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
Understanding Lupus: Key Lab Results and Symptoms Explained
Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) Hello doctor! I would like to inquire about the following lab results: Sediment-WBC 30-49, Sediment-Bacilli 1+, R.B.C 3.29, MCV 79.0, MCHC 30.8, MCH 24.3, Leukocyte esterase 3+, HCT 26.0, Hb 8.0, Creatinine 0.55, C4 2.5, C3c 42.0. The values are...
Dr. Gao Jiankai Reply:
Hello, thank you for your question. Based on the information you provided, you currently do not meet the diagnostic criteria for lupus erythematosus. However, the standards for diagnosing lupus by a rheumatologist do not necessarily require complete fulfillment of all criteria, a...[Read More] Understanding Lupus: Key Lab Results and Symptoms Explained
Understanding Blood Test Results: Is Lupus a Concern for Pregnancy?
Regarding blood test indices? Hello Dr. Tseng, I have had two pregnancies, both of which ended around 6-7 weeks with no heartbeat. I had blood tests done for immune issues, which showed positive for lupus (the report indicates it should be negative) and negative for ANA. My obste...
Dr. Zeng Guosen Reply:
Hello, the diagnosis of lupus erythematosus is not based solely on a single test report; it requires a comprehensive assessment of clinical symptoms along with multiple test results. Certain pregnancy issues are indeed related to immune abnormalities, so it is advisable to consul...[Read More] Understanding Blood Test Results: Is Lupus a Concern for Pregnancy?
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
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 Ankylosing Spondylitis: Is It Considered a Major Disability?
Is ankylosing spondylitis considered a major illness or disability? Hello, doctor. I am a female patient with ankylosing spondylitis (AS), diagnosed 12 years ago in my first year of high school. Both prolonged standing and sitting exacerbate my discomfort, and my lower back pain ...
Dr. Zeng Guosen Reply:
1. Major illnesses are defined by specific diagnoses, and ankylosing spondylitis is not included, regardless of severity. 2. Disability is determined by the degree of functional impairment, regardless of the diagnosis. If ankylosing spondylitis affects spinal fusion and limits m...[Read More] Understanding Ankylosing Spondylitis: Is It Considered a Major Disability?
Do You Need Steroids for Vasculitis in Sjögren's Syndrome?
Is steroid medication necessary for vasculitis? Two years ago, I experienced difficulty opening my left eye upon waking, and I was diagnosed with dry eye syndrome. Last year, after a salivary gland biopsy, I was diagnosed with xerostomia, and my white blood cell count dropped to ...
Dr. Zeng Guosen Reply:
Hello, everyone. 1. The diagnosis of Sjögren's syndrome primarily involves testing for positive anti-SSA or anti-SSB antibodies, which are present in only 50-60% of patients. If these tests are negative, a salivary gland biopsy is performed for diagnosis. If the dry syndro...[Read More] Do You Need Steroids for Vasculitis in Sjögren's Syndrome?
Understanding Diagnosis: Hair Loss and Autoimmune Concerns
Regarding the diagnosis of the condition? Hello, Doctor. I recently visited a major hospital's dermatology department due to severe hair loss and underwent blood tests. The results were somewhat ambiguous; the physician mentioned both Sjögren's syndrome and systemic lup...
Dr. Gao Jiankai Reply:
Hello, Student Zhang. Thank you for your question. If your physician has mentioned Sjögren's syndrome or systemic lupus erythematosus, you may want to visit the rheumatology clinic for further evaluation. In addition to tests, we will also inquire about other symptoms relate...[Read More] Understanding Diagnosis: Hair Loss and Autoimmune Concerns
Managing SLE, COPD, Kidney Function, and High Cholesterol in Your 50s
The patient has systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), along with impaired kidney function and elevated cholesterol levels? My mother is 50 years old and has systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease...
Dr. Wu Jiyu Reply:
Hello: Since systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) can potentially affect the kidneys and even cause glomerulonephritis, if your health check shows a significant decrease in glomerular filtration rate, it is recommended that you discuss this with your rheumatologist or bring your me...[Read More] Managing SLE, COPD, Kidney Function, and High Cholesterol in Your 50s
Effective Strategies to Manage Proteinuria and Albumin Levels in Lupus Patients
How can proteinuria and albumin levels be effectively managed? Hello Doctor, I am a patient with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) and have been diagnosed for over four years. I had been managing my condition well, even stopping medications like quinine and mycophenolate mofetil...
Dr. Wu Jiyu Reply:
Hello: Based on the information you provided, there is currently still a significant amount of proteinuria, and given your history of lupus erythematosus, it is possible that you may have lupus nephritis. However, even within lupus nephritis, there are various types and degrees o...[Read More] Effective Strategies to Manage Proteinuria and Albumin Levels in Lupus Patients
Understanding Lupus: Low Platelets, Pregnancy Concerns, and Treatment Options
Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) Hello Dr. Tseng, I have some questions regarding systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). My wife has low platelet counts, and the hospital has identified three criteria that are consistent with SLE; we are still waiting for the X-ray results. If sh...
Dr. Zeng Guosen Reply:
Hello, netizen. 1. Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) typically presents with sudden onset of symptoms or abnormalities discovered during examinations, and the exact etiology is not fully understood. 2. If thrombocytopenia is the only finding during pregnancy, it does not nece...[Read More] Understanding Lupus: Low Platelets, Pregnancy Concerns, and Treatment Options
Understanding the Causes of Elevated Creatinine Levels in Lupus Patients
Causes of elevated creatinine levels? I have systemic lupus erythematosus, which was diagnosed in 2009. At that time, my serum creatinine level was 4.4. After receiving steroid treatment, it decreased to 2.5. I have since been under the care of rheumatology and nephrology. Howeve...
Dr. Lin Peifeng Reply:
The provided information is limited. Lupus nephritis can cause six types of pathological changes in the kidneys, some of which are acute changes. In such cases, the use of stronger immunosuppressants and corticosteroids may improve some kidney function. However, if the changes ar...[Read More] Understanding the Causes of Elevated Creatinine Levels in Lupus Patients
Understanding Pain in Vasculitis: Insights for Lupus Patients
Vasculitis pain sensation Dear Dr. Tseng, I am a patient with systemic lupus erythematosus, and I have vasculitis in my fingers and toes. Initially, the vasculitis on my fingers appeared red and slightly raised, and it was usually not painful, only causing a tingling sensation w...
Dr. Zeng Guosen Reply:
Hello, it is possible that vasculitis is causing your sensory abnormalities. Whether to adjust your medication should be determined after a follow-up visit with your physician. Thank you for your question.[Read More] Understanding Pain in Vasculitis: Insights for Lupus Patients
Can I Breastfeed While Taking Hydroxychloroquine Sulfate 200mg?
Is it safe to breastfeed while taking Hydroxychloroquine sulfate 200mg? I have Sjögren's syndrome and suspected systemic lupus erythematosus. I am currently taking Hydroxychloroquine sulfate 200mg. Can I breastfeed? Thank you.
Dr. Zeng Guosen Reply:
Hello, user: This medication can be excreted in breast milk, with concentrations in breast milk being significantly lower than the therapeutic levels in the mother's bloodstream. To date, there have been no reported cases of adverse reactions due to breastfeeding. However, s...[Read More] Can I Breastfeed While Taking Hydroxychloroquine Sulfate 200mg?
Understanding Lupus: Hereditary Risks and Health Check Recommendations
Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) I’m sorry to hear about your mother’s passing due to lupus. Lupus, specifically systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), can have a genetic component, which means there may be an increased risk of developing the condition if a family member has it. I...
Dr. Zeng Guosen Reply:
Hello, internet user: In systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), only a small number of cases exhibit hereditary patterns, so there is no need to worry. The clinical symptoms of lupus can be quite diverse. Possible symptoms include: fever, fatigue, joint pain or arthritis, facial ras...[Read More] Understanding Lupus: Hereditary Risks and Health Check Recommendations
Understanding Low White Blood Cell Count in Lupus Patients: Causes and Solutions
Leukopenia My friend has lupus erythematosus and has been undergoing treatment for a long time, with regular check-ups at the hospital. However, this time he has been unable to be discharged due to persistent fever, alternating between high and low temperatures, and he has been h...
Dr. Zeng Guosen Reply:
Hello, online user: Low white blood cell count combined with fever in patients with systemic lupus erythematosus has two common causes: 1. Infection leading to sepsis, 2. Active disease of systemic lupus erythematosus with unstable control. Identifying the true cause can help res...[Read More] Understanding Low White Blood Cell Count in Lupus Patients: Causes and Solutions
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?
Managing Joint Pain in Systemic Lupus Erythematosus Patients
Issues related to systemic lupus erythematosus? Hello, doctor. I was diagnosed with systemic lupus erythematosus in early April this year. I have already started taking medication, but I am currently away and do not have the English name of the medication with me, so I cannot pro...
Dr. Xiao Yongxun Reply:
The diagnostic criteria for systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) include: 1. The presence of a fixed erythematous rash on the cheeks, known as a malar rash or butterfly rash; it typically does not involve the nasolabial folds. 2. The appearance of discoid lupus erythematosus lesion...[Read More] Managing Joint Pain in Systemic Lupus Erythematosus Patients
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?