Understanding Chronic Fatigue: When to Seek Medical Help
Fatigue and drowsiness? My mother has been feeling fatigued and wanting to sleep a lot lately. I'm not sure which department she should visit for an examination, or what diseases could cause these symptoms. She has a history of hyperthyroidism and gastroesophageal reflux dis...
Dr. Chen Bozhang Reply:
Hello, Zhen: In your letter, you mentioned that your mother has been experiencing persistent fatigue and a desire to sleep. There are many different potential conditions to consider, and it cannot be addressed with a simple explanation. I recommend taking your mother to a family ...[Read More] Understanding Chronic Fatigue: When to Seek Medical Help
Understanding Blood Pressure Readings: Key Questions Answered by Dr. Lin
Follow-up Inquiry #181218 Blood Pressure Consultation Dear Dr. Lin, Thank you very much for your response to my personal inquiry in the article “#181218 Blood Pressure Inquiry Consultation.” I have greatly benefited from your insights. I have a few more questions I would like to...
Dr. Lin Zhebin Reply:
Hello: 1. Because the cuff of a tunnel-type blood pressure monitor has a fixed aperture, unlike the adjustable cuffs of arm-type monitors that can accommodate different arm widths, if your arm is thicker than average or if you are wearing clothing, blood pressure detection can ...[Read More] Understanding Blood Pressure Readings: Key Questions Answered by Dr. Lin
Concerns About Accidental Ingestion of Battery Acid: What to Do?
Inquiry about suspected ingestion of battery acid? Hello doctor, a few days ago while watching TV and snacking, I accidentally discovered that the remote control had some battery leakage. I'm still worried that a little bit might have gotten into my food. I've heard tha...
Dr. Xiao Yongxun Reply:
Dear Mr. Bai, 1. Carbon-zinc batteries are the most common and inexpensive type of dry cell batteries. The positive electrode is composed of powdered manganese dioxide and carbon, while the negative electrode is zinc. The internal electrolyte typically used is zinc chloride, als...[Read More] Concerns About Accidental Ingestion of Battery Acid: What to Do?
Essential Medications for Mild COVID-19: What You Need to Know
Issues Related to Common Medications for COVID-19 Recently, news reports have frequently mentioned that the Pharmacy Association recommends the public prepare "six essential medications." If someone is diagnosed with mild symptoms, are these medications (antihistamines,...
Dr. Ye Qianyu Reply:
Hello! These medications can be used to relieve symptoms. It is recommended that you consult a professional when preparing medications to fully understand the dosage and administration. Use them only when symptoms occur.[Read More] Essential Medications for Mild COVID-19: What You Need to Know
Understanding Blood Pressure Readings: Home vs. Hospital Measurements
Blood pressure inquiry consultation? Dear Dr. Lin, Today, I accompanied my mother to a local hospital for a consultation. While waiting, I noticed that the hospital had a "tunnel-type" blood pressure monitor. I measured my blood pressure while wearing a coat, and the r...
Dr. Lin Zhebin Reply:
Hello: 1. The situation you experienced in the hospital while measuring blood pressure with a cuff-style sphygmomanometer may have been affected by wearing a coat, which can interfere with the inflation and deflation of the cuff as well as the detection of blood pressure. There...[Read More] Understanding Blood Pressure Readings: Home vs. Hospital Measurements
Differences Between Senda Pressure Control and Biken Coated Tablets
What is the difference between Sandoz pressure-controlled release and Bicon film-coated tablets? Hello, doctor. I have a problem with high blood pressure. I switched clinics and my previous clinic prescribed me Sandoz (Candesartan), while the new clinic prescribed me Bystolic (Ne...
Dr. Hou Angting Reply:
Hello, these two are both antihypertensive medications. The physician likely adjusted them based on your clinical changes. It is recommended that you consult with a pharmacist or the prescribing physician. Wishing you good health.[Read More] Differences Between Senda Pressure Control and Biken Coated Tablets
Understanding Body Tremors: When to Seek Medical Advice
Body tremors Hello, doctor. In recent days, I have been able to clearly feel my body swaying while sitting. Although the movement is not very large, whether I am sitting or leaning, it feels like an earthquake, and later I realized that there was no earthquake. I don't know ...
Dr. Liao Yaopan Reply:
Hello, it is recommended to first consult a neurologist for evaluation. Online consultations are not equivalent to in-person visits and cannot provide a diagnosis or treatment recommendations. Changhua Hospital cares about you.[Read More] Understanding Body Tremors: When to Seek Medical Advice
Accidentally Swallowed Live Ants: Should You Worry About Parasites?
Accidentally swallowing live ants is unlikely to cause a parasitic infection. Generally, ants do not carry parasites that can infect humans. There is no need to take antiparasitic medication in this case. However, if you experience any unusual symptoms or discomfort, it is advisa...
Dr. Lin Zhebin Reply:
Hello: The little ants you accidentally ingested should be killed by stomach acid, so usually no medication is needed. However, if you are concerned, you can monitor for any abdominal pain, vomiting, or diarrhea over the next few days. If you experience any of these symptoms, you...[Read More] Accidentally Swallowed Live Ants: Should You Worry About Parasites?
Understanding Blood Pressure Changes: Are You at Risk for Hypertension?
Blood pressure readings Hello Dr. Yeh, I have been measuring my blood pressure for the past six years, and it has been around 102/68 (I only measure it twice a year). Recently, in the past month, my readings have been approximately 129/68 and 123/78. Is this considered prehyperte...
Dr. Ye Qianyu Reply:
Hello! Based on your blood pressure readings, you are classified as having prehypertension. It is recommended that you manage your diet and exercise, and monitor your weight, blood sugar, and lipid levels for any abnormalities. If there are any issues, it is advisable to follow u...[Read More] Understanding Blood Pressure Changes: Are You at Risk for Hypertension?
Is My Blood Pressure Rising? Understanding Prehypertension Risks
Blood pressure issues Hello doctor, I would like to ask about my blood pressure. For the past six years, I have measured it approximately twice a year, and it has been around 102/68. Recently, in the last month, my readings have been around 129/68 and 123/78. Is this considered p...
Dr. Lin Zhebin Reply:
Hello: By definition, a systolic blood pressure of 120-139 or a diastolic blood pressure of 80-89 is classified as prehypertension. Therefore, the blood pressure values you provided meet the criteria for a diagnosis of prehypertension. Additionally, it is important to consider yo...[Read More] Is My Blood Pressure Rising? Understanding Prehypertension Risks
Understanding Persistent Chest Pain: Causes and When to Seek Help
Pain in the center of the chest? Hello doctor, I started experiencing mild pain in the center of my chest around early March. At first, I didn't pay much attention to it since it didn't affect my daily life. Sometimes, I also felt pain in the upper left side of my chest...
Dr. Lin Zhebin Reply:
Hello: Regarding your chest pain and cough, I personally believe it may be caused by gastroesophageal reflux. I recommend that you seek medical attention and take medications to suppress stomach acid. If you wish to undergo further examination, an endoscopy can also be performed.[Read More] Understanding Persistent Chest Pain: Causes and When to Seek Help
Understanding Low-Grade Fever: Causes and Concerns in Family Medicine
Temperature issues Hello Doctor: My condition started on the 7th of this month, when I felt a sensation of body heat for about four days (I didn't take my temperature, as I have experienced this occasionally before, and it has never been a real fever; just a warm neck, along...
Dr. Xiao Yongxun Reply:
Dear Ms. Amy: 1. Humans possess physiological mechanisms to regulate and maintain core body temperature. When there is a need to release excess heat, the body cools down by increasing blood circulation to the skin and sweating. Conversely, to conserve internal heat, the body red...[Read More] Understanding Low-Grade Fever: Causes and Concerns in Family Medicine
Understanding Left Chest and Rib Pain: Causes and Solutions for Office Workers
Pain in the left sternum and lower edge? Hello Doctor, I am an office worker who has a sedentary lifestyle and lacks exercise. About a month ago, I started experiencing pain in my left back, left sternum (slightly to the left of the nipple line), left armpit, and the rib area ben...
Dr. Lin Zhebin Reply:
Hello: Regarding your pain issue, the general area is located in the left chest and underarm. The potential causes could range from skin, muscle ligaments, breast, ribs, pleura, lungs, or heart problems. Based on your medical evaluation, it is likely that you have a breast fibroc...[Read More] Understanding Left Chest and Rib Pain: Causes and Solutions for Office Workers
Understanding Chronic Hypoxia: Symptoms, Causes, and When to Seek Help
Definition of chronic hypoxia and its effects on the body? I am not sure if my condition qualifies as chronic hypoxia. I often forget to breathe (or breathe too shallowly and infrequently), and occasionally I feel a tingling sensation in my lips, which seems similar to the effect...
Dr. Lin Zhebin Reply:
Hello: An objective method for assessing hypoxia is through the use of a pulse oximeter and arterial blood gas analysis. Generally, a normal blood oxygen saturation level for healthy individuals should be above 95%. Additionally, common symptoms of hypoxia primarily include short...[Read More] Understanding Chronic Hypoxia: Symptoms, Causes, and When to Seek Help
Medication Consultation for Glaucoma Patients During the Pandemic
Medication consultation Due to the pandemic, I went to buy Litanping Enhanced Tablets and Xinle Le Aisi Coated Tablets today. I have a problem with glaucoma. Can I take both of these medications, or is there one that I should avoid? Additionally, if I feel unwell after getting va...
Dr. Lin Zhebin Reply:
Hello: The active ingredients in Li-Ting Pain Relief Tablets are Acetaminophen and Caffeine, primarily used for fever reduction and pain relief. The active ingredients in Xinle Le Aisi Coated Tablets include Acetaminophen, Chlorpheniramine Maleate, Pentoxyverine Citrate, Potassiu...[Read More] Medication Consultation for Glaucoma Patients During the Pandemic
Navigating COVID-19 Vaccination: Concerns About Doses and Future Implications
COVID-19 vaccine Hello, Doctor. Currently, the pandemic is severe. Some say that most of the viruses are mild, while the government is very proactive in encouraging the public to get vaccinated, even deciding to move towards administering a fourth dose... I would like to ask, mos...
Dr. Xiao Yongxun Reply:
Dear Sir/Madam: 1. The current recommendation from the epidemic command center to administer three doses of the COVID-19 vaccine is based on research reports from domestic and international experts and the consensus of top medical and public health professionals in the country....[Read More] Navigating COVID-19 Vaccination: Concerns About Doses and Future Implications
Understanding Shortness of Breath: Causes and Concerns
Shortness of breath, difficulty taking the next breath? Hello Doctor: I suddenly find it very difficult to take my next breath. At the end of each breath, I have to exert a lot of effort to inhale again. I would like to know what could be causing these symptoms. I recall having t...
Dr. Hou Angting Reply:
Hello, Shen Yu: I suggest you consult with a physician in the Family Medicine department for further advice and to arrange for examinations. Wishing you good health.[Read More] Understanding Shortness of Breath: Causes and Concerns
Post-Meal Diarrhea: Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment Insights
Postprandial diarrhea I have been experiencing diarrhea for over a week. Last week, I visited a doctor who prescribed me anti-diarrheal medication, and there has been some improvement, with diarrhea occurring twice a day now. However, I still feel the urge to have a bowel movemen...
Dr. Lin Zhebin Reply:
Hello: Regarding your diarrhea issue, it is indeed important to consider the possibility of a concurrent infection, which is commonly viral or bacterial. If there is blood or mucus in the stool, it is more likely to be a bacterial infection, and I recommend seeking medical attent...[Read More] Post-Meal Diarrhea: Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment Insights
Understanding Persistent Low-Grade Fever: Causes and When to Seek Help
Low-grade fever issue Hello Doctor, I remember that about five or six years ago, I experienced episodes for a few months where I would feel warm and have headaches (my temperature was always between 36-37.5°C without fever). Since then, I have had similar experiences every year. ...
Dr. Liao Yaopan Reply:
Hello, with unexplained fever and elevated body temperature, the primary concern should be to rule out any potential infectious issues. If such concerns are excluded, differential diagnosis for autoimmune rheumatic diseases and even neoplastic conditions should be considered. Ple...[Read More] Understanding Persistent Low-Grade Fever: Causes and When to Seek Help
Understanding Blood Pressure Readings After a Sudden Trauma: A Medical Inquiry
The blood pressure reading of 197/58 indicates a condition known as isolated systolic hypertension, where the systolic pressure (the first number) is significantly elevated while the diastolic pressure (the second number) is within a normal range. This could be a sign of cardiova...
Dr. Lin Zhebin Reply:
Hello: Based on the blood pressure data you provided, there is indeed a situation of elevated blood pressure. However, blood pressure naturally fluctuates and can increase due to factors such as exercise, stress, anxiety, or physical discomfort. A single instance of elevated bloo...[Read More] Understanding Blood Pressure Readings After a Sudden Trauma: A Medical Inquiry