Understanding Rabies Latency: Risks After Cat Scratch Injury
Rabies incubation period Hello, doctor. About six years ago, I was scratched by a wild cat. At that time, I wasn't sure if I received the rabies vaccine (because I heard that the rabies vaccine requires multiple doses; I remember getting two shots, one for tetanus and I forg...
Dr. Xiao Yongxun reply Family Medicine
Dear Mr. Jiang: 1. The rabies virus is a rod-shaped virus belonging to the Lyssavirus genus. All viruses in this genus share similar antigens, but monoclonal antibodies or nucleic acid sequencing can differentiate viruses from different regions or animal sources. Animals infecte...[Read More] Understanding Rabies Latency: Risks After Cat Scratch Injury
Understanding a Mysterious Gray Lump in the Lower Left Abdomen
There is a black mass in the lower left abdomen? There is a gray, unclear mass near the spine in the lower left abdomen. What could that be? Is it a tumor?
Dr. Xiao Yongxun reply Family Medicine
Dear Mr. Hsiao-Lin: 1. I am not aware of the reason for your X-ray examination. 2. What did your attending physician say? 3. Your X-ray images, after being taken and transmitted, are not very clear. I can only suggest that you may have kyphosis; the dark mass in the lower left a...[Read More] Understanding a Mysterious Gray Lump in the Lower Left Abdomen
Understanding Chest Discomfort: Is It Esophageal or Cardiac?
Mild chest pain? Hello, Doctor: Last weekend, I had a cold and visited a clinic where the doctor prescribed me cold medication. However, after taking the nighttime medication on Sunday, I experienced a sensation of chest pain the next day. It is especially noticeable during lunch...
Dr. Xiao Yongxun reply Family Medicine
Dear Ms. Helen: 1. After food passes through the pharynx, it enters the esophagus, which is a long tubular structure approximately 25 to 30 centimeters in length. It is located behind the trachea and extends from the pharynx through the neck and chest, passing through the diaphr...[Read More] Understanding Chest Discomfort: Is It Esophageal or Cardiac?
COVID-19 Vaccine Concerns for Women in Menopause: A Guide
Questions related to COVID-19 vaccines? Hello, I am 52 years old. Last April, I visited a gynecologist and blood tests indicated that I have entered menopause. Since then, I have experienced menopausal symptoms such as insomnia, night sweats, anxiety, and palpitations, which have...
Dr. Xiao Yongxun reply Family Medicine
Dear Ms. K: 1. The AstraZeneca COVID-19 vaccine is a non-replicating viral vector vaccine containing the gene for the SARS-CoV-2 spike protein (S protein) and is used for the prevention of COVID-19. This vaccine has received emergency use authorization from the WHO, the EU, and ...[Read More] COVID-19 Vaccine Concerns for Women in Menopause: A Guide
Is a Sudden Increase in Lymphocytes Normal? Understanding Blood Test Results
Sudden increase in lymphocytes? Hello, doctor. I had a blood test on August 9, where my lymphocyte count was 33.09 and my neutrophil count was 56.688. In this recent blood test, my lymphocyte count is now 40.81 and my neutrophil count is 50.31. Is it normal for the lymphocyte cou...
Dr. Xiao Yongxun reply Family Medicine
Dear Mr. Wu: 1. The average number of white blood cells (WBCs) in the human body ranges from 4,000 to 11,000/mm³, with most only surviving for a few days; during an infection, they may only survive for a few hours. White blood cells can be classified into two categories based on...[Read More] Is a Sudden Increase in Lymphocytes Normal? Understanding Blood Test Results
Understanding Abdominal and Lower Back Warmth: When to Seek Medical Advice
Heat in the abdomen and lower back? Hello, doctor. For the past two to three months, I have occasionally felt a warmth in my lower abdomen and sometimes in my lower back (near the coccyx), but my skin does not feel hot. Recently, I have also experienced weakness and soreness in m...
Dr. Xiao Yongxun reply Family Medicine
Dear Miss Dayu: 1. The causes of lower abdominal pain or discomfort in women include gynecological, urological, musculoskeletal, gastrointestinal, vascular, and metabolic disorders. A detailed medical history and physical examination are usually required to identify potential di...[Read More] Understanding Abdominal and Lower Back Warmth: When to Seek Medical Advice
Understanding Daytime Sleepiness: Causes and Solutions
Daytime fatigue? Hello, doctor. I've been feeling very sleepy during the day for the past two days, constantly yawning and feeling drowsy, even though I didn't have insomnia the night before. Sometimes I also have a slight headache. I'm not sure if it's relate...
Dr. Xiao Yongxun reply Family Medicine
Dear Ms. Angel: 1. Waking up feeling tired, with headaches or a sense of grogginess, may indicate various medical conditions. Common causes include obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), hypertension, primary sleep headache, brain lesions (such as brain tumors or cerebrovascular disease...[Read More] Understanding Daytime Sleepiness: Causes and Solutions
Should Seniors with Health Issues Get the COVID Vaccine?
I would like to inquire about issues related to the COVID-19 vaccine? Hello, Director. My elderly family member is nearly eighty years old. Due to the negative news reported by the media, they previously decided against getting vaccinated. However, after reassessing the situation...
Dr. Xiao Yongxun reply Family Medicine
Dear Ms. Mtyofcyc: 1. Patients with hypertension, diabetes, heart disease, liver disease, and other conditions are generally advised to receive the COVID-19 vaccine. This is especially true for males over the age of 65, and those residing in nursing or long-term care facilities ...[Read More] Should Seniors with Health Issues Get the COVID Vaccine?
Understanding Your Symptoms: Neck Pain, Dizziness, and Fatigue
Physical discomfort? Hello, doctor. Recently, I have been experiencing sharp pain around my lower back, and I feel tightness above my neck, including my ears. When standing or moving, I also experience a sensation of dizziness. My back sometimes feels warm and painful, and I occa...
Dr. Xiao Yongxun reply Family Medicine
Dear Ms. Kitty: 1. Clinically, it is common to encounter patients with multiple complaints seeking consultation. Their reported symptoms may include insomnia, headaches, muscle tension, back pain, irritability, and fatigue, which have persisted for several months, causing signif...[Read More] Understanding Your Symptoms: Neck Pain, Dizziness, and Fatigue
Persistent Throat Mucus: Which Specialist Should You See?
Phlegm in the throat? Hello Doctor: I have had phlegm in my throat for three months. I have visited an otolaryngologist several times, but there has been no improvement. Recently, I have experienced a mild cough and a slight itchy sensation, but no other symptoms (the phlegm is c...
Dr. Xiao Yongxun reply Family Medicine
Dear Miss Bear: 1. The respiratory system consists of the nose, pharynx, larynx, trachea, bronchi, and lungs. The upper respiratory tract includes the nose, pharynx, and larynx, while the lower respiratory tract includes the trachea, bronchi, and lungs. The upper respiratory tra...[Read More] Persistent Throat Mucus: Which Specialist Should You See?
Unusual Hand Odor: What It Could Mean for Your Health
Palm fragrance Hello, doctor. I have noticed a faint pleasant smell coming from my right palm over the past few days. I have smelled it on my chubby college classmates (two classmates) before, but currently, I only notice it on my palm and not anywhere else. I've been worrie...
Dr. Xiao Yongxun reply Family Medicine
Dear Student, 1. The olfactory cells, or olfactory mucosa, are a thin layer of cells located at the upper part of the nasal cavity, specifically at the nasal septum approximately 7 centimeters from the nostrils. Olfactory cells are specialized nerve fiber endings that make up th...[Read More] Unusual Hand Odor: What It Could Mean for Your Health
Understanding Digestive Issues: When to See a Doctor for Your Symptoms
Gastrointestinal diseases Recently, after eating, I feel a sense of hunger as if my stomach is empty. Could this be a peptic ulcer? I have a history of gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) and other stomach issues, but lately, I just feel like my stomach is empty shortly after ...
Dr. Xiao Yongxun reply Family Medicine
Dear Mr. Pig: 1. The typical symptoms of gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) include heartburn, acid regurgitation, dysphagia, epigastric pain, and early satiety. Other atypical symptoms may include endogenous asthma, chronic night cough, hoarseness, reflux laryngitis, vocal...[Read More] Understanding Digestive Issues: When to See a Doctor for Your Symptoms
Understanding Vaccine-Related Fainting: Causes and What to Do Next
Vaccine injection/syncope Hello Dr. Hsiao, my husband received his first dose of the AZ vaccine yesterday, August 4th, at 9:35 AM. After the vaccination, he stayed at the hospital for 20 minutes and then rode his motorcycle home (a 5-minute ride). Once home, he started drinking w...
Dr. Xiao Yongxun reply Family Medicine
Dear Ms. Lee: 1. Syncope refers to a transient loss of consciousness and inability to maintain posture due to insufficient cerebral blood perfusion. Its characteristic feature is a rapid recovery of consciousness without the need for treatment. Syncope is a symptom, not a diseas...[Read More] Understanding Vaccine-Related Fainting: Causes and What to Do Next
Understanding Chest Pain: Causes, Symptoms, and When to Seek Help
Chest pain Hello, Doctor. On the afternoon of the 30th, I was lying down looking at my phone for a few minutes. After that, I got up and felt fine, but after a while, I started to feel some pain in the middle of my chest, slightly to the left. I tried pressing on it, but it didn&...
Dr. Xiao Yongxun reply Family Medicine
Dear Miss Hsin-Hsin: 1. Based on the statement, "The doctor said I have some cysts, some of which are slightly calcified, and advised me to return for a check-up in six months to a year," it is recommended that you regularly follow up with a breast surgeon for monitori...[Read More] Understanding Chest Pain: Causes, Symptoms, and When to Seek Help
Is a Sudden Drop in Blood Pressure After Medication Change Safe?
Issues with Switching Antihypertensive Medications Hello Doctor: My father is 56 years old and has high blood pressure. Previously, he measured his blood pressure about once a week, and it was around 145/85. Recently, he had a follow-up appointment and changed his medication. Tod...
Dr. Xiao Yongxun reply Family Medicine
Dear Ms. Lee: 1. Regarding your concerns, it is advisable to consult your father's attending physician for more appropriate guidance. 2. Hypertension is classified into primary hypertension and secondary hypertension. The former accounts for approximately 90-95% of hyperten...[Read More] Is a Sudden Drop in Blood Pressure After Medication Change Safe?
Understanding Intermittent Left Side Pain: Causes and Specialist Recommendations
Lower back pain Hello doctor, I have been experiencing intermittent sharp pain on the left side of my ribcage extending towards the area near my spine, specifically to the left of the vertebrae. The pain comes in sudden bursts and is not associated with tenderness or specific pos...
Dr. Xiao Yongxun reply Family Medicine
Dear Miss Chuang, 1. Acute pancreatitis is most common in middle-aged individuals, with the most frequent causes being gallstones and alcohol abuse. In milder cases, it can lead to inflammation, edema, and fat necrosis of the pancreas and surrounding tissues. In more severe case...[Read More] Understanding Intermittent Left Side Pain: Causes and Specialist Recommendations
Managing High Fasting Blood Sugar with Normal HbA1c: A Guide
Elevated fasting blood glucose with normal glycated hemoglobin (prediabetes)? Hello, Doctor. During my health check-up last year, my fasting blood sugar was found to be 110, so I started paying attention to my diet and exercise. My weight, which was originally 173 lbs at 77 kg, h...
Dr. Xiao Yongxun reply Family Medicine
Dear Mr. Peter: 1. Generally speaking, a normal fasting plasma glucose level is less than 100 mg/dL. If the level is between 100 mg/dL and 126 mg/dL, it can be considered as prediabetes or impaired fasting glucose. Of course, if the fasting glucose is greater than or equal to 12...[Read More] Managing High Fasting Blood Sugar with Normal HbA1c: A Guide
Understanding Elevated Body Temperature: When to Seek Medical Advice
Elevated body temperature? Hello, doctor. Due to the pandemic, I have been measuring my ear temperature every morning and evening since mid-May. In the morning, my temperature is around 36.9 or 37.0 degrees Celsius, while in the evening, it is usually between 37.2 and 37.5 degree...
Dr. Xiao Yongxun reply Family Medicine
Dear Ms. Isabella: 1. The body's temperature is regulated by the hypothalamus in the brain, typically maintaining a temperature around 37°C. Even in high or low-temperature environments, humans strive to maintain a normal body temperature to ensure the proper functioning of...[Read More] Understanding Elevated Body Temperature: When to Seek Medical Advice
Understanding Motion Sickness and Unusual Bumps on the Buttocks
Hard lumps in the buttocks and motion sickness? 1. Recently, I started feeling a bit nauseous shortly after getting into a car, experiencing a sensation similar to having something stuck in my throat, but without any dizziness. Is this motion sickness? If so, why have I suddenly ...
Dr. Xiao Yongxun reply Family Medicine
Dear Miss Anonymous: 1. Dizziness generally refers to sensations such as vertigo, lightheadedness, feeling faint, blurred vision, and a sense of impending loss of consciousness, as well as feelings of heaviness in the head and unsteadiness, or a complete blackout. 2. Nausea is ...[Read More] Understanding Motion Sickness and Unusual Bumps on the Buttocks
Understanding Motion Sickness and Unusual Bumps on the Buttocks
Hard lumps in the buttocks and motion sickness? 1. Recently, I started feeling a bit nauseous shortly after getting into a car, similar to the sensation of having something stuck in my throat, but without any dizziness. Is this motion sickness? If so, why have I suddenly become s...
Dr. Xiao Yongxun reply Family Medicine
Dear Miss Anonymous: 1. Dizziness generally refers to sensations such as vertigo, lightheadedness, feeling faint, blurred vision, and a sense of impending loss of consciousness, as well as feelings of heaviness in the head and unsteadiness, sometimes accompanied by a darkening o...[Read More] Understanding Motion Sickness and Unusual Bumps on the Buttocks