Understanding Sudden Arm and Armpit Pain Upon Waking Up
Upon waking up in the morning, I experienced pain in my left forearm, upper arm, and armpit? On Tuesday, I woke up to find that I had pain on the outer lower side of my left upper arm. The pain is triggered by lightly touching the surface of the skin, but I did not engage in any ...
Dr. Cai Dongqi Reply:
Hello: For pain due to muscle fiber injury, please consult a neurologist.[Read More] Understanding Sudden Arm and Armpit Pain Upon Waking Up
Understanding Umbilical Skin Issues: When to See a Dermatologist
Umbilical abrasion The umbilical area is broken, with surrounding skin redness. There is a small amount of blood when wiped with a cotton swab. There was pus the day before, but after disinfecting with hydrogen peroxide, there is no more pus, only blood stains. Should I see a der...
Dr. Lin Zhebin Reply:
Hello: Regarding the issue with the skin around your navel, the presence of redness and discharge may indicate cellulitis. The location of the navel is quite unique, and if not properly managed, it could lead to abdominal wall infection or even more serious infections. It is advi...[Read More] Understanding Umbilical Skin Issues: When to See a Dermatologist
The Health Risks of Low-Quality Paper Towels: What You Need to Know
The impact of low-quality toilet paper on health? Hello, doctor! My family usually uses paper towels, but the brand we recently bought has a strong chemical smell, even though it's the same brand we've used before. We've been using this batch for about a week, and ...
Dr. Cai Dongqi Reply:
Hello: You can make an appointment with the Ear, Nose, and Throat (ENT) department.[Read More] The Health Risks of Low-Quality Paper Towels: What You Need to Know
Understanding Zopiclone: Are Health Sleep and Lepec the Same?
Healthy Sleep and Lyrica Hello: The generic name for both Health Sleep and Lopic is Zopiclone. I would like to ask: 1. Since both have the same generic name, does this mean that Health Sleep and Lopic are exactly the same medication, or are there slight differences? 2. If there a...
Dr. Lin Zhebin Reply:
Hello: These two medications are the same because they have the same generic name, and their active ingredients are identical. Both are classified as sedative-hypnotics.[Read More] Understanding Zopiclone: Are Health Sleep and Lepec the Same?
Understanding Chest Pain with Right Shoulder Discomfort: Causes and Concerns
Chest pain accompanied by right shoulder pain? Hello, Doctor! This morning I noticed a feeling of pressure and pain in my right chest accompanied by shoulder pain. The pressure sensation started today, and I haven't experienced this before. Sometimes the shoulder pain is mor...
Dr. Xiao Yongxun Reply:
Dear Miss Hsiao: 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 should c...[Read More] Understanding Chest Pain with Right Shoulder Discomfort: Causes and Concerns
Understanding Drug Allergy Testing: A Guide for Patients in Taiwan
Drug allergy blood testing Hello Dr. Lin: As mentioned, a family member (31 years old) wants to undergo blood tests for drug allergy testing. He has previously experienced drug allergies after visiting a doctor for a cold and also had an allergic reaction to painkillers. Addition...
Dr. Lin Zhebin Reply:
Hello: Based on the information you provided, the medications that your family member may be allergic to include the following: 1. Cold medications: These may contain multiple ingredients, making it uncertain which specific component is causing the allergy. 2. Pain relievers: Thi...[Read More] Understanding Drug Allergy Testing: A Guide for Patients in Taiwan
Understanding Hepatitis B and COVID-19 Vaccination Options
Hepatitis B and Vaccination Hello, doctor. I remember that I had a health check during college and tested positive for Hepatitis B, but I'm not sure if that's accurate. Which clinic should I visit for testing? Also, if I do have Hepatitis B, can I receive the first dose...
Dr. Lin Zhebin Reply:
Hello: Hepatitis B can be diagnosed with a simple blood test. It is recommended that you schedule an appointment with a family medicine clinic for the examination. If you are diagnosed with Hepatitis B, it is important to have regular blood tests to monitor liver function and to ...[Read More] Understanding Hepatitis B and COVID-19 Vaccination Options
Understanding the Risks of Long-Term Use of Panadol: What You Need to Know
Tylenol medication issues? Hello: The instruction manual for Panadol Extra Strength tablets indicates that the medication should not be taken for more than 7 days. I would like to ask: 1. What harm could occur to the body if taken continuously for 14 days? 2. If taken continuousl...
Dr. Lin Zhebin Reply:
Hello: The ingredients of Panadol Extra Strength Tablets are as follows: 1. Acetaminophen: Its primary function is pain relief, with few side effects; however, overdose can cause liver damage. 2. Terpin: Its main function is to relieve cough and expel phlegm, with few side effect...[Read More] Understanding the Risks of Long-Term Use of Panadol: What You Need to Know
The Risks of Maggots to Human Health: What You Need to Know
The harm of maggots to the human body? Hello, doctor! As mentioned, I am currently a student and working part-time as a cleaner at school. Yesterday, when I lifted the lid of a trash can, a lot of small insects, likely fruit flies, flew out. I also discovered several maggots on t...
Dr. Ye Qianyu Reply:
Hello! The harm caused by maggots to the body primarily occurs when they burrow into the host's tissues and feed, resulting in severe damage to the host's body tissues. The infected areas typically produce foul-smelling secretions and may become ulcerated, leading to or...[Read More] The Risks of Maggots to Human Health: What You Need to Know
What to Do If You Accidentally Use Cold Sore Ointment for Hemorrhoids?
Medication consultation Hello, doctor. Today, I accidentally used herpes ointment instead of hemorrhoid cream on the affected area and inserted it into the area. What should I do? Will it cause harm to the affected area?
Dr. Liao Yaopan Reply:
Hello, if the amount is small, it may be convenient to perform a local gentle wipe or rinse. The expected probability of adverse reactions should be low, and then closely monitor the situation. Online consultations are not equivalent to in-person medical visits and cannot provide...[Read More] What to Do If You Accidentally Use Cold Sore Ointment for Hemorrhoids?
Why Drinking Yogurt May Increase Gas and Odor: A Medical Insight
Issues with flatulence after consuming yogurt? Hello Doctor: I sometimes notice that my flatulence has an unpleasant odor, and I thought it might be due to an overgrowth of harmful bacteria in my gut. Recently, I started drinking unsweetened yogurt daily to increase beneficial ba...
Dr. Lin Zhebin Reply:
Hello: Foul-smelling flatulence is often related to the foods consumed, such as a higher intake of red meats (like pork, beef, and lamb), strong-smelling foods (like garlic and onions), gas-producing foods (like legumes and sweet potatoes), and processed foods high in sugar. It i...[Read More] Why Drinking Yogurt May Increase Gas and Odor: A Medical Insight
Understanding Redness and Symptoms in the Calf After Vaccination
Regarding the redness observed in the calf area? Hello Doctor, since receiving the AZ vaccine last year, I have been constantly visiting doctors. Later, the doctors determined that I might have autonomic nervous system dysfunction. About a month after the vaccination, I noticed t...
Dr. Lin Zhebin Reply:
Hello: Regarding the discomfort in your calf, since thrombosis has been ruled out, I would personally consider the possibility of vasculitis. As for the condition you mentioned, Marshall-Smith syndrome, it is a rare disease caused by a congenital genetic mutation. In addition to ...[Read More] Understanding Redness and Symptoms in the Calf After Vaccination
Understanding Left Flank Pain: Causes and When to Seek Help
Left flank issue? In recent days, I have been experiencing sudden sharp pains in the area of my left flank, located between my chest and abdomen. During the pain, pressing on the area does not cause discomfort (it feels like I'm pressing on the bone). However, the pain may r...
Dr. Cai Dongqi Reply:
Hello: For lumbar spine or muscle injuries, you may first consult an orthopedic specialist.[Read More] Understanding Left Flank Pain: Causes and When to Seek Help
Understanding Blood Sugar Levels and Acanthosis Nigricans: Key Insights
Blood sugar issues Hello Dr. Hsiao, I am currently 26 years old, 176 cm tall, and I weighed 103 kg at my heaviest. I have now reduced my weight to 89 kg and am continuing to lose weight. My body fat percentage is 23% (down from 32% at my heaviest), and my visceral fat is 12 (down...
Dr. Xiao Yongxun Reply:
Dear Mr. Zhou: 1) Could this indicate prediabetes? Generally, a normal fasting plasma glucose level is less than 100 mg/dL. If it falls between 100 mg/dL and 126 mg/dL, it can be considered as prediabetes or impaired fasting glucose. Of course, if the postprandial glucose level ...[Read More] Understanding Blood Sugar Levels and Acanthosis Nigricans: Key Insights
Understanding Numbness and Pain in the Left Knee and Back
Numbness in the left knee? Last time, I experienced pain and numbness in my left leg while sleeping. However, yesterday when I got up to use the bathroom, I felt a tingling sensation in my left knee. After returning to bed, I noticed a tingling feeling in my lower back, along wit...
Dr. Lin Zhebin Reply:
Hello: Regarding your description, it may be necessary to consider spinal issues, with a common condition being a herniated disc. Your soreness and numbness could be symptoms of nerve compression. It is recommended that you seek medical evaluation to determine the cause.[Read More] Understanding Numbness and Pain in the Left Knee and Back
Understanding Head Heaviness: Causes and Solutions for Your Symptoms
Head heaviness? Hello, doctor. Recently, for the past 3-5 days, I have been experiencing a heavy feeling in my head, a poor appetite, and occasional muscle twitching in my legs. What should I do to address these issues?
Dr. Lin Zhebin Reply:
Hello: Regarding your discomfort, due to the severe COVID-19 pandemic, it is recommended that you take a rapid test for reassurance. If the rapid test is negative, you should consider other infections, electrolyte imbalances, or abnormalities in liver or kidney function. If your ...[Read More] Understanding Head Heaviness: Causes and Solutions for Your Symptoms
Unexplained Redness, Itching, and Bruising: When to See a Doctor?
Unexplained localized redness, swelling, itching, and petechiae? Hello Doctor: Recently, I have noticed a small area on the left side of my jaw extending to my neck, with red, raised bumps that resemble mosquito bites and are itchy. There are more than five or six of these bumps....
Dr. Lin Zhebin Reply:
Hello: Regarding the rash from your left lower jaw to your neck, I personally suspect it could be due to mosquito bites or folliculitis (acne). Additionally, concerning the small bruises on both of your arms, I suspect they might be superficial venous hemangiomas or moles. Howeve...[Read More] Unexplained Redness, Itching, and Bruising: When to See a Doctor?
Should You Get an X-Ray After a Cheekbone Injury?
Fracture of the zygomatic bone? Dr. Lin was at home a few days ago when his child accidentally bumped into his cheekbone. Currently, he has no discomfort, bruising, or swelling. Due to the rising pandemic situation, he is asking whether it is necessary to get an X-ray for confirm...
Dr. Lin Zhebin Reply:
Hello: Regarding the issue of your cheekbone being hit by a child, since you currently have no significant discomfort and there is no redness, swelling, or bruising observed, I personally believe that you can hold off on getting an X-ray for now. However, I recommend that you mon...[Read More] Should You Get an X-Ray After a Cheekbone Injury?
Understanding Left Leg Stiffness During Sleep: Causes and Solutions
During sleep, the left foot feels tight? Last night, while I was sleeping, I woke up in the middle of the night with discomfort in my left foot. My left foot was stiff and I couldn't bend it for some reason. I was sleeping on my side at the time, and I felt a bit of discomfo...
Dr. Lin Zhebin Reply:
Hello: Regarding the discomfort in your left foot, given your age, I personally believe that the likelihood of cardiovascular or neurological issues is low, unless you have an endocrine disorder (such as type 1 diabetes), an autoimmune disease (such as lupus), or if your left foo...[Read More] Understanding Left Leg Stiffness During Sleep: Causes and Solutions
Is Your Boyfriend's Weight Loss Normal? Understanding Healthy Changes
Weight issues Hello, doctor. My boyfriend (19 years old, 173 cm tall, weighing about 72 kg two months ago and now approximately 66 kg) has lost about 6 kg in the past two months without intentionally dieting. His sleep schedule has improved to going to bed around 11 PM and waking...
Dr. Chen Bozhang Reply:
Hello, Xuan: In your letter, you mentioned that your boyfriend has lost 6 kilograms in two months. Weight changes must be assessed by considering both total caloric intake (energy input) and activity level (energy expenditure). During these two months, his sleep duration decreas...[Read More] Is Your Boyfriend's Weight Loss Normal? Understanding Healthy Changes