Joint Stiffness and Pain After AZ Vaccine: What to Know
After receiving the AZ vaccine, I experienced joint stiffness and pain? Doctor: Hello, I received my first dose of the AstraZeneca vaccine on July 30, 2021; the second and third doses of Moderna on October 3, 2021, and March 14, 2022. I am approximately 50 years old. About 1 to 2...
Dr. Gao Jiankai Reply:
Hello, thank you for your inquiry. Here are my responses: 1. Currently, among your series of rheumatic disease test results, only the ESR is slightly elevated, and I recommend continuing to monitor it. After receiving this type of new vaccine, there is indeed a higher chance of...[Read More] Joint Stiffness and Pain After AZ Vaccine: What to Know
Does Ankylosing Spondylitis Increase Severe COVID-19 Risk?
Do patients with ankylosing spondylitis have a higher risk of developing severe COVID-19? Hello doctor, may I ask if patients with ankylosing spondylitis are more likely to develop moderate to severe symptoms after contracting COVID-19? Thank you, doctor.
Dr. Gao Jiankai Reply:
Hello, thank you for your question. Whether patients with rheumatic diseases develop severe illness after infection is related to their overall health status at the time of infection. Factors such as whether the rheumatic disease is well-controlled, the current condition of the d...[Read More] Does Ankylosing Spondylitis Increase Severe COVID-19 Risk?
Understanding Gout Diagnosis: Symptoms, Treatment, and Management
Gout Diagnosis Thank you, doctor, for taking the time to respond to my questions. I really appreciate it! I am a 34-year-old male, 175 cm tall, weighing 93 kg. I do not drink alcohol but often stay up late. I have gastroesophageal reflux disease and a duodenal ulcer, for which I ...
Dr. Gao Jiankai Reply:
Hello, thank you for your question. Here are my responses: 1. Is swelling and redness always present in gout? I had pain in my knee at that time, but there was no swelling or redness; can that still be considered gout? --> Most of the time, yes, but some patients may not exhi...[Read More] Understanding Gout Diagnosis: Symptoms, Treatment, and Management
Understanding Yawning-Related Pain: When to Seek Medical Advice
Please provide the content you would like me to translate? Thank you for your response, Doctor. I was chatting with friends earlier, and they mentioned that yawning too forcefully can lead to similar issues. I would like to ask about what you mentioned regarding caution. I do not...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, you mentioned that sometimes the joints may experience mild inflammation, which typically improves after a period of time. Regarding the cold symptoms, due to the recent COVID-19 pandemic, it is advisable to take a rapid test. If the rapid test is negative, it is more like...[Read More] Understanding Yawning-Related Pain: When to Seek Medical Advice
Should I Stop My Medications Before Getting the Second BNT Shot?
Should I stop taking muscle relaxants before getting the BNT vaccine? Hello Doctor: I am a patient with ankylosing spondylitis. A month ago, I was experiencing pain in my sacroiliac joint, and my CRP was 0.57 and ESR was 20. At that time, I switched to a different medication, tak...
Dr. Gao Jiankai Reply:
Hello, thank you for your question. I believe it would be better to administer the BNT vaccine after the symptoms improve or the inflammatory markers decrease. Some patients with rheumatic diseases who receive the COVID-19 vaccine before their condition stabilizes often experienc...[Read More] Should I Stop My Medications Before Getting the Second BNT Shot?
Effectiveness of Sulfasalazine in Treating Sacroiliitis: A Doctor's Insight
Is the treatment effect of Salazopyrine for sacroiliac joint arthritis significant? Hello Doctor, I previously asked you about the treatment for my son's ankylosing spondylitis, and I would like to confirm one more thing. I found on the internet that most sources state, &quo...
Dr. Gao Jiankai Reply:
Hello, thank you for your question. Salazopyrin is indeed not very effective for sacroiliitis, but it does have a good effect on reducing inflammatory responses. Therefore, for patients with ankylosing spondylitis who only have axial spine inflammation, if there is also an increa...[Read More] Effectiveness of Sulfasalazine in Treating Sacroiliitis: A Doctor's Insight
Understanding Elevated RF Levels: Implications for Autoimmune Disorders
Rheumatoid factor (RF) is elevated in rheumatoid arthritis? Hello Doctor, I have had an allergic constitution since childhood and have been receiving treatment in the rheumatology and immunology department for long-term issues related to my nose and urticaria. During my last visi...
Dr. Gao Jiankai Reply:
Hello, thank you for your inquiry. If the test results mentioned above are all the examinations you have undergone, I believe there are additional tests that can be arranged. If you are very concerned and unsure about whether to take quinine, I suggest you consult another rheumat...[Read More] Understanding Elevated RF Levels: Implications for Autoimmune Disorders
Can Allergies Affect Inflammatory Markers Like CRP and ESR?
Does allergies affect inflammation levels? Hello Doctor: My son is 19 years old and has had allergies since childhood. Over a year ago, he was diagnosed with ankylosing spondylitis. He is currently being treated with Wankesit and Celebrex. In his most recent follow-up appointment...
Dr. Gao Jiankai Reply:
Hello, thank you for your question. Here are my responses: 1) Can allergies cause an increase in CRP and ESR? --> Not necessarily. Most of the time, they do not, but severe allergies may cause an increase. 2) My child currently has a CRP of 0.5 and an ESR of 20. Could part ...[Read More] Can Allergies Affect Inflammatory Markers Like CRP and ESR?
Understanding Nerve Sensations: When to Seek Medical Advice
Please ask your question? Hello, doctor. I would like to ask you a few questions. I visited a place today where an accident recently occurred, and I became quite anxious. After taking a hot shower and then washing my hands with cold water, I noticed a slight tingling sensation on...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, the condition you mentioned is primarily caused by sudden exposure to cold water, leading to vasoconstriction and nerve tingling. This is not a stroke or a cervical spine issue; it is a normal physiological response. Thank you for your inquiry.[Read More] Understanding Nerve Sensations: When to Seek Medical Advice
Should I Consider Rehabilitation for Ankylosing Spondylitis Pain?
Should I go to a rehabilitation department for stiffness? Hello Doctor: I am a 20-year-old patient with ankylosing spondylitis. I would like to ask you a few questions: 1) Initially, I only experienced pain in my left buttock (no pain in other areas). After taking Celebrex, the...
Dr. Gao Jiankai Reply:
Hello, thank you for your inquiry. Here are my responses: 1) Initially, I only experienced pain in my left buttock (no pain in other areas). After taking Celecoxib, the pain subsided. However, after stopping the medication for 1.5 months, I began to experience pain only in my ri...[Read More] Should I Consider Rehabilitation for Ankylosing Spondylitis Pain?
Possible Causes of Swelling and Pain in the Right Ring Finger Joint
The possible causes of swelling and pain in the first joint of the right hand's ring finger may include: 1. **Osteoarthritis**: Degenerative joint disease that can cause pain and swelling in the joints. 2. **Rheumatoid Arthritis**: An autoimmune condition that leads to infl...
Dr. Gao Jiankai Reply:
Hello, thank you for your inquiry. Based on your symptoms, I suspect you may have trigger finger, and I recommend having another physician take a look. The occurrence of trigger finger is related to overuse of the fingers, but in some cases, the cause remains unclear. Additionall...[Read More] Possible Causes of Swelling and Pain in the Right Ring Finger Joint
Managing Ankylosing Spondylitis: Medication, Exercise, and Inflammation Concerns
Medication usage and exercise? Hello Doctor: I am a patient with ankylosing spondylitis. 1) I have been taking Secukinumab for six months, and it has been effective in controlling my condition. However, recently, despite unchanged medication, my pain and inflammation levels have ...
Dr. Zeng Guosen Reply:
Hello, online friend. 1) Autoimmune diseases have a characteristic of fluctuating symptoms, which may not always be related to medication issues. 2) Vaccines can activate autoimmune diseases or trigger immune abnormalities in approximately 5%-10% of cases. 3) The impact of food i...[Read More] Managing Ankylosing Spondylitis: Medication, Exercise, and Inflammation Concerns
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?
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?
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?
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
Understanding Ankylosing Spondylitis: MRI Findings and Future Implications
Nuclear vibration report issues? Hello Doctor: My son is 19 years old. A year and a half ago, he started experiencing pain in the sacroiliac joint, and recently, through MRI and other examinations, he was diagnosed with ankylosing spondylitis. The following English portion is the...
Dr. Zeng Guosen Reply:
Hello, bone marrow edema indicates a localized inflammatory response. Regardless of whether it is treated or stabilizes on its own, bone marrow edema will resolve, making it reversible. Once healed, there will be residual signs of previous inflammation on the bone, known as subch...[Read More] Understanding Ankylosing Spondylitis: MRI Findings and Future Implications
Understanding Immunomodulators for Ankylosing Spondylitis Patients
Regarding immunomodulators? Hello Doctor: I am a patient with ankylosing spondylitis. I have undergone an MRI, which showed no inflammation at L4/5 and L5/S1, but there is inflammation in the sacroiliac joint. I have some questions for you. First: Is the sacroiliac joint consider...
Dr. Zeng Guosen Reply:
User 1: The sacroiliac joint and the spinal joints are classified as axial joints, not peripheral joints. User 2: Only in the case of inflammation of the sacroiliac joint, it is generally recommended to take non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), and there are also biolo...[Read More] Understanding Immunomodulators for Ankylosing Spondylitis Patients
Effective Treatment Strategies for Ankylosing Spondylitis in Young Patients
Treatment methods My son is currently 18 years old and began experiencing symptoms of ankylosing spondylitis two years ago, with a diagnosis made one year ago. I have the following questions: 1) For the past six months, my son has been taking two capsules of Celebrex (200 mg ea...
Dr. Zeng Guosen Reply:
1) It is effective, and it is recommended to continue taking it while adjusting the dosage over time. 2) Do not consider switching to immunomodulators for now. 3) Only if CRP/ESR remains high after medication can one apply for biologics. 4) SIMPONI is not suitable for children un...[Read More] Effective Treatment Strategies for Ankylosing Spondylitis in Young Patients