Understanding Recurring Inflammation in Fingers and Toes: Causes and Solutions
The hands/feet or toes often experience redness and swelling? Hello, Doctor. I often experience unexplained inflammation and swelling, approximately once every 1 to 2 months, mostly occurring in the big toes of my hands and feet. Each time I visit a general clinic, I am prescribe...
Dr. Lin Mingxing reply Family Medicine
Dear Dr. Lin Ming-Hsing of the Family Medicine Department at Tainan Hospital, Executive Yuan Health Department: In general, the occurrence of gout is not directly proportional to uric acid levels. To determine whether your "similar gout" is indeed induced by uric acid,...[Read More] Understanding Recurring Inflammation in Fingers and Toes: Causes and Solutions
Struggling with Sleep: Tips for Better Rest and Relief from Discomfort
I have trouble sleeping every day? Hello Doctor: I often have trouble sleeping at night, tossing and turning, which makes me feel very uncomfortable. I find that sleeping on my stomach is somewhat better. However, after I wake up, I feel stiffness in my shoulders, and when I move...
Dr. Lin Mingxing reply Family Medicine
Dear Dr. Lin Ming-Hsing of the Family Medicine Department at Tainan Hospital, Department of Health, Executive Yuan: In response to your statement, "the shoulder stiffness" is likely a significant factor contributing to your physiological discomfort and may be a manifes...[Read More] Struggling with Sleep: Tips for Better Rest and Relief from Discomfort
Understanding Oily Stools: What It Means for Your Health
Oil drainage Hello Doctor: In the past three months, I have occasionally noticed an oily discharge when passing gas, and my stools sometimes have a greasy appearance, although it doesn't happen every time. I have a history of hyperlipidemia and fatty liver. I haven't ta...
Dr. Lin Mingxing reply Family Medicine
Dear Dr. Lin Ming-Hsing of the Family Medicine Department at Tainan Hospital, Department of Health, Executive Yuan: In response to your comments, it is advisable to consider the possibility of abnormal bile secretion, and the assessment of pancreatic secretion function should al...[Read More] Understanding Oily Stools: What It Means for Your Health
Understanding Mild Lower Back Pain: When to Seek Medical Advice
Mild lower back pain Hello Doctor, I have been experiencing slight pain in my left lower back for the past 2 to 3 months (it's just a mild sensation), but sometimes I don't feel it at all. The pain seems to originate from within my body, and I noticed it during a twisti...
Dr. Lin Mingxing reply Family Medicine
Dear Dr. Lin Ming-Hsing of the Family Medicine Department at Tainan Hospital, Executive Yuan Health Department: In response to your inquiry, the symptoms you described may be indicative of a deep muscle or ligament strain. Additionally, abnormalities in the urinary system should...[Read More] Understanding Mild Lower Back Pain: When to Seek Medical Advice
Understanding Painful, Disappearing Lumps: Causes and When to Seek Help
A painful lump that disappears? Sometimes my body suddenly develops a hard lump that is very painful to touch, but it disappears after about 5 to 6 days. Most of these lumps appear in the upper and lower abdomen, and I have also experienced them near the collarbone. I am unsure o...
Dr. Lin Mingxing reply Family Medicine
Dear Dr. Lin Ming-Hsing of the Family Medicine Department at Tainan Hospital, Executive Yuan Health Department: In response to your statement, if it is unrelated to tumors, it may be due to a skin allergy or an immune response. It would be advisable to consult a dermatologist fo...[Read More] Understanding Painful, Disappearing Lumps: Causes and When to Seek Help
Dizziness and Wrist Numbness: Understanding Your Symptoms and Next Steps
Dizziness and wrist numbness? I have been experiencing wrist numbness for a while now, and I initially thought it was due to excessive computer use. I previously consulted a doctor and underwent some tests, and the doctor prescribed vitamin B, which improved my condition. However...
Dr. Lin Mingxing reply Family Medicine
Dear Dr. Ming-Hsing Lin, Family Medicine Department, Tainan Hospital, Ministry of Health and Welfare: There are many causes of dizziness, such as anemia, low blood pressure (orthostatic hypotension), neck stiffness, and inner ear imbalance, among others. It is advisable to first...[Read More] Dizziness and Wrist Numbness: Understanding Your Symptoms and Next Steps
How to Address Low WBC Count: Causes and Solutions for Improvement
A low white blood cell (WBC) count of 3520 requires careful evaluation. Here are some steps to consider for management: 1. **Identify the Cause**: Determine the underlying reason for the low WBC count. This could include infections, bone marrow disorders, autoimmune diseases, or...
Dr. Lin Mingxing reply Family Medicine
Dear Dr. Lin Ming-Hsing, Department of Family Medicine, Tainan Hospital, Ministry of Health and Welfare: Regarding the low hematopoietic function associated with the consumption of gold supplements, there should be no health defects. As for the relationship with a vegetarian die...[Read More] How to Address Low WBC Count: Causes and Solutions for Improvement
Feeling Dizzy When Standing Up: Which Specialist to Consult?
excuse me? If you feel dizzy and unsteady after squatting and standing up, you should consult a specialist in neurology or a primary care physician. They can help evaluate your symptoms and determine the underlying cause.
Dr. Lin Mingxing reply Family Medicine
Dear Dr. Lin Ming-Hsing of the Family Medicine Department at Tainan Hospital, Executive Yuan Health Department: If the dizziness caused by changes in posture is only temporary, it is usually due to a transient dysregulation of the autonomic nervous system, leading to what is kno...[Read More] Feeling Dizzy When Standing Up: Which Specialist to Consult?
Unusual Skin Growths: When to See a Family Doctor or Dermatologist?
Abnormal growths on the skin? In recent years, I have noticed many small flat moles on my chest and arms, but I didn't pay much attention to them. However, in the past month, I suddenly discovered raised lesions along my hairline, under my armpits, and on my buttocks. They a...
Dr. Lin Mingxing reply Family Medicine
Dear Dr. Lin Ming-Hsing of the Family Medicine Department at Tainan Hospital, Executive Yuan Health Department: As you mentioned, the diagnosis may be flat warts. It is recommended that you visit a dermatologist for further management. Tainan Hospital cares about your health.[Read More] Unusual Skin Growths: When to See a Family Doctor or Dermatologist?
Managing Pain from Bone Spurs in the Lower Back: Beyond Painkillers
If you have developed bone spurs in your lower back and are experiencing frequent pain, what should you do? Is taking pain medication the only option? I was diagnosed with bone spurs in my lumbar spine in December 2004. Due to a busy work schedule, I have been unable to undergo r...
Dr. Lin Mingxing reply Family Medicine
Dear Dr. Lin Ming-Hsing, Director of the Department of Family Medicine at Tainan Hospital, Ministry of Health and Welfare: 1. There is still some doubt as to whether your discomfort is indeed caused by what is commonly referred to as "bone spurs." Given your age group,...[Read More] Managing Pain from Bone Spurs in the Lower Back: Beyond Painkillers
Understanding Iron Deficiency Anemia: Boosting MCV and Hemoglobin Levels
Iron deficiency anemia During my last physical examination at the military academy, I was disqualified due to low MCV and hemoglobin levels. My values were MCV 75.4 and hemoglobin 11.3. The guidelines state that MCV must be above 80 and hemoglobin must be at least 12. Previously,...
Dr. Lin Mingxing reply Family Medicine
Dear Dr. Lin Ming-Hsing, Director of the Family Medicine Department at Tainan Hospital, Executive Yuan Health Department: Maintaining a balanced diet, adhering to a regular lifestyle, and engaging in regular exercise may seem like common advice, but when followed to a significan...[Read More] Understanding Iron Deficiency Anemia: Boosting MCV and Hemoglobin Levels
Can You Get Naltrexone for Weight Loss at a Family Medicine Clinic?
Will the weight loss clinic prescribe Naltrexone? Hello! Doctor, I am 160 cm tall and weigh 78 kg. Will the weight loss clinic at Taichung Hospital prescribe me Nometine? Do I need to tell the doctor that I want to take Nometine? I previously purchased Nometine on my own and lost...
Dr. Lin Mingxing reply Family Medicine
Dear Dana, 1. Please directly inquire with Taichung Hospital's weight management clinic regarding the prescription of Nometine. 2. Nometine is an out-of-pocket expense at our hospital, and its use requires discussion with a physician. Wishing you good health and all the be...[Read More] Can You Get Naltrexone for Weight Loss at a Family Medicine Clinic?
Unexplained Bruising: Causes, Concerns, and When to See a Doctor
Frequent bruising? I recently noticed severe unexplained bruising all over my legs after waking up. It doesn't hurt when I press on it, and the bruises seem to be getting larger. Can you provide an explanation? Should I see a doctor? Which specialty should I consult?
Dr. Lin Mingxing reply Family Medicine
Dear Xiao T, This is Dr. Lin Ming-Hsing from the Family Medicine Department at Tainan Hospital, Department of Health. First, let's rule out any deficiency in platelet count. If necessary, it may be advisable to visit either the Hematology Department or the Family Medicine D...[Read More] Unexplained Bruising: Causes, Concerns, and When to See a Doctor
What Specialist Should You See for Your Baby's Ear Lump?
Which specialty should I see? The baby is 1 year and 1 month old. Last night, while sleeping, I suddenly noticed a small hard lump behind one ear. I initially thought it was a bone, but there is none on the other ear. This afternoon, the forehead accidentally bumped and has some ...
Dr. Lin Mingxing reply Family Medicine
Dear Dr. Tsai Yueh-Fu of the Family Medicine Department at Tainan Hospital, Executive Yuan Health Department, Hello. The small hard lump behind the baby's ear should be examined by a pediatrician. This will help determine if it is related to any trauma or other causes such ...[Read More] What Specialist Should You See for Your Baby's Ear Lump?
Understanding Sexual Health: Timing, Pain, and Myths in Relationships
Sexual issues I would like to ask, when is the best time to have intercourse (with internal ejaculation) to minimize the risk of pregnancy? Will it be very painful for a girl during her first time? What about for the boy? How can you tell if she is a virgin?
Dr. Lin Mingxing reply Family Medicine
Dear Director Lin Ming-Hsing of the Family Medicine Department at Tainan Hospital, Department of Health: (1) The fertile period is when pregnancy is possible, and the truly safe period is roughly only one week before and after menstruation. (2) Most individuals experience a co...[Read More] Understanding Sexual Health: Timing, Pain, and Myths in Relationships
Should You Get Blood Tested After a Minor Injury?
Should I get a blood test? Last month, I had my eyebrows shaped at a department store and bled a little. The sales assistant said the eyebrow razor was taken out that day and should be quite new, but I suspect it may not be completely new. Should I get a blood test to check for a...
Dr. Lin Mingxing reply Family Medicine
Dear Dr. Tsai Yue-Fu of the Family Medicine Department at Tainan Hospital, Ministry of Health and Welfare: 1. In the case of a cut from an eyebrow razor, if it is a new blade that has not been used, there should be no risk of infectious disease transmission as long as the wound ...[Read More] Should You Get Blood Tested After a Minor Injury?
Understanding Elevated CPK Levels: Causes, Treatment, and Dietary Advice
What is CPK? Hello Dr. Lin, I had a blood test at a private laboratory on March 23 of this year, and the results showed the following: 1. SPOT: 332, SGPT: 793, CPK (Creatine Phosphokinase): 336 (of which CPK-MM is 100, and both BB and MB are zero), 4. Cholesterol: 237, 5. Trigly...
Dr. Lin Mingxing reply Family Medicine
Dear Dr. Tsai Yueh-Fu of the Family Medicine Department at Tainan Hospital, Executive Yuan Health Department: 1. Elevated CPK levels are commonly seen in conditions such as polymyositis, myocardial infarction, muscular dystrophy, and cerebrovascular diseases. Regional hospitals ...[Read More] Understanding Elevated CPK Levels: Causes, Treatment, and Dietary Advice
Common Health Concerns: Back Pain and Lipoma Removal Questions
Please ask your health-related question? I have a few health issues I would like to ask the doctor about. 1. I have been experiencing lower back pain for several years. Recently, I noticed that when I sit and study, I easily become fatigued, and my posture tends to slide down, ...
Dr. Lin Mingxing reply Family Medicine
Dear Dr. Tsai Yue-Fu from the Family Medicine Department of Tainan Hospital, Department of Health, Executive Yuan: 1. Common causes of lower back pain include poor posture and sports injuries (including trauma). When seeking medical attention, a physical examination will be cond...[Read More] Common Health Concerns: Back Pain and Lipoma Removal Questions
Understanding Chest Pain During Breathing: Causes and Concerns
Sometimes breathing can be painful? Hello Doctor, I would like to ask you about something. Sometimes I experience pain while breathing, specifically in the area beneath my lower ribs in the chest or in my back. Recently, I've also felt pain radiating to my upper arms, which ...
Dr. Lin Mingxing reply Family Medicine
Dear Director Lin Ming-Hsing of the Family Medicine Department at Tainan Hospital, Ministry of Health and Welfare: Based on the symptoms described, it appears that the pain is of a neuromuscular nature. Additionally, cervical spine syndrome may be a primary cause. This condition...[Read More] Understanding Chest Pain During Breathing: Causes and Concerns
Understanding Left Upper Abdomen Pain: When to Seek Further Medical Evaluation
Pain under the left rib cage? Hello, Dr. Lin. Currently, I am experiencing sharp pain in the upper left abdomen, just below the left rib cage. I previously consulted a gastroenterologist and a family physician, and underwent X-rays, an endoscopy, and an ultrasound, all of which d...
Dr. Lin Mingxing reply Family Medicine
Dear Director Lin Ming-Hsing of the Family Medicine Department at Tainan Hospital, Ministry of Health and Welfare: Based on the clinical symptoms described above, along with your previous consultations with gastroenterologists and family medicine physicians, it is determined tha...[Read More] Understanding Left Upper Abdomen Pain: When to Seek Further Medical Evaluation