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 ANA Patterns: Differentiating Autoimmune Diseases from Cancer
ANA patterns Hello, Doctor Gao. I have been feeling unwell, and my physician checked my ANA, which resulted in a titer of 1:160 with a fine speckled pattern. I have looked up some information online, and it mentions that a positive ANA does not necessarily indicate an autoimmune ...
Dr. Gao Jiankai Reply:
Hello Mr. Li, thank you for your question. ANA is just a tool and needs to be evaluated alongside clinical symptoms. In principle, the higher the value, the greater the likelihood of an autoimmune disease, but it is not related to the severity of the disease. Through ANA, it is p...[Read More] Understanding ANA Patterns: Differentiating Autoimmune Diseases from Cancer
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
Understanding High Titer ANA: What Does a 1:160 Result Mean?
High titer ANA (Antinuclear Antibody) Hello, Doctor Gao: What is the definition of a high titer positive ANA? Is an ANA titer of 1:160 considered a high titer? Thank you.
Dr. Gao Jiankai Reply:
Hello, thank you for your question. Generally, the ANA titer starts at 1:40. If there is no reaction detected, the report will indicate negative at 1:40; however, if there is a reaction at 1:40, the report may indicate positive at 1:40. We consider the ANA result to be significan...[Read More] Understanding High Titer ANA: What Does a 1:160 Result Mean?
Can Emotional Stress Trigger Autoimmune Diseases? Insights from Doctors
Thank you, doctor? Thank you for the doctor's response. So, does this mean that simple emotional stress should not lead to the onset of autoimmune diseases, correct?
Dr. Gao Jiankai Reply:
Hello, I personally believe that simple emotional stress should not lead to the onset of autoimmune diseases. Thank you for your question. Best regards from the Allergy, Immunology, and Rheumatology Department of Changhua Hospital, Ministry of Health and Welfare.[Read More] Can Emotional Stress Trigger Autoimmune Diseases? Insights from Doctors
Understanding Autoimmune Diseases: The Role of Genetics and Stress
So, is it autoimmune? Doctor, so if someone is simply experiencing constant emotional tension, it does not directly cause autoimmune diseases. Instead, it is the combination of genetic factors, hormonal influences, and other conditions that may trigger autoimmune diseases, correc...
Dr. Gao Jiankai Reply:
Hello, simple emotional stress may cause mild immune dysfunction, but it is unlikely to lead to a true autoimmune disease. The occurrence of autoimmune diseases typically requires the presence of other contributing factors. There is no strong evidence to definitively confirm that...[Read More] Understanding Autoimmune Diseases: The Role of Genetics and Stress
Can Emotional Stress Trigger Autoimmune Diseases Like RA or Lupus?
I'm confused..? Hello, doctor. Is it possible for a person to develop autoimmune diseases, such as rheumatoid arthritis or lupus erythematosus, due to emotional stress and tension? Or is it necessary to have a genetic predisposition that could be triggered by stress? I am co...
Dr. Gao Jiankai Reply:
Hello, the etiology of autoimmune diseases cannot be explained by a single cause; it is often multifactorial, including genetic, endocrine, and external factors. The most commonly mentioned external factors are infections and pollutants, such as viruses or smoking. The likelihood...[Read More] Can Emotional Stress Trigger Autoimmune Diseases Like RA or Lupus?
Can Emotional Stress Trigger Autoimmune Diseases Like Lupus?
Autoimmune system diseases Hello, doctor. Can a person develop autoimmune diseases solely due to emotional stress, such as rheumatoid arthritis or systemic lupus erythematosus? Or is emotion merely a trigger? If someone does not have the genetic predisposition, emotional stress a...
Dr. Zeng Guosen Reply:
Dear netizens, the occurrence of a disease is rarely due to a single factor; emotional stress or genetics can be potential triggers. By following recommended screenings, adopting the correct medical concepts, and maintaining good lifestyle habits such as proper diet and exercise,...[Read More] Can Emotional Stress Trigger Autoimmune Diseases Like Lupus?
Understanding Pemphigus: Treatment, Risks, and Genetic Factors
Pemphigus! Hello, Doctor. Previously, I mentioned my elder's condition, and you suspected it might be pemphigus. My elder has now gone to Taichung Veterans General Hospital for examination and has been diagnosed with pemphigus. I researched related information, and it seems ...
Dr. Gao Jiankai Reply:
Dear Mr. Zhang, Thank you for your email. Generally speaking, lupus erythematosus requires treatment with corticosteroids, and for patients who do not respond well to treatment, additional immunomodulatory medications may be necessary to control abnormal immune function. For mor...[Read More] Understanding Pemphigus: Treatment, Risks, and Genetic Factors
Understanding Pain in the Upper Eye Socket: Causes and Solutions
Pain above the eye socket? Hello Dr. Hsiao, I would like to ask, in the past few days, when I close my eyes, I feel pain in the upper part of the eye socket when my eyeball moves upward. What could be the reason for this?
Dr. Xiao Yongxun Reply:
After you close your eyes and your eyeballs move upward, you may feel pain in the upper part of the eye socket. There are many possible causes, including neuropathy, vascular disorders, hypertension, autoimmune diseases, ocular conditions, extraocular muscle disorders, tumors, an...[Read More] Understanding Pain in the Upper Eye Socket: Causes and Solutions
Understanding Basophil Counts: What Do Your Blood Test Results Mean?
Eosinophilia typically indicates? (The first part was sent prematurely and is incomplete.) Hello, Doctor. I apologize for sending the previous message before I finished typing. I would like to ask: The results of my health check-up at Taichung City Hospital at the end of 2012 sho...
Dr. Xiao Yongxun Reply:
1. Regarding your white blood cell differential count, the total white blood cell count is normal, with a slightly elevated percentage of basophils and a slightly decreased hemoglobin level in red blood cells, which should be considered normal variations. There is no evidence of ...[Read More] Understanding Basophil Counts: What Do Your Blood Test Results Mean?
Sudden Paralysis: Understanding Risks for Autoimmune Patients
Sudden paralysis lasting for a few minutes? Hello, Doctor Gao. I am RA. In addition to RA, I also have some suspected autoimmune diseases (SLE) that are being monitored. This past weekend, I did some cleaning at home in the morning. While I was cleaning, I didn't feel any st...
Dr. Gao Jiankai Reply:
Hello, thank you for your question. If the pain is sudden and improves gradually after rest, it is likely a temporary muscle strain due to excessive exertion, so there is no need to worry. However, if you have rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and are on long-term medication, you should ...[Read More] Sudden Paralysis: Understanding Risks for Autoimmune Patients
Understanding Syphilis: Long-term Effects and Risks of Recurrent Infections
Syphilis infection Hello Doctor, I have some questions to ask you. 1. A year and a half ago, I was infected with syphilis and received treatment (antibiotic injections). My RPR value has decreased by more than fourfold and is currently at 1:16, but my TPHA remains around 1:5120...
Dr. Liao Zhongxin Reply:
Dear readers: 1. No, please continue to avoid dangerous behaviors (substance abuse and unsafe sexual practices). 2. No, thank you![Read More] Understanding Syphilis: Long-term Effects and Risks of Recurrent Infections
Understanding ANA and SLE: Do You Need a Positive ANA for Diagnosis?
ANA (Antinuclear Antibody) and SLE (Systemic Lup Hello, Director Gao. I went to see a specialist in immunology due to joint pain and a rash on my cheeks. After reviewing the overall examination results and clinical symptoms, I found that I meet five of the criteria for SLE diagno...
Dr. Gao Jiankai Reply:
Hello, ANA is just one of the diagnostic criteria for Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (SLE). To meet the diagnostic criteria, a patient only needs to satisfy four of the criteria, and it is not necessary to include ANA. Therefore, ANA is not a mandatory requirement. However, the lik...[Read More] Understanding ANA and SLE: Do You Need a Positive ANA for Diagnosis?
Understanding Dry Eyes, Throat, and Tongue: Possible Causes and Solutions
Dry eyes, dry throat, and an unusual feeling in the tongue? Hello Doctor, I would like to ask you about my condition. Since February, I have been experiencing unusual sensations in my tongue, along with dry eyes and a dry throat. 1. I consulted a rheumatologist, and the tests sho...
Dr. Zeng Guosen Reply:
Hello, internet user: There are many causes of dry eye syndrome. In the case of autoimmune dry syndrome, in addition to testing for Anti-Ro and Anti-La antibodies through blood tests, if the blood tests are normal, a salivary gland biopsy can be performed. Other immunological tes...[Read More] Understanding Dry Eyes, Throat, and Tongue: Possible Causes and Solutions
Dehydration and Heat Illness: When to Seek Medical Attention
After feeling unwell due to hot weather? Hello doctor, I would like to ask: A week ago, I drank too much beer one night, and the next day I vomited while on a boat. The weather was hot, and I didn't drink much water. After some activity in the afternoon, I vomited again. I t...
Dr. Xiao Yongxun Reply:
Hello: In response to your question, hot weather combined with a lack of hydration and electrolyte replenishment can indeed lead to heat-related illnesses such as heat exhaustion, heat cramps, or heat stroke. The symptoms you described cannot completely rule out these conditions....[Read More] Dehydration and Heat Illness: When to Seek Medical Attention
Understanding Overlap Syndrome and Exogenous Asthma in Clinical Practice
Regarding overlap syndrome and exogenous asthma? Hello, Doctor Gao. I have been experiencing joint pain and low white blood cell counts for a long time. However, since these symptoms fluctuate between severe and mild, and I usually feel better after taking painkillers and resting...
Dr. Gao Jiankai Reply:
Hello, in clinical practice, it is quite rare for patients to meet the diagnostic criteria for both rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), especially since the pathogenic mechanisms of RA and SLE differ significantly. Therefore, co-occurrence of these t...[Read More] Understanding Overlap Syndrome and Exogenous Asthma in Clinical Practice
Understanding HLA-ABC Typing Results: Significance of A2, A24, B38, B46
HLA-ABC report? The HLA-ABC typing serologic results indicate the specific human leukocyte antigen (HLA) alleles present in the individual. In this case, the results show A2, A24 for the A locus and B38, B46 for the B locus. This information is significant for several reasons: ...
Dr. Gao Jiankai Reply:
Hello, HLA stands for Human Leukocyte Antigen, which is an abbreviation for the last word in the phrase. HLA molecules are extracellular characteristics, and all cells within the same individual express the same HLA profile, serving as a cellular identification similar to a finge...[Read More] Understanding HLA-ABC Typing Results: Significance of A2, A24, B38, B46
Understanding Recurrent Unilateral Parotitis: Causes and Next Steps
Parotitis In the past six months, there have been 5-6 episodes of recurrent unilateral parotitis. A CT scan has ruled out the possibility of salivary gland stones. Due to accompanying symptoms of dry eyes and dry mouth, a referral was made to the rheumatology department. Tear sec...
Dr. Gao Jiankai Reply:
Hello, there are many reasons for recurrent swelling of a unilateral parotid gland, such as chronic sialadenitis, obstruction of the salivary duct, recurrent bacterial infections, and it is also important to be cautious about the possibility of tumors. If the rheumatology departm...[Read More] Understanding Recurrent Unilateral Parotitis: Causes and Next Steps
What Can Nailfold Capillary Microscopy Reveal About Your Health?
What can finger bending measure? Nailfold capillary microscopy can be used to assess microvascular abnormalities, which are often associated with autoimmune diseases such as systemic sclerosis or Sjögren's syndrome. In your case, the physician's comment that "it&#x...
Dr. Zeng Guosen Reply:
Hello, the nailfold capillary microscopy is primarily used to examine the microvascular patterns of peripheral blood circulation in rheumatic connective tissue diseases, particularly for the assessment of systemic sclerosis. Tortuosity indicates that the blood vessels are somewha...[Read More] What Can Nailfold Capillary Microscopy Reveal About Your Health?