EXPERT
Dr. Amy Chai, MD
Internist
Dr. Amy Chai is an internist practicing in Waterbury, CT. Dr. Chai specializes in the medical treatment of adults. Internists can act as a primary physician or a consultant to a primary physician. They manage both common and rare diseases. Dr. Chai provides comprehensive care and manages treatment with surgeons as well. Internists establish long-term relationships with their patients and incorporate disease prevention and mental health care into their practice. Dr. Chai has specialized training in obesity management and opioid addiction treatment.
39 years
Experience
Dr. Amy Chai, MD
- Waterbury, CT
- The Johns Hopkins University
- Accepting new patients
No results found
Can a blood test detect lung problems?
No, blood tests are not typically used in general practice to detect lung problems. When you visit your doctor, they will typically check your finger for oxygen level, and that READ MORE
No, blood tests are not typically used in general practice to detect lung problems. When you visit your doctor, they will typically check your finger for oxygen level, and that is a good place to start. If you have lung problems, the first test is of course the chest X-ray. It may also be important to check PFTs (pulmonary function tests). These tests can test for problems such as asthma and COPD. If you are worried about lung cancer, a "low dose screening chest CT scan" is the way to go. If you have a 30-year history of smoking (1 pack per day for 30 years, or 2 packs per day for 15 years), you will qualify for a lung cancer screening CT scan.
What problems can constipation lead to?
Constipation is more commonly a symptom of an underlying problem rather than a cause. If you have abnormal bowel habits or a change in your bowel habits, you should see your doctor. READ MORE
Constipation is more commonly a symptom of an underlying problem rather than a cause. If you have abnormal bowel habits or a change in your bowel habits, you should see your doctor. That being said, I have seen constipation lead to hemorrhoids, rectal fissures, and even colonic perforation and sepsis. Exercise, drinking plenty of water, and a high fiber diet is good to maintain regularity. But again, changes in bowel habits can be a sign of an underlying problem and should be checked by your doctor.
How long is too long to be constipated?
First, you should ask yourself if you are under a lot of stress, if you recently "started" or "stopped" a regular food or vitamin (such as coffee, or iron are examples), if you READ MORE
First, you should ask yourself if you are under a lot of stress, if you recently "started" or "stopped" a regular food or vitamin (such as coffee, or iron are examples), if you are exercising the way you normally do, if you recently changed your diet, and if you are drinking enough fluids. Changes in these lifestyle type of factors are common causes of temporary constipation. If you return to healthy habits and continue to have "new and unusual bowel changes" you should go to the doctor. If you have started a new medicine such as a pain medication, this could also cause constipation (opiates are the worst culprit). The number of times you go to the bathroom in a week is a personal thing because people are different.
Which antibiotic is best for a lung infection?
It depends on what is causing your infection. It could be as simple as azithromycin. It could be a multi drug regimen! It might require IV medicines. Different clinical factors READ MORE
It depends on what is causing your infection. It could be as simple as azithromycin. It could be a multi drug regimen! It might require IV medicines. Different clinical factors point to different types of infections that respond to different antibiotics (assuming it is bacterial!) If you are getting worse or no improvement on your current medication, a trip to the ER is indicated.
Can drinking more water cure a UTI?
Here is a useful article about UTIs in males (see link below). It is uncommon for males to get UTIs, especially young males. Perhaps a visit to the urologist would be a good idea.
https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/320872.php READ MORE
Here is a useful article about UTIs in males (see link below). It is uncommon for males to get UTIs, especially young males. Perhaps a visit to the urologist would be a good idea.
https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/320872.php
https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/320872.php
Do you need physical therapy after a spinal fusion?
Most orthopedic surgeries involve post operative physical therapy. I am disappointed that you are scheduled for surgery and yet have not discussed the process with your surgeon. READ MORE
Most orthopedic surgeries involve post operative physical therapy. I am disappointed that you are scheduled for surgery and yet have not discussed the process with your surgeon. This is not your fault, but please call your surgeon to discuss your surgery and recovery plans. This should be thoroughly explained by your surgeon prior to surgery.
How painful is a ruptured eardrum?
The ear is a very sensitive area. If you are concerned about a possible ruptured eardrum, please bring your daughter to a pediatrician or walk in clinic for a diagnosis and possible READ MORE
The ear is a very sensitive area. If you are concerned about a possible ruptured eardrum, please bring your daughter to a pediatrician or walk in clinic for a diagnosis and possible treatment of infection. Do not put any drops or Q-tips into the ear. Keep the ear dry. Use a shower cap if needed. If there is an infection causing the rupture, it should be treated appropriately. It should be okay to take the usual over-the-counter pain medications or a bit of a low setting heating pad to the area as needed (do not use while sleeping).
What is the best medication for nerve pain?
The first medication that is typically tried for nerve pain is gabapentin. So that is probably considered the best.
What does it mean if you have a low blood count?
"Low blood count" most commonly refers to a condition called, "anemia." Anemia occurs when the body does not have enough red blood cells. The red blood cells are the ones that READ MORE
"Low blood count" most commonly refers to a condition called, "anemia." Anemia occurs when the body does not have enough red blood cells. The red blood cells are the ones that carry the oxygen to the body, and if they are "low" it might cause fatigue, pale skin, or even shortness of breath. Anemia is often caused by low iron or blood loss. In young women, it is often caused by a poor diet (not enough iron) or heavy menstrual bleeding. She should follow up with her doctor to evaluate the cause of her anemia and get proper treatment.
How painful is gastric bypass surgery?
Surgery is not painful, of course. The painful part is the recovery. You will surely be very sore after the surgery, and you will probably not feel well for some time as you adjust READ MORE
Surgery is not painful, of course. The painful part is the recovery. You will surely be very sore after the surgery, and you will probably not feel well for some time as you adjust to eating again. It is no more painful than any other surgery, but recovering with the dietary restrictions might be a challenge. Most people seem to do fine with it, for the most part. Best of luck. It is normal to be scared. Make sure you ask the surgeon about the "percentages" of surgical complications, and what to expect from your procedure. Communication is vital.
What causes leg tingling?
There are many causes of "neuropathy" which is a sensation of pins and needles, tingling, or numbness that you might feel. Neuropathy is common in the legs. There are many causes. READ MORE
There are many causes of "neuropathy" which is a sensation of pins and needles, tingling, or numbness that you might feel. Neuropathy is common in the legs. There are many causes. Some common causes include diabetes (high blood sugar), problems with your thyroid gland, a low level of vitamin B12 (particularly if you are vegan), and pressure on nerves that is occurring somewhere in the body. Of course there are many other causes, however, these are some of the more common causes. It is important to get checked, and get some blood tests done.
Best of luck!
Best of luck!
How can I improve my prostate health?
With regards to your cancer risk, there are some things you can change and some things you can't. You can't change your genetic risk, or your age, or your race. Family history READ MORE
With regards to your cancer risk, there are some things you can change and some things you can't. You can't change your genetic risk, or your age, or your race. Family history of cancer, getting older, and African American race all contribute to your prostate risk. However, some things you can do. You can avoid smoking, obesity, and a bad diet. Eat a diet rich in fruits,
vegetables, and legumes. Avoid a high fat diet, and avoid processed meat products. Keep a healthy weight. There are no supplements proven to help, so you can save your money. Talk to your doctor about screening for prostate cancer and to get information about your personal risk profile.
vegetables, and legumes. Avoid a high fat diet, and avoid processed meat products. Keep a healthy weight. There are no supplements proven to help, so you can save your money. Talk to your doctor about screening for prostate cancer and to get information about your personal risk profile.
How long does a breast biopsy take?
The duration of the breast biopsy depends on the type of biopsy. Breast biopsy ranges from a fine needle aspiration (Just sticking a needle into the lump, sometimes with ultrasound READ MORE
The duration of the breast biopsy depends on the type of biopsy. Breast biopsy ranges from a fine needle aspiration (Just sticking a needle into the lump, sometimes with ultrasound guidance) all the way to "lumpectomy" (cutting out the entire suspicious area). The fine needle biopsy takes a minute or two after prepping and numbing the area. So, total around 10-15
minutes. The lumpectomy may need "general anesthesia" where they put you to sleep. So it would end up being longer, around 30-45 minutes by the time you get put to sleep, the lump removed, and waking up again. Breast biopsies are very easy and quick. Usually they don't take much time. The worst part of a breast biopsy is just waiting for the result. Hope that yours is benign. Most breast biopsies are benign, only about one in five is cancerous.
minutes. The lumpectomy may need "general anesthesia" where they put you to sleep. So it would end up being longer, around 30-45 minutes by the time you get put to sleep, the lump removed, and waking up again. Breast biopsies are very easy and quick. Usually they don't take much time. The worst part of a breast biopsy is just waiting for the result. Hope that yours is benign. Most breast biopsies are benign, only about one in five is cancerous.
Is a chest x-ray safe for pregnant women?
We typically don't order the X-ray unless we suspect pneumonia. I am guessing your doctor is concerned about possible pneumonia. We typically limit both X-rays and antibiotics READ MORE
We typically don't order the X-ray unless we suspect pneumonia. I am guessing your doctor is concerned about possible pneumonia. We typically limit both X-rays and antibiotics (and most other medications) in pregnant women due to concerns about possible toxicities to the baby. To answer your question, an X-ray is a question of "risk" versus "benefit." It is not risk
free, but it might be necessary. You need to ask your doctor if you are not sure. Typically, if a chest X-ray is necessary during pregnancy, they do use a lead shield to protect the baby. It is always mandatory to let X-ray technicians know that you are pregnant.
free, but it might be necessary. You need to ask your doctor if you are not sure. Typically, if a chest X-ray is necessary during pregnancy, they do use a lead shield to protect the baby. It is always mandatory to let X-ray technicians know that you are pregnant.
How long is the recovery time for a knee replacement?
Short term recovery is 6-12 weeks (as far as restrictions are concerned) but further exercise is typically important for the longer term. But I am a PCP, not an orthopedic surgeon. READ MORE
Short term recovery is 6-12 weeks (as far as restrictions are concerned) but further exercise is typically important for the longer term. But I am a PCP, not an orthopedic surgeon. I am accustomed to answering questions about surgeries and procedures (about which I have no special expertise) because communication sometimes isn’t happening with specialists. Please bring a written list of specific questions, and don’t let your surgeon out of the room until communication has occurred. Best of luck.
What can I do to live a normal life with diabetes?
Given that approximately 8% of the US population has been diagnosed with diabetes, it would appear to me that you will definitely be leaving a “normal life” despite your new diagnosis. READ MORE
Given that approximately 8% of the US population has been diagnosed with diabetes, it would appear to me that you will definitely be leaving a “normal life” despite your new diagnosis. Just look around you and you will see nearly one in every 10 person with diabetes. Assuming that you are a type two diabetic, the real question I would ask is “how do I put this disease into remission?” Drugs like metformin and hard core dietary changes can put the disease into remission. Bariateic surgery can do it, too. If you are newly diagnosed, hitting this disease very hard upfront will have very long lasting positive affects for your future.
Is a colonoscopy safe?
Colonoscopy is generally quite safe and well tolerated. Most people over 50 have had one. Risks of the procedure include bleeding and perforation. Your risk of this depends on READ MORE
Colonoscopy is generally quite safe and well tolerated. Most people over 50 have had one. Risks of the procedure include bleeding and perforation. Your risk of this depends on many factors, such as if you use blood thinner medications and if the doctor needs to cut out pre-cancerous polyps during the procedure. So if you have polyps, the risk is higher. But then again, failure to remove the polyps could lead to colon cancer. You pick your risks. Complications are rare of course. Then again, you assume risk simply by getting in the car to drive to your procedure!
What could be the cause of ear pain?
There are many causes of ear pain. One common cause is “eustachian tube dysfunction” where the pressure does not equalize properly. This is often due to allergies and congestion. READ MORE
There are many causes of ear pain. One common cause is “eustachian tube dysfunction” where the pressure does not equalize properly. This is often due to allergies and congestion. Another common cause is infection. Infection can be “swimmers ear” or it can be a middle ear infection. Sometimes, “ear pain” is actually referred pain from the throat. I have also seen ear pain from a cockroach wedged inside the ear canal! (But uncomfortable blockages are usually just wax.) So as you can see, it is difficult to tell what the cause is without looking inside the ear. Every potential cause has a different treatment.
How many people are affected by hemophilia?
The prevalence of hemophilia in US males is around one in 10,000. It is a genetic disease, so really the prevalence depends on the population. Why not look online for a support READ MORE
The prevalence of hemophilia in US males is around one in 10,000. It is a genetic disease, so really the prevalence depends on the population. Why not look online for a support group? It is often very useful to chat with others with similar issues. You can get advice and share experiences.
How can I increase my chances on getting my wife pregnant?
Go to the pharmacy and get an ovulation prediction kit. One example of a brand is "Clear Plan Easy" and I am sure there are other brands available. Follow the instructions on the READ MORE
Go to the pharmacy and get an ovulation prediction kit. One example of a brand is "Clear Plan Easy" and I am sure there are other brands available. Follow the instructions on the box. There is a limited "window" of fertile time during the month, it is during ovulation. You can tell when she is ovulating by reading the instructions on the box. Plan to have sex daily as soon as the ovulation phase begins. And of course if your wife is trying to conceive, she should be taking vitamins with FOLATE in them, usually the prenatals have the folate in them. Many women do not get enough folate in the diet.
Good luck and God bless.
Good luck and God bless.
