Does COVID-19 Worsen Conditions in Patients with Ankylosing Spondylitis?
Will a COVID-19 infection worsen the condition of patients with ankylosing spondylitis who previously had their disease under control? Hello, Doctor Gao. I would like to ask: 1) Are there any relevant studies that confirm that a diagnosis of COVID-19 can worsen the condition of p...
Dr. Gao Jiankai Reply:
Hello, thank you for your question. Here are my responses: 1) Are there any relevant studies confirming that COVID-19 infection can worsen the condition of patients with ankylosing spondylitis who previously had their disease under control? Or have you observed in your clinic t...[Read More] Does COVID-19 Worsen Conditions in Patients with Ankylosing Spondylitis?
Understanding Elevated Mono Levels: When to Seek Medical Advice
Abnormal blood test results? Hello Doctor, I had a blood test a few days ago and found that my Mono level is 11.4, which is above the normal range, while other parameters are normal. I would like to ask what this might indicate and which specialty I should consult? Background: ...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, MONO (mononuclear cells) levels may fluctuate due to physical conditions, disease factors, or medications. However, since subsequent values are gradually returning to normal, it is likely in the recovery phase. It is recommended to continue monitoring the indices, and if a...[Read More] Understanding Elevated Mono Levels: When to Seek Medical Advice
Can Omega-3 Help Reduce Inflammation in Ankylosing Spondylitis?
Can omega-3 improve the inflammatory condition of ankylosing spondylitis? Hello, Doctor. I am a patient with ankylosing spondylitis and have been experiencing symptoms for three and a half years. Currently, I take two capsules of Celebrex and two capsules of Humira daily to manag...
Dr. Gao Jiankai Reply:
Hello, thank you for your question. Here are my responses: 1) Can omega-3 improve the inflammatory condition of ankylosing spondylitis? --> Currently, there is no clear evidence. Omega-3 is a food supplement, not a medication, and its anti-inflammatory effects are limited. A...[Read More] Can Omega-3 Help Reduce Inflammation in Ankylosing Spondylitis?
Does Celecoxib Effectively Lower CRP Levels in Patients?
Can Xeljanz reduce CRP levels? Hello Dr. Gao: I previously asked you a question (number 188046), and the complete inquiry and response are attached below. I would like to ask you another question: 1) Does sulfasalazine not have an effect on lowering CRP? 2) If not, is the reason ...
Dr. Gao Jiankai Reply:
Hello, thank you for your question. Here are my answers: 1) Does Secukinumab have no effect on lowering CRP? --> Yes, in principle, it has no effect or a poor effect. 2) If not, is the reason the same as why Secukinumab does not lower ESR? --> Yes, the reasons are the same....[Read More] Does Celecoxib Effectively Lower CRP Levels in Patients?
Evaluating Biologics for Ankylosing Spondylitis: A Patient's Dilemma
Should the use of biologic agents be evaluated? Hello, Doctor Gao. 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 overview of his treat...
Dr. Gao Jiankai Reply:
Hello, thank you for your question. Here are my responses: 1) Although taking two Salazopyrin and two CellCept daily can effectively manage my child's condition, I am concerned about the potential long-term side effects (such as cardiovascular issues or kidney disease) fro...[Read More] Evaluating Biologics for Ankylosing Spondylitis: A Patient's Dilemma
Addressing Medication Concerns in Ankylosing Spondylitis Treatment
Medication-related issues in ankylosing spondylitis? Hello Doctor, I am #191834, and I have some additional questions to ask you. Thank you for your help: 1. I have been taking Silenor for about six months, but I feel it is not very effective. What should I do? 2. My doctor did...
Dr. Gao Jiankai Reply:
Hello, thank you for your questions. Here are my responses: 1. I have been taking Silodosin for about six months, but I feel it is not very effective. What should I do? --> Please discuss this with your prescribing physician, as there are other medications available. If neces...[Read More] Addressing Medication Concerns in Ankylosing Spondylitis Treatment
Managing Ankylosing Spondylitis Pain During Cold Weather: Tips and Insights
When a cold front arrives, the symptoms of ankylosing spondylitis tend to flare up? Dear Doctor, Happy New Year! I am a 20-year-old patient with ankylosing spondylitis, and I have been experiencing symptoms for 3.5 years. Currently, I am managing my condition with two Sulfasalaz...
Dr. Gao Jiankai Reply:
Hello, thank you for your question. Here are my responses: 1) Regarding the acute pain caused by the cold front, can I stop taking Celebrex (but continue with Salazopyrin), and switch to a more immediate but not suitable for long-term use strong analgesic (non-NSAIDs), and then...[Read More] Managing Ankylosing Spondylitis Pain During Cold Weather: Tips and Insights
Managing Ankylosing Spondylitis: Medication and Pain Relief Tips
Medication-related issues in ankylosing spondylitis? Hello Doctor, I would like to ask you the following questions: 1. Between Salazine and Celebrex, which one has fewer side effects and is more suitable for long-term use? 2. I am currently taking two capsules of Celebrex a day...
Dr. Gao Jiankai Reply:
Hello, thank you for your question. Here are my responses: 1. Between Salazine and Celebrex, which has fewer side effects and is suitable for long-term use? Salazine needs to be taken long-term and consistently. This medication addresses the root cause of the disease rather than...[Read More] Managing Ankylosing Spondylitis: Medication and Pain Relief Tips
Understanding Enlarged Lymph Nodes: When to Seek Medical Advice
Lymphadenopathy-related issues? Hello Doctor, I noticed that the lymph nodes in both groin areas have been swollen for over a week. Each side has multiple nodes, approximately 1 cm or slightly more, with a round or oval shape. However, I don't feel any significant discomfort...
Dr. Gao Jiankai Reply:
Hello, thank you for your inquiry. The presence of multiple enlarged lymph nodes in the groin area should be evaluated by a physician. Generally, ankylosing spondylitis does not cause lymphadenopathy, so it is advisable to consult a doctor who can assess other parts of your body....[Read More] Understanding Enlarged Lymph Nodes: When to Seek Medical Advice
Can I Change the Dosage Schedule for Celebrex in Treating Ankylosing Spondylitis?
Can the method of taking Xarelto be changed? Hello Doctor, I have ankylosing spondylitis and I am currently taking one tablet of Celebrex (200 mg) in the morning and one in the evening for treatment. I would like to ask, 1) Can I change to taking two tablets at once every evening...
Dr. Gao Jiankai Reply:
Hello, thank you for your question. Here are my responses: 1) Can I change to taking 2 pills once every night? --> It is acceptable for a short period, but generally, it is not recommended to take two pills (400mg) at once for an extended duration. It is also difficult to defi...[Read More] Can I Change the Dosage Schedule for Celebrex in Treating Ankylosing Spondylitis?
Can Ankylosing Spondylitis Lead to Rapid Osteoporosis in Young Patients?
Can ankylosing spondylitis lead to osteoporosis so quickly? Dear Dr. Tseng, I am currently 19 years old and have been diagnosed with ankylosing spondylitis for 2.8 years, with symptoms limited to pain in the buttocks. For the first 1.5 years, I was unaware that it was ankylosing...
Dr. Zeng Guosen Reply:
1. Ankylosing spondylitis is not a significant factor leading to osteoporosis; as long as it is well-controlled and stable, it generally does not cause bone loss. 2. If you are taking Salazopyrin, you can take two tablets at once after dinner if you are only taking one tablet in ...[Read More] Can Ankylosing Spondylitis Lead to Rapid Osteoporosis in Young Patients?
Can I Take Salazopyrine with Just Milk for Breakfast?
Can cereal be eaten with just milk? Hello, Doctor Gao. I am a patient with ankylosing spondylitis. I need to take Salazopyrin after breakfast and dinner, but I often lack appetite in the morning and find it difficult to eat breakfast. I would like to ask if I can take Salazopyrin...
Dr. Gao Jiankai Reply:
Hello, thank you for your question. It is recommended to take Salazopyrin after meals, preferably about one hour after drinking milk. This is from the Allergy, Immunology, and Rheumatology Department of Changhua Hospital, Ministry of Health and Welfare, caring for you.[Read More] Can I Take Salazopyrine with Just Milk for Breakfast?
Understanding Chronic Pain: Causes, Treatments, and When to Seek Help
Body pain Hello Doctor, I am the one who asked you last time about taking Aceclofenac 100mg (I wonder if you remember me). For the past 1 to 2 months, I have been experiencing pain in my upper back, finger joints, fingertips, soles of my feet, toes, knees, elbows, arms, lower bac...
Dr. Gao Jiankai Reply:
Hello, thank you for your questions. Here are my responses: 1. Is the lack of improvement due to me taking the medication too late? After all, I have had this symptom for 1 to 2 months, so the effect is not significant. --> This is likely unrelated to the timing of taking the...[Read More] Understanding Chronic Pain: Causes, Treatments, and When to Seek Help
Understanding Short-Term Joint and Back Pain: When to Consider Medication
Pain in the limbs and back? Hello Doctor, I have been experiencing upper back pain, pain in the finger joints and fingertips, pain in the toes, knee pain, and occasional elbow pain for the past 1 to 2 months. This past month, I went to a large hospital for examinations. The docto...
Dr. Gao Jiankai Reply:
Hello, thank you for your question. Some young individuals do experience intermittent joint effusion, with symptoms that come and go, often lasting no more than three days. In such cases, we generally first check for any serious rheumatic diseases behind these symptoms, as your p...[Read More] Understanding Short-Term Joint and Back Pain: When to Consider Medication
Is Splenda Better Taken Twice Daily for Ankylosing Spondylitis?
Is it okay to take Seroquel in the afternoon and evening? Hello Doctor, I am a patient with ankylosing spondylitis. Currently, I take 2 tablets of Celebrex every night, and sometimes when I experience pain in my buttocks, I take an additional tablet of Hyalgan. I would like to as...
Dr. Gao Jiankai Reply:
Hello, thank you for your question. I believe it is possible. Taking two tablets in the morning and evening, or taking two tablets at once, has a similar effect, so you can adjust according to your needs and schedule without worry. The Allergy, Immunology, and Rheumatology Depart...[Read More] Is Splenda Better Taken Twice Daily for Ankylosing Spondylitis?
Is Frequent Yawning a Side Effect of My Medication?
Is frequent yawning a side effect of medication? Hello Doctor, I am a patient with ankylosing spondylitis. Over the past two years of medication treatment, I took one Celebrex daily for the first year and a half, and then increased to two Salazopyrin daily for the last six months...
Dr. Gao Jiankai Reply:
Hello, thank you for your question. I believe it is unrelated to the medication, as these drugs rarely have yawning as a side effect. I recommend maintaining a regular schedule, avoiding staying up late, and exercising regularly, which is especially important for ankylosing spond...[Read More] Is Frequent Yawning a Side Effect of My Medication?
Can Low-Frequency Electrotherapy Help Alleviate Ankylosing Spondylitis Pain?
Symptoms of ankylosing spondylitis, can low-frequency electrical stimulation therapy improve them? Hello, Doctor. I am a 20-year-old male patient with ankylosing spondylitis. My main issue is pain in the lower back (not reaching the buttocks). Currently, I am taking Celebrex and ...
Dr. Zeng Guosen Reply:
Hello, if the back pain is caused by ankylosing spondylitis, a low-frequency electrotherapy device may be ineffective. However, it might be beneficial for superficial myofascial muscle soreness. You could give it a try. For further use of the low-frequency electrotherapy device, ...[Read More] Can Low-Frequency Electrotherapy Help Alleviate Ankylosing Spondylitis Pain?
Can Physical Therapy Help Alleviate Symptoms of Ankylosing Spondylitis?
Can the symptoms of ankylosing spondylitis be alleviated through rehabilitation? Hello, Doctor. I am a 20-year-old male patient with ankylosing spondylitis. My main issue is pain in my lower back (not reaching the buttocks). Currently, I am taking Celebrex and exercising more to ...
Dr. Gao Jiankai Reply:
Hello, thank you for your question. Here are my answers: 1) Can using a heating pad at home on my lower back help alleviate the remaining pain? Would a doctor recommend this? --> Yes, it can be beneficial. 2) Is it okay to occasionally go to a rehabilitation department for gen...[Read More] Can Physical Therapy Help Alleviate Symptoms of Ankylosing Spondylitis?
Is the Effect of Celecoxib on ESR Less Noticeable Than on CRP?
Is the effect of Xeljanz on lowering ESR less pronounced? Hello Doctor, I am a patient with ankylosing spondylitis and have been diagnosed for 3 years. For the past year, I have been undergoing treatment with Celecoxib. Although my buttock pain symptoms have significantly improve...
Dr. Zeng Guosen Reply:
The ESR (erythrocyte sedimentation rate) can be influenced by many factors aside from inflammation, so it is primarily recommended to refer to CRP (C-reactive protein) levels. You can try substituting different anti-inflammatory and analgesic medications. The results from the WBC...[Read More] Is the Effect of Celecoxib on ESR Less Noticeable Than on CRP?
Managing Ankylosing Spondylitis Back Pain: Do NSAIDs and Exercise Always Help?
Can back pain from ankylosing spondylitis be alleviated by taking NSAIDs? Hello Doctor, my son is 19 years old and has been diagnosed with ankylosing spondylitis for three years. He has undergone relevant blood tests and MRI scans, and the rheumatologist confirmed the diagnosis. ...
Dr. Zeng Guosen Reply:
For individuals with ankylosing spondylitis experiencing back pain, simply taking NSAIDs along with appropriate exercise may not completely alleviate the pain. It is important to conduct a differential diagnosis to rule out other possibilities. If it is confirmed that the pain is...[Read More] Managing Ankylosing Spondylitis Back Pain: Do NSAIDs and Exercise Always Help?