Understanding Syphilis: Long-term Effects and Risks of Recurrent Infections
Syphilis infection Hello Doctor, I have some questions to ask you. 1. A year and a half ago, I was infected with syphilis and received treatment (antibiotic injections). My RPR value has decreased by more than fourfold and is currently at 1:16, but my TPHA remains around 1:5120...
Dr. Liao Zhongxin Reply:
Dear readers: 1. No, please continue to avoid dangerous behaviors (substance abuse and unsafe sexual practices). 2. No, thank you![Read More] Understanding Syphilis: Long-term Effects and Risks of Recurrent Infections
Understanding Anti-CCP: What a Weak Positive Result Means for You
Anti-CCP, or anti-cyclic citrullinated peptide antibodies, are autoantib Hello Dr. Gao, Since the beginning of this year, I have been experiencing difficulty gripping with both hands upon waking up in the morning. My fingers, wrists, and shoulder joints are painful, and sometim...
Dr. Gao Jiankai Reply:
Hello, thank you for your question. A weakly positive anti-CCP refers to a value that is below three times the normal range, while a strongly positive result is above that threshold. In the diagnosis of rheumatoid arthritis, the confirmation relies on the total score from various...[Read More] Understanding Anti-CCP: What a Weak Positive Result Means for You
Understanding Asthma, Bronchiectasis, and Autoimmune Connections
Asthma, bronchiectasis, immune issues? Symptoms similar to asthma, often experiencing chest tightness, and in severe cases, wheezing during breathing, along with coughing and sometimes feeling short of breath. I have undergone many tests, including bronchial cultures which were a...
Dr. Zeng Guosen Reply:
Hello, user: 1. Usually, chronic bronchitis or bronchiectasis leads to the later development of asthma-like symptoms. A DLCO of 66% indicates that gas exchange in the lungs is not solely related to airway narrowing but may involve other issues beyond bronchial asthma. 2. Auto...[Read More] Understanding Asthma, Bronchiectasis, and Autoimmune Connections
Understanding Methylprednisolone: Effects on Liver Enzymes and Potassium Levels
Regarding steroids? Currently, due to vasculitis, I have been using methylprednisolone for three weeks. The initial dosage was an injection twice a day (30 mg each time), administered for three consecutive days, then reduced to half the dosage for another three days, followed by ...
Dr. Ke Zhengchang Reply:
Hello: Long-term use of steroids can lead to obesity and fatty liver, which may result in a mild increase in GOT (AST) and GPT (ALT) levels. However, it is essential to rule out the possibility of hepatitis B and C. Additionally, this may cause mild hypokalemia and an increase in...[Read More] Understanding Methylprednisolone: Effects on Liver Enzymes and Potassium Levels
Understanding Vasculitis Treatment: Key Questions and Insights
Treatment of vasculitis My father underwent cataract surgery on his left eye on April 9, and since then, his vision has been blurry. During a follow-up appointment two days ago, the doctor mentioned that he has vascular occlusion and dilation of the optic nerve. Since November of...
Dr. Qiu Zhengbin Reply:
Hello, I am a physician in the Department of Metabolism at Changhua Hospital. Regarding your concerns, I would like to address them from two aspects. First, you mentioned that your father has experienced a weight loss of 11 kilograms over the past few months, along with fatigue...[Read More] Understanding Vasculitis Treatment: Key Questions and Insights
Understanding Behçet's Disease: Causes, Effects, and Treatment Concerns
excuse me? What is the true cause of Behçet's disease and how significantly does it affect the body? Is there a correlation between having gastric ulcers and hypothyroidism occurring simultaneously? I am currently receiving weekly steroid injections; are there any side effec...
Dr. Yang Hongzhi Reply:
Behçet's disease is generally considered to be caused by an autoimmune response leading to vasculitis. Gastric ulcers may occasionally occur in this condition, and hypothyroidism can also be classified as an autoimmune disease, which may occur concurrently, although it is no...[Read More] Understanding Behçet's Disease: Causes, Effects, and Treatment Concerns
Understanding Autoimmune Antibodies and Their Impact on Vascular Health
Autoimmune antibodies __ vasculitis At the age of 29, I was diagnosed with "cardiovascular disease" (currently, there is no pulse in my left arm due to an issue with the aorta). I was scheduled for bypass surgery in September 2007, as the area requiring bypass connects ...
Dr. Zeng Guosen Reply:
1. It is essential to first assess for vasculitis and the extent of vascular involvement before determining the necessity of surgery. 2. The etiology of vasculitis is unknown; therefore, long-term treatment, management, monitoring, and evaluation are required. 3. Follow the treat...[Read More] Understanding Autoimmune Antibodies and Their Impact on Vascular Health
Understanding Eye Symptoms and Complications in SLE Patients
Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) can have various symptoms and effects on the eyes, including: 1. **Dry Eyes**: Due to decreased tear production, leading to discomfort and irritation. 2. **Conjunctivitis**: Inflammation of the conjunctiva, which can cause redness and swelling ...
Dr. Zeng Guosen Reply:
1. Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) may be associated with dry eye syndrome, intraocular vasculitis, or cataracts caused by corticosteroid use. 2. Determining whether your dry eye syndrome is related to SLE must be assessed by a clinic physician; currently, there is no blood ...[Read More] Understanding Eye Symptoms and Complications in SLE Patients
Can Allergic Purpura Appear on Thighs? Symptoms and Treatment Insights
Purpura can appear on the thighs? Hello, doctor. I would like to ask if allergic purpura can appear on the thighs and the inner thighs? The symptoms are as follows: occasional abdominal pain, lower back pain, and knee pain when walking. The spots are painful when pressed. Will th...
Dr. Yao Quan Reply:
Hello, Miss Sandy. Allergic purpura primarily appears on the lower extremities and can occur on the thighs. Some patients may also have purpura on the trunk. The following photo is from the British Journal of Dermatology, 149(6):1282-5, December 2003. Allergic purpura is a type o...[Read More] Can Allergic Purpura Appear on Thighs? Symptoms and Treatment Insights
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
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 Vasculitis: Symptoms, Causes, and When to Seek Help
Vasculitis Hello Dr. Tseng, I previously had 2 to 3 instances where reddish-brown spots appeared on my hands and feet. I visited a dermatologist, who diagnosed me with vasculitis. They conducted blood tests and a urinalysis, and the results indicated that my immune system activit...
Dr. Zeng Guosen Reply:
Hello: 1. Based on your description, the likelihood of vasculitis is quite high, and further examination is recommended. 2. There should be no correlation with sexual activity or peeling skin. Sincerely, Dr. Tseng Kuo-Sen, Internal Medicine.[Read More] Understanding Vasculitis: Symptoms, Causes, and When to Seek Help
Understanding Leg Pain and Hard Lumps: Autoimmune Disease Concerns
excuse me? Dr. Chen: Hello, my problem has been bothering me for a long time. I have seen several doctors who all said to ignore it, but I am worried. Occasionally, I experience some pain in my calves (and now my thighs as well), along with hard lumps that develop red spots, whic...
Dr. Chen Baoli Reply:
Hello Amy: Based on your description, it could potentially be a manifestation of vasculitis, but a definitive diagnosis requires consideration of other clinical symptoms, age, occupation, and other factors. As for further examinations, in addition to blood tests, a skin biopsy ma...[Read More] Understanding Leg Pain and Hard Lumps: Autoimmune Disease Concerns
Understanding A-Alpha Globulin Nephritis: Symptoms, Diagnosis, and Management
Type A globulin glomerulonephritis Hello Doctor, I have had microscopic hematuria for a year. Last year, I underwent examinations in the nephrology department, including blood tests, urine tests, and imaging X-rays. Aside from 4+ occult blood, I sometimes had proteinuria and some...
Dr. Yang Jun Reply:
Hello: In response to your question... Persistent microscopic hematuria and occasional proteinuria are indicative of glomerulonephritis. Generally, type A alpha globulin nephritis is more common. An IgA level of 380 is elevated, which further supports the high likelihood of type ...[Read More] Understanding A-Alpha Globulin Nephritis: Symptoms, Diagnosis, and Management
Understanding Uncontrolled Hand Tremors: Causes and Concerns
Uncontrollable shaking of both hands? Hello doctor, my hands have been shaking uncontrollably, and the severity seems to be increasing. This condition has been present for about a year now. What warning signs does this indicate? Could I have any underlying disease? I would apprec...
Dr. Li Dong'an Reply:
Hello AlfredLO: There are many potential causes for hand tremors, including depression, fatigue, hyperthyroidism, hereditary factors, medications, alcohol withdrawal, metal or pesticide poisoning, nutritional deficiencies, infections, autoimmune diseases such as vasculitis, endoc...[Read More] Understanding Uncontrolled Hand Tremors: Causes and Concerns
Unexplained Pain: Understanding Symptoms and Possible Causes
Unexplained pain In the past two weeks, I initially experienced headaches accompanied by weakness in my limbs, followed by dizziness (I consulted a neurologist, and the EEG was normal; the doctor mentioned it was due to high stress). Additionally, there are some areas in my arms ...
Dr. Li Dong'an Reply:
Hello, Xiao Wei: In addition to your symptoms, it is necessary to conduct a physical examination and laboratory tests to identify the underlying cause. I recommend that you consult with specialists in immunology and rheumatology, as well as neurology, to rule out any issues relat...[Read More] Unexplained Pain: Understanding Symptoms and Possible Causes
Which Specialist Should You See for Your Child's Hand Symptoms?
Which specialty clinic should I visit? Dear Dr. Tseng, My daughter’s right ring finger suddenly became red, swollen, and numb about half a month ago. After about two days, all her other fingers also became red and swollen, and sometimes they would go completely numb, but then it...
Dr. Zeng Guosen Reply:
Hello! According to online descriptions, Raynaud's phenomenon should be considered, and it could also be caused by vascular circulation disorders or vasculitis. If symptoms persist, it is advisable to consult a rheumatologist. Currently, the most important measures are to ke...[Read More] Which Specialist Should You See for Your Child's Hand Symptoms?
Understanding Edema: Causes, Symptoms, and When to Seek Help
Edema Forwarding a question from a netizen to the Director: I saw on TV that Director Tu helped a homeless person with a medical consultation... It seemed like there were issues with their gastrointestinal health that might cause edema... I think I might have edema too... Is ther...
Dr. Xiao Yongxun Reply:
Hello: In response to your inquiry regarding edema, it refers to a condition characterized by an increase in extracellular fluid. Clinically, it presents differently based on the location and underlying pathology, with numerous related diseases that cannot all be listed. However,...[Read More] Understanding Edema: Causes, Symptoms, and When to Seek Help
Morning Swelling: Possible Causes and Kidney Function Concerns
Upon waking up in the morning, I noticed that my entire body was swollen? My mother-in-law is fifty years old and has a family history of diabetes. She is currently taking medication to manage her condition. Over the past year, she has experienced swelling in her hands, feet, and...
Dr. Xiao Yongxun Reply:
Hello: In response to your question: (1) There are many causes of edema, generally classified as follows: 1. Increased venous pressure: including congestive heart failure, valvular heart disease, pericardial disease, renal disorders, endocrine diseases, vascular disorders, etc. 2...[Read More] Morning Swelling: Possible Causes and Kidney Function Concerns