Understanding Chest Tightness and Breathing Difficulties: A Family Medicine Perspective
Chest tightness and difficulty breathing? I feel a tightness in my chest, and when I lie down, my breathing becomes more difficult, especially after eating, but the effects of the food have not helped.
Dr. Hou Angting Reply:
Hello Mr. Ming, there are many possible causes, so it is recommended to visit a hospital for examination.[Read More] Understanding Chest Tightness and Breathing Difficulties: A Family Medicine Perspective
Understanding Frequent Hunger: Is It Diabetes or Something Else?
I've been feeling hungry very easily lately? Doctor, I've been feeling very hungry lately. Even after a full meal, I start feeling hungry again in less than half an hour. I still feel hungry even when I'm full. I consulted with a health advisor over the phone, and ...
Dr. Hou Angting Reply:
Hello Miss Xiao Ling, there are many possible causes for this, so it is recommended to visit a hospital for examination.[Read More] Understanding Frequent Hunger: Is It Diabetes or Something Else?
Understanding Multiple Health Issues: A Guide for Patients During COVID-19
Experiencing multiple physical discomforts and not knowing where to start? Since the level 3 alert, I have experienced many physical discomforts, ranging from gastroenteritis to autonomic nervous system disorders. I have visited the family medicine clinic several times. Initially...
Dr. Wu Zongying Reply:
Hello: Based on your letter, it is difficult to accurately respond to your questions. Regarding issues such as chest pain and back pain, if they are not caused by a specific illness (which requires further examination to determine), you may improve your condition by increasing ph...[Read More] Understanding Multiple Health Issues: A Guide for Patients During COVID-19
Understanding Right Abdominal Skin Redness and Pain: When to Seek Help
Redness of the skin in the right abdominal area without itching and tenderness upon palpation? Hello Doctor, due to the pandemic, I am hesitant to go to the hospital. My issue began today (May 20), and I experienced it once in April and twice in March. I recall that during all th...
Dr. Chen Bozhang Reply:
Dear Mr. Feng Gai, In your letter, you mentioned experiencing recurrent abdominal pain and redness upon abdominal palpation. Without a physical examination, it is not possible to determine the underlying cause. I recommend that you go directly to the hospital and consult with a...[Read More] Understanding Right Abdominal Skin Redness and Pain: When to Seek Help
Managing Mild Numbness in Hands and Feet After Alcohol Inhalation
Mild tingling sensation in the hands and feet? Hello Doctor, yesterday while cleaning the mattress with 75% alcohol, I leaned in to check for any lingering odors and inadvertently inhaled a significant amount of alcohol. A few minutes later, I began to experience shortness of bre...
Dr. Chen Bozhang Reply:
Hello Mr. Dawei: You are experiencing dizziness and intermittent mild numbness in your hands and feet due to inhaling a significant amount of alcohol. It is recommended to open the doors and windows for ventilation, take deep breaths, and drink plenty of plain water (at least 250...[Read More] Managing Mild Numbness in Hands and Feet After Alcohol Inhalation
Persistent Fever Above 37.2°C for Two Weeks: When to Seek Medical Help?
A body temperature above 37.2°C for two consecutive weeks? Thank you, doctor, for your response despite your busy schedule! I started experiencing headaches, skin itching, and a temperature ranging from 37.4 to 36.8 degrees Celsius since May 14, which has continued until today (M...
Dr. Chen Bozhang Reply:
Hello, You mentioned that you have a slightly elevated body temperature, accompanied by fatigue, a headache, and a sore throat. Given these symptoms during the pandemic, if they persist, it is advisable to contact your local health department to arrange for an appointment at a ...[Read More] Persistent Fever Above 37.2°C for Two Weeks: When to Seek Medical Help?
Understanding Blood Test Results: Concerns About Lymphocytes and Monocytes
Please ask questions regarding blood draws and related issues? Hello Doctor, about a year ago, I started follow-ups in family medicine due to a liver enzyme level of 60. I was advised to have blood tests every three to six months. Later, during one of the tests, my lymphocyte cou...
Dr. Xiao Yongxun Reply:
1. White blood cells are classified into neutrophils, eosinophils, basophils, lymphocytes, monocytes, etc., each with its own reference range. 2. Their distribution can vary due to different diseases or physiological states. Atypical lymphocytes may appear in peripheral blood dur...[Read More] Understanding Blood Test Results: Concerns About Lymphocytes and Monocytes
Can Family Doctors Treat Inflammation of the Glans and Foreskin?
Inflammation of the glans and foreskin? Hello Doctor: My glans is slightly red, the inner side of the foreskin is red, and the glans is very sensitive to touch. Can this be managed by a family doctor? I cannot afford the high fees of a urologist. Thank you for taking the time to ...
Dr. Xiao Yongxun Reply:
Dear Mr. Anonymous: Inflammation of the glans and foreskin typically requires a physician's examination and medical history inquiry to differentiate between a general inflammatory response or a specific sexually transmitted infection. Sometimes, blood tests may also be neces...[Read More] Can Family Doctors Treat Inflammation of the Glans and Foreskin?
Understanding One-Sided Calf Pain: When to See a Doctor
Soreness in the left calf muscles? Is it possible for restless legs syndrome to occur in only one leg, especially when experiencing severe pain in just one calf without any coldness or tingling in the lower extremities? Should I schedule an appointment with a family medicine phys...
Dr. Liao Yaopan Reply:
Hello, it is recommended to seek in-person medical evaluation. The listed specialties are available for online consultation, but this is not equivalent to an in-person visit and cannot provide a diagnosis or treatment recommendations. Changhua Hospital cares about you.[Read More] Understanding One-Sided Calf Pain: When to See a Doctor
Understanding Body Odor: Is It Linked to Liver Health?
Body odor issues, liver problems? Hello, doctor: Over the past year, I suddenly developed body odor, which I never had before. It started with my armpits, and for the past six months, the odor has spread to my entire body. (I do not have issues with obesity.) I used to apply anti...
Dr. Chen Bozhang Reply:
Hello, everyone's physical condition varies, and the information available online may not always be accurate. If you have concerns, it is advisable to visit a family medicine physician for professional consultation. Thank you.[Read More] Understanding Body Odor: Is It Linked to Liver Health?
Unexplained Weight Loss: Possible Causes and Concerns Beyond Cancer
Weight has been consistently decreasing? Hello doctor, I haven't been on a special diet for the past three months, but my weight has dropped from 50 kg to 47 kg. I visited a family medicine clinic nearby, and the doctor conducted many tests. All stool tests came back normal,...
Dr. Liao Yaopan Reply:
Hello, unexplained weight loss should still be monitored. If you have any concerns as mentioned above, you may discuss them further with your family physician or arrange for self-paid advanced imaging examinations. Maintaining a balanced diet and regular exercise is also an impor...[Read More] Unexplained Weight Loss: Possible Causes and Concerns Beyond Cancer
Leg Weakness and Numbness After Heavy Drinking: What to Do?
Alcohol abuse can lead to numbness and weakness in the legs? Hello Doctor: I have been drinking 2-3 bottles of red wine every day for the past three months, and recently I have noticed weakness and numbness in my legs, making it nearly impossible for me to walk. Which department ...
Dr. Huang Hongshuo Reply:
Long-term excessive alcohol consumption can lead to malnutrition, particularly deficiencies in vitamins and minerals, and it also increases the risk of chronic pancreatitis, alcoholic liver disease (fatty liver or cirrhosis), pharyngeal cancer, and esophageal cancer. Weakness and...[Read More] Leg Weakness and Numbness After Heavy Drinking: What to Do?
Which Specialist Should I See for Chronic Knee Pain?
For a long-standing chronic illness, it's unclear which specialty to consult? Since experiencing severe knee pain while climbing stairs several years ago, I have had recurrent episodes. Initially, my knee feels uncomfortable (it feels very tight while walking), followed by s...
Dr. Liao Yaopan Reply:
Hello, if the orthopedic consultation has confirmed that there are no issues, it is recommended to seek further evaluation from a rheumatologist. Please note that online consultations are not equivalent to in-person visits and cannot provide diagnoses or treatment recommendations...[Read More] Which Specialist Should I See for Chronic Knee Pain?
Understanding HIV Infection Risks: Common Concerns and Testing Options
Risk of HIV Infection Doctor, I apologize, but I have two questions to address. 1. Today, after work, a colleague helped me move my car, and during the process, his fingernail accidentally cut my finger, causing a small amount of bleeding. I didn't pay special attention to...
Dr. Chen Bozhang Reply:
Dear Mr. H: Regarding the two situations mentioned in your letter, the likelihood of being infected with the HIV virus is almost nonexistent. The transmission routes for HIV include unprotected sexual intercourse, blood contact or transfusion, sharing needles with an HIV-infect...[Read More] Understanding HIV Infection Risks: Common Concerns and Testing Options
Understanding Left Armpit Pain: Causes, Treatment, and Recovery Time
Left axillary pain? Hello, doctor. Two weeks ago, I started experiencing pain and swelling in my left armpit. The pain lasted for three days, after which I went to the hospital and consulted a family medicine doctor. The doctor diagnosed it as a bacterial infection (I had changed...
Dr. Liao Yaopan Reply:
Hello, if the symptoms persist, please have your parents accompany you for a follow-up appointment to discuss the changes in your condition with the treating physician. Online consultations are not equivalent to in-person visits and cannot provide diagnoses or treatment recommend...[Read More] Understanding Left Armpit Pain: Causes, Treatment, and Recovery Time
Unintentional Weight Loss: Should You Be Concerned?
Weight decreased by 5 kilograms within four months? Hello Doctor: I am 168 cm tall and four months ago I weighed around 78 kg. Today I weighed myself again and it is 73 kg. During these four months, my eating and drinking habits have been generally normal, but I do have a habit o...
Dr. Wu Zongying Reply:
Hello: As you mentioned in your letter, cancer can indeed cause weight loss. However, the likelihood of a twenty-year-old developing cancer is low. Other common conditions that can lead to weight loss include anxiety, depression, insomnia, loss of appetite, diabetes, and thyroid ...[Read More] Unintentional Weight Loss: Should You Be Concerned?
Can Patients with Favism Safely Use B-Complex Supplements?
Can individuals with G6PD deficiency take pharmaceutical-grade B vitamins? After starting college, the child's physical condition has been deteriorating. I would like to ask the physician if the child with G6PD deficiency can take Heptaminol EX or Aspartame EX? Active ingred...
Dr. Chen Bozhang Reply:
Dear Ms. Lanting, In response to your inquiry regarding the health supplements He Li Ta Ming EX and Ai Si Fei Te EX, both products are composed of a combination of B vitamins and do not contain substances that would trigger hemolytic reactions in patients with G6PD deficiency. T...[Read More] Can Patients with Favism Safely Use B-Complex Supplements?
Understanding Anal Issues: When to See a Family Medicine Specialist
Anal issues Recently, I noticed a round lump near my anus and I'm not sure which medical specialty I should consult.
Dr. Liao Yaopan Reply:
Hello, please note that an online consultation with a colorectal specialist is not equivalent to an in-person visit, and it cannot provide a diagnosis or treatment recommendations. Changhua Hospital cares about you.[Read More] Understanding Anal Issues: When to See a Family Medicine Specialist
Which Specialist to See for Leg Pain and Cramps?
Which department should I consult for leg pain? You should see an orthopedic specialist or a neurologist for your symptoms.
Dr. Chen Bozhang Reply:
Hello! It is recommended to consult with a family medicine clinic first. Thank you![Read More] Which Specialist to See for Leg Pain and Cramps?
Understanding Night Sweats and Heat Sensations in Men Over 50
At night, there may be an inexplicable feeling of heat and night sweats? Hello doctor, I am a 51-year-old male with no physical discomfort or cold symptoms, but recently I have been experiencing unexplained feelings of heat and night sweats after 9:00 PM every day for the past we...
Dr. Chen Bozhang Reply:
Hello! It is recommended to consult with a family medicine clinic. Thank you![Read More] Understanding Night Sweats and Heat Sensations in Men Over 50