Is Meibomian Gland Dysfunction Linked to Autoimmune Diseases?
Is dry eye syndrome related to autoimmune diseases? The symptoms of dry eye syndrome have persisted for more than a year, and recently, the symptoms of dry mouth have become increasingly noticeable. I went to the hospital for an examination, and the only abnormal result was an AN...
Dr. Gao Jiankai Reply:
Hello, thank you for your inquiry. You may want to collaborate with an ophthalmologist to see if treatment for your eyes improves your symptoms of dry mouth and dry tongue; if so, you might be able to discontinue the medication. The Allergy, Immunology, and Rheumatology Departmen...[Read More] Is Meibomian Gland Dysfunction Linked to Autoimmune Diseases?
Understanding RA Factor Changes and Related Health Concerns
Rheumatoid Arthritis - Inquiry about Rheumatoid Factor and Other Related Data? Hello, Doctor Gao. I apologize for the lengthy message. Here are my health examination data from three tests conducted at the same laboratory: - Date: 2023/11/11, 2024/6/15, (2024/4/30) - ALT/SGPT (L...
Dr. Gao Jiankai Reply:
Hello, thank you for your inquiry. Here are my responses: 1. I underwent tests related to immune system diseases at a regional hospital in December 2023, and my rheumatoid arthritis (RA) factor was less than 5 at that time. Additionally, the measurement taken on April 30, 2024,...[Read More] Understanding RA Factor Changes and Related Health Concerns
Understanding Dry Mouth: Causes, Medications, and Solutions
Dry mouth and dry tongue? Hello, doctor. I have been experiencing dry mouth and dry tongue for the past three weeks. My mouth feels very dry every day, and drinking water does not help. This has somewhat affected my daily life. Prior to the dry mouth symptoms, I was taking Loraze...
Dr. Li Jian Reply:
Imipramine may cause dry mouth. Thank you for your inquiry.[Read More] Understanding Dry Mouth: Causes, Medications, and Solutions
Concerns About Mixing Medications: Understanding Drug Interactions
Medication issues Hello, doctor. I went to see a pediatrician because I have been experiencing a runny nose. The doctor prescribed me a syrup to take before bed when my nasal discharge is heavy, called Tongbi Kang capsules (they are light blue-green and white in color). I just to...
Dr. Gao Jiankai Reply:
Hello. Thank you for your question. Tongbikang capsules are a compound antihistamine, and some of the ingredients may cause dry mouth as a side effect. Dry mouth can affect taste perception, which may be the reason for the change in your taste. As long as you discontinue use, thi...[Read More] Concerns About Mixing Medications: Understanding Drug Interactions
Understanding Sjögren's Syndrome: Symptoms, Medication Concerns, and Risks
Symptoms of Sjögren's syndrome and medication issues? Hello Doctor, I was diagnosed with Sjögren's syndrome two years ago, initially experiencing only dry mouth. By June, I developed stiffness in my finger joints (sometimes only in the morning, sometimes lasting half a ...
Dr. Gao Jiankai Reply:
Hello, thank you for your inquiry. Here are my responses: 1. Based on the blood test report and the current symptom of dry mouth, do I need to take quinine? If I do not take it, what potential complications might arise in the future? (I have been hesitant to take medication sinc...[Read More] Understanding Sjögren's Syndrome: Symptoms, Medication Concerns, and Risks
When to Start Medication for Sjögren's Syndrome: A Patient's Dilemma
When is the appropriate time to initiate medication treatment for Sjögren's syndrome? Hello, Doctor Gao: Two years ago, a family member was diagnosed with Sjögren's syndrome. At that time, the only symptom was mild dry mouth, so no medication was prescribed. However, in...
Dr. Gao Jiankai Reply:
Hello, thank you for your question. If there are signs of disease activity in Sjögren's syndrome, including abnormal blood test results and associated clinical symptoms such as skin petechiae and pulmonary symptoms, the risk of developing related complications, including lym...[Read More] When to Start Medication for Sjögren's Syndrome: A Patient's Dilemma
Post-COVID Joint Pain: Understanding Symptoms and Seeking Early Diagnosis
Joint pain after a confirmed COVID-19 infection? Hello Doctor, I apologize for the lengthy message. I started feeling unwell on November 11th (muscle aches, fever, fatigue, red rashes on limbs, dry eyes, dry mouth). I was diagnosed with COVID-19 on November 13th. On November 16th...
Dr. Gao Jiankai Reply:
Hello, thank you for your inquiry. Here are my responses: 1. Since the joint discomfort clearly occurred after the blood draw, could it be that the inflammatory markers, ANA, and other indices had not yet shown abnormal trends at that time, and only now can we detect abnormaliti...[Read More] Post-COVID Joint Pain: Understanding Symptoms and Seeking Early Diagnosis
Understanding Throat and Gastrointestinal Discomfort: When to Seek Help
Throat and gastrointestinal discomfort? Hello Doctor, I would like to ask about my recent symptoms. Sometimes I wake up with a bitter taste in my mouth and a feeling of nausea. I also have a slight cough and find myself swallowing excessively for no apparent reason. I recently vi...
Dr. Li Jian Reply:
If you frequently experience dry mouth and dry tongue, consider consulting an immunologist to check for any autoimmune conditions such as Sjögren's syndrome. Thank you for your inquiry.[Read More] Understanding Throat and Gastrointestinal Discomfort: When to Seek Help
Understanding Immune System Abnormalities: Symptoms and Risks of Sjögren's Syndrome
Abnormalities in the immune system? In the past three years, I have experienced intermittent urticaria on my face. After consulting with a rheumatologist, it was determined that it was caused by an allergy, and I have also been experiencing joint pain (without swelling), low-grad...
Dr. Gao Jiankai Reply:
Hello, thank you for your inquiry. I believe the likelihood of Sjögren's syndrome is high. Although the tear secretion is not at the standard level, it is close to the abnormal threshold. Additionally, with a positive SSA, elevated IgG levels, and joint symptoms, if the sali...[Read More] Understanding Immune System Abnormalities: Symptoms and Risks of Sjögren's Syndrome
Chronic Dry Mouth and Tongue Pain: Unraveling the Mystery of Symptoms
Dry mouth and tongue pain for many years without a definitive diagnosis? Hello Doctor, my mother has been experiencing symptoms of reduced saliva for about 30 years. She has seen dentists, rheumatologists, and family medicine doctors, and underwent a sublingual gauze test which c...
Dr. Gao Jiankai Reply:
Hello, thank you for your inquiry. My suggestions are as follows: 1. You may consider returning to a rheumatology clinic for evaluation. If necessary, a salivary gland biopsy may indeed be required, as sometimes the diagnosis of Sjögren's syndrome necessitates this examina...[Read More] Chronic Dry Mouth and Tongue Pain: Unraveling the Mystery of Symptoms
Understanding Dry Mouth: Salivary Gland Function and Reactive Arthritis
Sjögren's syndrome and sialography? Hello Doctor, (I forgot to attach the data and there were some missing words, so I am asking again.) My immunologist diagnosed me with possible reactive arthritis. Recently, after hearing that I have dry eye syndrome, the doctor arranged f...
Dr. Gao Jiankai Reply:
Hello, thank you for your question. Here are my responses: 1. My doctor told me that my salivary gland function is impaired, likely due to arthritis-related xerostomia, which is different from typical dry mouth. Can reactive arthritis also lead to symptoms of dry mouth? Is it po...[Read More] Understanding Dry Mouth: Salivary Gland Function and Reactive Arthritis
Understanding Your Immune Report: What Do the Results Mean?
Immunology Report Issues Dear Dr. Gao, I recently received the following immunology report from my blood test: - Ro-52: (+) - OJ: (-) - EJ: (-) - PL-12: (-) - PL-7: (++) - SRP: (-) - Jo-1: (-) - PM-Scl75: (-) - PM-Scl100: (-) - Ku: (-) - SAE1: (-) - NXP2: (-) - MDA5: (-) - TIF1...
Dr. Gao Jiankai Reply:
Hello, thank you for your inquiry. Some of the results do not have reference values, as different hospitals may use different testing machines and reference values, making interpretation difficult. The other results that can be somewhat assessed are as follows: Anti-dsDNA 30.8 WH...[Read More] Understanding Your Immune Report: What Do the Results Mean?
Understanding Urine Odor: What Pineapple and Health Indicators Mean
The odor of urine? Hello, doctor. After eating pineapple yesterday, I went to the bathroom and noticed a somewhat pungent smell, somewhat resembling pineapple. I'm quite worried because I had a weak positive for protein in my urine during a high school health check seven yea...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, many foods, including pineapple, can indeed affect the odor of urine. Therefore, the situation you mentioned is a normal physiological phenomenon. As long as there is no noticeable foam or blood in your urine, there is no cause for concern. Thank you for your question.[Read More] Understanding Urine Odor: What Pineapple and Health Indicators Mean
Understanding Asthma: Managing Persistent Cough and Heart Concerns
Asthma issues I would like to ask the doctor a few questions. Since last winter, I have been coughing persistently. I have visited many clinics, and the doctors have said it is due to allergies caused by changes in the weather, and that it would improve as the weather warms up. I...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, chronic cough can indeed have many causes. The most important thing is to rule out lung and heart issues. If auscultation is normal, the chances of severe asthma are lower, but there may be other lung problems. It is advisable to consult a pulmonology or family medicine ou...[Read More] Understanding Asthma: Managing Persistent Cough and Heart Concerns
Understanding Dry Eye Syndrome: Blood Test Results and Treatment Insights
Sjögren's Syndrome Index Thank you, doctor! First question: I was diagnosed with Sjögren's syndrome on August 19 this year, with an index of 280. Starting from the 20th, I took one quinine daily. On September 21, I had a second blood test, and the index was 334. During ...
Dr. Gao Jiankai Reply:
Hello, thank you for your questions. Here are my responses: First question: I was diagnosed with Sjögren's syndrome on August 19 of this year, with a score of 280. I started taking one quinine tablet daily from the 20th, and on September 21, my blood was drawn again, showin...[Read More] Understanding Dry Eye Syndrome: Blood Test Results and Treatment Insights
Understanding Sjögren's Syndrome: Key Questions and Dietary Guidance
Sjögren's Syndrome Index Hello Dr. Tseng! I have been diagnosed with Sjögren's syndrome, and I have some questions to ask: 1. Is an ANA (antinuclear antibody) titer of 1:80 (+) and Cyto-C, SSA at 280 (+) considered severe? 2. What does Cyto-C refer to? 3. Is it possible...
Dr. Zeng Guosen Reply:
Hello, online friend. 1. ANA and SSA are only for diagnostic reference; their values are not necessarily related to the severity of the condition. 2. I'm not sure what Cyto-C is. 3. The SSA index can fluctuate, and it can certainly decrease. 4. If you experience dry mouth or...[Read More] Understanding Sjögren's Syndrome: Key Questions and Dietary Guidance
Understanding Sjögren's Syndrome: Key Questions and Treatment Insights
Sjögren's syndrome Thank you, doctor! I am a patient with Sjögren's syndrome and have some questions to ask: 1. My SSA index is 280 (+), while the normal range should be below 100 (-). Does this mean my level is high? After treatment for a period of time, will my bloo...
Dr. Gao Jiankai Reply:
Hello, thank you for your questions. Here are my responses: 1. The SSA index is 280 (+), while the normal range should be below 100 (-). Is this considered high? Will it decrease after treatment? --> It is elevated, but the elevation does not correlate with the severity of th...[Read More] Understanding Sjögren's Syndrome: Key Questions and Treatment Insights
Managing Severe Dry Mouth in Patients with Sjögren's Syndrome
Severe dry mouth in xerostomia? Hello Doctor: My mother is 76 years old and has been suffering from Sjögren's syndrome for over 20 years. She also has hepatitis C, which has recently been successfully treated, and she is now virus-free. My mother has severe dry eye syndrome,...
Dr. Gao Jiankai Reply:
Hello, thank you for your inquiry. Currently, there are effective medications available to alleviate the symptoms of xerostomia, particularly dry mouth, which you can discuss with your primary care physician. Additionally, there are some over-the-counter mouth rinses that can hel...[Read More] Managing Severe Dry Mouth in Patients with Sjögren's Syndrome
Understanding Frequent Urination and Dry Mouth: Possible Causes and Solutions
Medical consultation Recently, I've been experiencing sudden dry mouth and frequent urination. Chewing gum helps a bit. What could be the issue? (I haven't been eating much, and my weight is normal.)
Dr. Li Jian Reply:
Symptoms of excessive thirst and frequent urination may warrant a visit to the endocrinology department to check for elevated blood glucose levels.[Read More] Understanding Frequent Urination and Dry Mouth: Possible Causes and Solutions
Understanding Post-Vaccine Symptoms: Allergies, Dizziness, and More
Allergy / Dizziness / Lower back pain / Difficulty urinating Hello Doctor, I received the AZ vaccine at the beginning of August, and I did not experience significant side effects during the process. However, in mid-September, I developed an allergic reaction on my palms and the t...
Dr. Lin Wuxuan Reply:
Hello: Based on the symptoms you described, since your discomfort occurred at least 4-5 weeks after the vaccination, it is less likely to be a side effect of the COVID-19 vaccine. The symptoms that began in October are more likely related to a urinary tract infection, so it is re...[Read More] Understanding Post-Vaccine Symptoms: Allergies, Dizziness, and More