Understanding Left Upper Back Pain: Causes and When to Seek Help
Pain and swelling in the upper left back? Hello Dr. Chen, I am inquiring on behalf of my father. He is 60 years old and has recently started experiencing pain in his upper left back over the past few days. Last night, I asked him to describe the pain, and he said it feels similar...
Dr. Chen Bozhang Reply:
Could you please ask the current neurologist to assist in the evaluation and refer or arrange for examinations as needed based on the patient's condition? Thank you.[Read More] Understanding Left Upper Back Pain: Causes and When to Seek Help
Persistent Toe Bruise: Understanding Hard Lumps and Pain Management
Bruising on the toe that does not resolve, resulting in a hard lump? Hello Doctor: On April 3rd, I injured my toe, and there is a bruise under the skin at the tip of my toe. It hurts when lightly touched, and it looks like a large red mole. Over time, the color has gradually turn...
Dr. Cai Dongqi Reply:
Hello: Trauma can cause bleeding in the blood vessels of the toes, leading to a hematoma, which typically resolves on its own within about two weeks. If it does not completely absorb and becomes hardened, you may seek treatment from a general surgeon or a dermatologist.[Read More] Persistent Toe Bruise: Understanding Hard Lumps and Pain Management
Understanding Diabetes: Key Questions on Symptoms and Treatment
Some questions regarding diabetes? Hello, doctor. I am a university student majoring in biomedical sciences, and I am currently working on a paper discussion topic. My report is about the use of Ephedra to treat hyperglycemia and oxidative stress caused by diabetes. Initially, I ...
Dr. Liu Hongxiang Reply:
Hello, university student: If you are currently experiencing any symptoms of diabetes, the best solution is to visit a hospital for testing, as you may receive results on the same day. Streptozotocin is used in medical research to establish animal models for Type 1 diabetes, whil...[Read More] Understanding Diabetes: Key Questions on Symptoms and Treatment
Understanding Unusual Sounds in Your Ears While Running
Hearing unusual sounds in the ears while running? Hello, doctor. I feel that you have been clarifying doubts for everyone for a long time. Today, I have a peculiar question to ask you: Recently, I started jogging to lose weight. At first, I didn't feel much, but in the past ...
Dr. Xiao Yongxun Reply:
Dear Mr. Jam: 1. The exact cause is unknown. 2. From a medical standpoint, it is possible that running caused vibrations in the muscles and ligaments near the cervical spine, leading to a clicking sound. This may be similar to other joints that occasionally produce similar noi...[Read More] Understanding Unusual Sounds in Your Ears While Running
Flu Vaccine Concerns and Common Health Issues Explained
Vaccine issues and other health concerns? Hello Doctor, I would like to ask you a few questions: 1. If I currently have some allergy symptoms (runny nose) and mild cold symptoms, is it safe to receive the flu vaccine? 2. Recently, I suddenly noticed that the veins on the top of m...
Dr. Lin Zhebin Reply:
Hello: 1. If there is no fever and only allergy and mild cold symptoms, it is still possible to receive the influenza vaccine. 2. The visible blue veins in the hands are actually venous blood vessels. Common reasons for their prominence include: thin subcutaneous fat (due to agin...[Read More] Flu Vaccine Concerns and Common Health Issues Explained
Is Fish Oil Safe for My Son's Platelet Levels? Expert Insights
Is this platelet condition suitable for taking fish oil? Hello Dr. Liu, my son (who is 21 years old) has had platelet counts (PLT) ranging from 210 to 240 (10^3/μl) from elementary school through college health check-ups. Recently, I would like him to take three fish oil capsules...
Dr. Liu Hongxiang Reply:
Hello Mr. Zheng: The normal range for human platelets is 150,000 to 450,000/μl. According to the recommendations from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), the safe and reliable daily intake of fish oil for the general population is between 2000 to 3000 milligrams of EPA a...[Read More] Is Fish Oil Safe for My Son's Platelet Levels? Expert Insights
Risks of Flushing IV Lines with Saline in Pediatric Patients
Intravenous therapy When a child is hospitalized and receiving intravenous fluids, if the IV line becomes occluded, the nurse may flush it with saline solution. Is there a significant risk of blood clots entering the bloodstream in this situation? What precautions should be taken...
Dr. Xiao Yongxun Reply:
Dear Ms. QQ: 1. Since your child is hospitalized, your concerns should be directed to the nursing staff or the attending physician. 2. If I am not mistaken, you may be worried about blood clots obstructing veins or arteries. Embolism refers to the blockage of a blood vessel by...[Read More] Risks of Flushing IV Lines with Saline in Pediatric Patients
Nighttime Neck Heat and Pulsing Vessels: Which Specialist to Consult?
If you are experiencing increased heat and pulsation in the back of your neck and head, making it difficult to lie down comfortably, you should consider seeing a neurologist or a primary care physician. They can evaluate your symptoms and determine if further investigation or tre...
Dr. Chen Bozhang Reply:
Dear Mr. Anonymous: In your letter, you mentioned that there is a blood vessel in the back of your neck that is pulsating and causing heat, making it difficult for you to sleep. This may be related to a disorder of the nervous or endocrine system. It is recommended that you fir...[Read More] Nighttime Neck Heat and Pulsing Vessels: Which Specialist to Consult?
Understanding Nosebleeds After Vomiting: Causes and Concerns
There is a slight nosebleed? Hello Doctor: I developed gastroenteritis the day before yesterday, with symptoms of vomiting and fever. While I was vomiting, I had a bit of a runny nose. Today, when I blew my nose, I noticed a little bit of blood on the tissue. It wasn't flowi...
Dr. Ye Qianyu Reply:
Hello! The microvasculature in the nose is quite dense, so during winter or dry conditions, the fragile nasal mucosa can easily rupture and bleed due to external forces. Please blow your nose gently, and if bleeding persists, seek treatment from an otolaryngologist.[Read More] Understanding Nosebleeds After Vomiting: Causes and Concerns
Concerns About Blood Draws: Understanding Bruising and Blood Health
Blood draw issues? Hello, doctor. Last September, I went to the emergency room due to feeling unwell. The nurse mentioned that the needles used in the emergency department are thicker and that the pressure should be applied for a longer time. It was possible that the pressure app...
Dr. Lin Zhebin Reply:
Hello: Applying pressure to swelling caused by a subcutaneous hemorrhage is primarily to help stop the bleeding from the ruptured blood vessels, so it will not have any adverse effects on the blood or the body. Please do not worry.[Read More] Concerns About Blood Draws: Understanding Bruising and Blood Health
Winter Foot Pain: Causes and When to See a Doctor
Pain on the dorsum of the foot due to exposure to cold wind in winter? Hello doctor, since junior high school, whenever my feet remain in a fixed position (motionless), the dorsum of my foot experiences pain when exposed to cold air in winter. For example, after riding a motorcyc...
Dr. Lin Zhebin Reply:
Hello: The pain in the dorsum of your foot caused by exposure to cold air is likely due to the constriction of blood vessels in the area, which affects the blood circulation to the local nerves, leading to numbness and pain. It is advisable to pay attention to and enhance the war...[Read More] Winter Foot Pain: Causes and When to See a Doctor
Which Specialist to See for Unexplained Breathing and Dizziness Issues?
I'm not sure which specialty to see? Hello Doctor, I have had the following symptoms since childhood: whenever it is too hot, stuffy, rainy, or in poorly ventilated indoor spaces with large crowds, I easily experience sudden shortness of breath, dizziness, and when mild, I t...
Dr. Lin Zhebin Reply:
Hello: Your discomfort may be due to vasovagal syncope or situational syncope. It is usually advisable to avoid triggering situations, such as the ones you mentioned: excessive heat, stuffiness, rainy days, poorly ventilated indoor spaces, and crowded places. Anemia can also pres...[Read More] Which Specialist to See for Unexplained Breathing and Dizziness Issues?
Urgent: Best Tinnitus Treatment Doctors in Kaohsiung's Fengshan Area
Urgent! Looking for a tinnitus specialist in Kaohsiung, preferably in the Fengshan District or nearby areas? I have been experiencing tinnitus for a year, with fluctuations in intensity, and it seems to have become louder recently. I am in a lot of pain and cannot tolerate it. Th...
Dr. Xiao Yongxun Reply:
Dear Mr. S5698: 1. There are many causes of tinnitus, which can generally be divided into: a. Objective tinnitus: This can be further categorized into vascular or muscular disorders. Vascular tinnitus occurs due to narrowing of blood vessels or increased blood flow, leading ...[Read More] Urgent: Best Tinnitus Treatment Doctors in Kaohsiung's Fengshan Area
Understanding Prediabetes Symptoms: Key Signs You Shouldn't Ignore
Symptoms of Prediabetes Last December, I visited a urologist due to symptoms of frequent urination and erectile dysfunction. At that time, my blood glucose level was 108 after fasting for 8 hours. The doctor prescribed medication for benign prostatic hyperplasia, which improved m...
Dr. Lin Zhebin Reply:
Hello: The typical initial symptoms of diabetes are increased thirst, increased urination, increased appetite, and weight loss (in later stages). The acanthosis nigricans you mentioned is a possible but not common manifestation. As for slow wound healing and blurred vision, these...[Read More] Understanding Prediabetes Symptoms: Key Signs You Shouldn't Ignore
Managing Chronic Osteomyelitis: Antibiotics, Vascular Health, and Vaccination
Antibiotics for Chronic Osteomyelitis Hello, doctor. Four years ago, I suffered a fracture due to a car accident, and I have not fully recovered. I still need to be hospitalized for treatment of the fracture, which has led to chronic osteomyelitis. I have been undergoing antibiot...
Dr. Chen Bozhang Reply:
Hello! Based on your description, you are currently hospitalized and receiving treatment. It is advisable to consult your attending physician. Thank you![Read More] Managing Chronic Osteomyelitis: Antibiotics, Vascular Health, and Vaccination
Understanding Pulsating Sensations in the Head: Causes and Concerns
Often feel pulsation in the blood vessels of the head? Hello doctor, as per the title, I have recently been feeling pulsations in the blood vessels of my head, especially when I lie on my pillow at night. I dream every night, and when I wake up and start moving in the morning, I ...
Dr. Liao Yaopan Reply:
Hello, regarding your concerns, it is recommended that you seek evaluation from a neurologist to assess the intracranial vascular condition. Online consultations are not equivalent to in-person medical visits and cannot provide a diagnosis or treatment recommendations. Changhua H...[Read More] Understanding Pulsating Sensations in the Head: Causes and Concerns
Understanding Mold in Water Bottles: Health Risks and Precautions
Mold-related issues? Hello Dr. Hsiao, I recently discovered a significant amount of mold at the bottom of the water bottle that my family has been using for years (I had never noticed it before). I don't know how long it has been there, so I hurried to clean it. I would like...
Dr. Xiao Yongxun Reply:
Dear Mr. JAM: 1. Fungi are ubiquitous in our subtropical and tropical climate; fungi, also known as mycetes, are diverse, but only a few species can cause diseases in humans. Diseases caused by these pathogens are collectively referred to as fungal infections, mycotic infections...[Read More] Understanding Mold in Water Bottles: Health Risks and Precautions
Post-Vaccine Dizziness and Mucus in Stool: What You Need to Know
Dizziness and mucus in stool after vaccination? Hello, Doctor. I apologize for bothering you, but I've been experiencing multiple health issues lately and I'm unsure if these symptoms are related or which specialty to consult. If I’m in the wrong department, I hope you ...
Dr. Liao Yaopan Reply:
Hello, 1. For dizziness issues, it is recommended to prioritize evaluation by a neurologist. If potential causes are ruled out, an assessment of the inner ear's balance function is also necessary. 2. If gastrointestinal problems persist, it is advisable to consult a gast...[Read More] Post-Vaccine Dizziness and Mucus in Stool: What You Need to Know
Understanding Pain in the Right Ring Finger: Causes and Solutions
Pain in the left ring finger? Hello Doctor, recently I have been experiencing a tingling sensation, like being pricked by a needle, on the side of my right hand's ring finger from the third joint to the tip. The pain is particularly intense near the third joint (the surface ...
Dr. Xiao Yongxun Reply:
Dear Miss Milk Tea: 1. Regarding your description of pain on the side of the third joint to the fingertip of your right ring finger, particularly near the third joint, it is important to consider potential injury to the local nerves or blood vessels. Sometimes, certain movement...[Read More] Understanding Pain in the Right Ring Finger: Causes and Solutions
Which Specialist to Consult for Visible Veins and Swelling?
If the veins on the back of your hand are prominent, you should consult a vascular specialist or a dermatologist? Hello doctor, I started taking antihypertensive medication last month, and my blood pressure has decreased. However, I am not sure if it is due to my blood vessels be...
Dr. Wu Zongying Reply:
Hello: Diovan (valsartan) is a medication that inhibits angiotensin II receptors, leading to a reduction in vascular smooth muscle contraction and promoting moderate vasodilation, thereby achieving the goal of lowering blood pressure. If this medication is not suitable, it is adv...[Read More] Which Specialist to Consult for Visible Veins and Swelling?