Understanding Back Pain Patterns in Ankylosing Spondylitis: Key Symptoms and Management
Experiencing pain when extending the lower back but not when bending forward is a typical symptom of ankylosing spondylitis? Dear Dr. Gao, I am a patient with ankylosing spondylitis and have been experiencing symptoms for over two years. Initially, I only had pain in my buttocks...
Dr. Gao Jiankai Reply:
Hello, thank you for your question. Here are my responses: 1) Are my symptoms (pain in the lower back when arching, no pain when bending forward) typical symptoms of ankylosing spondylitis? --> No. 2) If it is not a typical symptom, would Dr. Gao recommend that I see a reh...[Read More] Understanding Back Pain Patterns in Ankylosing Spondylitis: Key Symptoms and Management
Can Celecoxib Effectively Lower ESR in Ankylosing Spondylitis Patients?
Can Xeljanz lower ESR? Hello Doctor, I am a patient with ankylosing spondylitis and have been diagnosed for one year. During this year, I have been taking Celecoxib. Although my buttock pain has resolved and my CRP levels are normal, my ESR has not shown significant improvement d...
Dr. Gao Jiankai Reply:
Hello, thank you for your question. Here are my responses: 1) Although Celecoxib is an anti-inflammatory and analgesic medication, it does not have the effect of lowering ESR, is that correct? --> I believe that using anti-inflammatory and analgesic medications to lower ESR is...[Read More] Can Celecoxib Effectively Lower ESR in Ankylosing Spondylitis Patients?
Managing Increased Appetite and Blood Sugar Concerns After Stress
Diabetes, excessive eating? Hello Doctor, I experienced autonomic nervous system dysfunction a while ago, which caused a loss of appetite. Now that my symptoms have improved, I find myself eating a lot. Today, I skipped breakfast, had a bowl of fried chicken rice for lunch, half ...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, diabetes is usually caused by a combination of long-term dietary habits, reduced physical activity, and genetics. It is not typically caused by short-term dietary changes. The main concern with short-term overeating is actually obesity. It is recommended to practice dietar...[Read More] Managing Increased Appetite and Blood Sugar Concerns After Stress
Relieving Left Shoulder, Neck, and Arm Pain After Late Nights
Left shoulder, neck, and arm pain? Hello, doctor. For the past five days, I have mostly been sleeping after 3:00 AM. After drinking alcohol yesterday, I started to feel soreness in my left arm and shoulder after 4:00 AM, which sometimes extends to my neck. I would like to know ho...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, after drinking, it is common to experience lactic acid accumulation, and due to posture issues, it is very easy to have the situation you described. I recommend applying a hot compress and using analgesic ointment or pain relief patches to alleviate the discomfort. When sl...[Read More] Relieving Left Shoulder, Neck, and Arm Pain After Late Nights
Understanding Green Particles in Stool: Causes and Concerns
Bowel issues Hello, doctor. I would like to ask about green particles in my stool. The color of the stool is normal, but I noticed a single green particle in it, and I haven't eaten any green foods. What could this be? Thank you.
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, based on your description, there are two possible explanations. First, it is possible that the food you consumed has metabolized into green particles. Second, you may have ingested something else, such as medication. However, the presence of green particles does not necess...[Read More] Understanding Green Particles in Stool: Causes and Concerns
Managing High Cholesterol: Tips for Balancing HDL and LDL Levels
High total cholesterol Hello, Doctor. During my health check-up, I found that my total cholesterol is above the normal range. I have noticed a trend of increasing total cholesterol in the past few years: total cholesterol (161→186→194→227), triglycerides (60→58→82→79). This time,...
Dr. Lin Jianliang Reply:
Hello: 1. Currently, there are no primary methods for treating elevated high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol; however, if HDL cholesterol levels are already high, it is advised not to supplement with related health products. 2. If HDL cholesterol is elevated, do not supplem...[Read More] Managing High Cholesterol: Tips for Balancing HDL and LDL Levels
Understanding Antibiotic Dosage: Managing Overuse and Side Effects
Antibiotic dosage Hello, doctor. I was hospitalized for 4 days due to a peritonsillar abscess. During my hospital stay, I received antibiotic injections, and I felt much better upon discharge. The doctor prescribed oral Curran 1000 mg for 7 days, to be taken twice a day, with 2 t...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, whether a medication overdose requires a blood test to check drug levels is indeed a consideration. However, the nausea you mentioned is a common side effect of this antibiotic and can occur even at normal dosages. Experiencing nausea does not necessarily indicate an overd...[Read More] Understanding Antibiotic Dosage: Managing Overuse and Side Effects
Managing Fever After COVID-19 Diagnosis: Symptoms and Treatment
Fever after diagnosis? In the first three days after diagnosis, I experienced a fever of 38.5°C. After that, my daytime temperature was around 37.2-37.5°C, but as the sun began to set, I felt my temperature rise to 38.5°C, which lasted for about 3-4 hours before it decreased, acc...
Dr. Liao Zhongxin Reply:
1. When infected with COVID-19, there may also be infections in other areas, such as the upper respiratory tract, urinary tract, and wound infections. Therefore, please also check for any abnormalities in other areas. 2. Body temperature throughout the day is generally lower in t...[Read More] Managing Fever After COVID-19 Diagnosis: Symptoms and Treatment
Should I Stop Taking Salazopyrine After Testing Positive for COVID-19?
If diagnosed with COVID-19, should Salmeterol be discontinued? Hello Doctor: I am a 20-year-old patient with ankylosing spondylitis. Currently, I take two tablets of Salazopyrin daily (without taking anti-inflammatory medication) to manage my condition. I was diagnosed with COVID...
Dr. Gao Jiankai Reply:
Hello, thank you for your question. Here are my responses: 1) Salazopyrin is an immunomodulator, which is different from immunosuppressants. It only suppresses the body's immune response but does not inhibit the immune response to foreign viruses, so it does not lower the ...[Read More] Should I Stop Taking Salazopyrine After Testing Positive for COVID-19?
Understanding Anemia in Ankylosing Spondylitis: Causes and Insights
Ankylosing Spondylitis Anemia Hello doctor, I have ankylosing spondylitis and recently had blood tests that showed some abnormal results: WBC: 7.15 (3.6-11.2) normal, RBC: 3.87 (4.5-5.7) abnormal, HB: 12.5 (13.7-17) abnormal, HCT: 37.0 (40.5-50) abnormal, MCV: 95.6 (80-100) norma...
Dr. Gao Jiankai Reply:
Hello, thank you for your inquiry. If ankylosing spondylitis is poorly controlled, it may lead to anemia. Your inflammatory markers are normal, indicating that your ankylosing spondylitis is relatively stable, and the anemia may not be caused by a rheumatic disease. I recommend t...[Read More] Understanding Anemia in Ankylosing Spondylitis: Causes and Insights
Understanding Groin Issues: When to Seek Medical Help
Groin issues Hello Doctor: Initially, I noticed a round, hard lump near my anus (I consulted a colorectal specialist because I was concerned it might be an anal fistula, and there was significant swelling from the groin area towards the perineum, which I suspected might be lympha...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, based on your description, the lump next to the anus is likely a benign cyst. If the doctor has already incised it, it should gradually heal and reduce in size over time. As for the vaginitis and urethral discharge, they are likely not directly related to this issue. If yo...[Read More] Understanding Groin Issues: When to Seek Medical Help
Medication Management for Dialysis Patients: When to Seek Specialist Care
Medications for dialysis patients? Hello, my father undergoes dialysis three times a week, but he often reports experiencing painful urination and dizziness. Should I discuss this with the doctor at the dialysis center and request medication, or is it necessary to consult a urolo...
Dr. Wu Hongjie Reply:
Dysuria: If there is residual urine, please check to rule out infection and provide medication that can be administered at the dialysis clinic. Dizziness: Check hemoglobin levels to ensure they are adequate, and arrange a neurology consultation if necessary. Wishing you health an...[Read More] Medication Management for Dialysis Patients: When to Seek Specialist Care
Post-COVID Treatment: Should You Take Antiviral Medications?
How to use medication after being diagnosed with COVID-19? Hello Doctor: I am a patient with ankylosing spondylitis, 22 years old, and I have had this condition for over two years. Currently, I am managing my condition with Salazopyrin. Yesterday, a general clinic (not a rheumato...
Dr. Gao Jiankai Reply:
Hello, thank you for your question. The use of Isalor tablets for managing ankylosing spondylitis is indeed related to an abnormal immune function, which is why your physician has prescribed Belaviv. Currently, this medication has not yet received market approval, and if there ar...[Read More] Post-COVID Treatment: Should You Take Antiviral Medications?
Understanding Asthma: Managing Persistent Cough and Heart Concerns
Asthma issues I would like to ask the doctor a few questions. Since last winter, I have been coughing persistently. I have visited many clinics, and the doctors have said it is due to allergies caused by changes in the weather, and that it would improve as the weather warms up. I...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, chronic cough can indeed have many causes. The most important thing is to rule out lung and heart issues. If auscultation is normal, the chances of severe asthma are lower, but there may be other lung problems. It is advisable to consult a pulmonology or family medicine ou...[Read More] Understanding Asthma: Managing Persistent Cough and Heart Concerns
Concerns About Infection After Blood Test and Allergic Reaction
Hello, I would like to inquire about infection issues? On the morning of September 3rd, around 10 AM, I had a blood test for a gynecological check-up. In the afternoon, I noticed itching on the back of my hand. I went to the pharmacy, explained the situation, and bought an ointme...
Dr. Liao Zhongxin Reply:
A. According to the data from the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), there are three main routes of HIV transmission: 1. Sexual transmission: Engaging in oral, anal, or vaginal intercourse or other exchanges of bodily fluids with an HIV-infected individual carries a risk of infec...[Read More] Concerns About Infection After Blood Test and Allergic Reaction
Understanding HIV Transmission Risks: Your Questions Answered
HIV issues I would like to ask the doctor, when I went to the restroom in the dormitory at night to change my sanitary pad, I found blood on the floor afterward. I'm not sure if it was mine. Then I used a piece of toilet paper from the trash can to wipe it up, but I forgot i...
Dr. Liao Zhongxin Reply:
A. According to the data from the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), there are three main transmission routes for the Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV): 1. Sexual transmission: Engaging in oral, anal, or vaginal intercourse or other exchanges of bodily fluids with an HIV-infecte...[Read More] Understanding HIV Transmission Risks: Your Questions Answered
Assessing HIV Infection Risk: A Concern After Brief Contact
Is there a risk of HIV infection? I know I might be overly anxious, but I still want to consult a doctor. Getting an answer from a medical professional might help ease my mind. Two days ago, an older woman asked me how to rent a Ubike, and during that time, I took her phone to as...
Dr. Liao Zhongxin Reply:
A. According to the data from the Centers for Disease Control (https://www.cdc.gov.tw/Category/Page/lehLY2EFku4q7Gqv4bql2w), there are three main routes of HIV transmission: 1. Sexual transmission: Engaging in oral, anal, or vaginal intercourse or other exchanges of bodily fluids...[Read More] Assessing HIV Infection Risk: A Concern After Brief Contact
Understanding Autoimmune Disorders: Questions to Ask Your Doctor
Immune system? Hello, Doctor: I previously asked you about issues related to rheumatology and immunology, specifically about skin pain and itching. I believe I may have lupus erythematosus, and the doctors have suggested further monitoring. The patient has been experiencing persi...
Dr. Gao Jiankai Reply:
Hello, thank you for your question. Here are my responses: 1. Is autonomic nervous system dysfunction included in immune system diseases, or should I consult another specialty? --> Autonomic nervous system dysfunction is not related to the immune system, but immune system di...[Read More] Understanding Autoimmune Disorders: Questions to Ask Your Doctor
Understanding Thyroid Function: Interpreting Your Blood Test Results
Hyperthyroidism issues? Hello, doctor. Last week, my blood test results came back as follows: Ant-TPO: greater than 600, Ant-Tg: 351.6, Thyroglobulin: 0.34, TSH: 4.18, T4: 0.69. I would like to inquire what these values indicate regarding whether the medication is effectively con...
Dr. Li Jian Reply:
The normal ranges for thyroid function tests may vary slightly among different testing laboratories, so it is necessary to return to the original healthcare facility to confirm the interpretation.[Read More] Understanding Thyroid Function: Interpreting Your Blood Test Results
Understanding Blood Sugar Control in Diabetes Management
Blood sugar issues? Hello Dr. Lin: My father was diagnosed with diabetes in August. He takes insulin before breakfast (18 units) and before dinner (12 units), and he also takes 0.5 tablets of Metformin (HCl) after breakfast and dinner. Currently, his fasting blood glucose levels ...
Dr. Lin Jianliang Reply:
Hello: The difference between pre-meal and post-meal blood glucose levels should ideally not exceed 60 mg/dL. However, there are other indicators that can be used for assessment, such as glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c), fasting blood glucose levels, postprandial blood glucose levels,...[Read More] Understanding Blood Sugar Control in Diabetes Management