Understanding Abnormal Urine Protein Levels: Causes and Implications
Abnormal urine protein test results? Hello, doctor. Due to some special circumstances, I recently underwent a routine urinalysis without eating food and drinking very little water. The report from the second urine sample collected that day showed 2+ proteinuria and elevated uric ...
Dr. Xiao Yongxun reply Family Medicine
Dear Mr. Rui-Hsuan: 1. The typical amount of protein excreted in urine by the human body daily is approximately 80-150 mg; exceeding this amount is referred to as proteinuria. 2. Common diagnoses of proteinuria include false-positive proteinuria, transient or functional proteinu...[Read More] Understanding Abnormal Urine Protein Levels: Causes and Implications
Understanding Fluctuations in Blood Sugar and Cholesterol Levels
High blood sugar and high cholesterol? Hello doctor, in 2017 during my company's health check, my fasting blood glucose was 103 and total cholesterol was 214. Therefore, on January 28 of this year, I went to Taipei Medical University Hospital for a blood test for glucose and...
Dr. Xiao Yongxun reply Family Medicine
1. According to the diagnostic criteria for diabetes set by the American Diabetes Association: a. Fasting plasma glucose level ≥126 mg/dL after fasting for more than 8 hours, b. Plasma glucose level ≥200 mg/dL during a 2-hour oral glucose tolerance test, c. HbA1c ≥6.5% (must not ...[Read More] Understanding Fluctuations in Blood Sugar and Cholesterol Levels
Can Dropped Items in the Bathroom Spread Infections? Expert Advice
An item fell on the floor of the restroom? Hello doctor, today after using the restroom and washing my hands, something from my pocket fell to the ground. I picked it up and cleaned it, then washed my hands with soap. I would like to know if there is a possibility of transmitting...
Dr. Xiao Yongxun reply Family Medicine
Dear Mr. Chen: 1. Sexually transmitted infections (STIs) are infectious diseases caused by sexual contact or blood transmission. Touching a toilet seat, chair, or objects that have been in contact with an STI patient, or even a polite hug with an STI patient, does not transmit ...[Read More] Can Dropped Items in the Bathroom Spread Infections? Expert Advice
Breathlessness: Understanding Causes and Seeking Medical Help
Shortness of breath? Hello, I would like to consult a doctor on behalf of a friend who has some concerns and is currently unable to see a physician. He often experiences shortness of breath during episodes of heightened emotions, which seems to be more pronounced in situations wh...
Dr. Xiao Yongxun reply Family Medicine
Dear Miss Anonymous: 1. Your symptoms are likely indicative of hyperventilation syndrome, which primarily stems from pre-existing anxiety disorders or psychosomatic conditions. However, many other diseases can present with similar symptoms, so a differential diagnosis is necess...[Read More] Breathlessness: Understanding Causes and Seeking Medical Help
Is It Safe to Delay the Final Rabies Vaccine Dose While Traveling?
Does missing the last rabies vaccine dose make a difference? Hello Dr. Hsiao, I was bitten by a dog while traveling in India, and I have already received four doses of the rabies vaccine. However, the final dose is scheduled for two weeks from now, and I will be in Sri Lanka at t...
Dr. Xiao Yongxun reply Family Medicine
Dear Mr. Xiao Guo: 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 va...[Read More] Is It Safe to Delay the Final Rabies Vaccine Dose While Traveling?
Dizziness, Anemia, or Vision Issues? Understanding Your Symptoms
Dizziness, anemia, or eye problems? Yesterday, after cleaning the graves, I stood up and suddenly experienced a blackout. I could vaguely see the shadows of objects, people, and the grass around me, which felt like symptoms of anemia. However, after standing for about three to fi...
Dr. Xiao Yongxun reply Family Medicine
Dear Miss Qiqi: 1. It is advisable for you to consult directly with your family physician regarding your concerns. 2. There are many causes of dizziness that require differential diagnosis, including: a. Cardiovascular system: for example, orthostatic hypotension, hyperten...[Read More] Dizziness, Anemia, or Vision Issues? Understanding Your Symptoms
Understanding Joint Pain and Numbness: Common Causes and Concerns
Physical issues Hello doctor, I have recently been experiencing pain in my limbs and joints, but it only lasts for a short time. My palms sometimes feel numb, and my body occasionally feels slightly itchy and warm. Could you please help me understand what this situation might be?...
Dr. Xiao Yongxun reply Family Medicine
Dear Ms. Betty: 1. The symptoms you described, such as "joint pain in the limbs that only lasts briefly; tingling in the palms; and occasional mild itching and warmth in the body," are considered atypical changes. This means that while some diseases may present in thi...[Read More] Understanding Joint Pain and Numbness: Common Causes and Concerns
Risk of Infection from Dog Licking a Small Wound: What to Do?
A small wound was licked by a dog? Hello, doctor. This morning, my hand was licked by a dog owned by a community resident, and there is a small unhealed wound in that area (a type of wound where dry skin near the nail was torn and bled a little). I remember reading about a bacter...
Dr. Xiao Yongxun reply Family Medicine
Dear Ms. Lee: 1. The Capnocytophaga canimorsus you mentioned is a bacterium found in the oral cavity of dogs, and I have never encountered or diagnosed it in my clinical practice. It is not part of the normal human microbiota. Therefore, once it enters the bloodstream, there is ...[Read More] Risk of Infection from Dog Licking a Small Wound: What to Do?
Risk of Infection from Dog Licking a Minor Wound: What to Do?
A small wound was licked by a dog? Hello, doctor. This morning, I was licked on the hand by a dog owned by a community resident. There is a small, unhealed wound in that area (a type of wound where the dry skin next to the nail was torn and bled a little). I remember seeing news ...
Dr. Xiao Yongxun reply Family Medicine
Dear Ms. Lee: 1. The Capnocytophaga canimorsus you mentioned is a bacterium found in the oral cavity of dogs, and I have never encountered or diagnosed it in my clinical practice. It is not part of the normal flora in humans. Therefore, once it enters the bloodstream, there is a...[Read More] Risk of Infection from Dog Licking a Minor Wound: What to Do?
Is Walking Fast After Meals Bad for Your Stomach Health?
Taking a brisk walk after a meal? Hello doctor, recently I've been hurrying to class after meals, often walking quickly. I'm wondering if this could lead to what people call "gastric ptosis," or if it could cause any serious issues. Thank you, doctor.
Dr. Xiao Yongxun reply Family Medicine
Dear Mr. TIM: 1. In medicine, there is no diagnosis known as "gastric ptosis." Early medical reports have shown that X-ray imaging can reveal a significant enlargement of the stomach after competitive eating events in Japan. 2. Light walking after meals can help allev...[Read More] Is Walking Fast After Meals Bad for Your Stomach Health?
MMR Vaccine and Pregnancy: Guidelines for Women and Men
Concerns Regarding MMR Vaccine Administration During Pregnancy After receiving the MMR vaccine, women are advised to avoid pregnancy for three months. However, there are no similar restrictions for men after receiving the MMR vaccine.
Dr. Xiao Yongxun reply Family Medicine
Dear Ms. Fish: According to the recommendations in the [Clinical Practice Manual for Adult Vaccination], please confirm whether you are pregnant or may become pregnant before receiving the MMR vaccine. The advised period for contraception after vaccination has been changed from t...[Read More] MMR Vaccine and Pregnancy: Guidelines for Women and Men
Understanding Left-Sided Back Spasms and Chronic Bloating Issues
There is a sensation of twitching in the left upper back, resembling insects crawling, along with persistent bloating in the left lower abdomen for over two years? Hello, Doctor. I have a sensation in the lower left area between my shoulder and waist, like something is crawling. ...
Dr. Xiao Yongxun reply Family Medicine
Dear Ms. Gillian: 1. Since such a thorough examination has been conducted and no cause has been found, I personally believe that you should first pay attention to your diet, exercise, and lifestyle adjustments. This means maintaining a balanced diet, engaging in regular physical ...[Read More] Understanding Left-Sided Back Spasms and Chronic Bloating Issues
Understanding Water Intoxication: Risks and Recovery Tips
Questions about water intoxication? Hello Doctor, I have been taking antibiotics recently, and my doctor advised me to drink plenty of water. I have also seen news about people developing esophageal ulcers due to not drinking enough water. As a result, I have been intentionally d...
Dr. Xiao Yongxun reply Family Medicine
1. Water intoxication refers to an increase in body water relative to a decrease in ion concentration. Water intoxication leads to a decrease in the effective osmotic concentration of plasma but does not cause localized or widespread fluid accumulation in the body; thus, it diffe...[Read More] Understanding Water Intoxication: Risks and Recovery Tips
Which Specialist to Consult for Alcohol-Related Facial Swelling?
Which specialty should I see? Hello, whenever I consume alcohol or alcoholic beverages, such as rice wine in dishes like Shao Jiu Chicken or Shao Jiu Shrimp, my right cheek swells up. I also feel a painful and tight sensation in a muscle on the right side of my neck, and my right...
Dr. Xiao Yongxun reply Family Medicine
Dear Mr. Hsiao: 1. Since you have already consulted many specialists and undergone numerous tests, including a CT scan, and no issues have been identified, it is theoretically unlikely that a diagnosis such as a tumor is present; however, it remains challenging to pinpoint the e...[Read More] Which Specialist to Consult for Alcohol-Related Facial Swelling?
How to Prevent Infections from Minor Skin Injuries on the Nose
Questions about inflammation prevention? Hello doctor, recently my nose has been chafed by my glasses, resulting in a small skin wound with a little bleeding. What can I do to prevent inflammation, such as cellulitis, in this type of wound? Thank you.
Dr. Xiao Yongxun reply Family Medicine
Dear Mr. Chen: 1. Unless one has diabetes, immunocompromising conditions, is taking immunosuppressants, or has other specific reasons, it is not easy for cellulitis to occur in the face due to good tissue circulation. 2. That said, occasional cases of facial cellulitis are stil...[Read More] How to Prevent Infections from Minor Skin Injuries on the Nose
Can Povidone-Iodine from Wounds Enter the Body Through Food?
Could you please provide more context or specify your question? If you have a wound on your hand and applied povidone-iodine (Betadine) before eating snacks, will the povidone-iodine get into your body along with the food and cause any issues?
Dr. Xiao Yongxun reply Family Medicine
Dear Ms. You: Povidone-iodine (PVP-I), also known as Excellent-iodine, is a chemical polymer of povidone and iodine. It contains 9-12% iodine. Its mechanism of action involves the release of iodine, which leads to microbial death. Clinically, it is certainly not recommended to co...[Read More] Can Povidone-Iodine from Wounds Enter the Body Through Food?
Understanding the Connection Between Weight Loss and Blood Pressure
Weight Loss and Blood Pressure Dear Dr. Hsiao, I would like to inquire about the relationship between weight loss and blood pressure. Recently, I measured my blood pressure, which was approximately 115 (systolic)/83-87 (diastolic) after several measurements. My weight is around ...
Dr. Xiao Yongxun reply Family Medicine
Dear Mr. Ah-Xiang: 1. Normal blood pressure is defined as systolic pressure < 102 mmHg and diastolic pressure < 80 mmHg. Hypertension is generally defined as systolic pressure ≥ 140 mmHg or diastolic pressure ≥ 90 mmHg. An increase of 20 mmHg in systolic pressure or 10 mmH...[Read More] Understanding the Connection Between Weight Loss and Blood Pressure
Can I Still Grow Taller at 17? Understanding Height Growth Potential
Height issues As a 17-year-old in the second year of high school, standing at 165 cm, you are hoping to grow to over 170 cm. Your father is 160 cm and your mother is 155 cm. You experienced significant growth from sixth grade to the first year of junior high, but your height has ...
Dr. Xiao Yongxun reply Family Medicine
Dear Mr. Xiaohao, 1. Height is influenced by genetic factors inherited from parents. Based on the information you provided, it seems that your own efforts have allowed you to exceed your parents' height, which is indeed commendable. Theoretically, going to bed early can inc...[Read More] Can I Still Grow Taller at 17? Understanding Height Growth Potential
Understanding Oral Discomfort: Symptoms and Specialist Guidance
Oral issues Hello Doctor, I apologize for the lengthy message. For about the past two months, I have been experiencing discomfort in the left side of my oral cavity, specifically in the cheek and soft palate area. There is a burning and stabbing sensation, accompanied by a sour t...
Dr. Xiao Yongxun reply Family Medicine
Dear Ms. Chen, 1. Thank you for your detailed description. I am not a specialist in this field and have not conducted research on it; I can only provide references based on my limited knowledge. 2. The physicians you have encountered are very thorough. In addition to routine ex...[Read More] Understanding Oral Discomfort: Symptoms and Specialist Guidance
Understanding Measles Antibody Thresholds: Risks and Recommendations
Antibody threshold value Hello, doctor. I work at the airport and need to check my measles antibodies. The report shows that my measles antibody level is at the borderline. The company has arranged for me to get vaccinated! I have a couple of questions: 1. Does "borderline&q...
Dr. Xiao Yongxun reply Family Medicine
Dear Mr. Anonymous: 1. Generally speaking, the results of antibody tests yield a numerical value. If this value exceeds a specific threshold, it is referred to as a positive reaction; sometimes it is also called reactive. Conversely, if the value is below a certain threshold, it...[Read More] Understanding Measles Antibody Thresholds: Risks and Recommendations