Can You Skip Blood Tests During a Health Checkup?
Is it possible to have a health check-up without a blood test? Hello, doctor: Recently, due to company requirements, I need to undergo a labor health examination. However, I have a fear of needles and have been diagnosed with generalized anxiety disorder by a psychiatrist for the...
Dr. Lin Zhebin Reply:
Hello: This part depends on the examination requirements set by your company. If it is just a general occupational health check-up, it typically includes blood tests, urinalysis, stool tests, chest X-rays, and electrocardiograms (ECGs), all of which are non-invasive procedures. A...[Read More] Can You Skip Blood Tests During a Health Checkup?
How to Safely Disinfect Paper Items During the Pandemic?
Inquiries about disinfection matters? Hello, doctor. I would like to ask you about the current situation regarding the pandemic. If I have paper items like postcards or books that cannot be wiped down with alcohol, what is the best way to disinfect them? Should I just leave them ...
Dr. Xiao Yongxun Reply:
Dear Mr. Jianhe: 1. When COVID-19 first emerged, research reports indicated that this coronavirus could survive on various surfaces for different durations: 4 to 5 days on paper, 4 days on glass, 4 days on wood, 48 hours on steel, 8 hours on surgical gloves, 2 to 8 hours on alum...[Read More] How to Safely Disinfect Paper Items During the Pandemic?
Can I Take 800 IU of Vitamin D with Heart Issues and Low Blood Pressure?
The issue of vitamin pigs? I'm sorry, but I'm not sure if I can take it. I have moderate mitral valve insufficiency, as well as panic disorder, and my blood pressure is low, around 95/55. Can I take 800 IU of vitamin D per day? I've heard it can enhance immunity ag...
Dr. Lin Zhebin Reply:
Hello: Based on your age, the recommended dosage of vitamin D is 600 IU per day. In fact, a daily intake of up to 4000 IU is considered safe. With your current intake of 800 IU of vitamin D per day, theoretically, there should be no side effects. The primary concern with vitamin ...[Read More] Can I Take 800 IU of Vitamin D with Heart Issues and Low Blood Pressure?
Understanding Gastrointestinal Discomfort: Causes and Remedies
Gastrointestinal discomfort? Hello doctor, I've been feeling nauseous and have a loss of appetite lately, and it seems like I might have gastritis. I've taken some stomach medication over the past few days, which has provided some relief, but my appetite is still not th...
Dr. Lin Zhebin Reply:
Hello: Regarding your gastrointestinal discomfort, could it possibly be related to pregnancy? If you are certain that you are not pregnant, at your age, a typical case of gastroenteritis should improve within a few days. However, if the symptoms persist or worsen (such as abdomin...[Read More] Understanding Gastrointestinal Discomfort: Causes and Remedies
Post-COVID Symptoms: Understanding Fatigue and Elevated Temperature
COVID-19 Hello, doctor: I would like to ask, I was diagnosed on May 28, and it has been nearly a month since then. Recently, I have noticed that my body temperature is higher than before, but it does not exceed 38 degrees Celsius. I also feel more fatigued than I did before the d...
Dr. Lin Zhebin Reply:
Hello: Your elevated body temperature and fatigue are indeed likely to be sequelae of COVID-19. This condition may persist for several months or even up to a year. However, it is also important to consider that other illnesses could be causing your discomfort. I recommend maintai...[Read More] Post-COVID Symptoms: Understanding Fatigue and Elevated Temperature
Understanding Abnormal Blood Test Results: When to Seek Further Evaluation
Blood test issues? About two years ago, a medical examination revealed low white blood cell counts. However, in July of last year, all five types of white blood cells were normal. At that time, my family medicine doctor explained that some individuals naturally have lower white b...
Dr. Xiao Yongxun Reply:
Dear Ms. Lin: 1. Leukopenia refers to a decrease in the number of white blood cells in the blood; the most common form of leukopenia is neutropenia, while lymphopenia is less common. Common causes of leukopenia include aplastic anemia, megaloblastic anemia, autoimmune diseases,...[Read More] Understanding Abnormal Blood Test Results: When to Seek Further Evaluation
Understanding COVID-19 Symptoms and Negative Test Results: What to Do Next
COVID-19 Hello, doctor. I have a question to ask you. Currently, my parents, sister-in-law, and niece were diagnosed with COVID-19 seven days ago, and I live with them. About four days ago, I started experiencing symptoms, initially mild sneezing and a runny nose. The rapid test ...
Dr. Lin Zhebin Reply:
Hello: Based on your description, your likelihood of being infected is quite high. As for why both rapid tests came back negative, you may want to consider the following three possibilities: 1. Testing issues: Each test can be affected by variations in the sampling technique, whi...[Read More] Understanding COVID-19 Symptoms and Negative Test Results: What to Do Next
Understanding Left Jaw Swelling and Pain: Possible Causes and Solutions
Swelling and pain in the left mandible? Hello Doctor, I have noticed increasing swelling on the lower left side of my face (approximately near the molars) and it is painful. I saw a dentist and took pain relievers and anti-inflammatory medication, but there has been no improvemen...
Dr. Cai Dongqi Reply:
Hello: Do you have sinusitis? It is advisable to first consult an otolaryngologist for an examination, as there may also be a possibility of a dental abscess.[Read More] Understanding Left Jaw Swelling and Pain: Possible Causes and Solutions
Understanding Elevated Amylase Levels: Causes and Next Steps
Elevated amylase levels? Hello Dr. Lin, my younger brother recently received his health check-up report from work, and I have a few questions to ask you. He has a slight issue with being overweight (175 cm / 81 kg), with a BMI of 26.6, and an abdominal ultrasound showed mild to m...
Dr. Lin Zhebin Reply:
Hello: 1. There are many reasons that can cause an elevation in amylase levels, usually related to intra-abdominal organs. Regarding your concern about pancreatitis, it is actually more specific to check lipase levels. I recommend that your brother visit a gastroenterology depart...[Read More] Understanding Elevated Amylase Levels: Causes and Next Steps
Understanding Hand Bruises: Causes, Symptoms, and When to Seek Help
Bruising on the palm? My mother experienced sudden pain near her fingers on her palm while riding her bike yesterday. The pain improved later, but she noticed a purple bruise and swelling, although she mentioned she didn't hit anything. Currently, she feels pain when pressin...
Dr. Lin Zhebin Reply:
Hello: Your mother's bruising on her palm is more commonly associated with injuries to the ligaments, tendons, and muscles. Sometimes, this can be accompanied by small blood vessel rupture, leading to hematomas and bruising. However, it is also important to consider the poss...[Read More] Understanding Hand Bruises: Causes, Symptoms, and When to Seek Help
Concerns After Eating Expired Nuts: Taste Changes and Health Effects
After consuming a 450g can of spoiled black nut granola, I feel that my sense of taste is off and my body seems to be deteriorating? One day, I found a can of nuts that I had purchased a while ago (similar to commercially packaged powdered milk cans) and thought it should be fine...
Dr. Lin Zhebin Reply:
Hello: The main concern with accidentally consuming spoiled canned nuts is the risk of bacterial infection, which commonly presents with symptoms such as abdominal pain or diarrhea. However, since you do not have gastrointestinal discomfort and your symptoms of altered taste have...[Read More] Concerns After Eating Expired Nuts: Taste Changes and Health Effects
Understanding Fatigue: Is Exercise the Cause of Your Tiredness?
Fatigue issues Doctor, I have a question. I recently started exercising, but the next day I woke up with some soreness in my back, thighs, and calves. It's not painful, but I feel very fatigued overall and find it hard to concentrate on studying. Could this be related to the...
Dr. Xiao Yongxun Reply:
Dear Mr. S: 1. In fact, exercise itself can potentially cause injuries. For instance, individuals who do not have a regular exercise routine or have low physical activity levels may suddenly engage in intense exercise, which may not only prevent them from reaping the benefits bu...[Read More] Understanding Fatigue: Is Exercise the Cause of Your Tiredness?
Can COVID-19 Cause Bruise-Like Marks on the Chest?
Pneumonia issues I would like to ask about whether COVID-19 can cause marks on the chest that resemble those from gua sha. My boyfriend was diagnosed on Monday, and yesterday he noticed light marks on his chest that look similar to gua sha marks. They are not very prominent, but ...
Dr. Lin Zhebin Reply:
Hello: Skin manifestations are rare in COVID-19 infections; when they do occur, the most common presentations are rashes or erythema. Of course, the marks on your boyfriend's chest that resemble abrasions are also a possibility. It is advisable to monitor your boyfriend'...[Read More] Can COVID-19 Cause Bruise-Like Marks on the Chest?
Dealing with Foamy Saliva: Causes and Solutions for Discomfort
If your saliva is foamy, what should you do? Hello, for the past two months, my saliva has been foamy and when I swallow, I feel like I'm swallowing air, which is very uncomfortable. I also have very small amounts of phlegm that is clear and saliva-like. Initially, I thought...
Dr. Hou Angting Reply:
Hello: I recommend that you visit an otolaryngology clinic for further evaluation. Wishing you good health.[Read More] Dealing with Foamy Saliva: Causes and Solutions for Discomfort
How to Adjust Your Sleep Cycle When Waking Up at Night?
How to improve an irregular circadian rhythm? I wake up every day around 3:00 to 3:30 AM and feel the urge to use the bathroom. I initially thought that drinking less water at night would help avoid this, but even on nights when I drink less, I still wake up at the same time, alt...
Dr. Ye Qianyu Reply:
Hello! "The biological clock has its circadian rhythm. If you maintain a normal routine during the day, the chances of abnormalities at night are relatively low. However, if you disrupt its function during the day, such as taking a three-hour nap, the operation of the biolog...[Read More] How to Adjust Your Sleep Cycle When Waking Up at Night?
Understanding Elevated Eosinophils: What It Means for Your Health
Elevated eosinophils? Last month's health check report indicated that one of the white blood cell classifications, eosinophils, was elevated. The normal range is 0-8%, and my value was 8.1%. All other parameters were within normal limits. Should I be concerned about this? Is...
Dr. Chen Bozhang Reply:
Hello! It is recommended that you bring your health check-up report to the family medicine clinic for consultation and evaluation. Thank you.[Read More] Understanding Elevated Eosinophils: What It Means for Your Health
Understanding Left Chest Pain: Causes and Concerns for Women
Left chest tightness and pain? Hello, doctor! I've been experiencing left chest tightness and pain for the past two days. Sometimes the pain is closer to the nipple, but there is no pain on the right side. The tightness persists throughout the day. My menstrual period just e...
Dr. Xiao Yongxun Reply:
Dear Miss Hsiao-Yu, 1. When a clinician addresses the issue of chest pain, the first four critical conditions to rule out are myocardial infarction, pulmonary embolism, pneumothorax, and aortic dissection. If none of these conditions are present, the differential diagnosis shoul...[Read More] Understanding Left Chest Pain: Causes and Concerns for Women
Understanding Decreased Appetite and Weight Loss in Older Adults
Weight loss and decreased appetite? Hello, my mother has recently been feeling increasingly thin, although her weight hasn't decreased. We have noticed that her arm muscles feel soft, and her buttocks seem to have slimmed down. Additionally, she hasn't had much appetite...
Dr. Lin Zhebin Reply:
Hello: There are many reasons that can cause weight loss and loss of appetite, including endocrine disorders (such as diabetes and thyroid issues), gastrointestinal diseases, heart diseases, liver diseases, kidney diseases, cancer, infectious diseases, and side effects of medicat...[Read More] Understanding Decreased Appetite and Weight Loss in Older Adults
Understanding Olfactory Issues After COVID-19: When to Seek Help
Olfactory issues About three days after being diagnosed with COVID-19, I started experiencing severe nasal congestion and difficulty breathing. I initially thought that the nasal congestion was the reason I couldn't smell or taste anything. I could distinguish between sweet,...
Dr. Ye Qianyu Reply:
Hello! Due to the olfactory abnormalities caused by COVID-19, a small number of individuals may experience a slower recovery. If you have not yet recovered, it is recommended that you visit an otolaryngologist for evaluation.[Read More] Understanding Olfactory Issues After COVID-19: When to Seek Help
Understanding Numbness and Appetite Loss: When to Seek Medical Help
Numbness in the hands and feet, along with loss of appetite? A year ago, I experienced shortness of breath, chest tightness, and numbness in my hands, feet, and knees. I went to a family medicine clinic where I had a chest X-ray and heart rate monitoring. The doctor said there we...
Dr. Lin Zhebin Reply:
Hello: Since your discomfort includes symptoms of the upper respiratory tract and considering the current severity of the pandemic, it is recommended that you first conduct a rapid test to check for COVID-19. If the rapid test is negative and there are no significant findings fro...[Read More] Understanding Numbness and Appetite Loss: When to Seek Medical Help