Managing Hyperthyroidism Medications: Concerns About Side Effects and Alternatives
Side effects of hyperthyroidism medications? I have Graves' disease and have been taking PTU for 14 years. In March of this year, I was diagnosed with P-ANCA vasculitis. I stopped taking PTU due to concerns about its side effects. I have previously taken methimazole and carb...
Dr. Li Jian Reply:
Vasculitis caused by methimazole is less common than that caused by PTU. If radioactive iodine treatment is not acceptable, the only option is to try using methimazole in combination with antihistamines.[Read More] Managing Hyperthyroidism Medications: Concerns About Side Effects and Alternatives
Understanding Tonsil Inflammation: Symptoms, Treatment, and Concerns
Questions about tonsil issues again? Thank you, Dr. Hong, for your previous response. I later visited an otolaryngologist, but the doctor said they didn't see any stones in the area I mentioned. The white appearance is likely due to inflammation, possibly from an injury I ca...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, 1. Inflamed tissue appears white due to relatively fewer blood vessels. 2. Due to inflammation, consuming irritating substances can indeed cause discomfort. 3. Typically, recovery takes about 5 to 7 days, but it depends on each individual's immune response. 4. With ...[Read More] Understanding Tonsil Inflammation: Symptoms, Treatment, and Concerns
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?
Risk of Bloodborne Infection from Accidental Needle Contact
Stabbed by a soft needle? Hello, I would like to inquire about an incident where I accidentally brushed against a wound while removing a patient's intravenous catheter. I applied pressure and did not see any blood, and I was wearing gloves at the time, so the contact was thr...
Dr. Lin Wufu Reply:
Hello: If there is a hole in the gloves, it indicates that the soft needle has directly punctured the skin, which poses a potential risk of infection even if there is no visible bleeding! Additionally, it is important to verify whether the patient has been tested for HIV, Hepatit...[Read More] Risk of Bloodborne Infection from Accidental Needle Contact
Vaccination Concerns for Patients with Chronic Dermatitis
Vaccination inquiries? Hello Dr. Hong, I visited the dermatologist last week for a follow-up appointment. The doctor said I have chronic eczema and advised me to continue applying the medication. It seems to be improving as I no longer see any flakes. Last time, there was slight ...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, based on your provided skin condition, whether it is psoriasis or another diagnosis, it will not affect the administration of vaccines. The choice of vaccine type should also not be impacted, and you can receive the vaccine. The quality of the AZ vaccine is certified by th...[Read More] Vaccination Concerns for Patients with Chronic Dermatitis
Understanding Adult Still's Disease: Symptoms and Immune System Flare-Ups
Immune system dysfunction in adults with Still's disease? Hello Doctor: I have an immune system disorder (the doctor has diagnosed me with suspected "Adult Still's Disease" on the medical certificate). Due to the recent pandemic, I haven't been able to at...
Dr. Gao Jiankai Reply:
Hello, thank you for your message. The inflammation index you mentioned, which is over ten thousand, could possibly refer to the ferritin level, which is an indicator of adult Still's disease and also serves as a reference for disease stability. Given that your levels were o...[Read More] Understanding Adult Still's Disease: Symptoms and Immune System Flare-Ups
Understanding Bruising and Skin Changes: When to Seek Medical Advice
Vascular issues, may I ask? Hello Dr. Hong, I would like to ask about a situation. This afternoon, I squeezed a part of my thigh that was slightly red and bumpy. After squeezing, I noticed that it spread out for some reason. The area I circled in the picture has some spots that l...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, after skin inflammation, localized vascular congestion can occur, leading to the condition you described and the appearance shown in the images you provided. This is a normal physiological response and there is no need to worry. Thank you for your inquiry.[Read More] Understanding Bruising and Skin Changes: When to Seek Medical Advice
Follow-Up on Vascular Issues: Apologies for Missing Links
Supplementary image regarding vascular issues? I'm sorry, but I cannot access external links or view images. Please provide the content you would like translated, and I will be happy to assist you.
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, based on the photo you provided, it appears to be a case of localized vascular congestion following skin inflammation. This is a normal physiological response and should not be a cause for concern. Thank you for your inquiry.[Read More] Follow-Up on Vascular Issues: Apologies for Missing Links
Health Concerns After Prolonged Exposure to Industrial Hexane
Medical Consultation: Exposure to n-Hexane Hello Doctor, I would like to ask about my recent work experience. My boss required us to use industrial heptane for product cleaning for about 8 hours. During this time, I wore latex gloves, but they kept becoming brittle and tearing, s...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, long-term exposure to heptane can indeed cause skin irritation and inflammation, leading to redness, swelling, and warmth. However, other environmental factors, including contact with skincare products, pollen, and dust mites, can also trigger similar inflammatory response...[Read More] Health Concerns After Prolonged Exposure to Industrial Hexane
Should You Stop Drinking Milk? Exploring Potential Health Risks
Consultation recommendations? I received a video from my family today discussing potential issues with drinking milk. Currently, I consume about 150cc of milk made from powdered milk daily. Should I be concerned about possible adverse effects, and should I stop drinking it? I cou...
Dr. Lin Jianliang Reply:
Hello: According to the daily dietary guidelines from the National Health Administration, it is recommended that individuals with diabetes limit their dairy intake to 1-2 servings. One serving of dairy is equivalent to 240 c.c. of fresh milk.[Read More] Should You Stop Drinking Milk? Exploring Potential Health Risks
Understanding Urticarial Vasculitis: Symptoms, Causes, and Treatment Options
Urticarial vasculitis? Hello, doctor. I have a tendency to be allergic and sneeze (which started about nine years ago). I have also experienced mild urticaria intermittently. However, starting in April of this year, I suddenly developed widespread urticaria. I went to a dermatolo...
Dr. Gao Jiankai Reply:
Hello, thank you for your inquiry. Here are my responses: 1. How is anaphylactic shock determined? Although I was experiencing stomach pain, I was still responsive at the time... --> Perhaps "shock" is a bit severe, but you did have swelling of the lips and eyelids,...[Read More] Understanding Urticarial Vasculitis: Symptoms, Causes, and Treatment Options
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
Understanding Autoimmune Thyroiditis: Medication Effects and Specialist Care
Autoimmune diseases Hello, Doctor. I have autoimmune thyroiditis and have been taking Methimazole and Levothyroxine for over a year. I also have a history of hyperthyroidism, but I have not taken medication for over 15 years. My thyroid-related indices have been regularly monitor...
Dr. Gao Jiankai Reply:
Hello, thank you for your message. Here is my response: 1. There should be no correlation between the use of Dexamethasone, Bilastine, and thyroid dysfunction. 2. If there have been recent abnormalities in thyroid function but no symptoms are present, you may consider asking your...[Read More] Understanding Autoimmune Thyroiditis: Medication Effects and Specialist Care
Understanding Moles and Melanoma: When to Seek Dermatological Advice
Mole, Melanoma Hello Dr. Hong, First of all, I would like to thank you for your attentive care and for answering patients' questions. I really appreciate it! I have a question: due to a family history of melanoma, I recently noticed a mole on my scrotum while showering. It...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, based on the image you provided, it appears to be a common melanocytic nevus. The main thing to do is to monitor whether it continues to grow or if you experience any discomfort. If there are no changes, you can continue to observe it without the need for laser treatment. ...[Read More] Understanding Moles and Melanoma: When to Seek Dermatological Advice
Understanding Recurring Red Spots on Ankles: Possible Causes and Insights
Red spots on the feet? Hello Doctor: I have multiple sclerosis (MS), and for the past two months, I have been experiencing red spots on the inner sides of my ankles. They are not painful or itchy, but they recur and tend to spread upward. Sometimes, red spots also appear on the d...
Dr. Gao Jiankai Reply:
Hello, thank you for your message. The small red spots on your skin may also be due to ruptured blood vessels or vasculitis. A dermatologist should provide you with their preliminary suspected diagnosis. As for the ANA of 160 and RF of 32.8, these are just initial screening indic...[Read More] Understanding Recurring Red Spots on Ankles: Possible Causes and Insights
Understanding Candida Infections: Persistent Anal Itching Solutions
Candida parapsilosis Hello, doctor. I have been troubled by this issue for several months. The symptom is "anal itching." I have seen several proctologists who prescribed various topical medications, but the itching persists. Eventually, after consulting all the doctors...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, based on your description, you have already used topical ointments but are still experiencing significant itching. At this point, you may consider using oral antihistamines for relief. Regarding the diagnosis, theoretically, given your age, it shouldn't be that diffic...[Read More] Understanding Candida Infections: Persistent Anal Itching Solutions
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
Understanding Chronic Eczema: Treatment, Management, and Concerns
Chronic eczema consultation? Hello, Doctor. I would like to consult you about psoriasis. About six months ago, I visited a dermatologist who diagnosed it as chronic eczema. The doctor prescribed two ointments for me. Initially, after applying them, I felt that the flaking had dim...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Chronic eczema refers to chronic inflammation of the skin and is not a specific disease. In contrast, the conditions you mentioned, psoriasis and lupus, are specific diseases that must be diagnosed by a qualified physician based on the overall clinical condition. However, based o...[Read More] Understanding Chronic Eczema: Treatment, Management, and Concerns
Understanding Easy Bruising, Petechiae, and Frequent Nosebleeds in Children
Easy bruising, petechiae, and nosebleeds? Dear Director Gao, My daughter is currently 7 years old. Over a year ago, we noticed that she easily develops bruises on her body, although we are unsure if she has bumped into something. These bruises mostly occur around her knees and t...
Dr. Gao Jiankai Reply:
Hello, thank you for your message. Here are my thoughts: 1. The pediatric immunologist mentioned the possibility of thalassemia or iron deficiency anemia. Since many family members on my mother's side have thalassemia trait, does that mean my daughter is likely to have this...[Read More] Understanding Easy Bruising, Petechiae, and Frequent Nosebleeds in Children
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?