The diseases caused when your body's immune system attacks your body, mistaking it for a foreign body, are called autoimmune diseases. Type 1 diabetes, rheumatoid arthritis, psoriasis, multiple sclerosis, systemic lupus erythematosus, and myasthenia gravis are a few examples of autoimmune diseases. The antinuclear antibody test (ANA) is used to diagnose them.
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My friend is diagnosed with microscopic polyangiitis. Please help.
Query: Hello doctor, I am very distressed as my friend has recently been diagnosed with microscopic polyangiitis. The doctor mentioned something about vasculitis and some cytoplasmic antibodies. Can you please help me understand what this is and what is the right treatment approach? I am very worried for h... Read Full »
Answer: Hello, Welcome to icliniq.com I understand your concern. Microscopic polyangiitis is an autoimmune disease and that is why they are talking about monoclonal antibody treatment. As you know autoimmune diseases are caused when our system starts producing antibodies or destroying antibodies. So it is s... Read Full »
I have been diagnosed with multiple sclerosis. Please help.
Query: Hi doctor, I am a 40-year-old man and have recently been diagnosed with multiple sclerosis. I have been prescribed Mavenclad. I find it difficult to understand the condition and the medication. Could you provide more information about multiple sclerosis and how Mavenclad works? What are the potentia... Read Full »
Answer: Hi, Welcome to icliniq.com. I read your query and understand your concern. In easy and common terms, it is a slowly progressive disease of the nerves. The nerves are affected following an attack by the body's immune system. Medication nowadays prolongs the patient's life and allows a more product... Read Full »
I suspect having autoimmune disease. Please help.
Query: Hello doctor,Based on the following, do I have an autoimmune disease:An overall feeling of sickness.Irregular heartbeat sometimes.Swollen and painful joints.Swollen legs, ankles, fingers, and toes.Headaches sometimes.Shortness of breath.Psoriasis arthritis.Visual problems, burning, itching, very dry... Read Full »
Answer: Hello, Welcome to icliniq.com. I went through your post. Things which favor the diagnosis of autoimmune disease in your case are as follows: Pain and swelling of joints. Puffiness of hands and feet. Dryness of mouth and eyes. Psoriasis. You need to be investigated for UCTD (undifferentiated... Read Full »
Does Hodgkin's lymphoma elevate CD3 and CD57 NK cells?
Query: Hello doctor, I recently tested positive for Lyme disease. I have a history of stage IIA lymphoma, 15 years ago, and I am in full remission ever since. My reports, that I have attached, show elevated CD3 and CD57 NK cells. The lab recommended that an oncologist looks at this for a possible Hodgkin'... Read Full »
Answer: Hello, Welcome to icliniq.com. I have seen your reports (attachment removed to protect patient identity). Lyme disease is usually associated with decreased CD57, especially in the chronic form. But, the lab findings reveal a high CD57. It also reveals high CD3 levels. Both high CD57 and CD3 levels... Read Full »
My absolute neutrophil count and WBC count decreased within 15 days. What does that indicate?
Query: Hello doctor, I am concerned about low absolute neutrophils and WBC. I have had two blood tests. The first was six months ago, which showed my absolute neutrophil level was 2100 per microliter of blood and dropped to 1700 per microliter of blood after 15 days when I checked the blood for the second ... Read Full »
Dr. Goswami Parth Rajendragiri
Answer: Hello, Welcome to icliniq.com. Your absolute neutrophil count does not seem to be decreased much. Usually, it can be considered low if AEC (absolute eosinophil count) is below 150 per microliter of blood. Your total count is low as per your history. Sometimes the infection can lead to low WBC (whi... Read Full »
Why swollen nodes in my daughter with a non-malignant biopsy?
Query: Hello doctor, My daughter is 15 years old and has swollen lymph nodes. A biopsy is done. It is non-malignant. No tuberculosis. But ANA has come positive. I would like to share the reports and take your opinion. Read Full »
Answer: Hello, Welcome to icliniq.com. There is a possibility of autoimmune disorder with underlying ANA and large lymph nodes. It is a good thing the malignancy is ruled out. But I would like to see the detailed biopsy report as well to be sure where we are heading. As for ANA positive, I would like to k... Read Full »
Is Hashimoto's disease a serious condition?
Query: Hello doctor, I am an 18-year-old girl. I have had thyroid problems since I was around 11. It used to be just considered hypothyroidism but now we have figured out that it is Hashimoto’s disease. I rotate daily between 88 mcg and 100 mcg of Levothyroxine to keep my TSH in check because that is the... Read Full »
Answer: Hi,Welcome to icliniq.com.Hashimoto disease also causes hypothyroidism and you are already taking medication for hypothyroidism. So do not worry. It is a type of autoimmune disease. So kindly go for detecting which autoimmune problem causes your Hashimoto's disease means along with Levothyroxine you... Read Full »
Can my husband take Adalimumab for ankylosing spondylitis?
Query: Hello doctor,My husband is suffering from ankylosing spondylitis, and he is under treatment since last year. His doctor has now suggested Adfrar 40 injections along with physiotherapy and a belt. The doctor has also suggested halting swimming until further instructions. I am looking for a second opi... Read Full »
Answer: Hello, Welcome to icliniq.com. I have gone through your reports (attachment removed to protect the patient's identity), and his disease does look quite severe. Developing a compression fracture is an indication that the disease activity is high. The reason for stopping exercises would be the f... Read Full »
My husband has pancreas granulomas. Is it autoimmune?
Query: Hello doctor, My husband is 31 years old and has severe anxiety. He was told that granulomas were found on his pancreas and possibly his lungs. They believe it is due to some sort of an autoimmune disorder. Is there anything that can be done to prolong his life? Should we be worried? Read Full »
Answer: Hello, Welcome to icliniq.com. An autoimmune disorder does not necessarily mean his life will be shortened. There arenumerous types of autoimmune diseases which are pathologically neutral and do not endanger life. So, please see a rheumatologist and get him investigated. Regards. Read Full »
Why do I have hand and knuckles pain without any trauma?
Query: Hi doctor, I had an outer ear infection about three to four weeks ago. I scratched the inside of my ear with a Q-tip, and within two days it had swollen completely and shut. I went to Urgent Care and was prescribed with a 10-day course of Augmentin and ear drops. Three days after starting these medi... Read Full »
Answer: Hello, Welcome to icliniq.com. There are a couple of different possibilities here, and the most important one is arthritis due to cryoglobulinemia, which happens in people with long-standing hepatitis C history. The other possibility could be Parvovirus B19 infection. You should get tested for rheu... Read Full »