Should You Finish Your Cold Medication? Understanding Antibiotic Use
Is it necessary to finish taking cold medicine? Hello, Doctor: I caught a cold yesterday, experiencing symptoms such as headache, dizziness, and runny nose. I visited a clinic and after taking a packet of cold medicine, my cold improved. However, I noticed that the prescription i...
Dr. Chen Zonglin reply Family Medicine
The common cold is mostly caused by viral infections. Since antibiotics cannot kill viruses, and most individuals with normal immune function tend to recover on their own, treatment primarily focuses on symptom management. Antibiotics are only considered if there is suspicion of ...[Read More] Should You Finish Your Cold Medication? Understanding Antibiotic Use
Essential Travel Vaccines for Southeast Asia: What You Need to Know
Travel Vaccine Consultation Hello Doctor, I would like to inquire about travel vaccines as I plan to travel independently to Southeast Asian countries for three months before the Lunar New Year: Thailand, Myanmar, Laos, and Malaysia. I would like to consult about the necessary t...
Dr. Chen Zonglin reply Family Medicine
For travelers, if you do not have antibodies, it is generally recommended to receive vaccinations. However, without knowing your age, medical history, vaccination history, and planned travel itinerary, it is difficult to provide specific recommendations. Generally, Japanese encep...[Read More] Essential Travel Vaccines for Southeast Asia: What You Need to Know
Understanding Cold Hands: Possible Health Issues and When to Seek Help
In winter, the palms are prone to turning white or blue? Doctor: Every winter, my mother tends to feel cold easily, and her palms often turn pale and even bluish. When I press her palms, there is no significant reddening! This has been happening for several years, but we haven&#x...
Dr. Chen Zonglin reply Family Medicine
Some peripheral vascular diseases may cause vasoconstriction and poor local circulation in colder temperatures. It is recommended that you take your mother to a cardiology outpatient clinic for evaluation.[Read More] Understanding Cold Hands: Possible Health Issues and When to Seek Help
Improving Anemia in Seniors: Tips for Better Health and Nutrition
How to improve anemia in the elderly? Hello, Doctor! My father is 74 years old and has been experiencing dizziness recently. He has undergone examinations in both neurology and otolaryngology, and no specific diseases were found. His blood test results indicate anemia. The troubl...
Dr. Chen Zonglin reply Family Medicine
You are the same person who asked on May 6th, right? I have already responded to that inquiry on May 6th.[Read More] Improving Anemia in Seniors: Tips for Better Health and Nutrition
Improving Anemia in Seniors: Tips for Better Appetite and Health
How to improve anemia in the elderly? Hello, Doctor! My father has been experiencing frequent dizziness, which has affected his mobility. After examinations by a neurologist and an otolaryngologist, no significant issues were found. However, blood tests later indicated that he ha...
Dr. Chen Zonglin reply Family Medicine
I'm not sure about the severity of your father's anemia. Alcohol consumption can affect the absorption of folate, which is one of the components necessary for the production of red blood cells. Therefore, to improve anemia, it is essential to at least stop drinking alco...[Read More] Improving Anemia in Seniors: Tips for Better Appetite and Health
Understanding Elevated White Blood Cell Counts in Elderly Patients
White blood cell count ranging from 16,000 to 40,000? My father-in-law has been hospitalized since May 5 due to fever, with a white blood cell count of 20,000. He has a urinary tract infection, aspiration pneumonia, and has suffered multiple strokes. After treatment, he was disch...
Dr. Chen Zonglin reply Family Medicine
I believe your father-in-law's attending physician has been very diligent in providing treatment. Although various tests have not revealed the cause, it is reasonable to seek a reassessment at another hospital. You may discuss this delicately with the chief physician. As for...[Read More] Understanding Elevated White Blood Cell Counts in Elderly Patients
How to Navigate Multiple Health Issues in Family Medicine
How to see a doctor when experiencing multiple health issues? Hello Dr. Chen: My mother has been complaining about various aches and pains for a long time. I once heard a noise from her room, and when I entered, I found her fainted on the floor, but she got up afterward without a...
Dr. Chen Zonglin reply Family Medicine
It seems that your mother has several issues that need to be addressed, and they can be quite complicated. Your mother has likely undergone numerous tests in the past, so I recommend that you gather all her test reports and take them with you when you visit a family medicine phys...[Read More] How to Navigate Multiple Health Issues in Family Medicine
Understanding Toe Pain: Is It a Bone or Nerve Issue?
Toe pain Hello Dr. Chen, it seems that I may have stubbed my right toe over a month ago. It doesn't hurt when I walk, but it does hurt when I bend it or apply pressure against the ground. Is this an issue with the bone or the nerves? I would appreciate your guidance on this....
Dr. Chen Zonglin reply Family Medicine
Based on the symptoms you described, if it were a bone or nerve issue, the pain would likely be persistent rather than occurring only with certain movements. Instead, it is possible that the ligaments controlling the bending or straightening of the joint may be injured. Since I a...[Read More] Understanding Toe Pain: Is It a Bone or Nerve Issue?