Understanding HIV Transmission Risks and Skin Care for Psoriasis
HIV transmission issues Dear Dr. Liao, I do not engage in any high-risk behaviors, but I have psoriasis that causes redness and peeling of the skin on my limbs (sometimes I scratch until I break the skin or cause cracks due to itching). Does this condition increase my risk of in...
Dr. Liao Zhongxin Reply:
According to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) in Taiwan, the transmission routes of the Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) are as follows: 1. Sexual Transmission: Engaging in oral, anal, or vaginal intercourse with an HIV-infected individual or exchanging other bodily fluid...[Read More] Understanding HIV Transmission Risks and Skin Care for Psoriasis
Understanding Autoimmune Thyroiditis: Symptoms, Tests, and Treatment Options
Autoimmune Thyroiditis Hello, Doctor. I have been tracking thyroid issues for many years. In November of last year, my tests showed TSH 4.43, Free T4 0.84, and anti-TPO 9295, along with asymmetrical eyes, with the right eye protruding. I have been experiencing chronic dryness in ...
Dr. Li Jian Reply:
It is recommended that you visit a medical center to see an endocrinologist and check for TSH receptor antibodies, as this antibody is related to exophthalmos. Thank you for your inquiry.[Read More] Understanding Autoimmune Thyroiditis: Symptoms, Tests, and Treatment Options
Understanding Urticaria and Thyroid Test Results: Key Insights
Urticaria and Thyroid Testing After catching a cold at the end of February (with symptoms of sore throat and general weakness), I began to develop hives all over my body, particularly around my eyes and neck. I visited a clinic where I was prescribed steroids and received an inje...
Dr. Gao Jiankai Reply:
Hello, thank you for your question. Here are my responses: 1. Is there a connection between urticaria and slightly elevated TSH levels? Do I need to see a rheumatologist for an examination? --> In cases of long-term urticaria, we sometimes check thyroid function. Your TSH is ...[Read More] Understanding Urticaria and Thyroid Test Results: Key Insights
Understanding Thrombocytopenia and Acquired Hemolytic Anemia: Treatment Options Explained
Thrombocytopenia and acquired hemolytic anemia? Hello Dr. Gao: In 2019, I discovered many small bruises on my body. After an examination at a clinic, it was found that my platelet count was only 9,000. I was urgently sent to a large hospital's emergency department, and after...
Dr. Gao Jiankai Reply:
Hello, thank you for your question. Splenectomy is indeed one of the treatment options for refractory thrombocytopenia. You may want to consult a second physician to re-evaluate any underlying possible autoimmune diseases. If it is confirmed to be immune thrombocytopenia, in addi...[Read More] Understanding Thrombocytopenia and Acquired Hemolytic Anemia: Treatment Options Explained
Understanding Steroid Dosage and Side Effects in Myositis Treatment
Steroid dosage usage Hello Dr. Gao, my mother is 68 years old. She was diagnosed with COVID-19 in May of this year. During the infection, she did not experience any severe symptoms. However, one month after testing negative, she developed unexplained muscle pain in both legs, whi...
Dr. Gao Jiankai Reply:
Hello, thank you for your question. Steroids can be taken on an alternating schedule, which is a method we use to gradually taper the dosage when there isn't a lower dose formulation available for adjustment. Steroids may cause edema and can also affect sleep, so it is advis...[Read More] Understanding Steroid Dosage and Side Effects in Myositis Treatment
Is Ankylosing Spondylitis a Severe Risk Factor for COVID-19?
Is ankylosing spondylitis a risk factor for severe disease? Hello Doctor, my son is 19 years old and has ankylosing spondylitis. I have some questions to ask you. 1) There are many risk factors for severe COVID-19, one of which is "diseases affecting immune function (such ...
Dr. Gao Jiankai Reply:
Hello, thank you for your question. Here are my responses: 1) There are many risk factors for severe COVID-19, one of which is "diseases affecting immune function (HIV infection, congenital immunodeficiency, solid organ or hematopoietic stem cell transplantation, use of ste...[Read More] Is Ankylosing Spondylitis a Severe Risk Factor for COVID-19?
Is Ankylosing Spondylitis a Severe Risk Factor for COVID-19?
Is ankylosing spondylitis a risk factor for severe illness? Additional question? Hello Doctor, I apologize for the follow-up question regarding the issue I asked yesterday (#187270). I would like to ask you: My child has been taking 2 tablets of Salbutamol daily for the past six ...
Dr. Gao Jiankai Reply:
Hello, thank you for your question. Broadly speaking, I believe it is. In a narrower sense, having a smaller quantity of two can also be considered as not being so. I tend to lean towards the broader definition. The Allergy, Immunology, and Rheumatology Department of Changhua Hos...[Read More] Is Ankylosing Spondylitis a Severe Risk Factor for COVID-19?
Do Ankylosing Spondylitis Patients Need Antiviral Drugs for COVID-19?
Do patients with ankylosing spondylitis who are diagnosed with COVID-19 need to take antiviral medication? Hello Doctor, I am a patient with ankylosing spondylitis. I would like to ask you: 1) If a patient with ankylosing spondylitis is diagnosed with COVID-19, what are the gover...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, regarding the second risk factor, one of the conditions is diseases that affect immune function (such as HIV infection, congenital immunodeficiency, solid organ or hematopoietic stem cell transplantation, and the use of corticosteroids or other immunosuppressants). Therefo...[Read More] Do Ankylosing Spondylitis Patients Need Antiviral Drugs for COVID-19?
Do Ankylosing Spondylitis Patients Need Antiviral Medications for COVID-19?
Is antiviral medication needed for stiffness? Additional inquiry? Hello Doctor, below the line is the doctor's response from this morning. I would like to confirm with the doctor regarding the second point. Does the doctor's reply mean that "not all patients with a...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, yes, it is important to check if there are any relevant medications being taken (such as immunosuppressants) that could affect immune function, as these would be considered significant risk factors. Thank you for your question.[Read More] Do Ankylosing Spondylitis Patients Need Antiviral Medications for COVID-19?
Understanding Autoimmune Disorders: Questions to Ask Your Doctor
Immune system? Hello, Doctor: I previously asked you about issues related to rheumatology and immunology, specifically about skin pain and itching. I believe I may have lupus erythematosus, and the doctors have suggested further monitoring. The patient has been experiencing persi...
Dr. Gao Jiankai Reply:
Hello, thank you for your question. Here are my responses: 1. Is autonomic nervous system dysfunction included in immune system diseases, or should I consult another specialty? --> Autonomic nervous system dysfunction is not related to the immune system, but immune system di...[Read More] Understanding Autoimmune Disorders: Questions to Ask Your Doctor
Understanding Autoimmune Disorders: Symptoms, Diagnosis, and Treatment
Immune system diseases Hello Doctor, I apologize for the lengthy message. This past March, I experienced a persistent low-grade fever for a month and had blood tests done, which indicated elevated immune system markers suggesting rheumatoid arthritis. I was then referred to a r...
Dr. Gao Jiankai Reply:
Hello, thank you for your questions. Here are my responses: 1. Should taking quinine prevent fever? I informed you that I had a fever for a while that day! But if I haven't been examined, which department should I consult to find out where the inflammation is? --> Fever ...[Read More] Understanding Autoimmune Disorders: Symptoms, Diagnosis, and Treatment
Understanding Steroid Side Effects and Sock Indentations: A Patient's Inquiry
Onset of steroid side effects / Sock indentation marks Hello, Doctor. I have lupus erythematosus and have been undergoing treatment since 2012. Initially, I was taking three steroid pills, but three years ago, the dosage increased to five pills. Over the past six months, my weigh...
Dr. Gao Jiankai Reply:
Hello, thank you for your question. Here are my responses: 1. How long does it take for steroid side effects to appear? Is my body change possibly related to medication use, or is it simply due to dietary or lifestyle changes? --> Side effects from steroids can begin to manif...[Read More] Understanding Steroid Side Effects and Sock Indentations: A Patient's Inquiry
Understanding Elevated White Blood Cells and Platelets: What You Need to Know
Elevated white blood cell and platelet counts? Dear Doctor: Three years ago, my blood test showed a white blood cell count of 12,400 and a platelet count of 500,000. Recently, my test results indicated a white blood cell count of 13,900 and a platelet count of 550,000, but I do n...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, an elevated white blood cell count typically indicates that the body is in an inflammatory state, which may be due to infection, injury, medication (such as steroids), or other factors causing inflammation. It is advisable to first examine the areas of the body that are un...[Read More] Understanding Elevated White Blood Cells and Platelets: What You Need to Know
Should Individuals with Unexplained Fever and Infections Get Vaccinated?
Please advise on the administration of the COVID-19 vaccine for individuals with this type of constitution? Hello Dr. Gao, I have been experiencing unexplained fevers since 2014, with daily episodes lasting at least 6 hours, usually not exceeding 38.5 degrees Celsius. During seve...
Dr. Gao Jiankai Reply:
Hello, thank you for your inquiry. I believe that if possible, you should continue to follow up at the Rheumatology Department of National Taiwan University to try to identify the cause of the chronic fever. I have a patient who also experienced persistent chronic fever, initiall...[Read More] Should Individuals with Unexplained Fever and Infections Get Vaccinated?
Post-Vaccine Medication Concerns: Can I Use Steroids and Alcohol-Based Treatments?
Medication issues after vaccination? Hello doctor, I just received the BNT vaccine. Can I apply eczema steroid cream (Betamethasone) and mouth ulcer medication (Mundisal) which contains alcohol after getting the BNT vaccine? Thank you. Also, if I experience severe mouth ulcers af...
Dr. Lin Wufu Reply:
Hello, this question may have been asked before. Local steroids or alcohol are not significantly absorbed into the body, so their use is generally not problematic. Developing mouth sores after vaccination is considered a related adverse reaction, but it does not necessarily indic...[Read More] Post-Vaccine Medication Concerns: Can I Use Steroids and Alcohol-Based Treatments?
Understanding Hair Loss in Patients with Lupus: Causes and Duration
Hair loss caused by lupus erythematosus? Hello doctor, I have SLE and started taking quinine and corticosteroids in June to manage my condition. Currently, I don't have many symptoms, but I am experiencing severe hair loss. I would like to know if this indicates that my cond...
Dr. Gao Jiankai Reply:
Hello, thank you for your question. If you are feeling well overall but experiencing hair loss, it could potentially be a side effect of quinine. It is advisable to discuss this with your physician. If your SLE (Systemic Lupus Erythematosus) disease activity is currently stable, ...[Read More] Understanding Hair Loss in Patients with Lupus: Causes and Duration
Can Women with IgA Nephropathy Safely Get Pregnant?
Can a person with IgA nephropathy become pregnant and give birth? Hello, doctor. I was diagnosed with IgA nephropathy and minimal change disease after undergoing a kidney biopsy in the past. My condition is currently stable, with no proteinuria or hematuria, and my kidney functio...
Dr. Wu Jiyu Reply:
Based on the information provided in the literature, if blood pressure is normal and the glomerular filtration rate is greater than 70 ml/min, the impact of pregnancy on the kidneys can be minimized. However, it is essential to discuss your specific situation with your attending ...[Read More] Can Women with IgA Nephropathy Safely Get Pregnant?
Understanding Thyroid Function and Hair Loss: Key Insights for Patients
Thyroid blood test value consultation? In recent years, I have been troubled by hair loss and have noticed that the new hair growth is finer and not as strong as my original hair. Despite visiting several dermatologists, I have not been able to find the cause of my hair loss (all...
Dr. Li Jian Reply:
Short-term use of high doses of steroids may affect thyroid function. Currently, your blood test results do not indicate any significant thyroid dysfunction. If you believe that steroids are contributing to hair loss, it is advisable to discuss this with your rheumatologist.[Read More] Understanding Thyroid Function and Hair Loss: Key Insights for Patients
Understanding Persistent Throat Issues: Causes and Solutions
My throat feels increasingly strange? Hello Doctor: About 5 or 6 years ago, I started coughing frequently due to sensitivity to the air, which seemed to have caused some old injuries. However, after visiting doctors for about 1 or 2 years, nothing was found. Now, I generally feel...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, 1. Based on your description, it seems to be symptoms of tonsil stones; however, this needs to be confirmed by an otolaryngologist. 2. According to your description, I am unsure if you have diabetes or are using steroids, which could suggest a possible oral candidiasis ...[Read More] Understanding Persistent Throat Issues: Causes and Solutions
Understanding IgA Nephropathy Treatment Options and Concerns
Treatment options for IgA nephropathy? Hello, Doctor! Recently, I had a kidney biopsy, and when reviewing the report, my attending physician asked me to take a picture of the report with my phone so I could look up the information at home. He only mentioned that the biopsy result...
Dr. Lin Wuxuan Reply:
IgA nephropathy has different treatment approaches depending on the individual's condition. If there are any concerns, it is advisable to return for a follow-up and consult the primary physician for clarification. Thank you.[Read More] Understanding IgA Nephropathy Treatment Options and Concerns