatitis B." After further testing at the hospital, it was determined that she ...
Dr. Cai Jueren Reply:
Hello: A negative Hepatitis B surface antibody (Anti-HBs) result may vary depending on different testing machines or reagents. However, since this result is not urgent and will not cause immediate harm to the body, there is no need to worry too much. It is recommended that you vi...[Read More] Understanding Hepatitis B Vaccination for Adolescents: Key Considerations
Effective Solutions for Bloating After Meals: A Family Medicine Guide
Abdominal bloating I have been feeling bloated and uncomfortable around my stomach after eating for the past couple of days. How can I resolve this issue? Thank you.
Dr. Cai Jueren Reply:
Hello: Generally speaking, experiencing abdominal bloating after eating can occur due to several reasons: 1. Eating too quickly (forgetting to chew thoroughly); 2. Chronic constipation; 3. Consuming foods that are prone to causing bloating (such as dairy products, pasta, or gluti...[Read More] Effective Solutions for Bloating After Meals: A Family Medicine Guide
Understanding Allergens: Which Specialist to Consult for Acne Issues?
Allergen Hello, Dr. Tsai. I have been troubled by acne for the past year and a half, primarily on my chin. When it first occurred, I visited a dermatologist and, after using some oral medications and fruit acid products, I recovered in about a month. However, a year later, it rec...
Dr. Cai Jueren Reply:
Hello Shuyi: The most common allergen tests are patch testing and blood tests. These two types of tests usually have only a few overlapping allergens. Most large hospitals have dermatology departments that offer these tests, and some family medicine departments may also conduct s...[Read More] Understanding Allergens: Which Specialist to Consult for Acne Issues?
Understanding Red Spots and Fever in Limbs: A Family Medicine Perspective
Red spots on the limbs and fever that has subsided? Red spots appear on the body but are not itchy, located on the limbs, and there are occasional fever and chills. They resolve on their own! This condition has lasted for a week. Two weeks ago, there was a urinary tract infection...
Dr. Cai Jueren Reply:
Hello: Skin lesions occurring on the limbs that resolve spontaneously usually indicate an allergic reaction. Once the allergen is removed, the skin lesions improve. Your condition may be triggered by medication or food. As for the fluctuating temperatures, it is likely caused by ...[Read More] Understanding Red Spots and Fever in Limbs: A Family Medicine Perspective
Understanding Unexplained Back and Stomach Pain: A Guide for Seniors
Unexplained back pain and stomach pain? Hello Doctor: I apologize for bothering you, but I would like to ask for your help in answering the following questions. I know an elder (around 60 years old) who experiences back pain every day around dusk, which lasts until the next day b...
Dr. Cai Jueren Reply:
Hello: Generally speaking, the simultaneous occurrence of back pain and stomach pain is often indicative of an acute condition. For example, acute gastrointestinal ulcers, acute pancreatitis, gastric perforation, and myocardial infarction can all cause referred back pain. The sym...[Read More] Understanding Unexplained Back and Stomach Pain: A Guide for Seniors
Understanding Elevated CA-125 Levels: Next Steps for Diagnosis
Abnormal CA-125 levels! Hello Doctor: My CA-125 tumor marker level is 95.8. I have undergone a gynecological examination, and there are no issues with my uterus or ovaries. The doctor suggested that I look for the cause from other aspects. I would like to ask you: which specialty...
Dr. Cai Jueren Reply:
Hello: Since you did not provide the unit, it is difficult to accurately determine whether the value is indeed elevated. There are many conditions that can cause an increase in CA-125 levels, such as liver cirrhosis, gastrointestinal diseases, renal failure, pleuritis or effusion...[Read More] Understanding Elevated CA-125 Levels: Next Steps for Diagnosis
Which Specialist Should I See for My Immune Function Issues?
Which department should I consult regarding my exemption from military service? Hello, Dr. Tsai. For the past six months, I have been continuously seeking medical treatment. Initially, I consulted a psychiatrist, but then other health issues arose. After recovering from a cold, I...
Dr. Cai Jueren Reply:
Hello, reading your statement is truly disheartening. As a physician, I wish I could resolve your issues in one go, but this is also a moment when we feel most powerless. The complexity of your symptoms indicates that more time and effort are required. Immunodeficiency or immune ...[Read More] Which Specialist Should I See for My Immune Function Issues?
Which Medical Specialty Should I Consult for Dizziness and Pain?
I'm not sure which specialty to see? Hello Doctor: Recently, I have been experiencing frequent dizziness, shoulder and lower back pain (I have been using topical patches with limited effect). I also have shortness of breath (along with nasal congestion, but it feels like I c...
Dr. Cai Jueren Reply:
Hello, your issue may have been ongoing for some time and could possibly be due to anemia. I recommend that you consult your family medicine physician for an evaluation. It doesn't seem serious, so there's no need to worry too much. Dr. Tsai Jue-ren from Hualien Hospita...[Read More] Which Medical Specialty Should I Consult for Dizziness and Pain?
Understanding Bitter Taste in Your Mouth: When to See a Doctor
excuse me? I'm not sure which specialty I should consult. For the past few days, I've been experiencing a bitter taste in my mouth. Even when I eat sweet foods, they start off sweet but turn bitter towards the back of my tongue. What could be the reason for this? Thank ...
Dr. Cai Jueren Reply:
Hello, Xiao Ting. The area of the tongue that perceives bitterness is located at the back edge of the tongue. There are many reasons why your mouth may feel bitter, such as food or medication-related causes. Additionally, some patients with long-term cavities may experience this ...[Read More] Understanding Bitter Taste in Your Mouth: When to See a Doctor
Is Your Elderly Relative at Risk of Medication Overdose?
Medication overdose? Hello, Doctor: I would like to ask about my grandmother, who is 85 years old and generally in good health with very few illnesses. Recently, she accidentally fell and has some difficulty walking, but she is very resistant to seeing a doctor. She purchased iro...
Dr. Cai Jueren Reply:
Hello, regarding older adults, their metabolic rate and basal metabolic rate tend to decrease with age. All medications, whether prescription or over-the-counter, as well as vitamins or dietary supplements, must be metabolized by the liver or kidneys. Therefore, the dosage for el...[Read More] Is Your Elderly Relative at Risk of Medication Overdose?
Understanding Right Lower Abdominal Pain: Causes and When to Seek Help
Abdominal pain Hello, Doctor: I have been experiencing occasional dull pain in the lower right abdomen (about 5 centimeters to the right of the navel), which is more noticeable when lying flat before sleep. I would like to ask: which organ is located in that area? If I want to se...
Dr. Cai Jueren Reply:
Hello, there are basically no organs in the lower right abdomen (even in females). There are a few exceptions where the kidney may be positioned too low or the ovary too high, but these cases are quite rare. Your situation may be caused by constipation or fecal impaction. If you ...[Read More] Understanding Right Lower Abdominal Pain: Causes and When to Seek Help
Why Do I Feel Dizzy for a Few Minutes After Waking Up?
excuse me? Doctor: Why have I been feeling dizzy for a few minutes after waking up in the morning over the past week? It doesn't happen often, just about 5-10 minutes. I have a history of nasal allergies, but they haven't flared up. What could be causing this and which ...
Dr. Xu Li'an Reply:
Hello Wenwen, you may have anemia or other issues. I recommend that you visit a family medicine clinic for an examination. Wishing you a speedy recovery. Xu Li'an 950927[Read More] Why Do I Feel Dizzy for a Few Minutes After Waking Up?
Understanding Right-Side Lower Back Pain: Causes and Solutions
Low back pain Hello Dr. Tsai, I have been experiencing some discomfort in my right lower back (slightly towards the back, around the kidney area) when I twist my body from side to side over the past month. Sometimes the pain is more pronounced, while other times it feels manageab...
Dr. Cai Jueren Reply:
Hello, I apologize for the delay as I just returned from France. I hope the following response can address your concerns. Generally speaking, kidney pain is not related to changes in body posture. Typically, kidney pain can be attributed to two conditions: kidney stones or kidney...[Read More] Understanding Right-Side Lower Back Pain: Causes and Solutions
Why Do I Unconsciously Shake My Head? A Family Medicine Perspective
Doctor, please help me? Hello Dr. Tsai, why do I often unconsciously shake my head? My family and colleagues say I frequently make this motion. I haven't taken any ecstasy or drugs. Sometimes I feel a bit of something while thinking, but I'm not sure. Is it a problem wi...
Dr. Cai Jueren Reply:
Dear Ziting, Hello. This phenomenon is not a stroke, so there is no need to worry. It is merely an abnormal contraction of the neck muscles and is not a serious issue. This condition is similar to involuntary blinking (such as in the case of Lien Chan). I recommend that you vis...[Read More] Why Do I Unconsciously Shake My Head? A Family Medicine Perspective