Understanding Post-Vaccine Reactions: When to Seek Medical Advice
Post-vaccination issues? Hello Dr. Hong, on July 29th at around 1:40 PM, I received the second dose of the Moderna vaccine. On July 30th at 12:30 AM, my ear temperature was 37.2°C; at 2:20 AM, it was 37.9°C; at 4:30 AM, it was 38.6°C (I took one dose of pain reliever). From 5:00 ...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, starting from July 29 at 1:40 PM, experiencing fever, fatigue, and pain within 48 hours is normal. It is advisable to drink plenty of water and rest. If the pain is severe or if the fever is very uncomfortable, you can take a dose of acetaminophen. Symptoms should improve ...[Read More] Understanding Post-Vaccine Reactions: When to Seek Medical Advice
Do Steroids Affect Blood Test Results in Rheumatology Patients?
I would like to inquire if steroids can affect the results of blood tests in immunology and rheumatology? Hello Doctor: In recent months, the joints in my fingers have started to swell and hurt gradually, making it difficult to bend or extend them, and I cannot apply force. The b...
Dr. Gao Jiankai Reply:
Hello, thank you for your question. The administration of steroids may only affect certain laboratory results, including white blood cell counts, but it should have minimal impact on the indicators for rheumatic diseases or allergic conditions. I believe your symptoms include bot...[Read More] Do Steroids Affect Blood Test Results in Rheumatology Patients?
Understanding Recurrent Arthritis: Causes, Diagnosis, and Management
Recurrent arthritis (migratory arthritis) Hello, Doctor: For the past six months, I have been experiencing persistent pain in my shoulders and limbs. Initially, I consulted an orthopedic specialist who performed an X-ray but found no issues. The doctor prescribed pain relievers ...
Dr. Gao Jiankai Reply:
Hello, thank you for your question. Here are my responses: 1. Is recurrent arthritis considered an autoimmune disease? The joint pain and swelling that I experience intermittently—are they caused by my immune system attacking itself, or are there other factors involved? (The doc...[Read More] Understanding Recurrent Arthritis: Causes, Diagnosis, and Management
Understanding Rheumatoid Arthritis: Diagnosis, Treatment, and Concerns
Regarding the diagnosis and medication use for rheumatoid arthritis? Dear Director Gao, I apologize for the length of my inquiry and hope you can take the time to clarify my doubts. Thank you! About a year and a half ago, blood tests revealed that my rheumatoid factor (RF) was...
Dr. Gao Jiankai Reply:
Hello, thank you for your questions. Here are my consolidated responses: 1. Can anti-CCP antibodies be present intermittently? (There was a significant difference in test results just five days apart.) Could differences in testing methods cause varying results? Are there differe...[Read More] Understanding Rheumatoid Arthritis: Diagnosis, Treatment, and Concerns
Can Gout Attack the Chest Area? Understanding Unusual Symptoms
Can gout occur in the chest? During my gout attacks, it usually occurs in the joints, but in the past 3 to 4 months, I have experienced two attacks in my right chest area, which were also red, swollen, and painful, accompanied by pain in other joints. After taking medication for ...
Dr. Gao Jiankai Reply:
Hello, thank you for your inquiry. In principle, gout does not occur in the chest area, and given your age and gender, the likelihood of gout is even lower. It is recommended that you consult a specialist in Allergy, Immunology, and Rheumatology to identify the true cause of your...[Read More] Can Gout Attack the Chest Area? Understanding Unusual Symptoms
Understanding Positive COVID-19 Rapid Test Results: A Patient's Journey
Positive result on COVID-19 rapid test? Hello Dr. Hong, I hope you are well. I am currently in Indonesia and am using online consultation services, so I hope to gain a deeper understanding. I apologize for the lengthy description. Starting on the evening of June 12, I experienc...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, based on the symptoms you described, they do resemble a COVID-19 infection; however, we still need to wait for the PCR test for confirmation. The medications you mentioned are all for relieving cold symptoms. If you have cold symptoms, they can be taken to alleviate discom...[Read More] Understanding Positive COVID-19 Rapid Test Results: A Patient's Journey
Understanding Lupus: Symptoms, Family History, and When to Test
Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) Hello Dr. Hong from Tainan Hospital. I have a family history of lupus erythematosus, with my grandmother, two aunts, and my mother (currently under examination). In the past year, I have suddenly noticed some symptoms appearing, which has made m...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, based on your description, the skin manifestations you mentioned are not typical of erythematous lupus. Additionally, if you do not have other symptoms such as joint pain, the likelihood of erythematous lupus is very low. Thank you for your inquiry.[Read More] Understanding Lupus: Symptoms, Family History, and When to Test
Unraveling Mysterious Immune Reactions: Antibiotic Allergies or Autoimmune Disorders?
Is the strange illness experienced personally due to a drug allergy or an autoimmune disorder? Hello, doctor. I have encountered a strange immune reaction while taking medication and would like to ask for your advice. Earlier this year, I was on long-term antibiotics due to a pro...
Dr. Gao Jiankai Reply:
Hello, thank you for your message. I suspect that you may have Reiter's syndrome, also known as reactive arthritis, and I recommend that you consult a rheumatologist at a major hospital. There are several reasons for my suspicion related to this condition, including chronic ...[Read More] Unraveling Mysterious Immune Reactions: Antibiotic Allergies or Autoimmune Disorders?
Understanding Finger and Wrist Pain: Is It Rheumatoid Arthritis?
Regarding finger and wrist pain associated with rheumatoid arthritis? Dear Dr. Gao, Hello. Last June, during a routine check-up, I unexpectedly found out that my RF factor was positive. Subsequently, I visited the hospital, where the doctor arranged for additional blood tests. T...
Dr. Gao Jiankai Reply:
Hello, thank you for your message. Here are the responses to your questions: 1. Regarding the fluctuations in your Anti-CCP test results: On March 7, the hospital test was normal; on April 20, your self-test showed a significantly elevated level; however, on April 24, another fa...[Read More] Understanding Finger and Wrist Pain: Is It Rheumatoid Arthritis?
Understanding Other Specified Joints in Medical Classification
Other specific joints not explicitly mentioned? The classification of diseases refers to unspecified locations of other specific joints.
Dr. Zeng Guosen Reply:
Hello, in order to conduct a consultation, prescribe medication, or perform tests, it is necessary to input a diagnosis. Before a disease is confirmed, a simple and non-controversial diagnosis is often entered, which leads to your issue. It does not carry any specific meaning; it...[Read More] Understanding Other Specified Joints in Medical Classification
Understanding Foot Pain: Is It Just a Bug Bite or Something More Serious?
Please ask your question? Hello, doctor. Recently, I've been experiencing some sleep disturbances. Today, after putting on my shoes and returning home, I noticed that my toe is painful and appears to have a bit of redness. When I touch the swollen area, it feels slightly rai...
Dr. Gao Jiankai Reply:
Hello, thank you for your inquiry. Regarding joint swelling and pain, it is recommended to first consult a rheumatologist to determine the underlying cause. Generally, rheumatoid arthritis presents with polyarticular swelling and pain, while the occurrence of a single joint flare...[Read More] Understanding Foot Pain: Is It Just a Bug Bite or Something More Serious?
Understanding Toe Issues: Concerns About Infections and Treatment
Toe problems (continued inquiry) Thank you for your response, Doctor. Regarding the first question, I still have some concerns I would like to ask. I recently took some leftover cold medication from last week when I had a cold and visited an ENT specialist. The medication contain...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, 1. The black spots you described are likely the openings of hair follicles, which is a normal structure. 2. The so-called immune-mediated arthritis mostly affects multiple joints, with the highest likelihood of a single joint being involved in gout. However, your sympto...[Read More] Understanding Toe Issues: Concerns About Infections and Treatment
Accidental Use of Disinfectant: Skin Reactions and Health Concerns
Misuse of disinfectant? Hello Doctor, I didn't realize that my brother replaced our original Muji hand soap with something else, as it looks yellowish. Given the current pandemic, I've been washing my hands frequently. Tonight, I noticed some peeling around the joints o...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, according to the labeling, this is indeed a commonly used disinfectant in general hospitals that can be used for body or hand cleaning. It has low skin irritancy, so it should not have any significant effects on your body. Please do not worry. Thank you for your inquiry.[Read More] Accidental Use of Disinfectant: Skin Reactions and Health Concerns
Understanding Mixed Connective Tissue Disease: Symptoms, Diagnosis, and Management
What is mixed connective tissue disease? Hello Doctor: I previously experienced an outbreak of urticaria and visited a nearby dermatologist two or three times without improvement. I read in magazines that I should see a rheumatologist, so I found the only clinic nearby that offer...
Dr. Gao Jiankai Reply:
Hello, thank you for your message. Mixed connective tissue disease is a type of rheumatic disease, which, as the name suggests, exhibits features of other rheumatic diseases, including scleroderma, systemic lupus erythematosus, and rheumatoid arthritis, but it is classified as an...[Read More] Understanding Mixed Connective Tissue Disease: Symptoms, Diagnosis, and Management
Understanding Chest Discomfort: Is It Muscle Strain or Something More?
Chest issues inquiry? Hello, Doctor. When I move my left or right arm back at a large angle or swing my body side to side, I feel a slight movement in the bones or muscles in the front of my chest. Is this because the muscles are pulling on the sternum? Additionally, occasionally...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, based on your description, it does seem to be symptoms of muscle or cartilage inflammation rather than a fracture or pneumothorax. I recommend resting and monitoring the situation. Unless the pain worsens, there is no need for immediate medical evaluation. Thank you for yo...[Read More] Understanding Chest Discomfort: Is It Muscle Strain or Something More?
Understanding Muscle Pain: Is It Stress or Something More Serious?
Muscle pain sensation Hello, I would like to ask the doctor about experiencing sudden pain in the right side of my back and a bit under the right breast, which feels like muscle or bone pain, especially when I take a deep breath. This occurs sometimes when I am nervous or afterwa...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, based on your description, it seems you may have a strain in the muscles or joints of your right arm, possibly due to recent activities such as unusual exercise or lifting heavy objects. I recommend doing some warm-up exercises or applying heat to alleviate the discomfort....[Read More] Understanding Muscle Pain: Is It Stress or Something More Serious?
Can You Get Rabies from a Dog's Saliva? Understanding the Risks
Rabies issues Hello doctor, today I encountered a stray dog on the street. It was barking at the dogs near a food stall. I quickly walked past the dog, but I have a small wound on the joint of my right thumb. If the dog's saliva accidentally splashed onto my wound, is there ...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, rabies is primarily transmitted through wound infection. If saliva simply splashes on the skin, it will not lead to infection, so there is no need to worry. Thank you for your question.[Read More] Can You Get Rabies from a Dog's Saliva? Understanding the Risks
Morning Finger Joint Pain: Is It Rheumatoid Arthritis or Something Else?
Finger joint pain Hello Doctor: For the past three weeks, I have been experiencing pain and stiffness in my fingers upon waking up in the morning, making it difficult to bend them or make a fist. After 1-2 hours of activity, the symptoms lessen, and by evening, I gradually return...
Dr. Gao Jiankai Reply:
Hello, thank you for your message. Morning joint stiffness and pain in the distal interphalangeal joints are indeed similar to the symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis. However, since you have only experienced these symptoms for three weeks, further evaluation is necessary for confir...[Read More] Morning Finger Joint Pain: Is It Rheumatoid Arthritis or Something Else?
Daily High Fever and Weight Loss in a 70-Year-Old with Lupus
Persistent high fever every morning accompanied by weight loss? Hello, Doctor. Thank you for taking the time to read this amidst your busy schedule. My father, who is 70 years old, has been diagnosed with systemic lupus erythematosus and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. He ...
Dr. Gao Jiankai Reply:
Hello, thank you for your inquiry. Here are my responses: 1. You can return for a follow-up appointment anytime you feel unwell, especially if you have a fever, without worrying about the physician's opinion. 2. If you have had a persistent fever for over a month, that is...[Read More] Daily High Fever and Weight Loss in a 70-Year-Old with Lupus
Three Common Health Concerns to Discuss with Your Doctor
Three questions to ask the doctor? Hello, I have been observing my body recently and have three areas I would like to consult a doctor about. First, I noticed a cord-like structure extending from my scrotum, but my testicles are not evenly positioned in the center. Is this normal...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, 1. It is normal for a healthy individual's testicles to vary in size and position; this is completely normal, so there is no need to worry. 2. A pneumothorax typically presents with severe chest pain and shortness of breath. Based on your description, it is unlike...[Read More] Three Common Health Concerns to Discuss with Your Doctor