Understanding Prolonged Fever: Blood Test Insights and Concerns
Blood tests for fever lasting more than 6 days? Hello Doctor, I have been experiencing a fever for over 6 days (around 38 degrees Celsius). I visited the clinic twice (COVID-19 and influenza tests were negative). The clinic doctor recommended that I go to a large hospital for blo...
Dr. Li Jian Reply:
The inflammatory index is slightly elevated, and the glomerular filtration rate can be monitored by a nephrologist. Thank you for your inquiry.[Read More] Understanding Prolonged Fever: Blood Test Insights and Concerns
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
Understanding Juvenile Ankylosing Spondylitis Symptoms and Diagnosis
Symptoms of juvenile ankylosing spondylitis? Hello Doctor: My son is 14 years old (in the second year of junior high school). Three months ago, he experienced unexplained swelling in the second joint of his toe, with no other discomfort. At that time, the doctor ordered blood tes...
Dr. Gao Jiankai Reply:
Hello, thank you for your question. Here are my thoughts: 1. We will not retest for HLA-B27. 2. If the inflammatory markers are normal (such as CRP and ESR), and there is only swelling in the toes without other symptoms, we might consider using anti-inflammatory pain relief medic...[Read More] Understanding Juvenile Ankylosing Spondylitis Symptoms and Diagnosis
Can X-rays or CT Scans Differentiate Causes of Sacroiliitis?
Can X-rays or CT scans differentiate the causes of sacroiliac joint arthritis? What are the treatment options for enthesitis? Hello Doctor, I have been experiencing chronic lower back pain that alleviates with activity. X-rays from last year show bilateral grade II sacroiliitis, ...
Dr. Gao Jiankai Reply:
Hello, thank you for your inquiry. Here are my responses: (1) I have been experiencing intermittent sharp pain in my right ankle since last year, as if it is being bitten, with the pain intensifying at night. Additionally, I have long-term soreness on the outer side of my right...[Read More] Can X-rays or CT Scans Differentiate Causes of Sacroiliitis?
Can Ankylosing Spondylitis Onset Occur After Age 50?
Is it possible for ankylosing spondylitis to develop at the age of 50? I am a 51-year-old female who has been experiencing significant tightness and stiffness in my hip joint for at least three years. I initially thought it was due to natural aging, prolonged sitting at work, or ...
Dr. Gao Jiankai Reply:
Hello, thank you for your questions. Here are my responses: (1) Is it possible for ankylosing spondylitis to onset at the age of 50? --> The likelihood is low, but it is possible. (2) If both CRP and ESR are normal, does that mean it is unrelated to ankylosing spondylitis? --&...[Read More] Can Ankylosing Spondylitis Onset Occur After Age 50?
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 CRP Levels: What High Readings Could Indicate
The CRP test results may indicate the following meanings? Hello: Recently, due to the need for spinal surgery, a blood test was conducted, revealing a CRP level of 10.62 mg/L. The doctor recommended resting for two weeks and then rechecking the CRP, which remained elevated at 8.9...
Dr. Gao Jiankai Reply:
Hello, thank you for your questions. Here are my responses: 1. Regarding whether these numbers indicate a serious infection: I believe they do not. 2. Concerning the pain in the dental root due to the presence of a screw in the denture, could this cause the CRP to rise to 10.62 ...[Read More] Understanding CRP Levels: What High Readings Could Indicate
Understanding Test Results: Concerns About Tumor Risk and Further Examinations
Please inquire about the test results? Hello, doctor. Recently, my father experienced swelling in his throat and left hand due to stress, prompting him to visit a rheumatology and immunology specialist. Based on his condition, the doctor ordered the following tests (the items lis...
Dr. Gao Jiankai Reply:
Hello, thank you for your inquiry. Here are my responses: 1. The attending physician did not inform us about the location of the tumor, nor did they provide a detailed explanation to my father regarding which specific values were problematic for the diagnosis. Could you please ...[Read More] Understanding Test Results: Concerns About Tumor Risk and Further Examinations
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
Does Wisdom Tooth Extraction Affect Inflammation Levels in Ankylosing Spondylitis?
Does having wisdom teeth removed surgically affect inflammation levels? Hello Dr. Tseng, I am 20 years old and a patient with ankylosing spondylitis. I had my wisdom teeth removed on February 22, and my cheeks were swollen and painful afterward. It has been 11 days since the proc...
Dr. Zeng Guosen Reply:
After surgery, swelling and pain may affect ESR/CRP levels, but unless it's severe, the impact is limited. Just inform your physician, and they will make the assessment. 2. In the case of sports injuries, such as sprains, muscle strains, or joint injuries, generally, they do...[Read More] Does Wisdom Tooth Extraction Affect Inflammation Levels in Ankylosing Spondylitis?
Does Wisdom Tooth Extraction Affect Inflammation Markers in Ankylosing Spondylitis?
Does having wisdom teeth removed through surgery affect inflammation levels? Hello, Director Gao. I am 20 years old and a patient with ankylosing spondylitis. I had my wisdom teeth extracted on February 22. After the extraction, my cheek was swollen and painful. It has been 10 da...
Dr. Gao Jiankai Reply:
Hello, thank you for your question. Here are my responses: 1) My appointment on March 8th is for a quarterly follow-up with the rheumatology department, where I will have blood drawn for monitoring. Should I wait until the swelling and pain in my mouth completely subside before ...[Read More] Does Wisdom Tooth Extraction Affect Inflammation Markers in Ankylosing Spondylitis?
Understanding Immune System Tests: What Your Results Mean for You
Immune system Anti-Thyroglobulin Antibody (TA) = 13.87 Anti-Nuclear Antibody = Negative at 1:80 C4 Quantitation = 58.46 C3 Quantitation = 137.97 Anti-Thyroid Peroxidase Antibody (AMA) = <3.00 High-Sensitivity C-Reactive Protein (hsCRP) = 0.16 Rheumatoid Factor = 12...
Dr. Gao Jiankai Reply:
Hello, thank you for your inquiry. Your report shows that only your IgE level is elevated, which is indicative of an allergic condition. If your C4 level is slightly elevated, it is not a concern; C4 can increase when the body is unwell and does not have special significance. I r...[Read More] Understanding Immune System Tests: What Your Results Mean for You
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
Understanding Unexplained Inflammatory Pain: A Guide for Young Adults
Unexplained inflammatory pain? I am currently 23 years old. I started experiencing occasional knee pain in middle school, but it wasn't particularly severe. The frequency of inflammation and pain has increased with age. Since high school, I have also had issues with inflamma...
Dr. Gao Jiankai Reply:
Hello, thank you for your inquiry. I believe that conditions such as "recurrent rheumatic disease" can be monitored in the field of immunology and rheumatology. The Allergy, Immunology, and Rheumatology Department of Changhua Hospital, Ministry of Health and Welfare, is...[Read More] Understanding Unexplained Inflammatory Pain: A Guide for Young Adults
Understanding SSA Antibodies: Implications for Pregnancy and Lupus Risk
Detection of SSA antibodies? Hello, Doctor. I would like to ask about experiencing unexplained pain and swelling in 1-2 joints of my fingers and toes this year, which disappears after a few days, only to reappear in other areas with tenderness upon pressure. I visited the rheumat...
Dr. Gao Jiankai Reply:
Hello, thank you for your question. The presence of SSA antibodies is not related to the ability to conceive; however, there is still a possibility that Sjögren's syndrome may evolve into lupus erythematosus in the future, although the likelihood is unclear. Therefore, when ...[Read More] Understanding SSA Antibodies: Implications for Pregnancy and Lupus Risk
Do ESR Test Results Vary Significantly Between Different Hospitals?
Will the ESR test values vary significantly between different hospitals? Hello Dr. Tseng, I am a patient with ankylosing spondylitis. Since I need to have ESR and CRP tests done periodically, I would like to ask you: Can the results of the ESR test vary significantly due to diffe...
Dr. Zeng Guosen Reply:
The same individual may have varying ESR values on different days due to different physical conditions. However, if the same blood sample is tested using the same testing equipment at different hospitals, the values should be similar. Unless different testing tools are used or th...[Read More] Do ESR Test Results Vary Significantly Between Different Hospitals?
Understanding Recurring Ankle Swelling: Possible Causes and Solutions
Repeated mild swelling and subsiding of the ankle in a short period of time? Hello, Doctor. Let me summarize my condition. On the evening of October 18, I experienced pain in the left heel while walking, and my ankle was slightly swollen that night. On October 19, I felt a sharp ...
Dr. Gao Jiankai Reply:
Hello, thank you for your question. Here are my responses: 2. Recently, I have also noticed that after experiencing coldness in my hands and feet, I feel a sharp pain on the inner side of my left ankle. Is this related to gout or other diseases? --> It should not be related....[Read More] Understanding Recurring Ankle Swelling: Possible Causes and Solutions
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
Do ESR Test Results Vary Significantly Between Different Hospitals?
Is it possible for the ESR values to vary significantly when the same blood sample is tested at different hospitals? Hello, Dr. Gao. I am a patient with ankylosing spondylitis. Since I need to have ESR and CRP tests done periodically, I would like to ask you: Can the results of t...
Dr. Gao Jiankai Reply:
Hello, thank you for your inquiry. Each hospital has slightly different testing methods and standard values, so the results may indeed vary. Please pay attention to the normal reference ranges for the tests; if your results fall within the normal range, there is no need for exces...[Read More] Do ESR Test Results Vary Significantly Between Different Hospitals?
Understanding Atypical Ankylosing Spondylitis: Symptoms and Diagnosis
Autoimmune diseases Doctor, I am currently 30 years old, have not given birth, HLA-B27 negative, with inflammatory markers CRP: 0.02 and ESR: 3. Since June, I have been experiencing pain in my buttocks, and an MRI report shows sacroiliac joint sclerosis. The doctor prescribed Cel...
Dr. Gao Jiankai Reply:
Hello, thank you for your inquiry. Diagnosing ankylosing spondylitis requires a comprehensive evaluation that includes imaging studies, blood tests, clinical symptoms, and physical examination findings, and it heavily relies on the experience of the treating physician. The inform...[Read More] Understanding Atypical Ankylosing Spondylitis: Symptoms and Diagnosis