Understanding Immunosuppressants: Dosage Insights for Autoimmune Treatment
Immunosuppressants Hello, doctor. I would like to ask if a 23-year-old female weighing 48 kg taking Myfortic 180 mg six times a day and Cyclosporine 100 mg twice a day is considered a high dosage? This is for the treatment of an autoimmune disease, and she is also using corticost...
Dr. Gao Jiankai Reply:
Hello Apple, thank you for your question. Regarding cyclosporine, the dosage will depend on the specific autoimmune disease and the associated health risks. Generally, the use of this medication indicates that the condition requires active control of the immune system, and a comm...[Read More] Understanding Immunosuppressants: Dosage Insights for Autoimmune Treatment
Persistent Fever for 12 Days: Causes, Treatment, and When to Seek Help
Persistent fever Fever that comes and goes for 12 days, with the doctor prescribing antibiotics and drawing blood? There are signs of inflammation, but otherwise, everything is fine (not sure about the purpose of the blood test). I haven't taken any medication, but I experie...
Dr. Liao Zhongxin Reply:
Dear readers: 1. First, the definition of fever is an ear temperature or axillary temperature above 37.3°C. Additionally, body temperature can fluctuate throughout the day; therefore, it is recommended to record your temperature daily (at least once in the morning and once in t...[Read More] Persistent Fever for 12 Days: Causes, Treatment, and When to Seek Help
Chronic Facial Redness and Heat: Understanding the Symptoms and Solutions
Severe facial redness and heat for several months? Hello Dr. Park, I apologize for the lengthy message, but I sincerely hope you can read through it. My mother is 49 years old. She began experiencing unexplained facial flushing and heat in May of last year (2011). Initially, th...
Dr. Li Zhiyao Reply:
Hello: There are many reasons for facial redness, with more common causes including skin allergies, eczema, seborrheic dermatitis, rosacea, menopause in women, emotional changes, alcohol, medications, seasonings, and spicy foods. However, some less common causes may be overlooked...[Read More] Chronic Facial Redness and Heat: Understanding the Symptoms and Solutions
Understanding Hypokalemia: Causes and Kidney Health Concerns
Hypokalemia issues? Hello, Doctor. In December, my blood test showed a potassium level of 3.3. I did not have diarrhea or vomiting, nor did I use diuretics. The doctor prescribed Slow-K BID for three weeks, and when I was re-evaluated in early February, my potassium level had dro...
Dr. Lin Shunfa Reply:
Hello Mimi: 1. It seems that you are quite aware of the possible causes of hypokalemia. The main causes can be summarized as follows: a. Gastrointestinal losses, which are the most common. b. Renal losses due to certain complications of diabetes, autoimmune diseases, hi...[Read More] Understanding Hypokalemia: Causes and Kidney Health Concerns
Can I Get the Chickenpox Vaccine with an Autoimmune Disease?
Diseases and Vaccines Hello, doctor. A year ago, I experienced general fatigue and joint pain, and after undergoing tests at a large hospital, I was diagnosed with an autoimmune disease. The doctor prescribed me medications including quinine, aspirin, and Celebrex. I have also ha...
Dr. Gao Jiankai Reply:
Hello, Jia-Jia, thank you for your question. The varicella vaccine is a live attenuated vaccine, and in patients using immunomodulators, such as quinine and salicylates, there is indeed a possibility that their immune function may be suppressed, which could increase the risk of c...[Read More] Can I Get the Chickenpox Vaccine with an Autoimmune Disease?
Understanding Asthma, Bronchiectasis, and Autoimmune Connections
Asthma, bronchiectasis, immune issues? Symptoms similar to asthma, often experiencing chest tightness, and in severe cases, wheezing during breathing, along with coughing and sometimes feeling short of breath. I have undergone many tests, including bronchial cultures which were a...
Dr. Zeng Guosen Reply:
Hello, user: 1. Usually, chronic bronchitis or bronchiectasis leads to the later development of asthma-like symptoms. A DLCO of 66% indicates that gas exchange in the lungs is not solely related to airway narrowing but may involve other issues beyond bronchial asthma. 2. Auto...[Read More] Understanding Asthma, Bronchiectasis, and Autoimmune Connections
Managing Cold Symptoms and Breathing Issues with Autoimmune Conditions
Cold with wheezing and chest discomfort? Hello, doctor. I have been taking corticosteroids and immunosuppressants for a long time due to an autoimmune disease. Since I started these medications, every time I catch a cold (which I can feel more distinctly), I experience noticeably...
Dr. Zeng Guosen Reply:
Hello, user: The need to use bronchodilators to effectively alleviate discomfort from a cold may indicate respiratory issues, which could be related to chronic inflammation, allergies, or autoimmune diseases. It is recommended that you consult a pulmonologist for a more detailed ...[Read More] Managing Cold Symptoms and Breathing Issues with Autoimmune Conditions
Understanding Recurrent Colds: Impact of Steroids and Immunosuppressants
Recurrent colds Hello doctor, I am currently taking steroids and immunosuppressants, but for the past two weeks, I have been experiencing continuous colds, tonsillitis, headaches, and a tight feeling in my chest. I feel chest pain when lying flat, and I become short of breath aft...
Dr. Ke Zhengchang Reply:
Hello: Based on your description, the diseases treated with corticosteroids and immunosuppressants are generally autoimmune diseases, such as systemic lupus erythematosus and rheumatoid arthritis. If not well controlled, these conditions can also attack the lungs, leading to lung...[Read More] Understanding Recurrent Colds: Impact of Steroids and Immunosuppressants
Understanding Prolonged Fever: When to Seek Medical Attention
Fever for one week? Fever for a week, with daily temperatures exceeding 38 degrees Celsius, except for one day. On the fourth day of the fever, I was examined in the infectious disease department of the hospital, where my WBC was 4400, CRP was 0.4, and platelet count was 298,000....
Dr. Qiu Zhengbin Reply:
Hello: Based on your description, there is a significant chance of a viral infection, and other possibilities such as tuberculosis or autoimmune diseases cannot be ruled out. If the fever persists, I recommend that you return to the hospital's infectious disease department f...[Read More] Understanding Prolonged Fever: When to Seek Medical Attention
Understanding Fluctuating ANA Results: Immune Issues Explained
The ANA (Antinuclear Antibody) test results can vary between different hospitals? Doctor, you mentioned that "some immune issues may cause fluctuations in ANA results." What specific immune problems are you referring to? I have lost about 9 kilograms in the past nine mo...
Dr. Gao Jiankai Reply:
Hello, thank you for your inquiry. Autoimmune diseases that can cause fluctuations in ANA levels include conditions such as Sjögren's syndrome. However, further diagnostic details must be evaluated and arranged by the attending clinician. For unexplained fevers, after being ...[Read More] Understanding Fluctuating ANA Results: Immune Issues Explained
Understanding Possible Autoimmune Issues in Primary Thrombocythemia Symptoms
Is it a problem related to rheumatology and immunology? I would like to consult Dr. Tseng regarding my husband, who has a history of primary thrombocythemia and has been under regular monitoring. In the past two weeks, he has noticed some pinpoint bleeding on the tips of his fing...
Dr. Zeng Guosen Reply:
Dear Juier, Hello, your description seems to indicate a circulatory abnormality, and it's quite difficult to make a judgment based solely on text. I recommend that you first consult the hematology oncology outpatient department. If necessary, the hematologist will suggest ...[Read More] Understanding Possible Autoimmune Issues in Primary Thrombocythemia Symptoms
Understanding Secondary Sjögren's Syndrome and Major Illness Claims
Application for Major Illness due to Sjögren's Syndrome Hello Doctor: I went to National Taiwan University for an examination, and the doctor said I have secondary Sjögren's syndrome caused by a virus. He mentioned that this condition cannot be applied for major illness...
Dr. Zeng Guosen Reply:
Hello, netizen: According to regulations, only those with secondary Sjögren's syndrome related to autoimmune diseases can apply for major illness benefits. Please refer to the information (autoimmune-related dry syndrome is referred to as Sjögren's syndrome). Thank you ...[Read More] Understanding Secondary Sjögren's Syndrome and Major Illness Claims
Understanding Autoimmune Diseases in the Cavernous Sinus
Autoimmune diseases Hello, doctor: Can autoimmune diseases occur in the cavernous sinus? (This question refers to whether rheumatoid arthritis and lupus can manifest in the cavernous sinus; is this statement correct?) What autoimmune diseases are associated with the cavernous sin...
Dr. Zeng Guosen Reply:
Hello, it seems you are asking whether autoimmune diseases, such as rheumatoid arthritis and lupus, can affect the cavernous sinus. Based on the current available data, I have not encountered such cases, nor have I come across any related reports, so I cannot provide you with a d...[Read More] Understanding Autoimmune Diseases in the Cavernous Sinus
Understanding Behçet's Disease: Causes, Effects, and Treatment Concerns
excuse me? What is the true cause of Behçet's disease and how significantly does it affect the body? Is there a correlation between having gastric ulcers and hypothyroidism occurring simultaneously? I am currently receiving weekly steroid injections; are there any side effec...
Dr. Yang Hongzhi Reply:
Behçet's disease is generally considered to be caused by an autoimmune response leading to vasculitis. Gastric ulcers may occasionally occur in this condition, and hypothyroidism can also be classified as an autoimmune disease, which may occur concurrently, although it is no...[Read More] Understanding Behçet's Disease: Causes, Effects, and Treatment Concerns
Understanding Inflammation and Autoimmune Diseases: Key Differences and Treatments
Inflammation Hello, I would like to ask a question: What is an inflammatory disease? What is an autoimmune disease? Are these two types of diseases the same? Are corticosteroids the only effective medication for them?
Dr. Zeng Guosen Reply:
Hello, 1. Inflammatory diseases: These are bodily conditions caused by inflammatory responses in the body. 2. Autoimmune diseases: These are a subset of inflammatory diseases, where the underlying cause is an autoimmune response that attacks the body's own organs, leading...[Read More] Understanding Inflammation and Autoimmune Diseases: Key Differences and Treatments
Can Western Ginseng Help Manage Cough in Patients with Sjögren's Syndrome?
Sjögren's syndrome Hello, Doctor: I would like to ask for your advice. My mother has Sjögren's syndrome and regularly visits the rheumatology clinic for medication. She often experiences coughing, so she is considering taking American ginseng (known as "粉工" in...
Dr. Zeng Guosen Reply:
Dear Ms. Lin: 1. For persistent coughing, it is recommended to visit a pulmonology outpatient clinic for examination. Please do not self-medicate to avoid inappropriate treatment. 2. Regarding the medicinal properties of American ginseng, I am not certain. It would be best to co...[Read More] Can Western Ginseng Help Manage Cough in Patients with Sjögren's Syndrome?
Understanding Persistent Fever: Potential Underlying Diseases Explained
Recurrent fever Recurrent fever for five consecutive days without resolution could be caused by several conditions, including infections (such as viral or bacterial infections), autoimmune diseases (like systemic lupus erythematosus or rheumatoid arthritis), malignancies (such as...
Dr. Lin Mingfeng Reply:
Aside from common upper respiratory infections, the primary consideration for fever in young women is urinary tract infection (UTI). Patients often present with symptoms such as dysuria or flank pain. To determine the cause of fever, it is essential to correlate it with various c...[Read More] Understanding Persistent Fever: Potential Underlying Diseases Explained
Does Thyroid Antibody Affect Male Hormones and Sexual Function?
Is there a relationship between thyroid antibodies and hormone secretion? Hello Doctor: I have been suffering from thyroid autoimmune disease for about two years, and I would like to ask you a few questions: 1. I have seen information online stating that thyroid autoimmune dise...
Dr. Yang Hongzhi Reply:
Hello: Hyperthyroidism can potentially cause gynecomastia in men; however, it does not have a significant impact on male sexual function (it may reduce libido to some extent). The primary issue is that hyperthyroidism can lead to an increase in female hormones in men, which shoul...[Read More] Does Thyroid Antibody Affect Male Hormones and Sexual Function?
Understanding Persistent Health Issues: Seeking Answers for Common Symptoms
Many questions, please take the time to clarify, thank you! I am 29 years old, 165 cm tall, and weigh 50 kg. In recent years, I have frequently experienced the following symptoms: 1. I suffer from insomnia and vivid dreams every day, with poor sleep quality. Despite feeling ver...
Dr. Yang Hongzhi Reply:
Hello: Based on your symptoms, it is difficult to determine if there is any specific disease. Generally, when FT4 is elevated, TSH tends to decrease; your results are atypical and may warrant further monitoring. ANA is an indicator of autoimmune diseases, and a positive reaction ...[Read More] Understanding Persistent Health Issues: Seeking Answers for Common Symptoms
Understanding Pediatric Urticaria: Causes, Symptoms, Treatment, and Prevention
Pediatric Urticaria Urticaria, commonly known as hives, can be caused by various factors, including allergic reactions, infections, stress, and certain medications. The severity of symptoms can vary from mild itching and redness to more severe reactions, such as angioedema or ana...
Dr. Wang Weijie Reply:
Dear Mr. Ke, (1) Urticaria, commonly known as hives, is characterized by raised, itchy red welts that often have distinct snake-like borders, with a central area that may fade. The size of the welts can vary, and many people have experienced urticaria at some point. (2) The cau...[Read More] Understanding Pediatric Urticaria: Causes, Symptoms, Treatment, and Prevention