Can Steroids Cause Permanent Immune Imbalance and Pituitary Damage?
Can steroids cause permanent immune system imbalance and damage to the pituitary gland? Hello, due to the doctor's suspicion of asthma exacerbation, I was prescribed a potent corticosteroid, Methylprednisolone, to be taken 4 times a day at 16 mg. However, due to time constra...
Dr. Gao Jiankai Reply:
Dear Yan Yan, Thank you for your message. The side effects of steroids primarily affect normal hormone function and immune response. The hormones influenced by steroids are typically secreted more in the morning and less in the evening, so it is best to take steroids in alignmen...[Read More] Can Steroids Cause Permanent Immune Imbalance and Pituitary Damage?
Understanding Pemphigus: Treatment, Risks, and Genetic Factors
Pemphigus! Hello, Doctor. Previously, I mentioned my elder's condition, and you suspected it might be pemphigus. My elder has now gone to Taichung Veterans General Hospital for examination and has been diagnosed with pemphigus. I researched related information, and it seems ...
Dr. Gao Jiankai Reply:
Dear Mr. Zhang, Thank you for your email. Generally speaking, lupus erythematosus requires treatment with corticosteroids, and for patients who do not respond well to treatment, additional immunomodulatory medications may be necessary to control abnormal immune function. For mor...[Read More] Understanding Pemphigus: Treatment, Risks, and Genetic Factors
Understanding Behçet's Disease: Symptoms, Diagnosis, and Treatment Options
Behçet's disease Hello, Doctor: I have an elder (male, 45 years old) who has been experiencing recurrent oral ulcers for a long time, and recently has developed sores on his body. Could these symptoms possibly indicate Behçet's disease? Additionally, how is the diagnosi...
Dr. Gao Jiankai Reply:
Hello, the diagnosis of Behçet's disease primarily involves the presence of oral ulcers. In addition, it is important to check for other associated symptoms, including genital ulcers, iritis, erythema nodosum or pustules on the skin, simple skin irritation tests, and joint s...[Read More] Understanding Behçet's Disease: Symptoms, Diagnosis, and Treatment Options
Choosing the Right Insecticide: Safety, Effectiveness, and Usage Tips
The use of pesticides? Hello, Doctor: I work in recycling, which leads to a buildup of clutter at home, attracting cockroaches and ants, so I need to use insecticides. However, I noticed that insecticides come in water-based and oil-based formulations. What is the difference betw...
Dr. Xiao Yongxun Reply:
In general, pesticides primarily enter the human body through ingestion, inhalation, and dermal absorption. Nicotine in cigarettes can enhance the toxicity of pesticides. Incidents of pesticide ingestion are rare unless it is accidental or intentional. Pesticides in the form of f...[Read More] Choosing the Right Insecticide: Safety, Effectiveness, and Usage Tips
Does Hyperthyroidism Increase Your Risk of Severe Colds?
Is it easy for individuals with thyroid antibodies to become ill? Doctor, I would like to ask, I have hyperthyroidism and am currently undergoing treatment, but I get colds very easily, and each time they are quite severe. Is this related to my hyperthyroidism? I couldn't fi...
Dr. Cai Zonglin Reply:
Hyperthyroidism generally does not cause immune system issues; however, medications for hyperthyroidism may lead to leukopenia as a side effect (which varies depending on individual constitution). This is more likely to occur during the initial phase of treatment. Please consult ...[Read More] Does Hyperthyroidism Increase Your Risk of Severe Colds?
Persistent Swelling and Discharge from Leg Wound: What to Do?
The foot has an injury, and the wound is continuously swelling and oozing? Hello, a few weeks ago my dad stepped into a ditch and got a cut on his left thigh from the ditch cover. At that moment, he didn't get a tetanus shot, but after a few days and with my family's pe...
Dr. Liao Zhongxin Reply:
Dear readers: 1. If an accident causes skin damage to the body or limbs, or if there is contact with dirty water or soil, it is recommended to receive a dose of the tetanus vaccine. 2. After receiving the tetanus vaccine, proper wound care should still be performed. It is best...[Read More] Persistent Swelling and Discharge from Leg Wound: What to Do?
Can Kidney Inflammation and Medications Delay Your Menstrual Cycle?
Medication management Hello doctor: I haven't had my period for 10 days. Recently, due to kidney inflammation, I have taken Cefadroxil and Strocain. Will this affect my menstrual cycle?
Dr. Liao Zhongxin Reply:
Dear readers: This information is provided by the health education pamphlet from Taichung Hospital for your reference. Cefadroxil Medication Guide ★ Brand Name: Ucefa ★ Generic Name: Cefadroxil Capsules Why is this medication prescribed? Cefadroxil is a cephalosporin antibiotic...[Read More] Can Kidney Inflammation and Medications Delay Your Menstrual Cycle?
Severe Allergic Reactions After Eating Out: Causes and Solutions
Severe allergic reaction and respiratory distress after eating out? Hello, Dr. Gao. I usually experience skin rashes when consuming MSG, but after eating out yesterday, I developed a condition within 15 minutes that included widespread redness, itching, numbness of the tongue, an...
Dr. Gao Jiankai Reply:
Hello Mr. Chen, thank you for your question. The rapid onset of symptoms is indeed very likely to be caused by an allergy. Severe allergies can affect the respiratory system, leading to symptoms similar to an asthma attack. Allergies that cause systemic symptoms are often trigger...[Read More] Severe Allergic Reactions After Eating Out: Causes and Solutions
Understanding Moon Facies: Possible Causes and Diagnostic Approaches
What diseases can cause an unusually round and swollen face (similar to a full moon face)? I am a 22-year-old male, and recently while organizing old photos, I noticed that my face appears disproportionately swollen compared to my BMI. I am 175 cm tall and weigh 80 kg. I collecte...
Dr. Huang Yaoxuan Reply:
Hello Mr. Kobayashi: 1. Regarding kidney diseases, blood tests and urinalysis can be used for screening, and sometimes additional imaging studies such as ultrasound may be performed to assist in diagnosis and treatment. If, as you mentioned, you only have kidney stones (and ele...[Read More] Understanding Moon Facies: Possible Causes and Diagnostic Approaches
Understanding RA Symptoms: Are They Related to Vasculitis?
Vasculitis? Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA)? Hello, doctor. I have been diagnosed with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) at a medical center due to polyarticular pain and a strongly positive anti-CCP test. I have been on medication for quite some time. Recently, I have been experiencing recurr...
Dr. Gao Jiankai Reply:
Hello, thank you for your message. Based on the symptoms you described, vasculitis is a possibility, and rheumatoid arthritis (RA) can also lead to vasculitis. However, vasculitis associated with RA typically occurs when medication control is inadequate or treatment is irregular....[Read More] Understanding RA Symptoms: Are They Related to Vasculitis?
Understanding Cellulitis: A Patient's 21-Day Struggle with Infection
Cellulitis, hospitalized for 11 days... on the 21st day... still suffering? Dear Dr. Liao, The patient does not have liver disease or diabetes and has sinusitis. The bacteria causing the infection and the substances they have been exposed to cannot be determined. The patient is ...
Dr. Liao Zhongxin Reply:
Dear readers: 1. If the knee is still swollen and round, rehabilitation exercises can be performed at the bedside or on a chair to improve circulation and reduce edema. 2. The goal is to keep the C-reactive protein (CRP) level below 1. Sometimes it may take a bit longer to gra...[Read More] Understanding Cellulitis: A Patient's 21-Day Struggle with Infection
Understanding Syphilis: Long-term Effects and Risks of Recurrent Infections
Syphilis infection Hello Doctor, I have some questions to ask you. 1. A year and a half ago, I was infected with syphilis and received treatment (antibiotic injections). My RPR value has decreased by more than fourfold and is currently at 1:16, but my TPHA remains around 1:5120...
Dr. Liao Zhongxin Reply:
Dear readers: 1. No, please continue to avoid dangerous behaviors (substance abuse and unsafe sexual practices). 2. No, thank you![Read More] Understanding Syphilis: Long-term Effects and Risks of Recurrent Infections
Can Hepatitis B Carriers Use Their Breast Milk to Make Soap Safely?
Can a hepatitis B carrier use her breast milk to make soap? If the mother is a carrier of hepatitis B, can her breast milk be used to make soap? If the soap made from breast milk is used for bathing or handwashing, and there happens to be a cut on the skin or hands, could this le...
Dr. Liao Zhongxin Reply:
Dear readers: 1. Theoretically, the transmission routes of Hepatitis B are through blood and sexual contact. 2. If you have further questions about Hepatitis B, you may consult a hepatologist or an infectious disease specialist. Thank you![Read More] Can Hepatitis B Carriers Use Their Breast Milk to Make Soap Safely?
Antihistamines and Citrus Fruits: What You Need to Know
Antihistamines and Citrus Fruits 2 Hello, Doctor Gao. Thank you very much for your response! If it weren't for the distance from Changhua, I would really like to consult with you in person, as I could receive very thorough answers. I truly appreciate it. I initially thought ...
Dr. Gao Jiankai Reply:
Hello, farmer. Thank you for your encouragement and questions. Allegra (Fexofenadine) and Claritin (Loratadine) are quite safe antihistamines. Although they are newer generation medications, they have been on the market for some time, so you can take them with confidence. Accordi...[Read More] Antihistamines and Citrus Fruits: What You Need to Know
Accidentally Ingested Hair Dye: Should You Worry About Kidney Damage?
Accidentally ingested a small amount of hair dye? Accidentally ingesting a small amount of hair dye while dyeing your hair may cause concern, but if you did not experience any noticeable discomfort afterward, it is likely that the amount ingested was minimal and not harmful. Gene...
Dr. Xiao Yongxun Reply:
Hello: In response to your questions. 1. Hair dyes can be broadly classified based on their effects and ingredients into temporary hair colorants, plant-based dyes, semi-permanent hair dyes, progressive hair dyes, and permanent hair dyes. Currently, most commercially available ha...[Read More] Accidentally Ingested Hair Dye: Should You Worry About Kidney Damage?
Understanding Sudden Petechiae on the Arm: Causes and Concerns
Subcutaneous hemorrhage with red spots on the arm? Hello, doctor. This morning, I suddenly noticed petechiae on my left forearm and hand, resembling small pinpricks. There are no similar spots on other parts of my body. I have previously had my platelet count tested several times...
Dr. Gao Jiankai Reply:
Hello, A-Zhe. If there are only small petechiae in a localized area and the platelet count is normal, with no other symptoms present, I believe the likelihood of it being caused by external factors is higher. In principle, sometimes even carrying a heavy backpack can lead to smal...[Read More] Understanding Sudden Petechiae on the Arm: Causes and Concerns
Understanding Skin Sensitivity: Causes of Red Marks and Bruising
Please provide the content you would like me to translate? Hello doctor, I have noticed that if I accidentally scratch my skin, a red mark appears that usually disappears within 5 to 10 minutes. Additionally, skin indentations are more pronounced now compared to before, and they ...
Dr. Gao Jiankai Reply:
Hello, A-Zhe. The reaction on your skin may be urticaria, also known as dermographism, which occurs when you scratch the skin with your fingernail, and after a few minutes, a raised line appears. Dermographism is a type of hives, which is an allergic skin reaction that is more li...[Read More] Understanding Skin Sensitivity: Causes of Red Marks and Bruising
Understanding Platelet Count: Is Your Level Too Low?
Platelet count The platelet counts from 1998 to 2001 were 259,000, 260,000, 255,000, 239,000, and 240,000. Are these values considered low? Today, I woke up and suddenly noticed small red spots under the skin on my left forearm, resembling pinpoint bleeding. They are similar to t...
Dr. Gao Jiankai Reply:
Hello, your skin rash does indeed appear to resemble small petechiae, and the possibility of thrombocytopenia should be ruled out. If it is unilateral, we would suspect that the forearm has experienced some form of compression, such as bearing heavy objects, resulting in small br...[Read More] Understanding Platelet Count: Is Your Level Too Low?
Managing Diabetes Complications: Infections, Insulin Reactions, and Alcohol Risks
Diabetic complications Hello Dr. Liao, 1. I have diabetes and am undergoing treatment, but I still frequently experience fungal infections. What should I do? 2. I develop allergic reactions with redness and rashes after insulin injections. What should I do? What are the side e...
Dr. Liao Zhongxin Reply:
Dear readers: 1. For questions related to diabetes, you can visit the metabolic clinic to consult with a physician and a diabetes educator for clarification. 2. Fungal infections may occur in individuals who are obese, female, or have chronic diseases. It is important to manage b...[Read More] Managing Diabetes Complications: Infections, Insulin Reactions, and Alcohol Risks
Understanding Diabetes: Kidney Atrophy and Uremia Symptoms Explained
Diabetes concerns? Hello, Dr. Lee. 1. Why does diabetes cause renal atrophy and uremia? 2. What are the symptoms of uremia?
Dr. Li Zhiyao Reply:
Hello: In response to your two questions: 1. Metabolic factors and hemodynamic changes are the primary causes affecting diabetic nephropathy. The effects of hyperglycemia alter the feedback control of the glomeruli and renal tubules, leading to abnormal glucose metabolic path...[Read More] Understanding Diabetes: Kidney Atrophy and Uremia Symptoms Explained