Understanding Symptoms: Seeking Guidance for My Mother's Health Issues
Inquiry Hello Dr. Chen, My name is Ah Xiang, and I would like to inquire about my mother's symptoms. Currently, her symptoms are described as follows: 1. She experiences nocturia with elevated blood pressure (155-178 mmHg) and tachycardia (heart rate of 108-118 beats per m...
Dr. Chen Zonglin Reply:
1. What were your daughter's blood pressure and heart rate before urination? Frequent urination at night can lead to poor sleep quality, which may result in elevated blood pressure. It is advisable to visit a urology clinic to address the issue of frequent urination. 2. If...[Read More] Understanding Symptoms: Seeking Guidance for My Mother's Health Issues
Understanding Abnormal Findings in Your Health Check Report
Abnormal findings in the medical examination report? Hello doctor, my health check report from February 3, 2016, has some abnormal findings. Urinalysis shows trace protein and 2+ blood. Blood tests show a glucose level of 92 mg/dL, serum alanine aminotransferase (ALT) of 20 U/L, ...
Dr. Liao Yaopan Reply:
Hello, this should be your occupational health examination report. It is recommended to recheck your urine and follow up on your cholesterol levels at Changhua Hospital in three months. Take care.[Read More] Understanding Abnormal Findings in Your Health Check Report
Persistent Dizziness and Tinnitus: Seeking the Right Specialist
Dizziness and tinnitus issues? Hello, doctor. Due to long-term dizziness and tinnitus, I recently underwent hearing tests and brainstem auditory evoked potential tests at an otolaryngology clinic, and the results were normal. There are no issues with my inner ear. The ENT special...
Dr. Wu Fangcan Reply:
Dizziness and tinnitus require checking blood lipids, VDRL, TPHA, and other tests. If accompanied by high-frequency tinnitus or hearing loss, Meniere's disease should be suspected. Long-term use of antihistamines may cause dizziness and poor sleep, and some blood pressure me...[Read More] Persistent Dizziness and Tinnitus: Seeking the Right Specialist
Understanding High Cholesterol: Causes, Concerns, and Next Steps
High cholesterol During enrollment, blood tests are conducted for health checks, but I'm not sure if every school and hospital uses similar standards for evaluation. In my first year of high school, my total cholesterol was over 300, but my blood glucose, urine, and other va...
Dr. Chen Bozhang Reply:
Dear Ms. Hblcm, In your letter, you mentioned that during your freshman year of high school, your cholesterol level was above 300 mg/dL, and during your freshman year of college, your total cholesterol rose to above 300 mg/dL again. Both of these values are significantly high, a...[Read More] Understanding High Cholesterol: Causes, Concerns, and Next Steps
Understanding Hypothyroidism: Symptoms, Treatment, and Follow-Up Care
Hypothyroidism About three years ago, I was diagnosed with hypothyroidism and took medication, Levothyroxine, for one to two years. After each follow-up appointment, my thyroid levels were within the normal range, so I started to discontinue the medication without my doctor'...
Dr. Liao Yaopan Reply:
Hello, regarding your inquiry, thyroid function can be monitored through blood tests, and medication supplementation requires regular follow-up. The dosage should be adjusted based on your body's response. It is recommended to consult with a metabolic specialist for further ...[Read More] Understanding Hypothyroidism: Symptoms, Treatment, and Follow-Up Care
Understanding Persistent Dizziness: Causes and Concerns in Family Medicine
Regarding dizziness? I have been experiencing dizziness for over two years. It feels like my head becomes very heavy and my whole body is about to collapse when I stand still or sit still for a moment. Additionally, I have a sensation of my brain being deprived of oxygen, along w...
Dr. Liao Yaopan Reply:
Hello, regarding your inquiry, you have undergone several examinations that showed no abnormalities, yet you still experience dizziness. It is advisable to consult an otolaryngologist to evaluate for any inner ear balance dysfunction. Additionally, you should monitor for signs of...[Read More] Understanding Persistent Dizziness: Causes and Concerns in Family Medicine
Understanding Heart Fatigue: Symptoms, Causes, and Treatment Options
Cardiac fatigue Hello doctor, my usual heart rate is between 60 to 70 beats per minute, but I often feel a tightness in my chest and have very shallow, short breaths. I find myself needing to take deep breaths occasionally to feel more comfortable. These symptoms tend to occur af...
Dr. Chen Pengsheng Reply:
Hello, Ms. Chuang: There are many questions that may not be easy to answer one by one, so it might be best to start with the psychiatric outpatient clinic.[Read More] Understanding Heart Fatigue: Symptoms, Causes, and Treatment Options
Understanding Lower Back Pain and Head Discomfort: A Family Medicine Perspective
Discomfort in the body (head, back, etc.)? I'm sorry, doctor. Recently, I've been experiencing lower back pain, a heavy sensation in my head, and a slight feeling of fever (my temperature is normal, just over 36 degrees Celsius, with a maximum of 37 degrees). I feel a b...
Dr. Liao Yaopan Reply:
Hello, based on your description, some of the symptoms are indeed quite nonspecific. First, I recommend closely monitoring your temperature for any abnormalities. Viral infections cannot be ruled out (although most are self-limiting). How are your sleep and dietary habits? If the...[Read More] Understanding Lower Back Pain and Head Discomfort: A Family Medicine Perspective
Understanding Chest Tightness: Insights from Family Medicine
Chest tightness? I didn't expect to meet Dr. Chen here. It must be a coincidence and not just a case of having the same name, right? About five years ago, I experienced sudden rapid heart contractions and difficulty breathing. The next day, I visited your family medicine cli...
Dr. Chen Bozhang Reply:
Dear Mr. Chang, Five years ago, you visited our hospital, and indeed, it was during my clinic hours. In your letter, you mentioned that in 2013, you experienced severe chest pain and were transferred to Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, where a stent was placed in your cardiovascula...[Read More] Understanding Chest Tightness: Insights from Family Medicine
Risk of HIV and STIs from Hand Injuries During Mutual Masturbation
Having a wound on your hand and engaging in mutual masturbation raises concerns about the potential transmission of HIV? Hello doctor, yesterday I engaged in mutual masturbation with someone else, but I completely forgot that I had a wound on the back of my hand (about 0.2 cm, no...
Dr. Liao Yaopan Reply:
Hello, sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) can be transmitted through bodily fluids, blood, and sexual intercourse. If you have any concerns, it is advisable to consult your family physician or an infectious disease specialist, and arrange for relevant blood tests if necessary. ...[Read More] Risk of HIV and STIs from Hand Injuries During Mutual Masturbation
Understanding Blood Test Results: When to Seek Further Medical Help
Blood disorders The blood test report shows white blood cells at 5.3, red blood cells at 4.47, hemoglobin at 11.7, hematocrit at 35, mean corpuscular volume at 78.3, mean corpuscular hemoglobin at 26.2, mean corpuscular hemoglobin concentration at 33.4, and platelets at 265. Seru...
Dr. Hou Angting Reply:
Hello, Xiao Dou. Thank you for your message. Generally speaking, if it is simply iron deficiency anemia, symptoms should gradually improve after iron supplementation. If symptoms do not improve, it is still recommended to consult a hematologist for further evaluation.[Read More] Understanding Blood Test Results: When to Seek Further Medical Help
Which Department to Visit for Hormone Blood Tests in Taiwan?
Hormone deficiency Hello, doctor. I would like to ask which department I should visit for a hormone blood test at the hospital. Is it out-of-pocket, or is it covered by health insurance? Thank you.
Dr. Liao Yaopan Reply:
Hello, regarding your inquiry, you can consult with the Metabolism Department for assistance in evaluating hormone tests. If the diagnosis aligns with the symptoms, health insurance may cover the related expenses. Thank you for your message, and we care about your well-being at C...[Read More] Which Department to Visit for Hormone Blood Tests in Taiwan?
Understanding Chest Tightness and Breathing Difficulties: When to Seek Help
Experiencing chest tightness and difficulty breathing? Hello, Doctor: In March of this year, I suddenly experienced chest tightness and difficulty breathing, feeling as if I couldn't get enough air, so I went to the hospital's cardiology department for an examination. A...
Dr. Chen Pengsheng Reply:
Dear Johnny, After reading your description, I understand that you have undergone many examinations and learned about hyperventilation syndrome. I want to emphasize that the physicians you have encountered are very dedicated and excellent. The real issue seems to stem from diff...[Read More] Understanding Chest Tightness and Breathing Difficulties: When to Seek Help
Risk of HIV Infection from Basketball Injury: What You Need to Know
If you were playing basketball and a fingernail from an opponent scraped off a layer of skin and caused bleeding, the risk of HIV infection is generally very low. HIV is primarily transmitted through specific bodily fluids such as blood, semen, vaginal fluids, and breast milk. Fo...
Dr. Chen Bozhang Reply:
Hello: In your message, you mentioned that while playing basketball, you had a piece of flesh scraped off your hand by an opponent's nail, and subsequently noticed bleeding. Generally, the HIV virus is transmitted through direct contact with blood and other bodily fluids ent...[Read More] Risk of HIV Infection from Basketball Injury: What You Need to Know
Is Dizziness a Sign of Anemia? Understanding Symptoms and Concerns
It seems like anemia? A few days ago, I started feeling dizzy after getting up. Could it be anemia? I looked it up online and found that anemia in men is often associated with cancer, which makes me really scared. My lower eyelids are red in the front and somewhat pale in the bac...
Dr. Chen Pengsheng Reply:
Hello: After seeing your question, I believe you should discuss your previous surgery and dietary conditions with a physician at the hospital, and then have the doctor assess and conduct appropriate examinations. Thank you for your message.[Read More] Is Dizziness a Sign of Anemia? Understanding Symptoms and Concerns
Understanding Rising CEA Levels: Should You Worry About Cancer?
Health Check Report CEA Level Hello Dr. Hou, I have been undergoing self-paid health check-ups for the past four years, and the results of various tests have generally been normal. However, the tumor marker test for CEA has gradually increased over the years, with values of 1.38 ...
Dr. Hou Angting Reply:
LEA is a tumor marker generally used to assess the likelihood of cancer; however, its limitation is that a normal result cannot completely rule out the presence of cancer. In cases where multiple tests return normal values, the probability of cancer is typically low, and continue...[Read More] Understanding Rising CEA Levels: Should You Worry About Cancer?
Health Concerns Near Power Substations: Recommended Medical Tests
What kind of tests can be done if there are such concerns? I live very close to a Taiwan Power Company substation (about 100 meters away) and have been residing here for nearly four years. However, concerns about whether electromagnetic waves may affect health have always been pr...
Dr. Liao Yaopan Reply:
Hello, regarding your inquiry, there is currently no direct evidence showing a causal relationship between "electromagnetic waves" and their effects on the body. To address your concerns, we recommend arranging a self-paid comprehensive health check-up for evaluation. I...[Read More] Health Concerns Near Power Substations: Recommended Medical Tests
Chronic Fatigue and Breathing Issues: When to See a Specialist?
Chronic issues Hello, doctor. Recently, I have been experiencing long-term fatigue, lack of energy, excessive sleepiness, occasional shortness of breath, chest tightness, and poor memory (most notably over the past seven years). Rest and sleep can alleviate the fatigue, but the r...
Dr. Chen Bozhang Reply:
Dear Mr. Wei, In your letter, you mentioned that you have been experiencing long-term fatigue, lack of energy, excessive sleepiness, occasional shortness of breath, chest tightness, and poor memory. You also have issues with sleep apnea and have used a ventilator. I recommend di...[Read More] Chronic Fatigue and Breathing Issues: When to See a Specialist?
Where to Get Blood Dioxin Level Testing in Taiwan: A Guide
Dioxin concentration testing in blood? Hello, I work at a waste incineration plant and would like to understand the levels of dioxins in my body. Could you please advise which medical institutions in Taiwan conduct blood tests for dioxin concentration as part of health examinatio...
Dr. Liao Yaopan Reply:
Hello, regarding your inquiry, after further consultation with the information provided by the Poison Control Center, there are currently no medical institutions that offer this specific test in clinical practice. However, it is recommended to consult with the Occupational Medici...[Read More] Where to Get Blood Dioxin Level Testing in Taiwan: A Guide
Understanding Blood Pressure Measurement Accuracy and Medication Concerns
Issues with Blood Pressure Monitor Accuracy and Medication Concerns Dear Dr. Chen, I would like to ask you the following questions: 1. I compared my home electronic blood pressure monitor with the clinic's mercury sphygmomanometer, and found a difference of 11.5 mmHg in sy...
Dr. Chen Zonglin Reply:
1. Blood pressure can vary due to different physical and mental states at different times and places. If the blood pressure monitor is regularly calibrated, the readings obtained are reliable. 2. It is recommended that you bring your blood pressure records from the past three d...[Read More] Understanding Blood Pressure Measurement Accuracy and Medication Concerns