Can I Take Xyzal After Finishing Pfizer's COVID Oral Treatment?
Can I take Xyzal after finishing the Pfizer COVID-19 oral medication? Hello, doctor. I was diagnosed with COVID-19 a few days ago and, since I meet the criteria, I took the Pfizer oral medication. I have completed the treatment about a day ago. Can I continue taking Dexamethasone...
Dr. Gao Jiankai Reply:
Hello, thank you for your inquiry. Yes, the Allergy, Immunology, and Rheumatology Department of Changhua Hospital, Ministry of Health and Welfare, is here to assist you.[Read More] Can I Take Xyzal After Finishing Pfizer's COVID Oral Treatment?
Understanding Easy Bruising After COVID-19: Causes and Concerns
The skin bruises easily upon impact? Hello, doctor. I previously recovered from COVID-19 and noticed red spots (petechiae) on my calves. Later, my doctor diagnosed it as vasculitis. After a series of immunological tests, the main abnormalities found were cold agglutinins IgM (1+)...
Dr. Gao Jiankai Reply:
Hello, thank you for your inquiry. Cryoglobulinemia can also cause petechiae, but it is better to confirm this in conjunction with other clinical symptoms and examinations. I recommend that you have regular follow-ups with a specialist in immunology or hematology for a comprehens...[Read More] Understanding Easy Bruising After COVID-19: Causes and Concerns
Understanding Recurrent Fever: Immune System Challenges and Solutions
Repeated fever over the past two months? Hello, since May, I have noticed that my immune system has been getting weaker. I used to rarely get sick, but on May 8, I discovered I had shingles (the doctor said it was due to stress and a decline in immunity, and prescribed zinc for m...
Dr. Liao Zhongxin Reply:
1. Since you have been diagnosed with influenza type A and are receiving treatment with oseltamivir, it is important to rest well and allow your immune system to recover to eliminate the virus from your body. 2. As for persistent symptoms after infection, this is common with COV...[Read More] Understanding Recurrent Fever: Immune System Challenges and Solutions
Understanding Behçet's Disease: Symptoms and Diagnosis in Adults
Behçet's disease? Hello, doctor. I am a 43-year-old male. Previously, I experienced some issues with my glans and foreskin; when I tried to retract the foreskin to clean the glans, it would sometimes cause minor tears, but this would heal after a while. This symptom occurred...
Dr. Gao Jiankai Reply:
Hello, thank you for your inquiry. The oral mucosal ulcers associated with Behçet's disease, similar to thrush, often occur in multiple locations, and the ulcers in the genital area are also similar. Based on your symptoms, it seems unlikely to be Behçet's disease. Addi...[Read More] Understanding Behçet's Disease: Symptoms and Diagnosis in Adults
Understanding Rheumatoid Factor: Implications for Your Health
Rheumatoid arthritis factor Hello, doctor. I am a patient with ulcerative colitis, and my intestinal mucosa has recovered. Recently, after being diagnosed with COVID-19, I developed skin vasculitis on my calves. I went to the hospital for examination and blood tests, and the vasc...
Dr. Gao Jiankai Reply:
Hello, thank you for your inquiry. Although the RF-IgM value is somewhat elevated, it is not significantly high. We generally consider values exceeding four times the upper limit of normal to be more meaningful. Therefore, if you only have the symptoms mentioned in your text, I r...[Read More] Understanding Rheumatoid Factor: Implications for Your Health
Do Other Viruses Affect HIV Test Results? Insights on RT-PCR and Rapid Tests
Will it affect the test results? Hello doctor, I would like to ask if the presence of other viruses in the body, such as COVID-19, monkeypox, dengue fever, and other diseases, can affect the results of RT-PCR or other rapid tests for HIV?
Dr. Liao Zhongxin Reply:
If you receive a positive result for HIV, don't panic! Let's discuss the concept of "false positives" in statistics. Imagine a scenario where you are not part of a high-risk group for HIV and have no specific sexual orientation, but you accidentally get expose...[Read More] Do Other Viruses Affect HIV Test Results? Insights on RT-PCR and Rapid Tests
Understanding Vasculitis: Post-COVID Immune Response and Concerns
Vasculitis issues I was diagnosed with COVID-19 on June 11, and around June 24, I noticed purpura and petechiae on my calves. On June 26, I visited a dermatologist who ordered blood tests including CBC, ESR, creatinine, AST, ALT, and CRP. The urine test results were all normal. A...
Dr. Gao Jiankai Reply:
Hello, thank you for your inquiry. The ANCA test performed at a general laboratory can initially determine the presence of ANCA, and there is usually no need to specifically test for c-ANCA and p-ANCA unless the ANCA result is positive, at which point differentiation is necessary...[Read More] Understanding Vasculitis: Post-COVID Immune Response and Concerns
Concerns About Kidney Health After Second Diagnosis: Understanding Proteinuria
Second diagnosis of kidney issues (proteinuria)? Hello, doctor. I was diagnosed for the second time about two weeks ago (one year after my first diagnosis). Although I tested negative by the fifth day, I noticed that I have been experiencing foamy urine since then. I found some a...
Dr. Wu Hongjie Reply:
Glomerular filtration rate (GFR) increased from 108 to 112, both within the normal range, showing no signs of sudden impairment. Vaccination and infections can trigger the production of antibodies to protect against foreign viral invasions. Antibodies are a type of protein, and i...[Read More] Concerns About Kidney Health After Second Diagnosis: Understanding Proteinuria
Understanding Subcutaneous Hemorrhages in the Context of COVID-19
Subcutaneous ecchymosis of the calf? Hello, I was diagnosed with COVID-19 on June 11, and around June 24, I noticed purpura and petechiae on my calves. I visited a dermatologist on June 26, where the doctor ordered blood tests including CBC, ESR, Creatinine, AST, ALT, and CRP. Th...
Dr. Gao Jiankai Reply:
Hello, thank you for your question. Here are my responses: 1. I have researched that one type of vasculitis is classified as ANCA-associated, which can present with symptoms such as sinusitis. I have been diagnosed recently and occasionally experience yellow nasal discharge tha...[Read More] Understanding Subcutaneous Hemorrhages in the Context of COVID-19
Understanding Your Diabetes Risk: Key Health Check Insights
Questions related to diabetes? Every year, I participate in my company's health check-up. I am 35 years old, 179 cm tall, and weigh between 55 to 56 kg. I have always been slim and unable to gain weight since childhood, and I maintain a regular exercise routine. I have mild ...
Dr. Li Jian Reply:
You can undergo an oral glucose tolerance test at the Metabolism Clinic. Thank you for your inquiry.[Read More] Understanding Your Diabetes Risk: Key Health Check Insights
Understanding Symptoms: Sweating and Chest Pain After Diagnosis
Medical consultation Hello doctor, I would like to ask a question. I am currently on the fourth day of my diagnosis, and I have been sweating continuously while lying in bed. I also have chest pain and cannot sleep well; when I do manage to fall asleep, it’s only for about two ho...
Dr. Lin Wufu Reply:
It still sounds like symptoms related to COVID-19. It is recommended to follow up with an infectious disease specialist or a pulmonologist for further evaluation.[Read More] Understanding Symptoms: Sweating and Chest Pain After Diagnosis
Persistent Dry Cough After COVID-19: Understanding Symptoms and Management
A slight cough (non-productive) in the throat persisting for six months after a confirmed COVID-19 infection? Hello Doctor: I am 20 years old and have ankylosing spondylitis. I tested positive for COVID-19 in early October 2022, experiencing mild symptoms (low fever for 1-2 days,...
Dr. Xie Rongyuan Reply:
Hello: After being diagnosed with COVID-19, there may be upper respiratory symptoms. If the symptoms persist, you may visit a hospital for medical care to alleviate the symptoms. Thank you for your message![Read More] Persistent Dry Cough After COVID-19: Understanding Symptoms and Management
Long COVID Management Tips for Patients with Ankylosing Spondylitis
Considerations for Long COVID Treatment in Patients with Ankylosing Spondylitis Hello Doctor: My son, who is 20 years old, has a history of ankylosing spondylitis. He tested positive for COVID-19 in early October 2022, experiencing mild symptoms (low-grade fever for 1-2 days, mus...
Dr. Gao Jiankai Reply:
Hello, thank you for your inquiry. Here are my responses: 1. Is the slower recovery from long COVID possibly related to ankylosing spondylitis? How long does it take to fully recover? --> Long COVID can be monitored for three months; after three months, most symptoms should g...[Read More] Long COVID Management Tips for Patients with Ankylosing Spondylitis
Understanding Thyroid Nodules: Symptoms, Diagnosis, and Treatment Options
Thyroid nodule Three years ago, a company health check revealed slight abnormalities in thyroid indices and a suspected enlargement of the neck. Upon further examination at the hospital, a nodule approximately 1.2-1.4 cm in size (with microcalcifications) was confirmed on the rig...
Dr. Li Jian Reply:
Ultrasound localization is more accurate. If you have recently felt tightness or discomfort in your neck, you can return for ultrasound follow-up, but it is usually not caused by nodules.[Read More] Understanding Thyroid Nodules: Symptoms, Diagnosis, and Treatment Options
Understanding Occipital Pain: Symptoms, Causes, and When to Seek Help
Pain in the back of the head? In the past two to three weeks, I've been feeling that my head is different from usual. Normally, it feels light, but recently it feels like there's something in my head, a sort of foggy sensation. When I'm focused on a task, it's...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, based on your description, the likelihood of a confirmed diagnosis is indeed higher. It is recommended that you first perform a rapid test. If the result is positive, make sure to rest adequately; you should gradually recover. If the result is negative, it may indicate ano...[Read More] Understanding Occipital Pain: Symptoms, Causes, and When to Seek Help
Understanding the Connection Between Rashes and Medications
Rash and its relationship with medications? Dear Doctor, I have multiple joint inflammations and recently started taking Celebrex (two capsules a day) and Voltaren (one capsule a day). Unfortunately, I contracted COVID-19 after starting the medication, but I continued taking the...
Dr. Gao Jiankai Reply:
Hello, thank you for your inquiry. It may still be related to the medication, so I recommend that you stop taking the medication and return to the original prescribing physician for the Sertraline or consult a rheumatologist. The Allergy, Immunology, and Rheumatology Department a...[Read More] Understanding the Connection Between Rashes and Medications
Understanding Low Hemoglobin Levels: Symptoms, Treatment, and Next Steps
Understanding the Health Check Report dated February 27, 2023? I would like to understand how to treat my current hemoglobin level of 8.2. My lab results show RBC 4.18, Hgb 8.2, Hct 29.6, MCV 70.8, MCH 19.6, and MCHC 27.7. I often experience dizziness, lightheadedness, fatigue, l...
Dr. Lin Wufu Reply:
Hello, the issues you mentioned involve several different specialties. For anemia, please continue taking iron supplements. Heavy menstrual flow may be a cause of iron deficiency anemia, so please consult with an obstetrician-gynecologist to see if medication adjustments can help...[Read More] Understanding Low Hemoglobin Levels: Symptoms, Treatment, and Next Steps
Understanding Fluctuations in Hs-CRP Levels for Ankylosing Spondylitis Patients
Does eating salad cause fluctuations in hs-CRP levels? Hello Doctor, I am a patient with ankylosing spondylitis, and my main symptom is pain in the buttocks. Since March 2nd of last year, I have been taking two Salazopyrin daily and only taking Voltaren when I experience pain (th...
Dr. Zeng Guosen Reply:
1) The activity of ankylosing spondylitis naturally fluctuates and is not ineffective. 2) It is possible that medication was not taken, or the disease itself may be changing. 3) There are reports indicating that COVID-19 infection can lead to increased instability in autoimmune d...[Read More] Understanding Fluctuations in Hs-CRP Levels for Ankylosing Spondylitis Patients
Why Did the Effectiveness of Salazopyrine Diminish for My Ankylosing Spondylitis?
Why has the effect of Salbutamol diminished? Hello, Doctor Gao. I am a patient with ankylosing spondylitis, and my main symptom is pain in the buttocks. Since March 2 of last year, I have been taking two Salazopyrin daily and only taking Voltaren when I experience pain (the pain ...
Dr. Gao Jiankai Reply:
Hello, thank you for your inquiry. Here are my responses: 1) For patients with ankylosing spondylitis, in the absence of special circumstances and without interruption of medication, the use of Salazopyrin (sulfasalazine) generally maintains effective control over HSCRP levels....[Read More] Why Did the Effectiveness of Salazopyrine Diminish for My Ankylosing Spondylitis?
Understanding Raynaud's and Scleroderma: Challenges in Major Illness Claims
Raynaud's phenomenon and scleroderma are considered significant illnesses that are not eligible for disability claims? Hello, Doctor Gao. After being diagnosed with COVID-19 this year, I suddenly noticed abnormalities in my fingers. After researching online, I found informat...
Dr. Gao Jiankai Reply:
Hello, thank you for your question. The treatment for scleroderma is primarily based on the extent of its impact on vital organs. If you only have Raynaud's phenomenon with mild symptoms, you might want to discuss with your physician the necessity of using off-label medicati...[Read More] Understanding Raynaud's and Scleroderma: Challenges in Major Illness Claims