Understanding Blood Pressure Concerns: Key Questions for Managing Hypertension
Regarding blood pressure issues? Hello Doctor: My mother is 63 years old and has a hypertension issue, but she only takes her medication when she feels unwell. Recently, she has been experiencing chest tightness and a rapid heartbeat. When measuring her blood pressure at the clin...
Dr. Yao Quan Reply:
Hello: 1. Blood pressure exhibits a circadian rhythm, which is related to the activity of the sympathetic nervous system. It is lowest during sleep and highest in the early morning. However, daytime blood pressure is primarily influenced by daily activities and is less related ...[Read More] Understanding Blood Pressure Concerns: Key Questions for Managing Hypertension
Understanding Persistent Stomach Pain: Possible Causes and Solutions
Stomach pain I often experience stomach pain that radiates to my back. Recently, a friend mentioned it might be a gallbladder issue. However, I went to the hospital for an ultrasound, and the doctor said everything was fine but couldn't answer my questions. Last night, the p...
Dr. Cai Yaozhou Reply:
If you are experiencing unexplained stomach pain, it is advisable to consult a gastroenterologist for a proper diagnosis to avoid delaying treatment due to inappropriate medication. There are numerous potential causes of stomach pain, so it is crucial to specify the location of t...[Read More] Understanding Persistent Stomach Pain: Possible Causes and Solutions
Understanding Rectal Bleeding: Causes, Symptoms, and When to Seek Help
Hemorrhoidal bleeding Dear Dr. Tsai, I have reviewed the frequently asked questions regarding rectal bleeding, and while my situation is somewhat similar, there are still differences, so I would like to seek your advice. I have been experiencing rectal bleeding for about a week ...
Dr. Cai Yaozhou Reply:
Hemorrhoids refer to the presence of blood in the stool or a positive fecal occult blood test. The causes may include gastrointestinal bleeding, tumors, anal fissures, hemorrhoids, or acute infectious enteritis, among others. The differential diagnosis and treatment involve... Wh...[Read More] Understanding Rectal Bleeding: Causes, Symptoms, and When to Seek Help
Understanding Persistent Fever and Back Pain: A Guide for Busy Professionals
Fever Hello Dr. Liao, I apologize for taking up your time. I am a working individual, 155 cm tall and weighing 43 kg, and I have been troubled by back pain for a long time. Over the past year, the pain has worsened, radiating from my spine to a deep point in my epigastric area. D...
Dr. Liao Zhongxin Reply:
Dear readers: 1. If you experience chronic back pain, general fatigue, and low-grade fever, you should first consult a neurosurgeon or orthopedic specialist to determine if it is due to poor posture, scoliosis, or spinal issues. 2. Taiwan is considered a high-prevalence area for ...[Read More] Understanding Persistent Fever and Back Pain: A Guide for Busy Professionals
Understanding Skin Issues: Persistent Folliculitis and Allergic Reactions
excuse me? I have a few questions for the doctor. I would like some guidance... Recently, my health has been a bit strange. I used to rarely experience folliculitis, but now I am having frequent outbreaks all over my body, especially on my chest. They are not healing easily and a...
Dr. Cai Yaozhou Reply:
It is advisable to consult a dermatologist for a proper diagnosis and treatment of folliculitis, which is a skin condition characterized by inflammation of the hair follicles due to bacterial infection, often recurring. It can occur in any area with hair follicles, commonly affec...[Read More] Understanding Skin Issues: Persistent Folliculitis and Allergic Reactions
Understanding Gastrointestinal Issues: Is Your Work Schedule to Blame?
My stomach feels strange... I suspect I might have a gastrointestinal disorder? Due to working the night shift from 4 PM to 12 AM, I usually sleep until around 1 or 2 PM. Sometimes I wake up not feeling hungry, so I skip meals (when I am hungry, I eat some snacks). I typically ea...
Dr. Xiao Jingqin Reply:
Hello, I apologize for the delayed response to your question. Based on your symptoms, it appears to be functional dyspepsia. The causes of these symptoms are multifactorial, including irregular eating habits, abnormal lifestyle routines, stress, and vigorous exercise before or af...[Read More] Understanding Gastrointestinal Issues: Is Your Work Schedule to Blame?
Understanding Involuntary Limb Movements During Sleep: Causes and Solutions
Involuntary twitching of the hands and feet during sleep? Hello doctor, I am a 30-year-old female. Since I cannot use Cangjie input for Traditional Chinese while abroad, I hope it's okay to write in Simplified Chinese. I often experience involuntary twitching of my limbs whi...
Dr. Chen Qingbin Reply:
Your issue pertains to a sleep disorder, and it is best to consult a neurologist or psychiatrist in your area for evaluation and treatment.[Read More] Understanding Involuntary Limb Movements During Sleep: Causes and Solutions
Understanding Leg Weakness and Pain: A Guide for Caregivers
Leg weakness feels as if they weigh a thousand pounds? My mother has been complaining about pain in her right thigh for the past six months. She feels as if it is extremely heavy, especially when she is sleeping, and experiences pain even without pressure. Additionally, she feels...
Dr. Xie Yonghui Reply:
Hello, Ms. Orange: Based on your description of your mother's symptoms, her condition is not straightforward. Possible causes include neuropathy, myopathy, stroke, or vascular embolism. I recommend taking your mother to a large hospital to consult with a neurologist for furt...[Read More] Understanding Leg Weakness and Pain: A Guide for Caregivers
Understanding Sleep Issues and Skin Problems: A Comprehensive Guide
Often not getting enough sleep? Hello, doctor! Recently, I have been feeling constantly tired despite going to bed at 11 PM. I have to wake up at 6:30 AM for my 8 AM job. I've also been experiencing persistent and large acne breakouts, and I have been applying medication to ...
Dr. Liao Zhongxin Reply:
Dear readers: 1. It is important to note that sleep patterns vary significantly throughout human life. Infants can sleep all day, while elderly individuals may only sleep 2 to 3 hours a day. Whether one is getting enough sleep depends on age and the body's needs on a given...[Read More] Understanding Sleep Issues and Skin Problems: A Comprehensive Guide
Understanding Side Effects of Sleeping Pills: When to See a Doctor
Side effects after taking medication? Hello, Doctor: Due to insomnia, I have been taking the sleeping pills prescribed by you every night before bed. However, recently I have been experiencing frequent pain in the left kidney area upon waking up in the morning, along with numbnes...
Dr. Yao Quan Reply:
Hello Mr. Ahong, due to your insomnia, you have been taking the sleeping medication prescribed by your doctor every night. However, recently you have been experiencing frequent pain in the left kidney area upon waking up in the morning, along with numbness in your hands and feet,...[Read More] Understanding Side Effects of Sleeping Pills: When to See a Doctor
Struggling with Back Pain: Finding Relief for Sleepless Nights
The back pain prevents me from lying flat to sleep? Hello Doctor: About two years ago, I was diagnosed with lupus erythematosus after experiencing pleural effusion. At that time, I had difficulty breathing; whenever I lay flat, I would experience chest pain and shortness of breat...
Dr. Chen Baoli Reply:
Hello, Mei-Yi: Are you taking your lupus medication regularly? If so, we can temporarily rule out the possibility of recurrent pleural effusion (or pulmonary edema). A small number of lupus patients may experience this kind of shortness of breath, especially when unable to lie fl...[Read More] Struggling with Back Pain: Finding Relief for Sleepless Nights
Do I Need Medical Attention? Understanding BMI, Pain, and Irregular Cycles
Do I need to seek medical attention? Hello Doctor, I have a few questions I would like to ask: I am currently 30 years old, 158 cm tall, and weigh between 62 to 65 kg, giving me a BMI of 34. Over six months ago, I started a raw food diet, cooking with minimal oil, salt, and meat...
Dr. Chen Baoli Reply:
Dear Xiao Zhu, Regarding your question, I suggest you first consult an endocrinologist to check for any metabolic issues, such as hypothyroidism. As for the currently popular raw food diet, the medical community generally holds a skeptical view on whether it is suitable for ever...[Read More] Do I Need Medical Attention? Understanding BMI, Pain, and Irregular Cycles
Understanding Medication Side Effects: When to See a Specialist
Some reactions after medication use? Hello, doctor: Due to insomnia, I have been taking the sleeping pills prescribed by you every night before bed. However, recently I have been experiencing frequent pain in the left kidney area upon waking up in the morning, along with numbness...
Dr. Wu Jiyu Reply:
1. A renal ultrasound can be arranged. 2. A urinalysis can be arranged. General kidney area pain should first rule out issues such as infection or stones before considering other conditions.[Read More] Understanding Medication Side Effects: When to See a Specialist
Night Sweats While Sleeping: Causes and Solutions in Air-Conditioned Rooms
Experiencing excessive sweating during sleep (even in an air-conditioned room)? My husband almost every night sweats profusely while sleeping! The air conditioning is on in the room, and the temperature is around 26°C (79°F). He sweats on his forehead, back of the neck, chest, ba...
Dr. Yao Quan Reply:
Hello: Night sweats can be normal or abnormal. Some individuals who are overweight often experience significant night sweating. In these individuals, it is important to monitor for snoring during sleep and whether there are any interruptions in breathing while asleep. If such sym...[Read More] Night Sweats While Sleeping: Causes and Solutions in Air-Conditioned Rooms
Understanding Dizziness: Causes and Concerns for Young Adults
First episode of dizziness? Hello, Doctor: I am a second-year graduate student. My daily routine usually involves entering the lab at 9 AM and returning to my dormitory around midnight, falling asleep between 1 and 2 AM. The day before yesterday, when I woke up in the morning, I ...
Dr. Wang Fangli Reply:
In healthy individuals, dizziness can occur in the presence of viral infections, bacterial infections, sleep deprivation, or stress. If you have iron deficiency anemia with a hemoglobin level of only 8, you should seek treatment at a hospital and pay attention to your diet and li...[Read More] Understanding Dizziness: Causes and Concerns for Young Adults
Understanding Sleep Issues and Sexual Dysfunction in Hyperthyroidism Patients
Is it a problem caused by hyperthyroidism? Hello, Doctor! I have hyperthyroidism and have been undergoing treatment for over six months. My condition is generally well-controlled with daily medication. However, for the past three months, I have been struggling with a particular i...
Dr. Yang Hongzhi Reply:
After treatment for hyperthyroidism, if thyroid function returns to normal, these symptoms should not occur and are more likely to be attributed to psychological factors.[Read More] Understanding Sleep Issues and Sexual Dysfunction in Hyperthyroidism Patients
Understanding Redness in Hands and Feet: Causes and Next Steps
What causes the palms and soles to turn red? My mother is about 58 years old and has already gone through menopause. Recently, she has noticed redness in her palms and soles, without any pain or tingling sensations. She does not have hypertension, but her blood pressure reading i...
Dr. Xiao Yongxun Reply:
Hello: In response to your questions. 1. There are many causes for chest tightness, including cardiovascular issues (such as angina, myocardial infarction, aortic dissection, mitral valve prolapse, pericarditis), pulmonary conditions (such as pneumothorax, pulmonary embolism, ple...[Read More] Understanding Redness in Hands and Feet: Causes and Next Steps
Understanding Osteoporosis at 22: Causes and Treatment Options
Osteoporosis at the age of 22? Hello doctor... I was diagnosed with osteoporosis at the age of 18. Recently, I went to the hospital for a check-up, and the orthopedic doctor said my osteoporosis has progressed from stage two to stage three. Although I don't like to exercise,...
Dr. Yang Hongzhi Reply:
Some endocrine issues can lead to osteoporosis. Given your symptoms, hyperthyroidism should be considered, and you may want to consult with an endocrinologist.[Read More] Understanding Osteoporosis at 22: Causes and Treatment Options
Understanding Chronic Dry Heaving: When to Seek Medical Help
Prolonged episodes of dry heaving? Hello! I am a 16-year-old high school student, 165 cm tall and weighing 72 kg. For the past 6 to 8 months, I have been experiencing headaches and nausea with dry heaving (approximately 3 to 5 times a week). My daily routine is relatively normal,...
Dr. Hong Hongchang Reply:
Hello, Miss Meow: Long-term symptoms of headaches, nausea, and dry heaving can have various causes, including gastrointestinal issues, endocrine disorders, anorexia, and neurological problems. Therefore, please consult a family medicine clinic first.[Read More] Understanding Chronic Dry Heaving: When to Seek Medical Help
Understanding High Cholesterol: Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment Options
High cholesterol Height 157 cm, weight 50 kg. In recent years, I have undergone three health check-ups. The first one was two years ago, where my cholesterol level was 257. Last September, I had another check-up due to feeling unwell, and my cholesterol was 255. I suspect that th...
Dr. Chen Qingbin Reply:
If cholesterol levels remain above 240 mg/dL despite dietary control, medication therapy should be considered.[Read More] Understanding High Cholesterol: Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment Options