Nighttime Fever: Should You Seek Medical Attention?
Fever at night? For the past five days, my nighttime ear temperature has been hovering around 37.5°C, and I feel sensations similar to when I used to have a fever, but during the day, I have no discomfort, and my ear temperature ranges between 36.2°C and 36.7°C. I used to sleep s...
Dr. Hou Angting Reply:
Hello: If you continue to feel unwell, it is recommended that you visit a family medicine clinic for a physician evaluation. Wishing you good health.[Read More] Nighttime Fever: Should You Seek Medical Attention?
Post-COVID Symptoms: Persistent Throat Irritation and Coughing Concerns
COVID-19 diagnosis, experiencing a tickling sensation in the throat that triggers the urge to cough? Hello, doctor. I kindly request your guidance. Thank you. After my diagnosis, my throat has been persistently dry and itchy. Although it’s not severe enough to cause constant coug...
Dr. Lin Zhebin Reply:
Hello: After a COVID-19 infection, it is quite common to experience a persistent cough, which may last for several weeks to months. The primary concern is potential lung issues. It is recommended that you visit a family medicine or pulmonary medicine specialist for a chest X-ray....[Read More] Post-COVID Symptoms: Persistent Throat Irritation and Coughing Concerns
Understanding Your Health Check Report: Key Lab Values Explained
Questions about health check-up reports? Hello Doctor: I recently had a basic blood test and have some questions regarding the results. Could you please help clarify and provide suggestions based on the following values? Should I visit a hospital for further evaluation? ⭕️ eGFR:...
Dr. Hou Angting Reply:
Hello: In your examination report, aside from elevated low-density lipoprotein cholesterol, your glycated hemoglobin is also within the range of prediabetes. It is recommended that you maintain a healthy diet without overeating and engage in moderate exercise. A follow-up with yo...[Read More] Understanding Your Health Check Report: Key Lab Values Explained
Understanding Diabetes Diagnosis and Fatty Liver: Key Insights
Diagnosis of Diabetes and Fatty Liver Disease Hello, I would like to ask if a fasting blood glucose level of 126 mg/dL or higher can be considered as type 2 diabetes, or is it necessary to have two separate diagnoses? If two diagnoses are required, how far apart are these tests t...
Dr. Hou Angting Reply:
Hello: If your fasting blood glucose is above 100, it is recommended that you maintain a healthy diet and engage in moderate exercise. Additionally, you should visit a family medicine physician for follow-up and assessment three months after your last test. The causes of fatty li...[Read More] Understanding Diabetes Diagnosis and Fatty Liver: Key Insights
Rapid Heartbeat and Nausea: Understanding Common Family Medicine Symptoms
Rapid heartbeat. Nausea and the urge to vomit? I sometimes experience sleep issues, but last night I slept well due to exhaustion. This morning, I felt okay, but suddenly during breakfast, I felt nauseous and had the urge to vomit, along with a rapid heartbeat and slight cold swe...
Dr. Lin Zhebin Reply:
Hello: Based on your description, your discomfort seems to be related to transient hypotension. There are many potential causes for transient hypotension, including orthostatic hypotension, dehydration, food or medication effects, anemia, endocrine disorders, and heart diseases, ...[Read More] Rapid Heartbeat and Nausea: Understanding Common Family Medicine Symptoms
Rabies and Tetanus Vaccination After Cat Scratch: What You Need to Know
Rabies scratch Hello doctor, on July 12th, I was playing with a stray cat being fed by someone on the roadside in Zuoying District, Kaohsiung, and accidentally got scratched by its claw, resulting in a cut about 1 centimeter long on my hand. It was similar to a paper cut; at the ...
Dr. Chen Bozhang Reply:
The risk of rabies in Taiwan is currently limited to wild animals in the central, southern, and eastern mountainous regions, with the main infected species being the ferret badger, along with a few cases involving the white-nosed coati. If you experience any discomfort, please vi...[Read More] Rabies and Tetanus Vaccination After Cat Scratch: What You Need to Know
Persistent Upper Back Pain: When to Seek Further Medical Help?
Upper back pain for two months? I have been experiencing upper back pain for nearly two months, but it only hurts when I bend over or maintain poor sitting posture (such as carrying a heavy backpack for a long time or looking down for extended periods). The pain is located near t...
Dr. Cai Dongqi Reply:
Hello Kevin: An X-ray can only confirm that there are no fractures or compression in the bones. It is necessary to consult a neurologist to determine if there is any spinal instability or issues related to ligaments or muscle fiber pain.[Read More] Persistent Upper Back Pain: When to Seek Further Medical Help?
Understanding Jaw Pain: When to Seek Medical Advice for Facial Issues
Facial issues Hello, Doctor: Since around July 17th (Sunday), I have noticed some swelling in the area of my right masseter muscle (the area near the bone) compared to the left side. It is tender to the touch, and if I lie on my right side while sleeping, it can be painful. Chewi...
Dr. Lin Zhebin Reply:
Hello: Your discomfort is likely caused by inflammation of the right temporomandibular joint. Treatment typically focuses on symptom management, which may include taking pain relievers and anti-inflammatory medications, as well as muscle relaxants to alleviate symptoms. Additiona...[Read More] Understanding Jaw Pain: When to Seek Medical Advice for Facial Issues
Managing High Blood Pressure: Essential Questions for Your Family Doctor
Blood pressure issues? Hello Doctor: My uncle is in his 50s, standing 176 cm tall and weighing around 60-70 kg. Today, he visited a family medicine clinic due to neck pain (which he feels is similar to a stiff neck). The doctor measured his blood pressure, which was over 170, nea...
Dr. Lin Zhebin Reply:
Hello: 1. Hypertension can be managed by a primary care physician, unless it affects the kidneys or heart, in which case referral to a nephrologist or cardiologist may be considered. Additionally, tests related to hypertension typically include blood tests, urinalysis, electrocar...[Read More] Managing High Blood Pressure: Essential Questions for Your Family Doctor
Understanding Health Checkup Reports: When to Consult a Family Physician
Health check report issues Hello, doctor. I will be having my first health check-up next week. If I don't understand the health check report, should I make an appointment with a family medicine physician to help me interpret the report, or are there other options available? ...
Dr. Lin Zhebin Reply:
Hello: For any unclear aspects of the health check report, it is generally recommended to visit a family medicine clinic or to seek care from the relevant specialty department as indicated in the report.[Read More] Understanding Health Checkup Reports: When to Consult a Family Physician
Managing High Cholesterol: Key Questions and Answers for Your Health
High cholesterol Hello Doctor: Here are my two test reports, from February 2021 and July 2022: Total cholesterol: 215, 226 (unit: mg/dL) Triglycerides: 69, 126 (unit: mg/dL) HDL-cholesterol: 36, 37 (unit: mg/dL) LDL-cholesterol: 160, 164 (unit: mg/dL) Total cholesterol/...
Dr. Hou Angting Reply:
Hello: Based on the report and medical history you provided, although your current lipid levels have slightly increased, they are still not at the stage where medication is recommended. It is advised that you reduce your calorie intake, increase your consumption of fruits and veg...[Read More] Managing High Cholesterol: Key Questions and Answers for Your Health
Is It Too Late to Measure Blood Pressure at 10 AM?
Regarding the timing of blood pressure measurement? Hello doctor, I recently experienced dizziness for unknown reasons and visited a family medicine clinic. The doctor advised me to measure my blood pressure every morning for two weeks. My wake-up time is around 10:00 or 10:30 AM...
Dr. Hou Angting Reply:
Hello: It is generally recommended to measure blood pressure half an hour after waking up and one hour before bedtime, while maintaining a relaxed state during the measurement. There are no strict regulations regarding the time of waking up. Wishing you good health.[Read More] Is It Too Late to Measure Blood Pressure at 10 AM?
Should You See a Specialist for Autonomic Nervous System Disorders?
Autonomic nervous system dysfunction I was referred to a family medicine doctor by a friend, who diagnosed me with autonomic nervous system dysfunction. I was prescribed Mirtazapine, and while I've seen some improvement, I still don't feel well. Some people say that aut...
Dr. Lin Zhebin Reply:
Hello: Autonomic nervous system disorders are mostly caused by changes in lifestyle and stress, leading to physical and mental discomfort. Typically, there is no specific organ damage involved. The primary role of medication is to alleviate your discomfort. To achieve a complete ...[Read More] Should You See a Specialist for Autonomic Nervous System Disorders?
Understanding Underarm Pain: When to Seek Medical Attention
Axillary pain Initially thought to be premenstrual symptoms, but due to intermittent pain lasting about a month, with pain in the right armpit, shoulder pain, back pain, and chest tightness (unable to sleep lying down). I have tried massage to relieve discomfort, but I experience...
Dr. Lin Zhebin Reply:
Hello: Your discomfort involves the armpit, shoulder, back, and chest. The organs to consider include the skin, muscles, tendons, ligaments, bones, breasts, lungs, and heart. Therefore, it is recommended that you first visit a family medicine physician for an initial examination....[Read More] Understanding Underarm Pain: When to Seek Medical Attention
Understanding Stomach Discomfort: Is It Indigestion or Acid Issues?
Stomach discomfort, digestion? Hello Doctor, I've been experiencing some stomach discomfort lately. I had a snack two to three hours before bed yesterday, and around eleven o'clock I started feeling unwell. I took a nap and woke up around one, and my stomach has been gu...
Dr. Hou Angting Reply:
Hello: There are many causes of indigestion. It is recommended that you visit a gastroenterology or family medicine clinic for further evaluation. Wishing you good health.[Read More] Understanding Stomach Discomfort: Is It Indigestion or Acid Issues?
Understanding Chest Discomfort After Eating: Possible Causes and Solutions
Chest tightness after cooking or eating? Hello doctor, I went out for errands at 2:30 PM the day before yesterday and was exposed to the sun for about 20 minutes. I experienced chest tightness, but after drinking water and resting, it improved. I burped and felt better. Today at ...
Dr. Lin Zhebin Reply:
Hello: In addition to gastrointestinal issues (most commonly gastroesophageal reflux), your chest discomfort should also consider potential heart problems (such as angina) or lung issues (such as asthma). It is recommended that you first visit a family medicine physician for an i...[Read More] Understanding Chest Discomfort After Eating: Possible Causes and Solutions
Understanding Anemia: When to Seek Specialized Medical Advice
Health check-up issues / Anemia / Inquiry about specialties Hello, Doctor! I have been experiencing anemia since middle school. Sometimes, I feel a bit dizzy when I first get up, but I thought it was normal since I am a woman and lose a lot of blood during my monthly menstruation...
Dr. Lin Zhebin Reply:
Hello: Based on your age and the fact that you have heavier menstrual flow, along with the blood test results you provided, it is likely that you are experiencing iron deficiency anemia due to chronic blood loss from prolonged heavy menstruation. Here are two recommendations: 1. ...[Read More] Understanding Anemia: When to Seek Specialized Medical Advice
Headaches After Diarrhea: Understanding Post-Digestive Discomfort
Headache persisting for several days after diarrhea? On Monday evening (6/20), after exercising, I drank iced soy milk and had xiaolongbao to replenish protein. At the time, I did not experience "brain freeze," but in the past, drinking iced beverages often led to diarr...
Dr. Hou Angting Reply:
Hello: I recommend that you visit the Family Medicine outpatient clinic for further evaluation. Wishing you good health.[Read More] Headaches After Diarrhea: Understanding Post-Digestive Discomfort
Understanding Gastrointestinal Discomfort: Causes and Remedies
Gastrointestinal discomfort? Hello doctor, I've been feeling nauseous and have a loss of appetite lately, and it seems like I might have gastritis. I've taken some stomach medication over the past few days, which has provided some relief, but my appetite is still not th...
Dr. Lin Zhebin Reply:
Hello: Regarding your gastrointestinal discomfort, could it possibly be related to pregnancy? If you are certain that you are not pregnant, at your age, a typical case of gastroenteritis should improve within a few days. However, if the symptoms persist or worsen (such as abdomin...[Read More] Understanding Gastrointestinal Discomfort: Causes and Remedies
Understanding Abnormal Blood Test Results: When to Seek Further Evaluation
Blood test issues? About two years ago, a medical examination revealed low white blood cell counts. However, in July of last year, all five types of white blood cells were normal. At that time, my family medicine doctor explained that some individuals naturally have lower white b...
Dr. Xiao Yongxun Reply:
Dear Ms. Lin: 1. Leukopenia refers to a decrease in the number of white blood cells in the blood; the most common form of leukopenia is neutropenia, while lymphopenia is less common. Common causes of leukopenia include aplastic anemia, megaloblastic anemia, autoimmune diseases,...[Read More] Understanding Abnormal Blood Test Results: When to Seek Further Evaluation