Does Long-Term Herbal Supplementation Affect Fasting Blood Sugar Levels?
Blood glucose levels Does long-term consumption of blood-nourishing herbal powders affect fasting blood glucose levels? For breakfast, I eat large oatmeal with soy milk and one egg; for lunch, I have stir-fried vegetables, zucchini, carrots, and chicken breast; for dinner, I usua...
Dr. Liu Hongxiang Reply:
Hello Ms. Tong: If food or medication contains caloric substances (carbohydrates, proteins, or fats) that can be absorbed by the body, it can affect blood sugar levels. The type and quantity of food consumed can lead to fluctuations in blood sugar levels. From your message, it se...[Read More] Does Long-Term Herbal Supplementation Affect Fasting Blood Sugar Levels?
Winter Foot Pain: Causes and When to See a Doctor
Pain on the dorsum of the foot due to exposure to cold wind in winter? Hello doctor, since junior high school, whenever my feet remain in a fixed position (motionless), the dorsum of my foot experiences pain when exposed to cold air in winter. For example, after riding a motorcyc...
Dr. Lin Zhebin Reply:
Hello: The pain in the dorsum of your foot caused by exposure to cold air is likely due to the constriction of blood vessels in the area, which affects the blood circulation to the local nerves, leading to numbness and pain. It is advisable to pay attention to and enhance the war...[Read More] Winter Foot Pain: Causes and When to See a Doctor
HPV Nine-Valent Vaccine: Should I Delay the Second Dose After COVID-19?
Regarding the HPV nine-valent vaccine vaccination issues? Hello doctor, I received my first dose of the HPV nine-valent vaccine on October 21, and I plan to receive the second dose on December 21. However, I tested positive for COVID-19 on December 9. Should I postpone the second...
Dr. Lin Zhebin Reply:
Hello: Actually, after the quarantine for COVID-19 is over, if there are no specific discomforts, you can receive the HPV nine-valent vaccine. If you are experiencing any discomfort, it is fine to delay the vaccination; however, the interval between the second and third doses sho...[Read More] HPV Nine-Valent Vaccine: Should I Delay the Second Dose After COVID-19?
Understanding Upper Abdominal Pain and Back Discomfort: A Guide for Patients
Occasional sharp pain in the upper abdomen, accompanied by pain on both sides of the back whenever there is abdominal pain? Hello Dr. Liao, I am a 25-year-old female, 160 cm tall, and weighing 80 kg. I have been experiencing these symptoms for at least six months to a year. Som...
Dr. Liao Yaopan Reply:
Hello, the symptoms mentioned are quite nonspecific. If the symptoms persist, it is advisable to further investigate the underlying causes. You may first consult your family physician for an initial assessment, and then, depending on the situation, they can refer you to the appro...[Read More] Understanding Upper Abdominal Pain and Back Discomfort: A Guide for Patients
Understanding Cholesterol Changes: Causes and Solutions for Your Health
Increased cholesterol Hello Doctor, since I turned 30, I have been getting annual check-ups. My total cholesterol has been around 200-220 (with HDL around the 80s and LDL around 100, and the doctor said my HDL is good, so it's not a concern). However, I noticed in last year&...
Dr. Xiao Yongxun Reply:
Dear Ms. Ann: 1. Your total cholesterol or low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol levels are elevated, and it is advisable to first manage this through diet and exercise. It is recommended to reduce the intake of high-cholesterol and trans fats (commonly found in creamers, bu...[Read More] Understanding Cholesterol Changes: Causes and Solutions for Your Health
Is It COVID-19 or a Cold? Understanding Symptoms in Children
COVID-19 Hello Doctor: My daughter, who is 10 years old, had a fever reaching 39 degrees Celsius (with slight headache) on December 10. On the morning of December 11, a rapid test was negative. After visiting the doctor, she was prescribed medication and her fever subsided, and t...
Dr. Liao Yaopan Reply:
Hello, with the recent drop in temperature, there has indeed been an increase in cases of respiratory viral infections. The existing home rapid tests for COVID-19 can be used to determine if there is an infection; however, most other pathogens do not have specific tests and are p...[Read More] Is It COVID-19 or a Cold? Understanding Symptoms in Children
Understanding Heart Palpitations and Weakness After Heat Stroke and Vaccination
Strong heartbeat with weakness and shortness of breath? I previously experienced heatstroke that triggered angina, and after receiving a vaccine, I now feel as if my heart is being crushed whenever I sweat (for example, after eating hot food or being in a stuffy environment). It ...
Dr. Lin Zhebin Reply:
Hello: Your symptoms of chest pain, palpitations, general weakness, and cold sweats are indeed concerning for potential heart issues, and they may also be related to autonomic nervous system dysfunction. However, it is possible that no abnormalities will be found during an examin...[Read More] Understanding Heart Palpitations and Weakness After Heat Stroke and Vaccination
Is Blood Sugar Testing with Pimple Blood Accurate?
Blood glucose testing issues? Is it accurate to measure blood sugar using blood extracted from popped pimples? Thank you.
Dr. Hou Angting Reply:
Hello: It is recommended that you still perform a fingertip blood draw. Wishing you good health.[Read More] Is Blood Sugar Testing with Pimple Blood Accurate?
Understanding Tonsillitis: Symptoms, Treatment, and When to Seek Help
Is it possible to be diagnosed with tonsillitis? Since last Friday (12/9), swallowing saliva has not been painful, but drinking water causes throat pain. On Friday, I looked in the mirror and did not see anything unusual, but starting Saturday, swallowing saliva also became painf...
Dr. Lin Zhebin Reply:
Hello: 1. Based on your description, it is indeed very likely that you have tonsillitis. 2. Since the symptoms of COVID-19 can manifest in various ways, it is possible to have both tonsillitis and a COVID-19 infection simultaneously, so I recommend that you take a rapid test for ...[Read More] Understanding Tonsillitis: Symptoms, Treatment, and When to Seek Help
Understanding Finger Sensation: When to Seek Medical Advice
The fingertips feel swollen? Hello Doctor, for the past few days, I've been feeling a slight swelling in the pads of my left hand's five fingers (near the fingertips), similar to the sensation of calluses from pressing guitar strings. However, I haven't been pressi...
Dr. Cai Dongqi Reply:
Hello Amy: It is normal not to have redness, swelling, heat, pain, or any tingling sensations; there is no need to worry. For skin issues, you may want to consult a dermatologist first.[Read More] Understanding Finger Sensation: When to Seek Medical Advice
Understanding Right Lower Abdominal Pain: Causes and When to Seek Help
Right lower abdominal pain? Hello Dr. Lin, I have been experiencing pain in my lower right abdomen frequently since two weeks ago. It usually occurs in the morning and lasts for about 10 to 20 minutes, happening almost every day. Sometimes the pain makes me feel like I need to us...
Dr. Lin Zhebin Reply:
Hello: There are many potential causes for right lower abdominal pain. In addition to gastrointestinal issues, problems related to the reproductive and urinary systems should also be considered. However, based on your description, the pain in your right lower abdomen may be due t...[Read More] Understanding Right Lower Abdominal Pain: Causes and When to Seek Help
Understanding Rib Pain While Lying Flat: Causes and Solutions
Supine position abdominal rib pain? Hello, doctor. Recently, when lying flat, I've noticed discomfort on both sides at the bottom of my ribs and my abdomen, feeling a sense of pressure in that position. When I lift my knees up while lying flat, it causes significant pain on ...
Dr. Liao Yaopan Reply:
Hello, based on the description above, it is difficult to make assumptions directly. It is advisable to seek a medical evaluation in person. Changhua Hospital cares about you.[Read More] Understanding Rib Pain While Lying Flat: Causes and Solutions
Understanding Forearm Pain After IV Glucose Administration
Forearm pain A few days ago, I received a glucose infusion at the hospital, and I experienced pain at the injection site. The nursing staff explained that it was due to the hypertonic solution, but they quickly adjusted the flow rate, which gradually alleviated the pain. However,...
Dr. Xiao Yongxun Reply:
Dear Ms. Judy: 1. Common side effects or complications of intravenous therapy often arise from the infusion itself, the medications added, improper placement of the intravenous catheter, extravasation of the infusion from the venipuncture site, localized infections leading to c...[Read More] Understanding Forearm Pain After IV Glucose Administration
COVID-19 in Pregnancy: Managing Symptoms and Treatment Guidance
COVID-19 I would like to ask, as a pregnant woman, I am experiencing symptoms such as severe headache, nasal congestion, runny nose, cough, and occasional wheezing. On the evening of December 4, I took a rapid test at home which showed two very faint lines. After going to the hos...
Dr. Liao Yaopan Reply:
Hello, the antiviral medication course is five days, and it is recommended to complete the treatment. If the quarantine period continues with severe discomfort, please contact your prescribing physician for evaluation. Online consultations are not equivalent to in-person medical ...[Read More] COVID-19 in Pregnancy: Managing Symptoms and Treatment Guidance
Unexplained Chest and Abdominal Pain: Causes and Solutions
Unexplained pain Hello, doctor. I have unexplained pain that occurs whenever I squat for too long and then stand up. The pain is located between my chest and stomach, as well as in the upper part of my stomach, and it lasts for two to three days. When I press on the muscles, I fe...
Dr. Lin Zhebin Reply:
Hello: 1. The cause of your chest and abdominal pain, based on your description, is likely related to the diaphragm or muscle, such as muscle spasms, since it occurs when you squat and pressing on the muscles causes pain. Additionally, it could be due to gastroesophageal reflux, ...[Read More] Unexplained Chest and Abdominal Pain: Causes and Solutions
Understanding Post-Surgery Back Pain: When to Seek Medical Advice
Regarding lower back pain? Hello, doctor. I have a question. I underwent surgery on both legs in January and July of this year (one leg at a time) with spinal anesthesia. After the surgeries, I often feel soreness and pain in my lower back (the area where the anesthesia was admin...
Dr. Lin Zhebin Reply:
Hello: The likelihood of nerve injury causing lower back pain due to spinal anesthesia is indeed very low. Additionally, it is possible that inflammation of the soft tissues (muscles, tendons, ligaments) near the spine during the spinal anesthesia procedure could lead to lower ba...[Read More] Understanding Post-Surgery Back Pain: When to Seek Medical Advice
Unexplained Chest and Abdominal Pain: Causes and Solutions
Unexplained pain? Hello, doctor. I have unexplained pain that occurs when I squat for too long and then stand up. The pain is located between my chest and stomach, as well as between my breasts and the upper part of my stomach. It lasts for two to three days, and I feel tendernes...
Dr. Lin Zhebin Reply:
Hello: 1. The cause of your chest and abdominal pain, based on your description, is likely related to the diaphragm or muscle, especially since it occurs when you squat and there is pain upon muscle palpation (for example, muscle spasm). Additionally, it could be due to gastroeso...[Read More] Unexplained Chest and Abdominal Pain: Causes and Solutions
Understanding Blood Sugar Tests: Do You Really Need A HbA1c Test?
Diabetes testing Hello, doctor. Recently, I've been experiencing excessive sweating in my upper body and my wounds are healing slowly. Since my mother has diabetes, I suspect I might have it too. I went to a large local hospital's endocrinology department to get a blood...
Dr. Hou Angting Reply:
Hello: Based on your blood glucose report, you are currently in a prediabetic state. It is recommended that you maintain a healthy diet and engage in moderate exercise, and follow up with the family medicine clinic in three months. The quantity of food you consume can affect your...[Read More] Understanding Blood Sugar Tests: Do You Really Need A HbA1c Test?
Medication Concerns: Can You Combine Lactulose and Enzymes?
Medication issues Hello: I take Lacto-Freedom, digestive enzymes to aid bowel movements, and milk daily. I would like to ask: 1. Can Lacto-Freedom and the enzymes be taken together? 2. Can I take Lacto-Freedom immediately after drinking milk? Thank you for your clarification!
Dr. Lin Zhebin Reply:
Hello: 1. Levofloxacin and enzymes can be taken together. 2. Levofloxacin may sometimes cause gastrointestinal side effects, so it can be taken with meals; therefore, taking it after drinking milk should be fine.[Read More] Medication Concerns: Can You Combine Lactulose and Enzymes?
Can I Take Antihistamines for Throat Inflammation Without Allergies?
Medication issues Hello doctor, a few days ago I visited a physician due to a sore throat and cough. After taking the medication, my throat did not improve, and I started experiencing symptoms like a runny nose and phlegm. During a follow-up visit, I found out that the doctor pre...
Dr. Lin Zhebin Reply:
Hello: 1. Besides treating allergies, Shuminning can also reduce secretions such as nasal discharge and phlegm, which should help alleviate your discomfort, so it can be taken. 2. The cause of your throat inflammation is mostly due to a viral infection, which usually resolves wit...[Read More] Can I Take Antihistamines for Throat Inflammation Without Allergies?