Is My Allergic Rhinitis Leading to Asthma Symptoms?
I would like to ask if it could be asthma? I have had allergic rhinitis for several years. Recently, during the change of seasons, whenever my nose becomes congested due to allergies, I find myself needing to take deep breaths to feel more comfortable. I also tend to cough a bit ...
Dr. Gao Jiankai Reply:
Hello, thank you for your question. Allergic rhinitis is indeed related to asthma. Although both conditions are associated with immune function (allergy), since they involve the respiratory system, it is advisable to consult a pulmonologist first. The Allergy, Immunology, and Rhe...[Read More] Is My Allergic Rhinitis Leading to Asthma Symptoms?
Should Asthma Patients Consider L-Arginine Supplementation?
Asthma patients taking L-arginine? Hello Doctor, I am a 23-year-old asthma patient who has been experiencing episodes for about ten years. Recently, I have had a higher demand for exercise, working out at least three times a week for two to three hours each session, with a ratio ...
Dr. Gao Jiankai Reply:
Hello, thank you for your question. Currently, there are no studies in the literature indicating that L-arginine may worsen asthma. In fact, supplementation with L-arginine may help with asthma control, although more research is needed to confirm this. I believe that some studies...[Read More] Should Asthma Patients Consider L-Arginine Supplementation?
Understanding Human T-Lymphotropic Virus: What Your Positive Test Means
Human T-lymphotropic virus (HTLV) Hello doctor, I have been consistently donating blood and have done so 12 times. The reports for the first 11 times were normal, but this time the blood donation report tested positive for Human T-Lymphotropic Virus (HTLV). My 11th donation was i...
Dr. Liao Zhongxin Reply:
1. What is a "Human T-lymphotropic virus" (HTLV) carrier? Human T-lymphotropic virus (HTLV), primarily classified into HTLV-I and HTLV-II, is screened for antibodies at blood donation centers using enzyme immunoassays. Individuals who test positive for HTLV antibodies t...[Read More] Understanding Human T-Lymphotropic Virus: What Your Positive Test Means
Understanding High MPV and Low Platelet Count: Causes and Concerns
A high mean platelet volume (MPV) combined with a low platelet count (PLT) can indicate several underlying conditions. This combination may suggest that the bone marrow is producing platelets in response to a low Hello, doctor. In my recent blood test, my platelet count was 5.8, ...
Dr. Gao Jiankai Reply:
Hello, thank you for your question. MPV stands for Mean Platelet Volume, and a higher value indicates that your platelets are relatively younger. This is due to your underlying immune disease, which causes faster consumption of platelets, prompting the bone marrow to rapidly prod...[Read More] Understanding High MPV and Low Platelet Count: Causes and Concerns
Understanding Allergy Blood Test Results: Is Your Condition Serious?
Allergy blood test report I have been coughing for six months, and recently my nasal allergies have been almost daily, so I had blood tests done, but my lung function tests are normal. The doctor prescribed me an asthma inhaler, and I am hesitant to use it because it contains ste...
Dr. Gao Jiankai Reply:
Hello, thank you for your question. In Eastern populations, asthma often presents primarily as a chronic cough, with typical wheezing being less common. This may be why your physician prescribed this medication. Currently, inhaled corticosteroids are the mainstay of asthma treatm...[Read More] Understanding Allergy Blood Test Results: Is Your Condition Serious?
Do You Need to Repeat Allergy Testing After Five Years?
Do allergens need to be tested repeatedly? Hello, Doctor Gao: I am 21 years old this year and have had an allergic constitution since childhood. When I was 16, I underwent allergen testing (M25-130-Z MAST ALLERGY) at Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, which tested 36 allergens, all of...
Dr. Gao Jiankai Reply:
Hello, thank you for your question. Here are my responses: 1) I still have some allergic symptoms, but I'm not sure what the allergens are. Is it necessary for me to undergo the 36-item allergen test again? Generally speaking, is there a high probability that something tha...[Read More] Do You Need to Repeat Allergy Testing After Five Years?
Understanding Asthma: Managing Persistent Cough and Heart Concerns
Asthma issues I would like to ask the doctor a few questions. Since last winter, I have been coughing persistently. I have visited many clinics, and the doctors have said it is due to allergies caused by changes in the weather, and that it would improve as the weather warms up. I...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, chronic cough can indeed have many causes. The most important thing is to rule out lung and heart issues. If auscultation is normal, the chances of severe asthma are lower, but there may be other lung problems. It is advisable to consult a pulmonology or family medicine ou...[Read More] Understanding Asthma: Managing Persistent Cough and Heart Concerns
Understanding Elevated Basophils: Causes and Health Implications
Elevated basophils (Baso) Hello, Dr. Hsieh. In my personal health check reports from the past two years, the percentage of basophils (Baso) was 0.6% and 0.8%, but this year it has increased to 1.6% (which is above the normal range). Could you please explain what might be causing ...
Dr. Xie Rongyuan Reply:
Hello: Basophils account for approximately 0.5% to 1% of white blood cells in the circulatory system and are involved in promoting inflammatory responses in various immune reactions. Elevated levels are associated with allergic diseases, asthma, atopic dermatitis, chronic granulo...[Read More] Understanding Elevated Basophils: Causes and Health Implications
Understanding Enlarged Lymph Nodes with Necrosis: Causes and Treatments
I would like to inquire about lymphadenopathy associated with necrosis? Hello Doctor: I have had a history of epilepsy since childhood, but it has been well controlled. At 36, I experienced ovarian decline, and by 37, I had completely gone through menopause. I have had a persiste...
Dr. Gao Jiankai Reply:
Hello, thank you for your question. Here is my response: Question: Could this be Kikuchi disease? Is necrosis very serious? Is surgery necessary, or are there other more conservative treatment options? Response: Kikuchi disease requires a lymph node biopsy. Necrosis is merely ...[Read More] Understanding Enlarged Lymph Nodes with Necrosis: Causes and Treatments
Managing High White Blood Cell Count and Asthma: Dietary Guidelines
What foods can be consumed with elevated white blood cell count and moderate asthma? Hello, doctor. My family member went to the hospital today for a check-up and found that their white blood cell count is over 20,000. The doctor mentioned there are signs of inflammation. Due to ...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
1. Regarding the elevated white blood cell count, it is likely not just inflammation but an indication of infection. Based on the symptoms, the most probable cause is a respiratory infection, and an X-ray may be needed to confirm the presence of pneumonia. Antibiotics or hospital...[Read More] Managing High White Blood Cell Count and Asthma: Dietary Guidelines
Managing Allergic Rhinitis: When to See an Allergist or Pulmonologist
Allergic rhinitis Hello Doctor, I would like to ask you about my condition. I previously underwent a turbinate reduction surgery, which provided some minor improvement; however, my nasal allergy issues persist. Recently, I have been waking up with nasal pain, and my asthma has ...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, if you truly have severe asthma, it is advisable to consult a pulmonologist, and a pulmonary function test may need to be arranged for confirmation. As for the nasal pain issue, it is likely a different condition from asthma. I recommend seeing a pulmonologist for asthma m...[Read More] Managing Allergic Rhinitis: When to See an Allergist or Pulmonologist
Understanding Asthma in Young Adults: When to Seek Further Treatment
Asthma issues Hello, Doctor: I would like to ask you about a concern regarding my child (currently 19 years old) after their recent visit to the clinic. They have been experiencing frequent chest tightness and shortness of breath, so we took them to a nearby clinic for evaluation...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, if it is indeed "asthma with status asthmaticus," it is quite serious. However, I suspect you might have seen the diagnosis on a medical report or a prescription label? This term is usually derived from the billing codes used for health insurance claims and may n...[Read More] Understanding Asthma in Young Adults: When to Seek Further Treatment
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
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
Understanding Your Symptoms: When to Seek Medical Advice for Discomfort
Frequent medical visits? I am not feeling well; sometimes I lie in bed to rest or sit in a chair waiting... I just feel discomfort in my body, so I take a break. Today, I feel discomfort in my neck. I have allergic rhinitis, and during my doctor visits, the diagnosis is often upp...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, because your symptoms are relatively vague, it is difficult to determine the cause. If the discomfort persists, I recommend visiting a larger hospital's pulmonology or cardiology department for further evaluation. Thank you for your inquiry.[Read More] Understanding Your Symptoms: When to Seek Medical Advice for Discomfort
Understanding Allergic Asthma: When to See a Specialist
Allergic asthma If you experience wheezing upon waking in the morning that improves by noon, you should see a specialist in Allergy and Immunology or Pulmonology for allergic asthma.
Dr. Gao Jiankai Reply:
Hello, thank you for your inquiry. For asthma issues, it is recommended to first consult a pulmonologist, as they can arrange for tests more conveniently. Of course, if there is a suspicion of allergic factors involved, seeing an allergist or immunologist would also be appropriat...[Read More] Understanding Allergic Asthma: When to See a Specialist
Understanding Muscle Pain Near the Armpit: When to Seek Medical Advice
Muscles near the axilla (armpit) Hello Doctor, today I felt a sudden soreness in the muscles under my right armpit or near my chest. When I poke it, it feels like there's something in the muscle or tissue, and it hurts a bit when I press on the bone area. I'm not sure i...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, based on your description, the most likely issue is a strain. The pain from a strain typically worsens with elevated use of the affected hand. As for the pneumothorax you mentioned, it usually presents with asthma-like symptoms and more severe breathing difficulties. Cance...[Read More] Understanding Muscle Pain Near the Armpit: When to Seek Medical Advice
Managing Appetite and Bloating in Elderly with Chronic Lung Conditions
Elderly individuals may experience bloating and loss of appetite? Hello, doctor. My elderly family member has chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and has experienced severe asthma after repeated pneumonia infections (he is on medication and uses an oxygen machine). He ha...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello: 1. The Lockfei you mentioned is likely a probiotic. Aside from a few patients with significantly compromised immune systems who may not be suitable for its use, most patients should not have major issues using it. However, since it is a prescription medication, it should...[Read More] Managing Appetite and Bloating in Elderly with Chronic Lung Conditions
Understanding Acute Urticaria and Its Connection to SLE: A Patient's Journey
SLE & urticaria Hello Doctor, my question is regarding an unexplained acute urticaria attack I experienced in early July this year. Since then, I have been taking antihistamines, starting with Xyzal 1 tablet daily and now increasing to 1 tablet twice daily. During this period...
Dr. Gao Jiankai Reply:
Hello, thank you for your message. The diagnosis of lupus erythematosus indeed requires a combination of clinical symptoms and laboratory test results for greater accuracy. For suspected cases, we also continue to monitor over a period of time rather than making hasty conclusions...[Read More] Understanding Acute Urticaria and Its Connection to SLE: A Patient's Journey