Understanding Low Blood Pressure: Causes and Concerns in Family Medicine
Regarding the issue of low blood pressure? Hello Doctor, I would like to inquire about blood pressure issues. Both my husband and I generally have low blood pressure; when sitting, it usually measures around the 90s/60s, and at its highest, it can reach around 100s/70s, while at ...
Dr. Wu Zongying reply Family Medicine
Hello: Actually, lying flat does not lower systolic blood pressure; your dizziness may need to be considered in light of other issues. Generally speaking, if blood pressure is slightly below normal but there are no underlying heart conditions or discomfort, there is no need for c...[Read More] Understanding Low Blood Pressure: Causes and Concerns in Family Medicine
Should You See a Doctor for Drooling While Sleeping?
Drooling during sleep? Hello doctor, I have occasionally drooled while sleeping since I was young, and it happens more frequently when I nap at school. Should I see a doctor for this? Which specialty should I consult?
Dr. Wu Zongying reply Family Medicine
Hello: Based on the information you provided, possible causes include 1. increased parasympathetic nervous system activity, 2. sleeping with the mouth open, and 3. taking antidepressants or anticonvulsants. Please try to avoid sleeping on your stomach (for example, during school ...[Read More] Should You See a Doctor for Drooling While Sleeping?
Which Specialist Should You See for Cholesterol and PCOS Issues?
Which doctor should I see? Hello Doctor, my current blood pressure is 165/50. I have been a vegetarian since childhood and have a relatively thin build. During my last health check-up, I found out that my cholesterol levels are high: high-density lipoprotein (HDL) is 59, and low-...
Dr. Wu Zongying reply Family Medicine
Hello: Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) is often associated with being overweight. Individuals with higher body weight are more likely to experience increased secretion of insulin and androgens, leading to ovulatory dysfunction. If you are overweight, please manage your diet and ...[Read More] Which Specialist Should You See for Cholesterol and PCOS Issues?
Understanding Blood Test Results: What Do Low Neutrophils and High Lymphocytes Mean?
Blood test report inquiry? Hello, I would like to ask the doctor about a few items in my blood test report. WBC 4.43, neutrophils 27 (low), lymphocytes 57 (high), A. lymph 3. I would like to know what the general causes of these results might be. I recently had a cold; could that...
Dr. Wu Zongying reply Family Medicine
If you do not have a fever, cough, swollen neck lymph nodes, or abnormal sexual behavior, then you do not need to worry about these values for now. Respiratory infections can also cause elevated lymphocyte counts and decreased segmented neutrophils. Certain infections, such as th...[Read More] Understanding Blood Test Results: What Do Low Neutrophils and High Lymphocytes Mean?
Understanding Blood Sugar Levels: Should You Be Concerned?
Blood sugar issues? Hello doctor, I had blood and urine tests done earlier this year, and everything was normal, but my blood sugar was 91, which seems to be on the borderline of normal. Recently, I've been sweating easily, and I'm worried that I might have diabetes. Sh...
Dr. Wu Zongying reply Family Medicine
Hello: Your previous blood glucose level was 91 mg/dL. Although you have issues with being overweight and a higher BMI, it is unlikely that you will develop diabetes quickly from the beginning of the year until now. I would like to know what your weight was at the beginning of th...[Read More] Understanding Blood Sugar Levels: Should You Be Concerned?
Understanding Sudden Chest Pain: Possible Causes and Insights
Sudden chest pain? Tonight, I suddenly experienced pain in the area from the center to the lower part of my ribs. The pain is not very intense; it feels like a diffuse discomfort that lasts about 10 seconds. The location is not superficial; it seems to be deeper, and it doesn...
Dr. Wu Zongying reply Family Medicine
Many people complain about similar issues, such as pain or sharp discomfort in the ribs or between the ribs, but chest X-rays often show no abnormalities. In my personal experience as a clinician, individuals who tend to sit for long periods and engage in little physical activity...[Read More] Understanding Sudden Chest Pain: Possible Causes and Insights
Understanding Abnormal Symptoms: Breast Asymmetry, Flaking, and Dizziness
Abnormal symptoms I have the following questions for the doctor: 1. Is it normal for the positions of the nipples to be asymmetrical? It's not very noticeable; you have to look closely to see it, but it appears that the left nipple is about one centimeter lower than the ri...
Dr. Wu Zongying reply Family Medicine
Based solely on your description, I cannot determine whether you have breast cancer. However, the position of the nipples does not necessarily have to be symmetrical, as long as there are no abnormal lumps internally. Flaking skin accompanied by itching in the breast area is not ...[Read More] Understanding Abnormal Symptoms: Breast Asymmetry, Flaking, and Dizziness
Can I Work in Food Service After a Positive Typhoid Test?
Health check-up issues Hello Doctor: I am starting a job in the food service industry, and my recent health examination report showed a positive reaction for typhoid fever. However, after two subsequent stool tests, the Salmonella culture was negative, indicating that I am not in...
Dr. Wu Zongying reply Family Medicine
Hello: If two stool tests are negative, it usually indicates that there is no infectious disease present and treatment is not necessary. Please do not worry.[Read More] Can I Work in Food Service After a Positive Typhoid Test?
Neck Pain After Phone Slip: Should You Worry About Concussion?
Neck issues? Hello, Dr. Wu. The day before yesterday, while lying on my side in bed and using my phone, my hand slipped, and in a moment of panic, I reflexively tilted my head back to avoid the fall. Afterwards, I experienced some soreness and discomfort in my neck. Is it possibl...
Dr. Wu Zongying reply Family Medicine
Hello: If the neck is excessively hyperextended, such as during a sudden stop, it can lead to serious issues, often accompanied by neurological symptoms (such as upper limb numbness), requiring further evaluation by a neurosurgeon. If the symptoms are due to muscle strain from po...[Read More] Neck Pain After Phone Slip: Should You Worry About Concussion?
COVID-19 Concerns and Vaccine Preparation: Your Family Medicine Questions
May I ask the doctor? Hello, I would like to ask the doctor two questions. Today, I went to Taipei for the first time in a long while. On the train, there were two or three Black individuals who were only wearing their masks over their mouths and not properly covering their noses...
Dr. Wu Zongying reply Family Medicine
Hello: The COVID-19 virus is primarily transmitted through droplets or contact. If the two individuals were not sneezing or talking at that time, and you were wearing a mask, along with washing your hands after leaving the train, you should generally be at low risk of infection. ...[Read More] COVID-19 Concerns and Vaccine Preparation: Your Family Medicine Questions
The Health Effects of Drinking Coffee on an Empty Stomach
The effects of drinking coffee on an empty stomach on health? There are various opinions circulating online regarding the effects of drinking coffee on an empty stomach. Some articles suggest that consuming coffee on an empty stomach can lead to elevated blood sugar levels, while...
Dr. Wu Zongying reply Family Medicine
Hello: Coffee does have its stimulating effects, and drinking it on an empty stomach can be irritating to the stomach, especially with American-style coffee. However, if consumed alongside solid foods, it tends to be less irritating to the stomach. Additionally, regarding your me...[Read More] The Health Effects of Drinking Coffee on an Empty Stomach
Struggling to Breathe: Which Specialist Should You See?
Shortness of breath? Hello, doctor. I would like to ask about my recent difficulty in breathing, which feels like there is a blockage in my throat, and I keep experiencing hiccups. Which specialty should I consult for this condition?
Dr. Wu Zongying reply Family Medicine
Hello: Breathing difficulties can be categorized into three areas: 1. If you have a history of asthma, please consult a pulmonologist. 2. If your breathing difficulties are caused by nasal swelling or congestion, you should see an internist or an otolaryngologist (ENT). 3. If nei...[Read More] Struggling to Breathe: Which Specialist Should You See?
Understanding Left Mid-Back Pain and Its Impact on Arm Mobility
Pain in the middle to lower left back, causing difficulty in raising the left arm? My mother is 72 years old and has been experiencing pain on the left side of her mid to upper back, near the outer side, for the past three months. This back pain has affected her left arm's m...
Dr. Wu Zongying reply Family Medicine
Hello: Your mother's pain can first be evaluated by a rehabilitation specialist. If it is simply pain caused by muscle fiber inflammation, physical therapy in rehabilitation can help improve her condition. However, we cannot rule out other visceral or skeletal issues that ma...[Read More] Understanding Left Mid-Back Pain and Its Impact on Arm Mobility
Swallowing Food Without Chewing: Risks and Health Concerns
Swallowing food directly without chewing? Hello, Dr. Wu. Today at noon, while eating a half-circle-sized squid, I accidentally swallowed it without paying attention, and it got stuck in the middle of my throat. I initially tried to get it out, but I couldn't, so I swallowed ...
Dr. Wu Zongying reply Family Medicine
Hello: If food gets lodged in the trachea, it can cause significant discomfort and severe coughing. It is likely that the food has entered the esophagus and reached the stomach. You mentioned experiencing some discomfort in the chest; in fact, large pieces of food entering the es...[Read More] Swallowing Food Without Chewing: Risks and Health Concerns
Concerns About Lymph Node Near Greater Trochanter: What to Do?
Suspected lymphadenopathy near the right greater trochanter? On October 5th, I visited a rehabilitation specialist due to greater trochanteric bursitis. Before the appointment, I noticed a slightly raised area near the affected site (which I discovered only after the injury; it w...
Dr. Wu Zongying reply Family Medicine
Based on your description in the letter, it should not be the "bad thing" you are worried about. You do not need to touch it frequently; I believe it is likely a benign change (possibly due to inflammation). If you want to confirm, you can visit an orthopedic specialist...[Read More] Concerns About Lymph Node Near Greater Trochanter: What to Do?
Swallowing Food Without Chewing: Risks and Concerns
Swallowing food directly without chewing? Hello Dr. Wu, today during lunch I accidentally swallowed a piece of squid (about the size of a half-circle) without paying attention, and it got stuck in the middle of my throat. I initially tried to dislodge it but couldn't, so I s...
Dr. Wu Zongying reply Family Medicine
Hello: If food gets lodged in the trachea, it can cause significant discomfort and severe coughing. It is likely that it has entered the esophagus and moved to the stomach. You mentioned experiencing some discomfort in the chest; in fact, large pieces of food entering the esophag...[Read More] Swallowing Food Without Chewing: Risks and Concerns
Understanding High Ferritin Levels: What You Need to Know
The ferritin (EIA) index in the health examination report is elevated? Hello Doctor, I had a health check-up at the municipal hospital on September 22 (pre-marital check-up), which included blood, urine, stool tests, ultrasound, and X-rays. Today I received the report, and only t...
Dr. Wu Zongying reply Family Medicine
Ferritin is a molecule that combines trivalent iron (Fe3+) with apoferritin, serving as a storage form of iron in the body, which can be utilized by hematopoietic cells for hemoglobin synthesis. An increase in ferritin levels can be attributed to various causes, including inflamm...[Read More] Understanding High Ferritin Levels: What You Need to Know
Why Are My Veins More Visible? Understanding Potential Health Concerns
Blood vessels become more prominent? Hello Doctor, I am 160 cm tall and weigh around 70 kg. Previously, my veins were not very visible. However, this past week, I have noticed that the blue veins on the inner side of my wrists have become more prominent (they appear bluer, and th...
Dr. Wu Zongying reply Family Medicine
Hello: The dilation or constriction of blood vessels is related to temperature and circulation. When the temperature is higher or when consuming more stimulating foods, blood vessels tend to dilate. Conditions that increase blood circulation, such as after exercise or consuming m...[Read More] Why Are My Veins More Visible? Understanding Potential Health Concerns
How Long Does Rabies Virus Remain Active in Saliva at Room Temperature?
Rabies virus environmental stability issues? Hello, Doctor. I would like to ask how long saliva containing the rabies virus remains infectious in a typical non-sterile, non-dusty environment with air at room temperature (20-25°C). There are many articles online discussing this is...
Dr. Wu Zongying reply Family Medicine
Based on your letter, it should be difficult to contract rabies. The rabies virus is primarily transmitted through bites from dogs or rodents, with the virus progressively invading the central nervous system via peripheral nerves, leading to the symptoms of rabies. The virus does...[Read More] How Long Does Rabies Virus Remain Active in Saliva at Room Temperature?
Understanding Unexplained Upper Back Pain: When to Seek Medical Help
Unknown back pain Hello, I am a 29-year-old male, 178 cm tall, and weighing 62 kg. About two weeks ago, I noticed that I experience pain in the upper middle part of my back when I take a deep breath, but there is no discomfort during normal breathing. Additionally, I feel pain in...
Dr. Wu Zongying reply Family Medicine
Based on your symptoms, it appears to be primarily a neuromuscular issue. The lungs do not have sensory nerves, so if there is pain, it is usually related to the surrounding thoracic structures. If you also experience symptoms such as cough, fever, or chills, it is more likely to...[Read More] Understanding Unexplained Upper Back Pain: When to Seek Medical Help