Understanding Side Effects of Celecoxib: Gastrointestinal Concerns and More
Side effects of Xeljanz? Hello Doctor: I am a patient with ankylosing spondylitis, currently 20 years old. I started taking Celebrex a year ago, and recently, four days ago, I began experiencing bloody stools. The colorectal surgeon diagnosed it as hemorrhoids and has prescribed ...
Dr. Zeng Guosen Reply:
Hello, netizen. 1) Yes, but Celecoxib is one of the anti-inflammatory pain medications with relatively low bleeding side effects. 2) An ALT level of 34 is within the normal range, so there is no need to worry as long as it is within normal limits. 3) Generally, the CRP test can d...[Read More] Understanding Side Effects of Celecoxib: Gastrointestinal Concerns and More
Muscle Twitches and Pain: Are They Related to Tetanus or Cold Weather?
Muscle twitching Last week, I had a minor abrasion, and in the past few days, I've experienced occasional slight muscle twitching in my legs, arms, and abdomen that resolves quickly. Additionally, I have a bit of soreness near my tailbone, and sometimes my heels and hands su...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, the symptoms you described are not indicative of tetanus. It is a normal physiological response for muscles to tremble in cold weather. Thank you for your inquiry.[Read More] Muscle Twitches and Pain: Are They Related to Tetanus or Cold Weather?
Switching Medications for Ankylosing Spondylitis: Is It Worth Trying?
Switch back to the original medication? Hello Doctor: My son is 19 years old and has ankylosing spondylitis. He only experiences pain in the sacroiliac joints, and there is no pain in the peripheral joints, nor has he ever experienced morning stiffness. He is currently taking Cel...
Dr. Gao Jiankai Reply:
Hello, thank you for your inquiry. If you are taking Salazopyrin, you need to increase to the therapeutic dose and continue using it for at least three months for the effects to become noticeable. If the current treatment with Xeljanz is not effective, you might consider trying R...[Read More] Switching Medications for Ankylosing Spondylitis: Is It Worth Trying?
Should You Worry About Your Blood Sugar Levels? A Guide for Young Adults
Excessive worrying? Hello Doctor, my fasting blood glucose this year was 97 mg/dL (measured in the morning, last year it was 93 mg/dL). I usually control my intake of sugary drinks, having a hand-shaken beverage at most once a week. My BMI is 18. I went to the lab for an HbA1c te...
Dr. Li Jian Reply:
Current test results are all within normal ranges, and maintaining a healthy lifestyle does not warrant excessive concern.[Read More] Should You Worry About Your Blood Sugar Levels? A Guide for Young Adults
Understanding Dizziness and Headaches: Possible Causes and Concerns
Dizziness, headache? The initial symptoms were mild dizziness, which lasted for three days, followed by the onset of headaches and sore throat. Later, I started to feel short of breath, resembling palpitations, possibly due to wearing a mask while working. I experience episodes o...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, based on the current pandemic situation, the first consideration should be the possibility of a COVID-19 infection. It is advisable to perform a rapid test; if the result is negative, it could be due to orthostatic hypotension or anemia. I recommend measuring your blood pr...[Read More] Understanding Dizziness and Headaches: Possible Causes and Concerns
Understanding Biologics for Ankylosing Spondylitis: Key Questions Answered
Biologics Hello, doctor. My son is 18.7 years old and is a patient with ankylosing spondylitis. I would like to ask some questions regarding biologic agents: To save the doctor's time, I would like to define the following conditions as "Condition A" (the prescripti...
Dr. Gao Jiankai Reply:
Hello, thank you for your questions. There are many inquiries, so I can only provide brief responses as follows: 1) If you apply for public funding to receive biologic therapy and it is approved, after a period of treatment, if the inflammatory markers normalize and there is no...[Read More] Understanding Biologics for Ankylosing Spondylitis: Key Questions Answered
Understanding Biologics and Vaccination for Ankylosing Spondylitis Patients
Biologics Hello Doctor, I am currently 19 years old and have ankylosing spondylitis. I received my first dose of the BNT vaccine on September 27, 2021, and I am planning to get the second dose (the delay in receiving the second dose is due to my serious suspicion that the first d...
Dr. Gao Jiankai Reply:
Hello, thank you for your questions. Here are my responses: 1) Is there a regulation on how long one should wait to receive the COVID-19 vaccine before or after receiving a biologic agent? --> Only certain biologic agents require a pause in administration when receiving the C...[Read More] Understanding Biologics and Vaccination for Ankylosing Spondylitis Patients
Could Vaccination Trigger Ankylosing Spondylitis Symptoms?
Is ankylosing spondylitis caused by vaccination? Hello, after recently receiving the BNT vaccine, I experienced several inflammatory symptoms. After multiple rounds of examinations at the hospital, I was diagnosed with ankylosing spondylitis. However, the symptoms appeared sudden...
Dr. Gao Jiankai Reply:
Hello, thank you for your question. I believe that the BNT vaccine is unlikely to trigger the occurrence of ankylosing spondylitis. However, current COVID-19 vaccines, including BNT, may indeed induce muscle and joint pain, resulting in symptoms similar to rheumatic diseases. I s...[Read More] Could Vaccination Trigger Ankylosing Spondylitis Symptoms?
Managing Proteinuria in Diabetic Kidney Disease: When to Start Low-Protein Diet?
Proteinuria and Diabetic Kidney Disease (DKD) Hello, doctor. I have been diagnosed with diabetes for about ten years and have consistently had microalbuminuria. My eGFR has been around 105 ± 10 for several years. I had a UACR > 300 tested before surgery at National Taiwan Univ...
Dr. Wu Jiyu Reply:
According to your inquiry regarding the classification of UACR: UACR < 30 mg/g is considered normal range; UACR 30-300 mg/g is classified as microalbuminuria; and UACR > 300 mg/g is classified as macroalbuminuria. Since you only mentioned "UACR results < 300," ...[Read More] Managing Proteinuria in Diabetic Kidney Disease: When to Start Low-Protein Diet?
Is Drinking Licorice Juice Daily Harmful to My Mother's Health?
Is it harmful for my mom to drink licorice root juice as if it were water? Hello Dr. Wu, my mother was born in 1938 and underwent thyroid surgery thirty years ago. She received chemotherapy and radiation therapy for nasopharyngeal cancer over twenty years ago, which resulted in i...
Dr. Wu Jiyu Reply:
Based on your inquiry, excessive consumption of licorice juice may lead to hypokalemia. Additionally, considering the issue of edema, it is recommended to consult a nephrologist to clarify your condition. Thank you for your question; the Nephrology Department at Changhua Hospital...[Read More] Is Drinking Licorice Juice Daily Harmful to My Mother's Health?
Understanding Side Effects of Medication in Ankylosing Spondylitis Patients
Side effects of medication? Hello Doctor: I am a patient with ankylosing spondylitis, currently 20 years old. I started taking Celebrex a year ago. Recently, four days ago, I began experiencing blood in my stool (bright red, present with every bowel movement), without any blood c...
Dr. Gao Jiankai Reply:
Hello, thank you for your questions. Here are my responses: 1) Based on the described situation, is the likelihood of lower gastrointestinal bleeding high? --> I believe the probability of lower gastrointestinal bleeding is higher, especially due to hemorrhoids. 2) In the pa...[Read More] Understanding Side Effects of Medication in Ankylosing Spondylitis Patients
Understanding Kidney Function: Interpreting Your Blood Test Results
Kidney problems? Hello Doctor, I recently had a blood test and my kidney function indicators were slightly elevated: Blood Urea Nitrogen (BUN) was 17 (normal range is within 20), Creatinine was 1.16 (normal range is within 1.20), and Glomerular Filtration Rate (GFR) was 83 (norma...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, based on the slight changes in your blood test results, particularly in creatinine levels, it is suggested that this may be due to mild dehydration. It is recommended to maintain a regular habit of drinking water, engage in consistent exercise, and follow a regular daily r...[Read More] Understanding Kidney Function: Interpreting Your Blood Test Results
Understanding Elevated Urea Nitrogen Levels: Causes and Implications
Elevated blood urea nitrogen (BUN) levels? Hello Doctor: I recently had a blood test, and my blood urea nitrogen (BUN) level was 21.2, creatinine was 0.9, with the BUN highlighted in red (two months ago, it was 18.4 and creatinine was 0.95). About a week ago, I underwent dental i...
Dr. Li Jian Reply:
A hemoglobin A1c of 5.9 is consistent with a diagnosis of prediabetes, requiring regular follow-up every three months. Currently, kidney function is considered normal, but ongoing monitoring of future changes is necessary.[Read More] Understanding Elevated Urea Nitrogen Levels: Causes and Implications
Understanding High Cholesterol: The Role of HDL and Health Risks
High cholesterol Hello, my mother is currently 61 years old and recently had a health check-up with the following results: height 167 cm, weight 51 kg, BMI 18.3, blood pressure 138/81, pulse 75, blood glucose 102 (slightly elevated), triglycerides 51, cholesterol 322 (severely el...
Dr. Lin Jianliang Reply:
Hello: High total cholesterol can be partly attributed to high-density lipoprotein (HDL), while low-density lipoprotein (LDL) is a significant factor contributing to cardiovascular disease. Whether or not to take medication depends on health insurance regulations, which consider ...[Read More] Understanding High Cholesterol: The Role of HDL and Health Risks
Understanding Creatinine Levels: Concerns About Kidney Health
Confusion Regarding Blood Test Report for Serum Creatinine Hello Doctor, I am 37 years old, weigh 75 kg, and am 167 cm tall. I have symptoms of gastroesophageal reflux disease and Barrett's esophagus, for which I have been taking proton pump inhibitors (such as Pantoprazole)...
Dr. Wu Jiyu Reply:
1. According to your inquiry, first, it is important to understand the definition of chronic kidney disease (CKD). It can be classified as stage 1 or stage 2 when the glomerular filtration rate (GFR) is greater than 60 mL/min/1.73 m² and there are abnormalities in urine or imagin...[Read More] Understanding Creatinine Levels: Concerns About Kidney Health
Evaluating the Efficacy and Risks of Biologics for Ankylosing Spondylitis
Biologics (additional inquiries) The questions below, starting with an asterisk, were previously asked to Dr. Tseng, and I appreciate Dr. Tseng's response on January 25: "It is effective, and I recommend continuing the medication and adjusting the dosage after some time...
Dr. Zeng Guosen Reply:
Hello, the medical guidelines suggest a sequence of medications for treatment, taking into account their side effects and benefits. The principle is to use anti-inflammatory and analgesic medications as the first line of treatment. The consideration of biologics should be discuss...[Read More] Evaluating the Efficacy and Risks of Biologics for Ankylosing Spondylitis
Does Long-Term Use of Medication Reduce Its Effectiveness?
Does taking medication for a long time reduce its effectiveness? Hello Doctor: I am a patient with ankylosing spondylitis and have been diagnosed for over two years. For the past six months, I have been taking one Celebrex in the morning and one in the evening (a total of two per...
Dr. Gao Jiankai Reply:
Hello, thank you for your questions. Here are my responses: 1) Is it possible that the efficacy of Celebrex decreases with prolonged use, or could there be other reasons? --> To my knowledge, this is unlikely. There are many reasons for increased pain, such as adhesions due t...[Read More] Does Long-Term Use of Medication Reduce Its Effectiveness?
Understanding HIV Transmission Risks in Everyday Situations
Risk of HIV Infection Hello, doctor. I work in the service industry, and today a machine in the store broke down. When the repair technician came to fix it, I noticed he had an open wound on his finger that hadn't scabbed over. I asked him what happened, and he said he accid...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, 1. Splashing on my clothes and hands does not transmit HIV. 2. Contact between hands and other parts of clothing does not transmit HIV. 3. Having acne that is scratched and becomes a wound does not transmit HIV. 4. Touching a handle or a drainage ditch does not transm...[Read More] Understanding HIV Transmission Risks in Everyday Situations
Understanding Cough and Left Back Pain in Mitral Valve Prolapse Patients
Cold and cough. Soreness in the left back? I have a problem with mitral valve prolapse, and I am taking medication for palpitations and to prevent heart failure. I tend to be more sensitive and anxious, and sometimes my family says I make a big deal out of small issues. However, ...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, 1. Regarding your back pain, it is likely caused by a muscle strain. If you haven't experienced any recent injuries, it may be due to poor posture or muscle strain from excessive coughing. Typically, applying heat or using a topical analgesic can help alleviate the ...[Read More] Understanding Cough and Left Back Pain in Mitral Valve Prolapse Patients
Assessing Long-Term Risks of Biologics vs. Traditional Treatments
Biologics (Follow-up Question) Dear Dr. Gao, Below the asterisks is the question I raised on January 17. I appreciate your detailed response, and I would like to ask a few more questions: 1) I want to focus on the long-term severe (or life-threatening) side effects. The long-te...
Dr. Gao Jiankai Reply:
Hello, thank you for your inquiry. Here is my consolidated response: 1) I would like to focus on the long-term severe (or fatal) side effects. The long-term severe (or fatal) side effects of Celebrex (celecoxib) include cardiovascular, renal, and gastrointestinal issues. The lon...[Read More] Assessing Long-Term Risks of Biologics vs. Traditional Treatments