Understanding RA Symptoms: Are They Related to Vasculitis?
Vasculitis? Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA)? Hello, doctor. I have been diagnosed with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) at a medical center due to polyarticular pain and a strongly positive anti-CCP test. I have been on medication for quite some time. Recently, I have been experiencing recurr...
Dr. Gao Jiankai Reply:
Hello, thank you for your message. Based on the symptoms you described, vasculitis is a possibility, and rheumatoid arthritis (RA) can also lead to vasculitis. However, vasculitis associated with RA typically occurs when medication control is inadequate or treatment is irregular....[Read More] Understanding RA Symptoms: Are They Related to Vasculitis?
Understanding Immunosuppressants: Dosage Insights for Autoimmune Treatment
Immunosuppressants Hello, doctor. I would like to ask if a 23-year-old female weighing 48 kg taking Myfortic 180 mg six times a day and Cyclosporine 100 mg twice a day is considered a high dosage? This is for the treatment of an autoimmune disease, and she is also using corticost...
Dr. Gao Jiankai Reply:
Hello Apple, thank you for your question. Regarding cyclosporine, the dosage will depend on the specific autoimmune disease and the associated health risks. Generally, the use of this medication indicates that the condition requires active control of the immune system, and a comm...[Read More] Understanding Immunosuppressants: Dosage Insights for Autoimmune Treatment
Joint Pain, Swelling, and Pityriasis Rosea: Understanding Your Symptoms
Joint pain, edema, pityriasis rosea? Hello Dr. Tseng, A while ago, I accidentally bumped my left middle finger joint lightly against a table, which started to hurt slightly. At first, I thought it was just a bruise, but it has been over two months now, and it has developed into ...
Dr. Zeng Guosen Reply:
Hello, based on the definition, symptoms such as pain in the joints, muscles, fascia, and bones can all be referred to as rheumatism. Some rheumatic conditions can be diagnosed as specific diseases through symptoms, blood tests, and X-rays, while others may still remain undiagnos...[Read More] Joint Pain, Swelling, and Pityriasis Rosea: Understanding Your Symptoms
Understanding Bacterial Infections: Specific vs. Non-Specific Bacteria
Infected with bacteria? 1. The reason why bacteria can be classified as specific and non-specific bacteria is based on their ability to cause disease in particular hosts or under specific conditions. Specific bacteria are those that are associated with certain diseases and have a...
Dr. Liao Zhongxin Reply:
Dear readers: 1. Most people carry bacteria on their bodies, known as commensal bacteria, which coexist peacefully with our bodies. 2. However, there are times when these bacteria can invade the body, such as in urinary tract infections, respiratory infections, wound infections, ...[Read More] Understanding Bacterial Infections: Specific vs. Non-Specific Bacteria
When to Seek Emergency Care for Influenza B Symptoms
Under what circumstances should one go to a large hospital for influenza type B? A 31-year-old female family member was diagnosed with influenza B at a clinic two days ago and is currently taking antiviral medication as prescribed by the doctor for five days. She is still experie...
Dr. Li Zhiyao Reply:
Hello Mr. Lin: Most influenza patients recover in about a week, but it is important to pay special attention to any warning signs of severe influenza (such as shortness of breath, difficulty breathing, cyanosis, blood or thick sputum, chest pain, altered consciousness, low blood ...[Read More] When to Seek Emergency Care for Influenza B Symptoms
Understanding the Dynamic Nature of Human Immune Status Throughout the Day
The immune status is dynamic and variable? The statement "The immune status of the human body is dynamic and variable" means that the immune system is not static; it changes in response to various factors throughout the day and in different situations. The immune status...
Dr. Gao Jiankai Reply:
Hello, thank you for your question. I'm not sure where this statement comes from, but the functioning of the immune system differs from hormones in that it doesn't have a clear distinction between morning and evening. However, regular exercise and stable emotions can in...[Read More] Understanding the Dynamic Nature of Human Immune Status Throughout the Day
Can Soy Isoflavones Benefit Menopausal Women and Improve Immunity?
Soy isoflavones Hello doctor, my mother is going through menopause and has been taking products containing soy isoflavones, which have improved her condition significantly. My father, who is 53 years old, also has trouble sleeping and has experienced a decline in physical strengt...
Dr. Chen Qingbin Reply:
If you are experiencing discomfort and poor sleep, it is not advisable to take soy isoflavones. It is best to visit a hospital for an examination so that appropriate treatment can be administered without delaying your condition.[Read More] Can Soy Isoflavones Benefit Menopausal Women and Improve Immunity?
Understanding Lower Limb Edema After Ovarian Cancer Surgery: Causes and Solutions
The issue of edema? Dear Doctor, My mother was previously diagnosed with stage II ovarian cancer and has undergone surgery to remove pelvic lymph nodes. Since then, she has gradually started experiencing swelling in her lower extremities. We have tried wearing compression stocki...
Dr. Xiao Yongxun Reply:
Hello: There are many causes of edema, including venous insufficiency, lymphedema, lipedema, heart failure, nephrotic syndrome, cirrhosis, medication effects, parasitic infections, thyroid disorders, and pregnancy, among others. For your daughter's issue, I personally recomm...[Read More] Understanding Lower Limb Edema After Ovarian Cancer Surgery: Causes and Solutions
Where to Seek Help for Chronic Fatigue Syndrome in Taiwan?
If you suspect you have chronic fatigue syndrome, you can consult a primary care physician or a specialist in internal medicine. Additionally, you may consider seeing a rheumatologist or an infectious disease specialist, as they often have experience in diagnosing and managing th...
Dr. Gao Jiankai Reply:
Hello, based on your symptoms, here are a few suggestions. 1. Hepatitis B requires close monitoring, with liver function tests every three months and abdominal ultrasounds every six months. Liver issues can also cause fatigue, so please do not take this lightly. Therefore, cons...[Read More] Where to Seek Help for Chronic Fatigue Syndrome in Taiwan?
Post-Weight Loss Symptoms: Hair Loss, Rashes, and Lymph Node Swelling
Aftereffects of weight loss? Hello, Doctor: Last year, after taking traditional Chinese medicine for four months, I lost over 20 kilograms, but then I suddenly experienced significant hair loss (my hair was already thin and soft). I also had two episodes of widespread skin rashes...
Dr. Gao Jiankai Reply:
Hello, thank you for your message. Rapid weight loss can indeed lead to hair loss; however, if accompanied by rashes and lymphadenopathy, further investigation is necessary. Generally, a physician will examine the scalp to determine whether the hair loss is simply due to alopecia...[Read More] Post-Weight Loss Symptoms: Hair Loss, Rashes, and Lymph Node Swelling
Understanding Immune-Related Miscarriage: Insights and Expert Opinions
Immune miscarriage Hello, Doctor. I would like to inquire about "immune-related miscarriage." In late February of this year, I experienced a miscarriage at around 35 weeks of pregnancy and underwent blood tests. The results for ANA, IgG, PTT, and protein S were all norm...
Dr. Gao Jiankai Reply:
Hello, currently, immune-related miscarriage is gradually gaining attention in reproductive medicine. Although this concept is not yet fully accepted domestically, clinical experience cannot ignore the role of the immune system during pregnancy. However, when considering whether ...[Read More] Understanding Immune-Related Miscarriage: Insights and Expert Opinions
Recurring Inflammation Under the Groin: Causes and Treatment Options
Recurrent inflammation of the groin? You have a 13-year-old son who is 177 cm tall and weighs 88 kg. He has been experiencing recurrent inflammation in his groin area. Three months ago, he had redness and swelling with a hard lump, accompanied by fever, and several punctate wound...
Dr. Lin Mingfeng Reply:
First, you can inquire with the original surgeon about the culture results from the last drainage of the abscess. If the infection is caused by Staphylococcus aureus, the patient may have a soft tissue infection or possibly acute lymphadenitis caused by this bacterium, which is n...[Read More] Recurring Inflammation Under the Groin: Causes and Treatment Options
Understanding Pneumocystis Pneumonia: Concerns and Insights for Families
Pneumocystis pneumonia (PCP) Hello, Doctor: I would like to ask about my older brother. Initially, he was very unwell due to a cold, and family members accompanied him to the emergency room. Later, we learned that he had previously registered and undergone tests at the same hospi...
Dr. Guo Hanyue Reply:
For patients who are conscious, the physician must obtain the patient's consent before explaining the medical condition to the family. It is recommended that you privately inquire about your brother's condition. Pneumocystis pneumonia can occur in individuals with immun...[Read More] Understanding Pneumocystis Pneumonia: Concerns and Insights for Families
Understanding Lymph Node Swelling and Allergic Reactions: A Guide
Lymph There are severe swellings in areas with lymph nodes, such as multiple enlarged nodes in the upper thighs and armpits, which are increasing in size and are painless. What could be the cause? Additionally, I have reactions to various foods, such as a small amount of dairy pr...
Dr. Lin Mingfeng Reply:
Localized lymphadenopathy usually indicates an infection in the surrounding area. If multiple sites are involved, it is more likely to be a systemic response. Certain infections, such as toxoplasmosis or cat scratch fever, can cause lymphadenopathy in different locations. Additio...[Read More] Understanding Lymph Node Swelling and Allergic Reactions: A Guide
Why Am I Still Tired After Sleeping 7-8 Hours?
Feeling tired despite sleeping for a long time and needing to sleep more? Hello, Doctor. I have seen news reports stating that sleeping for at least 7 hours is generally sufficient, so I usually sleep between 7 to 8 hours. However, sometimes I still feel the urge to sleep more. I...
Dr. Cai Yaozhou Reply:
The golden sleep period for humans is from 10 PM to 6 AM. This is when the human circadian rhythm activates at 10 PM, leading to the secretion of growth hormone and melatonin, a slight decrease in body temperature, and a gradual transition of brain waves from high-amplitude alpha...[Read More] Why Am I Still Tired After Sleeping 7-8 Hours?
Post-Operative Care for Peritonitis: Boosting Immunity and Recovery Tips
How should one care for themselves after surgery for peritonitis? Hello Dr. Hsiao: My father was in a car accident over a month ago (colliding with a utility pole), which resulted in a small bowel rupture that went unnoticed, leading to a 20-day delay in receiving medical attenti...
Dr. Xiao Jingqin Reply:
After surgery for peritonitis, it is recommended to resume eating as soon as bowel motility returns to normal and gas is passed. Due to the surgery and peritonitis, there is a significant loss of body fluids into the abdominal cavity, which often leads to a marked decrease in ser...[Read More] Post-Operative Care for Peritonitis: Boosting Immunity and Recovery Tips
Understanding the Connection Between Finger Pain and Stomach Issues
Finger and stomach pain? Dear Dr. Tseng, Over the past year, I have experienced cracking, bleeding, redness, swelling, and itching of the skin on my fingers. I initially thought it was a condition related to "wealthy hands" and sought treatment from both traditional Ch...
Dr. Zeng Guosen Reply:
Dear Angel, 1. Finger deformity, inability to bend the fingers, and cold fingers may be associated with Raynaud's phenomenon. A decrease in complement levels indicates an abnormality in the immune system, which is unrelated to premature infants. It is recommended to consult...[Read More] Understanding the Connection Between Finger Pain and Stomach Issues
Understanding Behçet's Disease: Symptoms, Causes, and Treatment Options
What is Behçet's disease? My mother is currently 48 years old, but she often feels unwell due to some stress. Eight years ago, she developed a stress-related ulcer and gastrointestinal bleeding. Two to three years ago, she was diagnosed with degenerative arthritis and has be...
Dr. Yang Hongzhi Reply:
Hello: There are several types of hyperthyroidism, with the most common being an autoimmune reaction disease. Graves' disease is also an autoimmune disorder, and there may be some correlation between the two.[Read More] Understanding Behçet's Disease: Symptoms, Causes, and Treatment Options
Understanding Persistent Health Issues: Seeking Answers for Common Symptoms
Many questions, please take the time to clarify, thank you! I am 29 years old, 165 cm tall, and weigh 50 kg. In recent years, I have frequently experienced the following symptoms: 1. I suffer from insomnia and vivid dreams every day, with poor sleep quality. Despite feeling ver...
Dr. Yang Hongzhi Reply:
Hello: Based on your symptoms, it is difficult to determine if there is any specific disease. Generally, when FT4 is elevated, TSH tends to decrease; your results are atypical and may warrant further monitoring. ANA is an indicator of autoimmune diseases, and a positive reaction ...[Read More] Understanding Persistent Health Issues: Seeking Answers for Common Symptoms
Can Falls Lead to Pneumonia? Understanding the Connection and Causes
Can a fall trigger pneumonia? Hello, I would like to ask about the causes of pneumonia. Can an external injury like a fall lead to pneumonia? Thank you!
Dr. Wang Fangli Reply:
Hello Ally: Falls do not cause pneumonia; pneumonia is usually a complication of upper respiratory infections in individuals with weakened immune systems.[Read More] Can Falls Lead to Pneumonia? Understanding the Connection and Causes