Managing Rheumatoid Arthritis in Seniors: Activity vs. Rest and Diet Impact
Rheumatoid Arthritis Hello, doctor. My elderly relative (aged 80) has been suffering from rheumatoid arthritis for 8-10 years. Recently, the frequency of pain in their buttocks has increased, and they experience significant discomfort while lying in bed. Walking, bending over, an...
Dr. Gao Jiankai Reply:
Hello, thank you for your message. We need to investigate the cause of the elder's hip pain while lying down to check for pressure ulcers or wounds, and if necessary, a follow-up examination at the hospital is advised. Additionally, walking with a bent posture may be related...[Read More] Managing Rheumatoid Arthritis in Seniors: Activity vs. Rest and Diet Impact
Understanding Elevated Lupus LA1 Levels During Pregnancy: What It Means
Lupus LA1 value is elevated? Dr. Tseng is currently approximately 9 weeks pregnant and underwent blood tests at the hospital. Initially, the STS RPR test was reactive, but subsequent tests for TPPA and FAT-ABS were negative, which preliminarily rules out syphilis. However, the im...
Dr. Zeng Guosen Reply:
Hello, netizen: Lupus anticoagulant (LA) refers to autoantibodies against negatively charged phospholipids or phospholipid-protein complexes. The presence of LA may be due to unknown reasons or may be associated with autoimmune diseases or antiphospholipid syndrome (such as unexp...[Read More] Understanding Elevated Lupus LA1 Levels During Pregnancy: What It Means
Understanding High ANA Titers: Is 1:160 Considered Significant?
Re: High Titer ANA Hello, Doctor Gao. Thank you very much for your response. I still have some difficulties in interpreting the text. In your previous reply, you mentioned that normal individuals can also test positive for ANA. Does this mean that a titer of 1:160 is required to ...
Dr. Gao Jiankai Reply:
Hello, thank you for your question. Indeed, we consider an ANA titer of 160 or higher (inclusive) to be significant, at least in my opinion. As for your current symptoms, it would be better to discuss them with your rheumatologist, as the diagnosis of Systemic Lupus Erythematosus...[Read More] Understanding High ANA Titers: Is 1:160 Considered Significant?
Can Emotional Stress Trigger Autoimmune Diseases Like RA or Lupus?
I'm confused..? Hello, doctor. Is it possible for a person to develop autoimmune diseases, such as rheumatoid arthritis or lupus erythematosus, due to emotional stress and tension? Or is it necessary to have a genetic predisposition that could be triggered by stress? I am co...
Dr. Gao Jiankai Reply:
Hello, the etiology of autoimmune diseases cannot be explained by a single cause; it is often multifactorial, including genetic, endocrine, and external factors. The most commonly mentioned external factors are infections and pollutants, such as viruses or smoking. The likelihood...[Read More] Can Emotional Stress Trigger Autoimmune Diseases Like RA or Lupus?
Can Emotional Stress Trigger Autoimmune Diseases Like Lupus?
Autoimmune system diseases Hello, doctor. Can a person develop autoimmune diseases solely due to emotional stress, such as rheumatoid arthritis or systemic lupus erythematosus? Or is emotion merely a trigger? If someone does not have the genetic predisposition, emotional stress a...
Dr. Zeng Guosen Reply:
Dear netizens, the occurrence of a disease is rarely due to a single factor; emotional stress or genetics can be potential triggers. By following recommended screenings, adopting the correct medical concepts, and maintaining good lifestyle habits such as proper diet and exercise,...[Read More] Can Emotional Stress Trigger Autoimmune Diseases Like Lupus?
Sudden Paralysis: Understanding Risks for Autoimmune Patients
Sudden paralysis lasting for a few minutes? Hello, Doctor Gao. I am RA. In addition to RA, I also have some suspected autoimmune diseases (SLE) that are being monitored. This past weekend, I did some cleaning at home in the morning. While I was cleaning, I didn't feel any st...
Dr. Gao Jiankai Reply:
Hello, thank you for your question. If the pain is sudden and improves gradually after rest, it is likely a temporary muscle strain due to excessive exertion, so there is no need to worry. However, if you have rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and are on long-term medication, you should ...[Read More] Sudden Paralysis: Understanding Risks for Autoimmune Patients
Understanding the Impact of RA on Joint Swelling After Falls
Sprain and RA (Rheumatoid Arthritis) 2 Hello, doctor. In my previous question, I forgot to mention that I am a diagnosed patient with rheumatoid arthritis (RA); that is why I am concerned about the relationship between RA and the swelling of the joints after a fall. Given the con...
Dr. Gao Jiankai Reply:
Hello, thank you for your question. In patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA), joint injuries can also cause swelling. However, if the swelling does not subside after a period of time, further evaluation is necessary. This is important to check for more serious injuries or issue...[Read More] Understanding the Impact of RA on Joint Swelling After Falls
Understanding the Link Between Injuries and Rheumatoid Arthritis Symptoms
Sprains and Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA) Hello, Doctor Gao. A while ago, I sustained an injury that resulted in some bruising on my body, and I have small hematomas at the metacarpophalangeal joints of my thumb and little finger. Since the injury was not severe, I thought that resti...
Dr. Gao Jiankai Reply:
Hello, thank you for your message. Among the possible pathogenic causes of rheumatoid arthritis (RA), there is currently no mention of trauma as a triggering factor, so there is no need to be overly concerned about this correlation. However, if the bruising has not improved after...[Read More] Understanding the Link Between Injuries and Rheumatoid Arthritis Symptoms
Understanding RA: The Role of Immunomodulators and Anti-Inflammatory Diets
Regarding the inflammatory issues related to rheumatoid arthritis (RA)? Hello, Doctor Gao. I have recently been diagnosed with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and have researched a lot of information online. I have some questions I would like to ask you: 1. Regarding the medications ...
Dr. Gao Jiankai Reply:
Hello, thank you for your question. The term "immunomodulatory drugs" refers to medications that regulate immune function. Although these drugs may not completely cure the underlying condition, they can be considered to have some curative effects. They help modulate the...[Read More] Understanding RA: The Role of Immunomodulators and Anti-Inflammatory Diets
Managing Lung Issues in RA: Can Bronchitis-Induced Asthma Be Cured?
Pulmonary issues in rheumatoid arthritis (RA)? Hello, doctor. I would like to ask: 1. Is obstructive bronchiolitis caused by rheumatoid arthritis (RA) curable if mild asthma symptoms begin to appear? (This means: Can medication cure it, and once cured, is there no need for ongoin...
Dr. Gao Jiankai Reply:
Hello, Tom. Thank you for your question. I will address your inquiries in the order they were presented. 1. There are many types of pulmonary complications caused by rheumatoid arthritis (RA). If it is obstructive bronchiolitis, the respiratory symptoms are usually more severe ...[Read More] Managing Lung Issues in RA: Can Bronchitis-Induced Asthma Be Cured?
Understanding RA Symptoms: Are They Related to Vasculitis?
Vasculitis? Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA)? Hello, doctor. I have been diagnosed with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) at a medical center due to polyarticular pain and a strongly positive anti-CCP test. I have been on medication for quite some time. Recently, I have been experiencing recurr...
Dr. Gao Jiankai Reply:
Hello, thank you for your message. Based on the symptoms you described, vasculitis is a possibility, and rheumatoid arthritis (RA) can also lead to vasculitis. However, vasculitis associated with RA typically occurs when medication control is inadequate or treatment is irregular....[Read More] Understanding RA Symptoms: Are They Related to Vasculitis?
Understanding the Differences in Treatment for RA, Osteoarthritis, and SLE
Treatment of Rheumatoid Arthritis and Osteoarthritis Hello, Doctor. I have been diagnosed and treated for rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and asthma for over six months now, but my joint pain still fluctuates. My systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is still being monitored. Since I am n...
Dr. Gao Jiankai Reply:
Hello, Xiaomi. Thank you for your question. First, it would be helpful to organize your concerns into a list, as this will make your outpatient visit more efficient and reduce your anxiety. The treatments for rheumatoid arthritis (RA), systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), and oste...[Read More] Understanding the Differences in Treatment for RA, Osteoarthritis, and SLE
Understanding Wrist Swelling: Could It Be Rheumatoid Arthritis?
The bones in both wrists are swollen? Dear Doctor, Hello. For the past two months, I have been experiencing discomfort in my left shoulder, feeling stiff and painful in certain positions, making it difficult to lift my arm. In the last two weeks, I have noticed swelling between ...
Dr. Gao Jiankai Reply:
Hello, Nanxi, thank you for your questions. Here are the answers to your inquiries: 1. Is it possible to have rheumatoid arthritis? Answer: Rheumatoid arthritis is a chronic form of arthritis, and since your pain has lasted a maximum of only two months, with wrist pain for only ...[Read More] Understanding Wrist Swelling: Could It Be Rheumatoid Arthritis?
Understanding Syphilis: Long-term Effects and Risks of Recurrent Infections
Syphilis infection Hello Doctor, I have some questions to ask you. 1. A year and a half ago, I was infected with syphilis and received treatment (antibiotic injections). My RPR value has decreased by more than fourfold and is currently at 1:16, but my TPHA remains around 1:5120...
Dr. Liao Zhongxin Reply:
Dear readers: 1. No, please continue to avoid dangerous behaviors (substance abuse and unsafe sexual practices). 2. No, thank you![Read More] Understanding Syphilis: Long-term Effects and Risks of Recurrent Infections
Monitoring RA: The Role of Anti-CCP and RF in Disease Management
Monitoring of rheumatoid arthritis (RA) condition? Hello, Doctor Gao. When I was diagnosed with RA, in addition to multiple joints being inflamed and painful, my test results showed anti-CCP (>3+, strongly positive), RF (-), and ESR (+). After the diagnosis, the hospital infor...
Dr. Gao Jiankai Reply:
Hello, thank you for your question. In principle, for rheumatoid arthritis, blood tests are typically done every three months, unless there is a change in medication and there are concerns about potential side effects, in which case blood tests may be scheduled every two weeks to...[Read More] Monitoring RA: The Role of Anti-CCP and RF in Disease Management
Understanding Anti-CCP: What a Weak Positive Result Means for You
Anti-CCP, or anti-cyclic citrullinated peptide antibodies, are autoantib Hello Dr. Gao, Since the beginning of this year, I have been experiencing difficulty gripping with both hands upon waking up in the morning. My fingers, wrists, and shoulder joints are painful, and sometim...
Dr. Gao Jiankai Reply:
Hello, thank you for your question. A weakly positive anti-CCP refers to a value that is below three times the normal range, while a strongly positive result is above that threshold. In the diagnosis of rheumatoid arthritis, the confirmation relies on the total score from various...[Read More] Understanding Anti-CCP: What a Weak Positive Result Means for You
Understanding Dry Eyes, Throat, and Tongue: Possible Causes and Solutions
Dry eyes, dry throat, and an unusual feeling in the tongue? Hello Doctor, I would like to ask you about my condition. Since February, I have been experiencing unusual sensations in my tongue, along with dry eyes and a dry throat. 1. I consulted a rheumatologist, and the tests sho...
Dr. Zeng Guosen Reply:
Hello, internet user: There are many causes of dry eye syndrome. In the case of autoimmune dry syndrome, in addition to testing for Anti-Ro and Anti-La antibodies through blood tests, if the blood tests are normal, a salivary gland biopsy can be performed. Other immunological tes...[Read More] Understanding Dry Eyes, Throat, and Tongue: Possible Causes and Solutions
Understanding Overlap Syndrome and Exogenous Asthma in Clinical Practice
Regarding overlap syndrome and exogenous asthma? Hello, Doctor Gao. I have been experiencing joint pain and low white blood cell counts for a long time. However, since these symptoms fluctuate between severe and mild, and I usually feel better after taking painkillers and resting...
Dr. Gao Jiankai Reply:
Hello, in clinical practice, it is quite rare for patients to meet the diagnostic criteria for both rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), especially since the pathogenic mechanisms of RA and SLE differ significantly. Therefore, co-occurrence of these t...[Read More] Understanding Overlap Syndrome and Exogenous Asthma in Clinical Practice
Understanding the Link Between Rheumatoid Arthritis and Cancer Risk
Rheumatoid arthritis and cancer? 1. What is the relationship between rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and cancer? It is said that RA patients have a higher risk of developing cancer. 2. Some RA patients develop cancer; why is that? Is it influenced by their medical history, disease prog...
Dr. Gao Jiankai Reply:
Hello, 1. The risk of developing cancer seems to be higher in patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA), particularly for cancers such as lymphoma, which should be monitored during RA follow-up. 2. The evidence linking RA medications to cancer is still unclear. It is currently ...[Read More] Understanding the Link Between Rheumatoid Arthritis and Cancer Risk
Identifying Cold Symptoms: Treatment Options and Medication Guide
What type of cold is it? How should it be treated and what medications should be used? Hello doctor, I would like to ask: I have received the flu vaccine and I have rheumatoid arthritis. On the first day, I experienced a sore throat, discomfort, fever, headache, nasal discomfort,...
Dr. Liao Zhongxin Reply:
Dear readers: 1. The currently administered influenza vaccine includes three components: A-type influenza (H1N1, H3N2) and B-type influenza. The reference virus components for the vaccine are based on the recommendations from the World Health Organization (WHO). 2. Since the ...[Read More] Identifying Cold Symptoms: Treatment Options and Medication Guide