Understanding Abnormal Complement Tests and Their Link to Immune Disorders
Complement test abnormalities in autoimmune diseases? Hello Doctor: Recently, I have been experiencing symptoms resembling urticaria, and I underwent an examination at the rheumatology and immunology department. The test results showed abnormalities: CH50 Assay: 40.7, C3: 74.3, C...
Dr. Gao Jiankai Reply:
Hello, thank you for your inquiry. Here are my responses: 1. Is there a possibility of SLE (Systemic Lupus Erythematosus)? --> Based on the information currently provided, the likelihood remains low. 2. Is there a possibility that the immune system is already compromised? -...[Read More] Understanding Abnormal Complement Tests and Their Link to Immune Disorders
Understanding Urticaria Linked to Thyroid Hormone Medications
Thyroid hormone medication can cause urticaria? Hello, doctor! I had my thyroid removed many years ago, so I have been taking thyroid hormone for years. My current dosage is one Eltroxin 100 mcg tablet per day. In recent years, I have frequently experienced hives, and I am unsure...
Dr. Li Jian Reply:
There are other thyroid hormones available, but if thyroid function is normal, urticaria caused by thyroid hormones is rare. Thank you for your inquiry.[Read More] Understanding Urticaria Linked to Thyroid Hormone Medications
Understanding Autoimmune Diseases: What Does a Positive ANA Test Mean?
Autoimmune diseases Hello, Director Gao. I would like to ask you a question. Previously, I experienced full-body itching and developed hives whenever I returned home. After seeing a doctor, I took antihistamines for over a month, and now I no longer itch, but I still occasionally...
Dr. Gao Jiankai Reply:
Hello, thank you for your question. Here are my responses: 1. An ANA titer of 1:80 is considered low, and if there are no symptoms, we usually recommend monitoring. 2. In cases of chronic urticaria, we sometimes test for syphilis, as untreated syphilis infection can lead to prolo...[Read More] Understanding Autoimmune Diseases: What Does a Positive ANA Test Mean?
Do You Need to Repeat Allergy Testing After Five Years?
Do allergens need to be tested repeatedly? Hello, Doctor Gao: I am 21 years old this year and have had an allergic constitution since childhood. When I was 16, I underwent allergen testing (M25-130-Z MAST ALLERGY) at Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, which tested 36 allergens, all of...
Dr. Gao Jiankai Reply:
Hello, thank you for your question. Here are my responses: 1) I still have some allergic symptoms, but I'm not sure what the allergens are. Is it necessary for me to undergo the 36-item allergen test again? Generally speaking, is there a high probability that something tha...[Read More] Do You Need to Repeat Allergy Testing After Five Years?
Understanding Urticaria and Thyroid Test Results: Key Insights
Urticaria and Thyroid Testing After catching a cold at the end of February (with symptoms of sore throat and general weakness), I began to develop hives all over my body, particularly around my eyes and neck. I visited a clinic where I was prescribed steroids and received an inje...
Dr. Gao Jiankai Reply:
Hello, thank you for your question. Here are my responses: 1. Is there a connection between urticaria and slightly elevated TSH levels? Do I need to see a rheumatologist for an examination? --> In cases of long-term urticaria, we sometimes check thyroid function. Your TSH is ...[Read More] Understanding Urticaria and Thyroid Test Results: Key Insights
Understanding Positive ANA and Normal Complement Levels in SLE Concerns
ANA positive homogeneous 1:160+ with normal C3 and C4 complement levels? Hello Doctor: Recently, I developed hives and visited the rheumatology and immunology department. After blood tests, it was found that my ANA was positive with a homogeneous pattern at 1:160. Other tests for...
Dr. Gao Jiankai Reply:
Hello, thank you for your inquiry. A positive ANA (antinuclear antibody) test can occur in healthy individuals as well. To confirm this possibility, we will investigate the reasons for a positive ANA, including the series of tests you mentioned. If these tests return negative res...[Read More] Understanding Positive ANA and Normal Complement Levels in SLE Concerns
Understanding Blood Test Results: Changes in White Blood Cell Counts and Allergies
Inquiry about blood test report values? Hello, Doctor. I had blood tests done on January 8 and July 4 of this year, and overall the values were normal. The only concerning changes were in the white blood cell differential: neutrophils decreased from 52.5% to 37.3%, and lymphocyte...
Dr. Gao Jiankai Reply:
Hello, thank you for your inquiry. The COVID-19 vaccine is still relatively new, which may lead to a higher chance of side effects, and there are various symptoms that can occur after vaccination. However, most of these are temporary, so there is no need to worry too much. The ch...[Read More] Understanding Blood Test Results: Changes in White Blood Cell Counts and Allergies
Can Chronic Urticaria Cause Abnormal White Blood Cell Distribution?
Does chronic urticaria cause abnormal distribution of white blood cells? I recently started experiencing urticaria, usually with two lesions around the eyes (accompanied by itching), four to six on the face, five to eight on the body, and occasional itching on the palms. This has...
Dr. Gao Jiankai Reply:
Hello, thank you for your question. Here are my responses: 1. Can chronic urticaria cause abnormal distribution of white blood cells? Should I be concerned? WBC: 6640, Neutrophils: 32.8% (normal: 40%-70%), Lymphocytes: 59.5% (normal: 18%-45%) --> This kind of presentation can...[Read More] Can Chronic Urticaria Cause Abnormal White Blood Cell Distribution?
Understanding Blood Test Results: Key Insights for Your Health
Blood disorders In March, I experienced recurrent episodes of urticaria every 2 to 3 days. On April 2, I visited the rheumatology and immunology department for an examination. The doctor ordered blood tests to check liver and kidney function. Upon reviewing the report, I noticed ...
Dr. Gao Jiankai Reply:
Hello, thank you for your inquiry. Here is my response summarized as follows: 1. Serum creatinine (CRE) is 0.48, white blood cell count shows NEUT 6220, N.seg 77.8, Lym 17.6. The CRE indicates kidney function, while the other values reflect white blood cell counts. Although the...[Read More] Understanding Blood Test Results: Key Insights for Your Health
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
Understanding Sudden Food Allergies and Hives: Key Insights
Suspected food allergy? Hello Dr. Hong, over the past two nights, I have suddenly developed what appears to be hives, primarily on my right hand. My mother and sister are allergic to shrimp and crab, and on the night of September 22, I ate scallops and started experiencing some i...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, 1. Based on your description, it does seem like an allergic reaction. Since each individual's constitution is different, the symptoms may resolve quickly or persist for several days. 2. Even with the same food, such as shrimp or crab, the allergens can vary due to ...[Read More] Understanding Sudden Food Allergies and Hives: Key Insights
Understanding Chronic Urticaria: When to Seek Further Medical Help
Urticaria issues? About a month ago, I started experiencing unexplained itching all over my body (my diet and daily routine have not changed). If I scratch, it becomes red but does not develop into hives. I have since seen two different doctors who diagnosed me with mild urticari...
Dr. Gao Jiankai Reply:
Hello, thank you for your message. Urticaria needs to be visually assessed, so if you suspect it is urticaria, it would be helpful to take a photo of the appearance during an outbreak for the physician's evaluation. Additionally, even with medication, some cases of urticaria...[Read More] Understanding Chronic Urticaria: When to Seek Further Medical Help
Postpartum Weight Loss: Understanding Health Concerns After Pregnancy
Significant weight loss after childbirth? Hello Doctor, before my pregnancy, my weight was approximately 65 kg (height 159 cm, BMI was overweight). During my pregnancy, I had gestational diabetes and used short-acting insulin (once in the morning). At the time of delivery, I weig...
Dr. Li Jian Reply:
Postpartum weight loss can also be evaluated by checking thyroid function, as thyroid dysfunction can affect weight.[Read More] Postpartum Weight Loss: Understanding Health Concerns After Pregnancy
Understanding Candida Infections: Persistent Anal Itching Solutions
Candida parapsilosis Hello, doctor. I have been troubled by this issue for several months. The symptom is "anal itching." I have seen several proctologists who prescribed various topical medications, but the itching persists. Eventually, after consulting all the doctors...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, based on your description, you have already used topical ointments but are still experiencing significant itching. At this point, you may consider using oral antihistamines for relief. Regarding the diagnosis, theoretically, given your age, it shouldn't be that diffic...[Read More] Understanding Candida Infections: Persistent Anal Itching Solutions
Understanding Urticaria: Allergic Reactions or Medication Side Effects?
Is it simple urticaria, a drug allergy, or a side effect of antithyroid medication? I started experiencing hyperthyroidism on April 2nd and began taking Levothyroxine, one tablet twice a day, and Metoprolol, one to two tablets daily. On April 20th, a Bartholin gland cyst recurred...
Dr. Lin Wufu Reply:
Hello: Cephalosporins and penicillins have similar structures, and individuals who are allergic to one type have a 10-20% chance of being allergic to the other type of antibiotic. Therefore, it is indeed possible that you may also have an allergy to penicillin antibiotics. It is ...[Read More] Understanding Urticaria: Allergic Reactions or Medication Side Effects?
Understanding Throat Issues: Symptoms, Risks, and Recovery Tips
Throat and pharyngeal issues? Hello, Doctor Hong. I recently visited an otolaryngologist due to a cold, and I'm not sure if it's related, but after drinking too much alcohol yesterday, I vomited. Today, when I ate garlic chives or some vegetables, I felt like they were ...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, based on your description, the most common cause is a fishbone or small bone lodged in the throat. The examination method is performed by an otolaryngologist using a laryngoscope to check the throat. If you have seen an otolaryngologist and they have performed a laryngosco...[Read More] Understanding Throat Issues: Symptoms, Risks, and Recovery Tips
Managing Hyperthyroidism: Medication Challenges and Allergic Reactions
Thyroid issues = Hyperthyroidism medication, urticaria, and medication-related problems? I was diagnosed with hyperthyroidism in mid-October last year (taking only one pill a day). I started with the first medication, Methimazole, but after three days I felt extremely uncomfortab...
Dr. Lin Jianliang Reply:
There are generally two to three types of medications used to treat hyperthyroidism, and typically, treatment lasts for one to two years. If medication is not suitable, surgical intervention or radioactive iodine therapy may be considered. Antihistamines commonly have side effect...[Read More] Managing Hyperthyroidism: Medication Challenges and Allergic Reactions
Understanding Urticaria and Its Possible Link to Rheumatoid Arthritis
Morning stiffness, urticaria, rheumatoid arthritis? Hello Doctor, last Monday night I accidentally ingested shrimp powder, which caused me to develop hives the next day. At that time, I only went to the pharmacy to buy antihistamines, taking one in the morning and evening on Tues...
Dr. Gao Jiankai Reply:
Hello, Xiaolin. Thank you for your question. I believe your initial concerns are related to urticaria. Some cases of urticaria can have a prolonged duration, starting with widespread symptoms and gradually becoming localized to a few areas, at which point typical urticaria manife...[Read More] Understanding Urticaria and Its Possible Link to Rheumatoid Arthritis
Lower Back Pain After Flu Vaccine: Is It a Side Effect?
Experiencing lower back pain after receiving the flu vaccine? Hello doctor, I received the flu vaccine on Friday afternoon, and since then my lower back has been very sore. Is this a side effect of the vaccine? I need to take care of my child, and especially after sitting in the ...
Dr. Liao Zhongxin Reply:
Dear readers: Regarding the question "<Is back pain after receiving the flu vaccine a side effect of the vaccine?>", here is the response: I. Please refer to the CDC's Q&A: http://www.cdc.gov.tw/qa.aspx? Q1: Is the flu vaccine safe? What side effects m...[Read More] Lower Back Pain After Flu Vaccine: Is It a Side Effect?
Understanding Urticaria and Thyroid Medication: Key Insights for Patients
Urticaria and Thyroid Medications Hello Doctor: At the end of March, I was diagnosed with hyperthyroidism and started taking methimazole in early April. However, about three weeks into the treatment, I began experiencing widespread itching and hives. The doctor prescribed one ant...
Dr. Xiao Yongxun Reply:
Dear Ms. Lin, Please read the following explanation, primarily based on the recommendations from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration for healthcare professionals in January 2016: Procil® (Propylthiouracil, PTU; 50mg/tablet) primarily works by inhibiting the production of thyro...[Read More] Understanding Urticaria and Thyroid Medication: Key Insights for Patients