Risks of Pregnancy for Patients with Rheumatoid Arthritis: What to Know
What risks do patients with rheumatoid arthritis face during pregnancy? Hello Doctor: I am 34 years old and have been diagnosed with rheumatoid arthritis for 16 years. I have been taking 2.5 mg of steroids daily, one Clinoril painkiller in the morning and one in the evening, and ...
Dr. Zeng Guosen Reply:
Dear Xiao Pei, Hello, (1) It is possible to become pregnant after stopping methotrexate (MTX) for more than three months, and management can only rely on corticosteroids and anti-inflammatory pain relievers. (2) As long as you cooperate with your physician, the risks are ver...[Read More] Risks of Pregnancy for Patients with Rheumatoid Arthritis: What to Know
Can Cord Blood Stem Cells Cure Glomerulonephritis? Exploring Treatment Options
Can umbilical cord blood stem cells cure glomerulonephritis? Recently, umbilical cord blood therapy has become very popular. I wonder if it can be used to treat glomerulonephritis and what the effectiveness is? What considerations or precautions should be taken into account? It i...
Dr. Yang Weishun Reply:
Currently, stem cells (whether from bone marrow, peripheral blood, or umbilical cord blood) are limited to animal experimental stages, and only a few types of acute glomerulonephritis animal models have been studied. According to my literature search, there have been no successfu...[Read More] Can Cord Blood Stem Cells Cure Glomerulonephritis? Exploring Treatment Options
Managing Antibiotic Treatment for Elderly Patients with Multiple Health Issues
Antibiotics Hello Dr. Tsai: My grandfather had a lot of bacteria in his sputum and urine cultures during his hospitalization. He was treated with third-generation antibiotics and also received steroids. Within a week of discharge, he developed a fever again. Is it effective to us...
Dr. Cai Yaozhou Reply:
The physician must assess the clinical symptoms and, in conjunction with the results of bacterial cultures, determine which antibiotic to use based on the clinical presentation and the culture results.[Read More] Managing Antibiotic Treatment for Elderly Patients with Multiple Health Issues
Urgent Medical Advice Needed for 63-Year-Old with Unusual Symptoms
Request for consultation advice? My father is 63 years old and was previously in good health without any chronic illnesses. About a month ago, he sought medical attention for sudden hearing loss, which was diagnosed as a viral infection likely caused by a cold. He was treated wit...
Dr. Chen Junwei Reply:
Hello: The main symptoms currently are poor mental state, lack of appetite, and general weakness. However, many internal medical conditions can present with similar symptoms, such as electrolyte imbalance, dehydration, adrenal insufficiency, hyperglycemia or hypoglycemia, and liv...[Read More] Urgent Medical Advice Needed for 63-Year-Old with Unusual Symptoms
Understanding Inflammation and Autoimmune Diseases: Key Differences and Treatments
Inflammation Hello, I would like to ask a question: What is an inflammatory disease? What is an autoimmune disease? Are these two types of diseases the same? Are corticosteroids the only effective medication for them?
Dr. Zeng Guosen Reply:
Hello, 1. Inflammatory diseases: These are bodily conditions caused by inflammatory responses in the body. 2. Autoimmune diseases: These are a subset of inflammatory diseases, where the underlying cause is an autoimmune response that attacks the body's own organs, leading...[Read More] Understanding Inflammation and Autoimmune Diseases: Key Differences and Treatments
Managing Hyperthyroidism and Vitiligo: Key Questions and Concerns
Hyperthyroidism with vitiligo? Hello, I have been undergoing treatment for hyperthyroidism for about three months now. Currently, my medication regimen includes: two tablets of antithyroid medication in the morning and evening, and one tablet of a heart rate control medication in...
Dr. Yang Hongzhi Reply:
Hello: Vitiligo and hyperthyroidism are often associated with autoimmune reactions, but vitiligo is not caused by hyperthyroidism, and it is not expected that vitiligo will resolve after the treatment of hyperthyroidism. Interferon treatment for hepatitis C can sometimes lead to ...[Read More] Managing Hyperthyroidism and Vitiligo: Key Questions and Concerns
Struggling with Persistent Eye and Facial Swelling: Seeking Answers
I'm going crazy..? I discovered this condition around the time I was in the second year of junior high school, approximately when I was fourteen. I went to X Hospital for a consultation, but no matter what, it didn't improve. Later, I switched to Y Hospital, and the sit...
Dr. Yang Hongzhi Reply:
Hello: Thyroid eye disease is related to hyperthyroidism; however, the course of the two conditions often does not align. After effectively managing hyperthyroidism (whether through medication, surgery, or radioactive iodine), the ocular manifestations of thyroid disease do not n...[Read More] Struggling with Persistent Eye and Facial Swelling: Seeking Answers
Understanding Behçet's Disease: Symptoms, Causes, and Treatment Options
What is Behçet's disease? My mother is currently 48 years old, but she often feels unwell due to some stress. Eight years ago, she developed a stress-related ulcer and gastrointestinal bleeding. Two to three years ago, she was diagnosed with degenerative arthritis and has be...
Dr. Yang Hongzhi Reply:
Hello: There are several types of hyperthyroidism, with the most common being an autoimmune reaction disease. Graves' disease is also an autoimmune disorder, and there may be some correlation between the two.[Read More] Understanding Behçet's Disease: Symptoms, Causes, and Treatment Options
Which Medical Specialty Should You See for Swelling in the Legs?
If you have edema, you should consult a specialist in internal medicine or a nephrologist, as they can evaluate the underlying causes and provide appropriate treatment? Hello... My grandfather is 82 years old and generally in good health, but recently he has been experiencing swe...
Dr. Xiao Yongxun Reply:
Hello: In response to your question. 1. When experiencing swelling in both legs, it is important to consider potential issues with the liver, kidneys, or heart. Other causes should also be taken into account, such as hypothyroidism, pregnancy (in female patients), spontaneous cau...[Read More] Which Medical Specialty Should You See for Swelling in the Legs?
Understanding Pediatric Urticaria: Causes, Symptoms, Treatment, and Prevention
Pediatric Urticaria Urticaria, commonly known as hives, can be caused by various factors, including allergic reactions, infections, stress, and certain medications. The severity of symptoms can vary from mild itching and redness to more severe reactions, such as angioedema or ana...
Dr. Wang Weijie Reply:
Dear Mr. Ke, (1) Urticaria, commonly known as hives, is characterized by raised, itchy red welts that often have distinct snake-like borders, with a central area that may fade. The size of the welts can vary, and many people have experienced urticaria at some point. (2) The cau...[Read More] Understanding Pediatric Urticaria: Causes, Symptoms, Treatment, and Prevention
Managing Proteinuria: Dietary Tips and Potassium Intake Guidance
Proteinuria Hello Doctor: Currently, kidney function is normal, but proteinuria is above 500, with 24-hour urine protein at 9 grams. Should potassium intake be reduced? Besides a low-sodium diet, what other dietary considerations should be taken into account?
Dr. Wu Jiyu Reply:
1. This is classified as nephrotic syndrome, and it is necessary to consult a nephrologist for treatment and medication management. 2. If the medication (such as steroids) is ineffective, a kidney biopsy should be considered to identify the underlying cause. 3. In terms of di...[Read More] Managing Proteinuria: Dietary Tips and Potassium Intake Guidance
Understanding Elevated Eosinophil Levels: Causes and Implications
Eosinophilia Dear Dr. Liao, I recently underwent a routine health check, and the results indicated that my eosinophil count was elevated (9.1 > 5). However, the physician did not provide any explanation, which left me quite puzzled. After researching, I found that excessive u...
Dr. Liao Zhongxin Reply:
Hello Mr. Yuan: 1. If elevated eosinophil levels are caused by diseases such as asthma or rheumatic autoimmune diseases due to steroid use, simply discontinuing the medication will allow for a gradual return to normal levels. 2. Elevated eosinophils can also occur in other con...[Read More] Understanding Elevated Eosinophil Levels: Causes and Implications
Understanding Low Platelet Count: Causes, Treatments, and Concerns
A low platelet count, confirmed by bone marrow examination, indicates a viral infection? Hello Doctor: On December 27, 2006, I visited a dermatologist due to purple spots and some bruising on my body. The doctor suggested that I go to the hospital for a blood test, suspecting tha...
Dr. Liao Zhongxin Reply:
Dear readers, 1. Regarding the low platelet count and accompanying purpura and bruising observed on December 27, 1995, common causes include liver dysfunction (cirrhosis), kidney dysfunction (dialysis), infections (viral infections, such as upper respiratory infections), hematol...[Read More] Understanding Low Platelet Count: Causes, Treatments, and Concerns
Understanding How Medications Can Affect Your Menstrual Cycle
Vasculitis Dr. Tseng: Hello! Could you please tell me if my current medication might affect my menstrual cycle? This month, my period is a week late compared to usual; it has always been regular or sometimes early in the past. Could this be related?
Dr. Zeng Guosen Reply:
Hello: Both steroids and immunomodulators can affect endocrine and ovarian function, which may be the reason for changes in the menstrual cycle. It is recommended to refer the patient to a gynecologist for further evaluation. Sincerely, Dr. Kuo-Sen Tseng, Internal Medicine.[Read More] Understanding How Medications Can Affect Your Menstrual Cycle
Understanding Vasculitis: Treatment Safety and Long-Term Management
Vasculitis Hello Dr. Tseng: The red spots on my feet have consistently remained around 20 points, so the doctor has started to increase my dosage to take it twice daily, in the morning and evening. Is this still within a safe dosage? Will my vasculitis ever fully heal, or will I ...
Dr. Zeng Guosen Reply:
Hello: Increasing the dosage, particularly when the total dosage exceeds 7.5 milligrams, is more likely to lead to side effects. It is uncertain whether vasculitis will improve; we can only say that some forms of vasculitis can fluctuate between better and worse, and it is not al...[Read More] Understanding Vasculitis: Treatment Safety and Long-Term Management
Differentiating Plummer's Disease from Thyroiditis: A Patient's Guide
Plummer's disease and thyroiditis? How can I differentiate between thyroiditis and Plummer's disease? I discovered I had thyroid enlargement during a health check-up. In late May, I visited a doctor who tested my FT4 levels and said they were normal. An ultrasound indic...
Dr. Yang Hongzhi Reply:
Thyroid nodules associated with hyperthyroidism (Plummer's disease) can generally be treated with radioactive iodine or surgery. If the patient is unwilling to accept these options, medication treatment is also a viable alternative.[Read More] Differentiating Plummer's Disease from Thyroiditis: A Patient's Guide
Understanding Vasculitis: Symptoms, Treatments, and Concerns
Vasculitis Hello Doctor: I believe the information I provided last time was not clear enough. I had a biopsy last year that confirmed vasculitis, and I am currently receiving treatment. When the condition occurs, I develop red spots on my lower extremities (from the dorsum of the...
Dr. Zeng Guosen Reply:
Hello: 1. Steroids are a very important medication in clinical practice, often referred to as a "magic bullet" in the United States, and are generally safe when used by specialists. 2. Tightness in the heel may indicate Achilles tendinitis, which can lead to swelling af...[Read More] Understanding Vasculitis: Symptoms, Treatments, and Concerns
Understanding Steroid Use and Its Effects on Vasculitis Management
Vasculitis Hello, doctor: I am currently taking corticosteroids. Previously, I was taking three pills daily for two consecutive weeks, and now I am taking one pill daily for another two consecutive weeks. Is this acceptable? I often hear that corticosteroids should not be taken, ...
Dr. Zeng Guosen Reply:
Hello: 1. The dosage of steroids varies depending on the condition, so it is not possible to determine if one pill per day is appropriate based on your description. 2. The side effect of a moon face from steroids depends on the dosage, duration of use, and individual response, am...[Read More] Understanding Steroid Use and Its Effects on Vasculitis Management
Understanding Cortisol Treatment: Lifelong Use, Side Effects, and Risks
Cortisol Hello Dr. Yang: I underwent adrenal tumor resection in July 2004 and only had a follow-up examination in February 2006. On February 26, 2006, my cortisol level was approximately 14.1 and ACTH was about 44.6 (I don't remember the exact decimal values) (I was not on m...
Dr. Yang Hongzhi Reply:
Adrenal insufficiency after adrenal tumor surgery can potentially recover. Taking supplemental corticosteroids will not lead to excessive side effects from steroids. If corticosteroids are not supplemented, the deficiency will become more apparent during times of physical stress,...[Read More] Understanding Cortisol Treatment: Lifelong Use, Side Effects, and Risks
Managing Thyroid-Related Eye Issues After Surgery: What You Need to Know
Thyroid eye disease? Hello: In 1997, I underwent surgery for hyperthyroidism at a women's and children's hospital in Kaohsiung. Prior to that, I had been on medication for a year to manage the condition. I have been undergoing follow-up checks every six months. In Febru...
Dr. Yang Hongzhi Reply:
Thyroid-related eye disease is not necessarily directly related to the status of hyperthyroidism. Mild eye changes do not require specific treatment, while more severe cases may consider corticosteroids or even radiation therapy. The impact of diet is minimal, but it is advisable...[Read More] Managing Thyroid-Related Eye Issues After Surgery: What You Need to Know