Can You Get the Flu Vaccine with an Autoimmune Disease?
Influenza vaccine Hello doctor, I had blood tests this week in the rheumatology and immunology department to check for issues related to my immune system, but the results are not out yet. My symptoms are suggestive of reactive arthritis. I would like to ask if it turns out to be ...
Dr. Gao Jiankai Reply:
Hello, thank you for your question. I believe it is advisable. Individuals with immune system disorders should also receive the influenza vaccine, and the likelihood of experiencing side effects is not higher. This is a message from the Allergy, Immunology, and Rheumatology Depar...[Read More] Can You Get the Flu Vaccine with an Autoimmune Disease?
Do Antibiotics Affect Blood Test Results for Arthritis?
Does taking antibiotics affect blood test results? Hello, Doctor Gao. I am the questioner with ID 201193. I would like to ask if taking Cephalon capsules (antibiotic), Decan tablets (antihistamine for itching), Acemet capsules (anti-inflammatory pain relief), and Solaxin will aff...
Dr. Gao Jiankai Reply:
Hello, thank you for your inquiry. It will not have any impact. The Allergy, Immunology, and Rheumatology Department of Changhua Hospital, Ministry of Health and Welfare, is here to support you.[Read More] Do Antibiotics Affect Blood Test Results for Arthritis?
Understanding Immune System Issues: Symptoms and Concerns Explained
Immune system issues Hello, Doctor Gao. I have a few questions to ask you, and I appreciate your help. 1. At the beginning of August, I developed a urinary tract infection and took antibiotics for two weeks. The symptoms disappeared, and I thought I was cured, so I didn't ...
Dr. Gao Jiankai Reply:
Hello, thank you for your inquiry. I believe there is a high possibility of reactive arthritis, especially considering your age and the occurrence of acute prostatitis along with unexplained joint effusion and swelling. I recommend that you consult a rheumatologist nearby. The Al...[Read More] Understanding Immune System Issues: Symptoms and Concerns Explained
Understanding Early Rheumatoid Arthritis: Blood Tests and Symptoms Explained
Rheumatoid-related inquiries? Hello, Dr. Gao. I previously asked you about rheumatoid-related issues (pain in both wrists) on September 11. The blood test results are out, and I also had an X-ray of my hands. The rheumatologist said there were no issues. I would like to ask you a...
Dr. Gao Jiankai Reply:
Hello, thank you for your questions. Here are my responses: Question 1: In the case of early rheumatoid arthritis, is it possible for blood test results to be normal and X-rays to show no signs? --> Yes, that can happen. Question 2: What does the quantitative result in the b...[Read More] Understanding Early Rheumatoid Arthritis: Blood Tests and Symptoms Explained
Understanding Suspected Ankylosing Spondylitis: Symptoms and Next Steps
Suspected ankylosing spondylitis? Hello Doctor, I am 28 years old. Initially, six months ago, after a full-body adjustment, I started experiencing stiffness and pain in my back upon waking up, particularly in the upper back (with no issues in the lower back). After stretching in...
Dr. Gao Jiankai Reply:
Hello, thank you for your inquiry. Here are my responses: 1. Do I have ankylosing spondylitis? --> It would be helpful to check for HLA-B27. Your symptoms have persisted for a while, and chronic lower back pain in young individuals warrants caution regarding ankylosing spondy...[Read More] Understanding Suspected Ankylosing Spondylitis: Symptoms and Next Steps
Understanding RA Diagnosis: Interpreting Joint Ultrasound Results
Is it confirmed? I started seeing a rheumatologist at the end of last year (2022) due to morning stiffness in my fingers. My rheumatoid factor test results have been inconsistent, showing both positive and negative results. The only relatively consistent finding is from the ultra...
Dr. Gao Jiankai Reply:
Hello, thank you for your inquiry. Currently, the diagnosis of rheumatoid arthritis (RA) still requires a comprehensive evaluation based on multiple test results, as relying on a single data point has lower accuracy. However, given the number of inflamed and painful joints you ha...[Read More] Understanding RA Diagnosis: Interpreting Joint Ultrasound Results
Understanding Allergies and Joint Pain: Insights on Rheumatoid Arthritis
Inquiry about Rheumatoid Arthritis Hello, Doctor. Over the past two to three years, I have frequently experienced skin allergies (rashes). When I am back in my hometown (Miaoli), my condition improves significantly during my vacation, but it immediately relapses when I return to ...
Dr. Gao Jiankai Reply:
Hello, thank you for your question. Here are my responses: 1. For someone like me who experiences long-term allergies that recur, could it be due to environmental factors, stress, or irregular lifestyle? What should I pay attention to or how can I improve? --> All three fact...[Read More] Understanding Allergies and Joint Pain: Insights on Rheumatoid Arthritis
Understanding the Link Between Anxiety and Rheumatoid Arthritis Risk
The likelihood of anxiety-induced rheumatoid arthritis? Hello Doctor, I previously asked you questions related to rheumatoid issues. I have health anxiety and had blood tests for rheumatoid-related checks last November. At that time, the doctor said the results were normal and ad...
Dr. Gao Jiankai Reply:
Hello, thank you for your question. First of all, I'm not sure where you saw that "people who are under long-term stress have a 176 times higher chance of developing rheumatoid arthritis compared to normal individuals." In my knowledge and the relevant literature, ...[Read More] Understanding the Link Between Anxiety and Rheumatoid Arthritis Risk
Understanding Rheumatoid Arthritis: Early Diagnosis and Concerns at 20
Rheumatoid arthritis Hello, doctor. I would like to ask: 1. In your clinical experience, are there many cases of rheumatoid arthritis diagnosed around the age of 20? 2. Does having rheumatoid arthritis always lead to joint deformities? 3. Is rheumatoid arthritis still considered ...
Dr. Gao Jiankai Reply:
Hello, thank you for your question. Here are my responses: 1. In your clinical experience, are there many cases diagnosed with rheumatoid arthritis around the age of 20? --> Relatively few; it is more common in middle-aged women. 2. Will joints definitely deform after deve...[Read More] Understanding Rheumatoid Arthritis: Early Diagnosis and Concerns at 20
Can You Contract Gonorrhea Without Symptoms? Key Insights and FAQs
Can one contract gonorrhea without any apparent reason? 1. Can gonorrhea be contracted without any apparent reason? 2. What is the incubation period for gonorrhea? 3. What are the common symptoms of gonorrhea in women? 4. If I had unprotected sexual intercourse with my regular pa...
Dr. Liao Zhongxin Reply:
Gonorrhea is a sexually transmitted infection caused by the bacterium Neisseria gonorrhoeae, which is also known as gonococcus. It is a common issue among young populations, alongside genital warts (commonly referred to as "cauliflower") and syphilis. According to the W...[Read More] Can You Contract Gonorrhea Without Symptoms? Key Insights and FAQs
Can You Get Gonorrhea Without Symptoms? Key Facts and Insights
Can one contract gonorrhea without any apparent reason? 1. Can gonorrhea be contracted without any apparent reason? 2. What is the incubation period for gonorrhea? 3. What are the typical symptoms of gonorrhea in women? 4. If I had unprotected sexual intercourse with my ste...
Dr. Liao Zhongxin Reply:
Gonorrhea is a sexually transmitted infection caused by the bacterium Neisseria gonorrhoeae, which is also known as gonococcus. It is a common issue among young populations, along with genital warts (commonly referred to as "cauliflower") and syphilis. According to the ...[Read More] Can You Get Gonorrhea Without Symptoms? Key Facts and Insights
Chronic Dry Mouth and Tongue Pain: Unraveling the Mystery of Symptoms
Dry mouth and tongue pain for many years without a definitive diagnosis? Hello Doctor, my mother has been experiencing symptoms of reduced saliva for about 30 years. She has seen dentists, rheumatologists, and family medicine doctors, and underwent a sublingual gauze test which c...
Dr. Gao Jiankai Reply:
Hello, thank you for your inquiry. My suggestions are as follows: 1. You may consider returning to a rheumatology clinic for evaluation. If necessary, a salivary gland biopsy may indeed be required, as sometimes the diagnosis of Sjögren's syndrome necessitates this examina...[Read More] Chronic Dry Mouth and Tongue Pain: Unraveling the Mystery of Symptoms
Could My Symptoms Indicate Rheumatoid Arthritis? A Follow-Up Inquiry
Please provide the content you would like me to translate? Hello Doctor: I have a few more questions. The pain I've been experiencing has decreased over the past few days, and my joints have never been swollen; the sharp pain lasts only a few seconds and disappears with slig...
Dr. Gao Jiankai Reply:
Hello, thank you for your inquiry. I don't believe it is rheumatoid arthritis. The Allergy, Immunology, and Rheumatology Department of Changhua Hospital, Ministry of Health and Welfare, is concerned about you.[Read More] Could My Symptoms Indicate Rheumatoid Arthritis? A Follow-Up Inquiry
Understanding Rheumatoid Arthritis: Symptoms and Diagnostic Insights
Rheumatoid Arthritis? Hello, doctor. I tend to worry a lot about my health. Following my last examination, the results showed positive cryoglobulin test IgM (1+), positive fibrinogen RF 13.92 (normal range 0-6), Anti-CCP <4.6 (normal range 0-20), and E.C.P 38.8 (normal range 0...
Dr. Gao Jiankai Reply:
Hello, thank you for your question. Based on your symptoms, I don't believe it resembles rheumatoid arthritis. Firstly, your rheumatoid factor (RF) is not significantly elevated, and your anti-cyclic citrullinated peptide (anti-CCP) levels are normal. Additionally, your symp...[Read More] Understanding Rheumatoid Arthritis: Symptoms and Diagnostic Insights
Understanding Rheumatoid Arthritis: Anxiety and Joint Pain Connection
Rheumatoid Arthritis Hello, Doctor. I have a tendency towards anxiety and hypochondria. Last October, I visited a doctor because my fingers would stiffen when I was nervous, and I often experienced joint pain. Initially, I consulted a neurosurgeon who examined me and suggested th...
Dr. Gao Jiankai Reply:
Hello, thank you for your inquiry. Here are my responses: 1. Can the test results change from normal to abnormal after six months? --> Yes, changes may occur. 2. Does the doctor think it's necessary for me to see a rheumatologist again? --> Your symptoms are mild, s...[Read More] Understanding Rheumatoid Arthritis: Anxiety and Joint Pain Connection
Understanding Rheumatoid Factor: Implications for Your Health
Rheumatoid arthritis factor Hello, doctor. I am a patient with ulcerative colitis, and my intestinal mucosa has recovered. Recently, after being diagnosed with COVID-19, I developed skin vasculitis on my calves. I went to the hospital for examination and blood tests, and the vasc...
Dr. Gao Jiankai Reply:
Hello, thank you for your inquiry. Although the RF-IgM value is somewhat elevated, it is not significantly high. We generally consider values exceeding four times the upper limit of normal to be more meaningful. Therefore, if you only have the symptoms mentioned in your text, I r...[Read More] Understanding Rheumatoid Factor: Implications for Your Health
Understanding Rheumatoid Arthritis Symptoms: A Patient's Journey
Rheumatoid Arthritis Hello, doctor. I would like to inquire about the symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis. At the beginning of this year, I started experiencing pain in my knee joint and consulted a rheumatologist who performed a physical examination and said everything was fine. La...
Dr. Gao Jiankai Reply:
Hello, thank you for your question. I believe that after the onset of joint symptoms followed by neurological symptoms, it is advisable to: 1. Return to the rheumatology department for a reevaluation by the physician. Rheumatic diseases can present with both joint and neurologica...[Read More] Understanding Rheumatoid Arthritis Symptoms: A Patient's Journey
Understanding Finger Joint Pain: Causes, Diagnosis, and Treatment Options
Finger joint pain This year, I suddenly experienced pain in the second joint of my right middle finger, so I went to the hospital to see an orthopedic doctor. After an X-ray, the doctor said there was no issue and prescribed anti-inflammatory medication, but there was no improvem...
Dr. Gao Jiankai Reply:
Hello, thank you for your inquiry. It is recommended to follow up with the rheumatology outpatient clinic. Some types of arthritis cannot be diagnosed with just one visit; they require observation over a period of time, and blood tests may need to be repeated if necessary. Additi...[Read More] Understanding Finger Joint Pain: Causes, Diagnosis, and Treatment Options
Medication Consultation for Persistent Skin Allergies and Joint Concerns
Rheumatoid Arthritis Medication Consultation I have been suffering from skin allergies for over six months, with daily recurrences upon waking up. I believe it is dyshidrotic eczema, but it is very deep and extremely itchy. The outer layer has scabbed over while the inside contin...
Dr. Gao Jiankai Reply:
Hello, thank you for your question. We often use chloroquine in patients with early immune dysfunction or rheumatic diseases. Although you only have allergic symptoms, the elevated ANA antibody levels may lead your physician to be concerned that the cause of your dyshidrosis is n...[Read More] Medication Consultation for Persistent Skin Allergies and Joint Concerns
Understanding Joint Pain and Itching: Possible Causes and Solutions
Generalized joint pain and bone itching? Hello Doctor: I have been experiencing joint pain and itching for about ten years. The itching sensation in my bones makes me feel restless, constantly wanting to move or twist them. The joint pain can come on suddenly and last for quite a...
Dr. Gao Jiankai Reply:
Hello, thank you for your question. Here is my response: Question: I would like to ask if this situation is similar to rheumatoid arthritis? Is it possible for my values to decrease? Is the frequent pain in my joints and itching in my bones due to an issue with my immune system...[Read More] Understanding Joint Pain and Itching: Possible Causes and Solutions