Understanding Left Lower Back Pain, Frequent Urination, and Bloating
Left lower back pain, frequent urination, and bloating? A few days ago, I experienced a dull pain in my lower left back during the night, which affected my sleep. The pain is near the kidney area, and I also noticed a frequent urge to urinate. I went to see a doctor, but the urin...
Dr. Xiao Yongxun reply Family Medicine
Dear Miss Xiao Gao: 1. When experiencing back pain, it is important to consider conditions such as lumbar strain, degenerative disc disease, herniated discs, osteoporotic compression fractures, spinal stenosis, spondylolisthesis, tumors, inflammatory arthritis, infections, pelv...[Read More] Understanding Left Lower Back Pain, Frequent Urination, and Bloating
Understanding Finger Joint Issues: When to See a Doctor
Finger issues Hello doctor, in the past couple of days, I noticed a greenish growth near the middle joint of my left index finger. It is only visible when I bend my finger, and pressing on it causes pain. When not pressed, there is a slight discomfort in that area. Which specialt...
Dr. Xiao Yongxun reply Family Medicine
Please consult an orthopedic specialist to discuss potential issues.[Read More] Understanding Finger Joint Issues: When to See a Doctor
Persistent Abdominal Pain for Over a Month: Seeking Answers
Abdominal pain lasting for one month? Hello doctor, I have been experiencing abdominal pain for over a month. I have undergone examinations in gynecology, gastroenterology, and orthopedics, and everything came back normal. The tests I have had include a Pap smear, vaginal ultraso...
Dr. Xiao Yongxun reply Family Medicine
Dear Ms. Ake: 1. Abdominal pain is inherently challenging in clinical practice due to the wide range of organs and systems involved. 2. Taking upper abdominal pain or discomfort as an example, common diagnoses include gastric ulcers or gastritis, duodenal ulcers or duodenitis, ...[Read More] Persistent Abdominal Pain for Over a Month: Seeking Answers
Post-Isolation Cleaning Tips for Safe Family Reunions After COVID-19
I would like to inquire about the disinfection measures after recovering from a confirmed case? Hello, Dr. Hsiao. I would like to ask you a question. After a confirmed COVID-19 case has completed 7 days of isolation, should the room and its contents be disinfected before allowing...
Dr. Xiao Yongxun reply Family Medicine
Dear Mr. Zheyi, 1. When COVID-19 first emerged, research reports indicated that this coronavirus could survive on various surfaces for different durations: 4-5 days on paper, 4 days on glass, 4 days on wood, 48 hours on steel, 8 hours on surgical gloves, 2-8 hours on aluminum, a...[Read More] Post-Isolation Cleaning Tips for Safe Family Reunions After COVID-19
Is Washing Hands with Water Alone Worse Than Not Washing?
Regarding handwashing and bacteria/viruses? Hello, doctor. I would like to ask you about something I've seen in the news and read in various sources. They say that washing hands with just water is equivalent to not washing them at all, and that if hands are not dried properl...
Dr. Xiao Yongxun reply Family Medicine
Dear Mr. Paul: 1. The surface of our skin naturally harbors a variety of bacteria; the air and environment are also filled with various microorganisms and spores. When these settle on our skin, they can germinate or proliferate in suitable conditions (including temperature, humi...[Read More] Is Washing Hands with Water Alone Worse Than Not Washing?
Unexplained Weight Loss: When to Seek Medical Advice?
Weight loss The last time I measured my weight was around March or April of this year, and the result was 59 kilograms. Before that, I had maintained a weight of 56 kilograms for a full seven years. I was initially relieved that I finally started to gain weight, but today my weig...
Dr. Xiao Yongxun reply Family Medicine
Dear Mr. Hsu: 1. There are many reasons for weight loss; common diseases include hyperthyroidism, diabetes, cancer, depression, schizophrenia, anorexia nervosa, chronic peptic ulcers, inflammatory bowel disease, chronic pancreatitis, esophageal stricture, hepatitis, and cirrhosi...[Read More] Unexplained Weight Loss: When to Seek Medical Advice?
Understanding Esophageal Issues: Gas, Food Sensation, and Cold Symptoms
Esophageal issues? This morning, after eating, I felt a slight sensation of food stuck in my throat, but I also have severe bloating. Drinking some water after eating alleviates the discomfort. However, after having lunch, the symptoms reappeared. I have been intentionally burpin...
Dr. Xiao Yongxun reply Family Medicine
Dear Anonymous, 1. Gastroesophageal reflux can cause gastric contents to flow back up into the oropharyngeal area, while postnasal drip allows secretions to flow into the oropharynx; both conditions can lead to symptoms such as throat irritation, a sensation of a foreign body, ...[Read More] Understanding Esophageal Issues: Gas, Food Sensation, and Cold Symptoms
Understanding Your Health Check Results: Key Concerns and Next Steps
Health check-up issues Hello, Doctor! Recently, my company arranged a health check-up on July 11, 2022, and several issues were found: 1. Decreased neutrophil count (35.3) 2. Slightly increased lymphocyte count (53.6) 3. Elevated albumin to globulin ratio (2.5) 4. Urine ketone bo...
Dr. Xiao Yongxun reply Family Medicine
Dear Mr. Jason: 1. Please discuss your complete report with your primary care physician before making any decisions. 2. The "urine ketone reaction between presence and absence" is likely due to prolonged fasting, which causes the body to break down fat. It should retur...[Read More] Understanding Your Health Check Results: Key Concerns and Next Steps
Urgent: Best Tinnitus Treatment Doctors in Kaohsiung's Fengshan Area
Urgent! Looking for a tinnitus specialist in Kaohsiung, preferably in the Fengshan District or nearby areas? I have been experiencing tinnitus for a year, with fluctuations in intensity, and it seems to have become louder recently. I am in a lot of pain and cannot tolerate it. Th...
Dr. Xiao Yongxun reply Family Medicine
Dear Mr. S5698: 1. There are many causes of tinnitus, which can generally be divided into: a. Objective tinnitus: This can be further categorized into vascular or muscular disorders. Vascular tinnitus occurs due to narrowing of blood vessels or increased blood flow, leading ...[Read More] Urgent: Best Tinnitus Treatment Doctors in Kaohsiung's Fengshan Area
Rabies Vaccine: Do You Need More Shots After Recent Animal Bite?
If you were bitten last month and received four doses of rabies vaccine, and then you were bitten again this month, you should still receive additional doses of the rabies vaccine. The post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP) protocol typically includes a series of vaccinations after a po...
Dr. Xiao Yongxun reply Family Medicine
Dear Ms. Yuan: 1. The risk of rabies in Taiwan is currently limited to wild animals in the central, southern, and eastern mountainous regions, primarily involving the badger as the main infected species, with a few cases involving the Formosan ferret-badger. The current regulati...[Read More] Rabies Vaccine: Do You Need More Shots After Recent Animal Bite?
Concerns About Infection Risks from Minor Blood Sampling Injuries
Infection issues Hello, doctor. Recently, I've been feeling anxious about an issue. I used a safety lancet (one touch) for blood sampling, and I have a small wound. After about 10 hours, the next day when I went to work, I forgot about the blood sampling wound and accidental...
Dr. Xiao Yongxun reply Family Medicine
Dear Sir, According to the announcement from the Centers for Disease Control, the Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) is transmitted through contact with blood or bodily fluids (semen, vaginal secretions, breast milk) that come into contact with mucous membranes or open skin woun...[Read More] Concerns About Infection Risks from Minor Blood Sampling Injuries
Sudden Dizziness, Nausea, and Cold Sweats: What Could It Mean?
Sudden dizziness, vomiting, and cold sweats? Hello, Doctor. I would like to consult about my symptoms. On July 7th, at around 3 AM, I was suddenly awakened from deep sleep by a wave of dizziness. After waking up, the dizziness intensified, and my vision felt shaky. I then had an ...
Dr. Xiao Yongxun reply Family Medicine
Dear Miss Hsuan: 1. Vertigo is a common clinical symptom; however, there are sometimes differing perspectives on its definition. Many people often confuse vertigo with dizziness, and physicians, due to time constraints and communication difficulties, may not make a clear distinc...[Read More] Sudden Dizziness, Nausea, and Cold Sweats: What Could It Mean?
Rabies Risk After Contact with Animal Remains: What You Need to Know
Regarding rabies exposure? Recently, I went to Shuo Creek in Taitung and discovered an animal carcass submerged in the water (the body was already skeletal but still had some soft tissue). Out of curiosity, I touched the carcass, and since I have a habit of biting my lips, I only...
Dr. Xiao Yongxun reply Family Medicine
Dear Mr. Chen: 1. According to the announcement from the Centers for Disease Control on May 3, 2019, exposure to wild mammals (such as badgers, civets, Taitung money mice, bats, etc.) with an exposure level of Category II (inclusive) or higher requires immediate medical attentio...[Read More] Rabies Risk After Contact with Animal Remains: What You Need to Know
Post-Vaccine and COVID-19 Symptoms: When to Seek Medical Help
Vaccination and Symptoms After Confirmed COVID-19 Infection Hello Doctor, in mid-April of this year, after receiving the third dose of the Moderna vaccine, I occasionally experienced symptoms such as chest tightness, chest pain, shortness of breath, and palpitations. After underg...
Dr. Xiao Yongxun reply Family Medicine
Dear Sir: 1. Many hospitals have established integrated outpatient clinics for COVID-19 survivors; therefore, you can look for a nearby hospital that is suitable for your treatment to address your concerns. 2. Your description may indicate "autonomic nervous system dysfunc...[Read More] Post-Vaccine and COVID-19 Symptoms: When to Seek Medical Help
How to Safely Disinfect Paper Items During the Pandemic?
Inquiries about disinfection matters? Hello, doctor. I would like to ask you about the current situation regarding the pandemic. If I have paper items like postcards or books that cannot be wiped down with alcohol, what is the best way to disinfect them? Should I just leave them ...
Dr. Xiao Yongxun reply Family Medicine
Dear Mr. Jianhe: 1. When COVID-19 first emerged, research reports indicated that this coronavirus could survive on various surfaces for different durations: 4 to 5 days on paper, 4 days on glass, 4 days on wood, 48 hours on steel, 8 hours on surgical gloves, 2 to 8 hours on alum...[Read More] How to Safely Disinfect Paper Items During the Pandemic?
Understanding Abnormal Blood Test Results: When to Seek Further Evaluation
Blood test issues? About two years ago, a medical examination revealed low white blood cell counts. However, in July of last year, all five types of white blood cells were normal. At that time, my family medicine doctor explained that some individuals naturally have lower white b...
Dr. Xiao Yongxun reply Family Medicine
Dear Ms. Lin: 1. Leukopenia refers to a decrease in the number of white blood cells in the blood; the most common form of leukopenia is neutropenia, while lymphopenia is less common. Common causes of leukopenia include aplastic anemia, megaloblastic anemia, autoimmune diseases,...[Read More] Understanding Abnormal Blood Test Results: When to Seek Further Evaluation
Understanding Fatigue: Is Exercise the Cause of Your Tiredness?
Fatigue issues Doctor, I have a question. I recently started exercising, but the next day I woke up with some soreness in my back, thighs, and calves. It's not painful, but I feel very fatigued overall and find it hard to concentrate on studying. Could this be related to the...
Dr. Xiao Yongxun reply Family Medicine
Dear Mr. S: 1. In fact, exercise itself can potentially cause injuries. For instance, individuals who do not have a regular exercise routine or have low physical activity levels may suddenly engage in intense exercise, which may not only prevent them from reaping the benefits bu...[Read More] Understanding Fatigue: Is Exercise the Cause of Your Tiredness?
Understanding Left Chest Pain: Causes and Concerns for Women
Left chest tightness and pain? Hello, doctor! I've been experiencing left chest tightness and pain for the past two days. Sometimes the pain is closer to the nipple, but there is no pain on the right side. The tightness persists throughout the day. My menstrual period just e...
Dr. Xiao Yongxun reply Family Medicine
Dear Miss Hsiao-Yu, 1. When a clinician addresses the issue of chest pain, the first four critical conditions to rule out are myocardial infarction, pulmonary embolism, pneumothorax, and aortic dissection. If none of these conditions are present, the differential diagnosis shoul...[Read More] Understanding Left Chest Pain: Causes and Concerns for Women
Understanding Facial Muscle Issues: Causes and Treatment Options
Facial muscle issues? Hello, In February, one day while taking a shower, I suddenly felt a sensation shooting to my forehead, which was followed by headaches and dizziness, making me feel lightheaded. I consulted a neurologist who diagnosed me with tension-type headaches and pr...
Dr. Xiao Yongxun reply Family Medicine
Dear Mr. K: 1. Essentially, your issue should be better followed up in a neurology outpatient clinic. 2. There are diagnostic criteria for typical facial nerve paralysis; if most physicians do not agree with this diagnosis, other possible diagnoses may need to be considered. 3. ...[Read More] Understanding Facial Muscle Issues: Causes and Treatment Options
Understanding Anemia: Should You Take Iron Supplements or Seek Further Testing?
Anemia-related Hello Doctor, I recently underwent a pre-pregnancy health check, and my complete blood count showed several abnormal results highlighted in red. The relevant values are as follows: WBC 5.9, RBC 4.22, Hemoglobin 9.0, Hematocrit 31.2, MCV 73.9, MCH 21.3, MCHC 28.8, P...
Dr. Xiao Yongxun reply Family Medicine
Dear Ms. Orange Cat: 1. Since you have questions regarding prenatal examinations, it is advisable to discuss them directly with your obstetrician-gynecologist. 2. Thalassemia, also known as Mediterranean anemia, is caused by a defect in the synthesis of globin chains in hemoglo...[Read More] Understanding Anemia: Should You Take Iron Supplements or Seek Further Testing?