Understanding Right Rib Pain: Causes and When to Seek Medical Help
Right rib pain? Doctor, I have pain in my right rib when I cough and lift heavy objects, but it doesn't hurt when I breathe. It hurts when I press or exert myself. What could be the cause, and which specialist should I see?
Dr. Xiao Yongxun reply Family Medicine
Dear Ms. Tseng: Based on your statement, it may be a musculoskeletal disorder; there are many diseases that need differential diagnosis, primarily including pulmonary diseases, liver diseases, and neurological disorders. Please visit a pulmonologist for evaluation.[Read More] Understanding Right Rib Pain: Causes and When to Seek Medical Help
Accidental Skin Contact with Eco-Friendly Degreaser: Risks and Precautions
Contact with stain remover on the skin? Hello, doctor. Today, while using an environmentally friendly degreaser, I accidentally got it all over my hands. My hands feel cool, similar to the sensation of alcohol. Is this due to evaporation? I washed my hands immediately. Should I b...
Dr. Xiao Yongxun reply Family Medicine
Dear Mr. Zhi: 1. According to the information published on the CPC Corporation website, the Kuo Guang brand cleaning naphtha is a fast-drying aliphatic solvent with a boiling point ranging from 60 to 107°C. Its characteristics include low sulfur content and no odor. It can be us...[Read More] Accidental Skin Contact with Eco-Friendly Degreaser: Risks and Precautions
Which Specialist Should I See for My Ear and Dizziness Issues?
Which specialty should I see? Hello Doctor, since last year I have been experiencing symptoms such as blocked Eustachian tubes, dizziness, tinnitus, ear pain, headaches, and hearing a thunder-like sound when moving my eyes. I was referred from a small clinic's ENT department...
Dr. Xiao Yongxun reply Family Medicine
Dear Miss Anonymous: 1. Please briefly describe your symptoms and the records of consultations with various specialists in writing. 2. If you have a primary care physician, it is advisable to discuss your concerns with them first. 3. Symptoms such as dizziness, tinnitus, ear ...[Read More] Which Specialist Should I See for My Ear and Dizziness Issues?
Understanding Skin Itching: Causes and Solutions for Allergic Individuals
Skin itching Hello Doctor: I have a history of allergies, and recently I've been experiencing itching in various parts of my body. Sometimes it starts off small, like a mosquito bite, and then it gradually gets larger. Other times, it itches a lot but remains swollen without...
Dr. Xiao Yongxun reply Family Medicine
Dear Mr. D: Please discuss with your primary care physician or visit a dermatology clinic for appropriate medical attention. Based on your description, it may be urticaria; however, it is essential to differentiate it from conditions such as atopic dermatitis, seborrheic dermat...[Read More] Understanding Skin Itching: Causes and Solutions for Allergic Individuals
Understanding the Risks of Infection from Contaminated Surfaces
Urinary transmission Hello, Doctor: Today, my phone fell on the floor of the hospital restroom while I was using it. The floor was partially wet, and I’m not sure if it was urine. The phone screen got some of it on it. I did wipe it down with a disinfectant used for toilet seats,...
Dr. Xiao Yongxun reply Family Medicine
Dear Ms. LISA: 1. Contact with bodily fluids does carry a risk of infectious diseases; however, I believe the risk is quite low. If you are concerned, please discuss it with your family physician for monitoring, or visit an infectious disease clinic if you develop any symptoms....[Read More] Understanding the Risks of Infection from Contaminated Surfaces
Understanding Hard Lumps in the Buttocks: Which Specialist to See?
If you have a hard lump on your buttocks, you should see a specialist in dermatology or a general surgeon? Hello Doctor, I have a small hard lump on the left side of my buttock, near the groin and close to the coccyx. It is about the size of a coin. The surface is reddish and dar...
Dr. Xiao Yongxun reply Family Medicine
Dear Miss Xiao Li: 1. There is a hard lump approximately the size of a one-dollar coin located near the coccyx in the gluteal fold. Common causes to consider include fibromas, lipomas, sebaceous cysts, and abscesses; however, there may also be other rare etiologies. Given that ...[Read More] Understanding Hard Lumps in the Buttocks: Which Specialist to See?
Concerns About Rabies After Contact with a Dog: What You Need to Know
Inquire about rabies? Hello, doctor. I would like to ask you about rabies. This morning, I bought breakfast and accidentally brushed against a dog with the plastic bag containing my food. The dog may have licked the plastic bag, which I then placed in my bicycle basket. When I go...
Dr. Xiao Yongxun reply Family Medicine
Dear Miss Sihuan, Rabies is primarily transmitted through dog bites, but bats, wolves, foxes, and skunks can also spread the virus. The rabies virus survives in the saliva of infected animals and is transmitted to humans through bites, entering the central nervous system via per...[Read More] Concerns About Rabies After Contact with a Dog: What You Need to Know
Can I Donate Blood While Taking Ginkgo and Multivitamins?
Medication Consultation I am currently taking Ginkgo Biloba (Xunli Ning) and Multivitamin F50. Can I donate blood? Thank you!
Dr. Xiao Yongxun reply Family Medicine
Dear Mr. Cai: 1. Essentially, you should consult the physician who prescribed the medication. In addition to considering Cerenin and Alinamin-F, it is also important to take into account any other medications you may be using concurrently. 2. Generally speaking, if you are usin...[Read More] Can I Donate Blood While Taking Ginkgo and Multivitamins?
Understanding Chronic Glossitis: Causes and Treatment Options
Questions about the causes of chronic glossitis? Hello Doctor, since I changed my air conditioner around April, I haven't been sleeping well. Later, I developed a condition of glossitis that initially affected the tip of my tongue and lasted for a month without improvement (...
Dr. Xiao Yongxun reply Family Medicine
Dear Sir/Madam, 1. Formaldehyde is a colorless gas that can cause irritation to the eyes, nose, and respiratory tract at low concentrations; exposure to high concentrations can lead to bronchopneumonia and pulmonary edema. Long-term exposure or inhalation of formaldehyde solutio...[Read More] Understanding Chronic Glossitis: Causes and Treatment Options
Rabies Risk After Dog Bite: What You Need to Know
Regarding rabies issues? Three days ago, I was playing with a dog and accidentally got scratched on my hand by its canine teeth. The dog is a stray puppy that I brought home to care for. I'm unsure if I could be infected with rabies.
Dr. Xiao Yongxun reply Family Medicine
Dear Mr. Wei: 1. According to standard procedures, after a dog bite, the dog should be quarantined for 10 days to prevent it from biting other dogs. If the dog does not die from rabies after 10 days, then you should not contract rabies. However, if the dog dies from rabies withi...[Read More] Rabies Risk After Dog Bite: What You Need to Know
Managing Dizziness and Headaches: When Medication Isn't Enough
Dizziness and headaches may persist even after taking medication? Hello, doctor. Since mid-August, I have suddenly been experiencing pain in my forehead and episodes of dizziness. The clinic physician prescribed me a medication called Shunao, but it still makes me feel dizzy. I u...
Dr. Xiao Yongxun reply Family Medicine
Dear Mr. Tsai: 1. Based on your description of taking antihypertensive medication and antianxiety anticonvulsants, if there are any changes in your condition, you should return to your original physician for advice. 2. Due to the unique healthcare environment in our country, ...[Read More] Managing Dizziness and Headaches: When Medication Isn't Enough
Which Specialist to See for Lower Abdominal and Urinary Pain?
I'm not sure which specialty to see? Hello, doctor. For the past month, I have been experiencing frequent pain in my lower abdomen and left side, as well as discomfort in my lower back, primarily on the left side. It feels like my bladder is hurting, but I'm not entirel...
Dr. Xiao Yongxun reply Family Medicine
Dear Ms. Ling: 1. Your concerns may indeed involve issues related to urology or gynecology. However, it is still necessary to conduct some physical examinations and relevant tests to determine the next steps. 2. Based on individual recommendations, due to symptoms of bladder ...[Read More] Which Specialist to See for Lower Abdominal and Urinary Pain?
How Many Hyperbaric Oxygen Treatments for Symptom Relief?
How many sessions are needed to improve the symptoms? Hello doctor, I went deep diving a week ago, reaching a depth of no more than twelve meters. Three days ago, I suddenly experienced numbness in my right big toe, so I consulted a hyperbaric oxygen specialist and underwent one ...
Dr. Xiao Yongxun reply Family Medicine
Dear Ms. Chen Yin: The treatment with hyperbaric oxygen therapy involves specific steps, methods, and a follow-up schedule. Due to medical considerations, it is generally not advisable to undergo treatment just once; it must be a gradual process. For detailed information, please ...[Read More] How Many Hyperbaric Oxygen Treatments for Symptom Relief?
Understanding Diving-Related Health Issues: When to Seek Medical Advice
Diving activities Hello, Doctor. Four days ago (Sunday), I went diving in the morning with a one-on-one instructor, reaching a depth of 12 meters. During the dive, I had to surface because I couldn't equalize the pressure in my left ear, and then I went back down again. The ...
Dr. Xiao Yongxun reply Family Medicine
Dear Miss Chen Yin: Based on your statements, it is not possible to completely rule out the possibility of decompression sickness; I recommend that you visit a diving medicine clinic equipped with hyperbaric oxygen therapy.[Read More] Understanding Diving-Related Health Issues: When to Seek Medical Advice
Understanding Unexplained Itching and Bruising: A Family Medicine Perspective
Why is this happening? Doctor: Let me show you my legs; they suddenly become itchy, and when I scratch them, they end up looking like this, and the bruising is getting worse. It didn't used to be like this! Besides my thighs, my left arm also has this issue, but I didn'...
Dr. Xiao Yongxun reply Family Medicine
Dear Ms. Meow: 1. Common differential diagnoses for pruritus include urticaria, atopic dermatitis, seborrheic dermatitis, folliculitis, xerotic dermatitis, fungal infections, dyshidrotic eczema, contact dermatitis, scabies, and others. It is also important to consider other sys...[Read More] Understanding Unexplained Itching and Bruising: A Family Medicine Perspective
Understanding Anemia: Common Questions and Concerns for Patients
Questions related to anemia? Recently, I experienced dizziness and pale complexion twice, which led me to undergo a blood test that revealed anemia. Here are my test results: Hb 9.9, Hct 32.8, MCV 75.6, MCH 22.8, MCHC 30.2, RDW 19.7. I would like to ask a few questions: 1. The f...
Dr. Xiao Yongxun reply Family Medicine
Dear Ms. RG: 1. The first time, I walked for about half an hour in hot weather, and I started feeling increasingly dizzy, eventually experiencing blurred vision and needing support, along with excessive sweating. After resting for a while, I felt much better. I had eaten less th...[Read More] Understanding Anemia: Common Questions and Concerns for Patients
Understanding Lower Back Pain and Urinary Symptoms: A Family Medicine Perspective
Lumbar issues? Hello, Doctor. On August 3rd, I experienced two drops of blood in my urine. Earlier, I had soreness near my lumbar spine close to the hip area upon waking up. The family medicine doctor tapped my back, and there was no pain. I was prescribed Uroprin for urinary pai...
Dr. Xiao Yongxun reply Family Medicine
Dear Mr. Brian591014: 1. The differential diagnosis for hematuria commonly includes urinary tract inflammation or injury, urinary stones, urinary tract infection, renal inflammation, tumors of the urinary system, and coagulopathy, among others. 2. As for the differential diag...[Read More] Understanding Lower Back Pain and Urinary Symptoms: A Family Medicine Perspective
Understanding Chest Tightness and Insomnia: Causes and Solutions
Insomnia and chest tightness? Hello Doctor, I started experiencing chest tightness around July 20th (feeling like my chest is constricted or that I can't catch my breath, often needing to take deep breaths or concentrate on inhaling) and frequent shallow sleep with vivid dre...
Dr. Xiao Yongxun reply Family Medicine
Dear Miss Anonymous: 1. Please consult your primary care physician to discuss your symptoms and undergo necessary examinations. There are many potential causes for chest tightness and shortness of breath, with common diagnoses including chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (CO...[Read More] Understanding Chest Tightness and Insomnia: Causes and Solutions
Understanding Nucleated Red Blood Cells: What Does a Value of 0.2 Mean?
Nucleated red blood cells (NRBC) 0.2? Hello, Doctor: In the past few weeks, I underwent a health check-up, and the report indicated an abnormality in one of the blood test results, specifically the nucleated red blood cell (NRBC) count, which was 0.2 (where the normal value shoul...
Dr. Xiao Yongxun reply Family Medicine
Dear Mr. S: Basically, your questions should be directed to your hematologist, and you should follow their recommendations for further examinations. Below are brief responses to your inquiries: 1. Does "bone marrow fibrosis" on the report mean a confirmed diagnosis, o...[Read More] Understanding Nucleated Red Blood Cells: What Does a Value of 0.2 Mean?
Do Cold Medications Really Help? Understanding Home Remedies and Recovery
Do you need to take medication to recover from a cold? 1. My family keeps telling me that I need to take medicine for a cold to get better. Is that really true? 2. Isn't it true that the internet says there are no specific medications for a cold and that it will resolve na...
Dr. Xiao Yongxun reply Family Medicine
Dear Mr. Liao: 1. Is it true that my family insists I need to take medication to recover from a cold? The common cold is caused by viruses such as the parainfluenza virus and rhinovirus, leading to respiratory symptoms, fatigue, and fever. Most cases resolve naturally within 3 t...[Read More] Do Cold Medications Really Help? Understanding Home Remedies and Recovery