Understanding Elevated RF Levels: Implications for Autoimmune Disorders
Rheumatoid factor (RF) is elevated in rheumatoid arthritis? Hello Doctor, I have had an allergic constitution since childhood and have been receiving treatment in the rheumatology and immunology department for long-term issues related to my nose and urticaria. During my last visi...
Dr. Gao Jiankai Reply:
Hello, thank you for your inquiry. If the test results mentioned above are all the examinations you have undergone, I believe there are additional tests that can be arranged. If you are very concerned and unsure about whether to take quinine, I suggest you consult another rheumat...[Read More] Understanding Elevated RF Levels: Implications for Autoimmune Disorders
Understanding Sudden Red Rashes on the Torso: Causes and Concerns
Sudden rash on the torso? Hello, Dr. Lin. Two nights ago, I noticed some red rashes on my abdomen. When I woke up the next morning, the rashes had increased in number, extending from my abdomen to both sides of my waist and the sides of my chest. There are no rashes on my back, b...
Dr. Lin Wufu Reply:
Hello! There are many possible causes for this type of skin rash, so it's advisable to visit a dermatologist for a more accurate assessment. Generally, allergic rashes tend to be itchy, so if the rash is not itchy, we should consider infections, heat-related issues, or syste...[Read More] Understanding Sudden Red Rashes on the Torso: Causes and Concerns
Understanding Arthritis Medications: Managing Symptoms and Side Effects
Arthritis medications I have been under follow-up in the rheumatology and immunology department for a year and a half. Previously, I was not on any medication, but my erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR) for 2 hours and 1 hour has consistently been elevated, with values ranging f...
Dr. Gao Jiankai Reply:
Hello, thank you for your inquiry. Based on your question, my response is as follows: 1. Your symptoms resemble urticaria, which may be a side effect of medication; both the anti-inflammatory or pain relief medications could be potential culprits. Urticaria is generally a mild ...[Read More] Understanding Arthritis Medications: Managing Symptoms and Side Effects
Understanding Sudden Food Allergies and Hives: Key Insights
Suspected food allergy? Hello Dr. Hong, over the past two nights, I have suddenly developed what appears to be hives, primarily on my right hand. My mother and sister are allergic to shrimp and crab, and on the night of September 22, I ate scallops and started experiencing some i...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, 1. Based on your description, it does seem like an allergic reaction. Since each individual's constitution is different, the symptoms may resolve quickly or persist for several days. 2. Even with the same food, such as shrimp or crab, the allergens can vary due to ...[Read More] Understanding Sudden Food Allergies and Hives: Key Insights
Understanding Chronic Urticaria: When to Seek Further Medical Help
Urticaria issues? About a month ago, I started experiencing unexplained itching all over my body (my diet and daily routine have not changed). If I scratch, it becomes red but does not develop into hives. I have since seen two different doctors who diagnosed me with mild urticari...
Dr. Gao Jiankai Reply:
Hello, thank you for your message. Urticaria needs to be visually assessed, so if you suspect it is urticaria, it would be helpful to take a photo of the appearance during an outbreak for the physician's evaluation. Additionally, even with medication, some cases of urticaria...[Read More] Understanding Chronic Urticaria: When to Seek Further Medical Help
Understanding Symptoms After Toenail Injury: Fever, Dizziness, and More
After injuring the toenail, a series of symptoms began, primarily persistent low-grade fever and dizziness? Hello, Doctor. At the beginning of last month, while on a business trip and staying at a hotel, I accidentally injured my right big toe by pinching it in the door. There wa...
Dr. Lin Wufu Reply:
Hello! Generally, a nail injury is unlikely to cause a systemic infection (unless the local wound condition is very poor). Your initial symptoms resemble those of a systemic inflammatory response or infection, but typical infections do not usually last for a month. It would be ad...[Read More] Understanding Symptoms After Toenail Injury: Fever, Dizziness, and More
Understanding Urticarial Vasculitis: Symptoms, Causes, and Treatment Options
Urticarial vasculitis? Hello, doctor. I have a tendency to be allergic and sneeze (which started about nine years ago). I have also experienced mild urticaria intermittently. However, starting in April of this year, I suddenly developed widespread urticaria. I went to a dermatolo...
Dr. Gao Jiankai Reply:
Hello, thank you for your inquiry. Here are my responses: 1. How is anaphylactic shock determined? Although I was experiencing stomach pain, I was still responsive at the time... --> Perhaps "shock" is a bit severe, but you did have swelling of the lips and eyelids,...[Read More] Understanding Urticarial Vasculitis: Symptoms, Causes, and Treatment Options
Unraveling Mysterious Immune Reactions: Antibiotic Allergies or Autoimmune Disorders?
Is the strange illness experienced personally due to a drug allergy or an autoimmune disorder? Hello, doctor. I have encountered a strange immune reaction while taking medication and would like to ask for your advice. Earlier this year, I was on long-term antibiotics due to a pro...
Dr. Gao Jiankai Reply:
Hello, thank you for your message. I suspect that you may have Reiter's syndrome, also known as reactive arthritis, and I recommend that you consult a rheumatologist at a major hospital. There are several reasons for my suspicion related to this condition, including chronic ...[Read More] Unraveling Mysterious Immune Reactions: Antibiotic Allergies or Autoimmune Disorders?
Understanding Ketotifen Side Effects: Sleep Issues and Nerve Sensations
Regarding the side effects of ketotifen? Hello, Doctor. I have been taking ketotifen 1 mg every night before bed for chronic urticaria, and I have been on it for 32 days. I would like to ask the doctor: 1. I have not been sleeping well for the past two days, experiencing a state ...
Dr. Gao Jiankai Reply:
Hello, thank you for your message. The safety profile of the antihistamine ketotifen is good, but it can still have common side effects associated with antihistamines, primarily including dry mouth and drowsiness, which is why it is sometimes used before bedtime. The side effect ...[Read More] Understanding Ketotifen Side Effects: Sleep Issues and Nerve Sensations
Understanding Urticaria: Allergic Reactions or Medication Side Effects?
Is it simple urticaria, a drug allergy, or a side effect of antithyroid medication? I started experiencing hyperthyroidism on April 2nd and began taking Levothyroxine, one tablet twice a day, and Metoprolol, one to two tablets daily. On April 20th, a Bartholin gland cyst recurred...
Dr. Lin Wufu Reply:
Hello: Cephalosporins and penicillins have similar structures, and individuals who are allergic to one type have a 10-20% chance of being allergic to the other type of antibiotic. Therefore, it is indeed possible that you may also have an allergy to penicillin antibiotics. It is ...[Read More] Understanding Urticaria: Allergic Reactions or Medication Side Effects?
Efficacy of Ketotifen for Chronic Urticaria and Angioedema Treatment
Ketotifen in the treatment of chronic urticaria and angioedema? The phrase "complete curation in 16 patients" in the context of the article refers to "complete cure" for those 16 patients, indicating that they achieved a full resolution of their chronic urtica...
Dr. Gao Jiankai Reply:
Hello, thank you for your message. The article you are looking for is quite old (from 1984), and the evidence is outdated. Additionally, the original text is in Spanish, with only the abstract available in English, so my understanding is limited to the abstract's explanation...[Read More] Efficacy of Ketotifen for Chronic Urticaria and Angioedema Treatment
Understanding Mixed Connective Tissue Disease: Symptoms, Diagnosis, and Management
What is mixed connective tissue disease? Hello Doctor: I previously experienced an outbreak of urticaria and visited a nearby dermatologist two or three times without improvement. I read in magazines that I should see a rheumatologist, so I found the only clinic nearby that offer...
Dr. Gao Jiankai Reply:
Hello, thank you for your message. Mixed connective tissue disease is a type of rheumatic disease, which, as the name suggests, exhibits features of other rheumatic diseases, including scleroderma, systemic lupus erythematosus, and rheumatoid arthritis, but it is classified as an...[Read More] Understanding Mixed Connective Tissue Disease: Symptoms, Diagnosis, and Management
Managing Post-HIV Test Anxiety and Skin Conditions: A Comprehensive Guide
HIV testing-related sequelae? Dear Dr. Hong, Hello. Over a month ago, I consulted you about HIV screening. As you anticipated, the HIV antigen-antibody rapid test result was negative 92 days after the sexual encounter, which allows me to rule out HIV. However, these past three m...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, high stress levels can indeed lead to the occurrence of folliculitis. Dermatologists typically prescribe symptomatic medications, but the most important factors are regulating your daily routine, managing stress, and engaging in moderate exercise. If these methods do not i...[Read More] Managing Post-HIV Test Anxiety and Skin Conditions: A Comprehensive Guide
Is There a Link Between Chronic Urticaria and Helicobacter Pylori?
Is there a relationship between chronic urticaria and Helicobacter pylori? Hello Doctor: I have been struggling with chronic urticaria recently. A physician I consulted earlier mentioned that it might be stress-induced urticaria, so I stopped taking medication and adjusted my lif...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, various types of infections, including Helicobacter pylori, have been confirmed to have a direct or indirect relationship with urticaria. However, allergic reactions are usually caused by multiple factors, making it challenging to definitively establish that Helicobacter p...[Read More] Is There a Link Between Chronic Urticaria and Helicobacter Pylori?
Allergies and Excessive Sleepiness: Understanding Your Symptoms
Allergy + Drowsiness Recently, I have been experiencing multiple physical abnormalities, including dry mouth, dry eyes, and itchy dry skin (I have a history of urticaria, but this sensation feels different. Only specific areas of my hands and feet are dry and itchy, and there are...
Dr. Gao Jiankai Reply:
Hello, thank you for your inquiry. Here is the response to your question: 1. You have noticeable symptoms of dryness, which may be related to issues with your immune system, particularly Sjögren's syndrome or related autoimmune diseases. 2. It is recommended that you first c...[Read More] Allergies and Excessive Sleepiness: Understanding Your Symptoms
Understanding Acute Urticaria and Its Connection to SLE: A Patient's Journey
SLE & urticaria Hello Doctor, my question is regarding an unexplained acute urticaria attack I experienced in early July this year. Since then, I have been taking antihistamines, starting with Xyzal 1 tablet daily and now increasing to 1 tablet twice daily. During this period...
Dr. Gao Jiankai Reply:
Hello, thank you for your message. The diagnosis of lupus erythematosus indeed requires a combination of clinical symptoms and laboratory test results for greater accuracy. For suspected cases, we also continue to monitor over a period of time rather than making hasty conclusions...[Read More] Understanding Acute Urticaria and Its Connection to SLE: A Patient's Journey
Understanding Urticaria and Its Possible Link to Rheumatoid Arthritis
Morning stiffness, urticaria, rheumatoid arthritis? Hello Doctor, last Monday night I accidentally ingested shrimp powder, which caused me to develop hives the next day. At that time, I only went to the pharmacy to buy antihistamines, taking one in the morning and evening on Tues...
Dr. Gao Jiankai Reply:
Hello, Xiaolin. Thank you for your question. I believe your initial concerns are related to urticaria. Some cases of urticaria can have a prolonged duration, starting with widespread symptoms and gradually becoming localized to a few areas, at which point typical urticaria manife...[Read More] Understanding Urticaria and Its Possible Link to Rheumatoid Arthritis
Understanding Urticaria and Thyroid Medication: Key Insights for Patients
Urticaria and Thyroid Medications Hello Doctor: At the end of March, I was diagnosed with hyperthyroidism and started taking methimazole in early April. However, about three weeks into the treatment, I began experiencing widespread itching and hives. The doctor prescribed one ant...
Dr. Xiao Yongxun Reply:
Dear Ms. Lin, Please read the following explanation, primarily based on the recommendations from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration for healthcare professionals in January 2016: Procil® (Propylthiouracil, PTU; 50mg/tablet) primarily works by inhibiting the production of thyro...[Read More] Understanding Urticaria and Thyroid Medication: Key Insights for Patients
Recurring Hand Swelling and Itching: Possible Causes and Concerns
I have experienced itching and swelling in my palms five times within the past six months, and I am very concerned? Hello, doctor. I would like to ask about the swelling of my palms or fingers that has occurred five times in the past six months. Is there something wrong with my b...
Dr. Gao Jiankai Reply:
Hello, thank you for your inquiry. Based on your symptoms, it seems like you may be experiencing urticaria or angioedema, but a definitive diagnosis requires a physical examination and a detailed medical history. I recommend taking photos of the swelling and then consulting with ...[Read More] Recurring Hand Swelling and Itching: Possible Causes and Concerns
Can I Get a Public Flu Vaccine After NSAID Allergy?
If you have a history of allergy to NSAIDs, can you receive the publicly funded influenza vaccine? Last May, I experienced a drug allergy after taking two doses of a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) called Bone Agile, which resulted in a severe systemic urticaria that...
Dr. Gao Jiankai Reply:
Hello, thank you for your question. Patients with chronic urticaria do not have a higher risk of developing allergic reactions to injections or medications, including publicly funded influenza vaccines. Therefore, as long as you have not had an allergic reaction to the influenza ...[Read More] Can I Get a Public Flu Vaccine After NSAID Allergy?