Assessing the Risk of Vibrio Infections After Ocean Exposure
Is there a risk of infection from Vibrio species? Hello, doctor. I am a 17-year-old high school student. Today, I went to the beach in Kenting. I knew I had a mosquito bite on my foot that had broken the skin, so I avoided going into the water. However, I accidentally came into c...
Dr. Hou Angting reply Family Medicine
Hello: It is generally recommended to clean wounds with saline solution, apply an appropriate ointment, and monitor for any changes in the wound. If there are signs of redness, heat, swelling, or pain, or if the wound does not heal, it is advisable to seek medical evaluation. Wis...[Read More] Assessing the Risk of Vibrio Infections After Ocean Exposure
Is It Too Late to Measure Blood Pressure at 10 AM?
Regarding the timing of blood pressure measurement? Hello doctor, I recently experienced dizziness for unknown reasons and visited a family medicine clinic. The doctor advised me to measure my blood pressure every morning for two weeks. My wake-up time is around 10:00 or 10:30 AM...
Dr. Hou Angting reply Family Medicine
Hello: It is generally recommended to measure blood pressure half an hour after waking up and one hour before bedtime, while maintaining a relaxed state during the measurement. There are no strict regulations regarding the time of waking up. Wishing you good health.[Read More] Is It Too Late to Measure Blood Pressure at 10 AM?
Can You Take Cold Medicine After Receiving the BNT Vaccine?
Can I take cold medicine the day after receiving the BNT vaccine? Hello, doctor. Yesterday, before receiving the BNT vaccine, I experienced a dry throat, which I initially thought was due to spending too much time in an air-conditioned room. However, today I started experiencing ...
Dr. Hou Angting reply Family Medicine
Hello: After receiving the BNT vaccine, you can take over-the-counter cold medications to relieve symptoms. However, since COVID-19 can present similar symptoms, it is recommended that you use a rapid test kit before taking any medication. Wishing you good health.[Read More] Can You Take Cold Medicine After Receiving the BNT Vaccine?
Which Medical Specialty Should You Consult After COVID-19 Symptoms?
Which specialty should I see? Hello Doctor, I contracted COVID-19 two months ago, experiencing symptoms such as cough, sore throat, body aches, loss of appetite, nausea, and difficulty breathing. I did not seek medical attention during that time. After recovering (with a negative...
Dr. Hou Angting reply Family Medicine
Hello: After being infected with COVID-19, some individuals may experience discomforting symptoms. It is recommended that you visit an otolaryngology clinic for further evaluation. Wishing you good health.[Read More] Which Medical Specialty Should You Consult After COVID-19 Symptoms?
Persistent Coughing: Understanding Causes and Seeking Relief
I don't know why I've been coughing for a long time? I have been coughing for over two weeks. It's manageable during the day, but at night, the coughing becomes severe, accompanied by a feeling of chest tightness. Occasionally, I produce a little phlegm, but it is ...
Dr. Hou Angting reply Family Medicine
Hello: Based on the situation you described, it is currently not possible to determine the cause. I recommend that you visit a pulmonology clinic for further evaluation of your condition. Thank you.[Read More] Persistent Coughing: Understanding Causes and Seeking Relief
Understanding Stomach Discomfort: Is It Indigestion or Acid Issues?
Stomach discomfort, digestion? Hello Doctor, I've been experiencing some stomach discomfort lately. I had a snack two to three hours before bed yesterday, and around eleven o'clock I started feeling unwell. I took a nap and woke up around one, and my stomach has been gu...
Dr. Hou Angting reply Family Medicine
Hello: There are many causes of indigestion. It is recommended that you visit a gastroenterology or family medicine clinic for further evaluation. Wishing you good health.[Read More] Understanding Stomach Discomfort: Is It Indigestion or Acid Issues?
Dealing with Hand Numbness and Muscle Atrophy: A Comprehensive Guide
Numbness in the hands during sleep + muscle atrophy? I have been experiencing numbness in both hands while sleeping for the past year. Three months ago, I visited a neurologist and underwent nerve conduction studies, which showed normal results. I also had a cervical X-ray, and t...
Dr. Hou Angting reply Family Medicine
Hello: It is recommended that you seek further consultation with a physician and arrange for examinations. Wishing you good health.[Read More] Dealing with Hand Numbness and Muscle Atrophy: A Comprehensive Guide
Headaches After Diarrhea: Understanding Post-Digestive Discomfort
Headache persisting for several days after diarrhea? On Monday evening (6/20), after exercising, I drank iced soy milk and had xiaolongbao to replenish protein. At the time, I did not experience "brain freeze," but in the past, drinking iced beverages often led to diarr...
Dr. Hou Angting reply Family Medicine
Hello: I recommend that you visit the Family Medicine outpatient clinic for further evaluation. Wishing you good health.[Read More] Headaches After Diarrhea: Understanding Post-Digestive Discomfort
Dealing with Foamy Saliva: Causes and Solutions for Discomfort
If your saliva is foamy, what should you do? Hello, for the past two months, my saliva has been foamy and when I swallow, I feel like I'm swallowing air, which is very uncomfortable. I also have very small amounts of phlegm that is clear and saliva-like. Initially, I thought...
Dr. Hou Angting reply Family Medicine
Hello: I recommend that you visit an otolaryngology clinic for further evaluation. Wishing you good health.[Read More] Dealing with Foamy Saliva: Causes and Solutions for Discomfort
Understanding Joint and Nerve Issues: When to Seek Medical Help
Joint issues Hello Doctor, since the beginning of last month, I have been experiencing numbness in all fingers of my right hand except for the pinky. The numbness worsens while riding my motorcycle, making it difficult to control the throttle accurately. After resting for a week,...
Dr. Hou Angting reply Family Medicine
Hello: I recommend that you visit the Rheumatology and Immunology outpatient clinic for further evaluation. Wishing you good health.[Read More] Understanding Joint and Nerve Issues: When to Seek Medical Help
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 Family Medicine
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 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 Family Medicine
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
Understanding Blood Test Results: Do You Need Further Testing for Thalassemia?
Blood Test Consultation Hello Doctor, thank you for taking the time to answer my questions. I have mild mitral valve prolapse and my usual heart rate is around 100 beats per minute. I have been taking Concor 5mg for the past two years, but I stopped the medication last year. On t...
Dr. Hou Angting reply Family Medicine
Hello Karen: It is generally recommended to identify the underlying cause of anemia. You may consult with a physician at a family medicine clinic. Wishing you good health.[Read More] Understanding Blood Test Results: Do You Need Further Testing for Thalassemia?
Diabetes Management: Understanding Elevated Lab Values After Medication
Diabetes - After medication, the health check values increased in the red? Hello Doctor, I was diagnosed with diabetes on January 5th this year. Here are some key values for your reference: (January 5 report) HbA1c: 11.2% Fasting Glucose: 223 mg/dL Cholesterol: 209 mg/dL Total Bi...
Dr. Hou Angting reply Family Medicine
Hello Ms. Liao: It is recommended that you consult with a physician in the Family Medicine department for further advice and to arrange for examinations. Wishing you good health.[Read More] Diabetes Management: Understanding Elevated Lab Values After Medication
High Glycated Hemoglobin with Normal Blood Sugar: Is It Prediabetes?
Is a high level of glycosylated hemoglobin (HbA1c) with normal blood glucose levels indicative of prediabetes? I have been taking antihypertensive and lipid-lowering medications for many years, and I have blood tests every three months. In January, the abnormal results included t...
Dr. Hou Angting reply Family Medicine
Hello, dear mother: A glycated hemoglobin level between 5.8 and 6.4 can be classified as prediabetes. Please continue to maintain a healthy diet and engage in moderate exercise, and make sure to have regular follow-ups at the outpatient clinic. Additionally, the presence of abnor...[Read More] High Glycated Hemoglobin with Normal Blood Sugar: Is It Prediabetes?
Understanding Drug Interactions and Choosing the Right Specialist
Drug interactions and consultations are typically handled by specialists in pharmacology, internal medicine, or clinical pharmacy? 1. After swallowing food yesterday, I have been experiencing a sharp pain in the middle right side of my chest when swallowing. Which specialty shoul...
Dr. Hou Angting reply Family Medicine
Hello, internet user: If you are experiencing difficulty swallowing, you can visit an otolaryngologist for an examination. If you have worsening chest pain, it is advisable to go to the emergency department promptly. For medication-related issues, I recommend discussing them with...[Read More] Understanding Drug Interactions and Choosing the Right Specialist
Should Stable Type 2 Diabetes Patients Transition from Medical Centers?
Regarding whether patients with stable type 2 diabetes still need to visit a medical center? Hello, Doctor. I apologize for bothering you. I would like to ask about my situation. I have had type 2 diabetes for over seven years. After discovering this issue during a health check, ...
Dr. Hou Angting reply Family Medicine
Hello, internet user: Currently, the treatment for diabetes in clinics in Taiwan has a comprehensive system. In addition to medication therapy, there are diabetes educators for follow-up, and regular blood tests and related medical referrals are arranged. It is recommended that y...[Read More] Should Stable Type 2 Diabetes Patients Transition from Medical Centers?
Understanding Low Cholesterol Levels in Adolescents: Causes and Treatment
Low cholesterol Dear Doctor: A first-grade male student has a blood test report showing a cholesterol level of 103 mg/dL, which is below the normal range of 130-200 mg/dL. What could be the reason for this? How should it be treated?
Dr. Hou Angting reply Family Medicine
Hello, internet user: Low cholesterol can generally be managed by adjusting your diet and monitored by a family physician. Wishing you good health.[Read More] Understanding Low Cholesterol Levels in Adolescents: Causes and Treatment
Assessing Health: Is It Physical or Psychological Anxiety?
Please have the physician evaluate? Hello, doctor. I am someone who is prone to anxiety, and recently I have been experiencing various physical issues. I feel that something is off with my body. In addition to gastroesophageal reflux, I often experience dry mouth (which does not ...
Dr. Hou Angting reply Family Medicine
Hello, internet user: I suggest you first visit a family medicine physician for further evaluation. Wishing you good health.[Read More] Assessing Health: Is It Physical or Psychological Anxiety?
Which Medical Specialty Should I Consult for My Symptoms?
Could you please specify your symptoms so I can advise you on which medical specialty to consult? A few days ago, a cold front came in, and I didn't pay attention to keeping warm while sleeping. When I woke up in the morning, I felt a heaviness in my head, my body felt slugg...
Dr. Hou Angting reply Family Medicine
Hello, online user: You can currently visit a family medicine physician for further evaluation. Wishing you good health.[Read More] Which Medical Specialty Should I Consult for My Symptoms?