Understanding Abdominal Hardness: When to Seek Medical Advice
Inquiry Consultation Hello Dr. Lin, While I was taking a shower, I noticed a slight discomfort in my abdomen, so I used my hand to lift my belly for cleaning. I felt a "lump" (or "patch") that is slightly hard about one centimeter below my navel. It’s not ext...
Dr. Lin Zhebin Reply:
Hello: 1. If you notice that a protrusion below your navel becomes hard when you exert your abdominal muscles, it suggests that this protrusion may be related to the abdominal wall muscles. The cause of the protrusion could be associated with the tissue and organs within the laye...[Read More] Understanding Abdominal Hardness: When to Seek Medical Advice
Understanding Persistent Hunger: Is It Related to Your Stomach Issues?
Recently, I have been feeling muscle fatigue? I have recently been experiencing a feeling of hunger, even after eating a full meal. However, I don't want to eat more even though I feel full. I usually drink very little water, often less than 500 ml a day, and sometimes I don...
Dr. Liao Yaopan Reply:
Hello, insufficient and unbalanced food intake, as well as inadequate caloric intake, can potentially lead to bodily imbalances. Based on your description, it is advisable to seek medical attention for an evaluation to determine if there are any underlying causes. Please note tha...[Read More] Understanding Persistent Hunger: Is It Related to Your Stomach Issues?
Is Washing Hands with Water Alone Worse Than Not Washing?
Regarding handwashing and bacteria/viruses? Hello, doctor. I would like to ask you about something I've seen in the news and read in various sources. They say that washing hands with just water is equivalent to not washing them at all, and that if hands are not dried properl...
Dr. Xiao Yongxun Reply:
Dear Mr. Paul: 1. The surface of our skin naturally harbors a variety of bacteria; the air and environment are also filled with various microorganisms and spores. When these settle on our skin, they can germinate or proliferate in suitable conditions (including temperature, humi...[Read More] Is Washing Hands with Water Alone Worse Than Not Washing?
Understanding Unpleasant Body Odors: When to Seek Medical Advice
Body odor Hello, I would like to ask why my friends have been saying since the year before last that I have a smell like feces. At first, I thought they were joking and didn't pay much attention, but recently my family has also mentioned smelling it, although I can't sm...
Dr. Cai Dongqi Reply:
Hello, is there an issue with body odor? If so, please consult a general surgeon. For abnormal sympathetic nerve function, a sympathectomy may be performed.[Read More] Understanding Unpleasant Body Odors: When to Seek Medical Advice
Understanding Novavax Vaccine Side Effects: Chest Pain Concerns
Adverse reactions associated with the Novavax COVID-19 vaccine? Hello Doctor, I just received my first dose of the Novavax vaccine on the morning of August 18. There were no immediate reactions during the vaccination, but that evening I started experiencing mild pain in my left c...
Dr. Liao Yaopan Reply:
Hello, if you are experiencing discomfort, it is still advisable to return to a medical facility for evaluation to clarify the cause of your symptoms. Online consultations are not equivalent to in-person visits and cannot provide diagnoses or treatment recommendations. Changhua H...[Read More] Understanding Novavax Vaccine Side Effects: Chest Pain Concerns
Understanding Diabetes Diagnosis and Fatty Liver: Key Insights
Diagnosis of Diabetes and Fatty Liver Disease Hello, I would like to ask if a fasting blood glucose level of 126 mg/dL or higher can be considered as type 2 diabetes, or is it necessary to have two separate diagnoses? If two diagnoses are required, how far apart are these tests t...
Dr. Hou Angting Reply:
Hello: If your fasting blood glucose is above 100, it is recommended that you maintain a healthy diet and engage in moderate exercise. Additionally, you should visit a family medicine physician for follow-up and assessment three months after your last test. The causes of fatty li...[Read More] Understanding Diabetes Diagnosis and Fatty Liver: Key Insights
Rapid Heartbeat and Nausea: Understanding Common Family Medicine Symptoms
Rapid heartbeat. Nausea and the urge to vomit? I sometimes experience sleep issues, but last night I slept well due to exhaustion. This morning, I felt okay, but suddenly during breakfast, I felt nauseous and had the urge to vomit, along with a rapid heartbeat and slight cold swe...
Dr. Lin Zhebin Reply:
Hello: Based on your description, your discomfort seems to be related to transient hypotension. There are many potential causes for transient hypotension, including orthostatic hypotension, dehydration, food or medication effects, anemia, endocrine disorders, and heart diseases, ...[Read More] Rapid Heartbeat and Nausea: Understanding Common Family Medicine Symptoms
Exploring Causes of Progressive Leg Weakness: A Guide for Patients
Weakness in the calf extending to the foot? Dear Dr. Yeh, My mother is 58 years old, 158 cm tall, and weighs 48 kg. She has had a long-standing issue with kyphosis and has undergone cardiovascular stenting. Her regular medication includes anticoagulants, and she drinks 150 cc of...
Dr. Ye Qianyu Reply:
Hello! Clinical issues are often the result of multiple contributing factors. Based on the information you provided regarding the causes of intermittent claudication in your mother, here are some analytical suggestions: 1. X-ray shows bone spurs causing nerve compression: This i...[Read More] Exploring Causes of Progressive Leg Weakness: A Guide for Patients
Understanding Bloating, Nausea, and Loss of Appetite: When to Seek Further Testing
Bloating, nausea, and loss of appetite? The patient has been experiencing bloating, nausea, and loss of appetite for over two months. The symptoms appeared suddenly after staying up late, and there were no previous gastrointestinal issues. After seeing a doctor and undergoing an ...
Dr. Ye Qianyu Reply:
Hello! If you have previously undergone examinations and no structural issues were found, it may be advisable to address potential functional disorders. Please try to minimize staying up late. Given your young age, the current symptoms do not directly raise suspicion of cancer. I...[Read More] Understanding Bloating, Nausea, and Loss of Appetite: When to Seek Further Testing
Persistent Discomfort After Wasp Sting: When to Seek Medical Attention
It has been a week since the bee sting, and I still feel uncomfortable? Hello Doctor, I was stung by a wasp (I didn't see it clearly, but I'm sure it wasn't a bee) a week ago (on July 14) on the area just behind my left ear at the hairline. At that time, I received...
Dr. Ye Qianyu Reply:
Hello! If possible, I recommend returning to the original clinic where you received treatment for the bee sting, or consulting a dermatologist for further evaluation.[Read More] Persistent Discomfort After Wasp Sting: When to Seek Medical Attention
Understanding Elevated Leukocyte Esterase in Urine: When to Seek Further Testing
Urinalysis Hello Doctor, this year my health check report showed the first occurrence of leukocyte esterase ++. I found online that this could indicate a urinary tract infection, but I usually drink plenty of water, and I do not experience any discomfort when urinating, nor do I ...
Dr. Ye Qianyu Reply:
Hello! "Leukocyte esterase is produced by white blood cells, and the presence of leukocyte esterase in urine indicates the presence of white blood cells in the urine," which suggests a possible inflammatory response. The results may be influenced by the menstrual cycle....[Read More] Understanding Elevated Leukocyte Esterase in Urine: When to Seek Further Testing
Weight Loss Concerns: Understanding Symptoms and When to Seek Help
Weight loss Hello doctor, I have lost five kilograms in the past month due to gastrointestinal issues. Recently, I visited an ENT clinic, and during an endoscopy, they found a bleeding mass. The clinic mentioned it could possibly be nasopharyngeal cancer. However, a biopsy at a l...
Dr. Ye Qianyu Reply:
Hello! If the biopsy of your nasopharyngeal issue shows no cancer, it is recommended that you have regular follow-up appointments to reduce your anxiety. However, if you experience a decreased appetite, insomnia, frequent urination, or other autonomic nervous system symptoms that...[Read More] Weight Loss Concerns: Understanding Symptoms and When to Seek Help
Managing Minor Wound Care After a Car Accident: Tetanus Concerns
Wound issues after a car accident? Hello, Doctor: A few days ago, I had an accident and fell, resulting in a localized abrasion on my lower leg (about 2-3 cm). About half an hour later, I went to the pharmacy to purchase antiseptic products, and the next day I visited the hospita...
Dr. Ye Qianyu Reply:
Hello! Tetanus is caused by the bacterium Clostridium tetani, which is found in soil and animal feces, and it invades the human body through broken skin. It can also be contracted after burns or animal bites. Since tetanus bacteria are anaerobic, the likelihood of infection from ...[Read More] Managing Minor Wound Care After a Car Accident: Tetanus Concerns
Managing Hypertension and Depression: Should I Continue Taking Medications?
Yianwen and Silecon are both being taken? Hello, I have hypertension and have been taking Epaned 80/5, but recently I have been diagnosed with depression and started taking Sertraline. My blood pressure in the morning drops to 95/58 with a pulse of 110. Should I continue taking E...
Dr. Liao Yaopan Reply:
Hello, based on your description, the most ideal approach is to return for a follow-up appointment with your original physician to assess whether any adjustments to your medication are necessary. Please continue to monitor your blood pressure for the physician's reference. O...[Read More] Managing Hypertension and Depression: Should I Continue Taking Medications?
Understanding Bruising After an Injury: When to Seek Medical Attention
Increased bruising? About ten days ago, I had a car accident and developed a bruise about the size of two palms below my left knee, which was initially located on my calf. In the past few days, I've noticed that bruises have started to appear below my ankle as well, and the ...
Dr. Ye Qianyu Reply:
Hello! For changes in symptoms after trauma, it is recommended that you visit an orthopedic clinic. As the bruising disperses, you may feel that the area is enlarging. If the color is turning to light brown or yellow and gradually fading, there is no need for concern. However, if...[Read More] Understanding Bruising After an Injury: When to Seek Medical Attention
How Long Can Rabies Virus Survive Outside the Body?
The survival time of the rabies virus outside the host? Hello, doctor. I would like to ask how long the rabies virus can survive at room temperature (such as 29 degrees Celsius) or in the air? Can the virus survive in water? Is it possible to wash away the virus with just water? ...
Dr. Lin Zhebin Reply:
Hello: 1. The rabies virus survives in air and water for only a few hours. 2. Rinsing with clean water can wash away the virus, but if the infection occurs through a wound, the virus may have already entered the body, making the effectiveness of rinsing less ideal. 3. Rabies is p...[Read More] How Long Can Rabies Virus Survive Outside the Body?
Understanding Cholesterol and Urine Test Results: A Guide for Underweight Patients
Questions about lipid profile and urine tests in health check-ups? I have been underweight for a long time. Recently, I underwent an employee health check, and my measurements were 171 cm and 45.7 kg (I lost about 3 kg in the past year due to orthodontic treatment). The health ch...
Dr. Hou Angting Reply:
Hello: If you want to gain weight without increasing cholesterol, you can increase your protein intake, reduce high-fat foods, and engage in moderate exercise. It is also recommended to regularly monitor your urine and liver function tests. Wishing you good health![Read More] Understanding Cholesterol and Urine Test Results: A Guide for Underweight Patients
Understanding the Connection Between Constipation, Urinary Issues, and Buttock Pain
Inquiring about the relationship between constipation, urgency of urination, frequency of urination, and perineal pain? Hello, doctor. I am 28 years old and have a habit of sitting for long periods. Recently, I visited a gastroenterologist due to constipation issues. After an abd...
Dr. Liao Yaopan Reply:
Hello, based on your description, it is recommended that you consult a gastroenterologist to assess your intestinal condition, or you may consider arranging a self-paid health check to clarify any abnormalities. For the persistent pain in your buttocks, you can seek a professiona...[Read More] Understanding the Connection Between Constipation, Urinary Issues, and Buttock Pain
Why Do I Feel Dizzy After Taking Fish Oil? Understanding Side Effects
Health supplements Doctor, why do I experience dizziness and a feeling of sinking whenever I take fish oil? I've switched brands three times and still have the same issue. Am I not suitable for fish oil, or can fish oil also have side effects?
Dr. Lin Zhebin Reply:
Hello: The components in "fish oil" are Omega-3 fatty acids, specifically EPA and DHA. The most common side effects are gastrointestinal discomfort and an increased risk of bleeding. The components in "cod liver oil" are vitamin A and vitamin D. The side effec...[Read More] Why Do I Feel Dizzy After Taking Fish Oil? Understanding Side Effects
Unexplained Weight Loss: When to Seek Medical Advice?
Weight loss The last time I measured my weight was around March or April of this year, and the result was 59 kilograms. Before that, I had maintained a weight of 56 kilograms for a full seven years. I was initially relieved that I finally started to gain weight, but today my weig...
Dr. Xiao Yongxun Reply:
Dear Mr. Hsu: 1. There are many reasons for weight loss; common diseases include hyperthyroidism, diabetes, cancer, depression, schizophrenia, anorexia nervosa, chronic peptic ulcers, inflammatory bowel disease, chronic pancreatitis, esophageal stricture, hepatitis, and cirrhosi...[Read More] Unexplained Weight Loss: When to Seek Medical Advice?