Understanding Chronic Pain: How to Identify Causes and Seek Treatment
When experiencing multiple areas of soreness and tingling, which symptom should be prioritized and how can the underlying cause be determined? Dear Dr. Liao, Regarding Symptom 1, during my military service, I experienced a back strain while lifting heavy objects. For a while, I ...
Dr. Liao Yaopan Reply:
Hello, based on your inquiry, it is recommended to consult a neurosurgeon for further evaluation. Thank you for your message, and we appreciate your concern. Changhua Hospital.[Read More] Understanding Chronic Pain: How to Identify Causes and Seek Treatment
Understanding Symptoms: Sore Throat, Swelling, and Rash Concerns
Sore throat, swelling in the throat, groin swelling, and facial rash? The incident occurred from Friday night to Saturday morning! I had a full-body check-up last Tuesday, and right after that, I went to have my wisdom teeth removed. On Friday night, I got a bit too carried away ...
Dr. Gao Qingyun Reply:
Hello: Currently, your symptoms may be due to a common bacterial or viral infection, and a physical examination is necessary to determine the cause. Considering that there is a latency period for infections caused by immunodeficiency viruses, the symptoms you are experiencing are...[Read More] Understanding Symptoms: Sore Throat, Swelling, and Rash Concerns
Which Medical Specialty Should I Choose for My Mother's Health Issues?
Which specialty should I see? Hello, I would like to ask which specialty I should take my mother to see. She is 57 years old and often tells me that she experiences unexplained tremors, has difficulty sleeping at night, and even when she does sleep, it feels like she is constantl...
Dr. Liao Yaopan Reply:
Hello, could you please have your mother's family physician evaluate her first, and then decide if a referral to another specialist is necessary? Thank you for your concern from Changhua Hospital.[Read More] Which Medical Specialty Should I Choose for My Mother's Health Issues?
Persistent Anal Itching: Which Specialist Should You Consult?
Anal itching Hello, Doctor Gao. I have been experiencing anal itching for some time now, and it has been affecting my sleep at night. I previously consulted a dermatologist, but the ointment they prescribed did not improve my condition. The doctor also recommended taking medicati...
Dr. Gao Qingyun Reply:
Dear Ms. Lin, Regarding anorectal diseases, it is recommended that you consult a colorectal surgeon. Thank you, and I wish you peace and good health. Sincerely, Dr. Gao Qingyun Director, Family Medicine Department Taoyuan Hospital, Ministry of Health and Welfare[Read More] Persistent Anal Itching: Which Specialist Should You Consult?
Managing Interactions for Children with Favism: Safety Concerns and Guidelines
Interactions with individuals who have Favism (G6PD deficiency) My baby has been diagnosed with G6PD deficiency, and I know he should avoid exposure to naphthalene. However, what if someone else has used it on their clothing? Is naphthalene a highly volatile substance? I have nev...
Dr. Liao Yaopan Reply:
Hello, G6PD deficiency (Glucose-6-Phosphate Dehydrogenase Deficiency) is a common hereditary condition. Since it is an X-linked genetic disorder, there are more male patients than female patients. You are likely already aware of certain foods that should be avoided and substances...[Read More] Managing Interactions for Children with Favism: Safety Concerns and Guidelines
Does Metformin Help with Weight Loss? Insights from Family Medicine
Is there weight loss? Does taking the blood sugar-lowering medication Metformin lead to weight loss in the general population?
Dr. Chen Pengsheng Reply:
Hello: Normal individuals without blood sugar issues do not need to take Metformin.[Read More] Does Metformin Help with Weight Loss? Insights from Family Medicine
Understanding Heart Fatigue: Symptoms, Causes, and Treatment Options
Cardiac fatigue Hello doctor, my usual heart rate is between 60 to 70 beats per minute, but I often feel a tightness in my chest and have very shallow, short breaths. I find myself needing to take deep breaths occasionally to feel more comfortable. These symptoms tend to occur af...
Dr. Chen Pengsheng Reply:
Hello, Ms. Chuang: There are many questions that may not be easy to answer one by one, so it might be best to start with the psychiatric outpatient clinic.[Read More] Understanding Heart Fatigue: Symptoms, Causes, and Treatment Options
Understanding Gastrointestinal Discomfort: Nausea, Vomiting, and Numbness
Gastrointestinal discomfort with vomiting and diarrhea, along with numbness in the hands, feet, and face? Hello Dr. Liao, I have been experiencing gastrointestinal discomfort for the past two to three months. Initially, I felt nauseous, and a few hours after eating, I would burp ...
Dr. Liao Yaopan Reply:
Hello, based on the symptoms provided, gastrointestinal discomfort has been present for two to three months, accompanied by digestive issues, vomiting, and occasional diarrhea. May I ask if there has been any change in weight? Are you currently taking any other medications? Do yo...[Read More] Understanding Gastrointestinal Discomfort: Nausea, Vomiting, and Numbness
Understanding Chest Tightness: Insights from Family Medicine
Chest tightness? I didn't expect to meet Dr. Chen here. It must be a coincidence and not just a case of having the same name, right? About five years ago, I experienced sudden rapid heart contractions and difficulty breathing. The next day, I visited your family medicine cli...
Dr. Chen Bozhang Reply:
Dear Mr. Chang, Five years ago, you visited our hospital, and indeed, it was during my clinic hours. In your letter, you mentioned that in 2013, you experienced severe chest pain and were transferred to Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, where a stent was placed in your cardiovascula...[Read More] Understanding Chest Tightness: Insights from Family Medicine
Understanding Thick Saliva: Causes and Health Implications
Thick saliva? About a year or two ago, during my dental cleaning, the dentist mentioned that my saliva was very thick and advised me to drink more water, but I didn't really notice anything at that time. However, in the past few months, I've started to noticeably feel t...
Dr. Chen Bozhang Reply:
Dear user, You mentioned that your saliva has become thick and stringy. This condition falls under the broad category of xerostomia (dry mouth), which can have various causes, including medication side effects, underlying health conditions, or insufficient fluid intake. These ca...[Read More] Understanding Thick Saliva: Causes and Health Implications
Improving Metabolism and Relieving Neck Pain: Expert Advice
Please provide the content you would like translated into English? Hello Doctor, I have a few questions I would like to ask: 1. I believe I am the type of person who gains weight easily, and it seems my metabolism is not very good. How can I improve or check my metabolic issu...
Dr. Xu Peiqi Reply:
Question 1: Metabolism cannot be definitively assessed through tests, but regular and sufficiently intense exercise can enhance metabolic rate, and occasionally indulging in large meals will not lead to weight gain. Question 2: Discomfort in the shoulders and neck is related to ...[Read More] Improving Metabolism and Relieving Neck Pain: Expert Advice
Understanding Premenstrual Cold Symptoms: Links to Uterine Health and Immunity
Premenstrual cold Every time before my menstruation, I experience various cold symptoms. I have been aware of this condition for three years and have come to regard it as premenstrual syndrome (PMS). I also realize that the symptoms have been getting progressively worse. Recently...
Dr. Wu Fangcan Reply:
There are many possible discomforts before menstruation, but what are the symptoms commonly associated with a cold? Having these symptoms does not necessarily mean you have a cold. It is advisable to consult with a gynecologist for further evaluation and advice, as I have not res...[Read More] Understanding Premenstrual Cold Symptoms: Links to Uterine Health and Immunity
Understanding Swelling Near the Ear: When to Seek Further Medical Help
There is a swelling in the area below the right cheek, near the ear? Hello doctor, I recently noticed a lump on the right side of my cheek near my ear. It feels hard to the touch but is not painful. I visited a dermatologist, who referred me to an otolaryngologist. The ENT specia...
Dr. Chen Pengsheng Reply:
Hello, I suggest that you consult a surgeon for a preliminary diagnosis. Thank you.[Read More] Understanding Swelling Near the Ear: When to Seek Further Medical Help
Is Rapid Weight Loss Safe? Understanding the Risks of Extreme Dieting
Rapid weight loss? I am currently using a cocktail diet for weight loss. Although my doctor advised me to exercise at least five days a week, I often end up working for eight hours a day, which leads me to frequently strain my arms, legs, and lower back. I'm concerned that i...
Dr. Liao Yaopan Reply:
Hello, I would like to first understand your height and weight status. The use of weight loss medications should be carefully evaluated, especially since data indicates that you are a teenager (ages 12-19), which requires even more caution. Proper nutrition and appropriate exerci...[Read More] Is Rapid Weight Loss Safe? Understanding the Risks of Extreme Dieting
Unexplained Bump on Arm: When to Seek Medical Attention?
There is a lump on the arm? Hello doctor, I have a lump on my arm that is not visible but can be felt by touch. It doesn't hurt when pressed, and sometimes it appears slightly indented. Should I see a doctor about this? Additionally, I sometimes have to take deep breaths to ...
Dr. Wu Fangcan Reply:
1. A hard lump in the arm could potentially be a lipoma, which is mostly benign and may also occur in other parts of the body. For caution, it is advisable to seek the opinion of a surgeon or dermatologist. 2. Sometimes, these symptoms may arise due to a lack of exercise or hig...[Read More] Unexplained Bump on Arm: When to Seek Medical Attention?
Understanding Leg Numbness: Causes and When to Seek Help
Abnormal numbness in the legs? Recently, I've been experiencing frequent leg numbness, but it usually resolves quickly. However, this morning when I got up, my right leg was so numb that I couldn't stand; I couldn't control my leg, and it felt completely weak and n...
Dr. Wu Fangcan Reply:
Due to the lack of information regarding age, gender, smoking history, previous hospitalizations or surgeries, presence of diabetes, history of anemia with black stools, use of pain medications, vegetarian diet, sleeping on a soft bed, prolonged sitting on a sofa, potential overw...[Read More] Understanding Leg Numbness: Causes and When to Seek Help
Understanding Chest Tightness and Breathing Difficulties: When to Seek Help
Experiencing chest tightness and difficulty breathing? Hello, Doctor: In March of this year, I suddenly experienced chest tightness and difficulty breathing, feeling as if I couldn't get enough air, so I went to the hospital's cardiology department for an examination. A...
Dr. Chen Pengsheng Reply:
Dear Johnny, After reading your description, I understand that you have undergone many examinations and learned about hyperventilation syndrome. I want to emphasize that the physicians you have encountered are very dedicated and excellent. The real issue seems to stem from diff...[Read More] Understanding Chest Tightness and Breathing Difficulties: When to Seek Help
Understanding Low White Blood Cell Count: Should You Get Further Tests?
Leukopenia Your question: Hello, I would like to ask: I went for a health check-up, and my WBC (white blood cell count) was 3.57 x 10^3/µL (normal range 4.0-11.0). The other types of white blood cells, including neutrophils, eosinophils, basophils, lymphocytes, and monocytes, wer...
Dr. Chen Bozhang Reply:
Hello AAMES, In your letter, you mentioned that during your health check-up, your white blood cell (WBC) count was 3.57 * 10^3/μl, and the differential count was normal. Generally, this indicates a mild decrease in white blood cell count, which may be related to specific infecti...[Read More] Understanding Low White Blood Cell Count: Should You Get Further Tests?
Managing High Blood Pressure: Can Medication Improve Vision Issues?
Hypertension, blurred vision, dizziness? Hello Doctor: My father is 62 years old and has hypertension. He has been on medication for a month, but his blood pressure remains around 170, compared to 180-200 last month. He will return to the doctor next week for medication adjustmen...
Dr. Chen Zonglin Reply:
Long-term high blood pressure can potentially lead to eye diseases. It is recommended that you take your father to an ophthalmologist for an evaluation to determine if there are any hypertension-related eye conditions, in order to facilitate early treatment.[Read More] Managing High Blood Pressure: Can Medication Improve Vision Issues?
Effective Oral Medications for Managing Type 2 Diabetes in Seniors
Diabetes management medications Hello, my father has had type 2 diabetes for about 20 years. Currently, he follows a low-oil diet and does not drink sugary beverages. His meals consist of 1 serving of rice, 1 serving of meat, and 2 servings of vegetables. However, due to work, he...
Dr. Chen Zonglin Reply:
1. Currently, there is no oral insulin available in pill form. 2. There are currently oral hypoglycemic agents that can be taken three times a day. I wonder if your father is taking three different types of blood sugar-lowering medications? If he is on three different medication...[Read More] Effective Oral Medications for Managing Type 2 Diabetes in Seniors