Do Medications Interact with Food? Understanding Drug-Food Conflicts
What are the interactions between medications and food? Hello, I would like to ask if after taking one tablet of Ailait and one tablet of Aishuteng, I experienced a feeling of slowed heart rate about an hour later after eating herbal jelly. Could this be related to a conflict bet...
Dr. Lin Zhebin Reply:
Hello: Based on my experience, Allegra (fexofenadine) and Acetaminophen should not have the effect of slowing down the heart rate, and there should not be any significant interactions with herbal jelly. If your heart rate continues to slow down and is accompanied by symptoms such...[Read More] Do Medications Interact with Food? Understanding Drug-Food Conflicts
Fever Mimicking Cold Symptoms: When to Seek Medical Advice
Fever resembling a cold? Measure palm temperature every 1 to 3 hours, which ranges from 39.3 to 39.5 degrees Celsius; forehead temperature is between 37.3 and 37.9 degrees Celsius; temple temperature ranges from 37.2 to 38.4 degrees Celsius. Rapid test for COVID-19 is negative. R...
Dr. Xiao Yongxun Reply:
Dear Ms. Yun: If you are experiencing persistent fever, headache, sore throat, runny nose, and cough, it is important to consider the possibility of infections from pathogens other than COVID-19 and influenza, as well as rare causes. Additionally, rapid testing for COVID-19 can y...[Read More] Fever Mimicking Cold Symptoms: When to Seek Medical Advice
Understanding Normal Weight Fluctuations: What You Need to Know
Standard for Weight Loss Hello Doctor, I have found many different standards online regarding weight fluctuations, and I would like to ask you what is considered normal for daily or monthly weight changes. The information I found states that a decrease of 5% within a month is abn...
Dr. Liao Yaopan Reply:
Hello, significant weight loss should indeed be taken seriously. Minor fluctuations in weight throughout the day are acceptable, but if the overall average weight trend shows a noticeable decline, it is important to investigate the cause. It is advisable to first consult your fam...[Read More] Understanding Normal Weight Fluctuations: What You Need to Know
Understanding Monkeypox: Transmission, Prevention, and Relationship Concerns
What is monkeypox? Hello, doctor. I have a few questions: 1. The information online states that monkeypox is primarily transmitted through skin contact. Does this mean that people should avoid touching each other altogether? What about couples, spouses, or caregivers of young c...
Dr. Ye Qianyu Reply:
Hello! For detailed information, please refer to the CDC website at https://www.cdc.gov.tw/Category/MPage/Qb-Lfz8PNcjdNvrAVNCVtQ. "5. Mode of Transmission (1) Human-to-Human: Monkeypox can be transmitted between individuals through close contact with the lesions, scabs, o...[Read More] Understanding Monkeypox: Transmission, Prevention, and Relationship Concerns
Do I Need Rabies Vaccination After a Dog Bite in Kaohsiung?
If bitten by a dog in Kaohsiung City, is it necessary to receive a rabies vaccine? Hello, doctor. About 20 days ago, I was bitten on my calf by a stray dog in downtown Kaohsiung. I immediately went to the United Hospital for a consultation, and the doctor said I didn't need ...
Dr. Liao Yaopan Reply:
Hello, regarding rabies, you can refer to the guidelines announced by the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) (Clinical Management Guidelines for Suspected Rabies or Leptospira Virus Infection from Animal Bites or Scratches) at https://www.cdc.gov.tw/Category/MPage/Ffsf8vPI2ug2_c_s...[Read More] Do I Need Rabies Vaccination After a Dog Bite in Kaohsiung?
Understanding Left Chest and Upper Back Pain: When to Seek Medical Help
Pain in the lower left chest and upper back? Hello Doctor: Around February 20th of this year, I started experiencing cold symptoms, including a runny nose and a persistent cough that has become quite severe and continues to this day. I recently visited a traditional Chinese medic...
Dr. Liao Yaopan Reply:
Hello, based on your description, if the symptoms persist or change, it is advisable to return to the original treating physician for further evaluation. It is also appropriate to have a specialist in pulmonary medicine assess for any specific underlying causes. If necessary, ref...[Read More] Understanding Left Chest and Upper Back Pain: When to Seek Medical Help
Risk of Hantavirus Infection After Contact with Dead Mouse
The transmission rate of hantavirus? Yesterday morning, I had no choice but to park my scooter next to a dead rat. The rat was quite fresh and appeared to have just been crushed, with blood still oozing out. When I finished work at 5 PM, the dead rat seemed to have been moved a f...
Dr. Lin Zhebin Reply:
Hello: 1. Diseases that may be transmitted by rodents include viruses (Hantavirus, Lassa virus, Arenavirus, etc.), bacteria (plague, rat-bite fever, Salmonella, Leptospira, endemic typhus, etc.), and parasites (Toxoplasma, Coccidia, Echinococcus, Amoeba, etc.). If you have come i...[Read More] Risk of Hantavirus Infection After Contact with Dead Mouse
Excessive Yawning and Tears: Is It Normal and How to Improve?
Medical Consultation: Family Medicine Issue - Yawning I would like to ask the doctor, even after getting enough sleep, I still find myself yawning excessively and tearing up, to the point where I can yawn 5 to 6 times in a row, and my mask gets wet from the tears. Is this normal?...
Dr. Xiao Yongxun Reply:
Dear Ms. Lin: 1. Essentially, the physiological mechanisms behind yawning are not yet fully understood in the medical field. It may be triggered by insufficient cerebral blood circulation or the accumulation of carbon dioxide, prompting yawning to expel carbon dioxide and inhale...[Read More] Excessive Yawning and Tears: Is It Normal and How to Improve?
Understanding Neck Stiffness and Discomfort: Causes and Remedies
Stiffness and discomfort in the nape of the neck? Hello, Doctor. I am 27 years old and have a history of gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). Last Saturday, after dinner, I clearly felt stiffness and discomfort in my neck, and it was difficult to turn my head from side to side...
Dr. Lin Zhebin Reply:
Hello: Your discomfort may be due to the following conditions: 1. Infection, most likely a viral infection 2. Allergies 3. Migraine. It is recommended that you first perform a COVID-19 rapid test. Additionally, if you have any over-the-counter medications for symptom relief (such...[Read More] Understanding Neck Stiffness and Discomfort: Causes and Remedies
Excessive Saliva Production: Which Specialist Should You Consult?
Excessive salivation issue? If there is excessive saliva production that severely affects daily life, which specialty should one consult? Family medicine? Otolaryngology? Dentistry? Or traditional Chinese medicine? Will the doctor also examine the parotid gland, sublingual gland,...
Dr. Lin Zhebin Reply:
Hello: Excessive saliva secretion may need to consider the following situations: 1. Abnormalities in the structure of the salivary glands, for which it is recommended to consult an otolaryngologist. 2. Abnormalities in salivary gland function, which are commonly due to medication...[Read More] Excessive Saliva Production: Which Specialist Should You Consult?
Can Frequent Blood Donation Cause Anemia Recurrence?
Can blood donation lead to recurrent anemia? I have been experiencing anemia with a hemoglobin level of 9.6 until last February when I started taking iron supplements. After three months, my hemoglobin level rose to 12.5. Once it returned to normal, I donated blood three times (o...
Dr. Lin Zhebin Reply:
Hello: The two most common causes of iron deficiency anemia are: 1. Chronic blood loss, which, given your age, is often due to heavy menstrual bleeding; gastrointestinal bleeding should also be considered. 2. Nutritional deficiency, which is more common among vegetarians or picky...[Read More] Can Frequent Blood Donation Cause Anemia Recurrence?
Rabies Concerns After Dog Bite: Is It Too Late for Vaccination?
Two and a half years ago, I was bitten by someone else's dog? Hello doctor, I heard that the incubation period for rabies can last for several years. I remembered that two and a half years ago, I saw a dog brought by someone exercising at school. Since the dog used to come a...
Dr. Lin Zhebin Reply:
Hello: Generally, domestic dogs do not transmit rabies unless the dog that bit you later develops rabies. In Taiwan, the animals that are more commonly known to carry the rabies virus are the ferret badger and the civet. You were bitten by a dog belonging to a member of the publi...[Read More] Rabies Concerns After Dog Bite: Is It Too Late for Vaccination?
Can You Have Sex While Infected with Norovirus?
Can a person diagnosed with norovirus engage in sexual activity? Hello, doctor. I would like to ask if it's safe to engage in sexual activity with my partner while I am diagnosed with norovirus.
Dr. Cai Dongqi Reply:
Hello ChunTing: This virus is transmitted through the fecal-oral route. As long as the food has not been contaminated by the mouth, it is not affected. Remember to wash your hands before handling food.[Read More] Can You Have Sex While Infected with Norovirus?
Is Drinking Olive Oil on an Empty Stomach Effective for Constipation?
Can drinking olive oil in the morning help relieve constipation? Hello, doctor. I came across some articles online suggesting that drinking 10cc of olive oil on an empty stomach in the morning can help relieve constipation. Is this feasible? Are there any health risks associated ...
Dr. Cai Dongqi Reply:
Hello Johnny: I am not an expert in this field, so I cannot provide an explanation.[Read More] Is Drinking Olive Oil on an Empty Stomach Effective for Constipation?
Which Specialist to See for Nausea and Dizziness During Activities?
Which department should I see? Hello Doctor: Occasionally, while I am out on activities, I feel nauseous, and shortly after, I want to vomit, experience dizziness, have blurred vision, and feel weak in my limbs, eventually collapsing to the ground. However, after resting for abou...
Dr. Lin Zhebin Reply:
Hello: It is recommended that you and your sister seek medical attention from a neurologist or a cardiologist.[Read More] Which Specialist to See for Nausea and Dizziness During Activities?
Missing One Antibiotic Pill: Should You Continue Treatment for Cellulitis?
I accidentally lost a dose of antibiotics? On March 4th, I received treatment for cellulitis in the emergency department and was prescribed 250 mg of Dexa-Cillin, taking two pills every six hours for six days. Since I was not fully recovered when the medication was nearly finishe...
Dr. Lin Zhebin Reply:
Hello: 1. Skipping a dose of antibiotics primarily affects the concentration of the medication in the body, which can impact the effectiveness of the treatment. 2. It is recommended to complete the full course of antibiotics, as failing to eliminate all the bacteria may allow the...[Read More] Missing One Antibiotic Pill: Should You Continue Treatment for Cellulitis?
Managing High Cholesterol: Diet, Exercise, and Supplements
Cholesterol issues Hello, doctor. I have had high cholesterol for a long time. For the past five years, my cholesterol levels have been elevated. Last year's health check report showed my height/weight as 156 cm/43 kg, total cholesterol at 240 mg/dL, high-density lipoprotein...
Dr. Hou Angting Reply:
Hello Chia: Since you do not have high blood pressure or diabetes, and your lipid report shows some elevated levels, it is recommended that you start with dietary control and appropriate exercise, and follow up in three months. The use of dietary supplements can be based on perso...[Read More] Managing High Cholesterol: Diet, Exercise, and Supplements
Safe Medication Practices for Preschoolers: Expert Advice on Dosage and Packaging
Pediatric medication Hello Dr. Liao: My child has a cold and is currently attending kindergarten. I need to ask the teacher to administer medication while at school. The medication administration form from the kindergarten states that I only need to prepare a day's worth of ...
Dr. Liao Yaopan Reply:
Hello, if you have any concerns regarding medication dosage, you can consult a pharmacist at a nearby National Health Insurance pharmacy or the prescribing medical institution for assistance. Please be aware that different medications may have varying storage requirements, and al...[Read More] Safe Medication Practices for Preschoolers: Expert Advice on Dosage and Packaging
Understanding Lower Abdominal Pain, Diarrhea, and Frequent Urination
Lower abdominal discomfort, diarrhea, and frequent urination? After the menstrual period ends, there is a persistent dull sensation in the lower abdomen, accompanied by diarrhea and a frequent urge to urinate. After using the restroom, there is still a feeling of needing to go ag...
Dr. Liao Yaopan Reply:
Hello, it is advisable to have an assessment by an obstetrician-gynecologist. Online consultations are not equivalent to in-person medical visits and cannot provide diagnoses or treatment recommendations. Changhua Hospital cares about you.[Read More] Understanding Lower Abdominal Pain, Diarrhea, and Frequent Urination
Can You Hide Mental Health Records During a Health Checkup?
Can health check-ups conceal records from mental health specialists? Hello Doctor: Since entering the workforce, I have not had this issue, but in the past two years, I have been suffering from insomnia, anxiety disorder, and bipolar disorder. I have been seeing a psychiatrist an...
Dr. Lin Zhebin Reply:
Hello: During health check-ups, the National Health Insurance card is not used to access medical records. Generally, individuals provide their past medical history and medication information, or the physician inquires about it. If the examination does not require the submission o...[Read More] Can You Hide Mental Health Records During a Health Checkup?