Can Ankylosing Spondylitis Cause Recurring Boils?
Will ankylosing spondylitis continuously cause boils? Hello Doctor, I was diagnosed with ankylosing spondylitis in April this year. After taking medication for half a month, I suddenly developed a boil in the groin area, which required surgical intervention. I took antibiotics fo...
Dr. Gao Jiankai reply Internal Medicine
Hello, thank you for your question. I believe the relationship with medication is relatively low; it may be more related to ankylosing spondylitis or related rheumatic diseases. I suggest discussing this with your physician and paying attention to whether you have recurrent oral ...[Read More] Can Ankylosing Spondylitis Cause Recurring Boils?
Understanding Abnormal Immune System Test Results: ANA, C3, and C4 Explained
Immunological System Abnormalities in Test Report Hello Doctor, I have been troubled for a long time by occasional bone pain and itching. About two years ago, I visited a rheumatology and immunology specialist, and my ANA titer was 1:1280. A few days ago, I had a follow-up appoin...
Dr. Gao Jiankai reply Internal Medicine
Hello, thank you for your question. Here are my responses: 1. What does a decrease in the ANA index indicate? Does it mean a gradual return to normal? --> The ANA index can fluctuate over time, influenced not only by the patient's physical condition but also by the testi...[Read More] Understanding Abnormal Immune System Test Results: ANA, C3, and C4 Explained
Understanding Persistent Low Platelet Counts: Causes and Treatment Options
Persistent decrease in platelet count? Hello, Doctor. Last August, I discovered through a blood test that I had a positive ANA and thrombocytopenia with a platelet count of about 100,000, along with a slight decrease in complement C3. All other test values were normal, and I susp...
Dr. Gao Jiankai reply Internal Medicine
Hello, thank you for your question. Your physician's treatment approach is more aggressive; administering pulse steroids can quickly adjust the uncontrolled immune function, potentially allowing the platelet count to return to a safer level and maintain it for a longer durat...[Read More] Understanding Persistent Low Platelet Counts: Causes and Treatment Options
Managing Allergic Rhinitis: ENT vs. Immunology Approaches
Allergic rhinitis The practice in otolaryngology involves clearing the nose and administering nasal medication or nasal sprays. This way, there is no need to schedule a follow-up appointment. However, it seems that in immunology, follow-up appointments are required consistently. ...
Dr. Gao Jiankai reply Internal Medicine
Hello, thank you for your question. Each treatment method has its pros and cons, and individual needs vary, making it difficult to compare. In otolaryngology, nasal sprays may reduce the need for medication, but patients generally still need to return for follow-up visits periodi...[Read More] Managing Allergic Rhinitis: ENT vs. Immunology Approaches
Concerns About Dark Stools from Long-term Use of Medication for Ankylosing Spondylitis
Inquiry about medication for ankylosing spondylitis? Hello, doctor! My partner has ankylosing spondylitis and is currently taking one and a half tablets of Voltaren (diclofenac) per day. However, the color of their stool is dark (closer to black), and we are concerned whether thi...
Dr. Gao Jiankai reply Internal Medicine
Hello, thank you for your question. Dark stools (such as dark green stools) can sometimes be difficult to distinguish from true melena caused by gastrointestinal bleeding. However, while Diclofenac is generally less irritating to the stomach and relatively safe, it is still an an...[Read More] Concerns About Dark Stools from Long-term Use of Medication for Ankylosing Spondylitis
Managing Recurrent Rheumatism: Impact of Traditional and Western Medicine
Symptoms of recurrent rheumatic fever? Hello, Doctor. After experiencing persistent pain for three months, I was diagnosed with recurrent rheumatism. One day I woke up with morning stiffness in both hands, but it disappeared after two days. Later, my doctor prescribed quinine. Be...
Dr. Gao Jiankai reply Internal Medicine
Hello, thank you for your inquiry. Here are my responses: 1. I will be undergoing a blood test in the next few days to check the status after taking quinine for a month. I would like to know if the concurrent use of traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) and Western medicine will af...[Read More] Managing Recurrent Rheumatism: Impact of Traditional and Western Medicine
Understanding Joint and Muscle Pain: Causes, Symptoms, and Management
Joint and muscle pain Hello Doctor, I would like to ask you a few questions. 1. Initially, I experienced pain in my right knee and went to an orthopedic clinic where an ultrasound revealed inflammation and swelling. The doctor suggested a possible meniscus injury. However, afte...
Dr. Gao Jiankai reply Internal Medicine
Hello, thank you for your inquiry. Here are my responses: 1. Initially, I experienced pain in my right knee and visited an orthopedic clinic where an ultrasound revealed inflammation and swelling. The doctor suggested a possible meniscus injury. After a follow-up visit with no i...[Read More] Understanding Joint and Muscle Pain: Causes, Symptoms, and Management
Managing COVID-19 in Patients with Sjögren's Syndrome: Treatment Insights
After being diagnosed with COVID-19 three times, the patient has been unable to test negative for an extended period following the most recent diagnosis? Hello Doctor, my mother has been diagnosed with Sjögren's syndrome for over ten years. Currently, she is taking one pill ...
Dr. Gao Jiankai reply Internal Medicine
Hello, thank you for your question. Here are my responses: 1. I would like to ask whether antiviral medication is necessary, or if there is a need for antiviral medication for patients with Sjögren's syndrome? (I am not opposed to taking it; if possible, I hope the physicia...[Read More] Managing COVID-19 in Patients with Sjögren's Syndrome: Treatment Insights
Understanding Your Blood Test Results: Key Insights and Implications
Blood Test Report Hello Doctor, I am the person who asked question 210066. The ANA Pattern 1 is Dense Fine Speckled (AC-2), the ANA Titer 1 is 1:80, the Anti-RNP Antibody is 0.6 U/ml (reference value [<10.0]), the Anti-La and Anti-Ro are both <0.3 (both reference values: Ne...
Dr. Gao Jiankai reply Internal Medicine
Hello, thank you for your inquiry. My opinion remains the same as before. In the information you provided, the abnormal result is ANA, while other tests such as anti-RNP, anti-LA, anti-Ro, anti-Sm, anti-ds DNA, and anti-Cardiolipin IgG are normal. The latter tests are conducted t...[Read More] Understanding Your Blood Test Results: Key Insights and Implications
Understanding Black Stool: Causes and Concerns About Stomach Issues
Bowel and gastric issues? Today, I noticed that my stool is black, but it doesn't happen every day; it occurs occasionally along with some mild nausea (not sure if it's psychological). I would like to know if this could be stomach cancer, or if infrequent fruit consumpt...
Dr. Gao Jiankai reply Internal Medicine
Hello, thank you for your question. I believe the likelihood of gastric cancer is low, while the chances of gastrointestinal ulcers, such as gastric or duodenal ulcers, are higher. If there is bleeding from an ulcer in the stomach or duodenum, it can lead to black stools due to d...[Read More] Understanding Black Stool: Causes and Concerns About Stomach Issues
Understanding Gastrointestinal Issues in Elderly Patients with Lung Fibrosis
Gastrointestinal issues My mother is 84 years old and has had pulmonary fibrosis for many years, sometimes requiring oxygen therapy during severe episodes. Recently, she has experienced sudden episodes of facial discoloration due to hypoxia, which have occurred three times. In th...
Dr. Gao Jiankai reply Internal Medicine
Hello, thank you for your inquiry. Vomiting blood of 1000cc along with bloody stools is very serious, and I recommend that you seek emergency care immediately. Although the elderly may not be able to undergo an endoscopy, the emergency department or gastroenterology can still pro...[Read More] Understanding Gastrointestinal Issues in Elderly Patients with Lung Fibrosis
Understanding Your ANA Test Results: What Does a Positive Result Mean?
Report inquiry? Hello, I would like to inquire about my previous blood test results. The ANA was positive, with a Dense Fine Speckled pattern at a titer of 1:640(+). After approximately one year of follow-up, the results are as follows: ANA Pattern 1 is Dense Fine Speckled (AC-2)...
Dr. Gao Jiankai reply Internal Medicine
Hello, thank you for your inquiry. Here are my responses: 1. The reference ranges for test values may vary between different laboratories. If you have questions about your test results, I recommend presenting the normal ranges indicated in the report for easier interpretation. 2....[Read More] Understanding Your ANA Test Results: What Does a Positive Result Mean?
Can You Get HIV from Saliva if You Have a Sore Throat?
HIV infection I have a cold and a sore throat. I came into contact with the saliva of an HIV-positive person. Since I have a sore throat with wounds, is there a risk of transmission?
Dr. Gao Jiankai reply Internal Medicine
Hello, thank you for your inquiry. Although HIV infection leads to immune dysfunction, the related symptoms are primarily various infections. Therefore, the issue of HIV should be addressed by an infectious disease specialist. Please consult with an infectious disease physician. ...[Read More] Can You Get HIV from Saliva if You Have a Sore Throat?
Understanding Salivary Gland Scintigraphy in Sjögren's Syndrome
Salivary Gland Scintigraphy Report for Sjögren's Syndrome Hello, Dr. Gao. My salivary gland biopsy showed lymphocytic infiltration, confirming a diagnosis of Sjögren's syndrome. I subsequently underwent salivary gland scintigraphy and would like to ask how this report i...
Dr. Gao Jiankai reply Internal Medicine
Hello, thank you for your question. Compensatory parotid function refers to the adaptive response of the salivary glands, resulting in heterogeneous signal distribution on imaging, where some areas show strong signals while others show weak signals. This indicates that the functi...[Read More] Understanding Salivary Gland Scintigraphy in Sjögren's Syndrome
Understanding Immune Disorders and Allergies: A Patient's Guide
Autoimmune diseases and allergic issues? Hello, Doctor. I would like to ask you a few questions: 1. I was diagnosed with ankylosing spondylitis over two years ago and started taking Celebrex, usually once a day, and sometimes twice when my back pain is worse. I would like to kn...
Dr. Gao Jiankai reply Internal Medicine
Hello, thank you for your inquiry. Here are my responses: 1. You were diagnosed with ankylosing spondylitis over two years ago and started taking Celebrex, typically once a day, and sometimes twice when your back pain is more severe. You are wondering if it is normal to feel tha...[Read More] Understanding Immune Disorders and Allergies: A Patient's Guide
What to Do After Accidental Antibiotic Overdose?
What should be done after accidentally taking antibiotics? I had nasal congestion and runny nose for two to three days, thinking it was just my nasal allergies. Later, I woke up to find my throat swollen and realized I had a cold. I thought I would just go to the pharmacy to buy ...
Dr. Gao Jiankai reply Internal Medicine
Hello, thank you for your question. Biaxin is an antibiotic that we commonly prescribe, and it can indeed have diarrhea as a side effect. If you are only experiencing a cold with a sore throat, without a fever, and your symptoms are improving, you may not need to continue taking ...[Read More] What to Do After Accidental Antibiotic Overdose?
Understanding Lupus: Key Symptoms, Diagnosis, and Treatment Options
Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) Hello, doctor. I started experiencing hair loss (alopecia areata) and urticaria in May of this year. I recalled that four years ago, I had a similar condition and underwent testing in the immunology department, where my anti-dsDNA level was 11. ...
Dr. Gao Jiankai reply Internal Medicine
Hello, thank you for your question. Here are my responses: 1. ANA 1:1280; anti-dsDNA 13; C3 90. The doctor mentioned that although these indices suggest a high likelihood of systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), since it hasn't reached 15, it cannot be definitively diagnosed...[Read More] Understanding Lupus: Key Symptoms, Diagnosis, and Treatment Options
Understanding Kidney Function Test Results: What Do They Mean?
Follow-up Questions Regarding Kidney Function Hello, doctor. Previously, during a health check-up, I had elevated levels of blood urea nitrogen at 23, uric acid at 7.3, glomerular filtration rate at 78, and urine protein at 15 (+/-). My creatinine level was 1.1, which is normal. ...
Dr. Gao Jiankai reply Internal Medicine
Hello, thank you for your inquiry. Your information is incomplete, as it lacks the reference ranges for various indicators, making it difficult to provide an accurate response. However, regarding the result of the P/C Ratio, it should be acceptable. The Allergy, Immunology, and R...[Read More] Understanding Kidney Function Test Results: What Do They Mean?
Understanding HIV Testing: When to Get Retested After Potential Exposure
HIV testing issues? Hello, doctor! I have some questions regarding my last unsafe sexual encounter in February of this year. I was concerned about potential infections, so I went for a blood test on June 27, and the result was negative! I have heard that the HIV window period doe...
Dr. Gao Jiankai reply Internal Medicine
Hello, thank you for your inquiry. The diagnosis, treatment, prevention, and prognosis related to HIV are managed by infectious disease specialists. Although the issues caused by HIV are related to immune function, we kindly ask that you direct any questions regarding HIV to an i...[Read More] Understanding HIV Testing: When to Get Retested After Potential Exposure
Mercury Poisoning Risks from Broken Light Bulbs: What You Need to Know
Breaking a light bulb can lead to mercury poisoning? After I removed the bulb from the lamp, it accidentally fell and broke on the table while I was putting it in a bag. During the cleanup, my hand came into contact with the glass shards. Could this cause mercury poisoning? What ...
Dr. Gao Jiankai reply Internal Medicine
Hello, thank you for your question. The mercury content in regular light bulbs is very low, and contact with broken glass should not cause poisoning. However, the mercury vapor inside the bulb can potentially lead to inhalation mercury poisoning after the bulb breaks. Therefore, ...[Read More] Mercury Poisoning Risks from Broken Light Bulbs: What You Need to Know