Is My Gradual Improvement a Sign of Lower COVID Severity Risk?
If the symptoms are gradually improving, can I feel more at ease? Hello Doctor: I was diagnosed with COVID-19 yesterday and have been taking medication for two days. My symptoms have progressed from fever, dry cough, and fatigue yesterday to just a dry cough today. I'm feeli...
Dr. Lin Zhebin Reply:
Hello: Given your age, if you do not have any significant comorbidities or chronic illnesses, and considering that you have been vaccinated, the likelihood of developing severe illness after contracting COVID-19 is relatively low. Additionally, based on the fact that your current...[Read More] Is My Gradual Improvement a Sign of Lower COVID Severity Risk?
Post-Thoracoscopic Surgery Symptoms: Understanding Breathlessness and Discomfort
Symptoms such as discomfort after thoracic surgery? Hello, Doctor: I would like to ask about my condition. A year ago, I underwent a single-port thoracoscopic surgery due to severe empyema. It has been over a year since my discharge, and I have been experiencing persistent shortn...
Dr. Cai Dongqi Reply:
Hello: Most major lung issues (such as pneumonia, COVID-19, lung surgery, or drainage of pleural effusion) can affect lung function. Engaging in exercise to improve lung function is important, and autonomic nervous system dysregulation is one of the contributing factors. It is ad...[Read More] Post-Thoracoscopic Surgery Symptoms: Understanding Breathlessness and Discomfort
Understanding Mid-Scapular Pain: Causes and When to Seek Help
Pain in the middle of the scapula? I suddenly felt pain in the middle of my scapula while sitting in a chair. Leaning forward seems to relieve the discomfort, and pressing on my back provides some relief as well, but the pain goes away after a while. Recently, I've also been...
Dr. Chen Bozhang Reply:
Hello, Xiao Luo: In your recent message, you mentioned experiencing frequent pain in both shoulders and sudden severe pain between the shoulder blades. This is often caused by fatigue, inflammation at the muscle attachment points, or tightness in the fascia. During episodes, lo...[Read More] Understanding Mid-Scapular Pain: Causes and When to Seek Help
Craving Chocolate Snacks: Is It Hunger or a Health Concern?
I've been craving snack chocolate? Hello Doctor, recently I've been craving snacks, especially chocolate, consuming about two to three bags a day. I'm not sure if it's hunger or just a craving. At the end of August, I had a health check-up, and my urine glucos...
Dr. Lin Zhebin Reply:
Hello: Based on your description, your main issue seems to be having a good appetite but experiencing weight loss. In addition to considering diabetes, given your age, it is also important to consider the possibility of hyperthyroidism. For diabetes testing, in addition to fastin...[Read More] Craving Chocolate Snacks: Is It Hunger or a Health Concern?
Understanding Elevated Body Temperature After a Cold: What You Need to Know
Elevated body temperature? Hello Doctor: I had a cold with a fever on September 20th and saw the doctor twice. I believe my cold is almost gone, but I still have a scratchy throat and a cough. My concern is that when I'm in an air-conditioned room or just after waking up, my...
Dr. Ye Qianyu Reply:
Hello! Currently, a diagnosis cannot be made solely based on symptoms. It is recommended that you seek medical attention at a healthcare facility if you have concerns.[Read More] Understanding Elevated Body Temperature After a Cold: What You Need to Know
Understanding Throat Issues: Is It COVID-19 or the Flu?
Throat issues Initially, there was a slight scratchy throat that lasted for 2 days, then it turned into just a little itch. However, after another 2 days, the itchiness increased instead of decreasing. During this time, there was a persistent urge to cough, but there was no nasal...
Dr. Ye Qianyu Reply:
Hello! Currently, a diagnosis cannot be made solely based on symptoms. It is recommended that you seek medical attention at a healthcare facility if you have concerns.[Read More] Understanding Throat Issues: Is It COVID-19 or the Flu?
Understanding Persistent Low-Grade Fever in Patients with Chronic Conditions
Elevated body temperature? A little over a week ago, I had a fever of 38 degrees Celsius at midnight, and I was awakened from sleep by pain in my hand joints. In the morning, my temperature remained at 38 degrees, and I had no appetite. At the hospital, my tests showed SEG neutro...
Dr. Lin Zhebin Reply:
Hello: Regarding your symptoms of fever and discomfort, it is essential to first consider the possibility of an infection. Currently, the prevalence of COVID-19 is high. If your rapid test result is negative but you continue to feel unwell, it is advisable to visit a hospital for...[Read More] Understanding Persistent Low-Grade Fever in Patients with Chronic Conditions
Which Specialist to Consult for Cervical Spine Issues?
For cervical spondylosis, you should consult a specialist in orthopedics or neurology? Hello, Dr. Lin. I have been experiencing a sensation of swaying for quite some time now, which is more pronounced when I am sitting. It feels similar to motion sickness, with a sense of rocking...
Dr. Lin Zhebin Reply:
Hello: Generally, examinations for the cervical spine include X-rays, computed tomography (CT), and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). The specialties that typically order these tests are neurology, neurosurgery, orthopedics, and rehabilitation medicine. I personally recommend tha...[Read More] Which Specialist to Consult for Cervical Spine Issues?
How to Normalize Total Cholesterol and Triglyceride Levels Naturally
How can I normalize total cholesterol and triglyceride levels? Hello, Doctor! I recently received my health check report showing a total serum cholesterol of 299 mg/dL, triglycerides of 231 mg/dL, and low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol of 74 mg/dL. There is no value for hi...
Dr. Ye Qianyu Reply:
Hello! Improving hyperlipidemia requires good dietary and exercise habits. It is recommended that you have regular follow-up appointments to discuss adjustments to your diet and exercise regimen with your physician. If there is no improvement after 6 to 12 months, medication trea...[Read More] How to Normalize Total Cholesterol and Triglyceride Levels Naturally
Is It Normal Not to Bleed After COVID Vaccine Injection?
There was no bleeding at the injection site after receiving the COVID-19 vaccine? Hello Doctor, I have received three doses of the BNT vaccine. After getting my third dose yesterday, I noticed that the cotton ball applied to the injection site did not have any blood on it (I did ...
Dr. Lin Zhebin Reply:
Hello: The COVID-19 vaccine is administered via intramuscular injection, as muscle tissue is highly vascularized. Therefore, during the injection, it is possible to damage microvessels, leading to bleeding. Whether there is bleeding at the injection site or not is a normal occurr...[Read More] Is It Normal Not to Bleed After COVID Vaccine Injection?
Understanding Abdominal Pain, Nausea, and Dizziness: Common Causes
Nausea, vomiting, and abdominal pain? Hello doctor, I would like to ask because recently I have only been experiencing abdominal pain, but lately it has changed to occasional dizziness and nausea with a desire to vomit. The abdominal pain symptoms are now intermittent, but the di...
Dr. Cai Dongqi Reply:
Hello, you may want to consider whether you have functional gastrointestinal disorders or gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). It would be advisable to consult a gastroenterologist first.[Read More] Understanding Abdominal Pain, Nausea, and Dizziness: Common Causes
Understanding Abdominal Pain, Nausea, and Dizziness: A Family Medicine Perspective
Nausea, vomiting, and abdominal pain? Hello doctor, I would like to ask about my symptoms. Recently, I have been experiencing abdominal pain, which has now progressed to occasional dizziness and nausea. The abdominal pain comes and goes, but the dizziness and nausea are also unpr...
Dr. Cai Dongqi Reply:
Hello, R: You may want to consider whether it is functional gastrointestinal disorder or gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). It would be advisable to consult a gastroenterologist first.[Read More] Understanding Abdominal Pain, Nausea, and Dizziness: A Family Medicine Perspective
Understanding Abdominal Pain, Nausea, and Dizziness: A Family Medicine Perspective
Nausea, vomiting, and abdominal pain? Hello doctor, I would like to ask because recently I have only been experiencing abdominal pain, but lately it has changed to sometimes feeling dizzy and nauseous with a desire to vomit. The abdominal pain symptoms are now intermittent, but t...
Dr. Cai Dongqi Reply:
Hello, R: You may want to consider whether you have functional gastrointestinal disorders or gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). It would be advisable to consult a gastroenterologist first.[Read More] Understanding Abdominal Pain, Nausea, and Dizziness: A Family Medicine Perspective
Understanding Brain Discomfort: Dental Procedures, Head Injuries, and COVID-19 Effects
Abnormal brain function? 1. Can the extraction of two upper molars lead to discomfort in the brain or various cognitive dysfunctions? 2. Recently, I was struck on the head by a 20-kilogram iron pipe that fell from a height of 15 centimeters. Could this cause abnormalities in bra...
Dr. Liao Yaopan Reply:
1. Would extracting two upper molars lead to discomfort in the brain or various neurological dysfunctions? --> Theoretically, the correlation should be minimal. It is advisable to have a dental examination to assess the situation after the procedure. 2. Recently, a 20-kilogra...[Read More] Understanding Brain Discomfort: Dental Procedures, Head Injuries, and COVID-19 Effects
Persistent Chest Pain: When to Consult a Family Medicine Specialist
The symptoms have persisted for two weeks? Hello doctor, I have been experiencing unexplained pain for two weeks. During the first week, I felt pain in my left chest when coughing, laughing, hiccuping, or making large movements (it felt like internal pain). After taking over-the-...
Dr. Lin Zhebin Reply:
Hello: The discomfort in your left chest may be related to issues with the skin, musculoskeletal system, nerves, pleura, lungs, or heart. It is recommended that you first visit a family medicine physician to investigate the cause.[Read More] Persistent Chest Pain: When to Consult a Family Medicine Specialist
Understanding Nighttime Fever: Causes and Concerns in Family Medicine
Fever at specific times? I would like to ask about a situation where there are no respiratory symptoms, and both mental state and appetite are good. However, every night after 10 PM, I experience a fever of 38.3 to 38.5 degrees Celsius (with variations between ears). I measure it...
Dr. Lin Zhebin Reply:
Hello: Regarding your issue of experiencing fever at specific times in the evening, it is important to consider potential causes such as infections, endocrine disorders, autoimmune diseases, or cancer. It is advisable to seek medical attention promptly to investigate the underlyi...[Read More] Understanding Nighttime Fever: Causes and Concerns in Family Medicine
Understanding Abdominal Pain, Nausea, and Dizziness: A Guide
Nausea, vomiting, and abdominal pain? Hello doctor, I would like to ask about my symptoms. Recently, I have been experiencing abdominal pain, which has now progressed to occasional dizziness and nausea. The abdominal pain comes and goes, but the dizziness and nausea are also unpr...
Dr. Cai Dongqi Reply:
Hello, R: You may want to consider whether you have functional gastrointestinal disorders or gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). It would be advisable to consult a gastroenterologist first.[Read More] Understanding Abdominal Pain, Nausea, and Dizziness: A Guide
Understanding Weight Fluctuations: Concerns for Young Adults
Abnormal weight? Hello, doctor. I am 20 years old. Four months ago, I was 174 cm tall and weighed around 71 kg (which I maintained for a long time). I started a weight loss journey by changing my diet from regular takeout to eating healthy meal boxes every day. I rarely drink sug...
Dr. Hou Angting Reply:
Hello: It is recommended that you visit the Family Medicine outpatient clinic for evaluation and follow-up. Wishing you good health.[Read More] Understanding Weight Fluctuations: Concerns for Young Adults
Is a Blood Pressure of 130-135/75-80 Considered Hypertension?
Blood pressure issues Hello Doctor: Recently, I measured my blood pressure at home and found that my systolic pressure is between 130-135 and my diastolic pressure is between 75-80. Is this considered high blood pressure? Do I need to take medication to control it?
Dr. Hou Angting Reply:
Hello: Based on your measured blood pressure, it does not indicate hypertension. It is recommended that you continue to monitor your blood pressure. Wishing you good health.[Read More] Is a Blood Pressure of 130-135/75-80 Considered Hypertension?
Understanding Chest Tightness After Vaccination: When to Seek Help
Chest tightness? Hello Dr. Lin, I received my first dose of the BNT vaccine last October, and that same night I experienced chest tightness and discomfort, prompting me to go to the emergency room. The ER physician jokingly informed me that vaccine side effects do not occur that ...
Dr. Lin Zhebin Reply:
Hello: Since your chest discomfort has persisted for almost a year, the likelihood of it being related to the BNT vaccine is quite low. Persistent chest discomfort may indicate potential issues with the heart or lungs. It is recommended that you consult a cardiologist or a pulmon...[Read More] Understanding Chest Tightness After Vaccination: When to Seek Help