Can Low-Frequency Electrotherapy Help Alleviate Ankylosing Spondylitis Pain?
Symptoms of ankylosing spondylitis, can low-frequency electrical stimulation therapy improve them? Hello, Doctor. I am a 20-year-old male patient with ankylosing spondylitis. My main issue is pain in the lower back (not reaching the buttocks). Currently, I am taking Celebrex and ...
Dr. Zeng Guosen reply Internal Medicine
Hello, if the back pain is caused by ankylosing spondylitis, a low-frequency electrotherapy device may be ineffective. However, it might be beneficial for superficial myofascial muscle soreness. You could give it a try. For further use of the low-frequency electrotherapy device, ...[Read More] Can Low-Frequency Electrotherapy Help Alleviate Ankylosing Spondylitis Pain?
Is the Effect of Celecoxib on ESR Less Noticeable Than on CRP?
Is the effect of Xeljanz on lowering ESR less pronounced? Hello Doctor, I am a patient with ankylosing spondylitis and have been diagnosed for 3 years. For the past year, I have been undergoing treatment with Celecoxib. Although my buttock pain symptoms have significantly improve...
Dr. Zeng Guosen reply Internal Medicine
The ESR (erythrocyte sedimentation rate) can be influenced by many factors aside from inflammation, so it is primarily recommended to refer to CRP (C-reactive protein) levels. You can try substituting different anti-inflammatory and analgesic medications. The results from the WBC...[Read More] Is the Effect of Celecoxib on ESR Less Noticeable Than on CRP?
Managing Ankylosing Spondylitis Back Pain: Do NSAIDs and Exercise Always Help?
Can back pain from ankylosing spondylitis be alleviated by taking NSAIDs? Hello Doctor, my son is 19 years old and has been diagnosed with ankylosing spondylitis for three years. He has undergone relevant blood tests and MRI scans, and the rheumatologist confirmed the diagnosis. ...
Dr. Zeng Guosen reply Internal Medicine
For individuals with ankylosing spondylitis experiencing back pain, simply taking NSAIDs along with appropriate exercise may not completely alleviate the pain. It is important to conduct a differential diagnosis to rule out other possibilities. If it is confirmed that the pain is...[Read More] Managing Ankylosing Spondylitis Back Pain: Do NSAIDs and Exercise Always Help?
Should I See a Rehabilitation or Rheumatology Specialist for My Symptoms?
Should I see a rehabilitation specialist or a rheumatologist for my plantar fasciitis and tennis elbow symptoms? Hello Doctor: Since receiving the third dose of Moderna (the first two doses were BNT) three months ago, I have experienced the following symptoms starting on the thir...
Dr. Zeng Guosen reply Internal Medicine
Users with symptoms of plantar fasciitis, tennis elbow, and tenderness in the left thumb joint may have a potential connection to ankylosing spondylitis. CRP/ESR tests can be referenced, but they cannot definitively rule in or out the association. Treatment can be pursued through...[Read More] Should I See a Rehabilitation or Rheumatology Specialist for My Symptoms?
Managing Medication for Ankylosing Spondylitis During COVID-19
Medication-related issues Hello Doctor: I have ankylosing spondylitis, and I am currently taking 1000 mg of Celebrex daily. I would like to ask you: 1) If I contract an infection, should I continue taking Celebrex? If I need to stop, how long should I refrain from taking it? 2) I...
Dr. Zeng Guosen reply Internal Medicine
1. If infected, you can continue taking Celecoxib. 2. In your situation, Paxlovid may not be necessary. Thank you for your question.[Read More] Managing Medication for Ankylosing Spondylitis During COVID-19
Understanding High ESR Levels in Anemia and Ankylosing Spondylitis
Is it because I have anemia that my ESR is often elevated? Hello Doctor: I am a patient with ankylosing spondylitis, 20 years old, and I have been diagnosed for over 2 years. Recently, for the past 7 months, I have been taking Salazopyrin, and during my last two follow-up visits,...
Dr. Zeng Guosen reply Internal Medicine
1. Hemoglobin (Hb) levels of 13.5 to 14.5 are not the cause of abnormal erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR), as ESR can be influenced by many factors in the body. 2. C-reactive protein (CRP) is more important than ESR for monitoring ankylosing spondylitis; symptoms and X-rays a...[Read More] Understanding High ESR Levels in Anemia and Ankylosing Spondylitis
New Treatment Options for MDS: Can Patients Access Insurance Coverage?
Are there new drugs available for the treatment of MDS (Myelodysplastic Syndromes)? Hello, doctor! My current white blood cell count is 1600, hemoglobin is between 6 and 7, and platelet count is 9000. I am a patient with MDS. For the past two to three months, platelet transfusion...
Dr. Zeng Guosen reply Internal Medicine
It seems that MDS patients cannot apply for health insurance coverage for thrombopoietin. It is recommended to consult a hematology outpatient physician for further inquiries. Thank you for your question.[Read More] New Treatment Options for MDS: Can Patients Access Insurance Coverage?
Can Increasing Salazopyrin Dosage Improve ESR in Ankylosing Spondylitis?
Saleran significantly reduces CRP levels; can increasing the dosage also lead to a significant decrease in ESR? Hello Doctor: I am 20 years old and have been diagnosed with ankylosing spondylitis for 3 years, with the diagnosis confirmed 1 year after the onset. Initially, I was t...
Dr. Zeng Guosen reply Internal Medicine
1. There are many bodily factors that can cause elevated ESR, and inflammation is just one of them. Increasing the dosage of Salazopyrin to 3 or 4 tablets per day may be worth trying, but it may not necessarily be effective. 2. Mild anemia is unlikely to cause such a high ESR. Th...[Read More] Can Increasing Salazopyrin Dosage Improve ESR in Ankylosing Spondylitis?
Does Allergies Affect Elevated ESR Levels in Young Adults?
Can allergies cause an increase in ESR? Hello Doctor: My son is 20 years old and has had allergies since childhood. Over two years ago, he was also diagnosed with ankylosing spondylitis. He is currently taking two capsules of Salazopyrin daily. In the early stages of the disease,...
Dr. Zeng Guosen reply Internal Medicine
Hello, there are many reasons that can cause elevated ESR levels, and inflammation is just one of them. Allergies do not necessarily lead to increased ESR, especially if other values are normal. If you have any questions, you can consult your attending physician. Thank you for yo...[Read More] Does Allergies Affect Elevated ESR Levels in Young Adults?
Understanding Kidney Pain: Causes and Remedies After Hair Dyeing
Kidney pain I recently experienced pain in my right abdomen after dyeing my hair. I didn't have this pain often before, and although there are no stones seen in the imaging, I wonder if dyeing my hair back to black would alleviate the pain. I also heard that someone in my gr...
Dr. Zeng Guosen reply Internal Medicine
Hello, the abdominal pain you are experiencing is likely unrelated to hair dyeing. There are many potential causes for right-sided abdominal pain, with kidney stones or renal issues being just a few of them. If the pain does not improve, it is advisable to consult a gastroenterol...[Read More] Understanding Kidney Pain: Causes and Remedies After Hair Dyeing
Understanding Sjögren's Syndrome: Key Questions and Dietary Guidance
Sjögren's Syndrome Index Hello Dr. Tseng! I have been diagnosed with Sjögren's syndrome, and I have some questions to ask: 1. Is an ANA (antinuclear antibody) titer of 1:80 (+) and Cyto-C, SSA at 280 (+) considered severe? 2. What does Cyto-C refer to? 3. Is it possible...
Dr. Zeng Guosen reply Internal Medicine
Hello, online friend. 1. ANA and SSA are only for diagnostic reference; their values are not necessarily related to the severity of the condition. 2. I'm not sure what Cyto-C is. 3. The SSA index can fluctuate, and it can certainly decrease. 4. If you experience dry mouth or...[Read More] Understanding Sjögren's Syndrome: Key Questions and Dietary Guidance
Understanding Antinuclear Antibody (ANA) Test Results: What 1:80 Means
Antinuclear antibodies (ANA) My blood test result is 1:80. I would like to know if this is normal or if further testing is needed.
Dr. Zeng Guosen reply Internal Medicine
AANA titer of 1:80 is considered weakly positive, which may be normal, but a small number of cases could indicate an issue that requires further differential diagnosis. There are many specific tests that need to be conducted, which I won't detail here. Please consult a rheum...[Read More] Understanding Antinuclear Antibody (ANA) Test Results: What 1:80 Means
Understanding Atypical Symptoms of Ankylosing Spondylitis in Young Adults
I am not sure if it is truly ankylosing spondylitis? Hello Doctor, my son is currently 19 years old and has been diagnosed with ankylosing spondylitis at Chang Gung Memorial Hospital for over two years. Initially, he only experienced pain in the sacroiliac joint in his buttocks, ...
Dr. Zeng Guosen reply Internal Medicine
The symptoms described by the user, such as experiencing pain in the lower back when leaning backward (but not when bending forward), are not typical of ankylosing spondylitis. There is no morning stiffness, no increased pain upon waking, and no relief after daytime activities, w...[Read More] Understanding Atypical Symptoms of Ankylosing Spondylitis in Young Adults
Should My Son Continue Taking Pain Relievers for Ankylosing Spondylitis?
I'm not sure whether to continue taking anti-inflammatory pain relievers? Hello Doctor, my son is currently 19 years old and has been diagnosed with ankylosing spondylitis for over two years. His only symptom has been pain in the sacroiliac joint in his buttocks. At the onse...
Dr. Zeng Guosen reply Internal Medicine
1) If ESR/CRP levels are normal and symptoms are stable, pain medication may not be necessary, but regular monitoring of ESR/CRP and X-rays is required. 2) Ankylosing spondylitis typically begins by affecting the sacroiliac joints, and approximately half of the patients will expe...[Read More] Should My Son Continue Taking Pain Relievers for Ankylosing Spondylitis?
Understanding Elevated Rheumatoid Factor: Concerns and Implications
Elevated rheumatoid factor in health check-ups? Hello Doctor, I underwent a full body health check in August and unexpectedly found my RF to be 240 (normal <15), while other results were normal. I went to the immunology department for a re-examination. I have no discomfort, an...
Dr. Zeng Guosen reply Internal Medicine
A netizen discovered an RF level of 240 during a comprehensive health check-up. RF is not exclusively associated with rheumatoid arthritis; it is commonly found in carriers of hepatitis B, chronic infections, inflammation, and autoimmune diseases. RF does not have predictive valu...[Read More] Understanding Elevated Rheumatoid Factor: Concerns and Implications
Understanding Bloating and Constipation: Insights for Relief
Abdominal bloating and constipation? Hello Doctor, I have been experiencing abdominal bloating for almost six months now, with the bloating sensation primarily located on the right side of my abdomen. I have undergone a colonoscopy during this period, which was normal. Currently,...
Dr. Zeng Guosen reply Internal Medicine
Gastrointestinal abnormalities are common clinical issues that can be challenging to manage. The causes are numerous, including physiological, psychological, medication-related, dietary, and lifestyle factors. It is difficult to determine the cause and appropriate management base...[Read More] Understanding Bloating and Constipation: Insights for Relief
Vaccines and Inflammation: Understanding Symptoms in Ankylosing Spondylitis
Vaccines and Inflammatory Markers Hello Doctor, I am a patient with ankylosing spondylitis. Recently, after receiving the vaccine, I have developed new symptoms of chest pain, which has lasted for six months. Both cardiology and pulmonology have stated that it is not a heart or l...
Dr. Zeng Guosen reply Internal Medicine
Hello, the vaccine can indeed trigger the activation of autoimmune diseases. First, it's important to determine whether the nature and location of the chest pain are related to ankylosing spondylitis; you may want to consult a rheumatologist. If that is ruled out, you should...[Read More] Vaccines and Inflammation: Understanding Symptoms in Ankylosing Spondylitis
Post-Vaccine Effects on Ankylosing Spondylitis: Recovery Insights
The follow-up effects of vaccines on ankylosing spondylitis? Doctor, for some patients with ankylosing spondylitis who have experienced suspected flare-ups or worsening conditions after vaccination, is it true that the majority of these flare-ups or worsening conditions have retu...
Dr. Zeng Guosen reply Internal Medicine
There have been cases reported by netizens of ankylosing spondylitis symptoms relapsing or worsening after vaccination, but these are still relatively rare. The vast majority of individuals have returned to normal over time following these relapses or exacerbations. It is recomme...[Read More] Post-Vaccine Effects on Ankylosing Spondylitis: Recovery Insights
Comparing mRNA and Subunit Vaccines for Ankylosing Spondylitis Management
The impact of vaccines on ankylosing spondylitis? Hello, doctor. Currently, among the COVID-19 vaccines, there are mRNA vaccines like BNT and Moderna, as well as subunit vaccines like High-End and Novavax. Could you please let me know if there are any research reports or medical ...
Dr. Zeng Guosen reply Internal Medicine
Currently, there are no research reports available to compare which is less likely to cause a relapse or worsening of ankylosing spondylitis between mRNA vaccines and subunit vaccines. Thank you.[Read More] Comparing mRNA and Subunit Vaccines for Ankylosing Spondylitis Management
Managing Anxiety and Health Issues: A Guide for Chronic Symptoms
Years of anxiety and restlessness? Unexplained weight loss (notable thinning of the waist, abdomen, thighs, and calves), frequent dry throat and pain during sleep, muscle soreness, recurrent oral ulcers affecting the tongue and gums that persist, healing only to break out again a...
Dr. Zeng Guosen reply Internal Medicine
The user is experiencing muscle soreness, recurrent ulcers in the mouth, tongue, and gums, and sometimes has a low-grade fever ranging from 37.0 to 37.5 degrees Celsius, indicating a chronic inflammation issue. It is recommended to consult with an immunologist for a thorough eval...[Read More] Managing Anxiety and Health Issues: A Guide for Chronic Symptoms