Risk of Hantavirus Infection After Contact with Dead Mouse
The transmission rate of hantavirus? Yesterday morning, I had no choice but to park my scooter next to a dead rat. The rat was quite fresh and appeared to have just been crushed, with blood still oozing out. When I finished work at 5 PM, the dead rat seemed to have been moved a f...
Dr. Lin Zhebin reply Family Medicine
Hello: 1. Diseases that may be transmitted by rodents include viruses (Hantavirus, Lassa virus, Arenavirus, etc.), bacteria (plague, rat-bite fever, Salmonella, Leptospira, endemic typhus, etc.), and parasites (Toxoplasma, Coccidia, Echinococcus, Amoeba, etc.). If you have come i...[Read More] Risk of Hantavirus Infection After Contact with Dead Mouse
Understanding Neck Stiffness and Discomfort: Causes and Remedies
Stiffness and discomfort in the nape of the neck? Hello, Doctor. I am 27 years old and have a history of gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). Last Saturday, after dinner, I clearly felt stiffness and discomfort in my neck, and it was difficult to turn my head from side to side...
Dr. Lin Zhebin reply Family Medicine
Hello: Your discomfort may be due to the following conditions: 1. Infection, most likely a viral infection 2. Allergies 3. Migraine. It is recommended that you first perform a COVID-19 rapid test. Additionally, if you have any over-the-counter medications for symptom relief (such...[Read More] Understanding Neck Stiffness and Discomfort: Causes and Remedies
Excessive Saliva Production: Which Specialist Should You Consult?
Excessive salivation issue? If there is excessive saliva production that severely affects daily life, which specialty should one consult? Family medicine? Otolaryngology? Dentistry? Or traditional Chinese medicine? Will the doctor also examine the parotid gland, sublingual gland,...
Dr. Lin Zhebin reply Family Medicine
Hello: Excessive saliva secretion may need to consider the following situations: 1. Abnormalities in the structure of the salivary glands, for which it is recommended to consult an otolaryngologist. 2. Abnormalities in salivary gland function, which are commonly due to medication...[Read More] Excessive Saliva Production: Which Specialist Should You Consult?
Can Frequent Blood Donation Cause Anemia Recurrence?
Can blood donation lead to recurrent anemia? I have been experiencing anemia with a hemoglobin level of 9.6 until last February when I started taking iron supplements. After three months, my hemoglobin level rose to 12.5. Once it returned to normal, I donated blood three times (o...
Dr. Lin Zhebin reply Family Medicine
Hello: The two most common causes of iron deficiency anemia are: 1. Chronic blood loss, which, given your age, is often due to heavy menstrual bleeding; gastrointestinal bleeding should also be considered. 2. Nutritional deficiency, which is more common among vegetarians or picky...[Read More] Can Frequent Blood Donation Cause Anemia Recurrence?
Rabies Concerns After Dog Bite: Is It Too Late for Vaccination?
Two and a half years ago, I was bitten by someone else's dog? Hello doctor, I heard that the incubation period for rabies can last for several years. I remembered that two and a half years ago, I saw a dog brought by someone exercising at school. Since the dog used to come a...
Dr. Lin Zhebin reply Family Medicine
Hello: Generally, domestic dogs do not transmit rabies unless the dog that bit you later develops rabies. In Taiwan, the animals that are more commonly known to carry the rabies virus are the ferret badger and the civet. You were bitten by a dog belonging to a member of the publi...[Read More] Rabies Concerns After Dog Bite: Is It Too Late for Vaccination?
Which Specialist to See for Nausea and Dizziness During Activities?
Which department should I see? Hello Doctor: Occasionally, while I am out on activities, I feel nauseous, and shortly after, I want to vomit, experience dizziness, have blurred vision, and feel weak in my limbs, eventually collapsing to the ground. However, after resting for abou...
Dr. Lin Zhebin reply Family Medicine
Hello: It is recommended that you and your sister seek medical attention from a neurologist or a cardiologist.[Read More] Which Specialist to See for Nausea and Dizziness During Activities?
Missing One Antibiotic Pill: Should You Continue Treatment for Cellulitis?
I accidentally lost a dose of antibiotics? On March 4th, I received treatment for cellulitis in the emergency department and was prescribed 250 mg of Dexa-Cillin, taking two pills every six hours for six days. Since I was not fully recovered when the medication was nearly finishe...
Dr. Lin Zhebin reply Family Medicine
Hello: 1. Skipping a dose of antibiotics primarily affects the concentration of the medication in the body, which can impact the effectiveness of the treatment. 2. It is recommended to complete the full course of antibiotics, as failing to eliminate all the bacteria may allow the...[Read More] Missing One Antibiotic Pill: Should You Continue Treatment for Cellulitis?
Can You Hide Mental Health Records During a Health Checkup?
Can health check-ups conceal records from mental health specialists? Hello Doctor: Since entering the workforce, I have not had this issue, but in the past two years, I have been suffering from insomnia, anxiety disorder, and bipolar disorder. I have been seeing a psychiatrist an...
Dr. Lin Zhebin reply Family Medicine
Hello: During health check-ups, the National Health Insurance card is not used to access medical records. Generally, individuals provide their past medical history and medication information, or the physician inquires about it. If the examination does not require the submission o...[Read More] Can You Hide Mental Health Records During a Health Checkup?
Understanding Neck and Head Heat: When to See a Family Medicine Specialist
If the back of your head feels warm while lying down, which specialist should you see? I've seen many specialists, undergone numerous tests, and spent a lot of money? I used to sit for long periods every day, combined with smoking and a diet high in salt and oil. I have been...
Dr. Lin Zhebin reply Family Medicine
Hello: The symptoms of heat in your head and upper body accompanied by chest tightness, difficulty breathing, rapid heartbeat, and abnormal sensations may suggest neurological and cardiovascular issues. It is advisable to seek medical evaluation from a neurologist or a cardiologi...[Read More] Understanding Neck and Head Heat: When to See a Family Medicine Specialist
Accidentally Ingested Snack Bag: Health Risks and What to Do
Ingestion of a cookie packaging bag? Today, while I was eating a snack called "Kola Guo," it seems that I accidentally ingested a small piece of the packaging, which is the aluminum foil bag used for the potato chips. I usually use scissors to open the packaging, and it...
Dr. Lin Zhebin reply Family Medicine
Hello: Ingested aluminum foil packaging typically should pass through the stool. The main concern is the potential for intestinal obstruction. It is advisable to monitor for symptoms such as bloating, abdominal pain, and vomiting over the next few days. If any of these symptoms o...[Read More] Accidentally Ingested Snack Bag: Health Risks and What to Do
Can You Get a Full Body Massage After COVID Vaccine?
After receiving the COVID-19 vaccine Hello doctor, I received the Moderna bivalent booster today. Currently, I only have soreness in my arm and left chest muscles. I would like to ask if it is safe to get a full-body massage after the vaccination. I originally scheduled a massage...
Dr. Lin Zhebin reply Family Medicine
Hello: The soreness in your arm and left chest is a common side effect after receiving the Moderna next-generation vaccine. If the soreness in your arm and left chest improves in a few days and there are no other signs of redness, swelling, or pain in your body, it is generally s...[Read More] Can You Get a Full Body Massage After COVID Vaccine?
Understanding Drug Side Effects: Hyperthyroidism and Medication Risks
Drug side effects: Hyperthyroidism Hello, since I have been receiving treatment at the same hospital, my doctor previously prescribed "Mometasone nasal spray" for my nasal allergies to be used once daily. However, after I got home and took the medication, I noticed on t...
Dr. Lin Zhebin reply Family Medicine
Hello: The main ingredients in the sustained-release tablet of Morbica are Loratadine (an antihistamine) and Pseudoephedrine (a decongestant). The component Pseudoephedrine can cause side effects similar to sympathetic nervous system stimulation, such as tremors, palpitations, hy...[Read More] Understanding Drug Side Effects: Hyperthyroidism and Medication Risks
Understanding Antibiotic Timing: Risks of Overlap and Dosage Concerns
Antibiotic dosing intervals I was hospitalized for a urinary tract infection on February 22 and discharged on March 1. Upon discharge, I was prescribed Cipro (ciprofloxacin) to take two tablets every 12 hours. On March 4, I went to the emergency room for cellulitis and received D...
Dr. Lin Zhebin reply Family Medicine
Hello: 1. The usage of Dicloxacillin is four times a day. Although the medication bag indicates to take it every 6 hours, it can also be divided into three doses after meals and one before bedtime, as long as there is an interval of at least 3-4 hours, which is acceptable. Based ...[Read More] Understanding Antibiotic Timing: Risks of Overlap and Dosage Concerns
Upper Back Pain and Chest Discomfort: When to Seek Medical Attention
Right upper back pain and chest pain with deep breathing? Yesterday, while reading, I suddenly felt pain in my upper right back. I can't quite describe the pain, but it feels a bit tight. I thought it would get better after a good night's sleep, but when I woke up in th...
Dr. Lin Zhebin reply Family Medicine
Hello: Regarding your pain in the upper right back and chest, if there hasn't been any specific trauma, it may sometimes be due to poor posture causing localized muscle tension. If resting for a few days does not improve the situation, it is advisable to seek medical attenti...[Read More] Upper Back Pain and Chest Discomfort: When to Seek Medical Attention
Understanding Cold Sensation in the Left Arm: Causes and Concerns
Coldness in the left arm and other areas? Last night before bed, I suddenly experienced mild pain on the outer side of my left chest, which gradually extended to my armpit, accompanied by a sensation of soreness. Then, my left arm felt cold, as if the coldness was radiating from ...
Dr. Lin Zhebin reply Family Medicine
Hello: The coldness and pain in your left chest, left shoulder, and left arm, accompanied by arrhythmia, may indicate a cardiac issue. It is recommended that you see a cardiologist for further evaluation.[Read More] Understanding Cold Sensation in the Left Arm: Causes and Concerns
Small Black Spot Inside Lip: Causes and When to Seek Help
There is suddenly a small black spot on the inside of my lip? Hello, doctor. Recently, I suddenly noticed a small black spot on the inside of my lower lip, and I'm unsure what the cause might be. I'm worried about my health, and although I want to go to the hospital for...
Dr. Lin Zhebin reply Family Medicine
Hello: The small black spots on the inside of your lips are likely pigment deposits, similar to moles on the skin, but located on the lips. Generally, these pigment deposits are benign unless there are changes (such as enlargement, elevation, irregular borders, or uneven color), ...[Read More] Small Black Spot Inside Lip: Causes and When to Seek Help
Understanding Abnormal Platelet Volume: What Your MPV and PCT Results Mean
Platelet volume Hello Doctor, I recently had a check-up at a medical center and two indicators were abnormal. The mean platelet volume (MPV) is 9.10 fL (normal range: 9.30–12.10 fL) and the plateletcrit (PCT) is 0.34% (normal range: 0.17–0.32%). All other general blood tests were...
Dr. Lin Zhebin reply Family Medicine
Hello: 1. Mean Platelet Volume (MPV) is associated with platelet function and activation. Some conditions such as anemia or autoimmune diseases may lead to a decrease in MPV. However, since your value is only 0.2 lower and all other blood tests are normal, there is no need for si...[Read More] Understanding Abnormal Platelet Volume: What Your MPV and PCT Results Mean
Exploring the Link Between Fatigue and Vitamin D Deficiency
The association between fatigue and vitamin D deficiency? I have been experiencing fatigue and excessive sleepiness for about 6 to 7 years. I have seen various internal medicine specialists and undergone tests for thyroid function, hormones, etc. I even visited a sleep clinic, an...
Dr. Lin Zhebin reply Family Medicine
Hello: Vitamin D deficiency may have the following effects: decreased immune function, anxiety, muscle weakness, osteoporosis, dry skin, cardiovascular diseases, etc. Based on your description of physical discomfort, some of it may indeed be related to vitamin D deficiency. Since...[Read More] Exploring the Link Between Fatigue and Vitamin D Deficiency
Understanding Dizziness, Nausea, and Chest Discomfort: A Family Medicine Perspective
Dizziness, blurred vision, nausea? Today, while I was taking the MRT, I suddenly felt unwell. It started with a cool sensation in my left chest, followed by dizziness, and my vision gradually blurred to the point where I could barely see. However, my breathing was relatively smoo...
Dr. Lin Zhebin reply Family Medicine
Hello: 1. Your chest discomfort accompanied by dizziness and vomiting may indicate the possibility of an acute arrhythmia; additionally, it is important to consider whether there is a condition of anemia. 2. Your abdominal discomfort may be related to your menstrual cycle; howeve...[Read More] Understanding Dizziness, Nausea, and Chest Discomfort: A Family Medicine Perspective
Understanding Neck and Shoulder Stiffness: Finding the Right Specialist
Shoulder and neck stiffness with an unconscious tendency to hunch the body, feeling of restricted blood flow? Hello Doctor, a few months ago I started experiencing a tingling sensation in one of my eyes, as if blood flow was not very smooth, and I occasionally saw "stars&quo...
Dr. Lin Zhebin reply Family Medicine
Hello: Indeed, issues related to the cervical spine can be addressed by various specialties, including Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, Neurology, Neurosurgery, Pain Management, and Orthopedics. Although these specialties are diverse, the choice depends on what specific aspe...[Read More] Understanding Neck and Shoulder Stiffness: Finding the Right Specialist