Managing COVID-19 in Patients with Sjögren's Syndrome: Treatment Insights
After being diagnosed with COVID-19 three times, the patient has been unable to test negative for an extended period following the most recent diagnosis? Hello Doctor, my mother has been diagnosed with Sjögren's syndrome for over ten years. Currently, she is taking one pill ...
Dr. Gao Jiankai Reply:
Hello, thank you for your question. Here are my responses: 1. I would like to ask whether antiviral medication is necessary, or if there is a need for antiviral medication for patients with Sjögren's syndrome? (I am not opposed to taking it; if possible, I hope the physicia...[Read More] Managing COVID-19 in Patients with Sjögren's Syndrome: Treatment Insights
Understanding Salivary Gland Scintigraphy in Sjögren's Syndrome
Salivary Gland Scintigraphy Report for Sjögren's Syndrome Hello, Dr. Gao. My salivary gland biopsy showed lymphocytic infiltration, confirming a diagnosis of Sjögren's syndrome. I subsequently underwent salivary gland scintigraphy and would like to ask how this report i...
Dr. Gao Jiankai Reply:
Hello, thank you for your question. Compensatory parotid function refers to the adaptive response of the salivary glands, resulting in heterogeneous signal distribution on imaging, where some areas show strong signals while others show weak signals. This indicates that the functi...[Read More] Understanding Salivary Gland Scintigraphy in Sjögren's Syndrome
Managing Autoimmune Disorders: Concerns About Long-Term Medication Use
Autoimmune disease issues Hello, doctor. I am a patient with Hashimoto's thyroiditis and have been taking thyroid medication for over 30 years. In recent years, I have been troubled by dry eye syndrome, which has affected my daily life. I underwent blood tests for rheumatic ...
Dr. Gao Jiankai Reply:
Hello, thank you for your question. Pilocarpine is a medication commonly used by patients with Sjögren's syndrome. If you have dry eyes, normal blood test results, and a good response to eye drops or ointments, along with experiencing side effects from the medication, it may...[Read More] Managing Autoimmune Disorders: Concerns About Long-Term Medication Use
Understanding HIV and HPV Risks: PEP Efficacy and Autoimmune Concerns
HIV infection HPV infection Hello, Doctor. I have a question. After performing oral sex on a woman, I noticed small red spots on my abdomen two days later, which made me very anxious. I quickly went to a clinic and had a blood test for HIV, which came back negative. I started tak...
Dr. Liao Zhongxin Reply:
First, let's look at the information about HIV: The HIV virus has three main transmission routes: 1. Sexual transmission: Engaging in oral, anal, or vaginal intercourse without a condom with an HIV-infected individual or exchanging other bodily fluids carries a risk of infec...[Read More] Understanding HIV and HPV Risks: PEP Efficacy and Autoimmune Concerns
Understanding SLE: Symptoms, Diagnosis, and Treatment Options
SLE (Systemic Lupus Erythematosus) Hello, Director Gao. I am 33 years old and have been experiencing various illnesses and unexplained pains over the past few years, but no cause has been identified. I have also consulted a psychiatrist and taken medication without improvement (s...
Dr. Gao Jiankai Reply:
Hello, thank you for your inquiry. A slight fever can still be concerning, and I recommend visiting a rheumatologist. Based on the information you provided, it is not possible to confirm whether there is an issue with your immune system, so it would be best for a physician to exa...[Read More] Understanding SLE: Symptoms, Diagnosis, and Treatment Options
Understanding the Risk of Lupus and Sjögren's Syndrome: A Patient's Guide
Suspected systemic lupus erythematosus and Sjögren's syndrome? I visited a family medicine clinic for hair loss issues and had blood tests done, which all came back normal except for the rheumatology test, which showed a titer of 1:80. I then went to another hospital for fur...
Dr. Gao Jiankai Reply:
Hello, this question has been asked for the second time. I am reposting my previous response below; please avoid repeating questions in the future. I believe the likelihood of Sjögren's syndrome is higher. Your physician will arrange for further detailed examinations to conf...[Read More] Understanding the Risk of Lupus and Sjögren's Syndrome: A Patient's Guide
Understanding the Risk of Lupus and Sjögren's Syndrome: A Patient's Guide
Suspected lupus erythematosus and Sjögren's syndrome? I went to see a family physician for hair loss issues, and all my blood test results were normal except for the rheumatology test, which showed a titer of 1:80. I then went to another hospital for further rheumatology blo...
Dr. Gao Jiankai Reply:
Hello, this question has been asked repeatedly. I am reposting my previous response below, and please avoid asking the same question in the future. I believe the likelihood of Sjögren's syndrome is higher. Your physician will arrange for additional detailed examinations to h...[Read More] Understanding the Risk of Lupus and Sjögren's Syndrome: A Patient's Guide
Understanding the Risk of Lupus and Sjögren's Syndrome: A Patient's Guide
Suspected systemic lupus erythematosus and Sjögren's syndrome? I visited a family medicine clinic for hair loss issues and had blood tests done, which all came back normal except for the rheumatology test, which showed a titer of 1:80. I then went to another hospital for fur...
Dr. Gao Jiankai Reply:
Hello, thank you for your inquiry. The likelihood of Sjögren's syndrome is higher. Your physician will arrange for additional detailed examinations to confirm the diagnosis. In principle, if there are no symptoms, we may not necessarily initiate treatment. If the symptoms ar...[Read More] Understanding the Risk of Lupus and Sjögren's Syndrome: A Patient's Guide
Understanding SSA Antibodies: Implications for Pregnancy and Lupus Risk
Detection of SSA antibodies? Hello, Doctor. I would like to ask about experiencing unexplained pain and swelling in 1-2 joints of my fingers and toes this year, which disappears after a few days, only to reappear in other areas with tenderness upon pressure. I visited the rheumat...
Dr. Gao Jiankai Reply:
Hello, thank you for your question. The presence of SSA antibodies is not related to the ability to conceive; however, there is still a possibility that Sjögren's syndrome may evolve into lupus erythematosus in the future, although the likelihood is unclear. Therefore, when ...[Read More] Understanding SSA Antibodies: Implications for Pregnancy and Lupus Risk
Understanding Sjögren's Syndrome: Symptoms, Medication Concerns, and Risks
Symptoms of Sjögren's syndrome and medication issues? Hello Doctor, I was diagnosed with Sjögren's syndrome two years ago, initially experiencing only dry mouth. By June, I developed stiffness in my finger joints (sometimes only in the morning, sometimes lasting half a ...
Dr. Gao Jiankai Reply:
Hello, thank you for your inquiry. Here are my responses: 1. Based on the blood test report and the current symptom of dry mouth, do I need to take quinine? If I do not take it, what potential complications might arise in the future? (I have been hesitant to take medication sinc...[Read More] Understanding Sjögren's Syndrome: Symptoms, Medication Concerns, and Risks
When to Start Medication for Sjögren's Syndrome: A Patient's Dilemma
When is the appropriate time to initiate medication treatment for Sjögren's syndrome? Hello, Doctor Gao: Two years ago, a family member was diagnosed with Sjögren's syndrome. At that time, the only symptom was mild dry mouth, so no medication was prescribed. However, in...
Dr. Gao Jiankai Reply:
Hello, thank you for your question. If there are signs of disease activity in Sjögren's syndrome, including abnormal blood test results and associated clinical symptoms such as skin petechiae and pulmonary symptoms, the risk of developing related complications, including lym...[Read More] When to Start Medication for Sjögren's Syndrome: A Patient's Dilemma
Understanding Abnormal ANA and Complement Levels: Causes and Next Steps
Antinuclear antibodies and abnormalities in complement levels C3 and C4? Hello Doctor, my wife has had abnormal antinuclear antibody (ANA) levels in her blood tests over the past few years (both AC-1 and AC-4 are affected), with titers fluctuating between a maximum of 1:320 and a...
Dr. Gao Jiankai Reply:
Hello, thank you for your question. The presence of abnormal ANA along with decreased C3 and C4 levels suggests a higher likelihood of an autoimmune disease. C3 and C4 are produced by the liver, and generally, they increase in response to stress or infection. However, in cases of...[Read More] Understanding Abnormal ANA and Complement Levels: Causes and Next Steps
Understanding Throat and Gastrointestinal Discomfort: When to Seek Help
Throat and gastrointestinal discomfort? Hello Doctor, I would like to ask about my recent symptoms. Sometimes I wake up with a bitter taste in my mouth and a feeling of nausea. I also have a slight cough and find myself swallowing excessively for no apparent reason. I recently vi...
Dr. Li Jian Reply:
If you frequently experience dry mouth and dry tongue, consider consulting an immunologist to check for any autoimmune conditions such as Sjögren's syndrome. Thank you for your inquiry.[Read More] Understanding Throat and Gastrointestinal Discomfort: When to Seek Help
Managing Autoimmune Disorders: Medication Concerns and Heart Health
Medication issues I would like to ask about my situation. After abnormal ANA antibody results from a blood test, I underwent several examinations. Initially, I tested positive for Sjögren's syndrome antibodies, and recently, due to severe Raynaud's phenomenon, I also te...
Dr. Gao Jiankai Reply:
Hello, thank you for your question. I believe that Puda tablets are quite safe medications. Although there is a very small chance of cardiac side effects, they should not affect heart rhythm. If it is just early contractions, I think it is not a concern. However, if there are ind...[Read More] Managing Autoimmune Disorders: Medication Concerns and Heart Health
Exploring Alternative Diagnoses Beyond SLE: A Patient's Journey
Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) Four months ago, the patient developed a rash on the skin and underwent numerous immunological tests. The results showed C1q 24.2, C1c 24.2, C3 73, PL-12 (++), WBC 3600, platelet count 129,000, and urine tests were negative. ANA, dsDNA, pANCA, a...
Dr. Gao Jiankai Reply:
Hello, thank you for your inquiry. The examination data you provided is insufficient, so I cannot offer any recommendations based on these results. However, I believe that a negative ANA (antinuclear antibody) test reduces the likelihood of systemic lupus erythematosus and increa...[Read More] Exploring Alternative Diagnoses Beyond SLE: A Patient's Journey
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 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
Chronic Dry Mouth and Tongue Pain: Unraveling the Mystery of Symptoms
Dry mouth and tongue pain for many years without a definitive diagnosis? Hello Doctor, my mother has been experiencing symptoms of reduced saliva for about 30 years. She has seen dentists, rheumatologists, and family medicine doctors, and underwent a sublingual gauze test which c...
Dr. Gao Jiankai Reply:
Hello, thank you for your inquiry. My suggestions are as follows: 1. You may consider returning to a rheumatology clinic for evaluation. If necessary, a salivary gland biopsy may indeed be required, as sometimes the diagnosis of Sjögren's syndrome necessitates this examina...[Read More] Chronic Dry Mouth and Tongue Pain: Unraveling the Mystery of Symptoms
Understanding Dry Eye Syndrome: Blood Test Results and Treatment Insights
Sjögren's Syndrome Index Thank you, doctor! First question: I was diagnosed with Sjögren's syndrome on August 19 this year, with an index of 280. Starting from the 20th, I took one quinine daily. On September 21, I had a second blood test, and the index was 334. During ...
Dr. Gao Jiankai Reply:
Hello, thank you for your questions. Here are my responses: First question: I was diagnosed with Sjögren's syndrome on August 19 of this year, with a score of 280. I started taking one quinine tablet daily from the 20th, and on September 21, my blood was drawn again, showin...[Read More] Understanding Dry Eye Syndrome: Blood Test Results and Treatment Insights
Understanding Sjögren's Syndrome: Key Questions and Dietary Guidance
Sjögren's Syndrome Index Hello Dr. Tseng! I have been diagnosed with Sjögren's syndrome, and I have some questions to ask: 1. Is an ANA (antinuclear antibody) titer of 1:80 (+) and Cyto-C, SSA at 280 (+) considered severe? 2. What does Cyto-C refer to? 3. Is it possible...
Dr. Zeng Guosen Reply:
Hello, online friend. 1. ANA and SSA are only for diagnostic reference; their values are not necessarily related to the severity of the condition. 2. I'm not sure what Cyto-C is. 3. The SSA index can fluctuate, and it can certainly decrease. 4. If you experience dry mouth or...[Read More] Understanding Sjögren's Syndrome: Key Questions and Dietary Guidance