Accidentally Hitting Your Throat: What to Know and When to Worry
Accidentally hit your own throat? Hello, Doctor. I accidentally hit my throat while waving my hand. Although it shouldn't have been too hard, I feel a strange sensation when swallowing saliva. It's not painful, just odd. I looked it up online and found that being hit in...
Dr. Xiao Yongxun reply Family Medicine
Hello! If you have any concerns, it is recommended that you consult with a family medicine clinic. Thank you![Read More] Accidentally Hitting Your Throat: What to Know and When to Worry
Do Sweat and Alcohol Ruin Your Medical Mask? Expert Insights
The issue of masks? Hello Dr. Hsiao, the medical masks available for purchase under the real-name system are the ones I'm referring to. If I sweat while wearing the mask, does that mean it becomes ineffective immediately? I've heard that you shouldn't spray alcohol...
Dr. Xiao Yongxun reply Family Medicine
Hello! It is recommended to use a mask cover to extend the lifespan of your mask. If you are in a confined space and cannot maintain social distancing, it is advisable to continue wearing a mask. Thank you![Read More] Do Sweat and Alcohol Ruin Your Medical Mask? Expert Insights
Understanding Sleep-Related Numbness and Dizziness: Causes and Concerns
Numbness in the hands, feet, and head, as well as dizziness during sleep? Hello Dr. Hsiao, Over the past year, I have experienced intermittent numbness in my hands, feet, and head while sleeping. This does not occur continuously but happens during the sleep process. It seems to ...
Dr. Xiao Yongxun reply Family Medicine
Dear Miss, 1. There are many causes for numbness in the hands, feet, and head; more common and serious issues include atherosclerosis, atrial fibrillation, gout, hypertension, diabetes, cervical and lumbar spine diseases, vitamin deficiencies, and autonomic nervous system disord...[Read More] Understanding Sleep-Related Numbness and Dizziness: Causes and Concerns
Understanding Kidney Health: Can You Improve Glomerular Filtration Rate?
I would like to ask the doctor about health check-up issues? I would like to ask the doctor because I recently had a health check-up. Today, I reviewed the report, and overall, it looks good; my creatinine and urine protein levels are normal. However, my glomerular filtration rat...
Dr. Xiao Yongxun reply Family Medicine
Dear Mr. Anonymous: The formula for estimating the estimated Glomerular Filtration Rate (eGFR) (units: ml/min/1.73m²) is as follows: For males: eGFR = 186 × (serum creatinine)⁻¹⁵⁴ × (age)⁻⁰²⁰³ For females: eGFR = 186 × (serum creatinine)⁻¹⁵⁴ × (age)⁻⁰²⁰³ × 0.742 Due to ...[Read More] Understanding Kidney Health: Can You Improve Glomerular Filtration Rate?
Understanding Blood Sugar Levels in Children with Influenza Fever
Blood sugar levels in children with influenza and fever? Dear Doctor, Last October, my son (6 years and 3 months old) had a fever due to influenza for five days and had some small red spots on his hands. We went to the clinic for a follow-up, and the doctor referred us to a maj...
Dr. Xiao Yongxun reply Family Medicine
Dear Mr. Kelvin: 1. There are many diseases associated with fever and rash in children. In our country, it is particularly important to consider varicella (chickenpox), measles, rubella, roseola, enterovirus infections, scarlet fever, infectious erythema, Kawasaki disease, dengu...[Read More] Understanding Blood Sugar Levels in Children with Influenza Fever
Understanding Small Blood Blisters on the Tongue: When to Seek Medical Help
Small blisters on the tongue? Hello doctor, I accidentally bit my tongue, and when I got home and took a shower, I noticed a small area on my tongue that looks like dark blood. Should I seek medical attention for this, or is there something I can do to make it go away? I'm c...
Dr. Xiao Yongxun reply Family Medicine
Dear Ms. Yan: When considering oral diseases involving the tongue, the following issues should be taken into account: 1. Common infections of the lips are primarily caused by Candida, leading to thrush, and herpes simplex virus, resulting in oral herpes. 2. Aphthous ulcers, a...[Read More] Understanding Small Blood Blisters on the Tongue: When to Seek Medical Help
Understanding Small Neck Bumps: When to Seek Medical Attention
There is a small bump on the neck? Hello doctor, I have a small bump on my neck. I went to see a dermatologist who said it is a small skin tag and that it’s nothing to worry about since many people have them. Later, I noticed that my mother also has one. I would like to ask if th...
Dr. Xiao Yongxun reply Family Medicine
If a tumor appears on the skin, the first step is to differentiate between benign and malignant. 1. Common benign tumors include sebaceous cysts, lipomas, dermatofibromas, molluscum contagiosum, seborrheic keratosis, xanthomas, and various nevi. If the tumor causes pain, leads to...[Read More] Understanding Small Neck Bumps: When to Seek Medical Attention
Concerns About Phimosis: When to Seek Medical Attention?
Please consult a doctor for your questions? Hello, Doctor. I recently learned that I need to clean my foreskin. During my shower, I slowly managed to retract it and noticed quite a bit of debris. I used a water stream to rinse some of it off, but I was afraid of retracting it for...
Dr. Xiao Yongxun reply Family Medicine
Dear Mr. Lin: 1. The skin covering the shaft of the penis folds over the glans and is referred to as the prepuce or foreskin. Normally, the foreskin should be retractable to expose the glans; however, some individuals have a foreskin opening that is too small, preventing the gla...[Read More] Concerns About Phimosis: When to Seek Medical Attention?
Understanding Neck Sounds: Are They Normal or a Sign of Injury?
Cervical spine bones Hello, Dr. Hsiao. This morning, when I was opening the breakfast shop and looked in the mirror at my teeth, I might have been in a bit of a rush. When I tilted my head up, I heard a slight sound that I couldn't tell if it was from my shoulder, neck, or s...
Dr. Xiao Yongxun reply Family Medicine
Dear Miss Mei-Yun: 1. Osteoporosis is a disease characterized by a decrease in bone mass, leading to the hollowing of the skeletal structure and an increased risk of fractures. Although the effects of osteoporosis are systemic, areas with relatively larger surface areas, such as...[Read More] Understanding Neck Sounds: Are They Normal or a Sign of Injury?
Understanding Ear Insects: Symptoms and Care Tips for Your Ears
If there is a bug that has entered the ear? Hello doctor, a few days ago I suddenly felt an itch in my ear and was unsure if an ant or a fruit fly had gotten in. Although I saw an otolaryngologist today who said it was just earwax, I would like to ask what symptoms might indicate...
Dr. Xiao Yongxun reply Family Medicine
Dear Mr. Gen Gen: 1. Various types of insects can accidentally enter the human external auditory canal, commonly including ants, small cockroaches, and fruit flies. Symptoms typically include itching and pain. It is not advisable to attempt removal with cotton swabs or sharp obj...[Read More] Understanding Ear Insects: Symptoms and Care Tips for Your Ears
Understanding Side Abdominal Pain and Skin Moles: When to Worry?
Muscles and bones beside the abdomen? Hello Dr. Hsiao, I seem to have felt a sudden ache near my side where the ribs are, and I'm not sure if it's because I didn't warm up properly before doing supine exercises at school yesterday. Although the pain has subsided, c...
Dr. Xiao Yongxun reply Family Medicine
Dear Mr. Zheng: 1. Pneumothorax refers to the presence of air or any gas in the pleural cavity, which can occur due to trauma, medical procedures, or unknown reasons. If the lesion creates a one-way valve effect, allowing air to enter the pleural cavity only during inhalation an...[Read More] Understanding Side Abdominal Pain and Skin Moles: When to Worry?
Understanding COVID-19 Transmission Risks in Social Settings
Transmission potential of Wuhan pneumonia? Hello, doctor. Last week I had a bit of a cold and went to see an ENT specialist. I'm still taking medication. The doctor said my lungs sounded fine, but I sometimes have a sore throat along with phlegm and nasal discharge, so I was...
Dr. Xiao Yongxun reply Family Medicine
Dear Miss Ning Ning: 1. The Wuhan pneumonia virus (COVID-19 virus) belongs to the second type of coronavirus (also known as β-coronavirus); it is an enveloped RNA virus with a large genome (26-32 kb) and is classified as a zoonotic virus. Currently, the primary transmission rout...[Read More] Understanding COVID-19 Transmission Risks in Social Settings
Can You Get Vibrio Infection from Cooked Shrimp Cuts?
Is it possible to have an infection caused by Vibrio species? Hello Doctor, during lunch today while I was peeling shrimp for my seafood noodles, I accidentally scratched myself with the shrimp's tail. It hurt at the moment, but there was no visible bleeding. I went home and...
Dr. Xiao Yongxun reply Family Medicine
Dear Ms. Niko: **Vibrio cholerae**: This bacterium is prevalent in tropical and subtropical regions and is transmitted through contaminated food and water. After infection via contaminated food and drinking water, the bacteria do not invade the intestinal mucosa but secrete an e...[Read More] Can You Get Vibrio Infection from Cooked Shrimp Cuts?
Unexplained Skin Itching: Causes and When to Seek Medical Advice
Unexplained skin itching? Hello doctor, at the beginning of May, one morning I woke up and suddenly my knees were itchy, but it stopped after about an hour. About a week ago, the back of my right hand suddenly became itchy for no apparent reason, which lasted intermittently for a...
Dr. Xiao Yongxun reply Family Medicine
Dear Mr. Guang: Itching due to skin disorders is commonly associated with the following conditions: 1. Infections: fungal infections, bacterial infections, scabies, and lice infestations. 2. Inflammatory responses: psoriasis, seborrheic dermatitis, pityriasis rosea, xerotic de...[Read More] Unexplained Skin Itching: Causes and When to Seek Medical Advice
Understanding Sudden Dizziness: When to Worry and When to Relax
Sometimes I suddenly feel dizzy? Hello Doctor: I am not sure if this is related to the increasingly hot weather, but I have occasionally experienced dizziness when sitting or standing up from a low position. I consulted an ENT specialist who mentioned that it is considered normal...
Dr. Xiao Yongxun reply Family Medicine
Dear Mr. Chen, There are many causes of dizziness, which can be primarily categorized as follows: 1. Dizziness originating from peripheral issues (approximately 40%): - Meniere's disease - Vestibular neuronitis and acute labyrinthitis - Benign paroxysmal positiona...[Read More] Understanding Sudden Dizziness: When to Worry and When to Relax
Understanding Post-Surgery Symptoms and Infection Risks in Elderly Care
Please consult a doctor for your questions? Hello, Dr. Hsiao. Last week, my grandfather had surgery for a liver tumor at Taipei Veterans General Hospital in Neihu. I occasionally help take care of him. After the surgery, he stayed in the intensive care unit for two days before be...
Dr. Xiao Yongxun reply Family Medicine
Dear Ms. Hs: 1. The primary mode of transmission for COVID-19 is through direct contact with respiratory secretions or droplets containing the virus. The estimated incubation period is mostly between 1 to 14 days, with the most common duration being around 5 days. Clinical manif...[Read More] Understanding Post-Surgery Symptoms and Infection Risks in Elderly Care
Understanding Intermittent Foot Pain: Causes and Solutions
Pain and swelling in the soles of the feet? Hello Doctor: Occasionally, I experience sudden swelling and pain in the ball of my foot and toes. The affected area appears slightly red and swollen, and I feel pain when walking or pressing on it, but I don't have any particular ...
Dr. Xiao Yongxun reply Family Medicine
Dear Ms. Mia: 1. There are many potential differential diagnoses for your issue, with the more common ones being fasciitis, ligamentitis, corns, arthritis, infections, and hallux valgus, among others. Of course, there are also other less common conditions such as gout and autoi...[Read More] Understanding Intermittent Foot Pain: Causes and Solutions
Understanding Hand Pain: Is It a Bone or Muscle Issue?
Bone issues or muscle problems? Hello Doctor, I noticed some mild pain at the base of my right ring finger while washing my hands, although there is no swelling. I later found a specific point near the base close to my palm that is more pronounced when pressed. I applied a medica...
Dr. Xiao Yongxun reply Family Medicine
Dear Mr. Zeng: Trigger Finger: 1. Trigger finger is primarily caused by repetitive or forceful use of the fingers or thumb, leading to an inflammatory response in the tendons. Normally, the tendons glide smoothly within the synovial sheath of the finger joints. However, due to ...[Read More] Understanding Hand Pain: Is It a Bone or Muscle Issue?
Can Using Shared Tissue Increase Infection Risk for Seniors?
Is infection possible? Hello, Dr. Hsiao. Earlier, I took my grandmother to the ENT department mainly because she was experiencing itching in her ears. Since she had a runny nose, I was going to get her some tissues from my bag, but she ended up using the tissues from the dispense...
Dr. Xiao Yongxun reply Family Medicine
Dear Ms. Wen-Hsin: 1. The primary mode of transmission for the Wuhan pneumonia virus is through direct contact with infected secretions or respiratory droplets. The estimated incubation period is mostly between 1 to 14 days, with the most common duration being around 5 days. Cli...[Read More] Can Using Shared Tissue Increase Infection Risk for Seniors?
Understanding the Risks of Choking: What You Need to Know
Choking risk? Hello, doctor. I've been having a cold for the past few days and visited an ENT specialist last week. The doctor mentioned that I had a mild cold and prescribed some medication for me. While eating udon noodles, I suddenly felt like I choked on the slippery noo...
Dr. Xiao Yongxun reply Family Medicine
Hello! 1. Based on your description, if you experience persistent coughing, a sensation of foreign body in the chest, pain below the rib cage, or even a high fever after choking, you should seek medical attention promptly. 2. However, since each individual's constitution var...[Read More] Understanding the Risks of Choking: What You Need to Know