Building Confidence for Vaccination: Steps to Improve Your Health First
I haven't received the vaccine yet, but I lack confidence in my physical condition? Hello, doctor. I have not received my first dose of the vaccine yet, but I am considering getting vaccinated soon. However, I lack confidence in my physical condition. Several years ago, I un...
Dr. Chen Bozhang Reply:
Hello Gary! If you have any concerns, it is recommended that you first follow up with a psychiatrist. By adjusting your daily routine and improving your physical health, you can then assess with a family medicine physician whether it is appropriate for you to receive the COVID-19...[Read More] Building Confidence for Vaccination: Steps to Improve Your Health First
Understanding Low Total Cholesterol: Causes and Solutions
Low total cholesterol Hello Doctor, today I received the health examination report for new staff, which has four items highlighted in red: 1. BMI = 25.5, 2. Total serum cholesterol 67 (high-density lipoprotein 49, normal with no red flag), 3. Triglycerides 171, 4. Urinary protein...
Dr. Hou Angting Reply:
Hello, internet user: Generally, cholesterol levels are rarely as low as you described. I recommend that you confirm this with the hospital where you had your tests done, or consult a family medicine specialist for a re-evaluation. Positive urine protein can also be monitored in ...[Read More] Understanding Low Total Cholesterol: Causes and Solutions
Understanding the Connection Between Gastrointestinal Issues and Back Pain
Dizziness, fatigue from standing for long periods, back pain, and gastrointestinal discomfort? Hello Doctor: In May and June of this year, I visited a clinic due to some pain in my upper left abdomen and was treated with a proton pump inhibitor (PPI). At that time, my stomach con...
Dr. Hou Angting Reply:
Hello, internet user: Gastroesophageal reflux rarely presents with symptoms such as spinal pain or dizziness and weakness. It is recommended that you seek evaluation at a family medicine clinic; if symptoms worsen, it is advisable to go to the emergency department immediately. Wi...[Read More] Understanding the Connection Between Gastrointestinal Issues and Back Pain
Understanding Low White Blood Cell Count: When to Seek Further Evaluation
Leukopenia Hello, the employee health check report shows a white blood cell count (WBC) of 3600, a platelet count of 140,000, and a lymphocyte count of 900, all of which are highlighted in red. At the time of the examination, there were no symptoms of a cold or any discomfort, an...
Dr. Hou Angting Reply:
Hello, internet user: If your white blood cell count is low and you do not have any obvious discomfort, you can follow up at a family medicine clinic for further evaluation. Wishing you good health.[Read More] Understanding Low White Blood Cell Count: When to Seek Further Evaluation
Understanding Blackouts: Could Gastroenteritis Be the Cause?
Blackouts or temporary vision loss? Last Saturday and Sunday, and this Monday, I experienced severe diarrhea. These past few days, when I stand up from bed, I suddenly feel dizzy and see black. I would like to know if this could be caused by gastroenteritis. If not, which special...
Dr. Hou Angting Reply:
Hello, if you are feeling unwell, you can seek evaluation at a family medicine clinic. If your symptoms worsen, it is advisable to go to the emergency department immediately. Wishing you good health.[Read More] Understanding Blackouts: Could Gastroenteritis Be the Cause?
Do Pregnant Women Need Rabies Vaccination After Dog Bite?
I would like to inquire whether I need to receive the rabies vaccine? Hello doctor, I am currently five months pregnant. On December 8th, I accidentally got scratched on my hand by my pet dachshund, which caused a cut and bleeding. I cleaned the wound immediately. I would like to...
Dr. Xiao Yongxun Reply:
Dear Miss Wei: 1. Rabies is an acute viral encephalomyelitis caused by the rabies virus; once symptoms appear, the mortality rate approaches 100%. Since 1959, there have been no human cases in our country. There were two imported cases from outside China in 2002 and 2012, and on...[Read More] Do Pregnant Women Need Rabies Vaccination After Dog Bite?
Understanding Post-Vaccine Symptoms: Fever and Dizziness Concerns
Abnormal body temperature, dizziness? Hello Doctor: I received my second dose of the BNT vaccine on December 5th, and I had an ear temperature of 38 degrees Celsius on that day. I took Tylenol, but my temperature did not improve. To this day, my daily temperature has been between...
Dr. Ye Qianyu Reply:
Hello! Based on your description, experiencing shortness of breath during activity suggests that you should seek medical attention as soon as possible.[Read More] Understanding Post-Vaccine Symptoms: Fever and Dizziness Concerns
Does Taking Painkillers Before COVID Vaccine Affect Antibody Response?
Taking pain relief medication before receiving the COVID-19 vaccine? Hello, doctor. On the day I received the COVID-19 vaccine, I happened to be on my menstrual period and took a dose of Piroxicam, a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug, around noon. About seven hours later, I we...
Dr. Chen Bozhang Reply:
Hello Ms. Wu! The information available online is for reference only. You have already consulted a physician during vaccination. If you still have concerns, it is recommended to make an appointment for a consultation at a family medicine clinic. Thank you.[Read More] Does Taking Painkillers Before COVID Vaccine Affect Antibody Response?
Understanding Abnormal Health Check Results: When to Seek Medical Advice
Abnormal health examination findings? Last week, my husband had a health check-up at work, and there are many abnormal results that he doesn't understand. We're not sure if he needs to seek immediate medical attention or which specialty to consult. Thank you, doctor! Hi...
Dr. Hou Angting Reply:
Hello: According to your health check report, you need to pay attention to the effects of metabolic syndrome. It is recommended that you consult with a physician in the Family Medicine department for further evaluation, treatment, and follow-up. Wishing you good health.[Read More] Understanding Abnormal Health Check Results: When to Seek Medical Advice
Why Does Skin Pain Occur After Overindulging in Food?
The day after overeating, the skin becomes tender to the touch? I usually control my diet, but sometimes I indulge in too many fried foods or sweets, or I eat until I'm too full. Additionally, when I drink less water, I notice that on the same day or the next day, if I press...
Dr. Hou Angting Reply:
Hello: It is recommended that you consult with a physician in the Family Medicine department for further advice and to arrange for examinations. Wishing you good health.[Read More] Why Does Skin Pain Occur After Overindulging in Food?
Understanding Persistent High White Blood Cell Count: Causes and Next Steps
Elevated white blood cell count? My company's health check has been ongoing for nearly eight years, and there has consistently been an issue with elevated white blood cell counts, typically ranging from 11 to 14. Other types of white blood cells have shown no problems. In th...
Dr. Chen Bozhang Reply:
Dear Ms. Che, You mentioned that you have had elevated white blood cell counts for several consecutive years, which may be due to normal physiological variation or a potential underlying inflammatory disease. This year, both your white blood cell and platelet counts are elevate...[Read More] Understanding Persistent High White Blood Cell Count: Causes and Next Steps
Understanding Elevated Eosinophils: Impact of Menstruation on Test Results
Eosinophilia Hello doctor, I recently had a company health check, and the report showed that my eosinophil percentage (Eosin%) is 9.0 and eosinophil count (Eosin#) is 0.7. Since it was the first day of my menstrual period on the day of the check-up, I am wondering if this could a...
Dr. Hou Angting Reply:
Hello, internet user: It is generally difficult to interpret a blood report based on a single abnormal value; it often requires a combination of results for accurate interpretation. Additionally, the menstrual cycle typically does not significantly affect blood reports. I recomme...[Read More] Understanding Elevated Eosinophils: Impact of Menstruation on Test Results
Understanding Unexplained Head and Neck Discomfort: A Guide
Feeling unwell and seeking answers? Hello, doctor: For the past three to four days, I have been experiencing a tight and heavy sensation on both sides of my head (near the temples). It becomes very uncomfortable when I tilt my head back, and sometimes I feel pain, with this sensa...
Dr. Ye Qianyu Reply:
Hello! Based on your description, these symptoms are related to headaches and dizziness. If you continue to feel unwell, please return to a medical facility for evaluation.[Read More] Understanding Unexplained Head and Neck Discomfort: A Guide
Understanding Abnormal Blood Test Results: A Guide for Patients
Blood test examination The blood test results show atypical lymphocytes at 3.72 and nucleated red blood cells at 0.1. The report indicates that further examination by a hematologist is necessary. What do these two simultaneous abnormalities mean? Are these values considered high?...
Dr. Hou Angting Reply:
Hello, online user: It is difficult to assess a blood report based solely on a single abnormal value; it requires interpretation in conjunction with other factors. I recommend that you consult with a physician in the Family Medicine department for further advice. Wishing you good...[Read More] Understanding Abnormal Blood Test Results: A Guide for Patients
Understanding Heart Rate and Blood Pressure Issues in Family Medicine
Blood pressure and heart rate issues? Usually, my blood pressure is normal, but my heart rate is often around 105. Sometimes, I experience low blood pressure with a heart rate of about 85. Since the beginning of this year, I frequently feel short of breath and slightly wheezy, wi...
Dr. Ye Qianyu Reply:
Hello! Based on your description, the symptoms of palpitations indicate that tachycardia is a clinical manifestation of a condition that requires further investigation to determine the underlying cause. It is recommended that you seek medical attention at a healthcare facility.[Read More] Understanding Heart Rate and Blood Pressure Issues in Family Medicine
Understanding Weight Loss: Causes and Concerns in Family Medicine
Weight loss I would like to ask the doctor about my weight loss from 89 kg to 79 kg over the past month to August. My appetite has been quite good, but due to the pandemic, I have reduced my food intake somewhat. I have undergone some tests, and my blood sugar and thyroid levels ...
Dr. Chen Bozhang Reply:
Hello! If you still have concerns, it is recommended to consult with a family medicine clinic. Thank you.[Read More] Understanding Weight Loss: Causes and Concerns in Family Medicine
Understanding Changes in Stool Color After Medication: What You Need to Know
Regarding stool color? Hello Dr. Hou, Last month, my cardiologist switched my medication from Rosuvastatin to Lipitor 500/20. About a week after starting the new medication, I noticed that the color of my first bowel movement in the morning was very dark, almost black. However,...
Dr. Hou Angting Reply:
Hello, if you notice a change in the color of your stool, it is advisable to undergo a preliminary examination and assessment at a hepatobiliary and gastroenterology clinic or with a family medicine physician. Wishing you good health.[Read More] Understanding Changes in Stool Color After Medication: What You Need to Know
Understanding High Neutrophils and Low Lymphocytes in Blood Tests
Elevated neutrophil count and decreased lymphocyte count? Hello, doctor. Since I am currently abroad and unable to return to Taiwan for timely examinations, I would like to inquire about my blood test results. I had a test on September 12, where my neutrophils were at 44% (slight...
Dr. Hou Angting Reply:
Hello, internet user: Since the test report is only one of the bases for assessing infection, it must be combined with clinical symptoms and physical examination. Therefore, it is not easy to determine whether there is an infection. I recommend that you visit a family medicine sp...[Read More] Understanding High Neutrophils and Low Lymphocytes in Blood Tests
Understanding the Connection Between Back Pain, Bloating, and Throat Inflammation
The relationship between back pain, bloating, and pharyngitis? The current situation is as follows, and I would like to ask the physician for advice: 1. For the past month or two, I have been experiencing frequent prolonged belching after eating and drinking. I visited a gastroe...
Dr. Hou Angting Reply:
Hello, internet user: Due to the numerous potential causes of back pain, it is difficult to easily determine the underlying reason. I recommend that you visit a family medicine specialist for an examination and evaluation by a physician. Wishing you good health.[Read More] Understanding the Connection Between Back Pain, Bloating, and Throat Inflammation
Struggling with Nasal Congestion After Vaccination: Which Specialist to See?
Which department should I see? Hello Doctor: After getting vaccinated on Friday, I've been experiencing nasal congestion every night when trying to sleep, which makes it difficult to breathe comfortably and fall asleep (I didn't have daily nasal congestion before). Last...
Dr. Ye Qianyu Reply:
Hello! It is recommended that you visit a family medicine or general internal medicine clinic.[Read More] Struggling with Nasal Congestion After Vaccination: Which Specialist to See?