Understanding Dry Syndrome and Joint Cartilage Issues: A Guide to Immune Disorders
Sjögren's syndrome, articular cartilage Hello, Director Gao! I have several symptoms and I'm unsure if they are related to an autoimmune disease. 1. My dentist informed me that my mouth is very dry. This condition has persisted for at least three years, especially dur...
Dr. Gao Jiankai Reply:
Hello, I apologize for the late response. I believe your symptoms are indeed related to Sjögren's syndrome, including dry eyes, dry mouth, thyroid dysfunction, cough, and generalized body aches, even lower back pain, which may all be associated with Sjögren's syndrome. ...[Read More] Understanding Dry Syndrome and Joint Cartilage Issues: A Guide to Immune Disorders
Chronic Illness: Recurring Colds and High Chickenpox Antibody Levels
Repeated colds for three years and varicella antibody levels? Since 2015, I have been experiencing recurrent colds, chronic acute sinusitis, tonsillar enlargement/abscess, mycoplasma pneumonia, asthma, influenza, and dizziness. On average, I visit the doctor about three times a m...
Dr. Liao Zhongxin Reply:
Dear readers: Regarding the questions, here are the responses. Q1: I would like to ask the physician... Is the varicella antibody index a point of concern? A: Reference material: http://www.ucl.com.tw/webshop/shop/ServiceQueryInfo.asp?GoodsID=D0109032&GoodstypeID=D0&Midd...[Read More] Chronic Illness: Recurring Colds and High Chickenpox Antibody Levels
Understanding Morning Cough: Causes and Solutions for Relief
Regarding morning cough? In the past month or two, I have been coughing persistently during the early morning hours, accompanied by a wheezing sound when breathing and clear phlegm. Occasionally, I also cough in the morning, though not very frequently, but if I cough too much, I ...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, the sound you described as "whooshing" is indicative of bronchoconstriction. I need to confirm whether this sound has been present for a long time or if it has recently developed. If it has been ongoing or occurs frequently, you should be cautious and consider vi...[Read More] Understanding Morning Cough: Causes and Solutions for Relief
Understanding Oral Candidiasis: Causes, Symptoms, and HIV Concerns
Oral candidiasis Hello, doctor! In the past week or two, I noticed an oval-shaped white membrane on my lips. After scraping it off, I saw a slightly red sore that didn't hurt. Later, I wasn't sure if I bit it or if something else happened, but it turned into a regular u...
Dr. Liao Zhongxin Reply:
Dear readers: Regarding the question, "Is it necessary for me to get tested for HIV in my situation?" A: 1. According to the CDC website www.cdc.gov.tw/professional/page.aspx?treeid=7B56E6F932B49B90&nowtreeid=D03CCE3DF521E46A, there are three main routes of HIV tr...[Read More] Understanding Oral Candidiasis: Causes, Symptoms, and HIV Concerns
Understanding Pneumothorax: Symptoms, Causes, and Relation to Asthma
Please provide the content you would like me to translate? Hello, Dr. Hong. Based on my observations of my body, I don't think it's muscle pain because it feels very tight and painful, extending to my back, and it's quite uncomfortable. Sometimes I feel short of br...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, pneumothorax refers to the partial rupture of a lung lobe, causing air to leak into the pleural cavity. It typically presents with sudden, severe pain followed by persistent shortness of breath that does not improve with rest. Small pneumothoraces may resolve on their own,...[Read More] Understanding Pneumothorax: Symptoms, Causes, and Relation to Asthma
Understanding Sudden Chest Pain: Is It Asthma or Heart Issues?
Chest pain or angina? I have been experiencing sudden chest pain for a week, with each episode lasting 5 to 10 minutes. The pain is severe enough to make me feel nauseous and cause difficulty breathing and shortness of breath. It even extends to abdominal pain. I have no worries,...
Dr. Wang Weijie Reply:
Hello, a simple symptom statement can sometimes make it difficult to determine the condition. It is advisable to discuss with a cardiologist and undergo appropriate examinations to confirm the diagnosis. Dr. Lin Chi-Hsiung.[Read More] Understanding Sudden Chest Pain: Is It Asthma or Heart Issues?
Understanding Fatigue: Causes and Solutions for Persistent Weakness
Generalized weakness? Hello, Dr. Hsiao! I am 19 years old and have a normal sleep schedule of about 8 hours. I wake up feeling well-rested, but after a while, I start to feel fatigued again. Taking a nap in the afternoon helps somewhat, but I still feel tired shortly after. Recen...
Dr. Xiao Yongxun Reply:
Dear Ms. Anonymous: 1. Fatigue is something that almost everyone experiences at some point in their lives, and most diseases can cause fatigue. Typically, fatigue is temporary, self-limiting, and the primary cause can often be identified. Based on the nature of the causes, fati...[Read More] Understanding Fatigue: Causes and Solutions for Persistent Weakness
Understanding Chest Pain and Shortness of Breath in Teens
Chest pain sometimes accompanied by unexplained shortness of breath? Hello, I am a middle school student. After about a month of starting middle school, I occasionally feel a slight pain on the left side of my chest when taking deep breaths. This has continued until now, and even...
Dr. Li Zhiyao Reply:
Hello, Yujing: I recommend that you first see a pulmonologist, who can then determine whether you need to consult a cardiologist.[Read More] Understanding Chest Pain and Shortness of Breath in Teens
Understanding Discrepancies Between Ear and Axillary Temperatures
Ear temperature indicates fever, while axillary temperature is normal? Hello, Dr. Tseng. I have issues with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and asthma. A couple of months ago, I might have contracted a cold, which led to an acute asthma attack, productive cough, and a high fever of 39 ...
Dr. Zeng Guosen Reply:
Hello, users: A temperature difference of 0.8-1 degree Celsius between ear temperature and axillary temperature could indicate issues related to autoimmune disorders or infections that may cause fever. Please seek medical attention for diagnosis and treatment. Thank you for your ...[Read More] Understanding Discrepancies Between Ear and Axillary Temperatures
Can Steroids Cause Permanent Immune Imbalance and Pituitary Damage?
Can steroids cause permanent immune system imbalance and damage to the pituitary gland? Hello, due to the doctor's suspicion of asthma exacerbation, I was prescribed a potent corticosteroid, Methylprednisolone, to be taken 4 times a day at 16 mg. However, due to time constra...
Dr. Gao Jiankai Reply:
Dear Yan Yan, Thank you for your message. The side effects of steroids primarily affect normal hormone function and immune response. The hormones influenced by steroids are typically secreted more in the morning and less in the evening, so it is best to take steroids in alignmen...[Read More] Can Steroids Cause Permanent Immune Imbalance and Pituitary Damage?
Choosing the Right Insecticide: Safety, Effectiveness, and Usage Tips
The use of pesticides? Hello, Doctor: I work in recycling, which leads to a buildup of clutter at home, attracting cockroaches and ants, so I need to use insecticides. However, I noticed that insecticides come in water-based and oil-based formulations. What is the difference betw...
Dr. Xiao Yongxun Reply:
In general, pesticides primarily enter the human body through ingestion, inhalation, and dermal absorption. Nicotine in cigarettes can enhance the toxicity of pesticides. Incidents of pesticide ingestion are rare unless it is accidental or intentional. Pesticides in the form of f...[Read More] Choosing the Right Insecticide: Safety, Effectiveness, and Usage Tips
Understanding Allegra: Addressing Fatigue and Allergic Asthma Treatment
Allergy medications Hello, Doctor Gao. I have been using Allegra (60 mg) for allergic asthma for a long time, currently taking 0.5 tablets every night. I have been on this medication for over a year. During this time, I have noticed that I am always tired, waking up feeling like ...
Dr. Gao Jiankai Reply:
Hello, thank you for your message. Allegra is indeed a new generation antihistamine, and a dosage of 60mg is quite low. Taking half a tablet would likely result in a very small chance of drowsiness as a side effect. However, individual responses can vary, and there are some unkno...[Read More] Understanding Allegra: Addressing Fatigue and Allergic Asthma Treatment
Managing Lung Issues in RA: Can Bronchitis-Induced Asthma Be Cured?
Pulmonary issues in rheumatoid arthritis (RA)? Hello, doctor. I would like to ask: 1. Is obstructive bronchiolitis caused by rheumatoid arthritis (RA) curable if mild asthma symptoms begin to appear? (This means: Can medication cure it, and once cured, is there no need for ongoin...
Dr. Gao Jiankai Reply:
Hello, Tom. Thank you for your question. I will address your inquiries in the order they were presented. 1. There are many types of pulmonary complications caused by rheumatoid arthritis (RA). If it is obstructive bronchiolitis, the respiratory symptoms are usually more severe ...[Read More] Managing Lung Issues in RA: Can Bronchitis-Induced Asthma Be Cured?
Severe Allergic Reactions After Eating Out: Causes and Solutions
Severe allergic reaction and respiratory distress after eating out? Hello, Dr. Gao. I usually experience skin rashes when consuming MSG, but after eating out yesterday, I developed a condition within 15 minutes that included widespread redness, itching, numbness of the tongue, an...
Dr. Gao Jiankai Reply:
Hello Mr. Chen, thank you for your question. The rapid onset of symptoms is indeed very likely to be caused by an allergy. Severe allergies can affect the respiratory system, leading to symptoms similar to an asthma attack. Allergies that cause systemic symptoms are often trigger...[Read More] Severe Allergic Reactions After Eating Out: Causes and Solutions
Understanding RA Symptoms: Are They Related to Vasculitis?
Vasculitis? Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA)? Hello, doctor. I have been diagnosed with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) at a medical center due to polyarticular pain and a strongly positive anti-CCP test. I have been on medication for quite some time. Recently, I have been experiencing recurr...
Dr. Gao Jiankai Reply:
Hello, thank you for your message. Based on the symptoms you described, vasculitis is a possibility, and rheumatoid arthritis (RA) can also lead to vasculitis. However, vasculitis associated with RA typically occurs when medication control is inadequate or treatment is irregular....[Read More] Understanding RA Symptoms: Are They Related to Vasculitis?
Understanding Allergy Desensitization Therapy and Its Long-Term Effects
Regarding desensitization therapy? Hello, doctor. When I was about five years old, I developed allergic asthma after a prolonged cough from a cold. By the time I was in first grade, a physician at a provincial hospital provided me with desensitization therapy, which I remember la...
Dr. Gao Jiankai Reply:
Hello, thank you for your message. Let me address your questions one by one. 1. Asthma can indeed recur, although the symptoms are generally milder during relapses. After undergoing desensitization therapy, there is a possibility of recurrence, but this typically occurs after a...[Read More] Understanding Allergy Desensitization Therapy and Its Long-Term Effects
Understanding the Differences in Treatment for RA, Osteoarthritis, and SLE
Treatment of Rheumatoid Arthritis and Osteoarthritis Hello, Doctor. I have been diagnosed and treated for rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and asthma for over six months now, but my joint pain still fluctuates. My systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is still being monitored. Since I am n...
Dr. Gao Jiankai Reply:
Hello, Xiaomi. Thank you for your question. First, it would be helpful to organize your concerns into a list, as this will make your outpatient visit more efficient and reduce your anxiety. The treatments for rheumatoid arthritis (RA), systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), and oste...[Read More] Understanding the Differences in Treatment for RA, Osteoarthritis, and SLE
Breathing Difficulties in Stuffy Spaces: Is It Related to Past Asthma?
Breathing difficulties occur in places without air conditioning? Hello, Doctor. I have a history of allergic asthma in my childhood, but it gradually disappeared after puberty. However, I have been puzzled for a long time by a condition where I feel chest tightness and difficulty...
Dr. Gao Jiankai Reply:
Hello, thank you for your inquiry. After the cessation of air circulation, it is indeed possible for symptoms of chest tightness to worsen, especially in patients with a history of asthma. However, whether this is related to childhood asthma requires further examination. In princ...[Read More] Breathing Difficulties in Stuffy Spaces: Is It Related to Past Asthma?
Understanding Overlap Syndrome and Exogenous Asthma in Clinical Practice
Regarding overlap syndrome and exogenous asthma? Hello, Doctor Gao. I have been experiencing joint pain and low white blood cell counts for a long time. However, since these symptoms fluctuate between severe and mild, and I usually feel better after taking painkillers and resting...
Dr. Gao Jiankai Reply:
Hello, in clinical practice, it is quite rare for patients to meet the diagnostic criteria for both rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), especially since the pathogenic mechanisms of RA and SLE differ significantly. Therefore, co-occurrence of these t...[Read More] Understanding Overlap Syndrome and Exogenous Asthma in Clinical Practice
Can Diabetic Patients Donate Blood While on Medication?
Diabetes mellitus Can a person with diabetes who is on medication donate blood?
Dr. Zhang Guoji Reply:
According to the "Health Standards for Blood Donors" published by the Department of Health: Article 4: Blood donors who have any of the following conditions should postpone their donation: 5. Currently suffering from syphilis, active tuberculosis, diabetes, heart diseas...[Read More] Can Diabetic Patients Donate Blood While on Medication?