Understanding Elevated White Blood Cell and Eosinophil Counts: What to Do Next?
White blood cell-related issues..? Hello Dr. Lin, I previously consulted you regarding related issues, and I appreciate your response. ================== Below are the blood test results from March ================== WBC (White Blood Cells) Report: 16.47 (Reference Range: 3....
Dr. Lin Zhebin reply Family Medicine
Hello: According to your test results, your white blood cell count and eosinophil levels have been elevated for some time, but there has been no continuous worsening of your condition. If you are not experiencing any significant discomfort, you may consider monitoring and observa...[Read More] Understanding Elevated White Blood Cell and Eosinophil Counts: What to Do Next?
Understanding Hiccups After Meals: Causes and Treatment Options
Hiccups after eating? Hello doctor, I've been having gastrointestinal issues lately. I've noticed that when I eat, I experience burping, and sometimes during the burp, food comes up to my throat, just around my neck area. Because I'm afraid of vomiting the food, I ...
Dr. Lin Zhebin reply Family Medicine
Hello: 1. Based on your description, it is highly likely that you are experiencing gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). 2. It is advisable to pay attention to whether certain foods trigger symptoms such as burping or discomfort. Common culprits include: coffee, processed sweet...[Read More] Understanding Hiccups After Meals: Causes and Treatment Options
Understanding Choking: When to Seek Medical Advice for Throat Issues
Choking is defined as a medical emergency that occurs when an object, such as food or a foreign body, obstructs the airway, Hello, Dr. Lin. I apologize for the interruption. Here’s the situation: while I was eating, I got distracted by my phone and suddenly a mouthful of fried ri...
Dr. Lin Zhebin reply Family Medicine
Hello: 1. Based on your description, there should be no foreign body in your trachea and lungs. If there were a foreign body in the trachea, you would experience symptoms such as difficulty breathing and persistent coughing. 2. A sensation of a foreign body in the larynx is commo...[Read More] Understanding Choking: When to Seek Medical Advice for Throat Issues
Understanding Black Flashes Around the Eyes: Causes and Concerns
Flashing black around the eyes? I recently noticed that when I spend about an hour in an air-conditioned room at the library and then look down to use my phone, I experience a flickering darkness around my eyes, almost like a light turning off and on within less than a second, wh...
Dr. Lin Zhebin reply Family Medicine
Hello: Based on your description, it is suspected that there may be peripheral vision loss. Possible conditions include retinal diseases, glaucoma, or migraines. It is strongly recommended that you consult an ophthalmologist.[Read More] Understanding Black Flashes Around the Eyes: Causes and Concerns
Is It Safe to Measure Blood Pressure After Blood Draw on the Same Arm?
Measure blood pressure on the same arm after drawing blood? Hello Doctor: I would like to ask about an incident that occurred today. After visiting the emergency department, I had blood drawn and a soft IV catheter placed in my left hand. After leaving the hospital, I applied pre...
Dr. Lin Zhebin reply Family Medicine
Hello: The bleeding and swelling of the wound on your left hand after measuring blood pressure is likely due to the blood vessel injury caused by the blood draw being further aggravated by the pressure from the blood pressure cuff, which caused it to rupture again. This should no...[Read More] Is It Safe to Measure Blood Pressure After Blood Draw on the Same Arm?
Feeling Dizzy and Nauseous While Standing: When to Seek Medical Help?
Sudden nausea and gradual loss of vision while standing for a long time? Hello, doctor. After dinner today, while waiting in line at the night market, I suddenly started feeling nauseous and even experienced a dry heave. Feeling very uncomfortable, I moved to a nearby open area t...
Dr. Lin Zhebin reply Family Medicine
Hello: Based on your description, your discomfort may be related to your heart and blood pressure. It is important to rule out whether temporary arrhythmia is causing low blood pressure, which could lead to symptoms such as dizziness, blurred vision, and nausea. I recommend that ...[Read More] Feeling Dizzy and Nauseous While Standing: When to Seek Medical Help?
Understanding Jaw Pain: When to Seek Medical Advice for Facial Issues
Facial issues Hello, Doctor: Since around July 17th (Sunday), I have noticed some swelling in the area of my right masseter muscle (the area near the bone) compared to the left side. It is tender to the touch, and if I lie on my right side while sleeping, it can be painful. Chewi...
Dr. Lin Zhebin reply Family Medicine
Hello: Your discomfort is likely caused by inflammation of the right temporomandibular joint. Treatment typically focuses on symptom management, which may include taking pain relievers and anti-inflammatory medications, as well as muscle relaxants to alleviate symptoms. Additiona...[Read More] Understanding Jaw Pain: When to Seek Medical Advice for Facial Issues
Managing High Blood Pressure: Essential Questions for Your Family Doctor
Blood pressure issues? Hello Doctor: My uncle is in his 50s, standing 176 cm tall and weighing around 60-70 kg. Today, he visited a family medicine clinic due to neck pain (which he feels is similar to a stiff neck). The doctor measured his blood pressure, which was over 170, nea...
Dr. Lin Zhebin reply Family Medicine
Hello: 1. Hypertension can be managed by a primary care physician, unless it affects the kidneys or heart, in which case referral to a nephrologist or cardiologist may be considered. Additionally, tests related to hypertension typically include blood tests, urinalysis, electrocar...[Read More] Managing High Blood Pressure: Essential Questions for Your Family Doctor
Managing Infected Wounds: When to Seek Further Medical Attention
The wound has pus? Last Thursday, I was bitten by a dog and received a tetanus shot and antibiotics. Yesterday, Tuesday, there was still some red and yellow fluid oozing from the wound. I went to see a surgeon, who applied medication and prescribed a three-day course of antibioti...
Dr. Lin Zhebin reply Family Medicine
Hello: Your wound appears to have some necrotic tissue and pus in the center, with surrounding redness and swelling, which raises concerns about a possible infection. If the redness and swelling do not improve after completing three days of antibiotics and ointment, I recommend t...[Read More] Managing Infected Wounds: When to Seek Further Medical Attention
Your Questions Answered: Concerns About the Second Dose of AZ Vaccine
Consultation regarding the AZ vaccine? Hello, doctor. I am considering getting the second dose of the AZ vaccine, but I have a few concerns that I would like your help with: 1. I received my first dose of the AZ vaccine in September of last year, which means it has been nearly 1...
Dr. Lin Zhebin reply Family Medicine
Hello: 1. If the interval between the two doses of the AZ vaccine exceeds the recommended time, it is usually not necessary to receive a booster dose. However, it is still advised to complete the vaccination as soon as possible to enhance and prolong immunity. Additionally, a s...[Read More] Your Questions Answered: Concerns About the Second Dose of AZ Vaccine
Persistent Arm Pain After Blood Draw: Causes and Solutions
Persistent pain in the arm after blood draw? Hello, I previously had blood drawn from the inner side of my elbow, and afterward, the area around the blood draw sometimes experiences a dull pain. Now, almost a year later, the frequency and intensity of the pain have increased, and...
Dr. Lin Zhebin reply Family Medicine
Hello: Based on your description, it is possible that the ulnar nerve on the inner side of your elbow is injured. It is recommended that you visit a neurologist or a rehabilitation specialist to better understand how to address this issue.[Read More] Persistent Arm Pain After Blood Draw: Causes and Solutions
Understanding Health Checkup Reports: When to Consult a Family Physician
Health check report issues Hello, doctor. I will be having my first health check-up next week. If I don't understand the health check report, should I make an appointment with a family medicine physician to help me interpret the report, or are there other options available? ...
Dr. Lin Zhebin reply Family Medicine
Hello: For any unclear aspects of the health check report, it is generally recommended to visit a family medicine clinic or to seek care from the relevant specialty department as indicated in the report.[Read More] Understanding Health Checkup Reports: When to Consult a Family Physician
Understanding Left Rib Pain: When to See a Gastroenterologist or Orthopedist
Left costal margin Recently, I visited a gastroenterologist due to gastrointestinal issues, but I am still experiencing difficulty breathing and nausea after eating. Last night, while lying on my stomach and using my phone, I noticed that the area below my left rib cage was movin...
Dr. Lin Zhebin reply Family Medicine
Hello: Based on your description, your breathing discomfort and nausea are likely related to gastrointestinal issues. If there were a rib fracture, it would typically be accompanied by pain; therefore, if you are not experiencing significant pain, the likelihood of a rib fracture...[Read More] Understanding Left Rib Pain: When to See a Gastroenterologist or Orthopedist
Can Novavax Vaccine Be Safe for Patients with Hepatitis B?
Novavax vaccine Hello doctor, I have hepatitis B and have been hesitant to get vaccinated due to concerns about myocarditis or other symptoms. I have the following questions: 1. Can I receive the Novavax vaccine as my first dose? 2. Will the side effects from the first dose be si...
Dr. Lin Zhebin reply Family Medicine
Hello: Your condition of having hepatitis B is not particularly related to the occurrence of myocarditis after vaccination. Although both the Novavax vaccine and the Medigen vaccine are protein subunit vaccines, there is currently data indicating reports of rare adverse events su...[Read More] Can Novavax Vaccine Be Safe for Patients with Hepatitis B?
Why Did My Boyfriend's Alcohol Tolerance Suddenly Decrease After COVID?
Has having been diagnosed with COVID-19 affected alcohol tolerance? Hello Doctor: My boyfriend was diagnosed with COVID-19 in early June, and his symptoms were mild. He rarely drinks alcohol, only occasionally having a drink with his mother, and the last time he drank was about t...
Dr. Lin Zhebin reply Family Medicine
Hello: 1. There are many reasons for a decrease in alcohol tolerance, including the individual's physical condition at the time (recent fatigue or lack of sleep), whether food was consumed and the type of food (drinking on an empty stomach can lead to quicker intoxication), ...[Read More] Why Did My Boyfriend's Alcohol Tolerance Suddenly Decrease After COVID?
Does COVID-19 Affect Alcohol Tolerance? Understanding Post-Recovery Changes
Has having been diagnosed with COVID-19 affected alcohol tolerance? Hello Doctor: My boyfriend was diagnosed with COVID-19 in early June, and his symptoms were mild. He rarely drinks alcohol and only occasionally has a drink with his mother, the last time being three to four mont...
Dr. Lin Zhebin reply Family Medicine
Hello: 1. There are many reasons for a decrease in alcohol tolerance, including the individual's physical condition at the time (such as recent fatigue or lack of sleep), whether food was consumed and the type of food (drinking on an empty stomach can lead to quicker intox...[Read More] Does COVID-19 Affect Alcohol Tolerance? Understanding Post-Recovery Changes
Understanding Unexplained Chest Discomfort: Possible Causes and Insights
Chest discomfort? Hello Doctor: For the past few days, I have been experiencing a sensation near the lower right chest, close to the epigastric area, that feels like a vibration lasting one or two seconds, somewhat resembling peristalsis or friction, but without any actual sound....
Dr. Lin Zhebin reply Family Medicine
Hello: Based on your description, if your vibrations are related to your heartbeat, it may be necessary to consider whether there are any heart or aortic diseases. If your vibrations are not related to your heartbeat, it may be worth considering whether there are any esophageal o...[Read More] Understanding Unexplained Chest Discomfort: Possible Causes and Insights
Should You See a Doctor for a Persistent Lump After an Injury?
Hematoma Hello Doctor: I had a car accident a month ago and had an X-ray done, which showed no abnormalities in the bones. The bruising has subsided, but there is still a lump, and it still hurts when pressed. Should I go to a clinic or hospital to see a doctor?
Dr. Lin Zhebin reply Family Medicine
Hello: If the X-ray of your bones taken after the car accident showed no abnormalities and the bruising has disappeared, the painful lump you are pressing on may be due to a muscle contusion causing localized tightness and inflammation. It is recommended that you apply a warm com...[Read More] Should You See a Doctor for a Persistent Lump After an Injury?
Should You See a Specialist for Autonomic Nervous System Disorders?
Autonomic nervous system dysfunction I was referred to a family medicine doctor by a friend, who diagnosed me with autonomic nervous system dysfunction. I was prescribed Mirtazapine, and while I've seen some improvement, I still don't feel well. Some people say that aut...
Dr. Lin Zhebin reply Family Medicine
Hello: Autonomic nervous system disorders are mostly caused by changes in lifestyle and stress, leading to physical and mental discomfort. Typically, there is no specific organ damage involved. The primary role of medication is to alleviate your discomfort. To achieve a complete ...[Read More] Should You See a Specialist for Autonomic Nervous System Disorders?
Can You Take Vitamin D While on Anticoagulants? Expert Insights
Anticoagulants Hello, I would like to ask if it is safe to take vitamin D while on anticoagulants. Thank you.
Dr. Lin Zhebin reply Family Medicine
Hello: There are no specific interactions between anticoagulants and vitamin D, and they can be taken together. Additionally, it is important to note that the recommended dosage of vitamin D by the National Health Administration of the Ministry of Health and Welfare is up to 2000...[Read More] Can You Take Vitamin D While on Anticoagulants? Expert Insights