How Family Medicine Can Help You Tackle Chronic Bad Breath Issues
How does family medicine address the issue of halitosis? Hello Doctor, I have been experiencing bad breath for many years, and it has recently become more severe. The odor primarily originates from my tongue and tonsils, and I have been aware of this issue for the past seven year...
Dr. Chen Bozhang Reply:
If you have maintained good oral hygiene and care but are still experiencing bad breath, it is important to determine whether it is caused by an underlying medical condition. Based on your description, oral and nasal diseases have been ruled out, so you may want to consider condi...[Read More] How Family Medicine Can Help You Tackle Chronic Bad Breath Issues
Understanding Persistent Fever: When to See a Family Medicine Specialist
What could this possibly be, and which department should I visit? Started experiencing a fever around midnight on August 1st (ranging from 37.5 to 38 degrees Celsius). Throughout the day on August 1st, I took four doses of pain-relieving and fever-reducing medication (Bole) but t...
Dr. Ye Qianyu Reply:
Hello! It is recommended that you visit a family medicine clinic.[Read More] Understanding Persistent Fever: When to See a Family Medicine Specialist
Unexplained Weight Loss in Mom: Causes and When to Seek Help
Recently, my mother has been losing weight rapidly, and we don't know the reason? Recently, I have lost weight from around 60 kg to about 50 kg, and I don't know why. I have also become very emotional and feel weak all over, with numbness in my tongue, hands, and feet. ...
Dr. Liao Yaopan Reply:
Hello, unexplained weight loss is certainly a reason to seek medical attention. It is advisable to consult your family physician for an initial evaluation. Online consultations are not equivalent to in-person visits and cannot provide diagnoses or treatment recommendations. Chang...[Read More] Unexplained Weight Loss in Mom: Causes and When to Seek Help
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 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 Persistent Dry Mouth: Causes and When to Seek Help
Dry mouth and dry tongue? Hello doctor, I have been experiencing persistent dry mouth lately. I drink at least 1500cc of water a day, plus a cup of unsweetened tea, but no matter how much I drink, my mouth still feels dry. I have no issues swallowing, and I don't feel thirst...
Dr. Xiao Yongxun Reply:
Dear Mr. Wei: 1. There are many causes of dry mouth and dry tongue; common ones include diabetes, dehydration, side effects of medications, Sjögren's syndrome, smoking, aging, endocrine disorders (such as hyperthyroidism and diabetes insipidus), and psychosomatic disorders,...[Read More] Understanding Persistent Dry Mouth: Causes and When to Seek Help
Chronic Bad Breath: Seeking Solutions After Decades of Discomfort
Chronic halitosis that has been a concern for several decades? Hello, doctor. I have been told that I have bad breath since the Chinese middle period, and I have been seeking the cause and solution for many years. Currently, I do not have any periodontal diseases or related oral ...
Dr. Lin Zhebin Reply:
Hello: Common causes of halitosis include oral diseases (including tonsillitis), respiratory diseases (including nasopharyngitis), gastrointestinal diseases, kidney diseases, and liver diseases. Based on your description, the examinations of the aforementioned organs seem to be n...[Read More] Chronic Bad Breath: Seeking Solutions After Decades of Discomfort
Understanding Sour and Tingling Sensations on the Tongue
Questions about a sour or astringent sensation on the tongue? Hello Doctor, since around the end of last year, I have been experiencing a tingling and sour sensation on parts of my tongue (specifically the left anterior side and tip) intermittently. However, my sense of taste is ...
Dr. Xiao Yongxun Reply:
Dear Mr. Jam: The taste receptors in the human body are known as taste buds, which are specialized epithelial cells connected to sensory neurons. They are papillae-shaped and exist on the surface of smooth epithelial cells. Different types of papillae occupy specific regions of ...[Read More] Understanding Sour and Tingling Sensations on the Tongue
Which Specialist Should You See for Your Health Concerns?
Are you sick? Which specialty should you see? Hello Doctor: This year I have encountered some health issues and would like your assistance in determining what avenues I should pursue to address my discomfort. 1. I received my first dose of the Moderna vaccine on November 15. In...
Dr. Cai Dongqi Reply:
Hello, Xiaorou: 1. Please visit the neurology department for a consultation. 2. For trauma, lung, or liver diseases, please see a dermatologist first. 3. I don't know.[Read More] Which Specialist Should You See for Your Health Concerns?
Is High Vitamin B12 a Concern? Understanding Risks and Symptoms
Excessive Vitamin B12 levels Hello Doctor, last year during my health check-up, my vitamin B12 level was elevated at 1033 [197][771]. Should I follow up with another test this year? I usually take B-complex vitamins; could this be affecting my levels? Additionally, I found online...
Dr. Liao Yaopan Reply:
Hello, there are indeed some articles online regarding vitamin B12 overdose, but there are not many research reports on its effects on health or physiology. The causal relationship with cancer has not been confirmed. However, normal doses of B vitamins should not cause harmful ov...[Read More] Is High Vitamin B12 a Concern? Understanding Risks and Symptoms
Understanding Tongue Pain: Causes and Solutions for Redness and Swelling
Tongue issues? Recently, I've been experiencing a slight stinging sensation on the tip of my tongue when it is touched. Upon observation, I noticed that the tip of my tongue is somewhat red and swollen, and there is a thickening of the white patches on my tongue. I'm no...
Dr. Ye Qianyu Reply:
Hello, based on your description, it may be a tongue ulcer. I recommend a light diet and to avoid irritants. If there is no improvement after a week, please consult an otolaryngologist or oral surgeon.[Read More] Understanding Tongue Pain: Causes and Solutions for Redness and Swelling
Understanding Foliate Papillae: Normal Variations and Symptoms
Structural issues of the tongue? Is it normal for the foliate papillae on my tongue to look like this? I have been experiencing intermittent heat and discomfort in that area for over three years. I have seen multiple doctors during this time, and they all said it was normal. I al...
Dr. Ye Qianyu Reply:
Hello! Redness and heat are responses of mucosal inflammation. It is recommended to avoid spicy, overly salty, very hot foods, or alcohol. If symptoms persist, please consult an otolaryngologist or a gastroenterologist.[Read More] Understanding Foliate Papillae: Normal Variations and Symptoms
Understanding Dental Crown Issues: When Your Prosthetics Feel Uncomfortable
Oral cavity, denture deformation? Hello Doctor, I had a car accident that caused cracks in my front teeth. Following the dentist's advice, I had two dental crowns placed. Initially, everything seemed fine, but after almost a year, I started to feel that these two crowns were...
Dr. Liu Hongxiang Reply:
Dear Miss Chia Lin, Hello. Your letter indicates that several dental examinations have shown no issues, yet you still experience discomfort. Based on my personal experience, I recommend consulting the dental department at a medical center to explore potential methods to alleviat...[Read More] Understanding Dental Crown Issues: When Your Prosthetics Feel Uncomfortable
Understanding Persistent Throat and Oral Symptoms: A Patient's Journey
Oral and throat issues? Hello Doctor, I would like to ask for your advice. I have difficulty describing the exact location of my symptoms, but I will try to explain. For the past few months, I have been experiencing inflammation in the area around the uvula and the posterior phar...
Dr. Liao Yaopan Reply:
Hello, regarding your concerns, it is indeed difficult to clarify. This area still requires assistance from an otolaryngologist. Whether to perform a narrow-band imaging (NBI) endoscopy will still need to be assessed by the physician based on the condition after the use of contra...[Read More] Understanding Persistent Throat and Oral Symptoms: A Patient's Journey
Unexplained Tongue Discomfort: Left Side Sensation and Pain
Foreign body sensation on the left side of the tongue, with a prickling pain at the tip of the tongue? Hello Doctor: Recently, I've been experiencing an unusual sensation in my tongue, particularly on the left side near the base, where I feel a foreign body sensation. I cons...
Dr. Huang Hongshuo Reply:
The more common cause is "gastroesophageal reflux" leading to inflammation of the tongue mucosa, which requires an upper gastrointestinal endoscopy to rule out malignancy. Treatment can be time-consuming and includes medications to reduce (suppress) gastric acid, promot...[Read More] Unexplained Tongue Discomfort: Left Side Sensation and Pain
Understanding Zinc Deficiency: Symptoms, Treatment, and Safety Concerns
Difficult medical conditions Hello, doctor. I would like to ask two questions. First, is there any toxicity associated with heating glucosamine zinc tablets? I usually dissolve them in hot water before taking them. Second, I have an anal fissure, chronic acne on my skin, oily and...
Dr. Wu Zongying Reply:
Hello: Soaking in regular warm water may damage zinc. Zinc is found in many types of food, such as seafood (especially oysters), whole grains, cereals, nuts, meats (red meat and poultry), legumes, and dairy products. If you typically do not lack these foods in your diet, you shou...[Read More] Understanding Zinc Deficiency: Symptoms, Treatment, and Safety Concerns
Understanding Pain at the Base of the Tongue: Allergies or Other Conditions?
Pain at the base of the tongue? Hello, Dr. Tsai. I have a relative who is nearly 60 years old and recently experienced pain at the base of the tongue after eating mangoes. The pain has not extended to the throat and has persisted for 2 days. Could this be an allergic reaction, or...
Dr. Cai Dongqi Reply:
Hello, Xiaoxin! First, let's see an otolaryngologist.[Read More] Understanding Pain at the Base of the Tongue: Allergies or Other Conditions?
Understanding Blood Test Results: Concerns About Lymphocytes and Monocytes
Please ask questions regarding blood draws and related issues? Hello Doctor, about a year ago, I started follow-ups in family medicine due to a liver enzyme level of 60. I was advised to have blood tests every three to six months. Later, during one of the tests, my lymphocyte cou...
Dr. Xiao Yongxun Reply:
1. White blood cells are classified into neutrophils, eosinophils, basophils, lymphocytes, monocytes, etc., each with its own reference range. 2. Their distribution can vary due to different diseases or physiological states. Atypical lymphocytes may appear in peripheral blood dur...[Read More] Understanding Blood Test Results: Concerns About Lymphocytes and Monocytes
Understanding White Bumps on the Lingual Frenulum: Causes and Solutions
There are small white particles connected together on the frenulum of the tongue? Hello Doctor, recently when my tongue touches the frenulum, I feel small, grainy bumps that are itchy when I lick them. Looking in the mirror, it seems like there are tiny white bumps that are conne...
Dr. Xiao Yongxun Reply:
1. The presence of small white lesions connected together on the lingual frenulum may be attributed to several factors, including congenital mucosal protrusions, viral infections, tumors, or normal variations. I do not have sufficient experience in this area; it would be advisabl...[Read More] Understanding White Bumps on the Lingual Frenulum: Causes and Solutions
Understanding Drug Allergies: Symptoms and When to Seek Help
Drug allergy issues Hello Doctor, I visited the doctor this Thursday due to back pain and was prescribed Voren EMC Cap 50mg, an anti-inflammatory medication. After taking two capsules, I noticed a sore at the base of my tongue and experienced throat pain when eating (though I...
Dr. Wu Zongying Reply:
Hello: Anti-inflammatory and analgesic medications can indeed cause allergic reactions in some users. Most commonly, individuals may experience urticaria, characterized by redness, swelling, and itching of the skin. In more severe cases, it can lead to mucosal blistering, mucosal...[Read More] Understanding Drug Allergies: Symptoms and When to Seek Help