Understanding Seasonal Variations in CRP Levels for Ankylosing Spondylitis
CRP levels are generally higher in winter and lower in non-winter months. It is unclear if this has any specific significance? Hello, Doctor. My son is 20 years old and has been diagnosed with ankylosing spondylitis for 3.5 years. He has been undergoing regular medication treatme...
Dr. Gao Jiankai Reply:
Hello, thank you for your question. I don't have a very good explanation for this part. However, the difference in CRP levels between the two time points is not significant, so I believe that more aggressive treatment changes are not necessary. I think that during winter, th...[Read More] Understanding Seasonal Variations in CRP Levels for Ankylosing Spondylitis
Understanding Autoimmune Thyroiditis: Symptoms, Tests, and Treatment Options
Autoimmune Thyroiditis Hello, Doctor. I have been tracking thyroid issues for many years. In November of last year, my tests showed TSH 4.43, Free T4 0.84, and anti-TPO 9295, along with asymmetrical eyes, with the right eye protruding. I have been experiencing chronic dryness in ...
Dr. Li Jian Reply:
It is recommended that you visit a medical center to see an endocrinologist and check for TSH receptor antibodies, as this antibody is related to exophthalmos. Thank you for your inquiry.[Read More] Understanding Autoimmune Thyroiditis: Symptoms, Tests, and Treatment Options
Understanding Cellulitis: Long-Term Recovery and Ongoing Symptoms
Cellulitis I was admitted to the emergency room on February 28 due to swelling in my left hand. I was diagnosed with cellulitis despite having no external injuries. After 11 days of antibiotic treatment, the swelling finally decreased, and my CRP levels returned to normal. Howeve...
Dr. Lin Wufu Reply:
Severe cellulitis may lead to localized tissue thickening or persistent swelling for some time after infection control, and it may take longer to gradually recover. Another possibility is that if the infection has invaded deeper tissues such as joints or bones, the recovery time ...[Read More] Understanding Cellulitis: Long-Term Recovery and Ongoing Symptoms
Understanding the Link Between EB Virus, CMV, and White Blood Cell Counts
The relationship between Epstein-Barr virus (EBV), cytomegalovirus (CMV), and leukocytes? Hello Doctor, I experienced fever along with swollen and painful bilateral inguinal lymph nodes at the beginning of February. I went for a urology examination, and the blood test was done ap...
Dr. Gao Jiankai Reply:
Hello, thank you for your inquiry. It is recommended to include the reference ranges for the test results to facilitate interpretation, as different hospitals may use different laboratory equipment, which can lead to variations in normal values. Additionally, although the total w...[Read More] Understanding the Link Between EB Virus, CMV, and White Blood Cell Counts
Understanding Inflammation Index and Its Impact on Adhesion in Ankylosing Spondylitis
The relationship between inflammatory markers and adhesions? Hello, Doctor. I have ankylosing spondylitis. Before treatment, I experienced pain in my buttocks and lower back. For the past year, I have been consistently taking 2 tablets of Celebrex daily, and my CRP levels have be...
Dr. Gao Jiankai Reply:
Hello, thank you for your question. Here are my responses: 1) My current index is normal, and I hardly feel any pain in my buttocks. However, I do experience some discomfort in my lower back when leaning back, but it is minimal and does not significantly affect my daily life. Can...[Read More] Understanding Inflammation Index and Its Impact on Adhesion in Ankylosing Spondylitis
Assessing Bone Marrow Suppression Risks from Salazopyrin Use
Have I already experienced bone marrow suppression as a side effect from taking Salazopyrin? Hello Dr. Tseng, I would like to ask you another question. I am a patient with ankylosing spondylitis, and my main symptom is pain in the buttocks. Since my blood test on March 2 of last ...
Dr. Zeng Guosen Reply:
The user's PLT and WBC are within normal ranges, but Hb is slightly low. Drug-induced bone marrow suppression typically affects WBC and PLT, so it is okay to continue the medication. Follow up with the attending physician for further discussion. There is no need to take iron...[Read More] Assessing Bone Marrow Suppression Risks from Salazopyrin Use
Can Probiotics and Omega-3 Foods Help Manage Ankylosing Spondylitis?
Is taking probiotics or regularly consuming foods rich in omega-3 beneficial for ankylosing spondylitis? Hello Dr. Tseng, I am a patient with ankylosing spondylitis, and I have been experiencing symptoms for three and a half years. Currently, I take two tablets of Celebrex and on...
Dr. Zeng Guosen Reply:
Online users suggest that omega-3 can combat inflammation, but its effectiveness in improving the inflammatory condition of ankylosing spondylitis is limited; it should only be used as a supplement and cannot be used for treatment. Probiotics or omega-3 are not expected to have a...[Read More] Can Probiotics and Omega-3 Foods Help Manage Ankylosing Spondylitis?
Does Celecoxib Effectively Lower CRP Levels in Ankylosing Spondylitis?
Is the effect of Xeljanz on reducing CRP inflammatory markers significant? Hello Dr. Zeng, I am a patient with ankylosing spondylitis. Could you please tell me if the medication Celebrex has a significant effect on reducing CRP inflammation levels in patients with ankylosing spon...
Dr. Zeng Guosen Reply:
The medication Hylorac belongs to the class of NSAIDs (non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs) and has a certain effectiveness in reducing inflammation associated with ankylosing spondylitis. However, individual responses may vary; some may experience significant benefits, while o...[Read More] Does Celecoxib Effectively Lower CRP Levels in Ankylosing Spondylitis?
Managing Medication for Ankylosing Spondylitis: Key Considerations
Medication issues in ankylosing spondylitis? Hello Dr. Tseng, I am a patient with ankylosing spondylitis. For the past six months, I have been taking two Salazopyrin and one Voltaren daily for treatment. My CRP levels have been between 0.2 and 0.6, and my pain occurs approximatel...
Dr. Zeng Guosen Reply:
Whether or not to take medication depends on the condition of the disease, including an overall assessment of pain, inflammation, and spinal involvement. This determination must be made by your treating physician who understands your situation; it cannot be decided solely based o...[Read More] Managing Medication for Ankylosing Spondylitis: Key Considerations
How Effective is Certolizumab in Reducing CRP Levels?
Is the effect of Xarelto on lowering CRP significant? Hello Dr. Tseng, I am a patient with ankylosing spondylitis. I am currently being treated with Celebrex and Humira (I have also taken Enbrel in the past). I would like to ask the doctor some direct questions: 1) Generally spea...
Dr. Zeng Guosen Reply:
Both have anti-inflammatory effects, but the response varies among patients with ankylosing spondylitis, and there are no studies reporting which one reduces CRP more significantly. The response in CRP reduction after administration varies from person to person.[Read More] How Effective is Certolizumab in Reducing CRP Levels?
Understanding Inflammation Index and Its Impact on Adhesion in Ankylosing Spondylitis
The relationship between inflammatory indices and adhesions? Hello, Doctor. I have ankylosing spondylitis. Before treatment, I experienced pain in my buttocks and lower back. For the past year, I have been taking two tablets of Celebrex daily, and my CRP levels have been maintain...
Dr. Zeng Guosen Reply:
The likelihood of spinal adhesions is related to various factors, including inflammation levels, smoking, previous adhesions, obesity, and more. Of course, if there is no pain and inflammation levels are normal, the chances of developing adhesions in the lower back are reduced. E...[Read More] Understanding Inflammation Index and Its Impact on Adhesion in Ankylosing Spondylitis
How to Optimize the Use of Meloxicam for Ankylosing Spondylitis?
How should Wan Ke Shi be taken for optimal results? Hello, Doctor Gao. I am a patient with ankylosing spondylitis. For the past six months, I have been taking two Salazopyrin (Salsalate) tablets and one Voltaren (Diclofenac) tablet daily for treatment. My CRP levels have been bet...
Dr. Gao Jiankai Reply:
Hello, thank you for your question. Here are my responses: 1) Can I just take Meloxicam when I have pain (and continue taking Celecoxib daily)? I'm worried that not taking Meloxicam every day and only taking Celecoxib might cause my previously well-controlled CRP levels to ...[Read More] How to Optimize the Use of Meloxicam for Ankylosing Spondylitis?
Understanding Bone Marrow Suppression Risks from Salazopyrin Use
Could I be experiencing bone marrow suppression as a side effect after taking Salazopyrin? Hello, Doctor Gao. I would like to ask you some additional questions. I am a patient with ankylosing spondylitis, and my main symptom is pain in my buttocks. Since my blood test on March 2n...
Dr. Gao Jiankai Reply:
Hello, thank you for your question. Here are my responses: 1) The package insert for Salazopyrin mentions rare side effects such as bone marrow suppression. My RBC, Hb, and PLT levels seem to have started declining after taking Salazopyrin (all have dropped to the lower limit of...[Read More] Understanding Bone Marrow Suppression Risks from Salazopyrin Use
Understanding Fluctuations in Hs-CRP Levels for Ankylosing Spondylitis Patients
Does eating salad cause fluctuations in hs-CRP levels? Hello Doctor, I am a patient with ankylosing spondylitis, and my main symptom is pain in the buttocks. Since March 2nd of last year, I have been taking two Salazopyrin daily and only taking Voltaren when I experience pain (th...
Dr. Zeng Guosen Reply:
1) The activity of ankylosing spondylitis naturally fluctuates and is not ineffective. 2) It is possible that medication was not taken, or the disease itself may be changing. 3) There are reports indicating that COVID-19 infection can lead to increased instability in autoimmune d...[Read More] Understanding Fluctuations in Hs-CRP Levels for Ankylosing Spondylitis Patients
Why Did the Effectiveness of Salazopyrine Diminish for My Ankylosing Spondylitis?
Why has the effect of Salbutamol diminished? Hello, Doctor Gao. I am a patient with ankylosing spondylitis, and my main symptom is pain in the buttocks. Since March 2 of last year, I have been taking two Salazopyrin daily and only taking Voltaren when I experience pain (the pain ...
Dr. Gao Jiankai Reply:
Hello, thank you for your inquiry. Here are my responses: 1) For patients with ankylosing spondylitis, in the absence of special circumstances and without interruption of medication, the use of Salazopyrin (sulfasalazine) generally maintains effective control over HSCRP levels....[Read More] Why Did the Effectiveness of Salazopyrine Diminish for My Ankylosing Spondylitis?
Medication vs. Biologics: Which is Better for Ankylosing Spondylitis?
Is it better to take medication or to receive a biologic treatment? Hello Doctor, my son is 20 years old and has been diagnosed with ankylosing spondylitis for 3.5 years. It took 1.5 years after the onset of symptoms to confirm the diagnosis and begin formal treatment. The overvi...
Dr. Zeng Guosen Reply:
The general principle is that traditional oral medications are the first-line treatment. If the condition is stable, the use of biologics is not recommended. It may be worth considering a reduction in medication and monitoring the situation. Biologics are also a type of medicatio...[Read More] Medication vs. Biologics: Which is Better for Ankylosing Spondylitis?
Does Celecoxib Effectively Lower CRP Levels in Patients?
Can Xeljanz reduce CRP levels? Hello Dr. Gao: I previously asked you a question (number 188046), and the complete inquiry and response are attached below. I would like to ask you another question: 1) Does sulfasalazine not have an effect on lowering CRP? 2) If not, is the reason ...
Dr. Gao Jiankai Reply:
Hello, thank you for your question. Here are my answers: 1) Does Secukinumab have no effect on lowering CRP? --> Yes, in principle, it has no effect or a poor effect. 2) If not, is the reason the same as why Secukinumab does not lower ESR? --> Yes, the reasons are the same....[Read More] Does Celecoxib Effectively Lower CRP Levels in Patients?
Evaluating Biologics for Ankylosing Spondylitis: A Patient's Dilemma
Should the use of biologic agents be evaluated? Hello, Doctor Gao. My son is 20 years old and has been diagnosed with ankylosing spondylitis for 3.5 years. It took 1.5 years after the onset of symptoms to confirm the diagnosis and begin formal treatment. The overview of his treat...
Dr. Gao Jiankai Reply:
Hello, thank you for your question. Here are my responses: 1) Although taking two Salazopyrin and two CellCept daily can effectively manage my child's condition, I am concerned about the potential long-term side effects (such as cardiovascular issues or kidney disease) fro...[Read More] Evaluating Biologics for Ankylosing Spondylitis: A Patient's Dilemma
Can Ankylosing Spondylitis Lead to Rapid Osteoporosis in Young Patients?
Can ankylosing spondylitis lead to osteoporosis so quickly? Dear Dr. Tseng, I am currently 19 years old and have been diagnosed with ankylosing spondylitis for 2.8 years, with symptoms limited to pain in the buttocks. For the first 1.5 years, I was unaware that it was ankylosing...
Dr. Zeng Guosen Reply:
1. Ankylosing spondylitis is not a significant factor leading to osteoporosis; as long as it is well-controlled and stable, it generally does not cause bone loss. 2. If you are taking Salazopyrin, you can take two tablets at once after dinner if you are only taking one tablet in ...[Read More] Can Ankylosing Spondylitis Lead to Rapid Osteoporosis in Young Patients?
Understanding Rheumatoid Arthritis: Symptoms, Diagnosis, and Treatment Options
Rheumatoid Arthritis Hello Doctor, I would like to inquire whether my symptoms could be diagnosed as arthritis. At the end of October: I felt an unusual sensation when bending my hands. At the beginning of November: I experienced an unusual sensation in my big toe, and my knees h...
Dr. Gao Jiankai Reply:
Hello, thank you for your question. I believe further monitoring is appropriate. Although the RF value is abnormal, it is not significantly elevated, and with normal CCP levels, I think tracking is sufficient. If ANA, CRP, and ESR are also normal, the likelihood of severe rheumat...[Read More] Understanding Rheumatoid Arthritis: Symptoms, Diagnosis, and Treatment Options