Is Meibomian Gland Dysfunction Linked to Autoimmune Diseases?
Is dry eye syndrome related to autoimmune diseases? The symptoms of dry eye syndrome have persisted for more than a year, and recently, the symptoms of dry mouth have become increasingly noticeable. I went to the hospital for an examination, and the only abnormal result was an AN...
Dr. Gao Jiankai Reply:
Hello, thank you for your inquiry. You may want to collaborate with an ophthalmologist to see if treatment for your eyes improves your symptoms of dry mouth and dry tongue; if so, you might be able to discontinue the medication. The Allergy, Immunology, and Rheumatology Departmen...[Read More] Is Meibomian Gland Dysfunction Linked to Autoimmune Diseases?
Understanding Medications for Ankylosing Spondylitis and Related Symptoms
Regarding medications for ankylosing spondylitis? Hello, doctor. I have been experiencing geographic tongue for over three years now. I have been taking two Sertraline tablets in the morning and evening, and one Pantoprazole tablet in the morning, along with medications for gastr...
Dr. Gao Jiankai Reply:
Hello, thank you for your question. Here are my responses: 1. I have noticed that many patients with ankylosing spondylitis (AS) experience issues with tongue ulcers. Is this related to salazopyridine (Salsalate)? (Because when I first developed geographic tongue over three year...[Read More] Understanding Medications for Ankylosing Spondylitis and Related Symptoms
Understanding Painless Bumps Under the Tongue: Causes and Concerns
Oral issues Hello doctor, I would like to ask about the small bumps under my tongue. They look a bit like blisters but are completely painless. Is this a normal phenomenon?
Dr. Xie Rongyuan Reply:
Hello: It is recommended to visit an oral surgeon for a definitive diagnosis. Thank you for your message![Read More] Understanding Painless Bumps Under the Tongue: Causes and Concerns
Understanding Dry Mouth: Causes, Medications, and Solutions
Dry mouth and dry tongue? Hello, doctor. I have been experiencing dry mouth and dry tongue for the past three weeks. My mouth feels very dry every day, and drinking water does not help. This has somewhat affected my daily life. Prior to the dry mouth symptoms, I was taking Loraze...
Dr. Li Jian Reply:
Imipramine may cause dry mouth. Thank you for your inquiry.[Read More] Understanding Dry Mouth: Causes, Medications, and Solutions
Understanding Systemic Pain and Itching: A Comprehensive Guide
Generalized tingling, itching, and numbness? Hello Doctor: I have been experiencing sneezing, runny nose, and constipation for the past year. I consulted a gastroenterologist and underwent a colonoscopy and endoscopy, which revealed colon polyps, gastric polyps, and gastroesophag...
Dr. Gao Jiankai Reply:
Hello, thank you for your inquiry. I recommend starting with a visit to a family medicine physician. Since you are experiencing some allergy symptoms, if you are truly concerned about potential issues with your immune function, you may also consider seeing an allergist or immunol...[Read More] Understanding Systemic Pain and Itching: A Comprehensive Guide
Understanding Throat and Gastrointestinal Discomfort: When to Seek Help
Throat and gastrointestinal discomfort? Hello Doctor, I would like to ask about my recent symptoms. Sometimes I wake up with a bitter taste in my mouth and a feeling of nausea. I also have a slight cough and find myself swallowing excessively for no apparent reason. I recently vi...
Dr. Li Jian Reply:
If you frequently experience dry mouth and dry tongue, consider consulting an immunologist to check for any autoimmune conditions such as Sjögren's syndrome. Thank you for your inquiry.[Read More] Understanding Throat and Gastrointestinal Discomfort: When to Seek Help
Understanding Tonsil Inflammation: Symptoms and When to Seek Help
Inquiry about tonsil issues? Hello Doctor: Three days ago, I suddenly noticed that my left tonsil became red and swollen. I went to a nearby internal medicine clinic where the doctor confirmed that it appeared to be inflamed. I visited again yesterday because I noticed a small sp...
Dr. Lin Wufu Reply:
Hello, if you're unsure whether it's tonsil stones, it's recommended to visit the ENT department at the hospital for further examination. If a CT scan is necessary, it will be arranged based on the physician's assessment.[Read More] Understanding Tonsil Inflammation: Symptoms and When to Seek Help
Understanding Black Spots on the Tongue: Causes and When to Seek Help
Tongue issues? Hello Dr. Lin, I suddenly noticed a small black spot on the side of my tongue while brushing my teeth. I would like to ask what this could be. I don't remember having it this morning... Is it possible for a mole to appear suddenly? Do I need to go to the hospi...
Dr. Lin Wufu Reply:
Hello, it is recommended to see an otolaryngologist to find out what it is! The most common issue might be minor bleeding, which could appear as a bruise if it was accidentally scratched. However, it's safer to have a doctor confirm it. You can observe it for another week, a...[Read More] Understanding Black Spots on the Tongue: Causes and When to Seek Help
Chronic Dry Mouth and Tongue Pain: Unraveling the Mystery of Symptoms
Dry mouth and tongue pain for many years without a definitive diagnosis? Hello Doctor, my mother has been experiencing symptoms of reduced saliva for about 30 years. She has seen dentists, rheumatologists, and family medicine doctors, and underwent a sublingual gauze test which c...
Dr. Gao Jiankai Reply:
Hello, thank you for your inquiry. My suggestions are as follows: 1. You may consider returning to a rheumatology clinic for evaluation. If necessary, a salivary gland biopsy may indeed be required, as sometimes the diagnosis of Sjögren's syndrome necessitates this examina...[Read More] Chronic Dry Mouth and Tongue Pain: Unraveling the Mystery of Symptoms
Understanding Oral Symptoms and HIV Concerns After Unprotected Sex
Oral symptoms raising suspicion for HIV? Hello Doctor: Nine weeks ago, I had unprotected sexual intercourse with a sex worker (two minutes of unprotected vaginal intercourse and three minutes of oral sex performed on her). About three weeks later, I experienced unexplained nasal ...
Dr. Liao Zhongxin Reply:
According to the Centers for Disease Control data, there are three main transmission routes for HIV: (A) Sexual transmission: Engaging in oral, anal, or vaginal intercourse or other exchanges of bodily fluids with an HIV-infected individual carries a risk of infection. (B) Bl...[Read More] Understanding Oral Symptoms and HIV Concerns After Unprotected Sex
Understanding Abnormal White Blood Cell Counts: Is It Leukemia?
White blood cell count is approaching abnormal levels? Hello, doctor. Recently, my lab report showed a white blood cell count of approximately 4250. The neutrophil and lymphocyte classifications are normal, but other types show fluctuations of 1-2%. I have recently experienced fo...
Dr. Gao Jiankai Reply:
Hello, thank you for your inquiry. This white blood cell count is not a concern. The white blood cell count can fluctuate based on the body's condition, and this value is still within an acceptable range, so there is no need for you to worry. The Allergy, Immunology, and Rhe...[Read More] Understanding Abnormal White Blood Cell Counts: Is It Leukemia?
Can You Get Parasites from Playing on the Playground?
Are there parasites on the playground? Today at school, while playing baseball, I was supposed to catch a fly ball but accidentally made a mistake and ended up licking a large area of the ball with my tongue. I know it sounds ridiculous, but I'm a bit worried because I saw t...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, there are likely more bacteria on the playground, and the chances of human parasitic infections are low, so it is unlikely to contract a parasitic infection. Thank you for your question.[Read More] Can You Get Parasites from Playing on the Playground?
Understanding Oral Mucosal Folds: When to Seek Medical Advice
Oral mucosal folds I noticed something unusual when I licked the inside of my lower lip with my tongue. After looking in the mirror, I found fine lines that appear like folds or small cracks, aligned parallel to my teeth, but they do not extend to the sides. I also feel that my l...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, regarding fine lines or unusual sensations, these are more subjective feelings and can be difficult to diagnose. The blisters are suspected to be caused by the herpes simplex virus, which is often triggered by irregular sleep patterns or high stress levels. Therefore, it i...[Read More] Understanding Oral Mucosal Folds: When to Seek Medical Advice
Understanding Oral Mucosal Folds: When to Seek Medical Advice
Oral mucosal folds The inner side of my lower lip feels strange when I lick it with my tongue. After looking in the mirror, I noticed fine lines that appear like wrinkles or small fissures, aligned parallel to my teeth, but they do not extend to the sides. I also feel that my low...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, regarding fine lines or unusual sensations, these are more subjective experiences and can be difficult to diagnose. The blisters are suspected to be caused by the herpes simplex virus, which is often triggered by irregular sleep patterns or high stress levels. Therefore, i...[Read More] Understanding Oral Mucosal Folds: When to Seek Medical Advice
Understanding Sandy Sensation in Oral Mucosa: Causes and Solutions
The oral mucosa feels gritty? Hello, doctor. I apologize for bothering you. After I eat, I feel a gritty sensation when I touch the area around the lower left side (near the inner side of the lower teeth) with my tongue. Sometimes, after drinking water, that sensation goes away. ...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, based on your photo and description, it appears to be the normal physiological structure of taste buds or gland openings. You only need to seek medical attention if there is significant pain or any discharge. Thank you for your inquiry.[Read More] Understanding Sandy Sensation in Oral Mucosa: Causes and Solutions
Understanding Lip Bumps: Causes and When to Seek Medical Help
Lip issues Hello, after having a meal today, I suddenly noticed a small bump under my lower lip that feels like a little blister when I touch it with my tongue. After looking in the mirror, I saw that it is quite small. I would like to ask the doctor what might be the cause of th...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, based on your description and the images, it appears to be a herpes virus infection, which typically resolves on its own but is very prone to recurrence. You may consider using acyclovir ointment within three days to reduce the likelihood of recurrence. It is advisable to ...[Read More] Understanding Lip Bumps: Causes and When to Seek Medical Help
Understanding Tongue Impressions: When to Seek Medical Advice
The tongue has indentations or teeth marks? You originally had some indentations on the left side of your tongue that have been present for a while. Recently, over the past couple of days, you have noticed more indentations, an increase in tongue coating, and a prickling sensatio...
Dr. Lin Wuxuan Reply:
Hello! It is recommended to adjust your diet and daily routine first, and then monitor your condition. If discomfort persists, please visit an otolaryngologist. Thank you.[Read More] Understanding Tongue Impressions: When to Seek Medical Advice
How to Assess Throat Discomfort After Possible Chemical Ingestion
How to assess throat discomfort? After drinking a beverage in the afternoon, I have been experiencing a slight burning sensation in the area just above my clavicle and throat. I would like to ask a physician if, in the case of accidental ingestion or if someone intentionally adde...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, if it is corrosive esophagitis, the pain should be very pronounced, and you would likely be unable to drink water or eat anything. Based on your description, it does not seem to be corrosive esophagitis unless you are feeling very uncomfortable. If that is the case, you ca...[Read More] How to Assess Throat Discomfort After Possible Chemical Ingestion
Chronic Tongue Pain: Understanding Possible Causes and Solutions
Immune system Hello doctor, my issue is that the back and side of my tongue on the right side hurts, and the front feels prickly and numb. This has been going on for over a year. I have seen countless specialists in otolaryngology, oral pathology, oral and maxillofacial surgery, ...
Dr. Gao Jiankai Reply:
Hello, thank you for your inquiry. I suggest you first consult with a neurologist. It is likely not closely related to immune function. The Allergy, Immunology, and Rheumatology Department at Changhua Hospital, Ministry of Health and Welfare, is concerned about you.[Read More] Chronic Tongue Pain: Understanding Possible Causes and Solutions
Concerns About Tongue Issues: Healing, Pain, and Cancer Risks
Tongue issues? Doctor, I apologize for bothering you again. You mentioned last time that the healing of my tongue would take several weeks, and it has now been three weeks. Here is a photo of the indentation on my tongue: https://imgur.com/a/w9898Lt. I have consulted many doctors...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, due to the presence of glands on the tongue and its naturally uneven structure, this small indentation is likely not a sign of disease. As for tongue pain, it is usually less likely to be caused by an injury and is more often related to fatigue or stress. I recommend getti...[Read More] Concerns About Tongue Issues: Healing, Pain, and Cancer Risks