Managing Weight Loss and Health for Night Shift Nurses
Moderately obese night shift nurse? Hello, doctor. I am a nurse who has been working night shifts for a long time. Over the past three years, I have gained 30 kilograms (currently classified as moderately obese, with a history of polycystic ovary syndrome). Since last year, I hav...
Dr. Li Jian Reply:
Drink water at your convenience, while always being attentive to any urinary tract symptoms.[Read More] Managing Weight Loss and Health for Night Shift Nurses
Understanding Bloating and Constipation: Insights for Relief
Abdominal bloating and constipation? Hello Doctor, I have been experiencing abdominal bloating for almost six months now, with the bloating sensation primarily located on the right side of my abdomen. I have undergone a colonoscopy during this period, which was normal. Currently,...
Dr. Zeng Guosen Reply:
Gastrointestinal abnormalities are common clinical issues that can be challenging to manage. The causes are numerous, including physiological, psychological, medication-related, dietary, and lifestyle factors. It is difficult to determine the cause and appropriate management base...[Read More] Understanding Bloating and Constipation: Insights for Relief
Gratitude to Dr. Gao: Expert Insights on Ankylosing Spondylitis Care
Thank you, Dr. Gao? Hello Dr. Gao, my son is 19 years old and is a patient with ankylosing spondylitis. Since his diagnosis of ankylosing spondylitis a year ago, we have had many questions and uncertainties, especially since this is our first encounter with such a disease. There ...
Dr. Gao Jiankai Reply:
Hello, thank you for your message. Please feel free to reach out. If you have any questions or concerns in the future, you can jot them down whenever you have time. In addition to asking in the e-hospital, you can also bring your organized questions to the outpatient visit with y...[Read More] Gratitude to Dr. Gao: Expert Insights on Ankylosing Spondylitis Care
Managing Severe Dry Mouth in Patients with Sjögren's Syndrome
Severe dry mouth in xerostomia? Hello Doctor: My mother is 76 years old and has been suffering from Sjögren's syndrome for over 20 years. She also has hepatitis C, which has recently been successfully treated, and she is now virus-free. My mother has severe dry eye syndrome,...
Dr. Gao Jiankai Reply:
Hello, thank you for your inquiry. Currently, there are effective medications available to alleviate the symptoms of xerostomia, particularly dry mouth, which you can discuss with your primary care physician. Additionally, there are some over-the-counter mouth rinses that can hel...[Read More] Managing Severe Dry Mouth in Patients with Sjögren's Syndrome
Managing Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease After Tracheostomy
Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease - Issues After Tracheostomy Hello, Dr. Hong. My father has a history of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and severe pulmonary fibrosis. A few years ago, he required intubation due to respiratory failure, but he successfully underw...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Based on your description, your father has chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) along with severe pulmonary fibrosis. The chances of him being weaned off the ventilator are indeed very low. Additionally, the fact that he can only maintain respiratory training for 1-2 hour...[Read More] Managing Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease After Tracheostomy
Comparing mRNA and Subunit Vaccines for Ankylosing Spondylitis Management
The impact of vaccines on ankylosing spondylitis? Hello, doctor. Currently, among the COVID-19 vaccines, there are mRNA vaccines like BNT and Moderna, as well as subunit vaccines like High-End and Novavax. Could you please let me know if there are any research reports or medical ...
Dr. Zeng Guosen Reply:
Currently, there are no research reports available to compare which is less likely to cause a relapse or worsening of ankylosing spondylitis between mRNA vaccines and subunit vaccines. Thank you.[Read More] Comparing mRNA and Subunit Vaccines for Ankylosing Spondylitis Management
Managing Pain from Ankylosing Spondylitis: How Long Should Medication Last?
Does the pain caused by playing sports require a long time of medication to alleviate? Hello Doctor, I am a patient with ankylosing spondylitis. In the past few months of medication, I have noticed that when my pain is almost resolved, if I do not play badminton, my sacroiliac jo...
Dr. Gao Jiankai Reply:
Hello, thank you for your question. Here are my responses: 1) Is it common for the pain caused by badminton to take such a long time to heal from ankylosing spondylitis? I remember that when I didn't have the condition, pain from sports injuries would usually resolve natural...[Read More] Managing Pain from Ankylosing Spondylitis: How Long Should Medication Last?
Managing Varicocele: Exploring Traditional Chinese Medicine Options
Varicocele Hello Doctor, I received the Moderna vaccine last week and subsequently developed gastroenteritis (with watery diarrhea) two days later. During work, I suddenly noticed some pain when touching my testicles. As I became more anxious, I frequently checked the situation, ...
Dr. Lin Wuxuan Reply:
Please continue to monitor the situation. If there is no improvement in the condition with medication treatment, or if new symptoms arise, it is recommended to return for a consultation with the original treating physician to discuss whether medication adjustments are necessary. ...[Read More] Managing Varicocele: Exploring Traditional Chinese Medicine Options
Understanding HIV Infection Risks from Unnoticed Cuts
HIV infection During one occasion when I returned home, I noticed two very small circular wounds on my hand, both of which were bleeding slightly. However, I have no idea when they appeared or felt anything. Could it be that I was punctured by a sharp object contaminated with the...
Dr. Liao Zhongxin Reply:
Hello: The transmission routes of the Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) can be categorized into three main pathways: A. Sexual transmission: Engaging in oral, anal, or vaginal intercourse or any other exchange of bodily fluids with an HIV-infected individual carries a risk of in...[Read More] Understanding HIV Infection Risks from Unnoticed Cuts
Managing Ankylosing Spondylitis: Pain Relief and Rehabilitation Options
Rheumatology and Immunology Hello, doctor. I have issues with ankylosing spondylitis and spondylitis. I usually start feeling pain around four or five in the morning. I previously visited Chi Mei Hospital, where I had imaging done and reviewed the reports. The doctor mentioned th...
Dr. Gao Jiankai Reply:
Hello, thank you for your question. Treatment for ankylosing spondylitis requires regular check-ups, medication adjustments based on examinations and symptoms, continuous exercise, and rehabilitation if necessary. I highly recommend exercise, and it is especially important for th...[Read More] Managing Ankylosing Spondylitis: Pain Relief and Rehabilitation Options
Can Vaccination Trigger Flare-Ups in Ankylosing Spondylitis Months Later?
If vaccination can exacerbate ankylosing spondylitis, would the worsening typically begin three months later? Hello Doctor, I have ankylosing spondylitis, and I am currently 19 years old. I have been suffering from this condition for over 2 years. I would like to ask you: 1) Is...
Dr. Gao Jiankai Reply:
Hello, thank you for your question. Here are my responses: 1. Continuing to take Xarelto should maintain its therapeutic effect; if there are any changes in efficacy, you can schedule an earlier follow-up for evaluation. 2. Most vaccine-related side effects occur within a month; ...[Read More] Can Vaccination Trigger Flare-Ups in Ankylosing Spondylitis Months Later?
Understanding the Link Between Ankylosing Spondylitis and Vaccination
The relationship between ankylosing spondylitis and vaccines? Hello Doctor, I am a 51-year-old male patient with ankylosing spondylitis. I received my first dose of the BNT vaccine in October last year and the second dose in January this year. I would like to ask if the symptoms ...
Dr. Gao Jiankai Reply:
Hello, thank you for your question. Here are my responses: 1) Is my chest pain more likely caused by the vaccine or by smoking? --> Ankylosing spondylitis can also cause chest pain, and the likelihood may be higher than the side effects from the vaccine, so it is unlikely to...[Read More] Understanding the Link Between Ankylosing Spondylitis and Vaccination
Understanding C1q-CIC Levels: Implications for Autoimmune Diseases
Inquiry about complement C1Q? The C1q-CIC value is 8.2, which is considered equivocal based on the reference values (Negative: < 4.4 μg Eq/ml; Equivocal: 4.4 - <10.8 μg Eq/ml; Positive: >= 10.8 μg Eq/ml). Currently, there are no autoimmune diseases, with negative antinuc...
Dr. Gao Jiankai Reply:
Hello, thank you for your question. C1q is a protein related to immune function in the body, while CIC (Circulating Immune Complex) refers to immune complexes circulating in the blood, which are protein aggregates formed by antibodies and antigens. In principle, the body normally...[Read More] Understanding C1q-CIC Levels: Implications for Autoimmune Diseases
Understanding Gout Symptoms: Normal Uric Acid Levels and Foot Discomfort
Regarding normal uric acid levels but slight discomfort in the big toe? Hello Director Gao, I apologize for disturbing you, but I would like to consult you regarding a patient. About ten years ago, the patient experienced sudden severe pain in the foot and was diagnosed with gou...
Dr. Gao Jiankai Reply:
Hello, thank you for your question. Here are my responses: 1. Can gout occur even with normal uric acid levels? For example, if someone suddenly consumes a large amount of seafood or red meat, or if they haven't been drinking enough water recently, could this trigger a mild...[Read More] Understanding Gout Symptoms: Normal Uric Acid Levels and Foot Discomfort
Joint Stiffness and Pain After AZ Vaccine: What to Know
After receiving the AZ vaccine, I experienced joint stiffness and pain? Doctor: Hello, I received my first dose of the AstraZeneca vaccine on July 30, 2021; the second and third doses of Moderna on October 3, 2021, and March 14, 2022. I am approximately 50 years old. About 1 to 2...
Dr. Gao Jiankai Reply:
Hello, thank you for your inquiry. Here are my responses: 1. Currently, among your series of rheumatic disease test results, only the ESR is slightly elevated, and I recommend continuing to monitor it. After receiving this type of new vaccine, there is indeed a higher chance of...[Read More] Joint Stiffness and Pain After AZ Vaccine: What to Know
Understanding Rust-Colored Phlegm: Causes and Concerns
Rust-colored sputum? Hello, doctor. I have a question. I have been using tobacco, alcohol, and betel nut for 30 years. I quit after noticing that the first phlegm I coughed up upon waking in the morning was rust-colored. This has been the case for 2 years now. I have undergone na...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, based on your description, the rust-colored sputum likely indicates chronic inflammation in the lungs, combined with a history of long-term smoking, while both chest X-rays and low-dose CT scans are normal. This situation suggests chronic bronchitis caused by prolonged smo...[Read More] Understanding Rust-Colored Phlegm: Causes and Concerns
Understanding ANA Test Results: What Does 1:80 (+) DFS Mean?
Antinuclear antibodies (ANA) Hello Doctor, I would like to ask about the ANA test result of 1:80 (+) DFS. What does this indicate? Is further testing necessary? Additionally, I previously had tests for Anti-ENA (La-Ab) with a value of 0.1 U/ml and Anti-ENA (Ro)-Ab with a value of...
Dr. Gao Jiankai Reply:
Hello, thank you for your inquiry. These test results are normal. The ANA may be slightly elevated, but from a rheumatologist's perspective, an ANA titer of 1:160 or higher would warrant further investigation. Therefore, I believe this is acceptable, and there is no need for...[Read More] Understanding ANA Test Results: What Does 1:80 (+) DFS Mean?
Managing Diarrhea in Diabetic Patients: Causes and Solutions
Diarrhea in diabetic patients? My father has been a diabetic patient for 30 years and is now 77 years old. He controls his blood sugar with insulin injections. His HbA1c levels have been normal during his quarterly check-ups. However, since early March, he has suddenly started ex...
Dr. Li Jian Reply:
If diarrhea persists, please visit a gastroenterology department at a medical center. Thank you.[Read More] Managing Diarrhea in Diabetic Patients: Causes and Solutions
Understanding Tongue Bumps: Are They Normal or Cause for Concern?
Please ask your question? Hello, the day before yesterday while brushing my teeth, I noticed a small bump under my tongue that looks somewhat like the tiny bumps on the surface of the tongue. I'm not sure if it's normal for there to be something like this underneath. I ...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, based on your description, it seems that the taste buds or the salivary gland ducts are normally structured, so there is no need to worry. Thank you for your inquiry.[Read More] Understanding Tongue Bumps: Are They Normal or Cause for Concern?
Managing Anxiety and Health Issues: A Guide for Chronic Symptoms
Years of anxiety and restlessness? Unexplained weight loss (notable thinning of the waist, abdomen, thighs, and calves), frequent dry throat and pain during sleep, muscle soreness, recurrent oral ulcers affecting the tongue and gums that persist, healing only to break out again a...
Dr. Zeng Guosen Reply:
The user is experiencing muscle soreness, recurrent ulcers in the mouth, tongue, and gums, and sometimes has a low-grade fever ranging from 37.0 to 37.5 degrees Celsius, indicating a chronic inflammation issue. It is recommended to consult with an immunologist for a thorough eval...[Read More] Managing Anxiety and Health Issues: A Guide for Chronic Symptoms