Does Ankylosing Spondylitis Increase Risk of Low White or Red Blood Cells?
Does ankylosing spondylitis lead to a decrease in white blood cells or red blood cells? Hello, Doctor Gao. I am a 20-year-old patient with ankylosing spondylitis, diagnosed 3.5 years ago and currently undergoing stable treatment. I would like to ask you, excluding the effects of ...
Dr. Gao Jiankai Reply:
Hello, thank you for your question. Ankylosing spondylitis does not cause leukopenia; however, untreated long-term ankylosing spondylitis may lead to mild anemia due to chronic inflammation suppressing bone marrow hematopoiesis. Additionally, if severe pain or poor control necess...[Read More] Does Ankylosing Spondylitis Increase Risk of Low White or Red Blood Cells?
Persistent Dry Cough After COVID-19: Understanding Symptoms and Management
A slight cough (non-productive) in the throat persisting for six months after a confirmed COVID-19 infection? Hello Doctor: I am 20 years old and have ankylosing spondylitis. I tested positive for COVID-19 in early October 2022, experiencing mild symptoms (low fever for 1-2 days,...
Dr. Xie Rongyuan Reply:
Hello: After being diagnosed with COVID-19, there may be upper respiratory symptoms. If the symptoms persist, you may visit a hospital for medical care to alleviate the symptoms. Thank you for your message![Read More] Persistent Dry Cough After COVID-19: Understanding Symptoms and Management
Long COVID Management Tips for Patients with Ankylosing Spondylitis
Considerations for Long COVID Treatment in Patients with Ankylosing Spondylitis Hello Doctor: My son, who is 20 years old, has a history of ankylosing spondylitis. He tested positive for COVID-19 in early October 2022, experiencing mild symptoms (low-grade fever for 1-2 days, mus...
Dr. Gao Jiankai Reply:
Hello, thank you for your inquiry. Here are my responses: 1. Is the slower recovery from long COVID possibly related to ankylosing spondylitis? How long does it take to fully recover? --> Long COVID can be monitored for three months; after three months, most symptoms should g...[Read More] Long COVID Management Tips for Patients with Ankylosing Spondylitis
Understanding Inflammation Index and Its Impact on Adhesion in Ankylosing Spondylitis
The relationship between inflammatory markers and adhesions? Hello, Doctor. I have ankylosing spondylitis. Before treatment, I experienced pain in my buttocks and lower back. For the past year, I have been consistently taking 2 tablets of Celebrex daily, and my CRP levels have be...
Dr. Gao Jiankai Reply:
Hello, thank you for your question. Here are my responses: 1) My current index is normal, and I hardly feel any pain in my buttocks. However, I do experience some discomfort in my lower back when leaning back, but it is minimal and does not significantly affect my daily life. Can...[Read More] Understanding Inflammation Index and Its Impact on Adhesion in Ankylosing Spondylitis
Assessing Bone Marrow Suppression Risks from Salazopyrin Use
Have I already experienced bone marrow suppression as a side effect from taking Salazopyrin? Hello Dr. Tseng, I would like to ask you another question. I am a patient with ankylosing spondylitis, and my main symptom is pain in the buttocks. Since my blood test on March 2 of last ...
Dr. Zeng Guosen Reply:
The user's PLT and WBC are within normal ranges, but Hb is slightly low. Drug-induced bone marrow suppression typically affects WBC and PLT, so it is okay to continue the medication. Follow up with the attending physician for further discussion. There is no need to take iron...[Read More] Assessing Bone Marrow Suppression Risks from Salazopyrin Use
Can Probiotics and Omega-3 Foods Help Manage Ankylosing Spondylitis?
Is taking probiotics or regularly consuming foods rich in omega-3 beneficial for ankylosing spondylitis? Hello Dr. Tseng, I am a patient with ankylosing spondylitis, and I have been experiencing symptoms for three and a half years. Currently, I take two tablets of Celebrex and on...
Dr. Zeng Guosen Reply:
Online users suggest that omega-3 can combat inflammation, but its effectiveness in improving the inflammatory condition of ankylosing spondylitis is limited; it should only be used as a supplement and cannot be used for treatment. Probiotics or omega-3 are not expected to have a...[Read More] Can Probiotics and Omega-3 Foods Help Manage Ankylosing Spondylitis?
Does Celecoxib Effectively Lower CRP Levels in Ankylosing Spondylitis?
Is the effect of Xeljanz on reducing CRP inflammatory markers significant? Hello Dr. Zeng, I am a patient with ankylosing spondylitis. Could you please tell me if the medication Celebrex has a significant effect on reducing CRP inflammation levels in patients with ankylosing spon...
Dr. Zeng Guosen Reply:
The medication Hylorac belongs to the class of NSAIDs (non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs) and has a certain effectiveness in reducing inflammation associated with ankylosing spondylitis. However, individual responses may vary; some may experience significant benefits, while o...[Read More] Does Celecoxib Effectively Lower CRP Levels in Ankylosing Spondylitis?
Understanding the Efficacy of Anti-Inflammatory Pain Medications
The efficacy of anti-inflammatory and analgesic medications? Hello Dr. Tseng, I have ankylosing spondylitis, primarily experiencing pain in my buttocks (sacroiliac joint) and lower back (at the level of my navel). I have been taking Voltaren and Celebrex for three months each. Wh...
Dr. Zeng Guosen Reply:
Each medication has its own effects and can cause different reactions in individuals. It is not recommended to use different anti-inflammatory and analgesic medications simultaneously, as this may increase the risk of side effects. It is advisable to adjust other pain relievers t...[Read More] Understanding the Efficacy of Anti-Inflammatory Pain Medications
Managing Medication for Ankylosing Spondylitis: Key Considerations
Medication issues in ankylosing spondylitis? Hello Dr. Tseng, I am a patient with ankylosing spondylitis. For the past six months, I have been taking two Salazopyrin and one Voltaren daily for treatment. My CRP levels have been between 0.2 and 0.6, and my pain occurs approximatel...
Dr. Zeng Guosen Reply:
Whether or not to take medication depends on the condition of the disease, including an overall assessment of pain, inflammation, and spinal involvement. This determination must be made by your treating physician who understands your situation; it cannot be decided solely based o...[Read More] Managing Medication for Ankylosing Spondylitis: Key Considerations
Is My New Lower Back Pain a Side Effect of Salazopyrin or AS Symptoms?
My new lower back pain symptoms could be indicative of ankylosing spondylitis, or could they be a side effect of taking Celebrex? Hello Dr. Zeng, I am a patient with ankylosing spondylitis and have been experiencing symptoms for 2 years. In the first year, I mainly took anti-infl...
Dr. Zeng Guosen Reply:
Is it true that the side effects of Seroquel need to be differentiated? If back pain is a side effect, it will not cause permanent harm to the body. It is recommended to follow up with the attending physician for evaluation.[Read More] Is My New Lower Back Pain a Side Effect of Salazopyrin or AS Symptoms?
How Effective is Certolizumab in Reducing CRP Levels?
Is the effect of Xarelto on lowering CRP significant? Hello Dr. Tseng, I am a patient with ankylosing spondylitis. I am currently being treated with Celebrex and Humira (I have also taken Enbrel in the past). I would like to ask the doctor some direct questions: 1) Generally spea...
Dr. Zeng Guosen Reply:
Both have anti-inflammatory effects, but the response varies among patients with ankylosing spondylitis, and there are no studies reporting which one reduces CRP more significantly. The response in CRP reduction after administration varies from person to person.[Read More] How Effective is Certolizumab in Reducing CRP Levels?
Understanding Inflammation Index and Its Impact on Adhesion in Ankylosing Spondylitis
The relationship between inflammatory indices and adhesions? Hello, Doctor. I have ankylosing spondylitis. Before treatment, I experienced pain in my buttocks and lower back. For the past year, I have been taking two tablets of Celebrex daily, and my CRP levels have been maintain...
Dr. Zeng Guosen Reply:
The likelihood of spinal adhesions is related to various factors, including inflammation levels, smoking, previous adhesions, obesity, and more. Of course, if there is no pain and inflammation levels are normal, the chances of developing adhesions in the lower back are reduced. E...[Read More] Understanding Inflammation Index and Its Impact on Adhesion in Ankylosing Spondylitis
Is My New Lower Back Pain a Side Effect of Salazopyrin or AS Symptoms?
My new lower back pain symptoms could be indicative of ankylosing spondylitis, or they might be a side effect of taking Celebrex? Hello, Doctor. I am a patient with ankylosing spondylitis, and I have been experiencing symptoms for two years. During the first year, I primarily too...
Dr. Gao Jiankai Reply:
Hello, thank you for your question. Here is my response: 1) Starting from the second month after taking Salazopyrin, I developed new symptoms of back pain. However, I have not experienced any rashes, fever, jaundice, pallor, diarrhea, headaches, vomiting, or any other physical ...[Read More] Is My New Lower Back Pain a Side Effect of Salazopyrin or AS Symptoms?
How to Optimize the Use of Meloxicam for Ankylosing Spondylitis?
How should Wan Ke Shi be taken for optimal results? Hello, Doctor Gao. I am a patient with ankylosing spondylitis. For the past six months, I have been taking two Salazopyrin (Salsalate) tablets and one Voltaren (Diclofenac) tablet daily for treatment. My CRP levels have been bet...
Dr. Gao Jiankai Reply:
Hello, thank you for your question. Here are my responses: 1) Can I just take Meloxicam when I have pain (and continue taking Celecoxib daily)? I'm worried that not taking Meloxicam every day and only taking Celecoxib might cause my previously well-controlled CRP levels to ...[Read More] How to Optimize the Use of Meloxicam for Ankylosing Spondylitis?
Understanding the Effectiveness of Anti-Inflammatory Pain Medications
Regarding the effects of anti-inflammatory and analgesic medications? Hello, Doctor Gao. I have ankylosing spondylitis, primarily experiencing pain in my buttocks (sacroiliac joint) and lower back (at the level of my navel). I have been taking Voltaren and Celebrex for three mont...
Dr. Gao Jiankai Reply:
Hello, thank you for your question. Here are my responses: 1) Can the same anti-inflammatory pain reliever (such as Naproxen) effectively treat sacroiliac joint pain but not lower back pain? Or can Celecoxib effectively treat lower back pain but not sacroiliac joint pain? -->...[Read More] Understanding the Effectiveness of Anti-Inflammatory Pain Medications
Understanding Bone Marrow Suppression Risks from Salazopyrin Use
Could I be experiencing bone marrow suppression as a side effect after taking Salazopyrin? Hello, Doctor Gao. I would like to ask you some additional questions. I am a patient with ankylosing spondylitis, and my main symptom is pain in my buttocks. Since my blood test on March 2n...
Dr. Gao Jiankai Reply:
Hello, thank you for your question. Here are my responses: 1) The package insert for Salazopyrin mentions rare side effects such as bone marrow suppression. My RBC, Hb, and PLT levels seem to have started declining after taking Salazopyrin (all have dropped to the lower limit of...[Read More] Understanding Bone Marrow Suppression Risks from Salazopyrin Use
Understanding Fluctuations in Hs-CRP Levels for Ankylosing Spondylitis Patients
Does eating salad cause fluctuations in hs-CRP levels? Hello Doctor, I am a patient with ankylosing spondylitis, and my main symptom is pain in the buttocks. Since March 2nd of last year, I have been taking two Salazopyrin daily and only taking Voltaren when I experience pain (th...
Dr. Zeng Guosen Reply:
1) The activity of ankylosing spondylitis naturally fluctuates and is not ineffective. 2) It is possible that medication was not taken, or the disease itself may be changing. 3) There are reports indicating that COVID-19 infection can lead to increased instability in autoimmune d...[Read More] Understanding Fluctuations in Hs-CRP Levels for Ankylosing Spondylitis Patients
Why Did the Effectiveness of Salazopyrine Diminish for My Ankylosing Spondylitis?
Why has the effect of Salbutamol diminished? Hello, Doctor Gao. I am a patient with ankylosing spondylitis, and my main symptom is pain in the buttocks. Since March 2 of last year, I have been taking two Salazopyrin daily and only taking Voltaren when I experience pain (the pain ...
Dr. Gao Jiankai Reply:
Hello, thank you for your inquiry. Here are my responses: 1) For patients with ankylosing spondylitis, in the absence of special circumstances and without interruption of medication, the use of Salazopyrin (sulfasalazine) generally maintains effective control over HSCRP levels....[Read More] Why Did the Effectiveness of Salazopyrine Diminish for My Ankylosing Spondylitis?
Medication vs. Biologics: Which is Better for Ankylosing Spondylitis?
Is it better to take medication or to receive a biologic treatment? Hello Doctor, 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 overvi...
Dr. Zeng Guosen Reply:
The general principle is that traditional oral medications are the first-line treatment. If the condition is stable, the use of biologics is not recommended. It may be worth considering a reduction in medication and monitoring the situation. Biologics are also a type of medicatio...[Read More] Medication vs. Biologics: Which is Better for Ankylosing Spondylitis?
Impact of COVID-19 on Ankylosing Spondylitis: A Clinical Perspective
The relationship between COVID-19 infection and the progression of ankylosing spondylitis? Hello, doctor. I would like to ask: 1) Are there any relevant studies that confirm that a diagnosis of COVID-19 can worsen the condition of patients with ankylosing spondylitis who previous...
Dr. Zeng Guosen Reply:
There have indeed been reports that COVID-19 infection can lead to instability in autoimmune diseases. However, in most patients, this worsening condition tends to gradually resolve over time. There is no need to worry; you can seek medical advice and assistance from a physician....[Read More] Impact of COVID-19 on Ankylosing Spondylitis: A Clinical Perspective