Understanding Left Lower Back Pain, Frequent Urination, and Bloating
Left lower back pain, frequent urination, and bloating? A few days ago, I experienced a dull pain in my lower left back during the night, which affected my sleep. The pain is near the kidney area, and I also noticed a frequent urge to urinate. I went to see a doctor, but the urin...
Dr. Xiao Yongxun Reply:
Dear Miss Xiao Gao: 1. When experiencing back pain, it is important to consider conditions such as lumbar strain, degenerative disc disease, herniated discs, osteoporotic compression fractures, spinal stenosis, spondylolisthesis, tumors, inflammatory arthritis, infections, pelv...[Read More] Understanding Left Lower Back Pain, Frequent Urination, and Bloating
Understanding Occipital Headaches: Causes and Remedies
Occipital headache issues? Hello! Last night around 9 PM, I had instant noodles for dinner and stayed up late working on a report. At that time, I started to feel a slight throbbing pain at the back of my head, which felt cool and pulsating but was bearable. I thought it might be...
Dr. Lin Zhebin Reply:
Hello: Your headache may be caused by fatigue or a viral infection. Additionally, it could be a side effect of B vitamins. However, if this is your first experience with such severe headaches accompanied by vomiting, it is advisable to go to the emergency department for further e...[Read More] Understanding Occipital Headaches: Causes and Remedies
Understanding Abnormal Urine Sediment: Causes and Next Steps
Abnormal urine sediment? Dear Doctor, I recently underwent urine and blood tests along with an abdominal ultrasound, and there are two abnormalities: 1. Abdominal ultrasound: The doctor mentioned "chronic changes" in the kidney area. 2. Urine sediment examination: The r...
Dr. Lin Zhebin Reply:
Hello: 1. An abdominal ultrasound showing chronic kidney changes typically indicates that kidney function has been affected. It is essential to identify the underlying causes of the impaired kidney function, which are commonly diabetes, hypertension, etc. 2. A urinalysis generall...[Read More] Understanding Abnormal Urine Sediment: Causes and Next Steps
Shingles Contagion Concerns: Vaccination and Safety Guidelines
Shingles transmission issues? Hello, Doctor. Currently, a family member has developed shingles, and I am the only one in the household who has never had chickenpox or received the chickenpox vaccine. I would like to ask the following questions: 1. Given that a family member has ...
Dr. Lin Zhebin Reply:
Hello: 1. Given your current condition, you will need to receive 2 doses of the varicella vaccine, with an interval of 4 to 8 weeks between doses. The vaccine typically takes about 2 weeks after administration to provide protection, so under your current circumstances, vaccinat...[Read More] Shingles Contagion Concerns: Vaccination and Safety Guidelines
Understanding Shingles Transmission Risks and Precautions: Key Insights
Continuation #188054: Shingles Transmission Issues As you mentioned earlier, I would like to ask about a patient with shingles whose lesions are located on the back and waist. I understand that contact with the vesicles of a shingles patient should be avoided. My question is, eve...
Dr. Lin Zhebin Reply:
Hello: 1. The varicella-zoster virus primarily spreads through skin contact, respiratory droplets, and airborne transmission. However, shingles, being a reactivation of the virus in a localized area, typically has lower contagiousness compared to the systemic infection of chicken...[Read More] Understanding Shingles Transmission Risks and Precautions: Key Insights
Understanding Dizziness Upon Waking: Causes and Solutions
Dizziness upon waking up? It was like this: one time I woke up feeling very dizzy, nauseous, and my legs felt weak. After taking a nap, I felt fine again, so I thought it was just low blood sugar. However, it happened again recently, but this time it occurred after I got to schoo...
Dr. Lin Zhebin Reply:
Hello: Based on your age and assuming there has been no prior head/brain injury, the episodes of dizziness and vomiting could potentially be attributed to peripheral vertigo. Common diagnoses include benign paroxysmal positional vertigo, vestibular neuritis, and Meniere's di...[Read More] Understanding Dizziness Upon Waking: Causes and Solutions
Understanding Low White Blood Cell Counts: When to Seek Specialist Care
Questions about leukopenia? Hello Doctor, in early September, I had a health check-up as a student, and in mid-October, I received the report which showed that my WBC (white blood cell count) was 3.42, with a reference range of 4.50–10.0, indicating leukopenia. I then went for a ...
Dr. Lin Zhebin Reply:
Hello: 1. The reasons for your low white blood cell count and low segmented neutrophils may include the following considerations: (1) Normal variation: The reference range for blood tests is based on the majority of the population, and you may belong to a small group with i...[Read More] Understanding Low White Blood Cell Counts: When to Seek Specialist Care
Prolonged Cough After COVID-19: Understanding Symptoms and Concerns
COVID-19 I started experiencing symptoms on September 13, and tested positive with a rapid test in the early hours of September 15. During the isolation period, I had fever, nasal congestion, runny nose, cough, and gastrointestinal symptoms. It has been over five weeks since I te...
Dr. Lin Zhebin Reply:
Hello: Your symptoms may be indicative of "Post-Acute Sequelae of SARS-CoV-2 Infection," commonly referred to as Long COVID. Generally, symptoms of COVID-19 infection tend to resolve within a few weeks to a month, but some individuals may experience symptoms that persis...[Read More] Prolonged Cough After COVID-19: Understanding Symptoms and Concerns
Supporting Elderly Recovery: Navigating Health Challenges After Illness
The elderly person was generally healthy but is unable to get up after a serious illness? Hello, doctor. I would like to ask for advice regarding medical management for my grandfather, who is currently 97 years old. Two years ago, he experienced confusion upon waking up and had l...
Dr. Cai Dongqi Reply:
Hello: 1. In elderly patients with fever and shortness of breath, the primary consideration is infection, especially pneumonia. If there are confirmed cases in the household, it is likely that the grandfather may also be infected (rapid testing at the emergency department may be ...[Read More] Supporting Elderly Recovery: Navigating Health Challenges After Illness
Persistent Abdominal Pain for Over a Month: Seeking Answers
Abdominal pain lasting for one month? Hello doctor, I have been experiencing abdominal pain for over a month. I have undergone examinations in gynecology, gastroenterology, and orthopedics, and everything came back normal. The tests I have had include a Pap smear, vaginal ultraso...
Dr. Xiao Yongxun Reply:
Dear Ms. Ake: 1. Abdominal pain is inherently challenging in clinical practice due to the wide range of organs and systems involved. 2. Taking upper abdominal pain or discomfort as an example, common diagnoses include gastric ulcers or gastritis, duodenal ulcers or duodenitis, ...[Read More] Persistent Abdominal Pain for Over a Month: Seeking Answers
Understanding Body Aches and Restlessness During Sleep: When to Seek Help
Feeling body aches all over while sleeping and constantly tossing and turning? Hello, doctor. Recently, I've been experiencing body aches while sleeping, particularly in my lower back, back, and legs. I do fall asleep, but I feel like I'm constantly tossing and turning....
Dr. Lin Zhebin Reply:
Hello: Given your age, the most common causes of generalized body aches are usually due to overwork or intense exercise. If neither of these situations applies, it may be worth considering whether an infection is present, such as influenza or COVID-19, both of which can cause sym...[Read More] Understanding Body Aches and Restlessness During Sleep: When to Seek Help
Understanding Saliva Transmission Risks: Health Concerns and Precautions
Saliva issues Hello, doctor. 1. I would like to ask if, after someone speaks and saliva lands on my belongings, wiping it off with a dry tissue and then rinsing my hands with water for about 2 seconds is sufficient for cleanliness. After that, if I rinse my mouth with water, I ...
Dr. Lin Zhebin Reply:
Hello: 1. For cleaning items, in addition to using dry paper towels, it is recommended to use alcohol or bleach solution if possible. For hand hygiene, besides rinsing with water, it is advisable to use soap and water or alcohol-based hand sanitizer. 2. Diseases transmitted throu...[Read More] Understanding Saliva Transmission Risks: Health Concerns and Precautions
Understanding Blood Test Results: Diabetes and Anemia Concerns Explained
Inquiry Regarding Blood Test Report Hello, doctor. I went to a laboratory for blood tests and would like to ask you a few questions. I have issues with gastroesophageal reflux, insomnia, and anxiety, and my blood pressure is around 105-120/78-90. Recently, I've been feeling ...
Dr. Hou Angting Reply:
Hello: Based on your blood glucose report, you are currently in a prediabetic state. It is recommended that you follow up with a family medicine clinic in three months. IgE levels tend to be elevated in cases of allergies or parasitic infections, so it is advisable for you to see...[Read More] Understanding Blood Test Results: Diabetes and Anemia Concerns Explained
Understanding Persistent Low-Grade Fever in Patients with Chronic Conditions
Elevated body temperature? A little over a week ago, I had a fever of 38 degrees Celsius at midnight, and I was awakened from sleep by pain in my hand joints. In the morning, my temperature remained at 38 degrees, and I had no appetite. At the hospital, my tests showed SEG neutro...
Dr. Lin Zhebin Reply:
Hello: Regarding your symptoms of fever and discomfort, it is essential to first consider the possibility of an infection. Currently, the prevalence of COVID-19 is high. If your rapid test result is negative but you continue to feel unwell, it is advisable to visit a hospital for...[Read More] Understanding Persistent Low-Grade Fever in Patients with Chronic Conditions
Understanding Nighttime Fever: Causes and Concerns in Family Medicine
Fever at specific times? I would like to ask about a situation where there are no respiratory symptoms, and both mental state and appetite are good. However, every night after 10 PM, I experience a fever of 38.3 to 38.5 degrees Celsius (with variations between ears). I measure it...
Dr. Lin Zhebin Reply:
Hello: Regarding your issue of experiencing fever at specific times in the evening, it is important to consider potential causes such as infections, endocrine disorders, autoimmune diseases, or cancer. It is advisable to seek medical attention promptly to investigate the underlyi...[Read More] Understanding Nighttime Fever: Causes and Concerns in Family Medicine
Understanding Unexplained Fever: Potential Causes and Concerns
Fever of unknown origin (FUO) Since being diagnosed on May 25, my body temperature has been consistently elevated, around 38.4°C. However, since August, my temperature has generally risen to around 38°C. I underwent a series of tests at the Veterans General Hospital, and everythi...
Dr. Liao Yaopan Reply:
Hello, the causes of unexplained fever may be related to various systems, including infections, autoimmune diseases, and tumors, among others. Infections are likely the most common cause. Hematology and rheumatology should also be investigated. Please note that online consultatio...[Read More] Understanding Unexplained Fever: Potential Causes and Concerns
Understanding Close Contacts of COVID-19 Patients: Key Questions Answered
Some issues regarding close contacts of COVID-19 confirmed cases? Hello, Doctor: I would like to inquire about issues related to close contacts. My mother and I received our third dose of the BNT vaccine on June 1. My mother tested positive on June 21, and according to her, she h...
Dr. Lin Zhebin Reply:
Hello: 1. The level of viral load does indeed affect the results of rapid tests. A negative rapid test indicates a low viral load and low infectiousness, but it does not mean that you are not infected with COVID-19. Based on your description, I believe you may have been infected ...[Read More] Understanding Close Contacts of COVID-19 Patients: Key Questions Answered
Post-Isolation Cleaning Tips for Safe Family Reunions After COVID-19
I would like to inquire about the disinfection measures after recovering from a confirmed case? Hello, Dr. Hsiao. I would like to ask you a question. After a confirmed COVID-19 case has completed 7 days of isolation, should the room and its contents be disinfected before allowing...
Dr. Xiao Yongxun Reply:
Dear Mr. Zheyi, 1. When COVID-19 first emerged, research reports indicated that this coronavirus could survive on various surfaces for different durations: 4-5 days on paper, 4 days on glass, 4 days on wood, 48 hours on steel, 8 hours on surgical gloves, 2-8 hours on aluminum, a...[Read More] Post-Isolation Cleaning Tips for Safe Family Reunions After COVID-19
Discovering Blood While Cleaning Your Belly Button: When to Seek Help
Blood stains found while cleaning the navel? Hello, doctor. Two days ago, I felt a sharp pain while cleaning my navel with a cotton swab, and later I noticed blood on the cotton swab. I immediately stopped cleaning. The next day, I woke up without any discomfort, and my navel was...
Dr. Lin Zhebin Reply:
Hello: Based on your description, it seems that the slight abrasion of the belly button was likely caused by cleaning it with a cotton swab. If there is no pain, redness, swelling, or discharge from the belly button, you may not need to seek medical attention at this time. Regard...[Read More] Discovering Blood While Cleaning Your Belly Button: When to Seek Help
Can Using Blood Collection Cotton Balls Lead to Cross-Contamination?
Can hemostatic cotton cause cross-contamination? Hello Doctor, today when I visited the clinic for a blood draw, the nurse disinfected the area with a cotton ball and then placed that same cotton ball on the cushion used to elevate my arm during the blood draw. After the blood wa...
Dr. Hou Angting Reply:
Hello: Generally speaking, disinfecting with 75% alcohol can effectively inactivate bacteria, reducing the risk of infection. Wishing you good health.[Read More] Can Using Blood Collection Cotton Balls Lead to Cross-Contamination?