Understanding Rheumatoid Arthritis: Eye Symptoms and Immune System Links
Clinical symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis? Hello, Doctor. I started experiencing dryness and pain in my left eye last year. Last month, I suddenly developed scleral inflammation in my right eye. After seeking medical attention, my condition is currently stable. Recently, I underw...
Dr. Zeng Guosen Reply:
Hello, dry eyes and scleritis can be manifestations of rheumatic diseases affecting the eyes. If the rheumatoid factor is positive, it is recommended to consult a rheumatologist for differential diagnosis, as rheumatic diseases do not always present initially with joint symptoms.[Read More] Understanding Rheumatoid Arthritis: Eye Symptoms and Immune System Links
Understanding Your Rheumatology Blood Test Results: What Do They Mean?
Results of rheumatologic and immunological blood tests? Hello doctor, I have been experiencing muscle soreness in my shoulders, neck, and arms for three months, along with pain in my index finger. Orthopedic rehabilitation has not shown significant improvement. I had blood tests ...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, this test value can only indicate a possible presence of lupus erythematosus; however, a diagnosis requires clinical symptoms combined with other values to calculate an overall score for confirmation. Based on your description, the symptoms do not seem to align closely, so...[Read More] Understanding Your Rheumatology Blood Test Results: What Do They Mean?
Understanding Stiff and Swollen Finger Joints: Causes and Solutions
Stiffness and swelling in the finger joints? Hello Doctor: Last year in late autumn, I noticed stiffness in my finger joints upon waking up, but it was mild, so I didn't pay much attention to it. Recently, however, the frequency has increased, and almost every day my fingers...
Dr. Zeng Guosen Reply:
Hello, experiencing stiffness in the finger joints upon waking, pain in the index finger, swelling in the fingers, positive urine occult blood test, and hair loss should not be ignored, but there is no need to panic. Please seek medical evaluation, as there are many potential cau...[Read More] Understanding Stiff and Swollen Finger Joints: Causes and Solutions
Do Steroids Affect Blood Test Results in Rheumatology Patients?
I would like to inquire if steroids can affect the results of blood tests in immunology and rheumatology? Hello Doctor: In recent months, the joints in my fingers have started to swell and hurt gradually, making it difficult to bend or extend them, and I cannot apply force. The b...
Dr. Gao Jiankai Reply:
Hello, thank you for your question. The administration of steroids may only affect certain laboratory results, including white blood cell counts, but it should have minimal impact on the indicators for rheumatic diseases or allergic conditions. I believe your symptoms include bot...[Read More] Do Steroids Affect Blood Test Results in Rheumatology Patients?
Understanding Recurrent Arthritis: Causes, Diagnosis, and Management
Recurrent arthritis (migratory arthritis) Hello, Doctor: For the past six months, I have been experiencing persistent pain in my shoulders and limbs. Initially, I consulted an orthopedic specialist who performed an X-ray but found no issues. The doctor prescribed pain relievers ...
Dr. Gao Jiankai Reply:
Hello, thank you for your question. Here are my responses: 1. Is recurrent arthritis considered an autoimmune disease? The joint pain and swelling that I experience intermittently—are they caused by my immune system attacking itself, or are there other factors involved? (The doc...[Read More] Understanding Recurrent Arthritis: Causes, Diagnosis, and Management
Can Patients with Sjögren's Syndrome Safely Receive Moderna COVID Vaccine?
Can patients with systemic dryness syndrome receive the Moderna COVID-19 vaccine? Hello, my mother is 74 years old and has Sjögren's syndrome with systemic dryness, rheumatoid arthritis, blepharospasm, arrhythmia, hypertension, chronic heart failure, irritable bowel syndrome...
Dr. Gao Jiankai Reply:
Hello, thank you for your message. Based on the condition of the elderly lady you described, I believe she can receive the Moderna vaccine. However, please pay attention to the medications she is taking; some drugs for rheumatoid arthritis should be temporarily discontinued after...[Read More] Can Patients with Sjögren's Syndrome Safely Receive Moderna COVID Vaccine?
Understanding Rheumatoid Arthritis: Diagnosis, Treatment, and Concerns
Regarding the diagnosis and medication use for rheumatoid arthritis? Dear Director Gao, I apologize for the length of my inquiry and hope you can take the time to clarify my doubts. Thank you! About a year and a half ago, blood tests revealed that my rheumatoid factor (RF) was...
Dr. Gao Jiankai Reply:
Hello, thank you for your questions. Here are my consolidated responses: 1. Can anti-CCP antibodies be present intermittently? (There was a significant difference in test results just five days apart.) Could differences in testing methods cause varying results? Are there differe...[Read More] Understanding Rheumatoid Arthritis: Diagnosis, Treatment, and Concerns
Unraveling Mysterious Immune Reactions: Antibiotic Allergies or Autoimmune Disorders?
Is the strange illness experienced personally due to a drug allergy or an autoimmune disorder? Hello, doctor. I have encountered a strange immune reaction while taking medication and would like to ask for your advice. Earlier this year, I was on long-term antibiotics due to a pro...
Dr. Gao Jiankai Reply:
Hello, thank you for your message. I suspect that you may have Reiter's syndrome, also known as reactive arthritis, and I recommend that you consult a rheumatologist at a major hospital. There are several reasons for my suspicion related to this condition, including chronic ...[Read More] Unraveling Mysterious Immune Reactions: Antibiotic Allergies or Autoimmune Disorders?
Understanding Finger and Wrist Pain: Is It Rheumatoid Arthritis?
Regarding finger and wrist pain associated with rheumatoid arthritis? Dear Dr. Gao, Hello. Last June, during a routine check-up, I unexpectedly found out that my RF factor was positive. Subsequently, I visited the hospital, where the doctor arranged for additional blood tests. T...
Dr. Gao Jiankai Reply:
Hello, thank you for your message. Here are the responses to your questions: 1. Regarding the fluctuations in your Anti-CCP test results: On March 7, the hospital test was normal; on April 20, your self-test showed a significantly elevated level; however, on April 24, another fa...[Read More] Understanding Finger and Wrist Pain: Is It Rheumatoid Arthritis?
Understanding Foot Pain: Is It Just a Bug Bite or Something More Serious?
Please ask your question? Hello, doctor. Recently, I've been experiencing some sleep disturbances. Today, after putting on my shoes and returning home, I noticed that my toe is painful and appears to have a bit of redness. When I touch the swollen area, it feels slightly rai...
Dr. Gao Jiankai Reply:
Hello, thank you for your inquiry. Regarding joint swelling and pain, it is recommended to first consult a rheumatologist to determine the underlying cause. Generally, rheumatoid arthritis presents with polyarticular swelling and pain, while the occurrence of a single joint flare...[Read More] Understanding Foot Pain: Is It Just a Bug Bite or Something More Serious?
Understanding the Significance of 1:80 Antinuclear Antibody Test Results
1:80X(-) Antinuclear antibodies (ANA) are a type of autoantibody that target substances within the nucleus of cells. The values obtained from the indirect immunofluorescence assay indicate the presence and concentration of these antibodies in the blood. A positive ANA test can su...
Dr. Gao Jiankai Reply:
Hello, thank you for your question. The antinuclear antibody (ANA) test starts with a dilution of 1:80. If the result is negative at this initial dilution, it will be reported as negative (-), indicating a normal result. If there is a positive reaction at 1:80, further dilutions ...[Read More] Understanding the Significance of 1:80 Antinuclear Antibody Test Results
Understanding Foot Pain: Causes and When to Seek Medical Advice
Please consult regarding toe issues? Hello, doctor. Yesterday, I stayed up late working on a report and only fell asleep around dawn, waking up after 10 AM. Later, I went out to buy something to eat, and when I returned home, I noticed that my right little toe was painful when I ...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, 1. Regarding the condition of your foot, based on the photos you provided, it appears to be folliculitis accompanied by cellulitis, which is usually caused by follicular obstruction. It is recommended to maintain cleanliness, and it should gradually improve over time. If...[Read More] Understanding Foot Pain: Causes and When to Seek Medical Advice
Understanding Toe Issues: Concerns About Infections and Treatment
Toe problems (continued inquiry) Thank you for your response, Doctor. Regarding the first question, I still have some concerns I would like to ask. I recently took some leftover cold medication from last week when I had a cold and visited an ENT specialist. The medication contain...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, 1. The black spots you described are likely the openings of hair follicles, which is a normal structure. 2. The so-called immune-mediated arthritis mostly affects multiple joints, with the highest likelihood of a single joint being involved in gout. However, your sympto...[Read More] Understanding Toe Issues: Concerns About Infections and Treatment
Understanding Mixed Connective Tissue Disease: Symptoms, Diagnosis, and Management
What is mixed connective tissue disease? Hello Doctor: I previously experienced an outbreak of urticaria and visited a nearby dermatologist two or three times without improvement. I read in magazines that I should see a rheumatologist, so I found the only clinic nearby that offer...
Dr. Gao Jiankai Reply:
Hello, thank you for your message. Mixed connective tissue disease is a type of rheumatic disease, which, as the name suggests, exhibits features of other rheumatic diseases, including scleroderma, systemic lupus erythematosus, and rheumatoid arthritis, but it is classified as an...[Read More] Understanding Mixed Connective Tissue Disease: Symptoms, Diagnosis, and Management
Morning Finger Joint Pain: Is It Rheumatoid Arthritis or Something Else?
Finger joint pain Hello Doctor: For the past three weeks, I have been experiencing pain and stiffness in my fingers upon waking up in the morning, making it difficult to bend them or make a fist. After 1-2 hours of activity, the symptoms lessen, and by evening, I gradually return...
Dr. Gao Jiankai Reply:
Hello, thank you for your message. Morning joint stiffness and pain in the distal interphalangeal joints are indeed similar to the symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis. However, since you have only experienced these symptoms for three weeks, further evaluation is necessary for confir...[Read More] Morning Finger Joint Pain: Is It Rheumatoid Arthritis or Something Else?
Understanding Dryness Syndrome: Symptoms, Diagnosis, and Tests
Immunity and Sjögren's Syndrome Hello Doctor: Two years ago, I experienced joint swelling and inflammation in my little finger. My family doctor recommended tests, including rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and anti-citrullinated protein antibody (CCP) tests, both of which returned...
Dr. Gao Jiankai Reply:
Hello, thank you for your inquiry. Sjögren's syndrome requires a detailed medical history, which includes not only questions about dry mouth but also inquiries about dry eyes and even respiratory symptoms. Blood tests should be arranged, including screening for antinuclear a...[Read More] Understanding Dryness Syndrome: Symptoms, Diagnosis, and Tests
Understanding Chronic Joint and Muscle Pain: Causes and Treatment Options
Muscle and joint pain? Hello Dr. Tseng, I have been experiencing increasing fatigue upon waking up every day for the past few years (average sleep time from 12:30 AM to 6:30 AM). During sleep, I often experience pain in my shoulders, elbows, and finger joints, as well as swelling...
Dr. Zeng Guosen Reply:
Hello, it is abnormal to experience pain in the shoulder, elbow, and finger joints while sleeping, and even to wake up due to joint pain during sleep. Blood tests for rheumatoid arthritis factors and uric acid levels have returned normal, but other rheumatic diseases cannot be ru...[Read More] Understanding Chronic Joint and Muscle Pain: Causes and Treatment Options
Differentiating Between Reactive Arthritis and Ankylosing Spondylitis: What You Need to Know
Lauterbach syndrome and ankylosing spondylitis? Hello, Doctor. A few days ago, I visited the rheumatology department at Ma Hospital, and based on the doctor's assessment, I might have ankylosing spondylitis or reactive arthritis. My HLA-B27 test came back positive, and the d...
Dr. Gao Jiankai Reply:
Hello, thank you for your inquiry. I apologize for the delayed response due to some internet issues. Here are the brief responses to your questions: 1. Ankylosing spondylitis and reactive arthritis have different clinical and radiographic presentations (X-rays), which can be us...[Read More] Differentiating Between Reactive Arthritis and Ankylosing Spondylitis: What You Need to Know
Understanding Urticaria and Its Possible Link to Rheumatoid Arthritis
Morning stiffness, urticaria, rheumatoid arthritis? Hello Doctor, last Monday night I accidentally ingested shrimp powder, which caused me to develop hives the next day. At that time, I only went to the pharmacy to buy antihistamines, taking one in the morning and evening on Tues...
Dr. Gao Jiankai Reply:
Hello, Xiaolin. Thank you for your question. I believe your initial concerns are related to urticaria. Some cases of urticaria can have a prolonged duration, starting with widespread symptoms and gradually becoming localized to a few areas, at which point typical urticaria manife...[Read More] Understanding Urticaria and Its Possible Link to Rheumatoid Arthritis
Morning Back Pain: Causes and Solutions for a Better Start
Lower back pain upon waking up? I have been experiencing lower back pain after sleeping for a while. It improves somewhat after I stretch upon waking up. The pain radiates from the lumbar spine to the pelvis on both sides in a linear pattern, but it hasn't reached the lower ...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, based on your description, the most likely issue is a musculoskeletal problem, possibly a strain or due to long-term poor posture. It is advisable to rest more. If the symptoms persist, it may be necessary to consider spinal issues, such as degenerative arthritis. You migh...[Read More] Morning Back Pain: Causes and Solutions for a Better Start