the Connection Between Finger Pain and Stomach Issues

Finger and stomach pain?

Dear Dr.
Tseng,
Over the past year, I have experienced cracking, bleeding, redness, swelling, and itching of the skin on my fingers.
I initially thought it was a condition related to "wealthy hands" and sought treatment from both traditional Chinese and Western medicine, but medications and topical treatments have been ineffective.
I have also noticed deformities in my fingers, which have become stiff and unable to bend, straighten, or make a fist.
My fingers feel cold, and in cold weather or windy conditions, I experience sharp pain.
Even techniques taught by a qigong instructor to warm my hands have not helped.

I eventually went to the hospital for blood tests, which revealed issues with my complement system, with complement levels dropping to 40, and I also have mild anemia with low hemoglobin levels.

Could you please explain how significant the impact of reduced complement levels might be on my health? Is there a connection between the decrease in complement levels and my history as a premature infant? Additionally, I experience stomach pain that occurs at night, to the point where I cannot sleep.
Are these two symptoms related?
Thank you for your response, and I wish you all the best.
Angel

Angel, 40~49 year old female. Ask Date: 2007/10/16

Dr. Zeng Guosen reply Internal Medicine

Dear Angel,
1.
Finger deformity, inability to bend the fingers, and cold fingers may be associated with Raynaud's phenomenon.
A decrease in complement levels indicates an abnormality in the immune system, which is unrelated to premature infants.
It is recommended to consult a rheumatology and immunology specialist for examination regarding these issues.
2.
The stomach pain is likely unrelated to the previous symptoms.
To determine the cause, please consult a gastroenterologist for examination.
Wishing you peace and health,
Director of Outpatient Department, Taoyuan Hospital, Health Bureau, Tseng Kuo-Sen

Reply Date: 2007/10/16

More Info

Dear Angel,
Thank you for reaching out with your concerns regarding the connection between your finger pain and stomach issues. Your symptoms are quite complex, and it’s understandable that you are seeking clarity on how they may be related.

Firstly, let’s address the symptoms you are experiencing in your fingers. The cracking, bleeding, swelling, and itching of the skin, along with the deformity and difficulty in movement, suggest a possible underlying condition that may not be simply attributed to external factors like weather or minor injuries. The fact that you have low complement levels and moderate anemia indicates that there may be an autoimmune or inflammatory process at play. Conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis or systemic lupus erythematosus can cause joint and skin symptoms, and they may also affect complement levels in the blood.
The complement system is a part of the immune system that helps to clear pathogens from an organism. A reduction in complement levels can lead to increased susceptibility to infections and may also indicate an ongoing inflammatory process. Given your history as a premature infant, it is possible that you may have a predisposition to certain immune system issues, but this would need to be evaluated by a healthcare professional who can consider your full medical history and perform the necessary tests.

Now, regarding your gastrointestinal symptoms, particularly the stomach pain that occurs at night, it is important to note that while these symptoms may seem unrelated, they can sometimes be interconnected through systemic inflammatory processes. For instance, conditions like autoimmune diseases can affect multiple systems in the body, including the gastrointestinal tract. If you are experiencing significant stomach pain, especially if it disrupts your sleep, it is crucial to seek further evaluation. This could include imaging studies or endoscopy to assess for ulcers or other gastrointestinal issues.

The relationship between your finger symptoms and stomach pain may not be direct, but they could both be manifestations of an underlying systemic condition. For example, if you have an autoimmune disorder, it could lead to both joint and skin symptoms as well as gastrointestinal issues.
In terms of management, it is essential to work closely with a rheumatologist or an immunologist who can help you navigate these symptoms and provide a comprehensive treatment plan. They may recommend specific blood tests to further evaluate your immune function and possibly imaging studies to assess your joints and gastrointestinal tract.

In summary, while your finger pain and stomach issues may not be directly related, they could both stem from a common underlying condition. It is vital to pursue a thorough evaluation to determine the root cause of your symptoms and to establish an effective treatment plan. Please ensure you communicate all your symptoms clearly to your healthcare provider, as this will aid in their assessment and management of your condition.

Wishing you the best in your health journey.

Warm regards,
Doctor Q&A Teams

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