Understanding Morning Stiffness and Pain in Ankylosing Spondylitis
Is this morning stiffness (and pain) a symptom of ankylosing spondylitis? Hello Dr. Tseng, both my son and I have been diagnosed with ankylosing spondylitis by rheumatologists, but I find it quite peculiar that our experiences of morning stiffness are completely different. When I...
Dr. Zeng Guosen Reply:
Morning stiffness in ankylosing spondylitis refers to the stiffness experienced upon waking and moving, whether bending forward or arching backward. The severity of stiffness varies among individuals, but it typically improves after a period of activity. If your symptoms are rela...[Read More] Understanding Morning Stiffness and Pain in Ankylosing Spondylitis
Understanding Finger Pain: Is It Related to Ankylosing Spondylitis?
Ankylosing Spondylitis Fingers Hello Doctor, a few days ago, I suddenly started experiencing pain in the interphalangeal joint of my left thumb. It hurts more when I press or apply force (I noticed the pain when the thumb is in a disadvantaged position). I would like to ask what ...
Dr. Gao Jiankai Reply:
Hello, thank you for your inquiry. Ankylosing spondylitis can also cause inflammation in peripheral joints, but this is less common. The primary manifestation is usually tendinitis or synovitis, leading to swelling and pain in the entire finger or toe. Since your symptoms have be...[Read More] Understanding Finger Pain: Is It Related to Ankylosing Spondylitis?
Understanding Morning Stiffness in Ankylosing Spondylitis: A Parent-Child Perspective
Is this morning stiffness (and pain) a symptom of ankylosing spondylitis? Hello Dr. Gao, both my son and I have been diagnosed with ankylosing spondylitis by rheumatologists, but I find it quite peculiar that our experiences of morning stiffness are completely different. When I w...
Dr. Gao Jiankai Reply:
Hello, thank you for your question. The significance of morning stiffness lies in the joint stiffness and pain that occurs after rest, particularly following sleep, but improves with activity. Therefore, the presentation of stiffness and pain can vary, potentially affecting the r...[Read More] Understanding Morning Stiffness in Ankylosing Spondylitis: A Parent-Child Perspective
Understanding Sacroiliac Joint Issues: Is It Always an Autoimmune Disease?
Ankylosing spondylitis 1. The patient recently underwent an X-ray examination due to lower back pain, which revealed structural damage to the sacroiliac joint. The doctor suspects ankylosing spondylitis, but blood tests returned negative for the associated gene, with inflammatory...
Dr. Zeng Guosen Reply:
1. Issues with the sacroiliac joint are not solely caused by autoimmune diseases; differential diagnosis is necessary. 2. Generally, back pain associated with ankylosing spondylitis responds well to treatment; if the response is poor, other causes of back pain should be consider...[Read More] Understanding Sacroiliac Joint Issues: Is It Always an Autoimmune Disease?
Do Allergies Affect Symptoms of Ankylosing Spondylitis?
Can allergies affect the symptoms of stiffness? Hello Dr. Tseng, my son is 20 years old and has both ankylosing spondylitis and allergy issues. He is currently taking two tablets of Celebrex daily for ankylosing spondylitis, but he still experiences morning stiffness for about an...
Dr. Zeng Guosen Reply:
If a person has severe allergies that lead to irregular daily routines, it may affect the stability of autoimmune diseases. Mild symptoms typically do not have such an impact. Based on your description (morning stiffness lasting about 1 hour and an ESR frequently elevated to 40-5...[Read More] Do Allergies Affect Symptoms of Ankylosing Spondylitis?
Understanding Abdominal Pain: Causes and When to Seek Help
Abnormal abdominal pain Hello, doctor. I am 29 years old and I have ankylosing spondylitis and chronic anemia (with an average hemoglobin level of about 20). I'm not sure if this is related to the events I've experienced. The first incident occurred when I was around 20...
Dr. Zheng Weijun Reply:
Hello, thank you for your detailed description. First, regarding your mention that "the average hemoglobin does not exceed 20," this value is within the normal range; the normal hemoglobin level for women is 12–16 g/dL, so your current hemoglobin level may not be abnorm...[Read More] Understanding Abdominal Pain: Causes and When to Seek Help
The Connection Between Allergies and Ankylosing Spondylitis Symptoms
The relationship between allergies and stiffness symptoms? Hello, Doctor Gao. My son is 20 years old and has both ankylosing spondylitis and allergy issues. He is currently taking four Sulfasalazine tablets daily for ankylosing spondylitis, but he still experiences morning stiffn...
Dr. Gao Jiankai Reply:
Hello, thank you for your question. I believe that allergy symptoms are unrelated to stiffness symptoms. An elevated ESR may be associated with inadequate control of ankylosing spondylitis. If you are already taking four Salazopyrin tablets daily and continuously using anti-infla...[Read More] The Connection Between Allergies and Ankylosing Spondylitis Symptoms
Distinguishing Between Immune Issues and Menopause Symptoms at 50
How to distinguish between immune issues and menopausal symptoms? Hello, Doctor. I am 50 years and 6 months old. My menstrual cycle was regular until December of last year when it suddenly stopped. Before March of this year, I experienced insomnia, excessive sweating, frequent co...
Dr. Gao Jiankai Reply:
Hello, thank you for your question. Here are my responses: (1) What tests should be done to confirm if there is inflammation or adhesion in the spine? --> X-rays and blood tests are sufficient. If necessary, an MRI may also be arranged. Your physician may have started treatm...[Read More] Distinguishing Between Immune Issues and Menopause Symptoms at 50
Can My Son Continue Taking Salazopyrin for Ankylosing Spondylitis?
Can I continue taking Salazopyrin? Hello Doctor, my son is 20 years old and has been diagnosed with ankylosing spondylitis for 3 years. For the past year and 4 months, he has been taking 2 tablets of Salazopyrin daily (without NSAIDs). Previously, he was on NSAIDs (without Salazo...
Dr. Gao Jiankai Reply:
Hello, thank you for your question. Here is my response: 1) If my son experiences dizziness when getting up from a lying position due to mild anemia caused by the use of Salazopyrin, and no other causes for the dizziness can be identified, then we must weigh the two harms and c...[Read More] Can My Son Continue Taking Salazopyrin for Ankylosing Spondylitis?
Can Long-Term Use of Salazopyrin Cause Permanent Hair Loss?
Does taking Salopecia for an extended period cause hair loss side effects that prevent the restoration of original hair volume even after discontinuation? Hello Dr. Tseng, my son is 20 years old and was diagnosed with ankylosing spondylitis at the age of 17. He started taking two...
Dr. Zeng Guosen Reply:
Hello, (1) hair loss is more related to individual constitution, and hair loss due to SSRIs is quite rare. (2) If it is indeed caused by SSRIs, discontinuing the medication can lead to recovery. It is recommended to return for a follow-up and discuss with the attending physician....[Read More] Can Long-Term Use of Salazopyrin Cause Permanent Hair Loss?
Can Side Effects of Salazopyrin Develop After Over a Year of Use?
Can the side effects of Seroquel occur after taking it for more than a year? Hello Doctor, I am a patient with ankylosing spondylitis and have been taking Celebrex (celecoxib) twice a day for over a year. Yesterday, I experienced tinnitus for about 3-4 hours, and today I feel diz...
Dr. Zeng Guosen Reply:
The side effects of medications are rarely observed to occur after one year. It is recommended to first consult an otolaryngologist for an examination. If no issues are found and symptoms persist, it is advisable to return for a follow-up and discuss with a rheumatologist. Thank ...[Read More] Can Side Effects of Salazopyrin Develop After Over a Year of Use?
Could My Recent Symptoms Be Side Effects of Salazopyrin?
Do my symptoms resemble the side effects of Seroquel? Hello Doctor, I am a patient with ankylosing spondylitis and have been taking Celebrex (celecoxib) twice daily for over a year. Yesterday, I experienced tinnitus for about 3-4 hours, and today I have been feeling dizzy (the di...
Dr. Gao Jiankai Reply:
Hello, thank you for your inquiry. The correlation with Salazopyrin is relatively low; it may be due to sudden inner ear imbalance. It is recommended to consult an otolaryngologist first. The Allergy, Immunology, and Rheumatology Department of Changhua Hospital, Ministry of Healt...[Read More] Could My Recent Symptoms Be Side Effects of Salazopyrin?
Could Your Symptoms Indicate Ankylosing Spondylitis?
Ankylosing spondylitis? Hello doctor, I have been experiencing some soreness in my lower back lately, along with tightness and occasional pain in my left thigh, left knee, and even discomfort in my calf muscles and the soles of my feet. These symptoms seem to come and go. I have ...
Dr. Gao Jiankai Reply:
Hello, thank you for your inquiry. I believe it is less likely to be ankylosing spondylitis and more indicative of symptoms related to a herniated disc. I recommend consulting a neurosurgeon for confirmation. The Allergy, Immunology, and Rheumatology Department at Changhua Hospit...[Read More] Could Your Symptoms Indicate Ankylosing Spondylitis?
Does Taking Salazopyrin Cause Hair Loss? Recovery After Stopping Use?
Does taking Salo (Finasteride) cause hair loss? Will prolonged use lead to irreversible hair thinning even after discontinuation? Hello Doctor, my son is 20 years old. He was diagnosed with ankylosing spondylitis at the age of 17. He started taking two Salazopyrin (sulfasalazine)...
Dr. Gao Jiankai Reply:
Hello, thank you for your question. Here are my responses: 1) Taking 2 tablets of Finasteride daily is a very mild dosage (there is still room for an increase). Is it really that easy to experience hair loss as a side effect? --> The likelihood is very low. My patients who tak...[Read More] Does Taking Salazopyrin Cause Hair Loss? Recovery After Stopping Use?
Managing Ankylosing Spondylitis: Effective Relief Strategies and Treatments
Ankylosing Spondylitis Hello Doctor, I have been diagnosed with spondylitis. Currently, I experience soreness and occasional sharp pain around my left and right scapula in the morning, and I also have some discomfort in my ribs. Recently, I have been undergoing acupuncture and sw...
Dr. Gao Jiankai Reply:
Hello, thank you for your question. In the case of early-stage ankylosing spondylitis, there typically won't be any joint adhesions yet. Therefore, in addition to exercise, manual therapy should be acceptable. However, it is best to have your physician review your X-rays and...[Read More] Managing Ankylosing Spondylitis: Effective Relief Strategies and Treatments
Does Ankylosing Spondylitis Increase Risk of Low White or Red Blood Cells?
Does ankylosing spondylitis lead to low white blood cell or red blood cell counts? Hello Dr. Tseng, I am a patient with ankylosing spondylitis, 20 years old, and I have been diagnosed with ankylosing spondylitis for 3.5 years. I am currently undergoing stable treatment. I would l...
Dr. Zeng Guosen Reply:
Ankylosing spondylitis is not a common disease, and leukopenia or anemia may occur in some patients. Chronic inflammation over time can potentially lead to anemia. It is recommended to follow up with your physician for differential diagnosis. Thank you.[Read More] Does Ankylosing Spondylitis Increase Risk of Low White or Red Blood Cells?
Does Weather Influence CRP Levels in Ankylosing Spondylitis Patients?
Does weather affect CRP levels? Hello Doctor, my son is 20 years old and has been diagnosed with ankylosing spondylitis for 3.5 years. He has been undergoing regular medication treatment for the past 2.5 years and is currently stable. However, I have noticed a peculiar phenomenon...
Dr. Zeng Guosen Reply:
Patients with rheumatic diseases often experience more discomfort during damp and cold seasons, but weather does not affect the CRP (C-reactive protein) levels reported. Medication adjustments can only be made based on symptoms and the levels of CRP. Thank you.[Read More] Does Weather Influence CRP Levels in Ankylosing Spondylitis Patients?
Understanding Seasonal Variations in CRP Levels for Ankylosing Spondylitis
CRP levels are generally higher in winter and lower in non-winter months. It is unclear if this has any specific significance? Hello, Doctor. My son is 20 years old and has been diagnosed with ankylosing spondylitis for 3.5 years. He has been undergoing regular medication treatme...
Dr. Gao Jiankai Reply:
Hello, thank you for your question. I don't have a very good explanation for this part. However, the difference in CRP levels between the two time points is not significant, so I believe that more aggressive treatment changes are not necessary. I think that during winter, th...[Read More] Understanding Seasonal Variations in CRP Levels for Ankylosing Spondylitis
Understanding Fever and Immune Disorders: Insights on Symptoms and Blood Tests
Immune diseases and related issues of fever? Hello, Doctor Gao. I would like to ask you a few questions: Recently (I'm not sure for how long), almost every night when I feel more fatigued, my body temperature rises slightly (around 36.7°C to 37.0°C or 37.1°C). If I rest for ...
Dr. Gao Jiankai Reply:
Hello, thank you for your inquiry. Here are my responses: 1. Recently, I have been experiencing slight increases in body temperature (around 36.7°C to 37.0-37.1°C) almost every evening when I feel more fatigued. If I rest or wake up from sleep, my temperature returns to normal. ...[Read More] Understanding Fever and Immune Disorders: Insights on Symptoms and Blood Tests
Understanding Medication Concerns for Ankylosing Spondylitis: Celebrex vs. Salazopyrine
Medication-related issues in ankylosing spondylitis? Hello, doctor. I am #191897. 1. During my previous visit, I asked the doctor about the medication Celebrex (celecoxib). The doctor believed that my condition was not severe enough to require the use of Salazopyrin (sulfasalaz...
Dr. Gao Jiankai Reply:
Hello, thank you for your inquiry. Here are my responses: 1. When I previously consulted with my doctor regarding the use of Salazopyrin (Salar), the doctor believed that my condition was not severe enough to warrant its use, so I was prescribed Celebrex instead. However, I am a...[Read More] Understanding Medication Concerns for Ankylosing Spondylitis: Celebrex vs. Salazopyrine