Does Daily Exercise Weaken Immunity and Increase Cold Risk?
About the common cold? Hello Doctor: I would like to ask if exercising every day can weaken the immune system and make one more susceptible to colds? I regularly train at the gym, and when I'm not at the gym, I play sports, so I hardly have a day without any exercise.
Dr. Liao Zhongxin Reply:
Dear readers: 1. If you can maintain a daily exercise routine, get sufficient sleep, and have a balanced diet (including vegetables and fruits), most people will enjoy good health and stay away from various illnesses. 2. If you sweat after exercising and immediately drink cold wa...[Read More] Does Daily Exercise Weaken Immunity and Increase Cold Risk?
Understanding Vasculitis: Symptoms, Treatments, and Concerns
Vasculitis Hello Doctor: I believe the information I provided last time was not clear enough. I had a biopsy last year that confirmed vasculitis, and I am currently receiving treatment. When the condition occurs, I develop red spots on my lower extremities (from the dorsum of the...
Dr. Zeng Guosen Reply:
Hello: 1. Steroids are a very important medication in clinical practice, often referred to as a "magic bullet" in the United States, and are generally safe when used by specialists. 2. Tightness in the heel may indicate Achilles tendinitis, which can lead to swelling af...[Read More] Understanding Vasculitis: Symptoms, Treatments, and Concerns
Distinguishing Post-Surgery Lung Scarring from Tuberculosis Calcification
Assessment of Scarring after Thoracotomy and Calcification in Pulmonary Tuberculosis? I was hospitalized six years ago due to a spontaneous pneumothorax in the upper left chest (in 2000). However, due to poor drainage and complications from a pleural fistula surgery, I developed ...
Dr. Li Huixiong Reply:
1. When chest X-rays show calcification, it can sometimes be difficult to distinguish whether it is due to surgical changes or residual effects from tuberculosis; detailed medical history inquiry is essential. However, if there is a history of both chest surgery and tuberculosis,...[Read More] Distinguishing Post-Surgery Lung Scarring from Tuberculosis Calcification
Understanding Vasculitis: Symptoms, Causes, and When to Seek Help
Vasculitis Hello Dr. Tseng, I previously had 2 to 3 instances where reddish-brown spots appeared on my hands and feet. I visited a dermatologist, who diagnosed me with vasculitis. They conducted blood tests and a urinalysis, and the results indicated that my immune system activit...
Dr. Zeng Guosen Reply:
Hello: 1. Based on your description, the likelihood of vasculitis is quite high, and further examination is recommended. 2. There should be no correlation with sexual activity or peeling skin. Sincerely, Dr. Tseng Kuo-Sen, Internal Medicine.[Read More] Understanding Vasculitis: Symptoms, Causes, and When to Seek Help
Managing Jaundice in Patients with Alpha-Thalassemia: Options and Insights
How to reduce jaundice in patients with type A thalassemia? Hello Doctor, I believe I have Alpha-thalassemia with Hemoglobin H disease! Since I was 20 years old, I have gradually experienced jaundice. I went to a hematology clinic for liver function tests and ultrasound, and all ...
Dr. Cai Zonglong Reply:
Hello: The jaundice caused by thalassemia is primarily due to increased destruction during the production of white blood cells, and it is less related to the spleen. Splenectomy or embolization may provide some benefit, but it can also weaken the immune system, so it is not advis...[Read More] Managing Jaundice in Patients with Alpha-Thalassemia: Options and Insights
Understanding Chronic Back Pain and Muscle Inflammation Issues
Lower back pain and inflammation in the muscles and joints of the hands and feet? Hello Dr. Chen: For the past year or two, I have been experiencing more frequent lower back discomfort. Additionally, after sitting or standing for extended periods, or after light exercise, I somet...
Dr. Chen Baoli Reply:
Hello Ryan: Regarding the issue you mentioned, experiencing lower back pain and muscle soreness after prolonged standing, sitting, or exercising is often recurrent. This involves several factors, including the nature of your work, the type of exercise you engage in, your usual si...[Read More] Understanding Chronic Back Pain and Muscle Inflammation Issues
Understanding Hepatitis B Vaccination: Why No Antibodies?
No antibodies? 1. Every time I undergo a physical examination, both the Hepatitis B surface antigen (HbsAg) and Hepatitis B surface antibody tests come back negative, which rules out the possibility of a Hepatitis B infection. However, I have received approximately five doses of ...
Dr. Lin Mingfeng Reply:
1. The injection site for adults should be the deltoid muscle of the arm, while for children, it should be the lateral thigh; injections should not be administered in the buttocks, as this may affect immune response. The vaccination schedule is at 0, 1, and 6 months. The immune r...[Read More] Understanding Hepatitis B Vaccination: Why No Antibodies?
Understanding Sjögren's Syndrome: Navigating Conflicting Diagnoses and Treatment Options
Regarding Shy-Drager syndrome? Hello Doctor: I have many questions that are troubling me, and I would like to ask for your help or suggestions. Last September, I was diagnosed with Sjögren's syndrome after visiting a rheumatology and immunology clinic. My blood test results ...
Dr. Zeng Guosen Reply:
Hello, the diagnosis of Guillain-Barré syndrome follows specific standard procedures and cannot be made solely based on a biopsy. The use of quinine in the treatment of Guillain-Barré syndrome is not essential and may not always be effective, so there is no need for concern. Init...[Read More] Understanding Sjögren's Syndrome: Navigating Conflicting Diagnoses and Treatment Options
Understanding Serum Separation: Boosting Immunity for Better Health
The serum is incorrect? Dr. Zheng, I noticed that my blood shows a separation of water and plasma (I hope this description is correct). After drawing blood and letting it sit in a cup for a while, it forms two layers: the upper layer looks like water, and the lower layer is plasm...
Dr. Zheng Shuxing Reply:
After standing or centrifugation, everyone's blood can be separated into two layers: the upper layer is a light yellow serum, and the lower layer consists of red blood cells. Between these two layers, there is a thin, pale white layer (known as the buffy coat). Therefore, yo...[Read More] Understanding Serum Separation: Boosting Immunity for Better Health
Why Does My Baby Keep Getting Oral Thrush? Understanding Recurrences
Why do babies experience recurrent thrush? Hello Doctor, I consulted you on February 25th regarding my concerns about my baby, who has just turned six months old. Since birth, my baby has experienced oral thrush six times. The attending physician recommended tests to check for an...
Dr. Zhao Chongliang Reply:
Oral thrush is a common condition in infants, partly due to their physiological leukopenia, which limits their ability to phagocytize fungi (Candida). Additionally, infants who rely solely on breast milk or formula may have lower levels of vitamin B2 and zinc, making them less ca...[Read More] Why Does My Baby Keep Getting Oral Thrush? Understanding Recurrences
Understanding Urticaria and Fever: Causes, Symptoms, and Concerns
Urticaria and high fever? Hello Doctor, I would like to ask you about my brother, who is 31 years old. Yesterday, he experienced widespread redness, itching, and a high fever, leading him to visit the emergency room twice (once around noon and again at 7 PM). The emergency physic...
Dr. Zeng Guosen Reply:
Hello: The fever has not subsided despite the administration of antipyretics due to inflammation, resulting in a cycle of fever. Part of the urticaria may be caused by infection or autoimmune diseases, so it is recommended to seek medical evaluation. Urticaria is not solely cause...[Read More] Understanding Urticaria and Fever: Causes, Symptoms, and Concerns
Understanding Churg-Strauss Syndrome: Symptoms and Treatment Options
Rest Sjögren's syndrome is an autoimmune disorder characterized by the body's immune system attacking its own moisture-producing glands, leading to dry mouth (xerostomia) and dry eyes (keratoconjunctivitis sicca). Treatment typically focuses on alleviating symptoms and ...
Dr. Zeng Guosen Reply:
Hello, Sjögren's syndrome, commonly known as dry syndrome, is caused by immune dysfunction that leads to the impairment of exocrine gland function, resulting in dry mouth, dry eyes, or enlargement of the exocrine glands, as well as involvement of other joints and internal or...[Read More] Understanding Churg-Strauss Syndrome: Symptoms and Treatment Options
How to Test for Immune System Disorders: A Guide for Patients
Regarding the immune system! Hello Doctor: I would like to inquire about how to check for abnormalities in the immune system. Over the past two years, my health has deteriorated significantly, and I have become very susceptible to infections. I have contracted mycoplasma pneumoni...
Dr. Zeng Guosen Reply:
Hello: Based on your description, it seems that your immune system is indeed weaker. If you are experiencing unexplained fevers above 38 degrees Celsius, you should see an infectious disease specialist as soon as possible to determine the cause. There are many tests for immune fu...[Read More] How to Test for Immune System Disorders: A Guide for Patients
Understanding Swelling and Pain in the Lower Jaw: Causes and Concerns
My mouth is swollen... = =” Doctor, recently the edge of my lower jaw has been swollen and hard, and it hurts when I press on it. I have taken medication twice, and although the swelling subsided, it returned again after a while. One doctor said it was a bacterial infection due t...
Dr. Xiao Yongxun Reply:
1. There are many causes of swelling along the lower jawline. It is essential to first determine the exact location and size of the swelling, whether there is pain, heat, hardness, mobility, enlargement, or any systemic symptoms. 2. For the lower jaw area: it may be due to head a...[Read More] Understanding Swelling and Pain in the Lower Jaw: Causes and Concerns
Exploring the Benefits of Arginine: Circulation and Sexual Health
What are the functions of arginine? Hello Doctor: After the metabolism of arginine, nitric oxide (NO) is produced. How effective is the consumption of commercially available arginine supplements in improving peripheral blood circulation? Is there a significant effect on male sexu...
Dr. Chen Jingwen Reply:
Arginine metabolism produces nitric oxide (NO), which has vasodilatory effects, thereby improving peripheral blood circulation. There are many causes of sexual dysfunction; if it is due to vascular issues such as atherosclerosis, taking arginine-containing nutritional supplements...[Read More] Exploring the Benefits of Arginine: Circulation and Sexual Health
Understanding Thyroid Inflammation: Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment Options
Thyroiditis Doctor: Hello! I would like to ask you a few questions. I am a patient with non-toxic multinodular goiter and take one tablet of Eltroxin daily. Recently, during a hospital check-up, the doctor informed me that I have thyroiditis, which is caused by my immune system a...
Dr. Yang Hongzhi Reply:
This is generally an autoimmune reaction, and the exact cause is still unclear. If thyroiditis leads to hypothyroidism, thyroid hormone replacement (eltroxin) is typically required. If thyroid function is normal, treatment is not necessarily needed, and it should not have any adv...[Read More] Understanding Thyroid Inflammation: Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment Options
Understanding the Dangers of a Compromised Immune System
Autoimmune system (Forwarded from the Director's mailbox) Hello: The body's autoimmune system being compromised can lead to various conditions, such as the development of vitiligo on the skin. What are the potential drawbacks of having a weakened autoimmune system? Than...
Dr. Zeng Guosen Reply:
Hello: Abnormalities in the immune system can lead to dysfunction in every system of the body, such as an increased susceptibility to infections resulting in sepsis, as well as liver and kidney dysfunction, skin erythema, leukoderma, blisters, and itching, among other symptoms. S...[Read More] Understanding the Dangers of a Compromised Immune System
Understanding Rough Liver Surface: Implications and Next Steps
Rough surface of the liver? I underwent an ultrasound examination which showed a rough liver surface, but my liver function tests were normal. The doctor ordered additional blood tests to check "if my immune system is attacking my liver," but those results also came bac...
Dr. Chen Jingwen Reply:
1. The ultrasound examination shows a rough liver surface, which may indicate the presence of parenchymal liver disease. However, due to the subjective nature of the operator's assessment, this does not necessarily imply a problem. It is essential to consider other laborator...[Read More] Understanding Rough Liver Surface: Implications and Next Steps
Four Years of Discomfort: Seeking Answers for Persistent Symptoms
A problem that has troubled me for four years? Hello Dr. Zheng, I am very grateful for your taking the time to answer my questions. The background of this matter is somewhat lengthy, as I have been troubled by discomfort in my body for a while. I work at an accounting firm, and ...
Dr. Zheng Shuxing Reply:
Hello Mr. Wu, if it has been four years since the incident and all tests have come back normal, you should not be concerned about HIV infection. The window period for HIV antibody testing does not exceed one year. The sensation of warmth in your back is not a symptom of HIV. Earl...[Read More] Four Years of Discomfort: Seeking Answers for Persistent Symptoms
Effective Remedies for Persistent Phlegm in the Throat
Phlegm in the throat? It has been ten days since last week, and my throat initially felt very dry. Later, I developed persistent phlegm, which has been inconvenient, but I do not have any other cold symptoms. What can I do to treat the phlegm issue?
Dr. Zhao Chongliang Reply:
The initial thirst may indicate a mild cold, followed by increased phlegm as a response of the immune system to an upper respiratory tract infection. If you smoke, it is advisable to quit. If the phlegm is yellowish-white and not thick, increasing water intake can help reduce thr...[Read More] Effective Remedies for Persistent Phlegm in the Throat