Sudden Facial Swelling: Causes of Numbness Without Pain or Itching
A small area on the face suddenly swelled up, resembling a mosquito bite, but it is neither painful nor itchy, although it feels numb? Tonight after class, I suddenly noticed a small area on my left cheek that is red and swollen, but it doesn't hurt or itch. It feels a bit n...
Dr. Xiao Yongxun reply Family Medicine
Dear Mr. Huang: 1. There is a sudden redness and swelling in a small area of your left cheek, which is not painful or itchy but feels numb. The differential diagnoses are numerous, including inflammatory reactions due to insect bites, follicular or sebaceous gland infections, l...[Read More] Sudden Facial Swelling: Causes of Numbness Without Pain or Itching
Understanding Post-Wisdom Tooth Extraction: Flattened Tissue Concerns
After wisdom tooth extraction, the swelling in the cheek transforms into a flat, pancake-like tissue? Hello, Director Hsiao. Three months ago, I underwent surgery to extract my lower right wisdom tooth. After the extraction, my right cheek was significantly swollen. One month pos...
Dr. Xiao Yongxun reply Family Medicine
Dear Ms. Yi: 1. I recommend that you have a thorough discussion with your attending physician, as they are most familiar with your overall condition and treatment process. 2. Based on your description, it is possible that an infection or abscess developed after the extraction o...[Read More] Understanding Post-Wisdom Tooth Extraction: Flattened Tissue Concerns
Understanding Frequent Yawning: Causes and When to Seek Help
I have been yawning frequently in the past few days? I would like to ask about a recent experience where I've been feeling the urge to yawn unexpectedly for about 3 to 4 days, regardless of the time of day (sometimes even while showering at night). Occasionally, this is acco...
Dr. Xiao Yongxun reply Family Medicine
Dear Ms. Xiangyang: 1. There are many reasons for frequent yawning, with common causes including stroke, cardiovascular diseases, oral or ENT (ear, nose, and throat) disorders, and kidney diseases. It could also be due to fatigue, substance addiction, caffeine dependence, or sl...[Read More] Understanding Frequent Yawning: Causes and When to Seek Help
Are Undercooked Sausages Safe? Understanding Parasite Risks and Solutions
Suspected undercooked sausage? Hello Doctor, I recently cooked the microwave sausages from 7-Eleven, but due to my lack of experience, I couldn't determine if they were fully cooked. I found online that there might be concerns about parasites and other issues. I would like t...
Dr. Xiao Yongxun reply Family Medicine
Dear Mr. Tim: 1. I apologize; I am not aware of the detailed manufacturing process of the "7-11 microwave sausage," so I cannot determine the possibility of parasitic infections or the presence of eggs. In our country, over the past few decades, there have been very fe...[Read More] Are Undercooked Sausages Safe? Understanding Parasite Risks and Solutions
Understanding Mercury Exposure Risks from Broken Fluorescent Bulbs
Addressing Concerns about Fluorescent Light Tubes Hello doctor, recently while changing a fluorescent light bulb, I accidentally dropped and broke it. I immediately used a broom to sweep up the shards. However, when I mentioned this to friends and family, they said that there is ...
Dr. Xiao Yongxun reply Family Medicine
Dear Mr. JAM: 1. To my knowledge, both fluorescent lamps and compact fluorescent bulbs contain mercury to enhance their functionality. When a fluorescent lamp or compact fluorescent bulb breaks, it does indeed release mercury vapor; however, the amount of mercury is lower compa...[Read More] Understanding Mercury Exposure Risks from Broken Fluorescent Bulbs
Accidentally Ingested Compressed Facial Towels: What to Do?
Accidental ingestion of compressed facial towels? Hello doctor, I would like to ask about an adult who accidentally ingested a compressed facial towel. Currently, there are no symptoms. How long should they be monitored? Will it be expelled through bowel movements? How long witho...
Dr. Xiao Yongxun reply Family Medicine
Dear Mr. Zhang: 1. I do not have knowledge regarding the ingredients, physical and chemical properties, and other additives of the [compressed facial towels]; therefore, I am unable to answer your questions. Additionally, I lack experience in handling such situations. 2. Plea...[Read More] Accidentally Ingested Compressed Facial Towels: What to Do?
Understanding OGTT Results: High Fasting Blood Sugar and Discrepancies Explained
OGTT blood test report Hello, Doctor. I have been experiencing elevated fasting blood glucose levels for some time, with readings ranging from 95 to 126, mostly between 95 and 105. Therefore, I visited the Metabolism Department for fasting and OGTT (Oral Glucose Tolerance Test) w...
Dr. Xiao Yongxun reply Family Medicine
Dear Ms. Cherry: 1. Clinically, to diagnose diabetes mellitus, physicians often have fasting patients consume a glucose solution containing 75 grams of glucose. If two tests show postprandial plasma glucose levels ≥200 mg/dL, a diagnosis of diabetes can be made. 2. According to...[Read More] Understanding OGTT Results: High Fasting Blood Sugar and Discrepancies Explained
Concerns About HIV and Hepatitis Risks During Blood Tests
Concerns about HIV infection? Hello, doctor. I recently went to a nearby clinic for an adult health check-up, and during the blood draw, I noticed that the nurse did not use a new syringe, although the needle was newly unwrapped. Could this lead to an infection with HIV or hepati...
Dr. Xiao Yongxun reply Family Medicine
Dear Mr. Ashan: 1. I do not understand your statement. Generally, needles and syringes are often packaged together and opened for use. It is also possible that a single needle is opened and then used to draw blood from various vacuum tubes one by one. What you observed might be ...[Read More] Concerns About HIV and Hepatitis Risks During Blood Tests
Can I Get the HPV Vaccine While Taking Antibiotics?
HPV vaccine and antibiotics? Hello Dr. Hsiao, due to prostatitis, I have recently started taking antibiotics (Lisacef 500mg and OA18-Cephradine 500mg). Next week is scheduled for my second dose of the HPV nine-valent vaccine. Can I still receive it as planned? If not, what is the...
Dr. Xiao Yongxun reply Family Medicine
Dear Capybara: 1. According to the recommendations of Taiwan's Centers for Disease Control, the schedule for administering the HPV nine-valent vaccine consists of three doses: one at 0 months, one at 1 to 2 months, and one at 6 months. In cases of severe infections, immunoc...[Read More] Can I Get the HPV Vaccine While Taking Antibiotics?
Understanding Persistent Symptoms After Shingles: Tinnitus, Fatigue, and More
Tinnitus, cold, headache, herpes zoster? In addition to experiencing tinnitus for over five months, I went to the ENT department at the hospital for an examination, and everything was normal. My health has been poor recently. After recovering from shingles last month, I had heada...
Dr. Xiao Yongxun reply Family Medicine
Dear Ms. Chen: 1. Based on your description, it is clinically challenging for physicians to pinpoint the actual issue; in other words, it is difficult to determine which specialty you should consult. 2. It is recommended that you first discuss and undergo an examination with a...[Read More] Understanding Persistent Symptoms After Shingles: Tinnitus, Fatigue, and More
Understanding Lower Back Pain After an Elbow Impact: When to Seek Help
Right lower back struck by an elbow? Hello Doctor: Today at the market, due to the crowd, I was struck hard in the lower right back (near the lower ribs) by the elbow of a middle-aged woman. Currently, my entire right back intermittently aches, with a pain level of about 6. I hav...
Dr. Xiao Yongxun reply Family Medicine
Dear Miss QQ: 1. Everyone has a different tolerance for pain; if you suspect a rib fracture or injury, it is recommended that you go directly to a surgical outpatient clinic at a regional hospital or higher for evaluation, and undergo a chest X-ray if necessary. 2. Based on your ...[Read More] Understanding Lower Back Pain After an Elbow Impact: When to Seek Help
Understanding Temperature Fluctuations: When to Seek Medical Attention
Body temperature issues Hello, I am 27 years old. My usual body temperature measured with a home thermometer is around 36.5-37.5 degrees Celsius. However, for the past two days, it has suddenly dropped to around 35-35.5 degrees Celsius, accompanied by symptoms such as headache, d...
Dr. Xiao Yongxun reply Family Medicine
Dear Ms. Li Hsin-yun: 1. Humans possess physiological mechanisms to regulate and maintain core body temperature. When there is a need to release excess heat, the body cools down by increasing blood circulation to the skin and sweating. Conversely, to retain internal heat, the bo...[Read More] Understanding Temperature Fluctuations: When to Seek Medical Attention
Understanding Blood Test Results: Impact of Fasting on Diabetes Diagnosis
Please ask your questions regarding blood tests? Hello, doctor. Last November (2023), I experienced some health issues. Starting around June 2023, I noticed increased appetite, thirst, and urination, but my weight did not decrease. I went to the hospital for a consultation and ha...
Dr. Xiao Yongxun reply Family Medicine
Dear Mr. Zhang: 1. Your questions should be discussed with your primary care physician, as there are many factors that need to be considered. 2. According to the American Diabetes Association's diagnostic criteria for diabetes: a. Fasting plasma glucose level ≥ 126 mg/dL af...[Read More] Understanding Blood Test Results: Impact of Fasting on Diabetes Diagnosis
Understanding Unusual Sounds in Your Ears While Running
Hearing unusual sounds in the ears while running? Hello, doctor. I feel that you have been clarifying doubts for everyone for a long time. Today, I have a peculiar question to ask you: Recently, I started jogging to lose weight. At first, I didn't feel much, but in the past ...
Dr. Xiao Yongxun reply Family Medicine
Dear Mr. Jam: 1. The exact cause is unknown. 2. From a medical standpoint, it is possible that running caused vibrations in the muscles and ligaments near the cervical spine, leading to a clicking sound. This may be similar to other joints that occasionally produce similar noi...[Read More] Understanding Unusual Sounds in Your Ears While Running
Understanding Chest Tightness and Breathing Issues After Night Shifts
Chest tightness and difficulty breathing? After working rotating shifts, including both day and night shifts, for about seven years, and having a smoking habit while drinking a cup of American coffee daily, I recently started experiencing episodes of rapid heartbeat, shortness of...
Dr. Xiao Yongxun reply Family Medicine
Dear Ms. Huang: 1. The human body has its own physiological clock and circadian rhythms that are inherently aligned with nature. Therefore, long-term night shifts or rotating shifts can have various impacts on sleep, the neuroendocrine system, cardiovascular system, digestive sy...[Read More] Understanding Chest Tightness and Breathing Issues After Night Shifts
Persistent Nausea, Headaches, and Digestive Issues: What Could It Be?
Persistent vomiting, headache, constipation, and runny nose? Hello Doctor, I started feeling nauseous last Tuesday. On Tuesday morning, without having eaten anything, I vomited the food from Monday night. From 9:00 AM to 12:00 PM, I vomited more than four times, almost every hour...
Dr. Xiao Yongxun reply Family Medicine
Dear Miss Rabbit: 1. There are many causes of nausea and vomiting, including: neurological (migraine, inner ear disorders, brain lesions), psychiatric (emotional or environmental stress, cyclical vomiting syndrome in children, psychogenic vomiting), metabolic (renal failure, me...[Read More] Persistent Nausea, Headaches, and Digestive Issues: What Could It Be?
Unexplained Symptoms: Navigating Complex Health Issues in Family Medicine
Unknown etiology? My normal body temperature ranges from 36.4 to 37.3 degrees Celsius. I have a history of fatty liver disease, and my mother and her relatives have issues related to hypertension, hyperlipidemia, and gastrointestinal problems. My father's side has a history ...
Dr. Xiao Yongxun reply Family Medicine
Dear Mr. Lseedead: 1. Since you have been hospitalized and undergone many tests that all returned normal results, I believe that given your age, there shouldn't be any significant issues. 2. The pulmonologist and infectious disease specialist have reviewed your imaging and ...[Read More] Unexplained Symptoms: Navigating Complex Health Issues in Family Medicine
Is Rapid Weight Loss Normal? Insights from Family Medicine
Weight loss I would like to ask about my height of 178 cm. My weight has always fluctuated around 60 to 61 kg, and I have a body type that doesn't gain weight easily. I actually have a large appetite, but sometimes I only eat two meals a day without feeling unwell. Yesterday...
Dr. Xiao Yongxun reply Family Medicine
Dear Mr. Alex: 1. Your body mass index (BMI) is approximately between 18 and 19, which is considered to be in the range between a healthy weight and underweight. 2. [Yesterday your weight was 60.3 kg, and today it has decreased to 59.5 kg]: Since it is currently winter, wearing ...[Read More] Is Rapid Weight Loss Normal? Insights from Family Medicine
Understanding Morning Yellow Saliva: Is It GERD or Something Else?
Waking up with yellow saliva? Recently, I've been waking up every morning with yellow saliva (it feels like it's coming from my throat, and it goes away after drinking water). Occasionally, my throat feels swollen, but I can be sure that it’s not caused by a cold. I men...
Dr. Xiao Yongxun reply Family Medicine
It is recommended that you visit a family medicine or gastroenterology clinic for evaluation. Thank you.[Read More] Understanding Morning Yellow Saliva: Is It GERD or Something Else?
COVID-19 Vaccination and Safe Dining: Your Health Questions Answered
Regarding COVID-19 vaccines and food delivery? Hello, Doctor: I would like to ask the following questions: a. I received my first dose of the COVID-19 vaccine (AstraZeneca) on September 10, 2021, my second dose (BioNTech) on November 24, 2021, and my booster dose (BioNTech) on Ma...
Dr. Xiao Yongxun reply Family Medicine
Dear Anonymous Sir: 1) Which COVID-19 vaccine should I get (are there side effects)? Answer: According to the regulations of the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), starting from October 11, 2023, the XBB.1.5 COVID-19 vaccine is available for everyone aged 6 months and older. Af...[Read More] COVID-19 Vaccination and Safe Dining: Your Health Questions Answered