Can I Take These Medications Together? A Family Medicine Inquiry
Medication Consultation Hello Dr. Lin, I would like to ask if the following medications can be taken together. Thank you. I am currently taking medications prescribed by a urologist: for three months, J32 Zinc gluconate 78mg (for zinc deficiency) (zinc 10mg)/tab (one before break...
Dr. Lin Zhebin reply Family Medicine
Hello: The medications you are currently taking do not have any significant interactions with each other; however, Pantoprazole may affect the absorption of zinc in Zinc gluconate.[Read More] Can I Take These Medications Together? A Family Medicine Inquiry
Navigating Multiple Health Issues: When to Seek Medical Help
Multiple discomforts? I have widespread pain or a sudden sensation of coolness in a small area of skin, and I'm unsure which specialist to consult since it feels wasteful to see each one individually. Here are the situations I've experienced: 1. I have random abdominal...
Dr. Lin Zhebin reply Family Medicine
Hello: 1. The abdominal pain you are experiencing may be related to constipation. 2. The abnormal sensations in your skin could be due to dryness or an allergic reaction. 3. The symptoms of runny nose and nasal congestion may indicate allergic rhinitis. 4. The itching in your eye...[Read More] Navigating Multiple Health Issues: When to Seek Medical Help
Understanding Blood Sugar Fluctuations: Causes and Concerns
Abnormal blood sugar issues? Hello doctor, I have a habit of monitoring my blood sugar levels. Previously, my fasting blood sugar in the morning was consistently between 88 and 96. However, yesterday it suddenly rose to 104. I tested it twice more, getting readings of 100 and 103...
Dr. Lin Zhebin reply Family Medicine
Hello: The normal fasting blood glucose level in the morning is between 70-99 mg/dL, while the fasting blood glucose level for prediabetes is between 100-125 mg/dL. Additionally, the normal blood glucose level two hours after a meal is between 80-139 mg/dL. Based on your measured...[Read More] Understanding Blood Sugar Fluctuations: Causes and Concerns
Understanding Fasting Blood Sugar Levels: Should You Worry?
Blood sugar issues? Hello doctor, my fasting blood sugar in the morning fluctuates between 88 and 96, but it never exceeds 100. Should I be concerned about this? Is there a risk that I might unintentionally develop prediabetes if I don't control my diet?
Dr. Lin Zhebin reply Family Medicine
Hello: The normal range for fasting blood glucose in the morning is 70-99 mg/dL, while the range for prediabetes is 100-125 mg/dL. Therefore, your fasting blood glucose level is normal. Additionally, if you are still concerned, it is recommended that you check your blood glucose ...[Read More] Understanding Fasting Blood Sugar Levels: Should You Worry?
Understanding Sudden Back Pain While Breathing: Causes and Concerns
Pain in the back during breathing? About five minutes after finishing dinner, while walking, I suddenly experienced sharp pain in my back, roughly in the middle and lower right area. The pain worsens with deep breaths or exhalation, feeling like a stabbing pain. Although it is no...
Dr. Lin Zhebin reply Family Medicine
Hello: The possible causes of your back pain may include issues related to the heart, lungs, aorta, kidneys, pancreas, gastrointestinal tract, spine, intervertebral discs, and muscles, among others. Since the severity can vary greatly, it is recommended that you seek medical eval...[Read More] Understanding Sudden Back Pain While Breathing: Causes and Concerns
Needle Stick Injury: Risk of Infection from Blood Glucose Testing
Needle stick injury Hello, doctor: My mom accidentally got pricked by a needle while measuring my dad's blood sugar. Since my dad has hepatitis B, he immediately squeezed out the blood. Is there a risk of infection in this situation?
Dr. Lin Zhebin reply Family Medicine
Hello: Although the amount of blood remaining on the needle should be minimal, there is still a risk of hepatitis B infection. It is advisable to take your parents to the doctor for blood tests as soon as possible.[Read More] Needle Stick Injury: Risk of Infection from Blood Glucose Testing
Managing Blood Pressure: Navigating Medication Side Effects and Concerns
Blood pressure issues? At home, my diastolic blood pressure has been consistently high, ranging from 90 to over 100, and my systolic pressure is between 130 and 140. On December 27, 2023, I visited a hypertension specialist for the first time, and they prescribed me a three-month...
Dr. Lin Zhebin reply Family Medicine
Hello: 1. The occurrence of herpes on your lips and mild abdominal pain should not be related to Epanutin 5/80. 2. Epanutin 5/80 is not commonly associated with arrhythmia as a side effect; rather, tea and coffee are more likely to cause arrhythmias. 3. Your blood pressure has de...[Read More] Managing Blood Pressure: Navigating Medication Side Effects and Concerns
Understanding Rib Pain and Body Discomfort: Possible Causes
Rib pain accompanied by general malaise? I would like to ask, in the past couple of days, I have been experiencing intermittent dull pain in the lower ribs on both sides, along with a sore throat. At times, I also feel cold. What could be the possible reasons for this?
Dr. Lin Zhebin reply Family Medicine
Hello: The pain in your ribs, sore throat, and chills may be caused by a viral infection. Currently, common viral infections include the COVID-19 virus and the influenza virus, among others. It is recommended that you seek medical evaluation and treatment as soon as possible.[Read More] Understanding Rib Pain and Body Discomfort: Possible Causes
Understanding Chronic Fatigue: Causes, Tests, and Treatment Options
The reasons for fatigue and the desire to sleep can vary widely. To investigate these symptoms, several tests can be conducted, including: 1. Complete Blood Count (CBC) - to check for anemia or infection. 2. Thyroid Function Tests - to assess for hypothyroidism or hyperthyroidis...
Dr. Lin Zhebin reply Family Medicine
Hello: Your issue of fatigue and drowsiness may be related to mental health problems or medication side effects, but it is also important to consider the possibility of physiological diseases, such as anemia, electrolyte and blood sugar imbalances, liver and kidney dysfunction, o...[Read More] Understanding Chronic Fatigue: Causes, Tests, and Treatment Options
Understanding Persistent Fatigue: Causes, Tests, and Treatment Options
The reasons for fatigue and the desire to sleep can vary widely. To investigate these symptoms, several tests can be conducted, including: 1. Complete Blood Count (CBC) - to check for anemia or infection. 2. Thyroid Function Tests - to assess for hypothyroidism or hyperthyroidis...
Dr. Lin Zhebin reply Family Medicine
Hello: Your issue of fatigue and drowsiness may be related not only to mental health problems and medication side effects but also to the possibility of underlying physiological conditions, such as anemia, electrolyte and blood sugar imbalances, liver and kidney dysfunction, or h...[Read More] Understanding Persistent Fatigue: Causes, Tests, and Treatment Options
Unexplained Swelling and Pain in the Finger: Possible Causes and Solutions
Unexplained swelling and pain in the fingers? Hello Dr. Lin, I have been experiencing a mild tingling and prickling sensation in the first joint of my left index finger for a while, but since the symptoms disappeared after a few occurrences, I didn't think much of it. Howeve...
Dr. Lin Zhebin reply Family Medicine
Hello: You may need to consider cellulitis or tendonitis in your left index finger. It is recommended that you first visit a family medicine or orthopedic clinic for evaluation.[Read More] Unexplained Swelling and Pain in the Finger: Possible Causes and Solutions
Concerns About Makeup Safety for Children: Cleaning and Allergies
Questions related to cosmetics and skincare products? Hello, doctor. I would like to ask if it is acceptable for a child to play with cosmetics before bedtime or touch items that may have been contaminated with cosmetics, and then take a regular bath without specifically removing...
Dr. Lin Zhebin reply Family Medicine
Hello: 1. If the body comes into contact with cosmetics, washing with soap should be sufficient. 2. If there are residues of cosmetics in the environment, cleaning with alcohol should be adequate. 3. It is recommended to monitor children for any signs of skin allergies or other d...[Read More] Concerns About Makeup Safety for Children: Cleaning and Allergies
Do Makeup Residues on Bedding and Phones Cause Health Issues?
Will it cause discomfort? Hello, doctor. If a previous tenant did not remove their makeup and lay on the bed or left cosmetics scattered on the bed, what should be done before someone else uses it? Should the bed be cleaned or the makeup removed? Additionally, if someone regularl...
Dr. Lin Zhebin reply Family Medicine
Hello: 1. If the previous tenant simply left makeup on the bed or scattered cosmetics on it, the amount of contamination is usually minimal. Unless there is a risk of an allergic reaction to the cosmetics, there is generally no need for special makeup removal or cleaning. 2. The ...[Read More] Do Makeup Residues on Bedding and Phones Cause Health Issues?
Do Makeup Residues on Bedding and Phones Cause Health Issues?
Will it cause discomfort? Hello, doctor. If a previous tenant did not remove their makeup and lay on the bed or left cosmetics scattered on the bed, what should be done before someone else uses it? Should the bed be cleaned or is there a need to remove makeup? Additionally, if so...
Dr. Lin Zhebin reply Family Medicine
Hello: 1. If the previous tenant did not remove their makeup and left it on the bed or scattered cosmetics on the bed, the amount of contamination from the cosmetics is usually minimal. Unless there is a risk of an allergic reaction to the cosmetics, there should be no need for s...[Read More] Do Makeup Residues on Bedding and Phones Cause Health Issues?
Assessing COVID-19 Exposure Risk After Close Contact with a Colleague
Risk of Infection Hello Doctor, I was informed today that a colleague of mine has tested positive for COVID-19. I sat next to this colleague during a meeting for two hours two days ago, and we were very close to each other. Both of us were wearing masks during that time, but I am...
Dr. Lin Zhebin reply Family Medicine
Hello: 1. Since both you and your colleague are wearing masks, the likelihood of contracting COVID-19 from your colleague is generally lower, but it cannot be said that there is no risk at all. 2. If you are concerned about contracting COVID-19, you can first check yourself using...[Read More] Assessing COVID-19 Exposure Risk After Close Contact with a Colleague
Can Dust from Stray Cats Cause Zoonotic Infections? Expert Insights
Infection issues Hello Doctor, yesterday my family discovered a stray cat in the space above the rolling shutter door. During the process of capturing it, we did not wear masks, and a lot of dust and rust particles fell down. Afterward, I took a full shower. I researched online a...
Dr. Lin Zhebin reply Family Medicine
Hello: In terms of cats, the more common zoonotic infections are as follows: 1. Cat Scratch Disease: Most infections occur due to scratches or bites from cats. 2. Toxoplasmosis: Most infections occur from handling cat feces. Based on your description of the process of capturing t...[Read More] Can Dust from Stray Cats Cause Zoonotic Infections? Expert Insights
Effective Strategies to Reduce Belly Fat: A Guide for Young Adults
Abdominal obesity issue I have a belly bulge that I've had since I was 23 years old. How can I lose belly fat? Is my metabolism slow?
Dr. Lin Zhebin reply Family Medicine
Hello: The general methods for weight loss primarily involve dietary control combined with exercise. Additionally, it is important to consider whether there are any underlying medical conditions contributing to obesity, or if pharmacological assistance for weight loss may be appr...[Read More] Effective Strategies to Reduce Belly Fat: A Guide for Young Adults
Understanding Dizziness and Fatigue After a Common Cold: When to Seek Help
Cold, dizziness, and general weakness? I initially thought I had contracted influenza A from my family, but after visiting the clinic, the doctor diagnosed me with a common cold. My symptoms included fever, body aches, cough, runny nose, and nausea. However, on the fifth day of t...
Dr. Lin Zhebin reply Family Medicine
Hello: Based on your description, since you have already had a fever reduction, it indicates that the infection is likely improving. However, the residual discomfort from the infection may still persist. At this time, it is advisable to refrain from exercising, as the lack of app...[Read More] Understanding Dizziness and Fatigue After a Common Cold: When to Seek Help
Understanding Weight Loss After COVID-19: When to Seek Help
Weight loss Hello doctor, I had COVID-19 and developed sequelae in early February, including shortness of breath and coughing. I have seen a doctor about this. After that, I started staying up late during the winter break, and my weight went from 49 kg to now. I have begun eating...
Dr. Lin Zhebin reply Family Medicine
Hello: The general definition of significant weight loss is a decrease of 5 kilograms or 5% of body weight within six months to a year. Given your current weight and the fact that you have lost 1.2 kilograms in half a month, it is indeed necessary to consider the possibility of a...[Read More] Understanding Weight Loss After COVID-19: When to Seek Help
Understanding Blood Test Results: What Your Doctor Wants You to Know
Blood disorders Hello, Doctor: Last week, I visited the hospital due to feeling unwell, and the doctor conducted a blood test. The report is as follows: Lymphocyte 22% [19][48], MCH (Mean Corpuscular Hemoglobin) 31.4 g/dL [33][37], MCH 29.0 pg [27][31], MCHC (Mean Corpuscular Hem...
Dr. Lin Zhebin reply Family Medicine
Hello: Based on your blood test report, although the RBC is low, the Hemoglobin is within the normal range, so the anemia is likely not severe. Further analysis of the low MCH and low MCHC suggests that it may be microcytic anemia, with the most common cause being iron deficiency...[Read More] Understanding Blood Test Results: What Your Doctor Wants You to Know