Understanding Dryness Syndrome: Symptoms, Diagnosis, and Tests
Immunity and Sjögren's Syndrome Hello Doctor: Two years ago, I experienced joint swelling and inflammation in my little finger. My family doctor recommended tests, including rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and anti-citrullinated protein antibody (CCP) tests, both of which returned...
Dr. Gao Jiankai Reply:
Hello, thank you for your inquiry. Sjögren's syndrome requires a detailed medical history, which includes not only questions about dry mouth but also inquiries about dry eyes and even respiratory symptoms. Blood tests should be arranged, including screening for antinuclear a...[Read More] Understanding Dryness Syndrome: Symptoms, Diagnosis, and Tests
Unexplained Fever, Weight Loss, and Joint Pain: A Medical Mystery
Unexplained fever with low-grade temperature, unintentional weight loss, and joint and muscle pain? Hello, doctor. I have undergone numerous tests in the infectious disease department, and the only abnormal finding was a slightly elevated cancer marker (for reference only) and a ...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, based on your description, it does align with the situation of "fever of unknown origin." We should indeed be cautious about atypical infections or bone marrow issues. Therefore, I agree with your infectious disease physician's recommendation to conduct furt...[Read More] Unexplained Fever, Weight Loss, and Joint Pain: A Medical Mystery
Understanding Low C3 and C4 Levels: Do They Indicate Immune System Disorders?
Immune system Hello Doctor: Recently, I had a blood test at the Metabolism Department and found that my C3 and C4 complement levels were low, and my white blood cell count was around 3100. I would like to ask if this indicates an immune system disease? Do I need treatment, or sho...
Dr. Gao Jiankai Reply:
Hello Rita, thank you for your message. Complement proteins are related to the immune system and typically increase during infections; however, in some immune system disorders, complement levels may be low, which can serve as a reference for diagnosing related immune diseases and...[Read More] Understanding Low C3 and C4 Levels: Do They Indicate Immune System Disorders?
Understanding Chronic Joint and Muscle Pain: Causes and Treatment Options
Muscle and joint pain? Hello Dr. Tseng, I have been experiencing increasing fatigue upon waking up every day for the past few years (average sleep time from 12:30 AM to 6:30 AM). During sleep, I often experience pain in my shoulders, elbows, and finger joints, as well as swelling...
Dr. Zeng Guosen Reply:
Hello, it is abnormal to experience pain in the shoulder, elbow, and finger joints while sleeping, and even to wake up due to joint pain during sleep. Blood tests for rheumatoid arthritis factors and uric acid levels have returned normal, but other rheumatic diseases cannot be ru...[Read More] Understanding Chronic Joint and Muscle Pain: Causes and Treatment Options
Could I Be at Risk for Lupus? Understanding Symptoms and Prevention
Could it be systemic lupus erythematosus? Hello Doctor, I recently caught a cold, which has lowered my immune system, and I started developing small red spots on my body, about a third the size of a mung bean. I have two on the side of my nose, one on my knee, one on my calf, and...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, the typical rash associated with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is indeed the butterfly rash. Based on your description of the small red spots, it is more likely to be folliculitis. However, skin issues usually require a visual examination for accurate diagnosis, so I ...[Read More] Could I Be at Risk for Lupus? Understanding Symptoms and Prevention
Managing SLE: Understanding Pain and Treatment Options for Patients
Regarding SLE (Systemic Lupus Erythematosus) Hello, doctor. I am a patient with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). I was diagnosed at the age of 22, and it has been 18 years since then. Over the years, I have been taking steroids and quinine, without adding any other medications...
Dr. Gao Jiankai Reply:
Hello Julia, in assessing the disease activity of Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (SLE), in addition to evaluating blood test results, it is also important to consider the patient's symptoms. Joint pain and swelling are common in SLE but are generally considered mild manifestat...[Read More] Managing SLE: Understanding Pain and Treatment Options for Patients
Unexplained Bruises and Swelling on Feet: Seeking Solutions
Unexplained bruising on the foot, recurring? I have had a wound on my foot since a cut at the swimming pool a year ago, which has formed a scab that has not fallen off for a long time. I have started to experience unexplained bruising and swelling, which has been increasing. It i...
Dr. Ke Taiyuan Reply:
However, based on the current description, a definitive diagnosis cannot be established. It is recommended to visit the internal medicine outpatient department at a hospital. If there are frequent unexplained bruises, a blood test to check for coagulation function issues may be w...[Read More] Unexplained Bruises and Swelling on Feet: Seeking Solutions
Navigating My Medical Journey: Confusion and Fear Amidst Antibiotic Treatment
What is happening with my medical process? I am filled with confusion and fear? I am currently on antibiotics and waiting for an MRI examination... Let me recount my medical journey from November 23, 2018, to the present... On the 23rd, I developed a corn on my right big toe, so ...
Dr. Liao Zhongxin Reply:
Dear readers, regarding your questions, here are the responses: 1. When bacterial infection is confirmed, why is it not possible to be hospitalized immediately (waiting for 4 days), and even after hospitalization, immediate testing is not available? After nearly 2 weeks of anti...[Read More] Navigating My Medical Journey: Confusion and Fear Amidst Antibiotic Treatment
Understanding Acute Urticaria and Its Connection to SLE: A Patient's Journey
SLE & urticaria Hello Doctor, my question is regarding an unexplained acute urticaria attack I experienced in early July this year. Since then, I have been taking antihistamines, starting with Xyzal 1 tablet daily and now increasing to 1 tablet twice daily. During this period...
Dr. Gao Jiankai Reply:
Hello, thank you for your message. The diagnosis of lupus erythematosus indeed requires a combination of clinical symptoms and laboratory test results for greater accuracy. For suspected cases, we also continue to monitor over a period of time rather than making hasty conclusions...[Read More] Understanding Acute Urticaria and Its Connection to SLE: A Patient's Journey
Differentiating Between Reactive Arthritis and Ankylosing Spondylitis: What You Need to Know
Lauterbach syndrome and ankylosing spondylitis? Hello, Doctor. A few days ago, I visited the rheumatology department at Ma Hospital, and based on the doctor's assessment, I might have ankylosing spondylitis or reactive arthritis. My HLA-B27 test came back positive, and the d...
Dr. Gao Jiankai Reply:
Hello, thank you for your inquiry. I apologize for the delayed response due to some internet issues. Here are the brief responses to your questions: 1. Ankylosing spondylitis and reactive arthritis have different clinical and radiographic presentations (X-rays), which can be us...[Read More] Differentiating Between Reactive Arthritis and Ankylosing Spondylitis: What You Need to Know
Understanding Dry Syndrome and Joint Cartilage Issues: A Guide to Immune Disorders
Sjögren's syndrome, articular cartilage Hello, Director Gao! I have several symptoms and I'm unsure if they are related to an autoimmune disease. 1. My dentist informed me that my mouth is very dry. This condition has persisted for at least three years, especially dur...
Dr. Gao Jiankai Reply:
Hello, I apologize for the late response. I believe your symptoms are indeed related to Sjögren's syndrome, including dry eyes, dry mouth, thyroid dysfunction, cough, and generalized body aches, even lower back pain, which may all be associated with Sjögren's syndrome. ...[Read More] Understanding Dry Syndrome and Joint Cartilage Issues: A Guide to Immune Disorders
Understanding Persistent Ankle Pain: Is It Rheumatoid Arthritis?
Rheumatoid Arthritis I have been experiencing burning, pain, and swelling in both ankle joints for over a year. I had blood tests done at a major hospital, which showed elevated rheumatoid factor and inflammatory markers. I have been taking immunomodulatory medications, corticost...
Dr. Gao Jiankai Reply:
Hello, thank you for your question. Symmetrical arthritis combined with a positive rheumatoid factor is indeed characteristic of rheumatoid arthritis. However, if symptoms do not improve after treatment, even if inflammatory markers are normal, it is advisable to consult your phy...[Read More] Understanding Persistent Ankle Pain: Is It Rheumatoid Arthritis?
Understanding Immune System Disorders: Insights on Oral Ulcers and Lupus
Immune system Hello Doctor, I have been experiencing mouth ulcers, throat pain, and gum pain since last month, and they haven't improved. A doctor suggested that I see an immunologist. Below are my health check reports: the report from April this year [link] and the immunolo...
Dr. Lin Wuxuan Reply:
Hello: Based on the two blood test reports you provided, there are no abnormalities indicated, and the symptoms you described do not have any clear association with systemic lupus erythematosus. Generally speaking, different laboratories may have variations in measurement values ...[Read More] Understanding Immune System Disorders: Insights on Oral Ulcers and Lupus
Understanding Inconsistent Symptoms in Juvenile Rheumatoid Arthritis
I'm sorry, but I need more context or specific information to provide an accurate translation or response? Hello Doctor, I was diagnosed with juvenile rheumatoid arthritis about three years ago when I was around 14 years old. It started with pain in my left knee, and then mo...
Dr. Gao Jiankai Reply:
Hello, thank you for your question. Juvenile rheumatoid arthritis (JRA) or juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA) is different from adult rheumatoid arthritis, so juvenile rheumatoid arthritis does not directly transition into rheumatoid arthritis in adulthood. Therefore, some patie...[Read More] Understanding Inconsistent Symptoms in Juvenile Rheumatoid Arthritis
Should You Continue Anti-Inflammatory Meds for Joint Pain? When to Get Blood Tests
Should I continue taking anti-inflammatory medication? How much should the joint pain improve before I go to the hospital for blood tests? This past Monday, I visited an orthopedic doctor due to pain in the joint of my big toe near the foot. The doctor suspected it might be gout ...
Dr. Xiao Yongxun Reply:
Dear Miss Xiao Hong: 1. The pain in the joint of your big toe near the foot can commonly be diagnosed as gout, bunions, toenail ingrowth, toe fracture, calluses, cellulitis, or paronychia, among others. 2. Since you mentioned a history of hallux valgus, it is particularly impor...[Read More] Should You Continue Anti-Inflammatory Meds for Joint Pain? When to Get Blood Tests
Understanding the Link Between High Uric Acid and Heart Health
Cardiac issues and elevated uric acid levels? Cardiac issues: I experience shortness of breath while jogging, which prevents me from continuing. This phenomenon occurs about 10 minutes into jogging (I haven't recorded it carefully). Which department should I visit for an exa...
Dr. Gao Jiankai Reply:
Hello, thank you for your question. Indeed, there is a trend of metabolic diseases occurring at younger ages, and it's great that you are being vigilant. Regarding your concerns, my recommendations are as follows: 1. If you experience shortness of breath during jogging, it...[Read More] Understanding the Link Between High Uric Acid and Heart Health
Understanding Facial Swelling After Facial Nerve Paralysis: What to Do Next?
During the recovery phase of facial nerve paralysis, swelling of the eyes and face may occur? Hello Doctor, I experienced facial nerve paralysis on the right side of my face on August 3, 2017. At that time, my right eye's vision, hearing, and taste were all affected. Althoug...
Dr. Gao Jiankai Reply:
Hello, thank you for your question. Here are my responses: 1. The unilateral lower limb swelling and pain (right leg) should not be related to the facial nerve paralysis on the same side, nor should it be associated with renal dysfunction (as renal dysfunction typically leads to...[Read More] Understanding Facial Swelling After Facial Nerve Paralysis: What to Do Next?
Understanding Low Blood Sugar and Seizures in Teenagers: A Case Study
High school student with hypoglycemic coma? Hello Doctor, my daughter, who is in her first year of high school, suddenly reported feeling dizzy and weak while studying at home in mid-December. I intended to check her blood pressure (her school health check and regular measurement...
Dr. Xiao Yongxun Reply:
Dear Mr. Zhang: 1. There are many causes of hypoglycemia; among them, iatrogenic hypoglycemia is the most common, primarily caused by oral hypoglycemic agents or insulin. If this is not the case, a thorough consideration of other factors is necessary. Generally, hypoglycemia can...[Read More] Understanding Low Blood Sugar and Seizures in Teenagers: A Case Study
Is Morning Stiffness Always a Sign of Arthritis? Understanding the Causes
Is morning stiffness always caused by arthritis? Hello, Doctor Gao. Recently, over the past week or two, I've suddenly noticed that when I wake up in the morning (this has happened for three consecutive days, but also occurred once or twice last week), my hand joints feel st...
Dr. Gao Jiankai Reply:
Hello, thank you for your question. The definition of morning stiffness is joint stiffness and pain lasting more than one hour. Therefore, if your morning joint stiffness lasts only 5 minutes, it does not meet the criteria for morning stiffness. However, even if your morning join...[Read More] Is Morning Stiffness Always a Sign of Arthritis? Understanding the Causes
Weight Gain of 15 kg in 8 Months: Is It Related to My Medications?
Gained 15 kilograms in 8 months? Hello, doctor: I would like to ask if gaining 15 kilograms in 8 months indicates a problem with my body. I eat a normal amount for three meals a day and drink 3 to 4 liters of water daily. I also exercise three times a week for one hour. I have be...
Dr. Zeng Guosen Reply:
It is recommended to consult an endocrinologist for evaluation. Thank you for your question.[Read More] Weight Gain of 15 kg in 8 Months: Is It Related to My Medications?