Ears, Family Medicine FAQ

Understanding Hepatitis B Transmission Risks in Couples

I have a question? Hello Dr. Hsu: I have been a carrier of hepatitis B since childhood, and my mother is also a carrier. One of my biggest fears has finally come true. My husband is also a carrier of hepatitis B. Is there a risk of cross-infection between us? What should I be awa...

Dr. Xu Li'an Reply:
Hello, this is Dr. Hsu Li-An's Family Medicine Column. The article discusses what to do if you are a carrier of Hepatitis B. "What should Hepatitis B carriers do?" This is a common question I encounter in family medicine clinics. I usually spend over five minutes e...

Choosing the Right Health Checkup: Hospital vs. Private Center

How to choose a health check-up? Hello Doctor: My husband is 42 years old. Should he go to the health check-up center at the hospital or a standalone health screening center? Also, I am 37 years old and currently taking antihypertensive medication. Should I refrain from taking my...

Dr. Huang Jianling Reply:
Large hospitals typically have their own laboratories, which provide better quality control (for example, our hospital's laboratory is ISO certified). In contrast, most health examination centers send blood samples to external laboratories, where quality cannot be controlled...

Can High-Protein Foods Help with Weight Gain for the Underweight?

Is consuming protein (high-protein foods) beneficial for being underweight? I am 22 years old, 179 cm tall, and weigh only 51 kg, which is quite thin. I heard from relatives that consuming high-protein supplements, specifically the kind that can be mixed with cold water, might he...

Dr. Huang Mingde Reply:
1. Your idea is not recommended. 2. It is advised to maintain a regular diet with three meals a day and to uphold good exercise habits.

Understanding the Costs and Essentials of Comprehensive Health Checkups

What is the cost of a full body health check-up? Hello, may I ask about the approximate cost of a health check-up for adults? My mother is not in good health, and I want to take her for a check-up, but I'm unsure which tests to conduct and which hospital to go to. My mother ...

Dr. Huang Jianling Reply:
JANE user: Adult health check-ups are free once a year for those aged 65 and older, and free once every three years for those aged 40 and older. If paying out of pocket, the cost of health examinations ranges from $3,000 to $20,000, depending on the items selected; you can inquir...

Understanding Blood Vomiting: When Stress and Anger Impact Health

Vomiting blood occurs when one is under stress or anger? Hello, doctor: My girlfriend was physically abused by her father when she was young, and she has been experiencing vomiting blood whenever she gets angry or nervous since then. Which specialty should she see for this issue?...

Dr. Huang Jianling Reply:
Ah Fu has sustained an injury to the chest and experiences hemoptysis when anxious. A consultation with a thoracic specialist is recommended. Sincerely, Dr. Huang Jianling.

Managing Gout and Cardiovascular Health: A Guide for Patients

Gout and Cardiovascular Disease Hello, my husband is 50 years old and is very career-oriented. Due to his job, he often travels extensively around the world. In November of last year, he had a 3.8 cm stent placed in his coronary artery and has been taking the prescribed medicatio...

Dr. Xie Nanguang Reply:
According to your letter: 1. Your husband already has a history of gout. 2. You mentioned that you have stopped the heart disease medication, aspirin, which indicates that your husband also has heart disease! Aspirin is commonly used for ischemic heart disease (since your husband...

Understanding Chronic Fatigue: Insights from Health Check Results

Often feel fatigued? Hello, I am a sophomore male student. I have been feeling fatigued frequently for over three years, so I went to your hospital for a health check-up. Could you identify any abnormalities from the following data (only listing the more abnormal results) or prov...

Dr. Hong Chuanqi Reply:
Hello, Da-Xiong. Based on the information you provided, there is no strong indication of liver disease or blood abnormalities. I recommend that you visit our Family Medicine outpatient clinic to discuss your concerns in person, as this may be more beneficial for you. Hong Chuanqi...

Understanding Elevated Cancer Antigen Levels and High Triglycerides: Key Considerations

The cancer antigen (nuclear medicine) from our company's health check shows a level of 3.5 ng/ml? Hello, doctor. 1. The company's health check showed that the embryonic cancer antigen (nuclear medicine) level is 3.5 ng/ml, which exceeds the standard by 0.1 ng/ml. What...

Dr. Hong Shouhong Reply:
Carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA) is a glycoprotein primarily used for monitoring after tumor resection. Elevated CEA levels may be associated with various cancers, such as colorectal, pancreatic, and breast cancers, but it is not specific. An elevated CEA level does not necessarily...

Which Specialist Should I See for My Ear and Jaw Pain?

Which specialty should I see? Hello, doctor: I have been experiencing dizziness and pain in my head for a long time, along with a feeling of fullness in my ears and pain in the surrounding nerves. Recently, for the past two months, when I open my mouth wide, I hear a popping soun...

Dr. Huang Jianling Reply:
LINDA: 1. Non-central nervous system causes: vestibular neuritis, labyrinthitis, benign paroxysmal positional vertigo, drug toxicity, cervical disorders. Consultation with an otolaryngologist is recommended. 2. Central nervous system causes: cerebellopontine angle tumors, brainst...

Managing Multiple Health Issues: Seeking Guidance from Family Medicine

I have a lot of minor issues, which is very bothersome? Hello Dr. Liu, I have some concerns and would appreciate your help. I have multiple health issues and I'm unsure where to start with treatment, as these problems often arise unexpectedly. 1. I was diagnosed with Heli...

Dr. Liu Jinyong Reply:
Mr. Binbin: 1. For Helicobacter pylori treatment, oral medication should be taken for at least 14 days before re-evaluation. 2. Right-sided lumbar tissue can easily cause lower back pain; avoid lifting heavy objects and consider physical therapy and correcting your posture. 3. Fo...

Understanding Sleepwalking in Children: When to Seek Medical Help

Regarding sleepwalking? Hello! My child is 9 years old and in the third grade of elementary school. We noticed that she has been sleepwalking since she was in preschool, and it has happened about 3 to 4 times this year. Should we seek treatment? Which specialist should we consult...

Dr. Lin Mingxing Reply:
Dr. Lin Ming-Hsing from the Family Medicine Department of Tainan Hospital, Department of Health, replies: To avoid potential accidental harm, it is advisable to have a psychiatrist evaluate your child's mental or psychological condition. If necessary, a neurologist may also ...

Understanding Headaches: Causes, Symptoms, and When to Seek Help

Headache Hello doctor, I have been experiencing headaches at the back of my head (from behind the ears to the neck) along with dizziness. What could be the issue? Which specialty should I consult?

Dr. Huang Mingde Reply:
This symptom is similar to a cold. It is recommended to increase fluid intake, take warm showers, apply heat to the neck, and ensure good indoor air circulation. If you seek medical attention, you may consult a neurologist or a family medicine physician.

Struggling with Being Underweight: Seeking Solutions and Guidance

The issue of being underweight has been a persistent concern? Hello, I am 24 years old and have struggled with being underweight since middle school. I am currently 175 cm tall and weigh between 53-55 kg, which is considered too thin. Could you please help me? I have the followin...

Dr. Hong Shouhong Reply:
Being overweight or underweight is related not only to age, diet, and lifestyle habits but also to one's constitution and genetics. If there is a drastic change in weight over a short period, it may be associated with certain diseases, and a medical examination should be sou...

Comprehensive Guide to Common Health Concerns in Family Medicine

Question Set Dear Dr. Tsai, Hello! Please take a look at the following information. I have many questions regarding medical knowledge, and I would appreciate any information you can provide to help me understand what I should do. Thank you! Medical History: I do not smoke, drin...

Dr. Cai Jueren Reply:
Your questions are quite broad and not suitable for online discussion; it would be best to visit a clinic in person.

Managing Complex Health Issues in Elderly Patients: A Nutritional Guide

Multiple complex diseases Hello Dr. Liu: I am here to ask you a question on behalf of my friend. My friend's grandmother is 80 years old and is currently hospitalized due to illness. She has multiple complex medical conditions, including chronic diarrhea, with at least four ...

Dr. Liu Jinyong Reply:
Based on the limited information provided, the gradual weight loss in the elderly individual may be attributed not only to diarrhea but also to poor dental health affecting chewing ability, which in turn impacts food intake. Given the current situation, dietary management should ...

Concerns About Height Growth at 23: Is Excessive Sleep a Factor?

Question I am 23 years old, and over the past six months, I have gained five kilograms and grown a bit taller. I'm quite concerned about my height and fear that I might exceed 170 centimeters, which I consider too tall. I don't want to become a "giant." What c...

Dr. Huang Jianling Reply:
Hello BiBi: Growing taller requires growth hormone, which is produced by the anterior pituitary gland. The primary secretion occurs between approximately 11 PM and 1 AM, as well as during fasting in the early morning and around 4 PM. Other factors such as exercise, emotions, exci...

Understanding Your Symptoms: A Guide to Lymph Node Swelling and More

Doctor, what exactly is wrong with me? Hello, doctor. Since early December last year, I suddenly noticed a swollen lymph node in my neck (painless and over about one centimeter). I have been experiencing nausea and gas (later, a doctor said it might be due to duodenitis and gastr...

Dr. Huang Jianling Reply:
Hello, Xiao Dai: Your symptoms may be caused by scrub typhus. The primary vector in Taiwan is the Leptotrombidium deliensis mite. The animal hosts for the mite mainly include rodents, mammals (such as sheep, pigs, dogs, and cats), and birds (such as chickens). The main clinical s...

Understanding Lymphedema: Causes, Treatment, and Specialist Recommendations

Elephantiasis Hello Doctor: My friend's mother is 70 years old and was diagnosed with stage II cervical cancer six years ago. She was hospitalized for treatment, but a year and a half ago, she experienced swelling in her left leg and went to the hospital for examination. The...

Dr. Hong Chuanqi Reply:
Hello, your friend's mother is experiencing a condition known as "elephantiasis" in her left leg, which is likely due to cervical cancer that has spread to the left lymphatic system, causing compression of the lymph nodes. This results in impaired lymphatic drainag...

Understanding Cold Sensitivity and Chest Discomfort: When to Seek Help

Upon reflection, I realize that I have quite a few issues? When it is cold, if I do not rub my hands to warm them up, after a while, not only do I notice that my nails appear purple, but the back of my hands also turns a purplish-black color (I noticed this while riding a bike). ...

Dr. Huang Jianling Reply:
Hello, Anan: (1) The purple tingling in the hands may be caused by the following conditions: 1. Buerger’s disease: This is a chronic inflammatory condition affecting the peripheral veins and arteries of the upper and lower limbs, most commonly seen in young male smokers. The i...

Struggling with Weight Loss and Binge Eating: Seeking Help

Which specialty should I see? About two years ago, I was a 65 kg overweight girl. After controlling my diet, I managed to reduce my weight to 49 kg before the Lunar New Year this year. My weight loss method involved almost completely avoiding carbohydrates and consuming a lot of ...

Dr. Huang Mingde Reply:
Ms. Amei, the symptoms you described are somewhat similar to binge eating disorder, but considering you also have symptoms of amenorrhea, I would still recommend that you first consult a meticulous endocrinologist or neurologist to rule out diabetes, endocrine disorders, and abno...

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