Pain Behind the Index Finger Joint: When to Seek Medical Help
The tendon behind the first joint of the index finger on the back of the hand is painful, likely due to an injury from exercise? On the back of the hand, extending more than one centimeter from the first joint of the index finger, it may be referred to as the extensor tendon. Pre...
Dr. Xiao Yongxun reply Family Medicine
Dear Mr. A, Please make sure to visit an orthopedic or hand surgery outpatient clinic soon. It could be due to ligament injury, nerve damage, inflammation of the distal interphalangeal joint, or other causes![Read More] Pain Behind the Index Finger Joint: When to Seek Medical Help
Understanding Chest Pain with Right Shoulder Discomfort: Causes and Concerns
Chest pain accompanied by right shoulder pain? Hello, Doctor! This morning I noticed a feeling of pressure and pain in my right chest accompanied by shoulder pain. The pressure sensation started today, and I haven't experienced this before. Sometimes the shoulder pain is mor...
Dr. Xiao Yongxun reply Family Medicine
Dear Miss Hsiao: 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 should c...[Read More] Understanding Chest Pain with Right Shoulder Discomfort: Causes and Concerns
Understanding Blood Sugar Levels and Acanthosis Nigricans: Key Insights
Blood sugar issues Hello Dr. Hsiao, I am currently 26 years old, 176 cm tall, and I weighed 103 kg at my heaviest. I have now reduced my weight to 89 kg and am continuing to lose weight. My body fat percentage is 23% (down from 32% at my heaviest), and my visceral fat is 12 (down...
Dr. Xiao Yongxun reply Family Medicine
Dear Mr. Zhou: 1) Could this indicate prediabetes? Generally, a normal fasting plasma glucose level is less than 100 mg/dL. If it falls between 100 mg/dL and 126 mg/dL, it can be considered as prediabetes or impaired fasting glucose. Of course, if the postprandial glucose level ...[Read More] Understanding Blood Sugar Levels and Acanthosis Nigricans: Key Insights
Concerns About Accidental Ingestion of Battery Acid: What to Do?
Inquiry about suspected ingestion of battery acid? Hello doctor, a few days ago while watching TV and snacking, I accidentally discovered that the remote control had some battery leakage. I'm still worried that a little bit might have gotten into my food. I've heard tha...
Dr. Xiao Yongxun reply Family Medicine
Dear Mr. Bai, 1. Carbon-zinc batteries are the most common and inexpensive type of dry cell batteries. The positive electrode is composed of powdered manganese dioxide and carbon, while the negative electrode is zinc. The internal electrolyte typically used is zinc chloride, als...[Read More] Concerns About Accidental Ingestion of Battery Acid: What to Do?
Understanding Low-Grade Fever: Causes and Concerns in Family Medicine
Temperature issues Hello Doctor: My condition started on the 7th of this month, when I felt a sensation of body heat for about four days (I didn't take my temperature, as I have experienced this occasionally before, and it has never been a real fever; just a warm neck, along...
Dr. Xiao Yongxun reply Family Medicine
Dear Ms. Amy: 1. Humans possess physiological mechanisms to regulate and maintain core body temperature. When there is a need to release excess heat, the body cools down by increasing blood circulation to the skin and sweating. Conversely, to conserve internal heat, the body red...[Read More] Understanding Low-Grade Fever: Causes and Concerns in Family Medicine
Navigating COVID-19 Vaccination: Concerns About Doses and Future Implications
COVID-19 vaccine Hello, Doctor. Currently, the pandemic is severe. Some say that most of the viruses are mild, while the government is very proactive in encouraging the public to get vaccinated, even deciding to move towards administering a fourth dose... I would like to ask, mos...
Dr. Xiao Yongxun reply Family Medicine
Dear Sir/Madam: 1. The current recommendation from the epidemic command center to administer three doses of the COVID-19 vaccine is based on research reports from domestic and international experts and the consensus of top medical and public health professionals in the country....[Read More] Navigating COVID-19 Vaccination: Concerns About Doses and Future Implications
Unexplained Itching: Is It Related to Stress or Other Issues?
Itching of the skin without significant changes in appearance? Hello doctor, I have been experiencing unexplained itching on my skin recently, but there doesn't seem to be any visible changes. I've also been feeling more stressed lately. Could the skin itching be relate...
Dr. Xiao Yongxun reply Family Medicine
Dear Mr. Lin: There are many causes of skin itching, most commonly including eczema, fungal infections, bacterial infections, contact dermatitis, irritant dermatitis, allergic dermatitis, and xerotic dermatitis, among others. Additionally, there are other causes such as medicatio...[Read More] Unexplained Itching: Is It Related to Stress or Other Issues?
Understanding Low Eosinophil Levels: What Your Blood Test Results Mean
Blood test result issues? Hello, doctor. I recently had a blood test, and the result for eosinophil percentage was 0.5%. I believe the normal range is 1-6%. All other blood tests and white blood cell counts were normal. I would like to know if this indicates any issues with my bo...
Dr. Xiao Yongxun reply Family Medicine
Dear Miss Gao: 1. Since you have undergone a blood test, you should discuss the results with the physician who ordered the test. A proper diagnosis or identification of the issue can only be made based on clinical physical examination and relevant symptoms. 2. White blood cells...[Read More] Understanding Low Eosinophil Levels: What Your Blood Test Results Mean
Persistent Dry Mouth and Cracked Lips: When to Seek Medical Help?
Frequent dry mouth and mouth sores, with adequate hydration but no improvement? Hello, doctor. Since last year, I have been experiencing occasional sudden dry mouth, which has led to chapped lips and dry skin. In the mornings, I wake up with a dry mouth and throat, and I occasion...
Dr. Xiao Yongxun reply Family Medicine
Dear Ms. Chen: 1. "Frequent dry mouth and oral ulcers, with adequate fluid intake but no improvement," presents numerous differential diagnosis considerations. In addition to general inflammatory responses, one should also consider infections, diabetes mellitus, thyro...[Read More] Persistent Dry Mouth and Cracked Lips: When to Seek Medical Help?
Understanding Movable Lumps Under the Skin: When to Seek Medical Advice
A lump under the skin? Hello, doctor... Today I felt a smooth, movable lump about 0.2 centimeters in size under the skin near my calf. What could this be? Do I need to see a doctor? Which specialty should I consult? Or should I just observe it and seek medical attention if it con...
Dr. Xiao Yongxun reply Family Medicine
Dear Anonymous, 1. There are many factors to consider; common causes include fibromas, lipomas, neurofibromas, schwannomas, angiolipomas, microangiomas, aneurysms, varices, chronic inflammation, and so on; of course, there are also other rare causes. 2. Please discuss this wi...[Read More] Understanding Movable Lumps Under the Skin: When to Seek Medical Advice
Understanding Moisture Sensation in the Anal Area: Causes and Concerns
Questions about anal moisture sensation? Hello, I'm not sure which specialty to consult, so I chose to ask in family medicine. Recently, I've been feeling something unusual in my buttocks, a sort of damp and slippery sensation. Besides feeling strange while walking, the...
Dr. Xiao Yongxun reply Family Medicine
Dear Mr. OO: [...] Sometimes I feel something unusual in my buttocks, a sort of damp and slippery sensation... There are many issues to consider, including hemorrhoids, constipation, eczema, bacterial infections, fungal infections, viral infections, contact dermatitis, allergic d...[Read More] Understanding Moisture Sensation in the Anal Area: Causes and Concerns
Understanding Sudden Body Tingling: Causes and Concerns
Skin prickling sensation and generalized tingling sensation? Hello, doctor. In recent months, I have suddenly experienced a sensation of pins and needles throughout my body. For example, after exercising for a while, I feel a tingling sensation from my upper back down to my lower...
Dr. Xiao Yongxun reply Family Medicine
Dear Mr. Peiwcho: 1. Your concerns must be discussed in person with a physician and require a physical examination to clarify the situation. 2. Regarding the sensation of tingling, in addition to the general location and frequency you described, the clinician must conduct a pers...[Read More] Understanding Sudden Body Tingling: Causes and Concerns
Common Concerns About Blood Draws: Vaseline, Pain, and Skin Health
Questions related to blood draw? Hello Dr. Hsiao, today I had some unsettling questions after my blood draw and would like to ask you a few things: 1) Due to the recent dry air, I have been applying petroleum jelly to dry areas of my skin. However, I forgot that I had applied i...
Dr. Xiao Yongxun reply Family Medicine
Dear Mr. JAM: 1. Vaseline is a type of petroleum jelly derived from the refining of petroleum, classified as a hydrocarbon. Due to the potential presence of various impurities, it undergoes different levels of purification based on specific needs. Many ointments use 100% pure Va...[Read More] Common Concerns About Blood Draws: Vaseline, Pain, and Skin Health
Understanding Dizziness: Common Causes and When to Seek Help
Dizziness and lightheadedness? The initial symptoms were dizziness, with mild vertigo lasting for about three days. After that, I started experiencing a sore throat, headaches, and fluctuating chills and fever while sleeping. I felt short of breath, similar to palpitations, and w...
Dr. Xiao Yongxun reply Family Medicine
Dear Ms. Mei: 1. You should seek medical attention as soon as possible to clarify the underlying issues. 2. Dizziness should be evaluated for conditions such as benign paroxysmal positional vertigo, Meniere's disease, vestibular neuritis, labyrinthitis, posttraumatic vertig...[Read More] Understanding Dizziness: Common Causes and When to Seek Help
Understanding Upper Right Abdominal Discomfort: Diagnostic Questions and Insights
Questions regarding discomfort in the right upper abdomen? Recently, I have been experiencing discomfort in the upper right abdomen, specifically three fingerbreadths above the navel and near the lower edge of the rib cage. There is a daily dull pain accompanied by a strong burni...
Dr. Xiao Yongxun reply Family Medicine
1. Common diagnoses for right upper quadrant pain include gallstones, gallbladder tumors, liver abscesses, liver tumors, bile duct stones, subdiaphragmatic abscesses, neuropathic pain due to spinal lesions, rib fractures or costal cartilage fractures, duodenal ulcers or gastric u...[Read More] Understanding Upper Right Abdominal Discomfort: Diagnostic Questions and Insights
Should You See a Doctor for Red Spots After COVID Vaccine?
After receiving the COVID-19 vaccine Hello, I received a booster dose of Moderna on January 21, and the first two doses were AstraZeneca. Today, I noticed small red spots on my thigh and calf, which are neither painful nor itchy, and I feel fine otherwise. Do I need to seek medic...
Dr. Xiao Yongxun reply Family Medicine
Please discuss and evaluate the differential diagnosis with your family physician first; or directly visit the rheumatology outpatient clinic at a regional hospital or higher.[Read More] Should You See a Doctor for Red Spots After COVID Vaccine?
Seeking Expert Opinions on CT and MRI Reports for Abdominal Health
Questions regarding CT scan interpretation? I would like to ask, if I had an abdominal MRI or CT scan at a health screening center and the report came back normal, could it be that the examination was somewhat superficial due to the nature of the health screening center? What if ...
Dr. Xiao Yongxun reply Family Medicine
1. Whether it is a CT scan or MRI of the abdomen, the interpretation is performed by radiologists at medical institutions above the regional hospital level. The reports are stored in the hospital's information system database. Clinicians can access these reports through the ...[Read More] Seeking Expert Opinions on CT and MRI Reports for Abdominal Health
Understanding Symptoms: Chest Pain, Dizziness, and Throat Issues
I would like to ask what symptoms it could be? Hello, recently I have been experiencing intermittent symptoms such as chest tightness, chest pain, dizziness, diarrhea, fatigue, discomfort in the upper abdomen, and a feeling of swelling below the throat. These symptoms tend to res...
Dr. Xiao Yongxun reply Family Medicine
Dear Mr. K: 1. Based on your description of "recent intermittent symptoms of chest tightness, chest pain, dizziness, diarrhea, fatigue, discomfort in the upper abdomen, and a sensation of swelling below the throat, along with recent observations of blood streaks in the thro...[Read More] Understanding Symptoms: Chest Pain, Dizziness, and Throat Issues
Understanding Bitter Taste in the Mouth: Causes and Concerns
Questions about a bitter taste in the mouth? Hello Doctor, recently I have been experiencing a bitter taste in my mouth that seems to rise from my throat. I searched online and found various opinions, some suggesting it could be related to acid reflux, others pointing to respirat...
Dr. Xiao Yongxun reply Family Medicine
Dear Mr. OO: 1. The sensation of a bitter taste rising from the throat that you mentioned can have many causes, including dental caries, periodontal disease, sialadenitis, oral cancer, various forms of rhinitis or sinusitis, pharyngitis, tumors in the throat, esophageal ulcers o...[Read More] Understanding Bitter Taste in the Mouth: Causes and Concerns
Understanding the 13-Valent Pneumococcal Vaccine for Adults
Administration of the 13-valent pneumococcal conjugate vaccine in adults? Hello, doctor. My mother is 58 years old and wishes to receive the 13-valent pneumococcal conjugate vaccine. However, the doctor informed us that this vaccine can only be administered once in a lifetime, an...
Dr. Xiao Yongxun reply Family Medicine
Dear Ms. R: Streptococcus pneumoniae is a Gram-positive bacterium, currently known to have over 90 serotypes; the capsular polysaccharide on the bacterial surface is associated with its pathogenicity. In our country, there are currently two types of pneumococcal vaccines availab...[Read More] Understanding the 13-Valent Pneumococcal Vaccine for Adults