Understanding Steroid Dosage and Side Effects in Myositis Treatment
Steroid dosage usage Hello Dr. Gao, my mother is 68 years old. She was diagnosed with COVID-19 in May of this year. During the infection, she did not experience any severe symptoms. However, one month after testing negative, she developed unexplained muscle pain in both legs, whi...
Dr. Gao Jiankai Reply:
Hello, thank you for your question. Steroids can be taken on an alternating schedule, which is a method we use to gradually taper the dosage when there isn't a lower dose formulation available for adjustment. Steroids may cause edema and can also affect sleep, so it is advis...[Read More] Understanding Steroid Dosage and Side Effects in Myositis Treatment
Is Ankylosing Spondylitis a Severe Risk Factor for COVID-19?
Is ankylosing spondylitis a risk factor for severe disease? Hello Doctor, my son is 19 years old and has ankylosing spondylitis. I have some questions to ask you. 1) There are many risk factors for severe COVID-19, one of which is "diseases affecting immune function (such ...
Dr. Gao Jiankai Reply:
Hello, thank you for your question. Here are my responses: 1) There are many risk factors for severe COVID-19, one of which is "diseases affecting immune function (HIV infection, congenital immunodeficiency, solid organ or hematopoietic stem cell transplantation, use of ste...[Read More] Is Ankylosing Spondylitis a Severe Risk Factor for COVID-19?
Is Ankylosing Spondylitis a Severe Risk Factor for COVID-19?
Is ankylosing spondylitis a risk factor for severe illness? Additional question? Hello Doctor, I apologize for the follow-up question regarding the issue I asked yesterday (#187270). I would like to ask you: My child has been taking 2 tablets of Salbutamol daily for the past six ...
Dr. Gao Jiankai Reply:
Hello, thank you for your question. Broadly speaking, I believe it is. In a narrower sense, having a smaller quantity of two can also be considered as not being so. I tend to lean towards the broader definition. The Allergy, Immunology, and Rheumatology Department of Changhua Hos...[Read More] Is Ankylosing Spondylitis a Severe Risk Factor for COVID-19?
Post-COVID Treatment: Should You Take Antiviral Medications?
How to use medication after being diagnosed with COVID-19? Hello Doctor: I am a patient with ankylosing spondylitis, 22 years old, and I have had this condition for over two years. Currently, I am managing my condition with Salazopyrin. Yesterday, a general clinic (not a rheumato...
Dr. Gao Jiankai Reply:
Hello, thank you for your question. The use of Isalor tablets for managing ankylosing spondylitis is indeed related to an abnormal immune function, which is why your physician has prescribed Belaviv. Currently, this medication has not yet received market approval, and if there ar...[Read More] Post-COVID Treatment: Should You Take Antiviral Medications?
Do Ankylosing Spondylitis Patients Need Antiviral Drugs for COVID-19?
Do patients with ankylosing spondylitis who are diagnosed with COVID-19 need to take antiviral medication? Hello Doctor, I am a patient with ankylosing spondylitis. I would like to ask you: 1) If a patient with ankylosing spondylitis is diagnosed with COVID-19, what are the gover...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, regarding the second risk factor, one of the conditions is diseases that affect immune function (such as HIV infection, congenital immunodeficiency, solid organ or hematopoietic stem cell transplantation, and the use of corticosteroids or other immunosuppressants). Therefo...[Read More] Do Ankylosing Spondylitis Patients Need Antiviral Drugs for COVID-19?
Understanding the Risk of Severe COVID-19 After Initial Mild Symptoms
If diagnosed with COVID-19 and symptoms are becoming milder, is there a significant chance of suddenly progressing to moderate or severe symptoms? Hello Doctor: After being diagnosed with COVID-19, I saw a doctor and received medication (it seems like the medication is mostly for...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, if you have previously been diagnosed, your body will still have some antibodies; however, these antibodies will gradually decrease over time. Therefore, if there is a long interval since the last infection and your immune system is not functioning well, it is indeed possi...[Read More] Understanding the Risk of Severe COVID-19 After Initial Mild Symptoms
Do Ankylosing Spondylitis Patients Need Antiviral Medications for COVID-19?
Is antiviral medication needed for stiffness? Additional inquiry? Hello Doctor, below the line is the doctor's response from this morning. I would like to confirm with the doctor regarding the second point. Does the doctor's reply mean that "not all patients with a...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, yes, it is important to check if there are any relevant medications being taken (such as immunosuppressants) that could affect immune function, as these would be considered significant risk factors. Thank you for your question.[Read More] Do Ankylosing Spondylitis Patients Need Antiviral Medications for COVID-19?
Understanding Low White Blood Cell Count: Causes and Follow-Up
Leukopenia The most recent blood biochemistry test showed a white blood cell count of 3300, which is low; red blood cells are normal, hemoglobin is low, mean corpuscular volume is low, mean corpuscular hemoglobin is low, and total bilirubin is 2.22, which is high, while all other...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, regarding the white blood cell count, it's important to first know what your previous levels were. Some individuals naturally have a white blood cell count around 3,000, which can be normal for them. However, if your count has suddenly dropped to 3,000 from a previous...[Read More] Understanding Low White Blood Cell Count: Causes and Follow-Up
COVID-19 Transmission Concerns: Safety Tips for Healthcare Workers
Transmission of COVID-19 Hello Doctor: Due to work, I come into contact with 3-4 clients daily who are not wearing masks (each interaction lasts about 20 minutes), as well as colleagues. Since I have a one-year-old child at home, my current practice is to spray alcohol all over m...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, 1. The primary mode of virus transmission is through hand contact with surfaces or shaking hands, so handwashing is the most important measure; other forms of exposure are not as significant. 2. The situation you mentioned has a low risk of infection. 3. When outdoors with...[Read More] COVID-19 Transmission Concerns: Safety Tips for Healthcare Workers
Understanding Unusual Breathing Sounds: When to Seek Medical Advice
Regarding respiratory issues? Hello, doctor. I have a question. Sometimes my breathing sounds very loud (not during sleep). It’s like after normal breathing, there’s a sudden loud exhale, and it feels like I have tightness in my chest and can’t breathe out properly. I’m not sure ...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, 1. Regarding the respiratory sounds, being overweight can cause airway compression, which may lead to wheezing or audible breathing. If you are feeling very uncomfortable, you can visit an outpatient clinic for an X-ray to ensure that your lungs are healthy. If it is alr...[Read More] Understanding Unusual Breathing Sounds: When to Seek Medical Advice
Unexplained Fever After Family COVID-19 Diagnosis: What to Know
Fever of unknown origin (not diagnosed) Hello, doctor. On Sunday (September 11), a family member tested positive for COVID-19, and the next day (September 12), another family member also tested positive. I have no other symptoms of COVID-19, although I did experience wrist pain f...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, based on your description, it is possible that you are experiencing early symptoms of COVID-19. Initially, the viral load may be low, which could result in a false negative on a rapid test. Another possibility is whether you have been taking any prophylactic medications, a...[Read More] Unexplained Fever After Family COVID-19 Diagnosis: What to Know
Understanding Loud Breathing: Causes and When to Seek Help
Regarding respiratory issues? Hello, doctor. I have a question. Sometimes my breathing sounds very loud (not during sleep). It's like after normal breathing, there will suddenly be a loud exhalation, and it feels like I have a tightness in my chest and can't breathe out...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, 1. Regarding respiratory sounds, being overweight can cause airway compression, which may lead to wheezing or audible breathing. If you are feeling very uncomfortable, you can visit an outpatient clinic for an X-ray to confirm that your lungs are in good condition. If it...[Read More] Understanding Loud Breathing: Causes and When to Seek Help
Understanding Fever in COVID-19: Symptoms, Duration, and Contagion
Fever due to COVID-19? Hello, doctor. I am a confirmed case and have been on medication for a week. My cough and phlegm have decreased, but I am experiencing tinnitus and, after the medication wears off, I start to have a fever with axillary temperatures ranging from 36.8 to 37.8...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, if you have been diagnosed for over a week and still have a persistent fever, it is indeed uncommon. I would like to know if you are experiencing any other discomfort. If so, I recommend seeking medical attention to confirm whether there is a subsequent bacterial infection...[Read More] Understanding Fever in COVID-19: Symptoms, Duration, and Contagion
Understanding Nail Color Changes: What Purple Nails Could Indicate
Nail color consultation? Hello, doctor. I would like to ask about something I noticed this morning when I looked at my nails, particularly the area near the lunula on my thumb, which appears to have a deeper, slightly purplish color. It's most noticeable when viewed from the...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, if you do not experience shortness of breath while walking, the likelihood of hypoxia is low. As for the color of your nails appearing darker, it should still be within the normal color range. A small number of people may have darker nail coloration due to temperature chan...[Read More] Understanding Nail Color Changes: What Purple Nails Could Indicate
Understanding Choking Hazards: Symptoms and When to Seek Help
Choking issues? Hello, doctor. While I was having dinner, I suddenly felt the urge to talk and laugh, and it seemed like the food I had just chewed suddenly slipped down. I also felt like something was running up to my nose, but I didn't cough immediately. After eating a few...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, the human body has certain physiological structures, such as the epiglottis, that help prevent choking. Therefore, even if young people choke, the likelihood of food entering the airway is low. Additionally, since you have not experienced persistent coughing or symptoms of...[Read More] Understanding Choking Hazards: Symptoms and When to Seek Help
Should Individuals with Unexplained Fever and Infections Get Vaccinated?
Please advise on the administration of the COVID-19 vaccine for individuals with this type of constitution? Hello Dr. Gao, I have been experiencing unexplained fevers since 2014, with daily episodes lasting at least 6 hours, usually not exceeding 38.5 degrees Celsius. During seve...
Dr. Gao Jiankai Reply:
Hello, thank you for your inquiry. I believe that if possible, you should continue to follow up at the Rheumatology Department of National Taiwan University to try to identify the cause of the chronic fever. I have a patient who also experienced persistent chronic fever, initiall...[Read More] Should Individuals with Unexplained Fever and Infections Get Vaccinated?
Allergic Rhinitis and Reactions After Novavax COVID-19 Vaccination
Allergic rhinitis and reactions after COVID-19 vaccination? Hello, doctor. I have a history of allergies, including allergic rhinitis and atopic dermatitis. I usually experience a runny nose and nasal congestion upon waking up, which lasts until noon. On August 9th, I received th...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, 1. The runny nose caused by the vaccine typically resolves within 24 hours. Therefore, your condition may be due to an infection or other allergens. It is recommended to first test for COVID-19. If the result is negative, you can proceed with symptomatic treatment. 2. I...[Read More] Allergic Rhinitis and Reactions After Novavax COVID-19 Vaccination
Post-Vaccine Medication Concerns: Can I Use Steroids and Alcohol-Based Treatments?
Medication issues after vaccination? Hello doctor, I just received the BNT vaccine. Can I apply eczema steroid cream (Betamethasone) and mouth ulcer medication (Mundisal) which contains alcohol after getting the BNT vaccine? Thank you. Also, if I experience severe mouth ulcers af...
Dr. Lin Wufu Reply:
Hello, this question may have been asked before. Local steroids or alcohol are not significantly absorbed into the body, so their use is generally not problematic. Developing mouth sores after vaccination is considered a related adverse reaction, but it does not necessarily indic...[Read More] Post-Vaccine Medication Concerns: Can I Use Steroids and Alcohol-Based Treatments?
Can COVID-19 Vaccine Trigger Plantar Fasciitis Symptoms?
Does the COVID-19 vaccine cause plantar fasciitis? Hello Doctor: Since receiving the third dose of Moderna (the first two doses were BNT), I started experiencing the following symptoms on the third day: 1) Itching all over my body, which resolved after 4-5 days. 2) Symptoms of pl...
Dr. Gao Jiankai Reply:
Hello, thank you for your question. My answers are as follows: 1) Can plantar fasciitis occur after receiving the COVID-19 vaccine? Are there similar cases among patients seen by doctors? --> It is unlikely; I have not seen or heard of such cases. 2) Should I see a rheumatolog...[Read More] Can COVID-19 Vaccine Trigger Plantar Fasciitis Symptoms?
Understanding Long COVID: Symptoms, Diagnosis, and Management
COVID-19 Hello, doctor. I recently tested positive for COVID-19, and after completing my isolation, I've noticed that I experience more shortness of breath and difficulty breathing during exercise compared to before. I would like to ask if I might be experiencing long COVID ...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, regarding long COVID, we primarily assess it based on clinical symptoms. According to your description, it does seem to be caused by long COVID. There are no specific treatment medications recommended for this condition. It is advisable to maintain a regular routine, get p...[Read More] Understanding Long COVID: Symptoms, Diagnosis, and Management