How to Safely Visit the Hospital During H1N1 Concerns
Go to the hospital? Doctor, is the likelihood of contracting H1N1 high if I go to the hospital now? If I wear an N95 mask throughout and frequently use hand sanitizer, will that be sufficient to avoid it? Are there other methods to prevent it? Should I be worried about going?
Dr. Chen Mengkan reply Family Medicine
Hello: You can first call the hospital you plan to visit to check if they have established a flu-like illness clinic. For instance, public hospitals will typically isolate patients with fever or respiratory symptoms resembling flu to a designated clinic to prevent cross-infection...[Read More] How to Safely Visit the Hospital During H1N1 Concerns
Persistent Fever: When to Seek Immediate Medical Attention?
Fever I have had a continuous fever for two days, with a temperature of 37.3 degrees Celsius. I saw a doctor yesterday who prescribed antipyretics, and I took one dose yesterday and another today, but the fever persists. I also have cold symptoms and a cough. Do I need to see a d...
Dr. Chen Mengkan reply Family Medicine
Hello: Based on the symptoms you described, it is not possible to determine whether you need to visit a major hospital. However, I would recommend that you first consult with the physician you previously saw for an evaluation to check if there are any improvements in other clinic...[Read More] Persistent Fever: When to Seek Immediate Medical Attention?
Understanding Uncontrollable Body Tremors: Causes and Solutions
The body may tremble? Why does my body sometimes tremble involuntarily? My hands and feet also shake, even when I'm not nervous. It feels like my hands tremble continuously when I raise them or just hold something. Why does this happen?
Dr. Chen Mengkan reply Family Medicine
Hello: Based on the described symptoms, it is not possible to determine which system is affected. It is recommended that you first visit a family medicine or neurology clinic for differential diagnosis. Thank you, Chen Meng-Kan.[Read More] Understanding Uncontrollable Body Tremors: Causes and Solutions
Understanding Hepatitis B Vaccination and Abdominal Ultrasound: Your Questions Answered
Hepatitis B and abdominal ultrasound? Hello, doctor: I received the first dose of the hepatitis B vaccine two years ago, but I did not receive the subsequent two doses. Does being able to receive the vaccine indicate that my hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) is negative (meanin...
Dr. Chen Mengkan reply Family Medicine
Hello: "The blood donation center informed me that I am HBsAg positive," which indicates that I may be a carrier. For your reference: HBsAg positive means being a carrier of hepatitis B, suggesting that it can potentially be transmitted to others through blood or bodily...[Read More] Understanding Hepatitis B Vaccination and Abdominal Ultrasound: Your Questions Answered
Understanding Dizziness: Potential Causes and Concerns After Head Injury
Dizziness In the past two to three years, I have frequently experienced dizziness, cold sweats, and significant discomfort in my body, which usually takes about an hour to recover from. Could this indicate a problem with my brain? I had a car accident around the age of 17 where I...
Dr. Chen Mengkan reply Family Medicine
Hello: Based on your description, it may still be difficult to determine which organ is causing your issue. I would first recommend that you document the characteristics of your dizziness episodes (for example, whether you experience a spinning sensation or if your vision goes da...[Read More] Understanding Dizziness: Potential Causes and Concerns After Head Injury
Should You Reschedule Your UTI Follow-Up During Your Period?
excuse me? During the treatment for urethritis, if your follow-up appointment coincides with your menstrual period, should you attend the appointment as scheduled or wait until after your period? Is it necessary to undergo a urine test again to determine if the condition has heal...
Dr. Chen Mengkan reply Family Medicine
Hello: Urine tests during menstruation are often difficult to interpret due to contamination from menstrual blood. A compromise would be to consider testing after the menstrual period has ended, or to be particularly careful when collecting urine, aiming to direct the urine strea...[Read More] Should You Reschedule Your UTI Follow-Up During Your Period?
Does Continuing Intercourse After Ejaculation Increase STD Risk?
Ejaculation Hello doctor, I would like to ask if having intercourse with a condom throughout, but continuing to thrust after ejaculation without immediately withdrawing, could lead to the transmission of sexually transmitted infections? Thank you.
Dr. Chen Mengkan reply Family Medicine
Hello: The transmission of sexually transmitted infections (STIs) primarily occurs through direct contact with genital organs, as these organs consist of mucous membrane tissue, which allows viruses or bacteria to easily enter through this route. Furthermore, continuing sexual ac...[Read More] Does Continuing Intercourse After Ejaculation Increase STD Risk?
Understanding Your Health Check Report: Interpreting Varicella Antibody Results
Health Check Report Hello, I previously had a varicella antibody test at Hsinchu Hospital, and the report only listed the data without explaining the results. Could you please clarify if the following data indicates the presence of antibodies? Why is there an asterisk "*&quo...
Dr. Chen Mengkan reply Family Medicine
Hello: Your varicella antibodies should provide you with immunity, which may be due to a past infection or vaccination. As for the asterisk on the report, it is likely a printing issue from the computer program; you should rely on the test values. The "count" section re...[Read More] Understanding Your Health Check Report: Interpreting Varicella Antibody Results
Understanding Carpal Tunnel Syndrome: Diagnosis, Surgery, and Anatomy Insights
Carpal Tunnel Syndrome Sure! Here is the translation: I'm sorry! May I ask about carpal tunnel syndrome? (1) If no instrumental examination is used, how can we differentiate between hand numbness caused by cervical spine compression and hand numbness from wrist joint issues...
Dr. Chen Mengkan reply Family Medicine
Nerve conduction studies and electromyography are the standard diagnostic methods for carpal tunnel syndrome. If these tests are not utilized, differential diagnosis can only be made through physical examination. The numbness caused by cervical nerve root compression differs from...[Read More] Understanding Carpal Tunnel Syndrome: Diagnosis, Surgery, and Anatomy Insights
Unexplained Ankle Wounds and Recurring Lumps: Diagnosis and Treatment Options
Unidentified wound near the ankle? 1. In recent years, unexplained wounds have frequently appeared near the ankles. Initially, the skin becomes red, swollen, and warm, followed by the development of wounds that are painful and have a burning sensation. After scabbing, the skin tu...
Dr. Chen Mengkan reply Family Medicine
Hello Ms. Chang: The differential diagnosis for recurrent skin lesions is quite diverse. I would recommend that you first visit a dermatology department at a major hospital to assess whether a skin biopsy is necessary for diagnosis. As for your second question, I believe it would...[Read More] Unexplained Ankle Wounds and Recurring Lumps: Diagnosis and Treatment Options
Navigating Chronic Pain: Seeking Answers Beyond Traditional Medicine
White mouse Hello Dr. Chen, Four years ago, I experienced a sudden onset of severe back pain during the winter, which left me unable to get out of bed. Over the past four years, I have consulted various orthopedic specialists who have stated that there is no significant issue. ...
Dr. Chen Mengkan reply Family Medicine
Hello: Based on the symptoms you have described, it is still unclear what is causing your discomfort. I would recommend that you organize your symptoms, including the frequency of episodes, any aggravating or alleviating factors, and the location of associated pain. Then, consult...[Read More] Navigating Chronic Pain: Seeking Answers Beyond Traditional Medicine
Understanding Persistent Headaches: Causes and Solutions for Relief
Headache I have been experiencing headaches, dizziness, nausea, and red eyes, which sometimes become blurry, for almost a month. I have visited a clinic where I received injections and medication that alleviated my symptoms, but they return once I stop taking the medication. What...
Dr. Chen Mengkan reply Family Medicine
Hello: There are many potential causes of headaches. I would recommend that you visit the neurology department or family medicine department at a hospital for a differential diagnosis. Pain relievers generally only alleviate symptoms, and whether further examinations are necessar...[Read More] Understanding Persistent Headaches: Causes and Solutions for Relief
Facial Pain from Cheekbone to Temple: Which Specialist to See?
Pain radiating from the zygomatic bone to the temple? If you are experiencing pain from the right cheekbone extending to the temple that has lasted for about two weeks, with varying intensity, you should consider seeing a specialist in neurology or an ear, nose, and throat (ENT) ...
Dr. Chen Mengkan reply Family Medicine
Hello: Typically, these symptoms are caused by the inability of the muscles from the cheekbone to the temple to relax, which is likely associated with tension-type headaches. However, to confirm the diagnosis, further examination at a family medicine or neurology clinic is necess...[Read More] Facial Pain from Cheekbone to Temple: Which Specialist to See?
Understanding Hard Lumps on the Knee: When to Seek Medical Advice
There is a hard lump on the knee? Doctor, I have a hard lump about one centimeter in size on my left knee that doesn't hurt when I press on it. It seems to move a bit, and I'm unsure whether I should see a doctor. I'm also uncertain about which specialty to consult...
Dr. Chen Mengkan reply Family Medicine
Based on your description, the lesion is located in the subcutaneous area. Therefore, it is advisable to first consult a dermatologist, plastic surgeon, or general surgeon.[Read More] Understanding Hard Lumps on the Knee: When to Seek Medical Advice
Understanding High Triglycerides: How to Lower Your Levels Effectively
Blood draw A blood test shows that your triglyceride level is 175 mg/dL. Is this high? How can I lower it? Thank you.
Dr. Chen Mengkan reply Family Medicine
Hello: According to the current standards announced by the National Health Bureau for metabolic syndrome, a triglyceride level greater than 150 mg/dL indicates hyperlipidemia. If the level exceeds 500 mg/dL, immediate pharmacological intervention is required to prevent acute panc...[Read More] Understanding High Triglycerides: How to Lower Your Levels Effectively
Can Broken Mercury Thermometers Cause Toxic Exposure? Key Insights
Can a broken mercury thermometer cause mercury poisoning? Hello: 1. If a thermometer containing mercury accidentally falls and breaks, could it lead to inhalation mercury poisoning? (I used a broom to sweep up the mercury, but I'm concerned about inhaling mercury during th...
Dr. Chen Mengkan reply Family Medicine
Hello: In general, when dealing with a broken thermometer, you can use a syringe or a suction bulb to collect the mercury and place it in a sealed plastic container for disposal by environmental protection personnel. If the liquid mercury from the thermometer accidentally spills,...[Read More] Can Broken Mercury Thermometers Cause Toxic Exposure? Key Insights
Understanding Heel Pain: Causes and When to See a Doctor
Heel pain? In the past month, I've been experiencing a dull pain in my heels every morning upon waking up. Both feet are affected, but the left foot is particularly severe. I initially thought it would pass, but the situation has worsened. For the past couple of days, the pa...
Dr. Chen Mengkan reply Family Medicine
Hello: Usually, issues with the heel may be related to plantar fasciitis, which is often associated with hard shoe soles or prolonged standing. However, since your description of the condition is not very detailed, it is advisable to consult a familiar family medicine physician f...[Read More] Understanding Heel Pain: Causes and When to See a Doctor