Understanding Upper Right Back Pain: When to Seek Medical Attention
Pain in the upper right back? On December 7th, after dinner, I rested and experienced severe pain in the upper right side of my back, to the point where I couldn't move at all. The pain was so intense that I couldn't sleep at night; it came in waves and felt like sharp ...
Dr. Huang Hongshuo Reply:
Hello: This pain is accompanied by numbness and tingling, so nerve compression pain should be prioritized. Right back pain needs to rule out cholecystitis, kidney stones, and ureteral stones, followed by pancreatitis. Please visit a nearby hospital's family medicine departme...[Read More] Understanding Upper Right Back Pain: When to Seek Medical Attention
Understanding Autonomic Nervous System Disorders: When to Seek Help
Suspected autonomic nervous system dysfunction? Hello Doctor, I suspect that I may have a problem with autonomic nervous system dysfunction, but I'm unsure whether to first consult a family physician or go directly to a neurologist or psychiatrist. I have already seen variou...
Dr. Liao Yaopan Reply:
Hello, it is recommended that you consult a psychiatrist to help address your discomfort. We hope to assist you in finding a suitable stress relief method. Please note that online consultations are not equivalent to in-person medical visits and cannot provide diagnoses or treatme...[Read More] Understanding Autonomic Nervous System Disorders: When to Seek Help
Is Online Symptom Checking Reliable? Insights from Family Medicine
Online symptom search Hello, doctor. I would like to ask if the medical information found online is reliable. Recently, whenever I experience minor symptoms, I search online and find that they are often associated with serious diseases, such as cancer. I then researched related c...
Dr. Liao Yaopan Reply:
Hello, there is a lot of information available online, and its accuracy can be debated. If you experience any physical discomfort, it is advisable to seek a medical evaluation in person. Changhua Hospital cares about you.[Read More] Is Online Symptom Checking Reliable? Insights from Family Medicine
Should I Worry About Brain Tumors? Understanding Headaches and Memory Issues
Worried about a brain tumor? Hello, doctor. I have been experiencing some headaches and a bit of forgetfulness. I'm worried that I might have a brain tumor, but after visiting two family medicine doctors, they both said it's a minor issue. However, I am still very conce...
Dr. Wu Zongying Reply:
There are many causes of headaches, and while cases of brain tumors are relatively rare, they cannot be completely ruled out. In the past, some patients with brain tumors only underwent further examination after experiencing additional symptoms beyond headaches, such as visual di...[Read More] Should I Worry About Brain Tumors? Understanding Headaches and Memory Issues
Understanding Low Blood Pressure: Causes and Concerns in Family Medicine
Regarding the issue of low blood pressure? Hello Doctor, I would like to inquire about blood pressure issues. Both my husband and I generally have low blood pressure; when sitting, it usually measures around the 90s/60s, and at its highest, it can reach around 100s/70s, while at ...
Dr. Wu Zongying Reply:
Hello: Actually, lying flat does not lower systolic blood pressure; your dizziness may need to be considered in light of other issues. Generally speaking, if blood pressure is slightly below normal but there are no underlying heart conditions or discomfort, there is no need for c...[Read More] Understanding Low Blood Pressure: Causes and Concerns in Family Medicine
Understanding Chest and Back Pain: When to Seek Medical Help
Chest pain and back pain issues? Hello Doctor: About two years ago, I suddenly woke up in the middle of the night due to severe stabbing pain near my heart. In the afternoon, I experienced the same type of pain again. A few days later, I had similar severe stabbing pain on the ri...
Dr. Chen Bozhang Reply:
Hello Ms. Chen: You mentioned experiencing intermittent pain near your heart, which resembles symptoms commonly referred to as palpitations. This may stem from abnormal heartbeats or issues with other organs. It is advisable for you to visit a cardiology or family medicine clinic...[Read More] Understanding Chest and Back Pain: When to Seek Medical Help
Can You Safely Combine Viagra with Blood Pressure and Nexium Medications?
Do medications have interactions or produce side effects? Currently, I am taking antihypertensive medication (Cozaar 50mg) and Nexium 40mg, one tablet each daily. Can I also take Viagra or similar medications? If so, are there any potential side effects? Thank you!
Dr. Chen Bozhang Reply:
Hello! It is advisable to consult your attending physician or visit a family medicine clinic for inquiries. Thank you![Read More] Can You Safely Combine Viagra with Blood Pressure and Nexium Medications?
Understanding Related Secretions in Family Medicine Inquiries
Follow-up questions regarding infection issues? Hello doctor, I am following up on case 162477. Could you please clarify what you mean by related secretions? Thank you.
Dr. Ye Qianyu Reply:
Hello! It refers to blood, skin interstitial fluid, wound exudate, and sputum from coughing, etc.[Read More] Understanding Related Secretions in Family Medicine Inquiries
Concerns About Infection Risks After Ultrasound Exam in Family Medicine
Infection issues Hello, doctor. I went for an ultrasound examination, and the examination bed was not covered with disposable paper; it looked like a regular hospital bed. I had to lie down for the exam, and since I had to lift my clothes, my skin inevitably came into contact wit...
Dr. Ye Qianyu Reply:
Hello! Based on your description, if there are no relevant secretions within your reach, there should be no risk of infection.[Read More] Concerns About Infection Risks After Ultrasound Exam in Family Medicine
COVID-19 Concerns and Vaccine Preparation: Your Family Medicine Questions
May I ask the doctor? Hello, I would like to ask the doctor two questions. Today, I went to Taipei for the first time in a long while. On the train, there were two or three Black individuals who were only wearing their masks over their mouths and not properly covering their noses...
Dr. Wu Zongying Reply:
Hello: The COVID-19 virus is primarily transmitted through droplets or contact. If the two individuals were not sneezing or talking at that time, and you were wearing a mask, along with washing your hands after leaving the train, you should generally be at low risk of infection. ...[Read More] COVID-19 Concerns and Vaccine Preparation: Your Family Medicine Questions
Understanding Dizziness and Blurred Vision After Sudden Movements
Please ask your question? Hello, doctor. I was lying down using my phone and suddenly got up to help grab something, and I experienced sudden dizziness, unsteadiness, and slightly blurred vision. I would like to ask what kind of condition this might indicate. I was also a bit hun...
Dr. Xiao Yongxun Reply:
Dear Mr. Hsin: 1. It may be postural hypotension, which commonly occurs in individuals who sit or lie down for prolonged periods and lack physical activity. 2. Theoretically, it is not due to a vascular rupture; if there were a rupture of an intracranial vessel, whether arteri...[Read More] Understanding Dizziness and Blurred Vision After Sudden Movements
Understanding Cholesterol and Liver Enzymes: Risks and Recommendations
Cholesterol issues? Hello Dr. Hsiao, about a year ago, I had blood tests done at the family medicine department of the hospital and found that my ALT liver enzyme levels were around 40-60, and my cholesterol levels were 217, 207, and 224. During my last school health check, my li...
Dr. Xiao Yongxun Reply:
Dear Mr. Cc: 1. If total cholesterol and low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol levels are elevated over the long term, the risk of cardiovascular diseases, cerebrovascular diseases, and peripheral artery diseases increases. Clinical management primarily involves lifestyle mo...[Read More] Understanding Cholesterol and Liver Enzymes: Risks and Recommendations
Understanding Chest Pain: When to See a Family Medicine Specialist
Chest pain? Recently, I have experienced sharp chest pain in the middle of my chest when inhaling, and I sometimes feel a sudden sharp pain and tightness while speaking. However, the pain does not last long, usually not more than ten minutes. If I feel pain while inhaling, restin...
Dr. Liao Yaopan Reply:
Hello, regarding chest pain, it is advisable to consult with a cardiologist and a pulmonologist for an evaluation of potential causes. Online consultations are not equivalent to in-person medical visits and cannot provide diagnoses or treatment recommendations. Changhua Hospital ...[Read More] Understanding Chest Pain: When to See a Family Medicine Specialist
Can I Take Doxepin and Rifampin Together Safely?
Can Du Shiping and Rifampicin be taken together? The otolaryngologist prescribed me Rifampicin 0.5 mg for the treatment of tinnitus to be taken before bedtime. I have been taking it for nearly 9 months and recently developed a shingles rash. The dermatologist prescribed me Doxepi...
Dr. Chen Bozhang Reply:
Hello Mr. Eagle: Both Lyrica (Pregabalin) and Duloxetine have anxiolytic effects and can aid in sleep. Using them together may enhance the sedative effect; this might be acceptable for patients with long-term severe sleep disorders, but for individuals without sleep issues, it co...[Read More] Can I Take Doxepin and Rifampin Together Safely?
Frequent Typing Errors: Understanding Possible Neurological Issues
I often make typos; even though the phonetic symbols I see are correct, the words I type come out wrong? Recently, for the past 1 to 2 months, I have been experiencing a frequent issue while typing on my phone. Although I intend to type the correct Zhuyin symbols in my mind, my f...
Dr. Chen Bozhang Reply:
Dear Anonymous Lady, In your recent letter, you mentioned that you often make typing errors on your phone. This may not necessarily indicate any pathological reason. You can start by raising both hands to see if you experience any tremors; pay attention to whether you have diffi...[Read More] Frequent Typing Errors: Understanding Possible Neurological Issues
Understanding Redness in Fingertips: When to Seek Medical Advice
Redness at the fingertips? Hello Dr. Chen: My wife recently noticed that the tips of her ten fingers (the distal phalanges) are red compared to the rest of her fingers and palms. Although she currently feels fine, she would like to get it checked at a hospital, but she is unsure ...
Dr. Chen Bozhang Reply:
Dear Mr. Lee, In your letter, you mentioned that your wife's first finger joints on all ten fingers appear red. If there is no pain or numbness and the range of motion in the joints is normal, there is no need for concern and no special examination is required. However, if ...[Read More] Understanding Redness in Fingertips: When to Seek Medical Advice
Understanding Unexplained Upper Back Pain: When to Seek Medical Help
Unknown back pain Hello, I am a 29-year-old male, 178 cm tall, and weighing 62 kg. About two weeks ago, I noticed that I experience pain in the upper middle part of my back when I take a deep breath, but there is no discomfort during normal breathing. Additionally, I feel pain in...
Dr. Wu Zongying Reply:
Based on your symptoms, it appears to be primarily a neuromuscular issue. The lungs do not have sensory nerves, so if there is pain, it is usually related to the surrounding thoracic structures. If you also experience symptoms such as cough, fever, or chills, it is more likely to...[Read More] Understanding Unexplained Upper Back Pain: When to Seek Medical Help
Loss of Appetite and Weight: What Tests Should You Consider?
In the past three weeks, there has been a loss of appetite, and weight has decreased by nearly 5 kilograms. What tests should be conducted? Hello, Doctor. I have been experiencing a loss of appetite, and over the past three weeks, I have lost nearly 5 kilograms. I'm unsure i...
Dr. Ye Qianyu Reply:
Hello! Based on your description of decreased appetite and weight loss over the past three weeks, it is recommended that you bring your previous examination reports and visit a family medicine outpatient clinic for evaluation.[Read More] Loss of Appetite and Weight: What Tests Should You Consider?
Is the HPV Vaccine Suitable for Males Aged 45? A Guide
HPV vaccination administration Is it true that the quadrivalent HPV vaccine is also suitable for males? Is it appropriate for a 45-year-old? Which department should I consult? Thank you.
Dr. Ye Qianyu Reply:
Hello! Males can also receive the HPV vaccine, which can prevent conditions such as genital warts, oropharyngeal cancer, penile cancer, and anal cancer. However, it is currently available only on a self-pay basis. You can visit the Centers for Disease Control website (https://www...[Read More] Is the HPV Vaccine Suitable for Males Aged 45? A Guide
Understanding Neck Tension and Its Impact on Left-Side Symptoms
Shoulder and neck tension along with issues on the left side of the body? Initially, I experienced tightness in my neck and went to an orthopedic specialist for an X-ray, which indicated a straightening of the cervical spine. However, there hasn't been much improvement. Duri...
Dr. Ye Qianyu Reply:
Hello! Based on your description of left shoulder joint pain, left lower back and left hip pain, as well as left knee joint pain, it seems that these issues may be related to different areas. Please observe the nature of the pain and any triggering factors more closely. I recomme...[Read More] Understanding Neck Tension and Its Impact on Left-Side Symptoms