Understanding Sleep Paralysis: Causes and Solutions Explained
Sleep paralysis? I have never experienced this before... Yesterday, in a half-awake state... I felt as if I was being pressed down on my bed and couldn't get up... I called out but received no response, and no matter how hard I tried, I couldn't shake off the pressure.....
Dr. Cai Jueren Reply:
Hello: This experience is quite common for many people. Typically, if the body is overly fatigued during the day, if there is excessive exercise before sleep, or if there is prolonged screen time leading to eye fatigue, during rapid eye movement (REM) sleep, which is when dreamin...[Read More] Understanding Sleep Paralysis: Causes and Solutions Explained
Understanding Head Warmth and Neck Tension: Stress or Something More?
Feeling hot in the head? Hello, I sometimes feel a heaviness in my head and a tightness in my neck. Could this be due to stress, or is there another reason? I didn't experience this before, but it started happening in the last 3 to 4 days when the weather got colder. Could y...
Dr. Lai Junlong Reply:
Hello: In response to your question, you can first measure your blood pressure to check for any changes. Fatigue may lead to stiffness in the neck muscles, and high stress levels could cause sympathetic nervous system overactivity, resulting in increased body heat, which is why y...[Read More] Understanding Head Warmth and Neck Tension: Stress or Something More?
Exploring Chronic Pain: Insights on Possible Lupus and Treatment Options
Thank you and I have a follow-up question? Dr. Tsai is very grateful for your response, and I have thoroughly researched your suggestions. There seems to be a possibility of lupus (I dare not make assumptions and will seek medical attention). I have been seeking treatment primari...
Dr. Cai Jueren Reply:
Hello, the medications you are taking include general pain relievers such as paracetamol and muscle relaxants. If your pain is bearable, please try to endure it, as pain medications can lead to increased dosages over time. I recommend that you try gentle stretching exercises in t...[Read More] Exploring Chronic Pain: Insights on Possible Lupus and Treatment Options
Understanding the Myths of Big Hospitals: A Patient's Perspective
The Myths of Large Hospitals Dear Dr. Tsai, First of all, thank you for taking the time to read this letter. I believe that those who ask questions online are often confused and seeking answers either before or during their medical treatment. I frequently see dedicated doctors a...
Dr. Cai Jueren Reply:
Hello: Based on your age and medical history, it is difficult to make an accurate assessment due to the lack of 1. medication records 2. occupation or job history 3. past examination results 4. family medical history. It is suspected that a physician may consider 1. rheumatoid ar...[Read More] Understanding the Myths of Big Hospitals: A Patient's Perspective
Understanding Unexplained Body Aches: Neck, Shoulder Pain, and Dizziness
Generalized body aches? Hello, doctor: Recently, I've been experiencing unexplained body aches, especially in my neck and shoulders, along with dizziness and headaches. Could you please let me know what might be causing this? Thank you for your response!
Dr. Cai Jueren Reply:
Hello: The first consideration for unexplained pain is whether it may be work-related, possibly due to overexertion leading to muscle fatigue. Secondly, it could be caused by excessive exercise or fatigue from lack of sleep. Sometimes, high levels of stress can also contribute to...[Read More] Understanding Unexplained Body Aches: Neck, Shoulder Pain, and Dizziness
Understanding Blood in Stool: Causes and Concerns for Your Health
Bleeding during bowel movements? For two years, I experienced rectal bleeding for the first time, which was bright red, and I also had constipation. I thought it was hemorrhoids, but after the bleeding, I started having a high fever that wouldn't subside, eventually leading ...
Dr. Lai Junlong Reply:
Hello: In response to your question, experiencing bleeding during bowel movements is something that should not be ignored. There are many possible causes, including hemorrhoidal bleeding, anal fissures, or growths in the intestines. The hospital where you were last admitted shoul...[Read More] Understanding Blood in Stool: Causes and Concerns for Your Health
Post-Exercise Discomfort: Understanding Symptoms and Concerns
Discomfort after exercise Hello, doctor. Last night I went to the playground to exercise. I started with a slow jog for six laps, and then I did frog jumps for 100 meters. After finishing the jumps, I experienced symptoms such as rapid heartbeat, heavy breathing, sweating, nausea...
Dr. Chen Yingzhen Reply:
Dear Mr. Huang, Thank you for your inquiry regarding the symptoms of rapid heartbeat, sweating, nausea, and pallor after exercise, which can indeed be concerning. Generally, it is advisable to have a 5-10 minute warm-up before engaging in more intense activities such as jogging ...[Read More] Post-Exercise Discomfort: Understanding Symptoms and Concerns
Is It Normal to Feel Pain in Your Hands After Push-Ups?
Exercise Feeling soreness in the back of your hands after doing 50 push-ups can be normal, especially if you haven't performed this exercise in a while. This soreness may be due to muscle fatigue or strain from the sudden increase in activity. It's important to listen t...
Dr. Cai Jueren Reply:
Hello: The soreness in your arm is indeed due to overuse, which typically results in muscle soreness that lasts about three days. If you continue to perform push-ups daily, you should not experience any further soreness. Thank you for your correspondence. Dr. Tsai Jue-Ren, Hualie...[Read More] Is It Normal to Feel Pain in Your Hands After Push-Ups?
Understanding Symptoms: When to Seek Medical Help for Your Health Issues
Some symptoms A few days ago, I suddenly lost my appetite, experienced headaches, and sometimes felt a bit nauseous. I have been very fatigued, and my abdomen feels somewhat uncomfortable, though it's hard to describe as pain. I've been having bowel movements 1 to 2 tim...
Dr. Cai Jueren Reply:
Hello: This type of acute situation can be categorized into two scenarios. First: Acute hepatitis - liver function abnormalities may be caused by medications, food, or other reasons, and typically last for more than two weeks. If not treated promptly, it could worsen. Second: Acu...[Read More] Understanding Symptoms: When to Seek Medical Help for Your Health Issues
Which Medical Specialty Should You See for Fatigue and Lumps?
Which department should I make an appointment with? Hello, doctor: Recently, I've been feeling small lumps on my scalp while washing my hair, and I often feel very tired even though I've had enough sleep. Could this be the reason? Which department should I see?
Dr. Cai Jueren Reply:
Hello: If you can feel a lump on your scalp, it is likely a lipoma. I recommend that you consult a dermatologist for confirmation. If you often feel tired despite sleeping well, it may indicate that your body is not getting adequate rest, including your muscles and mental state. ...[Read More] Which Medical Specialty Should You See for Fatigue and Lumps?
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
Which Specialist Should You See for Persistent Lower Back Pain?
Which specialty should I see? Dr. Tsai: Hello! Thank you for your help. I have been experiencing lower back pain (near the sciatic area) for the past two months. It feels worse when sitting compared to standing. What could be the problem? Which specialist should I see?
Dr. Cai Jueren Reply:
Hello: After reaching a certain age, it is common to experience back pain, which is primarily due to degeneration (specifically degeneration of the joints or the cartilage within the joints). Your symptoms may be caused by fatigue of the lateral ligaments adjacent to the lumbar s...[Read More] Which Specialist Should You See for Persistent Lower Back Pain?
Understanding the HIV Window Period: Do You Need Another Test?
HIV window period If I had a high-risk sexual encounter in September 2004 and then underwent anonymous testing in June 2005 with a negative result, the nurse who called me informed me that I did not need to get tested again (as there were no further high-risk encounters during th...
Dr. Cai Jueren Reply:
Hello: The process of AIDS development is described as follows: 1. Viral infection (through intimate contact with an AIDS patient or via blood transmission). 2. There is a window period of at least 6 to 12 weeks after HIV infection before antibodies can be detected through blood ...[Read More] Understanding the HIV Window Period: Do You Need Another Test?
Understanding Muscle Pain: When to Seek Medical Help for Your Symptoms
Muscle pain Dear Doctor, I am a housewife and have been experiencing severe pain in the muscles of my hands and calves due to carrying my child and doing heavy work every day. The pain in my calf muscles is so intense that I can barely walk, and even the slightest touch causes si...
Dr. Cai Jueren Reply:
Hello: The symptoms you described are likely due to muscle inflammation caused by prolonged muscle fatigue, which is not the same as rhabdomyolysis (a condition that is acute and can lead to hematuria and renal failure). Currently, the most important thing is not to take medicati...[Read More] Understanding Muscle Pain: When to Seek Medical Help for Your Symptoms
Causes of Hand and Foot Tremors: Beyond Thyroid Issues Explained
Tremors in the hands and feet? I have a question for doctors and healthcare professionals. My grandmother is in her seventies and has recently been experiencing tremors in her hands and feet. After visiting the hospital, the doctors mentioned it might be related to her thyroid. I...
Dr. Cai Jueren Reply:
Hello, Zhi-Jia: In addition to common thyroid issues, trembling in the hands and feet can also be associated with alcohol withdrawal syndrome, drug intoxication (such as neurotoxic substances like "chicken mother pearl"), and food poisoning. Given your grandmother'...[Read More] Causes of Hand and Foot Tremors: Beyond Thyroid Issues Explained
Understanding Nighttime Leg Cramps: Causes and Solutions
Muscle cramp! Could you please explain why I sometimes experience sudden calf cramps while sleeping? Is it related to growth?
Dr. Cai Jueren Reply:
Hello: There are several reasons for calf cramps: 1. Sudden intense exercise or prolonged activity after a period of inactivity can lead to muscle fatigue without adequate rest. 2. Poor local circulation in the calves or feet due to work-related factors. 3. Excessive daytime exer...[Read More] Understanding Nighttime Leg Cramps: Causes and Solutions
Should I See an Orthopedist or Internist for Joint Pain?
Should I see an orthopedic specialist or an internal medicine physician? Hello: For the past week or two, I have been experiencing soreness in my knee and ankle joints. Initially, it occurred at night when I lay down, to the point where the pain was so severe that I couldn't...
Dr. Cai Jueren Reply:
Hello, the information you provided is not sufficient for a complete diagnosis. If you have experienced these symptoms after suddenly engaging in intense physical activity, it could be a possible cause. Similarly, prolonged fatigue or labor due to work can also lead to these symp...[Read More] Should I See an Orthopedist or Internist for Joint Pain?
Understanding Low White Blood Cell Count: Causes and Health Implications
excuse me? Leukopenia, or a low white blood cell count, can lead to an increased risk of infections, as white blood cells are crucial for the immune response. It can be associated with various conditions, including bone marrow disorders, autoimmune diseases, certain infections, a...
Dr. Cai Jueren Reply:
Hello, in medical terms, a low white blood cell count is referred to as leukopenia, which is indicated by a white blood cell count of less than 4000/uL in blood test reports. This condition may occur in 1. immunocompromised patients 2. severe bacterial or viral infections (less c...[Read More] Understanding Low White Blood Cell Count: Causes and Health Implications
Struggling with Sleep: Tips for Better Rest and Relief from Discomfort
I have trouble sleeping every day? Hello Doctor: I often have trouble sleeping at night, tossing and turning, which makes me feel very uncomfortable. I find that sleeping on my stomach is somewhat better. However, after I wake up, I feel stiffness in my shoulders, and when I move...
Dr. Lin Mingxing Reply:
Dear Dr. Lin Ming-Hsing of the Family Medicine Department at Tainan Hospital, Department of Health, Executive Yuan: In response to your statement, "the shoulder stiffness" is likely a significant factor contributing to your physiological discomfort and may be a manifes...[Read More] Struggling with Sleep: Tips for Better Rest and Relief from Discomfort
Which Medical Specialist Should We Consult for Mom's Health Issues?
Which specialty should I consult for my mother's condition? Hello Doctor: My mother is 58 years old and feels very fatigued and weak every day. When the weather gets hot, she experiences dizziness, neck and back pain, and often complains of feeling like she is suffocating. S...
Dr. Zhan Deqin Reply:
Night sweats, sensitivity to cold, and shivering at your mother's age may be symptoms of menopause syndrome. Additionally, elevated blood pressure could indicate hypertension. Therefore, 1. A comprehensive adult health check-up should be conducted to identify any abnormaliti...[Read More] Which Medical Specialist Should We Consult for Mom's Health Issues?