Poisoning, Family Medicine FAQ

Experiencing Herbal Medicine Poisoning: Which Specialist to Consult?

If you experience poisoning symptoms after taking traditional Chinese medicine and are concerned about potential sequelae, you should consult a specialist in toxicology or visit an emergency medicine department? On the evening of March 10th, Sunday, after taking traditional Chine...

Dr. Gao Qingyun Reply:
Hello: If you have acute symptoms, it is recommended that you bring your medications and relevant information directly to the emergency room for medical treatment. If the acute phase has passed and you are concerned about potential liver or kidney function impacts, you can bring ...

Understanding Painless Diarrhea: Causes and When to Seek Help

Diarrhea without abdominal pain? On the first day, I experienced lower back pain, followed by a headache, and then I had a fever at night. The next day, I didn't feel much discomfort, but after lunch, I vomited. On the third day, I still didn't feel much discomfort. On ...

Dr. Gao Qingyun Reply:
Hello, 1. Based on your description, it may not be significantly related to the previous appendectomy or peritonitis surgery. 2. Your description suggests a possibility of bacterial or viral gastroenteritis, but a complete medical history and physical examination are still nec...

Am I Poisoned? Concerns About Breaking a Fluorescent Light Bulb

Will there be poisoning? Hello, Doctor: I’m not sure which specialty to ask, so I’m reaching out to you. Yesterday, I accidentally broke a long fluorescent light tube in my room, and there was a lot of white powder inside. I researched online and found that the tube contains merc...

Dr. Gao Qingyun Reply:
Dear A-Fei, Hello, please do not panic. As you mentioned in your question, for individuals with normal liver and kidney function, reaching mercury poisoning requires long-term chronic accumulation. Therefore, short-term exposure to low levels will not result in poisoning unless ...

Understanding Head Injuries and Their Impact on Health and Development

Head issues Hello, Doctor: 1. If the head suffers a severe impact, can it affect the development of the language area, potentially causing language impairment? 2. How many years does it typically take for recovery from head injuries and impacts? 3. Is there a risk of poisoning f...

Dr. Liao Yaopan Reply:
Hello, regarding your questions: 1. Different areas of the brain are responsible for various functions, and the extent of functional impairment will depend on the severity and the affected area. 2. Not necessarily; it is related to the degree of injury, and it is advisable to dis...

Accidentally Drank Water with a Spider: What to Watch For?

Accidentally drank boiling water that had a spider in it? This morning, I found a spider in the kettle of boiling water. There was both plain water and water that had milk and cocoa powder in it. Could this be a problem? What key observations should I make? A worried dad.

Dr. Liao Yaopan Reply:
Hello Mr. Su, When encountering this issue, like everyone else, the first concern is whether there is a risk of poisoning. Most spiders possess venom glands in their mouthparts, but their venom typically poses little threat to humans, primarily affecting small animals or insect...

Dealing with Food Poisoning: Symptoms, Treatment, and Prevention Tips

1. Consuming contaminated food. 2. How to quickly eliminate toxins from the body after poisoning (forwarded from the Director's mailbox)? Dear [Recipient], 1. A few days ago, I consumed contaminated food, which resulted in severe pain in my left ovary, as well as intense di...

Dr. Cai Mengru Reply:
Dear Ms. Hong, Regarding your inquiry, it is difficult to provide recommendations on how to eliminate toxins due to the unknown nature of the toxins present in the contaminated food you mentioned. Generally speaking, maintaining a regular routine and ensuring adequate hydration ...

Seeking Medical Advice for Finger Injury and Food Poisoning Issues

Please advise on how to treat the medical condition (forwarded from the Director's mailbox)? Dear Sir/Madam, I am a resident of Kaohsiung City. I have a fingertip that has been partially severed, and I am unsure which physician I should consult to safely restore my finger t...

Dr. Cai Mengru Reply:
Dear Ms. Hong, Regarding your question, it is difficult to provide recommendations for detoxification due to the unknown toxins present in the contaminated food you mentioned. Generally speaking, maintaining a regular routine and ensuring adequate hydration (approximately 2500 c...

Understanding Salt Intake: Symptoms and Health Implications for Office Workers

Salt intake Hello: In the past two years, whenever I consume foods high in salt, I experience a stinging sensation in my skin, excessive sweating, and significant discomfort. The more salty the food, the stronger the sensation, but there is no swelling. I also feel easily fatigue...

Dr. Cai Jueren Reply:
Hello: Generally, normal individuals have a consistent intake and excretion of salt. Only those with hypertension, heart disease, or kidney disease may experience the symptoms you mentioned. A rare situation could be heavy metal poisoning. I recommend that you go to the hospital ...

Is Daily Consumption of Deep Sea Fish Oil Safe Amid Mercury Concerns?

Deep sea fish oil Hello Dr. Wang: Recently, there have been news reports about deep-sea fish and the mercury issue, so I’m wondering if I should avoid taking deep-sea fish oil every day since I have a habit of consuming it.

Dr. Wang Zhengzhong Reply:
Hello: Recently, there have been reports in the news advising against the frequent consumption of deep-sea fish due to mercury concerns. I have compiled related issues regarding fish consumption and potential poisoning, although this does not pertain to deep-sea fish oil. However...

Understanding Lead Poisoning: Causes and Concerns for Home Environments

Lead poisoning Hello, Dr. Tsai! Recently, my mother was diagnosed with lead poisoning at Chang Gung Memorial Hospital. However, my mother is just a housewife; she neither works in a factory nor uses any unknown cosmetics. How could she have lead poisoning? Is it possible that the...

Dr. Cai Ruiyuan Reply:
In general, the manufacturing or smelting of alloys, such as solder, printing type, brass products, and bronze products, involves the application of lead compounds, particularly in the preparation of lead-containing paints, pigments, or colorants, the manufacturing or recycling o...

Can Broken Mercury Thermometers Cause Toxic Exposure? Key Insights

Can a broken mercury thermometer cause mercury poisoning? Hello: 1. If a thermometer containing mercury accidentally falls and breaks, could it lead to inhalation mercury poisoning? (I used a broom to sweep up the mercury, but I'm concerned about inhaling mercury during th...

Dr. Chen Mengkan Reply:
Hello: In general, when dealing with a broken thermometer, you can use a syringe or a suction bulb to collect the mercury and place it in a sealed plastic container for disposal by environmental protection personnel. If the liquid mercury from the thermometer accidentally spills,...

Causes of Hand and Foot Tremors: Beyond Thyroid Issues Explained

Tremors in the hands and feet? I have a question for doctors and healthcare professionals. My grandmother is in her seventies and has recently been experiencing tremors in her hands and feet. After visiting the hospital, the doctors mentioned it might be related to her thyroid. I...

Dr. Cai Jueren Reply:
Hello, Zhi-Jia: In addition to common thyroid issues, trembling in the hands and feet can also be associated with alcohol withdrawal syndrome, drug intoxication (such as neurotoxic substances like "chicken mother pearl"), and food poisoning. Given your grandmother'...

Sudden Nausea, Vomiting, and Diarrhea: When to Seek Medical Help

Acute nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea? Hello, doctor. This morning, I suddenly felt a severe sore throat, which feels like acid reflux, as if stomach acid is rising up. However, I don't have any other symptoms commonly associated with food poisoning, such as stomach pain or c...

Dr. Cai Jueren Reply:
Hello: Sudden nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea are symptoms of acute gastroenteritis. The causes of acute gastroenteritis, aside from bacterial or viral infections, can include unexplained imbalances in gastric acidity or intestinal flora. A sudden chill may indicate a more severe ...

Why Are My Toenails Falling Off? Causes and When to Seek Help

Nail loss Hello Doctor: Recently, my toenail has fallen off on its own, and at the same time, a new one is already growing back. This is the second time it has happened. Is this a sign of any underlying health issues? Which specialist should I see? Please let me know. Thank you.

Dr. Cai Jueren Reply:
Hello, the natural shedding or loss of nails is not a normal phenomenon. Most cases are caused by bacterial or fungal infections leading to inflammation. A very small number of cases are due to heavy metal poisoning, and there are also a few patients with endocrine issues. It is ...

Understanding Carbon Monoxide Poisoning: Symptoms and Risks at Home

Carbon monoxide The ventilation on my home balcony is not very good, and I have to open all the windows on that floor while taking a shower to increase airflow. Recently, I frequently experienced headaches and nausea that lasted for about a week. After that, I started leaving tha...

Dr. Liao Yaopan Reply:
Carbon monoxide is produced from incomplete combustion. Do you know where your water heater is located? Sufficient oxygen is necessary for complete combustion. Mild exposure to carbon monoxide can indeed cause symptoms such as dizziness and headaches, and your condition cannot be...

Loss of Appetite and Nausea: Understanding Your Symptoms

Loss of appetite and vomiting after eating? Dr. Huang: Hello, I have a question. Recently, I haven't had an appetite all day and don't feel hungry. Whenever I eat, I end up vomiting, and the food that comes up seems to be coated with a layer. Sometimes just seeing food ...

Dr. Huang Jianling Reply:
Xiao Yu: There are many reasons for nausea, including functional gastrointestinal disorders, food poisoning, endocrine and metabolic issues, pregnancy, and more. It is recommended to follow up with a gastroenterologist for further examination. Sincerely, Dr. Huang Jian-Ling, Depa...

Understanding High TIBC: Causes, Concerns, and Next Steps for Patients

What should I do if my TIBC is elevated? Hello, Doctor Huang. A few days ago, I had a health check-up and found my HB: 9.8, MCV: 76, HT: 34, MCH: 24.9! Later, I also tested for thalassemia and iron deficiency anemia, but the results showed no thalassemia. However, the data regard...

Dr. Huang Jianling Reply:
Hello, Yun-Jie: 1. Serum iron (SI) and Total Iron Binding Capacity (TIBC) values can fluctuate significantly and are influenced by various clinical conditions, making them less reliable than ferritin. Additionally, Transferrin saturation (Fe/TIBC, normal range: 20-45%) is more ...

Understanding Microcytic Anemia: Is It Hereditary and How to Improve It?

What is the definition of microcytic anemia? Is it a hereditary disease? Dr. Sang: Hello! In my health check-ups over the past five years, I have consistently found issues with hemoglobin, blood concentration, and hematocrit levels (hematocrit 32.3%, hemoglobin 9.3 g/dL, white bl...

Dr. Sang Shude Reply:
Dr. Sang Shur-Te has left, and Director Jan Te-Chin is responding. Microcytic anemia refers to anemia caused by a low mean corpuscular volume (MCV less than 80 fL). Common causes include iron deficiency anemia, thalassemia, chronic disease, and poisoning. Given your situation wit...

Understanding Low White Blood Cell Count: Causes and Next Steps

Leukopenia After the health check, it was found that the white blood cell count is only 3900. Is this too low? Should further tests be conducted? What could be the possible causes of this?

Dr. Huang Mingde Reply:
1. Slightly low white blood cell count: Clinically, this may suggest infection, decreased immunity, viral infection, hypersplenism, drug effects, heavy metal poisoning (such as benzene and arsenic), post-radiation therapy, agranulocytosis, aplastic anemia, alcoholism, or diabetes...

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