Can You Still Test for COVID-19 N Protein Antibodies in Taiwan?
I want to confirm whether I have had COVID-19, but can the SARS-CoV-2 N protein antibodies still be tested in Taiwan? Hello, doctor! I understand that testing for "COVID-19 N protein antibodies" can help determine if I have been infected with COVID-19 in the past few mo...
Dr. Lin Zhebin reply Family Medicine
Hello: It is recommended to inquire at a nearby medical center to see if they offer blood tests for COVID-19 antibodies.[Read More] Can You Still Test for COVID-19 N Protein Antibodies in Taiwan?
Understanding Abdominal Pain: Causes and When to Seek Help
Abdominal pain? On January 31st, around 2 AM, I suddenly experienced abdominal pain and had to go to the bathroom about 4 to 5 times. The next day, on February 1st, I went to see a doctor. After taking the medication prescribed by the doctor, I stopped having diarrhea, but my sto...
Dr. Lin Zhebin reply Family Medicine
Hello: Your symptoms mainly include left lower abdominal pain and diarrhea. You may need to consider the following conditions: diverticulitis, urinary tract infection, gynecological disorders, gastroenteritis, etc. If the left lower abdominal pain persists without improvement or ...[Read More] Understanding Abdominal Pain: Causes and When to Seek Help
Managing Asthma Issues Triggered by Sinusitis in Patients
Sinusitis triggers asthma issues? Hello, doctor. My mother had a cold last week that triggered her sinusitis (she has a history of sinusitis). It has not improved after a week. Three days ago, she visited a doctor and was prescribed antibiotics, which have helped her condition sl...
Dr. Lin Zhebin reply Family Medicine
Hello: Sinusitis is classified as an upper respiratory tract infection, but it can potentially progress to a lower respiratory tract infection, such as pneumonia. If you experience persistent tachycardia accompanied by shortness of breath, it is advisable to seek medical treatmen...[Read More] Managing Asthma Issues Triggered by Sinusitis in Patients
What Happens If You Accidentally Ingest Mosquito-Infested Skin?
Nausea Parasite If you accidentally squished a mosquito and then forgot to wash your hands before eating, ingesting the remnants of the mosquito on your fingers is unlikely to cause any serious health issues. However, it is always advisable to wash your hands thoroughly before ea...
Dr. Lin Zhebin reply Family Medicine
Hello: The situation you described usually does not have an impact on the body, as stomach acid also has antibacterial effects. If you are concerned, it is advisable to monitor for any fever or gastrointestinal symptoms. If you experience any related discomfort, you should seek m...[Read More] What Happens If You Accidentally Ingest Mosquito-Infested Skin?
Why Do I Feel Dizzy and Lightheaded After Blood Tests?
After drawing blood, my vision goes completely white? Hello, doctor. I would like to ask if the dizziness and temporary whiteout I experience for about 15 to 20 minutes after each blood draw during my health check-up is a case of vasovagal syncope?
Dr. Lin Zhebin reply Family Medicine
Hello: The situation you described is indeed very likely to be a case of vasovagal syncope. Additionally, it is important to consider other issues such as cardiovascular diseases, blood sugar abnormalities, blood pressure irregularities, anemia, and anxiety. If dizziness occurs f...[Read More] Why Do I Feel Dizzy and Lightheaded After Blood Tests?
Understanding Arm Hardness and Pain in Seniors: A Family Medicine Perspective
Inquiry about elderly arm issues? I recently noticed that my elderly relative has areas on both arms that feel hard when pressed, but there are no noticeable lumps. When I asked him about it, he mentioned experiencing soreness. The hardness feels somewhat similar to that of a you...
Dr. Lin Zhebin reply Family Medicine
Hello: Based on your description, it seems more like a case of localized muscle tension and contraction. If you continue to experience lumps and soreness, it is advisable to consider visiting a family medicine physician.[Read More] Understanding Arm Hardness and Pain in Seniors: A Family Medicine Perspective
Should You Test for Measles Antibodies Before MMR Vaccination?
Regarding MMR vaccination? Hello, Doctor. I was born in 1981, and I am uncertain whether I had measles as a child or if I have received the MMR vaccine in the past ten years. Since I plan to travel to Europe soon, where there is currently a measles outbreak, I would like to ask f...
Dr. Lin Zhebin reply Family Medicine
Hello: Taiwan began providing free measles vaccinations in 1978, and then started offering the MMR vaccine (measles, mumps, and rubella) for free in 1992. You likely received the measles vaccine during your childhood; however, the effectiveness of vaccines generally starts to dim...[Read More] Should You Test for Measles Antibodies Before MMR Vaccination?
Concerns About Infection Risks from Birds While Riding a Bike
Infection issues? Hello, doctor. I would like to ask if there is a risk of infection from bacteria if birds fly very close while riding a bike, due to contamination on my clothing or the bike itself. Additionally, if I accidentally hit a bird while riding with the visor of my hel...
Dr. Lin Zhebin reply Family Medicine
Hello: 1. If there has been contact with secretions or excretions from birds, there is a possibility of infection from pathogens carried by those birds. However, if only your outer clothing and the bicycle have been contaminated, the risk of infection should be very low since the...[Read More] Concerns About Infection Risks from Birds While Riding a Bike
Understanding the Connection Between Microcytic Anemia and Thrombocytosis
Iron deficiency anemia Hello, doctor. Thank you for taking the time to respond. I would like to ask if my direct relative has "iron deficiency anemia." My personal mean corpuscular volume (MCV) is low, and my platelet count is around 425,000. Are these two values relate...
Dr. Lin Zhebin reply Family Medicine
Hello: Iron deficiency anemia is classified as microcytic anemia, so the mean corpuscular volume (MCV) will be low. Additionally, iron deficiency anemia often coexists with thrombocytosis, which means your test results are indeed related to iron deficiency anemia.[Read More] Understanding the Connection Between Microcytic Anemia and Thrombocytosis
COVID-19 Transmission Concerns in Shared Living Spaces
COVID-19 Transmission Issues Hello, doctor. Thank you for your hard work. I have two questions: 1. I am currently living in a rented studio apartment with a large window (150*50 cm) that allows for drying clothes. The two neighboring units have similar windows. Recently, I have...
Dr. Lin Zhebin reply Family Medicine
Hello: 1. If the window is ventilated with outdoor air, there is no need to close it specifically. 2. Wearing a mask over the nose and breathing in through the nose while exhaling through the mouth does not prevent infection.[Read More] COVID-19 Transmission Concerns in Shared Living Spaces
Which Medical Specialty Should You See for Rib Pain After a Fall?
Which specialty should I see? Hello, doctor. After falling last week, I have been experiencing pain near my ribs. There are no external injuries or bruises, but the area hurts significantly when I run or laugh. Should I seek medical diagnosis and treatment? Which department shoul...
Dr. Lin Zhebin reply Family Medicine
Hello: Based on your description, it is more likely that you have a chest contusion from the fall, which usually heals naturally within a few weeks. However, if the pain persists without improvement or worsens, especially if accompanied by shortness of breath, it is important to ...[Read More] Which Medical Specialty Should You See for Rib Pain After a Fall?
Understanding Mid-Rib Pain: Causes and Next Steps for Relief
Dull pain at the edge of the costal cartilage of the 7th rib on the right lung? The patient experiences dull pain at the "cartilage edge" of the 7th rib on the right lung. 1. Timing of Occurrence: - After meals while sitting on a chair and napping with arms on the ...
Dr. Lin Zhebin reply Family Medicine
Hello: The dull pain along the edge of your costal cartilage, particularly near the seventh rib on the right side of your chest, could be due to several reasons. Besides costochondritis, it is important to consider potential issues with deeper tissues and organs, such as the diap...[Read More] Understanding Mid-Rib Pain: Causes and Next Steps for Relief
Unexplained Left-Side Numbness and Pain: Seeking Answers in Medical Care
Numbness on the left side of the body, along with weakness and soreness on the inner side of the left arm, with no identifiable cause? Since early last year, I have been experiencing numbness in my left pinky and ring fingers, which then progressed to my legs. By the end of the y...
Dr. Lin Zhebin reply Family Medicine
Hello: Based on your symptoms of discomfort on the left side and the tests you have undergone, it may be advisable to consider a cervical MRI to check for any cervical nerve compression. I recommend consulting with a neurologist or neurosurgeon for this matter. Additionally, rega...[Read More] Unexplained Left-Side Numbness and Pain: Seeking Answers in Medical Care
Can Disinfectant Spray Kill Helicobacter Pylori on Surfaces?
A cleanliness issue? Hello doctor, I would like to ask if commercially available disinfectant (hypochlorous acid solution) can kill Helicobacter pylori on surfaces (such as a mouse) when sprayed on them?
Dr. Lin Zhebin reply Family Medicine
Hello: Hypochlorous acid water should have a bactericidal effect against Helicobacter pylori, but it can be irritating to the skin. Therefore, it is more suitable for use in home environments and for cleaning utensils. It is recommended to use it in a well-ventilated area, allowi...[Read More] Can Disinfectant Spray Kill Helicobacter Pylori on Surfaces?
Concerns About Needle Stick Injuries and HIV Exposure: What You Need to Know
Stepping on a syringe? Hello, doctor. I am the one who stepped on a syringe. I would like to ask, I usually experience the sensation of being pricked by a needle (a psychiatric symptom). That day, I was wearing flip-flops, and when I suddenly made a sharp turn while walking, I fe...
Dr. Lin Zhebin reply Family Medicine
Hello: If there is only a prickling sensation without any external injury, the likelihood of being injured by a syringe is very low and is likely more related to the illusion of being pricked. Additionally, although the HIV virus typically loses its infectivity and cannot survive...[Read More] Concerns About Needle Stick Injuries and HIV Exposure: What You Need to Know
What to Do If You Step on a Syringe: HIV Risk Explained
If you step on a syringe? Hello doctor, I would like to ask, if I step on a syringe outside, is it possible to contract HIV? Thank you, doctor.
Dr. Lin Zhebin reply Family Medicine
Hello: If you have been injured by a syringe, there is a risk of infection from bloodborne and bodily fluid-transmitted diseases. Besides HIV, more common diseases include Hepatitis B, Hepatitis C, and Syphilis, among others. It is advisable to seek medical treatment as soon as p...[Read More] What to Do If You Step on a Syringe: HIV Risk Explained
Understanding Bedwetting in Children: When to Seek Medical Advice
Childhood bedwetting Hello Doctor: I would like to ask about my younger son, who is almost 7 years old and in the first grade. He often wets the bed at night. Should I take him to see a doctor? Which specialty should I consult? He usually wakes up only after he has already wet th...
Dr. Lin Zhebin reply Family Medicine
Hello: Common causes of bedwetting in children, aside from psychological factors, may include nocturnal polyuria, overactive bladder, and abnormalities in the brain's awakening centers (where the brain does not sense urine). If your son experiences any of the following sympt...[Read More] Understanding Bedwetting in Children: When to Seek Medical Advice
Understanding Unexplained Warmth in the Lower Back: When to Seek Help
Warm sensation near the lower back? Hello Doctor: In the past week, I've been feeling a warmth in my lower back at times, but there is no pain. It feels more pronounced when I lie down. I'm concerned it might be a kidney inflammation, but my urine looks normal and I don...
Dr. Lin Zhebin reply Family Medicine
Hello: The causes of lower back discomfort can be related not only to kidney inflammation but also to other organs and structures such as bones, muscles, and the gastrointestinal tract. It is recommended that you first visit a family medicine physician for evaluation.[Read More] Understanding Unexplained Warmth in the Lower Back: When to Seek Help
Understanding Symptoms: Nasal Congestion, Chest Pain, Vomiting, and Palpitations
Nasal congestion + runny nose + chest pain + vomiting + palpitations? Hello, I have been experiencing severe nasal congestion since December, which often prevents me from sleeping at night. (When my nose is clear, I have thick white phlegm.) After two to three weeks of significan...
Dr. Lin Zhebin reply Family Medicine
Hello: Based on the symptoms you described, we should consider the possibility of a respiratory or gastrointestinal infection. Additionally, the symptoms of chest pain and palpitations may indicate a cardiac issue, as potential causes can involve multiple organs. It is recommende...[Read More] Understanding Symptoms: Nasal Congestion, Chest Pain, Vomiting, and Palpitations
Addressing Mask Concerns in Shared Living Spaces During Pandemic
The issue of masks? I have a couple of questions regarding my rented room in a shared house. The common hallway is poorly ventilated and often has a musty and strange odor. With the recent rise in COVID-19 cases, I have some concerns: 1. When I pass through the hallway wearing ...
Dr. Lin Zhebin reply Family Medicine
Hello: 1. General medical masks do not effectively block odors, but they are quite effective at filtering bacteria. On the other hand, activated carbon masks can block odors, but they do not filter bacteria. 2. Alcohol can damage the waterproof layer of masks, reducing their effe...[Read More] Addressing Mask Concerns in Shared Living Spaces During Pandemic