Understanding Systemic Sclerosis: Care Tips and Survival Rates
Systemic Sclerosis I was recently diagnosed with systemic scleroderma, a rare autoimmune disease. I would like to know how to manage this condition and what precautions I should take. What is the survival rate? Where can I find support groups for patients? I'm feeling quite ...
Dr. Zeng Guosen Reply:
Hello! 1. First, I would like to remind you to confirm whether the diagnosis was made by a rheumatologist. If the diagnosis is accurate, the survival rate will depend on whether it is limited to the skin or if there is involvement of internal organs such as the heart, lungs, or k...[Read More] Understanding Systemic Sclerosis: Care Tips and Survival Rates
Persistent Cough: When to Seek Further Medical Evaluation?
I have a persistent cough that won't go away? Dear Vice Dean Zhao, My mother has been coughing for two months now. She has seen several doctors and taken various medications, but she still hasn't improved. It doesn't seem like a common cold. Should we consider go...
Dr. Zhao Chongliang Reply:
If a cough lasts more than three weeks, it is advisable to visit a hospital for a detailed examination. First, it is important to inquire whether the cough is dry or productive, and if productive, whether the sputum is clear, thick, white, yellow, or green, and if it has an odor....[Read More] Persistent Cough: When to Seek Further Medical Evaluation?
Managing Recurrent Fever: Causes and Solutions for Persistent Symptoms
Recurrent fever I sought medical attention due to a cold and fever (with a temperature of 104°F). I received an injection and took medication, which improved my symptoms. However, after taking the medication, my fever subsides, but after a while, it returns (to 99.9°F). I am unsu...
Dr. Chen Changxun Reply:
Recurrent fever requires careful attention to its severity, duration, and frequency. If someone experiences recurrent fever for several months, it is advisable to seek medical attention. Various causes such as infections, autoimmune diseases, hematological disorders, and tumors c...[Read More] Managing Recurrent Fever: Causes and Solutions for Persistent Symptoms
Understanding Dermographism: Causes, Treatments, and Management Options
Dermographism Hello Doctor: A friend of mine was diagnosed with dermographism in the United States two to three years ago. He experiences redness and swelling in multiple areas on his back. Since he had difficulty understanding the doctor's explanations in the U.S., he would...
Dr. Zeng Guosen Reply:
Hello! Dermographism refers to the phenomenon where mechanical stimulation of the skin results in the appearance of red lines, followed by erythema and subsequently wheals. The etiology is sometimes related to immune responses to antigens, such as reactions to inhalants, foods, i...[Read More] Understanding Dermographism: Causes, Treatments, and Management Options
Understanding How Steroids Work in the Body: A Comprehensive Guide
What are steroids? Could you explain the mechanism of how steroids work in the body?
Dr. Xie Weiming Reply:
Hello Mr. Zeng: Steroids, commonly known as American magic pills, are very effective medications but can lead to side effects if used improperly. Their primary function is to suppress the immune response in the body, including the actions of neutrophils, cytokines, and immunoglob...[Read More] Understanding How Steroids Work in the Body: A Comprehensive Guide
Understanding the Implications of Borderline Lupus Erythematosus and Management Strategies
Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) I have been experiencing some discomfort in my lower back, and after a hospital examination, the doctor mentioned that there seems to be blood in my urine. Upon further review of the test results, the doctor indicated that the findings are on th...
Dr. Zheng Shuxing Reply:
Hello Miss Ya-Chi! Systemic lupus erythematosus is an autoimmune disease that commonly affects young women. There are 11 diagnostic criteria, and a diagnosis is confirmed if 4 or more criteria are met. If fewer than 4 criteria are met, it may be what your physician refers to as &...[Read More] Understanding the Implications of Borderline Lupus Erythematosus and Management Strategies
Understanding Complement C3 and C4 Levels: Implications and Care Tips
About the immune system? Hello Doctor: What are complement C3 and C4? What does it mean if they are low? If there is a problem, what should I pay attention to? Thank you. SELIN
Dr. Yang Jun Reply:
Hello: In response to your question: The human complement system consists of at least 14 different proteins found in plasma. Through a series of activation pathways, it can combat bacteria or viruses by damaging their membranes. Clinically, to assess whether a patient's comp...[Read More] Understanding Complement C3 and C4 Levels: Implications and Care Tips
Understanding Vasculitis: Symptoms, Diagnosis, and Treatment Options
Vasculitis Hello, Doctor: Two years ago, I started experiencing redness, swelling, and warmth in my knees, sometimes in my feet, toes, and heels, and occasionally in my fingers. Most of the symptoms are located around the joints and typically resolve on their own within 2-3 days ...
Dr. Zeng Guosen Reply:
I will start with the second question. Based on the symptoms described by the internet user, it is neither vasculitis nor gout; it is likely recurrent rheumatism, also known as migratory rheumatism or paroxysmal rheumatism. Clinically, it is referred to as "3" arthritis...[Read More] Understanding Vasculitis: Symptoms, Diagnosis, and Treatment Options
Understanding Vasculitis: Symptoms, Diagnosis, and Treatment Options
Vasculitis Hello Doctor, I have been experiencing issues with redness, swelling, and heat in my knees for the past two years. Sometimes it affects my feet, toes, and heels, and occasionally my fingers, mostly around the joints. Typically, the symptoms resolve on their own within...
Dr. Liu Hongxiang Reply:
Vasculitis refers to the inflammation of blood vessels, leading to damage and resulting in tissue hypoxia, with no definitive cause of onset. Diagnostic evaluations may include medical history, X-rays, blood tests, biopsies, and angiography. Blood tests typically include complete...[Read More] Understanding Vasculitis: Symptoms, Diagnosis, and Treatment Options
Is It Lupus? Understanding ANA and Blood Test Results
Is it systemic lupus erythematosus? ANA 640X, WBC 3300, Eosinophils 6%, Lymphocytes 45%, Hct 37.1%, Albumin 4.64 g/dL, Globulin 3.22 g/dL, A/G Ratio 1.44, GOT and GPT normal, total bilirubin 0.96 (slightly elevated). Is this indicative of systemic lupus erythematosus?
Dr. Zeng Guosen Reply:
ANA 1:640X, WBC: 3300, with other results within normal limits. Based on the information provided in your letter, it cannot be directly confirmed as systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). The diagnosis of SLE requires meeting at least four out of eleven clinical criteria for a defin...[Read More] Is It Lupus? Understanding ANA and Blood Test Results
Understanding Low White Blood Cell Count: Causes and Health Risks
Leukocytosis My mother went to the hospital for a check-up, and the doctor told her she has low white blood cell count. What diseases could this lead to? What should we be aware of? Please help me with this, thank you!
Dr. Ke Zhengchang Reply:
Hello Ms. Hsu Kuo-Yu: There are many reasons for an increase in white blood cells, including any inflammatory infection or leukemia (blood cancer). A decrease in white blood cells can occur in severe sepsis, leukemia (blood cancer), liver cirrhosis, and autoimmune diseases. A det...[Read More] Understanding Low White Blood Cell Count: Causes and Health Risks
Persistent Dry Mouth and Thirst: Seeking Answers from a Doctor
I can't take it anymore? Hello, doctor. I have a question that has been bothering me for a while. Since April of this year, I often feel thirsty and my mouth feels very dry, and I also have bad breath. Even after drinking a lot of water, my mouth still feels dry. I have seen...
Dr. Ke Zhengchang Reply:
Hello Jack: Thirst and bad breath are still caused by insufficient saliva secretion. Issues related to metabolism, such as diabetes, thyroid disorders, autoimmune diseases, poor oral hygiene, periodontal disease, and inadequate fluid intake can all lead to these symptoms. It is r...[Read More] Persistent Dry Mouth and Thirst: Seeking Answers from a Doctor
Is Blood Cleansing Safe? Insights on the Procedure and Its Risks
Could you please provide information regarding blood washing? Hello Dr. Ke: Recently, a friend from China underwent a blood cleansing treatment, where he spent four hours using a machine to draw out blood, cleanse it, and then return it to his body. He described that they extract...
Dr. Ke Zhengchang Reply:
Currently, plasmapheresis is only used for autoimmune diseases (which can generally be performed at medical centers), but the purposes of blood washing at other private clinics, such as fat removal, antioxidant effects, and asthma treatment, are not recognized as reasonable metho...[Read More] Is Blood Cleansing Safe? Insights on the Procedure and Its Risks
Understanding Your Health Check Report: Low White Blood Cells and Elevated Liver Function
Regarding the health examination report? A low white blood cell count of 3280/ml, elevated blood lipids, elevated liver function indices, and mild hematuria in the examination report may indicate several potential health issues. 1. **Low White Blood Cell Count (Leukopenia)**: T...
Dr. Li Huixiong Reply:
Sorry! The information you provided is incomplete. Please attach the data from the test report. Thank you![Read More] Understanding Your Health Check Report: Low White Blood Cells and Elevated Liver Function
Understanding Shogren's Syndrome: Symptoms, Diagnosis, and Treatment Options
What is Shy-Drager syndrome? My mother has been experiencing gastrointestinal discomfort for over ten years, with frequent abdominal pain and diarrhea. Doctors believe she has colonic dysmotility and have also mentioned irritable bowel syndrome. In recent years, she has been diag...
Dr. Ke Zhengchang Reply:
Hello Ms. Tsai: Sjögren's syndrome is an autoimmune disease characterized by symptoms such as chronic dry eyes, dry mouth, keratoconjunctivitis, and difficulty swallowing (due to reduced saliva), as well as bilateral parotid gland enlargement. It often coexists with other au...[Read More] Understanding Shogren's Syndrome: Symptoms, Diagnosis, and Treatment Options
Understanding Thyroid Autoantibodies and Their Impact on Fertility
Thyroid muscle resistance training I have been experiencing hand tremors, palpitations, and shortness of breath for some time, so I went to a laboratory for blood tests. The results showed T4-34, T3-624, and TSH-0.004. I have been undergoing artificial insemination in the obstetr...
Dr. Zeng Fenyu Reply:
If you have hyperthyroidism, you still need to take medication during pregnancy. Please consult an endocrinologist for treatment.[Read More] Understanding Thyroid Autoantibodies and Their Impact on Fertility
Understanding AMIA, ANA, and Their Significance in Immune System Health
Immune system AMIA stands for Antimitochondrial Antibodies, which are often associated with autoimmune diseases, particularly primary biliary cholangitis. A titer of 53 indicates the concentration of these antibodies in the blood, with higher values suggesting a stronger autoim...
Dr. Zeng Fenyu Reply:
1. AMIN is the abbreviation for the examination of thyroid function-related microsomal antibodies, formally known as Anti-Microsomal Antibody. 2. ANA (Anti-Nuclear Antibody) is a test item related to autoimmune diseases, and the testing methods vary. In our hospital's test...[Read More] Understanding AMIA, ANA, and Their Significance in Immune System Health
Understanding Persistent Hair Loss: When to Seek Medical Help
Why is hair constantly falling out? Why am I experiencing hair loss of about one to two hundred strands a day? Which specialist should I see, and what should I pay more attention to? Could you please help me with this? Thank you!
Dr. Ke Zhengchang Reply:
Hello, there are many possible causes of hair loss, including hormonal imbalances and certain autoimmune diseases. Please consult a dermatologist for examination and treatment.[Read More] Understanding Persistent Hair Loss: When to Seek Medical Help