Should I See a Rehabilitation or Rheumatology Specialist for My Symptoms?
Should I see a rehabilitation specialist or a rheumatologist for my plantar fasciitis and tennis elbow symptoms? Hello Doctor: Since receiving the third dose of Moderna (the first two doses were BNT) three months ago, I have experienced the following symptoms starting on the thir...
Dr. Zeng Guosen Reply:
Users with symptoms of plantar fasciitis, tennis elbow, and tenderness in the left thumb joint may have a potential connection to ankylosing spondylitis. CRP/ESR tests can be referenced, but they cannot definitively rule in or out the association. Treatment can be pursued through...[Read More] Should I See a Rehabilitation or Rheumatology Specialist for My Symptoms?
Could Fluctuating ESR Levels Indicate Cancer in Ankylosing Spondylitis?
Could my ESR condition be caused by cancer? Hello Doctor, I am a patient with ankylosing spondylitis, 22 years old, and I have been diagnosed for 2 years and 3 months. About 2 years ago, blood tests and MRI confirmed my diagnosis of ankylosing spondylitis. During my first blood t...
Dr. Gao Jiankai Reply:
Hello, thank you for your question. Indeed, there are other reasons that can cause an elevated ESR, including cancer. However, the diagnosis of cancer is not based solely on ESR; it should be considered alongside other related symptoms and regular health check-ups. You are still ...[Read More] Could Fluctuating ESR Levels Indicate Cancer in Ankylosing Spondylitis?
Can NSAIDs Alone Relieve Back Pain in Ankylosing Spondylitis?
Does taking NSAIDs always relieve back pain in ankylosing spondylitis? Hello, Dr. Gao. 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. I...
Dr. Gao Jiankai Reply:
Hello, thank you for your question. Here are my responses: 1) Regarding the back pain from ankylosing spondylitis, is it true that taking NSAIDs combined with appropriate exercise will definitely relieve the pain? Are there cases of more severe ankylosing spondylitis where pain...[Read More] Can NSAIDs Alone Relieve Back Pain in Ankylosing Spondylitis?
Do Rheumatologists and Orthopedists Interpret X-rays Differently?
Is there a difference between a rheumatologist and an orthopedic surgeon when interpreting bone X-rays? Dear Dr. Gao, I am a patient with ankylosing spondylitis. Recently, I have developed pain in my lower back when leaning backward, but I do not experience pain when bending for...
Dr. Gao Jiankai Reply:
Hello, thank you for your question. Here are my responses: 1) Can a general rheumatologist identify signs of a mild spinal arch fracture on an X-ray? (Isn't it more likely for an orthopedic surgeon to interpret bone X-rays?) --> I believe both specialties can, as well a...[Read More] Do Rheumatologists and Orthopedists Interpret X-rays Differently?
Managing Medication for Ankylosing Spondylitis During COVID-19
Medication-related issues Hello Doctor: I have ankylosing spondylitis, and I am currently taking 1000 mg of Celebrex daily. I would like to ask you: 1) If I contract an infection, should I continue taking Celebrex? If I need to stop, how long should I refrain from taking it? 2) I...
Dr. Zeng Guosen Reply:
1. If infected, you can continue taking Celecoxib. 2. In your situation, Paxlovid may not be necessary. Thank you for your question.[Read More] Managing Medication for Ankylosing Spondylitis During COVID-19
Understanding High ESR Levels in Anemia and Ankylosing Spondylitis
Is it because I have anemia that my ESR is often elevated? Hello Doctor: I am a patient with ankylosing spondylitis, 20 years old, and I have been diagnosed for over 2 years. Recently, for the past 7 months, I have been taking Salazopyrin, and during my last two follow-up visits,...
Dr. Zeng Guosen Reply:
1. Hemoglobin (Hb) levels of 13.5 to 14.5 are not the cause of abnormal erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR), as ESR can be influenced by many factors in the body. 2. C-reactive protein (CRP) is more important than ESR for monitoring ankylosing spondylitis; symptoms and X-rays a...[Read More] Understanding High ESR Levels in Anemia and Ankylosing Spondylitis
Can Increasing Salazopyrin Dosage Improve ESR in Ankylosing Spondylitis?
Saleran significantly reduces CRP levels; can increasing the dosage also lead to a significant decrease in ESR? Hello Doctor: I am 20 years old and have been diagnosed with ankylosing spondylitis for 3 years, with the diagnosis confirmed 1 year after the onset. Initially, I was t...
Dr. Zeng Guosen Reply:
1. There are many bodily factors that can cause elevated ESR, and inflammation is just one of them. Increasing the dosage of Salazopyrin to 3 or 4 tablets per day may be worth trying, but it may not necessarily be effective. 2. Mild anemia is unlikely to cause such a high ESR. Th...[Read More] Can Increasing Salazopyrin Dosage Improve ESR in Ankylosing Spondylitis?
Does Allergies Affect Elevated ESR Levels in Young Adults?
Can allergies cause an increase in ESR? Hello Doctor: My son is 20 years old and has had allergies since childhood. Over two years ago, he was also diagnosed with ankylosing spondylitis. He is currently taking two capsules of Salazopyrin daily. In the early stages of the disease,...
Dr. Zeng Guosen Reply:
Hello, there are many reasons that can cause elevated ESR levels, and inflammation is just one of them. Allergies do not necessarily lead to increased ESR, especially if other values are normal. If you have any questions, you can consult your attending physician. Thank you for yo...[Read More] Does Allergies Affect Elevated ESR Levels in Young Adults?
Does Ankylosing Spondylitis Lead to Rapid Osteoporosis in Young Patients?
Will ankylosing spondylitis quickly lead to osteoporosis? Hello Dr. Gao: 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 spo...
Dr. Gao Jiankai Reply:
Hello, thank you for your question. Patients with ankylosing spondylitis are more prone to osteoporosis, which is why we recommend regular exercise. In addition to alleviating pain and preventing adhesions, another reason is to avoid osteoporosis. Therefore, in addition to taking...[Read More] Does Ankylosing Spondylitis Lead to Rapid Osteoporosis in Young Patients?
Understanding Back Pain Patterns in Ankylosing Spondylitis: Key Symptoms and Management
Experiencing pain when extending the lower back but not when bending forward is a typical symptom of ankylosing spondylitis? Dear Dr. Gao, I am a patient with ankylosing spondylitis and have been experiencing symptoms for over two years. Initially, I only had pain in my buttocks...
Dr. Gao Jiankai Reply:
Hello, thank you for your question. Here are my responses: 1) Are my symptoms (pain in the lower back when arching, no pain when bending forward) typical symptoms of ankylosing spondylitis? --> No. 2) If it is not a typical symptom, would Dr. Gao recommend that I see a reh...[Read More] Understanding Back Pain Patterns in Ankylosing Spondylitis: Key Symptoms and Management
Can Celecoxib Effectively Lower ESR in Ankylosing Spondylitis Patients?
Can Xeljanz lower ESR? Hello Doctor, I am a patient with ankylosing spondylitis and have been diagnosed for one year. During this year, I have been taking Celecoxib. Although my buttock pain has resolved and my CRP levels are normal, my ESR has not shown significant improvement d...
Dr. Gao Jiankai Reply:
Hello, thank you for your question. Here are my responses: 1) Although Celecoxib is an anti-inflammatory and analgesic medication, it does not have the effect of lowering ESR, is that correct? --> I believe that using anti-inflammatory and analgesic medications to lower ESR is...[Read More] Can Celecoxib Effectively Lower ESR in Ankylosing Spondylitis Patients?
Can Increasing Salazopyrine Dosage Lower ESR in Ankylosing Spondylitis?
Can increasing the dosage of Salazopyrin further reduce ESR? Hello Doctor: I am 20 years old, and I have been diagnosed with ankylosing spondylitis for 3 years, with the diagnosis confirmed 1 year after the onset. Initially, I was treated with either Celebrex or Voltaren, but for...
Dr. Gao Jiankai Reply:
Hello, thank you for your question. Here are my responses: 1) I have been taking only 2 Salazopyrin daily, and my CRP has significantly decreased from around 0.7-0.9 (when I was only taking Celebrex or Voltaren) to now 0.2-0.4. However, my ESR has shown almost no improvement. In...[Read More] Can Increasing Salazopyrine Dosage Lower ESR in Ankylosing Spondylitis?
Should I Stop Taking Salazopyrine After Testing Positive for COVID-19?
If diagnosed with COVID-19, should Salmeterol be discontinued? Hello Doctor: I am a 20-year-old patient with ankylosing spondylitis. Currently, I take two tablets of Salazopyrin daily (without taking anti-inflammatory medication) to manage my condition. I was diagnosed with COVID...
Dr. Gao Jiankai Reply:
Hello, thank you for your question. Here are my responses: 1) Salazopyrin is an immunomodulator, which is different from immunosuppressants. It only suppresses the body's immune response but does not inhibit the immune response to foreign viruses, so it does not lower the ...[Read More] Should I Stop Taking Salazopyrine After Testing Positive for COVID-19?
Understanding Anemia in Ankylosing Spondylitis: Causes and Insights
Ankylosing Spondylitis Anemia Hello doctor, I have ankylosing spondylitis and recently had blood tests that showed some abnormal results: WBC: 7.15 (3.6-11.2) normal, RBC: 3.87 (4.5-5.7) abnormal, HB: 12.5 (13.7-17) abnormal, HCT: 37.0 (40.5-50) abnormal, MCV: 95.6 (80-100) norma...
Dr. Gao Jiankai Reply:
Hello, thank you for your inquiry. If ankylosing spondylitis is poorly controlled, it may lead to anemia. Your inflammatory markers are normal, indicating that your ankylosing spondylitis is relatively stable, and the anemia may not be caused by a rheumatic disease. I recommend t...[Read More] Understanding Anemia in Ankylosing Spondylitis: Causes and Insights
Is Ankylosing Spondylitis a Severe Risk Factor for COVID-19?
Is ankylosing spondylitis a risk factor for severe disease? Hello Doctor, my son is 19 years old and has ankylosing spondylitis. I have some questions to ask you. 1) There are many risk factors for severe COVID-19, one of which is "diseases affecting immune function (such ...
Dr. Gao Jiankai Reply:
Hello, thank you for your question. Here are my responses: 1) There are many risk factors for severe COVID-19, one of which is "diseases affecting immune function (HIV infection, congenital immunodeficiency, solid organ or hematopoietic stem cell transplantation, use of ste...[Read More] Is Ankylosing Spondylitis a Severe Risk Factor for COVID-19?
Is Ankylosing Spondylitis a Severe Risk Factor for COVID-19?
Is ankylosing spondylitis a risk factor for severe illness? Additional question? Hello Doctor, I apologize for the follow-up question regarding the issue I asked yesterday (#187270). I would like to ask you: My child has been taking 2 tablets of Salbutamol daily for the past six ...
Dr. Gao Jiankai Reply:
Hello, thank you for your question. Broadly speaking, I believe it is. In a narrower sense, having a smaller quantity of two can also be considered as not being so. I tend to lean towards the broader definition. The Allergy, Immunology, and Rheumatology Department of Changhua Hos...[Read More] Is Ankylosing Spondylitis a Severe Risk Factor for COVID-19?
Post-COVID Treatment: Should You Take Antiviral Medications?
How to use medication after being diagnosed with COVID-19? Hello Doctor: I am a patient with ankylosing spondylitis, 22 years old, and I have had this condition for over two years. Currently, I am managing my condition with Salazopyrin. Yesterday, a general clinic (not a rheumato...
Dr. Gao Jiankai Reply:
Hello, thank you for your question. The use of Isalor tablets for managing ankylosing spondylitis is indeed related to an abnormal immune function, which is why your physician has prescribed Belaviv. Currently, this medication has not yet received market approval, and if there ar...[Read More] Post-COVID Treatment: Should You Take Antiviral Medications?
Understanding Oral Ulcers in Ankylosing Spondylitis Patients
Ankylosing spondylitis-related issues? Hello Doctor: I was diagnosed with ankylosing spondylitis a few months ago, and since then, I have been taking Celebrex. Recently, I have been taking it about 4 to 5 days a week, and my inflammatory markers have been normal. However, since I...
Dr. Gao Jiankai Reply:
Hello, thank you for your question. Patients with ankylosing spondylitis are indeed prone to developing mouth ulcers. It is recommended that you use oral gels and regularly take vitamin B complex. The likelihood of Humira causing mouth ulcers is low, but it is still a possibility...[Read More] Understanding Oral Ulcers in Ankylosing Spondylitis Patients
Do Ankylosing Spondylitis Patients Need Antiviral Drugs for COVID-19?
Do patients with ankylosing spondylitis who are diagnosed with COVID-19 need to take antiviral medication? Hello Doctor, I am a patient with ankylosing spondylitis. I would like to ask you: 1) If a patient with ankylosing spondylitis is diagnosed with COVID-19, what are the gover...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, regarding the second risk factor, one of the conditions is diseases that affect immune function (such as HIV infection, congenital immunodeficiency, solid organ or hematopoietic stem cell transplantation, and the use of corticosteroids or other immunosuppressants). Therefo...[Read More] Do Ankylosing Spondylitis Patients Need Antiviral Drugs for COVID-19?
Do Ankylosing Spondylitis Patients Need Antiviral Medications for COVID-19?
Is antiviral medication needed for stiffness? Additional inquiry? Hello Doctor, below the line is the doctor's response from this morning. I would like to confirm with the doctor regarding the second point. Does the doctor's reply mean that "not all patients with a...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, yes, it is important to check if there are any relevant medications being taken (such as immunosuppressants) that could affect immune function, as these would be considered significant risk factors. Thank you for your question.[Read More] Do Ankylosing Spondylitis Patients Need Antiviral Medications for COVID-19?