Is It Safe to Get the HPV Vaccine Second Dose Early?
Is there any issue with administering the second dose of the HPV vaccine earlier than scheduled? Hello, doctor. I received the first dose of the HPV nine-valent vaccine on June 2nd, and this morning I went to get the second dose. However, I realized that I administered it a whole...
Dr. Lin Zhebin reply Family Medicine
Hello: The vaccination schedule for the HPV nine-valent vaccine consists of three doses administered at 0 months, 2 months, and 6 months. Since you received your first dose on June 2, the second dose should be administered after August 2, and the third dose should be administered...[Read More] Is It Safe to Get the HPV Vaccine Second Dose Early?
Understanding Anal Discomfort: When to Seek Medical Advice
Anal issues I have been experiencing some constipation recently, and for the past few days, I've noticed that the skin at the junction of my buttocks is painful when pressed or touched, almost like it's chafed. What could this be? Do I need to see a doctor? Thank you.
Dr. Lin Zhebin reply Family Medicine
Hello: Your condition may be an acute anal fissure caused by constipation, primarily due to hard stools passing through the anus, which can injure the anal sphincter due to straining. Typically, conservative treatment is the main approach, and surgery is usually not required. It ...[Read More] Understanding Anal Discomfort: When to Seek Medical Advice
Does Crushing or Splitting Medications Affect Their Effectiveness?
Cutting or crushing medication? Hello doctor, I went to the hospital due to loss of appetite and nausea and received some medication. I would like to know if crushing or grinding these medications will affect their efficacy and absorption? The medications are Yao Kuai Zhi Fu Da N...
Dr. Lin Zhebin reply Family Medicine
Hello: The three medications you mentioned will not have their absorption affected by being crushed or powdered.[Read More] Does Crushing or Splitting Medications Affect Their Effectiveness?
Understanding Underarm Pain: When to Seek Medical Attention
Axillary pain Initially thought to be premenstrual symptoms, but due to intermittent pain lasting about a month, with pain in the right armpit, shoulder pain, back pain, and chest tightness (unable to sleep lying down). I have tried massage to relieve discomfort, but I experience...
Dr. Lin Zhebin reply Family Medicine
Hello: Your discomfort involves the armpit, shoulder, back, and chest. The organs to consider include the skin, muscles, tendons, ligaments, bones, breasts, lungs, and heart. Therefore, it is recommended that you first visit a family medicine physician for an initial examination....[Read More] Understanding Underarm Pain: When to Seek Medical Attention
Understanding Intermittent Abdominal Pain After BNT Vaccine: When to Seek Help
After receiving the COVID-19 vaccine Hello, I would like to ask what could be the reason for experiencing intermittent sharp pain in the left and right abdomen 20 hours after receiving the first dose of the BNT vaccine? Should I see a doctor?
Dr. Lin Zhebin reply Family Medicine
Hello: Abdominal cramps following the BNT vaccine are relatively uncommon, and most discomfort tends to occur after the second dose. It is speculated that this may be due to muscle soreness in the abdominal area caused by the vaccine. Typically, any discomfort associated with the...[Read More] Understanding Intermittent Abdominal Pain After BNT Vaccine: When to Seek Help
Persistent Hand Numbness and Muscle Atrophy: Which Specialist to See?
Numbness in the hands during sleep + muscle atrophy? I have been experiencing numbness in both hands while sleeping for the past year. Three months ago, I visited a neurologist and underwent nerve conduction studies, which showed normal results. I also had a cervical X-ray, and t...
Dr. Lin Zhebin reply Family Medicine
Hello: Based on your description of numbness in both hands and muscle atrophy, and having ruled out cervical nerve compression, it is possible that you have carpal tunnel syndrome. If you consult a neurologist, they can arrange for relevant nerve and muscle tests to assist in the...[Read More] Persistent Hand Numbness and Muscle Atrophy: Which Specialist to See?
Understanding Dizziness: Causes, Symptoms, and Home Remedies
Dizziness and lightheadedness? Hello Doctor: Last night around 9 PM, I suddenly felt a bit dizzy and lightheaded. When I lay down to rest, I found it more comfortable to lie on my left side; lying on my right side made me feel extremely dizzy. When I opened my eyes to look at the...
Dr. Lin Zhebin reply Family Medicine
Hello: Based on your description, you may be experiencing Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo (BPPV), which is usually caused by disturbances in the inner ear's balance organs (otoliths). It could also be related to head trauma, viral infections, or other inner ear disorder...[Read More] Understanding Dizziness: Causes, Symptoms, and Home Remedies
Understanding Monkeypox Transmission: Risks in Medical Settings
Transmission routes of monkeypox? Hello doctor, monkeypox is now starting to spread among humans. I would like to ask about the transmission routes. If I go to the hospital for an ultrasound examination, and I need to remove my shirt and lie on the bed for the examination, if the...
Dr. Lin Zhebin reply Family Medicine
Hello: Based on your description, it is indeed possible to contract an infection. If the skin lesions of a previously infected monkeypox patient have ruptured, the monkeypox virus would be released in large quantities, and any objects that come into contact with these lesions cou...[Read More] Understanding Monkeypox Transmission: Risks in Medical Settings
Understanding Chest Discomfort After Eating: Possible Causes and Solutions
Chest tightness after cooking or eating? Hello doctor, I went out for errands at 2:30 PM the day before yesterday and was exposed to the sun for about 20 minutes. I experienced chest tightness, but after drinking water and resting, it improved. I burped and felt better. Today at ...
Dr. Lin Zhebin reply Family Medicine
Hello: In addition to gastrointestinal issues (most commonly gastroesophageal reflux), your chest discomfort should also consider potential heart problems (such as angina) or lung issues (such as asthma). It is recommended that you first visit a family medicine physician for an i...[Read More] Understanding Chest Discomfort After Eating: Possible Causes and Solutions
Understanding Gastrointestinal Discomfort: Causes and Remedies
Gastrointestinal discomfort? Hello Doctor, I previously inquired about issues related to nausea, vomiting, and loss of appetite. My symptoms have persisted for about two weeks, but they have slightly improved in the past few days, although I still feel some mild discomfort. I wou...
Dr. Lin Zhebin reply Family Medicine
Hello: 1. Your discomfort may also be caused by stress; however, it is important to first rule out other organic issues, such as gastrointestinal problems, issues with other abdominal organs, or endocrine disorders, before considering stress or other non-organic factors. Additi...[Read More] Understanding Gastrointestinal Discomfort: Causes and Remedies
Can Fish Oil Supplement Interact with Blood Thinners?
Fish oil and anticoagulant medications? Hello Dr. Lin, I would like to ask for your advice. I am currently taking Berkapz, Kety, Sigmacor, and Lipitor after dinner, and half a tablet of CoQ10 after breakfast. As long as I space out my multivitamins, it should generally be fine, r...
Dr. Lin Zhebin reply Family Medicine
Hello: Regarding your interest in taking fish oil to lower triglycerides, there are two important considerations: 1. You are already using a lipid-lowering medication, which should have some effect on reducing triglycerides. If the effect is not satisfactory, you might consider s...[Read More] Can Fish Oil Supplement Interact with Blood Thinners?
Understanding Anemia: When to Seek Specialized Medical Advice
Health check-up issues / Anemia / Inquiry about specialties Hello, Doctor! I have been experiencing anemia since middle school. Sometimes, I feel a bit dizzy when I first get up, but I thought it was normal since I am a woman and lose a lot of blood during my monthly menstruation...
Dr. Lin Zhebin reply Family Medicine
Hello: Based on your age and the fact that you have heavier menstrual flow, along with the blood test results you provided, it is likely that you are experiencing iron deficiency anemia due to chronic blood loss from prolonged heavy menstruation. Here are two recommendations: 1. ...[Read More] Understanding Anemia: When to Seek Specialized Medical Advice
Do Home Blood Pressure Monitors Need Calibration? Expert Insights
Blood pressure issues? Hello Doctor, I would like to inquire whether a home electronic blood pressure monitor (upper arm type) needs to be calibrated. I have not calibrated my blood pressure monitor since I bought it about 4 years ago, but each time I measure at the clinic, it te...
Dr. Lin Zhebin reply Family Medicine
Hello: If the blood pressure readings from your home monitor have been consistent over the past four years, there may not be a need to have it calibrated at a store. Additionally, if you tend to be a more anxious person, the higher blood pressure readings during your medical visi...[Read More] Do Home Blood Pressure Monitors Need Calibration? Expert Insights
Can You Skip Blood Tests During a Health Checkup?
Is it possible to have a health check-up without a blood test? Hello, doctor: Recently, due to company requirements, I need to undergo a labor health examination. However, I have a fear of needles and have been diagnosed with generalized anxiety disorder by a psychiatrist for the...
Dr. Lin Zhebin reply Family Medicine
Hello: This part depends on the examination requirements set by your company. If it is just a general occupational health check-up, it typically includes blood tests, urinalysis, stool tests, chest X-rays, and electrocardiograms (ECGs), all of which are non-invasive procedures. A...[Read More] Can You Skip Blood Tests During a Health Checkup?
Can I Take 800 IU of Vitamin D with Heart Issues and Low Blood Pressure?
The issue of vitamin pigs? I'm sorry, but I'm not sure if I can take it. I have moderate mitral valve insufficiency, as well as panic disorder, and my blood pressure is low, around 95/55. Can I take 800 IU of vitamin D per day? I've heard it can enhance immunity ag...
Dr. Lin Zhebin reply Family Medicine
Hello: Based on your age, the recommended dosage of vitamin D is 600 IU per day. In fact, a daily intake of up to 4000 IU is considered safe. With your current intake of 800 IU of vitamin D per day, theoretically, there should be no side effects. The primary concern with vitamin ...[Read More] Can I Take 800 IU of Vitamin D with Heart Issues and Low Blood Pressure?
Understanding Gastrointestinal Discomfort: Causes and Remedies
Gastrointestinal discomfort? Hello doctor, I've been feeling nauseous and have a loss of appetite lately, and it seems like I might have gastritis. I've taken some stomach medication over the past few days, which has provided some relief, but my appetite is still not th...
Dr. Lin Zhebin reply Family Medicine
Hello: Regarding your gastrointestinal discomfort, could it possibly be related to pregnancy? If you are certain that you are not pregnant, at your age, a typical case of gastroenteritis should improve within a few days. However, if the symptoms persist or worsen (such as abdomin...[Read More] Understanding Gastrointestinal Discomfort: Causes and Remedies
Post-COVID Symptoms: Understanding Fatigue and Elevated Temperature
COVID-19 Hello, doctor: I would like to ask, I was diagnosed on May 28, and it has been nearly a month since then. Recently, I have noticed that my body temperature is higher than before, but it does not exceed 38 degrees Celsius. I also feel more fatigued than I did before the d...
Dr. Lin Zhebin reply Family Medicine
Hello: Your elevated body temperature and fatigue are indeed likely to be sequelae of COVID-19. This condition may persist for several months or even up to a year. However, it is also important to consider that other illnesses could be causing your discomfort. I recommend maintai...[Read More] Post-COVID Symptoms: Understanding Fatigue and Elevated Temperature
Understanding COVID-19 Symptoms and Negative Test Results: What to Do Next
COVID-19 Hello, doctor. I have a question to ask you. Currently, my parents, sister-in-law, and niece were diagnosed with COVID-19 seven days ago, and I live with them. About four days ago, I started experiencing symptoms, initially mild sneezing and a runny nose. The rapid test ...
Dr. Lin Zhebin reply Family Medicine
Hello: Based on your description, your likelihood of being infected is quite high. As for why both rapid tests came back negative, you may want to consider the following three possibilities: 1. Testing issues: Each test can be affected by variations in the sampling technique, whi...[Read More] Understanding COVID-19 Symptoms and Negative Test Results: What to Do Next
Understanding Elevated Amylase Levels: Causes and Next Steps
Elevated amylase levels? Hello Dr. Lin, my younger brother recently received his health check-up report from work, and I have a few questions to ask you. He has a slight issue with being overweight (175 cm / 81 kg), with a BMI of 26.6, and an abdominal ultrasound showed mild to m...
Dr. Lin Zhebin reply Family Medicine
Hello: 1. There are many reasons that can cause an elevation in amylase levels, usually related to intra-abdominal organs. Regarding your concern about pancreatitis, it is actually more specific to check lipase levels. I recommend that your brother visit a gastroenterology depart...[Read More] Understanding Elevated Amylase Levels: Causes and Next Steps
Understanding Hand Bruises: Causes, Symptoms, and When to Seek Help
Bruising on the palm? My mother experienced sudden pain near her fingers on her palm while riding her bike yesterday. The pain improved later, but she noticed a purple bruise and swelling, although she mentioned she didn't hit anything. Currently, she feels pain when pressin...
Dr. Lin Zhebin reply Family Medicine
Hello: Your mother's bruising on her palm is more commonly associated with injuries to the ligaments, tendons, and muscles. Sometimes, this can be accompanied by small blood vessel rupture, leading to hematomas and bruising. However, it is also important to consider the poss...[Read More] Understanding Hand Bruises: Causes, Symptoms, and When to Seek Help