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
Does COVID-19 Vaccination Worsen Ankylosing Spondylitis Symptoms?
Will getting the COVID-19 vaccine worsen the condition of ankylosing spondylitis? Hello Doctor: My child is a patient with ankylosing spondylitis and has been taking Secukinumab for a year. The inflammatory markers have been under control. On September 27, he received the first d...
Dr. Gao Jiankai Reply:
Hello, thank you for your inquiry. Here are my responses: 1) In your clinical experience, how common is it for patients with rheumatic diseases to experience worsening conditions after receiving the COVID-19 vaccine? --> I only have personal experience and no national statist...[Read More] Does COVID-19 Vaccination Worsen Ankylosing Spondylitis Symptoms?
Understanding Enlarged Lymph Nodes with Necrosis: Causes and Treatments
I would like to inquire about lymphadenopathy associated with necrosis? Hello Doctor: I have had a history of epilepsy since childhood, but it has been well controlled. At 36, I experienced ovarian decline, and by 37, I had completely gone through menopause. I have had a persiste...
Dr. Gao Jiankai Reply:
Hello, thank you for your question. Here is my response: Question: Could this be Kikuchi disease? Is necrosis very serious? Is surgery necessary, or are there other more conservative treatment options? Response: Kikuchi disease requires a lymph node biopsy. Necrosis is merely ...[Read More] Understanding Enlarged Lymph Nodes with Necrosis: Causes and Treatments
Understanding Rheumatoid Arthritis: Symptoms, Triggers, and Healing Insights
Rheumatoid Arthritis - Condition Monitoring and Questions Hello, Dr. Gao: I have been diagnosed with seronegative rheumatoid arthritis for one year and am currently taking pain relievers, corticosteroids, and immunomodulators (quinine/enteric-coated tablets). My main symptoms are...
Dr. Gao Jiankai Reply:
Hello, thank you for your question. I will assume that your condition is "seronegative rheumatoid arthritis" for my response. Here is my summary: 1. After dinner, your fingers swell (and the swelling subsides after digestion). 2. During exercise, your fingers swell (an...[Read More] Understanding Rheumatoid Arthritis: Symptoms, Triggers, and Healing Insights
Missed the Golden Treatment Window for Rheumatoid Arthritis?
Did rheumatoid arthritis miss the golden period for treatment? Hello, doctor. For the past two to three years, I thought my joint pain was due to aging, but I only learned over a year ago that I have rheumatoid arthritis. Unfortunately, it has already caused damage to my foot joi...
Dr. Zeng Guosen Reply:
Hello, regarding the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis, the earlier the better. The first year after onset, or even the six months prior to the onset, is considered the golden period for treatment. However, as long as a diagnosis is confirmed, it is never too late to pursue aggre...[Read More] Missed the Golden Treatment Window for Rheumatoid Arthritis?
Joint Pain and Stiffness: When to Seek Further Medical Evaluation
The finger joints are swollen and painful, but the doctor said it is not rheumatoid arthritis? Hello Doctor, since late last year, I have noticed stiffness in my finger joints upon waking up, which was mild at first. Recently, the frequency has increased, and almost every day my ...
Dr. Gao Jiankai Reply:
Hello, thank you for your message. An ANA value of 1:80 falls into a gray area. However, if you continue to experience joint pain and stiffness, along with occasional nighttime pain that disrupts your sleep, I recommend that you visit a rheumatology clinic to discuss your concern...[Read More] Joint Pain and Stiffness: When to Seek Further Medical Evaluation
Understanding Rheumatoid Arthritis: Eye Symptoms and Immune System Links
Clinical symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis? Hello, Doctor. I started experiencing dryness and pain in my left eye last year. Last month, I suddenly developed scleral inflammation in my right eye. After seeking medical attention, my condition is currently stable. Recently, I underw...
Dr. Zeng Guosen Reply:
Hello, dry eyes and scleritis can be manifestations of rheumatic diseases affecting the eyes. If the rheumatoid factor is positive, it is recommended to consult a rheumatologist for differential diagnosis, as rheumatic diseases do not always present initially with joint symptoms.[Read More] Understanding Rheumatoid Arthritis: Eye Symptoms and Immune System Links
Understanding Your Rheumatology Blood Test Results: What Do They Mean?
Results of rheumatologic and immunological blood tests? Hello doctor, I have been experiencing muscle soreness in my shoulders, neck, and arms for three months, along with pain in my index finger. Orthopedic rehabilitation has not shown significant improvement. I had blood tests ...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, this test value can only indicate a possible presence of lupus erythematosus; however, a diagnosis requires clinical symptoms combined with other values to calculate an overall score for confirmation. Based on your description, the symptoms do not seem to align closely, so...[Read More] Understanding Your Rheumatology Blood Test Results: What Do They Mean?
Understanding Stiff and Swollen Finger Joints: Causes and Solutions
Stiffness and swelling in the finger joints? Hello Doctor: Last year in late autumn, I noticed stiffness in my finger joints upon waking up, but it was mild, so I didn't pay much attention to it. Recently, however, the frequency has increased, and almost every day my fingers...
Dr. Zeng Guosen Reply:
Hello, experiencing stiffness in the finger joints upon waking, pain in the index finger, swelling in the fingers, positive urine occult blood test, and hair loss should not be ignored, but there is no need to panic. Please seek medical evaluation, as there are many potential cau...[Read More] Understanding Stiff and Swollen Finger Joints: Causes and Solutions
Do Steroids Affect Blood Test Results in Rheumatology Patients?
I would like to inquire if steroids can affect the results of blood tests in immunology and rheumatology? Hello Doctor: In recent months, the joints in my fingers have started to swell and hurt gradually, making it difficult to bend or extend them, and I cannot apply force. The b...
Dr. Gao Jiankai Reply:
Hello, thank you for your question. The administration of steroids may only affect certain laboratory results, including white blood cell counts, but it should have minimal impact on the indicators for rheumatic diseases or allergic conditions. I believe your symptoms include bot...[Read More] Do Steroids Affect Blood Test Results in Rheumatology Patients?
Understanding Recurrent Arthritis: Causes, Diagnosis, and Management
Recurrent arthritis (migratory arthritis) Hello, Doctor: For the past six months, I have been experiencing persistent pain in my shoulders and limbs. Initially, I consulted an orthopedic specialist who performed an X-ray but found no issues. The doctor prescribed pain relievers ...
Dr. Gao Jiankai Reply:
Hello, thank you for your question. Here are my responses: 1. Is recurrent arthritis considered an autoimmune disease? The joint pain and swelling that I experience intermittently—are they caused by my immune system attacking itself, or are there other factors involved? (The doc...[Read More] Understanding Recurrent Arthritis: Causes, Diagnosis, and Management
Can Patients with Sjögren's Syndrome Safely Receive Moderna COVID Vaccine?
Can patients with systemic dryness syndrome receive the Moderna COVID-19 vaccine? Hello, my mother is 74 years old and has Sjögren's syndrome with systemic dryness, rheumatoid arthritis, blepharospasm, arrhythmia, hypertension, chronic heart failure, irritable bowel syndrome...
Dr. Gao Jiankai Reply:
Hello, thank you for your message. Based on the condition of the elderly lady you described, I believe she can receive the Moderna vaccine. However, please pay attention to the medications she is taking; some drugs for rheumatoid arthritis should be temporarily discontinued after...[Read More] Can Patients with Sjögren's Syndrome Safely Receive Moderna COVID Vaccine?
Understanding Rheumatoid Arthritis: Diagnosis, Treatment, and Concerns
Regarding the diagnosis and medication use for rheumatoid arthritis? Dear Director Gao, I apologize for the length of my inquiry and hope you can take the time to clarify my doubts. Thank you! About a year and a half ago, blood tests revealed that my rheumatoid factor (RF) was...
Dr. Gao Jiankai Reply:
Hello, thank you for your questions. Here are my consolidated responses: 1. Can anti-CCP antibodies be present intermittently? (There was a significant difference in test results just five days apart.) Could differences in testing methods cause varying results? Are there differe...[Read More] Understanding Rheumatoid Arthritis: Diagnosis, Treatment, and Concerns
Understanding Finger and Wrist Pain: Is It Rheumatoid Arthritis?
Regarding finger and wrist pain associated with rheumatoid arthritis? Dear Dr. Gao, Hello. Last June, during a routine check-up, I unexpectedly found out that my RF factor was positive. Subsequently, I visited the hospital, where the doctor arranged for additional blood tests. T...
Dr. Gao Jiankai Reply:
Hello, thank you for your message. Here are the responses to your questions: 1. Regarding the fluctuations in your Anti-CCP test results: On March 7, the hospital test was normal; on April 20, your self-test showed a significantly elevated level; however, on April 24, another fa...[Read More] Understanding Finger and Wrist Pain: Is It Rheumatoid Arthritis?
Understanding Foot Pain: Is It Just a Bug Bite or Something More Serious?
Please ask your question? Hello, doctor. Recently, I've been experiencing some sleep disturbances. Today, after putting on my shoes and returning home, I noticed that my toe is painful and appears to have a bit of redness. When I touch the swollen area, it feels slightly rai...
Dr. Gao Jiankai Reply:
Hello, thank you for your inquiry. Regarding joint swelling and pain, it is recommended to first consult a rheumatologist to determine the underlying cause. Generally, rheumatoid arthritis presents with polyarticular swelling and pain, while the occurrence of a single joint flare...[Read More] Understanding Foot Pain: Is It Just a Bug Bite or Something More Serious?
Understanding the Significance of 1:80 Antinuclear Antibody Test Results
1:80X(-) Antinuclear antibodies (ANA) are a type of autoantibody that target substances within the nucleus of cells. The values obtained from the indirect immunofluorescence assay indicate the presence and concentration of these antibodies in the blood. A positive ANA test can su...
Dr. Gao Jiankai Reply:
Hello, thank you for your question. The antinuclear antibody (ANA) test starts with a dilution of 1:80. If the result is negative at this initial dilution, it will be reported as negative (-), indicating a normal result. If there is a positive reaction at 1:80, further dilutions ...[Read More] Understanding the Significance of 1:80 Antinuclear Antibody Test Results
Understanding Foot Pain: Causes and When to Seek Medical Advice
Please consult regarding toe issues? Hello, doctor. Yesterday, I stayed up late working on a report and only fell asleep around dawn, waking up after 10 AM. Later, I went out to buy something to eat, and when I returned home, I noticed that my right little toe was painful when I ...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, 1. Regarding the condition of your foot, based on the photos you provided, it appears to be folliculitis accompanied by cellulitis, which is usually caused by follicular obstruction. It is recommended to maintain cleanliness, and it should gradually improve over time. If...[Read More] Understanding Foot Pain: Causes and When to Seek Medical Advice
Understanding Mixed Connective Tissue Disease: Symptoms, Diagnosis, and Management
What is mixed connective tissue disease? Hello Doctor: I previously experienced an outbreak of urticaria and visited a nearby dermatologist two or three times without improvement. I read in magazines that I should see a rheumatologist, so I found the only clinic nearby that offer...
Dr. Gao Jiankai Reply:
Hello, thank you for your message. Mixed connective tissue disease is a type of rheumatic disease, which, as the name suggests, exhibits features of other rheumatic diseases, including scleroderma, systemic lupus erythematosus, and rheumatoid arthritis, but it is classified as an...[Read More] Understanding Mixed Connective Tissue Disease: Symptoms, Diagnosis, and Management
Morning Finger Joint Pain: Is It Rheumatoid Arthritis or Something Else?
Finger joint pain Hello Doctor: For the past three weeks, I have been experiencing pain and stiffness in my fingers upon waking up in the morning, making it difficult to bend them or make a fist. After 1-2 hours of activity, the symptoms lessen, and by evening, I gradually return...
Dr. Gao Jiankai Reply:
Hello, thank you for your message. Morning joint stiffness and pain in the distal interphalangeal joints are indeed similar to the symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis. However, since you have only experienced these symptoms for three weeks, further evaluation is necessary for confir...[Read More] Morning Finger Joint Pain: Is It Rheumatoid Arthritis or Something Else?
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