Which specialty to consult, Internal Medicine FAQ

Essential Health Tips for Dialysis Patients: Supplements and Care Guidance

Which department should I consult for diseases related to dialysis patients regarding dietary supplements? 1. Is it appropriate for dialysis patients to supplement with free lutein and sphingolipids? My mother is currently 67 years old. Last week, she was discharged from National...

Dr. Lin Wuxuan Reply:
It is recommended that you take your elder to the outpatient clinic of the Department of Nephrology at National Taiwan University to discuss your concerns and any issues encountered with the original attending physician. Thank you.

Understanding Gonorrhea and Chlamydia: When to See a Urologist or Infectious Disease Specialist

For issues related to gonorrhea, chlamydia, and sexually transmitted infections (STIs), you should consult a urologist or an infectious disease specialist? Hello, Doctor! I apologize for bothering you, but I would like to ask you some questions regarding gonorrhea and chlamydia. ...

Dr. Lin Wufu Reply:
1. Both types can have asymptomatic infections, and even if there are no symptoms, there is still a possibility of being infectious. 2. Asymptomatic infections are rare in males, but more common in females. If there are no symptoms, unless your intimate partner has been diagnosed...

Understanding Lower Back Pain and Related Symptoms: A Comprehensive Guide

Lower back pain? Lower back pain, numbness in hands, slight pinkish blood when wiping after urination, sometimes present and sometimes absent, generalized abdominal pain without a specific location, occasional decreased urine output which may be due to hot weather and sweating, d...

Dr. Lin Wufu Reply:
Hello, urinary tract infection should be ruled out first, as it can cause hematuria and abdominal pain. If there is also kidney inflammation, it may lead to lower back pain. It is recommended to consult an infectious disease specialist or a urologist for a urine test and further ...

Understanding Variations in Posterior Tibial Artery Pulsation: When to Seek Help

Inquiry Consultation Dear Dr. Lee, I hope this message finds you well. I am unsure which specialty to consult regarding my issue, so I am starting with internal medicine. If this is not your area of expertise, I would appreciate your guidance on which specialty I should consult....

Dr. Li Jian Reply:
Dear Dr. Huang and Dr. Hsiang, The posterior tibial artery is located more superficially near the skin at the ankle, and in thinner individuals, it may be possible to see its pulsation. Generally, it is not easy to "see" it, and quantifying blood flow status visually i...

Persistent Left Back Itching and Numbness: Seeking Answers in Medical Care

Numbness and itching deep in the left back? About five months ago, I started feeling a tingling and itchy sensation deep in my left back, near the scapula. Scratching the skin is completely ineffective, and pressing hard provides only slight relief. Since the itchy sensation is a...

Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, I understand you have been feeling unwell and it has not improved. Based on your description, there are indeed many conditions that could cause such symptoms, including left arm injuries (such as strains or poor posture), heart issues, or problems with the stomach or pancr...

Diagnosing Non-Gout Acute Attacks: Beyond Uric Acid Testing

In addition to measuring uric acid levels, what other methods can be used to achieve a definitive diagnosis during an acute attack of non-gouty arthritis? Hello Dr. Gao, Due to my work in the United States, I was unable to return to Taiwan for medical treatment. On a day when I...

Dr. Gao Jiankai Reply:
Hello, thank you for your question. I will summarize my response as follows: 1. I believe the likelihood of gout is very low, even if you have mild hyperuricemia. Generally, gout attacks are quite severe, with significant redness, swelling, heat, and pain, often preventing indi...

Understanding Abdominal Pain: When to Seek Medical Help

A lump beside the navel? Hello doctor, my mother suddenly started experiencing pain just to the right of her belly button. At first, we thought it was a pulled muscle, but later it felt more like a sharp pain. This has been going on for a while now, and it hurts whenever she exer...

Dr. Li Zhiyao Reply:
Hello A-Wen: Your mother's symptoms require a physician's evaluation for diagnosis, as they encompass multiple specialties. It is recommended that your mother first consult a family medicine physician, and then follow the doctor's advice to see other specialists as...

Unexplained Aches and Fever: Seeking Medical Guidance

Unexplained muscle soreness? Hello, Dr. Lin. I have been experiencing acute pharyngitis since mid-April and saw an ENT specialist. After taking medication, my symptoms improved. However, I later developed a fever of 39.5 degrees Celsius and consulted an internist, which also led ...

Dr. Lin Mingfeng Reply:
Your description indicates that there was a preceding upper respiratory infection, followed by low-grade fever and an unexplained rash. Regarding the issue at hand, it is unclear whether you are still experiencing a fever. If you are still febrile (with an afternoon temperature a...

Understanding Neck Swelling: When to Seek Medical Advice

Swelling of the neck? I have noticed that the right side of my neck is swollen more than the left side over the past couple of days, and I want to see a doctor but I'm not sure which specialty to consult. Today, I also noticed that the left side is slightly swollen as well, ...

Dr. Yang Hongzhi Reply:
It seems to be a thyroid issue; you can consult an endocrinologist. Both diabetes and thyroid diseases have a familial tendency, but there is not a significant correlation between diabetes and thyroid disorders.

Understanding Postpartum Hair Loss: Causes, Treatments, and When to Seek Help

Long-term hair loss? I would like to ask, ever since I became pregnant and now that my child is almost two years old, I have been experiencing significant hair loss. What could be the cause of this hair loss? Does it require treatment? Are there medications available for it? I wa...

Dr. Yang Hongzhi Reply:
There are many causes of hair loss, most of which do not have a clear medical reason. If significant thinning has occurred and baldness is developing, it may be advisable to consult a dermatologist.

Understanding Dark Circles: Which Specialist Should You Consult?

Dark circles I have been troubled by dark circles under my eyes for a long time, and going to bed early doesn't help. Is it due to poor metabolism or something else? I've heard that nasal allergies can cause dark circles, but I don't have any nasal allergies. There...

Dr. Yang Hongzhi Reply:
Dark circles are not a sign of a specific disease; if there are no other symptoms, it is not necessarily required to see a doctor.

Which Medical Specialty Should You Consult for Suspected Cushing's Syndrome?

Patients with Cushing's syndrome should consult an endocrinologist? Hello Doctor, I previously underwent an adrenaline test, and the results were normal. However, I suspect that I have symptoms of Cushing's syndrome, such as moon facies, buffalo hump, and numerous visib...

Dr. Yang Hongzhi Reply:
Hello: You should see an endocrinologist. Previously, regarding adrenal examinations, it is necessary to review the test items and results to determine whether Cushing's syndrome can be ruled out.

Understanding Blood in Stool: Causes, Symptoms, and When to Seek Help

Blood in the stool..? Hello, doctor. I'm not sure if my situation is the same as others, but I still want to ask. My question is that I have noticed blood in my stool recently, and this is not the first time. I don't often experience bloody stools, and I often don'...

Dr. Cai Zonglong Reply:
Hello, currently among patients experiencing bloody stools, it is usually related to issues with the colon or the rectum. If blood is present before the stool, it may indicate a problem with the colon. If blood appears after the stool, it may suggest issues with the rectum or anu...

Understanding Height Concerns: When to See a Doctor at 17

I want to grow taller? Hello, I am currently 17 years old but my height is only 156 cm, and I am male. I feel that my height is really short, so I want to know if there is something wrong with my body. I also enjoy exercising; I was in the sports class during middle school, but I...

Dr. Chen Guifeng Reply:
Height is influenced by multiple factors, including genetic inheritance and environmental factors such as nutrition. It is recommended that you take your child to a medical center's Pediatric Endocrinology department for a thorough evaluation and examination.

Understanding Sudden Sleep Attacks: Causes and Solutions

Sleep issues Hello, I'm not really sure which specialty to consult regarding these symptoms, so I appreciate your help. Initially, I didn't want to overthink things and was avoiding certain issues, which led me to intentionally exhaust myself with a heavy workload, exte...

Dr. Xiao Yongxun Reply:
Hello: In response to your inquiry: (1) Sleep physiology is generally divided into non-rapid eye movement (NREM) sleep and rapid eye movement (REM) sleep, which alternate to form sleep cycles. Each cycle lasts about ninety minutes, with approximately 4-6 cycles occurring in one n...

Understanding Weight Fluctuations: Stress, Metabolism, and Mental Health

Fluctuating weight? I wonder if it's related to my personality, but whenever I experience high work stress, I have a strong urge to eat and find it hard to control my appetite. Last year, during the busy season (about 3 to 4 months), I gained 10 kilograms, but I managed to l...

Dr. Wang Fangli Reply:
Hello, Miss: The principles of weight control are proper diet and appropriate exercise. In terms of diet, it is important to maintain nutritional balance and avoid high-sugar and high-fat foods. An ideal weight loss rate is about 2 kilograms per month, so losing 10 kilograms in t...