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
Could Recent Diarrhea Be a Sign of HIV After Risky Behavior?
Could this type of diarrhea be a symptom of HIV? About a month after engaging in high-risk behavior, I have recently been experiencing frequent loose stools and even diarrhea, although it's not occurring every time. Previously, I would have a bowel movement about once a day,...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, diarrhea is not a common early symptom of HIV infection; it usually occurs later in the infection when specific intestinal pathogens may be involved. Based on your description, it seems to be related to food. Additionally, exercise can increase intestinal motility, which i...[Read More] Could Recent Diarrhea Be a Sign of HIV After Risky Behavior?
Understanding Constipation: Causes, Symptoms, and Dietary Solutions
Constipation issues? Hello Doctor: I have had poor bowel habits for a long time without paying much attention. Sometimes I experience constipation, and at other times, I start with constipation but then end up with diarrhea. Typically, I have bowel movements every two days. I hav...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, in terms of diet, it seems you are only having one meal a day, which includes a relatively high amount of root vegetables such as sweet potatoes, potatoes, and corn. However, these foods are lower in fiber compared to other vegetables, so overall, it is estimated that your...[Read More] Understanding Constipation: Causes, Symptoms, and Dietary Solutions
Should You Continue Anti-Inflammatory Meds for Joint Pain? When to Get Blood Tests
Should I continue taking anti-inflammatory medication? How much should the joint pain improve before I go to the hospital for blood tests? This past Monday, I visited an orthopedic doctor due to pain in the joint of my big toe near the foot. The doctor suspected it might be gout ...
Dr. Xiao Yongxun Reply:
Dear Miss Xiao Hong: 1. The pain in the joint of your big toe near the foot can commonly be diagnosed as gout, bunions, toenail ingrowth, toe fracture, calluses, cellulitis, or paronychia, among others. 2. Since you mentioned a history of hallux valgus, it is particularly impor...[Read More] Should You Continue Anti-Inflammatory Meds for Joint Pain? When to Get Blood Tests
Managing High Uric Acid and Cholesterol Levels: Dietary Tips and Concerns
Health check shows elevated uric acid and cholesterol levels? Hello Doctor: I recently had a health check, and my uric acid level is 7.1, which is above the normal range. Isn't the normal value for women supposed to be less than 6.6? I currently do not have any symptoms of g...
Dr. Xiao Yongxun Reply:
Dear Ms. Kiki: 1. Elevated uric acid levels primarily refer to high concentrations of uric acid in the blood. When uric acid precipitates in joint tissues (such as the big toe joint, the back of the foot, or finger joints), it can trigger an inflammatory response, leading to go...[Read More] Managing High Uric Acid and Cholesterol Levels: Dietary Tips and Concerns
Managing High Uric Acid and Cholesterol Levels: Dietary Tips and Concerns
Health check shows elevated uric acid and cholesterol levels? Hello Doctor: I recently had a health check-up, and my uric acid level is 7.1, which is above the normal range. Isn't the normal value for women supposed to be less than 6.6? I currently do not have any symptoms o...
Dr. Xiao Yongxun Reply:
Dear Ms. KiKi: 1. Elevated uric acid levels primarily refer to high concentrations of uric acid in the blood. If uric acid precipitates in joint tissues (such as the big toe joint, the back of the foot, or finger joints), it can trigger an inflammatory response, leading to gout....[Read More] Managing High Uric Acid and Cholesterol Levels: Dietary Tips and Concerns
Understanding Sacroiliitis: Symptoms, Diagnosis, and Management Options
Sacroiliitis Hello Dr. Tseng, I have been experiencing symptoms for about three to four years now. I have loved playing basketball since elementary school, and I still do. I had grade II vesicoureteral reflux around the fourth grade, so I thought my lower back pain was due to spo...
Dr. Zeng Guosen Reply:
There are many reasons for back pain. A CT scan shows sacroiliitis and elevated inflammatory markers, so it is recommended to consult a rheumatologist for differential diagnosis. The physician should provide further recommendations. Thank you for your question.[Read More] Understanding Sacroiliitis: Symptoms, Diagnosis, and Management Options
Can Chlamydia Infection Cause High Uric Acid Levels in Arthritis?
Clostridium infection Hello doctor, does Chlamydia infection-related arthritis lead to high uric acid levels?
Dr. Liao Zhongxin Reply:
Dear readers: Regarding Chlamydia arthritis, the response is as follows, referencing http://blog.xuite.net/apex0818/twblog/121592288-%E6%8A%AB%E8%A1%A3%E8%8F%8C%E9%97%9C%E7%AF%80%E7%82%8EI. I. Cause: Infection with Chlamydia trachomatis after sexual contact is a common cause ...[Read More] Can Chlamydia Infection Cause High Uric Acid Levels in Arthritis?
Understanding Temporary Swelling and Pain in Fingers and Toes
Swelling, pain, and itching in the fingers and toes? Hello doctor, recently I have been experiencing intermittent swelling, pain, and itching in my fingers and toes, which occurs in various locations. Sometimes there is slight swelling, but usually, the symptoms subside or improv...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, based on your symptoms, it may be related to growth and development or trauma. However, it is important to monitor for any accompanying symptoms, such as joint pain or skin rashes. If these related phenomena persist, it is advisable to consult a family medicine specialist....[Read More] Understanding Temporary Swelling and Pain in Fingers and Toes
Understanding Chronic Joint Discomfort: Possible Causes and Solutions
Limb joints Hello Doctor, I have had joint discomfort since I was young. Whenever the weather changes, I feel soreness, primarily in my upper limbs—elbows, wrists, and fingers—and in my lower limbs—hip joints (less frequently), knees, ankles, and toes. Now at 30 years old, this c...
Dr. Zeng Guosen Reply:
Netizens often complain about feeling sore when the weather changes, but if there is no redness, swelling, or pain, based on your description, it may not even be arthritis. Western medicine typically focuses on symptomatic treatment rather than curative approaches. I suggest cons...[Read More] Understanding Chronic Joint Discomfort: Possible Causes and Solutions
Managing Pain and Inflammation in Ankylosing Spondylitis: A Patient's Journey
Immune system ~ Swelling and pain in the fourth toe of the left foot? Hello Doctor: My wife has a family history of ankylosing spondylitis. She previously experienced an episode of iritis. After a miscarriage last October, her left fourth toe started to swell and hurt at the end ...
Dr. Gao Jiankai Reply:
Hello, thank you for your message. Regarding the swelling and pain in your toes, please continue your medication, as this type of swelling and pain requires a longer treatment time and may need some patience. As for the corticosteroids, you can discuss with your physician whether...[Read More] Managing Pain and Inflammation in Ankylosing Spondylitis: A Patient's Journey
Diagnosing Non-Gout Acute Attacks: Beyond Uric Acid Testing
In addition to measuring uric acid levels, what other methods can be used to achieve a definitive diagnosis during an acute attack of non-gouty arthritis? Hello Dr. Gao, Due to my work in the United States, I was unable to return to Taiwan for medical treatment. On a day when I...
Dr. Gao Jiankai Reply:
Hello, thank you for your question. I will summarize my response as follows: 1. I believe the likelihood of gout is very low, even if you have mild hyperuricemia. Generally, gout attacks are quite severe, with significant redness, swelling, heat, and pain, often preventing indi...[Read More] Diagnosing Non-Gout Acute Attacks: Beyond Uric Acid Testing
How to Treat Swollen Toes After a Car Accident Injury?
If you have injured your toe in a car accident and it is swollen, here are the steps you should take: 1. **Rest**: Avoid putting weight on the injured foot to prevent further injury. 2. **Ice**: Apply ice to the swollen area for 15-20 minutes every hour to reduce swelling and pa...
Dr. Wu Hongjie Reply:
Hello, your issue is due to "a foot injury from a car accident, which has not yet subsided," and it is not an internal medicine problem. I recommend that you return to the hospital and consult with an orthopedic specialist. Wishing you safety and good health. Sincerely,...[Read More] How to Treat Swollen Toes After a Car Accident Injury?
Understanding Pain in Vasculitis: Insights for Lupus Patients
Vasculitis pain sensation Dear Dr. Tseng, I am a patient with systemic lupus erythematosus, and I have vasculitis in my fingers and toes. Initially, the vasculitis on my fingers appeared red and slightly raised, and it was usually not painful, only causing a tingling sensation w...
Dr. Zeng Guosen Reply:
Hello, it is possible that vasculitis is causing your sensory abnormalities. Whether to adjust your medication should be determined after a follow-up visit with your physician. Thank you for your question.[Read More] Understanding Pain in Vasculitis: Insights for Lupus Patients
Pain in Left Foot's Middle Toe: Causes and Treatment Options
The middle toe of the left foot is bent, and there is a pain sensation in the sole of the foot? Hello, doctor. On my way home tonight, I noticed a pain in the front part of my left foot while walking. After getting home and paying closer attention, I found that the pain originate...
Dr. Xiao Yongxun Reply:
1. [Sudden pain in the left third toe, especially painful during dorsiflexion.] Medically speaking, inflammation refers to the presence of redness, swelling, heat, and pain in tissues. Your complaint may indicate some form of inflammation. However, I recommend that you consult yo...[Read More] Pain in Left Foot's Middle Toe: Causes and Treatment Options
Understanding Sudden Hypoglycemia: Causes and Concerns for Patients
Why does sudden hypoglycemia feel very uncomfortable? Hello, doctor. Today at 8:30 AM, I had breakfast consisting of sweet potatoes and whole grain bread, along with green tea. At 12:30 PM, I started experiencing symptoms of hypoglycemia: cold sweats, trembling, weakness, rapid h...
Dr. Wu Jiyu Reply:
Hello: Based on the information you provided, it is not possible to determine whether your symptoms are caused by hypoglycemia. In addition to low blood sugar, there are many other conditions that can present with similar symptoms. Typically, undiagnosed and untreated diabetes pr...[Read More] Understanding Sudden Hypoglycemia: Causes and Concerns for Patients
Understanding Diabetic Foot vs. Post-Thrombotic Syndrome: Key Differences
What is diabetic foot? Dear Doctor, I had a deep vein thrombosis in my calf two months ago. A month ago, an ultrasound showed no signs of a clot. However, every day after I wake up, my calf gradually becomes hard and swollen for about two hours. When I lie down for an hour in the...
Dr. Xiao Yongxun Reply:
1. Common clinical causes of edema include heart failure, cirrhosis, nephrotic syndrome, venous obstruction, lymphatic disorders, and medication side effects. Other causes may include hypoalbuminemia, parasitic infections, thyroid diseases, pregnancy, and venous insufficiency, am...[Read More] Understanding Diabetic Foot vs. Post-Thrombotic Syndrome: Key Differences
Effective Treatments for Numb Toes in Elderly Patients with Diabetes
Toe numbness The patient is 83 years old and has been experiencing numbness in the toes for the past year or two. They have tried soaking in hot water and electrotherapy, but the results have been unsatisfactory. The patient has a history of hypertension and diabetes. What treatm...
Dr. Cai Zonglin Reply:
After several years of diabetes, some patients may develop neuropathy, which is related to the control of blood glucose levels. A common form of polyneuropathy is the sensation of numbness in the extremities, gradually extending towards the body. Currently, there is no cure for n...[Read More] Effective Treatments for Numb Toes in Elderly Patients with Diabetes
Managing Numbness and Redness in Toes for Seniors with Diabetes
The toes are red and numb? I am 83 years old and have hypertension and diabetes. I take medication every day. Since last year, I have been experiencing numbness in the toes of both feet, along with a reddish appearance. I have tried soaking them in warm water, but there has been ...
Dr. Cai Zonglin Reply:
Diabetes complications include neuropathy, which can affect sensory nerves, motor nerves, and even autonomic nerves. If there is redness and warmth in the feet, infection (such as cellulitis) must be ruled out before suspecting neuropathy. Numbness and pain are associated with se...[Read More] Managing Numbness and Redness in Toes for Seniors with Diabetes
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