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:
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
Brown Spots on Skin: When to See a Doctor for Diagnosis?
I'm not sure what the reason is; should I see a doctor? Dr. Lin: Hello! For the past year, I have been troubled by a problem where brown spots have started to appear all over my body. I have a hereditary condition of freckles, so previously I only had some small, not very no...
Dr. Lin Mingxing Reply:
Dear Dr. Lin Ming-Hsing, Director of the Family Medicine Department at Tainan Hospital, Ministry of Health and Welfare: The key point is to confirm what type of physiological or pathological reaction the "brown spots" belong to. Could it be due to pigmentation, or is i...[Read More] Brown Spots on Skin: When to See a Doctor for Diagnosis?
Intermittent Swelling of the Salivary Glands: Causes and Concerns
The parotid gland intermittently swells without any apparent reason? I am a 30-year-old male in good health, but I have been experiencing insufficient sleep due to a busy work schedule. About three to four years ago, I started having intermittent swelling of my parotid gland for ...
Dr. Xu Li'an Reply:
If the frequency increases or if there are other related symptoms, it is recommended that you visit a major hospital to see a specialist in immunology, rheumatology, or infectious diseases to check for any immune or infection-related conditions. Wishing you good health and well-b...[Read More] Intermittent Swelling of the Salivary Glands: Causes and Concerns
Understanding Blood in Sputum: Causes and When to Seek Help
Hemoptysis Hello, doctor. Sometimes I notice blood streaks in my sputum, but I don't have any coughing symptoms. I first discovered this situation in June of this year and urgently went to see a doctor. After undergoing chest and abdominal X-rays, the doctor said there were ...
Dr. Lin Mingxing Reply:
Dear Xiaoming, First, it would be advisable to visit a dentist to assess the overall health of your oral cavity, including conditions such as periodontal disease or dental issues. If no abnormalities are found, you should then consult an otolaryngologist to evaluate the mucosa o...[Read More] Understanding Blood in Sputum: Causes and When to Seek Help
Understanding Hepatitis B Vaccination: Timing, Coverage, and Costs
Hepatitis B vaccine Could you please provide information on the timing and method of hepatitis B vaccination, whether it is covered by health insurance, the reimbursement process, and the out-of-pocket cost? Thank you.
Dr. Huang Jianling Reply:
1. Infants weighing over 2 kilograms can receive the hepatitis B vaccine: one dose at birth, one dose at one month, and one dose at six months; all are free of charge. 2. For adults with negative hepatitis B surface antigen and antibody [HBsAg(-) HBsAb(-)], it is recommended to ...[Read More] Understanding Hepatitis B Vaccination: Timing, Coverage, and Costs
Should You Consider Surgery for a Sarcoma? Expert Insights
Does a sarcoma require surgery? Dear Doctor: I am 69 years old. Over ten years ago, I developed a lump about the size of a fist on the inner side of my left elbow. It wasn't that large initially, but in recent months, after taking some nutritional supplements like reishi mus...
Dr. Zhan Deqin Reply:
1. Performing surgical resection along with a pathological examination is more appropriate. 2. Nutritional supplements can certainly be taken, but most people today generally have an excess of nutrients, and in fact, additional supplements are often unnecessary.[Read More] Should You Consider Surgery for a Sarcoma? Expert Insights
Understanding HIV Survival: Risks and Testing After Potential Exposure
Will this lead to an infection? 1. The HIV virus can survive in the air for a very short period, typically only a few minutes, as it is sensitive to environmental conditions. However, in blood, HIV can remain viable for several hours to days, depending on the conditions such as t...
Dr. Liao Yaopan Reply:
Hello, 1. The survival rate of the HIV virus outside a living host is extremely low. 2. If you are concerned about accidental contact with unknown sources of blood, the risk of infection is low if there are no open wounds involved. 3. HIV infection can be screened through blo...[Read More] Understanding HIV Survival: Risks and Testing After Potential Exposure
Post-Esophageal Reconstruction: Dietary Challenges and Solutions
Dietary Issues Following Esophageal Reconstruction Dear Doctor, My mother suffered burns to her esophagus and stomach in mid-February this year due to consuming "Tong Le." She underwent surgery for resection. In mid-July, she had an esophageal reconstruction. For the f...
Dr. Huang Jianling Reply:
Mr. Li from Kaohsiung: Generally, esophageal reconstruction surgery can only be performed six months after an esophageal burn. The treatment is a long and arduous journey, and patients must also face the issue of esophageal stricture. In addition to patiently cooperating with the...[Read More] Post-Esophageal Reconstruction: Dietary Challenges and Solutions
Is Your Cough a Sign of Altitude Sickness or Something Else?
Is it altitude sickness? Hello: On July 10th, I was at Alishan. I had no issues walking on flat surfaces, but I experienced shortness of breath and occasional chest tightness with coughing when climbing stairs. After resting for a while, I returned to normal, but the cough persis...
Dr. Lin Mingxing Reply:
Dear Beautiful, Dr. Lin Ming-Hsing, Director of the Family Medicine Department at Tainan Hospital, Department of Health, Executive Yuan, responds: It is possible that you are experiencing a cold or wind-cold syndrome. Additionally, temperature fluctuations may increase the susce...[Read More] Is Your Cough a Sign of Altitude Sickness or Something Else?
Excessive Sweating Triggered by Sour Foods: What to Do?
Excessive sweating I have a long-standing concern that I would like to ask a doctor about: whenever I eat or smell sour foods, I start sweating profusely on my forehead and face. On one occasion, I found that eating candy (chocolate works too) could barely stop the sweating. What...
Dr. Lin Mingxing Reply:
Dear Jeff, This is Dr. Lin Ming-Hsing, the Director of the Family Medicine Department at Tainan Hospital, Department of Health and Welfare. Essentially, this is related to a problem with autonomic nervous reflexes, and I recommend consulting a neurologist for further evaluation....[Read More] Excessive Sweating Triggered by Sour Foods: What to Do?
Understanding FNS and Hemangiomas: Key Differences and MRI Insights
FNS and Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) Hello: I am Fang from May 22. After that, I returned to the hospital where I had my laparoscopic surgery. The gastroenterologist here mentioned that the physician who performed my abdominal ultrasound suspects I may have focal nodular hype...
Dr. Cai Jueren Reply:
1. Please provide the full name of FNH for clarification. 2. You may be experiencing a drug allergy reaction. If an MRI is truly necessary (covered by health insurance), it is recommended to use a higher quality contrast agent (which costs about $600-900) as it has a lower risk...[Read More] Understanding FNS and Hemangiomas: Key Differences and MRI Insights
Nail Issues in Children: Seeking Solutions for Your Daughter's Condition
Nail problems (children) Dear Dr. Huang, I have a nine-year-old daughter. Since she was two years old, her normal nails have undergone changes; the surface of her nails has become dull, and there are signs of surface peeling, resembling the effects of a child biting their nails....
Dr. Huang Jianling Reply:
Mrs. Wong: There are many reasons for nail changes, such as: 1) Dry and brittle nails (lack of vitamin A and calcium) 2) Thickened and gray nails (fungal infection) 3) Nail splitting and peeling (prolonged exposure to cleaning agents, hyperthyroidism, bacterial infection, anemia)...[Read More] Nail Issues in Children: Seeking Solutions for Your Daughter's Condition
Understanding Facial Swelling: When to Seek Medical Advice
Facial swelling to the point where the eyes cannot be opened? Recently, my face has been swollen, and my friends and family are saying that I must be sick and that I should see a doctor because the swelling is quite severe. When I wake up in the morning, my eyes are so swollen th...
Dr. Xu Li'an Reply:
First, please try to drink less water in the evening and limit soup intake during dinner, as lying down at night can slow blood circulation and lead to edema. Additionally, I recommend that you see a nephrologist and a cardiologist as soon as possible, since most cases of edema a...[Read More] Understanding Facial Swelling: When to Seek Medical Advice
Understanding Water Absorption Issues: Causes and Solutions
The body is unable to absorb water? It seems that the body is unable to absorb the water intake. Over the past few years, there have been many health issues. An eye test showed a tear film breakup time of 0, which is more severe than dry eye syndrome. The skin is abnormally dry, ...
Dr. Huang Jianling Reply:
Ariel: Symptoms such as dry mouth and dry eyes may indicate an autoimmune disorder, such as Sjögren’s syndrome. The dryness associated with Sjögren’s syndrome not only affects the eyes and mouth but also more than half of the patients may experience dry, itchy skin, hyperpigmenta...[Read More] Understanding Water Absorption Issues: Causes and Solutions
How to Remove a Hidden Splinter from Your Thumb Safely?
Could you please clarify what you mean by "細刺"? Hello: I accidentally got a fine splinter from a bamboo chopstick embedded in the flesh of my thumb. There are no visible signs of the splinter on the surface of the thumb, and there are no apparent wounds, but I can feel ...
Dr. Huang Mingde Reply:
It is recommended to consult a plastic surgeon, who can microsurgically remove the splinter. If not removed, it may lead to infection and continued pain.[Read More] How to Remove a Hidden Splinter from Your Thumb Safely?
Understanding Your Hepatitis B Test Results: Immunity Explained
Hepatitis B Dear Doctor, Regarding my health check report, it states that Hepatitis B surface antigen is 0.084 (negative) and Hepatitis B surface antibody is 1.067 (positive). The report mentions, "Hepatitis B antibodies are present, indicating immunity." Could you ...
Dr. Huang Jianling Reply:
Hello, if the hepatitis B virus infection can be cleared by the immune system, resulting in the production of surface antibodies (anti-HBs), it indicates that the individual has recovered and has permanent immunity, thus no further vaccination is needed. If the virus cannot be cl...[Read More] Understanding Your Hepatitis B Test Results: Immunity Explained
Essential Health Check Recommendations for Smokers and Drinkers
I would like to ask about health check-up questions? Dear Dr. Huang, My father has a habit of smoking, drinking alcohol, and staying up late. For the past few decades, he has not had any significant health issues. However, recently he has occasionally experienced shortness of br...
Dr. Huang Jianling Reply:
Mr. Wang: Difficulty in breathing may be caused by lung or heart diseases. Our hospital has a health check-up center. If your uncle is under 50 years old, we recommend a half-day or premium health check-up. If he is 50 years or older, a full-day or half-day check-up is advisable....[Read More] Essential Health Check Recommendations for Smokers and Drinkers
Can Thoughts and Touch Transmit Illness? Exploring Health Myths
excuse me? 1. The transmission of infectious agents primarily occurs through viruses and bacteria, which can be spread through various body parts when they come into contact with contaminated surfaces or fluids. However, there is no scientific evidence to suggest that touching or...
Dr. Huang Jianling Reply:
Hello: There is no evidence to suggest that contact between any part of the human body and any object (other than viruses and bacteria) has a positive or negative impact, such as transmission. However, thoughts in the mind can influence an individual and their behavior. It is rec...[Read More] Can Thoughts and Touch Transmit Illness? Exploring Health Myths
Understanding the Health Risks and Longevity of Transgender Individuals
Transgender person? Could you please tell me what kind of long-term effects transgender individuals may experience? Additionally, what is the average life expectancy for someone who has undergone gender transition? Thank you, doctor. I've noticed a growing trend regarding tr...
Dr. Cai Jueren Reply:
After undergoing gender-affirming surgery, there are two important aspects to pay special attention to: 1. Hormone replacement therapy, and 2. Psychological adjustment. The most common issues faced by individuals post-surgery are related to the inability of family and friends to ...[Read More] Understanding the Health Risks and Longevity of Transgender Individuals
Cost and Items of Pre-Marital Health Checkups: What to Expect?
What are the costs and items included in a pre-marital health check-up? What are the costs and items included in a premarital health check-up? If I decide to have this examination at your hospital, is there a specific time or can it be done at any time?
Dr. Huang Jianling Reply:
Janice: The cost of a pre-marital health check-up ranges from NT$1,000 to NT$3,000, depending on individual needs. Our hospital offers the following services: physical examination, color vision test, palpation of cervical lymph nodes and thyroid, auscultation of heart and lungs, ...[Read More] Cost and Items of Pre-Marital Health Checkups: What to Expect?