Understanding Left Upper Abdominal Pain: Insights from Family Medicine
Left upper abdominal pain? Hello Doctor, I am the student Chen (#143579) who previously consulted with the pulmonology department. I had an X-ray done, and the results were normal. Does this mean that we can rule out any issues related to the thoracic cavity?
Dr. Ye Qianyu Reply:
Hello! If you have already been examined by a pulmonologist and your X-ray results appear to be fine for now, it's important to note that sometimes the progression of a condition may take time. I recommend that if you continue to feel unwell, you should have regular follow-u...[Read More] Understanding Left Upper Abdominal Pain: Insights from Family Medicine
Understanding Tetanus and Diphtheria Vaccination for Adults
Questions related to vaccination? Hello, doctor. I heard that the Tdap vaccine for tetanus and diphtheria loses its effectiveness at my age. I am considering getting a booster shot. Could you please help me with the following questions: 1. Is it easy to get infected with tetanus?...
Dr. Xiao Yongxun Reply:
Dear Mr. JKL: 1. General surgical wounds can potentially become infected with Clostridium tetani, the bacteria that causes tetanus. The risk is higher for wounds caused by rusty nails, those resulting from car accidents, dirty wounds, or deeper injuries. Therefore, in many hospi...[Read More] Understanding Tetanus and Diphtheria Vaccination for Adults
Interpreting Health Check Results: Urological and Liver Function Concerns
Interpretation of Health Check Report Hello Dr. Hsu: I recently underwent a health examination and would like your assistance in interpreting some indices related to potential urinary tract issues and liver function abnormalities. Thank you. Urine protein qualitative test: +/- ...
Dr. Xu Peiqi Reply:
Health check reports only provide partial examination values. For a definitive diagnosis, it is recommended to schedule an appointment with a physician, either a general internist or a family medicine doctor.[Read More] Interpreting Health Check Results: Urological and Liver Function Concerns
Understanding and Managing Eyelid Twitching: Causes and Solutions
Eyelid twitching Hello, doctor. Recently, I have been experiencing intermittent twitching in the lower eyelid of my right eye (when I look in the mirror, it moves left and right). This has been ongoing for several days. Initially, it occurred about once every few minutes, but now...
Dr. Xu Peiqi Reply:
Hello Ken, thank you for your question. If eyelid twitching occurs without accompanying symptoms such as facial nerve paralysis on one side or limb dysfunction, there is generally no need for excessive concern. However, if the twitching causes discomfort or affects your daily lif...[Read More] Understanding and Managing Eyelid Twitching: Causes and Solutions
Understanding Open Wounds: Skin Irritation and HIV Infection Risks
Questions about skin abrasions and infections? A skin abrasion without bleeding that is red and painful to the touch is considered an open wound. If this wound comes into contact with HIV-infected blood, there is a potential risk of infection. However, the risk of HIV transmissio...
Dr. Xiao Yongxun Reply:
Dear Mr. Anonymous: 1. The skin can be divided into the epidermis, dermis, and subcutaneous tissue. The epidermis is composed of keratinocytes and can be further divided from the deepest to the most superficial layers into the stratum basale, stratum spinosum, stratum granulosum...[Read More] Understanding Open Wounds: Skin Irritation and HIV Infection Risks
Understanding Elevated Fasting Blood Sugar with Normal HbA1c Levels
Fasting blood glucose is elevated, but glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c) levels are normal? I have undergone five health check-ups over the past two years, and each time my fasting blood glucose has been around 110 mg/dL. However, my hemoglobin A1c has consistently been around 5.3%. Du...
Dr. Hou Angting Reply:
Currently, the diagnosis of diabetes is assessed based on both fasting blood glucose and glycated hemoglobin levels. According to your situation, a high fasting blood glucose level with a normal glycated hemoglobin level can rule out diabetes. However, it is important to maintain...[Read More] Understanding Elevated Fasting Blood Sugar with Normal HbA1c Levels
Understanding Your Anemia: Symptoms, Diagnosis, and Treatment Options
Dizziness and blurred vision? Hello Doctor: Below are my blood test results. Please evaluate what type of anemia I have: RBC—5.76, Hb 9.6, Hct 32.2, MCV 61.2, MCH 20.2, MCHC 32.9, PLT 318, RDW-SD 36, RDW-CV 17.6. My hemoglobin levels sometimes fluctuate between the low 10s and th...
Dr. Huang Xunying Reply:
Due to the severity of the anemia, it is recommended to directly follow up with a hematologist or a family medicine physician. There is a possibility of thalassemia combined with iron deficiency anemia. Therefore, please seek medical attention. Thank you.[Read More] Understanding Your Anemia: Symptoms, Diagnosis, and Treatment Options
Understanding Breathing Difficulties and Digestive Issues: A Comprehensive Guide
Shortness of breath? Hello Doctor, about three to five days ago, I started experiencing occasional discomfort in my chest, along with a feeling of shortness of breath. It's not that I can't breathe, but I feel the need to take deep breaths. When this sensation occurs, I...
Dr. Chen Bozhang Reply:
Dear Ms. Tsai, In your recent correspondence, you mentioned experiencing discomfort in your chest that makes you feel the need to take deep breaths, a sensation of bloating in your stomach, as well as frequent lower abdominal pain accompanied by diarrhea. Frequent urination is a...[Read More] Understanding Breathing Difficulties and Digestive Issues: A Comprehensive Guide
Unusual Symptoms: When to Rest or See a Doctor?
Which department to see? I noticed a strong metallic smell while eating, but my family members said they didn't smell anything. However, I smelled it again shortly after. Could it be that I'm just too tired? I also had a slight headache and felt a bit under the weather ...
Dr. Chen Bozhang Reply:
Dear Mr. Pp, You mentioned that you detected a metallic rust smell and experienced dizziness along with confusion about the date. It is uncertain whether there is a specific health issue or if this is merely a transient cognitive error. I recommend that you take some time to res...[Read More] Unusual Symptoms: When to Rest or See a Doctor?
Waking Up with Swollen and Painful Fingers: Causes and Solutions
Waking up with swollen and painful hands and fingers? Hello, I would like to ask: Recently, when I wake up every day, all five fingers on both hands are swollen and painful. However, after shaking my hands and massaging my fingers, they return to normal. This issue does not occur...
Dr. Cai Dongqi Reply:
Hello, it is recommended that you visit the family medicine department or obesity clinic at various hospitals for further follow-up.[Read More] Waking Up with Swollen and Painful Fingers: Causes and Solutions
Understanding Hepatitis A Testing After Travel: What You Need to Know
Hepatitis A testing Hello Dr. Tsai, I recently went hiking in the high mountains of Nepal. I had previously consulted with a family medicine doctor, who mentioned that since I only had 1 to 2 weeks before departure, the effectiveness of the hepatitis A vaccine would not be very g...
Dr. Cai Dongqi Reply:
Hello, generally speaking, the incubation period for hepatitis A is approximately 15 to 50 days, with an average of 28 to 30 days. It is recommended that you get tested around 30 days.[Read More] Understanding Hepatitis A Testing After Travel: What You Need to Know
Understanding Abnormal CBC Results: What High Blood Cell Counts Mean
Abnormal CBC in health check-up? I would like to ask 🙏 regarding my recent school health check results: WBC 8.43, RBC 5.96, Hb 16.2, Hct 48.5, MCV 81.4. All these values are highlighted in red. It seems that my red blood cell count is consistently a bit high. Could this be simply...
Dr. Cai Dongqi Reply:
Hello, the values are within the standard range. It is recommended that you follow up with a family medicine clinic for monitoring.[Read More] Understanding Abnormal CBC Results: What High Blood Cell Counts Mean
Understanding Shoulder, Neck, and Chest Pain After a Car Accident
Shoulder, neck, and chest issues? After a car accident, I initially didn't feel any symptoms and didn't get an X-ray at that time. During the accident, my shoulder and face hit the ground, and the doctor at the hospital only gave me a tetanus shot and disinfected my fac...
Dr. Chen Bozhang Reply:
Dear Mr. Wesley, Regarding the long-term discomfort you mentioned in your shoulders and neck, if it is caused by spinal misalignment, it can indeed persist for a long time and affect the surrounding soft tissues, potentially leading to nerve root compression. I recommend that yo...[Read More] Understanding Shoulder, Neck, and Chest Pain After a Car Accident
Understanding Abnormal Blood Test Results: Liver Function and Health Tips
Blood test report Hello! I regularly undergo comprehensive health check-ups. In the past, I had liver function blood test reports that, although fluctuating, were within the normal range, averaging once every two years before 2014. This year, my blood test report showed some conc...
Dr. Cai Dongqi Reply:
Hello, there are many factors that can lead to elevated bilirubin levels, and further examinations are needed. However, based on your LDL and total cholesterol levels, you are likely at high risk for hypercholesterolemia. It is advisable to consume a sufficient and balanced diet,...[Read More] Understanding Abnormal Blood Test Results: Liver Function and Health Tips
Understanding Low GGT Levels: Implications and Health Tips for Couples
Health check-up Hello! My husband and I are both 53 years old and will be undergoing health check-ups next year. This year, my husband had a GGT (Gamma Glutamyl Transpeptidase) level of 9 (normal range for males is 12-64), which is low. In 2014, it was 132, and in 2016, it was 11...
Dr. Cai Dongqi Reply:
Hello, typically a low level of GGT (Gamma Glutamyl Transpeptidase) is not significant and is considered a normal condition. It is when the levels are elevated that it holds clinical significance. There is no need to be overly concerned about low levels, and no treatment is requi...[Read More] Understanding Low GGT Levels: Implications and Health Tips for Couples
Understanding Headaches and Concentration Issues: When to Seek Help
Headache. Difficulty concentrating? Hello Doctor: I have sleep issues and find it very difficult to fall asleep at night, which leaves me feeling fatigued during the day, often yawning excessively, and I have developed many pimples on my chin. Sometimes, my muscles twitch all ove...
Dr. Cai Dongqi Reply:
Hello, from your statements, it is evident that your routine appears to be unstable or abnormal. I recommend that you maintain a regular and healthy schedule along with a balanced diet, and engage in appropriate exercise to support your physiological functions. If there is no imp...[Read More] Understanding Headaches and Concentration Issues: When to Seek Help
Understanding Painful Lumps: When to See a Doctor
Pain in the scalp and armpit? Your husband has recently experienced pain under his armpit and found a lump there. A few days later, he noticed a painful lump on his scalp, and after a few more days, he discovered a painful lump in his testicle as well. Which specialty should he s...
Dr. Chen Bozhang Reply:
Dear Ms. Bi Bi, In your letter, you mentioned that your husband has been feeling several painful lesions on his body for several consecutive days. If these lesions are indeed present, it is recommended that he visit a general surgery outpatient clinic for a physician to assess ...[Read More] Understanding Painful Lumps: When to See a Doctor
Do College Students Need Multivitamins? A Guide to Nutritional Health
Vitamin Consultation Hello, as a university student living in a different city, I rely on eating out for my three meals a day. During each meal, I often wonder if I am getting enough nutrition. For breakfast, I usually have a tuna egg pancake with soy milk; for lunch, I typically...
Dr. Chen Bozhang Reply:
Dear Yi, Thank you for your message. You mentioned that you rely on eating out for all your meals, which raises concerns about your nutritional intake. It is common for individuals who eat out frequently to lack sufficient vegetables and fruits in their diet, often relying on re...[Read More] Do College Students Need Multivitamins? A Guide to Nutritional Health
Should You See a Hematologist for Recurrent Oral Ulcers and Fatigue?
Blood test Hello, doctor. I have recurrent oral ulcers and dermatitis on my scalp. Sometimes I experience blurred vision and joint pain, but it doesn't significantly affect my daily life. I would like to get tested for Behçet's disease. Additionally, I occasionally feel...
Dr. Chen Bozhang Reply:
Dear Ms. Yeh, In your letter, you mentioned experiencing recurrent oral ulcers and other symptoms, raising concerns about the possibility of Behçet's disease. I recommend that you consult a rheumatologist for a comprehensive evaluation to clarify the underlying issues. Addi...[Read More] Should You See a Hematologist for Recurrent Oral Ulcers and Fatigue?
Understanding Bloating and Hunger: When to See a Doctor?
I'm not sure how to address these symptoms? Hello, Doctor. I used to experience bloating occasionally, but it was more frequent in the past. Taking medications like Rolaids would usually help. However, I've been experiencing bloating again for the past couple of days. A...
Dr. Huang Xunying Reply:
If you frequently feel hungry and also experience some symptoms of acid reflux, you can visit a gastroenterologist. However, if you only feel hungry without any other discomfort and are experiencing weight gain, it is recommended to consult a family medicine physician. Thank you.[Read More] Understanding Bloating and Hunger: When to See a Doctor?