Understanding the Connection Between Rashes and Medications
Rash and its relationship with medications? Dear Doctor, I have multiple joint inflammations and recently started taking Celebrex (two capsules a day) and Voltaren (one capsule a day). Unfortunately, I contracted COVID-19 after starting the medication, but I continued taking the...
Dr. Gao Jiankai Reply:
Hello, thank you for your inquiry. It may still be related to the medication, so I recommend that you stop taking the medication and return to the original prescribing physician for the Sertraline or consult a rheumatologist. The Allergy, Immunology, and Rheumatology Department a...[Read More] Understanding the Connection Between Rashes and Medications
Understanding the Effectiveness of Anti-Inflammatory Pain Medications
Regarding the effects of anti-inflammatory and analgesic medications? Hello, Doctor Gao. I have ankylosing spondylitis, primarily experiencing pain in my buttocks (sacroiliac joint) and lower back (at the level of my navel). I have been taking Voltaren and Celebrex for three mont...
Dr. Gao Jiankai Reply:
Hello, thank you for your question. Here are my responses: 1) Can the same anti-inflammatory pain reliever (such as Naproxen) effectively treat sacroiliac joint pain but not lower back pain? Or can Celecoxib effectively treat lower back pain but not sacroiliac joint pain? -->...[Read More] Understanding the Effectiveness of Anti-Inflammatory Pain Medications
Understanding Blood Test Results in Rheumatoid Arthritis Patients
Rheumatoid arthritis blood test values I have had rheumatoid arthritis (RA) for three years and have been on biologic therapy for about two years. Since the onset of the disease, my blood test results have shown an ESR between 15-40. Recently, during a follow-up visit, my blood r...
Dr. Gao Jiankai Reply:
Hello, thank you for your inquiry. Your abnormal blood test results seem to be more related to the biologic therapy, but generally, they are not a major concern. However, if you are still experiencing multiple joint pains despite receiving biologic treatment, it is important to d...[Read More] Understanding Blood Test Results in Rheumatoid Arthritis 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?
Understanding Reactive Arthritis: Symptoms, Treatment, and Family Links
Leigh syndrome Hello Doctor, after a cold, I experienced pain at the insertion point of the Achilles tendon, which gradually developed into pain in the soles of my feet and in the joints of my hands. There is no redness or swelling in the joints. After an examination by the immun...
Dr. Gao Jiankai Reply:
Hello, thank you for your question. Here are my responses: 1. Many of my painful areas are symmetrical, but isn't reactive arthritis primarily asymmetrical? --> Yes, it is. However, whether arthritis is symmetrical or not is not a necessary criterion for diagnosing reac...[Read More] Understanding Reactive Arthritis: Symptoms, Treatment, and Family Links
Understanding Side Effects of Salazopyrin: Joint and Muscle Pain
Side effects of Salmeterol? Hello, doctor. Does Salmeterol have side effects related to joint or muscle pain? If so, how long does it typically take for this side effect to resolve after discontinuing the medication? Thank you, doctor.
Dr. Zeng Guosen Reply:
Some users have reported side effects related to joint or muscle pain, although these are rare. Symptoms should improve after discontinuing the medication for about two weeks. Thank you.[Read More] Understanding Side Effects of Salazopyrin: Joint and Muscle Pain
Recovery from Marine Vibrio Infection After Fish Sting: A Patient's Journey
I am currently abroad and would like to inquire about the recovery situation for Vibrio parahaemolyticus infections? Hello Doctor, I am currently in Oman (as of February 15). On February 11 at 3 PM, while diving to catch fish, I accidentally got stung on the back of my hand by a ...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, the antibiotic you were prescribed is a first-generation antibiotic for general cellulitis. However, based on your images, it does appear to have improved. As for the pain or pigmentation changes, these are likely residual symptoms of cellulitis. Please be cautious and che...[Read More] Recovery from Marine Vibrio Infection After Fish Sting: A Patient's Journey
Can Gout Recur Days After First Attack in Patients with No History?
Is it possible for someone with no history of gout to experience a recurrence of symptoms just a few days after the first attack? Hello Doctor, thank you for taking the time to answer my questions. My mother, who is 72 years old, has high blood pressure and her height is 153 cm w...
Dr. Gao Jiankai Reply:
Hello, thank you for your question. Gout can indeed have recurrent attacks in a short period of time. Gout attacks typically present with redness and heat, so the absence of these symptoms does lower the likelihood. Eating shiitake mushrooms is fine, and consuming fish is also ac...[Read More] Can Gout Recur Days After First Attack in Patients with No History?
Managing Ankylosing Spondylitis Pain During Cold Weather: Tips and Insights
When a cold front arrives, the symptoms of ankylosing spondylitis tend to flare up? Dear Doctor, Happy New Year! I am a 20-year-old patient with ankylosing spondylitis, and I have been experiencing symptoms for 3.5 years. Currently, I am managing my condition with two Sulfasalaz...
Dr. Gao Jiankai Reply:
Hello, thank you for your question. Here are my responses: 1) Regarding the acute pain caused by the cold front, can I stop taking Celebrex (but continue with Salazopyrin), and switch to a more immediate but not suitable for long-term use strong analgesic (non-NSAIDs), and then...[Read More] Managing Ankylosing Spondylitis Pain During Cold Weather: Tips and Insights
Managing Ankylosing Spondylitis: Medication and Pain Relief Tips
Medication-related issues in ankylosing spondylitis? Hello Doctor, I would like to ask you the following questions: 1. Between Salazine and Celebrex, which one has fewer side effects and is more suitable for long-term use? 2. I am currently taking two capsules of Celebrex a day...
Dr. Gao Jiankai Reply:
Hello, thank you for your question. Here are my responses: 1. Between Salazine and Celebrex, which has fewer side effects and is suitable for long-term use? Salazine needs to be taken long-term and consistently. This medication addresses the root cause of the disease rather than...[Read More] Managing Ankylosing Spondylitis: Medication and Pain Relief Tips
Understanding ANA Testing in Relation to Lupus and Allergies
Regarding ANA testing in systemic lupus erythematosus? Hello, around September 2022, I experienced redness and itching on my face and scalp, along with peeling skin and increased hair loss. I also felt fatigued and had difficulty concentrating. However, I did not have joint pain ...
Dr. Gao Jiankai Reply:
Hello, thank you for your question. Here are my responses: 1. Although the ANA test result is negative, considering that the butterfly rash appeared in September, which was four months ago, how accurate is this blood test? Can systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) have a negative ...[Read More] Understanding ANA Testing in Relation to Lupus and Allergies
Understanding Positive ANA and Normal Complement Levels in SLE Concerns
ANA positive homogeneous 1:160+ with normal C3 and C4 complement levels? Hello Doctor: Recently, I developed hives and visited the rheumatology and immunology department. After blood tests, it was found that my ANA was positive with a homogeneous pattern at 1:160. Other tests for...
Dr. Gao Jiankai Reply:
Hello, thank you for your inquiry. A positive ANA (antinuclear antibody) test can occur in healthy individuals as well. To confirm this possibility, we will investigate the reasons for a positive ANA, including the series of tests you mentioned. If these tests return negative res...[Read More] Understanding Positive ANA and Normal Complement Levels in SLE Concerns
Does Salazopyrin Cause Joint or Muscle Pain Side Effects?
Does Salvia have side effects related to joint or muscle pain? Hello, Doctor Gao. Does Salazopyrin have side effects related to joint or muscle pain? If so, how long does it typically take for this side effect to resolve after discontinuing the medication? Thank you, Doctor.
Dr. Gao Jiankai Reply:
Hello, thank you for your inquiry. I believe that Salazopyrin (sulfasalazine) is unlikely to have this side effect, so I recommend that you return to your attending physician for a personal evaluation. The Allergy, Immunology, and Rheumatology Department of Changhua Hospital, Min...[Read More] Does Salazopyrin Cause Joint or Muscle Pain Side Effects?
Understanding Chronic Pain: Causes, Treatments, and When to Seek Help
Body pain Hello Doctor, I am the one who asked you last time about taking Aceclofenac 100mg (I wonder if you remember me). For the past 1 to 2 months, I have been experiencing pain in my upper back, finger joints, fingertips, soles of my feet, toes, knees, elbows, arms, lower bac...
Dr. Gao Jiankai Reply:
Hello, thank you for your questions. Here are my responses: 1. Is the lack of improvement due to me taking the medication too late? After all, I have had this symptom for 1 to 2 months, so the effect is not significant. --> This is likely unrelated to the timing of taking the...[Read More] Understanding Chronic Pain: Causes, Treatments, and When to Seek Help
Understanding Short-Term Joint and Back Pain: When to Consider Medication
Pain in the limbs and back? Hello Doctor, I have been experiencing upper back pain, pain in the finger joints and fingertips, pain in the toes, knee pain, and occasional elbow pain for the past 1 to 2 months. This past month, I went to a large hospital for examinations. The docto...
Dr. Gao Jiankai Reply:
Hello, thank you for your question. Some young individuals do experience intermittent joint effusion, with symptoms that come and go, often lasting no more than three days. In such cases, we generally first check for any serious rheumatic diseases behind these symptoms, as your p...[Read More] Understanding Short-Term Joint and Back Pain: When to Consider Medication
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
Understanding Elevated Rheumatoid Factor: Concerns and Recommendations
Abnormal rheumatoid factor? Hello Doctor, I recently had a health check-up and my RF factor was abnormally high. I am currently under follow-up care (all other tests are normal and there is no inflammation), and I do not have symptoms such as redness, swelling, or pain in my fing...
Dr. Gao Jiankai Reply:
Hello, thank you for your questions. Here are my responses: 1. Can I undergo aesthetic medical treatments normally? (such as hyaluronic acid injections or radiofrequency therapy.) --> I believe it is fine. 2. Can I practice yoga and engage in exercises that require strengt...[Read More] Understanding Elevated Rheumatoid Factor: Concerns and Recommendations
Should I See a Rehabilitation or Rheumatology Specialist for My Symptoms?
Should I see a rehabilitation specialist or a rheumatologist for my plantar fasciitis and tennis elbow symptoms? Hello Doctor: Since receiving the third dose of Moderna (the first two doses were BNT) three months ago, I have experienced the following symptoms starting on the thir...
Dr. Zeng Guosen Reply:
Users with symptoms of plantar fasciitis, tennis elbow, and tenderness in the left thumb joint may have a potential connection to ankylosing spondylitis. CRP/ESR tests can be referenced, but they cannot definitively rule in or out the association. Treatment can be pursued through...[Read More] Should I See a Rehabilitation or Rheumatology Specialist for My Symptoms?
Understanding Arthritis and Gout: Symptoms and Concerns for Young Adults
Arthritis or gout issues? Hello, Doctor. I apologize in advance for the lengthy message. For the past three weeks, I have been experiencing pain in the tips of my fingers and toes (specifically, the soft tissue at the very ends). This week, the frequency of the episodes has incre...
Dr. Gao Jiankai Reply:
Hello, thank you for your questions. Here are my responses: 1. The symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis typically involve pain, swelling, and warmth in the joints, particularly in the small joints. However, redness is less common. If you are experiencing pain without swelling or red...[Read More] Understanding Arthritis and Gout: Symptoms and Concerns for Young Adults
Can NSAIDs Alone Relieve Back Pain in Ankylosing Spondylitis?
Does taking NSAIDs always relieve back pain in ankylosing spondylitis? Hello, Dr. Gao. My son is 19 years old and has been diagnosed with ankylosing spondylitis for three years. He has undergone relevant blood tests and MRI scans, and the rheumatologist confirmed the diagnosis. I...
Dr. Gao Jiankai Reply:
Hello, thank you for your question. Here are my responses: 1) Regarding the back pain from ankylosing spondylitis, is it true that taking NSAIDs combined with appropriate exercise will definitely relieve the pain? Are there cases of more severe ankylosing spondylitis where pain...[Read More] Can NSAIDs Alone Relieve Back Pain in Ankylosing Spondylitis?