Understanding Enlarged Earlobes: Causes and When to Seek Help
Swelling of one earlobe? Doctor, I have a habit of sleeping on my side, but not throughout the entire night. Today, I woke up to find that my earlobe has become enlarged, but it doesn't hurt, itch, or have any wounds. I do rub my ears a bit while showering, but I don't ...
Dr. Liao Yaopan Reply:
Hello, based on your description, it is advisable to have your family physician evaluate you in person to confirm whether there are any abnormalities. Online consultations are not equivalent to in-person medical visits and cannot provide diagnoses or treatment recommendations. Ch...[Read More] Understanding Enlarged Earlobes: Causes and When to Seek Help
Assessing Hepatitis B Transmission Risk from Blood Splash to Eyes
Blood splashed into the eyes of a patient who is a carrier of hepatitis B? If a patient is a carrier of hepatitis B but has low infectivity, and there was a splash of blood during a blood glucose measurement that got into the eyes, but the individual has been vaccinated against h...
Dr. Xiao Yongxun Reply:
Dear Miss Hsiao-Hsuan: 1. Since 1985, almost all newborns in our country have received complete vaccinations against hepatitis B. Therefore, since your test still shows the presence of hepatitis B antibodies, the chance of contracting hepatitis B is nearly nonexistent. 2. The...[Read More] Assessing Hepatitis B Transmission Risk from Blood Splash to Eyes
Understanding Symptoms: Liver Pain, Lymph Nodes, and Sleep Issues
Lymph nodes, liver, neck, rib pain, and bruising during sleep? 1. About five years ago, I had liver inflammation issues when I was around 20 years old. I felt a bloated, numb sensation, as if there was something hard inside. At that time, the doctor diagnosed me with fatty liver....
Dr. Lin Zhebin Reply:
Hello: 1. The more common causes of liver inflammation are hepatitis B, hepatitis C, fatty liver disease, and alcoholic hepatitis. Liver function tests require blood draws for diagnosis. Regarding the intermittent sharp pain in your left and right abdomen, it is advisable to cons...[Read More] Understanding Symptoms: Liver Pain, Lymph Nodes, and Sleep Issues
How Long Should You Wait Between Tetanus and COVID Vaccines?
How long should vaccines be spaced apart? Hello doctor, I would like to ask about the interval between receiving the tetanus vaccine and the COVID-19 vaccine. I've seen information online suggesting a 7-day interval as well as a 14-day interval, which has caused me some conc...
Dr. Lin Zhebin Reply:
Hello: The latest information on COVID-19 vaccines announced by the Ministry of Health and Welfare is as follows: COVID-19 vaccines can be administered simultaneously with other vaccines in different arms, or they can be given at any interval. Therefore, you can receive the COVID...[Read More] How Long Should You Wait Between Tetanus and COVID Vaccines?
Understanding Chest Pain: Causes and When to Seek Medical Advice
Chest pain? Hello doctor, I would like to ask about a recent issue. I've been experiencing occasional sharp pain in the left side of my chest. I can pinpoint the location, and it's not very painful—just a brief sensation each time. However, this has been going on for a ...
Dr. Ye Qianyu Reply:
Hello! Sharp pain in the left chest, which can be clearly localized, is usually indicative of musculoskeletal inflammation. However, if the pain persists without relief, it is important to rule out issues related to the heart and pleura. It is recommended that you consult a pulmo...[Read More] Understanding Chest Pain: Causes and When to Seek Medical Advice
Understanding Persistent Dry Mouth: Causes and When to Seek Help
Dry mouth and dry tongue? Hello doctor, I have been experiencing persistent dry mouth lately. I drink at least 1500cc of water a day, plus a cup of unsweetened tea, but no matter how much I drink, my mouth still feels dry. I have no issues swallowing, and I don't feel thirst...
Dr. Xiao Yongxun Reply:
Dear Mr. Wei: 1. There are many causes of dry mouth and dry tongue; common ones include diabetes, dehydration, side effects of medications, Sjögren's syndrome, smoking, aging, endocrine disorders (such as hyperthyroidism and diabetes insipidus), and psychosomatic disorders,...[Read More] Understanding Persistent Dry Mouth: Causes and When to Seek Help
Concerns About Vibrio Infection After Fishing: What You Need to Know
The possibility of Vibrio species in shrimp fishing ponds? Hello Doctor, I apologize for the lengthy question. I would like to ask about an incident that occurred yesterday when I went to a shrimp fishing venue for the first time. I accidentally got pricked by a fish hook on my h...
Dr. Liao Yaopan Reply:
Vibrio parahaemolyticus is a bacterium commonly found in marine environments, and there are two main routes of infection. The first is through the consumption of contaminated seafood, such as oysters, clams, and raw fish. The second route is through direct infection via the skin,...[Read More] Concerns About Vibrio Infection After Fishing: What You Need to Know
Understanding Low Body Temperature: Causes and Management for Chronic Conditions
Recently, I have noticed that my body temperature is abnormally low, at 34.7 degrees Celsius? Hello, doctor. I have a history of diabetes, hypertension, and kidney disease for 32 years. My hemoglobin A1c was 6.6 in December last year. I was diagnosed with myasthenia gravis in Jul...
Dr. Lin Zhebin Reply:
Hello: Your issue of having a low body temperature may be related to hypothyroidism, adrenal insufficiency, hypoglycemia, nutritional deficiencies, neuromuscular diseases, infections, and so on. Additionally, the frequent cramping you experience may be associated with electrolyte...[Read More] Understanding Low Body Temperature: Causes and Management for Chronic Conditions
Concerns About Blood Draws: Understanding Bruising and Blood Health
Blood draw issues? Hello, doctor. Last September, I went to the emergency room due to feeling unwell. The nurse mentioned that the needles used in the emergency department are thicker and that the pressure should be applied for a longer time. It was possible that the pressure app...
Dr. Lin Zhebin Reply:
Hello: Applying pressure to swelling caused by a subcutaneous hemorrhage is primarily to help stop the bleeding from the ruptured blood vessels, so it will not have any adverse effects on the blood or the body. Please do not worry.[Read More] Concerns About Blood Draws: Understanding Bruising and Blood Health
Is Bruising After Moderna Bivalent Vaccine a Normal Reaction?
After receiving the Moderna bivalent next-generation vaccine, there was bruising? Hello Doctor: My mother, who is 66 years old, noticed a bruise at the injection site three days after receiving the Moderna bivalent next-generation vaccine. Is this a normal reaction? Will it resol...
Dr. Lin Zhebin Reply:
Hello: During vaccination, it is possible to injure the local microvasculature, leading to bruising. Generally, this will resolve on its own. However, if the bruise continues to enlarge, there is severe swelling and pain, the appearance of other bruises on the body, difficulty br...[Read More] Is Bruising After Moderna Bivalent Vaccine a Normal Reaction?
Understanding Unexplained Skin Pain and Itching: When to Seek Help
Generalized skin prickling and itching? Recently, I have started experiencing intermittent itching and tingling in certain areas, including my hands, calves, buttocks, chest, back, and even my scrotum. The symptoms occur randomly, and when I scratch, it often turns red with notic...
Dr. Lin Zhebin Reply:
Hello: Regarding your issue of itching in multiple areas, if there are no obvious rashes on the skin, it may be worth considering whether it is due to excessively dry skin or pruritus. It is recommended to consult a dermatologist or a family medicine physician.[Read More] Understanding Unexplained Skin Pain and Itching: When to Seek Help
Should You Get Checked for Shortness of Breath After COVID?
Is it necessary to undergo further examination for easy shortness of breath? Symptoms: Since my diagnosis last May, I have noticed that I easily become short of breath, such as when climbing stairs or talking, and sometimes I feel the need to take a deep breath even when I am not...
Dr. Xiao Yongxun Reply:
Dear Mr. Hao: There are many causes of dyspnea; common causes include heart, lung, kidney diseases, or various metabolic disorders; of course, there are also many rare causes. If you have been experiencing these symptoms for six months, regardless of whether you have had COVID-19...[Read More] Should You Get Checked for Shortness of Breath After COVID?
Understanding Blood Sugar Levels: Factors Affecting Readings in Daily Life
Blood sugar issues 1. Consuming a bowl of beef noodles that was 70% full at around 8 PM, along with a few sips of sugary drinks and a small amount of fried food between 10 PM and 12 AM, combined with staying up until 5 AM, could indeed affect your fasting blood glucose levels. Th...
Dr. Liu Hongxiang Reply:
Hello Ms. Chou: Fasting for more than 8 hours is required to measure fasting blood glucose. If the fasting period is sufficient and the blood glucose level is 110 mg/dL, this single measurement indicates elevated blood sugar. It is recommended to conduct multiple tests to confi...[Read More] Understanding Blood Sugar Levels: Factors Affecting Readings in Daily Life
Understanding Your Symptoms: Night Sweats, Eye Discomfort, and Digestive Issues
What’s wrong with me? 1. For three consecutive weeks, I have been experiencing night sweats and waking up almost gasping for air, with blood oxygen levels typically ranging between 90-93%. My heart rate is normal, but I then feel extremely cold and shiver, no matter how I cover m...
Dr. Xiao Yongxun Reply:
Dear Ms. Leslie Lin: Your complaints are very diverse, including issues related to the cardiovascular system, respiratory system, digestive system, and even the nervous system. It is difficult to determine the cause based solely on this information. Often, it is necessary for a p...[Read More] Understanding Your Symptoms: Night Sweats, Eye Discomfort, and Digestive Issues
Do You Need to Remove Makeup When Sharing Items with Sensitive Skin?
Skin issues Hello doctor, I have sensitive and dry skin, and I would like to ask if I need to remove makeup when sharing a phone or other items with someone who wears makeup, as well as during physical contact. I feel like my hands don't get completely clean after washing, a...
Dr. Lin Zhebin Reply:
Hello: For your sensitive and dry skin issues, it is recommended to regularly use a moisturizing lotion for skincare. Additionally, when sharing phones or other items with individuals who wear makeup, as well as during brief physical contact, the amount of makeup transferred is u...[Read More] Do You Need to Remove Makeup When Sharing Items with Sensitive Skin?
Understanding OCD and Cleanliness: When to Seek Help from a Doctor
Could you please provide more context or specify your question? Hello Doctor, I am unsure whether I have obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) or an unusually severe case of cleanliness, or if I might have other mental health issues. I often feel that when items fall on the ground ...
Dr. Lin Zhebin Reply:
Hello: 1. Based on your description, it seems that your concerns about cleanliness and washing have caused you significant psychological distress. I recommend consulting a psychiatrist to evaluate whether you may have obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) and to discuss relevant tr...[Read More] Understanding OCD and Cleanliness: When to Seek Help from a Doctor
Understanding Iron Supplement Side Effects: When to Worry About Blood in Stool
Side effects of iron supplements? Hello, I have iron deficiency anemia and have been taking iron supplements for two months after visiting my family doctor. I noticed that sometimes my stool is black, which I know is normal. However, the first time I wipe after a bowel movement, ...
Dr. Lin Zhebin Reply:
Hello: Taking iron supplements can indeed cause the stool to appear black and dark. However, if you notice blood when wiping after a bowel movement, it is more likely related to hemorrhoids or other issues in the colon, and should not be associated with taking iron supplements. I...[Read More] Understanding Iron Supplement Side Effects: When to Worry About Blood in Stool
Do I Have OCD? Understanding Compulsions and Hygiene Concerns
Hello, how can I assist you today? Hello, Doctor. I'm not sure if I have obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) or an abnormal level of cleanliness, or if it's another mental health issue. I often feel that when items fall on the ground and I pick them up, the floor is ver...
Dr. Lin Zhebin Reply:
Hello: 1. Based on your description, it seems that your concerns about cleanliness and washing have caused you significant mental and physical distress. It is advisable to consult a psychiatrist to evaluate whether there may be an issue with obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) an...[Read More] Do I Have OCD? Understanding Compulsions and Hygiene Concerns
Understanding Mild to Moderate COVID-19 Symptoms and Gastrointestinal Effects
Regarding the progression from mild to moderate symptoms and related sequelae? Hello Dr. Lin, I was infected and confirmed positive for COVID-19 on December 28 of last year due to exposure from a household member. I isolated at home for five days and have since completed my isola...
Dr. Lin Zhebin Reply:
Hello: 1. Although the infection caused by the COVID-19 virus primarily presents with respiratory symptoms, it can actually affect various organs and systems throughout the body, which means gastrointestinal symptoms may also occur. 2. The progression from mild to moderate or sev...[Read More] Understanding Mild to Moderate COVID-19 Symptoms and Gastrointestinal Effects
Facial Pain and Asymmetry: Which Specialist to Consult?
Cheek tenderness upon palpation? Hello, recently I have been experiencing pain on the right side of my cheek (just below the cheekbone) only when pressed, and there is noticeable asymmetry in the flesh on both sides of my chin, with the left side visibly sagging while the right s...
Dr. Liao Yaopan Reply:
Hello, based on your description, the symptoms are also atypical. It is recommended that you first consult your family physician for an evaluation, and depending on the situation, they may refer you to other subspecialties. Please note that online consultations are not equivalent...[Read More] Facial Pain and Asymmetry: Which Specialist to Consult?