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
Safe Oral Testosterone Options and Health Risks for Women
Male hormones For certain reasons, I want to increase male hormones and am unsure which oral hormones are safer. Which type of hospital or department should I visit for this? If women take these hormones, will it pose any health risks?
Dr. Cai Mengru Reply:
Dear Maple Leaf, Regarding your question, I am unsure of the reason you wish to increase male hormones. Women naturally secrete a small amount of male hormones. Self-administering hormone preparations can disrupt the central regulation of endogenous hormone secretion, potentiall...[Read More] Safe Oral Testosterone Options and Health Risks for Women
Long-Term Use of Muscle Relaxants: Tips to Avoid Side Effects
Muscle relaxants Dear Doctor, due to my neuropathic pain condition, my doctor has prescribed muscle relaxants and analgesics. What should I be aware of regarding the long-term use of these medications to avoid side effects or burdening my body?
Dr. Lai Junlong Reply:
Hello: In response to your question, long-term use of muscle relaxants should be monitored for increased liver burden, and regular liver function blood tests are recommended. Additionally, central nervous system side effects may include drowsiness, dizziness, headaches, and incre...[Read More] Long-Term Use of Muscle Relaxants: Tips to Avoid Side Effects
Understanding Seasonal Eczema: Causes and Solutions for Skin Itching
Skin itching Hello Dr. Tsai, my skin has been behaving strangely for a while now. Every evening when I take a shower, I notice red, raised, linear scars where my belt is, which are itchy; if I don't scratch them, they will fade away. In other areas, if I feel the urge to scr...
Dr. Cai Mengru Reply:
Dear Mr. Jeff, As you described, the raised lesions on the skin in areas subjected to pressure, and even where scratched by nails, are likely manifestations of a condition known as Dermographism. This is a type of urticaria, which is a skin reaction to external physical pressure...[Read More] Understanding Seasonal Eczema: Causes and Solutions for Skin Itching
Understanding Alcohol Testing: Non-Alcoholic Causes of Blood Alcohol Levels
Alcohol testing I would like to ask what situations could lead to a blood test showing alcohol levels after consuming certain foods, even if one has not actually consumed alcohol or any food containing alcohol, such as yogurt. Is this possible?
Dr. Cai Jueren Reply:
Hello: I would like to respond to you using a report from Professor Chang Wei-tun of the Department of Forensic Science at Central Police University and Secretary-General of the Chinese Forensic Science Society. Alcohol suppresses the central nervous system, causing visual and au...[Read More] Understanding Alcohol Testing: Non-Alcoholic Causes of Blood Alcohol Levels
Understanding Tailbone Pain: Causes and Treatment Options
Coccydynia (pain at the tailbone) Hello: When sitting or lying down, I feel a "sharp pain" inside at the very end of my spine (buttocks) as if there is a "broken skin" sensation, but there are no visible injuries when I look in the mirror... It has been more t...
Dr. Cai Jueren Reply:
Hello: In some individuals, the coccyx may protrude more than usual. This typically does not cause any issues. You can visit an orthopedic doctor for an X-ray to determine the situation. Thank you for your inquiry. Dr. Tsai Jue-ren, Hualien Hospital.[Read More] Understanding Tailbone Pain: Causes and Treatment Options
Understanding Sudden Body Pain in Children: When to Seek Help
The young girl is experiencing widespread pain? My daughter is in fifth grade this year and experiences sudden sharp pains in various parts of her body, mostly in her legs, but sometimes in her arms and other areas as well. It feels as if there is a bug crawling on her skin. Init...
Dr. Cai Jueren Reply:
Hello: The pain you described is not very clear and seems more like neuropathic pain. I recommend taking her to a large hospital to see a neurologist for an examination. Thank you for your letter. Dr. Tsai Jue-Ren, Hualien Hospital.[Read More] Understanding Sudden Body Pain in Children: When to Seek Help
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 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
Where to Seek Help for Skin Allergies and Concerns?
Which specialty should I consult? My mother is currently 48 years old and has had persistent skin issues. She often experiences allergies to certain insects, and recently, she discovered a red, swollen area about 2-3 centimeters in her armpit. She mentioned that it hurts when pre...
Dr. Cai Jueren Reply:
Hello: The issue you mentioned should be addressed by a dermatologist. I recommend visiting the dermatology department at Shin Kong Hospital, where the chief physician has a lot of expertise in dealing with complex cases. Thank you for your inquiry. Dr. Tsai Jue-Ren, Hualien Hosp...[Read More] Where to Seek Help for Skin Allergies and Concerns?
Understanding Vulvar Dermatitis: When to See a Doctor?
Which specialty should I see for hair growth in my vulva? Several months ago, I went swimming... possibly due to poor water quality... and my menstrual period was approaching. After my period ended, I experienced persistent itching in my genital area, which developed into red pat...
Dr. Cai Jueren Reply:
Hello: What you are describing is likely tinea cruris, a type of skin condition that can generally be treated with topical ointments. However, there is a more troublesome situation where it keeps recurring; in this case, we refer to it as chronic tinea. Don't be afraid, it c...[Read More] Understanding Vulvar Dermatitis: When to See a Doctor?
Dietary Solutions for High Triglycerides: What You Need to Know
Dietary Issues Related to High Triglycerides Hello Doctor: Recently, my health check report indicated that my triglyceride levels are high, and I would like to ask some dietary questions: 1. Should I avoid all animal skin in my diet? 2. If I frequently consume fish, will it worse...
Dr. Cai Jueren Reply:
Hello, The causes of hyperlipidemia are as follows: 1. Excessive total caloric intake 2. Excessive total fat intake 3. Lack of physical activity 4. Congenital defects 5. Excessive alcohol consumption 6. Complications arising from other diseases Dietary principles includ...[Read More] Dietary Solutions for High Triglycerides: What You Need to Know
Understanding Right Abdominal Pain: Causes and When to Seek Help
Low back pain The pain in the right abdomen (upper and lower) accompanied by discomfort and bloating in the gastrointestinal area, as well as mild nausea when lightly tapping the area below the right chest, may indicate an issue with the right kidney, liver, gallbladder, or the i...
Dr. Xu Li'an Reply:
Dear Ching, without seeing you in person, asking detailed questions, and conducting a physical examination, I cannot provide you with an answer. Do you think a doctor can diagnose from a distance? That would make them more skilled than fortune tellers! Please visit a gastroentero...[Read More] Understanding Right Abdominal Pain: Causes and When to Seek Help
Understanding the Safety of Blood Tests: Addressing Patient Concerns
What is the safety of blood draw testing? Dear Doctor: I am not questioning the hard work and dedication of the nursing staff. However, I previously went to a sexually transmitted disease prevention clinic to get tested for HIV. At that time, it seemed that the nurse did not chan...
Dr. Cai Jueren Reply:
Hello, under normal circumstances, the action of drawing blood or administering an injection is preceded by disinfection with alcohol swabs before the needle is inserted. It is not only the general public who is concerned about the risk of infection; healthcare professionals, due...[Read More] Understanding the Safety of Blood Tests: Addressing Patient Concerns
Improving High Cholesterol Levels: Tips from a Family Medicine Expert
Health check-up Hello Dr. Hsu: I recently had a health check-up, and one of the results was abnormal: my total cholesterol (CHOL) level. What measures can I take to improve it and bring it back within the normal range?
Dr. Xu Li'an Reply:
Dear Fred, The normal range for total cholesterol is between 130 and 200 mg/dL. Medication is typically required only if levels exceed 240 mg/dL. Therefore, please focus on dietary control for three months and then return for a follow-up check. In your diet, try to avoid frie...[Read More] Improving High Cholesterol Levels: Tips from a Family Medicine Expert
Understanding Painful, Disappearing Lumps: Causes and When to Seek Help
A painful lump that disappears? Sometimes my body suddenly develops a hard lump that is very painful to touch, but it disappears after about 5 to 6 days. Most of these lumps appear in the upper and lower abdomen, and I have also experienced them near the collarbone. I am unsure o...
Dr. Lin Mingxing Reply:
Dear Dr. Lin Ming-Hsing of the Family Medicine Department at Tainan Hospital, Executive Yuan Health Department: In response to your statement, if it is unrelated to tumors, it may be due to a skin allergy or an immune response. It would be advisable to consult a dermatologist fo...[Read More] Understanding Painful, Disappearing Lumps: Causes and When to Seek Help
Unusual Skin Growths: When to See a Family Doctor or Dermatologist?
Abnormal growths on the skin? In recent years, I have noticed many small flat moles on my chest and arms, but I didn't pay much attention to them. However, in the past month, I suddenly discovered raised lesions along my hairline, under my armpits, and on my buttocks. They a...
Dr. Lin Mingxing Reply:
Dear Dr. Lin Ming-Hsing of the Family Medicine Department at Tainan Hospital, Executive Yuan Health Department: As you mentioned, the diagnosis may be flat warts. It is recommended that you visit a dermatologist for further management. Tainan Hospital cares about your health.[Read More] Unusual Skin Growths: When to See a Family Doctor or Dermatologist?
Essential Guide to Tuberculosis Testing for Studying Abroad in the U.S.
Regarding the tuberculosis skin test for studying abroad? Dear Dr. Hsu, I will be going to the United States for further studies in August, and the school has provided a list of required vaccinations and examinations. I have obtained my vaccination record card from the health ce...
Dr. Xu Li'an Reply:
Hello Ansel, I suggest you contact public hospitals such as Chiayi Hospital or Puzi Hospital, or Chiayi Christian Hospital and Chiayi St. Martin Hospital to inquire about the health examination department and family medicine. Generally, if you have received the BCG vaccine, the t...[Read More] Essential Guide to Tuberculosis Testing for Studying Abroad in the U.S.
Understanding Iron Deficiency Anemia: Boosting MCV and Hemoglobin Levels
Iron deficiency anemia During my last physical examination at the military academy, I was disqualified due to low MCV and hemoglobin levels. My values were MCV 75.4 and hemoglobin 11.3. The guidelines state that MCV must be above 80 and hemoglobin must be at least 12. Previously,...
Dr. Lin Mingxing Reply:
Dear Dr. Lin Ming-Hsing, Director of the Family Medicine Department at Tainan Hospital, Executive Yuan Health Department: Maintaining a balanced diet, adhering to a regular lifestyle, and engaging in regular exercise may seem like common advice, but when followed to a significan...[Read More] Understanding Iron Deficiency Anemia: Boosting MCV and Hemoglobin Levels
Which Medical Specialty Should I Consult for My Neck Issue?
Which specialty should I see? Hello, Dr. Hsu: About six months ago, I developed a bump on the back of my neck that resembled an acne lesion, but it healed after a month, leaving a small hard lump. Recently, this small lump seems to be inflamed and painful, causing discomfort in t...
Dr. Xu Li'an Reply:
Hello Ramses, you may have a localized infection. Please visit the dermatology outpatient clinic. Xu Li'an 950330, Shuhua Family Medicine.[Read More] Which Medical Specialty Should I Consult for My Neck Issue?