Understanding Symptoms: Are Your Health Issues a Sign of Serious Problems?
Is there a problem with health? Hello, I am a 39-year-old male. Recently, I have been feeling very fatigued, and when I squat down and then stand up at the store, I experience severe dizziness and can barely stand. I often feel discomfort in my stomach and left abdomen (my abdome...
Dr. Xu Li'an reply Family Medicine
Hello, based on your description, it could be a precursor to cancer, but it might also just be diabetes or a gastric ulcer. Since you are concerned, why not go ahead and get an examination? You can schedule an appointment with either family medicine or gastroenterology. Wishing y...[Read More] Understanding Symptoms: Are Your Health Issues a Sign of Serious Problems?
Understanding Hepatitis B: Symptoms, Testing, and Vaccination Options
Hepatitis B Hello. Due to a previous issue regarding hepatitis B during my university health check, I was advised by a doctor to get vaccinated, but I didn't take it seriously at the time. I wasn't sure if I needed to get vaccinated because I had antibodies or if I was ...
Dr. Xu Li'an reply Family Medicine
Hello, Xiao Hei. You can get the hepatitis B vaccine at the family medicine clinic. One dose costs around two to three hundred NT dollars, and you will need to receive three doses in total. I suggest you wait to inquire about the cost until after your examination at the clinic, w...[Read More] Understanding Hepatitis B: Symptoms, Testing, and Vaccination Options
Understanding Neck Swelling: Causes and Symptoms of Fatigue
Neck swelling Doctor: Recently, I often feel a swelling sensation on the left side of my neck, and I also become easily fatigued. What could be the cause of this? Thank you for your response, doctor.
Dr. Xu Li'an reply Family Medicine
Hello Xiaoying, I suggest that you not only worry but also visit an otolaryngology clinic for an examination. Wishing you a speedy recovery. Xu Li'an, Hualien Hospital, Family Medicine Department.[Read More] Understanding Neck Swelling: Causes and Symptoms of Fatigue
Understanding Taste Changes: Common Issues in Family Medicine
請提供 Sometimes food has no taste, or the flavors are very strong.
Dr. Xu Li'an reply Family Medicine
Mr. Zong, please schedule an appointment with the neurology department to check whether the issue is related to the tongue or the taste nerves. Wishing you a speedy recovery and the ability to enjoy flavors again. Xu Li'an 9504211749 on duty in the emergency department at Hu...[Read More] Understanding Taste Changes: Common Issues in Family Medicine
Chronic Back Pain: Understanding Causes Beyond Lack of Exercise
Persistent lower back pain? Hello, I am 28 years old. Since my school days, I have frequently experienced soreness and weakness in my thighs, making it difficult to walk. This occurs intermittently in one leg or the other. Eventually, the pain has extended from my hips down to my...
Dr. Xu Li'an reply Family Medicine
Dear Ruru, please visit the rheumatology and rehabilitation outpatient clinics at the medical center. Since there are no laboratory reports available for reference and your description seems quite unique, further examinations are necessary to confirm the diagnosis. Wishing you a ...[Read More] Chronic Back Pain: Understanding Causes Beyond Lack of Exercise
Effective Ways to Reduce Double Chin: Tips from Family Medicine Experts
Double chin Hello~ Recently, I've noticed that my double chin has become quite prominent. I'm not sure how to get rid of it. Can you give me some advice?
Dr. Xu Li'an reply Family Medicine
Little boy, may I ask if you have gained weight? It shouldn't just be a double chin, perhaps it is related to weight gain. I'm not sure how to eliminate a double chin, as you may still grow. Could you please visit a family medicine clinic? I often say that what matters ...[Read More] Effective Ways to Reduce Double Chin: Tips from Family Medicine Experts
Understanding the Safety and Frequency of Gastrointestinal Imaging in Health Checks
There are issues regarding health check-ups..? Hello, I would like to ask if the ingestion of a white liquid metal during a gastrointestinal imaging procedure in a full-body health check poses any harm to the human body? Will it be completely expelled from the body afterward? If ...
Dr. Xu Li'an reply Family Medicine
Dear Yalin, The barium contrast used for imaging can be completely expelled, and it is generally recommended for high-risk groups to undergo this examination every two years. However, it has largely been replaced by gastroscopy and colonoscopy, as gastrointestinal imaging may no...[Read More] Understanding the Safety and Frequency of Gastrointestinal Imaging in Health Checks
How to Address Vaccine Proof Issues in Family Medicine Visits
Vaccine certification issues? Hello Dr. Hsu: Today I visited the Chiayi Municipal Hospital to see a family medicine doctor, but the physician said I need to provide proof of vaccination in order to receive a prescription. However, my medical records are over 10 years old and have...
Dr. Xu Li'an reply Family Medicine
Dear Tina, This is a challenging issue because it straddles the edge of unreasonable regulations. Medical regulations state that medical records need to be kept for only ten years, and physicians are prohibited from falsifying documents. However, foreign requirements mandate tha...[Read More] How to Address Vaccine Proof Issues in Family Medicine Visits
Genetic Testing for Family Relations: What You Need to Know
Genetic testing If my boyfriend and I share the same last name but my family does not approve of our marriage, which medical specialty should we consult to check for any blood relation? Additionally, what is the estimated cost for the testing, and how long does it typically take ...
Dr. Xu Li'an reply Family Medicine
Dear troubled girl, what era are we in? It's important to understand that in Taiwan's earlier years, many children were fostered under different surnames, and even if the surnames differ, there could still be a blood relationship. Recently, I visited a senior physician,...[Read More] Genetic Testing for Family Relations: What You Need to Know
Understanding Acne and Morning Puffiness: Common Concerns Explained
I'm sorry, but I need content to translate. Please provide Hello Doctor: My friend has a regular menstrual cycle, but why does she still have large acne on her chin? Does this indicate any issues with her body? Also, she experiences puffiness in the morning. Are there any me...
Dr. Xu Li'an reply Family Medicine
Hello, Xiao P. Acne is not directly related to menstruation, so please visit a dermatologist. To reduce morning swelling, try to drink less water in the evening, including soup at dinner and fluids from dinner until bedtime. If there is no improvement, you should see a family med...[Read More] Understanding Acne and Morning Puffiness: Common Concerns Explained
How to Obtain Vaccine Proof for Travel When Records Are Missing?
Vaccination certificate I need a vaccination certificate for traveling abroad. When I went to the health center to request the certificate, they informed me that the records for individuals born in 1979 (Republic of China year 68) no longer exist. What should I do? Do I have to g...
Dr. Xu Li'an reply Family Medicine
Dear Tina, In Taiwan, medical records are only required to be kept for ten years, so any records older than ten years can be legally destroyed. Many international students encounter the same issue. In my family medicine practice, I can only document vaccination dates based on r...[Read More] How to Obtain Vaccine Proof for Travel When Records Are Missing?
Addressing Common Medication Concerns in Family Medicine
Medication issues Dr. Hsu: I would like to ask a few questions regarding medications: 1. Am I at risk of any interactions if I am currently taking traditional Chinese medicine along with Xanax prescribed by my psychiatrist? 2. I have had a cold for three to four weeks. I saw a do...
Dr. Xu Li'an reply Family Medicine
Dear Worried Girl, It seems you are truly anxious. 1. Please take traditional Chinese medicine and Western medicine at least half an hour apart to minimize potential interactions. 2. Generally, a cold should not last more than two weeks. It’s possible that you are experienci...[Read More] Addressing Common Medication Concerns in Family Medicine
Which Medical Specialty Should I Consult for My Neck Issue?
Which specialty should I see? Hello, Dr. Hsu: About six months ago, I developed a bump on the back of my neck that resembled an acne lesion, but it healed after a month, leaving a small hard lump. Recently, this small lump seems to be inflamed and painful, causing discomfort in t...
Dr. Xu Li'an reply Family Medicine
Hello Ramses, you may have a localized infection. Please visit the dermatology outpatient clinic. Xu Li'an 950330, Shuhua Family Medicine.[Read More] Which Medical Specialty Should I Consult for My Neck Issue?
Understanding Your Health Check Results: Key Questions Answered
Questions Regarding Health Checkup Results The health check results from the Harvard Health Center 10 days ago are as follows: 1. Abnormal white blood cell differential - Suspected inflammation or infection in the body; please retest, and if necessary, consult a hematology specia...
Dr. Xu Li'an reply Family Medicine
Dear Vanessa, Abnormal white blood cell differentiation is usually indicative of an infection or simply a cold, and there is no immediate need to consult a hematologist. Since you have already been vaccinated against Hepatitis B and have tested positive for antibodies, there is ...[Read More] Understanding Your Health Check Results: Key Questions Answered
Understanding Persistent Left Flank Pain Despite Normal Tests: Next Steps
Urine and blood tests are normal, but there is still pain in the left side of the lower back? Hello, Dr. Hsu: Four months ago, I started experiencing sharp pain in the lower left back upon waking up in the morning (the pain only occurs during sleep). I initially thought it was mu...
Dr. Xu Li'an reply Family Medicine
Dear Ms. P.E., Regarding your lower back pain, I recommend that you visit both the urology and orthopedic departments for examinations. Please find a time when both specialties have clinics available, and allocate half a day for the check-ups. Wishing you a speedy recovery. Bes...[Read More] Understanding Persistent Left Flank Pain Despite Normal Tests: Next Steps
Are Contact Lens Trials Safe? Risks of Infection and Hygiene Concerns
Please ask your question? Hello, doctor: Today I went to an optical store to try on contact lenses. After trying them on, I noticed that the staff put the trial lenses back into the container and only soaked them in saline solution before storing them away, which felt very unsani...
Dr. Xu Li'an reply Family Medicine
The risk of transmitting bloodborne infectious diseases through trying on contact lenses is very low; however, the likelihood of contracting acute conjunctivitis and influenza is comparatively higher. Typically, individuals with ruptured microcapillaries in their eyes do not wear...[Read More] Are Contact Lens Trials Safe? Risks of Infection and Hygiene Concerns
Understanding Antibiotic Resistance: Concerns with Frequent Augmentin Use
Antimicrobial resistance Due to my allergic constitution, I easily catch colds whenever the weather is unstable. My symptoms include sore throat, nasal congestion, headache, and sometimes acute pharyngitis. My primary care physician prescribes Augmentin 1g for me. I would like to...
Dr. Xu Li'an reply Family Medicine
Dear Cherry Garden, Typically, I do not prescribe antibiotics for acute pharyngitis unless it is acute tonsillitis or there are clear signs of suppuration. Augmentin is an antibiotic that is usually prescribed for patients with pneumonia who are hospitalized or residing in nurs...[Read More] Understanding Antibiotic Resistance: Concerns with Frequent Augmentin Use
Understanding Tailbone and Lower Back Pain: When to Seek Help
There is soreness in the tailbone and lower back? Hello Dr. Liu: I have been experiencing a dull ache in the area between my tailbone and lower back for a week now, which feels like something is pressing against it, causing discomfort, especially when sitting. I have seen an orth...
Dr. Xu Li'an reply Family Medicine
Hello Jian-Jie, this is Hsu Li-An. I'm not Dr. Liu, so I'm not sure why you are looking for me. There shouldn't be any mistake, right? For the issues you mentioned, you can consult the Rehabilitation Department or the Neurology Department. Dr. Chien-Cheng Jin from ...[Read More] Understanding Tailbone and Lower Back Pain: When to Seek Help
Understanding Unexplained Body Sensations: A Guide for Patients
excuse me? I'm experiencing a sudden loss of bodily sensations. 1. I exert myself but don't feel it; even when I do exert myself, it feels like I'm not. 2. My skin's sensitivity to cold, heat, and pain is diminished; when I touch my skin, it feels like someone...
Dr. Xu Li'an reply Family Medicine
Hello, I suggest you visit a nearby hospital to see a family medicine or psychiatry specialist. Some hospitals refer to this as psychosomatic medicine. It's important to find a consistent physician who can continuously monitor your condition rather than switching doctors fre...[Read More] Understanding Unexplained Body Sensations: A Guide for Patients
Daily Headaches: Causes, Concerns, and Treatment Options
Daily headaches? Dr. Dwar: First of all, thank you for your previous response. The outpatient clinic is still too far for me to travel (I live in the southern part of Taiwan). As for the phone number you provided, I was hesitant to call as I didn't want to disturb you. Recen...
Dr. Xu Li'an reply Family Medicine
Dear worried girl Linda, Like me, you have been experiencing frequent toothaches but are reluctant to visit a dentist. Your persistent headaches, in addition to lack of sleep and psychological stress, may have other underlying causes. I am unsure if you live in the southern par...[Read More] Daily Headaches: Causes, Concerns, and Treatment Options