Shortness of Breath: Should You See a Cardiologist or Pulmonologist?
Shortness of breath? If you suddenly experience shortness of breath, should you see a cardiologist or a pulmonologist? Thank you.
Dr. Gao Qingyun reply Family Medicine
Dear Vivian: There are many causes of dyspnea and asthma, and the differential diagnoses vary with age and gender. It is recommended to consult a specialist in family medicine or pulmonology for evaluation. Wishing you safety and health. Sincerely, Dr. Gao Qingyun, Attending Phys...[Read More] Shortness of Breath: Should You See a Cardiologist or Pulmonologist?
Understanding Scalp Twitching: Causes, Symptoms, and When to Seek Help
Scalp twitching? Hello: Recently, I have been experiencing a sensation of my scalp twitching while walking, similar to the feeling of muscles in my scalp contracting. I would like to ask a few questions: 1. Does the scalp have muscles? 2. Does twitching of the scalp indicate any ...
Dr. Gao Qingyun reply Family Medicine
Dear George, Hello. The anatomical structure of the scalp includes the fascial layer, but the pulsation you are referring to is likely the pulsation of the scalp blood vessels. This can sometimes be felt during episodes of unstable blood pressure or specific types of headaches. ...[Read More] Understanding Scalp Twitching: Causes, Symptoms, and When to Seek Help
Concerns About Rabies After Encountering a Stray Dog in Taiwan
Questions about rabies? Hello, doctor. Today while I was out shopping, I was sitting on my scooter scrolling through my phone when I noticed a stray dog by my feet. I'm not sure if the dog touched my foot with its nose or mouth. I was wearing flip-flops at the time. When I g...
Dr. Gao Qingyun reply Family Medicine
Dear Xiao Xin, Hello, most cases of rabies occur after being bitten by a rabid animal, where the virus is transmitted through the infected saliva. Infection can also occur through contact with virus-containing tissues or saliva via wounds or mucous membranes. If there are no obv...[Read More] Concerns About Rabies After Encountering a Stray Dog in Taiwan
Can Eating Cat-Contaminated Food Transmit Rabies to Children?
Rabies transmission Hello, if a child accidentally ingests a cookie that a cat may have eaten, could they become infected if the cat has rabies? Thank you.
Dr. Gao Qingyun reply Family Medicine
Animal saliva becomes infectious only 10 days before the onset of illness. If the animal does not show symptoms, the infectious potential is very low. Additionally, whether an infection occurs depends on whether there are any wounds or cavities in the child's mouth. Overall,...[Read More] Can Eating Cat-Contaminated Food Transmit Rabies to Children?
Effective Ways to Slim Your Face: Tips for Weight Management
Weight issues Hello: I am 167 cm tall and weigh 65 kg. I feel that my face is quite chubby, which bothers me a lot. I would like to know if there are any ways to slim down my face.
Dr. Gao Qingyun reply Family Medicine
Dear [Name], Regarding the facial edema, it is essential to evaluate for any underlying systemic diseases. I recommend discussing this with a family medicine physician. Once systemic diseases are ruled out, you may consider weight loss. Wishing you peace and health. Sincerely...[Read More] Effective Ways to Slim Your Face: Tips for Weight Management
Swollen and Warm Upper Lip: Possible Causes and When to Seek Help
Swelling and heat in the upper lip? Hello Doctor: My upper lip has been feeling warm since yesterday, and this morning I noticed that it is red and swollen. I would like to ask what might be causing this reaction. I have had cold symptoms in the past few days and have taken medic...
Dr. Gao Qingyun reply Family Medicine
Dear Winnie, I recommend that you bring the medications you have been taking over the past two days back to your original physician for discussion. If you are unable to consult with your original physician, you may take these medications to a family medicine or dermatology phys...[Read More] Swollen and Warm Upper Lip: Possible Causes and When to Seek Help
Can Rabies Be Transmitted Through Dog Sneezes?
Rabies is not transmitted through respiratory droplets? Dear Dr. Gao, I have a question regarding a dog that was being transported by its owner on a motorcycle. As the motorcycle passed by me, the dog sneezed (the dog was standing on the back of the motorcycle seat, approximatel...
Dr. Gao Qingyun reply Family Medicine
Dear Sally, There is no need to worry excessively; the factors that determine the risk of infection depend on the outbreak area, the vaccination status of the dogs, and the transmission routes. It cannot be generalized, but your risk of infection should be quite low. If you stil...[Read More] Can Rabies Be Transmitted Through Dog Sneezes?
Are Blood Collection Vacuum Tubes Single-Use Only?
Vacutainer for blood collection Hello, doctor: Are the vacuum tubes used for blood draws in hospitals single-use only? I know that the needles are, but I'm not sure about the vacuum tubes. Today, when I had my blood drawn, I noticed something that looked like water stains on...
Dr. Gao Qingyun reply Family Medicine
Dear Min-Min, Hello, all the blood collection needles and blood collection tubes used in our hospital are single-use disposable items. The small amount of liquid you see in the purple-top tube is an anticoagulant, designed for subsequent blood cell testing, so there is no need f...[Read More] Are Blood Collection Vacuum Tubes Single-Use Only?
Effective Weight Loss Strategies: Insights from Family Medicine
Weight issues Hello: I am 167 cm tall and weigh 63 kg. I feel like I'm gaining weight no matter what I eat. I would like to know what options Western medicine offers to help with weight loss. Are weight loss clinics all out-of-pocket expenses? Will they be effective?
Dr. Gao Qingyun reply Family Medicine
Dear [Name], Hello! Currently, your body mass index (BMI) is 22.6, which is not classified as overweight. There is no need for weight loss; please maintain a balanced diet and engage in moderate exercise. Thank you! Wishing you peace and good health. Sincerely, Dr. Gao Qing...[Read More] Effective Weight Loss Strategies: Insights from Family Medicine
Understanding Tetanus: When to Get Vaccinated After an Injury
The issue of tetanus? Hello: My father was punctured in the finger by a rusty metal object last Saturday, resulting in bleeding. The wound is a small round dot, approximately 0.1 cm deep. I would like to ask: 1. Given the above situation, should he receive a tetanus shot? 2. Unde...
Dr. Gao Qingyun reply Family Medicine
Dear Peter, For adults who have not received a tetanus vaccination in the past ten years, all wounds that compromise skin integrity should be considered for early tetanus vaccination. However, your father's wound needs to be assessed in person to determine if a vaccination ...[Read More] Understanding Tetanus: When to Get Vaccinated After an Injury
Understanding Your Health Check: Interpreting Alcohol Levels in Test Results
Please ask your question? Hello, doctor: I would like to ask about the health examination report. The ethanol level is 49 mg/dL, with a reference value of 50, and hemolysis is 3+ (instrument: Alcohol). Can this report be interpreted as indicating the presence of alcohol, or is it...
Dr. Gao Qingyun reply Family Medicine
Dear Xiao Jun, Hello. In medical practice, it is advisable to attach the complete report when interpreting laboratory results. If there is a hemolyzed specimen, efforts should be made to resend the specimen whenever possible, or to discuss with laboratory professionals if necess...[Read More] Understanding Your Health Check: Interpreting Alcohol Levels in Test Results
Understanding Medical Test Results: Reference Values and Hemolysis Explained
Some questions? Hello, doctor: We often undergo various health check-ups. For example, if a report shows a value of 47 and the reference range is >50, what does this reference value mean? Does it mean that only values greater than 50 are considered abnormal? Also, I have G6PD ...
Dr. Gao Qingyun reply Family Medicine
Dear Zhengyi, Hello, the reference values refer to the average concentration of liver enzymes in the blood of healthy adults without disease, which is normal for 95% of the population. Values exceeding this range may indicate hepatitis or other causes of elevated enzyme levels. ...[Read More] Understanding Medical Test Results: Reference Values and Hemolysis Explained
Understanding Night Sweats: Causes, Concerns, and When to Seek Help
Night sweats issue? Doctor, I have a question. When I sleep at night, I suddenly sweat a lot from my forehead, and it stops as soon as I wipe it away. 1. Is this night sweats, or is it just regular sweating? (It feels a bit like the sweat that comes from having a cold.) 2. Do I n...
Dr. Gao Qingyun reply Family Medicine
Dear Mr. Chen, Hello, there are many causes of excessive sweating, including endocrine issues, medications, autonomic nervous system dysfunction, or fever. A proper diagnosis requires an in-person examination. I recommend that you visit the Family Medicine outpatient department ...[Read More] Understanding Night Sweats: Causes, Concerns, and When to Seek Help
Bruising After Blood Test: Is It Normal or Cause for Concern?
Four days after the blood test? I went to the hospital for a blood test on December 5th, and today, December 9th, I noticed an approximately 2 cm long bruise at the blood draw site. I also have small red spots on both arms and my neck, but they are not itchy. Could this be relate...
Dr. Gao Qingyun reply Family Medicine
Dear Dr. Gao Qingyun, Hello, the venipuncture site often experiences localized bruising due to insufficient pressure applied for hemostasis after blood draw. However, it is important to be cautious and consider whether this may be related to a hematological disorder. As for the ...[Read More] Bruising After Blood Test: Is It Normal or Cause for Concern?
Sudden Leg Weakness: Causes and Solutions for Family Medicine
Sudden weakness in the legs? In the morning, the legs are normal and move freely, but by afternoon or evening, they suddenly feel weak (without pain). What could be the issue with that part of the body and how can it be improved?
Dr. Gao Qingyun reply Family Medicine
Dear Calven: Hello, there are many potential causes for muscle weakness, including issues related to the nervous system, endocrine system, or electrolyte imbalances. A thorough medical history and physical examination are necessary to identify the underlying cause. I recommend th...[Read More] Sudden Leg Weakness: Causes and Solutions for Family Medicine
Understanding Indirect Contact with Dog Saliva: Risks and Concerns
Indirect contact with dog saliva? Dear Doctor Gao, Thank you for your response to my previous question. It has put my mind at ease! I would like to ask you again: 1. If I indirectly came into contact with an object contaminated with dog saliva (approximately 5 minutes later), a...
Dr. Gao Qingyun reply Family Medicine
Dear Mrs. Lin, Hello. Based on your description, the likelihood of you being infected is low. However, if you still have significant concerns about rabies, I recommend that you visit the infectious disease outpatient clinic at the hospital to discuss with a specialist. Thank you...[Read More] Understanding Indirect Contact with Dog Saliva: Risks and Concerns
Understanding Rabies Transmission Risks: Airborne Exposure Concerns
Rabies issues? Dear Doctor, I have been confused about the possibility of indirect transmission of rabies. If the rabies virus (from a dog's nose or lips) is exposed to the air for about 5 minutes, does it still retain its infectious capability? In other words, is there any...
Dr. Gao Qingyun reply Family Medicine
Dear Mrs. Lin: Rabies is an infection caused by an RNA virus. Generally, viruses need to be inside cells to survive and cannot survive for long in the air, so the chance of you being indirectly infected is very low. Please do not worry too much. Wishing you peace and health. Sinc...[Read More] Understanding Rabies Transmission Risks: Airborne Exposure Concerns
Understanding Body Temperature: Is Yours Normal or a Cause for Concern?
Questions about body temperature? Hello Dr. Gao, I would like to ask you about some concerns regarding body temperature: 1. My body temperature is mostly between 37.2°C and 37.6°C (measured by ear). Is this normal? Is it considered elevated? 2. I have read many articles online st...
Dr. Gao Qingyun reply Family Medicine
Dear Xiao Ke, Hello. When measuring ear temperature, a fever is defined as a temperature of 38 degrees Celsius or higher for children under two years old, 37.8 degrees Celsius or higher for children aged three to ten, and 37.6 degrees Celsius or higher for individuals aged eleve...[Read More] Understanding Body Temperature: Is Yours Normal or a Cause for Concern?
Understanding Mercury Poisoning from Eating Deep-Sea Fish
The issue of mercury poisoning? Hello: Recently, the Veterans General Hospital published a report indicating that frequent consumption of deep-sea fish may lead to mercury poisoning. I would like to ask: 1. What is the standard for "frequent consumption"? 2. Does taking...
Dr. Gao Qingyun reply Family Medicine
Dear Mark, Hello. In early November this year, Dr. Wu Ming-Ling from the Poison Control Center at Chang Gung Memorial Hospital raised concerns about heavy metal poisoning from deep-sea fish. The intention was to inform toxicologists about new diagnostic and treatment knowledge, ...[Read More] Understanding Mercury Poisoning from Eating Deep-Sea Fish
Rabies Risk After Cat Bite: Should You Get Vaccinated?
Rabies - Bite from a stray cat? Hello, Doctor. About two weeks ago, I discovered a feral kitten near my home. I attempted to move it outside, but while trying to catch it, I was scratched and bitten on my right middle finger, resulting in two wounds approximately 1.5 cm long. At ...
Dr. Gao Qingyun reply Family Medicine
Dear Mr. Lin, Hello, the rabies epidemic in the country has somewhat eased. Based on your description and the area you reside in, the likelihood of infection seems low. However, since there has been no further testing on the livestock (cats) you came into contact with, I cannot ...[Read More] Rabies Risk After Cat Bite: Should You Get Vaccinated?