Sleep, Family Medicine FAQ

Understanding Jaw Pain and Clicking: When to See a Doctor

Facial occlusion can sometimes be painful? Your aunt experiences loud sounds from the "joint" area near her ears when she bites down, and sometimes feels pain when opening her mouth after not speaking for a while. Which specialist should she see, and what could be the c...

Dr. Cai Jueren Reply:
Hello: The situation you described pertains to a dental issue: temporomandibular joint (TMJ) pain is often caused by occlusal abnormalities, with a few cases resulting from trauma leading to occlusal issues. This problem is commonly seen in patients who grind their teeth during s...

Understanding Occasional Head Pain Upon Waking: Causes and Concerns

The feeling of waking up occasionally? I have experienced this situation for a long time, but since it doesn't last long, I haven't paid much attention to it. Today, when I woke up, I felt a persistent sensation on the top of my head as if it had been hit, almost like t...

Dr. Cai Jueren Reply:
Hello: Your description is not sufficient for me to accurately assess your situation. It may not be pain but rather a sensation of pressure, likely caused by prolonged pressure on a specific area of the scalp. I recommend adjusting the height or firmness of your pillow; this may ...

Understanding Excessive Sleepiness and Nausea: Common Causes and Concerns

excuse me? I would like to ask the doctor why I feel very sleepy? Even when I have had enough sleep, I still feel very drowsy, especially when I am reading. Additionally, sometimes when I brush my teeth, I feel nauseous (even when I haven't eaten anything). There are times w...

Dr. Cai Jueren Reply:
Hello: Your sleep quality may be an issue; you can visit a sleep center at a major hospital for some evaluations. Additionally, if you feel nauseous while brushing your teeth, I recommend changing your toothpaste to a different flavor, as various scents can elicit different react...

Understanding Upper Back Pain: Causes and When to Seek Help

Back pain located between the shoulders and the lower back? Hello Doctor: I have been troubled by back pain since May of last year. I would like to know what the issue might be and which specialty I should consult. My back pain occurs only at night while I am trying to sleep, and...

Dr. Cai Jueren Reply:
Hello: The pain you described is more similar to ankylosing spondylitis and may also be related to the nature of your work. I recommend that you try doing stretching exercises every night before bed and take more breaks. Avoid heavy lifting with your shoulders and lower back. If ...

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...

Melatonin for Sleep Disorders: Does It Really Help?

excuse me? Melatonin is a hormone that regulates sleep-wake cycles and has been studied for its effects on sleep disorders, including insomnia, frequent awakenings, and early morning awakenings. Research suggests that melatonin supplementation can be effective in improving sleep ...

Dr. Cai Jueren Reply:
Hello, melatonin has become a popular topic in medicine in recent years. Some claim it can combat aging, but the experimental results are inconclusive. Others suggest it can treat insomnia, yet there is no scientific evidence to support its efficacy, and the safe dosage has not b...

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...

Which Specialist Should I See for My Immune Function Issues?

Which department should I consult regarding my exemption from military service? Hello, Dr. Tsai. For the past six months, I have been continuously seeking medical treatment. Initially, I consulted a psychiatrist, but then other health issues arose. After recovering from a cold, I...

Dr. Cai Jueren Reply:
Hello, reading your statement is truly disheartening. As a physician, I wish I could resolve your issues in one go, but this is also a moment when we feel most powerless. The complexity of your symptoms indicates that more time and effort are required. Immunodeficiency or immune ...

Understanding Chest Tightness and Throat Discomfort: Causes and Solutions

I am feeling a bit unwell? I have been feeling chest tightness and a tight throat lately, with a sensation of throat blockage and nausea. Is this due to not adapting to living outside, or could it be related to my diet and sleep?

Dr. Zhan Deqin Reply:
Chest tightness, throat constriction, and a feeling of blockage may indicate a cold or other respiratory infection. Additionally, if there is a feeling of nausea, the first step is to check for pregnancy. Of course, consuming contaminated food can also lead to gastroenteritis, wh...

Which Specialist Should I See for My Persistent Facial Pain?

I'm not sure which specialty to see? Hello, doctor. My situation is as follows: the symptoms occur occasionally, but recently they have been happening frequently. For the past three to four days, I have experienced multiple episodes of pain in a single day. Initially, there ...

Dr. Cai Jueren Reply:
Hello, your symptoms appear to be quite similar to trigeminal neuralgia. Of course, a detailed examination is necessary for confirmation. I recommend that you first visit the neurology outpatient clinic for an initial assessment. Please rest assured that this is not a serious con...

Understanding Right Lower Abdominal Pain: Causes and When to Seek Help

Abdominal pain Hello, Doctor: I have been experiencing occasional dull pain in the lower right abdomen (about 5 centimeters to the right of the navel), which is more noticeable when lying flat before sleep. I would like to ask: which organ is located in that area? If I want to se...

Dr. Cai Jueren Reply:
Hello, there are basically no organs in the lower right abdomen (even in females). There are a few exceptions where the kidney may be positioned too low or the ovary too high, but these cases are quite rare. Your situation may be caused by constipation or fecal impaction. If you ...

Understanding Unexplained Foot and Limb Cramps: Causes and When to Seek Help

Dull pain Hello Doctor, in the past three months, I have started experiencing cramping pain in the soles of my feet. The first occurrence was about three months ago, when the area at the base of my toes began to hurt, but it went away on its own after about three days. The second...

Dr. Cai Jueren Reply:
Hello, the symptoms you described are quite detailed. Since your pain is not severe and lasts only a few seconds, gout and arthritis can likely be ruled out. Additionally, you did not mention any trauma, so a fracture is also unlikely. However, you did not provide your height and...

Chronic Headaches: Which Specialist Should You Consult?

Hello, doctor: I often have headaches and I'm not sure which specialty I should see? Hello, doctor. My question is: (1) I had a car accident 20 years ago where I hit my head. At that time, there was no significant injury, but I have a noticeable lump on the upper left side o...

Dr. Cai Jueren Reply:
Hello, the symptoms you described are likely a type of migraine. Migraines often have no identifiable cause and are usually managed with pain relief medications. I recommend that you first visit a major hospital's sleep center to address any sleep issues, as resolving these ...

Dealing with Dizziness and Nausea: When to Seek Medical Help

Hello? In the past week, I have occasionally felt dizzy while taking the MRT, and on some days, the feeling was more severe, accompanied by nausea. Today, I have been experiencing a persistent sensation in the back left side of my head, as if someone is drilling into it, and it c...

Dr. Cai Jueren Reply:
Hello, your symptoms are referred to as vertigo, which can be triggered by various factors such as medications, food, posture, sleep, and exercise, among others. Another common cause is inner ear imbalance. We recommend that you visit an otolaryngology clinic for an examination a...

Confused About Which Specialist to See for Sleep Disruptions?

I'm not sure which specialty I should see? Hello Doctor, I have something that troubles me. Sometimes I wake up in the middle of the night and completely lose control of my thoughts. My mind keeps racing with terms related to my work report from the morning. Normally, my thi...

Dr. Cai Jueren Reply:
Hello Silvia, Many people experience the symptoms you described, so there is no need to worry too much. Generally, these symptoms do not occur daily and do not affect your sleep quality. Since your daytime activities and work are normal, it indicates that your stress levels are...

Breathing Difficulties and Back Pain: Seeking Solutions for Active Lifestyles

Back pain & difficulty breathing and exercising? Dear Doctor, Hello. I really enjoy running, but for about the past six months to a year, I have been experiencing difficulty breathing while running. I often feel like I can't get enough air, and I sometimes have soreness...

Dr. Xu Li'an Reply:
Dear Janice, please visit a family medicine physician at the hospital and present the questions you have written down for discussion. They will go through each item with you and arrange for the necessary examinations. Since you are willing to take the time to write down these que...

Understanding Jaw Joint Pain: Seeking the Right Specialist for Relief

Temporomandibular joint pain? In recent years, I have been experiencing pain in my jaw joint after eating. I have undergone occlusal splint therapy, but it has not improved, and the situation has even worsened. I have consulted various hospitals and doctors, but there have been n...

Dr. Cai Jueren Reply:
Hello, this issue is not difficult to resolve. The pain in the temporomandibular joint (TMJ) is mostly caused by occlusal abnormalities, with a few cases resulting from trauma. Occlusal issues are commonly seen in patients who grind their teeth during sleep, and these individuals...

Why Do My Hands Tingle While Sleeping? Causes and Solutions

Numbness in the hands during sleep? Hello Doctor: I often experience numbness in my hands while sleeping, particularly in the palms. I usually can't maintain one sleeping position for too long without feeling numbness in my hands. However, I don't have any particular se...

Dr. Xu Li'an Reply:
Dear Han, please visit the neurology department at the hospital. If your symptoms continue to worsen, you should get checked as soon as possible. Wishing you a speedy recovery. Xu Li'an 9507261009 Hualien Hospital Family Medicine Department.

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...

Understanding Frequent Mouth Sores: Causes and Dietary Solutions

Recently, I have been experiencing frequent sores on the inside of my mouth and lips? Hello, doctor. For the past week or two, I've frequently had sores in my mouth that feel like they've been bitten. One sore hasn't healed yet, and another one has appeared. My fam...

Dr. Liao Yaopan Reply:
Mouth ulcers can be a troublesome issue, and several factors may be related to their occurrence, such as sleep, emotional state, gastrointestinal digestion, and nutritional imbalances. Viral infections can also be a possible cause, and in rare cases, it may be related to immune s...

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