Understanding Immune System Issues: Symptoms and Diagnostic Insights
Immune system issues Hello doctor, I started experiencing chills and fever on the night of August 4, 2022. The next day, I visited an ENT specialist who diagnosed me with a common cold. I took medication for three days, and while I felt somewhat better, the fever returned. After ...
Dr. Gao Jiankai Reply:
Hello, thank you for your inquiry. In your test results, the presence of IgM antibodies indicates an acute infection, so it is important to consider Toxoplasmosis, Cytomegalovirus (CMV), and Epstein-Barr Virus (EBV). Toxoplasmosis is caused by a parasite known as Toxoplasma, whil...[Read More] Understanding Immune System Issues: Symptoms and Diagnostic Insights
Understanding Positive Anti-dsDNA in Young Children with ITP: Key Considerations
When a young child tests positive for anti-dsDNA antibodies, it is important to monitor for potential signs and symptoms of systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) or other autoimmune disorders. Key considerations include: 1. **Clinical Evaluation**: Conduct Dear Dr. Gao, A toddler ...
Dr. Gao Jiankai Reply:
Hello, thank you for your questions. Here are my responses: 1. I would like to ask, if both the bone marrow aspiration and chromosome tests are normal, but immunoglobulin infusion does not improve platelet counts—initially it was effective but later it failed to raise the platel...[Read More] Understanding Positive Anti-dsDNA in Young Children with ITP: Key Considerations
Understanding Elevated Rheumatoid Factor: Symptoms and Concerns
Symptoms of elevated rheumatoid factor? Hello, doctor. Recently, I had a blood test that showed my rheumatoid factor was elevated by more than ten times. I later visited a doctor for further blood tests, and aside from a slightly elevated erythrocyte sedimentation rate indicating...
Dr. Gao Jiankai Reply:
Hello, thank you for your inquiry. My recommendations are as follows: 1. You should have regular follow-ups, such as every three months. If you experience any changes in symptoms before the scheduled follow-up, including joint pain, skin rashes, fever, etc., you can return for an...[Read More] Understanding Elevated Rheumatoid Factor: Symptoms and Concerns
Post-Appendectomy: Persistent Low-Grade Fever, Dizziness, and Appetite Loss
After appendectomy, the body often experiences elevated temperature, dizziness, and decreased appetite? Hello Doctor, in mid-July, I had a continuous high fever of 39 degrees Celsius for two days. I was taken to the emergency room and found out that my appendix had ruptured. The ...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, based on your description, the main issues seem to be elevated body temperature and poor appetite. I'm not sure if there are any other discomforts, including those related to the surgical area or other parts of the body. If there are, it may be necessary to conduct ex...[Read More] Post-Appendectomy: Persistent Low-Grade Fever, Dizziness, and Appetite Loss
Understanding the Impact of Stress on Immune System Health
Immune system Hello, doctor. I am the patient who asked questions today regarding the many positive results. Thank you for your answers. What I fear the most is the HIV test, but fortunately, it came back negative. However, I am still very worried about the numerous abnormal resu...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, indeed, aside from HIV, other positive results do not necessarily indicate an acute infection. Wishing you all the best and good health.[Read More] Understanding the Impact of Stress on Immune System Health
Should Individuals with Unexplained Fever and Infections Get Vaccinated?
Please advise on the administration of the COVID-19 vaccine for individuals with this type of constitution? Hello Dr. Gao, I have been experiencing unexplained fevers since 2014, with daily episodes lasting at least 6 hours, usually not exceeding 38.5 degrees Celsius. During seve...
Dr. Gao Jiankai Reply:
Hello, thank you for your inquiry. I believe that if possible, you should continue to follow up at the Rheumatology Department of National Taiwan University to try to identify the cause of the chronic fever. I have a patient who also experienced persistent chronic fever, initiall...[Read More] Should Individuals with Unexplained Fever and Infections Get Vaccinated?
Concerns About Tongue Issues: Healing, Pain, and Cancer Risks
Tongue issues? Doctor, I apologize for bothering you again. You mentioned last time that the healing of my tongue would take several weeks, and it has now been three weeks. Here is a photo of the indentation on my tongue: https://imgur.com/a/w9898Lt. I have consulted many doctors...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, due to the presence of glands on the tongue and its naturally uneven structure, this small indentation is likely not a sign of disease. As for tongue pain, it is usually less likely to be caused by an injury and is more often related to fatigue or stress. I recommend getti...[Read More] Concerns About Tongue Issues: Healing, Pain, and Cancer Risks
Post-Vaccine Medication Concerns: Can I Use Steroids and Alcohol-Based Treatments?
Medication issues after vaccination? Hello doctor, I just received the BNT vaccine. Can I apply eczema steroid cream (Betamethasone) and mouth ulcer medication (Mundisal) which contains alcohol after getting the BNT vaccine? Thank you. Also, if I experience severe mouth ulcers af...
Dr. Lin Wufu Reply:
Hello, this question may have been asked before. Local steroids or alcohol are not significantly absorbed into the body, so their use is generally not problematic. Developing mouth sores after vaccination is considered a related adverse reaction, but it does not necessarily indic...[Read More] Post-Vaccine Medication Concerns: Can I Use Steroids and Alcohol-Based Treatments?
Understanding Persistent Throat Issues: Causes and Solutions
My throat feels increasingly strange? Hello Doctor: About 5 or 6 years ago, I started coughing frequently due to sensitivity to the air, which seemed to have caused some old injuries. However, after visiting doctors for about 1 or 2 years, nothing was found. Now, I generally feel...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, 1. Based on your description, it seems to be symptoms of tonsil stones; however, this needs to be confirmed by an otolaryngologist. 2. According to your description, I am unsure if you have diabetes or are using steroids, which could suggest a possible oral candidiasis ...[Read More] Understanding Persistent Throat Issues: Causes and Solutions
Impact of Hypothyroidism on Immunity After Hyperthyroidism Treatment
Hypothyroidism I would like to ask the doctor, if hyperthyroidism has turned into hypothyroidism after iodine treatment and I am regularly taking thyroid hormone, will my immune system be significantly different from that of a person with normal thyroid function? Or as long as th...
Dr. Li Jian Reply:
As long as the thyroid indices are normal, there is no difference in immunity compared to healthy individuals.[Read More] Impact of Hypothyroidism on Immunity After Hyperthyroidism Treatment
Understanding Lung Cancer: Symptoms, Diagnosis, and Next Steps
Lung cancer issues? My husband was diagnosed with malignant liver cancer (stage II) last August. The tumor pressed against the diaphragm, so a small portion was surgically removed. Since March of this year, he has been experiencing persistent shortness of breath, occasional fever...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, based on your description, it is likely that a weakened immune system has led to a lung infection or inflammation. Whether there is emphysema or lung cancer requires further examination for confirmation. Typically, your condition is indeed managed by a pulmonologist; howev...[Read More] Understanding Lung Cancer: Symptoms, Diagnosis, and Next Steps
Managing Mild COVID-19 Symptoms: Treatment Options and Recovery Explained
Treatment for mild COVID-19? Hello: Recent news reports indicate that mild COVID-19 patients can take acetaminophen for treatment. I would like to ask: 1. Besides taking acetaminophen, do mild cases need to take antiviral medications or other drugs? 2. While acetaminophen can all...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, 1. For mild patients, if there are no significant underlying conditions such as diabetes, kidney failure, cancer, etc., only symptomatic treatment is needed, and there is no requirement for specific antiviral medications. 2. Acetaminophen can only alleviate symptoms; t...[Read More] Managing Mild COVID-19 Symptoms: Treatment Options and Recovery Explained
Impact of COVID-19 Vaccination on Ankylosing Spondylitis Symptoms
Vaccination for Ankylosing Spondylitis Hello Doctor, I am a patient with ankylosing spondylitis. I would like to ask you: 1) If the COVID-19 vaccine has exacerbated my pre-existing stiffness, is it possible that this exacerbation could last a long time (for example, 1-2 years, or...
Dr. Gao Jiankai Reply:
Hello, thank you for your question. Here are my responses: 1) If the COVID-19 vaccine exacerbates a pre-existing rigid condition, is it possible that this exacerbation could last for a long time (for example, 1-2 years, or even longer, potentially a lifetime)? --> Currently,...[Read More] Impact of COVID-19 Vaccination on Ankylosing Spondylitis Symptoms
Managing Ankylosing Spondylitis: Medication, Exercise, and Inflammation Concerns
Medication usage and exercise? Hello Doctor: I am a patient with ankylosing spondylitis. 1) I have been taking Secukinumab for six months, and it has been effective in controlling my condition. However, recently, despite unchanged medication, my pain and inflammation levels have ...
Dr. Zeng Guosen Reply:
Hello, online friend. 1) Autoimmune diseases have a characteristic of fluctuating symptoms, which may not always be related to medication issues. 2) Vaccines can activate autoimmune diseases or trigger immune abnormalities in approximately 5%-10% of cases. 3) The impact of food i...[Read More] Managing Ankylosing Spondylitis: Medication, Exercise, and Inflammation Concerns
Understanding Ankylosing Spondylitis and Its Impact on Immunity
Ankylosing spondylitis and immunity? Hello Doctor, I am currently 18.7 years old. I have already received the first dose of the BNT vaccine and am considering self-paying for the first dose of a biologic agent and the second dose of the BNT vaccine. I would like to ask you: 1) Ho...
Dr. Zeng Guosen Reply:
1) Some biologic agents have effects, while others do not; please consult the attending physician. 2) Autoimmune diseases can have fluctuating conditions, and vaccines may also have an impact, so it is important to consider the actual situation. 3) Generally, in ankylosing spondy...[Read More] Understanding Ankylosing Spondylitis and Its Impact on Immunity
Understanding Biologics and Vaccination for Ankylosing Spondylitis Patients
Biologics Hello Doctor, I am currently 19 years old and have ankylosing spondylitis. I received my first dose of the BNT vaccine on September 27, 2021, and I am planning to get the second dose (the delay in receiving the second dose is due to my serious suspicion that the first d...
Dr. Gao Jiankai Reply:
Hello, thank you for your questions. Here are my responses: 1) Is there a regulation on how long one should wait to receive the COVID-19 vaccine before or after receiving a biologic agent? --> Only certain biologic agents require a pause in administration when receiving the C...[Read More] Understanding Biologics and Vaccination for Ankylosing Spondylitis Patients
Medication Guidance After BNT Vaccination: Steroids and Oral Care
Medication issues after vaccination? Hello doctor, I just received the BNT vaccine. Can I apply eczema steroids (Betamethasone) and mouth ulcer medication (Mondesil) that contains alcohol after getting the vaccine? Thank you. Also, if I experience severe mouth ulcers after the va...
Dr. Lin Wufu Reply:
Hello: It is generally not recommended to use immunosuppressive medications after receiving a vaccine, so oral or injectable steroids are discouraged. However, topical ointments are absorbed in very low systemic doses, so they can still be used if necessary. Medications for mouth...[Read More] Medication Guidance After BNT Vaccination: Steroids and Oral Care
Does Long-Term Use of Medication Reduce Its Effectiveness?
Does taking medication for a long time reduce its effectiveness? Hello Doctor: I am a patient with ankylosing spondylitis and have been diagnosed for over two years. For the past six months, I have been taking one Celebrex in the morning and one in the evening (a total of two per...
Dr. Gao Jiankai Reply:
Hello, thank you for your questions. Here are my responses: 1) Is it possible that the efficacy of Celebrex decreases with prolonged use, or could there be other reasons? --> To my knowledge, this is unlikely. There are many reasons for increased pain, such as adhesions due t...[Read More] Does Long-Term Use of Medication Reduce Its Effectiveness?
Understanding Abnormal Blood Test Results: Possible Immune System Disorders
Health Examination Report Hello doctor, last month I visited a rheumatology and immunology specialist due to an unexplained rash on my skin (similar to petechiae). Initially, the doctor suspected it might be an allergy, but they still conducted blood tests. The results showed abn...
Dr. Gao Jiankai Reply:
Hello, thank you for your inquiry. Among the antibodies you tested, some are related to Sjögren's syndrome (Ro/La, C3/C4), some are associated with myositis (Jo-1, Ku), and others are more related to lupus erythematosus (ANA, C3/C4). However, we will consider clinical sympto...[Read More] Understanding Abnormal Blood Test Results: Possible Immune System Disorders
Understanding Shingles in Lupus Patients: What to Expect
Patients with lupus develop shingles? Hello, I would like to ask if a family member has lupus erythematosus and recently developed shingles. After visiting the clinic and starting medication, they noticed that the rash has been spreading more over the past two days. Is this a nor...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Patients with conditions like systemic lupus erythematosus, which compromise the immune system, are indeed more susceptible to developing shingles. Even with pharmacological treatment, shingles can progress through various stages, including an increase in the number of lesions, d...[Read More] Understanding Shingles in Lupus Patients: What to Expect