Alcohol consumption, Family Medicine FAQ

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Understanding Blood Pressure: Is My Reading Considered Hypertension?

Blood pressure issues? Hello Doctor, I recently started monitoring my blood pressure. Previously, when I measured it at the hospital, I was unsure if it was due to anxiety, as it would often reach 140/79 or even above 150. After a few days of regular exercise, I measured it at ho...


Dr. Lin Zhebin Reply:
Hello: The definition of normal blood pressure is a systolic pressure of less than or equal to 120 and a diastolic pressure of less than or equal to 80. The definition of hypertension is a systolic pressure of greater than or equal to 140 or a diastolic pressure of greater than o...

[Read More] Understanding Blood Pressure: Is My Reading Considered Hypertension?


Understanding Blood Pressure and Pulse Pressure Differences: A Guide

Issues related to blood pressure and pulse pressure? Hello Doctor, I have recently started to manage my blood pressure. My systolic pressure fluctuates between 121 and 136, rarely exceeding 140, but my diastolic pressure is often below 70. I frequently measure readings like 130/6...


Dr. Lin Zhebin Reply:
Hello: If your blood pressure is mostly 130/60, it indicates that your systolic and diastolic pressures have not yet reached the hypertension standard (140/90). The systolic pressure is at most in the prehypertension range (120-140), so you shouldn't be too concerned about t...

[Read More] Understanding Blood Pressure and Pulse Pressure Differences: A Guide


Understanding Blood Pressure: Is Your Reading a Cause for Concern?

Blood pressure issues? Hello Doctor, I recently started monitoring my blood pressure. Previously, when I measured it at the hospital, I was unsure if it was due to anxiety, as it would reach 140/79 or even above 150. After a few days of regular exercise, I measured it at home and...


Dr. Lin Zhebin Reply:
Hello: The definition of normal blood pressure is a systolic pressure of less than or equal to 120 and a diastolic pressure of less than or equal to 80. The definition of hypertension is a systolic pressure of greater than or equal to 140 or a diastolic pressure of greater than o...

[Read More] Understanding Blood Pressure: Is Your Reading a Cause for Concern?


Understanding Blood Pressure Readings: Key Questions Answered by a Family Physician

Questions about measuring blood pressure? Hello Dr. Lin, Today, when I measured my blood pressure, I found that the first reading showed elevated systolic and diastolic values, but subsequent measurements were significantly lower. I have three blood pressure monitors at home, an...


Dr. Lin Zhebin Reply:
Hello: 1. Blood pressure is variable and can be influenced by physical activity, eating, emotions, etc. Therefore, it is generally recommended to measure blood pressure when the body and mind are in a calm state. Based on your two measurements, it seems that the second measuremen...

[Read More] Understanding Blood Pressure Readings: Key Questions Answered by a Family Physician


Cholesterol Management: Diet vs. Medication for LDL Control

Cholesterol management: medication or dietary control? Hello, Doctor. During my health check-up at the end of June, my LDL cholesterol was 236. After three months of dietary and exercise control, my LDL cholesterol dropped to 205 in mid-October. I do not have any risk factors for...


Dr. Liu Hongxiang Reply:
Hello, Nock: The normal value for LDL (low-density lipoprotein) cholesterol is below 130 mg/dL. There are many ways to help lower low-density cholesterol. Here are some suggestions: 1. Dietary adjustments: Increase the intake of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean poultry ...

[Read More] Cholesterol Management: Diet vs. Medication for LDL Control


Understanding Muscle Sensations After Drinking and Infection Risks from Food Utensils

Please ask your question? Hello, doctor. I have two questions to ask. Today, I went out for dinner with my supervisor from work and drank three bottles of beer, approximately 2000ml. After returning home, I felt a strange sensation in my calves, similar to the feeling after exerc...


Dr. Lin Zhebin Reply:
Hello: 1. The discomfort in your calf is likely related to alcohol consumption. It is recommended to rest and observe your condition, as well as to increase your fluid intake. If the discomfort persists without improvement, seek medical attention. 2. If you are punctured by a dir...

[Read More] Understanding Muscle Sensations After Drinking and Infection Risks from Food Utensils


Does Eating Pineapple Affect Urine Odor? Understanding the Connection

After eating pineapple, urine may have a pineapple scent? Hello, doctor. As the title suggests, my urination is normal usually, but today after eating pineapple, I noticed a similar smell in the bathroom, and I'm a bit worried if there might be an issue with my body. Three y...


Dr. Xiao Yongxun Reply:
Dear Anonymous Sir: 1. The food or beverages we consume undergo processes of absorption, distribution, metabolism, and excretion in the body, with most being eliminated through urine. Some substances are transformed into various metabolites, while others are metabolized but reta...

[Read More] Does Eating Pineapple Affect Urine Odor? Understanding the Connection


Understanding Your Health Check Report: Common Concerns and Insights

Questions about health check-up reports? Hello Doctor, I am 186 cm tall and weigh 72 kg. I have a regular exercise routine that includes three aerobic sessions and two strength training sessions per week, with a relatively high intensity. I also pay attention to my diet. However,...


Dr. Lin Zhebin Reply:
Hello: 1. A fasting blood glucose level of 101 is not something to be overly concerned about. The normal reference range is based on the majority of the population, and a single fasting blood glucose measurement can be influenced by the duration of fasting and the food consumed...

[Read More] Understanding Your Health Check Report: Common Concerns and Insights


Understanding Diabetes Diagnosis and Fatty Liver: Key Insights

Diagnosis of Diabetes and Fatty Liver Disease Hello, I would like to ask if a fasting blood glucose level of 126 mg/dL or higher can be considered as type 2 diabetes, or is it necessary to have two separate diagnoses? If two diagnoses are required, how far apart are these tests t...


Dr. Hou Angting Reply:
Hello: If your fasting blood glucose is above 100, it is recommended that you maintain a healthy diet and engage in moderate exercise. Additionally, you should visit a family medicine physician for follow-up and assessment three months after your last test. The causes of fatty li...

[Read More] Understanding Diabetes Diagnosis and Fatty Liver: Key Insights


Exploring Causes of Progressive Leg Weakness: A Guide for Patients

Weakness in the calf extending to the foot? Dear Dr. Yeh, My mother is 58 years old, 158 cm tall, and weighs 48 kg. She has had a long-standing issue with kyphosis and has undergone cardiovascular stenting. Her regular medication includes anticoagulants, and she drinks 150 cc of...


Dr. Ye Qianyu Reply:
Hello! Clinical issues are often the result of multiple contributing factors. Based on the information you provided regarding the causes of intermittent claudication in your mother, here are some analytical suggestions: 1. X-ray shows bone spurs causing nerve compression: This i...

[Read More] Exploring Causes of Progressive Leg Weakness: A Guide for Patients


Understanding Autonomic Nervous System Disorders: When to Seek Further Testing?

Is it necessary to undergo more detailed examinations to confirm autonomic nervous system dysfunction? Hello doctor, around the end of July this year, after having dinner and using my phone, I suddenly felt a brief disconnection in my mind for a second, followed by numbness in my...


Dr. Ye Qianyu Reply:
Hello! Based on your description, alcohol may lead to poor vitamin absorption, which can result in macrocytic anemia, alcoholic hepatitis, acute gastritis, and alcoholic encephalopathy, potentially causing autonomic nervous system dysfunction. It is recommended that you regularly...

[Read More] Understanding Autonomic Nervous System Disorders: When to Seek Further Testing?


Understanding Stomach Ulcers: Symptoms, Treatment, and Follow-Up Care

Gastric ulcer and examination report issues? Hello Doctor, I was diagnosed with a bleeding gastric ulcer during an endoscopy in early January of this year. After taking PPI medication for several months, I still experience a burning sensation and bloating in my abdomen. During a ...


Dr. Xiao Yongxun Reply:
Dear Mr. Jason: 1. In clinical practice, common diagnoses for upper abdominal pain or discomfort include gastric ulcers or inflammation, duodenal ulcers or inflammation, gastroesophageal reflux disease, gallbladder or biliary stones, gallbladder or biliary inflammation, liver ab...

[Read More] Understanding Stomach Ulcers: Symptoms, Treatment, and Follow-Up Care


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:
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?


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:
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


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:
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?


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:
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?


Leg Weakness and Numbness After Heavy Drinking: What to Do?

Alcohol abuse can lead to numbness and weakness in the legs? Hello Doctor: I have been drinking 2-3 bottles of red wine every day for the past three months, and recently I have noticed weakness and numbness in my legs, making it nearly impossible for me to walk. Which department ...


Dr. Huang Hongshuo Reply:
Long-term excessive alcohol consumption can lead to malnutrition, particularly deficiencies in vitamins and minerals, and it also increases the risk of chronic pancreatitis, alcoholic liver disease (fatty liver or cirrhosis), pharyngeal cancer, and esophageal cancer. Weakness and...

[Read More] Leg Weakness and Numbness After Heavy Drinking: What to Do?


Understanding Sleep-Related Numbness and Dizziness: Causes and Concerns

Numbness in the hands, feet, and head, as well as dizziness during sleep? Hello Dr. Hsiao, Over the past year, I have experienced intermittent numbness in my hands, feet, and head while sleeping. This does not occur continuously but happens during the sleep process. It seems to ...


Dr. Xiao Yongxun Reply:
Dear Miss, 1. There are many causes for numbness in the hands, feet, and head; more common and serious issues include atherosclerosis, atrial fibrillation, gout, hypertension, diabetes, cervical and lumbar spine diseases, vitamin deficiencies, and autonomic nervous system disord...

[Read More] Understanding Sleep-Related Numbness and Dizziness: Causes and Concerns


Understanding Small Blood Blisters on the Tongue: When to Seek Medical Help

Small blisters on the tongue? Hello doctor, I accidentally bit my tongue, and when I got home and took a shower, I noticed a small area on my tongue that looks like dark blood. Should I seek medical attention for this, or is there something I can do to make it go away? I'm c...


Dr. Xiao Yongxun Reply:
Dear Ms. Yan: When considering oral diseases involving the tongue, the following issues should be taken into account: 1. Common infections of the lips are primarily caused by Candida, leading to thrush, and herpes simplex virus, resulting in oral herpes. 2. Aphthous ulcers, a...

[Read More] Understanding Small Blood Blisters on the Tongue: When to Seek Medical Help


Understanding Left Chest Pain After Alcohol Consumption: Causes and Solutions

Pain in the lower left chest after drinking alcohol? Dear Doctor: Whenever I consume food or beverages containing alcohol, I experience pain and even cramping in the lower left chest and adjacent abdominal area. It feels like muscle tightness and there is a slight swelling sensat...


Dr. Cai Dongqi Reply:
Hello, alcohol can cause gastrointestinal bloating, and bloating can lead to frequent contractions of the intestinal muscles. If this causes significant discomfort in daily life, it is advisable to seek further evaluation from a physician.

[Read More] Understanding Left Chest Pain After Alcohol Consumption: Causes and Solutions


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