Is It Safe to Get the HPV Vaccine Second Dose Early?
Is there any issue with administering the second dose of the HPV vaccine earlier than scheduled? Hello, doctor. I received the first dose of the HPV nine-valent vaccine on June 2nd, and this morning I went to get the second dose. However, I realized that I administered it a whole...
Dr. Lin Zhebin Reply:
Hello: The vaccination schedule for the HPV nine-valent vaccine consists of three doses administered at 0 months, 2 months, and 6 months. Since you received your first dose on June 2, the second dose should be administered after August 2, and the third dose should be administered...[Read More] Is It Safe to Get the HPV Vaccine Second Dose Early?
Understanding Anal Discomfort: When to Seek Medical Advice
Anal issues I have been experiencing some constipation recently, and for the past few days, I've noticed that the skin at the junction of my buttocks is painful when pressed or touched, almost like it's chafed. What could this be? Do I need to see a doctor? Thank you.
Dr. Lin Zhebin Reply:
Hello: Your condition may be an acute anal fissure caused by constipation, primarily due to hard stools passing through the anus, which can injure the anal sphincter due to straining. Typically, conservative treatment is the main approach, and surgery is usually not required. It ...[Read More] Understanding Anal Discomfort: When to Seek Medical Advice
Does Crushing or Splitting Medications Affect Their Effectiveness?
Cutting or crushing medication? Hello doctor, I went to the hospital due to loss of appetite and nausea and received some medication. I would like to know if crushing or grinding these medications will affect their efficacy and absorption? The medications are Yao Kuai Zhi Fu Da N...
Dr. Lin Zhebin Reply:
Hello: The three medications you mentioned will not have their absorption affected by being crushed or powdered.[Read More] Does Crushing or Splitting Medications Affect Their Effectiveness?
Understanding Gastrointestinal Discomfort: Symptoms and Concerns
Gastrointestinal discomfort? Hello doctor, I have been experiencing the following symptoms for almost three weeks: 1. Nausea 2. Loss of appetite 3. Bloating 4. Indigestion with audible bowel sounds 5. Relief after belching 6. No vomiting or diarrhea 7. Stools appear dark but are ...
Dr. Liao Yaopan Reply:
Hello, based on your description, it is recommended that you seek assistance from a gastroenterologist for further evaluation. Please note that online consultations are not equivalent to in-person visits and cannot provide diagnoses or treatment recommendations. Changhua Hospital...[Read More] Understanding Gastrointestinal Discomfort: Symptoms and Concerns
Understanding Underarm Pain: When to Seek Medical Attention
Axillary pain Initially thought to be premenstrual symptoms, but due to intermittent pain lasting about a month, with pain in the right armpit, shoulder pain, back pain, and chest tightness (unable to sleep lying down). I have tried massage to relieve discomfort, but I experience...
Dr. Lin Zhebin Reply:
Hello: Your discomfort involves the armpit, shoulder, back, and chest. The organs to consider include the skin, muscles, tendons, ligaments, bones, breasts, lungs, and heart. Therefore, it is recommended that you first visit a family medicine physician for an initial examination....[Read More] Understanding Underarm Pain: When to Seek Medical Attention
Understanding Intermittent Abdominal Pain After BNT Vaccine: When to Seek Help
After receiving the COVID-19 vaccine Hello, I would like to ask what could be the reason for experiencing intermittent sharp pain in the left and right abdomen 20 hours after receiving the first dose of the BNT vaccine? Should I see a doctor?
Dr. Lin Zhebin Reply:
Hello: Abdominal cramps following the BNT vaccine are relatively uncommon, and most discomfort tends to occur after the second dose. It is speculated that this may be due to muscle soreness in the abdominal area caused by the vaccine. Typically, any discomfort associated with the...[Read More] Understanding Intermittent Abdominal Pain After BNT Vaccine: When to Seek Help
Which Medical Specialty Should You Consult After COVID-19 Symptoms?
Which specialty should I see? Hello Doctor, I contracted COVID-19 two months ago, experiencing symptoms such as cough, sore throat, body aches, loss of appetite, nausea, and difficulty breathing. I did not seek medical attention during that time. After recovering (with a negative...
Dr. Hou Angting Reply:
Hello: After being infected with COVID-19, some individuals may experience discomforting symptoms. It is recommended that you visit an otolaryngology clinic for further evaluation. Wishing you good health.[Read More] Which Medical Specialty Should You Consult After COVID-19 Symptoms?
Persistent Coughing: Understanding Causes and Seeking Relief
I don't know why I've been coughing for a long time? I have been coughing for over two weeks. It's manageable during the day, but at night, the coughing becomes severe, accompanied by a feeling of chest tightness. Occasionally, I produce a little phlegm, but it is ...
Dr. Hou Angting Reply:
Hello: Based on the situation you described, it is currently not possible to determine the cause. I recommend that you visit a pulmonology clinic for further evaluation of your condition. Thank you.[Read More] Persistent Coughing: Understanding Causes and Seeking Relief
Persistent Hand Numbness and Muscle Atrophy: Which Specialist to See?
Numbness in the hands during sleep + muscle atrophy? I have been experiencing numbness in both hands while sleeping for the past year. Three months ago, I visited a neurologist and underwent nerve conduction studies, which showed normal results. I also had a cervical X-ray, and t...
Dr. Lin Zhebin Reply:
Hello: Based on your description of numbness in both hands and muscle atrophy, and having ruled out cervical nerve compression, it is possible that you have carpal tunnel syndrome. If you consult a neurologist, they can arrange for relevant nerve and muscle tests to assist in the...[Read More] Persistent Hand Numbness and Muscle Atrophy: Which Specialist to See?
Understanding Stomach Discomfort: Is It Indigestion or Acid Issues?
Stomach discomfort, digestion? Hello Doctor, I've been experiencing some stomach discomfort lately. I had a snack two to three hours before bed yesterday, and around eleven o'clock I started feeling unwell. I took a nap and woke up around one, and my stomach has been gu...
Dr. Hou Angting Reply:
Hello: There are many causes of indigestion. It is recommended that you visit a gastroenterology or family medicine clinic for further evaluation. Wishing you good health.[Read More] Understanding Stomach Discomfort: Is It Indigestion or Acid Issues?
Dealing with Hand Numbness and Muscle Atrophy: A Comprehensive Guide
Numbness in the hands during sleep + muscle atrophy? I have been experiencing numbness in both hands while sleeping for the past year. Three months ago, I visited a neurologist and underwent nerve conduction studies, which showed normal results. I also had a cervical X-ray, and t...
Dr. Hou Angting Reply:
Hello: It is recommended that you seek further consultation with a physician and arrange for examinations. Wishing you good health.[Read More] Dealing with Hand Numbness and Muscle Atrophy: A Comprehensive Guide
Understanding Dizziness: Causes, Symptoms, and Home Remedies
Dizziness and lightheadedness? Hello Doctor: Last night around 9 PM, I suddenly felt a bit dizzy and lightheaded. When I lay down to rest, I found it more comfortable to lie on my left side; lying on my right side made me feel extremely dizzy. When I opened my eyes to look at the...
Dr. Lin Zhebin Reply:
Hello: Based on your description, you may be experiencing Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo (BPPV), which is usually caused by disturbances in the inner ear's balance organs (otoliths). It could also be related to head trauma, viral infections, or other inner ear disorder...[Read More] Understanding Dizziness: Causes, Symptoms, and Home Remedies
Understanding Monkeypox Transmission: Risks in Medical Settings
Transmission routes of monkeypox? Hello doctor, monkeypox is now starting to spread among humans. I would like to ask about the transmission routes. If I go to the hospital for an ultrasound examination, and I need to remove my shirt and lie on the bed for the examination, if the...
Dr. Lin Zhebin Reply:
Hello: Based on your description, it is indeed possible to contract an infection. If the skin lesions of a previously infected monkeypox patient have ruptured, the monkeypox virus would be released in large quantities, and any objects that come into contact with these lesions cou...[Read More] Understanding Monkeypox Transmission: Risks in Medical Settings
Understanding Chest Discomfort After Eating: Possible Causes and Solutions
Chest tightness after cooking or eating? Hello doctor, I went out for errands at 2:30 PM the day before yesterday and was exposed to the sun for about 20 minutes. I experienced chest tightness, but after drinking water and resting, it improved. I burped and felt better. Today at ...
Dr. Lin Zhebin Reply:
Hello: In addition to gastrointestinal issues (most commonly gastroesophageal reflux), your chest discomfort should also consider potential heart problems (such as angina) or lung issues (such as asthma). It is recommended that you first visit a family medicine physician for an i...[Read More] Understanding Chest Discomfort After Eating: Possible Causes and Solutions
Understanding Gastrointestinal Discomfort: Causes and Remedies
Gastrointestinal discomfort? Hello Doctor, I previously inquired about issues related to nausea, vomiting, and loss of appetite. My symptoms have persisted for about two weeks, but they have slightly improved in the past few days, although I still feel some mild discomfort. I wou...
Dr. Lin Zhebin Reply:
Hello: 1. Your discomfort may also be caused by stress; however, it is important to first rule out other organic issues, such as gastrointestinal problems, issues with other abdominal organs, or endocrine disorders, before considering stress or other non-organic factors. Additi...[Read More] Understanding Gastrointestinal Discomfort: Causes and Remedies
Can Fish Oil Supplement Interact with Blood Thinners?
Fish oil and anticoagulant medications? Hello Dr. Lin, I would like to ask for your advice. I am currently taking Berkapz, Kety, Sigmacor, and Lipitor after dinner, and half a tablet of CoQ10 after breakfast. As long as I space out my multivitamins, it should generally be fine, r...
Dr. Lin Zhebin Reply:
Hello: Regarding your interest in taking fish oil to lower triglycerides, there are two important considerations: 1. You are already using a lipid-lowering medication, which should have some effect on reducing triglycerides. If the effect is not satisfactory, you might consider s...[Read More] Can Fish Oil Supplement Interact with Blood Thinners?
Understanding Anemia: When to Seek Specialized Medical Advice
Health check-up issues / Anemia / Inquiry about specialties Hello, Doctor! I have been experiencing anemia since middle school. Sometimes, I feel a bit dizzy when I first get up, but I thought it was normal since I am a woman and lose a lot of blood during my monthly menstruation...
Dr. Lin Zhebin Reply:
Hello: Based on your age and the fact that you have heavier menstrual flow, along with the blood test results you provided, it is likely that you are experiencing iron deficiency anemia due to chronic blood loss from prolonged heavy menstruation. Here are two recommendations: 1. ...[Read More] Understanding Anemia: When to Seek Specialized Medical Advice
Understanding Unexplained Itching: Possible Causes and Solutions
Itching in the flesh? I have been waking up frequently in the morning due to itching, but I can't pinpoint the exact area that itches. Only when I pinch the skin deeply can I find some relief, but scratching the surface doesn't seem to help. What could be the issue?
Dr. Ye Qianyu Reply:
Hello! I recommend that you visit a dermatologist.[Read More] Understanding Unexplained Itching: Possible Causes and Solutions
Do Home Blood Pressure Monitors Need Calibration? Expert Insights
Blood pressure issues? Hello Doctor, I would like to inquire whether a home electronic blood pressure monitor (upper arm type) needs to be calibrated. I have not calibrated my blood pressure monitor since I bought it about 4 years ago, but each time I measure at the clinic, it te...
Dr. Lin Zhebin Reply:
Hello: If the blood pressure readings from your home monitor have been consistent over the past four years, there may not be a need to have it calibrated at a store. Additionally, if you tend to be a more anxious person, the higher blood pressure readings during your medical visi...[Read More] Do Home Blood Pressure Monitors Need Calibration? Expert Insights
Headaches After Diarrhea: Understanding Post-Digestive Discomfort
Headache persisting for several days after diarrhea? On Monday evening (6/20), after exercising, I drank iced soy milk and had xiaolongbao to replenish protein. At the time, I did not experience "brain freeze," but in the past, drinking iced beverages often led to diarr...
Dr. Hou Angting Reply:
Hello: I recommend that you visit the Family Medicine outpatient clinic for further evaluation. Wishing you good health.[Read More] Headaches After Diarrhea: Understanding Post-Digestive Discomfort