Ankylosing spondylitis, Internal Medicine FAQ

Can Fasting Benefit Patients with Ankylosing Spondylitis?

Can fasting be done for ankylosing spondylitis? As the topic suggests, I have been on medication for two years and have maintained a regular exercise routine because I want to improve my athletic performance and achieve a better physique. I am considering trying a 3-day or 5-day ...

Dr. Gao Jiankai Reply:
Hello, thank you for your question. I believe that fasting will not affect the treatment of ankylosing spondylitis (AS), but it is advisable not to engage in fasting too aggressively. It is recommended to proceed gradually according to what your body can tolerate. Bone health sup...

Understanding Prediabetes Diagnosis After Post-Meal Blood Sugar Test

Regarding the postprandial blood glucose test results in the United States indicating prediabetes? Hello Dr. Lee, I am approximately 169 cm tall and weighed 67.5 kg at the time of my examination on July 28. I have a history of ankylosing spondylitis (diagnosed in 2008) and am a ...

Dr. Li Jian Reply:
Glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c): A level of 5.8% is sufficient to diagnose prediabetes. HbA1c can be tested after meals, and a follow-up test can be conducted in three months.

Understanding the Causes of Ankylosing Spondylitis: Is It Genetic or Lifestyle?

I would like to inquire about the causes of ankylosing spondylitis? Dear Doctor, Three years ago, I experienced tightness and discomfort in my upper back, and after being evaluated by two physicians, I was diagnosed with ankylosing spondylitis (AS). X-rays were taken, and I test...

Dr. Gao Jiankai Reply:
Hello, thank you for your message. Here are my responses to your questions: 1. Could multiple sexual partners and risky behaviors be the main causes of ankylosing spondylitis? --> I believe the physician who is concerned about your private life may suspect that your symptoms...

Can Patients with Ankylosing Spondylitis Receive the COVID-19 Vaccine?

Can patients with ankylosing spondylitis receive the COVID-19 vaccine? Hello Dr. Gao: I am a patient with ankylosing spondylitis. I have been treated with a cancer-killing medication for about two years, and my inflammatory markers have now decreased to normal levels. I have stop...

Dr. Gao Jiankai Reply:
Hello, thank you for your inquiry. Based on your current medication status, you are eligible to receive the COVID-19 vaccine. If you are continuously taking anti-cancer medication, a temporary adjustment to your medication may be necessary. This message is from the Allergy, Immun...

Can Ankylosing Spondylitis Cause Stomach Pain? Exploring the Connection

Does ankylosing spondylitis accompany stomach pain? During my military service, I tested positive for a blood test and was diagnosed, but I haven't seen a specialist in this area for the past ten years. The pain I experience is located in the center of my lower back, along t...

Dr. Zeng Guosen Reply:
Hello, a positive HLA-B27 test does not necessarily indicate that you have ankylosing spondylitis. The most important factors for diagnosis are: 1. Do your symptoms match? 2. Is there evidence of sacroiliitis on X-ray? Ankylosing spondylitis is not directly related to stomach pai...

Can Ankylosing Spondylitis Cause Stomach Pain? Understanding the Connection

Dr. Zeng Guosen Reply:
Hello, a positive HLA-B27 blood test does not necessarily indicate that you have ankylosing spondylitis. The most important factors for diagnosis are: 1. Do the symptoms match? 2. Is there evidence of sacroiliitis on X-ray? Ankylosing spondylitis is not directly related to stomac...

Can Ankylosing Spondylitis Cause Stomach Pain? Understanding the Connection

Dr. Zeng Guosen Reply:
Hello, the presence of HLA-B27 positivity in a blood test does not necessarily indicate that one has ankylosing spondylitis. The most important factors for diagnosis are: 1. Do the symptoms match? 2. Is there evidence of sacroiliitis on X-ray? Ankylosing spondylitis is not direct...

Can Ankylosing Spondylitis Cause Stomach Pain? Understanding the Connection

Dr. Zeng Guosen Reply:
Hello, having a positive HLA-B27 test does not necessarily mean you have ankylosing spondylitis. The most important factors for diagnosis are: 1. Do the symptoms match? 2. Is there evidence of sacroiliitis on X-ray? Ankylosing spondylitis is not directly related to stomach pain, ...

Understanding Chest Pain: Causes and When to Seek Medical Help

Chest pain in the center? Hello Doctor: I have been experiencing pain in the middle of my chest recently. Given that my family has a history of ankylosing spondylitis, I am concerned that this might be related. I work in a sedentary office job, and the pain is intermittent (it ha...

Dr. Zeng Guosen Reply:
Hello, some cases of ankylosing spondylitis may present with pain in the middle of the chest. However, chest pain can have other causes, so differential diagnosis is necessary to rule out other possibilities. It is recommended to consult a rheumatologist first. Thank you for your...

Concerns About Medication Effects on Pregnancy with Ankylosing Spondylitis

Medication issues in ankylosing spondylitis? Hello Doctor, I have been diagnosed with ankylosing spondylitis and am currently on a regular medication regimen. My doctor has prescribed Meloxicam 7.5 mg, to be taken once in the morning and once in the evening. I would like to inqui...

Dr. Zeng Guosen Reply:
Hello, the medication Meilokang is classified as an anti-inflammatory and analgesic, and it will not affect future chances of pregnancy. There is no need to stop taking the medication in preparation for pregnancy. However, once pregnancy is confirmed, it is important to discuss a...

Differentiating Between Reactive Arthritis and Ankylosing Spondylitis: What You Need to Know

Lauterbach syndrome and ankylosing spondylitis? Hello, Doctor. A few days ago, I visited the rheumatology department at Ma Hospital, and based on the doctor's assessment, I might have ankylosing spondylitis or reactive arthritis. My HLA-B27 test came back positive, and the d...

Dr. Gao Jiankai Reply:
Hello, thank you for your inquiry. I apologize for the delayed response due to some internet issues. Here are the brief responses to your questions: 1. Ankylosing spondylitis and reactive arthritis have different clinical and radiographic presentations (X-rays), which can be us...

Could Your Symptoms Indicate Ankylosing Spondylitis?

What is the likelihood of ankylosing spondylitis? Hello, Doctor Gao. At the beginning of April this year, I woke up one day with pain and stiffness in my shoulders and neck, making it almost impossible to turn my head normally. This lasted for more than a week, but then it gradua...

Dr. Gao Jiankai Reply:
Hello, thank you for your question. Based on your symptoms, the likelihood of you having ankylosing spondylitis is very low, so there is no need to worry; I believe your travel plans should not be affected. However, the issue of night sweats and fever still needs to be addressed....

Is Vasculitis Serious? Understanding Risks and Implications for Young Patients

Is vasculitis serious? I previously experienced frequent lower back pain and visited a rheumatologist who mentioned it was similar to ankylosing spondylitis. Later, due to other health issues, I underwent blood tests again, and the doctor diagnosed me with vasculitis. He mentione...

Dr. Zeng Guosen Reply:
Hello, it seems that you have a positive result for cold agglutinin IgM (1+), which is abnormal. There are many types of vasculitis, and the severity depends on the symptoms and the extent of organ involvement. It is advisable to seek medical attention for a comprehensive underst...

Can Atypical Ankylosing Spondylitis Patients Receive Measles Vaccine?

Can patients with atypical ankylosing spondylitis receive the measles vaccine? Dear Dr. Gao, Can a male family member who is an atypical ankylosing spondylitis patient and has been on bone-strengthening medication receive the measles vaccine? What assessments should be done pri...

Dr. Gao Jiankai Reply:
Hello Ms. Su, thank you for your inquiry. If your family member is only taking Bone Health supplements, it will not affect immune function, and they can receive the measles vaccine. Ankylosing spondylitis itself will not impact the effectiveness of the measles vaccine or increase...

Can You Have Ankylosing Spondylitis Without Genetic Markers?

Ankylosing Spondylitis Today, I went to see a doctor who said I have a condition similar to ankylosing spondylitis. However, my blood tests did not show the HLA-B27 gene, but there is indeed inflammation, and my X-rays are normal. I would like to ask if it is possible to have thi...

Dr. Gao Jiankai Reply:
Hello, thank you for your message. More than 90% of patients with ankylosing spondylitis carry a specific gene, but this also means that a small percentage of patients (less than 10%) may not have this gene. Therefore, our diagnosis of ankylosing spondylitis is not solely based o...

Understanding Sacroiliitis: Symptoms, Diagnosis, and Management Options

Sacroiliitis Hello Dr. Tseng, I have been experiencing symptoms for about three to four years now. I have loved playing basketball since elementary school, and I still do. I had grade II vesicoureteral reflux around the fourth grade, so I thought my lower back pain was due to spo...

Dr. Zeng Guosen Reply:
There are many reasons for back pain. A CT scan shows sacroiliitis and elevated inflammatory markers, so it is recommended to consult a rheumatologist for differential diagnosis. The physician should provide further recommendations. Thank you for your question.

Understanding Ankylosing Spondylitis: Is It Considered a Major Disability?

Is ankylosing spondylitis considered a major illness or disability? Hello, doctor. I am a female patient with ankylosing spondylitis (AS), diagnosed 12 years ago in my first year of high school. Both prolonged standing and sitting exacerbate my discomfort, and my lower back pain ...

Dr. Zeng Guosen Reply:
1. Major illnesses are defined by specific diagnoses, and ankylosing spondylitis is not included, regardless of severity. 2. Disability is determined by the degree of functional impairment, regardless of the diagnosis. If ankylosing spondylitis affects spinal fusion and limits m...

Understanding Abdominal Pain and Lower Back Discomfort: Causes and Solutions

Abdominal pain and lower back pain? Hello, doctor! Recently, I have been experiencing abdominal pain that feels like nerve pain for two consecutive weeks, and my lower back is extremely sore. At first, during the first week, I thought it was a strain from exercising and stretchin...

Dr. Xiao Yongxun Reply:
Dear Miss Troubles: There are many common causes of lower abdominal pain, including acute appendicitis, ectopic pregnancy, hernia, hip joint diseases, inflammatory bowel disease, ischemic bowel disease, mesenteric lymphadenitis, terminal ileitis, ovarian torsion, diverticulitis,...

Understanding Treatment Options for Reiter's Syndrome: Common Concerns and Questions

Treatment for Listeriosis Dear Dr. Gao, I previously consulted with you, and I appreciate your professionalism! I have been seeing a specialist (who answered my questions vaguely), and I have been taking Celebrex for almost three months, one capsule in the morning and one in the...

Dr. Gao Jiankai Reply:
Dear Mr. Chang, Thank you for your email. I would like to respond to your questions as follows: 1. If your attending physician believes you have Reiter's syndrome and your condition does not improve after a period of medication, I think it would be appropriate to adjust yo...

Managing Ankylosing Spondylitis: Exercise, Medication, and Diet Tips

Ankylosing Spondylitis Exercise Hello Doctor, I was recently diagnosed with ankylosing spondylitis (positive HLA-B27 and evidence of fusion on X-ray). I understand that I need to exercise to maintain my condition, but I have a few questions: 1. Besides swimming and stretching exe...

Dr. Zeng Guosen Reply:
1. Swimming and stretching exercises are fundamental; hiking (with a heavy backpack) and jogging are permissible as long as the condition is stable. 2. In addition to alleviating pain, the considerations and choices for medication include delaying disease progression, spinal fu...

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