Can I Use SSRIs for Anxiety with Immune Thrombocytopenia?
Use of SSRIs in Immune Thrombocytopenic Purpura (ITP) Dear Dr. Gao, I have been diagnosed with immune thrombocytopenic purpura (ITP) for about 10 years, and my platelet count has been consistently between 10,000 and 20,000. Currently, I am not receiving any treatment for my plat...
Dr. Gao Jiankai Reply:
Hello, thank you for your question. The impact of SSRIs on platelet function and coagulation is generally minimal. However, caution is warranted for patients with ITP (Immune Thrombocytopenic Purpura). I have a few suggestions: 1. There have been significant advancements in the...[Read More] Can I Use SSRIs for Anxiety with Immune Thrombocytopenia?
Can Omega-3 Help Reduce Inflammation in Ankylosing Spondylitis?
Can omega-3 improve the inflammatory condition of ankylosing spondylitis? Hello, Doctor. I am a patient with ankylosing spondylitis and have been experiencing symptoms for three and a half years. Currently, I take two capsules of Celebrex and two capsules of Humira daily to manag...
Dr. Gao Jiankai Reply:
Hello, thank you for your question. Here are my responses: 1) Can omega-3 improve the inflammatory condition of ankylosing spondylitis? --> Currently, there is no clear evidence. Omega-3 is a food supplement, not a medication, and its anti-inflammatory effects are limited. A...[Read More] Can Omega-3 Help Reduce Inflammation in Ankylosing Spondylitis?
Does Celecoxib Effectively Lower CRP Levels in Patients?
Can Xeljanz reduce CRP levels? Hello Dr. Gao: I previously asked you a question (number 188046), and the complete inquiry and response are attached below. I would like to ask you another question: 1) Does sulfasalazine not have an effect on lowering CRP? 2) If not, is the reason ...
Dr. Gao Jiankai Reply:
Hello, thank you for your question. Here are my answers: 1) Does Secukinumab have no effect on lowering CRP? --> Yes, in principle, it has no effect or a poor effect. 2) If not, is the reason the same as why Secukinumab does not lower ESR? --> Yes, the reasons are the same....[Read More] Does Celecoxib Effectively Lower CRP Levels in Patients?
Evaluating Biologics for Ankylosing Spondylitis: A Patient's Dilemma
Should the use of biologic agents be evaluated? Hello, Doctor Gao. My son is 20 years old and has been diagnosed with ankylosing spondylitis for 3.5 years. It took 1.5 years after the onset of symptoms to confirm the diagnosis and begin formal treatment. The overview of his treat...
Dr. Gao Jiankai Reply:
Hello, thank you for your question. Here are my responses: 1) Although taking two Salazopyrin and two CellCept daily can effectively manage my child's condition, I am concerned about the potential long-term side effects (such as cardiovascular issues or kidney disease) fro...[Read More] Evaluating Biologics for Ankylosing Spondylitis: A Patient's Dilemma
Understanding High ANA Levels: Impact on Pregnancy and Miscarriage
Antinuclear antibodies (ANA) Hello Doctor, I would like to ask a question. I previously experienced a pregnancy loss due to fetal cardiac arrest. After that, I went to the rheumatology and immunology department for blood tests and found that my ANA (antinuclear antibody) level wa...
Dr. Gao Jiankai Reply:
Hello, thank you for your question. There are many reasons for fetal demise, and immune dysfunction is just one small factor. In cases related to immune dysfunction, it is important to consult with your physician, as there are other tests that can be performed in addition to the ...[Read More] Understanding High ANA Levels: Impact on Pregnancy and Miscarriage
Addressing Medication Concerns in Ankylosing Spondylitis Treatment
Medication-related issues in ankylosing spondylitis? Hello Doctor, I am #191834, and I have some additional questions to ask you. Thank you for your help: 1. I have been taking Silenor for about six months, but I feel it is not very effective. What should I do? 2. My doctor did...
Dr. Gao Jiankai Reply:
Hello, thank you for your questions. Here are my responses: 1. I have been taking Silodosin for about six months, but I feel it is not very effective. What should I do? --> Please discuss this with your prescribing physician, as there are other medications available. If neces...[Read More] Addressing Medication Concerns in Ankylosing Spondylitis Treatment
Managing Ankylosing Spondylitis Pain During Cold Weather: Tips and Insights
When a cold front arrives, the symptoms of ankylosing spondylitis tend to flare up? Dear Doctor, Happy New Year! I am a 20-year-old patient with ankylosing spondylitis, and I have been experiencing symptoms for 3.5 years. Currently, I am managing my condition with two Sulfasalaz...
Dr. Gao Jiankai Reply:
Hello, thank you for your question. Here are my responses: 1) Regarding the acute pain caused by the cold front, can I stop taking Celebrex (but continue with Salazopyrin), and switch to a more immediate but not suitable for long-term use strong analgesic (non-NSAIDs), and then...[Read More] Managing Ankylosing Spondylitis Pain During Cold Weather: Tips and Insights
The Relationship Between Proteinuria and Osteolytic Lesions: A Clinical Inquiry
The relationship between proteinuria and osteolytic lesions? Hello, Doctor Wu. Happy New Year. I have a question. At the end of April last year, I underwent a PET scan, which revealed two osteolytic lesions in my body. Here are the excerpts from the report: 1. There are two osteo...
Dr. Wu Hongjie Reply:
Hello: 1. I am curious about the reason for your positron emission tomography (PET) scan. If it is due to cancer with suspected bone metastasis, certain cancers can secrete various proteins, which may lead to increased urinary protein levels even in the absence of bone metastas...[Read More] The Relationship Between Proteinuria and Osteolytic Lesions: A Clinical Inquiry
Managing Ankylosing Spondylitis: Medication and Pain Relief Tips
Medication-related issues in ankylosing spondylitis? Hello Doctor, I would like to ask you the following questions: 1. Between Salazine and Celebrex, which one has fewer side effects and is more suitable for long-term use? 2. I am currently taking two capsules of Celebrex a day...
Dr. Gao Jiankai Reply:
Hello, thank you for your question. Here are my responses: 1. Between Salazine and Celebrex, which has fewer side effects and is suitable for long-term use? Salazine needs to be taken long-term and consistently. This medication addresses the root cause of the disease rather than...[Read More] Managing Ankylosing Spondylitis: Medication and Pain Relief Tips
Understanding ANA Testing in Relation to Lupus and Allergies
Regarding ANA testing in systemic lupus erythematosus? Hello, around September 2022, I experienced redness and itching on my face and scalp, along with peeling skin and increased hair loss. I also felt fatigued and had difficulty concentrating. However, I did not have joint pain ...
Dr. Gao Jiankai Reply:
Hello, thank you for your question. Here are my responses: 1. Although the ANA test result is negative, considering that the butterfly rash appeared in September, which was four months ago, how accurate is this blood test? Can systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) have a negative ...[Read More] Understanding ANA Testing in Relation to Lupus and Allergies
Understanding Positive ANA and Normal Complement Levels in SLE Concerns
ANA positive homogeneous 1:160+ with normal C3 and C4 complement levels? Hello Doctor: Recently, I developed hives and visited the rheumatology and immunology department. After blood tests, it was found that my ANA was positive with a homogeneous pattern at 1:160. Other tests for...
Dr. Gao Jiankai Reply:
Hello, thank you for your inquiry. A positive ANA (antinuclear antibody) test can occur in healthy individuals as well. To confirm this possibility, we will investigate the reasons for a positive ANA, including the series of tests you mentioned. If these tests return negative res...[Read More] Understanding Positive ANA and Normal Complement Levels in SLE Concerns
Common Health Concerns: Hygiene, Skin Irritation, and Infection Risks
May I ask the doctor? Hello, doctor. I would like to ask a few questions: 1. Is there a concern about the transmission of sexually transmitted infections from the doorknobs of public restrooms or private bathrooms? 2. Can hot shower water or frequent wiping of the anal area cause...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, 1. The chance of infectious disease transmission is very low. 2. If you rub too vigorously, it can indeed cause skin inflammation. 3. Most pathogens can be eliminated. Thank you for your inquiry.[Read More] Common Health Concerns: Hygiene, Skin Irritation, and Infection Risks
Understanding Urinary Tract Infections and Associated Back Pain
Urinary tract infection and subsequent lower back pain? Due to a urinary tract infection, I have been undergoing medication treatment for 12 days. The first 10 days included three medications: Paran (Panadol), Ikodin, and Urogen. However, since the treatment effects were limited,...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, it's difficult to say that lower back pain is definitely due to a kidney infection, as muscle strains can also cause back pain. This aspect requires a physician's direct assessment for a more accurate diagnosis. If a urinary tract infection is accompanied by bact...[Read More] Understanding Urinary Tract Infections and Associated Back Pain
Understanding Chronic Pain: Causes, Treatments, and When to Seek Help
Body pain Hello Doctor, I am the one who asked you last time about taking Aceclofenac 100mg (I wonder if you remember me). For the past 1 to 2 months, I have been experiencing pain in my upper back, finger joints, fingertips, soles of my feet, toes, knees, elbows, arms, lower bac...
Dr. Gao Jiankai Reply:
Hello, thank you for your questions. Here are my responses: 1. Is the lack of improvement due to me taking the medication too late? After all, I have had this symptom for 1 to 2 months, so the effect is not significant. --> This is likely unrelated to the timing of taking the...[Read More] Understanding Chronic Pain: Causes, Treatments, and When to Seek Help
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:
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?
Managing Glucose Intolerance: Dietary Adjustments and Lifestyle Changes
Glucose Tolerance Abnormality and Dietary Adjustments Hello, doctor. I am the person who asked about the elevated fasting blood glucose level (#189944). Recently, my OGTT results came back with fasting: 911, 1-hour: 1822, 2-hour: 1263, and 3-hour: 61, indicating impaired glucose ...
Dr. Li Jian Reply:
1. Clinical diagnostic criteria for diabetes: Hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c) ≥ 6.5%, fasting plasma glucose ≥ 126 mg/dL, 2-hour plasma glucose ≥ 200 mg/dL during an oral glucose tolerance test, or symptoms of hyperglycemia (including polyuria, polydipsia, and weight loss) with a random p...[Read More] Managing Glucose Intolerance: Dietary Adjustments and Lifestyle Changes
Managing High Cholesterol: When to See a Doctor and Lifestyle Tips
Recent health check revealed slightly elevated cholesterol levels? Recently, a health check revealed slightly elevated cholesterol levels. My height is 164 cm and weight is 44 kg. Total cholesterol is 238 mg/dL, triglycerides are 42 mg/dL, HDL (high-density lipoprotein) is 69.9 m...
Dr. Lin Jianliang Reply:
Hello: It is recommended to see a physician. Whether treatment is necessary depends on the physician's assessment of any risk factors you may have, such as hypertension, diabetes, cardiovascular disease, cerebrovascular disease, and other risk factors. Additionally, it is im...[Read More] Managing High Cholesterol: When to See a Doctor and Lifestyle Tips
Is It Safe for My Diabetic Grandpa to Sleep In? Health Implications Explained
Is it okay for my grandfather with diabetes to sleep until he wakes up naturally, even if that means sleeping until noon or later? Hello Dr. Lee, my grandfather is 80 years old and has been a long-term diabetes patient (with a 40-year history). Two years ago, he had a stroke that...
Dr. Li Jian Reply:
Regarding sleep issues in the elderly and cerebral circulation problems, it is advisable to consult a neurologist. However, if there is a tendency to wake up late, one should be aware of the possibility of hypoglycemia during sleep. If waking up around noon, it may be necessary t...[Read More] Is It Safe for My Diabetic Grandpa to Sleep In? Health Implications Explained
Can Physical Therapy Help Alleviate Symptoms of Ankylosing Spondylitis?
Can the symptoms of ankylosing spondylitis be alleviated through rehabilitation? Hello, Doctor. I am a 20-year-old male patient with ankylosing spondylitis. My main issue is pain in my lower back (not reaching the buttocks). Currently, I am taking Celebrex and exercising more to ...
Dr. Gao Jiankai Reply:
Hello, thank you for your question. Here are my answers: 1) Can using a heating pad at home on my lower back help alleviate the remaining pain? Would a doctor recommend this? --> Yes, it can be beneficial. 2) Is it okay to occasionally go to a rehabilitation department for gen...[Read More] Can Physical Therapy Help Alleviate Symptoms of Ankylosing Spondylitis?
Understanding Rheumatoid Arthritis: Symptoms, Diagnosis, and Treatment Options
Rheumatoid Arthritis Hello Doctor, I would like to inquire whether my symptoms could be diagnosed as arthritis. At the end of October: I felt an unusual sensation when bending my hands. At the beginning of November: I experienced an unusual sensation in my big toe, and my knees h...
Dr. Gao Jiankai Reply:
Hello, thank you for your question. I believe further monitoring is appropriate. Although the RF value is abnormal, it is not significantly elevated, and with normal CCP levels, I think tracking is sufficient. If ANA, CRP, and ESR are also normal, the likelihood of severe rheumat...[Read More] Understanding Rheumatoid Arthritis: Symptoms, Diagnosis, and Treatment Options