Allergies and Excessive Sleepiness: Understanding Your Symptoms
Allergy + Drowsiness Recently, I have been experiencing multiple physical abnormalities, including dry mouth, dry eyes, and itchy dry skin (I have a history of urticaria, but this sensation feels different. Only specific areas of my hands and feet are dry and itchy, and there are...
Dr. Gao Jiankai Reply:
Hello, thank you for your inquiry. Here is the response to your question: 1. You have noticeable symptoms of dryness, which may be related to issues with your immune system, particularly Sjögren's syndrome or related autoimmune diseases. 2. It is recommended that you first c...[Read More] Allergies and Excessive Sleepiness: Understanding Your Symptoms
Managing Autoimmune Disease: Do I Need to Continue Medication?
Autoimmune diseases Hello, Director Gao. About a year ago, I visited the immunology department due to dry mouth and tongue ulcers. My ANA titer was 80+, and I started taking quinine (2 tablets a day). After three months, the titer decreased to 40+. Due to severe dizziness, I swit...
Dr. Gao Jiankai Reply:
Hello Ms. Chen, thank you for your inquiry. Currently, the use of medications for Sjögren's syndrome is less common with the use of salivary stimulants, and monitoring disease activity is less frequently done with ANA titers. It is recommended that you consult a rheumatologi...[Read More] Managing Autoimmune Disease: Do I Need to Continue Medication?
Understanding Sjögren's Syndrome and the Role of Mycophenolate
Sjögren's syndrome and myositis? Dear Doctor, I am 51 years old and was diagnosed with Sjögren's syndrome in 2015. My main symptoms include dry eyes, mild vasculitis in the lower extremities, weight loss, and a white blood cell count of approximately 2800 to 3500. So f...
Dr. Gao Jiankai Reply:
Hello SUNNY, thank you for your message. The disease activity of Sjögren's syndrome is related to clinical symptoms (such as gland swelling and new vasculitis lesions) and laboratory results; however, changes in antinuclear antibody levels do not necessarily indicate disease...[Read More] Understanding Sjögren's Syndrome and the Role of Mycophenolate
Managing Thyroid Issues and Autoimmune Diseases: A Patient's Guide
Thyroid issues, intrauterine drug delivery system, autoimmune diseases? Last year, in 2017, I was diagnosed with Sjögren's syndrome and autoimmune thyroiditis. I had a Mirena IUD inserted in 2013, and it has been in place for a total of six years. My doctor mentioned that I ...
Dr. Gao Jiankai Reply:
Hello, thank you for your inquiry. Currently, there is no literature linking intrauterine devices (IUDs) to dryness syndrome. Additionally, the trace hormones contained in IUDs do not appear to have any associated information regarding dryness syndrome in the literature. It is re...[Read More] Managing Thyroid Issues and Autoimmune Diseases: A Patient's Guide
Dry Eyes, Dry Mouth, and Dizziness: Understanding Your Symptoms
Dry eyes, dry mouth, and dizziness? Hello, Doctor! Initially, I experienced discomfort in my eyes, which was then accompanied by dizziness, specifically a sensation of feeling heavy-headed and light-footed. Yesterday, I even felt dizzy to the point of having a seizure-like sensat...
Dr. Gao Jiankai Reply:
Hello Ah Wei, thank you for your question. I apologize for the delayed response due to some internet issues. I think it would be a good idea to consult an otolaryngologist. Dryness syndrome is indeed less commonly associated with dizziness, but certain conditions in neurology or ...[Read More] Dry Eyes, Dry Mouth, and Dizziness: Understanding Your Symptoms
Understanding Dry Syndrome and Joint Cartilage Issues: A Guide to Immune Disorders
Sjögren's syndrome, articular cartilage Hello, Director Gao! I have several symptoms and I'm unsure if they are related to an autoimmune disease. 1. My dentist informed me that my mouth is very dry. This condition has persisted for at least three years, especially dur...
Dr. Gao Jiankai Reply:
Hello, I apologize for the late response. I believe your symptoms are indeed related to Sjögren's syndrome, including dry eyes, dry mouth, thyroid dysfunction, cough, and generalized body aches, even lower back pain, which may all be associated with Sjögren's syndrome. ...[Read More] Understanding Dry Syndrome and Joint Cartilage Issues: A Guide to Immune Disorders
Impact of Cevimeline and Hydroxychloroquine on Pregnancy Outcomes
Took CEVIMELINE and HYDROXYCHLOROQUINE SULFATE? Hello Doctor, I have Sjögren's syndrome, and I was unaware that I was pregnant. My current weight is 65 kg. During this time, I have been taking Cevimeline and Hydroxychloroquine sulfate. For the first three weeks of pregnancy,...
Dr. Gao Jiankai Reply:
Hello, thank you for your question. Although hydroxychloroquine and cevimeline are classified as Category C medications during pregnancy, the likelihood of these drugs causing adverse effects on the fetus is quite low. Additionally, for some rheumatology patients with severe cond...[Read More] Impact of Cevimeline and Hydroxychloroquine on Pregnancy Outcomes
Risks of Hydroxychloroquine and Cevimeline During Pregnancy: What to Know
Diagnosed with Guillain-Barré Syndrome, is medication dangerous for children? Hello Doctor, I have been diagnosed with Sjögren's syndrome and I am currently taking Hydroxychloroquine sulfate 200 mg (Plaquenil) and Cevimeline 30 mg (Evoxac), both once daily. However, I was un...
Dr. Zeng Guosen Reply:
Hydroxychloroquine sulfate and Cevimeline are both classified as Category C medications, which means that the benefits and risks of their use must be carefully weighed. It is important to assess your condition before making any medication decisions, so it is advisable to return f...[Read More] Risks of Hydroxychloroquine and Cevimeline During Pregnancy: What to Know
Understanding Facial Swelling After Facial Nerve Paralysis: What to Do Next?
During the recovery phase of facial nerve paralysis, swelling of the eyes and face may occur? Hello Doctor, I experienced facial nerve paralysis on the right side of my face on August 3, 2017. At that time, my right eye's vision, hearing, and taste were all affected. Althoug...
Dr. Gao Jiankai Reply:
Hello, thank you for your question. Here are my responses: 1. The unilateral lower limb swelling and pain (right leg) should not be related to the facial nerve paralysis on the same side, nor should it be associated with renal dysfunction (as renal dysfunction typically leads to...[Read More] Understanding Facial Swelling After Facial Nerve Paralysis: What to Do Next?
Understanding IgG and IgG4 Abnormalities: Lifelong Medication and Health Implications
IgG: 1750 and IgG4: 208? Hello Doctor, I apologize for bothering you, but I have some questions. Recently, after several days of staying up late, I have been feeling very fatigued, experiencing dry mouth and reduced saliva. Therefore, I visited an oral surgeon, but they did not ...
Dr. Gao Jiankai Reply:
Hello, thank you for your inquiry. I will address your questions as follows: 1. You may have IgG4-related disease, which has symptoms similar to Sjögren's syndrome. It may require long-term medication, but there might be possibilities for dose reduction or discontinuation. ...[Read More] Understanding IgG and IgG4 Abnormalities: Lifelong Medication and Health Implications
Do You Really Need Medication for Sjögren's Syndrome?
Do patients with Sjögren's syndrome always need to take medication? I have been experiencing dry eyes for 15 years, long-term hair loss for the past 10 years, and have developed vitiligo in the last 6 years, with my hair turning white quickly. I have thyroiditis that only re...
Dr. Gao Jiankai Reply:
Hello, thank you for your question. The symptoms of Sjögren's syndrome can vary in severity, which will determine whether the physician prescribes medication. In addition to your subjective experience of symptoms, regular blood test results should also be evaluated. Some pat...[Read More] Do You Really Need Medication for Sjögren's Syndrome?
Do You Need Steroids for Vasculitis in Sjögren's Syndrome?
Is steroid medication necessary for vasculitis? Two years ago, I experienced difficulty opening my left eye upon waking, and I was diagnosed with dry eye syndrome. Last year, after a salivary gland biopsy, I was diagnosed with xerostomia, and my white blood cell count dropped to ...
Dr. Zeng Guosen Reply:
Hello, everyone. 1. The diagnosis of Sjögren's syndrome primarily involves testing for positive anti-SSA or anti-SSB antibodies, which are present in only 50-60% of patients. If these tests are negative, a salivary gland biopsy is performed for diagnosis. If the dry syndro...[Read More] Do You Need Steroids for Vasculitis in Sjögren's Syndrome?
Understanding the Link Between Lymphocytic Choriomeningitis and STDs
Lymphogranuloma venereum (LGV) and sexually transmitted infections (STIs)? In patients with Sjögren's syndrome, the occurrence of sexually transmitted infections (STIs) or gastrointestinal diseases can trigger ocular diseases and arthritis. Since this condition is autoimmune...
Dr. Gao Jiankai Reply:
Hello, thank you for your inquiry. Here are my responses: 1. Reactive arthritis is related to individual susceptibility, making it easier to develop arthritis following an infection. Some cases of reactive arthritis are associated with sexually transmitted infections (triggered ...[Read More] Understanding the Link Between Lymphocytic Choriomeningitis and STDs
Managing Sjögren's Syndrome: To Medicate or Not? Insights and Risks
Sjögren's syndrome Hello, Doctor! Three years ago, I experienced stiffness in my fingers upon waking up in the morning, which resolved after two to three minutes. Initially, I suspected rheumatoid arthritis. Blood tests showed elevated anti-ENA at 3.7 and Ro at 45.6, while t...
Dr. Gao Jiankai Reply:
Hello Mr. Huang, thank you for your question. Sjögren's syndrome is considered a mild condition among rheumatic diseases, so whether medication is necessary, especially for long-term treatment, may vary among physicians. Personally, I believe that if the diagnostic criteria ...[Read More] Managing Sjögren's Syndrome: To Medicate or Not? Insights and Risks
Understanding Diagnosis: Hair Loss and Autoimmune Concerns
Regarding the diagnosis of the condition? Hello, Doctor. I recently visited a major hospital's dermatology department due to severe hair loss and underwent blood tests. The results were somewhat ambiguous; the physician mentioned both Sjögren's syndrome and systemic lup...
Dr. Gao Jiankai Reply:
Hello, Student Zhang. Thank you for your question. If your physician has mentioned Sjögren's syndrome or systemic lupus erythematosus, you may want to visit the rheumatology clinic for further evaluation. In addition to tests, we will also inquire about other symptoms relate...[Read More] Understanding Diagnosis: Hair Loss and Autoimmune Concerns
Managing Oral Health Concerns Amid Uncertain Dryness Diagnosis
Immune system In the past year, I have noticed that my body gets tired easily, and during late-night work, I often experience tears and a runny nose to the point that I need to keep tissues handy to wipe my tears. Additionally, my tongue has a whitish coating with cracks, and I f...
Dr. Gao Jiankai Reply:
Hello, thank you for your question. The results of a general salivary gland scintigraphy can be obtained quite quickly, so it should be fine to wait a bit before proceeding with periodontal disease treatment. However, only your physician is aware of the severity of your periodont...[Read More] Managing Oral Health Concerns Amid Uncertain Dryness Diagnosis
Understanding Sjögren's Syndrome: Diagnosis and Management Insights
Regarding Sjögren's syndrome? Hello, I would like to ask about my recent blood test at the rheumatology clinic. The doctor mentioned that I have Sjögren's syndrome because my blood tested positive for Anti-SSA antibodies. I would like to know if a positive result for th...
Dr. Zeng Guosen Reply:
Hello, online user: A diagnosis of Sjögren's syndrome requires the presence of symptoms such as dry mouth or dry eyes, confirmed by a physician, along with positive results for Anti-SSA or Anti-SSB antibodies. This condition can be well managed and is not considered very sev...[Read More] Understanding Sjögren's Syndrome: Diagnosis and Management Insights
Dietary Considerations for Patients with Sjögren's Syndrome and Allergies
Diet for Patients with Sjögren's Syndrome I have an allergic constitution and have been suffering from urticaria for a long time, so I continuously take a quarter of an antihistamine daily. I also follow my doctor's advice to consume LP33 yogurt and Ambifly powder, and ...
Dr. Gao Jiankai Reply:
Hello, thank you for your message. Currently, the supplements you are taking should not affect your dry syndrome. Antihistamines, however, may exacerbate dry symptoms, especially traditional antihistamines. Therefore, you may want to consult your physician to determine whether th...[Read More] Dietary Considerations for Patients with Sjögren's Syndrome and Allergies
Understanding Sjögren's Syndrome: Diagnosis, Severity, and Management
Dry serum testing issues? 1. If only SSA and SSB tests were conducted and both results are abnormal, but no saliva or tear gland-related examinations were performed, can it be definitively concluded that Sjögren's syndrome is present? 2. Is there a classification of severi...
Dr. Zeng Guosen Reply:
Hello, netizen: 1. The tests for Anti-SSA and Anti-SSB are both abnormal. It is necessary to include symptoms of dry mouth or dry eyes and to conduct related examinations of saliva or tear glands to confirm the diagnosis of Sjögren's syndrome. The levels of SSA or SSB do n...[Read More] Understanding Sjögren's Syndrome: Diagnosis, Severity, and Management
Understanding Reduced Saliva Production: Causes and Solutions
Hello, doctor. I have a question regarding decreased saliva production? Four years ago, I noticed a decrease in saliva production, which has led to difficulties swallowing. I often need to drink liquids while eating. I went to the rheumatology and immunology department for blood ...
Dr. Zeng Guosen Reply:
Hello, there are many reasons for dry mouth. Currently, there are medications available to alleviate the symptoms, as well as toothpaste, oral gels, and mouthwashes that can help. It is advisable to consult an otolaryngologist for further evaluation.[Read More] Understanding Reduced Saliva Production: Causes and Solutions