Understanding Sleep Issues: Common Causes and Solutions for Better Rest
Sleep issues I'm not sure which specialty to ask, but I want to inquire about my sleep. I sleep for nine hours every day, but I still feel tired in the morning after waking up. I also use my phone before bed. Could this be affecting my sleep? Is there any illness associated ...
Dr. Lin Zhebin Reply:
Hello: At your age, common factors that may affect sleep include hormonal imbalances, irregular lifestyle habits, stress, and anxiety, among others. Using your phone before bed may impact your ability to fall asleep, leading to poor sleep quality. It is recommended that you consu...[Read More] Understanding Sleep Issues: Common Causes and Solutions for Better Rest
Understanding Your Blood Test Results: HDL Levels and Health Risks
The medical examination report shows results highlighted in red? Hello Doctor: Since I have reached the age of 40, I went to the clinic for a blood test. I received the report a few days ago. 1. The following values are highlighted in red: ★ High-Density Lipoprotein (HDL): ...
Dr. Chen Bozhang Reply:
Hello, "high-density lipoprotein cholesterol" (HDL-C) is considered good cholesterol. The normal range for women is >50 mg/dL. If the value is low, it indicates an increased risk of cardiovascular disease. In general, physicians should recommend how often to follow u...[Read More] Understanding Your Blood Test Results: HDL Levels and Health Risks
Does Sleeping Only 3-4 Hours a Night Affect Your Health?
Sleeping only three to four hours a day can have significant negative effects on the body. Chronic sleep deprivation can lead to a range of health issues, including impaired cognitive function, weakened immune response, increased risk of chronic conditions such as obesity, diabet...
Dr. Lin Zhebin Reply:
Hello: Generally speaking, the normal sleep duration for your age is 7-9 hours. Therefore, your current sleep time is actually insufficient, and reduced sleep duration may accelerate brain aging and the degeneration of other bodily organs. If you do not have any specific discomfo...[Read More] Does Sleeping Only 3-4 Hours a Night Affect Your Health?
Impact of Medications on Blood Sugar Levels: A Patient's Inquiry
Issues related to steroids and blood sugar? Hello, doctor. Six months ago, I measured my fasting blood sugar at a testing center, and the value was 110. Since then, I have been controlling my diet, and my recent readings have been around 83-107. However, I have not yet measured m...
Dr. Lin Zhebin Reply:
Hello: 1. The oral medication you are using does not affect blood sugar levels, and while the topical eczema cream, eye ointment, and eye drops contain steroids, topical steroids generally do not significantly impact blood sugar. Additionally, issues related to inflammation and i...[Read More] Impact of Medications on Blood Sugar Levels: A Patient's Inquiry
Understanding Thumb Pain: Causes and When to Seek Medical Help
Pain upon pressing the fingertip? Hello, recently I have been using my thumb more frequently, and I experience sharp pain when I press down on the tip of the first phalanx of my thumb (causing the tip of the nail to turn white). What could this symptom indicate, and if I need to ...
Dr. Lin Zhebin Reply:
Hello: The tenderness in your thumb may be related to issues with the nail, skin, tendons, ligaments, or other soft tissues, and it is less likely to be carpal tunnel syndrome. It is recommended that you visit a family medicine or orthopedic specialist for evaluation.[Read More] Understanding Thumb Pain: Causes and When to Seek Medical Help
Understanding Ankle Roughness, Swelling, and Darkening: When to Seek Help
Rough, swollen, and darkened ankles? Recently (about 1-2 weeks ago), I noticed that the skin on my left ankle feels quite rough, accompanied by edema (there are noticeable indentations when pressed). The swollen area is also darker than other parts of the ankle. I have already vi...
Dr. Li Zhenggang Reply:
Hello Mr. X: There are many causes of edema, and based on what you have described, your nephrology examination is normal! You can seek care at the same hospital or at a nearby family medicine or internal medicine facility to review your medical history and symptoms in detail, and...[Read More] Understanding Ankle Roughness, Swelling, and Darkening: When to Seek Help
Which Specialist Should You See for Breathing and Menstrual Issues?
Which specialty should I consult first for these symptoms? Experiencing shortness of breath and fatigue after minimal exertion, such as walking from the first to the second floor, is concerning. You may notice an increased heart rate and louder heartbeat during these episodes. Ad...
Dr. Lin Zhebin Reply:
Hello: Your symptoms of shortness of breath, dizziness, and rapid heartbeat, along with the mention of prolonged menstrual periods, may indicate that increased menstrual flow could be causing anemia, which in turn leads to your discomfort. It is recommended that you first consult...[Read More] Which Specialist Should You See for Breathing and Menstrual Issues?
Persistent Dizziness and Tremors After a Month of Cold: What to Do?
Experiencing dizziness and shaking one month after a cold? Hello doctor, I have had a cold for a month, and now the only symptoms left are dizziness and shaking. I feel dizzy all day, and my body shakes when I work. I have a history of favism and hypertension. I would like to ask...
Dr. Lin Zhebin Reply:
Hello: If you are experiencing dizziness and shaking a month after having a cold, it is advisable to seek medical attention for peace of mind. It is recommended to first visit a family medicine clinic.[Read More] Persistent Dizziness and Tremors After a Month of Cold: What to Do?
Effects of Sodium Percarbonate on Health: Safety Concerns and Risks
What are the effects of sodium bicarbonate on the body? I read online that sodium carbonate is very effective for cleaning tea stains, so I used it on several cups. The cleaning effect was indeed minimal, but afterwards, I felt a bit unwell, especially noticing a lot of bubbles i...
Dr. Lin Zhebin Reply:
Hello: Sodium percarbonate is a strong alkaline substance and is not intended for consumption, so there is no food-grade sodium percarbonate. Although the substances produced from its decomposition are natural, its oxidizing effects and the gases released during chemical reaction...[Read More] Effects of Sodium Percarbonate on Health: Safety Concerns and Risks
Understanding Red Flags in Blood Test Results: What You Need to Know
Red text on blood test results? Hello, doctor. Recently, I went to the emergency room due to back pain, chest tightness, and shortness of breath. I had blood tests and a chest X-ray done. The emergency physician diagnosed me with muscle inflammation, and the X-ray of my heart and...
Dr. Lin Zhebin Reply:
Hello: Your blood test report indicates microcytic anemia and elevated platelet count, which may be related to iron deficiency anemia. In women, iron deficiency anemia is more commonly caused by chronic bleeding due to heavy menstrual flow. Additionally, gastrointestinal bleeding...[Read More] Understanding Red Flags in Blood Test Results: What You Need to Know
Understanding Chest Tightness and Breathing Issues: When to Seek Help
Chest tightness and shortness of breath? Hello doctor, I have been staying up late frequently, usually sleeping around 5 to 7 hours, with a bedtime around 4 AM. I had a similar issue last October and sought medical attention. At that time, my electrocardiogram, blood tests, and X...
Dr. Liu Hongxiang Reply:
Hello J: You are experiencing chest tightness and some shortness of breath. Your previous physical examination was normal, but it has been over six months, so it is advisable to seek medical attention again. You can choose to see either a family medicine physician or a pulmonolog...[Read More] Understanding Chest Tightness and Breathing Issues: When to Seek Help
How Family Medicine Can Help You Tackle Chronic Bad Breath Issues
How does family medicine address the issue of halitosis? Hello Doctor, I have been experiencing bad breath for many years, and it has recently become more severe. The odor primarily originates from my tongue and tonsils, and I have been aware of this issue for the past seven year...
Dr. Chen Bozhang Reply:
If you have maintained good oral hygiene and care but are still experiencing bad breath, it is important to determine whether it is caused by an underlying medical condition. Based on your description, oral and nasal diseases have been ruled out, so you may want to consider condi...[Read More] How Family Medicine Can Help You Tackle Chronic Bad Breath Issues
Concerns About Potential Infections from Hotel Showerheads in Taiwan
Please ask your question? Hello doctor, I would like to ask a question. My family and I were playing at a hotel in Taiwan, and while showering, I pressed the showerhead, which has many tiny holes, and suddenly felt a sharp pain. At that moment, I checked the showerhead and didn&#...
Dr. Chen Bozhang Reply:
If the water pressure is strong and the contact area is small, it is indeed possible to experience a stinging sensation. If there are no external injuries, redness, or other symptoms, there is likely no need for excessive concern. You may also consult a family medicine or dermato...[Read More] Concerns About Potential Infections from Hotel Showerheads in Taiwan
Understanding Cold Sensation and Rapid Heartbeat During Sleep
Regarding feeling cold and experiencing a rapid heartbeat while sleeping? I have been having trouble sleeping lately and have some questions for the doctor. Recently, I feel very cold while sleeping. At first, I thought it might be due to the air conditioning or fan being too str...
Dr. Lin Zhebin Reply:
Hello: The symptoms of feeling cold and having a rapid heartbeat at night are likely due to high stress causing irregular sleep patterns, which results in sympathetic nervous system activation. However, it is also important to consider other issues such as infections or endocrine...[Read More] Understanding Cold Sensation and Rapid Heartbeat During Sleep
Headaches and Eye Issues: When to See a Family Doctor
Headache, inability to open eyes? Hello, doctor. I apologize for the interruption. My father experienced symptoms of headache and dizziness last Friday. The headache was located on both sides of his head, and he couldn't sleep at night, appearing very fatigued. By Monday, hi...
Dr. Ye Qianyu Reply:
Hello! For acute issues, it is recommended that you seek medical attention immediately at a healthcare facility![Read More] Headaches and Eye Issues: When to See a Family Doctor
Managing Post-Injection Pain: When to Seek Medical Attention
Pain persists after receiving the injection? Hello, doctor. On April 25th, I had a cardiovascular MRI with contrast injection, and a soft catheter was placed on the back of my right hand. During the procedure, the nurse came in to inject the contrast, and it was very painful at t...
Dr. Lin Zhebin Reply:
Hello: Based on your description, the pain and bruising may be caused by a ruptured vein. If it is phlebitis or extravasation of contrast media, there will typically be signs of redness and swelling. It is recommended to apply ice and take oral anti-inflammatory pain relievers, a...[Read More] Managing Post-Injection Pain: When to Seek Medical Attention
Why Am I Sleeping 15 Hours and Still Feeling Tired?
Recently, even after sleeping for over ten hours, I still feel easily fatigued? Hello, doctor. I have been sleeping for about fourteen to fifteen hours a day for the past few days, and after waking up for more than an hour, I start to feel sleepy again. I haven't taken any m...
Dr. Lin Zhebin Reply:
Hello: The reasons for your fatigue, aside from medication effects or physical exhaustion, may also include considerations such as anemia, infections, sleep apnea, abnormalities in heart/liver/kidney function, blood sugar/electrolyte imbalances, endocrine disorders, and other iss...[Read More] Why Am I Sleeping 15 Hours and Still Feeling Tired?
Can I Take These Medications Together? A Family Medicine Inquiry
Medication Consultation Hello Dr. Lin, I would like to ask if the following medications can be taken together. Thank you. I am currently taking medications prescribed by a urologist: for three months, J32 Zinc gluconate 78mg (for zinc deficiency) (zinc 10mg)/tab (one before break...
Dr. Lin Zhebin Reply:
Hello: The medications you are currently taking do not have any significant interactions with each other; however, Pantoprazole may affect the absorption of zinc in Zinc gluconate.[Read More] Can I Take These Medications Together? A Family Medicine Inquiry
Navigating Multiple Health Issues: When to Seek Medical Help
Multiple discomforts? I have widespread pain or a sudden sensation of coolness in a small area of skin, and I'm unsure which specialist to consult since it feels wasteful to see each one individually. Here are the situations I've experienced: 1. I have random abdominal...
Dr. Lin Zhebin Reply:
Hello: 1. The abdominal pain you are experiencing may be related to constipation. 2. The abnormal sensations in your skin could be due to dryness or an allergic reaction. 3. The symptoms of runny nose and nasal congestion may indicate allergic rhinitis. 4. The itching in your eye...[Read More] Navigating Multiple Health Issues: When to Seek Medical Help
Do I Need a Rabies Vaccine After Being Scratched by a Kitten?
A three-week-old kitten scratched my skin? Five days ago, I was scratched by a three-week-old stray kitten in the Yunlin area. I washed the wound with soap for about 20 seconds and applied medication, and the next day there was no visible wound. Do I still need to receive a rabie...
Dr. Chen Bozhang Reply:
Hello Ms. Lin: Current surveillance data in Taiwan shows no rabies infections in stray dogs and cats. Additionally, there is an ongoing initiative to vaccinate dogs and cats against rabies in the country, resulting in an extremely low risk of rabies virus infection in domestic do...[Read More] Do I Need a Rabies Vaccine After Being Scratched by a Kitten?