Understanding Abnormal Immune System Test Results: ANA, C3, and C4 Explained
Immunological System Abnormalities in Test Report Hello Doctor, I have been troubled for a long time by occasional bone pain and itching. About two years ago, I visited a rheumatology and immunology specialist, and my ANA titer was 1:1280. A few days ago, I had a follow-up appoin...
Dr. Gao Jiankai Reply:
Hello, thank you for your question. Here are my responses: 1. What does a decrease in the ANA index indicate? Does it mean a gradual return to normal? --> The ANA index can fluctuate over time, influenced not only by the patient's physical condition but also by the testi...[Read More] Understanding Abnormal Immune System Test Results: ANA, C3, and C4 Explained
Managing Recurrent Rheumatism: Impact of Traditional and Western Medicine
Symptoms of recurrent rheumatic fever? Hello, Doctor. After experiencing persistent pain for three months, I was diagnosed with recurrent rheumatism. One day I woke up with morning stiffness in both hands, but it disappeared after two days. Later, my doctor prescribed quinine. Be...
Dr. Gao Jiankai Reply:
Hello, thank you for your inquiry. Here are my responses: 1. I will be undergoing a blood test in the next few days to check the status after taking quinine for a month. I would like to know if the concurrent use of traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) and Western medicine will af...[Read More] Managing Recurrent Rheumatism: Impact of Traditional and Western Medicine
Understanding Joint and Muscle Pain: Causes, Symptoms, and Management
Joint and muscle pain Hello Doctor, I would like to ask you a few questions. 1. Initially, I experienced pain in my right knee and went to an orthopedic clinic where an ultrasound revealed inflammation and swelling. The doctor suggested a possible meniscus injury. However, afte...
Dr. Gao Jiankai Reply:
Hello, thank you for your inquiry. Here are my responses: 1. Initially, I experienced pain in my right knee and visited an orthopedic clinic where an ultrasound revealed inflammation and swelling. The doctor suggested a possible meniscus injury. After a follow-up visit with no i...[Read More] Understanding Joint and Muscle Pain: Causes, Symptoms, and Management
Is Meibomian Gland Dysfunction Linked to Autoimmune Diseases?
Is dry eye syndrome related to autoimmune diseases? The symptoms of dry eye syndrome have persisted for more than a year, and recently, the symptoms of dry mouth have become increasingly noticeable. I went to the hospital for an examination, and the only abnormal result was an AN...
Dr. Gao Jiankai Reply:
Hello, thank you for your inquiry. You may want to collaborate with an ophthalmologist to see if treatment for your eyes improves your symptoms of dry mouth and dry tongue; if so, you might be able to discontinue the medication. The Allergy, Immunology, and Rheumatology Departmen...[Read More] Is Meibomian Gland Dysfunction Linked to Autoimmune Diseases?
Understanding RA Factor Changes and Related Health Concerns
Rheumatoid Arthritis - Inquiry about Rheumatoid Factor and Other Related Data? Hello, Doctor Gao. I apologize for the lengthy message. Here are my health examination data from three tests conducted at the same laboratory: - Date: 2023/11/11, 2024/6/15, (2024/4/30) - ALT/SGPT (L...
Dr. Gao Jiankai Reply:
Hello, thank you for your inquiry. Here are my responses: 1. I underwent tests related to immune system diseases at a regional hospital in December 2023, and my rheumatoid arthritis (RA) factor was less than 5 at that time. Additionally, the measurement taken on April 30, 2024,...[Read More] Understanding RA Factor Changes and Related Health Concerns
Managing Autoimmune Disorders: Concerns About Long-Term Medication Use
Autoimmune disease issues Hello, doctor. I am a patient with Hashimoto's thyroiditis and have been taking thyroid medication for over 30 years. In recent years, I have been troubled by dry eye syndrome, which has affected my daily life. I underwent blood tests for rheumatic ...
Dr. Gao Jiankai Reply:
Hello, thank you for your question. Pilocarpine is a medication commonly used by patients with Sjögren's syndrome. If you have dry eyes, normal blood test results, and a good response to eye drops or ointments, along with experiencing side effects from the medication, it may...[Read More] Managing Autoimmune Disorders: Concerns About Long-Term Medication Use
Concerns About Parasite Infections for Immunocompromised Patients
Parasitic infection issues? I have an autoimmune disease and I'm currently taking immunosuppressive medication, which makes my immune system weaker. I just noticed some small worms in my drinking cup and I'm a bit worried about the risk of infections from parasites like...
Dr. Lin Wufu Reply:
The likelihood of a single event occurring is very low, so it is recommended to just observe. If there are no issues after one to two weeks, then there is likely no problem. Seek medical attention if you experience any discomfort![Read More] Concerns About Parasite Infections for Immunocompromised Patients
Understanding Immune System Disorders: Insights for Patients and Families
Inquiry about the immune system? Hello, Doctor Gao. I am a family member of patient #207861. Thank you very much for your response. I apologize for wanting to follow up with a question regarding the immune system. Based on the following lab results: An: 86, RPR: Non-reactive, RF:...
Dr. Gao Jiankai Reply:
Hello, thank you for your inquiry. I believe there is no autoimmune disease present. Although your ANA is slightly elevated, an ANA titer of 1:160 or higher is more significant. Additionally, your physician has arranged for a very detailed immunological assessment, so an ANA tite...[Read More] Understanding Immune System Disorders: Insights for Patients and Families
Understanding Abnormal Complement Tests and Their Link to Immune Disorders
Complement test abnormalities in autoimmune diseases? Hello Doctor: Recently, I have been experiencing symptoms resembling urticaria, and I underwent an examination at the rheumatology and immunology department. The test results showed abnormalities: CH50 Assay: 40.7, C3: 74.3, C...
Dr. Gao Jiankai Reply:
Hello, thank you for your inquiry. Here are my responses: 1. Is there a possibility of SLE (Systemic Lupus Erythematosus)? --> Based on the information currently provided, the likelihood remains low. 2. Is there a possibility that the immune system is already compromised? -...[Read More] Understanding Abnormal Complement Tests and Their Link to Immune Disorders
Understanding the Diagnostic Process for Arthritis: Key Considerations and Timeline
What should be noted and considered during the diagnostic process? How long does the diagnostic process typically take? Is it possible that it could be another non-autoimmune disease? Hello, Doctor Gao. I have been experiencing symptoms of arthritis for the past three weeks, incl...
Dr. Gao Jiankai Reply:
Hello, thank you for your question. I believe you can undergo an anti-CCP test, which you can discuss with your physician, as it relates to prognosis and future changes in your condition. If these tests return normal results, although you still experience joint pain, the severity...[Read More] Understanding the Diagnostic Process for Arthritis: Key Considerations and Timeline
Understanding HIV and HPV Risks: PEP Efficacy and Autoimmune Concerns
HIV infection HPV infection Hello, Doctor. I have a question. After performing oral sex on a woman, I noticed small red spots on my abdomen two days later, which made me very anxious. I quickly went to a clinic and had a blood test for HIV, which came back negative. I started tak...
Dr. Liao Zhongxin Reply:
First, let's look at the information about HIV: The HIV virus has three main transmission routes: 1. Sexual transmission: Engaging in oral, anal, or vaginal intercourse without a condom with an HIV-infected individual or exchanging other bodily fluids carries a risk of infec...[Read More] Understanding HIV and HPV Risks: PEP Efficacy and Autoimmune Concerns
Understanding Persistent Skin Rashes: Possible Immune System Disorders
Red rashes on the back, posterior legs, arms, and anterior chest, with itching at night that makes it impossible to sleep, and some areas of skin peeling? Since January 2024, the patient has been experiencing symptoms and has visited three clinics where eczema or urticaria was su...
Dr. Zeng Guosen Reply:
The skin condition described by the netizen seems to be unrelated to the positive antinuclear antibody (ANA) titer of 1:5120. There may be other autoimmune diseases involved, and it is advisable to seek further medical evaluation. It is recommended to first visit a dermatology de...[Read More] Understanding Persistent Skin Rashes: Possible Immune System Disorders
Understanding Low Complement C3 Levels: Causes and Concerns
Low complement C3 levels? Hello, I would like to ask you about my previous emergency department lab report. Date: 10/21/112 - Hemoglobin: 13.6 - MCH: 29.8 - MCHC: 31.7 - MCV: 93.9 - Platelets: 239 - RBC: 4.57 - RDW: 11.8 - WBC: 6.8 - Basophil: 0.7 - Eosinophil: 1.0 - Lymphocyte...
Dr. Gao Jiankai Reply:
Hello, thank you for your inquiry. Here are my responses: 1. Is it possible for an average person to have low C3 levels, or is low C3 always abnormal and related to autoimmune diseases? --> Yes, it is possible. Low C3 levels do not necessarily indicate an autoimmune disease. ...[Read More] Understanding Low Complement C3 Levels: Causes and Concerns
Unsteady and Dizzy: Understanding Balance Issues in Autoimmune Conditions
Feeling unsteady and unable to maintain balance at all times? Hello, doctor. I have rheumatoid arthritis, and one day after sitting in the same position for too long, I suddenly felt dizzy, weak, and cold, almost fainting. After seeking medical attention, I have been experiencing...
Dr. Gao Jiankai Reply:
Hello, thank you for your inquiry. If you are continuously undergoing medication management and follow-up treatment, it is advisable to return to your rheumatologist. This visit can help assess for any potential medication side effects and evaluate for cervical spine compression ...[Read More] Unsteady and Dizzy: Understanding Balance Issues in Autoimmune Conditions
Understanding Complement Levels and Autoimmune Disease Concerns Post-COVID
Complement inquiry? Hello Doctor, I previously asked a question and now I would like to follow up. After being diagnosed with COVID-19 on November 11, I experienced joint swelling, stiffness, discomfort, as well as dry, red, swollen eyes, rashes, and hair loss. After researching ...
Dr. Gao Jiankai Reply:
Hello, thank you for your question. Here are my responses: 1. I would like to ask if a decrease of 20 and 10 in the values of two complement components over a two-week period is normal. The doctor mentioned that different hospitals may report different values, but I am unsure i...[Read More] Understanding Complement Levels and Autoimmune Disease Concerns Post-COVID
Understanding Complement Levels and Autoimmune Disease Concerns Post-COVID
Complement inquiry? Hello Doctor, I have previously asked a question and now I would like to follow up. After being diagnosed with COVID-19 on November 11, I experienced joint swelling, stiffness, discomfort, as well as dry, red, swollen eyes, rashes, and hair loss. After researc...
Dr. Gao Jiankai Reply:
Hello, thank you for your question. Here are my responses: 1. I would like to ask if a decrease of 20 and 10 in two complement values over a two-week period is normal. The doctor mentioned that different hospitals may have varying values, but I am unsure if this drop is signifi...[Read More] Understanding Complement Levels and Autoimmune Disease Concerns Post-COVID
Managing Sacroiliac Joint Pain During Cold Weather: A Patient's Guide
The cold wave has caused a recurrence of pain in the sacroiliac joint? Hello Dr. Tseng, I am a patient with ankylosing spondylitis (21 years old), and I have been experiencing symptoms for 3.5 years. Currently, under the treatment of a rheumatologist, I have achieved good control...
Dr. Zeng Guosen Reply:
Some online users have noted that patients with rheumatic and autoimmune diseases may experience joint pain during changes in weather. It is recommended to seek medical evaluation to assess the condition of the disease. Physicians will provide treatment recommendations or adjustm...[Read More] Managing Sacroiliac Joint Pain During Cold Weather: A Patient's Guide
Post-COVID Joint Pain: Understanding Symptoms and Seeking Early Diagnosis
Joint pain after a confirmed COVID-19 infection? Hello Doctor, I apologize for the lengthy message. I started feeling unwell on November 11th (muscle aches, fever, fatigue, red rashes on limbs, dry eyes, dry mouth). I was diagnosed with COVID-19 on November 13th. On November 16th...
Dr. Gao Jiankai Reply:
Hello, thank you for your inquiry. Here are my responses: 1. Since the joint discomfort clearly occurred after the blood draw, could it be that the inflammatory markers, ANA, and other indices had not yet shown abnormal trends at that time, and only now can we detect abnormaliti...[Read More] Post-COVID Joint Pain: Understanding Symptoms and Seeking Early Diagnosis
The Connection Between Eclampsia and Immunology in Pregnancy
The relationship between eclampsia and immunology, rheumatology, and allergy is complex. Eclampsia, a severe complication of pregnancy characterized by seizures, is primarily associated with preeclampsia, a condition involving high blood pressure and organ dysfunction. While ecla...
Dr. Gao Jiankai Reply:
Hello, thank you for your question. Women with a history of preeclampsia or eclampsia do have an increased risk of developing autoimmune diseases, particularly lupus. Therefore, this is not only a precaution for potential future pregnancies but also relates to your overall health...[Read More] The Connection Between Eclampsia and Immunology in Pregnancy
Understanding Elbow Issues: Potential Causes and When to See a Doctor
Elbow issues Hello doctor, a few days ago I noticed some raised bumps on my elbow that feel itchy but are not red. I scratched and rubbed them, and yesterday the skin broke a little but it seems to have scabbed over. Now it looks a bit red in that area, but I don’t feel any open ...
Dr. Gao Jiankai Reply:
Hello, thank you for your question. Just by looking at the pictures, it is difficult to determine; it resembles common eczema or contact dermatitis. I recommend seeing a dermatologist first. We do not solely rely on the rash to diagnose autoimmune diseases or HIV, so please do no...[Read More] Understanding Elbow Issues: Potential Causes and When to See a Doctor