Understanding Unexplained Physical Discomfort: A Family Medicine Perspective
Physical discomfort? Hello, doctor. I've been feeling unwell for quite some time now. Last year, I was taken to the hospital due to sudden dizziness, and since then, my body has felt strange. I experience a peculiar sensation in my chest that I can't quite describe; if ...
Dr. Huang Xunying Reply:
It is recommended to visit a hospital for a thorough examination to ensure early diagnosis and treatment.[Read More] Understanding Unexplained Physical Discomfort: A Family Medicine Perspective
Understanding Painful Movable Lump in the Right Lower Abdomen
There is a small lump in the right lower abdomen that is painful when pressed? Hello Doctor: For the past two days, I have been experiencing pain when pressing on the right lower abdomen (above the pubic hair). Upon closer examination, I can feel a small, soft, movable lump. Over...
Dr. Xu Peiqi Reply:
Hello: The most common situation is lymphadenopathy, often caused by an infection! If it improves on its own in a few days, you can just monitor it! However, if the symptoms persist, you can seek medical evaluation from a general internist or family medicine physician![Read More] Understanding Painful Movable Lump in the Right Lower Abdomen
Understanding Left Lower Abdominal Pain: A Comprehensive Guide
Left lower abdominal pain? Hello, Doctor: About two months ago, I started experiencing intermittent dull pain in my left lower abdomen at night, which later became a constant pain. I also felt soreness in my left back. I have consulted several specialists: 1. Family Medicine - Th...
Dr. Hou Angting Reply:
Hello, Miss Barley. Given your current situation, it is advisable to wait for the culture report to come back and discuss it with your doctor for the best course of action. Additionally, if you frequently experience symptoms after menstruation, it is recommended to consult with a...[Read More] Understanding Left Lower Abdominal Pain: A Comprehensive Guide
Do Adults Need One or Two Doses of Chickenpox Vaccine?
Number of doses for adult self-paid varicella vaccination? Hello, doctor. I received a private varicella vaccine when I was a child. Recently, during a health check-up at the age of 30, I found out that I no longer have antibodies. When I inquired about varicella vaccine informat...
Dr. Cai Dongqi Reply:
Hello, since your antibody report does not provide clear information about your actual condition, it is recommended that you return to the hospital for a check-up with a family medicine physician or a relevant specialist for confirmation.[Read More] Do Adults Need One or Two Doses of Chickenpox Vaccine?
Struggling with Sleep Issues and Lactose Intolerance: Seeking Solutions
Severe sleep disturbances but with lactose intolerance? Hello Doctor: I often feel exhausted after spending the whole day at work or out on weekends, yet I struggle to fall asleep. I frequently hear people say that if you can't sleep, it's because you're not tired ...
Dr. Xu Peiqi Reply:
Hello: If you have already tried to improve your sleep habits, such as going to bed at the same time, avoiding intense activities an hour before sleep, maintaining a regular exercise routine, and not eating a heavy dinner, but still cannot improve your sleep condition, it is advi...[Read More] Struggling with Sleep Issues and Lactose Intolerance: Seeking Solutions
Understanding Numbness and Headaches: When to Seek Medical Advice
Numbness in the limbs and headache? Hello, Doctor Yeh. Yesterday afternoon, after waking up from a nap, I felt soreness in my lower body, and I'm not sure if it was caused by exercising at the gym the day before. About an hour later, I started experiencing a dull headache, s...
Dr. Ye Qianyu Reply:
Hello! Based on your description, the symptoms are non-specific. I recommend that you visit a nearby family medicine or general internal medicine clinic. Please recall if you have traveled in the past two weeks and check if any family members or friends have experienced fever or ...[Read More] Understanding Numbness and Headaches: When to Seek Medical Advice
Right Abdomen Enlargement and Limb Pain: Possible Ovarian Issues?
Enlargement of the right abdomen with pain in the right arm and leg? About a year ago, I suddenly experienced soreness in my right arm and right leg, which lasted for several days before improving. This pattern continued intermittently until earlier this year when I noticed that ...
Dr. Chen Bozhang Reply:
Dear Ms. Renee, In your letter, you mentioned experiencing frequent pain in your right limbs, an increase in the size of your right abdomen, and susceptibility to edema over the past year. There are many possible causes for these symptoms. I recommend that you consult a family m...[Read More] Right Abdomen Enlargement and Limb Pain: Possible Ovarian Issues?
Understanding Abnormal White Blood Cell Percentages: When to Consult Family Medicine
Abnormal percentage of white blood cell differential? Hello Doctor: My lab report shows the following abnormalities: Neutrophil %: 77.4 (reference range: 41.7-73.7%); Lymphocyte %: 14.8 (reference range: 18.4-45.0%); Eosinophil %: 0.6 (reference range: 0.7-8.1%); Globulin: 2.60 (...
Dr. Cai Dongqi Reply:
Hello, it is recommended that you provide a report for your ongoing physician to evaluate, so they can determine whether a referral or consultation for treatment is necessary.[Read More] Understanding Abnormal White Blood Cell Percentages: When to Consult Family Medicine
Can Touching Stray Cats and Dogs Abroad Lead to Infections?
Is there a risk of contracting diseases from petting local stray cats and dogs while abroad? Hello Doctor, last week I traveled to Turkey and touched some stray cats and dogs. I can't remember if I washed my hands before eating. Could I be infected with any diseases from the...
Dr. Chen Bozhang Reply:
Hello, Anonymous Lady: You mentioned that you touched local stray cats and dogs while traveling in Turkey. If you do not have any wounds on your hands, it is unlikely that you would contract any contact-transmitted diseases. If you experience any symptoms of discomfort, please vi...[Read More] Can Touching Stray Cats and Dogs Abroad Lead to Infections?
Understanding Family Medicine: When to Seek Help for Arm Pain and Swelling
Which specialty should I see? 1. There is a lump on the upper arm, approximately the size of a nickel. It is painful when pressed and feels hard. The entire upper arm is somewhat uncomfortable. 2. The same wrist is experiencing soreness and pain, but it is uncertain if this is ...
Dr. Liao Yaopan Reply:
Hello, regarding your condition, it is recommended that you first consult your family physician for an evaluation, and then determine if a referral to another specialty is necessary. Please note: online consultations are not equivalent to in-person visits and cannot provide diagn...[Read More] Understanding Family Medicine: When to Seek Help for Arm Pain and Swelling
Understanding Upper Body Pain: When to See a Doctor
Body pain In the past few months, I have been experiencing intermittent pain in my upper body, but it feels different from regular soreness. I'm not sure how to describe it; I feel pain in my back, lungs, and throat, but it's not severe—just a persistent discomfort that...
Dr. Ye Qianyu Reply:
Hello! Based on your description, the symptoms appear to be non-specific. The physician may need to inquire further about your medical history. It is recommended that you visit a general internal medicine or family medicine clinic. Thank you for your question, and I wish you a sp...[Read More] Understanding Upper Body Pain: When to See a Doctor
Rabies Concerns After Bat Encounter: Should You Get Vaccinated?
Rabies-related issues? Hello Dr. Hsiao, Three days ago, I accidentally stepped lightly on a bat that was crawling and unable to fly (it appeared to be an adult bat) while on the road. My father used a toothpick he had to touch the bat's claws to check if it was alive, inten...
Dr. Xiao Yongxun Reply:
Dear Ms. Kiki: 1. According to the regulations announced by the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) in Taiwan on May 3, 2019, exposure to wild mammals (such as weasels, civets, Taitung city money mice, bats, etc.) classified as Category II or above requires immediate medical atten...[Read More] Rabies Concerns After Bat Encounter: Should You Get Vaccinated?
Understanding Nausea, Sleep Issues, and Anxiety: A Family Medicine Perspective
Nausea and sleep disturbances? I've been feeling nauseous at the sight of food lately. Although I get hungry, I can only eat a few bites before I feel like vomiting. Basically, the only things I can tolerate are water and soup. Sometimes I only eat one or two meals a day. I&...
Dr. Ye Qianyu Reply:
Hello! It is recommended that you visit a gastroenterology clinic. If symptoms such as anxiety and panic do not improve in the short term, you may also need to consult a psychiatry department. Thank you for your inquiry, and I wish you a speedy recovery![Read More] Understanding Nausea, Sleep Issues, and Anxiety: A Family Medicine Perspective
Managing Hypertension and Other Three Highs: When to See a Specialist?
Three high issues (Hypertension, Hyperglycemia, Hyper Hello Doctor: Recently, during a routine health check for adults, I discovered issues related to the "three highs" (hypertension, hyperlipidemia, and hyperglycemia), particularly with consistently elevated blood pres...
Dr. Ye Qianyu Reply:
Hello! Based on your description, issues related to the three highs (hypertension, hyperlipidemia, and hyperglycemia) should be suitable for treatment in family medicine. If your family physician believes your condition is unstable, they will likely refer you to the appropriate s...[Read More] Managing Hypertension and Other Three Highs: When to See a Specialist?
Understanding Your Health Check Report: Key Insights on Kidney Function and Cholesterol
Regarding the health examination report? Hello, doctor. I had an adult health check at the health center in April and have some questions. Currently, the test results show some issues: GOT: 18 (normal range 0-39), GPT: 15 (normal range 0-41), creatinine: 1.0 (<1.3), and glomer...
Dr. Xiao Yongxun Reply:
Dear Mr. Anonymous: 1. Estimated Glomerular Filtration Rate (eGFR): The commonly used formula is MDRD-Simplified GFR (mL/min/1.73 m²) = 186 × Scr⁻¹.154 × Age⁻⁰.²⁰³ × 0.742 (if female). 2. Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD) refers to kidney damage due to long-term inflammation (such a...[Read More] Understanding Your Health Check Report: Key Insights on Kidney Function and Cholesterol
Understanding Sleep Issues and CPR Confusion: A Family Medicine Perspective
Sleep issues and concerns about CPR? Hello, doctor. I have two questions regarding issues that have arisen around me. First, a friend of mine has a work schedule where he usually gets home around 7 PM and doesn't go to bed until 2 or 3 AM. He then has to wake up at 7 AM to...
Dr. Xiao Yongxun Reply:
Dear Ms. Yu: 1. The human sleep cycle can be divided into Rapid Eye Movement (REM) sleep and Non-Rapid Eye Movement (NREM) sleep, which alternate throughout the night, typically cycling 3 to 5 times. The brain regions that control the sleep-wake cycle (circadian rhythm) include ...[Read More] Understanding Sleep Issues and CPR Confusion: A Family Medicine Perspective
What Are the Risks of Delayed Medical Treatment After Shampoo Ingestion?
What are the potential effects of ingesting shampoo if medical treatment is not sought immediately? Hello, doctor! A family member recently ingested approximately 200-300 ml of shampoo at a mental health care facility. The facility indicated that they needed to observe the situat...
Dr. Chen Bozhang Reply:
Dear Ms. Min, In the case of accidental ingestion of shampoo, it is important to seek medical evaluation to assess gastrointestinal health and to conduct blood tests to check for any impact on liver and kidney function. After your family member ingested 200-300 ml of shampoo and...[Read More] What Are the Risks of Delayed Medical Treatment After Shampoo Ingestion?
Understanding Dizziness and Chest Discomfort After Meals: A Medical Perspective
Experiencing dizziness and chest tightness with a desire to take deep breaths often occurs after lunch or during meals? Mid-February: After dinner (Big Mac) at 7:00 PM, I felt dizzy and had chest tightness, which made me want to take deep breaths. The dizziness was severe enough ...
Dr. Cai Dongqi Reply:
Hello, based on the symptoms you described, it seems you may be experiencing psychosomatic issues due to life stress rather than a specific disease. The focus should be on gastrointestinal health and lifestyle adjustments. I recommend that you consult a psychiatrist or a speciali...[Read More] Understanding Dizziness and Chest Discomfort After Meals: A Medical Perspective
Can You Fully Recover from Hypertension or Is Lifelong Medication Necessary?
Once hypertension is diagnosed, is it irreversible? Hello, I found that most information online suggests that hypertension requires lifelong medication, so I would like to ask if once diagnosed with hypertension, it cannot be reversed? Is it necessary to continue taking medicatio...
Dr. Chen Bozhang Reply:
Hello: In response to your inquiry about whether hypertension, once acquired, is irreversible, the causes of hypertension are quite complex. Generally, long-term hypertension that is difficult to reverse includes intrinsic factors such as genetic predisposition, age, cardiovascul...[Read More] Can You Fully Recover from Hypertension or Is Lifelong Medication Necessary?
Understanding Extreme Heat Tolerance and Cold Sensitivity: A Medical Inquiry
Health consultation: extreme constitution of being heat-sensitive and fear of cold air conditioning? Hello Doctor, my condition is that I am more sensitive to cold compared to others, but I can tolerate heat well. Additionally, I have a fear of air conditioning. Here is my experi...
Dr. Chen Bozhang Reply:
Dear Thermophilic Bacteria, Your letter mentions that for several years you have experienced an extreme sensitivity to cold and a fear of air conditioning. Such experiences can indeed be very unpleasant and can lead to strong negative thoughts in air-conditioned environments. Ba...[Read More] Understanding Extreme Heat Tolerance and Cold Sensitivity: A Medical Inquiry