Persistent Dry Cough After COVID-19: Understanding Symptoms and Management
A slight cough (non-productive) in the throat persisting for six months after a confirmed COVID-19 infection? Hello Doctor: I am 20 years old and have ankylosing spondylitis. I tested positive for COVID-19 in early October 2022, experiencing mild symptoms (low fever for 1-2 days,...
Dr. Xie Rongyuan Reply:
Hello: After being diagnosed with COVID-19, there may be upper respiratory symptoms. If the symptoms persist, you may visit a hospital for medical care to alleviate the symptoms. Thank you for your message![Read More] Persistent Dry Cough After COVID-19: Understanding Symptoms and Management
Long COVID Management Tips for Patients with Ankylosing Spondylitis
Considerations for Long COVID Treatment in Patients with Ankylosing Spondylitis Hello Doctor: My son, who is 20 years old, has a history of ankylosing spondylitis. He tested positive for COVID-19 in early October 2022, experiencing mild symptoms (low-grade fever for 1-2 days, mus...
Dr. Gao Jiankai Reply:
Hello, thank you for your inquiry. Here are my responses: 1. Is the slower recovery from long COVID possibly related to ankylosing spondylitis? How long does it take to fully recover? --> Long COVID can be monitored for three months; after three months, most symptoms should g...[Read More] Long COVID Management Tips for Patients with Ankylosing Spondylitis
Is My New Lower Back Pain a Side Effect of Salazopyrin or AS Symptoms?
My new lower back pain symptoms could be indicative of ankylosing spondylitis, or could they be a side effect of taking Celebrex? Hello Dr. Zeng, I am a patient with ankylosing spondylitis and have been experiencing symptoms for 2 years. In the first year, I mainly took anti-infl...
Dr. Zeng Guosen Reply:
Is it true that the side effects of Seroquel need to be differentiated? If back pain is a side effect, it will not cause permanent harm to the body. It is recommended to follow up with the attending physician for evaluation.[Read More] Is My New Lower Back Pain a Side Effect of Salazopyrin or AS Symptoms?
Is My New Lower Back Pain a Side Effect of Salazopyrin or AS Symptoms?
My new lower back pain symptoms could be indicative of ankylosing spondylitis, or they might be a side effect of taking Celebrex? Hello, Doctor. I am a patient with ankylosing spondylitis, and I have been experiencing symptoms for two years. During the first year, I primarily too...
Dr. Gao Jiankai Reply:
Hello, thank you for your question. Here is my response: 1) Starting from the second month after taking Salazopyrin, I developed new symptoms of back pain. However, I have not experienced any rashes, fever, jaundice, pallor, diarrhea, headaches, vomiting, or any other physical ...[Read More] Is My New Lower Back Pain a Side Effect of Salazopyrin or AS Symptoms?
Understanding Reactive Arthritis: Symptoms, Diagnosis, and Treatment Options
Leigh syndrome Hello Doctor, I have normal blood test results, but my symptoms have led my physician to suspect reactive arthritis. I would like to ask you the following questions: 1. My first symptom was pain in the Achilles tendon at the heel, which appears normal externally. ...
Dr. Gao Jiankai Reply:
Hello, thank you for your inquiry. Here are my responses: 1. My first symptom is pain in the Achilles tendon at the calcaneus, which appears normal externally. However, after sitting for a long time, I experience brief pain when I stand up and walk, which subsides after walking ...[Read More] Understanding Reactive Arthritis: Symptoms, Diagnosis, and Treatment Options
Understanding Exercise Fatigue and Heart Issues: A Patient's Journey
Exercise, fatigue, heart problems? Dear Doctor, For the past few months, I have been feeling more fatigued than usual. I feel weak when standing and cannot walk for long periods. Additionally, my exercise capacity has decreased significantly; I often experience an inexplicable ...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Based on your description, it is possible that the issue may be due to physiological or psychological factors. I recommend starting with a visit to a family medicine specialist to check your basic health status, such as whether you have anemia or if your endocrine system is funct...[Read More] Understanding Exercise Fatigue and Heart Issues: A Patient's Journey
Understanding Side Effects of Salazopyrin: Joint and Muscle Pain
Side effects of Salmeterol? Hello, doctor. Does Salmeterol have side effects related to joint or muscle pain? If so, how long does it typically take for this side effect to resolve after discontinuing the medication? Thank you, doctor.
Dr. Zeng Guosen Reply:
Some users have reported side effects related to joint or muscle pain, although these are rare. Symptoms should improve after discontinuing the medication for about two weeks. Thank you.[Read More] Understanding Side Effects of Salazopyrin: Joint and Muscle Pain
Understanding Low Urinary Creatinine Levels: What It Means for Kidney Health
Questions about creatinine test values? Hello Doctor Wu: I recently received my test results. The microalbumin level is 1.7, the serum creatinine level is 0.71 [0.72-1.18], and the urinary creatinine level is 44.2 [60-250]. I would like to ask if the urinary creatinine level bein...
Dr. Wu Hongjie Reply:
The serum creatinine level is 0.71, while the standard range is 0.72-1.18, indicating it is not significantly low. Conditions such as insufficient muscle mass or inadequate protein intake may contribute to this situation. For urinary creatinine, a 24-hour collection is necessary ...[Read More] Understanding Low Urinary Creatinine Levels: What It Means for Kidney Health
Understanding Intermittent Pain Under the Left Chest: Causes and Insights
Pain in the lower left chest? Hello, doctor. This morning, I woke up due to a sharp pain in the lower left side of my chest. It feels like intermittent sharp pain (not related to breathing). The pain extends to the side as well, and I can't pinpoint a specific tender spot; I...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, heart valve issues are unlikely to be the cause of your symptoms. The most probable reason is a mild muscle strain related to posture, possibly due to your sleeping position or physical activity. This usually allows the muscles to relax and rest, and it should gradually im...[Read More] Understanding Intermittent Pain Under the Left Chest: Causes and Insights
Recovery from Marine Vibrio Infection After Fish Sting: A Patient's Journey
I am currently abroad and would like to inquire about the recovery situation for Vibrio parahaemolyticus infections? Hello Doctor, I am currently in Oman (as of February 15). On February 11 at 3 PM, while diving to catch fish, I accidentally got stung on the back of my hand by a ...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, the antibiotic you were prescribed is a first-generation antibiotic for general cellulitis. However, based on your images, it does appear to have improved. As for the pain or pigmentation changes, these are likely residual symptoms of cellulitis. Please be cautious and che...[Read More] Recovery from Marine Vibrio Infection After Fish Sting: A Patient's Journey
Understanding Autoimmune Diseases: Interpreting Your Blood Test Results
Autoimmune diseases Hello Doctor: I recently underwent blood tests for my immune system, and the results are as follows: IgE: 1075, C3: 111.6, C4: 30.9, Anti-dsDNA Ab: Interpretation: Negative, Anti-dsDNA Ab: Reactivity: 0.94, EJ: Negative, Jo-1: Negative, Ku: Negative, MDA5: Neg...
Dr. Gao Jiankai Reply:
Hello, thank you for your inquiry. Your dsDNA and SRP results are both positive, and it is important to discuss these findings with your physician to confirm the diagnosis. The diagnosis of autoimmune diseases requires not only blood test results but also consideration of clinica...[Read More] Understanding Autoimmune Diseases: Interpreting Your Blood Test Results
Post-Car Accident: Why Does My Lower Abdomen Hurt When Straining?
Pain in the lower abdomen upon exertion after a car accident? Hello Doctor, I was in a motorcycle accident on January 31st, where I was hit by a car. Aside from some abrasions, I experienced significant soreness in my abdominal muscles the next day. I initially thought it would i...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, based on your description, it seems to be an abdominal muscle strain. I recommend applying a warm compress and using some anti-inflammatory medication; theoretically, it should gradually improve. If the symptoms persist, I suggest visiting a surgical or family medicine cli...[Read More] Post-Car Accident: Why Does My Lower Abdomen Hurt When Straining?
Post-Car Accident: Understanding Lower Abdominal Pain and Muscle Strain
Pain in the lower abdomen upon exertion after a car accident? Hello doctor, I was in a motorcycle accident on January 31, where I was hit by a car. Besides some abrasions, I experienced significant soreness in my abdominal muscles the next day. I initially thought it would improv...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, based on your description, it seems to be an abdominal muscle strain. I recommend applying a warm compress and using some anti-inflammatory medication, which should gradually improve the condition. If the symptoms persist, it is advisable to visit a surgical or family medi...[Read More] Post-Car Accident: Understanding Lower Abdominal Pain and Muscle Strain
Understanding Muscle Pain and Nail Changes: When to Seek Medical Advice
Please ask your two questions? Hello doctor, I would like to ask about an issue I experienced. I was lying in bed in a poor position and suddenly tried to sit up like doing a sit-up. In that moment, I felt a sudden pulling or cramping sensation near my buttocks, close to the anus...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, 1. What you mentioned is likely due to muscle strain caused by poor posture. If there are no specific discomforts afterward, it should be fine to just monitor it. 2. Regarding the nails, it appears that the variation in color is simply due to changes in blood flow and d...[Read More] Understanding Muscle Pain and Nail Changes: When to Seek Medical Advice
Does Salazopyrin Cause Joint or Muscle Pain Side Effects?
Does Salvia have side effects related to joint or muscle pain? Hello, Doctor Gao. Does Salazopyrin have side effects related to joint or muscle pain? If so, how long does it typically take for this side effect to resolve after discontinuing the medication? Thank you, Doctor.
Dr. Gao Jiankai Reply:
Hello, thank you for your inquiry. I believe that Salazopyrin (sulfasalazine) is unlikely to have this side effect, so I recommend that you return to your attending physician for a personal evaluation. The Allergy, Immunology, and Rheumatology Department of Changhua Hospital, Min...[Read More] Does Salazopyrin Cause Joint or Muscle Pain Side Effects?
Understanding Abdominal Pain: Causes and When to Seek Help
Abdominal pain? Hello Dr. Hong, I would like to ask a question. When I was lying down watching a video, I suddenly felt a sharp pain just above my navel on the left side (below the rib cage), but when I stood up and rubbed the area, the pain subsided after about 5-10 seconds. Alt...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, the areas you mentioned are most commonly the stomach and intestines. Lying face down can indeed lead to indigestion, which may cause discomfort in these areas. Avoiding this position should help improve the situation. Thank you for your question.[Read More] Understanding Abdominal Pain: Causes and When to Seek Help
Understanding Urinary Tract Infections and Associated Back Pain
Urinary tract infection and subsequent lower back pain? Due to a urinary tract infection, I have been undergoing medication treatment for 12 days. The first 10 days included three medications: Paran (Panadol), Ikodin, and Urogen. However, since the treatment effects were limited,...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, it's difficult to say that lower back pain is definitely due to a kidney infection, as muscle strains can also cause back pain. This aspect requires a physician's direct assessment for a more accurate diagnosis. If a urinary tract infection is accompanied by bact...[Read More] Understanding Urinary Tract Infections and Associated Back Pain
Understanding Abdominal Pain: Possible Causes and When to Seek Help
Abdominal issues? Hello, for the past few days, I've been experiencing a slight pain in the abdominal area next to my left side of the navel. It doesn't feel like typical stomach pain or sharp pain; it resembles more of a dull ache similar to back pain. I visited a gast...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Based on your description, the most likely diagnosis is an abdominal muscle strain, possibly caused by recent exercises similar to sit-ups. Typically, allowing the abdominal muscles to rest will lead to improvement. As for any potential intestinal issues, ultrasound may not revea...[Read More] Understanding Abdominal Pain: Possible Causes and When to Seek Help
Can Low-Frequency Electrotherapy Help Alleviate Ankylosing Spondylitis Pain?
Symptoms of ankylosing spondylitis, can low-frequency electrical stimulation therapy improve them? Hello, Doctor. I am a 20-year-old male patient with ankylosing spondylitis. My main issue is pain in the lower back (not reaching the buttocks). Currently, I am taking Celebrex and ...
Dr. Zeng Guosen Reply:
Hello, if the back pain is caused by ankylosing spondylitis, a low-frequency electrotherapy device may be ineffective. However, it might be beneficial for superficial myofascial muscle soreness. You could give it a try. For further use of the low-frequency electrotherapy device, ...[Read More] Can Low-Frequency Electrotherapy Help Alleviate Ankylosing Spondylitis Pain?
Understanding Health Insurance Subsidies for Lupus Patients in Taiwan
System for Health Insurance Subsidies for Lupus Erythematosus / Major Illness / Specific Illness / Special Program Hello, Dr. Gao. I would like to inquire whether patients with systemic lupus erythematosus can apply for major illness or specific illness certification to receive h...
Dr. Gao Jiankai Reply:
Hello, thank you for your inquiry. Here are my responses: 1. I would like to ask if patients with systemic lupus erythematosus can apply for catastrophic illness or specific illness certification to receive medication subsidies from health insurance? Or can they apply for a heal...[Read More] Understanding Health Insurance Subsidies for Lupus Patients in Taiwan