Understanding ANA Test Results and Vaccine Concerns in Autoimmune Conditions
Medical consultation Hello, doctor. I would like to ask what an ANA titer of 1:160 represents. Does this indicate an autoimmune disease? I also have anemia and palpitations. A doctor previously informed me that it would be dangerous for me to receive the COVID-19 vaccine; is that...
Dr. Gao Jiankai Reply:
Hello, thank you for your questions. I have organized and responded to your inquiries as follows: 1. What does an ANA titer of 1:160 represent? Does it indicate an autoimmune disease? --> This is a screening indicator for autoimmune diseases. A higher titer suggests an increa...[Read More] Understanding ANA Test Results and Vaccine Concerns in Autoimmune Conditions
How to Reduce Frequent Colds: Tips for Allergy and Sinus Management
Frequently catch colds? If you have a predisposition to nasal allergies and are using nasal sprays and drops, how can you reduce the frequency of doctor visits? Should you get a flu vaccine? Should you consult a rheumatologist for dust mite allergies, or an otolaryngologist for a...
Dr. Gao Jiankai Reply:
Hello, thank you for your message. If you frequently experience sneezing and a runny nose that significantly affects your daily life, it is advisable to consult an otolaryngologist (ENT specialist). They have more experience with local treatments for the nose and methods to reduc...[Read More] How to Reduce Frequent Colds: Tips for Allergy and Sinus Management
Why Do I Keep Catching Colds Despite Treating Allergies?
Frequent colds? I have a history of allergic rhinitis, but I also frequently catch colds. For the past couple of months, I have been consistently taking medication to treat my allergic rhinitis. If I don't stay up late and have no habits like smoking, why do I still catch co...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, if you frequently catch colds, there are two important factors to consider. First, you often come into contact with patients who have respiratory infections, so it is recommended to wear a mask and wash your hands regularly. It is also advisable to get the flu vaccine ever...[Read More] Why Do I Keep Catching Colds Despite Treating Allergies?
COVID Vaccine and Medication: Can You Take Blood Thinners and Antihistamines?
Vaccine medication consultation Hello, if the timing of receiving the COVID-19 vaccine coincides with my menstrual cycle, can I continue taking Tranexamic Acid as usual within three days after the vaccination (I experience heavy menstrual bleeding and take three tablets a day)? A...
Dr. Lin Jianliang Reply:
Hello: This issue is not within the scope of metabolic medicine; please refer it to the relevant department. Thank you.[Read More] COVID Vaccine and Medication: Can You Take Blood Thinners and Antihistamines?
Understanding Chronic Urticaria: When to Seek Further Medical Help
Urticaria issues? About a month ago, I started experiencing unexplained itching all over my body (my diet and daily routine have not changed). If I scratch, it becomes red but does not develop into hives. I have since seen two different doctors who diagnosed me with mild urticari...
Dr. Gao Jiankai Reply:
Hello, thank you for your message. Urticaria needs to be visually assessed, so if you suspect it is urticaria, it would be helpful to take a photo of the appearance during an outbreak for the physician's evaluation. Additionally, even with medication, some cases of urticaria...[Read More] Understanding Chronic Urticaria: When to Seek Further Medical Help
COVID-19 Vaccine: Should You Pause Antihistamines and Anxiety Meds?
Vaccine medication consultation Hello: I have been taking the antihistamine Levocetirizine (Xyzal) every night due to nasal allergies. Should I stop taking this medication before and after receiving the COVID-19 vaccine? If so, how many days should I stop it before and after? Add...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, antihistamines and autonomic nervous system medications do not affect the efficacy of vaccines, so it is fine to continue taking them. Thank you for your question.[Read More] COVID-19 Vaccine: Should You Pause Antihistamines and Anxiety Meds?
Moderna Vaccine Concerns for Patients with Contrast Agent Allergies
Allergic Reactions to Contrast Agents and Issues with the Moderna Vaccine Hello Doctor, I have a history of heart surgery and I am currently on medication for hypertension and hyperlipidemia. I am very concerned about the risk of thrombosis, which is why I chose to receive the Mo...
Dr. Zeng Guosen Reply:
Hello, it is indeed important to be cautious about allergic reactions to contrast agents when considering mRNA vaccines (including Moderna and Pfizer-BioNTech). For the AstraZeneca vaccine, aside from known allergies and related contraindications, it should generally be safe to a...[Read More] Moderna Vaccine Concerns for Patients with Contrast Agent Allergies
Understanding Systemic Heat: Symptoms and Causes in Asthma Patients
Generalized heat sensation? The patient is a young girl with asthma and a history of frequent bronchitis. Her normal body temperature typically ranges from 36 to 36.7 degrees Celsius, not exceeding 37 degrees. However, since early last year, her temperature has been between 37.2 ...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Based on your description, the most likely cause seems to be related to your menstrual cycle. I recommend observing whether you experience this reaction during each menstrual period. If so, you may consider consulting a gynecologist. Another possibility is that recent significa...[Read More] Understanding Systemic Heat: Symptoms and Causes in Asthma Patients
Managing Hyperthyroidism Medications: Concerns About Side Effects and Alternatives
Side effects of hyperthyroidism medications? I have Graves' disease and have been taking PTU for 14 years. In March of this year, I was diagnosed with P-ANCA vasculitis. I stopped taking PTU due to concerns about its side effects. I have previously taken methimazole and carb...
Dr. Li Jian Reply:
Vasculitis caused by methimazole is less common than that caused by PTU. If radioactive iodine treatment is not acceptable, the only option is to try using methimazole in combination with antihistamines.[Read More] Managing Hyperthyroidism Medications: Concerns About Side Effects and Alternatives
Understanding Drug Reactions: When to Seek Medical Attention
Drug reactions Hello Dr. Wu, last night at 9:30 PM, I took one tablet of Pei Nian (a light orange round tablet) because my face was a bit allergic. After taking it, I felt very drowsy one hour later and slept for 8 hours. Upon waking up, I felt dizzy and unsteady while walking. A...
Dr. Wu Jiyu Reply:
Pyrilamine is an antihistamine, and one of its most common side effects is drowsiness. The duration of this drowsiness can vary from person to person; some individuals may experience it for an entire day. Therefore, it is not advisable to engage in activities that require mental ...[Read More] Understanding Drug Reactions: When to Seek Medical Attention
Understanding Urticarial Vasculitis: Symptoms, Causes, and Treatment Options
Urticarial vasculitis? Hello, doctor. I have a tendency to be allergic and sneeze (which started about nine years ago). I have also experienced mild urticaria intermittently. However, starting in April of this year, I suddenly developed widespread urticaria. I went to a dermatolo...
Dr. Gao Jiankai Reply:
Hello, thank you for your inquiry. Here are my responses: 1. How is anaphylactic shock determined? Although I was experiencing stomach pain, I was still responsive at the time... --> Perhaps "shock" is a bit severe, but you did have swelling of the lips and eyelids,...[Read More] Understanding Urticarial Vasculitis: Symptoms, Causes, and Treatment Options
Is COVID-19 Vaccination Safe for Patients with Allergies and Medications?
COVID-19 vaccination administration Hello, Doctor. 1. I am allergic to anti-inflammatory medications such as ibuprofen and aspirin; taking these medications causes my eyes to swell. 2. I am allergic to dust mites, and I need to take asthma medication whenever I have a common c...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, the three situations you mentioned are not contraindications for the COVID-19 vaccine, nor have they been stated as reasons to avoid vaccination. Thank you for your inquiry.[Read More] Is COVID-19 Vaccination Safe for Patients with Allergies and Medications?
Persistent Breathing Difficulty and Chest Pain: When to Seek Medical Help
Shortness of breath lasting for one week + occasional chest pain? On the night of the 7th, I woke up feeling somewhat short of breath for no apparent reason. I hadn't turned on the air conditioning, and it didn't feel like my usual nasal congestion, but it felt very obs...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, based on your description, it seems that the main issue is subjective discomfort. I recommend measuring your body temperature and blood oxygen levels. If both are normal, you may consider an outpatient consultation. It could be caused by anemia or hyperthyroidism. However,...[Read More] Persistent Breathing Difficulty and Chest Pain: When to Seek Medical Help
Concerns About AZ Vaccine for Allergy-Prone Patients and Elderly
AZ-related issues? Hello Dr. Hong, I would like to ask you two questions. 1. I am allergic to penicillin (I experienced rashes on my hands and feet, and swelling in my eyes and ears). I also have mild allergic reactions to some long-acting pain relief and anti-inflammatory medi...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, 1. Allergy to penicillin is not a contraindication for the AZ vaccine, so it can be administered. 2. Your grandfather's underlying conditions are also not contraindications for the AZ vaccine, whether in Taiwan or abroad. Thank you for your inquiry.[Read More] Concerns About AZ Vaccine for Allergy-Prone Patients and Elderly
Understanding Mild Throat Pain: Tonsil Stones or Something More?
Slight pain in the tonsils? Hello, Doctor. I would like to ask you about some symptoms I've been experiencing. A few days ago, I felt a slight discomfort on the right side of my throat or tonsil, and later I expelled a yellowish substance, which seemed to relieve the discomf...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, the condition you described is likely caused by tonsillitis, which is usually triggered by a cold. The chance of cancer is very low. Additionally, some individuals may experience tonsillitis due to factors such as lack of sleep, stress leading to a weakened immune system, ...[Read More] Understanding Mild Throat Pain: Tonsil Stones or Something More?
Understanding Lung Infiltration: When to Seek Further Medical Evaluation
Lung issues Doctor, I have a question. I went to see a family physician because I had a cold, and I underwent an X-ray, blood tests, and sputum analysis (my sputum has always been white, without any yellow or blood-tinged coloration). Later, my cough symptoms improved, and during...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, based on the current pandemic situation, it is recommended to first undergo COVID-19 testing. If the result is negative and symptoms persist, further evaluation by a pulmonologist at a major hospital may be necessary. As for pulmonary infiltrates, it is essentially inflamm...[Read More] Understanding Lung Infiltration: When to Seek Further Medical Evaluation
Unraveling Mysterious Immune Reactions: Antibiotic Allergies or Autoimmune Disorders?
Is the strange illness experienced personally due to a drug allergy or an autoimmune disorder? Hello, doctor. I have encountered a strange immune reaction while taking medication and would like to ask for your advice. Earlier this year, I was on long-term antibiotics due to a pro...
Dr. Gao Jiankai Reply:
Hello, thank you for your message. I suspect that you may have Reiter's syndrome, also known as reactive arthritis, and I recommend that you consult a rheumatologist at a major hospital. There are several reasons for my suspicion related to this condition, including chronic ...[Read More] Unraveling Mysterious Immune Reactions: Antibiotic Allergies or Autoimmune Disorders?
Understanding Red Dots on Arms: Causes and Concerns
Red spots on the arm? Hello, doctor. Recently, I noticed very small red spots on my arm, about a dozen on one hand. They initially appear bright red and then turn dark red after a while. I would like to ask what might be causing this. I have a history of palpitations and dizzines...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, based on your description, it is possible that it is eczema or an allergic reaction. The dark red color suggests that it may be in the recovery process. If the red spots continue to enlarge, you should consult a dermatologist. Thank you for your inquiry.[Read More] Understanding Red Dots on Arms: Causes and Concerns
Understanding Urticaria: Allergic Reactions or Medication Side Effects?
Is it simple urticaria, a drug allergy, or a side effect of antithyroid medication? I started experiencing hyperthyroidism on April 2nd and began taking Levothyroxine, one tablet twice a day, and Metoprolol, one to two tablets daily. On April 20th, a Bartholin gland cyst recurred...
Dr. Lin Wufu Reply:
Hello: Cephalosporins and penicillins have similar structures, and individuals who are allergic to one type have a 10-20% chance of being allergic to the other type of antibiotic. Therefore, it is indeed possible that you may also have an allergy to penicillin antibiotics. It is ...[Read More] Understanding Urticaria: Allergic Reactions or Medication Side Effects?
Understanding Allergic Rhinitis: Is It Just Allergies or Immune Issues?
Health issues I have a history of allergic rhinitis and have mostly consulted with an otolaryngologist. I also have a history of acute tonsillitis, sinusitis, bronchitis, and upper respiratory infections. I feel that these conditions are the main reasons for my frequent medical v...
Dr. Gao Jiankai Reply:
Hello, thank you for your question. Symptoms of upper respiratory tract issues, including rhinitis, can have various causes beyond allergies, such as sensitivity to temperature. The medications used are quite similar, which may not give you a distinct feeling. My suggestions are:...[Read More] Understanding Allergic Rhinitis: Is It Just Allergies or Immune Issues?