Understanding Swallowing Difficulties: Is It Related to GERD?
Swallowing difficulties Hello, doctor. I've been having difficulty swallowing my medication over the past couple of days, and I'm not sure what the issue is. Could this be related to gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD)? I also often choke when drinking water.
Dr. Cai Dongqi Reply:
It is possible to examine the area around the larynx (otolaryngology) or the esophagus (gastroenterology with an endoscopy).[Read More] Understanding Swallowing Difficulties: Is It Related to GERD?
Understanding Your Health Check Report: Common Concerns and Insights
Questions about health check-up reports? Hello Doctor, I am 186 cm tall and weigh 72 kg. I have a regular exercise routine that includes three aerobic sessions and two strength training sessions per week, with a relatively high intensity. I also pay attention to my diet. However,...
Dr. Lin Zhebin Reply:
Hello: 1. A fasting blood glucose level of 101 is not something to be overly concerned about. The normal reference range is based on the majority of the population, and a single fasting blood glucose measurement can be influenced by the duration of fasting and the food consumed...[Read More] Understanding Your Health Check Report: Common Concerns and Insights
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
Understanding X-rays: Do You Need a Specialist for Chest Issues?
Regarding X-rays? Hello, Doctor: I have an autoimmune disease and previously had an X-ray of my lungs or chest (the upper area). I did some research online! An X-ray can reveal a lot of information. The basic things that can be assessed include the heart, lungs, bones, lung marki...
Dr. Cai Dongqi Reply:
Hello: That's correct, a chest X-ray can only reveal the aforementioned findings. It is advisable to consult multiple pulmonologists for further evaluation.[Read More] Understanding X-rays: Do You Need a Specialist for Chest Issues?
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
Impact of Taking 10 Melatonin Pills Before Surgery Under General Anesthesia
Medical consultation I would like to ask what would happen if someone took 10 tablets of Midazolam before undergoing surgery on the femur (under general anesthesia)?
Dr. Lin Zhebin Reply:
Hello: Common side effects of Flunitrazepam include memory impairment, difficulty concentrating, drowsiness, unsteady gait, dizziness, headaches, increased anxiety, tinnitus, liver dysfunction, blood cell reduction, palpitations, thirst, loss of appetite, nausea, vomiting, abdomi...[Read More] Impact of Taking 10 Melatonin Pills Before Surgery Under General Anesthesia
Understanding Joint Pain After COVID-19 Vaccination: A Patient's Journey
After receiving the COVID-19 vaccine Since receiving the COVID-19 vaccines, my reactions have varied with each dose. Last year, after the first dose of AstraZeneca (AZ), I experienced swollen tonsils (commonly referred to in Taiwanese as "柱仔") and visited an ENT special...
Dr. Lin Zhebin Reply:
Hello: It is difficult to determine whether your knee pain is related to the COVID-19 vaccine. You mentioned visiting a rheumatology clinic, where objective examinations revealed synovitis and mild degenerative arthritis. However, the presence of synovitis and mild degenerative a...[Read More] Understanding Joint Pain After COVID-19 Vaccination: A Patient's Journey
Understanding Sleep Mechanisms: The Impact of Sleeping Pills vs. Natural Sleep
Sleeping pills and sleep? Recently, I have been experiencing insomnia along with slight muscle soreness, which has affected my sleep quality. I would like to know if there is a difference in the body's mechanisms between falling asleep with sleeping pills and naturally falli...
Dr. Lin Zhebin Reply:
Hello: Sleep can generally be divided into two cycles: Rapid Eye Movement (REM) sleep and Non-Rapid Eye Movement (NREM) sleep. REM sleep is associated with information integration and dreaming, while NREM sleep is related to deep sleep and bodily repair. There are many types of s...[Read More] Understanding Sleep Mechanisms: The Impact of Sleeping Pills vs. Natural Sleep
Can I Get My Chronic Prescription from a Different Doctor?
Slow signing issues Hello Doctor, I would like to ask a question. I have a history of hypertension and have been on a continuous prescription for over a year. I visit every three months to get my medication from my family medicine doctor, Dr. A, on my regular day off, which is Su...
Dr. Lin Zhebin Reply:
Hello: Whether to continue the medication prescribed by Dr. A or to have Dr. B make the determination depends on the situation. However, if you are not experiencing any significant discomfort from the medication or if there are no notable abnormalities in your tests, most physici...[Read More] Can I Get My Chronic Prescription from a Different Doctor?
Is My Gradual Improvement a Sign of Lower COVID Severity Risk?
If the symptoms are gradually improving, can I feel more at ease? Hello Doctor: I was diagnosed with COVID-19 yesterday and have been taking medication for two days. My symptoms have progressed from fever, dry cough, and fatigue yesterday to just a dry cough today. I'm feeli...
Dr. Lin Zhebin Reply:
Hello: Given your age, if you do not have any significant comorbidities or chronic illnesses, and considering that you have been vaccinated, the likelihood of developing severe illness after contracting COVID-19 is relatively low. Additionally, based on the fact that your current...[Read More] Is My Gradual Improvement a Sign of Lower COVID Severity Risk?
Understanding Mid-Scapular Pain: Causes and When to Seek Help
Pain in the middle of the scapula? I suddenly felt pain in the middle of my scapula while sitting in a chair. Leaning forward seems to relieve the discomfort, and pressing on my back provides some relief as well, but the pain goes away after a while. Recently, I've also been...
Dr. Chen Bozhang Reply:
Hello, Xiao Luo: In your recent message, you mentioned experiencing frequent pain in both shoulders and sudden severe pain between the shoulder blades. This is often caused by fatigue, inflammation at the muscle attachment points, or tightness in the fascia. During episodes, lo...[Read More] Understanding Mid-Scapular Pain: Causes and When to Seek Help
Understanding Throat Issues: Is It COVID-19 or the Flu?
Throat issues Initially, there was a slight scratchy throat that lasted for 2 days, then it turned into just a little itch. However, after another 2 days, the itchiness increased instead of decreasing. During this time, there was a persistent urge to cough, but there was no nasal...
Dr. Ye Qianyu Reply:
Hello! Currently, a diagnosis cannot be made solely based on symptoms. It is recommended that you seek medical attention at a healthcare facility if you have concerns.[Read More] Understanding Throat Issues: Is It COVID-19 or the Flu?
How to Normalize Total Cholesterol and Triglyceride Levels Naturally
How can I normalize total cholesterol and triglyceride levels? Hello, Doctor! I recently received my health check report showing a total serum cholesterol of 299 mg/dL, triglycerides of 231 mg/dL, and low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol of 74 mg/dL. There is no value for hi...
Dr. Ye Qianyu Reply:
Hello! Improving hyperlipidemia requires good dietary and exercise habits. It is recommended that you have regular follow-up appointments to discuss adjustments to your diet and exercise regimen with your physician. If there is no improvement after 6 to 12 months, medication trea...[Read More] How to Normalize Total Cholesterol and Triglyceride Levels Naturally
Is a Blood Pressure of 130-135/75-80 Considered Hypertension?
Blood pressure issues Hello Doctor: Recently, I measured my blood pressure at home and found that my systolic pressure is between 130-135 and my diastolic pressure is between 75-80. Is this considered high blood pressure? Do I need to take medication to control it?
Dr. Hou Angting Reply:
Hello: Based on your measured blood pressure, it does not indicate hypertension. It is recommended that you continue to monitor your blood pressure. Wishing you good health.[Read More] Is a Blood Pressure of 130-135/75-80 Considered Hypertension?
Understanding Respiratory Distress: Next Steps for Elderly Care
Respiratory distress syndrome Hello, doctor. I would like to inquire on behalf of my elderly family member. Recently, my grandmother has been experiencing shortness of breath for unknown reasons, and she often feels breathless in the mornings. She has a history of diabetes and pr...
Dr. Hou Angting Reply:
Hello: I recommend that you visit the pulmonology outpatient clinic for further evaluation. Wishing you good health.[Read More] Understanding Respiratory Distress: Next Steps for Elderly Care
Loss of Taste and Smell: Understanding Symptoms and Recovery Tips
Loss of smell and taste? Hello, my BMI is approximately 37. I tested positive for COVID-19 on September 7 and had a telemedicine consultation with a Western medicine clinic on the same day, where I received medication (my only symptoms at that time were discomfort in my tonsils a...
Dr. Lin Zhebin Reply:
Hello: Regarding the impact of COVID-19 on the sense of smell and taste, most individuals experience improvement within a few weeks to a month, but a small percentage may have persistent symptoms lasting up to six months. Currently, there are no specific medications to treat the ...[Read More] Loss of Taste and Smell: Understanding Symptoms and Recovery Tips
Understanding Weight Gain and Abdominal Changes: A Medical Perspective
Weight gain and body shape changes - increased abdominal fat? Hello Dr. Hou, I have a few questions regarding weight gain (I am 156 cm tall and weigh 48.4 kg). 1) Since the Lunar New Year, my weight has been steadily increasing (from 46 kg to the current 48.4 kg), and fat has s...
Dr. Hou Angting Reply:
Hello: Generally speaking, an increase in the intake of sugary beverages can easily lead to weight gain, so it is recommended that you start with dietary control. As for whether steroids have an impact, it is advisable to discuss this with your rheumatology and immunology special...[Read More] Understanding Weight Gain and Abdominal Changes: A Medical Perspective
Can Drinking Milk Tea with Medication Cause Throat Pain?
Taking medication? This morning, I didn't have any water available, so I took my medication (Cefadroxil capsules) with milk tea instead. A few seconds later, my throat suddenly hurt, and the pain lasted until the evening. Could this be related to using milk tea? Is there an ...
Dr. Ye Qianyu Reply:
Hello! Taking medication with milk tea may affect the efficacy of the drug. However, the sore throat could be due to mucosal damage caused during swallowing, which should theoretically recover in a few days. If discomfort persists, please consult an otolaryngologist.[Read More] Can Drinking Milk Tea with Medication Cause Throat Pain?
Understanding Gastrointestinal Discomfort: Causes and Solutions
Gastrointestinal discomfort? Hello Doctor, I have been experiencing bloating and nausea for almost three months. I have taken medication, but my symptoms fluctuate. Additionally, I have been experiencing hair loss. The doctor suspects it may be due to autonomic nervous system dys...
Dr. Lin Zhebin Reply:
Hello: Based on the discomfort you described, it may be necessary to consider the possibility of pregnancy. Additionally, you might want to consult a doctor to check thyroid function and arrange for an endoscopy.[Read More] Understanding Gastrointestinal Discomfort: Causes and Solutions