Understanding Persistent Dizziness: Causes and Solutions for Better Health
Persistent dizziness? Hello Dr. Lin, Since I moved in July, I have been experiencing a daily sensation of dizziness and a feeling of lightheadedness. It's not the spinning type of dizziness, but rather a feeling of pressure in my head and difficulty concentrating. Addition...
Dr. Lin Mingxing reply Family Medicine
Dear Leike, Regarding the persistent symptoms of dizziness and fatigue, one possible cause could be vestibular imbalance. Additionally, it is important to consider whether there is any fatigue accumulation or injury in the cervical spine and the muscle groups of the head, neck, ...[Read More] Understanding Persistent Dizziness: Causes and Solutions for Better Health
Understanding Autonomic Nervous System Dysregulation: Symptoms and Solutions
What is autonomic nervous system dysfunction? My mother has been seeing a cardiologist. Previously, she mentioned that her gums were swollen, her neck was sore, and she experienced irregular heartbeats. The doctor diagnosed her with atrial arrhythmia during her first visit, and a...
Dr. Lin Mingxing reply Family Medicine
Dear Sir/Madam, The term "autonomic nervous system" refers to the collective functions of the sympathetic and parasympathetic nervous systems. The stability and tranquility of life are governed by countless involuntary actions and functions that operate under the contr...[Read More] Understanding Autonomic Nervous System Dysregulation: Symptoms and Solutions
Understanding Facial Pain: Yawning and Sneezing After an Accident
Yawning and sneezing have caused discomfort from the cheeks to the temples? A few days ago, I had a car accident, but I didn't hit the area that hurts. My left cheek to the temple is painful, especially when I yawn or open my mouth wide, like when sneezing. I'm not sure...
Dr. Lin Mingxing reply Family Medicine
Dear Xiao Zhu, Based on the preliminary assessment of the symptoms mentioned, it is highly likely that your left temporomandibular joint may be injured (e.g., sprain). It would be advisable to minimize the use of your left molars for grinding hard foods in the near future, or yo...[Read More] Understanding Facial Pain: Yawning and Sneezing After an Accident
Understanding Nail and Joint Issues: Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment Options
Nail In recent years, I have experienced swelling and protrusion in several joints of my fingers. The swollen areas sometimes feel hard and at other times soft. The joint closest to the nails has become deformed and bent, especially noticeable since last year. My left middle fing...
Dr. Lin Mingxing reply Family Medicine
Dear Cynthia, As you mentioned, rheumatoid arthritis or osteoarthritis are both possibilities. Additionally, the acute localized joint condition may be complicated by an infection. Please seek evaluation from an orthopedic surgeon or a rheumatologist as soon as possible. Wishin...[Read More] Understanding Nail and Joint Issues: Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment Options
Nutritional Needs for Home Care: Ensuring Adequate Caloric Intake
Nutritional issues If your mother is bedridden and relies on a ventilator at home, the daily caloric intake from canned nutritional supplements should not be less than a certain amount, which typically ranges from 25 to 30 calories per kilogram of body weight, depending on her sp...
Dr. Lin Mingxing reply Family Medicine
Dear Ms. Jiang, This is Dr. Lin Ming-Hsing from the Department of Family Medicine at Tainan Hospital, Ministry of Health and Welfare. Basically, a daily caloric intake of 1,600 kilocalories serves as a baseline. To assess whether nutrition is adequate, we consider the followin...[Read More] Nutritional Needs for Home Care: Ensuring Adequate Caloric Intake
Understanding Itchy Skin: When to See a Doctor for Relief
Itchy skin? I have been experiencing itchy skin for the past two months. When I scratch, it turns red in patches, resembling mosquito bites that are round or swollen in larger areas. However, it subsides after a few minutes. Which specialist should I see for this issue? I feel th...
Dr. Lin Mingxing reply Family Medicine
Dear Yun, As you have indicated, this appears to be urticaria. You may consult either a dermatologist or a family medicine physician. Antihistamines can be prescribed to alleviate the symptoms. It is advisable to keep the skin dry and to avoid wearing wool or linen clothing. Add...[Read More] Understanding Itchy Skin: When to See a Doctor for Relief
Could My Leg Numbness Be Linked to Liver Issues or Varicocele?
My feet are numb; could this be related to liver issues or varicocele? Hello Dr. Lin, For about six months now, I have been experiencing a slight tingling and itching sensation in both of my legs. Since I have never experienced this before, I have been observing it and feeling ...
Dr. Lin Mingxing reply Family Medicine
Dear Dennis, This is Dr. Lin Ming-Hsing from the Family Medicine Department of Tainan Hospital, Ministry of Health and Welfare. Basically, your concerns are not related to your symptoms; it is more likely that you are experiencing 1. sensory nerve abnormalities or 2. compressi...[Read More] Could My Leg Numbness Be Linked to Liver Issues or Varicocele?
Understanding Skin Indentations: Causes and Concerns in Family Medicine
The skin is prone to indentations? Hello Doctor: Recently, I have noticed that my skin often leaves noticeable marks after being pressed by harder objects. For example, even a light press from a fingernail leaves a clear imprint that takes a while to fade. However, the skin does ...
Dr. Lin Mingxing reply Family Medicine
Dear JUNET, Dr. Lin Ming-Hsing, Director of the Family Medicine Department at Tainan Hospital, Department of Health, Executive Yuan, suggests that you may consider supplementing with vitamin C to enhance intercellular filling and skin elasticity. Wishing you good health and all...[Read More] Understanding Skin Indentations: Causes and Concerns in Family Medicine
Understanding Mysterious Heel Pain: Causes and When to Seek Help
Unexplained heel pain? Hello, Doctor. Thank you for taking the time to respond to my question despite your busy schedule. About two weeks ago, I started experiencing unexplained pain in my heels every morning when I get up. The pain persists while walking and only lessens after w...
Dr. Lin Mingxing reply Family Medicine
Dear Xiao Ying, This is Dr. Lin Ming-Hsing, the Director of the Family Medicine Department at Tainan Hospital, Department of Health, Executive Yuan. Essentially, inflammation of the fascia or periosteum in soft tissues is a primary consideration. Additionally, bone spurs or os...[Read More] Understanding Mysterious Heel Pain: Causes and When to Seek Help
Understanding Persistent Dizziness: When to Seek Medical Attention
Dizziness!!! Hello Dr. Lin: For the past 1 to 2 months, I have been experiencing dizziness. Initially, it would occur upon waking and last until the afternoon, but now it lasts all day. It's not the spinning type of dizziness; rather, it feels like a pressure in my head, sim...
Dr. Lin Mingxing reply Family Medicine
Dear Ah Han, This is Dr. Lin Ming-Hsing, the Director of the Family Medicine Department at Tainan Hospital, Ministry of Health and Welfare. To understand your condition, we should consider two main directions: 1. For the sequelae of otitis media, it is important to consult an...[Read More] Understanding Persistent Dizziness: When to Seek Medical Attention
Understanding Health Check Results: Common Concerns and Next Steps
Health check results Hello Doctor, I have some questions and would appreciate your guidance. Background: As part of the new student enrollment process, a health check is required. I had a health check at Tainan City Hospital last year, where my hemoglobin levels were low, but ...
Dr. Lin Mingxing reply Family Medicine
Dear Dr. Lin Ming-Hsing of the Family Medicine Department at Tainan Hospital, Health Department of the Executive Yuan: 1. Regarding the issue of protein in urine, it is advisable to avoid testing around your menstrual period and to refrain from taking fish oil. Please consider r...[Read More] Understanding Health Check Results: Common Concerns and Next Steps
Understanding Your Health Check Report: Key Lab Results Explained
Health Check Report Hello, I completed my health check report at work. Overall, it's okay, but I don't understand some of the indices. Urinalysis: leukocyte esterase (+++); liver function tests: alkaline phosphatase (30), gamma-glutamyl transferase (35), lactate dehydro...
Dr. Lin Mingxing reply Family Medicine
To the Laboratory Department of Tainan Hospital, Department of Health, Executive Yuan: Hello, Regarding the questions you raised, here are the brief responses: Urinalysis: The presence of leukocyte esterase (+++) indicates a test for the presence of white blood cells in the ur...[Read More] Understanding Your Health Check Report: Key Lab Results Explained
Can Nursing Mothers Safely Take Deworming Medications?
Is it safe to take antiparasitic medication while breastfeeding? Hello, Doctor Lin. I have a small question. I am currently breastfeeding (my baby is three months old), but I have discovered that I have pinworms. In this situation, will taking antiparasitic medication affect my b...
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: Currently, pharmacology has not yet established the tolerance of newborns to anthelmintic dosages. It is recommended that you consider temporarily suspendin...[Read More] Can Nursing Mothers Safely Take Deworming Medications?
Can Tea Tree Oil Be Used for Managing Favism Symptoms?
Is it safe to use essential oils for individuals with G6PD deficiency? Hello Doctor: I have G6PD deficiency, and during puberty, I often get acne. I've heard that tea tree oil is very effective, so I bought some to try. However, the smell of tea tree oil is quite similar to ...
Dr. Lin Mingxing reply Family Medicine
Dear Dr. Lin Ming-Hsing, Director of the Family Medicine Department at Tainan Hospital, Ministry of Health and Welfare: In general, tea tree oil may be a potential trigger for your favism, and it is advised not to use it. Regarding the management of acne (acne vulgaris), aside f...[Read More] Can Tea Tree Oil Be Used for Managing Favism Symptoms?
Is Your Cough a Sign of Altitude Sickness or Something Else?
Is it altitude sickness? Hello: On July 10th, I was at Alishan. I had no issues walking on flat surfaces, but I experienced shortness of breath and occasional chest tightness with coughing when climbing stairs. After resting for a while, I returned to normal, but the cough persis...
Dr. Lin Mingxing reply Family Medicine
Dear Beautiful, Dr. Lin Ming-Hsing, Director of the Family Medicine Department at Tainan Hospital, Department of Health, Executive Yuan, responds: It is possible that you are experiencing a cold or wind-cold syndrome. Additionally, temperature fluctuations may increase the susce...[Read More] Is Your Cough a Sign of Altitude Sickness or Something Else?
Excessive Sweating Triggered by Sour Foods: What to Do?
Excessive sweating I have a long-standing concern that I would like to ask a doctor about: whenever I eat or smell sour foods, I start sweating profusely on my forehead and face. On one occasion, I found that eating candy (chocolate works too) could barely stop the sweating. What...
Dr. Lin Mingxing reply Family Medicine
Dear Jeff, This is Dr. Lin Ming-Hsing, the Director of the Family Medicine Department at Tainan Hospital, Department of Health and Welfare. Essentially, this is related to a problem with autonomic nervous reflexes, and I recommend consulting a neurologist for further evaluation....[Read More] Excessive Sweating Triggered by Sour Foods: What to Do?
Understanding Your Blood Test Results: Anemia Types and Severity Explained
Health check-up Hello, I would like to ask about my health check results: White blood cells 6680, Red blood cells 402, Hemoglobin 10.9, Hematocrit 31, MCV 77.11, MCH 27.11, MCHC 35.16, Platelets 41.1. What type of anemia do I have? How severe is the anemia? Is it mild or severe, ...
Dr. Lin Mingxing reply Family Medicine
Dear Jean, Dr. Lin Ming-Hsing, Director of the Family Medicine Department at Tainan Hospital, Department of Health, Executive Yuan, respectfully responds: Based on your age group and the description provided, it appears that you are experiencing mild iron deficiency anemia, whic...[Read More] Understanding Your Blood Test Results: Anemia Types and Severity Explained
Understanding Low Triglyceride Levels: Causes, Testing, and Nutritional Guidance
Triglycerides Thank you for your response on May 22! Can I interpret that the low blood concentration may be due to fasting for more than ten hours, resulting in the triglyceride levels appearing too low? If not, how can I determine if there are any defects or impairments in my b...
Dr. Lin Mingxing reply Family Medicine
Dear Dr. Lin Ming-Hsing, Director of the Family Medicine Department at Tainan Hospital, Ministry of Health and Welfare: Under basic physiological conditions, prolonged fasting typically results in a significant decrease in the blood concentrations of triglycerides, uric acid, an...[Read More] Understanding Low Triglyceride Levels: Causes, Testing, and Nutritional Guidance
Impact of Fasting on Urine Test Accuracy: A Patient's Concern
Urinalysis Hello: I did not eat anything after midnight the night before my health check-up. I urinated at 7 AM the next morning and did not eat again until I urinated at 10:30 AM, which was used for the urine test. I would like to ask if the urine collected after fasting for ten...
Dr. Lin Mingxing reply Family Medicine
Dear Dr. Lin Ming-Hsing, Director of Family Medicine at Tainan Hospital, Department of Health: I have a point of clarification: triglycerides are not detected through urine tests but rather through venous blood sampling. Although the concentration of triglycerides in the blood i...[Read More] Impact of Fasting on Urine Test Accuracy: A Patient's Concern
Essential Tips for Afternoon Health Check-ups: Fasting and Costs
What should I pay attention to for an afternoon health check-up? Hello, doctor. I would like to know if I need to fast for my health check-up scheduled for the afternoon, which includes a general examination, X-ray, hepatitis A and B tests, syphilis test, and typhoid fever test. ...
Dr. Lin Mingxing reply Family Medicine
Dear Dr. Lin Ming-Hsing, Director of the Family Medicine Department at Tainan Hospital, Department of Health, Executive Yuan: Regarding your inquiry, the items mentioned above do not require fasting. The Tainan Hospital wishes you good health and all the best![Read More] Essential Tips for Afternoon Health Check-ups: Fasting and Costs