Chronic Back Pain: Seeking Solutions After Years of Suffering
Chronic back pain Dear Doctor, I have been suffering from chronic back pain for a long time. I have been taking sleeping pills for two years because three years ago, I discovered that whenever I lie down in bed to sleep, I start to feel sharp pain in my back after a few minutes, ...
Dr. Wu Zongying reply Family Medicine
Hello: I recommend that you consult with a rehabilitation specialist or a neurologist for further evaluation, as they may provide different insights and treatment options.[Read More] Chronic Back Pain: Seeking Solutions After Years of Suffering
Can STDs Be Transmitted Through Contaminated Drinks?
Sexually transmitted infections (STIs) transmission If a beverage is contaminated with the bodily fluids of a person with a sexually transmitted infection, and an individual with oral wounds consumes it, is there a risk of infection? For example, could this lead to infections suc...
Dr. Wu Zongying reply Family Medicine
Hello: You mentioned the concern about whether drinking beverages contaminated with the bodily fluids of an individual with a sexually transmitted infection (STI) could lead to infection when there are wounds in the mouth. This cannot be generalized, as it depends on the type of ...[Read More] Can STDs Be Transmitted Through Contaminated Drinks?
Understanding Zinc Deficiency: Symptoms, Treatment, and Safety Concerns
Difficult medical conditions Hello, doctor. I would like to ask two questions. First, is there any toxicity associated with heating glucosamine zinc tablets? I usually dissolve them in hot water before taking them. Second, I have an anal fissure, chronic acne on my skin, oily and...
Dr. Wu Zongying reply Family Medicine
Hello: Soaking in regular warm water may damage zinc. Zinc is found in many types of food, such as seafood (especially oysters), whole grains, cereals, nuts, meats (red meat and poultry), legumes, and dairy products. If you typically do not lack these foods in your diet, you shou...[Read More] Understanding Zinc Deficiency: Symptoms, Treatment, and Safety Concerns
Understanding Calf Pain: Causes, Symptoms, and When to Seek Help
Calf pain Hello Doctor: I have been experiencing a pain similar to lactic acid buildup in the area near the Chengshan point on my left calf for a long time. I am certain that it is not due to pressing on an acupoint, and my right leg does not have this symptom. However, the pain ...
Dr. Wu Zongying reply Family Medicine
Hello: There are many possible causes for pain at the Chengshan point, and a physical examination is necessary to determine the exact reason. However, it is not significantly related to thrombosis, so I hope you won't worry too much. I recommend that you schedule an appointm...[Read More] Understanding Calf Pain: Causes, Symptoms, and When to Seek Help
Can Patients with Low Blood Pressure Receive the Moderna Vaccine?
Can patients with low blood pressure receive the Moderna vaccine? Hello Dr. Wu, my grandfather is a long-term diabetes patient and also has cardiovascular disease. Due to taking (Jian An Xin), it has affected his blood pressure, which has always been on the lower side, so he can ...
Dr. Wu Zongying reply Family Medicine
Hello: The greatest risk associated with vaccine administration is anaphylactic shock, which often occurs within 30 minutes after injection. Additionally, older individuals with unstable cardiovascular conditions should not rush to receive the vaccine; it is advisable to wait unt...[Read More] Can Patients with Low Blood Pressure Receive the Moderna Vaccine?
Understanding Chest Pain During Exercise: When to See a Doctor
Pain in the center of the chest? Recently, I have been exercising frequently and riding my bike, but I suddenly experience chest tightness and even chest pain, which feels like gas trapped inside. I have to wait until I burp to gradually feel relief. Should I see a doctor? Which ...
Dr. Wu Zongying reply Family Medicine
Hello: It is recommended that you undergo a pulmonary examination, which may include a chest X-ray or pulmonary function tests. If the pulmonary examination does not reveal any issues, then you should schedule an appointment with a gastroenterologist.[Read More] Understanding Chest Pain During Exercise: When to See a Doctor
Understanding Numbness in the Left Calf: Causes and Concerns
Numbness in the left calf? Hello doctor, I have been experiencing a floating sensation in the front and front-right side of my left calf for the past few days. It doesn't quite feel like swelling, but it has a bit of a tingling sensation, although there is no pain or itching...
Dr. Wu Zongying reply Family Medicine
Hello: Based on your description, it may be caused by poor circulation. Since you are overweight, try to avoid prolonged sitting, as it can interfere with lower limb circulation. Generally, it is recommended that after sitting for an hour, one should get up from the chair for 10 ...[Read More] Understanding Numbness in the Left Calf: Causes and Concerns
Understanding Post-Injection Palpitations: Causes and Concerns
Palpitations after injection? Hello Doctor: I do not have any diseases or drug allergies. Although I have mild nasal allergies, I have previously experienced allergic reactions to shrimp and sudden hives, but those incidents occurred only once or twice several years ago, and I ge...
Dr. Wu Zongying reply Family Medicine
Hello: You asked about the cause of palpitations after vaccination. On one hand, it is a response from the autonomic nervous system; on the other hand, the medication entering the body can also trigger some reactions, which will gradually subside. These reactions should not be cl...[Read More] Understanding Post-Injection Palpitations: Causes and Concerns
Understanding Hand Pain: When to Seek Medical Attention
Hand problems Before the Lunar New Year this year, I suddenly experienced severe pain in the area from my left thumb down to the wrist joint for unknown reasons. At that time, I thought it might be due to cooking more often and lifting heavy pots, which could have caused a muscle...
Dr. Wu Zongying reply Family Medicine
Hello: Based on your description in the letter, your left hand issue seems more like tendinitis or tenosynovitis. I recommend that you schedule an appointment with a rehabilitation specialist for examination and treatment.[Read More] Understanding Hand Pain: When to Seek Medical Attention
Understanding Multiple Health Issues: A Guide for Patients During COVID-19
Experiencing multiple physical discomforts and not knowing where to start? Since the level 3 alert, I have experienced many physical discomforts, ranging from gastroenteritis to autonomic nervous system disorders. I have visited the family medicine clinic several times. Initially...
Dr. Wu Zongying reply Family Medicine
Hello: Based on your letter, it is difficult to accurately respond to your questions. Regarding issues such as chest pain and back pain, if they are not caused by a specific illness (which requires further examination to determine), you may improve your condition by increasing ph...[Read More] Understanding Multiple Health Issues: A Guide for Patients During COVID-19
Understanding Excessive Daytime Sleepiness: Causes and Solutions
Excessive daytime sleepiness? Hello, doctor. I usually go to sleep around 11 or 12 at night, but I wake up at 5 or 6 in the morning, and sometimes even before dawn (around 3 or 4 AM) and cannot fall back asleep. I snore while sleeping, but my sleep is very light, and I often wake...
Dr. Wu Zongying reply Family Medicine
Hello: Snoring during sleep may lead to sleep apnea, which over time can prevent the brain from receiving sufficient oxygen during sleep, resulting in fatigue and drowsiness the next day. It is recommended that you keep the window open to allow fresh air in while sleeping, and av...[Read More] Understanding Excessive Daytime Sleepiness: Causes and Solutions
Could Your Symptoms Indicate Prediabetes? Understanding the Signs
Is it a sign of prediabetes? Hello, Doctor. Since I was young, I have easily experienced many symptoms of hypoglycemia when fasting, such as sudden severe shaking, palpitations, dizziness, and anxiety. Sometimes these symptoms last for 1-2 hours and then turn into stomach pain. A...
Dr. Wu Zongying reply Family Medicine
Hello: Based on the symptoms you mentioned in your letter, they do not appear to be indicative of diabetes. Your weight is on the lower side, and your food intake is not substantial; the symptoms resemble hypoglycemia. It is advisable to maintain a normal food intake (to sustain ...[Read More] Could Your Symptoms Indicate Prediabetes? Understanding the Signs
Understanding Abdominal Changes After Weight Loss: Causes and Solutions
Weight loss-related issues? Hello Doctor, I consulted about weight loss issues back in February. Since then, I have maintained my weight at 58 kg for the past four months, and my body fat percentage is now between 13-15%. However, I have encountered a problem: while I can see my ...
Dr. Wu Zongying reply Family Medicine
Hello: I appreciate your efforts and the achievement of developing six-pack abs. It is essential to consume adequate protein to ensure that your muscles have strength. You mentioned a protrusion; this needs to be assessed visually for an accurate diagnosis, as some abdominal hern...[Read More] Understanding Abdominal Changes After Weight Loss: Causes and Solutions
Understanding Pain Behind the Eye, Face, and Neck: Possible Causes and When to Seek Help
Pain behind the eyes, face, behind the ears, and neck? Hello, the symptoms have been ongoing for about three days. I am experiencing a tight, aching sensation with slight pain in the right side of my eye socket, face (near the ear), behind the ear (where the ear connects to the n...
Dr. Wu Zongying reply Family Medicine
Hello: It is difficult to determine the specific condition based solely on your description. However, if you habitually chew food on one side of your mouth, it may be indicative of temporomandibular joint disorder (TMJ). It is recommended that you visit an oral surgery clinic and...[Read More] Understanding Pain Behind the Eye, Face, and Neck: Possible Causes and When to Seek Help
Understanding Your Blood Test Results: Do You Have Diabetes?
Is there diabetes? Total cholesterol (132) Triglycerides (57) Fasting blood glucose (107) Uric acid (8.6) Creatinine (1.18) eGFR (76.0) Sodium (140) Potassium (5.0) Aspartate aminotransferase (AST) (35) Alanine aminotransferase (ALT) (50) Low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-...
Dr. Wu Zongying reply Family Medicine
Hello: Based on your data, while it is not yet sufficient to diagnose diabetes, there are already indications of hyperglycemia, elevated uric acid levels, and increased liver function indices. It is suspected that you may have overweight and fatty liver disease. It is recommended...[Read More] Understanding Your Blood Test Results: Do You Have Diabetes?
Do I Need a Booster for Hepatitis B Vaccine? Expert Advice
Do I need to receive a booster dose of the hepatitis B vaccine? Hello, Doctor. I was born in 1984. It is unclear whether I received the hepatitis B vaccine at birth. My mother mentioned that my father is a carrier of hepatitis B. Six months ago, my employee health check report in...
Dr. Wu Zongying reply Family Medicine
Hello: At the time of your birth, it is likely that the hepatitis B vaccine was not administered. You mentioned that your current hepatitis B surface antigen and antibody tests are negative. If the core antibody test is also negative, it is recommended to consider receiving the h...[Read More] Do I Need a Booster for Hepatitis B Vaccine? Expert Advice
Managing Dizziness: Exploring Medical Options Beyond Neurology and ENT
Tinnitus, dizziness? Hello, Director Wu. For long-term dizziness and occasional vertigo, aside from neurology and otolaryngology, which other specialties can I consult? 1. If dizziness is caused by blood pressure issues, what are the typical symptoms? 2. In a stable mental and...
Dr. Wu Zongying reply Family Medicine
Hello: Dizziness may not always have a detectable cause. Even with medication, improvement is not guaranteed. In terms of diet, it is advisable to avoid consuming high-concentration or strongly flavored soups, as they may affect the inner ear's semicircular canals and lead t...[Read More] Managing Dizziness: Exploring Medical Options Beyond Neurology and ENT
Managing High Cholesterol: When to Consider Medication and Treatment Standards
High cholesterol I recently underwent an adult health check-up at the hospital. My results were TC 308, TG 36, HDL 95.7, and LDL 178.6. My height is 149.5 cm and my weight is 47.7 kg. Due to a family history of genetic hyperlipidemia, I expected to see elevated levels. However, a...
Dr. Wu Zongying reply Family Medicine
Your total cholesterol (TC) is 308, and your LDL is 178.6, both of which are elevated. It is necessary to actively manage your diet or consider medication. High levels of TC and LDL can lead to fat accumulation in the blood vessel walls, heart, liver, or other organs in the body....[Read More] Managing High Cholesterol: When to Consider Medication and Treatment Standards
Morning Upper Back Pain and Breathing Issues: What to Do?
Daily morning back pain and difficulty breathing? Approximately since the end of June last year (2020), I have been waking up every morning due to upper back pain. I changed my bed, but there was not much improvement. Last year, I consulted an orthopedic specialist and had X-rays...
Dr. Wu Zongying reply Family Medicine
Hello: The information in your letter does not provide enough insight into the cause of your pain. It is important to consider your daily habits and posture to determine if they are related to your discomfort, so that preventive measures can be taken. Musculoskeletal symptoms cur...[Read More] Morning Upper Back Pain and Breathing Issues: What to Do?
Understanding Facial Pain: When to Seek Medical Attention
It feels like half of my head is inflamed? Hello, doctor. Four days ago, I started experiencing discomfort in a tooth on the upper right side that I had filled years ago. I also have sharp pain in my right eye, accompanied by discharge, and intermittent throbbing pain in my head....
Dr. Wu Zongying reply Family Medicine
Hello: Based on your description, it is difficult to determine the issue. I recommend that you visit a dentist for an examination. If there is pulpitis, it may spread from the root apex and cause discomfort. An X-ray taken by the dentist would be more definitive. Wishing you good...[Read More] Understanding Facial Pain: When to Seek Medical Attention