Family medicine, Family Medicine FAQ - Page 6

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Persistent Swelling in Left Index Finger: When to Seek Further Medical Evaluation?

Swelling of the left index finger? Hello doctor, my finger (only one) has been swelling and subsiding since around March 15. I have taken antibiotics for six days, but the swelling and subsiding have been recurring. I have seen two family medicine doctors and one dermatologist, b...


Dr. Liao Yaopan Reply:
Hello, regarding your concerns, since the symptoms have persisted for several weeks, it is recommended that you consult with a rheumatologist for evaluation. Please note that online consultations are not equivalent to in-person visits and cannot provide a diagnosis or treatment r...

[Read More] Persistent Swelling in Left Index Finger: When to Seek Further Medical Evaluation?


Nighttime Neck Heat and Pulsing Vessels: Which Specialist to Consult?

If you are experiencing increased heat and pulsation in the back of your neck and head, making it difficult to lie down comfortably, you should consider seeing a neurologist or a primary care physician. They can evaluate your symptoms and determine if further investigation or tre...


Dr. Chen Bozhang Reply:
Dear Mr. Anonymous: In your letter, you mentioned that there is a blood vessel in the back of your neck that is pulsating and causing heat, making it difficult for you to sleep. This may be related to a disorder of the nervous or endocrine system. It is recommended that you fir...

[Read More] Nighttime Neck Heat and Pulsing Vessels: Which Specialist to Consult?


Post-Dinner Nausea and Vomiting: Understanding Possible Causes

Nausea and vomiting after dinner? Hello Dr. Hou, Here are my mother's symptoms. I'm not sure if they are related, so I have included all the information I have for evaluation. For the past six months, she frequently experiences sudden nausea and vomiting after dinner,...


Dr. Hou Angting Reply:
Hello, Bala: Since your mother has diabetes, if she experiences similar symptoms in the future, it is advisable to check her postprandial blood glucose levels for assessment. Additionally, you may consult with a family medicine specialist to discuss and evaluate whether there are...

[Read More] Post-Dinner Nausea and Vomiting: Understanding Possible Causes


Excessive Saliva Production: Which Specialist Should You Consult?

Excessive salivation issue? If there is excessive saliva production that severely affects daily life, which specialty should one consult? Family medicine? Otolaryngology? Dentistry? Or traditional Chinese medicine? Will the doctor also examine the parotid gland, sublingual gland,...


Dr. Lin Zhebin Reply:
Hello: Excessive saliva secretion may need to consider the following situations: 1. Abnormalities in the structure of the salivary glands, for which it is recommended to consult an otolaryngologist. 2. Abnormalities in salivary gland function, which are commonly due to medication...

[Read More] Excessive Saliva Production: Which Specialist Should You Consult?


Understanding Neck and Head Heat: When to See a Family Medicine Specialist

If the back of your head feels warm while lying down, which specialist should you see? I've seen many specialists, undergone numerous tests, and spent a lot of money? I used to sit for long periods every day, combined with smoking and a diet high in salt and oil. I have been...


Dr. Lin Zhebin Reply:
Hello: The symptoms of heat in your head and upper body accompanied by chest tightness, difficulty breathing, rapid heartbeat, and abnormal sensations may suggest neurological and cardiovascular issues. It is advisable to seek medical evaluation from a neurologist or a cardiologi...

[Read More] Understanding Neck and Head Heat: When to See a Family Medicine Specialist


Unraveling the Mystery of Chronic Pain: Seeking Answers for Rare Conditions

Rare diseases with unknown origins? Hello Dr. Chen, I have been suffering from pain for over ten years. Thank you for taking the time to read my message. Ten years ago, I experienced lower back pain and was diagnosed with mild bone spurs. However, after starting physical therapy...


Dr. Chen Bozhang Reply:
Hello! If you are unsure about the cause of your discomfort, it is recommended to visit a family medicine clinic at a regional hospital or higher for evaluation. Based on your condition and needs, further medical management can be arranged. Thank you!

[Read More] Unraveling the Mystery of Chronic Pain: Seeking Answers for Rare Conditions


Understanding Dizziness, Nausea, and Chest Discomfort: A Family Medicine Perspective

Dizziness, blurred vision, nausea? Today, while I was taking the MRT, I suddenly felt unwell. It started with a cool sensation in my left chest, followed by dizziness, and my vision gradually blurred to the point where I could barely see. However, my breathing was relatively smoo...


Dr. Lin Zhebin Reply:
Hello: 1. Your chest discomfort accompanied by dizziness and vomiting may indicate the possibility of an acute arrhythmia; additionally, it is important to consider whether there is a condition of anemia. 2. Your abdominal discomfort may be related to your menstrual cycle; howeve...

[Read More] Understanding Dizziness, Nausea, and Chest Discomfort: A Family Medicine Perspective


Understanding Your Head CT Scan Results: What Do They Mean?

Health check-up computed tomography (CT scan) Hello, the findings from the CT scan of the brain without contrast indicate the following: - There is no evidence of intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH), subdural hematoma (SDH), epidural hematoma (EDH), or subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH)....


Dr. Chen Bozhang Reply:
Hello! If any abnormalities are found during your health check-up, you will typically be asked to return for a follow-up appointment. If you have any concerns, it is recommended that you bring your health examination report to a family medicine clinic for consultation. Thank you!

[Read More] Understanding Your Head CT Scan Results: What Do They Mean?


Should You See a Doctor for STDs Without Symptoms? Here's What to Know

Sexually transmitted infections (STIs) issues? If there are no symptoms after sexual intercourse, can I still see a doctor? If so, which specialty should I consult: family medicine, urology, or infectious diseases?


Dr. Lin Zhebin Reply:
Hello: If you are concerned about contracting a sexually transmitted infection after sexual activity, it is recommended to visit an infectious disease specialist.

[Read More] Should You See a Doctor for STDs Without Symptoms? Here's What to Know


Understanding Abnormal Blood Test Results: Do You Have Anemia?

Abnormalities in the blood test section of the health examination report? Hello Doctor, I had a health check-up this month and found that my blood test results showed several abnormalities. My white blood cell count is 11.43, red blood cell count is 4.62, hemoglobin is 10.8 g/dL,...


Dr. Ye Qianyu Reply:
Hello! Based on the data you provided, it appears to be microcytic anemia, which can be re-evaluated and monitored in general internal medicine, family medicine, or hematology.

[Read More] Understanding Abnormal Blood Test Results: Do You Have Anemia?


How to Choose the Right Specialist for High LDL-C Levels

Abnormal LDL-C - How to make an appointment at the outpatient clinic? Hello: During last year's health check-up (September 2022), I noticed several abnormalities, among which my LDL-C has been above the normal range for several consecutive years. I later attended a consultat...


Dr. Xiao Yongxun Reply:
1. If a patient is experiencing chest tightness, chest pain, or acute coronary syndrome, it is recommended to directly schedule an appointment with a cardiologist. 2. If there are no heart-related diseases and only abnormal cholesterol levels are present, then a cardiologist, end...

[Read More] How to Choose the Right Specialist for High LDL-C Levels


Understanding Blood in Urine: Causes, Concerns, and When to Seek Help

Identifying the source of hematuria? My father recently experienced hematuria, and despite family urging him to seek medical attention, he has been unwilling to do so, which has made us very upset. He described his hematuria as being a deep red color and stated that it was consis...


Dr. Xiao Yongxun Reply:
1. Poisoning or rhabdomyolysis can lead to dark or red-colored urine; however, the term hematuria specifically refers to the presence of red blood cells in the urine. Gross hematuria is visible to the naked eye, while microscopic hematuria is detected under a microscope. 2. The...

[Read More] Understanding Blood in Urine: Causes, Concerns, and When to Seek Help


Factors Affecting Urine Test Results: Understanding Protein and Blood Levels

I would like to inquire about the factors that can affect urine test results? Medical Examination Report: Urine: Protein 15 mg/dL, Albumin 80 mg/dL, Occult blood 1+; Blood: Glucose 81 mg/dL. The urine test was conducted in the morning of the examination day, but it was discovered...


Dr. Ye Qianyu Reply:
Hello! It is recommended that you have a follow-up examination one week after your menstrual period ends. You can choose either general internal medicine or family medicine for the consultation.

[Read More] Factors Affecting Urine Test Results: Understanding Protein and Blood Levels


Essential Health Checkups: Addressing Your Concerns and Symptoms

Physical examination Hello Doctor, I have health anxiety, so I am very sensitive to changes in my body. I am particularly afraid of serious illnesses like cancer and often overthink minor issues (the family medicine doctors I’ve seen say I tend to overreact). I have undergone man...


Dr. Xiao Yongxun Reply:
Dear Mr. Chen: 1. A superficial lipoma in the abdominal area, if it has not increased in size or shown any other significant changes, is generally not a concern. However, if it continues to grow, it is advisable to follow up with a general surgery outpatient clinic at a regional...

[Read More] Essential Health Checkups: Addressing Your Concerns and Symptoms


Assessing Hepatitis B Transmission Risk from Blood Splash to Eyes

Blood splashed into the eyes of a patient who is a carrier of hepatitis B? If a patient is a carrier of hepatitis B but has low infectivity, and there was a splash of blood during a blood glucose measurement that got into the eyes, but the individual has been vaccinated against h...


Dr. Xiao Yongxun Reply:
Dear Miss Hsiao-Hsuan: 1. Since 1985, almost all newborns in our country have received complete vaccinations against hepatitis B. Therefore, since your test still shows the presence of hepatitis B antibodies, the chance of contracting hepatitis B is nearly nonexistent. 2. The...

[Read More] Assessing Hepatitis B Transmission Risk from Blood Splash to Eyes


Understanding Symptoms: Liver Pain, Lymph Nodes, and Sleep Issues

Lymph nodes, liver, neck, rib pain, and bruising during sleep? 1. About five years ago, I had liver inflammation issues when I was around 20 years old. I felt a bloated, numb sensation, as if there was something hard inside. At that time, the doctor diagnosed me with fatty liver....


Dr. Lin Zhebin Reply:
Hello: 1. The more common causes of liver inflammation are hepatitis B, hepatitis C, fatty liver disease, and alcoholic hepatitis. Liver function tests require blood draws for diagnosis. Regarding the intermittent sharp pain in your left and right abdomen, it is advisable to cons...

[Read More] Understanding Symptoms: Liver Pain, Lymph Nodes, and Sleep Issues


Understanding Unexplained Skin Pain and Itching: When to Seek Help

Generalized skin prickling and itching? Recently, I have started experiencing intermittent itching and tingling in certain areas, including my hands, calves, buttocks, chest, back, and even my scrotum. The symptoms occur randomly, and when I scratch, it often turns red with notic...


Dr. Lin Zhebin Reply:
Hello: Regarding your issue of itching in multiple areas, if there are no obvious rashes on the skin, it may be worth considering whether it is due to excessively dry skin or pruritus. It is recommended to consult a dermatologist or a family medicine physician.

[Read More] Understanding Unexplained Skin Pain and Itching: When to Seek Help


Unexplained Weight Loss and Poor Appetite: What Could It Mean?

Weight loss has been persistent, and appetite is poor? I have been experiencing weight loss over the past few months and my appetite has not been very good, but I don't feel any other abnormalities in my body. My weight has been fluctuating between 40 to 42 kg, and I am worr...


Dr. Lin Zhebin Reply:
Hello: Based on your description of weight loss, if there has been no specific dietary control or exercise for weight reduction, it is important to consider potential issues related to the endocrine system, gastrointestinal system, infectious diseases, or cancer, among others. It...

[Read More] Unexplained Weight Loss and Poor Appetite: What Could It Mean?


Understanding Unexplained Fever: When to Seek Medical Attention

Fever of unknown origin (FUO) Hello, doctor. I have been experiencing a slightly elevated temperature (37.2-38.2°C) for the past three weeks. I visited a clinic, but my temperature continues to fluctuate. The most noticeable symptoms are drowsiness and headaches. Should I conside...


Dr. Lin Zhebin Reply:
Hello: Your symptoms of fever, lethargy, and headache may be due to a COVID-19 infection or influenza virus infection. However, since your discomfort has persisted for three weeks, it is advisable to seek medical evaluation to rule out other serious infections or conditions (such...

[Read More] Understanding Unexplained Fever: When to Seek Medical Attention


Why Your Weight Drops Overnight: Understanding Morning Weight Changes

Weight typically decreases upon waking up? Hello, doctor. I have been weighing myself recently and noticed that my weight every morning is lower than my weight the night before. Is this normal? I always thought that after eating throughout the day, my weight would increase by the...


Dr. Lin Zhebin Reply:
Hello: If you have experienced a weight loss of more than 5 kilograms or more than 5% of your original body weight within the past six months to a year, it is advisable to seek medical evaluation. Possible causes include diabetes, hyperthyroidism, gastrointestinal diseases, cance...

[Read More] Why Your Weight Drops Overnight: Understanding Morning Weight Changes


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