Unexplained Chest Pain: Seeking Answers Beyond Cardiology
Chest tightness and pain, primarily on the left side of the chest? In the past two months, I have experienced intermittent tightness or mild stabbing pain in my chest, particularly on the left side. Sometimes, I also feel pain in my left arm and fingers. I have visited a cardiolo...
Dr. Xiao Yongxun reply Family Medicine
Dear Ms. Su: 1. There are many causes of chest pain; the most serious include acute myocardial infarction, aortic dissection, pulmonary embolism, pneumothorax, perforated ulcer, and esophageal rupture. It is evident that your physician should have ruled out these acute condition...[Read More] Unexplained Chest Pain: Seeking Answers Beyond Cardiology
Which Specialist to See for Jaw Pain: Orthopedics or Dentistry?
Which specialty should I see? Hello, doctor. I would like to ask about my cheekbones. For some time now, the tension on the left and right sides has been different. I have experienced a situation where my jaw got stuck after opening and closing my mouth, making it difficult to op...
Dr. Xiao Yongxun reply Family Medicine
It may be a left temporomandibular joint subluxation or an inflammatory response; of course, there could also be other issues. It is recommended that you see a dentist or first discuss it with your primary care physician for further evaluation before making a decision.[Read More] Which Specialist to See for Jaw Pain: Orthopedics or Dentistry?
Understanding Elevated Fetal Protein and Mild Fatty Liver in Health Checkups
Health check issues Hello Doctor, I would like to ask if a slight increase in fetal protein within the normal range has any significance. An ultrasound examination showed mild fatty liver, and there is no hepatitis B or C. However, prior to the health check, I had a severe cold w...
Dr. Xiao Yongxun reply Family Medicine
Dear Miss Bear: AFP (Alpha-Fetoprotein) is translated into Chinese as 甲種胎兒蛋白. It is a specific glycoprotein synthesized by hepatocytes during embryonic development, which promotes rapid proliferation of fetal liver tissue, resulting in high levels in fetal blood. However, its con...[Read More] Understanding Elevated Fetal Protein and Mild Fatty Liver in Health Checkups
Understanding Low Hemoglobin: Causes and Solutions for Symptoms Like Dizziness and Fatigue
A hemoglobin level of only 10 g/dL may lead to symptoms such as dizziness, headaches, blurred vision, generalized weakness, and loss of appetite? Hello, I would like to ask about my mother. Recently, she has been experiencing bloating, stomach pain, dizziness, headaches, blurred ...
Dr. Xiao Yongxun reply Family Medicine
Dear Ms. Chen: 1. Based on your description, the management by various specialists appears to be reasonable and correct from a medical standpoint. 2. You may consider visiting a neurology outpatient clinic to rule out any neurological issues. If all tests are normal, it may be...[Read More] Understanding Low Hemoglobin: Causes and Solutions for Symptoms Like Dizziness and Fatigue
First Aid After a Car Accident: What to Do If You Touch Blood
Seeing someone injured in a car accident, I touched blood while helping? Hello Doctor: Yesterday evening, I witnessed a car accident where someone was lying on the ground with an injury to the left side of their head, bleeding profusely. There was a pharmacy nearby, so I bought s...
Dr. Xiao Yongxun reply Family Medicine
Dear Miss Xiao Li: 1. If the skin that comes into contact with your hand has no wounds, then the possibility of infection from exposure to blood or serum is negligible; human skin serves as the first line of immune defense. 2. The so-called serological infectious diseases main...[Read More] First Aid After a Car Accident: What to Do If You Touch Blood
Understanding Recurrent Subconjunctival Hemorrhage: Causes and Next Steps
Recurrent subconjunctival hemorrhage Hello, I have been experiencing frequent eye bleeding lately. I have seen several ophthalmologists who all diagnosed it as subconjunctival hemorrhage, stating that it does not affect my vision. However, the recurring microvascular ruptures in ...
Dr. Xiao Yongxun reply Family Medicine
Dear Ms. Jean: 1. Subconjunctival hemorrhage typically has no specific underlying cause; however, considerations may include trauma, conjunctival vascular torsion, bleeding disorders, anticoagulant use, hypertension, among others. It usually occurs unilaterally, presents as loca...[Read More] Understanding Recurrent Subconjunctival Hemorrhage: Causes and Next Steps
Can Drinking Water with High GI Foods Prevent Blood Sugar Spikes?
Does drinking water to dilute high GI foods help prevent blood sugar spikes? I understand that high glycemic index (GI) foods can put a strain on the pancreas due to their refined nature, causing a sudden increase in workload. If I drink water while consuming high GI foods, will ...
Dr. Xiao Yongxun reply Family Medicine
Dear Anonymous Mr.: 1. The glycemic index (GI) refers to the measurement of how much a specific food raises blood glucose levels after a 12-hour fast. This is determined by consuming a food containing a specific amount of digestible carbohydrates (excluding indigestible fibers) ...[Read More] Can Drinking Water with High GI Foods Prevent Blood Sugar Spikes?
Rabies Concerns After Bat Encounter: Should You Get Vaccinated?
Rabies-related issues? Hello Dr. Hsiao, Three days ago, I accidentally stepped lightly on a bat that was crawling and unable to fly (it appeared to be an adult bat) while on the road. My father used a toothpick he had to touch the bat's claws to check if it was alive, inten...
Dr. Xiao Yongxun reply Family Medicine
Dear Ms. Kiki: 1. According to the regulations announced by the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) in Taiwan on May 3, 2019, exposure to wild mammals (such as weasels, civets, Taitung city money mice, bats, etc.) classified as Category II or above requires immediate medical atten...[Read More] Rabies Concerns After Bat Encounter: Should You Get Vaccinated?
Understanding the Impact of Short vs. Long-Term High-Intensity Interval Training
Exercise-related issues? Hello Doctor: I would like to ask a follow-up question regarding TABATA. I understand that short-term high-intensity interval training (less than 12 weeks) can improve maximum oxygen uptake, diastolic blood pressure, and fasting blood glucose levels in ov...
Dr. Xiao Yongxun reply Family Medicine
1. The "Evidence-Based Guidelines for the Prevention and Management of Adult Obesity," published by Taiwan's Ministry of Health and Welfare in November 2018, is a consensus reached through discussions among experts and scholars who reviewed global studies and repor...[Read More] Understanding the Impact of Short vs. Long-Term High-Intensity Interval Training
Does Short Exercise Like Tabata Effectively Control Blood Sugar Levels?
Blood sugar issues? Hello Doctor: I have a follow-up question regarding TABATA. My main concern is whether exercise needs to last at least 15 or 30 minutes to effectively control blood sugar levels. Since TABATA workouts only take 4 to 8 minutes to complete (and are said to repla...
Dr. Xiao Yongxun reply Family Medicine
Dear Mr. Lin Sen: 1. According to the "Evidence-Based Guidelines for the Prevention and Management of Adult Obesity" published by Taiwan's Ministry of Health and Welfare in November 2018, high-intensity interval training (HIIT) is defined as aerobic exercise perfo...[Read More] Does Short Exercise Like Tabata Effectively Control Blood Sugar Levels?
Can Tabata Workouts Effectively Lower Blood Sugar Levels?
Blood sugar issues Hello Doctor: I am in the prediabetic stage, with blood glucose levels around 110, and I have not yet developed diabetes. Therefore, I want to establish a regular exercise routine to prevent the onset of diabetes. I have a question regarding the recently popula...
Dr. Xiao Yongxun reply Family Medicine
Dear Mr. Lin Sen: 1. TABATA is primarily a form of high-intensity interval training (HIIT); it involves performing maximum intensity exercise for 20 seconds, followed by a 10-second rest, repeated for a total of 8 rounds, resulting in an overall duration of about 4 minutes. It c...[Read More] Can Tabata Workouts Effectively Lower Blood Sugar Levels?
Persistent Chest Discomfort: Exploring Causes Beyond High Cholesterol
Persistent chest tightness lasting for six months? Hello Dr. Hsiao: For the past six months, I have been experiencing a sensation in the center of my breasts, about the size of a fist. Initially, it felt like a pulsing, but now it is almost a constant dullness without pain, altho...
Dr. Xiao Yongxun reply Family Medicine
Dear Mr. BD: 1. Common differential diagnoses for chest tightness or chest pain include coronary artery disease, hypertension, hyperlipidemia, pulmonary embolism, aortic aneurysm, gastroesophageal reflux disease, gastritis, gastric ulcers, duodenal ulcers, gallstones, cholangit...[Read More] Persistent Chest Discomfort: Exploring Causes Beyond High Cholesterol
Chloramphenicol Eye Drops: Concerns and Blood Test Recommendations
Chloramphenicol eye drops Hello doctor, I recently visited an ophthalmology clinic due to conjunctivitis, and the doctor prescribed me chloramphenicol eye drops to use four times a day, one drop each time. After using it for 4-5 days, I researched chloramphenicol online and found...
Dr. Xiao Yongxun reply Family Medicine
Dear Mr. Ryan, 1. Chloramphenicol eye drops are widely used in clinical practice due to their excellent lipid solubility and superior corneal penetration. Based on actual conditions, they can be administered approximately every 1 to 4 hours; the treatment course must be complete...[Read More] Chloramphenicol Eye Drops: Concerns and Blood Test Recommendations
Understanding Sleep Paralysis and Breathing Difficulties During Sleep
Feeling of suffocation during sleep? Hello, doctor. I have previously experienced a sensation of being pressed all over my body during sleep, occurring 2 to 4 times a night. I researched and found that it might be related to sleep paralysis, so I didn't pay much attention to...
Dr. Xiao Yongxun reply Family Medicine
Dear Ms. Ya, The sleep cycle can be divided into rapid eye movement sleep (REM) and non-rapid eye movement sleep (NREM), alternating approximately 3 to 5 times each night. The brain regions that control the sleep-wake cycle (biological clock) include the suprachiasmatic nucleus,...[Read More] Understanding Sleep Paralysis and Breathing Difficulties During Sleep
Understanding Your Health Check Report: Key Insights on Kidney Function and Cholesterol
Regarding the health examination report? Hello, doctor. I had an adult health check at the health center in April and have some questions. Currently, the test results show some issues: GOT: 18 (normal range 0-39), GPT: 15 (normal range 0-41), creatinine: 1.0 (<1.3), and glomer...
Dr. Xiao Yongxun reply Family Medicine
Dear Mr. Anonymous: 1. Estimated Glomerular Filtration Rate (eGFR): The commonly used formula is MDRD-Simplified GFR (mL/min/1.73 m²) = 186 × Scr⁻¹.154 × Age⁻⁰.²⁰³ × 0.742 (if female). 2. Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD) refers to kidney damage due to long-term inflammation (such a...[Read More] Understanding Your Health Check Report: Key Insights on Kidney Function and Cholesterol
Understanding Niacin's Impact on Blood Sugar Levels in Seniors
Issues related to niacin? Hello Doctor, my mother is 62 years old. A year ago, she was recommended to take niacin supplements. Recently, she underwent a health check-up, and her coronary artery calcium score was 3. Her cholesterol levels are normal, but her fasting blood glucose ...
Dr. Xiao Yongxun reply Family Medicine
Dear Ms. Xiao Zhen, 1. Clinically, Niacin can be used as a medication; Niacin is also known as vitamin B3. Its primary function is to reduce VLDL levels, as LDL is synthesized from VLDL. Therefore, Niacin also lowers LDL levels in patients, meaning it can reduce bad cholesterol....[Read More] Understanding Niacin's Impact on Blood Sugar Levels in Seniors
Understanding Sleep Issues and CPR Confusion: A Family Medicine Perspective
Sleep issues and concerns about CPR? Hello, doctor. I have two questions regarding issues that have arisen around me. First, a friend of mine has a work schedule where he usually gets home around 7 PM and doesn't go to bed until 2 or 3 AM. He then has to wake up at 7 AM to...
Dr. Xiao Yongxun reply Family Medicine
Dear Ms. Yu: 1. The human sleep cycle can be divided into Rapid Eye Movement (REM) sleep and Non-Rapid Eye Movement (NREM) sleep, which alternate throughout the night, typically cycling 3 to 5 times. The brain regions that control the sleep-wake cycle (circadian rhythm) include ...[Read More] Understanding Sleep Issues and CPR Confusion: A Family Medicine Perspective
Understanding a Hard Lump on the Left Shoulder: Causes and Next Steps
There is a hard lump on the left shoulder? Hello, doctor: A couple of days ago, while scratching, I noticed a hard lump near the neck on my left shoulder. The lump is about 2 centimeters in diameter, painful when pressed, and does not move. There is no redness or swelling on the ...
Dr. Xiao Yongxun reply Family Medicine
Dear Ms. Huang: 1. There is a hard lump near the neck on your left shoulder, approximately 2 centimeters in diameter. The conditions that should generally be considered include lymphadenopathy, cysts, abscesses, sebaceous cysts, tumors, fibromas, and lipomas, among others. 2....[Read More] Understanding a Hard Lump on the Left Shoulder: Causes and Next Steps
Which Specialist to See for Facial Numbness and Tremors?
Which specialty should I see, and is it possible to have combined treatment? I would like to ask the doctor, I have been experiencing long-term numbness in my mouth and involuntary twitching on one side of my face (cheek, lower eyelid, eyebrow, either the left or right side). Whi...
Dr. Xiao Yongxun reply Family Medicine
Dear Mr. Ed: Involuntary twitching or tingling sensations in the face, eyelids, or eyebrows can be associated with a variety of conditions. Common considerations include spasms, peripheral neuropathy, peripheral vascular disease, metabolic disorders, autoimmune diseases, and ne...[Read More] Which Specialist to See for Facial Numbness and Tremors?
Can Lung Adenocarcinoma Be Transmitted Through Blood?
Cancer is not contagious? Hello doctor, my father has lung adenocarcinoma. This morning after he checked his blood sugar, it was my turn to test. When I used the lancing device to draw blood, I thought he had already replaced the needle, but he hadn't. I ended up using the s...
Dr. Xiao Yongxun reply Family Medicine
Dear Mr. Benjamin: 1. The primary concerns regarding needlestick incidents are serologically related infectious diseases such as hepatitis B, hepatitis C, HIV, and syphilis; to date, there have been very few reports of transmission of lung adenocarcinoma cells. 2. According to ...[Read More] Can Lung Adenocarcinoma Be Transmitted Through Blood?