Understanding Unexplained Internal Itching: Seeking Answers for Your Symptoms
Itching sensation in the body? Hello doctor, I often feel an itch deep within my muscles and nerves (not on the skin surface), which makes me want to move and stretch in unnatural positions to alleviate this sensation, but it only provides temporary relief. This significantly aff...
Dr. Chen Bozhang Reply:
It is recommended to seek evaluation from a neurologist or a sleep clinic. Thank you.[Read More] Understanding Unexplained Internal Itching: Seeking Answers for Your Symptoms
Understanding Unexplained Small Wounds on Hands and Feet
Recently, I have been experiencing small wounds appearing on my body? Hello, doctor. Recently, I've noticed several small wounds on my hands and feet, and I'm not sure why. They are not large, about the size of a grain of rice or half a grain. Some of these wounds are i...
Dr. Ye Qianyu Reply:
Hello! It is recommended that you visit a family medicine or general surgery clinic.[Read More] Understanding Unexplained Small Wounds on Hands and Feet
Understanding Wrist Pain: Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment Options
Inquire about wrist pain symptoms? Hello, I would like to inquire about experiencing intermittent hand pain over the past few years. The intensity of the pain varies each time, usually presenting as pain or soreness, without any numbness. The pain starts at the wrist and sometime...
Dr. Lin Zhebin Reply:
Hello: Your hand pain may be due to carpal tunnel syndrome. It is recommended that you visit a rehabilitation department, either at a hospital or a clinic.[Read More] Understanding Wrist Pain: Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment Options
Understanding Shingles: Symptoms, Triggers, and Arginine Intake
Shingles Previously, I was physically exhausted and underwent a blood test, which revealed that I had shingles. Later, I learned that I had chickenpox as a child; however, I have never experienced symptoms related to shingles, such as a rash. I do occasionally have brief episodes...
Dr. Ye Qianyu Reply:
Hello! A blood test can only confirm if you have had chickenpox. Chickenpox and shingles are diseases caused by the same virus; the initial infection is called chickenpox, and after that, the virus remains dormant in the body. When the immune system is compromised, it can reactiv...[Read More] Understanding Shingles: Symptoms, Triggers, and Arginine Intake
Does Rinsing Medication with Water Affect Its Effectiveness?
The efficacy of medications washed with water? Hello doctor, I have been taking Genvoya and accidentally dropped it on the floor. I rinsed it with water; will this affect the medication's efficacy? Thank you for your response!
Dr. Lin Zhebin Reply:
Hello: The medication Biktarvy you are taking has a film-coated tablet, so rinsing it with water should not affect the efficacy of the active ingredients.[Read More] Does Rinsing Medication with Water Affect Its Effectiveness?
Which Medical Specialty to Consult for Anterior Shin Blockage?
Which specialty should I see? Hello, doctor. I have a feeling of blockage on the outer front side of my calf. Which specialty should I consult?
Dr. Xiao Yongxun Reply:
Dear Mr. Ah Wei: Please consult a cardiologist first![Read More] Which Medical Specialty to Consult for Anterior Shin Blockage?
Can Using Tap Water for Nasal Irrigation Lead to Brain-Eating Amoeba Infection?
Regarding the use of tap water for nasal irrigation, is there a risk of infection from Naegleria fowleri? Hello, doctor. I recently saw news reports about cases of amoebic infections, and I have a question. Last week, I had a cold and experienced nasal congestion, so I rinsed my ...
Dr. Xiao Yongxun Reply:
Dear Mr. Ah Wei: 1. The so-called primary amoebic meningoencephalitis (PAM) caused by Naegleria fowleri refers to an infection that occurs when a person immerses their nose or head in water contaminated with this amoeba. The organism enters through the nasal passages and invades...[Read More] Can Using Tap Water for Nasal Irrigation Lead to Brain-Eating Amoeba Infection?
Rabies Concerns: What to Do After a Stray Cat Scratch
Rabies Issues Hello, doctor. There is a stray cat that was drooling, meowing loudly, and acting erratically yesterday, unable to stay still and moving around a lot. Today, it hasn't shown up at all (it used to come out on time for meals and was never aggressive). While obser...
Dr. Lin Zhebin Reply:
Hello: 1. Symptoms of rabies infection in cats include agitation, excessive salivation, photophobia, and hiding in dark places, among others. Typically, symptoms appear 2 to 4 days before the onset of paralysis and death. Although your stray cat exhibits similar symptoms, rabie...[Read More] Rabies Concerns: What to Do After a Stray Cat Scratch
Understanding Asymmetrical Skin Changes: Common Concerns in Family Medicine
Inquiry Consultation Dear Dr. Lin, I have two questions for you: Q1. I have noticed for over a decade that the skin in my right armpit appears slightly more protruded than in my left armpit, giving the visual impression that the muscles in my right armpit are larger. This condi...
Dr. Lin Zhebin Reply:
Hello: 1. Although your right axilla appears more prominent than your left, if you haven't felt any lumps and this has persisted for over ten years, it is likely not a serious issue. It may be related to the increased muscle development in your right chest, right back, and r...[Read More] Understanding Asymmetrical Skin Changes: Common Concerns in Family Medicine
Understanding Anemia: How Blood Tests Reveal Iron Deficiency vs. Thalassemia
How to assess anemia status through blood tests? Hello, Dr. Yeh. I would like to know if I can determine whether my anemia is due to iron deficiency, thalassemia, or another type based on the following blood test results before my surgery: Hb: 9.9 (g/dL) Hct: 33.2 (%) MCH: ...
Dr. Ye Qianyu Reply:
Hello! The Mentzer index can be used for a simple differentiation: MCV/RBC < 13 suggests thalassemia (Mediterranean anemia), while MCV/RBC > 13 indicates iron deficiency anemia. Your Mentzer index: MCV/RBC = 76.9/4.32 = 17.8 ==> indicates a higher likelihood of iron defi...[Read More] Understanding Anemia: How Blood Tests Reveal Iron Deficiency vs. Thalassemia
Concerns About Infectious Diseases in Children: Expert Advice
Is there a concern about infectious diseases? 1. Hello, Doctor. If a house cat sniffs or drinks from a child's water bottle straw or the edge of a cup, and the child then drinks from it, is there a risk of transmitting any infectious diseases? How should this situation be ha...
Dr. Ye Qianyu Reply:
Hello! In response to your questions: 1. If you have concerns, you can change the drinking water and clean the drinking utensils, and keep them in a place that is not easily accessible to pets. 2. Regular cleaning is sufficient. 3. Regular cleaning is sufficient.[Read More] Concerns About Infectious Diseases in Children: Expert Advice
Understanding Upper Left Chest Pain: Causes and Concerns
Pain in the upper left chest? There is a painful spot in the upper left chest that hurts when pressed, and there is also a dull pain even without touching it. The same spot on the right chest is painful when pressed, but it does not hurt when not touched. What could this conditio...
Dr. Cai Dongqi Reply:
Hello: It is possible that you have costochondritis, which can cause intermittent pain that persists over a long period. It is advisable to consult an orthopedic specialist. Cardiac or pulmonary issues would typically present with symptoms such as cold sweats, shortness of breath...[Read More] Understanding Upper Left Chest Pain: Causes and Concerns
Combining Care: Managing Urticaria and Hepatitis B in One Clinic
Regular check-ups for urticaria and hepatitis B with abdominal ultrasound in the same department? I have been taking medication for urticaria regularly for 3-4 years and visit the clinic every three months to obtain a chronic prescription. During consultations with the rheumatolo...
Dr. Chen Bozhang Reply:
It is advisable to consult your attending physician for their opinion. Thank you.[Read More] Combining Care: Managing Urticaria and Hepatitis B in One Clinic
Head Injury Concerns: When to Seek Medical Attention After a Bump
Post-trauma issues Hello, Doctor. Today, while I was picking up clothes, I accidentally bumped the front of my head against a wall corner. Although there is no swelling or bleeding, I would like to ask if this could lead to any serious problems. I remember seeing in a drama that ...
Dr. Xiao Yongxun Reply:
Dear Ms. Lina: 1. In the event of a head injury, if there is an immediate loss of consciousness or a state of coma, even if the person quickly regains awareness, it is crucial to seek emergency medical care at a hospital. This means that a brief lucid interval may indicate impen...[Read More] Head Injury Concerns: When to Seek Medical Attention After a Bump
Can Walking on Contaminated Surfaces Lead to Infectious Diseases?
Are there any infectious diseases? Hello, doctor. If I accidentally stepped on a surface where a dead mouse was present, and then later stepped in a puddle to clean the shoe soles, but accidentally splashed the water onto my feet while walking, could this lead to any infectious d...
Dr. Ye Qianyu Reply:
Hello! Usually, normal cleansing is sufficient when there is no skin breakage. If you have concerns, you can use an additional antibacterial cleansing solution for cleaning.[Read More] Can Walking on Contaminated Surfaces Lead to Infectious Diseases?
Understanding Urinalysis Results: When to Consult a Specialist
Urinalysis Hello, during a recent routine check-up, several urine test results were found to be above the normal range: - Leukocytes: (++), 100/uL - Occult Blood: (++), 50/uL - RBC: 6-9 HPF (reference value: 0-5) - WBC: 20-29 HPF (reference value: 0-5) - Crystals: Ammonium urat...
Dr. Lin Zhebin Reply:
Hello: The results of your urine test do suggest a possible urinary tract infection; however, since you do not have symptoms such as fever, painful urination, lower abdominal pain, or back pain, it is advisable to increase your fluid intake rather than immediately resorting to an...[Read More] Understanding Urinalysis Results: When to Consult a Specialist
Understanding Multiple Symptoms: When to See a Family Doctor
Recently, I have been experiencing multiple symptoms in my body? Recently, I have been experiencing multiple symptoms and I'm unsure which specialist to see first. Should I go directly to a family medicine doctor for an examination? Over the past two months, I have frequentl...
Dr. Liao Yaopan Reply:
Hello, based on your description, the symptoms are not very typical. It is recommended that you first consult your family physician for an initial evaluation, and then determine if a referral to a specialist is necessary. Please note that online consultations are not equivalent t...[Read More] Understanding Multiple Symptoms: When to See a Family Doctor
Can Feeding Stray Cats Lead to Infectious Disease Risks?
Is there a possibility of infectious diseases? Hello, doctor. I would like to ask if feeding stray cats and cleaning the bowls used for the cats poses a risk of transmitting diseases. Thank you.
Dr. Lin Zhebin Reply:
Hello: Common infectious diseases associated with contact with cats include cat scratch fever, toxoplasmosis, and ringworm (tinea). Cat scratch fever is primarily transmitted through scratches or bites from cats, toxoplasmosis is mainly spread through cat feces, and ringworm is t...[Read More] Can Feeding Stray Cats Lead to Infectious Disease Risks?
Rabies Concerns: Do You Need Vaccination After Bat Encounter?
Rabies issues Hello Doctor, 1. A few weeks ago, I discovered a large amount of bat droppings on the rooftop of my house. My father and I cleaned it up, but my father’s forearm came into contact with a small amount of the droppings. Should he get a rabies vaccine in this case? ...
Dr. Lin Zhebin Reply:
Hello: 1. Rabies is primarily transmitted to humans through wounds caused by the bites and scratches of infected animals, and it is not commonly spread through feces. Currently, Taiwan is considered a rabies-endemic area, but the main animals affected are wild ferrets and civets ...[Read More] Rabies Concerns: Do You Need Vaccination After Bat Encounter?
Understanding Frequent Yawning in Seniors: Signs of Stroke or Other Concerns?
Elderly, dizziness, yawning? Hello, Doctor. I live with my grandmother, who is seventy-six years old. Recently, I've noticed that she often feels unwell for no apparent reason, which has made me quite worried. I would like to ask you further about whether this issue requires...
Dr. Chen Bozhang Reply:
Based on the elder's chronic illnesses and family history, please monitor for any additional symptoms. It is recommended to schedule an earlier follow-up appointment for a physician's evaluation. Thank you.[Read More] Understanding Frequent Yawning in Seniors: Signs of Stroke or Other Concerns?