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:
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?
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:
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
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:
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
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:
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
Understanding Juvenile Ankylosing Spondylitis Symptoms and Diagnosis
Symptoms of juvenile ankylosing spondylitis? Hello Doctor: My son is 14 years old (in the second year of junior high school). Three months ago, he experienced unexplained swelling in the second joint of his toe, with no other discomfort. At that time, the doctor ordered blood tes...
Dr. Gao Jiankai Reply:
Hello, thank you for your question. Here are my thoughts: 1. We will not retest for HLA-B27. 2. If the inflammatory markers are normal (such as CRP and ESR), and there is only swelling in the toes without other symptoms, we might consider using anti-inflammatory pain relief medic...[Read More] Understanding Juvenile Ankylosing Spondylitis Symptoms and Diagnosis
Can Palatal Expanders Alleviate Nasal and Eye Allergy Symptoms?
Can the installation of a maxillary expander improve symptoms of nasal and ocular allergies? Hello, Doctor Zeng. I am currently 21 years old and was diagnosed with ankylosing spondylitis at the age of 17. Additionally, I have experienced allergic rhinitis with symptoms such as a ...
Dr. Zeng Guosen Reply:
There is no evidence to suggest that the use of a maxillary expander can improve symptoms of nasal and ocular allergies. It is recommended to consult with a dentist or an otolaryngologist for further advice. I apologize for any shortcomings in my knowledge. Thank you for your que...[Read More] Can Palatal Expanders Alleviate Nasal and Eye Allergy Symptoms?
Can X-rays or CT Scans Differentiate Causes of Sacroiliitis?
Can X-rays or CT scans differentiate the causes of sacroiliac joint arthritis? What are the treatment options for enthesitis? Hello Doctor, I have been experiencing chronic lower back pain that alleviates with activity. X-rays from last year show bilateral grade II sacroiliitis, ...
Dr. Gao Jiankai Reply:
Hello, thank you for your inquiry. Here are my responses: (1) I have been experiencing intermittent sharp pain in my right ankle since last year, as if it is being bitten, with the pain intensifying at night. Additionally, I have long-term soreness on the outer side of my right...[Read More] Can X-rays or CT Scans Differentiate Causes of Sacroiliitis?
Understanding ESR and IgG Fluctuations in Ankylosing Spondylitis Treatment
After one year of treatment with the biological agent Revlimid (lenalidomide), EXR71? Hello, I would like to ask about a personal case of ankylosing spondylitis. I was diagnosed at the age of 10, and I am now 28 years old. I have been taking Celebrex and Methotrexate. In 2023, I ...
Dr. Gao Jiankai Reply:
Hello, thank you for your question. The reasons for the increase in ESR and IgG after administering targeted therapy should be investigated, including the possibility of new inflammation or infection, or even changes in rheumatic disease. These factors involve the overall conditi...[Read More] Understanding ESR and IgG Fluctuations in Ankylosing Spondylitis Treatment
Can Ankylosing Spondylitis Onset Occur After Age 50?
Is it possible for ankylosing spondylitis to develop at the age of 50? I am a 51-year-old female who has been experiencing significant tightness and stiffness in my hip joint for at least three years. I initially thought it was due to natural aging, prolonged sitting at work, or ...
Dr. Gao Jiankai Reply:
Hello, thank you for your questions. Here are my responses: (1) Is it possible for ankylosing spondylitis to onset at the age of 50? --> The likelihood is low, but it is possible. (2) If both CRP and ESR are normal, does that mean it is unrelated to ankylosing spondylitis? --&...[Read More] Can Ankylosing Spondylitis Onset Occur After Age 50?
Does Ankylosing Spondylitis Slow Down Recovery from Injuries?
Does ankylosing spondylitis cause slower resolution of swelling from injuries? Hello Doctor: Last year, I had a minor motorcycle accident and developed a lump on my calf. I applied ice and then heat to the area. A classmate who was riding with me also sustained an injury, and his...
Dr. Zeng Guosen Reply:
Individuals with ankylosing spondylitis do not experience slower resolution of swelling from injuries or surgeries, unless they are taking certain medications or have personal factors involved. Thank you for your question.[Read More] Does Ankylosing Spondylitis Slow Down Recovery from Injuries?
Understanding the Diagnostic Process for Arthritis: Key Considerations and Timeline
What should be noted and considered during the diagnostic process? How long does the diagnostic process typically take? Is it possible that it could be another non-autoimmune disease? Hello, Doctor Gao. I have been experiencing symptoms of arthritis for the past three weeks, incl...
Dr. Gao Jiankai Reply:
Hello, thank you for your question. I believe you can undergo an anti-CCP test, which you can discuss with your physician, as it relates to prognosis and future changes in your condition. If these tests return normal results, although you still experience joint pain, the severity...[Read More] Understanding the Diagnostic Process for Arthritis: Key Considerations and Timeline
Understanding Medications for Ankylosing Spondylitis and Related Symptoms
Regarding medications for ankylosing spondylitis? Hello, doctor. I have been experiencing geographic tongue for over three years now. I have been taking two Sertraline tablets in the morning and evening, and one Pantoprazole tablet in the morning, along with medications for gastr...
Dr. Gao Jiankai Reply:
Hello, thank you for your question. Here are my responses: 1. I have noticed that many patients with ankylosing spondylitis (AS) experience issues with tongue ulcers. Is this related to salazopyridine (Salsalate)? (Because when I first developed geographic tongue over three year...[Read More] Understanding Medications for Ankylosing Spondylitis and Related Symptoms
Does Ankylosing Spondylitis Slow Down Recovery from Injuries?
Does ankylosing spondylitis cause swelling from injuries to subside more slowly? Hello Doctor: Last year, I had a minor motorcycle accident and developed a lump on my calf. I applied ice and then heat to the area. A classmate who was riding with me also sustained an injury, but h...
Dr. Gao Jiankai Reply:
Hello, thank you for your question. I don't think that would be the case, especially regarding your wisdom teeth. Have they not healed for 7 months or 7 weeks? Seven months is quite a long time, and I would recommend seeing a dentist for an evaluation, or even consulting an ...[Read More] Does Ankylosing Spondylitis Slow Down Recovery from Injuries?
Can Ankylosing Spondylitis Patients Benefit from Physical Therapy?
Ankylosing Spondylitis Hello, Doctor Gao. Recently, I have experienced some nerve compression in my spine. I would like to ask if patients with ankylosing spondylitis can undergo rehabilitation treatments such as lumbar traction and heat therapy with electrical stimulation. Thank...
Dr. Gao Jiankai Reply:
Hello, thank you for your inquiry. We need to assess the severity of your spinal stiffness. If there is already adhesion in the spine, lumbar traction may pose risks, and you should consult a rehabilitation physician first; however, heat therapy and electrical stimulation are saf...[Read More] Can Ankylosing Spondylitis Patients Benefit from Physical Therapy?
Do Antibiotics and Anti-Inflammatories Affect Stable Stiffness Conditions?
Subject: Do antibiotics and anti-inflammatory medications cause stable stiffness conditions to become unstable? Dear Dr. Gao, I am a patient with ankylosing spondylitis, diagnosed three years ago. My condition has been stable, so I have temporarily stopped taking Celecoxib for s...
Dr. Gao Jiankai Reply:
Hello, thank you for your question. Here are my responses: 1. Will the aforementioned two medications cause stable stiffness to become unstable? --> I don't believe so. 2. If they do induce instability, are there alternative medications? --> If pain recurs, it may be r...[Read More] Do Antibiotics and Anti-Inflammatories Affect Stable Stiffness Conditions?
Does Wisdom Tooth Extraction Affect Inflammation Levels in Ankylosing Spondylitis?
Does having wisdom teeth removed surgically affect inflammation levels? Hello Dr. Tseng, I am 20 years old and a patient with ankylosing spondylitis. I had my wisdom teeth removed on February 22, and my cheeks were swollen and painful afterward. It has been 11 days since the proc...
Dr. Zeng Guosen Reply:
After surgery, swelling and pain may affect ESR/CRP levels, but unless it's severe, the impact is limited. Just inform your physician, and they will make the assessment. 2. In the case of sports injuries, such as sprains, muscle strains, or joint injuries, generally, they do...[Read More] Does Wisdom Tooth Extraction Affect Inflammation Levels in Ankylosing Spondylitis?
Does Wisdom Tooth Extraction Affect Inflammation Markers in Ankylosing Spondylitis?
Does having wisdom teeth removed through surgery affect inflammation levels? Hello, Director Gao. I am 20 years old and a patient with ankylosing spondylitis. I had my wisdom teeth extracted on February 22. After the extraction, my cheek was swollen and painful. It has been 10 da...
Dr. Gao Jiankai Reply:
Hello, thank you for your question. Here are my responses: 1) My appointment on March 8th is for a quarterly follow-up with the rheumatology department, where I will have blood drawn for monitoring. Should I wait until the swelling and pain in my mouth completely subside before ...[Read More] Does Wisdom Tooth Extraction Affect Inflammation Markers in Ankylosing Spondylitis?
Is Finger Trembling a Side Effect of Central and Peripheral Nervous System Abnormalities?
Is finger tremor a side effect manifestation of "central and peripheral nervous system abnormalities" caused by taking Seroquel? Hello, Doctor. I am 21 years old and was diagnosed with ankylosing spondylitis about three years ago. I have been taking Salazopyrin for appr...
Dr. Gao Jiankai Reply:
Hello, thank you for your question. Here are my responses: 1. Is this a manifestation of "central and peripheral nervous system abnormalities" as a side effect? --> If you have an irregular eating pattern, the likelihood of experiencing side effects related to the ...[Read More] Is Finger Trembling a Side Effect of Central and Peripheral Nervous System Abnormalities?
Can Palatal Expanders Help Alleviate Nasal and Eye Allergy Symptoms?
Can the installation of a maxillary expander improve symptoms of nasal and ocular allergies? Hello, Doctor. I am a 20-year-old male junior. I was diagnosed with ankylosing spondylitis at the age of 17. Since childhood, I have experienced allergic rhinitis with symptoms such as a ...
Dr. Gao Jiankai Reply:
Hello, thank you for your question. It is possible that the maxillary expander may also slightly alter the nasal cavity structure, thereby improving symptoms of nasal mucosal swelling and obstruction, but the improvement in eye symptoms is more difficult to explain. There is no c...[Read More] Can Palatal Expanders Help Alleviate Nasal and Eye Allergy Symptoms?
Does Chronic Inflammation from Ankylosing Spondylitis Raise LDL and Heart Disease Risk?
Does chronic inflammation from ankylosing spondylitis lead to elevated LDL (low-density lipoprotein) levels, increasing the risk of cardiovascular disease? 1. I am 55 years old and a patient with ankylosing spondylitis. About 4 to 5 years ago, I was effectively managing my condit...
Dr. Gao Jiankai Reply:
Hello, thank you for your question. Here are my responses: 1. I am 55 years old and a patient with ankylosing spondylitis. About 4 to 5 years ago, I was effectively managing my condition with Salazopyrin and Celebrex, which normalized my pain and inflammatory markers, so I stopp...[Read More] Does Chronic Inflammation from Ankylosing Spondylitis Raise LDL and Heart Disease Risk?