Can You Take Viagra with Blood Pressure Medications? Expert Advice
Medication Consultation I am currently taking antihypertensive medications (Cozaar 50mg and Concor 5mg) daily. Can I also take Viagra or similar medications? If so, are there any potential side effects? Thank you!
Dr. Xiao Yongxun reply Family Medicine
Dear Mr. Tianren: 1. Cozaar® (50 mg; generic name Losartan) belongs to the class of Angiotensin II Receptor Antagonists. Common side effects include dry cough, rash, fever, altered taste, hypotension (due to low fluid volume status), angioedema, and hyperkalemia. Although the ad...[Read More] Can You Take Viagra with Blood Pressure Medications? Expert Advice
Understanding Headaches and Neck Pain: When to Seek Medical Help
Headaches and Neck Issues Hello, Doctor: I have been prone to headaches since childhood, triggered by various factors such as heat and stress. Most of my headaches require pain relievers for relief, but the effects of the medication are usually quick. Does this mean that my heada...
Dr. Xiao Yongxun reply Family Medicine
Dear Ms. Kanghua: 1. Headache is a clinical symptom with a complex array of causes, leading to significant variability in the severity and urgency of the condition. Accurate diagnosis of headaches primarily relies on a detailed history and clinical symptoms, supplemented by vari...[Read More] Understanding Headaches and Neck Pain: When to Seek Medical Help
Can Rinsing with Tap Water Lead to Amoebic Infections?
Regarding the issue of whether using tap water for rinsing the mouth can lead to infection with amoebic protozoa? Hello, Doctor. I recently noticed news reports about cases of amoebic infections, so I have some questions to ask. I use tap water to rinse my mouth while brushing my...
Dr. Xiao Yongxun reply Family Medicine
Dear Mr. Xiao Nuo, 1. Amebiasis is primarily caused by the protozoan Entamoeba histolytica. Research in Taiwan has found that infection rates are more prevalent among indigenous mountain residents, residents of orphanages, and psychiatric institutions. Additionally, men who have...[Read More] Can Rinsing with Tap Water Lead to Amoebic Infections?
Dealing with Ear Pain and Cartilage Issues from Mask Wearing
Ear problems Due to certain psychological reasons, I have been wearing a mask for an extended period during my time at school. Sometimes my ears would hurt, but I endured it. I have been wearing the mask for about a year. Recently, I noticed that the cartilage behind my ear has s...
Dr. Xiao Yongxun reply Family Medicine
Dear Ms. Meng: 1. The human ear is structurally composed of a thin layer of skin and soft tissue covering the cartilage, and it protrudes from the body. As a result, it is susceptible to injury or deformation from excessive or prolonged external force. 2. I recommend that you...[Read More] Dealing with Ear Pain and Cartilage Issues from Mask Wearing
Concerns About Mebendazole and Metronidazole Drug Interactions
The interaction issues between Mebendazole and Metronidazole? Hello Doctor: I have been experiencing itching around the anus, which is particularly bothersome at night. Since I had Mebendazole, a common antiparasitic medication, at home, I took it for about two weeks, at a dosage...
Dr. Xiao Yongxun reply Family Medicine
Dear Ms. Ellie: 1. Mebendazole is a synthetic benzimidazole compound that is widely effective against nematodes. This medication is the first-line treatment for whipworm (Trichuris trichiura), pinworm (Enterobius vermicularis), hookworms (Necator americanus and Ancylostoma duode...[Read More] Concerns About Mebendazole and Metronidazole Drug Interactions
Should College Students Get a Hepatitis B Vaccine Boost or Complete the Series?
Hepatitis B vaccine Hello Doctor, I am a college freshman. During the freshman health check-up, I was advised to consult about receiving the Hepatitis B vaccine. After consulting with a family medicine doctor at school, the doctor presented two options: (1) pay out of pocket fo...
Dr. Xiao Yongxun reply Family Medicine
Dear Mr. Hank: 1. In our country, since 1985, infants and young children have been comprehensively vaccinated against Hepatitis B. Therefore, given your age, you should have received the complete series of Hepatitis B vaccinations; you can verify this by checking the vaccination...[Read More] Should College Students Get a Hepatitis B Vaccine Boost or Complete the Series?
Understanding Burning Sensation in the Back: When to Seek Help
Burning sensation in the back? The burning sensation in my back initially started in my shoulders but has gradually spread to my entire back and gluteal region, becoming increasingly severe. It only subsides when I lie down, but my feet constantly feel cold. I have severe degener...
Dr. Xiao Yongxun reply Family Medicine
Dear Ms. Yuan: 1. The sensation of temperature in the human body primarily involves sensory neurons that transmit signals from the dorsal roots to the spinal cord, then through the contralateral lateral spinothalamic tract to the thalamus, and finally from the thalamus to the se...[Read More] Understanding Burning Sensation in the Back: When to Seek Help
Should You Continue Taking Centrum Multivitamins? Debunking Myths
Regarding the health supplement "Centrum." Hello, doctor. I recently purchased Centrum multivitamins for daily health maintenance, but I found some articles online mentioning that Centrum is chemically synthesized and that it's better to avoid it if possible, as ch...
Dr. Xiao Yongxun reply Family Medicine
Dear Mr. Fu: Through various methods of analytical chemistry and biochemistry, humanity has understood the chemical structures of various vitamins since the last century. Many chemical drugs were initially discovered from plants, animals, bacteria, fungi, and other organisms; how...[Read More] Should You Continue Taking Centrum Multivitamins? Debunking Myths
Concerns About Rabies Vaccination After Cat Scratch Abroad
Concerns about receiving rabies vaccination abroad? Hello, Doctor. The patient was scratched by a wild cat in the Philippines on 10/13 (no bite wound), with slight surface bleeding. They received a rabies vaccine locally on 10/14. They will return to the hospital to receive equin...
Dr. Xiao Yongxun reply Family Medicine
Dear Ms. VV: 1. Currently, there are two known rabies vaccines: a. Verorab® (Sanofi Pasteur), which is cultured in African green monkey kidney cells. b. Rabipur® (Novartis), which is a purified chick embryo cell vaccine. 2. Clinically, it is preferable to use the same ...[Read More] Concerns About Rabies Vaccination After Cat Scratch Abroad
Can You Ignore Dislodged Ear Stones? Understanding Symptoms and Solutions
Can you ignore otolith displacement/ectopic otoliths? I have been experiencing dizziness for the past few days. This has happened before, and although I didn't see a doctor, I suspect it might be due to benign paroxysmal positional vertigo (BPPV) because the symptoms match w...
Dr. Xiao Yongxun reply Family Medicine
I am experiencing dizziness: Indeed, some physicians perform canalith repositioning procedures; however, I apologize for not having expertise in this area. On the other hand, I am not sure if the otoliths will reposition on their own. I recommend consulting an otolaryngologist to...[Read More] Can You Ignore Dislodged Ear Stones? Understanding Symptoms and Solutions
Can Ear Wax Removal Cause Vertigo and Ear Stone Displacement?
Can cleaning your ears (removing earwax) cause the displacement of ear crystals (vertigo)? I really enjoy cleaning my ears (digging out earwax), and I know it's a bad habit, but I can't help it. Sometimes, the morning after I clean my ears, I experience severe dizziness...
Dr. Xiao Yongxun reply Family Medicine
Dear Ms. Hsiao-Ying: 1. The so-called otolith refers to the otolith membrane located within the semicircular canals of the inner ear, which is responsible for balance. The otolith membrane contains calcium carbonate crystals that interact with hair cells, causing their cilia to ...[Read More] Can Ear Wax Removal Cause Vertigo and Ear Stone Displacement?
Understanding Elevated Lymphocyte Levels: Causes and Concerns
Elevated lymphocyte count? Hello, doctor... Two weeks ago, I went to the emergency room due to dizziness, general weakness, nausea, and abdominal bloating. I have a history of gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). They drew several vials of blood, and the results showed mild ja...
Dr. Xiao Yongxun reply Family Medicine
Dear Mr. Anonymous: 1. Leukemia is primarily classified into four types: acute myeloid leukemia, chronic myeloid leukemia, acute lymphoblastic leukemia, and chronic lymphoblastic leukemia; it also includes a few rarer, more specific types of leukemia. Many leukemias are related...[Read More] Understanding Elevated Lymphocyte Levels: Causes and Concerns
Concerns About Wound Infection from Shellfish Exposure
Questions about wound infection? Hello Doctor, not long ago while I was rinsing my mouth with water, the faucet next to me was being used to clean a container that previously held live clams, and I had a sore in my mouth at the same time. I would like to ask the doctor: 1) Is the...
Dr. Xiao Yongxun reply Family Medicine
Dear Mr. KEN: 1. Theoretically, any wounds on the skin or mucous membranes can be susceptible to Vibrio vulnificus; however, not everyone will develop an infection. Those at higher risk include patients with liver cirrhosis, hepatitis, diabetes, alcoholism, kidney disease, stero...[Read More] Concerns About Wound Infection from Shellfish Exposure
Understanding Dizziness and Nausea: A Guide for Patients
Dizziness and lightheadedness? On May 28 of this year, I slipped on a drink and sustained a distal radius fracture. I did not undergo surgery and only wore a brace. It has since healed, and I am currently in rehabilitation. I have a 28-year smoking history, smoking two packs a da...
Dr. Xiao Yongxun reply Family Medicine
Dear Mr. Anonymous: 1. The issues you have described are diverse and may not be explained by a single disease, nor can any one specialty fully address them. 2. It is recommended that you schedule a special appointment with your primary care physician, allowing ample time for a th...[Read More] Understanding Dizziness and Nausea: A Guide for Patients
Is Your Recurring Back Pain a Sign of Pancreatic Cancer?
I experienced pain again on September 1 and September 3 of this month. I'm very concerned that this might be a sign of pancreatic cancer or other organ-related cancer? Doctor, I have been experiencing back pain that started on August 5th, and then I had consecutive episodes ...
Dr. Xiao Yongxun reply Family Medicine
Dear Mr. Cookie: 1. There are many causes of back pain! Common causes include myofascial pain syndrome, degenerative joint disease, herniated discs, spondylolisthesis, and piriformis syndrome. There are also less common causes, such as ankylosing spondylitis, enteropathic spond...[Read More] Is Your Recurring Back Pain a Sign of Pancreatic Cancer?
Understanding Ear Pain from Eyeglasses: Causes and Solutions
Ear problems Hello Doctor, I got a new pair of glasses over a month ago, but I haven't been able to adjust them properly, which has caused frequent pain in the areas where they contact my ears. A few days ago, I suddenly noticed redness and swelling in those areas. Could you...
Dr. Xiao Yongxun reply Family Medicine
Dear Mr. Tim: 1. Unless there are other specific factors, it is likely that the contact or allergic dermatitis is caused by friction from the temple arms of the eyeglass frame. 2. You can consult a dermatologist or your family physician for a prescription ointment; however, if it...[Read More] Understanding Ear Pain from Eyeglasses: Causes and Solutions
Understanding Sudden Warm Sensations in the Ankle: When to Seek Medical Advice
The ankle experiences intermittent warmth? For the past 5-6 days, I have been experiencing a sudden sensation of warmth on the outer side of my left ankle, which lasts for 1-5 seconds and occurs about ten times a day. The temperature of the ankle feels normal to the touch, and th...
Dr. Xiao Yongxun reply Family Medicine
Dear Ms. VV: The intermittent warmth sensation in your left ankle may warrant consideration of common differential diagnoses, primarily including cellulitis, osteoarthritis, gouty arthritis, localized tendon or ligament inflammation, rheumatoid arthritis, autoimmune diseases, and...[Read More] Understanding Sudden Warm Sensations in the Ankle: When to Seek Medical Advice
Rabies Consultation: Should I Seek Medical Attention After Animal Encounter?
Rabies Consultation for Medical Care Last night, while I was watering plants in the rooftop garden on the sixth floor for my injured father, I was attacked by an unidentified flying creature. Due to the limited light from a flashlight and the creature's rapid movement, I cou...
Dr. Xiao Yongxun reply Family Medicine
Dear Mr. Chen: 1. According to the regulations published by Taiwan's Centers for Disease Control on May 3, 2019, exposure to wild mammals (such as badgers, civets, Taitung city money mice, bats, etc.) classified as Category II (and above) requires immediate medical attentio...[Read More] Rabies Consultation: Should I Seek Medical Attention After Animal Encounter?
Understanding Unexplained Hip Pain: When to Seek Medical Advice
Unknown pain Recently, I have been experiencing unilateral pain in my buttocks for at least a month. Sometimes it hurts when I press on it, sometimes it doesn't, and at times it hurts even when I'm not doing anything. There are no visible changes, and although it is pai...
Dr. Xiao Yongxun reply Family Medicine
Dear Ms. Lin: 1. Common causes include tendinitis, fasciitis, bursitis, and osteoarthritis, among others. 2. Of course, there are also more serious causes, including tumors, avascular necrosis of the femoral head, metastatic pain, crystalline arthritis, infectious arthritis, a...[Read More] Understanding Unexplained Hip Pain: When to Seek Medical Advice
Understanding Discomfort in the Armpit: Causes and Specialist Recommendations
Discomfort in the armpit? I am a male and have been experiencing a tight sensation from my armpit to the upper chest area, which sometimes feels mildly painful when pressed. I previously had a sebaceous cyst that was uncomfortable, but it eventually went away. I visited both a cl...
Dr. Xiao Yongxun reply Family Medicine
Dear Mr. Achang: 1. It is generally correct to see a dermatologist; however, if you still have concerns, especially regarding the lymph nodes in the breast and armpit, you may want to consult a general surgeon or a breast surgeon for a second opinion. 2. Perhaps you could first d...[Read More] Understanding Discomfort in the Armpit: Causes and Specialist Recommendations