Managing COVID-19 in Patients with Sjögren's Syndrome: Treatment Insights
After being diagnosed with COVID-19 three times, the patient has been unable to test negative for an extended period following the most recent diagnosis? Hello Doctor, my mother has been diagnosed with Sjögren's syndrome for over ten years. Currently, she is taking one pill ...
Dr. Gao Jiankai Reply:
Hello, thank you for your question. Here are my responses: 1. I would like to ask whether antiviral medication is necessary, or if there is a need for antiviral medication for patients with Sjögren's syndrome? (I am not opposed to taking it; if possible, I hope the physicia...[Read More] Managing COVID-19 in Patients with Sjögren's Syndrome: Treatment Insights
Understanding Your Blood Test Results: Key Insights and Implications
Blood Test Report Hello Doctor, I am the person who asked question 210066. The ANA Pattern 1 is Dense Fine Speckled (AC-2), the ANA Titer 1 is 1:80, the Anti-RNP Antibody is 0.6 U/ml (reference value [<10.0]), the Anti-La and Anti-Ro are both <0.3 (both reference values: Ne...
Dr. Gao Jiankai Reply:
Hello, thank you for your inquiry. My opinion remains the same as before. In the information you provided, the abnormal result is ANA, while other tests such as anti-RNP, anti-LA, anti-Ro, anti-Sm, anti-ds DNA, and anti-Cardiolipin IgG are normal. The latter tests are conducted t...[Read More] Understanding Your Blood Test Results: Key Insights and Implications
What to Do After Accidental Antibiotic Overdose?
What should be done after accidentally taking antibiotics? I had nasal congestion and runny nose for two to three days, thinking it was just my nasal allergies. Later, I woke up to find my throat swollen and realized I had a cold. I thought I would just go to the pharmacy to buy ...
Dr. Gao Jiankai Reply:
Hello, thank you for your question. Biaxin is an antibiotic that we commonly prescribe, and it can indeed have diarrhea as a side effect. If you are only experiencing a cold with a sore throat, without a fever, and your symptoms are improving, you may not need to continue taking ...[Read More] What to Do After Accidental Antibiotic Overdose?
Understanding Prolonged Fever: Blood Test Insights and Concerns
Blood tests for fever lasting more than 6 days? Hello Doctor, I have been experiencing a fever for over 6 days (around 38 degrees Celsius). I visited the clinic twice (COVID-19 and influenza tests were negative). The clinic doctor recommended that I go to a large hospital for blo...
Dr. Li Jian Reply:
The inflammatory index is slightly elevated, and the glomerular filtration rate can be monitored by a nephrologist. Thank you for your inquiry.[Read More] Understanding Prolonged Fever: Blood Test Insights and Concerns
Should Your 9-Year-Old Return for a Check-Up After Flu Treatment?
Does a 9-year-old child need a follow-up appointment after recovering from the flu? Hello, my child is in the third grade and has been diagnosed with influenza A. They have been taking antiviral medication for five days and their fever has subsided, but they are experiencing extr...
Dr. Zeng Guosen Reply:
After recovering from the flu and even if you have taken antiviral medication like Tamiflu, you should return for a follow-up evaluation if you experience any discomfort, to prevent complications or sequelae. Thank you.[Read More] Should Your 9-Year-Old Return for a Check-Up After Flu Treatment?
Understanding Recurrent Infections: Causes and When to Seek Help
Recurrent inflammatory colds? Hello, doctor. In the past month, I have been experiencing recurrent episodes of fever and inflammation. The first instance was a sudden acute fever, which did not show significant signs of subsiding after two days. After visiting my family physician...
Dr. Lin Wufu Reply:
Hello: Your situation is relatively complex, and it is recommended that you visit the Infectious Disease outpatient clinic for evaluation. Additionally, if you experience any changes in hearing, it is advisable to see an Ear, Nose, and Throat (ENT) specialist to rule out more obv...[Read More] Understanding Recurrent Infections: Causes and When to Seek Help
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 HIV Transmission Risks and Acute Infection Symptoms
Questions related to HIV transmission? Hello Doctor, I had sexual intercourse with a woman on May 18. Subsequently, on the evening of May 26, I experienced symptoms of fever, nausea, and vomiting. By May 27, only the fever remained, and after taking antipyretics, I no longer ha...
Dr. Gao Jiankai Reply:
Hello, thank you for your inquiry. Although HIV primarily affects immune function after infection, currently, issues related to HIV, including diagnosis, treatment, and risk, are managed by infectious disease specialists. Therefore, I recommend that you consult an infectious dise...[Read More] Understanding HIV Transmission Risks and Acute Infection Symptoms
Understanding Autoimmune Hepatitis: Symptoms, Treatment, and Concerns
Autoimmune hepatitis Hello Doctor: At the end of March this year, I sought consultation in the hepatobiliary and gastroenterology department due to fatigue, jaundice, and tea-colored urine. Blood tests showed AST 675, ALT 1077, and total bilirubin 4.6. Subsequent tests for HBsAg ...
Dr. Zeng Guosen Reply:
It is highly recommended to seek medical attention as soon as possible, preferably by returning to your original treating physician's clinic. If the appointments are fully booked, you should be able to request an additional slot with your original doctor. To determine the si...[Read More] Understanding Autoimmune Hepatitis: Symptoms, Treatment, and Concerns
Muscle Tremors and Abnormal Urinalysis: When to Seek Help?
Muscle tremors and abnormal urinalysis? Hello Doctor, I had a routine check-up last week, and the protein test result was (+/-). I initially thought it wasn't a big deal, but recently I've been experiencing involuntary muscle twitching all over my body, and I even had l...
Dr. Lin Wuxuan Reply:
Side effects of the yellow fever vaccine may include headache, muscle pain, and mild fever, resembling cold symptoms, which typically resolve within 1 to 2 days. It is recommended to consult your primary care physician or an internal medicine clinic at the original vaccination fa...[Read More] Muscle Tremors and Abnormal Urinalysis: When to Seek Help?
Can Urinal Splashing Transmit STDs? Understanding Your Health Concerns
Urinary issues? Hello doctor, I would like to ask if getting splashed by the water from a urinal on my genital area while using the restroom can transmit sexually transmitted infections or HIV? Additionally, I have been feeling warm at times when lying on the bed, but I don'...
Dr. Liao Zhongxin Reply:
1. First, the definition of fever is a temperature greater than 37.5°C, and high fever is defined as greater than 38.3°C; however, it often varies from person to person, so comparing to one's own baseline is more accurate. 2. Generally, the water used to flush a urinal is n...[Read More] Can Urinal Splashing Transmit STDs? Understanding Your Health Concerns
Managing Mycoplasma Infection: Treatment Duration and Medication Guidance
Medication issues related to suspected Mycoplasma infections? Hello Dr. Liao, I started experiencing symptoms of a sore throat, itching, and coughing on March 19 while in mainland China. Due to potential exposure to a Mycoplasma infection, I sought medical attention after retur...
Dr. Liao Zhongxin Reply:
According to the recommendations from the Centers for Disease Control in Taiwan: 1. The drug of choice for Mycoplasma pneumoniae is not erythromycin, but rather macrolide antibiotics. Alternative medications include fluoroquinolone antibiotics or tetracycline antibiotics. Gener...[Read More] Managing Mycoplasma Infection: Treatment Duration and Medication Guidance
Chronic Bloating, Unproductive Burping, and Unexplained Fever: Seeking Answers
Bloating, inability to burp, and unexplained fever issues? Hello doctor, I would like to ask about my issues with frequent bloating and an inability to burp, which has made me feel nauseous for over five years. Every morning, I wake up feeling very nauseous, and I almost always e...
Dr. Li Jian Reply:
If traveling abroad can improve the issue, it may be caused by psychological factors. It would be advisable to consider consulting a psychosomatic medicine specialist. Thank you for your inquiry.[Read More] Chronic Bloating, Unproductive Burping, and Unexplained Fever: Seeking Answers
Managing Mood Swings and Infections in SLE Patients: A Guide
The SLE patient became manic and developed an abscess on the buttocks after changing medication? Hello Doctor: I am a patient with Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (SLE), currently experiencing stage three nephritis and recurrent vasculitis of the skin. My current medications include...
Dr. Gao Jiankai Reply:
Hello, thank you for your inquiry. The susceptibility to skin infections is indeed related to the current use of immunosuppressants. You may ask your physician to gradually taper your medication based on your condition. Additionally, it is important to protect your skin from inju...[Read More] Managing Mood Swings and Infections in SLE Patients: A Guide
Can Eating Expired Food Damage Your Liver and Kidneys?
Food issues Hello doctor, I would like to ask if food poisoning can lead to liver and kidney damage, or if it can cause the function of previously healthy liver and kidneys (with normal blood test results) to deteriorate. I accidentally ate an expired Shaqima and experienced gast...
Dr. Zhang Shixin Reply:
Hello Kiki: Bacterial or viral gastroenteritis, when occurring in healthy adults, typically does not have a significant impact on liver or kidney function unless there is a state of shock due to severe dehydration from persistent vomiting and diarrhea, or if a serious infection l...[Read More] Can Eating Expired Food Damage Your Liver and Kidneys?
Could Oral Contact with a Massage Therapist Lead to Infection?
Infection concerns? Hello doctor, I visited a massage parlor on March 1st and licked the massage therapist's nipple. I know this is very unhygienic, but at that moment, due to some issues, I was emotionally unstable and acted foolishly. Starting on the night of March 3rd, I ...
Dr. Liao Zhongxin Reply:
In addition to HIV, there are other sexually transmitted infections (STIs) or skin diseases that can be transmitted through contact. HIV is primarily spread through unprotected sexual intercourse, sharing of drug injection needles, and vertical transmission from mother to child, ...[Read More] Could Oral Contact with a Massage Therapist Lead to Infection?
Understanding Chronic Pyelonephritis: Causes, Symptoms, and Risks
Chronic pyelonephritis Hello, Doctor: Three years ago, I had acute pyelonephritis (with high fever and severe pain) but did not get hospitalized for intravenous antibiotics; I only took the oral antibiotics prescribed by my doctor for 7 days. During that time, I had irregular fol...
Dr. Zhang Shixin Reply:
Hello Ms. Chen: 1. Chronic pyelonephritis is usually caused by recurrent acute infections. If a child has repeated urinary tract infections along with congenital issues (such as vesicoureteral reflux or renal hypoplasia), they are more likely to develop this condition. 2. A uri...[Read More] Understanding Chronic Pyelonephritis: Causes, Symptoms, and Risks
Concerns About Potential HIV Exposure During Sleep: What You Need to Know
You may experience pinprick sensations while sleeping? A few days ago, I took a short nap (about 10 minutes) in the library, and there was a strange person sitting next to me. I was worried that he might be an HIV-positive patient and could stab me with a needle, and that I might...
Dr. Zeng Guosen Reply:
If you have any questions, it is recommended to visit an infectious disease clinic for expert evaluation. Thank you for your inquiry.[Read More] Concerns About Potential HIV Exposure During Sleep: What You Need to Know
Does Wisdom Tooth Extraction Affect Inflammation Levels in Ankylosing Spondylitis?
Does having wisdom teeth removed surgically affect inflammation levels? Hello Dr. Tseng, I am 20 years old and a patient with ankylosing spondylitis. I had my wisdom teeth removed on February 22, and my cheeks were swollen and painful afterward. It has been 11 days since the proc...
Dr. Zeng Guosen Reply:
After surgery, swelling and pain may affect ESR/CRP levels, but unless it's severe, the impact is limited. Just inform your physician, and they will make the assessment. 2. In the case of sports injuries, such as sprains, muscle strains, or joint injuries, generally, they do...[Read More] Does Wisdom Tooth Extraction Affect Inflammation Levels in Ankylosing Spondylitis?
Does Wisdom Tooth Extraction Affect Inflammation Markers in Ankylosing Spondylitis?
Does having wisdom teeth removed through surgery affect inflammation levels? Hello, Director Gao. I am 20 years old and a patient with ankylosing spondylitis. I had my wisdom teeth extracted on February 22. After the extraction, my cheek was swollen and painful. It has been 10 da...
Dr. Gao Jiankai Reply:
Hello, thank you for your question. Here are my responses: 1) My appointment on March 8th is for a quarterly follow-up with the rheumatology department, where I will have blood drawn for monitoring. Should I wait until the swelling and pain in my mouth completely subside before ...[Read More] Does Wisdom Tooth Extraction Affect Inflammation Markers in Ankylosing Spondylitis?