Is It Safe for Patients with Vasculitis to Get the AZ Vaccine?
Is it suitable for individuals with vasculitis to receive the AZ vaccine? Individuals with a history of vasculitis, which is an autoimmune disease, may have concerns regarding vaccination. Among those advised against receiving the AstraZeneca (AZ) vaccine are individuals with com...
Dr. Gao Jiankai Reply:
Hello, thank you for your message. Currently, the Taiwan Society of Rheumatology has reached a consensus and provided recommendations for patients with autoimmune diseases. Of course, these recommendations will continue to be adjusted over time as more evidence accumulates. In pr...[Read More] Is It Safe for Patients with Vasculitis to Get the AZ Vaccine?
Best COVID-19 Vaccines for Patients with Behçet's Disease: Expert Insights
Questions about COVID-19 vaccine administration? Hello, doctor: I would like to ask which COVID-19 vaccines, including domestically produced ones, are currently more suitable for patients with Behçet's disease? Thank you!
Dr. Gao Jiankai Reply:
Hello, thank you for your message. Currently, the Taiwan Society of Rheumatology does not have any specific warnings or alerts for patients with Behçet's disease, and I believe that all vaccines can be administered. However, if your condition is severe, including persistent ...[Read More] Best COVID-19 Vaccines for Patients with Behçet's Disease: Expert Insights
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 Vasculitis: Symptoms, Treatment, and Dietary Impact
Suspected vasculitis Hello Doctor: My mother is 73 years old and has hepatitis C, an autoimmune disease (Sjögren's syndrome), and dry eyes. She often experiences headaches and upper back pain (which she has had for many years). She has been seeing a rheumatologist and is on ...
Dr. Zeng Guosen Reply:
Hello, the clinical manifestations of hepatitis C or autoimmune diseases (such as Sjögren's syndrome) can include vasculitis. However, most symptoms present as petechiae, which are typically painless or slightly painful, and itching is rare, let alone severe itching. It is a...[Read More] Understanding Vasculitis: Symptoms, Treatment, and Dietary Impact
Understanding Autoimmune Conditions: Dry Eye Syndrome and Vascular Concerns
Autoimmune disease Sjögren's syndrome Hello Doctor: My mother is 72 years old and has hepatitis C, Sjögren's syndrome, and severe dry eye syndrome, all of which are being treated. As she has aged, her blood pressure has been elevated, and she is currently taking antihyp...
Dr. Gao Jiankai Reply:
Hello Ms. Lee, thank you for your inquiry. Here are the answers to your questions: 1. Both Sjögren's syndrome and hepatitis C can potentially cause microvascular bleeding as a side effect if not continuously treated, which may appear as small petechiae. To determine if thi...[Read More] Understanding Autoimmune Conditions: Dry Eye Syndrome and Vascular Concerns
Managing Steroid Dosage: Coping with Persistent Symptoms and Allergic Reactions
The steroid dosage has been reduced to 7.5 mg, and the symptoms are becoming more pronounced? Last year, I developed a skin wound from scratching due to flea bites, which became infected with bacteria. The wound started to hurt, but after taking antibiotics, the pain subsided. Ho...
Dr. Zeng Guosen Reply:
Hello, skin disorders can indeed be very bothersome. If reducing the steroid dosage to 10 mg causes instability in your symptoms, there’s no need to panic. This indicates that your skin condition is still unstable. It may be advisable to adjust the methotrexate (MTX) dosage and w...[Read More] Managing Steroid Dosage: Coping with Persistent Symptoms and Allergic Reactions
Understanding Sjögren's Syndrome and the Role of Mycophenolate
Sjögren's syndrome and myositis? Dear Doctor, I am 51 years old and was diagnosed with Sjögren's syndrome in 2015. My main symptoms include dry eyes, mild vasculitis in the lower extremities, weight loss, and a white blood cell count of approximately 2800 to 3500. So f...
Dr. Gao Jiankai Reply:
Hello SUNNY, thank you for your message. The disease activity of Sjögren's syndrome is related to clinical symptoms (such as gland swelling and new vasculitis lesions) and laboratory results; however, changes in antinuclear antibody levels do not necessarily indicate disease...[Read More] Understanding Sjögren's Syndrome and the Role of Mycophenolate
Understanding Your Health Check Report: Kidney and Liver Concerns Explained
Medical Examination Report Today I received my health check report, which indicates that I have vasculitis. My blood test shows a white blood cell count of 10.4, with the rest being normal. My liver and gallbladder function tests show GGT at 104 and triglycerides at 205, with the...
Dr. Chen Jianyu Reply:
Please make an appointment for an outpatient consultation.[Read More] Understanding Your Health Check Report: Kidney and Liver Concerns Explained
Understanding Proteinuria: What Your Health Check Results Mean
Health check-up: Proteinuria I have vasculitis and mild arrhythmia, and I am taking immunosuppressive medication, anti-inflammatory drugs, and anti-arrhythmic medication. I recently had a check-up, but I couldn't understand the report as the doctor was in a hurry and told me...
Dr. Wu Hongjie Reply:
If there are concerns about liver function, please consult a gastroenterologist. Urine protein is 1+, and it is recommended to visit a nephrologist for further testing. Wishing you good health and safety.[Read More] Understanding Proteinuria: What Your Health Check Results Mean
Is Vasculitis Serious? Understanding Risks and Implications for Young Patients
Is vasculitis serious? I previously experienced frequent lower back pain and visited a rheumatologist who mentioned it was similar to ankylosing spondylitis. Later, due to other health issues, I underwent blood tests again, and the doctor diagnosed me with vasculitis. He mentione...
Dr. Zeng Guosen Reply:
Hello, it seems that you have a positive result for cold agglutinin IgM (1+), which is abnormal. There are many types of vasculitis, and the severity depends on the symptoms and the extent of organ involvement. It is advisable to seek medical attention for a comprehensive underst...[Read More] Is Vasculitis Serious? Understanding Risks and Implications for Young Patients
Do You Need Steroids for Vasculitis in Sjögren's Syndrome?
Is steroid medication necessary for vasculitis? Two years ago, I experienced difficulty opening my left eye upon waking, and I was diagnosed with dry eye syndrome. Last year, after a salivary gland biopsy, I was diagnosed with xerostomia, and my white blood cell count dropped to ...
Dr. Zeng Guosen Reply:
Hello, everyone. 1. The diagnosis of Sjögren's syndrome primarily involves testing for positive anti-SSA or anti-SSB antibodies, which are present in only 50-60% of patients. If these tests are negative, a salivary gland biopsy is performed for diagnosis. If the dry syndro...[Read More] Do You Need Steroids for Vasculitis in Sjögren's Syndrome?
Can Steroids Cause Dizziness? Understanding Side Effects and Concerns
Can steroids cause dizziness? Hello, Doctor. I have had SLE for 15 years, and I was recently discharged from the hospital due to vasculitis. I have been resting at home for ten days now and am currently taking eight corticosteroids. I feel about 90% recovered, but I am troubled b...
Dr. Gao Jiankai Reply:
Hello Julia, thank you for your question. Here is my response summarized as follows: 1. The dosage of 8 steroid pills is not considered high, and it should not be used for a long duration; you can always consult your physician about this. 2. Steroids are unlikely to cause dizz...[Read More] Can Steroids Cause Dizziness? Understanding Side Effects and Concerns
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
Understanding c-ANCA Positivity: Implications for Your Health and Vision
c-ANCA positive Hello, Doctor. Since April of this year, I have experienced two episodes of transient visual disturbances resembling a TIA, where my vision became blurry for a few seconds and then returned to normal, usually around mealtime. Sometimes I also feel dizzy, so I cons...
Dr. Zeng Guosen Reply:
1. C-ANCA positivity is less likely to cause eye problems. 2. C-ANCA positivity is associated with Wegener's granulomatosis (now known as granulomatosis with polyangiitis, GPA), and a series of tests must be conducted for a definitive diagnosis. 3. Whether to initiate me...[Read More] Understanding c-ANCA Positivity: Implications for Your Health and Vision
Understanding Small Vessel Vasculitis: Causes, Symptoms, and Prevention Strategies
Small vessel vasculitis Hello, Doctor Gao! In the past two years, I have experienced small vessel vasculitis three times. The first two occurrences followed a cold, with petechial and macular red spots appearing on the dorsum of my feet and ankles. The third occurrence was of unk...
Dr. Gao Jiankai Reply:
Hello Delia, thank you for your question. I have summarized your inquiries as follows: 1. Systemic small vessel vasculitis can affect different organs in the body depending on the specific condition. Some forms of vasculitis can also impact the nervous system, leading to limb w...[Read More] Understanding Small Vessel Vasculitis: Causes, Symptoms, and Prevention Strategies
Understanding Urticarial Vasculitis: Symptoms, Diagnosis, and Treatment
The skin has developed a large number of rashes, primarily on the joints and buttocks? Hello Director Gao, since last Thursday when I forcefully dragged the floor, I started to develop numerous red rashes on my hands (which feel like broken capillaries). The next evening, I unexp...
Dr. Gao Jiankai Reply:
Dear Miss Hsu, Thank you for your email. Urticaria and urticarial vasculitis are somewhat different conditions. Generally, urticaria tends to have a stronger itching sensation, while vasculitis is characterized primarily by a stinging pain. Additionally, some urticaria can occur...[Read More] Understanding Urticarial Vasculitis: Symptoms, Diagnosis, and Treatment
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
Severe Abdominal Pain: Seeking Answers for Ongoing Discomfort
Severe abdominal pain? Hello, I would like to ask about my mother's abdominal pain that has lasted for over a month. She has visited multiple hospitals and undergone various tests, including X-rays, gynecological exams, CT scans, blood tests, gastroscopy, colonoscopy, and ev...
Dr. Xiao Yongxun Reply:
In general, abdominal pain lasting more than several weeks or months (3-6 months) is referred to as chronic abdominal pain or recurrent abdominal pain. There are many potential causes, with common conditions including: 1. Gastrointestinal diseases: peptic ulcers, gastroesophageal...[Read More] Severe Abdominal Pain: Seeking Answers for Ongoing Discomfort
Understanding Churg-Strauss Syndrome: Prognosis and Recovery Insights
CSS vasculitis Hello doctor, my brother has been diagnosed with severe vasculitis. Initially, the cause was unknown, but now he has developed numbness and swelling in one foot, along with purpura, abdominal pain, and ulcers. He has just been diagnosed with Churg-Strauss syndrome ...
Dr. Gao Jiankai Reply:
Hello, I hope this message finds you well. Churg-Strauss syndrome (CSS) is a challenging condition, but there are increasingly more treatment options available for this type of vasculitis, leading to a more optimistic prognosis than in the past. However, treatment for CSS or othe...[Read More] Understanding Churg-Strauss Syndrome: Prognosis and Recovery Insights
Understanding RA Symptoms: Are They Related to Vasculitis?
Vasculitis? Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA)? Hello, doctor. I have been diagnosed with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) at a medical center due to polyarticular pain and a strongly positive anti-CCP test. I have been on medication for quite some time. Recently, I have been experiencing recurr...
Dr. Gao Jiankai Reply:
Hello, thank you for your message. Based on the symptoms you described, vasculitis is a possibility, and rheumatoid arthritis (RA) can also lead to vasculitis. However, vasculitis associated with RA typically occurs when medication control is inadequate or treatment is irregular....[Read More] Understanding RA Symptoms: Are They Related to Vasculitis?