Which Medical Specialty Should You Consult for Neck and Shoulder Pain?
Which specialty should I see for shoulder and neck issues? Hello Doctor: In my younger days, I often stayed up late using the computer with poor posture, which led to a frequent stabbing pain in the right side of my neck and shoulder. I didn't pay much attention to it at the...
Dr. Hou Angting reply Family Medicine
Hello: It is recommended to visit the neurology outpatient clinic.[Read More] Which Medical Specialty Should You Consult for Neck and Shoulder Pain?
Understanding Urinary Issues After a Fall in Elderly Patients
Grandfather has urinary issues after his fall? Hello doctor, my grandfather is 79 years old and has always been in good health. A few days ago, he fell and has been feeling unwell since then. Five days ago, he accidentally fell in the bathroom and has since experienced chest tigh...
Dr. Hou Angting reply Family Medicine
Hello Ms. Tseng: It is recommended that you visit the outpatient clinic for consultation.[Read More] Understanding Urinary Issues After a Fall in Elderly Patients
Understanding GFR of 78: Should You Be Concerned About Kidney Health?
Glomerular filtration rate (GFR) 78? Dear Dr. Hou, I recently received my company's health check report, which indicated that my glomerular filtration rate (GFR) is 78, creatinine level is 1.2, blood urea nitrogen (BUN) is 13.4, and uric acid is 4.9. I learned that at my ag...
Dr. Hou Angting reply Family Medicine
Hello, Chen Xiaoyan: The creatinine levels can vary based on age and body weight. According to the report you provided, your current kidney function is normal, and you only need to monitor it regularly.[Read More] Understanding GFR of 78: Should You Be Concerned About Kidney Health?
Unexplained Brain Symptoms: Seeking the Right Specialist for Relief
Abnormalities in the brain? Hello, since March, I have been feeling something shaking or jumping in my head from time to time, whether I am standing, lying down, or sitting. Sometimes, my body sways while standing, and I have become very unsteady while walking. My occipital regio...
Dr. Hou Angting reply Family Medicine
Hello, user. Based on your current symptoms, which have persisted for some time, and considering that some physical examinations cannot be communicated through this platform, it is recommended that you follow up with a neurologist and discuss your condition in detail with the phy...[Read More] Unexplained Brain Symptoms: Seeking the Right Specialist for Relief
Understanding Blood Test Results: When to Seek Further Medical Help
Blood disorders The blood test report shows white blood cells at 5.3, red blood cells at 4.47, hemoglobin at 11.7, hematocrit at 35, mean corpuscular volume at 78.3, mean corpuscular hemoglobin at 26.2, mean corpuscular hemoglobin concentration at 33.4, and platelets at 265. Seru...
Dr. Hou Angting reply Family Medicine
Hello, Xiao Dou. Thank you for your message. Generally speaking, if it is simply iron deficiency anemia, symptoms should gradually improve after iron supplementation. If symptoms do not improve, it is still recommended to consult a hematologist for further evaluation.[Read More] Understanding Blood Test Results: When to Seek Further Medical Help
Understanding Rising CEA Levels: Should You Worry About Cancer?
Health Check Report CEA Level Hello Dr. Hou, I have been undergoing self-paid health check-ups for the past four years, and the results of various tests have generally been normal. However, the tumor marker test for CEA has gradually increased over the years, with values of 1.38 ...
Dr. Hou Angting reply Family Medicine
LEA is a tumor marker generally used to assess the likelihood of cancer; however, its limitation is that a normal result cannot completely rule out the presence of cancer. In cases where multiple tests return normal values, the probability of cancer is typically low, and continue...[Read More] Understanding Rising CEA Levels: Should You Worry About Cancer?
Post-Exercise Dizziness: Understanding Vision Changes and Blood Pressure Fluctuations
Dizziness after exercise? Dear Dr. Hou, I have the following questions that I would like your assistance with: 1. I am a patient with approximately -1200 diopters of myopia and have recently noticed a decline in my vision. I have already visited an ophthalmologist, but the clin...
Dr. Hou Angting reply Family Medicine
Hello Ms. Chen: Blood pressure can fluctuate throughout the day, especially during exercise and periods of stress. Therefore, it is recommended to measure your blood pressure in a relaxed state during two specific times: in the morning and before bedtime. If your readings remain ...[Read More] Post-Exercise Dizziness: Understanding Vision Changes and Blood Pressure Fluctuations
Understanding Foot Pain: Causes and When to Seek Medical Help
Painful tingling in the toes? Hello Doctor: Recently, I've been experiencing some issues with my feet. There is a slight tingling sensation in my toes, and my calves feel swollen. Additionally, I occasionally have a feeling of poor blood circulation in my thighs, but these s...
Dr. Hou Angting reply Family Medicine
Hello Ms. Chen: Diabetes itself rarely progresses from normal blood sugar levels to the point where medication is needed to control blood sugar within two months, unless there are acute complications. If you have other symptoms of discomfort, you may visit a family medicine clini...[Read More] Understanding Foot Pain: Causes and When to Seek Medical Help
Understanding Right Leg Weakness in Seniors: When to Seek Medical Help
Weakness in the right leg? My mother is 79 years old and is a farmer. Last year, she had a fracture in her right calf, which has since healed after treatment. This year, she has been experiencing frequent lower back pain, which has been alleviated through massage. Recently, she s...
Dr. Hou Angting reply Family Medicine
If you suddenly experience weakness in your right leg and have difficulty walking straight, it is advisable to see a neurologist for further evaluation. If you notice any sensory abnormalities (such as insensitivity or heightened sensitivity to cold, heat, or pain) or if the weak...[Read More] Understanding Right Leg Weakness in Seniors: When to Seek Medical Help
How to Encourage a Reluctant Family Member to Seek Medical Help?
How to enforce medical treatment? Hello Doctor: I would like to ask a question. My brother has not worked at all since he was discharged from the military over ten years ago (he is physically healthy). Initially, our parents would constantly nag him, but he still refuses to work ...
Dr. Hou Angting reply Family Medicine
Dear user /1/35: It is evident that you are very concerned about your brother's current situation. For the sake of both you and your brother, it is advisable to have him undergo a comprehensive evaluation at a psychiatric outpatient clinic. The possibility of involuntary hos...[Read More] How to Encourage a Reluctant Family Member to Seek Medical Help?
Understanding Left Lower Back Pain: Causes and When to Seek Help
Left flank pain? Hello, my symptoms are as follows: I have left lower back pain that radiates from the side to the back. It feels similar to general back pain, but it is not constant; sometimes it occurs, and sometimes it does not. Occasionally, I also experience soreness in the ...
Dr. Hou Angting reply Family Medicine
There are many potential causes of left-sided lower back pain, ranging from superficial skin and muscle layers to internal organs. If we assess the pain as intermittent and occurring over the past two weeks, it is commonly due to muscle injury. However, pain from certain internal...[Read More] Understanding Left Lower Back Pain: Causes and When to Seek Help
Why Do I Sweat Excessively When Nervous? Understanding Hyperhidrosis
Do you experience sweating when you are nervous? Hello Doctor: I am someone who experiences excessive sweating when I get nervous. For example, (1) when I get a haircut, as soon as the stylist puts the cape on me, I start to feel anxious and begin to sweat from my scalp. I believ...
Dr. Hou Angting reply Family Medicine
Hello Edwin/0/35, regarding your symptoms, it is possible that they are caused by primary hyperhidrosis, which is related to sympathetic nervous system overactivity. However, since some endocrine disorders and infections can present with similar symptoms, it would be advisable to...[Read More] Why Do I Sweat Excessively When Nervous? Understanding Hyperhidrosis
Understanding Sudden Lip Twitches: Causes and When to Seek Help
Twitching or spasms of the lower lip? Hello doctor, in the past two days, I have experienced sudden twitching or spasms in my lower lip, both at night and just after waking up. Each episode lasts for about 3 to 4 twitches and then stops. I would like to know what might be causing...
Dr. Hou Angting reply Family Medicine
Hello, this muscle twitching symptom you are experiencing may be benign fasciculation syndrome. However, other neurological conditions such as upper motor neuron diseases, muscular dystrophy, and spinal cord injuries can also present in this manner during their early stages. If y...[Read More] Understanding Sudden Lip Twitches: Causes and When to Seek Help
Understanding High White Blood Cell Count in Health Check Reports
Health Check Report Hello, doctor: I would like to ask about my health check report. It shows that my white blood cell count is elevated, exceeding the normal range by over 5,000. Does this indicate that something is wrong with my body? Could you please provide a brief explanatio...
Dr. Hou Angting reply Family Medicine
The most common causes of elevated white blood cell counts are infections and inflammation. However, this phenomenon can also occur due to certain medications and hematological disorders. Additionally, elevated white blood cell counts may be observed in situations of significant ...[Read More] Understanding High White Blood Cell Count in Health Check Reports