Frequent Styes: Understanding Causes and Seeking Medical Advice
Frequent occurrence of styes? Hello Doctor: Since last year, I have been preparing for the national exam, and starting in May of this year, I have been experiencing frequent styes, approximately once a month. Recently, just last week, I had a stye on my left eye, and today I have...
Dr. Gao Jiankai Reply:
Hello, thank you for your inquiry. Since the symptoms are mostly non-specific, it is difficult to pinpoint where the issue lies. If you are very concerned, you may consider undergoing a comprehensive health check-up. If the results are normal but you continue to experience recurr...[Read More] Frequent Styes: Understanding Causes and Seeking Medical Advice
Frequent Styes: Understanding Causes and When to Seek Help
Frequent occurrence of styes? Hello Doctor: Since last year, I have been preparing for the national exam, and starting in May of this year, I have been experiencing frequent styes, approximately once a month. Recently, just last week, I had a stye on my left eye, and today I deve...
Dr. Gao Jiankai Reply:
Hello, thank you for your inquiry. Since the symptoms are mostly non-specific, it is difficult to pinpoint the exact issue. If you are very concerned, you may start with a comprehensive health check-up. If the results are normal but you continue to experience recurrent styes or c...[Read More] Frequent Styes: Understanding Causes and When to Seek Help
Can You Get the Flu Vaccine with an Autoimmune Disease?
Influenza vaccine Hello doctor, I had blood tests this week in the rheumatology and immunology department to check for issues related to my immune system, but the results are not out yet. My symptoms are suggestive of reactive arthritis. I would like to ask if it turns out to be ...
Dr. Gao Jiankai Reply:
Hello, thank you for your question. I believe it is advisable. Individuals with immune system disorders should also receive the influenza vaccine, and the likelihood of experiencing side effects is not higher. This is a message from the Allergy, Immunology, and Rheumatology Depar...[Read More] Can You Get the Flu Vaccine with an Autoimmune Disease?
Understanding Immune System Issues: Symptoms and Concerns Explained
Immune system issues Hello, Doctor Gao. I have a few questions to ask you, and I appreciate your help. 1. At the beginning of August, I developed a urinary tract infection and took antibiotics for two weeks. The symptoms disappeared, and I thought I was cured, so I didn't ...
Dr. Gao Jiankai Reply:
Hello, thank you for your inquiry. I believe there is a high possibility of reactive arthritis, especially considering your age and the occurrence of acute prostatitis along with unexplained joint effusion and swelling. I recommend that you consult a rheumatologist nearby. The Al...[Read More] Understanding Immune System Issues: Symptoms and Concerns Explained
Understanding Allergies and Joint Pain: Insights on Rheumatoid Arthritis
Inquiry about Rheumatoid Arthritis Hello, Doctor. Over the past two to three years, I have frequently experienced skin allergies (rashes). When I am back in my hometown (Miaoli), my condition improves significantly during my vacation, but it immediately relapses when I return to ...
Dr. Gao Jiankai Reply:
Hello, thank you for your question. Here are my responses: 1. For someone like me who experiences long-term allergies that recur, could it be due to environmental factors, stress, or irregular lifestyle? What should I pay attention to or how can I improve? --> All three fact...[Read More] Understanding Allergies and Joint Pain: Insights on Rheumatoid Arthritis
Understanding the Link Between Anxiety and Rheumatoid Arthritis Risk
The likelihood of anxiety-induced rheumatoid arthritis? Hello Doctor, I previously asked you questions related to rheumatoid issues. I have health anxiety and had blood tests for rheumatoid-related checks last November. At that time, the doctor said the results were normal and ad...
Dr. Gao Jiankai Reply:
Hello, thank you for your question. First of all, I'm not sure where you saw that "people who are under long-term stress have a 176 times higher chance of developing rheumatoid arthritis compared to normal individuals." In my knowledge and the relevant literature, ...[Read More] Understanding the Link Between Anxiety and Rheumatoid Arthritis Risk
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
Understanding Recurrent Fever: Immune System Challenges and Solutions
Repeated fever over the past two months? Hello, since May, I have noticed that my immune system has been getting weaker. I used to rarely get sick, but on May 8, I discovered I had shingles (the doctor said it was due to stress and a decline in immunity, and prescribed zinc for m...
Dr. Liao Zhongxin Reply:
1. Since you have been diagnosed with influenza type A and are receiving treatment with oseltamivir, it is important to rest well and allow your immune system to recover to eliminate the virus from your body. 2. As for persistent symptoms after infection, this is common with COV...[Read More] Understanding Recurrent Fever: Immune System Challenges and Solutions
Understanding Low C3 Levels During Early Pregnancy: What You Need to Know
Low C3 complement levels? Due to being in the early stages of pregnancy (5 weeks), my doctor had me undergo multiple blood tests, and I just saw the results in my health record. My C3 level is only 87 mg/dL (the normal range is above 90). I already have Sjögren's syndrome, b...
Dr. Gao Jiankai Reply:
Hello, thank you for your question. There are many reasons for a decrease in complement C3 levels. If it was previously normal and has now decreased, it may be related to immune system activation. If you have Sjögren's syndrome, it is indeed possible to have lower complement...[Read More] Understanding Low C3 Levels During Early Pregnancy: What You Need to Know
Understanding the Effectiveness and Frequency of Immune System Tests
Immune system examination? Hello Doctor: I had an immune system blood test related to rheumatoid conditions last November, and all the values were normal at that time. I would like to ask how long the effectiveness of the immune system test lasts and how often I should have it do...
Dr. Gao Jiankai Reply:
Hello, thank you for your inquiry. If your tests are all normal and you do not have any symptoms related to the immune system or rheumatic diseases, I believe routine follow-up may not be necessary. However, if you experience rheumatic symptoms such as joint pain, skin rashes, un...[Read More] Understanding the Effectiveness and Frequency of Immune System Tests
Understanding Cryptococcus Infection Risks and Testing Options
Cryptococcal infection issues Hello doctor, two days ago while riding my motorcycle, I suddenly felt something drop onto my lower lip. I immediately wiped it off with my finger and discovered it was a yellow substance. My belongings were also contaminated with a small drop of yel...
Dr. Lin Wufu Reply:
Hello, Cryptococcus is not only found in pigeon droppings; it can also be present on many plants in the environment. In most cases, inhaling Cryptococcus does not lead to infection. The likelihood of contracting a Cryptococcus infection is higher when one's immune system is ...[Read More] Understanding Cryptococcus Infection Risks and Testing Options
Understanding Immune Dysregulation: Chronic Urticaria and Its Challenges
Immune dysfunction Hello, Doctor. I have been suffering from chronic urticaria for about four years, and it has not been cured. A previous doctor mentioned that this is a reaction of immune hyperactivity. However, since my diagnosis nearly a year ago, I have been experiencing rec...
Dr. Gao Jiankai Reply:
Hello, thank you for your question. Here are my responses: 1. Is this situation due to immune hyperactivity or deficiency? Can both coexist? --> It may be better understood as "immune system dysregulation." Autoimmune diseases and allergic conditions are both result...[Read More] Understanding Immune Dysregulation: Chronic Urticaria and Its Challenges
Understanding Persistent Oral Mucosa Pain: Causes and Treatment Options
Pain in the buccal mucosa? Hello doctor, in early April, I experienced pain in the left buccal mucosa, which has persisted with some discomfort until now. Over the past two months, I have seen 7 to 8 doctors, including specialists in otolaryngology and oral surgery, but none have...
Dr. Gao Jiankai Reply:
Hello, thank you for your question. Monocytes are a type of white blood cell, and their levels can fluctuate naturally, which should not be related to your oral mucosa pain. If you have already consulted with an otolaryngologist and an oral surgeon without reaching a conclusion, ...[Read More] Understanding Persistent Oral Mucosa Pain: Causes and Treatment Options
Understanding Oral Symptoms and HIV Concerns After Unprotected Sex
Oral symptoms raising suspicion for HIV? Hello Doctor: Nine weeks ago, I had unprotected sexual intercourse with a sex worker (two minutes of unprotected vaginal intercourse and three minutes of oral sex performed on her). About three weeks later, I experienced unexplained nasal ...
Dr. Liao Zhongxin Reply:
According to the Centers for Disease Control data, there are three main transmission routes for HIV: (A) Sexual transmission: Engaging in oral, anal, or vaginal intercourse or other exchanges of bodily fluids with an HIV-infected individual carries a risk of infection. (B) Bl...[Read More] Understanding Oral Symptoms and HIV Concerns After Unprotected Sex
Understanding Lupus Symptoms: Differentiating Between Disease and Injury
Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) Hello Doctor, I was diagnosed with lupus at the age of 18, and until this year, I was taking two quinine tablets a day. However, this year my doctor informed me that my urine protein UPCR increased from below 200 to 500, and my CRP was 0.19. As ...
Dr. Gao Jiankai Reply:
Hello, thank you for your question. Most immune system issues, including lupus, often present with joint symptoms, which is why patients are monitored in rheumatology. For mild joint symptoms, we manage them with anti-inflammatory pain relievers, including Celecoxib. Celecoxib is...[Read More] Understanding Lupus Symptoms: Differentiating Between Disease and Injury
Understanding Joint Pain and Itching: Possible Causes and Solutions
Generalized joint pain and bone itching? Hello Doctor: I have been experiencing joint pain and itching for about ten years. The itching sensation in my bones makes me feel restless, constantly wanting to move or twist them. The joint pain can come on suddenly and last for quite a...
Dr. Gao Jiankai Reply:
Hello, thank you for your question. Here is my response: Question: I would like to ask if this situation is similar to rheumatoid arthritis? Is it possible for my values to decrease? Is the frequent pain in my joints and itching in my bones due to an issue with my immune system...[Read More] Understanding Joint Pain and Itching: Possible Causes and Solutions
Late Night Study Habits: Impact on Liver Health and Sleep
Sleeping at three in the morning? Hello Doctor, I am a college student. I often stay up late writing assignments and studying, and I have a habit of using my phone before bed, which means I usually go to sleep around 3 AM. This has been my routine for almost two years. Recently, ...
Dr. Gao Jiankai Reply:
Hello, thank you for your question. There is no definitive conclusion regarding the correlation between late sleeping and liver enzyme levels; however, late sleeping can indeed affect immune function and blood glucose levels, which are serious issues. There is also no consensus i...[Read More] Late Night Study Habits: Impact on Liver Health and Sleep
Stepping on Cockroaches: Risks and Precautions for Your Health
Stepping on a cockroach barefoot? Today, when I went shopping, I accidentally stepped on a cockroach while wearing flip-flops. The cockroach seemed to have just died, and it got stuck between my foot and the flip-flop. I quickly shook it off, but since I was outside, I wasn'...
Dr. Liao Zhongxin Reply:
The general public has a complete immune system, and if there are no obvious wounds, there is little chance of infection; simply washing the foot that stepped on a foreign object is sufficient.[Read More] Stepping on Cockroaches: Risks and Precautions for Your Health
Understanding Rheumatoid Arthritis and Its Connection to Autoimmune Antibodies
Rheumatoid Arthritis and Antinuclear Antibodies Hello Doctor, I would like to ask you: 1. I have been experiencing knee joint pain for a while (but there is no redness or swelling). It hurts when I am at rest, and sometimes other bones in my lower body also ache slightly. I am ...
Dr. Gao Jiankai Reply:
Hello, thank you for your questions. Here are my responses: 1. I have been experiencing knee joint pain for a while (but without redness or swelling). It hurts when I am not moving, and sometimes other bones in my lower body also ache slightly. I am unsure if this is an early sy...[Read More] Understanding Rheumatoid Arthritis and Its Connection to Autoimmune Antibodies
Post-Surgery Complications: When to See a Gastroenterologist or Immunologist?
Please specify the medical specialty and medication you would like to inquire about? Two months ago, I underwent electrosurgical treatment for colon swelling, measuring 8 cm. The postoperative recovery was normal; however, one month after the surgery, I experienced intestinal dam...
Dr. Zeng Guosen Reply:
It is recommended that you first consult a gastroenterologist. If necessary, the gastroenterologist will advise whether to see a rheumatologist for further evaluation. Please do not self-medicate. Thank you for your question.[Read More] Post-Surgery Complications: When to See a Gastroenterologist or Immunologist?