Unexplained Bump on Neck: Should You Be Concerned?
There are lumps on the neck that resemble mosquito bites and have not disappeared? I have a lump near the upper back of my neck, close to my hairline. However, the lump is not painful and doesn't have any noticeable sensations; it feels similar to a mosquito bite or a skin a...
Dr. Gao Qingyun Reply:
Hello, the assessment of nodular lesions on the skin requires an in-person examination for accurate diagnosis. Please visit the family medicine outpatient clinic for evaluation by a specialist. Thank you, and wishing you peace and health. Sincerely, Dr. Gao Qingyun, Director of F...[Read More] Unexplained Bump on Neck: Should You Be Concerned?
Managing Digestive Issues: Dietary Tips for Your Aging Parent
Hello, doctor. I would like to ask about issues related to the stomach and diet? Hello doctor, I would like to ask about dietary issues. My mother is around 57 years old. Previously, her stomach was fine, but later on, she started experiencing discomfort from time to time. It see...
Dr. Gao Qingyun Reply:
Hello: Functional gastrointestinal disorders are quite complex and require detailed medical history inquiries and physical examinations. It is recommended that you consult a specialist in family medicine or gastroenterology for diagnosis and treatment. Wishing you health and safe...[Read More] Managing Digestive Issues: Dietary Tips for Your Aging Parent
Understanding Right Lower Back Pain and Numbness After an Accident
Soreness and numbness? Hello, doctor! Recently, I've been experiencing soreness and numbness in my right lower back, and I'm not sure if it's related to my work (which requires bending) or if it's due to my pelvis being misaligned from a car accident. For the ...
Dr. Wu Fangcan Reply:
I am not sure how long ago your car accident was, nor do I know the severity of your injuries at that time. The lower back pain could be due to long-term poor posture or scoliosis. Sometimes, kidney swelling or inflammation can also cause pain that radiates to the shoulder, which...[Read More] Understanding Right Lower Back Pain and Numbness After an Accident
Understanding Persistent Tightness in the Jaw Area: Causes and Solutions
Tightness and fullness sensation in the jaw area? Hello, Dr. Gao. My chin feels tight and swollen at a width of about two fingers inward (the tight area is the width of two fingers) and this sensation has not disappeared for about six months. During this time, I visited an ENT sp...
Dr. Gao Qingyun Reply:
Hello, it is not possible to determine the actual cause of the disease from the question itself. I recommend that you visit the oral surgery or otolaryngology outpatient department at a medical center for evaluation and treatment by a specialist. Wishing you peace and good health...[Read More] Understanding Persistent Tightness in the Jaw Area: Causes and Solutions
Understanding Elevated White Blood Cell Count and Cholesterol Levels
Elevated white blood cell count and elevated cholesterol levels? Hello: Recently, my physical examination showed a white blood cell count of 10.76 x 10^3/µL and cholesterol level of 201. I have no discomfort in my body. I would like to know if long-term night shift work could be ...
Dr. Chen Bozhang Reply:
Dear Mr. A-Niu, Your recent health check-up indicated elevated white blood cell counts and slightly high cholesterol levels. White blood cells are one of the indicators of inflammation in the body, and their increase can be caused by various factors, including infections, rheuma...[Read More] Understanding Elevated White Blood Cell Count and Cholesterol Levels
Chest Pain While Sitting: Possible Causes and Solutions
Experiencing chest pain while sitting? Hello, doctor. I have been troubled by this issue for about two months. When I sit, I sometimes feel a sharp pain in my left or right chest, and occasionally, I feel like something is stuck in my left back. These symptoms almost never occur ...
Dr. Chen Bozhang Reply:
Dear Mr. Yang, In your letter, you mentioned experiencing a stabbing or pressure sensation in your chest while sitting, as well as during side or prone sleeping. There are many potential sources for your symptoms, including compressive lesions involving solid organs (such as the...[Read More] Chest Pain While Sitting: Possible Causes and Solutions
Should You Get a Rabies Vaccine After a Cat Bite?
Do I need to receive a rabies vaccine? Hello Doctor, last evening I was bitten on the ankle by a stray cat near my home in Changhua. The cat was initially by my feet but seemed startled by a dog and then bit me. The wound has three small marks with slight bleeding. I went to a cl...
Dr. Gao Qingyun Reply:
Hello, if there are no special discomforts or if the wound is healing well, it is recommended to receive a tetanus vaccine injection. If there are still wounds or systemic symptoms, please go directly to the infectious disease outpatient clinic for evaluation by a specialist. Wis...[Read More] Should You Get a Rabies Vaccine After a Cat Bite?
Understanding Persistent Dizziness: Causes and Concerns in Family Medicine
Regarding dizziness? I have been experiencing dizziness for over two years. It feels like my head becomes very heavy and my whole body is about to collapse when I stand still or sit still for a moment. Additionally, I have a sensation of my brain being deprived of oxygen, along w...
Dr. Liao Yaopan Reply:
Hello, regarding your inquiry, you have undergone several examinations that showed no abnormalities, yet you still experience dizziness. It is advisable to consult an otolaryngologist to evaluate for any inner ear balance dysfunction. Additionally, you should monitor for signs of...[Read More] Understanding Persistent Dizziness: Causes and Concerns in Family Medicine
Understanding Symptoms: Sore Throat, Swelling, and Rash Concerns
Sore throat, swelling in the throat, groin swelling, and facial rash? The incident occurred from Friday night to Saturday morning! I had a full-body check-up last Tuesday, and right after that, I went to have my wisdom teeth removed. On Friday night, I got a bit too carried away ...
Dr. Gao Qingyun Reply:
Hello: Currently, your symptoms may be due to a common bacterial or viral infection, and a physical examination is necessary to determine the cause. Considering that there is a latency period for infections caused by immunodeficiency viruses, the symptoms you are experiencing are...[Read More] Understanding Symptoms: Sore Throat, Swelling, and Rash Concerns
Understanding Growths in the Perineal Area: What You Need to Know
There are two growths in the perineal area? I would like to ask, I recently noticed something growing in the perineal area between the anus and the vagina. It doesn't hurt and feels soft, but I can sense its presence. There are two connected together, and they are somewhat l...
Dr. Chen Bozhang Reply:
Dear Miss Pomelo, In your letter, you mentioned that you have developed two soft, painless lesions in the perineal area. I recommend that you visit a gynecologist for a professional examination of these lesions to determine the appropriate next steps for management. Additionally...[Read More] Understanding Growths in the Perineal Area: What You Need to Know
Persistent Anal Itching: Which Specialist Should You Consult?
Anal itching Hello, Doctor Gao. I have been experiencing anal itching for some time now, and it has been affecting my sleep at night. I previously consulted a dermatologist, but the ointment they prescribed did not improve my condition. The doctor also recommended taking medicati...
Dr. Gao Qingyun Reply:
Dear Ms. Lin, Regarding anorectal diseases, it is recommended that you consult a colorectal surgeon. Thank you, and I wish you peace and good health. Sincerely, Dr. Gao Qingyun Director, Family Medicine Department Taoyuan Hospital, Ministry of Health and Welfare[Read More] Persistent Anal Itching: Which Specialist Should You Consult?
Understanding HIV Infection Risks in Casual Encounters
HIV infection probability Hello doctor, I recently went for a massage where I licked the woman's nipples and inserted my fingers into her vagina, which had bodily fluids. The licking and insertion lasted about a minute each. I checked my fingers and there was no bleeding. Co...
Dr. Chen Bozhang Reply:
Hello Sky: Essentially, the transmission routes of the Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) require contact with bodily fluids, such as blood, semen, vaginal secretions, breast milk, and other body fluids containing blood. The skin provides an absolute barrier against the virus, an...[Read More] Understanding HIV Infection Risks in Casual Encounters
Does Metformin Help with Weight Loss? Insights from Family Medicine
Is there weight loss? Does taking the blood sugar-lowering medication Metformin lead to weight loss in the general population?
Dr. Chen Pengsheng Reply:
Hello: Normal individuals without blood sugar issues do not need to take Metformin.[Read More] Does Metformin Help with Weight Loss? Insights from Family Medicine
Understanding Lower Back Pain and Head Discomfort: A Family Medicine Perspective
Discomfort in the body (head, back, etc.)? I'm sorry, doctor. Recently, I've been experiencing lower back pain, a heavy sensation in my head, and a slight feeling of fever (my temperature is normal, just over 36 degrees Celsius, with a maximum of 37 degrees). I feel a b...
Dr. Liao Yaopan Reply:
Hello, based on your description, some of the symptoms are indeed quite nonspecific. First, I recommend closely monitoring your temperature for any abnormalities. Viral infections cannot be ruled out (although most are self-limiting). How are your sleep and dietary habits? If the...[Read More] Understanding Lower Back Pain and Head Discomfort: A Family Medicine Perspective
Understanding Umbilical Pain: Causes and Concerns in Family Medicine
Pain in the umbilicus? Doctor, when I press on my belly button, I can feel a round, hard mass that seems to be inside my body, not within the belly button itself, and it is painful. I also feel the urge to urinate when I press on it. What could be the possible cause?
Dr. Liao Yaopan Reply:
Hello, based on the description, it is difficult to directly identify the cause. It is recommended to visit a gastroenterology outpatient clinic for further evaluation by a physician, who can then assess whether to arrange relevant tests to determine the condition. Changhua Hospi...[Read More] Understanding Umbilical Pain: Causes and Concerns in Family Medicine
Understanding Chest Tightness: Insights from Family Medicine
Chest tightness? I didn't expect to meet Dr. Chen here. It must be a coincidence and not just a case of having the same name, right? About five years ago, I experienced sudden rapid heart contractions and difficulty breathing. The next day, I visited your family medicine cli...
Dr. Chen Bozhang Reply:
Dear Mr. Chang, Five years ago, you visited our hospital, and indeed, it was during my clinic hours. In your letter, you mentioned that in 2013, you experienced severe chest pain and were transferred to Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, where a stent was placed in your cardiovascula...[Read More] Understanding Chest Tightness: Insights from Family Medicine
Understanding Week-Long Fatigue and Dizziness: A Family Medicine Perspective
It's been a week, and I'm not sure what's wrong with my body? It's been a week; initially, I experienced general weakness and fatigue, which later subsided. However, I have been experiencing intermittent cold sweats and mild dizziness, almost like electrical d...
Dr. Liao Yaopan Reply:
Hello, if you notice that your symptoms have not improved or disappeared, it is advisable to consult your family physician to determine if further examination is necessary. You can also monitor relevant data such as blood pressure, temperature, and weight changes to provide your ...[Read More] Understanding Week-Long Fatigue and Dizziness: A Family Medicine Perspective
What Specialist to See for High Cholesterol Concerns?
If you have high cholesterol, you should see a cardiologist or a primary care physician? Hello Doctor, I have been vegetarian since childhood and I don't exercise much. My height is 164 cm and my weight is 48 kg. My family has a history of diabetes and heart-related issues. ...
Dr. Wu Fangcan Reply:
Based on the above description: Long-term vegetarian diet, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, and recent episodes of strong heartbeats. It is recommended to see a cardiologist or a family medicine physician for evaluation to rule out anemia, metabolic syndrome, and premature ...[Read More] What Specialist to See for High Cholesterol Concerns?
Understanding Thick Saliva: Causes and Health Implications
Thick saliva? About a year or two ago, during my dental cleaning, the dentist mentioned that my saliva was very thick and advised me to drink more water, but I didn't really notice anything at that time. However, in the past few months, I've started to noticeably feel t...
Dr. Chen Bozhang Reply:
Dear user, You mentioned that your saliva has become thick and stringy. This condition falls under the broad category of xerostomia (dry mouth), which can have various causes, including medication side effects, underlying health conditions, or insufficient fluid intake. These ca...[Read More] Understanding Thick Saliva: Causes and Health Implications
Understanding Intermittent Shortness of Breath in Seniors: Possible Causes
Intermittent asthma If an elderly person occasionally experiences shortness of breath and has undergone medical examinations that returned normal results, what could be the potential causes?
Dr. Chen Bozhang Reply:
Dear Netizen, Regarding your inquiry about your elder experiencing occasional shortness of breath, there are numerous potential causes, including pulmonary issues, cardiac problems, metabolic disorders, and neuropsychiatric conditions. I recommend that you first visit the Family...[Read More] Understanding Intermittent Shortness of Breath in Seniors: Possible Causes