Understanding Chest Pain and Fatigue: A Guide for Patients with Diabetes and Hypertension
There is a persistent dull pain in the chest near the heart, in the upper back close to the heart, and in the left shoulder? Hello Dr. Hsiao: I am 163 cm tall and weigh 130 kg. For a long time, I have been experiencing persistent dull pain in my chest near the heart, in my back n...
Dr. Xiao Yongxun Reply:
Dear Mr. Anong: 1. Your height is 163 cm, weight is 103 kg, and your body mass index (BMI) is 48.9 kg/m², which classifies you as severely obese. Consequently, your risk of developing the following conditions is increased: hypertension, dyslipidemia, metabolic syndrome, type 2 d...[Read More] Understanding Chest Pain and Fatigue: A Guide for Patients with Diabetes and Hypertension
Is Gonorrhea a Common Cause of Tendonitis?
Can gonorrhea cause tendonitis? Hello, doctor. Is it common for tendonitis in the fingers to be caused by gonorrhea? In addition to the hands, I also feel pain and inflammation in the joints of my lower limbs. I have seen a doctor who said there was nothing serious, but the anti-...
Dr. Liao Zhongxin Reply:
Dear readers, 1. Is it common for tendonitis in the fingers to be caused by gonorrhea? Besides the hands, there is also a sensation of pain and inflammation in the lower limb joints. A: Generally, it is not common. If there is arthritis in a specific joint along with skin symp...[Read More] Is Gonorrhea a Common Cause of Tendonitis?
Understanding Thumb Joint Nodules: Symptoms and Treatment Options
There is a nodule or hard lump on the second phalanx of the right thumb? In the past six months, I have experienced pain in my right thumb when performing certain actions (such as opening bottles or snack packages, where I cannot apply force). There is pain and stiffness when ben...
Dr. Gao Jiankai Reply:
Hello, based on the symptoms you provided, it is likely not rheumatoid arthritis or gout. However, to accurately identify the nodules, it would be best to have them examined. I recommend consulting a rheumatologist or an orthopedic specialist. The Changhua Hospital of the Ministr...[Read More] Understanding Thumb Joint Nodules: Symptoms and Treatment Options
Understanding Kidney Pain: Common Causes and Concerns
Kidney pain Doctor Wang, why does my mother often experience kidney pain?
Dr. Wang Weijie Reply:
Hello, the kidneys are located in the retroperitoneal space, and approximately 97% of the causes of pain in most individuals are due to mechanical factors (including muscle strains, sprains, and spinal issues). Among these, over 70% are attributed to lumbar strains, while 4% are ...[Read More] Understanding Kidney Pain: Common Causes and Concerns
Understanding Weakness and Burning Sensation in Limbs: Possible Causes and Solutions
Weakness and burning sensation in the limbs? I seem to have chronic prostatitis. When it first started, I experienced some weakness in my limbs, but that feeling eventually disappeared. However, after recently recovering from a cold, that sensation returned. Once the cold resolve...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Typically, we need to first determine whether there is a genuine decrease in muscle strength. Physicians usually conduct actual tests to assess the patient's muscle strength to confirm any decline. If there is no significant decrease in muscle strength, it may be due to weak...[Read More] Understanding Weakness and Burning Sensation in Limbs: Possible Causes and Solutions
Do You Have to Take Medication for Life with Rheumatoid Arthritis?
Do patients with Lichtenstein's disease need to take medication for life? I have been diagnosed with Lyme disease, which I know cannot be cured. I initially thought that I could take medication only during flare-ups and then stop, but I have been taking it for six months now...
Dr. Gao Jiankai Reply:
Hello, thank you for your question. It is possible to discontinue medication for Still's disease as long as the inflammatory markers are consistently normal during regular follow-ups; some physicians may attempt to stop the medication. However, during the management of Still...[Read More] Do You Have to Take Medication for Life with Rheumatoid Arthritis?
Understanding Low CCR Levels: Do You Need a Low-Protein Diet?
Regarding the CCR (Creatinine Clearance Rate) renal function index? Hello, doctor. I would like to ask why my creatinine clearance (CCR) is low, even though my other test results are mostly normal. I have had several tests, and my CCR has consistently been between the low 50s and...
Dr. Wu Jiyu Reply:
Hello: The 24-hour creatinine clearance rate is clinically used as an indirect indicator of glomerular filtration rate. While its accuracy is relatively high, it can still be affected by urine collection methods, medication use, and testing errors, which may influence the results...[Read More] Understanding Low CCR Levels: Do You Need a Low-Protein Diet?
Understanding the Significance of RA and Abnormal Test Results in Internal Medicine
Inquiry about the significance of the test? Hello, doctor. In the past, I tested positive for rheumatoid arthritis (RA) during a health check, so my company has been adding this test to my annual examinations. About 6-7 years ago, I consulted a rheumatologist who mentioned that s...
Dr. Gao Jiankai Reply:
Hello, thank you for your inquiry. Here are my responses: 1. Albumin is naturally more abundant than globulin, so a slight increase is not a concern. 2. An ANA titer of 1:80 (+) is within the normal range, so there is no need to worry. 3. For a positive rheumatoid arthritis (...[Read More] Understanding the Significance of RA and Abnormal Test Results in Internal Medicine
Understanding Chest Pain: When to Seek Medical Attention
Chest pain Recently, I have experienced occasional chest pain, a condition that hasn't occurred for a long time. The most severe episode happened during my middle school years when I suddenly felt chest pain and difficulty breathing while asleep. I quickly drank some water, ...
Dr. Xiao Yongxun Reply:
Dear Miss Anonymous: 1. There are many causes of chest pain, which can originate from superficial chest wall issues (such as shingles, costochondritis, shoulder arthritis, spinal nerve compression, breast lesions, etc.) or from deeper organ-related pain (such as angina, myocard...[Read More] Understanding Chest Pain: When to Seek Medical Attention
Understanding Inflammatory Spine Conditions: Assessing Severity in Ankylosing Spondylitis
Questions regarding the diagnosis of ankylosing spondylitis? Hello, I recently visited a large hospital to check on a long-standing pain condition. Most of the time, I experience numbness and pain on the right side of my body, and I cannot lie flat while sleeping due to back pain...
Dr. Zeng Guosen Reply:
Hello, internet user: 1. The so-called inflammation grade refers to the degree of inflammation observed in the sacroiliac joints on standard X-rays (you are referring to nuclear medicine scans), which is classified into four levels. 2. An accurate diagnosis of ankylosing spondyli...[Read More] Understanding Inflammatory Spine Conditions: Assessing Severity in Ankylosing Spondylitis
Understanding Discrepancies Between Ear and Axillary Temperatures
Ear temperature indicates fever, while axillary temperature is normal? Hello, Dr. Tseng. I have issues with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and asthma. A couple of months ago, I might have contracted a cold, which led to an acute asthma attack, productive cough, and a high fever of 39 ...
Dr. Zeng Guosen Reply:
Hello, users: A temperature difference of 0.8-1 degree Celsius between ear temperature and axillary temperature could indicate issues related to autoimmune disorders or infections that may cause fever. Please seek medical attention for diagnosis and treatment. Thank you for your ...[Read More] Understanding Discrepancies Between Ear and Axillary Temperatures
Understanding Recurring Knee Swelling: Causes and Solutions
Knee edema keeps recurring? Hello Doctor: I previously fell and injured my left foot, but I'm not sure if this is the reason for the persistent swelling and inflammation in my knee. The first time it swelled, it was so severe that I couldn't walk or bend it at all. I we...
Dr. Xiao Yongxun Reply:
1. Knee pain is a common site for sports injuries, degenerative arthritis, inflammatory arthritis, and infectious arthritis. From a clinical anatomical perspective, the joint structures to consider are the medial tibiofemoral, lateral tibiofemoral, and patellofemoral compartments...[Read More] Understanding Recurring Knee Swelling: Causes and Solutions
Can Rheumatoid Arthritis Go Undetected? Understanding the Challenges
Is it possible for rheumatoid arthritis to go undetected in tests? Hello, earlier this year my mother (born in 1971, 52 years old) has been experiencing unbearable pain in both hands, especially at night when the pain is particularly severe in her finger joints. Additionally, her...
Dr. Zeng Guosen Reply:
Hello, Ping Ping; the diagnosis of rheumatoid arthritis must consider 1. clinical joint symptoms 2. rheumatoid factor and anti-CCP antibody tests 3. inflammatory markers 4. duration of symptoms 5. imaging studies such as X-rays and ultrasound for evaluation. Joint discomfort can ...[Read More] Can Rheumatoid Arthritis Go Undetected? Understanding the Challenges
Understanding Lupus: Hereditary Risks and Health Check Recommendations
Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) I’m sorry to hear about your mother’s passing due to lupus. Lupus, specifically systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), can have a genetic component, which means there may be an increased risk of developing the condition if a family member has it. I...
Dr. Zeng Guosen Reply:
Hello, internet user: In systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), only a small number of cases exhibit hereditary patterns, so there is no need to worry. The clinical symptoms of lupus can be quite diverse. Possible symptoms include: fever, fatigue, joint pain or arthritis, facial ras...[Read More] Understanding Lupus: Hereditary Risks and Health Check Recommendations
Understanding Joint Pain: Insights on Arthritis and Fibromyalgia Management
Joint pain I have juvenile arthritis and fibromyalgia. I have been managing my condition with medication for about a year, and it has improved significantly. However, after an accidental ankle sprain and fracture, my joints suddenly started to hurt again. Strangely, my blood test...
Dr. Zeng Guosen Reply:
Hello, internet user: Joint pain can be caused not only by arthritis but also by surrounding structures such as cartilage, ligaments, and muscles. Therefore, it is possible to experience joint pain even if blood test results are normal. Medications for fibromyalgia and arthritis ...[Read More] Understanding Joint Pain: Insights on Arthritis and Fibromyalgia Management
Understanding Autoimmune Arthritis: Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment Options
Polyarthritis 1. I have an ASLO index of 247 (or 274?). Is this caused by genetics or an infection? My family has a history of almost all hereditary diseases, including lupus erythematosus, ankylosing spondylitis, gout, rheumatoid arthritis, kidney stones, kidney disease, stroke,...
Dr. Gao Jiankai Reply:
Hello Ms. Yang, I hope this message finds you well. Your questions are somewhat complex, and since I haven't actually seen you, many of my thoughts are merely speculation. It is best for you to discuss these matters with a physician who has examined you in person. Here are m...[Read More] Understanding Autoimmune Arthritis: Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment Options
Understanding Sjögren's Syndrome: Managing Symptoms and Treatment Options
Sjögren's syndrome Doctor: Hello, I have been experiencing dry mouth and dry eyes, and I initially thought it was due to menopause. However, blood tests revealed that I have Sjögren's syndrome, and the results for lupus and rheumatoid arthritis are still pending. I am c...
Dr. Zeng Guosen Reply:
Hello, user: Mild dizziness, diarrhea, belching, and sweating are likely side effects of the medication. 1. If you only experience dry mouth and dry eyes without any other organ abnormalities, you can discontinue the medication and manage the symptoms. 2. It is possible for the m...[Read More] Understanding Sjögren's Syndrome: Managing Symptoms and Treatment Options
Managing Rheumatoid Arthritis in Seniors: Activity vs. Rest and Diet Impact
Rheumatoid Arthritis Hello, doctor. My elderly relative (aged 80) has been suffering from rheumatoid arthritis for 8-10 years. Recently, the frequency of pain in their buttocks has increased, and they experience significant discomfort while lying in bed. Walking, bending over, an...
Dr. Gao Jiankai Reply:
Hello, thank you for your message. We need to investigate the cause of the elder's hip pain while lying down to check for pressure ulcers or wounds, and if necessary, a follow-up examination at the hospital is advised. Additionally, walking with a bent posture may be related...[Read More] Managing Rheumatoid Arthritis in Seniors: Activity vs. Rest and Diet Impact
Understanding Elevated Lupus LA1 Levels During Pregnancy: What It Means
Lupus LA1 value is elevated? Dr. Tseng is currently approximately 9 weeks pregnant and underwent blood tests at the hospital. Initially, the STS RPR test was reactive, but subsequent tests for TPPA and FAT-ABS were negative, which preliminarily rules out syphilis. However, the im...
Dr. Zeng Guosen Reply:
Hello, netizen: Lupus anticoagulant (LA) refers to autoantibodies against negatively charged phospholipids or phospholipid-protein complexes. The presence of LA may be due to unknown reasons or may be associated with autoimmune diseases or antiphospholipid syndrome (such as unexp...[Read More] Understanding Elevated Lupus LA1 Levels During Pregnancy: What It Means
What Medical Care Do I Need for Joint Degeneration at 33?
What type of medical care is needed? At 33 years old, I have noticed some joint degeneration. I find that I lack strength when moving chairs or pulling metal doors, and after lifting heavy objects, I have noticed bruising on my arms. Given my age, what kind of medical assistance ...
Dr. Xiao Yongxun Reply:
At the age of 33, if the symptoms you described have persisted for more than two weeks, it is advisable to seek assistance from a rheumatologist. The joint pain and bruising in your arm warrant consideration of potential autoimmune issues, circulatory system disorders, or coagula...[Read More] What Medical Care Do I Need for Joint Degeneration at 33?