Understanding Sleep Paralysis and Breathing Difficulties During Sleep
Feeling of suffocation during sleep? Hello, doctor. I have previously experienced a sensation of being pressed all over my body during sleep, occurring 2 to 4 times a night. I researched and found that it might be related to sleep paralysis, so I didn't pay much attention to...
Dr. Xiao Yongxun Reply:
Dear Ms. Ya, The sleep cycle can be divided into rapid eye movement sleep (REM) and non-rapid eye movement sleep (NREM), alternating approximately 3 to 5 times each night. The brain regions that control the sleep-wake cycle (biological clock) include the suprachiasmatic nucleus,...[Read More] Understanding Sleep Paralysis and Breathing Difficulties During Sleep
Chest Pain, Dizziness, and Rapid Heartbeat: Which Specialist to See?
Chest tightness, dizziness, and rapid heartbeat. Which medical specialty should I consult? Hello Doctor, this morning while commuting to work, I had to jog up about two flights of stairs to catch the MRT. After getting on the train, I experienced some chest pain accompanied by sh...
Dr. Ye Qianyu Reply:
Hello! Regarding your concerns, you are primarily experiencing palpitations accompanied by postural dizziness. Since you have already experienced syncope, it is advisable for you to visit a medical facility for evaluation. It would be best to see a cardiologist first to confirm w...[Read More] Chest Pain, Dizziness, and Rapid Heartbeat: Which Specialist to See?
Understanding Your Health Check Report: Key Insights on Kidney Function and Cholesterol
Regarding the health examination report? Hello, doctor. I had an adult health check at the health center in April and have some questions. Currently, the test results show some issues: GOT: 18 (normal range 0-39), GPT: 15 (normal range 0-41), creatinine: 1.0 (<1.3), and glomer...
Dr. Xiao Yongxun Reply:
Dear Mr. Anonymous: 1. Estimated Glomerular Filtration Rate (eGFR): The commonly used formula is MDRD-Simplified GFR (mL/min/1.73 m²) = 186 × Scr⁻¹.154 × Age⁻⁰.²⁰³ × 0.742 (if female). 2. Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD) refers to kidney damage due to long-term inflammation (such a...[Read More] Understanding Your Health Check Report: Key Insights on Kidney Function and Cholesterol
Sharp Pain Above Right Chest: Understanding Causes and Solutions
Sharp pain above the right chest? After completing a high-intensity interval training session in physical education class, I didn't feel any discomfort that day, just fatigue and shortness of breath. However, the next day when I woke up, I started experiencing sharp pain abo...
Dr. Wu Huixiong Reply:
If the situation persists, it is advisable for you to visit a medical facility for an examination. Wishing you good health.[Read More] Sharp Pain Above Right Chest: Understanding Causes and Solutions
Understanding Sleep Issues and CPR Confusion: A Family Medicine Perspective
Sleep issues and concerns about CPR? Hello, doctor. I have two questions regarding issues that have arisen around me. First, a friend of mine has a work schedule where he usually gets home around 7 PM and doesn't go to bed until 2 or 3 AM. He then has to wake up at 7 AM to...
Dr. Xiao Yongxun Reply:
Dear Ms. Yu: 1. The human sleep cycle can be divided into Rapid Eye Movement (REM) sleep and Non-Rapid Eye Movement (NREM) sleep, which alternate throughout the night, typically cycling 3 to 5 times. The brain regions that control the sleep-wake cycle (circadian rhythm) include ...[Read More] Understanding Sleep Issues and CPR Confusion: A Family Medicine Perspective
Understanding Ear Pain and Symptoms: When to See a Specialist
Inquiry about medical specialties? Hello, Doctor. I started experiencing unexplained ear pain since November of last year, but I didn't pay much attention to it since it only occurred when I was very tired. However, around March, I began to feel swelling behind my ear. After...
Dr. Liao Yaopan Reply:
Hello, regarding your concerns and discomfort, it is still recommended to seek further evaluation from an otolaryngologist (ENT specialist). Additionally, it seems that you may have issues with poor sleep; if necessary, you can consult a psychiatrist for assistance. We encourage ...[Read More] Understanding Ear Pain and Symptoms: When to See a Specialist
Safety Concerns After Breaking a Mercury Thermometer in a Baby's Room
Breaking a mercury thermometer? Hello Dr. Liao, I would like to ask a few questions. A week ago, I accidentally broke a mercury thermometer in a room where my baby was present, and mercury spilled out. I used tape to try to collect the visible mercury, including in the gaps of t...
Dr. Liao Yaopan Reply:
Hello, mercury is the only heavy metal that is liquid at room temperature. The toxicity of mercury and the organs affected often depend on its form, which can generally be categorized into elemental, inorganic, and organic forms. Elemental mercury in liquid form can easily evapor...[Read More] Safety Concerns After Breaking a Mercury Thermometer in a Baby's Room
Understanding Hair Loss: Causes, Treatments, and Expert Advice
Hair loss issues Hello, doctor. I am 149 cm tall and weigh 48 kg. I work as a civil servant and have been sitting at a desk for a long time. Recently, I was transferred to a busy and high-pressure unit, and sometimes I even forget to eat breakfast due to the rush. I've been ...
Dr. Cai Dongqi Reply:
Hello, regarding dermatology consultation issues, it is recommended that you seek further advice or consult a dermatologist. For health check-ups, it is advised that individuals over 40 years old should definitely undergo them. You can inquire about the relevant items at various ...[Read More] Understanding Hair Loss: Causes, Treatments, and Expert Advice
Understanding Fluctuations in Blood Sugar and Cholesterol Levels
High blood sugar and high cholesterol? Hello doctor, in 2017 during my company's health check, my fasting blood glucose was 103 and total cholesterol was 214. Therefore, on January 28 of this year, I went to Taipei Medical University Hospital for a blood test for glucose and...
Dr. Xiao Yongxun Reply:
1. According to the diagnostic criteria for diabetes set by the American Diabetes Association: a. Fasting plasma glucose level ≥126 mg/dL after fasting for more than 8 hours, b. Plasma glucose level ≥200 mg/dL during a 2-hour oral glucose tolerance test, c. HbA1c ≥6.5% (must not ...[Read More] Understanding Fluctuations in Blood Sugar and Cholesterol Levels
Breathlessness: Understanding Causes and Seeking Medical Help
Shortness of breath? Hello, I would like to consult a doctor on behalf of a friend who has some concerns and is currently unable to see a physician. He often experiences shortness of breath during episodes of heightened emotions, which seems to be more pronounced in situations wh...
Dr. Xiao Yongxun Reply:
Dear Miss Anonymous: 1. Your symptoms are likely indicative of hyperventilation syndrome, which primarily stems from pre-existing anxiety disorders or psychosomatic conditions. However, many other diseases can present with similar symptoms, so a differential diagnosis is necess...[Read More] Breathlessness: Understanding Causes and Seeking Medical Help
Understanding 'Yin-Yang Eyes' and Sleep Paralysis: Medical Insights
Yin-Yang Eye (the ability to see spirits) and Sleep Paralysis? Hello, doctor. I have a question. My girlfriend seems to have a sixth sense; sometimes she says she can see spirits, which scares her. She feels that during her menstrual period, her body is weaker and she is more lik...
Dr. Cai Dongqi Reply:
Hello, it is recommended that you consult a psychiatrist for further diagnosis and evaluation.[Read More] Understanding 'Yin-Yang Eyes' and Sleep Paralysis: Medical Insights
Understanding Dizziness and Chest Discomfort After Meals: A Medical Perspective
Experiencing dizziness and chest tightness with a desire to take deep breaths often occurs after lunch or during meals? Mid-February: After dinner (Big Mac) at 7:00 PM, I felt dizzy and had chest tightness, which made me want to take deep breaths. The dizziness was severe enough ...
Dr. Cai Dongqi Reply:
Hello, based on the symptoms you described, it seems you may be experiencing psychosomatic issues due to life stress rather than a specific disease. The focus should be on gastrointestinal health and lifestyle adjustments. I recommend that you consult a psychiatrist or a speciali...[Read More] Understanding Dizziness and Chest Discomfort After Meals: A Medical Perspective
Dizziness, Anemia, or Vision Issues? Understanding Your Symptoms
Dizziness, anemia, or eye problems? Yesterday, after cleaning the graves, I stood up and suddenly experienced a blackout. I could vaguely see the shadows of objects, people, and the grass around me, which felt like symptoms of anemia. However, after standing for about three to fi...
Dr. Xiao Yongxun Reply:
Dear Miss Qiqi: 1. It is advisable for you to consult directly with your family physician regarding your concerns. 2. There are many causes of dizziness that require differential diagnosis, including: a. Cardiovascular system: for example, orthostatic hypotension, hyperten...[Read More] Dizziness, Anemia, or Vision Issues? Understanding Your Symptoms
Understanding Sleep Paralysis and Hallucinations: A Medical Perspective
Yin-Yang Eyes and Sleep Paralysis Hello doctor, my girlfriend says she sees spirits and experiences sleep paralysis (usually around 2 AM when she is about to fall asleep). Sometimes she sees a spirit staring at her with wide eyes, sometimes she hears voices, and other times she f...
Dr. Xu Peiqi Reply:
Hello: These symptoms would be explained as hallucinations in Western medicine. To understand the severity and treatment options, it is essential to consult a psychosomatic medicine specialist. As for the possibility of it being caused by a brain tumor, while I cannot guarantee w...[Read More] Understanding Sleep Paralysis and Hallucinations: A Medical Perspective
Understanding Joint Pain and Numbness: Common Causes and Concerns
Physical issues Hello doctor, I have recently been experiencing pain in my limbs and joints, but it only lasts for a short time. My palms sometimes feel numb, and my body occasionally feels slightly itchy and warm. Could you please help me understand what this situation might be?...
Dr. Xiao Yongxun Reply:
Dear Ms. Betty: 1. The symptoms you described, such as "joint pain in the limbs that only lasts briefly; tingling in the palms; and occasional mild itching and warmth in the body," are considered atypical changes. This means that while some diseases may present in thi...[Read More] Understanding Joint Pain and Numbness: Common Causes and Concerns
Can You Fully Recover from Hypertension or Is Lifelong Medication Necessary?
Once hypertension is diagnosed, is it irreversible? Hello, I found that most information online suggests that hypertension requires lifelong medication, so I would like to ask if once diagnosed with hypertension, it cannot be reversed? Is it necessary to continue taking medicatio...
Dr. Chen Bozhang Reply:
Hello: In response to your inquiry about whether hypertension, once acquired, is irreversible, the causes of hypertension are quite complex. Generally, long-term hypertension that is difficult to reverse includes intrinsic factors such as genetic predisposition, age, cardiovascul...[Read More] Can You Fully Recover from Hypertension or Is Lifelong Medication Necessary?
Which Medical Specialist to See After a Bike Accident Injury?
If you fall while riding a bike, you should see an orthopedic specialist for any potential fractures or musculoskeletal injuries. Additionally, if you experience head trauma, it is important to consult a neurologist or visit the emergency department for evaluation? Hello, doctor....
Dr. Cai Dongqi Reply:
Hello, if you are experiencing persistent pain, it is recommended that you consult a rehabilitation specialist. Wishing you a speedy recovery.[Read More] Which Medical Specialist to See After a Bike Accident Injury?
Why Iron Supplements Aren't Improving Your Anemia: What to Do Next
If anemia does not improve with iron supplements, which specialist should you see? Hello Doctor, I visited a dermatologist last year due to severe hair loss. After a blood test, most of my values were normal, but my hemoglobin was at the lower limit and my ferritin was too low. (...
Dr. Xu Peiqi Reply:
The relationship between ferritin, anemia, and hair loss is not absolute. If your primary concern is hair loss, there are many factors involved, and sometimes it can be difficult to pinpoint a single cause! However, reducing life stress, improving sleep quality, and supplementing...[Read More] Why Iron Supplements Aren't Improving Your Anemia: What to Do Next
Can I Still Grow Taller at 17? Understanding Height Growth Potential
Height issues As a 17-year-old in the second year of high school, standing at 165 cm, you are hoping to grow to over 170 cm. Your father is 160 cm and your mother is 155 cm. You experienced significant growth from sixth grade to the first year of junior high, but your height has ...
Dr. Xiao Yongxun Reply:
Dear Mr. Xiaohao, 1. Height is influenced by genetic factors inherited from parents. Based on the information you provided, it seems that your own efforts have allowed you to exceed your parents' height, which is indeed commendable. Theoretically, going to bed early can inc...[Read More] Can I Still Grow Taller at 17? Understanding Height Growth Potential
Understanding Oral Discomfort: Symptoms and Specialist Guidance
Oral issues Hello Doctor, I apologize for the lengthy message. For about the past two months, I have been experiencing discomfort in the left side of my oral cavity, specifically in the cheek and soft palate area. There is a burning and stabbing sensation, accompanied by a sour t...
Dr. Xiao Yongxun Reply:
Dear Ms. Chen, 1. Thank you for your detailed description. I am not a specialist in this field and have not conducted research on it; I can only provide references based on my limited knowledge. 2. The physicians you have encountered are very thorough. In addition to routine ex...[Read More] Understanding Oral Discomfort: Symptoms and Specialist Guidance