Understanding Iron Supplementation in Managing Iron Deficiency Anemia
Anemia and Iron Supplement Issues On August 23, the blood test report showed Hb: 9.9, MCV: 68.9, serum iron: 14, and ferritin: 1.21, indicating iron deficiency anemia. After taking iron supplements (ferrous gluconate) for about one and a half months, a follow-up blood test on Oct...
Dr. Lin Zhebin reply Family Medicine
Hello: In addition to iron supplementation for iron deficiency anemia, it is important to identify the underlying cause of chronic blood loss that may be contributing to the anemia. Given your age, a common cause could be heavy menstrual bleeding. Generally, iron supplementation ...[Read More] Understanding Iron Supplementation in Managing Iron Deficiency Anemia
Understanding Iron Deficiency Anemia: Slow Hemoglobin Recovery and Treatment Duration
Anemia and Iron Supplement Issues On August 23, the blood test report showed Hb: 9.9, MCV: 68.9, serum iron: 14, and ferritin: 1.21, indicating iron deficiency anemia. After taking iron supplements (ferrous gluconate) for about one and a half months, the blood test on October 15 ...
Dr. Lin Zhebin reply Family Medicine
Hello: In addition to iron supplementation for iron deficiency anemia, it is important to identify the underlying causes of chronic blood loss that may be contributing to the anemia. Given your age, a common cause could be heavy menstrual bleeding. Generally, iron supplementation...[Read More] Understanding Iron Deficiency Anemia: Slow Hemoglobin Recovery and Treatment Duration
Understanding Joint Pain After COVID-19 Vaccination: A Patient's Journey
After receiving the COVID-19 vaccine Since receiving the COVID-19 vaccines, my reactions have varied with each dose. Last year, after the first dose of AstraZeneca (AZ), I experienced swollen tonsils (commonly referred to in Taiwanese as "柱仔") and visited an ENT special...
Dr. Lin Zhebin reply Family Medicine
Hello: It is difficult to determine whether your knee pain is related to the COVID-19 vaccine. You mentioned visiting a rheumatology clinic, where objective examinations revealed synovitis and mild degenerative arthritis. However, the presence of synovitis and mild degenerative a...[Read More] Understanding Joint Pain After COVID-19 Vaccination: A Patient's Journey
Understanding Saliva Transmission Risks: Health Concerns and Precautions
Saliva issues Hello, doctor. 1. I would like to ask if, after someone speaks and saliva lands on my belongings, wiping it off with a dry tissue and then rinsing my hands with water for about 2 seconds is sufficient for cleanliness. After that, if I rinse my mouth with water, I ...
Dr. Lin Zhebin reply Family Medicine
Hello: 1. For cleaning items, in addition to using dry paper towels, it is recommended to use alcohol or bleach solution if possible. For hand hygiene, besides rinsing with water, it is advisable to use soap and water or alcohol-based hand sanitizer. 2. Diseases transmitted throu...[Read More] Understanding Saliva Transmission Risks: Health Concerns and Precautions
Understanding Sleep Mechanisms: The Impact of Sleeping Pills vs. Natural Sleep
Sleeping pills and sleep? Recently, I have been experiencing insomnia along with slight muscle soreness, which has affected my sleep quality. I would like to know if there is a difference in the body's mechanisms between falling asleep with sleeping pills and naturally falli...
Dr. Lin Zhebin reply Family Medicine
Hello: Sleep can generally be divided into two cycles: Rapid Eye Movement (REM) sleep and Non-Rapid Eye Movement (NREM) sleep. REM sleep is associated with information integration and dreaming, while NREM sleep is related to deep sleep and bodily repair. There are many types of s...[Read More] Understanding Sleep Mechanisms: The Impact of Sleeping Pills vs. Natural Sleep
Chronic Bad Breath: Seeking Solutions After Decades of Discomfort
Chronic halitosis that has been a concern for several decades? Hello, doctor. I have been told that I have bad breath since the Chinese middle period, and I have been seeking the cause and solution for many years. Currently, I do not have any periodontal diseases or related oral ...
Dr. Lin Zhebin reply Family Medicine
Hello: Common causes of halitosis include oral diseases (including tonsillitis), respiratory diseases (including nasopharyngitis), gastrointestinal diseases, kidney diseases, and liver diseases. Based on your description, the examinations of the aforementioned organs seem to be n...[Read More] Chronic Bad Breath: Seeking Solutions After Decades of Discomfort
Concerns About Saliva Exposure While Riding a Motorcycle
Saliva issues and obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD)? 1. There are many people riding bikes without masks on the road now. When I pass by them, I often worry that they might suddenly spit on me, my hair, or my helmet because I am shorter. However, while riding, I can't chec...
Dr. Lin Zhebin reply Family Medicine
Hello: 1. The main concern about coming into contact with someone else's saliva is the potential transmission of diseases through respiratory droplets, such as COVID-19, influenza, etc. 2. People who spit while riding a bike are likely to be a minority with poor hygiene habi...[Read More] Concerns About Saliva Exposure While Riding a Motorcycle
Can I Get My Chronic Prescription from a Different Doctor?
Slow signing issues Hello Doctor, I would like to ask a question. I have a history of hypertension and have been on a continuous prescription for over a year. I visit every three months to get my medication from my family medicine doctor, Dr. A, on my regular day off, which is Su...
Dr. Lin Zhebin reply Family Medicine
Hello: Whether to continue the medication prescribed by Dr. A or to have Dr. B make the determination depends on the situation. However, if you are not experiencing any significant discomfort from the medication or if there are no notable abnormalities in your tests, most physici...[Read More] Can I Get My Chronic Prescription from a Different Doctor?
Can You Get the HPV Vaccine After Recovering from COVID-19?
Consultation on administering the HPV vaccine after a confirmed COVID-19 infection? Hello, doctor. I would like to inquire about the HPV vaccination. I was recently diagnosed with COVID-19, but I have completed my isolation. I have not received the HPV vaccine before. Q1: Can I...
Dr. Lin Zhebin reply Family Medicine
Hello: There is no conflict between being diagnosed with COVID-19 and receiving the HPV vaccine. As long as you have completed your isolation and are not experiencing any significant discomfort, you can receive the HPV vaccine at any time. Additionally, there are no time interval...[Read More] Can You Get the HPV Vaccine After Recovering from COVID-19?
Is My Gradual Improvement a Sign of Lower COVID Severity Risk?
If the symptoms are gradually improving, can I feel more at ease? Hello Doctor: I was diagnosed with COVID-19 yesterday and have been taking medication for two days. My symptoms have progressed from fever, dry cough, and fatigue yesterday to just a dry cough today. I'm feeli...
Dr. Lin Zhebin reply Family Medicine
Hello: Given your age, if you do not have any significant comorbidities or chronic illnesses, and considering that you have been vaccinated, the likelihood of developing severe illness after contracting COVID-19 is relatively low. Additionally, based on the fact that your current...[Read More] Is My Gradual Improvement a Sign of Lower COVID Severity Risk?
Craving Chocolate Snacks: Is It Hunger or a Health Concern?
I've been craving snack chocolate? Hello Doctor, recently I've been craving snacks, especially chocolate, consuming about two to three bags a day. I'm not sure if it's hunger or just a craving. At the end of August, I had a health check-up, and my urine glucos...
Dr. Lin Zhebin reply Family Medicine
Hello: Based on your description, your main issue seems to be having a good appetite but experiencing weight loss. In addition to considering diabetes, given your age, it is also important to consider the possibility of hyperthyroidism. For diabetes testing, in addition to fastin...[Read More] Craving Chocolate Snacks: Is It Hunger or a Health Concern?
Understanding Persistent Low-Grade Fever in Patients with Chronic Conditions
Elevated body temperature? A little over a week ago, I had a fever of 38 degrees Celsius at midnight, and I was awakened from sleep by pain in my hand joints. In the morning, my temperature remained at 38 degrees, and I had no appetite. At the hospital, my tests showed SEG neutro...
Dr. Lin Zhebin reply Family Medicine
Hello: Regarding your symptoms of fever and discomfort, it is essential to first consider the possibility of an infection. Currently, the prevalence of COVID-19 is high. If your rapid test result is negative but you continue to feel unwell, it is advisable to visit a hospital for...[Read More] Understanding Persistent Low-Grade Fever in Patients with Chronic Conditions
Which Specialist to Consult for Cervical Spine Issues?
For cervical spondylosis, you should consult a specialist in orthopedics or neurology? Hello, Dr. Lin. I have been experiencing a sensation of swaying for quite some time now, which is more pronounced when I am sitting. It feels similar to motion sickness, with a sense of rocking...
Dr. Lin Zhebin reply Family Medicine
Hello: Generally, examinations for the cervical spine include X-rays, computed tomography (CT), and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). The specialties that typically order these tests are neurology, neurosurgery, orthopedics, and rehabilitation medicine. I personally recommend tha...[Read More] Which Specialist to Consult for Cervical Spine Issues?
Is It Normal Not to Bleed After COVID Vaccine Injection?
There was no bleeding at the injection site after receiving the COVID-19 vaccine? Hello Doctor, I have received three doses of the BNT vaccine. After getting my third dose yesterday, I noticed that the cotton ball applied to the injection site did not have any blood on it (I did ...
Dr. Lin Zhebin reply Family Medicine
Hello: The COVID-19 vaccine is administered via intramuscular injection, as muscle tissue is highly vascularized. Therefore, during the injection, it is possible to damage microvessels, leading to bleeding. Whether there is bleeding at the injection site or not is a normal occurr...[Read More] Is It Normal Not to Bleed After COVID Vaccine Injection?
Persistent Chest Pain: When to Consult a Family Medicine Specialist
The symptoms have persisted for two weeks? Hello doctor, I have been experiencing unexplained pain for two weeks. During the first week, I felt pain in my left chest when coughing, laughing, hiccuping, or making large movements (it felt like internal pain). After taking over-the-...
Dr. Lin Zhebin reply Family Medicine
Hello: The discomfort in your left chest may be related to issues with the skin, musculoskeletal system, nerves, pleura, lungs, or heart. It is recommended that you first visit a family medicine physician to investigate the cause.[Read More] Persistent Chest Pain: When to Consult a Family Medicine Specialist
Understanding Nighttime Fever: Causes and Concerns in Family Medicine
Fever at specific times? I would like to ask about a situation where there are no respiratory symptoms, and both mental state and appetite are good. However, every night after 10 PM, I experience a fever of 38.3 to 38.5 degrees Celsius (with variations between ears). I measure it...
Dr. Lin Zhebin reply Family Medicine
Hello: Regarding your issue of experiencing fever at specific times in the evening, it is important to consider potential causes such as infections, endocrine disorders, autoimmune diseases, or cancer. It is advisable to seek medical attention promptly to investigate the underlyi...[Read More] Understanding Nighttime Fever: Causes and Concerns in Family Medicine
Understanding Chest Tightness After Vaccination: When to Seek Help
Chest tightness? Hello Dr. Lin, I received my first dose of the BNT vaccine last October, and that same night I experienced chest tightness and discomfort, prompting me to go to the emergency room. The ER physician jokingly informed me that vaccine side effects do not occur that ...
Dr. Lin Zhebin reply Family Medicine
Hello: Since your chest discomfort has persisted for almost a year, the likelihood of it being related to the BNT vaccine is quite low. Persistent chest discomfort may indicate potential issues with the heart or lungs. It is recommended that you consult a cardiologist or a pulmon...[Read More] Understanding Chest Tightness After Vaccination: When to Seek Help
Post-HPV Vaccine: Exercise and Dietary Recommendations for Teens
Are there any recommendations for exercise and diet after receiving the HPV vaccine? After receiving the vaccine, my eldest daughter (14 years old) wants to play basketball, swim, and go to the beach to dive with her dad. However, I feel that even though she has no adverse sympto...
Dr. Lin Zhebin reply Family Medicine
Hello: The HPV vaccine is an inactivated vaccine, and common side effects after vaccination include pain, swelling, redness, itching at the injection site, fever, headache, nausea, and dizziness. If there are no significant physical discomforts after vaccination, there are no spe...[Read More] Post-HPV Vaccine: Exercise and Dietary Recommendations for Teens
Can Low Blood Pressure Justify Irritability in Relationships?
Can low blood pressure justify getting angry? Hello, doctor... My boyfriend is 35 years old, and we have been together for over ten years, living together for five years. In recent years, he has started to show symptoms of low blood pressure (or perhaps he always had it, but I co...
Dr. Lin Zhebin reply Family Medicine
Hello: 1. Hypotension is generally defined as a systolic blood pressure of less than 90 mmHg or a diastolic blood pressure of less than 60 mmHg. Common symptoms of hypotension include dizziness, fatigue, weakness, cold extremities, and difficulty concentrating. Additionally, comm...[Read More] Can Low Blood Pressure Justify Irritability in Relationships?
Can Low Blood Pressure Justify Bad Temper? Understanding the Connection
Can low blood pressure justify getting angry? Hello, doctor… My boyfriend is 35 years old, and we have been together for over ten years, living together for five years. In recent years, he has started to show symptoms of low blood pressure (perhaps he always had it, but I didn&#x...
Dr. Lin Zhebin reply Family Medicine
Hello: 1. Hypotension is generally defined as a systolic blood pressure less than 90 mmHg or a diastolic blood pressure less than 60 mmHg. Common symptoms of hypotension include dizziness, fatigue, weakness, cold extremities, and difficulty concentrating. Additionally, common cau...[Read More] Can Low Blood Pressure Justify Bad Temper? Understanding the Connection