Effective Strategies to Overcome Insomnia: A Family Medicine Perspective
Insomnia issues Hello Dr. Yeh, I have been unable to sleep at night for the past two weeks, only falling asleep around 4 AM, and then being woken up by my family around 9 AM. The only thing I consume during the day is iced tea from a breakfast shop, and I do not smoke or drink al...
Dr. Ye Qianyu Reply:
Hello! Based on your description, if the insomnia is recent, it should be possible to identify the triggering factors, which are usually caused by stress responses or emotional issues. Sometimes, it may have accumulated over a long period, and one might become accustomed to it wi...[Read More] Effective Strategies to Overcome Insomnia: A Family Medicine Perspective
Understanding Chest Tightness and Insomnia: Causes and Solutions
Insomnia and chest tightness? Hello Doctor, I started experiencing chest tightness around July 20th (feeling like my chest is constricted or that I can't catch my breath, often needing to take deep breaths or concentrate on inhaling) and frequent shallow sleep with vivid dre...
Dr. Xiao Yongxun Reply:
Dear Miss Anonymous: 1. Please consult your primary care physician to discuss your symptoms and undergo necessary examinations. There are many potential causes for chest tightness and shortness of breath, with common diagnoses including chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (CO...[Read More] Understanding Chest Tightness and Insomnia: Causes and Solutions
Which Specialist to Consult for Complex Symptoms in Older Women?
Which department should I see? Hello, doctor. I would like to ask: A woman in her sixties experiences dry mouth and throat, severe halitosis, indigestion with belching, occasional diarrhea, and often exhibits head shaking or nodding. She has tremors in her left thumb, frequent he...
Dr. Xiao Yongxun Reply:
Dear Ms. Lan: 1. The symptoms you described are multiple, and you have consulted various specialties. Theoretically, the physicians should have provided a direction for management. Is it possible that you did not understand, or that the physicians did not communicate clearly? A...[Read More] Which Specialist to Consult for Complex Symptoms in Older Women?
Unexplained Dizziness: Understanding Symptoms and Possible Causes
Unexplained dizziness? I would like to ask the doctor, I have been experiencing dizziness for over two years, with symptoms including left flank pain, a heavy sensation in the back of my head, dizziness that feels like I'm moving up and down in an elevator, occasional throbb...
Dr. Huang Xunying Reply:
Hello, I recommend that you see a neurologist for further examination! It is possible that, as you mentioned, it could be autonomic nervous system dysfunction or other reasons. Thank you.[Read More] Unexplained Dizziness: Understanding Symptoms and Possible Causes
Understanding Palpitations and Dizziness: When to Seek Medical Help
Palpitations and dizziness issues? Hello Doctor, last week I suddenly felt cold in the middle of the night (due to a cold front). After waking up, I kept shivering and my heart was racing. Additionally, there was an earthquake that day, which may have affected me both physically ...
Dr. Liao Yaopan Reply:
Hello, if you are experiencing symptoms such as dizziness and palpitations, it is recommended to first consult a cardiologist to assess for any vascular abnormalities. If there are no physiological issues, you may then seek assistance from a psychiatrist. Please note that online ...[Read More] Understanding Palpitations and Dizziness: When to Seek Medical Help
Which Specialist to See for Stress-Related Appetite Loss?
Which specialty should I see? Hello Doctor: I have been under a lot of stress lately and have suddenly lost my appetite and do not feel hungry. My weight has been dropping continuously. I don't have any discomfort in my abdomen, but I just can't eat. I'm feeling qu...
Dr. Huang Xunying Reply:
If there is weight loss, decreased appetite, and insomnia, it is recommended to visit a family medicine clinic for an evaluation. Blood tests may be necessary to determine the underlying causes of the weight loss. Thank you.[Read More] Which Specialist to See for Stress-Related Appetite Loss?
Can Melatonin Be Safely Combined with Zoloft and Silence?
Can melatonin be used in conjunction with other medications? Hello Doctor: I am currently studying abroad, and accessing medical resources is very difficult. I hope to receive your assistance. I am experiencing anxiety and insomnia issues. I take one and a half tablets of "Z...
Dr. Huang Xunying Reply:
These three medications belong to different classes, so it is acceptable to use them in combination. The use of melatonin in conjunction with them is also fine, as their mechanisms of action differ. I would still recommend using Zoloft as the primary medication while reducing the...[Read More] Can Melatonin Be Safely Combined with Zoloft and Silence?
Understanding Decreased Hemoglobin and Hematocrit Levels: Causes and Solutions
Decreased hemoglobin and hematocrit levels? Hello, doctor. Last week, I underwent an adult health check and blood tests, and compared to two years ago, my hemoglobin, hematocrit, mean corpuscular volume, and mean corpuscular hemoglobin have all decreased significantly. In 2015 ...
Dr. Huang Xunying Reply:
In addition to Mediterranean anemia, you may also have concurrent iron deficiency anemia. If you are experiencing symptoms, it is advisable to consume other iron-rich foods in addition to apples. Regarding the white blood cells, if there are only abnormalities in the differential...[Read More] Understanding Decreased Hemoglobin and Hematocrit Levels: Causes and Solutions
Understanding Non-Specific Dizziness: Causes and Management Strategies
Nonspecific dizziness Hello, doctor. One morning in February of last year, I woke up feeling dizzy (I weighed 116 kg at the time). Initially, it felt like an earthquake, and I didn't think much of it. However, by the end of March last year, my doctor prescribed me medication...
Dr. Ye Qianyu Reply:
Hello! In clinical practice, the various conditions you mentioned can indeed lead to dizziness. I recommend keeping a diary to thoroughly assess the events before and after the episodes of dizziness, as this will help identify the key factors contributing to your symptoms and all...[Read More] Understanding Non-Specific Dizziness: Causes and Management Strategies
Year-Long Dizziness: Seeking Answers from Western and Traditional Medicine
Dizziness for over a year? Hello, doctor. Over the past year, I have seen many doctors and undergone numerous tests, both Western and traditional Chinese medicine. The Western doctors have suggested that I might be experiencing panic disorder or sleep apnea, while the traditional...
Dr. Chen Taicheng Reply:
● It sounds like you are experiencing a sensation of swaying and imbalance, which can be exacerbated by neck movement or exposure to hot water, leaning more towards a feeling of unsteadiness. If you also experience a spinning sensation, this is referred to as "vertigo" ...[Read More] Year-Long Dizziness: Seeking Answers from Western and Traditional Medicine
Sleeping with the Lights On: Health Risks and Melatonin Insights
Sleeping with the lights on? Hello, doctor. I am afraid of sleeping in complete darkness. Except for the year I stayed in a dormitory during college when I turned off the lights, I have almost always slept with a nightlight or left a lamp on, making the room dim but not completel...
Dr. Chen Taicheng Reply:
In addition to the melatonin produced naturally by the body, many plants and foods such as coffee, tea, wine, beer, corn, rice, wheat, barley, and oats also contain melatonin (which acts as a natural antioxidant). There are prescription melatonin medications available domesticall...[Read More] Sleeping with the Lights On: Health Risks and Melatonin Insights
Understanding Abnormal Blood Test Results: Causes of Fatigue and Anemia
Abnormal blood test results? Hello, I experienced quite severe insomnia two years ago, but my sleep quality has improved significantly over the past six months, allowing me to fall asleep in about 20 minutes. However, I still feel very fatigued and weak; even after sleeping 8-9 h...
Dr. Chen Bozhang Reply:
Dear Ms. CY, I understand from your letter that you have been experiencing persistent fatigue. Your health check report indicates mild anemia and a slightly elevated eosinophil count. Here’s an explanation: 1) The ideal hemoglobin (Hb) level for women is above 12.0 g/dL. You ha...[Read More] Understanding Abnormal Blood Test Results: Causes of Fatigue and Anemia
Is Going to Bed Early Beneficial for Sleep Quality?
Sleep duration Hello doctor, I have difficulty falling asleep at night and my mind tends to wander. Even though I go to bed earlier, I still feel like I haven't slept and before I know it, it's dawn. I would like to ask if going to bed earlier (originally at midnight, n...
Dr. Chen Taicheng Reply:
Chronic insomnia has many causes, such as internal medical conditions (cardiopulmonary issues, gastrointestinal problems, pain), medications (such as asthma medications, antihistamines), alcohol consumption, mental health issues (like depression and anxiety), sleep apnea, restles...[Read More] Is Going to Bed Early Beneficial for Sleep Quality?
Unexplained Weight Loss Despite Normal Diet: Seeking Medical Guidance
Normal diet, but the body is becoming increasingly emaciated? Hello Dr. Chen, I am inquiring on behalf of my mother-in-law. Since after the Lunar New Year this year, she has been losing weight continuously. She originally weighed 48-49 kg, but now she is down to 43 kg. She eats a...
Dr. Chen Taicheng Reply:
The causes of involuntary weight loss in the elderly are numerous. For instance, 1. Side effects of medications. 2. Emotional issues, such as depression. 3. Poor appetite, which can occur with normal aging, such as diminished taste, delayed gastric emptying, and gastrointestinal ...[Read More] Unexplained Weight Loss Despite Normal Diet: Seeking Medical Guidance
Understanding Suspected Antiphospholipid Syndrome: Symptoms and Insights
Suspected Antiphospholipid Syndrome Hello, doctor. At the beginning of January this year, I suddenly experienced sharp chest pain, followed by numbness in my limbs. After that, I had many symptoms, such as sudden body jerks that would wake me up when I was about to fall asleep, i...
Dr. Chen Taicheng Reply:
● Antiphospholipid syndrome is typically diagnosed due to venous and arterial thrombosis or recurrent miscarriages in women of childbearing age. It is an autoimmune disease characterized by the presence of "antiphospholipid antibodies" in the blood, which cause blood to...[Read More] Understanding Suspected Antiphospholipid Syndrome: Symptoms and Insights
Can Viagra and Sleep Meds Be Safely Used Together?
Drug interactions with Viagra (sildenafil)? I previously went to the hospital for insomnia and was prescribed sleeping pills. If I engage in sexual activity with my girlfriend before bed (but I need to take Viagra), and then take the sleeping pills afterward to help me sleep, wil...
Dr. Chen Taicheng Reply:
● Viagra and common sleeping medications such as (1) benzodiazepines: Clonazepam (Rivotril), Brotizolam (Lendormin), Fludiazepam (Erispan), Alprazolam (Xanax), Estazolam (Eurodin), Lorazepam (Ativan), Diazepam (Valium) and (2) non-benzodiazepine medications like Zolpidem (Stilnox...[Read More] Can Viagra and Sleep Meds Be Safely Used Together?
Overcoming Dental Anxiety: Finding Solutions for Pain-Phobic Patients
Fear of pain prevents me from doing many things and makes me very anxious? Hello, doctor. I am unsure which specialties to consult, so I am asking here first. I am a severe malocclusion patient, but I have been extremely afraid of pain since childhood, so I have firmly rejected a...
Dr. Chen Taicheng Reply:
Hello. I understand your situation. I have encountered many patients who have undergone surgeries, experienced fractures, childbirth, orthognathic surgery, and chemotherapy for cancer. Pain is inevitable, but each person has a different tolerance for pain and requires different m...[Read More] Overcoming Dental Anxiety: Finding Solutions for Pain-Phobic Patients
Insomnia and Right Chest Pain: Understanding Your Symptoms
Insomnia and right chest pain? I have been experiencing insomnia for the past two months. Even though I feel very tired, I just can't fall asleep. I often go to bed around 1 AM and don't fall asleep until around 3 or 4 AM, and sometimes I just lie there until dawn. I on...
Dr. Liao Yaopan Reply:
Hello, based on your description, it is recommended that you first consult your family physician for an evaluation. Additionally, for insomnia issues, you may seek assistance from a psychiatrist. Please note: online consultations are not equivalent to in-person medical visits and...[Read More] Insomnia and Right Chest Pain: Understanding Your Symptoms
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
Managing Multiple Medications: Addressing Side Effects and Health Concerns
Family medicine issues In the morning, I take medication for insomnia and high blood pressure. I have been switching insomnia medications for about four years. I take a capsule of 0.5 mg of Mecobalamin (Vitamin B12) because I experience a tingling sensation in my head, as if bloo...
Dr. Chen Zonglin Reply:
Based on what you mentioned, you have been feeling a bit fatigued lately, experiencing pain under your left and right ribs, and tightness with a prickling sensation in the back of your neck. Poor sleep at night can easily lead to daytime fatigue. It would be advisable for you to ...[Read More] Managing Multiple Medications: Addressing Side Effects and Health Concerns