Persistent Upper Back Pain: When to Seek Further Medical Help?
Upper back pain for two months? I have been experiencing upper back pain for nearly two months, but it only hurts when I bend over or maintain poor sitting posture (such as carrying a heavy backpack for a long time or looking down for extended periods). The pain is located near t...
Dr. Cai Dongqi Reply:
Hello Kevin: An X-ray can only confirm that there are no fractures or compression in the bones. It is necessary to consult a neurologist to determine if there is any spinal instability or issues related to ligaments or muscle fiber pain.[Read More] Persistent Upper Back Pain: When to Seek Further Medical Help?
Understanding Your Health Check Results: Key Concerns and Next Steps
Health check-up issues Hello, Doctor! Recently, my company arranged a health check-up on July 11, 2022, and several issues were found: 1. Decreased neutrophil count (35.3) 2. Slightly increased lymphocyte count (53.6) 3. Elevated albumin to globulin ratio (2.5) 4. Urine ketone bo...
Dr. Xiao Yongxun Reply:
Dear Mr. Jason: 1. Please discuss your complete report with your primary care physician before making any decisions. 2. The "urine ketone reaction between presence and absence" is likely due to prolonged fasting, which causes the body to break down fat. It should retur...[Read More] Understanding Your Health Check Results: Key Concerns and Next Steps
Understanding Black Flashes Around the Eyes: Causes and Concerns
Flashing black around the eyes? I recently noticed that when I spend about an hour in an air-conditioned room at the library and then look down to use my phone, I experience a flickering darkness around my eyes, almost like a light turning off and on within less than a second, wh...
Dr. Lin Zhebin Reply:
Hello: Based on your description, it is suspected that there may be peripheral vision loss. Possible conditions include retinal diseases, glaucoma, or migraines. It is strongly recommended that you consult an ophthalmologist.[Read More] Understanding Black Flashes Around the Eyes: Causes and Concerns
Urgent: Best Tinnitus Treatment Doctors in Kaohsiung's Fengshan Area
Urgent! Looking for a tinnitus specialist in Kaohsiung, preferably in the Fengshan District or nearby areas? I have been experiencing tinnitus for a year, with fluctuations in intensity, and it seems to have become louder recently. I am in a lot of pain and cannot tolerate it. Th...
Dr. Xiao Yongxun Reply:
Dear Mr. S5698: 1. There are many causes of tinnitus, which can generally be divided into: a. Objective tinnitus: This can be further categorized into vascular or muscular disorders. Vascular tinnitus occurs due to narrowing of blood vessels or increased blood flow, leading ...[Read More] Urgent: Best Tinnitus Treatment Doctors in Kaohsiung's Fengshan Area
Understanding Cholesterol Changes: Is a 24-Point Increase Significant?
Cholesterol has increased by 24 over the past two years? Hello, I would like to ask about my total cholesterol levels. When I was 20 years old, my total cholesterol was 172, and two years later, it increased to 196. Although both values are within the normal range, does this incr...
Dr. Hou Angting Reply:
Hello: Cholesterol levels can be influenced by diet and exercise habits, and since your cholesterol is still within the normal range, you only need to monitor it regularly without excessive worry. Wishing you good health.[Read More] Understanding Cholesterol Changes: Is a 24-Point Increase Significant?
Is It Safe to Measure Blood Pressure After Blood Draw on the Same Arm?
Measure blood pressure on the same arm after drawing blood? Hello Doctor: I would like to ask about an incident that occurred today. After visiting the emergency department, I had blood drawn and a soft IV catheter placed in my left hand. After leaving the hospital, I applied pre...
Dr. Lin Zhebin Reply:
Hello: The bleeding and swelling of the wound on your left hand after measuring blood pressure is likely due to the blood vessel injury caused by the blood draw being further aggravated by the pressure from the blood pressure cuff, which caused it to rupture again. This should no...[Read More] Is It Safe to Measure Blood Pressure After Blood Draw on the Same Arm?
Feeling Dizzy and Nauseous While Standing: When to Seek Medical Help?
Sudden nausea and gradual loss of vision while standing for a long time? Hello, doctor. After dinner today, while waiting in line at the night market, I suddenly started feeling nauseous and even experienced a dry heave. Feeling very uncomfortable, I moved to a nearby open area t...
Dr. Lin Zhebin Reply:
Hello: Based on your description, your discomfort may be related to your heart and blood pressure. It is important to rule out whether temporary arrhythmia is causing low blood pressure, which could lead to symptoms such as dizziness, blurred vision, and nausea. I recommend that ...[Read More] Feeling Dizzy and Nauseous While Standing: When to Seek Medical Help?
Understanding Jaw Pain: When to Seek Medical Advice for Facial Issues
Facial issues Hello, Doctor: Since around July 17th (Sunday), I have noticed some swelling in the area of my right masseter muscle (the area near the bone) compared to the left side. It is tender to the touch, and if I lie on my right side while sleeping, it can be painful. Chewi...
Dr. Lin Zhebin Reply:
Hello: Your discomfort is likely caused by inflammation of the right temporomandibular joint. Treatment typically focuses on symptom management, which may include taking pain relievers and anti-inflammatory medications, as well as muscle relaxants to alleviate symptoms. Additiona...[Read More] Understanding Jaw Pain: When to Seek Medical Advice for Facial Issues
Do I Need Rabies Vaccination After Hitting a Bat While Biking?
Riding a motorcycle may have resulted in a collision with a bat? Hello, doctor. I collided with an unknown animal, suspected to be a bat, at 5 AM on July 16, 2022. I live in Hemei Township, Changhua County. Should I receive preventive rabies vaccination?
Dr. Cai Dongqi Reply:
Hello, Xiao-Jia: It's best to consult an infectious disease specialist for more clarity.[Read More] Do I Need Rabies Vaccination After Hitting a Bat While Biking?
Understanding Drug Interactions: Can You Combine Medications and Supplements?
Drug interactions Hello, Doctor: I would like to ask about my recent symptoms of migraine. I have been taking Cerebrolysin 5mg and Betahistine 24mg. However, before taking these two medications, I had a habit of consuming dietary supplements such as Vitamin C, Vitamin B, and Lute...
Dr. Liao Yaopan Reply:
Hello, your migraine should be prescribed by a physician. It is advisable to discuss with your treating physician any other medications or dietary supplements you are using, as this information is important for reference when writing prescriptions. The ingredients in dietary supp...[Read More] Understanding Drug Interactions: Can You Combine Medications and Supplements?
Managing High Blood Pressure: Essential Questions for Your Family Doctor
Blood pressure issues? Hello Doctor: My uncle is in his 50s, standing 176 cm tall and weighing around 60-70 kg. Today, he visited a family medicine clinic due to neck pain (which he feels is similar to a stiff neck). The doctor measured his blood pressure, which was over 170, nea...
Dr. Lin Zhebin Reply:
Hello: 1. Hypertension can be managed by a primary care physician, unless it affects the kidneys or heart, in which case referral to a nephrologist or cardiologist may be considered. Additionally, tests related to hypertension typically include blood tests, urinalysis, electrocar...[Read More] Managing High Blood Pressure: Essential Questions for Your Family Doctor
Alternatives to Colchicine for Gout in Patients with Favism
Favism & Gout Hello, due to having favism, I have experienced a gout attack in the past few days. I have a history of gout and have seen a rheumatologist who prescribed colchicine and pain relievers. However, I recently discovered that individuals with favism should not take ...
Dr. Hou Angting Reply:
Hello Zeze: I suggest you discuss gout medication with a rheumatologist. Wishing you good health.[Read More] Alternatives to Colchicine for Gout in Patients with Favism
Managing Infected Wounds: When to Seek Further Medical Attention
The wound has pus? Last Thursday, I was bitten by a dog and received a tetanus shot and antibiotics. Yesterday, Tuesday, there was still some red and yellow fluid oozing from the wound. I went to see a surgeon, who applied medication and prescribed a three-day course of antibioti...
Dr. Lin Zhebin Reply:
Hello: Your wound appears to have some necrotic tissue and pus in the center, with surrounding redness and swelling, which raises concerns about a possible infection. If the redness and swelling do not improve after completing three days of antibiotics and ointment, I recommend t...[Read More] Managing Infected Wounds: When to Seek Further Medical Attention
Cat Scratch Concerns: Do You Need Tetanus or Rabies Vaccines?
Cat scratch from a feral cat - rabies? Hello doctor, on July 12th, I was playing with a stray cat that someone was feeding on the roadside in Zuoying District, Kaohsiung. I accidentally got scratched by its claw, resulting in a cut about 1 centimeter long on my hand, similar to a...
Dr. Liao Yaopan Reply:
Hello, regarding the association between animal bites and rabies, please refer to the following article: https://www.tma.tw/EpidemicPre/index-Rabies001.asp. If you have any concerns, please seek medical evaluation from a physician. Online consultations are not equivalent to in-pe...[Read More] Cat Scratch Concerns: Do You Need Tetanus or Rabies Vaccines?
Understanding Persistent Low-Grade Fever After COVID-19 Recovery
Low-grade fever I tested positive for COVID-19 on July 9 and completed my isolation on July 16. However, I still have positive results on rapid tests, and my body temperature has consistently been elevated (ranging from 37 to 37.6°C), occasionally reaching 37.9°C. I consulted a d...
Dr. Li Zhenggang Reply:
We recommend that you discuss the above situation further with your telemedicine attending physician to determine if any additional treatment is necessary. Thank you, and wishing you good health![Read More] Understanding Persistent Low-Grade Fever After COVID-19 Recovery
Your Questions Answered: Concerns About the Second Dose of AZ Vaccine
Consultation regarding the AZ vaccine? Hello, doctor. I am considering getting the second dose of the AZ vaccine, but I have a few concerns that I would like your help with: 1. I received my first dose of the AZ vaccine in September of last year, which means it has been nearly 1...
Dr. Lin Zhebin Reply:
Hello: 1. If the interval between the two doses of the AZ vaccine exceeds the recommended time, it is usually not necessary to receive a booster dose. However, it is still advised to complete the vaccination as soon as possible to enhance and prolong immunity. Additionally, a s...[Read More] Your Questions Answered: Concerns About the Second Dose of AZ Vaccine
Persistent Arm Pain After Blood Draw: Causes and Solutions
Persistent pain in the arm after blood draw? Hello, I previously had blood drawn from the inner side of my elbow, and afterward, the area around the blood draw sometimes experiences a dull pain. Now, almost a year later, the frequency and intensity of the pain have increased, and...
Dr. Lin Zhebin Reply:
Hello: Based on your description, it is possible that the ulnar nerve on the inner side of your elbow is injured. It is recommended that you visit a neurologist or a rehabilitation specialist to better understand how to address this issue.[Read More] Persistent Arm Pain After Blood Draw: Causes and Solutions
Understanding Health Checkup Reports: When to Consult a Family Physician
Health check report issues Hello, doctor. I will be having my first health check-up next week. If I don't understand the health check report, should I make an appointment with a family medicine physician to help me interpret the report, or are there other options available? ...
Dr. Lin Zhebin Reply:
Hello: For any unclear aspects of the health check report, it is generally recommended to visit a family medicine clinic or to seek care from the relevant specialty department as indicated in the report.[Read More] Understanding Health Checkup Reports: When to Consult a Family Physician
Rabies Vaccine: Do You Need More Shots After Recent Animal Bite?
If you were bitten last month and received four doses of rabies vaccine, and then you were bitten again this month, you should still receive additional doses of the rabies vaccine. The post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP) protocol typically includes a series of vaccinations after a po...
Dr. Xiao Yongxun Reply:
Dear Ms. Yuan: 1. The risk of rabies in Taiwan is currently limited to wild animals in the central, southern, and eastern mountainous regions, primarily involving the badger as the main infected species, with a few cases involving the Formosan ferret-badger. The current regulati...[Read More] Rabies Vaccine: Do You Need More Shots After Recent Animal Bite?
Do You Need Rabies Vaccination After a Cat Scratch in Kaohsiung?
Rabies from cat scratches Hello doctor, I would like to ask if I get scratched by a stray cat while playing with it, and the cat shows no signs of rabies, with only a minor bleeding on the surface of the wound, do I need to receive rabies post-exposure prophylaxis in the urban ar...
Dr. Ye Qianyu Reply:
Hello! Please confirm that if bitten, one must immediately receive a vaccine and observe the biting animal for 10 days. If there are any concerns, please seek medical attention at a healthcare facility.[Read More] Do You Need Rabies Vaccination After a Cat Scratch in Kaohsiung?